Sri Siddhalinga Swamiji succeeded Dr. Shivakumara Swamiji as the head of Sri Siddaganga Mutt, Tumakuru District, Karnataka State. Dr. Shivakumara Swamiji attained the the lotus feet of Lord Shiva last Monday, after several decades of valuably contributing to religion and philanthropy.
Excerpts from an article by Sri Siddhalinga Swamiji:
Having spent a few decades with Swamiji and receiving his valuable guidance, the fact that he is no more with us leaves a void that can never be filled. Even during his illness, Swamiji was more concerned about the welfare of the children at his Mutt. He used to ask me whether the children are being distributed prasada and food on time, whether their other needs are attended suitably, and so on.
Swamiji bestowed equal amount of love upon the cows and would spend considerable time interacting with them and showing them care. He regularly sought and received updates about all things in the Mutt and decided his course of action accordingly.
Swamiji did not just love the children at his Mutt; he treated each and every person there with respect. He used to address me as, “Hello Swamigale, how are you? There is no dearth of facilities here. You just need to do properly whatever you think is right.” This showed the amount of trust he had in me.
He never let anger get the better of him. Even if he expressed it without his knowledge, it would be like a mother correcting her child.
His words are my talisman. I just want to be within his shadow and never want to go beyond it.
When I joined the Mutt, Swamiji was already a “trividha dasohi”. He has placed immense responsibility on our shoulders. We at Siddaganga Mutt intend to continue his legacy. This is the best possible way to pay respects to him.
Swamiji often used to advise us that we should plan and act on time, with proper discretion.
Swamiji never showed his emotions. When he was in BGS Global Hospitals in Bengaluru, he interacted with Sri Balagangadharanatha Swamiji of Adi Chunchanagiri Mutt. He had told him, “No one is eternal here. Everyone has to leave one day or the other.”
We consider Swamiji’s spiritual strength, work, penance, philanthropy, love and respect from billions of people as some of the many secrets of his long life.
Swamiji built Siddaganga Mutt with his own resources and dedicated himself to its educational, religious and social spheres. We never ever saw Swamiji desiring rest. He considered the changes in the work to do as rest by itself.
Swamiji has given us a huge populace of devotees. This probably the greatest possible wealth by itself. We do not want to expect anything more. Swamiji’s blessings will remain our talisman.
Courtesy: “Bodhi Vriksha” Kannada Spiritual Weekly
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