Siddaganga seer’s tryst with Kadur, Balehonnur

“Farmers should ensure that there are no weeds in their farmland. The farming activities should be carried out on time. Otherwise, the yield from coconut trees will reduce. Take care of the farm.”

Siddaganga Mutt seer Shivakumara Swami had told this to Chikkamagaluru Zilla Parishat vice president A C Prabhu Rajashekar during his visit to K Bidare in Kadur in 1975, recalled Rajashekar.

The seer had taken part in the inauguration of A C Chandre Gowda Memorial School at K Bidare in Kadur and had stayed in the house of Rajashekar. He had visited the farmland owned by A C Prabhu Rajashekar during his visit.

Sharing his memories, Rajashekar said, “My father A C Chandre Gowda had built a high school and had invited the seer for its inauguration. The seer had attended the programme on time.

Rajashekar also said, “The seer was staying at our house in Huligere. I cannot forget the traditional Shivapuje offered by the seer.”

He added, “The seer had a great interest in farming, especially coconut farming.

“Lauding the setting up of a school, the seer had set aside one seat in Siddaganga institutions every year for us. Accordingly, we had the privilege to send one of the poor students to Siddaganga institutions to pursue his studies. The school inaugurated by the seer is continuing even to this day. With the death of Siddaganga seer, a golden era has ended.”

Balehonnur

Siddaganga seer had taken part in Renukacharya Jayanti Yugamanotsava, Maharathotsava of Veerabhadraswamy and a convention held at Rambhapuri Peeta, on March 16, 2003, said Rambhapuri Peeta seer Veerasomeshwara Swami.

Speaking to DH, he said, “Siddaganga seer had a close affinity with Rambhapuri Peeta. A national-level Guruviraktara Samavesha was held in 2003.”

He condoled the death of the seer and said that the seer’s contribution to the social, educational and religious fields is immense.