Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (JD)

Udupi, Jan 14: Celebrations marked the beautiful three chariot festival at the Udupi Sri Krishna Math on the occasion of "Saptosava" on Tuesday Jan 14.

A large number of devotees witnessed the event. The three chariot festival is traditionally held on the day of 'Makara Sankranti' on which exponent of the Dwaita philosophy, Madhwacharya, had installed a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna here around 800 years ago.

The 'Utsava Murtis' of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana were brought to the Madhwa Sarovara (holy pond) of the Math in a golden palanquin at 7.30 pm on Sunday. They were then placed in a decorated boat in the shape of a chariot, after which the boat went around the pond thrice. The idol of Lord Krishna was then taken out and placed in the main chariot known as 'Brahmaratha', the idol of Lord Mukhyaprana was seated in 'Garudaratha' and the 'Utsava Murtis', of Lord Ananteshwara and Lord Chandramouleshwara were placed in the 'Mahapuja Ratha' in front of the Sri Krishna Temple.

Paryaya Sri Puttige Math seer Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji took the lead for the celebrations.

Hundreds of devotees pulled the three chariots amidst the drizzling rains.

As a special attraction John Mullahy, member, Legislative Assembly, Economy and Infrastructure Committee of Victorian State Government participated in the Saptosava celebrations on special invitation of Paryaya Puttige seer. A large number of devotees from abroad also participated in the festivities.

The Churnotsava or Hagalutosava will be held on January 15 morning.