Mutts Must Be Preserved Like Homes: Karnataka CM Shivakumar

Mutts must be preserved like homes: Shivakumar

Bengaluru, June 23

Shivakumar was speaking to the media after paying his last respects to Sri Mummadi Nirvana Swamiji of the Kanakapura Degula Math, who passed away on Monday.

The Chief Minister said his family shared a deep spiritual connection with the Math. He recalled, "My mother often tells me that although I was originally named Kempegowda, I was later named Shivakumar due to the blessings of the Shivagiri spiritual tradition. I have always shared a close bond with religious institutions and mutts. Our elders taught us that just as we care for our homes, we must also preserve and nurture our mutts and spiritual institutions."

Shivakumar offered floral tributes to the seer's mortal remains at the Degula Math premises and later paid respects to his padukas. A state funeral was accorded to the seer, with police personnel firing a three-round gun salute in his honour. The Chief Minister subsequently handed over the national flag to the junior seer of the Math.

An emotional Shivakumar broke down while handing over the national flag. Visibly moved, he paid his respects again to the late seer's padukas and sought the blessings of the junior seer. The moment left many devotees in tears.

Later, the Chief Minister visited the seer's gaddige (memorial seat), offered vibhuti and performed prayers.

When asked about his emotional reaction, Shivakumar said, "This is the bond between a devotee and the divine."

Addressing devotees and the media, Shivakumar remembered the late seer's simplicity and affection. He recalled that before an election, despite being bedridden, the seer had handed him a bundle of cash as a blessing, saying it was a small contribution towards his election expenses.

Shivakumar said his family had maintained a close association with the Degula Math for generations.

"The relationship between our family and this Math goes back hundreds of years. Since my grandfather's time, the senior seers of this institution have visited our home and blessed us on important occasions. Their guidance and blessings have always been with us," he said.

Describing the seer as a spiritual beacon, Shivakumar highlighted the Math's contribution to society.

"Long before governments began providing food, education and shelter, institutions like this Math and Siddaganga Math were serving society. Sri Nirvana Swamiji lived for 86 years and dedicated his life to guiding people. For nearly 700 years, this Math has stood as a symbol of service beyond caste and religion," he said.

The Chief Minister noted that many senior officials, public representatives, entrepreneurs and professionals had received education through institutions associated with the Math and were now spread across the world.

He said efforts would be made to bring together devotees and former students to continue its social service activities.

Shivakumar said the Degula Math held great importance in the Old Mysuru region and compared its stature to other prominent religious institutions in Karnataka.

"The ideals of Basavanna and the tradition of service upheld by the late seer will continue. Under the guidance of the junior seer, we will ensure that the Math's legacy of education, food distribution and social service continues," he said.

Calling it a privilege to accord state honours, Shivakumar said, "It is my good fortune to have had the opportunity to pay state honours to Sri Nirvana Swamiji. Together with the junior seer and devotees, we will preserve the values, traditions and heritage of this institution."

Large numbers of devotees from across Karnataka and neighbouring Tamil Nadu attended the final rites.

— IANS