Udupi, (DHNS): Lines from the 'Dwadasha Sthotra' and the 'Mangalaashtaka' rent the air as Palimaru seer Vidyadheesha Theertha Swami ascended the sacred 'Paryaya Sarvajna Peeta' for the second time at the auspicious hour in the wee hours of Thursday.

The 61-year-old seer took over the temple keys and reins of administration from the outgoing pontiff, Pejawar Mutt seer Vishwesha Teertha Swami, for the next two years.

The incoming seer arrived at the entrance of the temple in a magnificent procession along with the seers of the eight Mutts,except the outgoing seer and Puttige seer Sugunendra Teertha Swami.

The incoming seer had a glimpse of the presiding deity Krishna through the 'Navagraha Kindi' outside the temple and prayed for the success of his two-year term. He later visited the Anantheshwara and Chandramouleeshwara temples before entering the Krishna Mutt. He was received by Vishwesha Theertha Swami at the Mutt entrance.

The 'Akshaya Patra' or the perennial bowl and spoon were also handed over to the incoming seer. Vishwesha Theertha then offered the sacred seat, 'Paryaya Peetha,' to Vidyadheesha Theertha.

All the seers then proceeded to Badagumalige where they assembled for the formal durbar ceremony.

In his speech, the new Paryaya seer said he was immensely blessed to take over from veteran pontiff Vishwesha Theertha. He said it was an incredible feat by the Pejawar seer to have performed five Paryayas.

Vishwesha Theertha lamented that people these days were dissociating themselves from God. He said he would accept the title 'Yatikulachatrapati,' due to the affection showered on him by fellow seers and devotees. He said the practice of meditation and detachment from world pleasures were the need of the hour.

Magsaysay award-winning water scientist Rajendra Singh and High Court judge Justice E S Dinesh Kumar were felicitated on the occasion.