By Antony Brennan
For the first time in its history the Klang Branch of ISKCON, in Malaysia, celebrated Sri Ramachandra Vijayaotsava during October, 2010.
The drama depicts the Yuddha Kandha from the Ramayana, the story of Lord Rama of Ayodhya. The Yuddha Kandha describes the climax of the fight between Lord Rama and Ravana, the evil King of demons.
“During the drama devotees were ecstatically chanting the Holy names of Lord Rama. Toward the end Lord Ram strings his bow and aims his arrow at the 9 foot tall Ravana, burning him to ashes. Devotees were shouting and the matji’s were ululating. Everybody who witnessed the burning of Ravana become so ecstatic,” says Jivendran Sasidharan from ISKCON Klang.
“Soon after the burning Ravana, the deities of Sri Sita, Lord Rama, Lord Lakshman and Hanuman were brought into the temple and devotees welcomed Lord Rama wonderfully,” Jivendran says.
The deities were placed on a palanquin as the kirtan and arati was going on. “After the arati and offerings had been made Sri Sita, Lor Rama, Lakshman, and Hanuman were brought toward the devotees. Everyone got a chance to touch the lotus feet of the deities.” Jivendran says.
The devotees created a shower of flowers as the Lord went back to his altar to take His rest. “This is how the Ramachandra Vijayotsava came to an end,” Jivendran says, “with devotees enjoying wonderful prasadam.”
“Organized by Sachi Suta Sevaiks, the youths of ISKCON Klang, the festival team, headed by Anand Prabhu, created a nine foot high effigy of Ravana made of wood and paper. It took 4 days to complete,” Jivendran says.
The festival of Sri Ramachandra Vijayotsava was celebrated during the Sunday feast. “We started the program as usual with the Tulasi Arati, Prabhupada Guru Puja and ended with a grand Sandhya Gaura Arati, followed by a class given by H.G Chaitanya Prabhu From Kerala, India.” Jivendran says. “The deities were brought to a small procession around the neighbourhood and halted in front of the temple where the burning was going to take place.”
A drama was performed by the youth of the Sachi Suta Sevaiks. Temple president Rama Gopinatha Dasa said “Thanks to the Klang youth team the event was a grand success. They organized a wonderful festival and I am looking forward to a grander Ramachandra Vijayotsava next year”.
Sri Sri Gaura Nitai-Radha Govinda Mandir, the ISKCON Klang Temple, is located in the Selangor district of Malaysia. ISKCON Klang celebrates many wonderful festivals throughout the year. The biggest celebration is Ratha Yatra which falls on Christmas day.