GEETHA PATIL
BOSTON: The Shivalaya Temple of Greater Boston, Massachusetts, celebrated Shree Ram Navami, the birth anniversary of Lord Rama, the seventh incarnation of Lord Vishnu April 13 with much enthusiasm and devotion.
Devotees came dressed in traditional attire to participate in the festival and obtain the blessings of Lord Ram. This Hindu spring festival celebration indicates the removal of bad powers and entrance of divine power on the earth and the victory of goodness, defeat of evil power and establishment of the Dharma after removal of Adharma.
At noon, temple priest Pandit Gangadhar performed the Abhishekam and puja of baby Lord Ram with Vedic rituals in the presence of special devotees and the beautifully decorated baby Ram was placed in a cradle. Devotees chanted “Shree Ram Lalla ki Jai” slogans in chorus.
Shri Chirag welcomed the devotees warmly and appreciated their active participation in the temple’s evening public program. The function commenced with the chanting of Shree Ram Amritvani followed by melodious bhajans sung by devotees with religious fervor.
Shree Ram Janma Katha laid emphasis on the importance of ‘karma’ in our lives. The Katha advised everyone to follow the path of truth and honesty because righteousness is the rule which bestows happiness and prosperity on all. And Lord Ram was a defender of the weak and the protector of the righteous.
Pandit Gangadhar performed baby Lord Ram Lalla Ji ki Arati along with all other temple deities’ Arati. After this, all devotees were served with delicious “prasadam” by Sudarshan Sharma and his team with much love.
