Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Dec 4: Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji of Palimar Math, who will be ascending the Paryaya Peetha next, on Sunday December 4 performed 'Baale Muhurta' by planting banana saplings at the 'Shubhalagna Muhurta' at 8:32 am in the premises of Palimar Math.
On same occasion, the Swamiji also performed Tulsi and Kabbu (sugarcane) Muhrata. It is the tradition to perform the four Muhurtas, namely Baale (banana) Muhurta, Akki (rice) Muhurta, Kattige (firewood) and Bhatta (paddy) Muhurta, a year before the Paryaya ascension.
A procession was held as part of the first Muhurta. After his holy bath, the Swamiji performed puja to Lord Ganapati, Lord Mukhyaprana and Sri Madhwacharya, and proceeded to Vrindavan before going to Anantheshwar temple and Chandramouleshwar temple to offer prayers.
The Swamiji was taken in a grand procession flanked by devotees, winding through Car Street to the Palimar Math where the Muhurtas were performed. The banana plants, tulasi plants and sugarcane saplings were also carried in the procession.
On the occasion, district in-charge minister Pramod Madhwaraj launched data capture swipe machine by swiping Rs 10,000 as his contribution to the Math.
After performing the Baale Muhurat Sri Vidyadeeshateertha Swamiji said, "This is the symbolic inauguration of the next Paryaya and it is done for Annadana. Lord Sri Krishna is fond of four main things - pathram (leaf), pushpam (flower), palam (fruit) and thoyam (water). Baale Muhurat is the first step to keeping ourselves healthy. The Lord wants each house to have tulasi plants."
Palimar Swamiji further said, "After ascending the Paryaya Peetha, I will continue doing religious and social works. I would like to extend 'Chinnara Santharpana' programme which is being practised from 14 years in Udupi Sri Krishna Math. I also plan to have a tulasi garden at Palimar Math premises, as it is known for the herbal plant. I am looking for a fertile land to build a full-fledged garden, until then I will grow tulasi saplings at the Palimar Math premises near Padubidri. Earlier, 'laksha tulasi archana puja' was performed at Sri Krishna Math every Sunday, and after the garden is ready, we will offer laksha tulasi archana on a daily basis."
He also said that he would provide accommodation to achievers and would extend a helping hand to poor children who are unable to go schools and colleges, and that he would also encourage traditional form of education as well. "My first priority is to keeping the surroundings clean and tidy. Let this world be peaceful and healthy," he said.
Minister Pramod Madhwaraj said, "Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji wants to bring in new ways to preserving customs and tradition. Technology has advanced and people are adapting to it quickly."
Appreciating the Swamiji, he said, "Swamiji has sent across a good message by introducing card swipe machine at the Math. I also laud PM Modi's move to ban Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes."
The minister also urged people to come forward voluntarily to work on building a cashless and non-corrupt society.
The next step to Paryaya, 'Akki Muhurta' will be held on January 20, 2017, the Swamiji informed.
Sri Vidyadheeshateertha was born in 1956. He accepted 'sanyasa' at Admar Math in 1979.
MLA of Kaup constituency Vinay Kumar Sorake, former Udupi MLA Raghupati Bhat, U R Sabhapati and others were present.