Dharmasthala case | Why hostility, hatred against us?: Veerendra Heggade

Mangaluru: Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade said “I do not know why so much hostility and so much hatred against us. We serve, but service is not publicity material. The reason we have remained healthy for so many years is only because of our selfless service.”

He was addressing devotees under the aegis of Dharmasthala Hitharakshana Vedike who performed a special prayer at Dharmasthala on Friday, stating that those who made false allegations and conspired against the temple were punished by the deities, Lord Annappa Swamy, Lord Manjunatha Swamy, and Ullalthi.

Devotees offered prayers by breaking coconuts in front of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala and then proceeded in a procession to Annappa Swamy better for prayers.

Heggade said “The love and trust of the villagers and temple devotees have kept us alive. This has inspired us to organise more programmes and serve people in a better manner. For some time, continuous allegations and hatred were directed at the temple. I still don't know the reason for it. However, the ongoing investigation by the SIT is bringing out the truth, and it shows that we committed no mistakes," he said.

“You have all seen our programmes over the years. I am only an instrument here to carry out the work. Some people may have criticised us out of affection and love, but not in the way others have attacked us. Dharmasthala and the people of Dharmasthala are not separate. I still do not understand why there is such hatred directed at me. But now, my mind feels lighter, as though water has flowed down from a mountain peak,” he said.

“I am grateful to all who placed firm trust in us. Already, lakhs of people have come here. Since we have not done anything wrong, we are confident. We do not want those who sit far away in Bengaluru or elsewhere and criticise us. What we want are our own people, those who will stand with us,” he said.

"I was reading a work by the Siddaganga Mutt Swamiji, where I saw praise for Dharmasthala's mass marriages and various projects. It brought me great joy. With the blessings of Manjunatha Swamy, your wishes, and the support of family members, we were able to successfully take up various programmes in rural development, educational institutions, hospitals, and more," he stated.

A large number of women recited Sahasra Lalitha Panchakshari Nama on the occasion.