Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupli, Jul 4: The ritual known as 'Kattige Muhoorta' in preparation for the biennial 'Paryaya' of Admar Math was performed at Sri Krishna Math here, on Thursday July 4.

Admar Math's priest, Vasudeva Acharya, Shibarur, said that, 'Kattige Muhoorta' was performed at 9.27 am at the auspicious Simha Lagna. All the religious rituals in this connection were led by Diwan Laksminarayana Mucchinthaya.

A grand procession was taken out around Car Street with the accompaniment of tableaux, traditional band sets, musical instruments etc. Devotees and locals also joined the procession. They offered prayers at Lord Chandramouleshwara temple, Anantheshwara temple, Sri Krishna Math, idol of Lord Mukhyaprana, cattle shed and also to Navagraha. Later, the priests performed Puja to Goddess Earth and Lord Parashurama.

The stacking of firewood to form the 'Kattige Ratha' will be complete by the time of Pura P Pravesha (entry) of ascending Swamiji of Admar Math. Sundar Serigar has taken over responsibility of shaping this chariot aesthetically. This is located near the main Car Street in the backyard of Sri Krishna Mutt where the firewood was piled up artistically in the shape of a cart. This piled firewood will be utilized by the Paryaya Mutt during its two year Paryaya period that is rotated between the eight Swamijis of SriKrishna Math, the priest explained.

Ten members of 'Mundala' community offered their services by carrying firewood on their heads as they believe that it is service of the God. "Our ancestors used to follow this tradition and we are continuing with it," said Sesu, head of Babbu Swamy Kadiyali temple.

Vasu B, head of the 'Mundala' community said, '”We also get puja materials for thrice from the ascending and outgoing paryaya Maths on three important occasions like Vinayaka Chaturthi, Ugadi and Sona Sankranthi. There is intimate relationship between Babbuswamy temple and the eight Maths."

Govindaraju, manager of Admar math, speaking to media persons here said that Sri Vishwapriya Swamiji and Ishapriya Swamiji of Admar Math are coming back from Badari tour. All religious rituals were conducted as per the instruction of these two Swamijis, he explained.

The firewood always is used for preparing Prasadam of Lord Krishna. As many as 25 to 30 lac of devotees visit Sri Krishna Math every year. Admar Math Swamiji has many plans for his two yeaar term. Two weeks ago, the two heads of Maths planted 2000 saplings and also planning to plant saplings in Kanajau in order to promote greenery.

This year the fire wood will be added to the old stack of firewood, as there is shortage of firewood.

Many devotees, religious leaders and others were present.