Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jan 21: Gopalakrishna Public Trust, in association with B S K B Association and Gokula Bhajana Mandali, celebrated the aradhana utsava of saint-composer Sri Purandara Dasa with devotion and fervour on January 18.

After the morning Nitya Puja, the portrait of Sri Purandara Dasa was ceremonially installed at the Theertha Mantapa of Sri Gopalakrishna temple by priest Veda Murthy Ganesh Bhat. In the evening, the portrait was brought in a procession to the auditorium, accompanied by dance performances by Veda Murthy Ganesh Bhat and Chandrashekhar Bhat, who was dressed as Sri Purandara Dasa, along with Bhajana Mandalis rendering devotional songs and dance. The portrait was then installed in a decorated Mantapa alongside the idol of Sri Gopalakrishna.

As part of the cultural programme, Gokula Bhajana Mandali, Harikrishna Bhajana Mandali, Vittala Bhajana Mandali and Skanda Bhajana Mandali rendered bhajans featuring compositions of Sri Purandara Dasa. Chief priest Veda Murthy Daregudde Srinivas Bhat conducted the rituals as per tradition and performed the Maha Mangalarati.

After the night puja at the temple, Theertha, Prasada were distributed to devotees and benefactors who contributed towards the day’s religious observances.