Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Udupi Prepares for Sacred Paryaya Ceremony
The Paryaya is a special event that happens every two years in Udupi, India.
It's a big celebration where a new leader, called a seer, takes charge of the Udupi Sri Krishna Math.
This year, a very young seer, just 20 years old, will be in charge.
The event includes lots of traditions, like processions and feeding people.
The new seer wants to focus on teaching the Vedas and getting the community involved in the Math's activities.
People from all over come to watch and participate in the celebrations.
The Paryaya ceremony marks the transfer of administration of the Udupi Sri Krishna Math among the eight Ashta Mathas every two years.
Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji, aged 20, will ascend the Sarvajna Peetha for the first time on January 18.
The ceremony includes a grand procession with cultural performances and the symbolic transfer of responsibilities.
The incoming seer has chosen to focus on promoting the Vedas and encouraging community involvement in the Math's activities.
Preparations for the Paryaya begin a year in advance, with various rituals and community activities.
- Who
- Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji, the youngest seer of the Udupi Ashta Mathas
- What
- The Paryaya ceremony, a ceremonial transfer of administration of the Udupi Sri Krishna Math among the Ashta Mathas
- When
- January 18
- Where
- Udupi Sri Krishna Math, Karnataka
- Why
- To continue the centuries-old tradition of rotating administration and to promote Vedas and community involvement
- Event
- Paryaya
- Location
- Udupi Sri Krishna Math, Karnataka
- Frequency
- Every two years
- Date
- January 18
- Incoming Seer
- Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji
- Age of Incoming Seer
- 20 years
- Math
- Sri Shirooru Math
- Theme
- Shiruru Paryaya, Namma Paryaya