Udupi: Anxious moments of Krishna Devotion in Paryayotsava

By Snehalatha, Udupi
Bellevision Media Network

Udupi, 18 January 2012: As the sun is set in the western Arabian Sea, here Udupi lit itself to transform the night into day, every streets filled with joy, Krishna’s Rathabeedi filled with the music of trumpets and the devotion of Krishna was overflowing. This is the Paryaya Mahotsava of Sode Mutt and from now onwards for 2 years the power of worshiping of Krishna and conducting the administration of Krishna Mutt will belong to Shri Vishwavallabha Theertha of Sode Mutt.

 

 

Though there are issues within the Asta Mutt that Sodhe Mutt Seer has not invited Puttige Mutt seer to the Paryayotsava, the devotees outside have involved themselves into this Utsav so much as if nothing such has happened. For them the devotion towards Krishna and the happiness in taking active participation in the Paryayotsava has been more important.

 

As the evening was getting closer, the people started flowing into Krishna’s Rathabeedi through the four streets. The Asta Mutts were lit brightly. All the four streets which meet the Rathabeedi were decorated and with the garlands of electric lights the whole atmosphere was converted into a new world. There were no differences of the cast or creed among the people; it was just the devotion of Krishna.

 

Ordinary people, Scholars, Vaidiks, Devotees of Asta Mutt, Supporters of Mutt Seers, Pilgrims from outer districts, Foreign tourists, also various kind of street vendors who are anxious to make some money were all there and it was sea of people everywhere.

 

In the evening at 7.00 pm the Rathothsava was conducted in Rathabeedi. In one way it was special as it is the last Rathotsava being conducted by Shiroor Mutt’s Laxmivara Theertha and in another way it was also special because in the history of Udupi it was the first time pulling 8 Raths together. The presence of Asta Mutt Seers had graced this special occasion.

 

After this, at 8.00 pm special felicitation was conducted to Shiroor Mutt Shri Laxmivara Theertha who shall be decending the Parayaya Peeta. Chief Minister D.V. Sadananda Gowda himself conducted this felicitation program.

 

Later at 11.00 pm attractive fireworks were conducted in the field outside Rathabeedi. In the history of Paryayothsava the fireworks of this scale was for the first time. The Asta Mutt Seers were present to witness this program.

 

On this occasion the Police Band specially brought in for the occasion from Mysore Palace and other cultural teams conducted various cultural programs to entertain the huge crowd present in the Rathabeedi until early morning.