SRI KRISHNA LEELAMRUTHAM (THE NECTARINE STORIES OF THE DEEDS OF LORD KRISHNA)

3.BIRTH CEREMONY OF LORD KRISHNA  

Mukunda! the one who gives liberation. On hearing Lord Krishna's cry, the neighbors near to Nanda Maharaja's house rushed up to see the Lord's charm! It was the first birthday celebration of the Lord. Nanda Maharaja was very much delighted on the birth of his son. The birthday celebration of the Lord took place with a great pomp. On that day, Astrologers determined the date of birth and also made a horoscope for the future of child. Nanda Maharaja gave away a lot of clothes, ornaments and also gave grains, golden garments and ornaments in charity. The Veda-knowing brahmins performed rituals and chanted auspicious mantras. Nanda Maharaja distributed cows and calves in charity to the Veda knowing Brahmins. Each and everyone's house was decorated with flags and flowers. They beautified their house by festoons and flags. In front of their house, they sprinkled sandalwood scented water. They applied a concoction of oil and turmeric powder on the body of cows and calves and decorated them with garlands. The Gopas got dressed with valuable clothes, coats and turbans with lots of gifts in their hands for the birth ceremony.  The gorgeous Gopis beautified themselves with pretty dress, ornaments and eyewash, mixed saffron powder and oil. Everyone came up with valuable presents for the child's birthday celebration. They were so delighted to take part in the function and scented perfumes in their body. The Gopis lovingly approaches Nanda Maharaja and uttered, "O our dear child, You should only give us protection!". While celebrating, Gopis offered a concoction of curd, tumeric powder and oil. On seeing the pastimes of Gopis, Gopas became elate and threw butter on the opposite people. Nanda Maharaja was so happy on seeing the pastimes of Gopas and Gopis. Different singers sang soothing songs in the name of Gods and Goddess and made the function grand. The musicians played many instruments and the inhabitants of Gokula enjoyed that. Many poets revealed their talent through singing poems in the name of the Lord. Therefore, Gokula was full of felicity on the day of celebration. The entire Gokula was filled with happiness. They were so delighted as if they gave a birth to their own children! The Gopas and Gopis sprayed colors like how they celebrate Holi festival. Nanda Maharaja, Mother Yashoda and the  inhabitants of Gokula worshipped Lord Vishnu and other Gods.

Mother Yashoda is the most fortunate lady out of the three worlds because, She was the Mother of the Lord and also gave Her own milk to the Lord. Lord Krishna, the heart of Gopis drank milk from Mother Yashoda. Mother Rohini, the wife of Vasudeva dressed nicely on the occasion. She congratulated Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yashoda and blessed the Lord. On that time, Nanda Maharaja got ready to go Mathura in order to pay annual tax to the king Kamsa and also to supply milk products. So, He called cowherd men to take care of Gokula. Nanda Maharaja reached Mathura and payed the annual tax. He entered into the rajcourt of Kamsa and happily informed that His child has born. Nanda Maharaja asked permission from Kamsa to meet His best friend Vasudeva who was imprisoned in jail. Kamsa allowed Nanda to meet Vasudeva. A soldier in the prison informed Vasudeva that Kamsa has planned to kill small children nearby Mathura. As soon as Vasudeva heard, He thought to convey indirectly to Nanda. Nanda met Vasudeva and both were happy on seeing each other. Vasudeva congratulated Nanda Maharaja and asked about His two sons. He also enquired on welfare of the city. Vasudeva told Nanda Maharaja that some misfortune seems to happen. He said, "O My dear friend, I come across some signs related to misfortune. I experienced that air is moving in an opposite direction, deer are running hither and thither so it seems like a misfortune yet to happen. You return soon to Gokula my friend!". Nanda Maharaja scared and hurried to return back to Gokula. On the other hand, bathing ceremony took place in Gokula where in the Gopas and Gopis made a mixture of saffron oil and turmeric powder and applied over the Lord's body. They sang nice songs and hymns on the Lord and  blessed the divine child with long life and happiness throughout. All the Gods and Goddesses blessed with complete blessings. From that day, the prosperity of Gokula heightened in all aspects with great respect.

TO BE CONTINUED....