Udupi Celebrates ‘Choornotsava’ with Grandeur at Shri Krishna Math
By : DC Correspondent
Update: 2025-01-16 07:51 GMT
Udupi: The temple town of Udupi was filled with devotion and festive energy as thousands of devotees gathered to celebrate ‘Suvarnotsava’ or ‘Choornotsava,’ the annual daytime Brahmarathotsava at the historic Shri Krishna Math.
The event marked the culmination of the Saptotsava festival and was held in the Rathabeedi (car street) of Udupi, drawing devotees from across regions. This sacred tradition, tracing its origins to the 13th century during the time of philosopher Shri Madhvacharya, commemorates his consecration of Lord Krishna's idol in Udupi. Choornotsava, observed the day after Makara Sankranti, serves as a daytime counterpart to the nighttime celebrations of the earlier days.
This year, the grand Rathotsava was led by Shri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji and Shri Sushreendra Teertha Swamiji of the Paryaya Puthige Math. Amidst chants and hymns, the idols of Shri Krishna and Shri Mukhyaprana (Hanuman) were ceremoniously placed in a golden palanquin and carried to the Brahmaratha.
As the ornately decorated chariot rolled through the streets, devotees showered flowers, fruits, and coins as prasada, filling Rathabeedi with a sense of joy and devotion. The vibrant scene of worshippers catching the offerings underscored the spiritual fervor and unity of the occasion.
The celebrations continued at the Vasanta Mantapa within Shri Krishna Math, where special poojas were conducted. The event concluded with the Avabhruta Snana (holy bath) at the sacred Madhwa Sarovara, a ritual symbolizing purification.
In the afternoon, the Krishna Math hosted a grand annaprasada, where thousands of devotees were served a traditional meal following a unique ritual called Palla Pooja, offering prayers to a heap of rice. The communal meal added to the sense of togetherness and gratitude, rounding off the Choornotsava festivities on a harmonious note.
The event marked the culmination of the Saptotsava festival and was held in the Rathabeedi (car street) of Udupi, drawing devotees from across regions. This sacred tradition, tracing its origins to the 13th century during the time of philosopher Shri Madhvacharya, commemorates his consecration of Lord Krishna's idol in Udupi. Choornotsava, observed the day after Makara Sankranti, serves as a daytime counterpart to the nighttime celebrations of the earlier days.
This year, the grand Rathotsava was led by Shri Sugunendra Teertha Swamiji and Shri Sushreendra Teertha Swamiji of the Paryaya Puthige Math. Amidst chants and hymns, the idols of Shri Krishna and Shri Mukhyaprana (Hanuman) were ceremoniously placed in a golden palanquin and carried to the Brahmaratha.
As the ornately decorated chariot rolled through the streets, devotees showered flowers, fruits, and coins as prasada, filling Rathabeedi with a sense of joy and devotion. The vibrant scene of worshippers catching the offerings underscored the spiritual fervor and unity of the occasion.
The celebrations continued at the Vasanta Mantapa within Shri Krishna Math, where special poojas were conducted. The event concluded with the Avabhruta Snana (holy bath) at the sacred Madhwa Sarovara, a ritual symbolizing purification.
In the afternoon, the Krishna Math hosted a grand annaprasada, where thousands of devotees were served a traditional meal following a unique ritual called Palla Pooja, offering prayers to a heap of rice. The communal meal added to the sense of togetherness and gratitude, rounding off the Choornotsava festivities on a harmonious note.