'Krishna Janmastami' at Udupi

Udupi, Karnataka, Aug 24 (UNI) Sri Krishna Leelotsav, part of Krishna Janmastami, was celebrated with religious fervour and fanfare in this famous temple town.

Large number of devotees and people witnessed the important annual festival at the Lord Krishna Temple here.

The presiding deity, Lord Krishna, was specially decorated with 'Vajrakavacham' (diamond armour). Long queues were seen at the temple since morning for darshan of the Lord.

Several foreigners, including those from International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) also participated.

Mass feeding was for about 50,000 people was jointly organized by the Mutt and Udupi Yuva Bramhana Parishat.

As a special feature this year, a 180-member troupe from Maharashtra took part in the 'Sri Krishna Alaare' or breaking the pot at a height of 25 feet by forming a human pyramid. In the morning 'Muddukrishna' (Child Krishna) competition for children was held.

A specially made clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken out in a colourful procession on a golden chariot. Several pontiffs from Asta Mutt (eight mutt) participated.

Later, the clay idol was immersed in ''Madhwa Sarovar,'' the main pond in front of the temple followed by holy dip taken by Swamijis and devotees.

Meanwhile, the nine-day 'Navotsav' came to and end with the main 'Leelotsav' today.

Karnataka Home Minister V S Acharya announced Rs 25 lakh towards the construction of Mass Dining Hall at the temple. Elaborate security arrangements was made around the temple to maintain law and order.

UNI MA GM RP AS1602