BOSTON: The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Boston, MA, celebrated “Shri Narasimha Jayanthi” with great pomp and piety. Hundreds of devotees gathered to celebrate the day that signified the appearance of Lord Narasimha, the 4th incarnation of Lord Vishnu on the planet.
The temple organized this auspicious event for two days just to make it convenient for the all the devotees of the New England area to attend and offer special prayers to the deity. As per Hindu calendar, the actual date of Lord Narasimha’ s appearance occurred on Saturday, 28 April.
The temple had an emblematic celebration on Saturday evening. The program started with story of Lord Narasimha by Shri Vanamali Pandit Dasa. It is believed that Lord Vishnu appeared in this Avatar to protect his devotee, Prahlada, from his demonic father and the day signifies the triumph of good over evil.
Melodious Kirtans were sung by Shri Guru Prasad Dasa along with devotees which created a pious atmosphere in the shrine and in the minds of devotees. Singing was followed by Indulekha Devi Dasi’s Pushpanjali with Mantras (offering of flowers while chanting holy mantras) to the deity. Delicious Prasadam sponsored by Smt Anasuya D. D. & Param Karuna Nitai Dasa, Smt Prabha & Shri Venugopal, Dayamayi Radhika D.D.& Family, Shri Vivek Kumar & Family from Singapore was served to all the devotees.
The main festival of Shri Narasimha Jayanthi was observed on Sunday, 29 April evening .An impressive starting of the program was done by melodic Kirtan singing by Sanjaya Prabhu, Bhima Prabhu accompanied by Chatamayi on harmonium and Pragadeesh on drum. The significant aspect of Narasimha-Avatara and His incredible ferocity towards Asuras and His kindness and realistic caring towards His devotees was narrated very interestingly to the devotees by Shri Parameshwar Dasa.
Shri Parameshwar and Smt Karuna presented a special Kirtan on this occasion. Pushpanjali was offered to the deity with holy Mantras at the conclusion of puja. Later, a tuneful and pleasant-sounding Narasimha Kavacham – a mantra for protection from the evils of the world was recited by the Sunday school children Vaibhav and Rani. Prasadam sponsored by Smt Ritu Madan, Smt Anasuya & Param Karuna Nitai Dasa, Shri Ram Mohan& family, Shri Lakshmi Narayana Dasa was served to all the devotees.
Shri Vanamali Pandit Dasa thanked Smt Indulekha D.D., Vrindavaneshwari D.D., Shri Muktavandya Prabhu, Smt Jai Saci Mata, Shri Saci Priya Prabhu, Anasuya & Param Karuna Nitai for their devotional help.
Geetha Patil
