Udupi, (The Hindu): Ananth Kumar Hegde, Union Minister of State for Skill Development, said on Wednesday that the life and achievements of Vishwesha Tirtha Swami of Pejawar Mutt was an inspiration to all.

He was speaking at a Dharma Sabha held at Rajangana to felicitate the seer on the 80th anniversary of his Sanyasa sweekara or initiation into monk-hood, here.

Mr. Hegde said that the monastic tradition of the Ashta Mutts of Udupi, which were established by the exponent of Dvaita philosophy, Sri Madhwacharya, was continuing unbroken for the last 700 years. There was a lot about the Indian culture and heritage which people had to learn and understand, he said.

P. Vishwanath Shetty, Lokayukta, said that the Pejawar seer was the pride of not only Udupi but also Karnataka. Besides highlighting the importance of philosophy in society, he had also ensured financial aid to poor patients, scholarships to poor students. “His message should be spread in society,” he said.

One could not expect illegal activities to be stopped only by imposing laws. So too, one could not expect corruption to be wiped out by the institution of the Lokayukta alone. It is essential to have good society and law abiding citizens, Mr. Shetty said.

Vishwesha Tirtha, who was felicitated on the occasion, said that Sri Madhwacharya had clearly stated that the duty of a seer was to propagate philosophy and religion. People too had two duties — devotion to god and service to society. Mere devotion to god was not enough. A person has to serve society to the best of his ability. “Service to society is the tax we pay to god,” he said.

The seer also made it clear that he would not ascend the Paryaya Peetha for the sixth time. “If I am alive, my desire is not to do Paryaya but to see the Paryaya of my disciple, Vishwaprasanna Tirtha, the junior seer of my mutt,” he said.

Earlier, A. Haridas Bhat, scholar, said that Vishwesha Tirtha had created history by ascending the Paryaya Peetha five times.

He had also performed 36 Sudha Mangalas and 80 Chaturmasyas, which was a big achievement. He was among the first seers in the country to visit the Dalit colonies overriding the objections raised by traditionalists, he said.