Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NR)
Udupi Jan 12: An auspicious offering of 'Navarathna Vajra Kavacha' - a diamond studded armour was made to Lord Mukhyaprana (Hanuman) of Krishna Math, by the Krishnapura Math. This precious armour was dedicated to Lord Mukhyaprana at the temple under the guidance of Vidyasagarateertha Swamiji of Paryaya Krishnapur Math here in a simple religious ceremony organized on Friday January 11. The 'Kavacha' offering was done at around 8 am.
The "Vajra Kavacha" studded with navaratna diamonds costing more than Rs 3 crore was first brought to the temple in a spectacular procession - 'Shobha Yatra' from Jodu Katte on January 10, 2008. Huge masses of devotees participated in the procession which began around 5 pm.
The grand procession was accompanied by various tableaux, Chande Vadana, Gombe Kunitha, Kilu Kudre etc. Hordes of gawking people thronged on both sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the 'Kavacha', as the procession winded its way past taluk office road, Diana circle, and Hanuman circle before finally concluding at the temple premises.
Krishnapur Math swamiji Vidyasgarateertha was the person who conceived this 'Kavacha.' It has been made of 5,287 navaratna diamonds (404.91 carat) and 2,664 gems (347.96 carat) and other precious stones such as ruby, blue sapphire, emerald, yellow sapphire, emerald, yellow sapphire. The armour has been sculpted and designed by a goldsmith called Giriraj Charan of Hyderabad.
Swamiji of the "Ashta Maths", including Vidyasagarateertha swamiji, were present on the occasion.