Report by Smt. Udaya Mavinkurve

Click here to see the photos (8 pictures)

              The annual Rathotsav, a seven-day celebration, which is also called ‘Bhuvanotsav’, was celebrated at Shri Chitrapur Math, Shirali from Chaitra Shuddha Dashami to Chaitra Bahula Padya (3^rd to 10^th April).

               On the opening day, before the Samudayika Prarthana marking the commencement of the weeklong festival, Parama Poojya Swamiji inaugurated the Rajata Dwara (the silver frame to the inner door) of the Hodi Samaadhi, donated by Shri Mohan A Chandavarkar of Fairdeal Corporation. Ved. Baddukuli Bhaskar Bhat officiated at the Prarthana conducted in front of the Main Samaadhi in the presence of His Holiness, along with the President of the Standing Committee, Shri Prabhakar Bantwal and about 200 members of the laity. This was followed by the Dhwajarohana in the small quadrangle, where the Dhwaja Sthambha stood adorned with fruits, vegetables and floral decorations. Ved. Haldipur Nagesh Bhat, Pradhan Archak and his wife officiated at the homa.

                Festivals like these serve bhaktas at all levels. There is opportunity for spiritual enhancement, as also for social exchange and understanding. Traditional rituals and cultural activities go side by side.

                The traditional rituals included bali twice a day to the haunting rhythm of the special ‘bali’ music. Ved. Haridas Rameshwar Bhatji had the honour of carrying the Utsav Moorti in his arms and on his head, and Ved. Upponi Raghuvir Bahtji held the Trishul during the ceremonies. A much awaited event was the daily palki utsav, wherein the Utsav Moorti is carried out each evening to different spots in and around Shirali by the young volunteers in the gorgeously decorated palki/lalki.

                  According to agama shastra, our teru (Ratha) is known as ‘syandana’.  The Ratha which is octagonal in shape, has six wheels and four faces with four doors. The Mantapa has a Kalasha on the top. It has exquisite divine carvings on its sides. The sixth day of the celebration, Chaitra Poornima is significant as on that day the Utsav Moorti of Lord Bhavanishankar is taken to the Ratha for all the devotees at large to get His darshan.

                  This day fell on 8^th April this year. With its red and white pennants fluttering in the breeze, the majestic Teru stood gloriously in the bright sunlight --- indeed a vehicle fit for the Gods!! A huge crowd cheered as our beloved Poojya Swamiji, draped in a rich red silk shawl ascended the Ratha. One is at a loss for words to describe the grandeur of those moments. According to our scriptures, one who beholds the sight of the Lord in the Ratha, washes away all his sins and can attain Moksha!  

                After reverently watching His Holiness performing Pooja in the Mantapa, the bhaktas pulled the Ratha for a few yards. In the evening, the Teru was pulled the entire length of the field with Lord Bhavanishankar and His Holiness seated on it. The maximum crowd was on this day. The highlights of the programme in the evening were: Ashirvachan by Poojya Swamiji, report by the President of the Standing Committee and Phalamantrakshat. At night a Yaksha Gana show was arranged on the Ratha Gadde, which went on till the early hours of morning.

                  On 9^th April (7^th night of the celebration), Lord Bhavanishankar, who is also known as ‘Pinakapani’ or ‘Pashupati’, was carried in a beautifully decorated lalki to Panchavati for Mrigabete (hunting). This procession was led by H H Himself. Lord Shiva is also called ‘Ashutosh’ ( one who is easily pleased). His tender heart must have melted to see the young tiger cubs (wagha vesu) sporting for His benefit. Ashtavadhan Pooja in the serene moonlight was a divine experience. The fireworks were splendid too. One particular display of red wheels and golden stars inspired a little boy to ask his mother, “Mummy, is that God?”

                  The morning after mrigabete is the ‘vokkuli’ or the ‘avabhrita snana’. The young men (and some men, young-at-heart only!) had a riotous time splashing one another with colour and coloured water. All attention focussed on Poojya Swamiji as He went into the Shiva Ganga Sarovar, with the idol of the Lord in His hands. After the Utsav Moorti (sans the golden kavacha) was bathed, Poojya Swamiji took the holy dip. After the long night’s ‘hunting’ and the bath in the sarovar, the Lord was carried to the temple. But lo! He was prevented by Parvati from entering. The door was closed! Then followed a very interesting and amusing dialogue between Bhavani and Shankar. Finally, after much pleading, (“Parvati, kavad kaadi!”), the door opened and the Lord returned to the sanctum sanctorum.

                  The celebration officially concluded with the Dhwaja-avarohana and the Mangala Samudayika Prarthana in front of the Hodi Samaadhi, thanking Lord Bhavanishankar and the Holy Guru Parampara for successful completion of the festival.

                  Apart from the traditional rituals, the other adhyatmik activities were: pravachan by Smt. Kalpana Golikeri, bhajans by Smt. Sandhya Rao, Kum. Mahalaxmi Shenoy, Gurukrupa Bhajan Mandali of Sirsi, Srivali Trust Bhajan class and Bala Vikas children. Shri Gajanan Herenjal conducted an ‘Interactive Quiz’ on “Paayvaat heechi Saraswatanchi”.

                The cultural programmes were excellent and were well received by the people. They covered the whole gamut – vocal and instrumental music, dance, and drama. Smt. Lalith J Rao and Smt. Susheela Mehta (both of Bangalore), Smt. Shyla Piplapure, Kum. Sveta Hattangady (both from Mumbai) and Shri Kiran Shirlal of Mangalore presented vocal recitals. Bansuri performances were given by Shri V G Karnad and Shri Anand Murdeshwar, and Bharatnatyam dance by Smt. Mandira Chaudary and Smt. Monisha Bharadwaj.

                 “Chitrapur Parama Sannidhi”, a beautiful Konkani Sangeet Natak (written and directed by Herenjal Gajanan mam) was presented by devotees from Pune, Mumbai and Mangalore. Based on the life of Parama Poojya Shankarashram Swamiji I, it carried us back to the bygone days with the beautiful music, commentary and the settings.

                 The Vidyarthis of the Pathashala presented a Natika in Samskrut directed by young Kartik Vithal, a Vidyarthi himself. It was a wonderful presentation with natural and spontaneous acting. These promising young boys are not only very talented but also very capable. They perform the daily ashtavadhan pooja with smooth efficiency and enthusiasm. We are indeed proud of them.

                On the 10^th April, after the excitement of the Vokkuli etc. was over, the solemn valedictory function was arranged in the Rajangan. In this function, Poojya Swamiji blesses and gives sambhavana to the Vaidiks, Vidyarthis, residents of Anandashray, and all the staff members (not even one is missed!) of the Math. This, as usual, was one of the most warm and moving experiences of the entire celebration.

                 Thus came to a close yet another Rathotsav. Eight days spent in an atmosphere of spiritual exultance, far removed from the hum-drum of mundane urban life. Eight days filled with joy and ‘utsah’ in which we all came together to celebrate the Lord’s Glory.

 HARA HARA MAHADEV

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