Sri Vageesha Priyah eSouvenir | Page 77

Mutt and installed in the spacious hall which was packed to capacity with devotees. His Holiness spoke about the greatness of Desika and congratulated our committee for this unique idea of a prachara tour. Sri E.S Varadachariar and Asthana Vidwan spoke at length followed by Sri D. Ramaswami Iyengar and others. In the evening, His Holiness arranged for a Dola Utsavam for Hayagreeva in the gem-decked swing. The Ganta was placed quite closed to Lord Hayagreeva and His Holiness offered to the Ghanta all the Upacharams that he first offered to Lord Hayagreeva. His Holiness presented shawls to all those who lectured and Thadiarathanai, the Ghanta was left with Lord Hayagreeva for the night itself, while Sri T.V.K Chari and other Vidwans stayed there to bring the Ghanta, back to Bangalore. In the morning, His Holiness on our request presented our committee with a set of Sri Desika’s words. As the Ghanta was being taken out from the Mutt, he said “What are you going to do with this Ghanta? I feel very sorry to part company with it. Why not install the same in Sri Hayagreeva’s Sannadhi? You know that this idol of Sri Hayagreeva is the same that Sri Desika himself worshipped.” He followed the Ghanta upto the exit and prostrated himself again, offering his pranamams. His Holiness then offered his blessings to the party for a successful completion of the tour. G-48