The new Paryaya seer of Kaniyur mutt, Vidyawallabhatheertha Swamiji has elaborate plans to develop the temple town in such a way that the development projects will have long-term effects.

Speaking to Deccan Herald prior to taking charge as Paryaya seer, the seer that he has several plans in store for Udupi town and he will work on it once he takes charge of the temple administration. He is determined to transform the temple and the facilities in the temple as per the needs of the devotees. 

“The devotees who come to seek Darshan of the Lord should not go back dissatisfied. Plans will be chalked out to set up dormitories and additional guesthouses to overcome the accommodation problem faced by devotees who come from distant places. The Prasadam (Anna Santharpane) will be offered two times a day. The food will be served even at night to the devotees. Priority will also be given to provide clean drinking water and toilet facilities,” he said.

Commenting on the controversy surrounding ‘Panktibedha’ and ‘Made Snana,’ he said the issue should be solved amicably. Devotees should be given the preference of choice. If they are interested in performing Made Snana, there is no harm in respecting their beliefs. However, the alternate idea suggested by Pejawar seer Vishweshatheertha Swamiji to replace ‘Made Snana’ with ‘Yede Snana’ is also good as it provides an opportunity for the devotees to roll on the Prasadam than left overs. It is the matter of faith and belief. The tragedy occurs only when someone is compelled to perform against his or her wish, he stated.

No Panktibedha at mutt

Asserting that ‘Panktibedha’ is not practiced in Krishna mutt, the seer said all should be treated equally. The temple proposes equality while offering food. Expressing concern over increasing number of atrocity cases against women in India, the seer said there is a need to create awareness among youth. During his tenure, he assured that he will organise awareness and value added camps and programmes for youth.

He expressed his strong opposition to the development projects that pollute the environment. He was referring to the proposed Yettinahole project in Dakshina Kannada and coal based Udupi Power Cooperation Limited thermal plant in Udupi. 

Stating that Krishna mutt will henceforth actively be a part of the security arrangements taken up by the district police in the wake of threat to Sri Krishna temple, the seer said talks will be held immediately with the district superintendent of police. The Paryaya seer said that as there are plenty of spiritual buildings in and around the temple, there is no need for additional constructions. Cleanliness in and around the temple premises and car street should be of prime concern, he concluded.
From Krishnaraj Acharya to Vidyawallabhatheertha

Born as Krishnaraj Acharya on October 30, 1977 at Kokkada village in Udupi, the Paryaya seer took Sanyasa Deeksha from his senior Guru Vidyavarinidhitheertha Swamiji on May 8, 1992 at Pajaka and was christened as Vidyawallabhatheertha. The seer, who is serving his second Paryaya this time, had accidentally sworn in as Paryaya seer on January 1, 1999 following the sudden demise of his Guru Vidyavarinidhitheertha Swamiji on December 29, 1998. The temple deity of Kaniyur mutt is ‘Yoga Narasimha’.