Siddaganga mutt is one of the famous mutt in Tumakuru. It was found in 15th century. It is an ancient and one of a kind of gurukul situated in Tumkur amidst the beautiful and serene landscape. It is also called as siddaganga kshetra. The matha was established by Sri Haradanahalli Gosala Siddeshwara Swamigalu in a village in the southern state of karnataka.
It is about 63Km from Banglore. The mutt’s aim is to provide service to the needy and to the poor and this has been succesfylly carried out. The siddaganga mutt offers education to more than 8000 poor children, between the ages 5 yo 16 years, with free food known as ”Annadana” and free shelter. There’s no discrimination and is open to children to all faiths and communities.
The mutt also has a school for blind with more than 100 blind children and offers free food shelter and hostel facilities. The present head of the mutt is Sri Siddalinga Swami. Before Sri Siddalinga Swami the head of the mutt was Sri Shivakumara Swamiji. Sri Sivakumara Swamiji was the oldest man who was living in India till 21st January 2019. His birthname was ”Shivanna”. He was born on 1st April 1907. He was an humanitarian, spirutual leader and an educator. He was a Lingayat religious figure, he joined the Siddaganga matha in 1930. He founded the Siddaganga Education Society. He has founded the Siddaganga College, hospital, SIT, Polytechnic college, schools and many more.
Sri Shivakumara Swmiji was reffered to as ” Nadedaduva Devaru”( walking god). He was awarded ‘Padma Bhushan’ in 2015 and ‘Karnataka Ratna’ in 2007. He lived for 111 years 295 days. He died on 21st January 2019.
The Siddaganga Matha is the most visiting place in Tumakuru. It is the best place to get education, to learn cultural values. The children who get education in Siddaganga Matha will learn the morals of life, the value of food, parents and can become a very good citizen of India. The matha provides food for each and everyone who visits the mutt. No other matha in India provides free education, food and shelter. The people who visit Tumakuru must visit Siddagaga matha and see the surroundings, the way children behave and the nature. It is really priceless. We the people of Tumakuru are really very proud to say that one of the greatest person was born here and we are Tumakurians.
Blog by,
Maanya.M, 10th Standared, Maruthi Vidya Kendra, Tumakuru.