Sri Krishna’s teachings reflected in Vachana Sahitya: Veena Bannanje at Bruhat Geetotsava

Team Udayavani, Dec 28, 2024, 9:11 AM IST

Udupi: “No one can grow in isolation; ancestry always plays a role. Recognizing and being grateful for it is essential. Without gratitude for ancestry, one cannot achieve growth or attain truth,” remarked spiritual thinker Veena Bannanje.

She was speaking on the topic “The Influence of the Bhagavad Gita on Vachana Literature” during the Bruhat Geetotsava organized under the aegis of Sri Krishna Matha and Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha on Friday.

Veena Bannanje dismissed claims that the Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Vachana literature are unrelated. She emphasized that an in-depth study of certain vachanas reveals truths echoed in Sri Krishna’s teachings. “The essence of Sri Krishna’s words is reflected in the vachanas of Basavanna, Allama Prabhu, Akka Mahadevi, and others,” she explained.

Highlighting the relevance of the Gita in understanding Vachana literature, she stated, “Sanatana Dharma is often contrasted with Vachana Dharma, but studying Vachana literature is essential to comprehend texts like the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads in Kannada. For instance, Basavanna’s philosophy of Kayakave Kailasa mirrors Sri Krishna’s teachings on karma.”

Awards and Acknowledgments

The event also witnessed the posthumous presentation of the Sri Krishna Gitaanugraha Award to late businessman Ganapathi Bhat from Coimbatore. The award was received by his son, Rajesh Bhat, in the presence of Sri Sugunendra Thirtha and Sri Sushrindra Thirtha Swamijis. Mahitosh Acharya hosted the program.

Gita Mahayaga Today

On December 28, a Gita Mahayaga will take place at the Rajangana Hall from 7 a.m. under the guidance of the Swamijis, with Vidwan Yogindra Bhat leading the ritual. The Poornahuti is scheduled for 10:30 a.m.

Evening Events

At 5:30 p.m., expatriates will deliver lectures on the Bhagavad Gita. This will be followed by the launch of a marriage-related website, Dampati.com, created by Sri Matha, and the release of two new books.

The day will conclude with a Bhagavad Gita dance drama performed by internationally renowned artistes Sneha Narayan and Yogish Kumar from Bengaluru at 7 p.m.