Mangalore: A crore of Tulsi (a holy plant dear to Lord Krishna) leaves would be offered with his name chanted by devotees, from April 20 to 29 at the Sri Gopalkrishna Temple built by K C Naik and family at Shaktinagar near Police Lines, in view of 5th annual ‘Installation of Deity-image’ celebrations.

Talking to reporters on Thursday at the premises, entrepreneur, builder and temple Trustee K.C. Naik spoke of KK Pai who helped build the Vishwa Konkani Kendra right opposite his GK temple, and who sold 19 acres of land at Rs20 lakhs in 1973 to KC Naik.

Naik started building the temple in 2003 on the advice of a Swamiji, and completed the 5-storey structure in 2007 for Brahma Kalashotsava(opening ceremony)

Every year, devotees have offered ‘lakh Tulsi leaves for 4 years, but this year, the offer is raised to 1 crore of Tulsi leaves he said.

The Koti Namarchane(worship of Lord Krishna with 1 crore Tulsi leaves) to be conducted this month  is for social betterment and not for personal gains, Naik clarified.

Badekkila Shyamsunder Bhat carved the image that is installed on the top floor temple of the structure.

The inauguration of present event is due on April19, 2012. Devotees  in city will offer Tulsi leaves to the Deity from all areas on the west coast.