Damodara Arti Darshan
Public offering Aarti
Invitees receiving Deepotsava Gifts
Devotees offering lamps to Lord Damodara
Pallkki Utsava after Lamp offering

Deepotsava, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated annually during the auspicious month of Kartika (October–November). This month-long festival commemorates the Damodara-lila, a beloved childhood pastime of Lord Krishna, highlighting His divine playfulness and loving relationship with His devotees.

The Story of Damodara

The name “Damodara” originates from the Sanskrit words “dama,” meaning rope, and “udara,” meaning belly. On one occasion, after Krishna mischievously stole butter, His affectionate mother Yashoda bound Him with a rope. Hence, He became known as Damodara. This episode captures how the Supreme Lord, though unconquerable by anyone, allows Himself to be bound by the pure love of His devotees.

Krishna Bound by His Mother’s Love

Once, Lord Krishna broke a pot of butter and began eating the butter in a secluded place. Mother Yashoda searched for her son and eventually found Him seated on an overturned wooden grinding mortar, feeding butter to the monkeys. Upon seeing His mother approach, Krishna fled in fear. Yashoda chased Him through the house until she finally captured Him and bound Him to a wooden grinding mortar with ropes as punishment.

Nobody can bind Lord Krishna; He is the Supreme Lord and controller of all. Yet, He relishes being controlled by His pure devotees. Krishna, who is known as Ajita (unconquerable) becomes conquered by the love of His pure devotees. Thus, Lord Krishna allowed Himself to be bound by His mother’s love for Him.

Deliverance of Nalakuvara and Manigriva

After Mother Yashoda returned to her household duties, Krishna, still bound to the mortar, proceeded towards two tall arjuna trees in the courtyard. He passed between the trees, but the large mortar became stuck in a horizontal position. Then Krishna pulled on the ropes with great strength, causing the trees to crash to the ground. From these fallen trees emerged two demigods, Nalakuvara and Manigriva. They had been cursed to become trees by the great sage Narada for their sinful activities. Through this curse, they also received the highest benediction of seeing Lord Krishna and becoming His great devotees.

Thus, during the Damodara-lila, Lord Krishna delivered Nalakuvara and Manigriva from their curse and granted them liberation at the end of their lives.

The Glories of Kartika Deepotsava

It is not possible to describe the glories of Kartika month. It is said that just as Lord Damodara is very dear to His devotees, the month known as Damodara or Kartika is also very dear to them. In this month, devotees worship Lord Damodara by offering a ghee lamp daily, and celebrate many important festivals.

Skanda Purana states that when someone pleases Lord Keshava by offering Him a lamp during the month of Kartika, then, by the mercy of the Lord, the ancestors in the family will all attain liberation. In the Padma Purana, it is said that anyone who offers a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara in the month of Kartika will be freed from all kinds of sins and will go to the abode of Lord Hari.

Experience Deepotsava at ISKCON Bangalore

Every evening during Deepotsava, the temple hall is illuminated with hundreds of decorative lamps, emanating a transcendental radiance that elevates the spirit of devotion. The splendour of these festivities captures the hearts and souls of all the participants.

Celebrations at ISKCON Hare Krishna Hill, Rajajinagar

The celebrations commence at 8 PM in the main temple hall with an introduction to the Deepotsava festival. Devotees are informed about the significance of this celebration. A mesmerising arati is then offered to Their Lordships, accompanied by the melodious rendition of the Damodarashtaka, a prayer glorifying the divine form of Lord Damodara and beseeching Him for the gift of loving devotional service.

Following the arati, all assembled devotees have the opportunity to offer ghee lamps to Lord Damodara and other Deities. The festivities conclude with a joyous shayana pallakki utsava.

Celebrations at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura

At Vaikuntha Hill, the celebrations also begin at 8 PM with a grand arati at the Sri Sri Radha Krishnachandra Temple, accompanied by the singing of the Damodarashtaka. Following the arati, devotees can offer ghee lamps to Lord Damodara. The festivities continue at 8:15 PM at the Sri Rajadhiraja Govinda Temple, where a special Kartika arati is performed, followed by the offering of ghee lamps by assembled devotees. The celebrations here extend until November 30, 2024.

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We warmly invite you to participate in these spiritually uplifting celebrations. Offering a ghee lamp to Lord Damodara is a simple yet profound act that brings immense blessings. Come, join us at ISKCON Bangalore during Deepotsava, and be a part of this divine celebration of love and devotion.

A wonderful opportunity is available to contribute towards Annadana and Go seva, Pushpalankara and Vishesha Naivedya Sevas to the Lord. Sponsor these sevas and be infinitely blessed during this most auspicious month. Receive the special prasadam delivered to your home.