Our Bureau
Robbinsville, NJ
Devotees thronged to the BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham, in Robbinsville, NJ, Sept. 7, 2023, to celebrate Janmashtami, observing the birth of Lord Krishna.
Among the spiritual leaders who addressed the devotees was Shrutiprakashdas Swami who delved into the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita; scholar Mahāmahōpādhyāya Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami; Ishwarcharandas Swami and others.
The epic tale of the Mahabharat was dramatically re-enacted, emphasizing Arjun’s choice of Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s divine strength over sheer military might, symbolizing that true victory lies in unwavering faith in God. Following a dance depicting Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s childhood story, the celebration concluded with various Janmashtami traditions, and devotional songs. Finally, youths formed a human pyramid recreating Bhagwan Krishna’s playful act of breaking pots to get butter in his childhood.
Among the attendees was New Jersey Assemblyman Wayne P. DeAngelo, who expressed appreciation for the warmth and outreach of the community. Dr. Hari Eppanapally of Elysium Ventures and Andrew Dinsmore from U.S. Senator Chris Coons’ office in Delaware were also honored at the celebration.
Following a dance depicting the stories from Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s childhood, the celebration concluded with various Janmashtami traditions. His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj affectionately swung a hindolo, or decorative swing, upon which sat the murtis of a youthful Shri Krishna Bhagwan. He lovingly offered thaal, a dish of sweets, while engrossed in the divine image of God. To cap off the evening, devotional songs regaled the glory and greatness of Bhagwan Shri Krishna’s compassion and unmatched devotion.
