Divine Celebration: Shri Radha Krishna Nauka Vihar Utsav at Hindu Mandir of Lake County

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
GRAYSLAKE, IL- The Hindu Mandir of Lake County in Grayslake, IL hosted the Shri Radha-Krishna Nauka Vihar Utsav (Boat Riding Festival) on September 16, 2023, with hundreds of spirited devotees. This event aimed to please the divine couple, Shri Radha-Krishna, by celebrating Lord Krishna’s divine pastimes, understanding their significance, and striving to incorporate them into daily life.

Temple priests, Pt. Anil Joshi Ji, Pt. Radha Krishna, and Pt. Balaji Gopal, conducted rituals including Lord Ganesh and Radha-Krishna Abhishekam following the sponsors’ Sankalpam. They adorned the deities, offered Naivedhyam, and performed Archana with Vedic Mantras. The devotees participated in a Shobha Yatra for Shri Radha-Krishna, circling the temple while chanting various Shri Krishna Maha Mantras and slogans.

The temple’s water pool and boat were beautifully decorated with flowers, colorful umbrellas, and soft Asanas, filling the devotees with excitement. Before placing Shri Radha and Lord Krishna on the boat, the priests purified the water with Ganga Pujan, using Kumkum, Chandan, and flower petals while reciting Vedic and Krishna Mantras. The sight of Lord Krishna and Radha Rani on the elaborately decorated boat brought pure bliss to the devotees.

Pt. Anil Joshi Ji emphasized the significance of the Shri Radha-Krishna Nauka Vihar Utsav, likening the boat to a Guru guiding us through life’s challenges towards spiritual enlightenment. He encouraged devotees to maintain their devotion to Lord Krishna amidst their daily responsibilities and strive for spiritual growth.

Devotees took Lord Krishna and Radha Ma on a boat ride accompanied by joyous Kirtans and offered their heartfelt Seva. They prayed for the fulfillment of their wishes and dreams in life.

Manoj Adhikari, the temple president, expressed gratitude to devotees, sponsors, priests, and dedicated volunteers for their support and active participation in temple activities. Pt. Joshi Ji blessed the devotees for a happy, healthy, and prosperous life.

Devotees shared their appreciation for such festivals, where they could experience divine Darshan, Kirtan, and the company of fellow devotees, which filled their hearts with ecstasy and brought them closer to the Lord through chanting His names and praising His glory.