Media Release
Udupi, Jul 11: In Udupi, known as Rajata Peetha, Lord Krishna, revered as Annabrahma (the God who provides food), continues to bless devotees every day. Among the various rituals conducted by the upcoming Paryaya Sri Shiroor Math, Kattige Muhurta (firewood collection ritual), which is the third muhurta in the series, will be held at 9.15 am on July 13, informed Uday Saralathaya, Diwan of Shiroor Math, during a press meet held at the Math premises on July 11.
During the 2026-2028 Paryaya period of the Math, the Akki Muhurta (rice collection ritual) has already been conducted for providing Annadana (mass feeding) to devotees. According to tradition, rice and other grains are cooked using firewood to prepare offerings for the deity. This process of collecting firewood is known as Kattige Muhurta. Therefore, the offering prepared using this firewood is considered highly sacred, and consuming this prasada brings peace and a sense of fulfilment to devotees.
There is a strong belief that Sri Madhvacharya himself offers this Naivedya to Lord Krishna in the sanctum sanctorum. Hence, when other pontiffs or self-cooking saints visit Krishna Math, they too partake in this prasada. To prepare such sanctified food, firewood is collected in advance, which is the special significance of this ritual.
As per tradition, firewood is collected during the Ashada month. Since this is the monsoon season, trees and plants regrow after being cut, enabling them to thrive for another sixteen years. Around 25 lorry loads of Karimaram (karmara tree) with large branches are collected. This wood is artistically stacked in the north-eastern corner of the Madhva Sarovara in the shape of a chariot, approximately 50 feet high and 25 feet wide. The stack is decorated with a pinnacle and flag atop it.
Prior to this, on an auspicious day fixed by the temple priests, a central pole is installed at the site where the wood will be stacked, followed by ritualistic worship. On the muhurta day, starting at 7.30 am at Sri Pejawar Math, the rituals begin with Navagraha prayers, Vedic chanting, and the accompaniment of traditional instruments like kombu, kahale, and other auspicious music. The temple staff and devotees carry the firewood in a procession from Kalsanka’s Lakshmi Garden.
Along with various dignitaries, scholars, Diwans, and devotees, prayers are offered at the shrines of Chandramoulishwara, Sri Ananteshwara, Lord Krishna, Mukhyaprana, Madhvaguru, and Garuda. From there, the procession reaches the designated place where rituals are performed, and the stacking of firewood in the chariot structure begins. This religious tradition has been observed since the times of Sri Vadiraja Theertha and continues to date. The construction of this firewood chariot costs around Rs 20 lacs.
There is a belief that participating in this Kattige Muhurta removes Agni Dosha (defects related to fire) if any. Just as firewood fuels the sacred fire to carry offerings to God in yajnas and homas, it also fuels the fire used to cook food offerings for the deity, which, when consumed by devotees, aids digestion and alleviates any digestive or fire-related doshas in the body. Thus, this ritual is believed to bring blessings, improved digestive health, and divine grace to devotees.
It is the hope of the organizers that devotees participate in large numbers in this muhurta and receive the blessings of the Lord.
During the press meet, MLA Yashpal Suvarna informed that Udupi City Municipality will undertake light decorations from January 14 to January 24 as part of the upcoming Paryaya celebrations, a practice carried out in every Paryaya.
The press meet was attended by Mohan Bhat, Nandan Jain, Vasudeva Acharya and others.