Sri Krishna Leelotsav held with great pomp and gaiety

Udupi, Sept 5 (UNI) 'Sri Krishna Leelotsav', popularly known as 'Vitlapindi' or 'Mosarukudike', as part of Sri Krishna Janmastami was celebrated in this temple town today with great pomp and gaiety.

A colourful car festival was also held at the main car street in the evening under the guidance of Sri Vidyasagara Thirtha Swamiji of Paryaya Krishnapura Mutt in which the clay idol of Lord Sri Krishna, specially made for the occasion was taken on the golden chariot.

Several pontiffs from Asta Mutt (Eight mutts of Udupi) took part in the festival. Before pulling the chariot, 'Mahamangalarathi' was held to the clay idol seated on the chariot by the assembled pontiffs.

Various cultural troupes such as a large number of Tiger dance troupes, "Bhoota kola", folk dance troupes gave added colour to the procession. The most significant event of 'Mosarukudike' was held during the procession where a group of mutt employees with barechest painted in blue wearing dry grass dress and holding huge bamboo sticks broke the mud pots filled with coloured water (Symbolizing curd, milk and buttermilk) hanging above the specially erected poles around the car street to mark Krishna Leelotsav.

After Pulling of chariot, the clay idol of the Lord was immersed in +Madhwa Sarovar+, the main temple tank followed by 'Avabhrit Snan', the holy dip in the tank by the swamijis and large number of devotees.

At the main Sri Krishna temple here, the presiding deity Lord Sri Krishna was specially decorated with Diamond armor (Vajra Kavach alankar).

Long queue was seen since morning outside the temple to have the darshan of the Lord. Elaborate police arrangement had been made to maintain law and order in view of the people coming from far and wide to witness the major annual ceremony.

Several cultural organizations in the city have also arranged 'Hulivesha Spardhe' (Tiger dance competition) and 'Muddu Krishna" competition with attractive prizes.

UNI