Pics: Kevin Rodrigues/Umesh Marpalli/Dayanand Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/EC)
Update: 7 am
Udupi, Jan 18: Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math ascended the Paryaya Peetha for the fifth time in a grand event witnessed by lacs of devotees and VIPs from across the country and the world in the early hours of Monday January 18.
Among the dignitaries present were Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade, veteran BJP leader L K Advani, Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu, union minister Uma Bharti, Venkaiah Naidu, Anant Kumar, Sadananda Gowda, former Tamil Nadu chief minister Panneerselvam, ministers R V Deshpande, A Manju, H K Patil, Vinay Kumar Sorake, former union minister Veerappa Moily, former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa, Rajya Sabha MP Oscar Fernandes, C M Ibrahim, representatives of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam Trust and others.
The procession reached Car Street after 6 am, after which Pejawar Swamiji took over his new charge at a designated time, after having the Darshan of Lord Sri Krishna through Kanakana Kindi, and doling out Nava Dhanyas to Brahmins. He also took the blessings of deities Sri Chandramouleshwara and Sri Anantheshwar. He then ascended the Sarvajnya Peeta, which once upon a time, had been ascended by Madhwacharya.
Thereafter, a grand Paryaya Darbar was held at Shree Krishna Math, where the new Paryaya Swamiji was welcomed by Sri Kaniyoor Math Swamiji. The new Paryaya head was offered Prasadam.
Addressing the gathering during the Darbar, L K Advani said, "A new era of Paryaya has started among the 8 Maths of Udupi. I am happy that Pejawar Sri, for the 5th time, has become the Payarya Swamiji. I have been his friend for a long time and have always received his blessings.
"I experience a new vibe participating in this Paryaya. I have been invited for various programmes, but none of them have made me this happy. I have always been welcomed in Udupi ever since I won the legislative polls," he added.
"Credit goes to Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa and Swami Vivekananda who put forward and upheld the ideals of our nation. I ask everyone to always be in favour of justice and not be unjust. All in all, for me, it is a new and unique experience to participate in such a blessed event in the presence of Lord Krishna, and I am here only to express my joy for I have always got love and blessings abundantly ever since I paid my first visit here," Advani said.
Union minister Uma Bharti said she felt fortunate to participate in the Paryaya celebrations. "I am fortunate to have a guru like Pejawar Swamiji. He is more like a mother than a father figure to me. I was the first lady disciple of the Udupi Maths in 800 years of history. I was given sanyasi deeksha by Pejawar Swamiji. I was first introduced to him by the former Rani of Gwalior in the year 1987.
"India is a secular country in the true sense. I respect all religions and in turn I expect the same from others towards my religion. I will never forget the beautiful quote that Pejawar Swamiji had taught me - 'take minimum from the world and give your maximum in return'," she added.
Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu said, "It gives me great pleasure to participate in the Paryaya celebrations of the world famous Sri Krishna Math. It is a rare opportunity for Pejawar Swamiji to ascend the Paryaya Peetha for the fifth time. Undoubtedly, Swamiji has millions of followers of his teaching, and millions have also changed their lifestyles in a good way. He loves all, be it rich or poor. He is a man who has strived for the growth of all. He is a humble being and has no ego. Let the Swamiji bless us in all the aspects."
Pejawar Swamiji in his address stressed on doing everything for the Lord, of the Lord, and by the Lord, so that all confusions vanish and everything is done right. He said that this will give rise to 'Prjadeva Rajya' or country where citizens are considered as rulers.
"Salvation is not decided on the basis of the caste or religion to which a person belongs. We should shun pride and ego. I see that a number of people, who are driven by prejudice, engage themselves in critical examination of principles preached by Madhwacharya, duly basing their arguments on perverse logic, which is not acceptable. One should be honest and sincere in discharging duties and running his or her profession. It is true that knowledge and worship of the Lord pave way for salvation. Likewise, those who render selfless service also get salvation. Selfishness breeds corruption. We should learn to abandon selfishness and work with total devotion and affection towards the Almighty to stay contented and attain salvation," he said.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji did not forget to praise his junior, Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji, who gave up the chance to ascend the Paryaya seat with total composure and contentment because of his devotion and love for the senior Swamiji. "He sacrificed the chance to be Paryaya Swamiji because of his earnest desire to see me discharging duties as Paryaya head for the record fifth time," he explained.
