Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Sep 5: Devotion, tradition and festive fervour filled the Mumbai branch of Sri Pejawara Mutt in Santacruz East as it hosted its ninth annual Krishna Janmashtami Leelotsava-Vitla Pindi celebrations in traditional Udupi style on Saturday, featuring religious rituals, a vibrant procession, children’s festivities and a cultural programme.

The celebrations were organised by Poornaprajna Vidyapeetha Pratishtana, Mumbai, and the Mumbai branch of Sri Pejawara Mutt under the blessings and guidance of Udupi Sri Pejawara Mutt pontiff Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji.

Jagadguru Sri Madhwacharya Moola Maha Samsthanam, Udupi Sri Puthige Mutt, pontiff Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji inaugurated the celebrations by lighting the traditional lamp and delivered a special message on the significance of Lord Krishna’s incarnation.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji said remembering Lord Krishna’s incarnation was the central purpose of Janmashtami and urged devotees to follow his teachings in their daily lives.

“God incarnated as Sri Krishna for the salvation of all of us. An incarnation means that the Lord himself descends from above, takes human form and lives among us to uplift us. This is a manifestation of his immense compassion,” he said.

“By giving humanity an eternal message, the Lord incarnated as Sri Krishna and awakened us. Remembering, worshipping and following the Lord who incarnated for our salvation should be our true duty. Remembering God inspired by the incarnation of Sri Krishna is not merely a ritual; it should become an integral part of our lives. Therefore, we should all celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami with devotion,” he added.

A Krishna message programme was later held at the Sri Vishwesha Theertha Auditorium in Madhwa Bhavan. Dr Suresh S Rao Kateel, president of Poornaprajna Vidyapeetha Pratishtana; Avinash S Shastri, working president; Sarvajna Udupa, honorary treasurer; CA Sudheer R L Shetty; Dr Vijayakumar Shetty Tonse; Pejawara Mutt Mumbai branch chief administrator Vidwan Dr Ramadas Upadhyaya Renjala; and Vidwan Srihari Bhat Puthige were present on the dais and felicitated Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji on the auspicious occasion of his Mumbai Chaturmasya.

The annual celebrations began on Friday night at the stone temple of Pejawara Mutt, where arghya pradhana, Mahapuja, Maha Mangalarati and prasadam distribution were conducted for Lord Krishna. Vidwan Dr Ramadas Upadhyaya Renjala formally commenced the annual rituals in accordance with the Dharmashastras.

The celebrations concluded with the night Mahapuja, followed by distribution of prasadam. Vidwan Dr Ramadas Upadhyaya Renjala welcomed the gathering and conducted the programme, while Hari Bhat proposed the vote of thanks, bringing the annual celebrations to a close.