CHICAGO: Hindu Temple of Lake County hosed a nine day celebration of Vasant Navaratri from Monday, March 31 culminating with Ram Navami on Tuesday April 8 with lot of spiritual fervor, attracting hundreds of devotees to the temple.
The first day began with Ganesh Pujan and Devi Kalasha Sthapan along with Nava Parayana Ramacharita Manas Path with full devotion and dedication. Every day Ramacharita Manas and Devi Path were performed by Pt. Anil Joshi with special Archana and Mangalarati. On this first day of the Hindu New Year, Panditji gave blessings to all the devotees for their happy, healthy and prosperous future.
On April 5, Mata Ki Chowki was organized by Anu Gupta and attended by more than 300 devotees. For this occasion, Annapurna Alankaram (fresh fruits and vegetables) was planned which turned out to be a great attraction for Devi devotees. On April 7, Ashthami Kanya Pujan was performed by more than 250 devotees for almost 100 Devi Kanyas. All the devotees cleaned Kanyas’ Charan, offered Tilak and gave plentiful gifts to all of them with devotion and religious zeal.
On the morning of April 8, Ramacharita Manas Path Purti was accomplished with great joy and Shree Rama Stuti, Avatar Stuti, and Avatar (Janma) Chandha were chanted by Panditji along with more than 100 devotees. By noon, Shri Ram Janma was rejoiced with Abhishekam, Archana by chanting Shree Ram Shatanamavali. Exquisitely decorated, Baby Shri Ram was placed in Palana (Jhula).
In the evening, Shree Ram Janma Ustav was started with unique Abhishekam for Shree Ganesha and Ram Lalla with Vedic Mantras and Strotas. Central attraction of the event was the entry of Raja Dasarath (Deep Kharya) and Kaushalya (Mohana Kharya) with their new born baby (Pranshu) as Shri Ram Lalla. They were welcomed with Mangal Kalash, Shank and Bell Nada and Mangalarati.
All devotees were chanting “Jai Shree Ram, Avadha mein Ananda Bhayo Jai Raghuvar Lal Ki” in chorus and enjoyed this moment with dancing. Janma Utsav badhayi and bhents were given to all children to enjoy. Ram Stuti sung by Sudha and Sudarshan Gaddam filled the shrine with religious atmosphere.
Melodious Bhakti songs were sung by Rita Patel, Atul Soni, Sangeetha Singh, Vishvanathan, and Kamalesh Desai. Before Mahamagalarati Pt. Joshi gave an enlightening speech on the significance of Shri Ram Janma Utsav. “Shri Ram’s philosophy of life provides guidance to us to lead our life with pride and dignity by executing our responsibilities towards family, county and world,” he said.
Dr Harsh Kumar gave vote of thanks to more than 350 devotees who participated in the Utsav with all the enthusiasm in spite of it being a week day. Special mouthwatering Mahaprasadam prepared by temple kitchen team was served to all devotees.
Geetha Patil
