Udupi: Shirur Swamiji Ascends Paryaya Peetha at Glittering Ceremony
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Jan 18: Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji of Shirur Mutt took over charge of Sri Krishna Mutt from the outgoing Paryaya Swamiji, Sri Sugunendrateertha of Puttige Mutt, in a glittering ceremony organized here early morning on Monday January 18. This is the third Paryaya for the Shirur Swamiji.
The Paryaya celebrations that had begun several days back, eased into festive frenzy on Sunday January 17, with a felicitation function that was held for the outgoing Paryaya Swamiji. State Chief Minister, B S Yeddyurappa, felicitated Sri Sugunendra Swamiji at the function, organized at the dais specially erected for the purpose at Car Street here, on Sunday evening. Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt delivered benedictory speech at the function. Ministers Dr V S Acharya, Krishna J Palemar, Dr Mumtaz Ali Khan, MP, D V Sadanand Gowda, and B R Shetty Mumbai spoke on the occasion, extending their best wishes to Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji. Prof Udayavar Madhav Acharya delivered felicitation address, while Ratnakumar read out the citation presented to the Swamij on the occasion.
On this occasion, the outgoing Paryaya Swaji honoured the Chief Minister, home minister, MLA, K Raghupati Bhat, and local municipal president, Dinakar Shetty, for their contribution towards the beautification of Udupi. A priest of Tirupati temple, specially deputed for the Prayaya festival, presented the Prasadam of Tirupati Lord Venkateshwara Temple to the Chief Minister on the occasion.
On Sunday evening, seven chariots were pulled through the Car Street on account of Paryaya festival, in the presence of thousands of people who had congregated from various parts of the state and elsewhere. On Monday morning, the Shirur Swamiji took bath at Dandateertha near Kaup and after taking a holy dip in the pond there, arrived at Jodukatte, where he was accorded a rousing welcome by the citizens. He was taken in a decorated palanquin from Jodukatte, and the procession was accompanied by the Chief Minister, union minister for state in the department of petroleum and energy, Jitin Prasad, Chief Minister, D V Sadanand Gowda, various other dignitaries, over 25 tableaux, troupes playing different kinds of musical and percussion instruments, Swamijis of different Mutts, Huli Veshas etc.
After the procession passed through the pre-determined route that was decorated with various welcome arches and flowers, by the sides of which, people had lined up to witness the occasion, the Shirur Swamiji had the customary darshan of Lord Sri Krishna through Kanakana Kindi and presented various gifts to different persons. After paying obeisance to Lord Sri Chandramouleeshwara, he entered Sri Krishna Mutt, had the darshan of Lord Krishna and Mukhyaprana, before accepting the Akshaya Patre (vessel) and ladle that are traditionally being handed over to the new Swamiji symbolizing the handing over of the Paryaya charge. The Paryaya Darbar meeting, held at Badagu Malige of Sri Krishna Mutt, was attended by various dignitaries including B S Yeddyurappa, Oscar Fernandes, Jitin Prasad, D V Sadanand Gowda etc.
Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji delivered the benedictory address at the Darbar. Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji inaugurated the Prayaya celebrations, following which, Prasadams of Tirupati, Dharmastahala and Mantralaya were presented to the Paryaya Swamiji. Various achievers were felicitated on the occasion.
The Paryaya celebrations will continue through out the day today. A recital by famous vocalist from Bangalore, Raghu Deekshit, is being held today evening from 7.30 pm onwards.