Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Jan 15: Thousands of devotees witnessed ‘Sapthotsava’ that was held with traditional pomp and fervour on Makaraa Sankranti at Sri Krishna Math here on Wednesday Januray 14.

Makara Sankranti is celebrated in different ways in different parts of India. Makara Sankranti is celebrated to mark the transition of the Sun into Makara rashi (Capricorn) on its celestial path. Makara Sankrati is also regarded as the ’holy phase of transition’ and is believed to mark the end of an inauspicious phase which according to the Hindu calendar begins around mid-December.

The festival began on January 9 with the three-chariot festival held on Makara Sankranti. According to history, Dwaita philosopher Acharya Madhwa established an idol of Lord Krishna nearly 800 years ago, to commemorate which the 'Sapthotsava" is held.

The festive idols were brought to the Madhwa Sarovara in a golden palanquin at around 7.30 pm. The idols were placed into a decorated boat and taken thrice around the sacred pond. The idol of Lord Krishna was placed in the "Brahmaratha", the idol of Lord Mukhyaprana in the "Garuduratha" and the "utsava murtis" of Lord Anantheshwara and Lord Chandramouleshwara were placed in the "Mahapuja Ratha" in front of the Sri Krishna Temple.
Thousands of devotees pulled the chariots around the Car Street while chanting mantras. The idols were then carried to Vasanth Mahal for the puja. It is believed that those who get a darshan of the Lords in the rathas get rid of their sins.

The three-chariot festival was conducted under the guidance of Sri Vidyavallabhatheertha Swamiji of Paryaya Kaniyur Math. Paryaya Swamiji offered sandal oil, paste and flowers to the other swamijis.

Vidyavallabhatheertha Swamiji and Swamijis of other Maths took part in the celebrations.

Vibrant fireworks at the end added special flavour to the celebration.