The sacred countdown for the grand biennial Paryaya festival at the renowned Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt has officially begun. The pivotal Chappara Muhurta rituals were successfully conducted on Friday, setting in motion the elaborate preparations for this major religious and cultural event.
Significance of the Chappara Ceremony
Held after four auspicious moments, the Chappara Muhurta is the inaugural ceremony in the sequence of Paryaya events. This traditional ritual is fundamentally about planning and provisioning. It focuses on making special arrangements for the hospitality of thousands of guests, organizing massive food offerings (Annadhana), and coordinating the myriad religious and cultural programmes that will unfold during the festival period. It essentially lays the logistical and spiritual groundwork for the entire celebration.
Rituals Conducted for Shiroor Mutt's Paryaya
The ceremony was specifically conducted in preparation for the Paryaya tenure of the Shiroor Mutt. The rituals were led by Sudarshan Bhat and performed in the area behind Vidyodaya School, near the Sri Krishna Mutt's parking area. The event witnessed the presence of key dignitaries including Udayakumar Saralathaya, the diwan of the mutt; Mattar Ratnakar Hegde, the general secretary of the Paryaya Reception Committee; secretary Mohan Bhat; and convener Suprasad Shetty.
Key Dates and Preparations for the Grand Event
The highlight of the festival will be on January 18, when Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha of Shiroor Mutt will ascend the Sarvajna Peetha for the first time. This marks the commencement of his two-year term of performing the sacred Sri Krishna puja at the Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt. The theme for this Paryaya is aptly named ‘Shiroor Paryaya – Namma Paryaya.'
To manage the colossal task of providing Annadhana for approximately 3,00,000 devotees over the 10-day Paryaya period, a special initiative called ‘hore kanike’ (offerings) will be undertaken. Collections will be gathered from households across eight zones. A daily hore kanike procession is scheduled from January 10 to 17. Furthermore, the Pura Pravesha (holy entrance) of the seer is set for January 9.
The successful completion of the Chappara Muhurta ensures that the path is now clear for the seamless execution of one of Udupi's most significant and spiritually charged festivals, drawing devotees from across the nation.