About his future plans during the Paryaya period, the Swamiji said he plans to set up an educational institutions at Pajaka near Katapadi where students from different states can get education together. Noting that Lord Krishna loved nature, he also spelt out plans of growing trees in abundance, which he said, will make the country richer eventually. "I plan to set up a donation box in front of Lord Srikrishna's idol where people can drop off their bad habits by writing them down in a piece of paper and slipping them into the box after offering praying to the Lord to help them to break free from addictions," he added. He acknowledged the presence and contribution of his long-time disciple and union minister, Uma Bharti, and wished that the affectionate bonding Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh enjoy now will remain so forever. He also said that he wants to set up a home for the elderly free of cost either in the town or at Pajake to serve old people who are uncared for.
The Swamiji appreciated the programmes held the previous day including the blood donation camp, which he termed as purely noble. He hailed the fact that Horekanike meant for the success of his Paryaya term was contributed by even Muslims and Christians,signalling their unstinted support for his Paryaya. He wished that the people of the country belonging to three major religions, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity will have harmonious coexistence forever in India.
On the occasion of his historic feat of getting chance to officiate as Paryaya head for the unprecedented fifth term, he acknowledged that this has become possible because of the grace showered on him by Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Mukhyaprana, Vadiraja and Madhwacharya. He made specially a mention about his long life which he said has been possible because of the support of Lord Mukhyaprana.
Minister Anant Kumar in his address wished that Pejawar Swamiji would ascend the Paryaya Peetha for a sixth time also and thus set a record. "In the last century, Sri Vadiraja Acharya had ascended the Paryaya Peetha five times, and in this century if anyone can cross five Paryayas, it is Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji. May he get the opportunity to ascend the Paryaya for the sixth time and I hope we can celebrate his 100th birthday.
"Some days ago, Pejawar Swamiji had made a promise of having a green Paryaya. There are 6.5 crore people in Karnataka, and if each one plants a tree, it will be a huge success. I will ensure that in my constituency, which has 1 crore people, everyone plants a tree. We get fruits and flowers as blessing from him, instead, I urge the Swamiji to give a sapling to each devotee who seeks his blessing during green Paryaya," he said.
Earlier, Dr D Veerandra Heggade welcomed the gathering and said, "Now it is Pejawar Swamiji's turn to serve Udupi's Sri Krishna. We all have contributed Horekanike according to our religion or sect, but now we cannot distinguish on these lines as Hindus, Muslims and Christians have come together in the form of food to the Math. Altogether, 8,00,000 coconuts and 400 tons of rice have arrived by now."
Minister A Manju in his address said that the government has sponsored 506 goshales and sanctiond Rs 34 lac for this purpose.
Sri Vidyasagarteertha Swamiji of Krishnapura Math said, "We have a reason to celebrate, as we have had the opportunity to witness an event that may not occur again for a thousand years. The Swamiji has invited national leaders for this event. May he become so famous through his work in the next two years that prominent people from all over the world come to seek his blessings."
Sri Laxmivarateertha Swamiji of Shiroor Math said, "We rejoiced in the Paryaya procession and celebrations. Pejawar Swamiji is growing younger by the day. May the almight bless him and may he ascend the Paryaya for the 6th time too."
A special dance on Vande Mataram was performed by students of Alva's College. The cultural programme was managed by Dr Mohan Alva.
Earlier Update: 3.05 am
Lacs of people gathered at Jodukatte to witness the grand procession ahead of the Paryaya Darbar in the early hours of Monday January 18.
The rituals for the 248th Paryayotsava began with Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji taking a holy dip in the Dandateertha pond at Kaup. He was then given a grand welcome by lacs of devotees at Jodukatte, from where he was taken in a procession to Shree Krishna Math after performing puja.
Union ministers Anant Kumar and Sadananda Gowda, district in-charge minister Vinay Kumar Sorake, health minister U T Khader, MPs Nalin Kumar Kateel, Shobha Karandlaje, Prahlad Joshi, RSS leader Kalladka Prabhakar Bhat, former MLA Raghupati Bhat, MLA Sunil Kumar, C T Ravi and many others were present.
