The coastal city of Mangaluru is set to host a significant religious event this weekend with the ceremonial 'Pura Pravesha' of Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt. The seer, who is preparing to ascend the revered Sarvajna Peetha of Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, will be formally welcomed into the city in a traditional ceremony.
Schedule of the Ceremonial Entry and Tour
The main event will take place at the Rajangana of Sri Mahaganapathi Temple in Urwa Store on Sunday. According to Pradeep Kumar Kalkura, the honorary president of the Udupi Shiroor Paryaya reception committee, this marks the first ceremonial entry into Mangaluru for the seer during his current 'poorvabhavi sanchara' tour preceding the Paryaya.
The entry ceremony is scheduled for 4 PM on Sunday. At the temple premises, devotees will accord the Swamiji a traditional welcome featuring the 'Purna Kumbha' ritual. Following this initial reception, Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha will embark on a spiritual journey across the region, visiting the homes of devotees, various temples, and educational institutions. This extensive tour will run from Sunday through January 8.
Civic Reception and Grand Procession
A major highlight of the visit will be a civic reception offered on behalf of the people of Mangaluru. This event is planned for January 8 at Sharda Vidyalaya in Kodialbail. Preceding the reception, the city will witness a grand procession where the seer will be taken from the Sri Sharavu Sri Mahaganapati Temple to the venue of the program.
Kalkura also provided details for devotees wishing to participate more intimately in the visit. Those interested in offering 'Padapuja' and 'Guru Vandana' to the seer during his time in the city have been asked to contact the event organizers. Furthermore, he mentioned that 'hore kanike' (offerings) for the upcoming Paryaya festival from devotees in Mangaluru, Kasaragod, and Kateel will be consolidated and are expected to reach Mulki by January 15.
Ascension to the Sarvajna Peetha
The Mangaluru events are preludes to the most significant moment in this sequence. Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swamiji will formally ascend the Sarvajna Peetha for the first time on January 18. This ascension marks the official commencement of his two-year term of performing the sacred Sri Krishna puja at the historic Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, a responsibility known as Paryaya.
The reception committee's preparations are in full swing, with its Mangaluru branch handling the local arrangements. Committee honorary president MB Puranik was also present during the announcements, underscoring the importance of the upcoming ceremonies for the region's spiritual community.
