Nirmala Sitharaman visits Udupi Sri Krishna Math

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman visited Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, unveiling a traditional yali and urging unity, prayers, and service to the nation. She was conferred the title ‘Bharat Lakshmi’ and recalled blessings received during a difficult period in her life.

Udupi: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that the guidance of Lord Krishna, the blessings of Bharat Mata, and the grace of revered gurus were vital for India to successfully overcome the difficulties it is facing.

She was speaking after unveiling a newly crafted wooden yali a traditional lion-like mythical figure placed along the circumambulatory path of Sri Krishna Matha on Saturday. The ceremony formed part of the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Mandalotsava hosted by Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha. Earlier, she also inaugurated the Vishwa Vidyapeetha for women and addressed devotees at the Rajangana hall.

Sitharaman remarked that the nation continued to encounter challenges one after another and that the Prime Minister should be blessed with the strength to face them. She emphasised that the combined blessings of gurus, divine grace, and especially Lord Krishna’s protection were essential in guiding the nation forward. Urging people to keep Bharat Mata in their hearts, she appealed for daily prayers for India’s progress, especially for the well-being and growth of its youth.

She underlined that serving the country is equivalent to serving God and called for unity among all Indians in this spirit.

The Minister lauded Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji’s efforts to spread Lord Krishna’s message across the world and praised his Koti Gita Lekhana Yajna an initiative encouraging people to write verses of the Bhagavad Gita as a spiritual practice.

Highlighting the Madhvacharya tradition, Sitharaman said the Ashta Mathas have upheld the practices of Bala Krishna Seva (worship of Lord Krishna in child form) and Anna Brahma Seva (feeding devotees). “Here, thousands are served meals daily without interruption. To me, this is indeed a sacred land,” she said.

On the occasion, Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji conferred the title ‘Bharat Lakshmi’ on Sitharaman, expressing hope that her leadership would strengthen India’s economy and help the country emerge as the top global power. Adamaru Matha’s Sri Vishwapriya Thirtha Swamiji offered prayers for the liberation of Mathura and Kashi, similar to Ayodhya. The event was attended by Sri Sushreendra Thirtha Swamiji of Puthige Matha, MP Kota Srinivas Poojary, MLA Yashpal Suvarna, former High Court Chief Justice Dinesh Kumar, and industrialist Ravi Shyam from Coimbatore.

Recalling her earlier visit decades ago, Sitharaman said she came to the Matha during a period of personal hardship. At that time, Adamaru seer Sri Vishwapriya Thirtha had given her mantrakshate and a small idol of Lord Krishna. She began worshipping it daily, which she believes brought many blessings to her life. “Today, I feel deeply honoured to receive his blessings again,” she said.