Udupi: Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt on Sunday created history by becoming the youngest seer to ascend the Sarvajna Peetha and assume the sacred responsibility of conducting worship of Lord Sri Krishna at the renowned Sri Krishna Mutt here.The Paryaya Mahotsava began in the early hours with the Paryaya procession arriving from Jodukatte, witnessed by thousands of devotees. Before the procession, Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swamiji took a holy dip at DandaThirtha and proceeded to Jodukatte, from where the procession moved towards Ratha Beedi and reached Udupi in the early morning.Upon arrival, the seer had darshan of Lord Krishna through the Kanakana Kindi and offered prayers to Sri Chandramoulishwara and Sri Ananteshwara. The outgoing Paryaya pontiff, Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji of Sri Puttige Mutt, formally welcomed the Shiroor seer and handed over the Akshaya Pathre, soutu and the mutt keys, symbolising the ceremonial transfer of Paryaya responsibilities.With this, the two-year term of administering the Sri Krishna temple commenced, and Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swamiji offered the daily puja to Lord Krishna for the first time as the Paryaya Peetha pontiff.Udupi wore a festive look as part of the grand celebrations, with devotees in large numbers partaking in anna prasada arranged on a large scale. The colourful Paryaya procession featured over 85 cultural troupes from different states and several vibrant tableaux, drawing admiration from spectators.Pontiffs from various mutts, along with public representatives and other dignitaries, participated in the celebrations. Cultural programmes were organised by various clubs and organisations, while shops and establishments across Udupi city decorated their premises.The Oscar Fernandes Fans Club organised a Kunitha Bhajane dance competition based on religious themes and staged a Yakshagana performance at Congress Bhavana in Udupi. Club president Yathish Karkera said former Union minister Oscar Fernandes had consistently supported Paryaya Mahotsava celebrations. “To carry forward the legacy of late Oscar Fernandes, his fans have been organising cultural programmes during the Paryaya festival every year. This year’s events were also held to express gratitude to Shiroor Mutt for its social initiatives undertaken during the tenure of Sri Laxmivara Thirtha Swamiji,” he said.
