Cooking big meals is a tradition here in Siddaganga Matt in Tumakuru.
'Anna Dasoha' is one of the high point of the Matt. There is a hearth which has been kept burning for more than eighty years, Although many bigger and modern kitchens have come up subsequently, this old hearth is retained as a symbol of age old tradition of Dasoha.
'Trivida Dasoha' is the active principle of the Matt. Apart from Anna Dasoha, 'Akhsra Dasoha' and 'Ashraya Dasoha' is provided to more than 10000 students from poor economic background irrespective of Caste ,Creed or Religion.
January 1930 'Shivanna' who was studying in final year of his graduation had come to Siddaganga Matt to attend his friend Marularadhya's funeral. The untimely death of his dear friend has brought in untold grief to not only to Shivanna but to the entire Matt, for he was to succeed the Uddana Swamy as next chief of Matt. Uddana Swamy watched shivanna grieving silently and as if it was already destined, asked Shivanna to be his successor.
Shivanna accepted it as God's will and recieved 'Deekshe'. He then returned to Central college to write his final year exam wearing sanyasi's robes.
For the parents it was a rude shock. They were looking forward to Shivanna to be an high ranking Officer after his graduation. They tried to dissuade him from the Matt in vain...But Shivanna was very firm in his resolve, hence they had to accept his decision.
Uddana Swamy died in the year 1941 after prolonged illness.
Just about 300 rupees in the treasury was not enough to look after the 15 students studying Sanskrit in Gurukula. That's when Swamiji started travelling to nearby villages seeking help. Help in any form, grains, money, cows, milk, ghee, vegetables...any thing is welcome.
Good education is the only way to raise a good society, community and state, and education without any discrimination, that has been the resolve of the Swamy right from day one.
Today on his 110th Birthday, This Matt has more than 150 educational institutions!
The monthly expenses of Dasoha is a whopping 25 lakhs. Anyone who walks in doesn't go without having a meal here.
While we were awaiting his arrival, looking towards the expected direction of his entry...He sprang a surprise by walking briskly from a different direction. A hundred and ten years young walking..And others literally running to keep Pace with him.
What a sight to behold! and what a blessing to watch 'The God who walks' and what an amazing path this Yogi has walked.
No comments:
Post a Comment