New Delhi, 04 September (H.S.): Shri Krishna Janmashtami was celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm by Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir at The Nikunj Princess Hall in Gurugram. The programme featured bhajans and kirtans, enactments of Shri Krishna’s divine pastimes, tableaux and a special Maha Abhishek, immersing devotees in a deeply spiritual atmosphere. The entire venue reverberated with chants in praise of Lord Krishna.

The programme began with a special Abhishek of Laddu Gopal. Devotees swung Radha-Krishna on a ceremonial swing and sought their blessings. During the special Maha Abhishek, the deities were bathed with Panchamrit, fruit-infused water, scented water, as well as medicinal preparations and herbs. This was followed by the application of a turmeric paste and the performance of Aarti. The rituals included a Shuddhodak Abhishek with 108 Kalash, nine special Kalash Abhisheks and, finally, a Pushpa Abhishek. After the Abhishek, the deities were dressed in new attire and offered a grand Mahabhog.

During the Janmashtami celebrations, the bhajan group led by Dhruv Sharma and Swarnashree sang devotional compositions glorifying the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna. Gaudiya Kirtan and Mahamantra Kirtan filled the atmosphere with devotion and enthusiasm. Temple volunteers also presented Krishna bhajans. Throughout the event, devotees raised chants in praise of Lord Krishna while singing devotional songs.

During the programme, devotees were shown a video providing information about the ongoing construction of the Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir in Vrindavan.

The Vrindavan Chandrodaya Mandir, being constructed in Vrindavan and dedicated to Lord Krishna, is proposed to be a 70-storey temple with a height of 210 metres. The temple’s first South Wing has already been completed, and idols of Radha and Krishna have been installed in the first block. The temple was conceived by Srila Prabhupada.

Meanwhile, the Shri Hare Krishna Temple being constructed in Sector 43 of Gurugram will be 108 feet high and is being built across 50,000 square yards. Constructed by the Hare Krishna Movement Gurugram, the temple will serve not only as a spiritual centre but also as an Annapurna food distribution centre for the needy. Arrangements will be made to provide food to thousands of people every day.

On the occasion, the temple’s president, Pujya Chanchalapathi Prabhu, delivered a discourse. He said that Lord Shri Krishna has a role in every event. He said one of the principal ways to keep Krishna consciousness awakened is through chanting and performing kirtan of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Chanting the Mahamantra helps develop divine qualities in a person.

The guests were felicitated after the discourse. The programme concluded with Aarti performed for the deities with incense, lamps, Arghya, garments, flowers, a Chamara and various delicacies.

At the conclusion of the programme, a palanquin procession of the deities was taken out. Devotees joined the procession while dancing and showered flowers upon the deities.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar