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With the Shirur Mutt Paryaya of Sri Vedavardhana Teertha Swamiji scheduled to begin, the temple town of Udupi has transformed into a vibrant spectacle of lights, colours and devotional fervour. Streets, circles and public spaces across the city are illuminated with decorative lighting, saffron flags and festoons, reflecting the festive spirit and enthusiasm surrounding the grand religious event.

The Paryaya procession will commence late on the night of January 17, passing through Jodukatte, Court Road and Diana Circle before entering Ratha Beedi via the Tenkapete route. Sri Vedavardhana Teertha Swamiji will walk barefoot on the white carpeted path to Kanakana Kindi, offer prayers to Lord Krishna, and later visit the Ananteshwara and Chandramouleshwara temples before entering the Sri Krishna Mutt.

At the mutt, the outgoing Paryaya seer will formally hand over the responsibility of worship. This will be followed by ceremonial offerings to the incoming Paryaya Mutt by the seven Ashta Mutts at Badagu Malige, and a felicitation of the seers. The traditional Paryaya Darbar and public meeting will be held at Rajangana, after which the first anna santarpane by the Shirur Mutt will take place on the afternoon of January 18.

The Rajangana, the focal point of the Paryaya celebrations, has been artistically decorated with murals reminiscent of the grandeur of ancient Hampi, while the Shirur Mutt premises have been lavishly adorned. Cultural stages set up across the city are ready to host music, dance and religious programmes, further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Sri Vedavardhana Teertha Swamiji, a young seer from Alevoor near Udupi, has described the upcoming Paryaya as a “Paryaya of Krishna devotees”, with visible emphasis on public participation. Devotees are hopeful that his two-year Paryaya tenure will further elevate the spiritual and cultural glory of the Sri Krishna Mutt through religious observances and cultural initiatives.

Meanwhile, Sri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji of Puttige Mutt, who is concluding his two-year Paryaya tenure marked by the Vishwa Gita Parayana and continuous Bhagavad Gita worship alongside Krishna puja, will shift the mutt’s belongings back to Puttige Mutt. The final anna santarpane by the Puttige Mutt will be held on Saturday afternoon, followed by the traditional soore biduvu ritual, marking the formal conclusion of the outgoing Paryaya.