Biswabrata Goswami
MAYAPUR, 31 AUG: The sacred banks of the Ganga at Sri Dham Mayapur turned into a vibrant ocean of devotion today as thousands of devotees converged at the global headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) to celebrate Radha Ashtami, the divine appearance day of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna.
The celebrations began in the early hours with mangala arati and reached a spiritual crescendo with the Radha Krishna Abhishek — the ceremonial bathing of the deities, accompanied by the resonant chanting of the mahamantra and soul-stirring kirtan. The temple courtyards reverberated with devotional singing as saffron-robed monks, women devotees clad in traditional attire, and pilgrims from across India and abroad gathered to offer their prayers.
Considered the very essence of Krishna’s hladini shakti—the power of bliss and devotion—her birth story, as recorded in the Puranas, was recalled with fervent devotion in temples and households alike.
Radha Ashtami, observed on the eighth day of the bright lunar fortnight (Shukla Paksha Ashtami) in the month of Bhadra, is considered one of the most sacred festivals in the Vaishnava calendar. “Srimati Radharani represents the highest devotion to Krishna, and her appearance is a reminder for all of us to deepen our service and love towards the divine couple,” said an ISKCON spokesperson in Mayapur.
The day-long observance included discourses (katha) on Radharani’s pastimes, spiritual lectures, and devotional singing sessions. Many devotees observed a half-day fast, breaking it only after noon with prasadam, the sanctified food distributed in abundance at the temple complex. For pilgrims, the highlight remained the abhishek, performed with milk, honey, ghee, fruits, and flower offerings, symbolising pure love and devotion.
As the sun set over the sprawling temple town, the air was filled with chants of Hare Krishna and the fragrance of incense and flowers. The atmosphere, at once festive and deeply spiritual, reminded devotees of Mayapur’s enduring role as a centre of Gaudiya Vaishnavism and a beacon of faith for millions across the world.
