Mangaluru : Mahant Surajnathji, head of Navnath Zhundi that arrived in Mangaluru last week to anoint the new Raja of Kadali Sri Yogeshwar Mutt, on Thursday said that the Zhundi’s association with Mangaluru dates back to centuries, to the time of mythological figure Parashurama.

Since then, the Zhundi, starting from the Trimbakeshwar Temple in Nashik district, has been visiting Mangaluru every 12 years to anoint the Raja of Kadali (Kadri) Mutt, the Mahant said.

He said that the visit of the Zhundi, comprising hundreds of sadhus of the Nath sect, purifies the region. The Nath sect has a history of over 1.5 lakh years, the Mahant said.

The Mahant said that the people of Karnataka, particularly, those in the coastal region, appear more disciplined compared to people elsewhere.

They almost follow an orderly lifestyle. If they inculcate cultural values among their children, Karnataka would stand apart not only in the country but also across the globe, he said.

Yogi Nirmalnathji, Raja-designate of the Kadali Mutt for the next 12 years, said that he was happy to be associated with Mangaluru, the land of shrines and temples.

Asked how the Nath sadhus would help society, Yogi Somawarnathji, one of the Gurus among the over 500 sadhus visiting Kadali Mutt, said that the penance performed by these sadhus has been helping preserving order in society.

Renouncing family life, these sadhus take up several tough practices (Hata Yoga) and undertake penance under the guidance of Gurus, he said.

Many of the sadhus are aware of the happenings around them.

Responding to a question on the political situation in the country, the Yogi said that change is the order of democracy. One should have patience as people would throw out a non-performer, he assured.

Meanwhile, daily cultural and religious programmes to mark the coronation of the Raja of Kadali Mutt on March 7, began on Wednesday. Inaugurating the programmes, Sri Gurudevananda Swamiji of Odiyur Guru Dattananda Mutt compared the sadhus to fish in water. Just like fish cleanse the water of dirt, sadhus cleanse society of various ills, the swamiji said. The swamiji said that spirituality would help build a strong society.