Bengaluru, June 23: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar emphasized the importance of preserving spiritual institutions, just as people care for their homes. He made these remarks during a media interaction after paying his last respects to Shri Mummadi Nirvana Swamiji, the head of the Degula Mutt, who passed away on Monday.
Shivakumar shared that his family has a deep spiritual connection with the mutt. He stated, “My mother often said that my original name was Kempegowda, but it was later changed to Shivakumar with the blessings of the Shivagiri tradition. I have always felt a special bond with religious institutions and mutts. Our elders taught us that just as we care for our homes, we should also protect spiritual institutions.”
The Chief Minister paid floral tributes to the swamiji’s mortal remains at the Degula Mutt premises and bowed to his sandals. The swamiji was given a state funeral, with police officers rendering three rounds of salute. Later, Shivakumar presented the national flag to the junior swami.
During the flag presentation, Shivakumar became emotional, shedding tears. He bowed again to the swamiji’s sandals and sought blessings from the junior swami. This poignant moment moved many devotees present.
Afterward, the Chief Minister visited the swamiji’s seat to offer vibhuti and perform prayers. When asked about his emotional state, Shivakumar remarked, “This is a bond between a devotee and God.”
Addressing the devotees and media, he remembered the swamiji’s simplicity and affectionate nature. He recounted an instance before an election when the swamiji, despite being unwell and bedridden, blessed him with some cash, saying it was a small contribution to his election expenses.
Shivakumar noted that the relationship between his family and the Degula Mutt spans several generations. “Our family’s connection with this mutt is hundreds of years old. Senior saints from this institution have visited our home since my grandfather’s time, providing blessings on significant occasions. Their guidance and blessings have always been with us,” he said.
The Chief Minister praised the mutt’s contributions to society, describing the swamiji as a spiritual beacon. He highlighted that institutions like Degula Mutt and Siddaganga Mutt have been serving society long before governments initiated provisions for food, education, and shelter. Shri Nirvana Swamiji dedicated 86 years of his life to guiding and serving people. For nearly 700 years, this mutt has symbolized service above caste and religion.
He mentioned that many officials, representatives, entrepreneurs, and professionals educated at the mutt’s affiliated institutions are now working across various parts of the world. Shivakumar expressed the intention to unite devotees and former students to advance the mutt’s social service activities.
He acknowledged the special significance of the Degula Mutt in the old Mysore region, stating it is one of Karnataka’s major religious institutions. “The ideals of Basavanna and the service tradition of the late swamiji will continue. Under the guidance of the junior swami, we will carry forward this legacy of education, food donation, and social service,” he affirmed.
Describing the opportunity to honor the swamiji with state respect as a privilege, Shivakumar said, “It is my fortune to have the opportunity to pay state honors to Shri Nirvana Swamiji. Together with all devotees and the junior swami, we will preserve the traditions, values, and heritage of this institution.”
A large number of devotees from Karnataka and neighboring Tamil Nadu attended the swamiji’s last rites.
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