Udupi, Dec 3, 2012: ‘Baale Muhurtha,’a pre-Paryaya ritual, was performed on behalf of the Kaniyur Mutt, one of the Ashta Mutts of Udupi, on December 2, Sunday. Sri Vidya Vallabha Theertha Swamiji of Kaniyur Mutt, is the next Paryaya seer and is scheduled to ascend the Sarvajna or the Paryaya Peetha on January 18, next year.



As part of the rituals, prayers were first offered at the Kaniyur Mutt, followed by a procession led by the Kaniyur seer and devotees. The participants of the procession visited the Chandramouleshwara Temple, Anantheshwara Temple and Sri Krishna Mutt to offer prayers before reaching the Kaniyur Mutt. Here saplings of plantain and sugarcane were collected and taken around Carstreet.
The colourful procession also comprised the traditional chende team. Later, the saplings of tulsi, plantain and sugarcane were planted at the backyards of the Kaniyur Mutt amid chanting of religious hymns.
Explaining the significance of the Baale Muhurtha ritual, Sri Vidya Vallabha Theertha Swamiji of Kaniyur Mutt, said as the Paryaya Mutt needs adequate supply of plantain leaves to serve meals to the large number of devotees who visit the Mutt during the Paryaya period, preparations are made in advance by planting plantain saplings.
He also sought the co-operation of all the devotees for his impending Paryaya.