Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Jun 2: A procession, ‘Shoba Yatre’, as a precursor to the dedication ceremony of the ‘Suvarna Gopura’ was held on Satuday, June 1. Thousands of people witnessed the colourful procession which was held prior to the dedication ceremony of the ‘Suvarna Gopura’ of the sanctum sanctorum of the 800-year-old Sri Krishna Math.
Sri Vishwesha Theertha Swamiji of Pejawar Math inaugurated the programme by lighting the lamp. Sathyatma Theerta Swamiji of Uttaradi Math, Sri Vidhyadeesha Theertha Swamiji, Paryaya Palimar Math, MP Shobha Karandlaje, MLA K Raghupati Bhat, Nadoja Dr G Shankar of G Shankar Family Trust, former president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishad Harikrishna Punaroor, businessmen Purushottam Shetty, Manohar Shetty, proprietor of Sri Sairadha Developers, Yashpal Suvarna, president, Fish Marketing Federation, Buvanendra Kediyoor, owner, Hotel Kediyoor, Mattaru Ratnakar Hegde and others were present.
Pejawar Swamiji addressing the gathering said, “This is a historical moment. God does not want gold or anything, devotion is important for him. God is always ‘santhrupta’ (fulfilled). He has no desire of luxuries. This programme is organised for the welfare of all. Let India also become a ‘Golden Nation'.”
The grand procession began from Jodukatte, passed through Old Taluk Office Road, Court Road, Old Diana Circle, Kavi Muddana Road, Service Bus Stand, City Bus Stand, Kalsank, Rajangana parking space, Vidyodaya School, and culminated at the Car Street.
Kidiyoor Vishnumurthy and Vanadurga Seva Samithi organised the programme.
A special attraction of the procession was Sri Krishna, Arjuna and Bheema of ‘Mahabharat’ serial on Star Plus TV channel. Actors Savi Takoor, Deeraj Rai and Sharath Gore playing the roles took part in the procession in their costumes. There were taken out sitting in a chariot of Geetopadhyaya.
The long procession carried out followed by elephant of Sri Krishna Math composed of several Chande teams, colourful tabloids, religious characters troupe and ‘dolu kunitha’ troupe.