Udupi: The temple town of Udupi in coastal Karnataka has come alive with the commencement of the annual ‘Saptotsava’ at Sri Krishna Matha. This week-long celebration, led by Shri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji of Paryaya Puthige Matha, the present Paryaya Peetadhipathi, and his disciple Shri Sushreendra Tirtha Swamiji, began on January 9 and will continue until January 15. Saptotsava, as the name suggests, is a seven-day grand festival dedicated to Lord Krishna. While the temple town regularly witnesses ‘Utsava’ or chariot processions from Utthana Dwadashi (usually in October or November) until the Bhagirathi Janma Dina (marking the start of monsoon), the Saptotsava is considered the pinnacle of these festivities. Its highlight is the celebration on Makara Sankramana, a day that holds immense historical and spiritual significance. Over 800 years ago, Trailokyacharya Shriman Madhvacharya, the revered philosopher and proponent of Tatvavada, installed the idol of Lord Krishna in Udupi. This festival commemorates that momentous event, drawing devotees from across the world. The streets of Udupi, particularly the Car Street or Rathabeedi, are a spectacle during this time. On all the days, following the evening Chamara Seve, the grand Teppotsava (boat festival) features Lord Krishna and Sri Mukhyaprana on a magnificently decorated float, gliding on the temple’s sacred lake, Madhvasarovara. For the first five days, two chariots are used: the Garuda Ratha carrying Sri Krishna and Sri Mukhyaprana and the Mahapooja Ratha carrying Sri Anantheshwara and Sri Chandramouleeshwara. On the sixth day, Makara Sankramana, the majestic Brahma Ratha is brought out for the first time in the year. On this special day, Sri Krishna is placed on the Brahma Ratha, while Sri Anantheshwara and Sri Chandramouleeshwara occupy the Garuda Ratha, and Sri Mukhyaprana is carried on the Mahapooja Ratha. The day after Makara Sankramana is marked by Choornotsava, also known as Suvarnotsava, a unique daytime event that contrasts with the nighttime grandeur of the previous days. The event also marks the occasion for Maha Anna Santarpane, a grand feast that draws thousands of devotees, including many who return to their hometowns to be part of the Rathotsava. This year’s Saptotsava has attracted international attention. “John Mullahy, member of Victorian Legislative Assembly, Australia, has accepted the invitation extended by Shri Sugunendra Tirtha Swamiji to participate in the celebrations,” said Mutt Diwan Prasanna Acharya. Adding to the spiritual fervor, Shri Pundarik Goswami, the head of the Gaudiya Madhva Matha and renowned for his profound Bhagavata discourses, will also grace the occasion. The Saptotsava is a celebration of heritage, devotion, and community. For the residents of Udupi and devotees worldwide, this festival is a reminder of their enduring connection to Lord Krishna and the traditions established by Sri Madhvacharya.
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