Krishna Janmashtami, the day denotes the birth of Bhagawan Sri Krishna was celebrated with much religious fervour in Prasanthi Nilayam on 22nd Aug 2011.
Enchanting Little Krishna has been one of the most endearing Divine forms for millions and billions of hearts over past many millennia, cutting across borders and barriers set by religion, caste and nationality…And His song celestial Bhagavad Gita has been the right recipe for the human minds to reach their final destination. His legacy continuous even after five thousand years of His Divine Advent. Little Krisnna, fondled and nurtured by Mother Yasoda - epitome of Motherly love and compassion - continues to be the stealer of hearts, as is often sung in Prasanthi Nilayam, Chitha Chora Yasoda Ke Bal... Navaneeta Chora Gopal…
Going by the legends and historical records, it was last midnight, on the auspicious Ashtami, the eighth day of the dark half of Krishna Paksha of the month of Bhadrapada of the Hindu Calendar that Bhagawan Sri Krishna made His Divine Advent over 5000 years ago. For Prasanthi, the day used to be very special with Bhagawan Himself used to take the lead, celebrating the festivity reminiscing His days as Bhagawan Sri Krishna.
In the morning, Sai Kulwant was resplendent with rich colourful decorations befitting the occasion. The programme commenced at 0830 hrs. , after half-an-hour Vedam chanting, with boys offering a medley devotional songs at Bhagawan’s Divine Lotus Feet!
Singing Pandurangashtakam first, next to come was a Hindi song reflecting Radharani’s passionate plea to Lord Krishna, calling Him to come out of hiding, “Pattu Paduma Krishna…” a favourite piece of Bhagawan, a fervent loving prayer to Krishna to sing a song. A carnatic piece, “Sri Venkatesham …” glorifying the significance of Namasmarana in Kali Age followed and as the song was on the Gokulam procession of cows and quadrupeds arrived at the Mandir. Two boys in the guise of Sri Krishna and Balrama joined the scene along with senior officials feeding the cows and quadrupeds. The procession was led by the Nadaswaram Band from the Institute, Vedam and Bhajan troupes.
Songs continued and a group of dancers soon took the centre-stage gracefully dancing, depicting the Krishna Story in essence. Madhurashtakam was the next that was followed by another three songs, the final one being the popular bhajan that Bhagawan would often sing, “Muraligana Lola…” a prayer to Beloved Krishna to sing eternally through His devotees.
A couple of bhajans continued before Mangala Arathi was offered at 0930 hrs. Prasadam was distributed to the entire assemblage.
Tiny tots from the Primary School, who often got close proximity with Bhagawan during the occasion presenting their handiwork to Bhagawan greeting Him, made a beeline to the Sanctum Sanctorum at the end of the presentation, presenting their cards to Bhagawan, a touching scene for those who year after year witnessed the Bond of Love between Bhagawan and His students.
