The destruction of the Brindavana (tomb) of Sri Vyasaraja Tirtha at Nava Brindavana Gadde at Anegundi near Hampi, sent shock waves among the Madhwa community, spread across the country, on Thursday morning. The vandalism was suspected to have been the act of some treasure hunters.
As the news spread on social media, hundreds of people from surrounding areas began thronging the site, resulting in tension.
Shocked on hearing about the destruction, Vidya Shreesha Tirtha of Sosale Vyasaraja Mutt rushed to Nava Brindavana from Mysuru.
Subhudendra Tirtha of Raghavendra Swami Mutt, Mantralayam, who was in Raichur, said it was a black day for Hindu society, especially the followers of Madhwa tradition.
“Our blood is boiling. Everybody should condemn the heinous act. The government should immediately initiate investigation and punish the culprits. It should get the Brindavana rebuilt as it was and ensure its protection. I am rushing to the Nava Brindavana Gadde. Setting aside our differences, all the mutts in the tradition will join hands to restore the Brindavana,” he told reporters in Raichur before leaving for Anegundi.
Satyatma Tirtha Swami of Uttaradi Mutt, who was in Kalaburagi, left a video message on Facebook, condemning the incident. “It is a big assault on the Madhwa community and a huge insult to Hindu society. Destroying the Brindavana of the Raja Guru who had enriched the philosophy by his great contribution is an unforgivable offence. The government should take the matter seriously and punish the guilty. I am leaving for Nava Brindavana now. We will extend all support to the restoration of Vyasaraja Tirtha Brindavana,” he said in the messagewhile sitting in a car before leaving for Anegundi.
Vishwesha Tirtha of the Pejawar Mutt, who was in Mumbai, expressed shock over the incident. “I am deeply shocked by the incident. It is the duty of the government to protect the Brindavana. The contribution of Vyasaraja Tirtha is immense. The government should swing into action and punish the guilty,” he said in a message. Speaking to presspersons near the destroyed Brindavana, Vidya Shreesha Tirtha Swami of Sosale Vyasaraja Mutt, announced that the reconstruction of the Brindavana and the restoration of its sanctity would begin right away.
“He was not confined to the Madhwa community. He was one of the most celebrated saintswho was respected by all. He was the Raja Guru for Vijayanagar kings, including Krishnadevaraya. His contribution to philosophy and Bhakti tradition is immense. He had given ‘deeksha’ to Purandaradasa and Kanakadasa. We need to restore the sanctity of the place. We expect support from all, especially from the government for this. As we have already seen, many historical monuments are being damaged by miscreants in the recent past. This should be stopped. We will start the reconstruction of the Brindavana and restore its sanctity right now. Experts are already here to do the job,” he said. To a question, he said that the Uttaradi Mutt, Raghavendra Swami Mutt and Vyasaraja Mutt need to come together to restore the Brindavana and protect it.
By evening, the reconstruction of the destroyed Brindavana had begun.
