Krishna Jayanthi

Wednesday, September 1st, 2010

The DC Ashram joyously celebrated Krishna Jayanthi, the birth of Lord Krishna, on Wednesday, September 1.

The ashram was decorated to welcome baby Krishna into world, into our homes, and into our hearts. Devotees made small, delicate footprints from the front door leading to the main hall, where a cradle stood with an infant Krishna (complete with cows and His flute). After meditation and recitation of Amma’s 108 Names and Lord Krishna’s 108 Names, devotees sang a selection of Krishna bhajans. As the birth time approached, a few verses of the Srimad Bhagavatam describing Sri Krishna’s birth was chanted in a soothing musical fashion, consistent with the tradition of describing the circumstances surrounding Krishna’s birth at midnight.

With a conch, ringing bells, the sounds of the panchavadyam, and the chanting of "Om Sri Krishnaya Namaha," Krishna was born! Devotees took turns rocking the baby Krishna in the cradle, and everyone was treated to a special video of Amma singing "Govinda Gokul Ayo" many years ago in Amritapuri.

Finally the bhajan "agatanay agatanay" was sung expressing the joy in Sri Krishna’s birth. The celebrations were concluded with arati and closing prayers.

It was a special evening where everyone felt Amma’s presence through the celebration of Lord Krishna’s birth.