'Unfortunate, Undesirable': Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Apologises For Remarks Against Adi Shankaracharya

Published 14 July 2026 · general

'Unfortunate, Undesirable': Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Apologises For Remarks Against Adi Shankaracharya Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 23:10 IST The Udupi Sri Krishna

'Unfortunate, Undesirable': Udupi Sri Krishna Matha Apologises For Remarks Against Adi Shankaracharya Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 23:10 IST The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha expressed "deep regret" after alleged derogatory remarks against Adi Shankaracharya were made, directing the organisers to issue a public apology. The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha expressed deep regret after alleged remarks against Adi Shankaracharya during a Harikatha programme sparked criticism. The organisers have issued a public apology. (IMAGE: PTI) The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha has expressed “deep regret" over objectionable remarks made against Jagadguru Adi Shankaracharya during a Harikatha programme held at the temple on July 11, describing the episode as “unfortunate and undesirable" and directing the organisers to issue a public apology. The incident took place during a programme at the temple’s Rajangana. According to a statement issued by the Matha, organisers Ankit Naik and Gauri Pandurangi had sought permission only for a one-hour Bharatanatyam performance and a one-hour Harivana Seva programme. However, they instead staged a Harikatha titled Bhakta Prahlada, during which alleged derogatory remarks were made about Adi Shankaracharya while narrating stories aligned with Madhvacharya’s Dvaita philosophy.

In a statement issued on behalf of the Matha, Diwan M Udaya Kumar of Paryaya Sri Shiroor Matha said the remarks had come to the notice of the temple authorities. The Matha expressed “deep regret" over the “unfortunate and undesirable incident", distanced itself from the remarks and said the organisers had been instructed to issue a public apology. Following the directive, Gauri Pandurangi issued a public apology through a video message. The remarks, which surfaced on social media, drew criticism from followers of the Advaita Vedanta tradition, who described them as disrespectful. The episode has also triggered discussions over doctrinal differences between the Advaita and Dvaita traditions, with several devotees calling for greater sensitivity while presenting religious narratives at shared sacred spaces. Senior Hindu leader B S Raghavendra Bhat of the Smartha sect appealed for calm and urged devotees to maintain unity. The Udupi Sri Krishna Temple, managed under the Ashta Mathas system established by Madhvacharya, is regarded as one of Hinduism’s major centres of Bhakti and philosophical learning.

The Matha also indicated that it is reviewing protocols for future cultural and religious programmes to prevent similar incidents. (with inputs from PTI) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What changes will Udupi Matha make for future events? The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha is reviewing protocols for future cultural and religious programs to prevent incidents like the recent remarks against Adi Shankaracharya. The Matha expressed deep regret over these remarks, which occurred during a Harikatha program on July 11. How do Advaita and Dvaita philosophies differ? The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha apologized for remarks made against Adi Shankaracharya during a Harikatha program on July 11. The remarks, which occurred during a narration aligned with Madhvacharya’s Dvaita philosophy, drew criticism from Advaita Vedanta followers. Could this incident affect inter-sect relations? The Udupi Sri Krishna Matha has expressed deep regret over alleged derogatory remarks made against Adi Shankaracharya during a Harikatha programme on July 11.