PM Modi holds road show in Udupi, joins mass Geeta recitation with over one lakh devotees

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday held a road show in Udupi during his visit to the coastal temple town. Modi landed at the Mangaluru airport and flew to Udupi in a special helicopter before proceeding through a route decorated with saffron flowers and BJP flags.

Standing on the running board of his vehicle, he waved to the crowd that showered flower petals on his convoy, and he threw flowers at people gathered on both sides of the road. On the way, cultural troupes performed showcasing the traditions of coastal Karnataka.

Modi arrived in Udupi to participate in the “Lakshya Geeta Pathan”, a mass recitation in which over one lakh devotees chant verses from the Bhagavad Gita.

Later he joined in singing hymns along with Saint Sugunendra Teertha of Paraya Puthige Math, Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and other dignitaries.

Before the event, the Prime Minister visited the historic Kanaka Mandap and paid floral tributes to saint-philosopher Kanakadasa, who is known for the episode of turning the idol of Lord Krishna towards west in the Udupi Sri Krishna Temple.

After paying homage, he proceeded to the Sri Krishna temple complex, where he was welcomed with traditional honors by the Mutt’s Dewan Sugunendra Teertha and senior temple officials.

Inside the complex, Modi spent time acknowledging the cultural heritage associated with the devotion of Kanakadasa. He was welcomed like a complete Kumbha and was presented with a Tulsi chanting rosary made of silver and coins containing the conch, chakra, mace and padma, which were used in daily rituals by Madhvas and many Brahmin communities of South India.

He is also scheduled to offer prayers at the Sri Krishna temple and receive blessings from the presiding deity Swamiji. This is Modi’s second visit to the temple; He had earlier visited Gujarat as Chief Minister in 2008, when the same Swamiji was the head of the Krishna Math.

(With inputs from PTI)