Udupi: Ishapriya Tirtha Swamiji, who was appointed as junior Seer of Admar Mutt by Vishvapriya Tirtha Swamiji of Admar Mutt in 2014, was yesterday declared the next pontiff of Paryaya Peetha of Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt.

The Admar senior Seer declared he would guide his junior in the next Paryaya. Vidyadheesha Tirtha Swamiji of Palimar Mutt is the current Paryaya Seer and the next term, in 2020, is for Admar Mutt Seer.

Vishvapriya Tirtha Swamiji said, “Ishapriya will be given complete responsibility of the Paryaya. I’m 60-years-old and need rest. He has been one of my best disciples. He’s a religious scholar and has also taken up social responsibility. It’s the right time for him to take up this responsibility. I’m sure he’ll work for everyone’s betterment.”

Ishapriya said “The decision came as a surprise for me. Though I tried to convince him to continue, he wouldn’t listen. I take it as a blessing from my guru and will take up the responsibility. I hope to meet his expectation. He’ll guide me and I’ll follow accordingly.”

Paryaya is a religious ritual, taking place every alternate year at Sri Krishna Mutt.

The puja and administration of Krishna Mutt is distributed among Seers of Ashta Mutts established by Dvaita philosopher Madhwacharya.