Udupi mutt seer stirs row after his statement on Sanskrit: ‘those who don’t know the language can’t go to heaven’

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan was present during the speech of Sugunendra Theertha Swami of the Puthige mutt.

Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji is the 30th pontiff of Puthige mutt located in Udupi which follows the Vedic traditional lineage of Madhwaachaarya, who upheld the Dwaita school of philosophy. (Gita Jayanti)

Udupi’s Puthige mutts seer Sugunendra Theertha Swami sparked a controversy after he said those who do not know Sanskrit cannot go to heaven.

While speaking at the conclusion of Sri Krishna Mahotsav on Sunday, the Puthige mutt seer said that Sanskrit is a ‘holy’ language which is simple and beautiful and can be easily learnt.

“It is a world language and it is also a language spoken by Gods. All languages originate from Sanskrit. It is not just the origin of Indian languages but also the English language. So, those who want to go to heaven will have to learn the Sanskrit language,” he said.

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, who was present during his speech, said it is more important to know in emotion and feeling we pray to god than the language we use.

After his statement, many people on the Internet objected to his statement. Writer and social activist Vaddagere Nagarajaiah posted on Facebook, “I learnt Sanskrit as I studied at Siddaganga mutt and I am now eligible to go to heaven. But my parents, relatives and friends did not learn Sanskrit and I refuse to go to heaven when they are not there”.

Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji is the 30th pontiff of Puthige mutt located in Udupi which follows the Vedic traditional lineage of Madhwaachaarya, who upheld the Dwaita school of philosophy.

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