Udupi gears up for 'Paryaya Mahotsava' as Shiroor Matha takes over Sri Krishna Temple
Udupi (Karnataka) (PTI): The coastal temple town of Udupi will witness the biennial 'Paryaya Mahotsava' in the early hours of January 18, marking the ceremonial transfer of ritual and administrative control of the Sri Krishna Temple to Shiroor Matha.
Sri Vedavardhana Tirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Matha will assume charge as the pontiff-administrator of the temple for the 2026-28 term, authorities said.
Several religious heads and prominent leaders, including Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, are expected to attend.
Over two lakh devotees are expected, with annadana arranged for about 40,000 people on the night of January 17 and 50,000 the following day.
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The 'Paryaya' system is a rotational arrangement under which the temple is managed by the eight Ashta Mathas—Pejavara, Puttige, Adamaru, Krishnapura, Shiroor, Sodhe, Kaniyoor and Palimaru—each taking charge for two years.
The system was instituted by 13th-century philosopher-saint Sri Madhwacharya, founder of the Dvaita school of philosophy.
The 'mahotsava' will begin with the incoming pontiff taking a ritual holy dip at Dandatirtha near Kapu at 1.15 am, followed by a grand procession from Jodukatte at 2 am.
The procession, marked by chanting, traditional music and folk performances, will pass through Car Street before dawn.
Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna said elaborate arrangements have been made for the smooth conduct of the event.
The 'Paryaya Mahotsava' symbolises the continuity of Madhwacharya’s model of collective religious governance, which has shaped Udupi as a major centre of Vaishnavite worship, learning and community life for over centuries.
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Udupi: Woman, bank employee arrested in property tax fraud case
Udupi: Udupi City Police have arrested two persons, including a woman, in connection with the alleged misappropriation of property tax funds belonging to the Udupi Municipal Council.
The accused have been identified as Shalini, who was working as a tax consultant outside the municipal office, and Ganesh, a bank employee.
According to police, Anand Suvarna had paid Rs 34,730 towards 12 years of property tax for his building in Kalmadi to Shalini on October 16, 2025. She reportedly issued him a receipt acknowledging the payment.
However, when Suvarna recently checked the status of the payment on the property tax portal, he found that the amount had not been credited and was still shown as pending. He then brought the matter to the notice of the Municipal Commissioner, who verified that the payment had not been recorded.
During questioning, Shalini allegedly admitted to the lapse. On February 16, 2026, she generated a new challan in Suvarna’s name and paid Rs 35,213 towards the dues.
Police said a case has been registered at the Udupi City Police Station against the accused for allegedly misappropriating tax money and defrauding the government by affixing the seal of Union Bank on the challan without remitting the amount initially received from the taxpayer.
Further investigation is under way.
