| Then the Badava
or priest proper comes and opens the chamber- door, arranges the bed clothes, lights a
lamp and sets near the bed a cup of sweetened milk, some sweets and a spittoon. The Dingre
then spreads a red carpet from the pedestal to the bed- chamber. This cloth is covered
with the foot-prints of a cow and that of Lord Krishna. The Dingre, the chopdars etc. then
stand in the ante-chamber, the god's feet are washed and hymns recited. Then fresh clothes
are put on the image with garlands around the neck and a nosegay in the hands. Hymns and
aratis are sung and lights and incense are burned. The Badavas circumambulate round
the god and leave the chamber to lock it. The symbolism af the foot-prints is most
artistically utilised to indicate that the god had walked down to the bed-chamber. And
thus ends the day for the god. Apart from these
routine or daily worships there are several festivals connected with the temple, so also
certain periodic rituals. Every Wednesday and Saturday the god is bathed with sented oil
after the early morning disrobing and before the panchamrit snana. These special baths
are, however, not performed if the day is a no-moon day, a dwadashi or a vyatipat-an
ominous con junction. The ekadashi or eleventh day of every fortnight is a special
occasion. On these days the Varkaris and devotees of the god observe fast. The god is
presented as his naivedya substances that are permitted for consumption on the day. |
