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Procession started on Nov 22 in Bengaluru to mark 528th birth anniversary of seer

The Kanaka Sadbhavana Jyoti Rathayatre got a rousing welcome in the temple town with the Paryaya Kaniyur Mutt seer Sri Vidyavallabhatheertha Swami performing prayers to Kanakadasa statue at Kanaka gopura on Saturday.

The Kanakadasa Rathayatre, which started on November 22 to mark the 528th birthday celebrations of Kanakadasa from Sampigehalli Beereshwara temple in Bengaluru, passed through Kankadasa’s birthplace Bada, Kaginele, Haveri, Ranibennur, Davangere, Honnali, Shivamogga, Kadur, Birur, Arasikere, Hassan, Sakleshpura, Mangaluru and culminated at Udupi.

The Paryaya Kaniyur Mutt seer, who spoke after performing the rituals, said Kanakadasa and his literary works exemplify a casteless society. 

“His true devotion to the Lord has won him laurels in the form of Lord’s blessings. The Rathayatre comprises of a bunch of people coming from all walks of life irrespective of caste, religion, creed and status. 

Kanakadasa preached that humans are one community and promoted egalitarian society and said disparity in the name of religion and caste should not be tolerated,” he added.

Legislator Pramodh Madhwaraj said that it is the responsibility of all to ensure justice is meted out to Kanakadasa, especially in the land where Kanaka was enlightened with the darshan of Lord Krishna. He assured all support for the temple construction of Kanakadasa and said the CM would be invited to inaugurate the new temple.

The Ramakrishna Yogashrama Harohalli President Swami Yogeshwarananda said light is the symbol of knowledge. He stressed that there is a need to promote the thoughts and preaching of Kanakadasa. He also said the temple administration should ensure facilities for the devotees to offer prayers everyday at Kanaka gopura.

Kanaka Sadbhavana Jyoti Rathayatre Samiti President Krishnamurthy said that the Paryaya seer has offered silver armour to the Kanakadasa statue and extended financial assistance up to Rs five lakh to construct a temple for Kanakadasa without harming the statue of Kanaka. 

The Pejawar seer has also extended the support in the process of construction and he has also assured to hold a convention in Shivamogga in July 2016 on the preachings of Kanakadasa. He added that MLA Pramodh Madhwaraj has also assured financial support. 

The Paryaya seer has been requested for permitting the installation of a bronze statue of Kanaka at Kanakadasa road, near Car Street in Udupi. However, the seer has said he would discuss the issue with all other seers of Ashta Mutts and later decide.

Answer to intolerance
Udupi Zilla Panchayat CEO Priyanka Mary Francis said the message imparted by Kanakadasa is the right answer for all intolerance related ongoing debates in the country. Speaking after inaugurating the Kanakadasa Jayanti celebrations, the CEO said intolerance is the evil and could be easily eliminated by understanding the teachings of Kanakadasa. 

She said the Keerthanas written by Kanakadasa preach against fights in the name of caste and religion. The Keerthanas are relevant today than earlier. She added that Kanakadasa’s birth anniversary should be observed to promote awareness among mass against intolerance and evil practices. She added that Kanakadasa shared a unique relationship with Udupi.

Superintendent of Police Annamalai said youths should understand the preachings of Kanakadasa, who upheld humanitarian values and equality among humans. Deputy Commissioner Dr Vishal R said the social justice would prevail, which would ensure the relevance of Kanakadasa’s preaching.

Hiriyadka First Grade Government College principal Dr Padekallu Vishnu Bhat said Kanaka is a national saint and is the most cherished personality in the Bhakthi Panth movement. 

His writings are simple and easily understood by the layman. Kanaka upheld the humanitarian values, he said. The winners of a district-level essay competition were felicitated on the occasion.