Udupi, Dec 19 (DHNS) : Paryaya Putthige math seer Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada will dedicate a ‘Navaratna ratha’ to Lord Krishna in Udupi on December 24. 

 
Speaking to the media persons here on Saturday, the seer informed that the ratha’ (chariot) is the first of its kind in the country built of gem stones laid on intricately carved gold. It has been built using 12 kg gold, 18 kg silver and 500 kg bronze besides 1.25 kg precious gem stones and the cost of construction was approximately Rs 7 crore.

The main architect behind the marvellous craftsmanship is Madurai Tangadorai. A team of 150 members have worked to design the splendid artistic venture, he added.

The ratha will be engraved with the statue of Lord ‘Vittala’ that was given away by Seer Madhwacharya to Upendratheertha.

The seer said that the ratha will be inaugurated by Energy Minister Eshwarappa. Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade will preside.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will attend the ‘Prathamotsava’ of the ratha on December 25. He will offer the first service to the Lord on the occasion. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Sadananda Gowda will be present.