Religious fervour grips Mathura-land of Lord Krishna

Mathura, Sep 2 (UNI) Religious fervour has gripped Mathura and Vrindavan on the occasion of Janamashtmi-the birth of Lord Krishna- to be celebrated on Tuesday.

Bathed in their rich Krishna legend and mythology, these small towns in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh celebrate Janamashtmi with great enthusiasm.

The place of highest religious significance in Mathura is Sri Krishna Janam Bhoomi, the birth place of Lord Krishna. The Keshav Dev temple built in ancient times on the site of Krishna's supposed birthplace (an underground prison) receives lakhs of visitors during Janamashtmi. Every year, the janambhoomi receives 30 lakh devotees and tourists around this time of the year. Keeping in mind the craze of the occasion, the security measures are tightened and CRPF, RAF are pressed into service. Various intelligence agencies also keep vigil round the clock. Lord Krishna and Radha are dressed in extravagant dresses and are decorated with rich jewellery and accessories.

Special preparations start a month before Janamashtmi for Raslila (dance drama) in the campus of the Temple. Stage is set and tents are erected. Raslilas are performed in every locality too.

Dwarkadeesh Temple built in 1814, is the main temple in the town.

During the festive days of Janmashthami, Holi and Diwali, it is decorated on a grandiose scale. The temple in the town is brightly decorated for the Janmashtami midnight pooja. Jhulanotsava and Ghatas are the center of attraction for the Janmashtami celebration in Uttar Pradesh or Mathura. Jhulanotsava is the cradle celebration of the town or the whole state. People gather to rock the cradle of the baby Krishna at midnight. This cradle is decked up with precious stones and jewelries. Flowers are also used to decorate this special cradle.

The markets also look very colourful during the festive occasion.

Costumes and accessories for the deity in all colours, shapes, cuts, fabric and sizes are up for sale. ''We are here for four generations now and sell this only. People come here daily to buy new clothes for the God. Near Janamashtmi, the sale increases manifolds,'' says Rajkumar Mal, a shopkeeper.

Around this time, another unique festival of Mathura called Ghatas is observed. During the entire month of Shravana according to Hindu calendar, all the gods and goddesses and temples are decorated in the same colour. During the 'ghata', a single color is chosen and the whole temple coupled with the clothes of the deities are done up in that color for that spectacular Janmashtami decoration.

Vrindavan, just 10 kms off Mathura, is where Lord Krishna spent his childhood, and therefore, the town celebrates Janamashtmi with great fanfare. On this day the entire city is immersed in the spirit of devotion. The sound of bhajans and chanting, echoes through out the city. Here also, Raslilas form an important part of the celebrations.

The Banke Bihari temple in Nidhivan is a special attraction during the month of Sravana when it adorns a special look. The entire premise is covered with flowers and other decoratives.

Special pooja is performed during Janmashtami. The idol of Shri Krishna is adorned with pitamber(yellow cloth) and jewellery.

Also the Janmashtami celebrations reach its peak in the most important temples like Rangnathji Temple, Shri Krishna Balram Temple, Radharaman Temple, ISCKON Temple etc. These temples have a schedule for the entire day,with timings fixed for various ceremonies and poojas all day long.

Vrindavan has a distinct style of its own. The processions heavily decorated with 'Jhankis' or tableaus, depicting various episodes of Lord Krishna's life, are brought out in the city. The most spectacular displays during the period are the gold and silver 'Jhulas' or swings that are taken out on display only during the occasion. The Raslila enactments further add to the festive spirit.

Apart from that Earthen-pots of curd and butter are hung up over the streets. Young men enacting an episode from Krishna's childhood form human pyramids by climbing on each other's shoulders and try to break these up.

Besides this, special poojas and rituals are also performed at the ghats.

UNI