The swamijis of Ashta Maths, excluding Sri Vidyavallabhatirtha Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math who will welcome his successor at Shree Krishna Math, and Sri Sugunendra Swamiji of Puthige Math, were taken in palaquins. Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji was absent, but in his place, his junior Sri Eshaprasannateertha Swamiji participated.
DC R Vishal and SP Annamalai oversaw the security arrangements.
The grand procession included 10 tableaux depicting various Maths and temples, 12 cultural troupes from other states like Punjab (Bhangra), Gujarat (Dandiya), Kerala (Kavadi), Tamil Nadu (Karaga dance), Goa (Gummat dance) and so on, 25 cultural teams from across Karnataka that included Dollu Kunita, musical band sets, dolls, Huli Vesha, Chende sets, and teams depicting the traditions of Shree Krishna Math.
Earlier Update
Udupi: Paryaya celebrations - Advani, Uma Bharti in town, Puthige Swamiji to stay away
Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Update: 11.45
Udupi, Jan 17: As in previous Paryayas over the last few years, Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji of Puthige Math will not be participating in the Paryaya celebrations this time too.
Earlier in the evening, with just hours to go for rituals to begin, serious discussions took place among the senior Swamijis of the various Maths including Pejawar Swamiji over whether Puthige Swamiji should be allowed to participate in the celebrations or not.
Puthige Swamiji had, speaking to media, expressed his eagerness to participate in the procession as well as in Paryaya Darbar, and claimed that there was pressure on Pejawar Swamiji from heads of other Maths, namely Palimar and Sode, to keep him away. Pejawar Swamiji himself was non-committal on the issue.
After another round of discussions, Puthige Swamiji himself announced that he would not be participating either in the procession or in the Darbar. He also said that issues related to acceptance of disciples by Puthige Math and Shiroor Math has been solved after discussions, and now the two Maths are allowed to take in disciples.
"There was pressure from representatives of Sode, Palimar and Mantralaya Maths about 10 days ago not to accept disciples and notices were also sent thrice to Puthige and Shiroor Maths. I was hurt by this, especially after Pejawar Swamiji too came under pressure and told us not to have disciples.
"However, now the issue is solved and we have been given permission in writing from Pejawar Swamiji to accept disciples. Nevertheless, I will not be participating in the Paryaya procession and Darbar. Nobody should question our stance. I wish all success to the Paryaya," he said.
It may be recalled that in a press meet a day earlier, he had announced that on behalf of Puthige Math, he would be bestowing a title on Pejawar Swamiji and honouring him during the Darbar apart from participating in the procession. On Sunday night, he told the media that a decision on whether to bestow the honour in a separate ceremony would be taken later.
Earlier Update
The city of Udupi is all set for the Paryaya celebrations which will begin in a few hours from now. The entire city wears a bridal look with dazzling lights, hoardings and decorations.
Union minister for water resources Uma Bharti, veteran BJP leader L K Advani and Andhra Pradesh chief minister Chandrababu Naidu are among the political heavyweights who arrived in the city on Sunday January 17 to participate in the celebrations.
Speaking to mediapersons earlier in the day, Uma Bharti visited Shree Krishna Math and said that she felt blessed to witness the Paryaya ascension of Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji. "I am a disciple of Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji. He is my Guru. I will remain in Udupi for two days," she said. She refused to answer any questions on politics.
L K Advani, who arrived at night, said that he has been closely associated with Pejawar Swamiji from several years. "I have been blessed by Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji from many years. This is his fifth Paryaya and I am happy that I am here to witness it. Udupi is my most favourite city in entire India. Pejawar Swamiji has blessed me in every work, and I wish all success to his two-year term," he said.
Lacs of devotees and tourists are in Udupi to witness the historic Paryaya. The police have deployed tight security and traffic within the city limits has been restricted. The rituals are expected to begin after 2 am. Large crowds have already gathered along the procession route from Jodukatte to Sri Krishna Math and LCD screens have been set up at various spots for the benefit of the public. As many as 27 orchestras are performing around Udupi as part of the celebrations. Arrangements have been made at three venues in Sri Krishna Math to provide meals for over 50,000 devotees.