Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi
Udupi, July 13: As a symbolic prelude to the forthcoming Paryaya of Shiroor Math, the grand Kattige Muhurta (auspicious firewood ceremony) was held today with great fervour in the precincts of Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi.
The ritual was conducted in the presence of the current pontiff of Shiroor Math, Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamij. The Ubhaya Swamijis of the present Paryaya Matha—Puttige Matha—were also present on the occasion, marking a significant tradition in the Ashta Mathas of Udupi.
The ceremony commenced with prayers offered to the presiding deities—Sri Vittala Devaru, Sri Chandreshwara, Sri Ananteshwara, and Sri Krishna Mukhyaprana Devaru—under the guidance of Dr. Udaykumar Saralathaya, the Diwan of Shiroor Math, and priest Giriraj Upadhyaya.
In a ceremonial procession, sacred firewood was brought from the Lakshmi Thota of Shiroor Math to the Krishna Matha premises. The firewood, carried in traditional bullock carts, handcarts, and also by devotees, was then offered prayers at the designated northeastern location of Madhwa Sarovara, officially launching the construction of the Ratha (chariot) for the upcoming Paryaya.
Following this, the Paryaya reception committee office was formally inaugurated by Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji. The event was graced by several dignitaries including Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Byndoor MLA Gururaj Gantihole, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat, Udupi City Municipal Council president Prabhakar Poojary, and Mattaru Ratnakara Hegde among others.
Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji later led another round of puja at the Madhwa Sarovara location, again initiating the process for Ratha construction—symbolic of the preparations ahead of the Paryaya transition.
As part of the organizational efforts, the Paryaya reception committee named Rajarshi Dr Veerendra Heggade as the honorary president. Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna was appointed as president, Gopakrishna Asranna, chief priest of Kateel temple, and Bengaluru MP Tejasvi Surya along with president of Manipal education and medical group Ranjan Pai were appointed as working presidents. Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde was named as the chief executive president.
The Kattige Muhurta marks one of the major milestones in the lead-up to the Shiroor Math’s Paryaya, which is scheduled to take over the biennial responsibility of managing the daily rituals and administration at the famed Sri Krishna Matha.