Udupi: Pejawar seer Sri Vishweshwaratheertha Swamiji, who has to his credit of having performed maximum number of Paryaya rituals at the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Temple in Udupi is all set to step down from the Paryaya Peeth on January 18 as it marks the end of his Paryaya tenure. With this, this senior most seer among the seers of Ashtamath has performed five terms of the biennial ceremony, started around 1522 AD, which rotates among the Ashtamath (eight math) of the temple. The Paryaya Peeth would be taken over by Palimar Math from Pejawar seer for term of next two years. Wednesday, January 17 is an important day for Pejawar seer as he would perform the last two prayers as Paryaya Peetadhisha. The next chance of the Pejawar Math would come only after 14 years.
The religious rituals for change of guard would start from 3am on January 17 and go on till 7 am on January 18. During these rituals Palimar seer Vidhyadhisha Swamiji will take charge from Pejawar seer, who had taken initiation or deeksha at a tender age of eight.
Marking the historic event, Paryaya Reception Committee has decided to felicitate 86-year-old Pejawar seer at Paravidya Mantap, car Street at 7 pm on Wednesday. Along with Vishwesha Tirtha, Vishwaprasanna Tirtha, junior seer of Pejawar Mutt would also be felicitated.
Speaking to media, Pejawar seer has expressed that he was happy with his tenure and termed it ‘fruitful’. He said that there were appreciation and criticism too and these difference of opinion sparked debate on various issues. He said it was a positive trend as healthy debate contributes to growth of society. He has said that after stepping down from the ‘Paryaya Peetha,’ he will devote his energy to spreading the spiritual message across India and to promote education and healthcare services in the society.
Meanwhile, Palimar math Vidhyadhisha Swamiji has performed two Paryaya so far. The tenure of Palimar math will end in 2020.
