Pics: Jeevan D’Costa
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)
Udupi. Jan 9: The ascending Paryaya Swamiji of Puttige Math Sri Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji was given a warm welcome while he entered the city ahead of the Paryaya ritual which will be held on January 17-18 in the city.
Pura Pravesha as it is called, began from Jodukatte with much pomp, with a vibrant procession of the Swamiji.
The grand Pura Pravesha procession began from Jodukatte accompanied by various tableaus, bhajan troupes, and members of various organizations and associations. The bhajan troupes consisting of people from abroad were eye-catching.
Shobha Karandlaje, Union minister and MP Udupi-Chikkamagaluru, Dr K Vidyakumari, deputy commissioner (DC), Dr Arun K, superintendent of police (SP) and other political and social leaders were present.
As part of the Pura Pravesha, a grand civic honour was also organized by the Udupi district administration, Udupi city municipality and Paryaya samiti at Car Street.
Dr H S Ballal, president of the welcome committee in his introductory words said, “Puttige Swamiji Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji is very close to me. I have immense respect for him and I was obliged to take the responsibility of being the president of the committee when requested by the Swamiji. I thank everyone for making this event successful. Till January 18, programmes will be held here every day. I request everyone to take part in the events. We have done all the arrangements for the devotees' accommodation and other needs during the two days of Paryaya.”
Paryaya Panchanga was released by Swamiji on the occasion. QR codes of Shri Krishna seva online and offline seva booking facility initiated with the help of Karnataka Bank was also launched.
Gurme Suresh Shetty, MLA Kaup wished the best and said, "Bharath is becoming Vishwaguru. At this juncture, we are participating in the paryaya of Vishwaguru Puttige seer. He is taking Bhagavad Gita to mankind which is to be appreciated.”
DC Dr Vidyakumari on the occasion said, "I am grateful for the opportunity provided by the Lord. Let us be happy and peace prevail amongst us.”
Sri Susheendra Theertha Swamiji, junior pontiff of Puttige Math said, "Today is a great day of Pura Pravesha. We feel immensely happy to return to the town. Paryaya is loved by everyone and we wish to see more people on January 17-18.”
On receiving the civic honour, Sri Sugunendra Theertha swamiji, ascending Paryaya seer of Puttige Math said, "Today we feel like receiving a warm welcome after roaming the whole world. At this moment, I forget all the tiredness of travelling. A large number of people have gathered today. I have travelled to many countries and places. But the vibe I get in Udupi, I do not get it anywhere. Coming to Udupi feels like coming to home. I have travelled to every nook and corner of the world to promulgate Koti Geetha Lekhana Yajna. In the next ten days, I will do a local visit. I have submitted everything to Lord Krishna and so I feel happy every time. Our investment is zero. Hence there is nothing like losing. Mental hunger is the prime problem in the world and not the physical hunger. Attachment is the reason for all the sorrows. Be detached from everything and you will feel good.”
On the controversial PIL, he said, "I had put everything on Lord Krishna and had decided that I will act on what Lord Krishna decides. Miraculously Judge Krishna Dekshith gave me clearance for further rituals. We should put everything on the Lord and act as per His wish. I consider everyone as ours. On this fundamentals, we have called this Paryaya as Vishwageetha Paryaya. Based on this, I have travelled abroad. It cannot be shown as something foreign but in spiritual vision everything is ours. I have not undertaken any foreign travel.”
The Swamiji also encouraged devotees to serve Lord Krishna and His devotees during the Paryaya, expressing delight at the inauguration of the Ram Mandir, which coincides with the event. He recalled past initiatives, including cleaning the Ayodhya place during the second Paryaya and bringing the Ramlalla idol out of jail in 1986.
Rayappa, commissioner Udupi CMC; Yashpal Suvarna, MLA Udupi; Raghupati Bhat, working president welcome committee; Belapu Deviprasad Shetty, secretary; Aikala Harish Shetty, president World Bunt Federation; Krishnan H, MD and CEO Karnataka Bank; Manjunath G Pandith, general manager Canara Bank circle office Manipal; Srerama Upadhyaya, moktestara of Anegudde temple; Laxminarayan Asranna, moktestara of Kateel temple; Parameshwar Hegde, ASP; Sri Susheendra Theertha swamiji, junior pontiff of Puttige Math; Pradeep Kalkura and other dignitaries were present.
Rayappaa, commissioner Udupi CMC welcomed the gathering. Vidhwan Hariprasad Bhat Herga read the felicitation speech.