paryAya

- Article by Shri U.B.Gururajacharya in Tatvavada Magazine

What it means :

In general, it means any alternative arrangement to an existing system. In particular, as applied to Udupi Sri Krishna Matha, it is a system alternating once in every two years. For a period of two years, according to the traditionally prescribed circular sequential order, one of the Udupi eight Mathas, holds the office of total responsibility of the Poojas, Sevas, rituals, festivals etc. of Sri Krishna Matha and its entire associated domain. The handing over and taking over the charge of office would take place on the 5th day from the Makara Sankranti (Uttarayana) day (reckoned incuding the Sankranti day) at the dawn of the day without fail and exception. This ceremony of change over from one Matha to the other Matha is called Paryayotsava (Festival of Paryaya).

What is the sequntial order :

The circular order is as follows : Palimaru, Adamaru, Krishnapura, Puttige, Shirooru, Sode, Kaniyuru, Pejavara and then again Palimaru and so on. This order is initiated by Sri Acharya Madhva himself, but the period of holding Paryaya office was changed by Sri Vadiraja Tirtha of Sode Matha, from two months to two years. Sri Vadiraja Tirtha, one of few highly renowned revolutionary Yatis, had designed and implemented almost all the rituals, traditions and systems that are prevailing today in Sri Krishna Matha and all the eight Mathas.

Special significance of the Paryaya Swamiji :

It is strongly believed that Acharya Madhva's Vishesha Sannidhana (presence) dwells in the Swamiji who holds the 'Paryaya Peetha'. Though the Ashrama-seniority is maintained for all other purposes of protocal, Paryaya Swamiji is vested with some special unexchageable positions, places and duties of respect on account of this Vishesha Sannidhana of Madhva.

None other than the Paryaya Swamiji

i) could occupy the seat of Madhva's Moola Peetha

ii) could lead the fleet of Swamijis during Sri Krishna Matha rituals (though there may be some other Swamijis who are senior to him in Sannyasa).

iii) could perform the Go Pooja, Akshayapatra Pooja, Avasara Sanakadi Pooja, Maha Pooja and Chamara Seva. The remaining seven Yatis of Ashtha Matha can perform only Poojas other than the above mentioned Poojas.

Emergency and distress Management :

Even in case of serios illness of Paryaya Swamiji, he has to, at least, make Mahamangalarati in the above Pooja. In such cases and in case of sudden demise of Paryaya Swamiji, automatically the power of holding Paryaya office rests with the Dvandva Matha. (set of two Mathas as traditionally followed from inception of the system of eight Mathas is called Dvandva Matha.) Paryaya Swamiji is the supreme custodian and authority of Sri Krsihna Matha during his Paryaya period.

Some more details :

A. Till the days of Sri Vadiraja Tirtha, the eight Swamijis were residing in the inner Prakara (premises) of Sri Krishna Matha,. During his days, they found larger areas in the outside Prakara, which is called Ratha Beedi (Car-street).

Even close surroundings like inner and outer Prakaras of sanctum sanctorum of Sri Krishna Matha had undergone sea of changes.

B. The Ananteshvara and Chandramouleeshvara temples have their own traditional Pooja and festival periods and systems. But, during the major festival periods

such as Laksha Deepotsava, Saptotsava etc. the Utsava Murtis of these two temples participate in Rathotsavas. This is a unique type of cohesive coexistance among various systems under one system rarely found elsewhere.

Udupi Paryaya is ideal, model, time tested, unquestioned, unbroken traditional system of power-transfer. Of course, similar systems of Pooja-period transfers are found in the ancient temples along the West coastal Parashurama Kshetra.

During the Paryaya period of two years the choice of staff to look after various sub-offices is the prerogative of Paryaya Swamijji, there would be one Sarvadhyaksha Paarupattedara of Swamiji's choice to oversee the entire gamut of duties of the Sri Krishna Matha. Kottari (Stores), Bhandari (sub-stores) Chowki and Mrushtanna Parupattedaras, Hiremani (to look after meals section) Simhasanadhikari (Gold and Silver stores, Prasada Vitarana etc.) Paya (milk and milk products), Seva office, Chitte Adige (chouki cook) etc. to look after various work sections and Poojadhikaris for Mukhyaprana, Garuda, Ganga, Subrahmanya Gudis attached to Sri Krishna Matha are some of the supporting work force. Some Asthana Vidwans are also earmarked for consultations on various Shastras.

