 Early Times Report
JAMMU, Sept 24: The J&K Dharmarth Trust observed Radha Ashtami with great religious fervor at Shri Raghunath ji Temple in Jammu, marking a significant occasion for devotees.
Brig R.S Langeh (Retd), President of J&K Dharmarth Trust, along with Ashok Kumar Sharma (IPS Retd), Secretary, and temple priests, conducted the Pooja with traditional rituals in honor of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. The temple was beautifully adorned with vibrant flowers, and devotees gathered to chant Bhajans and observe fasting on this auspicious day. Many women from the neighboring areas of Raghunathji Temple congregated at the temple premises to perform their customary rituals.
The temple resounded with the recitation of Shlokas and Mantras as the Pooja ceremonies commenced. Radha Ashtami is celebrated 15 days after Krishna's birth, known as Janmashtami.
In a statement issued today, Brig R.S Langeh (Retd), President of J&K Dharmarth Trust, expressed, "Let us seek blessings of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna to bless us with knowledge and wisdom in life." He stressed that the Radha Ashtami festival provides a profound opportunity for devotees to connect with the divine and seek divine guidance. It is a time to reflect on the teachings and virtues of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna, who are regarded as embodiments of unconditional love, devotion, and wisdom.
Ashok Kumar Sharma, Secretary of the Trust, informed that the Trust had made elaborate arrangements to celebrate the Radha Ashtami festival with enthusiasm and joy. The festivities included a wide range of religious rituals, attracting devotees from all walks of life to participate in the celebrations and seek the blessings of Radha Rani.
A Head Priest of Raghunath ji Temple explained, "Radha Ashtami marks the birth anniversary of Shri Radha Rani, considered an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. It falls on the eighth day of the Shukla Paksha during the month of Bhadrapada and is also known as Radha Jayanti. Devotees worship Goddess Radha with utmost devotion, commemorating the selfless bond between Lord Krishna and Radha, a unique relationship between human and God."
He further added, "Observing the Radha Ashtami fast is believed to bless one with a prosperous life and help overcome obstacles, attain happiness, and salvation. It is also believed that observing the Radha Ashtami Fast and worshipping Goddess Durga helps to cleanse one of all sins."
As part of the celebration, a Langar serving Kheer (a traditional rice pudding) was organized for the devotees.
Earlier, the Trust's President, Secretary, and Temple priests paid tribute to Maharaja Hari Singh on his 128th Birth anniversary during a function held at Raghunath ji Temple, Jammu. |
