The enchanting and divine name of Krishna, which has captivated the hearts and minds of people for centuries, heralds the arrival of the playful and charming deity. Nature itself seems eager to welcome Nandalal, as the whole world rejoices in the celebration of his birth.
“Vasudeva Sutam Devam Kamsa Chanura Mardanam,
Devaki Paramanandam Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum.”
The incarnation of Jagadguru Krishna has arrived, and the entire hidden Vrindavan of Jaipur is echoing with the praises of his divine pastimes, filled with love and affection. At Shri Shri Krishna Balaram Temple, a grand celebration marked the arrival of Yashoda’s beloved child on the auspicious occasion of Janmashtami. The festivities began with the Mangala Aarti in the early hours and continued throughout the day, culminating in the grand Abhishek and Maha Aarti of Nandalal at midnight.
The temple’s president, Shri Amitasana Das, provided special insights into the Janmashtami celebrations. He shared that the welcoming of Lord Krishna at Shri Shri Krishna Balaram Temple was done with great pomp and grandeur. The Lord was adorned in golden silk garments and was offered 108 types of royal bhog. After every Abhishek (ritual bath), the Lord was presented with sweets and the traditional offering of butter and sugar. The Lord was bathed in Panchamrit, a mixture of sandalwood oil, and further consecrated with fruits, flowers, and herbs.
To enhance the Lord’s adornment, special flowers like jasmine, juhi, lotus, mogra, and marigold were sourced from South India and Bangalore. On this Janmashtami, Shri Shri Krishna Balaram was decked in unique jewelry, handcrafted by artisans from Maharashtra.
At midnight, the grand Abhishek of Yashodanandan took place, with thousands of devotees from all over Jaipur gathering to seek the blessings of the Lord. Shri Amitasana Das remarked that this festival is the largest and most historic celebration held at Shri Shri Krishna Balaram Temple each year, and this year too, it was celebrated with unparalleled grandeur. He extended his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Jaipur and wished everyone a joyous Janmashtami.
The festival not only deepened the love and devotion of the people of Jaipur for Lord Krishna but also united them in the joy of welcoming Nandalal.