Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Aug 24: Palimaru Paryaya Math Swamiji, Sri Vidyadheesha Theertha Swamiji, offered libation (Arghya) to Lord Krishna at Srikrishna Math here on the occasion of Srikrishna Janmashtami, accompanied by other Swamijis of the Math after midnight on Friday, August 23.

Offering of libation to Lord Krishna has its own significance. The ritual was performed at around 12.12 am. Thereafter, the devotees were also allowed to offer Arghya to the Lord with devotion.

Devotees observed fast the entire day on Friday till they offered libation to the Lord to celebrate the appearance of Lord Srikrishna on the earth to annihilate demons. At midnight, as the moon rose in the sky, the Swamiji took a dip in the Math pond, performed special puja and offered libation to the Lord at the appointed time as per Hindu calendar. Once the libation was offered, the fast was broken by the Swamijis and the devotees alike. Janmashtami offered 'Arghya' and when the moon rises in the midnight, the Swamijis take a dip and offer special puja and Arghya to Sri Krishna and ended their fast.

Varieties of sweets as is customary, which were prepared in the morning with pure devotion, were offered to the Lord during this puja.

After the special puja in the morning the next day, a large number of invited guests are offered sumptuously food (dwadasi). At noon a special Utsava takes place.

On the second day, Vittla Pindi to denote divine sport indulged in by the Lord, also known as Srikrishna Leelotsava or Mosaru Kudike celebrations will be held, and a large number of devotees take part in this programme.

On Saturday afternoon, there will be a mega Anna Santharpane (mass feeding) for devotees from 10 am to 3 pm. Variety of cultural programmes will also be presented on this occasion.