Udupi: The Sode Vadiraja Math has begun the process of finding a successor to Lakshmivara Teertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math, who recently died in mysterious circumstances . Claims that he may have been poisoned are being investigated by the police, which will have full custody of the Math for three days.
The late seer was under regular treatment in private hospitals for various health complications , and his condition deteriorated over the last few months. But as he died without appointing a junior seer, the onus is now on the Sode Vadiraja Math to find the new Peetadhipathi of the Shirooru Math as it is its Dwandwa Math. Of the eight Maths in Udupi, every two are paired and are called Dwandwa Maths.
Sode Math sources said that the search has already begun for the right candidate."We need to find a good person with all the necessary qualification, who is ready to become a swami. His horscope will also have to be checked. The process cannot be completed in haste and may take even months ,” they added.
While no candidate has been finalised as yet, rumours are doing the rounds that a 21-year -old boy from near Manipal , who has good knowledge of Sanskrit and oratory skills has been shortlisted along with a distant relative of Lakshmivara Teertha swami.
In the meanwhile the Sode Math has taken over the administration of Shiroor Math in Udupi and Shiroor village. As the deities (except the presiding deity, which is now at the Krishna Math) are in Shiroor, pooja is being performed there by the Math authorities.
