Krishn Janmashtmi at Barsana Dham, the Ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in Austin.
http://www.indoamerican-news.com/Stories/082908/Krishna.html
Barsana Dham Janmashtmi Discourse by Diwakari Devi Ji
AUSTIN: Krishna Janmashtami is
being celebrated with great enthusiasm
in India and around the world. Here’s
the first of our Janmashtami reports
begins with the celebrated at Barsana
Dham. Hindus all over the world every year celebrate Shree Krishna janmashtami, from simplest festivities with families and friends to large gatherings with thousands in attendance. Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple, Barsana Dham in Austin is unique among them all. Barsana Dham, founded in 1995 by HD Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, has offered truly exceptional and ecstatic
Janmashtami celebrations for the past 13 years.This year, families from all over Texas and beyond came to Barsana Dham. As usual for celebration times, the ashram was filled to capacity. A delicious dinner prashad was served ; mouth watering puries, chaval, dal, sabji, mithai filled everyone’s plat. Soon everywhere you looked people were eating and relaxing with friends and families in the marvelous and beautiful garden-like grounds.
After dinner, everyone rushed to the Temple to secure a front row seat for the evening program. Children were jumping and giggling, tugging at their parents begging to take them to their own special outdoor program, complete with a baby calf who was quickly named “Cowie”. Chanting soon began– “Mero Gopala Mero Nandlala” and“Govind Gokul Ayo”; jaikars filled the air, dholak, dhol, manjira, jhanch, the traditional instruments of India, enlivened the hearts of all.
A traditional and eloquent Janmashtmi message was delivered by Sushree Diwakari Devi, president of JKP, Barsana Dham. Diwakari devi (Didi) explained the importance of doing bhakti. Following the discourse, the leela presentation began; people mummered in expectant excitement, the prayer hall lights were lowered and conches heralded the first glimpse of 12 year old Shukdev entering the stage. Everyone delighted in receiving the darshan of baby Krishn – candy was thrown to all during the joyous jamn scene. Further, everyone enjoyed a delightfully charming bal leela performed by children from all over Austin.
The evening continued with chanting of Krishn name until midnight in the main prayer hall concluding with the arti of Bal Krishna.
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