Pontiff of Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt, Mantralayam, Sri Suyateendra Teertha Swamiji on Saturday declared the mutt’s Dewan Raja S Pavamanacharya as his successor.
A communique from the mutt said the Swamiji deemed it fit to appoint his successor as he wants to spend more time in Japa and Tapa and accordingly, selected Pavamancharya as his successor.
On Saturday, he gave Sanyasa deeksha to Pavamanacharya at the Sannidhi of Sri Dheerendra Teertha at Hosaritti in Haveri district. The rituals started at 9 am at the holy sanctum of Sri Raghavendra-Dheerendra-Sushilendra Teertha.
While blessing Pavamancharya, the Swamiji gave a discourse and told the newly-appointed Acharya to shine like a bright star. He named the new pontiff as ‘Sri Subhudheendra Teertha’.
Later, Pavamanacharya, while receiving the blessings, sought the cooperation of the devotees and scholars.
He took an oath to give up his materialistic living and performed ‘Atma Shraadha’ as per tradition.
He also performed ‘Nandi Mukha Puja’ and as a norm of asceticism, he underwent head-tonsuring. The ceremonial bath of asceticism took place at the holy confluence of rivers Tungabhadra and Varada at Galaganatha Kshetra.
Pavamancharya then officially declared that he has become an ascetic (Sanyasi). The coronation ceremony was held at the Sannidhana of Sri Raghavendra-Dheerendra-Sushilendra Teertha.