Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Sep 6: The Temple Town is alive with celebration. Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna, was celebrated with religious fervour and pomp with Vittal Pindi and Mosaru Kudike on Sunday September 6.
On this auspicious day, the clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken in a procession in a golden chariot and was immersed in the holy pond ‘Madhwa Sarovara’ near the temple.
As per the tradition, the grand Mosaru Kudike Utsava was performed by Golla community to mark the second day of Sri Krishna Janmashtami. The Golla community has the special privilege to perform Mosaru Kudike.
Earthen pots with artistic design are used for Mosaru Kudike. The pots are then filled with curds and men dressed as 'Yadavas' at the procession try to break the pots using bamboo stick. This beautiful game is performed at the temple premises.
On this occasion, thousands of devotees lined up in long queues to have a glimpse of Lord Krishna.
A Maha Annasantarpana was held both in the Rajangana and dining hall of the temple since morning. Before the Annasantharpana, Swamiji offered variety of sweets ‘Aas naivedya’ to the deity.
During this festive season, Huli Vesha was a great attraction for the devotees. Many of the tiger dance groups entertained the people by their vigorous dancing. Each group would consist of minimum eight to nine members along with background music. People dressed as Hanumaan, Rama, Ravana, Poothani and funnily dressed up characters entertained the gathering.
During this year of festival, a twelve member group of tigress dance from Kadbettu was the major attraction of Ashtami.
Vidyavallabha Swamiji distributed the prasadam for all the devotees instead of throwing chakkulis.
On Saturday morning, the routine Shodasha Upachara was performed by the Kaniyoor Swamiji. The Kishna idol was beautified as Bala Gopala (Infant Krishna) for symbolically inviting him to Ashtami feast. The Swamiji and devotees fasted till the midnight. Bhajanas were recited by various troupes during this time.
The important ritual Arghya Pradana was offered by Kaniyoor Paryaya Swamiji. 'Sri Krishna Arghya', the offering of water to the clay idol of Lord Krishna and milk to the moon through the conch to mark the birth of Lord Krishna were performed after the Mahapooja by Sri Vidya Vallabha Srpipads. . The ashta math Swamijis and the Paryaya pontiffs participated in the 'Arghya' offering.
Nearly 600 kids in Bala Krishna costumes participated in the 'Muddu Krishna' contest held in the presence of Sri Vidyavallabha Swamiji.