Hyderabad: Vaikunta Ekadashi, a sacred festival in the Sri Vaishnava tradition, was celebrated with profound devotion and grandeur at the Hare Krishna Golden Temple in Banjara Hills, here.
The occasion commemorates the moment when Lord Sri Vishnu personally welcomed His devotee, Sri Nammaalwar, at the Vaikunta Dwara, symbolizing divine grace and love.
The temple offered devotees the rare opportunity to experience the Vaikunta Dwara Darshan and participate in elaborate Vishesha Sevas.
The festivities commenced in the early hours of the day, with the Vaikunta Dwara Pratista held at 5:15 AM. Devotees were blessed with darshan through the temple’s “Utthara Dwara” (north door), which was adorned with intricate decorations. The first Pradhama Darshana was offered to Acharya Srila Prabhupada, followed by the divine vision of Swayambhu Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy and Sri Radha Govinda, beautifully adorned in a special Shri Lakshmi Narayana alankara.
Thousands of devotees passed through the sanctified Vaikunta Dwara, seeking the blessings of Lord Sri Vishnu. Throughout the day, the temple resonated with soulful Vaishnava Gana Seva and Harinama Sankirtana, elevating the spiritual ambiance. A special Mandala Abhishekam was performed for the recently installed Mulavar Sri Sri Radha Govinda.
The rituals included offerings of Panchamritam, fruit juices, pushpabhishekam with selected flowers, holy waters, and rare herbal and aromatic substances, symbolizing devotion and purity. Sri Satya Gaura Chandra Dasa Prabhuji, President of the Hare Krishna Movement in Hyderabad, addressed the congregation, highlighting the significance of Vaikunta Ekadashi. He remarked,
“This festival celebrates the Lord’s boundless love for His devotees. The Vaikunta Dwara symbolizes the divine gateway to the Lord’s eternal abode, and passing through it allows devotees to seek His grace and fulfill their spiritual aspirations.”
The celebrations culminated with a grand Maha Arati to Sri Radha Govinda and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy in the evening. Throughout the day, the temple served sumptuous prasadam to all visitors, ensuring elaborate arrangements for their comfort and convenience. \n\nDevotees from diverse backgrounds thronged the temple to partake in the spiritual festivities, immersing themselves in the divine atmosphere and seeking the blessings of Sri Radha Govinda and Sri Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy.
The Hare Krishna Golden Temple once again became a hub of devotion and spiritual enlightenment, marking a memorable Vaikunta Ekadashi celebration.
