Dubai, UAE , October 2, 2023 : Under the auspices of Jagadguru Shree Manmadwacharya Moola Maha Sansthanam Shree Madhupendra Theertha Peetam, the Shree Krishna Pooja Paryaya in Udupi Shree Puthige Paryayotsava 2024-26 is set to dazzle devotees with a unique and spiritually enriching experience. The much-anticipated event, known as the ‘Viswa Gita Paryaya,’ is scheduled to take place from January 8th to January 18th, 2024.
At the helm of this grand celebration is the esteemed Swamiji of Puthige Muth, Shree Shree Sugunendra Theertha. Renowned for his tireless efforts to promote and propagate Hindu Sanatana Dharma both within India and across the globe, Swamiji has earned the revered title of ‘Jagadguru.’ On January 18th, 2024, he is set to attain the ‘Sarvajna Simhansana’ for the fourth time, signaling his commitment to continue serving for an additional two years in the Paryaya tradition. Swamiji extends an open invitation to all devotees to join in this auspicious event.
Notably, Swamiji’s dedication to the promotion of Hinduism transcends geographical boundaries. He was previously invited by the UAE President, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during the foundation ceremony of a temple in Abu Dhabi.
To kickstart the preparations for this grand event, the Organizing Committee of India convened a meeting at the Fortune Atrium Hotel in Al Karama, Dubai, on September 26th, 2023. Praveen Kumar Shetty, Chairman of the Fortune Group of Hotels, was unanimously selected as the President of the UAE Paryaya Committee. The meeting brought together prominent leaders from Udupi, including Raghupathi Bhat, former MLA and Minister in the Government of Karnataka, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, Sharath Hegde, Praveen Kumar Shetty, Puthige Vasudev Bhat of Venus Group of Restaurants, Arun Ganiga, Yathish Shetty, Shodhan Prasad of Sandhya Creations, Sugandhraj Bekal, and Sudhakar Rao Pejavar, President of Brahmanara Samaj Dubai, among others.
Raghupathi Bhat, a key figure in the Paryaya Committee, provided insights into the program’s significance and shared its historical context. His enlightening discourse left all attendees captivated, shedding light on the age-old tradition observed by the Ashta Mutt for many years.
Praveen Kumar Shetty expressed his support for the Paryaya and praised Raghupati Bhat’s commendable efforts. He graciously accepted the role of President of the UAE Samithi, pledging to hold further meetings to garner more devotee participation.
Udupi holds a special place in the hearts of devotees as the abode of Lord Shree Krishna and a coastal city with a rich heritage. The history of Udupi’s Krishna Idol, consecrated by Lord Parushurama and worshipped by Rukmini Devi, dates back to Dwapar Yug. Shree Madhwacharya established the tradition of Paryaya, where eight muths take turns every two years to perform pooja rituals to Lord Krishna.
During the meeting, Raghupati Bhat also shed light on the remarkable work of Shree Shree Sugunendra Theertha Sripadaru, the 31st pontiff in the lineage of Shree Upendra Theertharu. Swamiji’s extensive travels across the country and abroad have led him to advocate for the significance of the ‘Sri Bhagavad Gita’ as a solution to humanity’s problems. His ‘Gita Mandir,’ built during his second Paryaya in 1992, stands as a testament to this belief.
H.H. Swamiji’s contributions to the preservation and awareness of Sanatana Dharma have extended globally, with the establishment of Sri Puthige Muth Krishna Temples in several countries.
Swamiji’s vision for his historic 4th Paryaya is to transform it into the ‘Vishwa Gita Paryaya.’ To achieve this, he has launched the ‘Koti Gita Lekhana Yagna,’ a global project aimed at educating tens of millions of people about the Gita.
Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde, during the meeting, introduced the dignitaries and outlined the grand Paryaya celebrations scheduled to commence on January 8th, 2024. The festivities will include the Purva Pravesha of Sri Sri Sugunendrateertha Swamiji, the Hore Kanike ceremony starting on January 9th, 2024, and the ascension of the ‘Sarvajna Peetha’ by His Holiness Sri Sri Sugunendrateertha Sripadaru on January 18th, 2024. A grand Paryayay Darbar with other pontiffs will follow this historic moment.
The Paryaya celebrations are expected to last for nearly a fortnight, featuring a plethora of cultural programs, music, and dance performances by renowned artists.
In a joint invitation, Raghupathi Bhat and Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde extended their warm welcome to all UAE residents, with special arrangements promised for Non-Resident Keralites (NRKs) to ensure their comfort during the celebrations. The UAE Samithi, led by President Praveen Kumar Shetty, is tasked with coordinating participation details from UAE residents.