Each and every Paryaya Swamiji performs his Pooja Kainkarya, developmental, spiritual propogation, pilgrim facility and such other programmes with utmost enthusiasm and grandeur. Each one feels highly favoured and elevated by the Bhagavan to have been bestowed with the repeated opportunites to adore the Paryaya Peetham. Very few great Yatis had completed four or more terms of Paryayam during their occupancy of the Peetha. Prior to and on the day of Paryaya Festival

Preparation for Paryaya :

31st Round : The first Paryaya of Sri Vadiraja Tirtha at his age of 52 years was in the years 1532 and 1533 AD, a two year's tenure considering the fact that a round of Paryaya among eight Mathas would start from Palimaru Matha, thtwo-year tenure Paryaya system introduced by Sri Vadiraja would have been that of Palimaru Matha during the years 1522 would end up in the year 2001. On 18th of Jan. 2002 present Sri Pejavara Swamiji Sri Vishvesha Tirtha would hand over the charge to Sri Vidyadheesha Tirtha of Sri Palimaru Matha thus activating the 31st round of Paryaya in the new millenium.

Preparations for the Paryaya begin about an year earlier to the date of Paryaya festival day. Out of them, major programmes to be taken up are four : 1. Bale Muhurta, 2. Akki Muhurta, 3. Kattige Muhurta and 4. Battha Muhurta.

Bale Muhurta involves planting of plantain plants and Tulasi plants in the cultivable land of the Matha so as to be able to get abundant supply of plantation leaves for serving meals,plantains for Sri Krishna's Naivedyam and Tulasi for the Pooja. On an auspicious selected day an year prior to Paryaya the Chief Manager (Diwan) and Purohit with the staff of the Matha would carry plants of plantain and Tulasi in procession.After offering Prarthana (prayer) to Chandra Mouleeshavara, Anantasana, Sri Krishna, Sri Mukhyprana, Acharya Madhva and to Navagraha Devatas the plants would be planted in the Matha's land.

Akki Muhurta rituals are almost similar to the Bale Muhurta. But, it is performed for starting the storage of rice required Paryaya consumption in the form of Mudi. (A special round shaped packing system for rice using dried rice grass adopted in West coast districts.) The presence of the ensuing Paryaya Swamiji is a must for this Muhurta. Special Santarpanamass feading and honoring Swamijis of other seven Mathas also take place in Sri Matha.

Kattige Muhurta would take place about 6 months earlier to Paryaya. This is to store the Fire-woods and logs to be used during Paryaya. These sticks and logs of various sizes and uneven shapes are stacked in the shape of doom (of about 50' height) of Udupi Ratha which is so unique in look and its artistic features that is not seen anywhere else.

Battha Muhurta : This is the last Muhurta. About 7 to 8 weeks prior to Paryaya days this muhurta would be observed. Husked Rice (Paddy) from the just harvested lots is collected and stored for use during the Paryaya period. After observing the rituals stated earlier, the staff enters the Badagu Malige (the store-house situated northern side of the Sri Krishna Matha for materials for use in Krishna Matha). Almost, this is the day since when the new Paryaya staff would start establishing the control over the preparation, storage, etc. activities of ensuing Paryaya. Bags/Mudis of paddy are taken in procession and a Pooja preformed at Badagu Malige including honoring of scholars etc. On this day Muguli (an adoring crest) is erected on top of the Kattige Ratha which would have been completely built by this time.

Piligrimage (Tirtha Yatra) undertaken by the future Paryaya Swamiji :

About 5 to 6 months prior to Paryaya, the Swamiji would start on a piligrimage to holy places all over India from Badari to Kanyakumari. He would have Darshanam of dieties of important Kshetras to invoke the blessings for the successful completion of the Paryaya. He would invite the devotees to Udupi for Sri Krishna's Darshanam and Prasadam during his tenure. He would be offered Kanike individually and collectively by the people.

Paryaya is, say about 10-15 days thence. Swamiji, after his Yatra, on an auspicious day, would enter into the boundaries of Udupi with his Pattada Devaru.

