Udupi Krishna to get a ‘Navaratna ratha’ on Dec 24

December 21, 2009

http://www.deccanherald.com/content/42207/udupi-krishna-get-navaratna-ratha.html

Udupi, Dec 19, DH News Service

Paryaya Putthige math seer Sri Sugunendratheertha Sripada will dedicate a ‘Navaratna ratha’ to Lord Krishna in Udupi on December 24.

Speaking to the media persons here on Saturday, the seer informed that the ratha’ (chariot) is the first of its kind in the country built of gem stones laid on intricately carved gold. It has been built using 12 kg gold, 18 kg silver and 500 kg bronze besides 1.25 kg precious gem stones and the cost of construction was approximately Rs 7 crore.

The main architect behind the marvellous craftsmanship is Madurai Tangadorai. A team of 150 members have worked to design the splendid artistic venture, he added.The ratha will be engraved with the statue of Lord ‘Vittala’ that was given away by Seer Madhwacharya to Upendratheertha.

The seer said that the ratha will be inaugurated by Energy Minister Eshwarappa. Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala Dharmadhikari Dr Veerendra Heggade will preside. Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa will attend the ‘Prathamotsava’ of the ratha on December 25. He will offer the first service to the Lord on the occasion. Udupi-Chikmagalur MP Sadananda Gowda will be present.

-- parameshvara bhaktirnAma niravadhika ananta anavadya kalyANaguNatva GYAnapUrvakaHsvAtmAtmIya samasta vastubhyo aneka guNAdhiko antarAya sahasrenApya pratibaddo nirantara premapravAhaH ------------- a verse from Nyaya Sudha

Devotion to the Lord is that continuously surging flood of deep love & attachment to the Lord of the Universe, which is impregnable by any amount of obstacles encountered in its march. It should be of such a quality & texture as would transcend all other forms of love which one may bear towards one's own self, or to his nearest & dearest ones in life, or to his most cherished possessions. It should be founded on an unshakable intellectual & emotional conviction in the Majesty of the Lord- as the embodiment of all spiritual excellences.