Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Dec 14: As a part of upcoming Paryaya 2020, ‘Bale Muhurtha’ was performed by Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji of Adamaru Math and his junior Pontiff Sri Eesha Priya Theertha Swamiji on Friday, December 14.

The 2020 Paryaya would be a historical one because the biennial Paryaya will complete 250 years since its inception and enters the 32nd chakra (second).

The Bale Muhurtha was held amidst the rituals and chanting of hymns with the would-be Paryaya Seer offering poojas to Sri Krishna Math followed by Sri Anantheshwara and Chandramouleshawar temples. He visited Sri Krishna temple and Mukhyaprana temple and later offered prayers at ‘Subramanya Gudi', ‘Navagraha Gudi’ and ‘Goshale'.

Banana saplings, Tulasi plant and sugar cane saplings were carried out in the traditional procession, which went around the car street accompanied by band sets and devotees.

Both the Swamijis planted banana saplings at the backyard of Adamaru Math systematically. Shibarur Vasudeva Acharya led all religious rituals accompanied by other priests.

According to the customs of the Math, there are four rituals, 'Bale Muhurtha', 'Kattige Muhurtha', 'Akki Muhurtha' and 'Bhatta Muhurtha', performed in the run-up to the main Paryaya event, to ensure that there is plentiful supply of food grains for devotees of Sri Krishna Math and temple.

Bale Muhurtha is the first preparatory ritual before the main event of Paryaya festival which the ascending Swamiji, who is to take over the charge of Sri Krishna Math for the next two-year term from the outgoing seer under biennial Paryaya system among the eight Swamijis (Ashta Math) has to perform. This is the first of the four important rituals that need to be performed on fixed Muhurtha days, before the actual ascension of Paryaya Peetha (Sarvajna Peeta) on January 18, 2020.

Senior Adamaru Math pontiff, Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji said, "Paryaya begins from farming. Lord Krishna promoted agriculture. He had created greenery. When the Dwapara Yuga comes to an end, the forest resource also ends there. After that, worshipping of nature is started by people. One should not destroy the nature. Banana leaves are used to have meal, Tulasi leaves for worshipping God and sugar cane is for worshipping Lord Ganesha, (he has the power of eradicating all problems). This is a 600-years old tradition, which we are following even today. Udupi Math means contemplate of Lord Krishna and Mukhyaprana. Everyone loves to worship Lord Krishna. Today’s children do not know anything except engineering and doctor professions. Let’s promote agriculture through this ritual,"

"Temple gives peace of mind. So pilgrims arrive to the temple from far away places. We have planned nothing during Adamaru Math Paryaya. We will maintain whatever is there from the past and give more priority to the hospitality of pilgrims by providing all facilities, which they are require. Let us welcome devotees here. People's service is God's worship."

Junior pontiff of Adamaru Math, Eesha Priya Theertha Swamiji said, "Bale Muhoorta concept is started to serve prasadam on banana leaf. Today mankind is destroying beautiful nature. We have an abundance of forest. Let us grow green in order to protect the nature. Bale Muhurtha needs eight months to get yield. Udupi is witnessing biennial Paryaya. It is a continuous process. Let us not follow traditions with much difficulty, let us try to understand the purpose behind the practice,"

"We have planned to grow banana saplings at 10 acres land at Chara village in Hebri, prior to the Paryaya 2020. Vivekananda group of Chara took the responsibility of providing banana leaves to math for the next two years. Anand committee of Adamaru Math approached them first and received good response and they will plan for planting the banana saplings on a large scale," he added.

"Moreover, we will build emotional affair between Chara villagers. It also helps to promote philosophy from mouth to mouth. We have also planned to plant organic and hygienic vegetables of our own. With the grace of God, it will start soon. Let us invest something for good purpose rather than wasting money, trying to be independent to some extent. So far, there is no long term planning for the next two years and will move on the path of God. It is a small effort of living with nature," he informed.

"There are other associations who have joined hands for the success of our motive. The senior swami has kept the name of the ascending pontiff in 2020 Paryaya a secret. But all the rituals will be performed together." He concluded.

Akki Muhoorta will be held on January 30, 2019.

Pramod Madhwaraj, former MLA, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, BJP district president, Harikrishna Punaroor, Kateel Vasudeva Asranna, trustee of Kateel temple, Venkataramana Asranna, Lakshminarayana Asranna, and other were present.