Sri Ishapriya Theertha ascends paryaya peeta

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Jan 19, 2020: Sri Ishapriya Theertha Swami, the 33rd pontiff in the lineage of Sri Adamar Mutt, Udupi, ascended the throne of Paryaya in the wee hours of Saturday. The biennial Paryaya ceremony witnessed a grand procession from Jodukatte to Sri Krishna Mutt, in which thousands of devotees participated.

Cultural programmes were held at various places across the city late at night on Friday.

Forty-six tableaux and cultural troupes, depicting the heritage of the spiritual and cultural traditions of the land, attracted the attention of the sea of  awe struck onlookers. In a significant departure from the normal convention, Lord Chaturbhuja Kaliyamardana Krishna, the presiding deity of Sri Admar Mutt, was carried on a decorated golden palanquin which led the procession.  The palanquins with seers of other mutts and tableaux followed it.

The procession began at 2.30 am on January 18,  Saturday, from Jodukatte (traditional entrance) and ended at Krishna Mutt, covering a distance of about two km. The pageantry ended with rituals being performed inside the temple by outgoing Palimaru Mutt seer Vidhyadheesha Swami and incoming seer Eshapriya Theertha Swami of Admar Mutt.  

‘Belliratha Sri Krishna’, ‘Anjaneya’, ‘Lakshmi Shobhane’, ‘Rajasimha’, ‘Madhwacharya with Sri Krishna’, ‘Pajakadurga with Parusharama’, ‘Navadurge’, ‘Vasudeva Avataragalu’, ‘Village Life’, ‘Tulunadu Culture’, ‘Bhakta Prahlada’, ‘ISRO’, ‘Tiger dance’ and other folk cultural troupes entertained the devotees.

Folk traditions, including ‘Poornakumbha’, ‘Chande’, ‘Fire dance’, ‘Kombu’ (huge horn),  ‘Gombe Kunitha’, ‘Keelu Kudure’, ‘Karaga Dance’, ‘Maragalu Huli’, ‘Kangeelu dance’, Poothani dance’, ‘Dollu Kunitha’, ‘Devera Kunitha’, ‘Maragalu’, ‘Kolata’, ‘Navilu Nruthya’, ‘Nagaswara’ and Bhajan troupes  enlivened the procession.

Earlier, the incoming seer Sri Eshapriya Theertha Swami took a holy dip in the holy pond, ‘Dandatheertha’ in wee hours. After the holy dip, the seer wearing saffron silk Jari shawl and saffron turban entered the city. He was received by the other pontiffs and was carried in a procession to the Car Street. The incoming Admar Mutt seer, after offering prayers at Kanakana Kindi, visited Sri Anantheshwara and Chandramouleeshwara temples before entering the Sri Krishna temple.

The grand procession to mark the Paryaya of Admar Mutt seemed straight out of the glory of days past. Thousands of devotees had gathered in the temple town to witness the biennial transition of power to worship Lord Krishna.

The symbolic transfer of the reins of the temple administration began with Palimaru seer offering the sacred silver bowl (akshaya patra) and spoon in a silver plate to the Admar Mutt.

Senior seer of Admar Mutt Vishwapriya Theertha Swami received the silver utensils from the outgoing seer and handed it over to his junior. The senior pontiff ascended the Sarvajnapeetha first and then vacated it for the junior pontiff.

Later, both the seers proceeded towards ‘Badagu Malige,’ where the traditional ‘Paryaya Durbar’ and ‘Malike Mangalarathi’ were organised. Garlands, sandalwood paste and pleasantries were exchanged among the seers of the (eight) ashta mutts. The incoming Paryaya seer felicitated the outgoing seer.

The entire town wore a festive look with the streets and buildings illuminated with bright lights. It was a dazzling atmosphere.

Paryaya is to serve Lord Krishna :  The outgoing Paryaya Palimaru Mutt seer Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swami said that Paryaya is meant to serve Lord Krishna and discharge duties assigned by the Lord.

The Palimaru Mutt seer, addressing the gathering at the Darbar ceremony organised at Rajangana to mark the Paryaya of incoming Admar mutt seer Sri Eshapriya Theertha Swami, said the Admar Mutt seer, a blend of traditional and modern mindset, will usher in changes.

He said the new seer wants to organise Darbar in the evening because he prefers to serve Lord Krishna first and then attend the Darbar.

Mysuru royal scion Yaduveera Krishnadutta Chamaraja Wadiyar lauded the plastic-free and Swachh Udupi concept adopted by the new seer. As the seer is young, he can connect with youth, he said.

He also recalled his family’s association with both Palimaru and Admar Mutts. “The bonding traces back to the years of my grandfather. Since then, the royal family shares a special relationship with Admar and Palimaru Mutts,” he added.

Pejawar Mutt seer Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swami emphasised on the internal rejuvenation of one’s body and soul. He said that it is the responsibility of the elders to show the children the right path as children follow whatever elders do. He also lamented the increasing influence of western culture. Kaniyur Mutt seer Sri Vidyavallabha Theertha Swami also addressed the gathering.

Sode Vadiraja Mutt seer Sri Vishwavallabha Theertha Swami stressed on protecting the environment. Awards were presented to achievers in the field of health, education, literature, language, agriculture, journalism and social service.  Sri Krishnanugrha Prashasti and Sri Narahari Theertha Prashasti were also presented.

Food was served to more than 50,000 devotees. The food stalls were open all over the parking area, Annabrahma Hall and outside Rajangana.Three sweets (Wheat Payasa, Boondi Laddu and Wheat Burfi) and one spicy item (Sajjige Vade) was served with ‘Rasam’, ‘Mattugulla Sambar’ and two types of vegetable. This paryaya is set to go down as memorable in the history of Udupi.