Udupi: Devotion, Adventure and Shivamani at Exhilarating Vittal Pindi
Pics: Hemanath Padubidri
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)
Udupi, Aug 23: Under the leadership of Paryaya Shirur Mutt Swamiji, Sri Lakshmivarateertha, this year’s Vittal Pindi celebrations were held in the temple town on Monday August 22 in an environment of celebration and much excitement.
While adventurers scaled heights by making human pyramids to break open the earthen pots hung high above, variety of Veshas, a black panther adept at scaling steep buildings and poles, and skillful performance by international drummer, Shivamani, added spice to the celebrations this time. Rain too stayed away, as a result of which people could thoroughly enjoy the goings on.
A chariot, decorated on the lines of folk art, and in which a clay idol of Lord Krishna was seated, was pulled through the Car Street. People paid obeisance to this form of Lord Krishna. Instead of the customary Laddu and Chakkuli, fruits were distributed to the gathering. Coins, currency notes, and caps were also handed out to the people generously.
Hundreds of Huli Veshas and people in various other costumes, added glitter to the occasion. Shivamani’s performance succeeded in drawing appreciation from the crowd. The nine forms of Goddess Durga (Navadurga), presented by Bannanje Mahila Balaga, backed by musical support, came in for lavish praise.
The magical emergence of Mahishamardini on rope, and sudden appearance of Rakta Beejasura from under the ramp, provided thrilling entertainment. Admar Sri Vishwapriyateertha Swamiji also took part in the procession. The clay idol of the Lord was thereafter immersed in Madhwa Sarovar.
At a function held in the evening, the Paryay Swamiji felicitated Dr Ashok Kumar, well-known Ayurveda physician from Bangalore, scholars, Harish Upadhyaya and Srikant Upadhyaya of Bhargavi Arts and Dance Academy. All of them received three lac rupees each from the Swamiji. The Swamiji also presented a 108 gram gold chain to Shivamani.
Thousands of people took part in the community feast arranged on the occasion. A black panther, enacted by Jyotiraj from Chitradurga, proved that he no less adept in scaling heights, jumping from one spot to another, and reaching atop a high mast lamp in seconds, than the monkeys. Shivamani was supported by various international instrumentalists in his performance.