The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKON) will celebrate Janmashtami at the Hare Krishna Temple near Auckland on August 29.
The Festival, marking the birth of Lord Krishna will include prayers, kirtans and Maha Prasad at the Radha Giridhari Temple complex located at 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, about 28 kilometres from the Central Business District.
Devotees can sponsor ‘Gold Kalash,’ a special Pooja bathing the Deities.
Some Hindus celebrate Janmashtami by fasting and staying awake until midnight, the time when Lord Krishna is believed to have born.
At midnight devotees will render devotional songs, dance and exchange gifts. Some Temples also conduct discourses on the Bhagavad Gita.
According to an estimate, more than 930 million people around the world mark this important occasion, considering it as ‘Spiritual Renewal. ‘
What is special about Lord Krishna, compared to other Gods in the Hindu faith?
Many consider Krishna as a playful, romantic, diplomatic, courageous, righteous and gracious Avatar of Lord Vishnu, to not only deliver the Bhagavad Gita, the most sacred Book that teaches every aspect of life, Dharma, Karma and the means of salvation.
Further information about Janmashtami celebrations at Radha Giridhari Temple can be obtained from Kala Das (09) 4128075.
Email: info@harekrishna.org.nz; Website: harekrishna.org.nz
Raja Venkatesh is a community worker and volunteer at ISKCON and other temples.
