Udupi: Attractive Tableaux, Glittering Darbar Mark Paryaya Change of Guard
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
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Udupi, Jan 18: Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji, the young spiritual head of Sode Mutt, took over Paryaya reins from outgoing Paryaya Swamiji, Sri Lakshmivarateertha Swamiji of Shirur Mutt today. As is customary, the outgoing Swamiji handed over Akshaya Patre and ladle to Sode Mutt head.
Sode Mutt is also known as Sode Vadiraja Mutt in honour of the illustrious head of the Mutt who set up the Mutt at Sonda in Uttara Kannada district, and who installed the presiding deity of the Mutt, Lord Hayagreeva. Because the idol of Hayagreeva was donated by Daivajna community, this community has since then, been close followers of this Mutt.
Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji, who is under the tutelage of Sri Vidyasagarateertha Swamiji of Krishnapur Mutt, is one of the youngest ever Swamijis to take over Paryaya, a method of succession of rights to perform puja to Lord Srikrishna, which changes hands every two years.
In the early hours, Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji went to Dandateertha pond and had a holy dip. On his arrival back at around 4 am today, he was accorded a rousing welcome at Jodukatte here. Braving chilly conditions, thousands of people had gathered both at Jodukatte to join the procession, and the Darbar in Srikrishna Mutt premises.
A number of tableaxu, depicting scenes from Puranas and other scriptures, and some others reflecting the folklore of the region, accompanied the impressive procession in which six Swamijis, seated in decorated palanquins, were carried on the shoulders of followers. The Swamiji of Admar Mutt was conspicuous by his absence in the procession. The procession reached Car Street at about 6.10 am, and Sri Sode Mutt Swamiji took over charge at the pre-decided time of 6.20 am, after having the Darshan of Lord Srikrishna through Kanakana Kindi, and doling out Nava Dhanyas to Brahmins. Thereafter, he ascended Sarvajnya Peeta, which once upon a time, had been ascended by Madhwacharya.
After his enthronement, the Sode Mutt Swamiji, along with Shirur Mutt Swamiji, who joined him at the temple, attended a lavishly decorated Darbar, which looked like a king’s court. There were musical performances and addresses by Swamijis. Chief Minister, D V Sadananda Gowda, ministers, Dr V S Acharya and Krishna J Palemar, Rajya Sabha member, Oscar Fernandes, MLA, Raghupati Bhat, Coastal Development Authority chairman, B Nagaraja Shetty, and many other dignitaries were present to witness this historic occasion.
The new Paryaya head was offered Prasadam on behalf of Tirupati temple. A number of achievers including D V Sadananda Gowda, were felicitated by Sode Mutt Swamiji.
About 400 policemen had been deployed to look after security and safety during the Paryaya festival, attended by several thousands of people, who filled every conceivable place around Car Street. Policemen had set up help desks at six strategic places, equipped with modern instruments. Today, nearly 50,000 people are expected to have the Prasadam of Lord Srikrishna, including the famous Sambar made of Mattu Gulla.