Deepotsav

Deepotsava or Deepotsavam also known as the festival of lights is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October – November) every year. It is a month-long festival commemorating Damodara-Lila, the sweet pastime of baby Krishna stealing butter and consequently being tied to a mortar by His dear mother Yashoda. In Sanskrit, “dama” means rope and “udara” means belly. Damodara refers to Krishna who was bound with a rope by His mother Yashoda.

Deepotsava – Significance

It is not possible to describe the glories of Kartika month. During this month devotees observe strict vows (Damodara Vrata) and worship Lord Damodara by offering a ghee lamp every day. It is said that by offering a lamp to Lord Hari in the month of Kartika one gets unlimited prosperity, beauty and wealth. All the sins committed in thousands and millions of births perish, and one attains the eternal spiritual world where there is no suffering.

During this month, the temple is decorated with thousands of lamps every day. Light from hundreds of lamps placed before the altar spread transcendental radiance across the main temple hall, elevating the spirit of devotion. The grandeur with which the festivities are carried out captivates everyone’s realm of devotion.

At 8:00 p.m., The assembled devotees are informed about the significance of this festival. Following the announcement, A grand arati is performed as the devotees start singing melodious Damodarashtaka songs. The glorious sight of Their Lordship Sri Radha Madhav amid smoke enthrals everyone. After the arati, all the assembled devotees get an opportunity to offer ghee lamps to Their Lordships. This is followed by Shayana Pallakki Utsava.

Download Damodara Vrata (English) - Click Here

Download Damodarashtakam Lyrics with translation (Hindi) - Click Here

Download Damodarashtakam Lyrics with translation (English) - Click Here

Download Damodarashtakam Audio - Click Here