Auckland’s Shri Radha Krishna Mandir is gearing up for a long cultural weekend from June 10 -12.
Several cultural and spiritual events are planned as part of the 21st Patotsava Mahotsava of the temple.
Sri Radhakrishna Mandir is celebrating its 21st birth anniversary this weekend. Hindus observe the Patotsav Mahotsav to celebrate the anniversaries of murti-consecration (Prana Pratishtha) of Mandirs (temples).
Explaining more about the Patotsava Mahotsava, Dr Pandit Devram Bhai, the main priest of the temple, said: “The word Patotsav comprises of two words Paat and Utsav. While Utsav means festive celebrations, Paat is derived from Patti, a strip of garment tied on the head of a Murti.”
“The Patotsava ritual typically involves a grand Abhishek of the Murtis, which involves pouring Panchamrut – milk, yoghurt, ghee, sugar and honey, and Kesar-Jal – water with saffron, on the Murtis.”
Sri Radha Krishna Mandir – A brief history
Interestingly, many Aucklanders would be surprised to know that Shree Radha Krishna Mandir, situated in the quiet precinct of the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Centre in Eden Terrace, shares antiquity only surpassed by Sandringham’s Balmoral Mandir, which is the oldest Hindu temple in New Zealand.
Though the temple was constructed and officially inaugurated in 2001, it had its beginnings almost a decade earlier in 1991 when a prayer hall was made to offer prayers in the then newly acquired building of Findlay’s Bakery at 145 New North Road, Eden Terrace by the Auckland Indian Association. The building has since then evolved into the iconic Mahatma Gandhi Centre, with Sri Radha Krishan Mandir coming up as a revered place of worship within its precinct.
Cultural events on Saturday and Sunday
Extending an open invitation to all Aucklanders and New Zealanders for the 21st Patotsava Mahotsav, Dr Devram Bhai said, “Many spiritual and cultural events have been planned from morning to night on Saturday and Sunday involving, and everyone is invited to be part of the celebrations to mark this auspicious occasion.”
Garba Night planned for Friday night
Extending the weekend cultural events to Friday night as well, the Auckland Indian Association has also planned a garba night for the members of the community.
Explaining the rationale for organising a garba event now (usually, garba is performed during the festival of Navratri), Dhansukh Lal, President of Auckland Indian Association, said, “There was a long-felt need within our community to bring together everyone and energise with an opportunity to play garba as the last two years of Covid pandemic and the accompanying restrictions have prevented such a celebratory gathering.”
“The Friday garba event is ticketed with $5 entrée fees (on the doors) and food and drinks available for sale throughout the night,” Dhansukh Lal said.
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