Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)
Udupi, Apr 21: Seer of Sode Math, Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji, clarified the matter of appointing a minor as pontiff of Shiroor Math and gave a statement with regard to the matter.
Sode seer introduced the coronated 16-year-old pontiff Aniruddha to the public.
Addressing a press meet on Wednesday April 21, he said, "Parents of Shiroor Pontiff Aniruddha have themselves have taught him vedas, Tatparya Nirnaya and Yuktimallkadi Vedanta texts. At present Aniruddha has completed SSLC from Vidyodaya Public School.
"Aniruddha was interested in God and religious activities right from his childhood. He is conversant with the traditional celebrations of Math and also the rituals. He is also interested in knowing the Vedas in depth. Accordingly, he expressed his opinion with his father that he wants to go to Shiroor Math as a Seer. His father Saralathaya, took his son's intentions seriously and went through his horoscope and thought spiritually, he came to know that his son Aniruddha is destined to become a seer."
"When I verified the background, character, knowledge, enthusiasm in spirituality and horoscope directly and indirectly of Aniruddha, I came to know that Aniruddha is suitable in all senses for the position of the pontiff of Shiroor Math. So he has given him Sanyasa Deeksha thinking that this is what Lord Sri Vittala of Shiroor Math wants and has asked Aniruddha to completely devote himself to the daily pooja of Lord Sri Krishna,” he said.
He further stated that Sanyasa Deeksha and coronation programme will be held for four days from May 11 to 14. "On May 13, Sanyasa Deeksha ritual will be held during the Brahma Muhurtha between 7.35 pm to 8.00 am. On May 14, the coronation ceremony will be held between 12.35 pm and 12.50 pm at Shiroor Math, Hiriadka."
Speaking with the media, Anirudh Saralathaya said, "I had an interest in worshipping Lord Krishna since my childhood. Therefore, I opted to walk this path, even my parents are supportive of my decision."
"I do not want to say anything about the controversial matters. People criticize whatever I do. Bala Sannyasa is the legacy of Ashta Mathas of Udupi. I underwent a similar situation. We have discussed this matter with the Swamiji's of Ashta Mathas and no one raised any objections. We cannot pay heed to the comments of those who do not belong to this Math," Seer of Sode Math said.
Anirudh's parents, Dr Uday Kumar and Vidya Saralayathaya said, "We knew he was destined for this path two years ago when Anirudh's horoscope was studied. So, consequently, we encouraged him to study Vedas along with his academic education. It is a moment of pride for us as parents, our son will have a chance to serve Lord Krishna and for this opportunity, we consider ourselves fortunate."