Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (HB)
Udupi, Jan 4: Sri Vidyadeeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math, who would be ascending Paryaya Peetha on January 18 this year, was accorded a rousing welcome in the Temple Town as part of 'Pura Pravesha' on Wednesday, January 3.
Swamiji was felicitated in a public programme after a grand procession. He was felicitated by City Municipality council of Udupi and Palimar Paryaya welcome committee. Other organisations and general public offered their respect to the ascending Paryaya Swamiji.
After receiving the felicitation, Sri Vidyadeeshateertha Swamiji addressing the gathering, said, “By God's grace, I am ascending the second Paryaya on January 18. I am very fortunate to receive power from Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji. Lord Sri Krishna is the only way to find solutions to all problems. Lord Krishna has passion towards his devotees. If one prays with a pure heart, definitely Lord Krishna will protect us. Everything is possible only by God's grace.”
Swamiji further said that he was overwhelmed seeing the outstanding arrangements.
Sri Vishweshateertha of Pejawar Math appreciating Vidyadeesha Swamiji's works said, “The achievements of Palimar Swamiji in social, educational and religious fields are amazing. He has gained appreciation from the public, and I am proud about it. It is an honour for me to hand over power to my younger brother. He has adopted all qualities of Lord Rama in his life.
"Just as how Rama came to Ayodhya after his vanavasa, Vidyadeesha Swamiji came to the city after inviting dignitaries and his well wishers and seers across the nation. I would be handing over power just like Jambavantha handed over power to Hanumantha. May God give him more strength for the service of mankind,” he said.
District in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, “This is a historical moment that Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji is completing his Panchama Paryaya successfully and his disciple Palimar Math Swamiji is taking over power from him. Let all join hands to fulfill Palimar Math Swamiji resolutions for two years.”
Dharmadhikari D Veerendra Heggade of Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala said, “All devotees, public of Udupi and the math are ready to celebrate the Paryaya like a festival. Udupi is known for that. Palimar Swamiji has completed his tour and is back after spreading ‘Krishna seve’. He has spread knowledge acroos the nation.”
Sri Vishwa Prasanna Swamiji of Pejawar Math also spoke on the occasion.
Sri Vidyadeeshateertha Swamiji was taken out in a decorated vehicle from Jodukatte followed by Pattada Devaru idols in a palanquin along with traditional Veda Gosha and variety of colourful tableaus like Thaiyyamm, Jaggalike team from Dharwad, Chalk Dolam from Alvas, Poorna Kumba, Dolly Kunitha, Marakalu dance, women's chande team from Udupi, Bhajana team puppets, Puthani, traditional band sets and so on.
The procession was lead by Dr Mohan Alva, chairman, Alva's Education Foundation. Over a thousand artistes participated in the grand religious ‘Pura Pravesha’ procession.
The attractive procession passed through main junctions. It commenced from Jodukatte — Diana Circle — KM Marg — Triveni Circle — Sanskrit College and culminated at Car Street of Sir Krishna Math.
Udupi Muslim Association members served cold drinks to the devotees gathered over there.
Paryaya volunteers wearing Maharashtra peta and Belgavi peta were looking attractive.
Vinay Kumar Sorake, MLA Kaup, Nadoja G Shankar, trustee of G Shankar family, Meenakshi Madhav Bannanje, Ishwar Prasad Nambudari, chief priest of Badarinath temple, Raval ji, Haridas Bhat and others were present.
Raghupathi Bhat, for MLA of Udupi, Manohar Shetty, proprietor of Sairadha Developers, Businessman Vilas Nayak, Diwakar Shetty, Murali Kadekar, Shashidhar Shetty, Purushottam Shetty, propraitor of Ujwal Developers, Kishan Hegde, Roshan, Bhuvanendra Kidiyur, Hariyappa Kotian, Sri Rathnakumar, Jayakar Shetty, president, Badagubettu Credit Cooperative Society, and Eshwar Chitpady were also present.
A specially designed panchanga and stamp were released on the occasion.
Balaji Raghupati Acharya welcomed the gathering and Mattu Lakshinarayana Rao delivered the vote of thanks. M L Samag compered the stage programme.
About Sri Vidyadeeshateertha Swamiji
Sri Vidyadeeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math was born on May 13, 1956. His earlier name was Ramesha Tantri. He is the son of Shibaruru Hayagreeva Tantri and Kasturiamma. He ordained Sanyasa in 1979. Sri Vidyamanyateertha Swamiji was his guru.
The chief branch of Palimar Math is in the village Palimar, which is about 7 km from Padubidri, near Udupi. The math is located on the banks of river Shambhavi. The main deity is Sri Kodanda Rama with Seeta and Lakshmana, gifted by Acharya Madhva to the first yati.
Sri Hrishikeshateertha (1250-1330 AD) is the first yati of this math. He was also the first one to be ordained into sanyasa by Acharya Madhva. That is why the cycle of paryaya system for Krishna pooje begins with this math. Sumadhwavijaya mentions that Sri Hrishikesha Theertha was one of the favorite disciples of Acharya Madhva. He used to read out the verses of Bhagavatha during discourses by his preceptor.
He has written ‘Sampradaya Paddati’ and ‘Anumadhvacharita’ dealing with the early life and works of Madhva. He has personally made a copy of ‘Sarvamoola Granthas’ in Tulu script on palm leaves, which is being carefully preserved in the math. The same have been copied to silicon wafer now.
Sri Vidyadheeshateertha is the 29th among Palimar Swamijis.