Paryaya At Udupi: A Sacred Changeover Rooted In Tradition

Originally, Paryaya marks the ceremonial transfer of administration of the Udupi Sri Krishna Matha among the Ashta (eight) Mathas. But for the town and its people, it is much more than a religious changeover. The many cultural programmes, traditional art forms, processions, celebrations, and community activities make it one of the grandest and most prominent celebrations in coastal Karnataka.

This year’s Paryaya is of Sri Shirooru Math. Adding to the uniqueness is the fact that Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji, just 20 years old, will be ascending the Sarvajna Peetha (Paryaya throne) for the first time. The youngest among the present seers of the Udupi Ashta Mathas, Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji will formally take charge of the Sri Krishna Math on January 18, for a period of two years. Along with continuing all traditional practices, the young seer has made it clear that special importance will be given to the Vedas during his Paryaya.

A Tradition Rooted In History
The system of Paryaya was established by Srimad Ananda Tirtha Bhagavadpadacharya, popularly known as Sri Madhvacharya, the proponent of Tatvavada, widely known as Dwaita Dwaita philosophy. Sri Madhvacharya installed the idol of Udupi Sri Krishna and entrusted the responsibility of worship to his eight disciples. He introduced the concept of Paryaya, meaning rotation or succession, among them. Sri Krishna is offered 16 types of pooja daily.

During a Paryaya term, a seer was required to offer daily pooja to Sri Krishna and after the Paryay term he had to undertake Dharma Prachara. Initially, each seer was given a term of two months. This system continued for centuries. The short duration made it difficult for seers to take up meaningful work at the Krishna Math or travel for dharma propagation.

In 1522 AD, Sri Vadiraja Swamiji of Sode Math introduced the two-year Paryaya system, giving the seers enough time to conduct pooja, manage the Math and travel across the length and breadth of India to spread the philosophy of Dwaita. Since then, Paryaya has been held on the fourth day of Makara Sankramana — January 18. The seer ascending the Paryaya Peetha has to be in Udupi Krishna Matha for two years and cannot travel outside.

Preparations that begin a year in advance

Paryaya is not a one-day affair. Preparations begin nearly one year in advance, marked by a series of rituals known as Muhurthas. There are four major Muhurthas, each linked closely to the tradition of annadana, which is central to the Krishna Math. Udupi Sri Krishna is revered as Anna Brahma, as feeding people has always been a core principle since the time of Sri Madhvacharya.
The first is the Bale (Banana) Muhurtha, held about a year before Paryaya. Since food is traditionally served on banana leaves, this muhurtha symbolises the planting of banana saplings by the Swamiji.
The second is the Akki (Rice) Muhurtha, usually held around 10 months before Paryaya, marking the collection and storage of rice for annadana.
Next comes the Kattige (Firewood) Muhurtha, held about six months before Paryaya. Firewood collected during this ritual is artistically stacked in the form of a chariot on the eastern side of the Krishna Math. This structure is called Kattige Ratha in Kannada and Kanak Moote Ratha in Tulu.
The final major ritual is the Bhatta (Paddy) Muhurtha, which involves storing dried paddy for future food supply.
A few days before Paryaya, the Chappara Muhurtha is also held, during which traditional pandals made of coconut leaves are erected to seat the large gathering expected for the celebrations.
Meanwhile the seer ascending the Paryaya, who is on Paryaya Poorva sanchara (travel before Paryaya) to various Tirtha Kshetras will enter Udupi city in a grand celebration called “Pura Pravesha.” This is held about 10 days before the Paryaya.

The sacred day unfolds
On the day of Paryaya, the incoming seer begins the rituals with a holy bath at Danda Tirtha, about 10 km from Udupi, around 2 am. According to tradition, this sacred spring came into being when Sri Madhvacharya struck the dry ground with his danda, causing fresh water to gush forth.
From there, the seer proceeds to Jodu Katte, around 1.5 km from the Krishna Math, from where the grand procession begins. Seers of all eight Ashta Mathas take part, accompanied by colourful tableaux, bhajan troupes, Kolata dancers, and various cultural and folk-art teams. Lakhs of people gather on both the sides of the road to view this procession.

