Udupi: Annual Saptotsav of Sri Krishna Math Concludes : Devotion and Celebrations Abound

Report and pics by Hemanat Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 14: On the occasion of ‘Makara Sankramana’ every year, Sri Krishna Math wears a festive look. On this occasion, car festival of the Math is held.  The seven day celebrations, named 'Saptotsava' conclude on the next day of the car festival. 'Choornotsava' and 'Avabhrutotsava' are held the next day.

On the night of Tuesday January 13, three towering chariots in which the 'Utsav Moortis' of Lord Sri Krishna, Anantheshwara and Chandramouleeshwara were seated were pulled by the devotees at around 8 pm.  Lord Anantheshwara was seated on the 'Mahapooja' chariot, Lord Chandramouleeshwara on the 'Garuda' chariot while Lord Krishna was taken around in the 'Brahma' chariot. The festival was held under the guidance of the current Paryana Swamiji Sri Sugunendrateerta of Puttige Math.

'Makara Sankranti' as per the Hindu customs, is the beginning of the auspicious period of 'Uttarayana', the day on which the sun begins his northward movement. The occasion is considered to be special and holy and devotees throng the temples to offer pujas to the Lord. In Tamilnadu, the occasion is known as 'Pongal'.  While 'Makara Vilakku' at Shabarimala is being observed today, this year the car festival of Udupi was held a day earlier, based on astrological calculations.  The 'Saptotsava' in Udupi is being performed in memory of the consecration of the idol of Lord Sri Krishna here by Madhwacharya. An attractive show of crackers was held after the chariots were pulled.

On Wednesday morning, Chornotsava was celebrated. Pejawar Math Swamiji Vishweshateerta, Shirur Math Swamiji Lalxmivarateerta, Bheemanakatte Swamiji Raghumanyateerta and the Paryaya Swamiji Sugunendrateerta offered Puja to Lord Krishna seated on the Brahma Rath. The Swamijis then proceeded to Madhwa Sarovar for the Avabrhuthotsav.

Thousands of people gathered to have a glimpse of the glittering chariots that majestically moved about the car street and also to pay obeisance to the deities by circumambulating the chariots. They also visited temples on Wednesday and took part enthusiastically in the Choornotsava and Ababhrutotsava and had Darshan of the deities.  In spite of the tightened security measures put in place at Sri Krishna Math following terrorist threats, there was no let up in the enthusiasm of the people who came from the local town as well as near and far away places from within and outside the district.

A grand community feast has also been arranged today at Udupi Sri Krishna Math on the conclusion of Saptotsava.