Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Jan 15: On account of Makara Sankranthi festival, car festival with all the three chariots of Sri Krishna Math was celebrated at Car Street of the Math here on the evening of Thursday January 14. Heads of six Maths witnessed the festivities.

As per the Madhwa traditions, it is customary to pull Brahma Ratha, Garudha Ratha and Mahapuja Ratha on the sixth night of Saptotsava in the presence of the spiritual heads of the eight Maths here.

In the presence of challenges posed by COVID19 pandemic, the car festival went on without any obstacles. Thousands of devotees who had congregated here to witness the occasion, went through a sense of devotional fulfilment. Playing of the conch by a team from Odisha, and Nagari from Ramanagara were the added attractions presented at the festival.

Theppotsava, in which the Utsava idols of Lord Krishna, Mukhyprana and Lord Anantheshwara are taken around the Madhwa Sarovara pond of the Math in a raft to the accompaniment of chanting of Vedic hymns, was held. Thereafter, the idols of Lord Anantheshwara and Chandramouleeshwara were seated in Mahapuja chariot where puja was offered. Even as the heads of the eight Maths moved ahead, the chariots were pulled around the Car Street once.

As per the tradition, after the three idols are placed in the chariot, Lord Garuda flies around the chariot thrice after which the chariots are pulled, it is believed. After the festivities, Paryaya Swamiji presents blessed rice to the devotees.

Paryaya Admar Math head Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji, Paryaya Sri Ishapriyateertha Swamiji, Krishnapur Sri Vidyasagarateertha Swamiji, Palimaru Sri Vidyadheeshateertha Swamiji, Pejawar Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji, Kaniyoor Sri Vidyavallabhateertha Swamiji, Sode Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji and Palimaru junior Swamiji Sri Vidyarajeshwarateertha Swamiji, participated.