This 16th of May, on the most auspicious astrological date of Akshaya Tritiya, Sri Jagannath Mandir Kuala Lumpur (SJMKL), the largest and most active ISKCON center in Malaysia, will host the grand unveiling and installation festival of new marble deities of Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda Rama.

 

Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the waxing moon in the month of Vaishakh (May-Lune), month, when the Sun and the Moon are located in the zodiac signs of Aries and Taurus, respectively. This annual occurrence marked the the beginning of the Satya Yuga (Golden Age) eons ago, and it also later saw the descent of the Ganges River to Earth from the celestial realm.

While the temple has been home to deities of Jagannatha and his divine siblings since its founding in 1981 by Ramasharan Dasa, this will be the first time traditionally consecrated forms will be installed. As Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu had a special attraction to the Jagannatha deity in Puri, it is fitting that he and his spiritual brother join Jagannatha in Malaysia.

Since the temple moved to its current location in Taman Yarl, off Old Klang Road, in 1985, it has seen major renovations and extensions to facilitate the increasing activities and attendance during festivals. The new deities represent the fulfillment of over seven years of planning, particularly by former president Uttama Caitanya Dasa, who passed on earlier this year. In the same spirit of dedication, Vishnu Caitanya Dasa, the current president, is pushing forward plans for further extension of the current temple building to accommodate the innovative outreach initiatives, elaborate festivals, devotee development and educational activities that occur here.

This two day event will be the first of its kind in central Malaysia. Some of the highlights of the festival will be the grand “Nine Island” yagya (fire sacrifice )performed in the Vedic Vaishnava tradition, and the Adivas or “eye opening” ceremony, whereby the deities are unveiled and cast their first glances upon all present. Devotees and guests may expect plenty of fanfare, color and contagious devotion.

For further detail, contact Rasika Murari Dasa at ravi@sehmy.com or visit www.iskconkl.com. The will also be a live video telecast of the event on www.iskconkl.com.