Akshaya Thithi in Delhi (1)

[Guest guest]

Om Namah Sivaya!

 

Beloved Family,

 

Friday morning we arrived at the temple at 5:30 am. The name of the

temple is " Vaikunta Naathar Kovil " -- Temple of the Lord of Vaikunta

(Vishnu) and we went early morning to celebrate Akshaya thithi. This

festival is celebrated on the 3rd day of the bright fortnight of the

Vaisakh month each year.

 

The festivities were yet to begin. There were several ladies standing

there wearing 9-yard sarees in South Indian style and men in dhothis.

We asked them " Why do we celebrate Akshaya thithi? " An old lady said -

" It was the day of Draupadi Vastra haran. When Krishna helped her by

sending endless cloth. "

 

Immediately a beautiful shloka came to our lips

 

" Shanka chakra Gada hasthe, Dwaraka nilaya Achyuta.

Govinda, pundarikaaksha, raksha maam sharanaagatam....

 

Draupadi is in the court of Kauravas and crying out to Lord Krishna --

Oh Krishna (Achyuta)who lives in Dwaraka and who holds a conch,

discus and mace, Oh Govind, Lotus-eyed Lord, Please, please rescue

me, i take refuge at Your Feet. "

 

Thinking of Krishna, Draupadi and chanting the beautiful shloka,

waiting for God to give us darshan our eyes are already moist!

 

The temple priest brought tulsi water (dear to Krishna) and placed a

crown on our bowed heads. The crown has God's Feet imprinted on top

of it.

 

The main diety of the temple is called " Moolavar " and He is Lord

Vishnu with Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. On the side is a smaller form of

the Lord called " Utsavar " .Utsav means festival and this form of God

comes out with us and plays with us on festival days!

 

Today He is sitting on top of His mount (Garud) dressed in

scintilating silk cloth and diamonds and multi-coloured gem necklaces

and flower garlands. He is all ready to take a ride around the temple

and bless all of us!

 

The nadaswaram (a wind instrument) and drums are playing - the air is

full of anticipation. On the side are big sticks and young boys from

IIT (India's very prestigious college) have come to help carry God! i

marvel at their wisdom to give their shoulders to Him whose Feet are

the refuge of the Universe and pray to Mother to bless them!

 

.....to be continued....