What is Udupi Paryaya?

Literally Paryaya means turn; rotation; alternative; succession etc...

In the context of famous Udupi Sri Krishna temple; Paryaya, one of the three biggest temple events (other two being Sri Krishna Janmaashtami and Sri Madhva Navami) has acquired lot of religious and spiritual significance especially in Madhva fraternity.

Sri Madhvacharya, founder of Dvaita/Tattvavaada philosophy was instrumental in establishing the temple of Lord Sri Krishna at Udupi and installation of the idol of Bala Krishna; that was worshiped during Dwapara Yuga by Rukmini Devi the prime consort of Lord Sri Krishna.

Procuring the idol was a miracle and forethought of Sri Madhvacharya, third in the lineage of Hanuma-Bheema-Madhva.

Sri Madhvacharya not only installed the idol but also appointed eight of his prime disciples to take forward his legacies and to have continuity to the worship of Lord Sri Krishna by rotation.

They were...

Sri Hrishikesha Theertharu; 
Sri Narasimha Theertharu; 
Sri Janardhana Theertharu; 
Sri Upendra Theertharu; 
Sri Vamana Theertharu; 
Sri Vishnu Theertharu; 
Sri Rama Theertharu and 
Sri Adhokshaja Theertharu.

These eight Pontiffs later established their own mutts called Ashta Matas which are named after the surrounding villages where they originally resided/hailed from.

These Mutts are...

Palimar Mutt; 
Adamaru Mutt; 
Krishnapura Mutt; 
Puttige Mutt; 
Shirur Mutt; 
Sode Mutt; 
Kaniyoor Mutt; and 
Pejavara Mutt.

Even today this practice of rotation of worshiping and administering Sri Krishna temple at Udupi is in vogue that takes place once in two years through a ritual known as Paryaya. Ritual of Paryaya involve...

Amantrana
Bhavya Shobhayatre
Allakiyalli Mathadhisaru
Kanakana Kindiyalli Sri Krishnana Darshana
Akshya Patre Hastantara
Srvajna Shimhasanarohana
Aryaya DArbar

Initially Paryaya was held once in two months; subsequently changed to once in two years during the period of Sri Vadiraja Theertharu.

Traditionally as a token of handing over charge, the outgoing Pontiff will hand over the keys of Lord Sri Krishna temple along with a vessel called Akshaya paathra to the incoming Pontiff.

In the temple town of Udupi the seat of Sri Madhvacharya, Paryaya festival is held around Makara Sankranthi time the sacred day Sri Madhvacharya installed the idol of Lord Sri Krishna (Bala Krishna) at Udupi Kshethra.

Lots of people from across the country gather on this occasion to witness the unique rituals. Paryaya indicates the change of guard at Udupi Sri Krishna temple.

Sri Krushnaarpanamasthu