Temple town gears up for Krishna Janmashtami

All the preparations have been made for Krishna Janmashtami in the temple town of Udupi on September 2 and 3. The famed Vitla pindi will be held on Monday.

The Sri Krishna Mutt/Temple is the centre of attraction during Janmashtami and Vitla pindi.

The temple is decorated with flowers for both these festivals. Thousands of devotees are expected to take part in the festivities.

A major attraction of the festival is the ‘Muddu Krishna’ competition, which will be
held on the first floor of Bhojana Shale from 10 am on Sunday.

On Sri Krishna Janmashtami, a special puja will be offered at Sri Krishna temple. Lakh Tulsi archana will be offered to the deity, thrice.

Vidyadheesha Thirtha Swami of Paryaya Palimar Mutt will be part in the ritual of ‘Arghya Pradhana’ to the presiding deity at 11.48 pm on Sunday.

The major attraction of Janmashtami at Udupi is the Vitla Pindi.

During Vitla pindi, the clay idol of Krishna is taken out in a procession in the golden chariot around the Car Street. After the procession, the idol will be immersed in the Madhwa Sarovara at the temple.

Twelve wooden ‘gopuras’ have already been erected at different places on the Car Street. Earthen pots containing milk and milk products are hung from these wooden ‘gopuras.’ People dressed in folk costumes break these pots using the sticks from below. The ritual is called ‘mosaru kudike.’

Arrangements have been made to feed 20,000 people. Prasadam will be distributed to children under Chinnara Santharpane Schools of the temple and the public.

Huli vesha is synonymous with Sri Krishna Janmashtami in Udupi. Even this year, several teams are getting ready for Hulivesha. Even a few women’s teams are taking part in Hulivesha.

Around 1 lakh chakkulis are prepared at the Sri Krishna Mutt to be distributed among the devotees and schools that are part of Chinnara Santharapane on the day of Vitla pindi.

Nine varieties of laddus including Gundittu laddu, Aralunde, Nelakadale unde, Hesarittu unde, Godambi unde, Rava unde among others are prepared. Around 40,000 Nelagadale and “Gundittu unde’ are prepared to be distributed among the schools, said sources in Mutt.