Pics: Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB/SP)

Udupi, Jan 15: Spectacular three chariot festival was held with traditional pomp and gaiety on the occasion 'Sapthotsava', at car street of Sri Krishna math here on Sunday January 14.

A large number of devotees witnessed the event. The three chariot festival is traditionally held on the day of 'Makara Sankranti' on which exponent of the Dwaita philosophy, Madhwacharya, had installed a beautiful idol of Lord Krishna here around 800 years ago.

The 'Utsava Murtis' of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana were brought to the Madhwa Sarovara (holy pond) of the Math in a golden palanquin at 7.30 pm on Sunday. They were then placed in a decorated boat in the shape of a chariot, after which the boat went around the pond thrice. The idol of Lord Krishna was then taken out and placed in the main chariot known as 'Brahmaratha', the idol of Lord Mukhyaprana was seated in 'Garudaratha' and the 'Utsava Murtis', of Lord Ananteshwara and Lord Chandramouleshwara were placed in the 'Mahapuja Ratha' in front of the Sri Krishna Temple.

Paryaya Sri Vishweshateertha Swamji of Pejavar Math, Sri Vidyasagarateertha Swamiji of Krishnapur Math, Sri Laxmivarateertha Swamiji of Shirur Math, Admar Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji, junior Swamiji of Pejavar Math, Sri Vishwaprasannateertha Swamiji, Kaniyoor Sri Vidyavallabhateertha Swamiji, Sode Sri Vishwavallabhateertha Swamiji and spiritual head of Matralaya Guru Raghavendra Swami Math, Sri Vibhudendrateertha Swamiji and Sri Vishwabhushana Swamiji of Ramohalli walked in the car street as the chariots followed them.

Hundreds of devotees pulled the three chariots, duly chanting the name of the Lord.

The three chariots took a turn in clockwise direction and came to in front of the Sri Krishna Temple. The gods were placed in the golden palanquin and carried to the Vasanth Mahal for the puja. After the puja, Sri Vishweshateertha Swamiji offered blessed rice to the devotees.

Later, the 'Utsava Murtis' were carried on to the sanctum sanctorum of the temple and the Mangalarati and Chamara seve were performed. Followed by puja, Pejawar Math Swamiji then offered sandal oil, paste and flowers to other seers along with junior Pejawar Math swamij.

On tis occasion, fire crackers were burst and the people celebrated as the crackers created multifarious designs in the sky.