UDUPI: Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji of Sri Puthige Mutt, who is on a mission to publicise Sri Madhwacharya’s Dvaita philosophy across the globe, ascended the Paryaya Peeta here on Thursday morning.
Sri Vishwapriya Theertha Swamiji of Sri Admar Mutt handed over the Akshaya Patra and the keys to Sri Krishna Mutt to manage the 800-year-old mutt for two years. This marked the symbolic transfer of the administration of Sri Krishna Mutt from Sri Krishnapura Mutt to Sri Puthige Mutt. Nearly two lakh devotees participated in the two-day Paryaya mahotsav.
Outgoing seer Sri Vidyasagara Theertha Swamiji of Sri Krishnapura Mutt does not approve of Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji’s right to ascend the Paryaya Peeta as he had committed “Seemollanghana” (crossing the ocean) when he went abroad.
Golden chariot for Krishna Mutt
Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji kept the Akshaya Patra and the keys near the Sarvajna Peeta. Pontiffs of eight mutts are not supposed to travel abroad as per the tradition of Ashta Mutts.
Participating in the Darbar programme at Rajangana, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji said the Bhagavad Gita is the source of inspiration for the universe and he considers the responsibility of worshipping Lord Krishna in Udupi as a great opportunity bestowed upon him. He will offer “Partha Sarathy”, a golden chariot, to Sri Krishna Mutt during his Paryaya term, he added. “I took up the responsibility of spreading the message of Lord Krishna for global good and peace,’’ he said, indirectly in defence of his foreign trips.
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare and Food Processing Industries Shobha Karandlaje said the peaceful handing over of the administration of Sri Krishna Mutt from one mutt to another in Udupi indicated that there is no room for confusion.