Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (EP)

Udupi, Sep 5: The 'Aradhana Mahotsava' meant to pay tributes to and worship Shiroor Sri Lakshmivara Theertha Swamiji, who is no more, was held at the basic Shiroor Math near Hiriadka here on Tuesday September 5.

After pure Punyaha Vachana in the morning, panchamratha abhisheka was held for more than 500 idols except the title deity in Shiroor and Hiriadka Shiroor Math. The idols were anointed with 108 tender coconuts before offering at Swarna river.

Theertha prasada from five Kalasha homa, Pavamana homa, Nachaka pradhana homa and Viraja homa was offered to Vrindavana during pooja. Poojas were also held for Prana, Chikkapatta and Pattabhiramachandra deities. Offerings were held near Vrindavan.

Srinivas Tantri and Vedavyas Bhat of ‘Dwandwa Sodara’ Math were in-charge of the rituals. Women performed Laxmi Shobhane. The devotion on teachers’ day was the specialty. Two plantain saplings at the entrance of Math, two for Vrindavan, flowers and portrait of Swamiji holding a staff covered in saffron cloth and decorations were seen. Meals were offered and saplings were distributed. Subrahmnya Bhat was in-charge of the programme.

The Guru aradhane scheduled for July 31 was postponed after police had taken possession of the Math for investigation after death of Shiroor Swamiji on July 19.

Follower of Shiroor Swamiji, Venkata Swamy had arrived for the programme from Madhya Pradesh.