PM Modi Visits Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, Dedicates Golden Kanaka Kavacha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a significant spiritual journey to the historic Sri Krishna Mutt in Udupi, where he was received with traditional honors and participated in a series of sacred rituals. The visit, marked by deep devotion and cultural significance, included the dedication of a golden cover for the Kanakana Kindi and the inauguration of a new mantapa.

A Traditional Welcome and Sacred Tributes

Upon his arrival at the mutt, the Prime Minister was welcomed with a poornakumbha swagatha, a traditional ceremonial reception. His first act of devotion was paying floral tributes at the Kanaka idol, honoring the legacy of saint Kanakadasa. He then proceeded to the Kanaka Gopura, where Paryaya Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji of Puttige Mutt received him.

In a highlight of the visit, PM Modi dedicated the Kanaka Kavacha, a magnificent golden cover for the sacred Kanakana Kindi. This act was a key moment in the day's events. As he walked towards the main entrance, Mutt Diwan Nagaraj Acharya and International Secretary Prasanna Acharya accorded him a traditional welcome with a garland.

Inside the Temple: Darshan and Inaugurations

Inside the sanctum, the Prime Minister viewed Lord Krishna through the historic Navagraha Kindi, with the Paryaya seer explaining its profound spiritual significance. For the occasion of the Bruhat Gitotsava, the deity was adorned in the beautiful Partha Sarathi Alankara. Modi also had darshan of Lord Mukhyaprana.

The Prime Minister then inaugurated the Suvarna Thirtha Mantapa by lighting the lamp, a symbolic act marking its opening. The seer bestowed upon him the Bhagavadgita Lekhana Yajna Deekshe and tied a protective raksha sutra on his wrist. A heartfelt moment followed at the Chandrashale, where Modi spent a few private moments with the Paryaya seer.

Presence of Seers and Traditional Offerings

The occasion was graced by the presence of several esteemed seers, including Sri Vishwaprasanna Thirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Mutt, Sri Vedavardhana Thirtha Swamiji of Shiroor Mutt, Vidyaprasanna Thirtha Swamiji of Subrahmanya Mutt, and Junior Puttige Seer Sushreendra Thirtha Swamiji.

The Puttige seer then offered the sacred Sri Krishna prasada to the Prime Minister, which included pancha mudre, gopi chandana, tulasi, and flowers. In a deeply emotional moment, the Paryaya seer applied an akshata angaraka tilak on Modi's forehead, a gesture he accepted with visible emotion.

The Prime Minister continued his prayers at the Sarvajna Peeta and proceeded through the Subrahmanya Gudi. He then climbed the symbolic 18 steps to reach the Gita Mandira. There, he viewed the rare manuscripts preserved by the Vadiraja Samshodhana Prathishtana and examined the shlokas etched on the walls of the main hall. After a brief interaction with the seer, he moved towards the stage for the public programme.

Key Sidelights of the Visit

The Prime Minister's aircraft landed at the Mangaluru International Airport, where he was received by Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao on behalf of the state government.

Sri Sugunendra Thirtha Swamiji honored Prime Minister Modi, hailing him as 'Bharat Bhagya Vidhata' and offering a silver 'Kadegolu'. The seer and his junior also offered a special peta, tied a raksha bandhan, and gifted him an image of Udupi Krishna.

The Puttige Seer urged the PM to consider developing the Udupi temple town along the lines of the Varanasi Corridor. In a unifying moment, the PM, along with devotees, chanted the Purushothama Yoga from Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita.

Showing his appreciation for the younger generation, PM Modi asked the police and SPG to collect drawings brought for him by children. He assured that children who mentioned their names and addresses would receive a thank you letter from the PMO.

Timeline of the Visit: