Special Radha Ashtmi Puja - ISKCON Nellore

Radha Ashtami is the divine appearance day of Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Lord Krishna and the embodiment of pure devotion (bhakti). At ISKCON Nellore, this day is celebrated with great reverence, love, and splendor. The festivities begin early with Mangala Aarti and Maha Abhishekam, where the deities of Radha and Krishna are bathed with panchamrit, rose water, and fruit juices. The altar is beautifully decorated with fresh flowers, and Radha Rani is adorned in new clothes, jewelry, and garlands.Devotees participate in bhajans, kirtans, Radha-Krishna katha, and special aartis, offering heartfelt devotion. A grand bhog (food offering) is prepared and later distributed as prasadam. Activities like Pushpa Archana, Gau Seva, and Anna Daanam are also conducted. Celebrating this puja pleases Radha Rani, who grants deep spiritual devotion, inner peace, and divine grace to sincere devotees. The celebration reflects the mood of selfless love and surrender to Krishna.

Radha Ashtami Puja begins early with the devotee taking a sankalpam (vow) after purification through achamanam. The altar is cleaned and decorated with flowers and rangoli, and a picture or idol of Srimati Radharani is placed with reverence. The puja starts with lighting a diya and incense, followed by chanting of Radha Gayatri or Radha-Krishna mantras. A kalash is prepared, and panchamrit abhishekam (milk, curd, ghee, honey, sugar) is performed on the deity or photo, followed by a sacred bath with rose water.The deity is then adorned with sandal paste, kumkum, turmeric, and flowers. Offerings of naivedyam (sweets, fruits, or sattvic food), tulsi leaves, and pushpa archana (flower offerings) are made while singing bhajans. A heartfelt aarti is performed, and devotees seek Radha Rani’s blessings for devotion and inner purity. The puja concludes with distribution of prasadam, celebrating the appearance of divine love and compassion in Radha.