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Udupi: Historic - 250-year-old rivalry ends as Sode & Subramanya Maths reconcile

Udupi, May 29: In a historic moment for Sri Krishna Math here, the 250 years of rivalry between Kukke Subrahmanya Math and Sode Math finally culminated in reconciliation between the two on Monday, May 29. Thousands of devotees participated in the historic occasion.

The Pura Pravesha of Vidyaprasanna Swamiji to Sode Math, Sirsi will be held in the evening of Tuesday, May 30. From there, they will proceed to Kukke Subrahmanya by crossing the Kumaradhara river on May 31.

The religious rituals began early morning, as per the schedule, in the presence of other swamijis. The heads of the two Maths met each other at Udupi Anantheshwara Temple, in the presence of all senior swamijis of the Ashta Maths. There, they first sought blessings and forgiveness of Lord Anantheshwara, Lord Chanramaulishwara and Lord Krishna, at the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.

Later, they were brought in a grand procession to Rajangana hall, where a stage programme followed.

Sri Vishwesha Theerta Swamiji of Paryaya Pejawar Math said, "The reconciliation of Sode and Kukke Subrahmanya Math has been a century-long dream of all the Ashta Math swamijis and devotees. The auspicious day comes today and is being executed with all religious fervour. The incident serves as an inspiration to many. It is one of the happiest moments so far. It follows the clear instructions given by Sri Madhwacharya. No internal conflict between brothers remains for long. There is no definite reason for conflict. Vaishnava brothers should work together at all times. May this reconciliation lead to harmony among all eight Maths and bring added prosperity to the society."

On occasion, Sri Vidyaprasanna Swamiji of the Kukke Subrahmanya Math said, "There is no personal enmity between Subrahmanya Math and Sode Math. We had a desire to meet and talk to each other. God inspires every moment, and the reconciliation happened as everyone wished. Let this intimate relationship remain for eternity."

He thanked all the senior Swamijis for their effort to make the moment possible.

Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Sode Math addressing the gathering said, "We have reunited at the sacred place of Sri Madhwacharya, a place where his soul attained salvation. The Ashta Math swamijis have witnessed today’s occasion. With heads of two Maths getting united, there is an increased scope to do good for the society. Ten years back, Sri Vidyavallabhateertha’s guru Sri Vishwathamatheertha Swamiji had given hints about reconciliation. He had hopes of its reaching frution through his disciples. We have the blessings of Kukke Subrahmanya on both of us. Another defining aspect is that it happened during the term of ’panchama paryaya’ of Sri Vishweshwateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math." He prayed that the friendship between the Maths remain.

Sri Ishapriyatheertha, junior swamiji of Admar Math, Sri Vidyavallabha Theerta Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math, Sri Vishwaprasanna Theerta Swamiji of Pejawar Math were witnessed this historical moment.

Historical titbit

In the 800-year-old story of the eight Maths, the Sode Math has had a special place because of Sode Vadiraja Swamiji, who was the oldest among the swamijis of the Ashta Maths.

It is said that during the 18th century, siblings from Undaaru, Sri Vishwanidhiteertha Swamiji and Sri Vishwadhishwarateertha became heads of Sode and Subrahmanya Math respectively. But a minor clash between them continued for two centuries whereby no swamiji from the Sode Math crossed Kumaradhara river, located in Subrahmanya.