Udupi: Sri Laxmivarateerta Swami of Shiroor Math Performs Akki Muharat, Ahead of Paryaya
 
Report and Pics by Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (RD/SP)
 
Udupi, Mar 5: Akki Muhurat, the second religious ritual being performed on the run up to the ascension of the next Prayaya throne by Shiroor Math head Sri Laxmivarateerta Swami, was performed at 9.45 am on Wednesday March 4, at Shiroor Math here. Sri Laxivaraterta is set to take over the Paryaya (rotational rights to worship Lord Krishna) in January 2010.
 
The Swamiji ceremoniously performed Akki Muhurat, a mura of rice placed in golden Palanquin carried through the Car Street here, worshipping it in the presence of  several temple deities all along the route.  The rites connected with the ritual were performed under the leadership of temple priests of Sri Vittal temple.
 
He also performed the 'Navagraha Dana' and 'Gandha Shastra' by distributing the holy things among the Swamijis when they arrived at the venue.  Sri Vishwaprasannateerta Swamiji of Pejavar Math, Sri Sugunendrateerta Swami of Puttige Math, Sri Vidyadheeshateerta Swamiji of Palimar Math, Sri Vidhyadheeshateerta Swamiji of Krishnapur Math, Vidyavallabhateerta Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math and Sri Raghumanyateerta Swami of Bheemanakatte Math were present on the occasion.

 
Speaking on the occasion, Sri Vishweshateerta Swamiji of Pejavar Math wished that the glorious  Paryaya tradition of holding celebrations with the participation of all the Swamijis of Ashta Maths will prevail henceforth.  The number of pilgrims to Sri Krishna Math here has been increasing over the years and all the devotees will have to be offered with free food, knowledge and all their needs, he said.  Sri Laxmivarateerta Swami is known for genial nature, and he is likely to rejuvenate the age old traditions, culture and religious fervour after he ascends the Paryaya throne, he added. 
 
Sri Sugunendrateerta Swami of Puttige Math said that Sri Vittal is the temple deity of his Math as well as that of  Shiroor Math. The deities of the two Maths being the same, our Paryaya can be taken as having tenure of four years, he analyzed.  He also hoped that the tradition of providing free food to visitors at Sri Krishna Math will go on successfully even after other Swamijis take over charge of the temple.
 
Sri Laxmivarateerta Swami of Shiroor Math, who is  next in line to ascend the  Paryaya Peeta, said that during his third term of Paryaya due in 2010, he has committed himself to ensure that  the temple premises is kept hygienic and clean,  under  the leadership of Sri Vishweshateerta Swami of Pejavar Math.  "The food provision to pilgrims arriving at the temple from across the country and abroad will be given  top priority in my term," he declared.
 
Swamiji Laxmivarateera also called upon the devotees to visit the temple in large numbers to pay obeisance to the Lord and be blessed and accept the Prasadams.
 
MLA Raghupati Bhat, Jayasrikrishna Parisara Premi Samiti founder Jayakrishna Shetty, Vishwanat Mada, municipal councillor and others were present at the occasion.