Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, Jan 22: With the blessings and guidance of Pejawar Sri Vishwaprasanna Theertha Swamiji, head of Udupi Sri Pejawar Adhokshaja Math, the 458th aradhana utsava of saint-composer Sri Purandara Dasa was observed on Thursday at the Pejawar Math, Prabhat Colony, Santacruz East, Mumbai. The programme was organised by Madhvesha Bhajana Mandali, Santacruz, an affiliate of the Pejawar Math, marking the auspicious occasion with a collective Vishnu Sahasranama recitation.

The observances began with traditional daily rituals performed as per scriptures in the stone temple at the Pejawar Math in the presence of Lord Krishna. The portrait of Sri Purandara Dasa was then taken in a procession and installed in a decorated mantapa at the Sri Vishwesha Theertha auditorium of Madhva Bhavan (Pejawar Math). Vidwan Dr Ramadas Upadhyaya Renjala, chief administrator of the Mumbai branch of the Pejawar Math, performed the aradhana puja of Sri Purandara Dasa and blessed the devotees.

A special bhajana was organised under the aegis of Madhvesha Bhajana Mandali, Santacruz, with several bhajana mandalis from the greater Mumbai region rendering devotional songs. Devotees also participated in the collective recitation of Vishnu Sahasranama. Parel Srinivasa Bhat rendered keertanas of Sri Purandara Dasa.

As part of the programme, a bhajana competition was conducted. In the group category, Dhanukarwadi Kannada Sangha won the first prize, while GSB Bhajana Mandali, Virar, and Sri Vitthala Bhajana Mandali, Virar Road, jointly secured the second prize. Goregaon Karnataka Sangha won the third prize, and Guru Raghavendra Bhajana Mandali, Adamaru Math, received a consolation prize.

In the solo bhajana category, Ashwini Holla of Hare Krishna Bhajana Mandali won the first prize, followed by Saguna Bhat of GSB Bhajana Mandali, Virar, who secured the second prize, and Latha Rao of Sri Vitthala Bhajana Mandali, Virar Road, who won the third prize.

On the occasion, Adani Group senior official Chandrashekhar Rao, entrepreneur Rajagopal Bhat, Parel Srinivasa Bhat, and gurus of Madhvesha Bhajana Mandali, including Chandrika Bhat, were present. The competition was judged by Vidushi Jyothi Bhat and Vidushi Niranjana Arun, who also distributed prizes and mementos to the winners.

Avinash Shastri, trustee of Sri Poornaprajna Vidyapeetha Pratishthana of the Pejawar Math, Vidwan Hari Bhat Puttige, Niranjan Gogte, manager of the Math, along with priests and archakas, participated in the rituals and religious programmes, including the Vishnu Sahasranama recitation.

Shyamala A Shastri welcomed the gathering, compered the programme and proposed the vote of thanks.