FREMONT: Janmashtami is celebrated every year to commemorate Lord Krishna’s birthday. Krishna was born on a dark, stormy night in Vrindavan, to Vasudev and Devaki, in the prison of Devaki’s brother Kansa. His birth signified end to darkness that surrounded the region.
Fremont Hindu Temple celebrates the occasion every year with special puja at midnight to mark Krishna’s birthday. Janmashtami holds a very special place in Fremont Temple’s history, as this was the day 30 years ago, when Dr R.K. Japra, Leela Mathur, Manorama Joshi and a few other dedicated devotees established the temple. Since then, temple has grown in stature, devotee base, services offered as well as in size.
Janmashtami celebration was graced by Juna Akhada’s senior most Mahamunishwar Anandshrivibhushi Balyogi Shri Arjun Puriji Maharaj from Haridwar. Swamiji was instrumental in establishment of the temple 30 years ago, and has been associated with it ever since. Speaking on the occasion, Swamiji said “I am very attached to this temple and have been coming to visit it almost every year since its establishment. Organizers here have done a wonderful job of taking care of expanding the temple.”
The celebrations started at 7pm and included Pravachans, Bhajans and Jhankis.
Dr Japra has been the leading light and guide at the forefront of the temple’s efforts to act as the center of Indian community’s social and religious activities. He said “Janmashtami marks lord Krishna’s birthday as wells birth of our temple. Lot of children and youth have become part of the temple ecosystem. It has grown into not just religious, but a social and cultural center as well. It is also a center to support community members in need. Many people gain jobs here and perform many of their important and auspicious events such as marriages. Temple acts as a unifying force for the community and works as a cultural anchor”
Rajesh Verma, President and trustee of Fremont Hindu Temple said “Over past 30 years, the temple has grown and flourished. Many youth have joined the temple. We have also expanded lot of services. The Temple has also been expanded by installing Siddhi Vinayak, Balaji and Sai Baba. We are also working on installing Karthikey and other deities. Currently we have temple services from morning 7.30 am to 10pm in evening. We are also working to expand it to 24×7 as feasible.”
With continued growth of Indian community in the neighborhood, Fremont Hindu Temple has plans to expand the services it offers to its devotees.
Ritu Maheshwari
India Post News Service
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