The Hindu : Seer seeks end to controversy

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, May 04, 2003

Southern States

Southern States - Karnataka

Seer seeks end to controversy

By Our Staff Correspondent

TUMKUR MAY 3. "Deve Gowda has helped our math grow, and I enjoy an intimate relationship with Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji," Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Sri Adichunchanagiri Math has said.

The swamiji, who was here on Friday night to attend a private function, was speaking to a section of the press at a devotee's house.

His statement brought relief to the Vokkaligas who were divided over the Guruvandana programme (Viswa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Peetha Rajata Mahotsav) scheduled to be held at Gurugnana Ashram on Mysore Road on Sunday, which has come to be known as the Vokkaligas' "Paryaya Math".

Balagangadharanatha Swamiji said the word "Paryaya" was what had led to the controversy.

A spokesman of the programme committee, Siddappa, used the word inadvertently at the time of releasing the invitations for the function. The meaning of the word (next in order or turn, sequential succession) had caused confusion in the minds of his devotees.

Stating that all those behind the programme had by now understood the ramifications of the word, the swamiji wanted the controversy to end. He said Mr. Deve Gowda was among many political leaders who had helped the math grow. Being a public institution, the math had sought the help of leaders of all parties.

The swamiji, however, asserted that his math had not supported any particular party in any election or asked the people to do so. He said maths should stay away from electoral politics.

He and Kumara Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji of Gurugnana Ashram received religious instruction and pursued Sanskrit studies together. Since then, they enjoyed a very good relationship. In fact, he said, he had offered to help organise the Guruvandana programme, but the offer was not accepted.

Denying an allegation that he and Sri Chandrashekaranatha Swamiji were to "jointly head the Adichunchanagiri Math", the swamiji said his predecessor, Ramanandanatha Swamiji, nominated only him as the successor in his will written 3 years before his death and deposited in the Government treasury. "There is no controversy in the matter."

A large number of people, including Vokkaligas from Tumkur District, are scheduled to attend the silver jubilee function of the Viswa Vokkaligara Mahasamsthana Peetha to be held at Gurugnana Ahram on Mysore Road on Sunday.

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