Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji Ascends Paryaya Peeta in Udupi
Udupi: Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji, the 31st pontiff of Shiroor Math, ascended the revered Sarvajna Peetha at Sri Krishna Math in the early hours of January 18th. This event marks the formal beginning of his two-year term of Krishna Puja Kainkarya. The Paryaya Mahotsava is a significant event in the religious calendar of Udupi. It was marked by grand celebrations and attended by hundreds of thousands of devotees, who congregated in the temple town. 
The ceremonies began at 1:15 a.m. with Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji taking a sacred dip at Dandathirtha near Kaup. Following this ritual, a magnificent Paryaya procession commenced from Jodukatte at 2:00 a.m. Devotees lined both sides of the road, eager to witness the historic transition.
At 5:15 a.m., the Swamiji offered prayers at Kanakana Kindi, a location steeped in legend. He then had a darshan of Sri Chandramouleshwara and Sri Ananteshwara. Before Sri Vedavardhana Theertha’s ascent, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, the pontiff of Puttige Matha, who had completed his own Paryaya, ceremoniously seated the incoming pontiff on the Sarvajna Peetha at 5:45 a.m. This act symbolized the formal transfer of responsibilities. Before ascending the Peetha, Sri Vedavardhana Theertha bowed at his mother’s feet to seek blessings.
The traditional Darbar and Malike Mangalarati for the pontiffs of the Ashta Mathas were then conducted at the Aralu Gaddige in the Badagu Malige at 5:55 a.m. The Paryaya Darbar commenced at Rajangana at 6:15 a.m., attended by Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr. D. Veerendra Heggade, Member of Parliament Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, the pontiffs of the Ashta Mathas, and numerous public representatives.
In his Ashirvachana delivered during the Paryaya Darbar, Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji acknowledged that this was his inaugural Paryaya and humbly requested the guidance of senior pontiffs and the cooperation of devotees throughout his two-year tenure of Sri Krishna worship. He emphasized the profound significance of performing Krishna Pooja during the Paryaya period, equating it to conducting a great yajna.
“Udupi’s Sri Krishna is not an ordinary Krishna,” he stated. “The idol holding a churning rod and rope has deep spiritual significance. Sri Madhvacharya, the incarnation of Pranadeva, established this idol with a purpose — not merely for daily worship, but to spread Krishna’s message to the world. Serving the people is serving Lord Krishna.”
Sri Vedavardhana Theertha further articulated the principle that God resides within everyone and stressed the importance of universal love and service to humanity. “Worship should be selfless; even a single Tulasi leaf is sufficient. While Lord Hanuman carried the Sanjeevini mountain with one hand, he offered flowers to God with both hands,” he remarked.
The Swamiji also urged devotees to safeguard the Vedas, which predate even the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and encouraged all to strive for spiritual transformation during his Paraya period. He concluded by stating that his understanding of the importance of performing Krishna Puja was fully realized upon receiving Sannyasa Ashrama from the Sodhe pontiff.
The Maha Puja and Pallapuja of Sri Krishna Devaru were held at 10:30 a.m., followed by Bhojana Prasada at 12 noon, concluding the formal ceremonies of the day. Sri Vedavardhana Theertha Swamiji now embarks on his two-year term, dedicated to the worship of Lord Krishna and the spiritual enrichment of the Udupi community and beyond.
