Sri Krishna Leelotsav held with pomp and gaiety

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

A clay idol of lord Sri Krishna, specially made for the occasion and mounted on a golden chariot was taken out in a colourful procession through the main car street under the guidance of Sri Vidyasagara Thirtha swamiji of Paryaya Krishnapura Mutt.

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

Various cultural troupes, including large number of Tiger dance troupes 'Bhoota kola' danced their way in the procession. The most significant 'Mosarukudike' event was held during the procession where a group of painted barechested mutt employees wearing dry grass dress and holding huge bamboo sticks hanging above the specially erected poles around the car street broke the mud pots filled with coloured water (symbolizing curd, milk and buttermilk) to mark the 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).

Devotees queued up since morning outside the temple to have darshan of the Lord. Elaborate police bandobust had been made to maintain law and order to control the large number of people who came to witness the major annual event.

Several cultural organisations in the city arranged 'Hulivesha Spardhe' (Tiger dance competition) and 'Muddu Krishna'' competition by offering attractive prizes to mark the occasion.

UNI