Udupi: Bhagavad Gita's essence elevates life, says Puthige Sri

In a unique celebration of the Bhagavad Gita, the Geetotsava event was conducted at Sri Krishna Matha, Udupi, on Saturday. Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji, the head of Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha, and Junior Yati Sri Sushrindra Theertha Swamiji graced the event. The event commenced with a grand procession along the Rathabeedi, where Bhagavad Gita scriptures were carried in a palanquin.

The procession culminated at the Rajangana, where a special session on the Bhagavad Gita was held. During the event, Swamiji unveiled a replica symbolizing the profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Vidyesha Theertha Swamiji, head of Bhandarakere Matha, released the fourth edition of the book “Geetadhyaya Bhava Parichaya.”

Delivering his message, Sri Sugunendra Theertha Swamiji stated, “Lord Krishna cherishes the Bhagavad Gita. Just as we offer our favorite sweets like laddus and chaklis to God, in reality, what pleases the Divine is the essence of the Bhagavad Gita. When we integrate its teachings into our lives, our lives become meaningful. The Bhagavad Gita guides us towards salvation. By following the path shown by the omnipresent God, everything will be achieved. Those who do not read the Gita are a burden to the earth.”

Sri Vidyesha Theetha Swamiji emphasized the importance of understanding and reciting the Gita with devotion. He remarked, “The essence of all scriptures lies in the Mahabharata, and the essence of the Mahabharata lies in the Bhagavad Gita. Sri Puthige Swamiji is spreading the teachings of the Gita to the world. The Bhagavad Gita is like milk, and the Bhagavata is like fruit. Studying both with devotion nourishes the soul.”

Lecture by Chakravarthy Sulibele

Renowned speaker Chakravarthy Sulibele delivered a lecture on the topic, “Did the Gita Teach Detachment from Hatred and Jealousy?” He highlighted that there has been significant misinformation about Lord Krishna. “Despite all the attempts to tarnish Krishna’s name, His glory remains undiminished. Mud has never stained Krishna; instead, it has soiled those who tried to defame Him. Humanity has inflicted more pain on God than on anyone else. The more Hindus imbibe the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the stronger they become, and Krishna empowers us,” he said.

During the event, Krishnaananda awards were presented to P.R. Vittal from Coimbatore, Subrahmanya Shet, President of the Daivajna Brahmin Association, donors Vishwanath and Prabha Shenoy, and retired teacher Nandini Shenoy. The head priest of Mathura Temple, Dayal, and the Rudrapatnam and Mattur brothers were also present. Sri Swamiji distributed prizes to the winners of various competitions.

Preparations for Krishna Janmashtami

Meanwhile, preparations are in full swing at Sri Krishna Math for the upcoming Krishna Janmashtami celebrations, organized by Paryaya Sri Puthige Matha. On August 26, Muddu Krishna competitions, various religious programs, special poojas, and night offerings will be held. On August 27, the Vitlapindi festival will take place along Rathabeedi.

Special sweets like laddus and chakkuli are being prepared for the Krishna Prasada. The city is also witnessing the vibrant hues of Hulivesha, with a women’s Hulivesha team catching special attention this year. Hulivesha and Ashtami are inseparable, and Udupi’s Ashtami celebrations are synonymous with Hulivesha.

Prominent Hulivesha teams from Marpalli, Alevoor, Nittur, Korangrapadi, Kadiyali, and Malpe, among other places, will entertain and engage in social service. Recently, women have also started participating in Hulivesha, with the Darpana Nritya Samsthe’s team of girls, young women, and ladies set to shine this year.

A significant number of devotees from within and outside the district are arriving in Udupi. The Rajangana is abuzz with daily cultural programs and insightful speeches, attracting hundreds of spectators. The Sanjeevini Cooperative’s craft stalls have added to the festive atmosphere, and business activity has also seen an uptick.