Mysuru: Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has maintained close link with various spiritual mutts across the State and the country and has frequently visited temples and mutts to participate in puja rituals.

His decision to invite the 18th Pontiff of Koppal’s Gavisiddeshwara Mutt, Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji, comes against this background.

Shivakumar has a close association with Gavimutt. During his tenure as Dy.CM and Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President, he visited the Mutt and participated in the popular Sri Gavisiddeshwara Jathra Mahotsav, described as ‘Maha Kumbh Mela of South India’ on Jan. 27, 2024.

During the visit, Shivakumar had sought the blessings of Sri Abhinava Gavisiddeshwara Swamiji and praised him for initiating measures aimed at bringing about social change.