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By Sugopi Sakhi Devi Dasi<\/strong><\/p>\n Visitors had a glimpse of the enthralling spiritual world this Janmashtami at ISKCON Convention Centre, Bangalore. Walking in through the main gates of the temple, one had a wonderful sight of an awesome towering deity of Krishna. Close by was an equally tall deity of Vishnu resplendent with Anantasesha. The waters of the fountain at His lotus feet reminded everyone of the causal ocean, though it was a miniature version with gently flowing waters.<\/p>\n Boughs of wish-fulfilling kalpavriksha trees were laden with apples, sweet lime and pineapples as well as colourful carnations, gladioli and orchids. The flowers and fruits were interspersed with strings of crystals and bells. Sri Radha Govinda were elaborately dressed in shocking pink and parrot green coloured silk, intricately embroidered in gold and studded with red and green gems. The deities wore exquisite turbans with many attractive embellishments in various hues. They were also adorned with multicolored flower garlands resembling forest flowers. The peacock shaped earrings, gopi dots above the eyebrows and black kohl mark on the chin completed their captivating appearance. One could not take his or her eyes off the beautiful and charming deities.<\/p>\n Devotees were blissfully engaged in services at both the venues. There were over 20,000 visitors – some reverentially bowing their head before the deities, few gaping at the awesome sight as if in trance and others standing with closed eyes in a prayerful mood.<\/p>\n Those managing the queue had to gently request visitors to move on, in order to give place for more people to feast their eyes on the Lord.<\/p>\n Old and young alike did not miss a photo opportunity with the Supreme Personality of Godhead – the deity stood 12 feet tall just outside the temple hall.<\/p>\n Devotees relived Krishna\u2019s childhood pastimes hearing various discourses during the day. However after abhishekam in the evening, it was just kirtan, Krishna and us. As the kirtan reached a feverish pitch, the devotees could not help but break into a dance, which continued till maha-mangalaatri at midnight.<\/p>\n The celebrations concluded the following day with devotees offering their heartfelt gratitude to Srila Prabhupada, on the occasion of His Vyasa-puja. Without his mercy, how would we have known Krishna?<\/p>\n If this was the grandeur of the festivities at a temple tucked in one remote corner of the material world, then how much more attractive and captivating would Goloka actually be?<\/p>\n Click on links below to view photos:<\/p>\n Facebook:
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\n\u200bThe presiding deities, Sri Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra mayi as well as the deities of Sri Radha Govinda and Sri Krishna Balaram at the two venues of the celebrations wore matching outfits.<\/p>\n
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By Sugopi Sakhi Devi Dasi<\/strong><\/p>\n