Rons Bantwal

Mumbai, May 11: The Gopalakrishna Public Trust, Gokula, Sion, in association with the BSKB Association (BSKBA), celebrated the installation day (Prathishta Dina) of the presiding deity, Sri Gopalakrishna, with utmost devotion and grandeur on Sunday, May 10. The day was marked by special rituals including Kalashabhisheka, Ranga Pooja, Pallakki Utsava, and Vasanthotsava.

Morning rituals and Mahapooja

The religious proceedings commenced early in the morning at the temple auditorium under the leadership of the honorary secretary. Chief priests Vedamurthy Daregudde Srinivas Bhat and Vasudeva Bhat led the initial prayers and the Navaka Pradhana Homa. Following this, Vedamurthy Daregudde Srinivas Bhat, Ganesh Bhat, and a team of priests performed the sacred Kalashabhisheka of the deity in accordance with Vedic traditions.

The deity was then beautifully adorned with flowers (Pushpalankara). The morning session concluded with the chanting of the Vishnu Sahasranama and a grand Mahapooja. Prasadam was distributed to the Seva sponsors and the gathered devotees, followed by Annasantarpane (community feast).

Cultural and musical offerings

As part of the cultural events in the afternoon, the Gokula Bhajana Mandali and regional Bhajana Mandalis offered Harinama Sankirtana Seva. Later, the disciples of Guru Vidushi Chithra Vinod from Natya Vedalaya, Bengaluru, presented 'Nrityarpana', a captivating Bharatanatyam performance at the temple auditorium.

Evening ceremonies and Ashtavadhana Seva

The evening's daily pooja was enhanced by a soulful saxophone performance by renowned artist Harish Poojary and his troupe. The temple premises then witnessed a series of vibrant religious rituals, including Deepotsava, Ranga Pooja, Pallakki Utsava (palanquin procession), Thottilu Pooja, and Vasantha Pooja.

An elaborate Ashtavadhana Seva was conducted under the guidance of Vedamurthy Ganesh Bhat. As part of this special Seva, Ashwini Holla rendered a musical performance, Sahana Bharadwaj presented a Yakshagana act, and Ananya Rao offered a classical dance.

The day-long Vardhanthi Utsava was successfully held under the guidance and leadership of BSKBA president Dr Suresh S Rao.

Honorary secretary A P K Pothi, treasurer Ganesh Bhat, joint secretary Prashanth Herle, former vice-president Vaman Holla, former treasurer Haridas Bhat, Gopalakrishna Public Trust trustee Shailini Rao, executive committee members of both organizations, and hundreds of devotees were present to seek the blessings of the deity.