Udupi: Grand Shrikrishna Leevothsava celebrated in devotion

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 23 August 2011: Grand Shri Krishna Leevothsava celebrated with devotion in Udupi on Monday evening. With this celebration the Krishna Janmastami of Shri Krishna Mutt is concluded in a splendour manner. Since it is the paryaya tenure of Shiruru Shree, as per the expectations of the people, the Krishna Leelothsava was included with so many distinctive celebrations. At one side world famous drummer Shivamani performed a concert on the occasion of music lover Shrikrishna’s birthday, on the other side Shiruru Shree distributed rupees 25 lakhs to tiger and other costume dancers, which is a record amount in Shri Krishna Mutt history.

 

The most special occasion was that, during the Krishnaleelothsava, instead of the usual procession of the clay statue of Shri Krishna on the huge chariot, Shiruru Shri conducted the utsava placing the clay statue of Shri Krishna on the base of the chariot (without the tower) in Ratha Beedi.

 

During the Rathothsava procession on the way Shiruru Shree threw money, chakkuli, laddus, coconut, fruits and this time special thousands of the red colour caps with ‘Shrikrishna’ written on it. The devotees were catching them as Krishna Prasada in competition. Sometimes Shree was pretending to be throwing and haunting the devotees and having fun. Seeing all these activities Adamaru Mutt Shree Vishwapriya Theertha was enjoying it. All these was bringing more brightness into the Krishnaleelothsava.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Along with these, as every year the pots filled with curd, coloured okuli, kajjaya etc. Were tied and cow costumers jumping and breaking those pots, tiger costumers dancing to the beats of the drums, children and elders wearing the costumes were all entertaining the devotees who were gathered on this occasion.

 

Elephants of Krishna Mutt, Musical bands, Nasik band, Mutt musicians, Mutt Scholars – Dignitaries, Udupi MLA K. Raghupathi Bhat, Drummer Shivamani and along with him Bangalore Arun and others had participated. This time the rain had completely cooperated, though there was bright sunlight often passing clouds were providing the shade from the heat of sun, so the people had gathered in huge numbers. Overall it was an pleasing atmosphere, thus Shiruru Shree’s Krishnaleele Utsava was entertaining.

 

After the Leelothsava which took place for about one and half hour, as per traditions the clay statue is taken into the Mutt in golden seden and puja was performed. Later it was dissolved into Madhva lake. Even at this time the devotees were having fun with Shiruru Shree who was splashing the water. With this the Krishna Janmastami and Krishna Leelothsava was concluded as prescribed in the Vedas.