Mathura, May 22 – Temples and devotees are observing summer rituals to give relief to Lord Krishna from the scorching heat of the summer season.
Inner devotion is of paramount importance in the worship of Lord Krishana in Brij Bhumi. “Devotees love him as Lala (child) or Sakha (friend),” Padma Shri Krishna Kanhai Chitrakar said. One may often see someone sharing his joy or sorrow and even fighting with Lord Krishna in the temples of Mathura and Vrindavan.
The construction of stone and the use of earthen lamps to light the temple add to the heat of the summer season. It becomes necessary for temples to adopt practices that can cool down the premises.
Traditional ways like Phool Bangla and Vetiver (Khas) curtains to cool the temple premises, are either used along with coolers or Air conditioners, or are completely replaced by air conditioning, Vijay Kishore Goswami Sewayat Sri Madan Mohan temple said.
However, Some Major temples are still following the old tradition of Phool Bangla and Vetiver curtains with fans. Rose and Kewda fragrances are sprayed, occasionally due to their cooling properties.
Vrindavan’s Madan Mohan and Radha Raman temple will observe Jal Yatra in late June. Thakur ji sits in Phool Bangla and takes a perfumed water shower via a sprinkler stalled in temple Jagmohan during evening darshans.
“Because child Krishna sits in water for so long, he is offered hot Halwa in Prashad immediately after the ritual, to make him comfortable,” Dinesh Chandra Goswami Sewayat Sri Radha Raman temple said.
Vrindavan’s only temple to follow a blend of South and North Indian traditions, the Sri Rangnath temple follows a unique practice of painting the walls of the temple Jagmohan with sandalwood paste. “This keeps temple Jagmohan cool, as Sandalwood is known for its cooling properties,” said temple CEO Angha Srinivasan. The temples also use Sandalwood and herbs to give a bath to the deity.
The deity’s Poshak ( attire) is primarily made from cotton, and the number of ornaments is significantly reduced.
Sri Bankey Bihari’s attire and jewellery are beautifully made from flower buds. Sarees, Lehenga, Eklai , Patuka (scarf), Pyjamas, Chitpat (Chintz) are all made with buds. Beautiful designs are carved with Raibel (Arabian Jasmine), Kaner (Oleander flower) on Banyan leaf , Anant Goswami Sewayat Shri Bankey Bihari temple said.
The tradition was started by Swami Haridas ji, and will be observed till the full moon day of the Hindu calendar month Ashadha.
Flowers with cooling properties and fragrance are offered to the deity; however, Mogra, Raibel (Arabian Jasmine ), and Rose are favourites, he added.
Khus, Rose, Sandalwood, and Mogra are used for their fragrance and soothing effect. However, Kewda fragrance is used in Prashad. Sandalwood paste is mixed with Camphor before applying to the deity to make it refreshing. Khus and Rose perfumes are also used to give a message to Thakur Sri Bankey Bihari at night, Gyanendra Kishore Goswami Sewayat Sri Bankey Bihari temple said.
Seasonal fruits like musk melon, Mango, litchi, and Cucumber act as natural body coolants, and Satua are included in Prashad. “Sharbat, Thandai, and Mango Lassi are refreshing additions to Prashad.” Gyanendra Kishore Goswami added. Aam Rabri is the season’s favourite. Almond, Cashew, and boiled dal are also part of Prashad.
However, Melon, tomatoes, pineapple, and jackfruit are not part of the Prashad offered to Thakur ji, he added.
The temples are laying mats in open areas and sprinkling them with water occasionally to make it bearable for devotees to walk in the Sun. Coolers, Mist fans, and fans are also installed at various places, Shashank Goswami Sewayat Sri Bankey Bihari temple said.
Drinking water is available for visitors. At Sri Bankey Bihari temple, it is available outside gates 1 and 4. But Goswami feels that the arrangements are inadequate and noted that public convenience is still far away.
He suggested that the piece of land bought recently by the high-powered committee can be used to develop public convenience, for the time being, till the corridor comes up, given its proximity and easy accessibility from the temple.
Murari Agrawal, state Vice President, Bhartiya Udhyog Vyapar Pratinidhi Mandal, shares that the local shops stock a variety of summer gadgets and clothes for Thakur ji. Small coolers and fans are available for home use and are a favourite among devotees.
“Even devotees are enjoying summer coolers and foods available everywhere.” Lassi, Thandai, and Mango Rabri are favourites in Vrindavan and Mathura. Though the temperatures are in the forties, people still start their day with Kachori and Jalebi and finish it with Aloo Tikki.
Practicing Chartered Accountant Kuldeep Arora is unhappy with the arrangements and noted that devotees have to walk to the temple or wait in line outside the temple in the open. “Only a few shades are available; how can we expect visitors to walk everywhere in the sun?” he said.
The development is bringing more concrete and suggests developing green corridors and shades. Arora also finds traffic and the availability of water as one of the biggest challenges.
