Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Nov 4: 'Laksha Deepotsava' was celebrated with traditional grandeur and gaiety here on Tuesday October 4, during Uthana Dwadasi, Kartika Maasa. A large number of devotees participated in the festivities.

At around 6 pm, Sri Vidya Vallabhateertha Swamiji of Kaniyoor Math and other Swamiji’s participated in the ‘Kshiraabdhisheka’ ritual at the mantap in the middle of the Madhwa Sarovar on the Sri Krishna Temple premises.

The Tepotsava ritual was conducted in a grand manner, beginning with prayers to the idols of Lord Krishna and Lord Mukhyaprana, known as Utsav Murthis, which were carried in a palanquin and placed in a decorated boat. Amidst the chanting of shlokas, the holy boat took a three rounds in the Sarovar. This ritual is known as Tepotsava.

After the puja in the Sarovar, both the idols were kept in the Garuda Ratha (Brahma Ratha) along with Chandramouleshwar Ratha and were taken around the Car Street.

The Car Street was decorated with oil lamps lit in specially constructed wooden rows. Devotees of Lord Krishna thronged the temple to offer their humble yet significant offerings to the lord in the form of a beautiful ghee lamp.

The whole atmosphere was lit up with many diyas (earthen lamps) in the hands of ardent devotees who with immense devotion swayed the lamps around the lotus feet of the lord creating a spectacular festive ambience in the Krishna temple.