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 Today the 22nd of Augus
t is the Gokulashtami the birthday of Sri Krishna, the eight avtaar of Lord Vishnu. Krishna was born to Vasudeva and Devki in
Dwapara Yuga, at midnight on the eighth lunar day of the dark fortnight (Krishna Paksha Ashtami) of Shraavan. The asterism was Rohini.
The combination of Ashtami and Rohini considered auspicious for the celebrations may not occur every
year. When it spreads over two days according to the Hindu calender, the Ashtami day is preferred for the 24-hour fast and the next day with asterism Rohini is celebrated as Krishna Jayanthi.All activity at the ISKON temple is centred around Lord Krishna. A pilgrim gets to see Krishna in his various forms in the five shrines in the temple complex. At the first shrine, Lord Narsimha is worshipped along with his pure
devotee Prahlada. Devotees seek the protection of Lord Narsimha to
overcome obstacles on their path of spiritual progress. Next is
the shrine of Srinivasa Govinda. Once in about 6 weeks, Sri Srininvasa Govinda appears in muthangi alankara, a dress ornamented with pearls. The
main hall also houses the shrines of Sri Nitai Gauranga and Sri Krishna Balrama. |
