Mangalore: Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swami Felicitated Ahead of 'Paryaya'

Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (PS/CN)
 
Mangalore, Dec 9: The public felicitation programme for the forthcoming Udupi Paryaya Peetadhipathi Sode Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swamiji of Vadiraja Mutt was held amidst grandeur and devotion with a large number of devotees participating at Town Hall here on Thursday December 8.
 
In his felicitation speech, Prof M B Puranik said that the public felicitation in Mangalore for the upcoming Paryaya pontiff is a tradition followed since half a century.

“Madhwacharya, chief proponent of ‘dualism’, was a revolutionist in the field of religion and social work. He preached to the universe the importance of ‘Karma’, ‘Jnana’ and ‘Bhakti’ to achieve great heights in life. From the first Peetadhipathi of Shree Sode Mutt Sri Vishnu Theertha Swami to the present Peetadhipathi Sri Vishwavallabha Swami, all have served and uplifted society,” he added.
 
Pointing out the Sode pontiff’s social concern, he said that ‘Mattu Gulla’ (type of brinjal) the seeds of which were given by Sode Sri Vadiraja Swami were favorite offerings made to the deity and it also fed many agriculturists in the form of a good crop.
 
He also added that India is known for ‘Guruparampare’ wherein even elders touch the feet of a young pontiff in honor of their sacrifice.
 
Accepting the felicitation, Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swami said that from ancient times, people were taught the importance of following different religious rituals to achieve perfection. He thanked everyone for organizing the programme.
 
Earlier, the pontiff was taken in a procession, amidst grand beats of ‘Chande’ by the Shree Mookambika Chende Sets, Derebail, Konchady troupe led by Deviprasad, Chandrahas, and Sunil Konchady.
 
Pradeep Kumar Kalkura welcomed. Dayananda Kateel delivered the vote of thanks.