The present day stature and glory of the mutt owes it to the pontiff Sri Shiva Kumara swamji who has immortalised the principles propounded by the great Sharanas by adopting in them in his daily life and has also set an ideal example to be emulated by others.

The Thriveda Dasoha (providing food, shelter and education) tradition of the mutt, today supports 10,000 students studying there. The students are not discriminated against caste, creed or even religion. And swamiji is the pioneer of this tradition. What makes swamiji unique is his interest in agriculture, education, science and technology all which have been blended in the Siddaganga fair.

Helping hand

Moving away from the usually fairs which are either devoted to gods or rituals or gives excess importance to entertainment, swamiji has arranged a fair which has agricultural and technological exhibition in it which showcases the recently development in the respective fields and introduces people to the new technology in those  fields. Every evening a programme has been organised where scholars brief the people in the fair.  Apart from it what attracts people to the 11-day fair from all over the state is the famous cattle fair. The fair is also known for its ideological stance.

The fair begins with the Utsava of the Gosala Siddalingeshwara Swami. But a major crowd puller is Maharathotsava and Shunya Simhasanarohana utsava which was launched by the Shiva Kumara swamji three years ago.

Spreading knowledge

Swamji launched the unique Shunya Simhasanarohana utsava to spread the knowledge about cleansing one’s soul from materialistic attitudes and to drive the people to the path of bhakti and true devotion. The utsava also aims to make people’s life more meaningful by making them understand that work is worship and one should fulfil all his responsibilities without being attached to it. In a symbolic way a empty silver car is taken out on procession to convey the message that every thing is Maya.

The Maharathotsava will be held on March 7 and the fair will conclude on March 9. 

Mahashivarathri, one of the major festivals celebrated with great religious zeal and devotion also gives the farmers an occasion to enjoy. Here in Siddaganga fair which has a history of 600 years stands for religious awareness, cultural activities also finds space for agricultural activities too.

Many farmers from various parts of the state including those from Mysore, Uttara Karnataka and other parts participate in the cattle fair.

The fair which was started by then peetadhipathi Uddanna Shivayogi has been a blessing for the farmers. After Dr Shivakumara swamiji took over, the agricultural activities  have been intense.