Covid affects Ekadashi fete in southern states

Kasi Muth, Vyasaraj Muth and Eight Mutt pontiffs of Udipi were among those who observed the fete on Tuesday with restrictions

Update: 2021-07-20 18:50 GMT
The pontiffs and mutts of various traditions permitted smaller numbers of devotees for the Ekadashi fete due to the lockdown and Covid-linked restrictions. (Photo: DC)

Anantapur: The Covid19 pandemic has affected the ‘Prathma Ekadashi’ celebrations on the first day of the holy Chatrumasa Deeksha across south India on Tuesday.

The pontiffs and mutts of various traditions permitted smaller numbers of devotees for the Ekadashi fete due to the lockdown and Covid-linked restrictions. Some pontiffs have restricted the celebrations to their staff only.

As a mark of Chaturmasa Deeksha, the pontiffs of Dwaitha, Adwaitha and Vishistadwaitha peethams across the country, mostly in the South, will stay at a particular place and teach students as against normal days of tour.

Mudradharana has been part of Ekadashi observations at Madwa muths in AP, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Telangana states as also other northern parts.

The Mantralayam Sri Raghavendra Swamy mutt normally celebrates the chaturmas period in a grand manner at Mantralayam in Kurnool district every year. However, less number of devotees came in for having Mudradharana at the mutt premises.

The pontiff Sri Subhudendra Theertha Swamiji offered mudra for devotees by following covid norms. Mutt authorities recalled that no devotee was allowed in last year.

Uttaradimuth Pontiff Sri Satyatma Theertha who is at Son in Adilabad district of Telangana restricted entry to devotees for the second year in a row. No mass mudra dharana was seen at Son on Ekadashi. The pontiff will stay at Son during the deeksha and offer discourses for devotees via online.

Kasi Muth, Vyasaraj Muth and Eight Mutt pontiffs of Udipi were among those who observed the fete on Tuesday with restrictions.

In the last two waves of Covid, a few pontiffs of various mutts and their Shishays suffered Covid. The Peddajiyar Seer became unwell at Tirumala and got treatment in Chennai last year. One of the Udipi mutt pontiffs was unwell and treated at a Mangalore Hospital last year.

Vizag Sri Sharadapeetham Swaroopananda Swamiji had deeksha at Hrushikesh last year.

Chaturmasya Vrata, the four-month auspicious period, is starting from Ashada Shukla Dashmi and will continue till Karthik Shukla Paurnima (mid-November).

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