Finally on the last evening we got to take darsana of Udupi Krishna.
The first thing my husband said was "the atmosphere is not of this world"
It was true. Around the walls of this old temple are ledges with hundreds of deeps [ghee lamps].Four levels of ghee lamps all around all lit every night for 8.30 aratika.
On either side of the altar are pillars covered with decorated sheets of silver emboss,which is very attractive.
The Acharya of the Math is the only one who can do the Puja and it is done in a very interesting style - using two camara whisks which he waves back and forth at the same time for about ten minutes in a rythmical fashion.Then while chanting mantras he offers tulasi many times.Then as drums are playing and bells ring the crowds of pilgrims push foreward to get the best view.
Hundreds of wicks burn while the drums and shennai continue playing.
It reminded me of how it might feel to be in Nandagram when Krishna is being entertained in the evening by recitations and mantras, after a day of cowherding.
Then we all lined up [Indian style of course] to take the darsan of Gopala [Udupi Krishna] .The line was long and only seconds were given to peep through the nine openings in the darsan window.
It is told that the deity actually turned around to face the direction of one great devotee who was not allowed inside the temple and who would therefore offer his prayers from outside.
There is a window at the place where he would sit,as well as an ornate structure so that passersby can peek into the temple from outside. Many people stop, remove their shoes, and bow before taking quick darsan of the deity.
Photography is not allowed inside the temple.
The Gopuram,gate from where one can get darsan from outside.
Many come and go for the evening worship
Front temple entrance for darsan.
Many years ago, when my son visited this temple as a youngster he said it was one of his favorites in South India. Now, after our visit, I can understand what attracted him so much in Udupi. This deity is predominating here and He is especially kind, as we saw during our stay.
In Udupi all the roads lead to this temple.The town has been designed in that way.
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