Udupi Sri Krishna Matha gears up for grand Paryaya Mahotsava

Team Udayavani, Jan 14, 2024, 10:10 AM IST

Udupi: A significant milestone is commencing in the history of the biennial Paryaya tradition of the Sri Krishna Matha. Sri Sugunendrathirtha Sripad of Sri Puthige Math, who undertook a global tour in its true sense, is set to begin his 4th Paryaya period, marking the 252nd Paryaya Mahotsava. This tradition has endured for 503 years.

Following the installation of the idol of Lord Krishna at Udupi, it is said, Sri Madhwacharya (1238-1317) had instituted a system of Paryaya in which his holiness had instructed his 8 disciple monks to conduct the poojas of the Sri Krishna idol every 2 months. This system lasted until 1522 CE, when the great Dvaita saint Sri Vadiraja Swamiji (1481-1601) of the Sri Sode Matha changed the Paryaya rotation period to two years.

The implementation of this revised system brought forth a systematized sequence of worship and spiritual responsibility transfer among the eight Yatis. This new biennial Paryaya system not only extended the duration of their engagement in worship but also enabled them to partake in pilgrimages and spread the profound philosophical tenets of Sri Madhwacharya’s teachings.

From 1522 to 2024

This biennial rotational puja system for the Ashta Mathas (8 monasteries) completes one cycle every 16 years and is currently in its 32nd cycle. The 252nd Paryaya begins as the third one of the 32nd cycle. On January 18, the Paryaya system will have endured for 503 years.

Arrival-Departure Prelates

Sri Vidyasagarathirtha Sripada, the 34th Yati of the Sri Krishnapura Matha, will relinquish the ‘Sarvajna Peetha’ to Sri Sugunendrathirtha Sripada, the 30th Yati of the Sri Puthige Matha. Sri Sushreendrathirtha Sripada, who is the 31st Yati designate of the Sri Puthige Matha,  will assist His Holiness.

Festive atmosphere

Udupi has been decked up for the Sri Puthige Paryaya festival  – with adornment of colorful lights and saffron flags. From Kapu to Srikrishna Math, the streets are illuminated, creating a festive ambiance. Gajanana Electricals is managing the lighting, using 9-watt warm lights and large generators. Saffron flags adorn electric poles and city circles, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.

Rathabeedi is a spectacle with 10 lakh+ bulbs, featuring decorative lamps and various designs, illuminating the path. The festival attracts devotees, making Udupi fully prepared for the grand celebration on January 17 and 18. Manjunath Electricals handles Rathbidi’s lighting, ensuring a dazzling display.

Global Impact

Sri Sugunendratirtha’s global travels have added a special luster to this Paryaya. All necessary arrangements are underway. The annual ‘Saptotsava’ of Paryaya Krishnapura Matha has commenced in Sri Krishna Math, coinciding with the conclusion of the Makarasankranti festival on January 14. The festival, popular since ancient times, is drawing crowds.

Devotees and dignitaries from abroad are arriving for the Paryaya Mahotsava. A dinner is arranged on the night of January 17, and on the afternoon of January 18, preparations are made for bhojanprasad for 1 lakh devotees.

The Paryaya Mahotsava rituals for the seer of Sri Puthige Matha will start with prayers and a procession from Jodukatte at 2:15 am on January 18. The procession will reach the Car Street of Sri Krishna Matha at 4:30 am. Then, the seer will see Lord Sri Krishna through ‘Kanakana Kindi’, pray at Chandra Mouleeshwara and Anantheshwara Temple, enter Sri Krishna Matha, and have a glimpse of the Sri Krishna deity, Mukhya Prana, and Sri Madhwacharya.

At 5:50 am, the seer will ascend the holy ‘Sarvajna Peetha’ of Sri Madhwacharya after ‘Akshaya Paatra Sweekara’. A morning Paryaya Durbar will happen at Sri Upendra Thirtha Vedike, Rajangana, at 6:30 am, with seers and dignitaries present. An evening Paryaya Durbar is set for 4:30 pm. On January 19, there will be a rathotsava and teppotsava at 8 pm.