Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi
Udupi, Apr 7: Sode Math Vishwavallabha Theertha swamiji held a meeting on Sunday, April 7 with disciples at controversy-ridden Shiroor Math which is yet to get a successor after the sudden demise of late Laxmivara Theertha swamji.
Addressing the gathering Vishwavallabha Theertha swamiji said, "The death of late Laxmivara Theertha swamiji was unexpected and no decision was taken earlier regarding the next successor of the Math. There is confusion and rumour regarding the appointment of successor. Shiroor Math is debt-ridden. The next successor will not be able to undertake any developmental activity in the Math. Other than rent of few commercial buildings, it has no income from other sources. The income tax department has sent a notice to Sode Math regarding Kanaka Mall and has asked to pay Rs 17.34 lac fine.
"The successor cannot handle these court cases if appointed. The corporation has attached Rs 10 lac deposit kept in the bank. We have identified a successor and he is still a student at Sode Math. After three years we will appoint him as the head of Shiroor Math," he said.
Rathnakumar gave details about financial condition of the Math. The Math had taken Rs 15.5 crore loan from Corporation Bank in Manipal out of Rs 25 crore loan granted for Kanaka Mall. Late Laxmeevara swamiji had paid Rs 7 crore in three installments. Joint-partner Jayakrishna Shetty had paid Rs 2.75 crore. Now outstanding amount of Rs 19.5 crore has to be paid. The bank has agreed to take interest of Rs 7 crore. Jayakrishna Shetty had taken advance from 10 people who booked shops in the mall. Now they have approached court with the help of human rights activist Ravindranath Shanubhagh. We have promised to pay back to those who booked shops in advance."
Shiroor Math administrative officer Subramanya Bhat said that the Math is renovated with the cost of Rs 25 lac. Out of 100 acres of Math land, we have decided to start agriculture on 4 acres, he said.
Disciples M B Puranik, Balaji Raghavendra Achar and others were present.