The city would be decorated to receive him with honour. People of Udupi and around along with prominent personalities extend cordial warm and respectful elcome to him at the place called Jodukatte at the western outskirts (now a part) of Udupi. It would be at Kadiyali (on the eastern border) if the Swamiji enters from the ShimogaUdupi route. This occasion is called as Purapravesham. The procession with Pattada Devaru in the Gold-Pallakki and the Swamiji in a vehicle (in older days, in another Pallakki) when enters Ratha Veethi, the Swamiji would get down from the vehicle to walk on foot. (No Swamiji would go by vehicle or Pallakki in Ratha Veethi). He would have Darshanam of Sri Chandra Mouleeshvara, Sri Ananteshvara and then Sri Krishna in the same order and offer prayers. Then, at entrance door of his he would make Navagraha Prarthana and enter the Matha with the Pattada Devaru. A civic reception would be arranged for him in the evening when Swamiji seeking the co-operation of all citizens explains his plans during the Paryaya period.

From this day on till his last day of Paryaya he would stay confined to the premises within the Ratha Veethi area.

Hore Kanike :

Activities for Paryaya festival are accelerated at faster paces from then. Swamiji would be invited for Bhiksha and Padapooja along with his Samsthana diety by the other Swamijis. From villages around and even further away from Udupi collective offerings of grains, jaggery, vegetables, fruits etc., carried on the heads of devotees are brought procession (Hore Kanike) for use during the festival days plus days that follow. Swamiji would receive the offerings and bless them with the PhalaMantrakshata.

Olipe : The inflow of Yatrikas from all over India would increase during the pre-Paryaya days. Paryaya Reception Committee would make arrangement for their stay, boarding etc., in Mathas, schools etc. As a token of gratitude for the spending on these Yatrikas. Staying in varioud Mathas, the current and the future Paryaya Swamijis would send daily requirements of rice, grains, coconut, vegetable, oil etc. to the other six Mathas. It is a great example of cohesive co-operation traditionally existing among the Mathas in the service of Sri Krishna and Mukhyprana.

The next day would the day of Paryaya festival. On previous day, Paryaya Swamiji would extend cordial invitation to all the other Swamijis by going to their respective Mathas requesting them to participate in the Utsava the next day. On the last day of Paryaya i.e. his last Mahapuja-day outgoing Swamiji would offer Bhuri Bhojanam (mass-feeding). In the night Brahmotsava would be performed to Sri Krishna and Mukhyprana. Next day early morning, he would perform Nirmalya Visarjana Pooja while other Swamijis would be participating in the Paryaya procession. He would be waiting in Acharya Madhva's Peetha (Simhasana) to receive the incoming Paryaya Swamiji when he arrives at the Kalla Hebbagilu (Stonemade main entrance).

PARYAYOTSAVA-DAY

The new Paryaya Swamiji would go to Danda Tirtha in the early hours (say around 3 a.m.). Danda Tirtha is 10 Kms. away to the South of Udupi. It was here

where Acharya Madhva as Vasudeva during his childhood was being taught lessons. Vasudeva, for irrigating the farm of his teacher, by using a stick in his hand, created a water fountain providing perenial source of water forming a stream.

Swamiji after taking a holy dip in Danda Tirtha, along with Pattada Devaru arrives at the Jodukatte at about 4-00- 4-30 a.m. where huge gathering of people would be wating to receive him.

Swamijis of all other six Mathas would have arrived there to go in the procession. The outgoing Paryaya Swamiji would remain in Krishna Matha.

Holy names of Matha's Guru Parampara are displayed along the roads. Many Tableau, music parties, Vedaghosha and other artistic accompanyments join the procession with the decorated elephant leading the procession. Paryaya Swamiji's Pattada Devaru would lead the procession occupying the Gold Pallakki. Next would be the Pallakki carrying Paryaya Swamiji. Order of the next positions would be based on the Ashrama Jyeshthatva (seniority of initiation to Sannyasa).All Swamiji would wear the silk turban. Once the procession reaches the Car Street all the Swamijis alight from the Pallakki and walk on the white cloth spread along the street. All the Swamijis and Paryaya Swamiji take Darshanam of Sri Krishna in the Kanaka Khindi at the front Gopura of Sri Krishna Matha. Navagrahas are offered prayer and Daana is given to Vidwans. (Acharya Madhva's Antaryami Vivaksha and Pooja concept are adopted whenever and whenever other than the Vishnu Pratika is worshipped.)

