Udupi: The alleged controversial statement of Shiroor Math seer Sri Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji on fathering a child, is back to haunt him with the other seers of the Udupi Asta Math asking him to appoint a new Matadhipathi for the math.
In March, a video clipping in a TV channel showed Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji reportedly admitting to fathering a child and making similar allegations against swamijis of other Asta Maths. The swamijis of the Asta Math were annoyed because of his generalized statement and his allegations. Later, the Shiroor seer claimed before media persons that the video was fake and declared that he would fight a legal battle against this. As per tradition, the swamijis of Udupi Asta Math are not supposed to have families.
In March after a meeting of other seers, a legal notice was sent to the Shiroor Math swamiji asking him to clarify and apologize on the issue.
The seers of other maths of Udupi had even refused to return the presiding deity of Shiroor Math (Pattada Devaru)- Sri Vittala to the custody of Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji.
"Seers of the seven Udupi maths held three meetings in June and one on July 1 to discuss the statement of Shiroor Swamiji and the disciplinary action against him. It is now decided that as Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji has violated the norms and tradition of the math, he should not continue as Peetadhipathi. He has to appoint a junior seer as Peetadhipathi. Only after this will the presiding deity be handed over to the new Peetadhipathi," sources said.