The Pattada Devaru of the Paryaya Math, the presiding deity assigned by Sri Madhvacharya, is carried in a palanquin. Earlier, palanquins of seers were carried by devotees, but this practice was changed by Sri Vishwesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawara Math, who introduced the use of vehicles for the procession.

When the procession reaches Ratha Beedi (Car Street), the seers alight and walk on a white cloth laid out as a mark of respect. The Paryaya Peetadhipathi first offers prayers through the Kanakana Kindi, followed by darshan of Sri Chandramaulishwara, Sri Anantheshwara, and finally Sri Krishna, Mukhyaprana and other deities at Sri Krishana Math.

The most important moment follows when the outgoing seer hands over the Akshaya Patra and Sattuga to the incoming Swamiji near the sanctum sanctorum, in front of the idol of Sri Madhvacharya, marking the transfer of responsibility for the seva of Anna Brahma and the feeding of devotees. The keys of the Math are also handed over.

The new Paryaya Swamiji is then taken to the Simhasana and seated on the Sarvajna Peetha, the seat of Sri Madhvacharya. A symbolic darbar follows, where all eight seers sit on Aralu Gaddige, cushions made of puffed rice. Later, a grand darbar is held at Rajangana, where the seer addresses the people and honors scholars and dignitaries.

Though seniority among seers is normally based on ashrama deeksha, protocol dictates that the Paryaya Peetadhipathi receives the first respect. Accordingly, despite being just 20 years old, Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji will be accorded first honours.

Sri Shirooru Math and its legacy
Sri Shirooru Math traces its origins to Sri Vamana Tirtha, one of the direct disciples of Sri Madhvacharya. Located at Shiroor village on the banks of the Swarna River, about 20 km from Udupi, the Math takes its name from the village. Its presiding deity is Sri Vittala, worshipped with Sridevi and Bhudevi.
Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji is the 30th seer of this lineage. Born as Aniruddha Saralattaya in 2005 to Dr Udayakumar Saralattaya and Vidya, he was initiated into sanyasa on May 14, 2021, by Sri Vishwavallabha Tirtha Swamiji of Sode Matha, following the sudden demise of the 29th seer, Sri Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji.
Previous seers of Shirooru Math have made lasting contributions to the Krishna Math. Sri Lakshmivara Tirtha Swamiji was known for his expertise in Krishna alankara and created a record by adorning the deity with 300 different alankaras during his second Paryaya (1994–96). He also played a key role in regulating traffic on Car Street. Earlier, Sri Lakshmisamudra Tirtha, the 27th seer, constructed the Bhojanashala and installed the idol of Sri Mukhapranadevaru (Hanuman).

A Paryaya for the people
Looking ahead, Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji has chosen “Shiruru Paryaya, Namma Paryaya” as the theme for his tenure, emphasising public involvement. A major focus will be on the promotion of Vedas.

As part of this effort, continuous Veda Parayana (recital) will be organised throughout the Paryaya period. Scholars will chant all four Vedas daily, with 20 pandits per Veda, from morning till night. The initiative aims to support Vedic scholars and inspire more students to take up Vedic studies.
Devotees will also be encouraged to serve at the Sri Krishna Math by participating in cleanliness drives, annadana, sweeping, flower decoration and other daily activities. Registrations for these services are available on the Shirooru Math website.

Along with worship, priority will be given to festivals, cultural programmes and annadana. The Swamiji has assured that special attention will be paid to security and cleanliness, while strengthening dharma awareness and preserving age-old traditions.

As the day for Paryaya is approaching people and organisations are gearing up for 'Hore Kanike,' where they offer something to Paryaya celebration right from rice, vegetables, vessels, groceries and other things useful for Math during the celebration. Teams of volunteers are also ready.

Many people from Udupi who are residing in other cities have already booked their tickets to participate in the grand event. Scholars and dignitaries have started arriving in Udupi as it is less than a week for the celebration.