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The marvel of Krishnaashtami!

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The naughty scion who stole butter played pranks and then melted hearts with his innocent smile, the blue-black skinned heartthrob of the Gopis, everyone’s favourite Bal Gopal, the revered Govinda, Mukunda, Madhusoodhana and Vasudeva- Lord Krishna’s life marks the culmination of the Dvapara Yug and the dawn of the Kalyuga.

‘Listening to the birth story of Lord Krishna on the day of Janmashtami purifies the mind and restores the sanctity of one’s heart’, is the ancient belief system of Hinduism.

When sins and cruelty were beyond repair, chaos and persecution became a rampant affair, Mother Earth prayed to Lord Brahma, “O Creator, relieve me from this great evil.” And so accepting Lord Brahma’s request, Lord Vishnu descended upon Earth and Krishna was born.

The Lord was born in a prison, in Mathura with a threat to his life from his very own uncle King Kansa. But, this was not to be a hindrance to the noble cause that marked the divine birth. And, as providence would have it, the gates of the prison opened quite magically, and in the darkness of the night, the Lord’s father Vasudeva took the infant Krishna across the Yamuna, to foster parents in Gokul, named Nanda and Yashoda.

This miracle is celebrated at midnight on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month as Janmashtami; people fasting, keeping a vigil late into the night and singing in devotion for the love of Krishna. At the hour of the Lord’s birth, little idols of infant Krishna are bathed, clothed and lovingly cradled. His ardent devotees break their fast with the sharing of sweets and fruits. And as a symbol of Lord Krishna’s journey into happy homes, women draw tiny footprints, inviting Krishna to bless their lives.

Janmashtami in Mangaluru marks the arrival of elation, joy and exuberance. People coming together to commemorate this pious day dressed in brand new clothes, streets decked with flower vendors a day prior to the festival, air lingering with the scent of roses, chrysanthemums, mogra and the Lord’s favourite ketaki and tulsi, the dew from the petals dripping down the carefully designed garlands is a beautiful sight to the eyes.

It is also a day to treat your taste buds to traditional and authentic festive cuisine. ‘Moode’ (cylindrical idlis made in leaf moulds), chakkuli, uddinittina unde, gundittina unde, hesarittina unde, kodubale and hesaru bele payasa are delicacies to which every individual looks forward!

The occasion of Janmashtami is celebrated with utmost fervour at the ISKCON Temple, Shri Chakrapani Gopinatha Temple, Attavar and Sri Krishna Mandir at Car Street and other holy places follow suit.

The ISKCON temples organize events like Gita Shloka Chanting, Colouring, Folk Dance, Essay Writing, Painting, Mime show and Vedic Quiz on behalf on the occasion and distribute prizes at 6.30 pm at the Koragappa Kalyana Mantapa and Gokarnanatheshwara Temple Kudroli. The event is followed by the Mahamagalarati at 9 pm. The next day will have Darshans, Magic Show, Saxophone performance and the Mahamagalarati. Devotees offer Jhulan Seva and Pushpa Seva as well. An exclusive 108 step Mahamantapam has been constructed so that the devotees are able to chant the Lord’s name with ease.

“Elaborate bhajans, special poojas, chanting the Lord’s name, decking him with flowers and the holy Tulsi; all form an integral part of the Janmashtami celebrations at the Krishna Mandir. The Ashtami Pooja performed at midnight is the most important part of the festival,” said the priest of the temple, Vedamoorty S Krishnanada Bhat.

The grand Janmashtami celebrations at Shri Chakrapani Gopinatha Temple at Attavar are a yearly affair. The lavish Mosaru Kudike, thousands of flocking devotees and the divine and festive ambience is what makes Janmashtami a festival that all eagerly await.

Mangaluru’s favourite Hulivesha (tiger dance); men and little boys, painting their bodies, transforming into tigers, going about dancing the whole day, is an unforgettable marvel. Every now and then, you can see little Krishnas running around and mothers getting them ready for Muddu Krishna competitions which are organized at various spots. Cultural programmes put up on stages occupy most of Janmashtami evenings. Orchestras, plays, dance performances and processions are an inseparable part of the Mangaluru Krishnaashtami.

The ‘Mosaru Kudike’, that is a post-Janmashtami ritual, is reminiscent of little Krishna stealing curd and butter from the earthen pots that were hung up high, way beyond his reach. An earthen pot is suspended from a substantial height from the ground. Attavar, Kadri, Mallikatta, Kulashekara, Urwa Stores, Shaktinagar, Kottara; every street corner is a witness to young men and boys making human pyramids, trying to reach and break the suspended pot. The breaking of the pot, in fact, calls in for a lot of excitement!

And as we celebrate Janmashtami, let us get into a transcendent realm and find virtues that will stay with us for eternity. Being one with Krishna, let us inculcate the Lord’s joy, innocence and enthusiasm for life. Let us be blessed and purified!

By Anushree Bhat M

The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!
The marvel of Krishnaashtami!

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