The idol of Sri Krishna lifted from a clod of white clay (Gopichandanam) was consecrated by Sri Madhwacharya at Rajathapeethapura (Udupi) ; he conducted its puja and lighted two lamps which are kept burning to this day. With his 'danda' he created a well for its abhishekam. He made eleborate arrangements for the continued conduct of puja fourteen times a day by establishing eight Mutts viz. Phalimaaru , Adamaaru, Krishna pura, Puttige, Sirur, Sode, Kaaneiyuru and Pejawara headed by eight bala sannyasins; each performing puja for two months. This period was later changed to two years by Sri Vadiraja for administrative convenience. So according to this changed system each Mutt gets its turn after 14 years.
During this long spell they are to tour, preach and spread the tenents of Sri Madhwacharya. This is going on for about 500 years ! The whole gamut of succession is called as " Paryaaya ". At Udupi Paryaaya is celebrated with pomp and festivity. The present Paryaaya Peethadhipathi Sri Visvothama Theertha of Sode Vadiraja Mutt will be succeeded by Sri Vidyavaarinidhi Theertha of Kaaneiyur Mutt for the fourth time as the new Paryaaya Swamyji, on 17/1/98.
On that day he will be received on the outskirts of Udupi town and taken round in procession and the temple of Sri Krishna before reaching his Mutt. At this venue he is received by the Swamyji completing his term. After offering felicitations to the out going Swamyji, the handing over responsibilities to the new Paryaaya Swamji is made as per protocol. The function will conclude with the anugraha bhashanams by the Swamyjis, which will be a feast to the ears. They cover a wide range of topics on Sri Madhwa Siddhaantha. The nextday i.e on 18/1/98 the new Paryaaya Swamyji will not only do the Puja of Sri Krishna, but also undertake to administer the Krishna temple for two years.
It is, indeed, a memorable experience to be in Udupi during Paryaaya to see the teaming crowds of devotees, orderly arrangements, and above all, the darshan of Lord Krishna, the image of which was made by no less a person than Vishwakarma and installed by our Srimad Acharya !
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