Udupi: Kaniyoor Swamiji ascends Paryaya Peetha amid grand celebrations

Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi

Udupi, Jan 18: The Paryaya celebrations were held with grandeur here on Saturday January 18, with lacs of people from across the state, country and even abroad descending on the streets of Udupi to witness the ascension of new Paryaya Swamiji.

Sri Vidyavallabhatirtha Swamiji of Shree Kaniyoor Math ascended the Paryaya Peetha in the early hours of Saturday. This was the 247th Paryayotsava witnessed in this temple town.

Earlier,Sri Vidyavallabhatirtha Swamiji went to Dandateertha pond and had a holy dip. On his return, he was accorded a rousing welcome at Jodukatte here by thousands of devotees who braved the early morning chill and joined the Paryaya procession which began at 3.30 am. The swamijis of Ashta Maths, excluding Sri Vishwavallabhatirtha Swamiji of Sode Math who waited to welcome his successor at Shree Krishna Math, were taken in palaquins. Contrary to tradition, the palaquins this time were not carried by devotees but were placed atop vehicles. Swamijis of Admar and Puthige Maths did not take part in the procession, while Shiroor Swamiji placed an idol of Ganapati on the palaquin while he himself came in a decorated jeep. Kaniyoor Swamiji was at the head of the procession, followed by senior and junior Swamijis of Pejawar Math, Shiroor Math, Krishnapur Math and Palimar Math.

A variety of tableaux by over 20 different teams flanked the procession, depicting scenes from Puranas and other scriptures, and some others reflecting the folklore of the region. Chende sets, Dollu Kunitha, tiger dance, band sets from Mangalore, Alevoor, Marpalli, Kunjargiri and other places, Nasik bands and much more added colour to the procession.

The procession reached Car Street after 6 am, and Sri Kaniyoor Math 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 Sode Math Swamiji. The new Paryaya head was offered Prasadam.

Police teams from five districts had been deployed to look after security and safety during the Paryaya festival. There were five DySPs, 16 circle inspectors, 60 sub-inspectors, 100 assistant sub-inspectors, 90 policewomen, 300 home guards, four KSRP and three DAR squads on duty.

District incharge minister Vinaykumar Sorake, MLA Pramod Madhwaraj and others were present.