26 Aug 2024, Amritapuri Ashram -Sri Krishna Jayanthi Celebrations
The vibrant celebrations of Sri Krishna Jayanthi at Amritapuri Ashram began with a morning Go Puja, followed by an afternoon procession of devotees singing bhajans along the scenic beach road. The fervent bhajans, accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the Kerala traditional temple percussion, Pancha Vadyam, added spirit and enthusiasm to the procession.
As the procession, led by the ashram elephant Lakshmi, reached the ashram grounds, Amma, who was giving darshan at the time, paused to lovingly feed Lakshmi, a gesture that warmed the hearts of all present.
The traditional Uriyadi, or pot-breaking ceremony, took place in front of the Kali temple. To the uplifting tunes of the Hare Rama mantra and bhajans, participants of all ages—from toddlers carried by their parents to the elderly—took part in the event. The crowd cheered as participants tried to hit the pot, suspended high and moved up and down by a pulley. Each successful strike, which shattered the pot, was met with applause and joy, symbolizing the breaking of our identification with the body, mind, and intellect to become one with the infinite space.
Some of the little ones dressed as baby Krishna had the precious opportunity to be in Amma’s arms, adding a special touch to the day’s events.
After the evening bhajans, Amma joined the midnight celebration of Sri Krishna’s birth. A group of ashram children read from the Srimad Bhagavatam in Sanskrit, setting a sacred tone. As the clock struck midnight, the conches blew, temple bells rang, camphor was lit, and the atmosphere was filled with divine energy. Amma fed honey to the statue of baby Krishna, marking the divine moment of Krishna’s birth.
Amma then led the gathering in singing “Agatanay Agatanay Vishnu Devan” and three other bhajans. Following the bhajans, Amma delivered a heartfelt message on the significance of Sri Krishna Jayanthi.
“Krishna’s life had the splendor of the peacock feather, the perfect harmony of the songs flowing out of His flute, and the purity of the Tulasi leaf. His life was a commentary on the Vedantic principles and an interpretation of the dharma that befitted the age. Interaction with Bhagavan became a yoga—divine union—for everyone,” Amma shared. {read message}
After her message, Amma danced joyfully to the tune of Baduga music and distributed payasam to all, concluding the day’s celebrations with warmth and love.
Jai Sri Krishna!
-Tulasi
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