NewsKarnataka – Udupi

Udupi: As the temple town is getting ready to celebrate Paryaya Mohothsav in next three days starting from January 18, Shiroor math seer Sri Laxmivaratheertha Swamiji has strongly opposed the idea of transporting the palanquins which carries the seers of Asta mutts during the Paryaya celebrations in open vehicles instead of it being carried by the devotees as it s an age old practice.

Speaking to the media persons on Wednesday January 15, Sri Laxmivara Thirtha said that he would rather walk during the procession and would not sit in a palanquin being kept in a open vehicle.

He added that he would boycott the Paryaya Utsav and not attend Paryaya Durbar; if at all the age old custom is not practiced. The rituals have their own historical importance and significance, he stated.

Sri Laxmivara Thirtha said, “The palanquins are carried by the devotees belonging to Mogaveera community since ages. However, if there is no opposition from them to carry the palanquins it is unnecessary to change the ritual.”

Earlier Sri Vishwesha Thirtha of Sri Pejavar Mutt on January 8 had told that all the pontiffs of all the math in Udupi have agreed upon his proposal for a modified way of carrying out the palanquin in a open vehicle instead of it being carried by devotees

He said that he would not oppose if other pontiffs follow the suggestion of the Pejawar seer.