Sri Sri Giridhari Gaudiya Matha in Govardhana

November 28, 2004

On November 28, 2004 devotees from around the world and sadhus from all parts of India gathered in Govardhana for the auspicious installation of Sri Sri Radha Vinoda-bihariji, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Bhakti Prajnana Gosvami Maharaja. The ceremony began with recitation of the jaya-dvani prayers, then throwing of flower petals and rice, and then auspious mantras and arati. After arati, abhiseka of the Deities was performed, while simultaneously a fire sacrifice was taking place by the garden outside the temple room. After abhiseka the Deities were given a bath with auspicious substances, from pots having thousands of holes, and then Thakurji was elaborately dressed and decorated. Once the Deities were dressed Srila Narayana Maharaja installed them according to Vedic tradition, after that noon arati and bhoga offering were performed, and then over a thousand devotees were served prasadam.

Blowing the conch shell to begin the installation ceremony

Offering arati

Sri Sri Radha-vinode-bihari, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

and Srila Bhakti Prajnana Kesava Maharaja just before being bathed

Bathing

Devotees in attendance

Fire sacrifice

Deities after installation