Pet dogs wait for master at Shiroor original Mutt

Boggi and Roobi, the two pet dogs of Shiroor Mutt seer, late Lakshmivara Teertha Swami, eagerly wait for their master at the Shiroor original Mutt at Shiroor near Hiriyadka.

The seer was known for his love for animals. Along with two pet dogs, the late seer had reared over 100 cows in the Mutt. The untimely death of the seer has left these pets orphaned.

The seer, along with pooja, vrathas and other religious rituals, dedicated his time caring for the pets, said his close aide Ravish Shetty.

The seer would feed the dogs with curds and beaten rice every day. Boggi had come to the Mutt on its own, while Roobi was given to the seer by a youth from Udupi. “Now, both dogs keep staring at the entrance,” said Vittala, who has been working in Mutt for the last 18 years.

The cows had a great affinity towards the seer and responded to him when he would call them by their names, he said.

Recollects Ravish, the seer stayed alone in the Mutt during the night. He would prepare food for the cattle in the earthen pots using firewood. “This is my hobby and it gives me immense pleasure to feed them,” the seer would say.

The Mutt had over 100 cows. He never allowed anyone to milk the cows. According to him, milk was for the calf and not for humans. Milk to the Mutt was brought from outside.

“The late seer had planned to set up a gaushala in the Mutt and had even discussed with me several times. Now, his dream remains unfulfilled which hurts me,” said Ravish.

The seer was known for his generosity and never sent anyone who came to the Mutt seeking help empty-handed. To ensure that there was no shortage of food in the Mutt, he had planted 10,000 fruit-bearing plants as a part of Vanamahotsava on the Mutt premises.

According to sources in Shiroor Mutt, the Mutt was renovated about 80 years ago by then seer Lakshmindra Theertha Swami.

Late Lakshmivara Teertha Swami had planned to renovate the Mutt completely. Accordingly, he had initiated the work on a guest house in front of the Mutt. About 60% of the work was completed.

For the construction of the sanctum sanctorum of the Mutt, the seer had made preparations to get the required stones from Jarkala near Karkala. The sand was stored in front of the Mutt for the renovation work. The sudden death of the seer has put an end to all the works.