TUMAKURU: In a heartfelt tribute to one of Karnataka’s most revered spiritual leaders, State Minister MB Patil visited the historic Sree Siddaganga Math near Tumakuru. The visit was organized to mark the 119th Jayanti (birth anniversary) and the Guruvandana Mahotsava of the late Dr. Sri Shivakumara Swamiji, widely known as the “Walking God” (Nadedaduva Devaru).
Minister Patil offered special prayers at the Gadduge (holy shrine) of the late Seer, seeking blessings for the peace and prosperity of the people of Karnataka. During the visit, he reflected on the immense spiritual and social legacy left behind by the Swamiji, who passed away in 2019 at the age of 111.
The Legacy of the ‘Trividha Dasohi’
Dr. Sri Shivakumara Swamiji earned the title of “Trividha Dasohi” for his lifelong dedication to three forms of charity: Anna Dasoha (food), Jnana Dasoha (knowledge), and Vidya Dasoha (education). For decades, the Siddaganga Math has provided free education, food, and shelter to over 10,000 children at any given time, regardless of their caste or religion.
The 119th Jayanti celebrations in 2026 continue this tradition of service. “The service rendered by the Math under the guidance of the late Swamiji is unparalleled. It remains a beacon of hope and a model for social equality in our nation,” Minister Patil remarked during his interaction with the media.
Engagement with Sri Siddalinga Swamiji
Following the rituals, Minister MB Patil held a formal meeting with the current head of the Math, His Holiness Sri Siddalinga Mahaswamiji. The Minister enquired about the ongoing welfare projects and the preparations for the massive influx of devotees expected during the Jayanti week. He emphasized the government’s support for the educational initiatives that the Math continues to spearhead across the state.
ತ್ರಿವಿಧ ದಾಸೋಹಿ, ಶತಮಾನದ ಸಂತ ಡಾ. ಶ್ರೀ ಶಿವಕುಮಾರ ಮಹಾಸ್ವಾಮಿಗಳವರ 119ನೇ ಜಯಂತಿ ಹಾಗೂ ಗುರುವಂದನ ಮಹೋತ್ಸವದ ಹಿನ್ನೆಲೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತುಮಕೂರು ಸಮೀಪದ ಶ್ರೀ ಕ್ಷೇತ್ರ ಸಿದ್ದಗಂಗಾ ಮಠಕ್ಕೆ ಭೇಟಿ ನೀಡಿ, ಪೂಜ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀಗಳ ಗದ್ದುಗೆಗೆ ಪೂಜೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿ ನಾಡಿನ ಸಮಸ್ತ ಜನರ ಒಳಿತಿಗಾಗಿ ಪ್ರಾರ್ಥನೆ ಸಲ್ಲಿಸಿದೆ.
ಬಳಿಕ ಪೀಠಾಧಿಪತಿಗಳಾದ ಪರಮಪೂಜ್ಯ ಶ್ರೀ… pic.twitter.com/bZBmSrnhcF
— M B Patil (@MBPatil) April 1, 2026
Dignitaries and Presence
The visit saw the presence of several high-profile leaders and cabinet colleagues. Joining Minister Patil were:
- Smt. Lakshmi Hebbalkar: Minister for Women and Child Development.
- Sri Puttaraju: Former Deputy Mayor of BBMP.
- Sri Mallikarjun: Local community leader.
The presence of these leaders highlights the cross-party respect held for the Siddaganga Math. As the state celebrates this milestone, the teachings of Shivakumara Swamiji—focusing on hard work, discipline, and humanitarianism—remain as relevant as ever for the younger generation.
The 119th Jayanti is not just a religious event but a reminder of the “Kayaka” (work) philosophy that the Math has championed for over a century, ensuring that no one who visits its doors ever leaves hungry or without the hope of an education.
