Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Dec 7: Bhattha Muhoorta is a ritual performed on behalf of the Math that is in line for the next Paryaya period, during the last leg of the term of the previous Paryaya period. On behalf Palimar Math Swamiji, who will take over Paryaya from Pejawar Swamiji during January next, Bhattha Muhoorta was held at Badagu Malige in Sri Krishna Math here on Thursday, December 7.

Sri Vedavyasa Tantri, speaking to media persons on this occasion, explained that Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji is getting ready for ascending Paryaya Peetha at the end of the current Paryaya term. As part of this process, he is travelling to various places like Mumbai, Mantralaya, Chennai and other places. After completion of his travel, the Swamiji will enter this city on Wednesday January 3, he explained..

This happens to be the last ritual before the beginning of the upcoming Paryaya period on January 18, 2018. Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math will ascend the Paryaya Peetha for the second time on that day, he said.

Before proceeding to perform Bhattha Muhoorta, Navagraha pooja and Lord Narasimha Aradhana were offered in the early morning at 5.00. After the recitation of Vishnu Sahasra Nama, prayers were offered to Lord Rama at the original Palimar Math. Prayers were then offered at Chandreshwara and Anantheshwara temples.

Followed by the temple visit, prayers were offered to Lord Ganapati and Sri Madhvacharya, Sri Krishna temple, Mukhya Prana, Garuda Deva idols, and puja to Lord Subramanya, and Navagraha. From there, the priests offered soulful prayer to all the deceased senior seers at the Brindavana (tomb) in Krishna temple.

The scholars performed puja for five Akki mudi (rice mura), with rice packed in dry hay bundle, which was carried in a golden palanquin in a procession comprising Math representatives and taken from Palimar Math to Badagu Malige of Krishna Math, accompanied by musicians playing traditional drums and blowing trumpets.

Tantri further said, ‘Udupi is known as a place of Anna Brahma. Likewise, Tirupati is known as Kanchana Brahma, and Nada Brahma in Pandarapura’. The procedure is followed to signify storage of enough rice and grains for the next season, he added.

Followed by Bhattha Muhurtha, Chappara Muhurtha was performed at the premises of Sri Krishna Math, the Chappara (tent) is being built for the shelter of the devotees who come for the Paryaya. Mucchuru Ramachandra Bha is in charge of this work.

Balaji Raghavendra Acharya said, "There are four rituals before taking over the Paryaya period namely Bale Muhurtha, Kattige Muhoorta, Akki Muhoortha and Bhattha Muhortha. The important aim behind in all four Muhurthas is ensuring continuous Annadana for devotees. The Chappara Muhoorta is connected with Paryayotsava. Today all four precedence have been completed as part of ahead Palimar Math Paryaya.

Math scholars and disciples were present.