MANGALURU: Modern organisations and political parties are struggling to preserve internal democracy. However, the Udupi Ashtamutts have had internal democracy for nearly 800 years, which is still going strong.
The system of Paryaya has ensured that internal democracy is kept intact in the ashtamutt system, even today.
Ever since 13th century philosopher and saint Madhwacharya consecrated a Krishna idol at Car Street here, and anointed eight Yathis (ascetics) to offer poojas to the presiding deity of Udupi, by taking turns once every two months, the system of Paryaya has continued without a break.
The two-month period was enhanced to two years during the time of Sode Vadiraja Swamiji, to give the Yathis greater space and time to devote themselves in the service of the temple.
The Yathis were drawn from eight mutts (Ashtamutts) Phalimaru, Pejavara, Adamaru, Puthige, Sode, Kaniyuru, Shirooru and Krishnapura.
According to a senior scholar of Udupi it is estimated that the Paryaya system might have been put in place by Madhwacharya in the later part of the 13th century, which means the Paryaya system was in force continuously for nearly 800 years.
“There is a series of checks and balances to keep the system going. One of them is the Dwandwa (alternative) mutt mechanism. In case a swamiji dies or for some reason cannot perform Paryaya, it will passed on to the junior swamiji if the senior has taken a shishya (disciple). If he has not taken a shishya, the responsibility will pass onto the swamiji of Dwanda Mutt who will carry out all the responsibilities of Paryaya. This is one of the earliest examples of internal democracy,” said senior Vedic scholar Raghupathy Tantry.
‘out-of-court settlement on Ram Temple’
Vishvesha Theertha swamiji who was in the forefront of Ramajanmabhoomi movement favoured an out-of-court settlement on the issue of building a Ram temple at the disputed site in Ayodhya. He told reporters that a legislation on building a Ram temple should be unanimously approved in the Parliament. He said otherwise the apex court has to give orders for building the temple. “As these developments are not possible, an out-of-court settlement is a pragmatic step,” he said.
Pejawar Seer Promises Social Revolution
Vishvesha Theertha swamiji who will be ascending the Paryaya peeta in Udupi Krishna mutt for a record fifth time promised social, spiritual and educational revolutions during his two-year Paryaya. He declared that ‘Shahapankti Bhojana’ (people of all castes eating together) will be in vogue during his paryaya. After having a social revolution, he promised a spiritual revolution by giving ‘Naama’ and ‘Mantra’ deeksha to Dalits in the Udupi Krishna temple. Those who do not wish to give up eating meat can obtain nama deeksha and those willing to avoid non-vegetarian food will be given mantra deeksha, he said.
PM May Visit Udupi
The seer informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had promised to visit Udupi during his two-year paryaya period. Reporters sought to know on why the seer was not putting pressure on Union Minister Uma Bharati to withdraw permission for the Yettinahole project. Incidentally, Uma was ordained by the Pejawar swamiji himself. He said he had spoken with Uma Bharati on the issue. He said the government is not run by one person. “The people have to make sacrifices and protest against the project. One Pejawar swamiji or one Uma cannot do anything,” he said.