Shri Krishna Temple

Festivals Celebrated in the Temple

Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Shri krishna Janmashtami is an important festival celebrated with great pomp and gaiety in the temple. It is also known as Gokulashtami. It is a festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Krishna, who was born more than 5000 years ago in the 28th year of Dwapara Yuga in Mathura. Hence, Mathura is also called Krishnabhoomi. It is observed on the eighth thithi of Krishna Paksha in Bhadrapada Masa. The festival is celebrated for two days.

The Janmashtami celebrations begin early in the morning, where devotees offer their prayers to Lord Krishna and decorate the idols with fresh flowers and peacock feathers. They keep fast on that day and offer Naivedya made from curd and poha. Devotees adorn their homes with flowers, diyas, and lights. Temples wear a festive look with beautiful decorations.

The temples of Mathura and Vrindavan witness colorful celebrations as Lord Krishna is believed to have been born there. Also, places like ISKCON temple in Delhi, Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, Shri Nathji temple in Rajasthan, Jagannath temple in Odisha, and Govind Devji temple in Jaipur attract a huge number of devotees.

On that day, the idol of Krishna is decorated with sparkling clothes, a crown, and jewellery. A host of Bhajans and Kirtans take place in temples. Devotees perform Raslila to recreate incidents from Krishna's life and to commemorate his love for Raadha. As Krishna was born at midnight, an idol of infant Krishna is bathed and placed in a cradle at that time. Fasting, Bhajans, poojas, and other rituals mark the celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami.

Dahi Handi is a popular ceremony celebrated on this day with glee. In his childhood, Krishna was called Makhan Chor. It is an enactment of Lord Krishna's efforts to steal butter from a Matka (earthen pot) suspended from the ceiling. It takes place on the second day of Janmashtami. An earthen pot containing a mixture of milk, dry fruits, and ghee is hung with the help of a rope. Enthusiastic young men form a human pyramid and try to break the pot. After breaking the pot, prizes are distributed.

In schools across India, children dress as Krishna and sing songs of the Lord. Singing competitions are held on this day, and prizes are awarded. It is a feast for one's eyes to witness young Krishnas sing, dance, and enact incidents from the life of the Lord.

The most popular description of Krishna is found in the Mahabharatha, an Indian epic. It is believed that he was born to end the tyrannical rule of his uncle Kansa, who feared that the eighth child of Devaki would kill him. He was the charioteer of Arjuna during the Kurukshetra war and was responsible for the victory of the Pandavas. He is known as the slayer of Adharma and the preserver of Dharma.

In the Krishna temple at Tumkur, on the day of Janmashtami, homas and special poojas are performed. On the previous day, Kalyanotsava is conducted in the temple.

Vaikunta Ekadashi

Vaikunta Ekadashi is another festival celebrated with great religious fervor in the temple. It is one of the most auspicious days for Hindus. It occurs in the month of Margashirsha (Decemberâ€“January) during the fortnight of the waxing moon. Vaikunta is the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. On this day, the "Vaikunta Dwaram" (The Gates of Vaikunta) are believed to be kept open. Devotees firmly believe that those who worship Vishnu and fast on this day will attain Vaikunta. Special prayers are offered to Lord Vishnu, and devotees engage in "Japa" (chanting of Vishnu's name) and "Dhyana" (meditation).

In the Mahabharatha, the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna at the beginning of the Kurukshetra war is said to have occurred on this day.

SHRI KRISHNA TEMPLE, KUJA KSHETRA, TUMKUR - KARNATAKA

Festivals Celebrated in the Temple

Sri Krishna Janmashtami

Vaikunta Ekadashi

Temple Assistant