Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Pics: Madhav Pai Tonse

Udupi, Nov 19: After the ascension of Sarvajna Peeta, religious rituals at Krishna math, and the Darbar event were held in the afternoon at Sri Narahari Theerta dais, Rajangana here on Saturday, January 18.

Nirmala Sitharaman, union minister for finance and corporate affairs, said, "Today I am very conscious that I should participate in this event but it has been a ceremony where blessings from the Almighty is evident. I was blessed to have been associated with Sri Krishna Math since my childhood. I used to visit this Math frequently, when my uncle was in Manipal 20-25 years ago. I get attracted to visit Sri Krishna Math often and I am at a loss of words to explain the feeling I am going through. I cannot explain the feeling of bathing in the cosmic rays which I feel have been soaking me in blessings," she added.

"I have experienced sublime vibes in the presence of the late Pejawar Swamji. Visits to him used to energise me to do more service. This is a historic cosmic occasion. It has touched me emotionally. Udupi Krishna Math is not only spreading devotion, but also blesses people with vision for their future," she said.

She expressed happiness at the fact that Madhwa traditions, which are ancient, are preserved as they were hundreds of years ago.

She further said that the value system this 'Guru Parampara' (heritage) handed down has been preserved and followed, which has to be nourished by everyone. "Believe in the good words of the Guru. Do what is right, do your duty, participate in what matters to the society. That is why Gurus came back to service, by rejecting riches and kingdoms offered to them in the past," she explained.

"Here I can see traditions are being continued and good works are being honoured, blessed and rewarded. Every section is rewarded for their dedication and commitment. That is how society is bound together with goodwill and by identifying those who do extra ordinary service," she added.

"Ishapriya Swamiji, who has graced the Sarvajna Peeta has a vision to create a society that is free of plastic. This is where you find Gurus, Swamijis and Peetadhipathis taking part in what is important and good for the society and not just the government. That is relevant for today's life. They rule the people's minds and people are led by Gurus. I hope lot more contentment will dawn on everyone. All of us want contentment as it is the source of eternal happiness. I am immensely blessed to participate in such a great event," Nirmala Sitharaman stated.

Ishapriya Theertha Swamiji of Admaru Math, addressing the people, said, "I will try to reach my goal with the God's grace. For that people's cooperation is also very important. Let's adopt thoughts of Lord Krishna in our lives. Madhwacharya helped in finding Lord Krishna. If we have the image of Krishna in our mind, he will protect us," he stated.

"Today's generation questions about traditions before following them. Let us follow the traditions first,"said Ishapriya. He said that if one follows good things in life and keep up with ancient traditions, life will be blissful," he added.

Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji said, "we are feeling the absence of Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji. But his name 'Eesha' befitted him as he was the best in everything. He felt that Ishapriya has inherited the qualities and nature witnessed in Vibudhapriya, former Swamijii of Admaru Math.

He further said, 'Darbar time has been changed from this Paryaya to avoid disturbances while performing pooja. The new Paryaya Swmiji has got opportunity to spread knowledge. He has good vision, I heartily wish that he will be able to achieve whatever he envisions with the grace of God, he stated.

Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha of Pejawar Math, Vishwavallabha Threetha of Sode math, Sri Vidyavavallabha Swamiji of Kaniyoor math, Sri Vidyarajeshwar Theertha swamiji also delivered benedictory addresses.

Thousands of devotees partook the Annasantharpana Prasadam (community feast). Following this, Darbar event was held.

Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wodeyar from the family of Maharaja of Mysore also spoke on the occasion. He recollected memories he had with his grandfather and how he was deeply connected to to Admar Math.

Kota Srinivas Poojary, fisheries, port and inland transport minister, Shobha Karandlaje, member of Parliament, Dr Veerappa Moily, former chief minister of Karnataka, Vishnu Sharan K Bhat, managing partner, Bhima Jewellers, Murali Ramaswami, executive director, Bank of Baroda, Shankar Narayanan R A, managing director and CEO, Canara Bank, Mahabhaleshwara M S, managing director and CEO, Karnataka Bank, Mrutyunjaya Mahapathra, managing director, Syndicate Bank, Abhijith Majumdar, chief general manager, Bengaluru circle, State Bank of India, Ananthapadmanabha K, senior divisional manager, LIC of India, and Chalam Murthy, regional head, ICICI Bank were present.

As many as 22 persons from different fields were honoured on the occasion for their selfless service and achievements in specific fields.

The names are Paryaya Special Honours.

Education : Dr K Srihari (Bengaluru), Dr Ranjan R Pal (Manipal)

Literature and arts : Prof Udyavara Madhava Acharya, Mysore Ramachandra Acharya

Yakshagana : Gopal Rao Hiriadka

Medicine : Dr G S Chandrashekar Udupi

Hari guru seva : S Krishnamoorthy Bhat Suralu, Ramprasad Bhat (Chennai), Gundmi Venkataramana Somayaji (Bengaluru), Vijaya Kumar (Bengaluru), B P Raghavendra Rao (Hyderabad)

Media : Ramananda Acharya Karkala

Tulu language : Dr U P Upadhyaya

Udupi cuisine : The late Venkataramana Bhat, Kadavina Bagilu, Udyavar (received by Saraswathi Venkataramana Bhat)

Profession : Dasa Sherigar Kunjarugiri (Nagari beating)

Social service : Keshavaraya Prabhu

Agriculture : Ramachandra Bhat Shanadi

Balipa Narayana Bhagavath felicitated with Sri Narahari Theertha award.