Date for Sri Krishna Jayanti observance

[Guest guest]

Dear Bhagavatas,

 

I don't mean to bring up the confusing spectre of the

panchAngam again, but the date for observing Sri Krishna

Jayanti is a rather complex topic and demands some

attention.

 

All of the following apply only for devotees in the U.S.

Calculations were made in accordance with rules specified

for each tradition within the Sri Vaishnava sampradAya.

The calculations and dates were then verified directly

with Srimat Paravakkottai Andavan Sri Gopala Desika Mahadesikan

of Sri Poundarikapuram Ashramam, Srirangam.

 

This year, the dates to observe Sri Jayanti in the U.S.

are as follows:

 

Tue, Aug 22, 2000: Sri Jayanti (mannAr / munitraya)

Janmashtami is also on this day.

Wed, Aug 23, 2000: Sri Jayanti for all others (Ahobila Matha

and Thengalai Sri Vaishnavas)

 

Once again, I will spare you the reasoning, which is complex

and arcane, and has to do with under which circumstances

the 'rohiNi' nakshatra and the 'ashTami' tithi coincide.

 

 

All over India, irrespective of sect, Sri Jayanti is observed

in generally the same way. It is one of the most festive days

of the religious calendar. Most of you are aware of these

customs. In anxious anticipation of the birth of Krishna,

fasting is observed throughout the day. The whole family is

abuzz with preparations for the night's celebrations. As evening

approaches, little footsteps of Krishna are drawn in front of

the house, leading into the house and to the PerumaaL sannidhi.

In Karnataka households, little Krishnan is placed in a tiny

'thottil' (cradle) in the sannidhi, and all manner of sweets,

fruits, and bhakshaNams are tied so as to hang right above him,

right within his reach. The kitchen has been busy since morning,

and children are milling around, waiting for the opportunity to

sample the more than 15 varieties of delicacies that have been

prepared to offer to him. Too bad they have to wait till night.

 

The clock approaches midnight and it is the vRshabha lagnam.

The ArAdhakar takes a special 'snAnam' as the appointed time nears.

Devotees read aloud the Krishnavatara Ghatta from the 10th skandha

of Srimad Bhagavatam. They lovingly focus on the last four slokas,

which describe in detail the incomparable auspiciousness and beauty

of the divine baby. Alvar Paasurams and songs of saints such as

Purandara Dasa are sung. As the worship proceeds, the house is

transformed into Gokulam (Aypaadi) itself, and all feel overjoyed as

Krishna's presence becomes apparent:

 

Running, falling,

Hugging each other with joy,

They search, saying,

"Where is our lord?"

Singing all the while,

They dance to the beat

of countless drums!

And so it was in Aypaadi.

 

( Oduvaar, vizhuvaar, ugandhu aalippaar

naaduvaar, nampiraan enguththaan enbaar

paaduvaargaLum palpaRaikotta ninRu

aaduvaargaLum aayiRRu aayppaadiyE. -- periyalvar tm 1.2.2)

 

The worship continues with recitation of the sahasranAma,

mukunda-mAlA and other stotras. With great affection all the

day's preparations are offered to little Krishna -- nothing too

spicy or 'kAram', mind you, for their Kannan is delicate.

 

As the divine baby is finally put to sleep, everyone experiences

an unusual sense of contentment and happiness. As they sample

the navanItam and mouth-watering sweets, they are convinced

that this must be Krishna's prasAdam, for nothing else could

be so tasty. As the night winds down, all are filled with the

memory of yet another fantastic Sri Jayanti. They need no other

proof of the presence of Krishna, and all sing along the lines of

Sri Desika,

 

Our beloved who is dark as a rain cloud, who

rains the gift of liberation, has arrived!

 

( muththimazhai pozhiyumugil vaNNar vandhaar! )

 

aDiyEn rAmAnuja dAsan,

Mani