Paryaya Mahotsava begins with Paryaya Puthige Sri taking a holy dip at Dandatheertha

Team Udayavani, Jan 18, 2024, 9:06 AM IST

Ahead of the Paryaya rituals of Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada’s ascension to the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha’s Sarvajna Peetha, the revered seer of Sri Puthige Matha, took a holy dip in Dandatheertha Lake

Accompanied by his disciple Sri Sushrindratheertha Sripada, Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada arrived at Kapu Dandatheertha Matha at 12.05 am, where a grand welcome awaited the seer. The members of Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha and Paryaya Swagatha Samiti joined the celebration.

After performing various religious rituals, Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada and his disciples took a Theertha Snana in the Dandatheertha Lake

Following the holy dip, the Sri Puthige Mahthadisha filled his Kamandal with Theertha from the sacred Dandatheertha Lake, offering worship to Kunji Gopala Krishna, the deity of the Matha.

Thereafter, the Swamiji proceeded to for Udupi Jodukatte for the grand Paryaya procession.

Kapu MLA Gurme Suresh Shetty, Tehsildar Dr. Pratibha R., and office-bearers of the Paryaya Swagatha Samiti were among the dignitaries present. The event was graced by the presence of Dr. Sitarama Bhat, the President of Dandatheertha Matha, along with Matha’s priest Srinivasa Bhat Mallaru, and other local prominent figures.

 The Theerthasnana Sampradaya:

In the Yati tradition of Ashta Math, Swamijis embark on a spiritual pilgrimage in the Parya Purva period and adhere to a customary Theertha Snana in Dandatheertha Lake to mark the beginning of the Paryaya. Following the purifying bath, the other rituals of Paryaya and the formal handover ceremony are held.

Inside the Krishna Matha, the formal handover ceremony unfolds at the Sarvajna Peetha. The incoming priest receives significant items, such as shrine keys, pooja elements, and the Akshaya Patra. A public ceremony occurs later in the day at Rajagana.

This age-old tradition not only signifies the spiritual commitment of the Swamijis but also serves as a profound expression of reverence and devotion in the Yati tradition.

Legend of Dandatheertha lake

Legend has it that Sri Madhvacharya, in his youth, received education under the guidance of the Gurus from the Sallanaragoli Totantillaya family. In the aftermath of his education, Sarnaragoli village grappled with water scarcity. To remedy this, Sri Madvacharya, wielded his Danda (stick), and struck the ground, miraculously giving rise to a lake that alleviated the water shortage.

In a gesture of gratitude, Sri Madhwacharya bestowed upon the Totantillaya family an idol of Lord Kunji Gopala Krishna as Gurudakshina. This momentous act not only bestowed the village with the name Dandatheertha but also established the lake as a perennial water source. The lake underwent complete restoration 3-4 years ago, ensuring the preservation of this sacred legend for generations to come.