After the Darshanam of and prayers to Chandra Mouleeshvara and Ananteshvara, Paryaya swamiji arrives at the Kalla Hebbagilu where outgoing Paryaya Swamiji with extended hands welcomes him.

After taking Prokshanam and leg-wash the outgoing and incumbent Paryaya Swamijis enter the Sri Krishna Matha while other Swamijis go and occupy the Aralu Gaddiges (Bed formed stuff by 'Aralu').

The Pattada Devaru of incumbent Paryaya Swamiji is placed in Tirtha Mantapa and Mangalarati is offered. Both of them, then enter into sanctum-sanctorum of Sri Krsihna and offer prayer to Him taking closet Darshanam. Then, Mukhyaprana Darshanam and prayer and prostrations to Krishna, Mukhyprana and Garuda in Chandra Shala.

Next is the handing over of Pooja-rights, the core of the entire gamut of the festival. Pattada Devaru is placed in the God's room on the Simhasana. Then the outgoing Paryaya Swamiji occupying the sacred seat of Acharya Madhva offers "gaMdhAdhyupacAra" to the new Paryaya Swamiji who is seated in front of him.

Outgoing Swamiji gets up from the Paryaya Peetha and with extended hands makes the paryaya Swamiji to sit on that Peetha. This is the main change-over programme of the festival. This is the most sought cherished and prayed for to adore the Vedanta Saamraajya Peetha sanctified by the Acharya Madhva and perform the Pooja Kainkarya of "vishwagurumadhwAchArya pratishtita shri krishna" as many times as he is bestowed with such great rare opportunity during his occupancy of Samsthana Peetha by the grace of Lord Krishna and Mukhyaprana. (Acharya Madhva is the third incarnation of Mukhyaprana, the other two being Hanuman and Bheemasena).

It is believed that from this moment onwards Acharya Madhva himself would be present (Sannihita) in the Paryaya Swamiji and carries out the entire two years' Paryayam.

Then these two Swamijis would offer prayer to Madhva at Gudi which is situated on the right side of entrance of Krishna's sanctum santorum. It is here that the outgoing Paryaya Swamiji hands over the Akshaya Patra (special vessel and the keys of the sanctum-sancturm to the Paryaya Swamiji which are presented since the days of Acharya Madhva . With this the procedure of handing over responsibility would end.Both these Swamijis then join other Swamijis waiting at the Badagu Malige (Northern side two storeyed building) sitting on the Aralu Gaddige. These two Swamijis offer to the all the Swamijis here. This "gaMdhAdhyupacAra" and "mAliKAmaMgalArati" is the same location where such Paryaya Darbar was being held during and after the period of Sri Vadiraja Tirtha.

It would be around 7-00 a.m. when the above programmes conclude. Now the last lap of the morning session of Paryaya festival is the Darbar Sabha held in the spacious Rajangana auditorium. During the olden times specially erected pendals (Chappara) on the prepared ground and, floral hangings usedto accomodate thousands of devotees. Recently an auditorium with permanent structures to seat about 20,000 invitees is built. Many programmes like welcoming of local and outside devotees gathered, farewell message by outgoing Paryaya Swamiji, inaugural blessing message by the Paryaya Swamiji. Valedictory blessing message from he former Paryaya Swamiji, offer of honours to the Swamijis from the leaders of the country and of the State and conferring honours to noted personalities and great scholars in various fields are some of the major programmes earmarked for the occasion. A list of Asthana Vidwans for the various fileds and faculties like Vedanta, Tarka, Jyotishya, Mimamsa, Vyakarana etc. and the holders of various offices of the Krishna Matha for the duration of two years of Paryaya would also be announced. Concludingly prominent devotees would offer Pattada Kanika. And that is the end of main traditional and social programmes. The former Paryaya Swamiji along with his Pattada Devaru seated in the Gold Pallakki is given very warm farewell accompanying his Matha in procession.

The first days' ten Poojas for Sri Krishna for the forenoon would be performed by the Paryaya Swamiji. Mass feading (Maha Santarpane) regular meals about 15 to 20 thousand people is served daily. In the night Brahma Rathotsava is held to Udupi Sri Krishna and Sri Mukhyaprana. This is brief account of Paryaya festival day's activities