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Bhagavan Bal Mukund!

Shri Krishna Janmashtami is one of the most eagerly awaited festivals of the Vaisnava calendar. The Lord Almighty Shri Shri Radha Krishna separated and incarnated for the sake of reinvigourating the principles of righteousness.

Shri Golok Dham Ashram in New Delhi sees vast numbers of devotees for Darshan during the evening and especially for Midnight Aarti, Darshan and Maakhan-Mishri, Panjiri-Charanamrita Prasadam.

This year, therefore, there were two Abhishekas – one in the morning and one just before midnight. The one in the morning was sponsored by Shri Shrawan and Sunita Devi Poddar of Glasgow, U.K. and the Lord sat in a special Bathing Altar for the Abhishek performed by Shri Hariprasad Ji Shastri through the Lotus Hands of Shri Sadgurudev Ji Maharaj.

Following the Abhishek, 1008 tulasi leaves were offered to the Lord with the Gopala Sahasra Naamaavalih, after which Raj Bhog was offered with the morning events concluded with Aarati.

In the evening after uttaapan, arrangements were made for the vast numbers of devotees, and at 4pm Akhand Harinam Sankeertan of the Yugala Mahamantra RADHE KRISHNA RADHE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA RADHE RADHE, RADHE SHYAM RADHE SHYAM SHYAM SHYAM RADHE RADHE – was chanted until midnight by Gaudiya Vaisnava Keertaniyas from Vrindavan.

Shri Bholanath Mishra, a renowned classical singer, entertained the Lord with soulful Padas from Shri Shribhatta, Swami Harivyasa, Shri Surdas and Shrimati Meera Baai. He was accompanied by wonderful Pakhawaj and tabla.

Shri Sadgurudev Ji Maharaj gave a short discourse on the glories of this holy festival, followed by the singing of ‘Bhaae Pragata Gopala Deena Dayaalaa, Yashomati Ke Hitakaari’ at midnight. The doors opened to reveal a wonderful darshan of Shri Shri Radha Golokavihari Bhagavan in their Solid Gold crowns, with Shri Laddu Gopal Ji in the Jhula for darshan.

By the end of the night, 25,000 devotees had darshan and 5,000 stayed for the midnight aarti and partook of Maakhan, Mishri, Panjiri and Charanamrita Prasadam.

For those volunteers, police officers, security, brahmacharies, karmacharies and devotees who stayed on to help clear up, the Nandotsav celebrations were held at 3am following closing up the Mandir after the midnight rush. Shri Sadgurudev Ji Maharaj caused untold bliss for all who were there.

Have a look at the pictures below, and a couple of video clips of the evening.

Jay Shri Radhe!!!