Puthige seer for setting up 'Vishwa Madhwa Mutt'

Udupi, Jan 18 (UNI) Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji, who ascended the 'Paryaya peeta' here today, said he was contemplating to set up a separate 'Vishwa Madhwa Mutt' to spread the 'Hindu' and 'Madhwa' philosophies abroad.

In his first public address after ascending the 'Sarvajna Peeta', he said that in view of the present crisis triggered by his foreign trips, he had decided to set up a separate mutt by this year's Navratri for the benefit of the Hindus abroad.

Defending his stand on performing Sri Krishna Pooja at the temple, despite opposition from Matadhipathis of the remaining Ashta Mutts, the pontiff said everyone should perform 'pooja' as a profound duty.

He would do the pooja on behalf of the people of the city for the welfare of the society, he said.

Emeritus Professor of Tokyo University of foreign studies Tsuyoshi Nara, who spoke on the occasion, cautioned that in the race for becoming an advanced nation, the people of India should not forget the ancient tradition and culture of the country.

Mr Rajagopalacharya, representing Mantralaya Sri Raghavendra Mutt, contended that no scripture had ever mentioned that those visiting foreign countries should abstain from performing Sri Krishna pooja.

He hoped that the present crisis on the issue of foreign visit and the pooja would be resolved and all the Ashta Matadhipathis would join on a single platform to find a solution to the issue through talks.

Mr Bindu Madhavan, chief, Vishwa Madhwa Sangha, US said the spiritual resurgence among Madhwa followers in the US could be achieved only by the sustained efforts made by the pontiff of Puthige Mutt due to his visit during last ten years.

Union Ministers Oscar Fernades and Subbarami Reddy were present on the occasion.

UNI MA SJ SPND1543