Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (TP)
Udupi, March 6: The Akki Muhurtha, a significant ritual in preparation for the Paryaya 2026, was held on Thursday, March 6 by Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math. Shiroor Math will lead the upcoming Paryaya in 2026.
During the ceremony, the "Akki Mudi" was carried in a golden chariot around Udupi Car Street, with prayers offered at Anantheshwara, Chandramouleshwara, and Sri Krishna Math.
The "Akki Muhurtha" is the second of the four Muhurthas performed before the Paryaya celebrations. All eight Math Swamijis participated in the event, marking a historic moment after decades of separation.
The "Akki Muhurtha" was held with grandeur as part of the pre-Paryaya rituals. Devotees carried sacred bundles of rice on their heads, while others threw handfuls of rice (Mushti Akki) as a gesture of goodwill and prosperity. All eight Math Swamijis were honored with Maalike Mangalarathi by Shiroor Math.
Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji, the youngest of the Ashta Math Swamijis, was appointed as the head of Shiroor Math a few years ago. The upcoming Paryaya on January 18, 2026, will be historic as Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji will assume leadership of the Sarvajna Peetha. His leadership has garnered support from all the Ashta Math pontiffs and devotees, signaling a new era of unity.
Uday Kumar Sarlothaya, Shiroor Math Diwan, stated, “Shiroor Paryaya will begin on January 18, 2026, and continue for two years. Anna Dana (donating rice) is a crucial aspect, so the rice will be preserved. The Akki Muhurtha was held at Vrishabha Lagna at 11:10 am. Devotees offered the rice to Lord Krishna. The cooked rice will be served to Lord Krishna on banana leaves, grown in the previous "Bale Muhurtha" ritual. There is a significant difference between regular rice and the rice offered to Krishna. The rice offered to Krishna has a profound effect on our minds. The special feature of this Muhurtha was the participation of all eight Math Swamijis in conducting the ritual. The rice will be preserved and later offered to God.”
Ashwath Bharadwaj, a devotee, said, “Shiroor Math is a sociable Math, thanks to the legacy of the former Swamiji, Lakshmivara Swamiji. Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji’s Paryaya is famous for serving Anna Prasadam and is known as ‘Anna Vittalana Paryaya.’ Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji has worked to develop spirituality among devotees, both spiritually and socially. This ritual is conducted to prepare prasadam from the rice for Lord Krishna and serve it to devotees. All devotees are eagerly awaiting Shiroor Paryaya.”
MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Dharmadhikari of Sri Kshetra Dharmastala Veerendra Heggade, political leaders Muniyal Uday Kumar Shetty, Krishna Moorthi Acharya, Councillor Amrutha Krishna Moorthi, President of Badagubettu Credit Cooperative Society Indrali Jayakar Shetty, and others were present on the occasion.