Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)

Udupi, Jul 26: The divine teachings of Lord Krishna serve as a guide in life to balance karma, dharma, devotion, knowledge, and service, said the Governor of Karnataka, Thawar Chand Gehlot, speaking at the inauguration of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Mandalotsava organized by Paryaya Sri Puthige Math of Udupi Sri Krishna Math at Rajangana on July 25.

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot inaugurated the festival by breaking the clay pot. He lit up the lamp and offered flowers to Lord Krishna’s Idol.

Quoting the verse “Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati Bharata, abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamy aham”, the governor Thawar Chand Gehlot emphasized that this shloka is Lord Krishna’s instruction to Arjuna, explaining the divine incarnation undertaken to restore dharma and vanquish evil. He opined that if we deeply understand Lord Krishna’s teachings, we can uphold dharma and move towards success in life.

Governor Thawar Chand Gehlot, praised that, “It is indeed a privilege to be part of the inaugural ceremony of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Mandalotsava organized by the spiritually significant Sri Puthige Sri Krishna Math in Udupi. The Math, one among the prestigious Ashta Maths, has preserved and propagated the Dvaita Vedanta tradition and continues to do so in the modern world. This is a place where devotion, knowledge, and service come together. Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, has brought global recognition to the tradition. Through his propagation of Vedanta and Sanatana Dharma in the United States, Canada, and Australia, he has proudly connected the world with Indian philosophy.”

Participating in the inauguration, the governor Thawar Chand Gehlot added, “This festival is not just a religious celebration but a sacred event that reflects our cultural awareness, spiritual inspiration, and social unity. Lord Krishna touches every aspect of life – childhood, youth, politics, devotion, knowledge, action, and selfless service. Lord Krishna taught that one must perform duties selflessly through karma yoga, jnana yoga, and bhakti yoga without being attached to the results.” Through this Mandalotsava, the governor urged all to follow the path shown by Lord Krishna, instill righteousness in thought and conduct, walk the path of dharma, and strive for the welfare of society.

Paryaya Sri Puttige Math Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji blessed and said that Sanskrit is the mother of all languages including Kannada, Hindi and English. Kannada is regional, Hindi is nationwide and English is international, while Sanskrit is the inter-global language. Uddhathas have been formed in it. While North India is the land where the gods (Krishna and Rama) incarnated, South India is the land where the Acharyas (Madhwacharya, Ramanujacharya, Shankaracharya) incarnated. Vayudev has incarnated in Karnataka as Hanuman and Madhwacharya.

Paryaya Puttige Math honored the governor Thawar Chand Gehlot with Kadegolu. Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji felicitated governor Thawar Chand Gehlot and offered blessings. Junior pontiff of Puthige Math, Sushreendra Teertha Swamiji, also offered blessings on the occasion.

During the event, Ramachandra Upadhyaya and Raghavendra Rao were honored by Puthige Swamiji. A documentary on Puttige Math was presented on the occasion.

The inauguration of Sri Krishna Janmashtami Mandalotsava was graced by several dignitaries including, Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji, junior pontiff Sushreendra Teertha Swamiji, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, pro chancellor MAHE Manipal H S Ballal and other eminent personalities.