Colourful procession, attractive tableaux mark Paryaya

The Palimaru Mutt seer Sri Vidhyadheesha Theertha Swami's second Paryaya celebrations commenced with the colourful procession that began at Jodukatte, the traditional entrance of the temple town.

It was a replica of the cultural and folk art panorama as devotees gathered in large number on both sides of the roads and had a great time in glancing at the cultural extravaganza.

The Paryaya procession heralded the new approach to the concept of cultural fusion, which displayed varieties of face masks and live telecast of the ancient drama. The tableau like 'Lord Krishna,' 'Bhasmasura-Mohini,' 'Hanuman,' 'Kalinga Mardan,' 'Palimaru Sri Vidyamanya Theertha Swami,' 'Krishnaleela,' 'Dashavatara,' 'Bhima,' 'Lord Rama, Seetha and Lakshmana' were displayed on the occasion.

As many as 75 folk dance teams from Karnataka participated in the procession. Folk and cultural troupes reflecting traditions such as chande with both men's and women's teams, 'Nasik Band,' 'folk art troupe,' 'Thattiraya,' 'Fire Game,' 'Kombu (huge horn),' 'Gombe Kunitha,' 'Tiger dance troupe,' 'Bhoothakola,' 'Marakalu Huli', 'Kangeelu dance' and several Bhajan troupes displayed their art. There were artefacts of colourful birds too.

Pattada Devaru of Palimaru Mutt, Rama Deva. was brought in a decorated golden palanquin in the lead, followed by the palanquins carrying the saffron-clad seers at the fag-end of the procession.

Earlier, Palimaru Mutt seer left for "Danda Theertha" near Kaup in the early hours of Thursday to take a dip in the holy pond, following which the seer, wearing saffron silk 'zari shawl' and turban entered Udupi town from Jodukatte. He was received by the other seers of Ashta Mutts and brought in a procession to the Car Street.

On the arrival of the procession at the entrance of main Car Street, all the seers were given 'white carpet welcome'. The seer, after offering prayers at 'Kanakana Kindi,' visited the two oldest temples, Sri Anantheshwar and Chandramouleeshwar, before entering the Sri Krishna Temple.

Outgoing Paryaya seer, Vishwesha Theertha of Pejawar Mutt, welcomed his successor at the entrance of the temple and led him inside to perform the ceremony of transformation of powers.

The seers then proceeded towards 'Badagu Malige,' where the informal mini 'Paryaya Durbar' and 'Malike Mangalarathi' was held. Garlands, Chandan (sandal paste) and pleasantries were exchanged among the seers.

The new Paryaya seer felicitated the outgoing seer and other seers of the Ashta Mutts who were present on the occasion.