By ISKCON Coimbatore
“I want to see my disciples all over the world introduce two items , opening Radha Krishna temples and Rath Yatra festivals” (Srila Prabhupada , Founder Acharya of ISKCON, in His letter to Bakta Das,11 October 1973).
Indeed with the only intention of fulfiling Srila Prabhupad’s this desire, devotees of ISKCON Coimbatore have been earnestly endeavouring to dedicate two achivements at His Lotus feet in this 50th Golden Jubilee year of ISKCON.
The first one is the grand celebration of the First Annual Rathyatra of Lord Jagannath at Ooty and the second one is the successful beginning of excavation of land for their new temple project , of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna at ISKCON, Pelamedu,Coimbatore.
When Lord Jagannath decided to visit the Queen of Hill Stations, Ooty, He directed the devotees from within to arrange for a grand rath yatra. Residents and tourists at Ooty , attracted by the Rath Yatra posters were inquisitive to see the Lord who had a unique form quite unfamiliar to them . The scene was all set to pull the ratha of the Lord through the main streets of the town. Great care was taken in arranging for prasadam ,accomodation and other facilities for the devotees.
And the day arrived!
Following the inauguration of the festival by the auspicious presence of HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami ( Temple President, ISKCON ,Coimbatore) and other dignitary invitees, Lord Jagannath along with His elder brother Baladeva and sister Shubhadra Devi,dressed in grand outfits, seated on a wonderfully decorated ratha , came out on the major streets of Ooty amidst roaring kirtan and dance by devotees. When mere onlookers of the procession received Lord Jagannath’s mercy through his big red lotus eyes and broad smile, what to speak of those who lovingly pulled the ratha, sang and danced for His pleasure? The hills echoed the Mahamantra and transcendental ecstacy filled everyones heart.
The deities were given a glorious reception, after the Rathyatra at Srinivasa Kalyana mandapam, followed by Gaura arati, spiritual discourse by HH Bhakti Vinoda Swami and sumptuous prasadam feast. Devotees, with their hearts filled with love for Lord Jagannath, vowed to come back year after year to make this festival a grand event.
Comments