Patna, September 19: The Radhashtami festival, marking the appearance day of Radha, was celebrated with religious rituals and devotional programmes at the ISKCON temple on Buddha Marg in Patna on Saturday.
Devotees visited the temple throughout the day for darshan and prayers. The temple premises were decorated with flowers and colourful lights for the occasion.
Maha Abhishek And Special Offerings
The main ceremony was held at 11 am, when Radha’s deity was given a ceremonial Maha Abhishek amid the chanting of Vedic mantras.
According to ISKCON Patna, the ritual involved panchagavya, milk, curd, ghee, honey, Ganga water, fruit juices and various medicinal substances.
Following the Abhishek, the deity was adorned with new clothes and ornaments and offered a special Chhappan Bhog, comprising 56 food preparations.
ISKCON Representatives Speak On Radha-Krishna
Addressing devotees during the celebration, Adikarta Das, co-chairman of ISKCON TMC, said Radha is regarded in the tradition as the presiding deity of Braj and as an embodiment of the highest form of devotion.
He said, according to the organisation’s religious belief, Radha’s grace is central to a devotee’s spiritual path towards Lord Krishna.
ISKCON TMC member Radha Pati Charan Das said the relationship between Radha and Krishna is viewed within the tradition as a spiritual symbol of the relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being.
Venu Vinod Das also spoke about Radha’s compassion and spiritual significance and encouraged devotees to reflect the values associated with Radhashtami in their lives.
Nandgopal Das, communication head of ISKCON Patna, also addressed the gathering.
Devotional Singing And Maha Aarti
The temple premises resonated with Harinam Sankirtan, with devotees participating in devotional singing accompanied by mridang and kartal.
The celebrations concluded with a Maha Aarti, following which Mahaprasad was distributed among devotees and visitors who had gathered at the temple.
The festival continued through the day, with devotees participating in prayers, darshan and other devotional activities at the ISKCON temple in Patna.
