‘Learn Sanskrit to go to heaven’: Puthige Math seer’s remark sparks controversy

UDUPI: A statement by Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Puthige Math on ‘why it is important to learn Sanskrit’ has sparked controversy. The seer, emphasizing the importance of the language, said, “One needs to learn Sanskrit to get heaven or attain salvation”, during the valedictory of the Janmashtami festival at Udupi Sri Krishna math.

He stated that Sanskrit is a sacred, superior, pure and a universal language and that all prayers and mantras are recited in Sanskrit. During the speech, Swamiji said, “We have offered the one-month-long Sri Krishna Janmashtami  Mahotsava to the Lord. Therefore, one must learn Sanskrit to go to heaven”.

The seer further emphasised the importance of Sanskrit, saying that it’s the language of the gods, the universal language, and the mother of all languages, including Kannada, Tulu, Malayalam, Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu. He also stated that Sanskrit is the only language that can take one to heaven and that it’s essential to learn it to attain salvation.

He further said, not just for Indian languages, but Sanskrit is a root for even English. “The words ‘father’ and’mother’ have originated from Sanskrit. Everything has emerged from Sanskrit. Except for Sanskrit, all other languages are regional languages. In Karnataka, it’s Kannada, in the northern part of the country, it’s Hindi, and in foreign countries, it’s English, which is an international language. But Sanskrit is a universal language that transcends borders and is spoken in the divine realm. If one doesn’t know Sanskrit, they won’t reach heaven”, the seer said.

However, his comments have sparked debate and opposition on social media. Some people have opposed the seer’s statement saying that it’s not necessary to learn Sanskrit to reach heaven.