Udupi: Pontiff of the Pejawar Matt Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swami clarified as to why he could not attend the funeral of the Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swami of Shiroor Matt yesterday i.e., on July 19.
Speaking to reporters here, the Pejawar seer said that he could not attend the funeral as he was in Hubballi, a seven-hour drive away from Udupi. “I could not travel so long a distance and reach on time for the funeral,” he said.
The seer said that he was aware that his absence had raised many questions. However, he said, there was no other reason except for the travel-time for his absence.
Pejawar seer described the late Shiroor pontiff as a pro-poor seer who seamlessly mingled with the people and loved the pursuit of performing arts. He said some people felt that the Shioor seer overindulged in music and cultural activities.
The disinterest of the late Shiroor seer in observing celibacy and abstaining from alcohol disqualified him from offering pujas, the Pejawar seer said. “Despite this, we always cooperated with him,” he said.
Pejawar seer also denied the allegations that other seers of the Ashta Matts of Udupi had held secret meetings against the Shiroor seer. “We respected him and wanted him to reform himself to be worthy of performing pujas to the idols,” he added.
