Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)
Udupi, Jan 16: Udupi is getting ready for next Paryaya period, which will be officiated by the Swamiji of Palimar math as per rotation norms. Paryaya period of Pejawar math will conclude on January 17, 2018. It is the turn of Palimar Mutt headed by Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji to be in charge of the next Paryaya term.
This will be Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji’s second Paryaya term. He was born on May 13, 1956 in Shibaroor near Kateel in Dakshina Kannada district. He was given the name, 'Ramesh Tantri', by his parents, Hayagreeva Tantri and Kasthuriamma. He completed his education in Kateel Durgaparameshwari High school. Since childhood he was very much interested in spirituality. He has studied astrology also.
Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji was administered into religious order in 1979 in Adamaru Math by Vidyamanya Swamiji. He was appointed as a heir of Palimar Math. The Swamiji was a part of Paryaya period that was officiated by his Guru, Vidyamanya Theertha during 1986-1988. He played a leading role in 'Ayodhya Ramajanmabhumi Andolan' and was arrested in 1990.
The Swamiji renovated Palimar math in Palimar and Kanthavar in the year 1990 and 1998 respectively. He has established many institutions in Udupi, Andhra Pradesh, Palimar and Tamil Nadu to provide education in astrology, spirituality and priesthood to interested people.
Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji is an active traveler. He goes on pilgrimage to Badarinath, Muktinath and other religious centers of south and western India every year. His encouragement and inspiration to people to learn Vedas is commendable. He has been gifting Rs 1,11,111 to different people for their notable achievement in this field since the last three years.
He is also established himself as a gifted author and has translated two books into Kannada. He is the author of 'Chancharikathi' and 'Nyayasudhamangala'. Many of his articles have been published in newspapers also. The Swamiji has established branch Maths in Bengaluru, Maharashtra, Haridwar, Gujarat and Kerala.
Some of the notable works done by Shri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji during his first Paryaya are:
Mid-day meal facility for more than children belonging to over 108 schools, which is a first of its kind in the state.
'Chinnara Shushrushe', a programme aimed to monitor school children’s health.
Established diploma course training institute to provide jobs to poor youth.
Free meals were provided to more than ten thousand people daily during his first tenure.
The city of Udupi is getting ready for the next Paryaya. Bhatta Muhurtha and Chappara Muhurtha were held recently as part of the preparations for the coming Paryaya. The entire city is being bedecked with green festoons and other beautiful decorations. The entire temple complex now looks beautiful, having been freshly painted. Various welcome arches have added to the beauty of the city.
The 'Madhwangana' in the upper storey that is being renovated at a cost of Rs 3.5 crore is moving fast. Paryaya Darbar is being expanded to look like the sanctum sanctorum of Lord Krishna. Food will be provided from 8 pm to 10 pm through 25 counters set up in the parking spot beginning from January 17. Drinking water and mobile toilets have been stationed at various places. Under the leadership of Dr Veerendra Heggade and Palimar Swamiji, various committees are working round the clock to make Paryaya function a grand success.
Developmental works planned for implementation in his second Paryaya tenure are:
Garden with one lac Tulasi plants to come up in Perampally, Udupi
The Swamiji intends to offer one lac Tulasi twigs to the idol of Lord Krishna everyday during his upcoming Paryaya term. The saplings are planted on seven acres land at Perampally, which has been provided by owner of 'Sairadha Developers', Manohar Shetty. More than twenty thousand saplings have been planted.
Golden plates to cover the roof of Lord Krishna's sanctum sanctorum
The Swamiji had donated golden cradle, golden chariot and diamond crown to the deity in the past. Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha wants to provide golden covering for the sanctum sanctorum's roofing during his term. He believes that people in the world will be blessed with it. It is estimated that one hundred kg of gold would be required for the purpose. He has requested devotees to join hands for the noble cause.
Meals to children
The scheme to provide meals for school children started during first Paryaya period by Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha has been highly successful. Those will be continued in his second tenure also.
Establishing the kingdom of Rama by meditating
Another ambitious programme of the fast approaching Paryaya this time is to get the chanting of the name of Lord Rama written repeatedly by the devotees. It is going to be a prelude to construct Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, it is believed..
Loud Bhajans in Udupi
Several Bhajan groups have got their names registered for Bhajan programmes here. Devotees will relish these Bhajans everyday, feel sublime devotion and get blessings of the Lord.
23 feet tall statue of Madhvacharya
A 23-feet tall statue of Madhvacharya made up of a single rock stone is erected on Kunjargiri hills on a 40 feet high podium. It is another gift by the Palimar Swamiji to the city of Udupi.
In an interview, the Swamiji said that it is the second opportunity bestowed by the almighty on him. “A temple connects both the almighty and the common people. While offering puja to the idol, the guests should also feel honoured. I feel happy with the free meals that are provided to school children.”
The book written 800 years ago by Madhwa and Hrishikesh is still available in Palimar math.
Offering of one lac Tulasi leaves
The Swamiji said, “I feel that if Tulasi is offered to Krishna, his attention will turn towards us. We also have the thought of preserving Tulasi leaves after they are wilted.”