Mangalore: Aura of Sri Krishna envelops city as Iskcon holds annual 'Ratha Yatra'

Pics: Ramesh Pandith
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangalore (DV)

Mangalore, Feb 2: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (Iskcon) Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Temple held its 10th annual ‘Ratha Yatra’ here on Saturday February 2, in the presence of thousands of devotees from across the country as well as abroad.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony, Sri Vidyadheeshatirtha Swamiji of Palimar Math said, "Krishna is the god of ‘Kaliyuga’, Krishna is still present on the earth. When several people gather and pray to him, he will surely bless us."

"It is also called Sanghe Shakthe Kaliyuga, Krishna is a savior who comes on the call of devotees.  Iskcon has done beautiful work in bringing god from the sanctum sanctorum to Ratha (chariot). Pulling the chariot is nothing but raising the Jeevathma (soul) to Paramathma (god) to attain eternal divinity. So everyone who pulls the chariot, and attends the occasion will be blessed by god," he said.

Former MUDA president Thejomaya lauded the works of Iskcon and said today Iskcon is providing mid-day meals to 25,000 school children in the city.

Dr Asha Rai, president of Asare Charitable Trust said today's youth are attracted to modernization. "Charles Darwin's theory states that man evolved from apes but Indians evolved from great ancestors who lighted the world through knowledge. We Indians believe that human origin is great, so we should utilize our life in the service of god."

Rajiv Lochan Das of Iskcon governing body said the eyes which do not see god, ears which do not hear the chanting of god’s name, the tongue which does not recite the hymns of god, the hands which do not involve in the service of god are merely waste. Today, Iskcon is providing free mid-day meals to 16 lac school children in India, 6 lac in Karnataka and 25,000 in DK district. 

Raghunath Shet, Karunasagar and others were present on the occasion.

Scores of devotees pulled the chariot of Sri Krishna.