Shri Krishna Leelotsava celebrated in Udupi

Mangalore Today News Network

Udupi, Sep 10, 2012:Shri Krishna Mutt celebrated Shri Krishna Leelotsava, popularly referred to as Mosarukudike and Vittal Pindi, on the second day of Shri Krishna Janmashtami. On this day, milk pots raised high above ground level are broken by human pyramids in commemoration of the childhood games of Lord Krishna. A large number of people assembled on the premises of the temple to view these events.

 

 

 

 

 

The presiding deity of the temple Lord Krishna was adorned with diamond armor. The Leelotsava began with a grand procession, in which the clay idol of Lord Krishna was taken in a golden chariot by Shri Vishvavallabha Teertha Swamiji of Paryaya Shri Sode Vadiraja Mutt around Car Street. Throughout the procession, Mosarukudikes were held, during which enthusiastic youngsters, dressed in colorful costumes, broke pots filled with milk and colored water hanging from tall wooden poles raised around the temple.

The Mahamangalarathi was performed before the image of Lord Krishna by the swamijis of the eight mutts, who took part in this procession, which ended in front of the Shri Krishna Temple. Coconuts, fruits, sweetmeats, and coins were thrown at the huge crowds of devotees by the swamijis are prasadam.

At the end of the procession, the clay idol was immersed in the Madhwa Sarovar adjacent to the temple. The seers and the devotees took a holy dip in the pond on this occasion.

Several cultural and folk events formed the highlight of this religious ceremony. Several troupes of tiger dance artists performed before the delighted crowd. The Sooryodaya Kreeda Mandal troupe of Mumbai presented the Govinda Alare event. Women tiger dance troupes peformed on the Rajangana on this occasion.

The Paryaya Mutt had organized a week-long religious and cultural event in the temple, and the Leelotsava marked the end of these celebrations. The previous week was packed with musical concerts, Yakshaganas, spiritual discourses, and other events.

Owing to the ongoing dispute between the Shiroor Mutt Swamiji and the Sode Mutt Swamiji, two chariots were taken out during the procession. While the Shiroor Mutt Swamiji had taken out the silver chariot, the Sode Mutt Swamiji had taken out the golden chariot. The Shiroor Mutt Swamiji claimed that Lord Krishna had appeared before him in a dream and had asked to be taken out on the silver chariot. When asked if he was unhappy about not receiving an invitation from the Sode Mutt Swamiji, he said that he does not require any invitation and will follow only the orders of Lord Krishna.