Following the controversy surrounding the death of Shiroor Mutt seer Lakshmivara Theertha Swami, the Mutt is struggling to get a successor to the deceased seer, as disciples are reluctant to take charge of the Mutt.
Sode Vadiraja Mutt being the joint Mutt of the Shiroor Mutt, seer Vishwavallabha Theertha Swami of Sode Mutt is currently in charge of Shiroor Mutt as well. He, who spoke to DH, admitted that the appointment of the successor to Lakshmivara Theertha Swami would take some time.
‘Qualification’
He said he would discuss with other seers of the Ashta Mutts before taking a decision. “The individual who would be chosen as the successor would be above 18 years old and have an expertise in the religious and spiritual rituals. There are certain rules that need to be followed. As the Aati month (Ashada) has begun, it is not auspicious to perform the ceremony of appointing a seer. Moreover, the Chaturmasya period would begin from July 23 and deciding on successor would be possible only after September 29,” the seer explained.
Speaking on the committee set up to look into the movable and immovable assets of the late seer, the Sode seer said, “A five-member committee is constituted to accumulate the details of the assets of the Shiroor Mutt. It would also be in charge of the Shiroor Mutt during my absence,” he said and added that he would be at Sonda in Sirsi performing his Chaturmasya from July 23.