BY JYOTHSNA HEGDE
Atlanta, GA, September 6, 2024: “Change your thoughts, Change your life,” quoted Sushri Siddheshvari Devi Ji, also known as Didi Ji, founder of the Radha Madhav Society and the Yugal Kunj Radha Krishna Temple and Community Center.
Immersed in vibrant colors, and abuzz with activity, the lush green landscape of 15-acre Yugal Kunj facility in Duluth GA came alive as prayers, pyramids, performances, and proclamations marked the grand celebrations of Krishna Janmashtami on August 26, 2024. Celebrated in honor of the birth of Lord Krishna, the revered eighth incarnation of Lord Vishnu, the joyously observed festivities attracted well over 3500 devotees on a weekday!
Commissioner Kirkland Carden, Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners presided as the Guest of honor. He was accompanied by Heather Sawyer, Gwinnett County, Communications Director.
The endearing idol of baby Krishna in a Jhoola (swing) bedecked with intrinsic designs and radiant colors, the green grass and props of cows and resplendent deities of Radha Krishna and Sita-Ram in the main prayer hall, handcrafted in pure white marble, adorned in splendid clothing and exquisite jewelry, enriched by blissful music and dance transported the audience back to Krishna’s Vrundavana – where Lord Krishna is believed to have spent his childhood playing with gopikas (cowherd girls) and the forests.
A divine aura filled the air as little kids dressed up as Lord Krishna walked around the green grass, as the crowd gathered in the backdrop of a lovely sunset lined for the sumptuous prasad served and cooked by volunteers. The vibrant atmosphere was palpable with the Dahi Handi pot hung high up in the air, waiting for human pyramids to break clay pots filled … butter or curd, just like Krishna did when he was a child.
The evening commenced with a chanting by Didi Ji. In addition to the delight of celebrating Lord Krishna’s birth, Yugal Kunj had more exciting news to share with the devotees. Gwinnett county, where Yugal Kunj is housed, recognized the contributions of the organization and Didi Ji with proclamations to both.
“Proclamations are a way to recognize an organization, an individual, or ceremony formally to elevate something and bring awareness to an event that’s going on. I take it as an honor to recognize this temple and to recognize the woman who started this temple, but at the same time promoting elevating the spiritual work she’s done, not just in Gwinnett, but different parts of the US, as well as Canada,” Commissioner Carden said.
“The Indian American community has helped shape modern day Gwinnett County, Georgia, and I’ve seen that firsthand as a 20 year resident,” Commissioner Carden remarked about contributions of the community to the county.
Radha Madhav Society is part of the worldwide mission of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), a non-profit organization founded by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj. The temple is an initiative of Sushri Siddheshvari Devi (Didi Ji), a senior disciple of Shri Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj, founded in 2015 and run almost entirely with volunteer help. The title, chosen by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj translates to ‘flowery pleasure groves of Vrindavan”
Didi Ji was born in India, grew up in Canada studying Hinduism, began preaching spiritual teachings in 1987, and aims to transform lives through her discourses, satsangs, and devotional retreats in North America, the West Indies, Singapore, and Malaysia. The proclamation recognized Didi Ji’s contributions, particularly during COVID-19 pandemic, when she provided spiritual solace through online satsangs and lectures. Her efforts, it reads, “offered comfort and guidance to those facing isolation, uncertainty, and loss, fostering a deep sense of spiritual unity and community. Her contributions have enriched Gwinnett’s spiritual and cultural fabric, strengthening the bonds within Gwinnett’s Hindu community and beyond.”
The proclamation recognized Yugal Kunj as being instrumental in promoting Hindu culture and values through its religious services, educational programs, art and cultural festivals, and social initiatives, contributing to the cultural richness of Gwinnett. The center, proclamation reads, “provides a safe space for practicing devotion, a community center that fosters personal development, and a second home where families can spend quality time together in serene surroundings, inspiring growth and harmony.” Yugal Kunj, it adds, “spreads a simple message of “change your thoughts, change your life,” inspiring selfless devotion as taught through Hindu values, serving community members through youth education initiatives and outreach efforts to foster a spirit of service and unity among its member and hosts numerous annual events, including Janmashtami, Divali, Holi, and more, attracting thousands of visitors from across Gwinnett, metro Atlanta, neighboring states, and even internationally, establishing itself as a significant spiritual center and a proud promoter of cultural diversity.”
Several acclaimed dance academies and dance groups enthralled the audience with their performances. The festival fervor was further enhanced with the Dahi Handi tradition with ‘govindas’ breaking the pot of curd (yogurt) hanging high up in the air. Further celebrations moved into the prayer hall and continued all the way to midnight ( the time Lord Krishna is believed to be born), culminating with chanting, bhajans and the Aarti of Lord Krishna.
“Yugal Kunj offers a variety of programs dedicated to serving the community, emphasizing the holistic development of its members through both secular and religious initiatives,” Didi JI said.
Gurukul, the educational wing of Yugal Kunj walks children and teens through various phases of Indian culture, helping them develop long lasting faith and understanding of the Hindu religion.
The secular branch,
Harmony Youth Center (HYC) she said, is committed to inspiring families to lead
happy, healthy, and balanced lives. To support young children, Yugal Kunj
operates Flowery Grove Montessori located on its premises, and also offers 10
weeks of Summer Camp and a week of Spring Camp. Additionally, the center
provides a wide range of classes, including music, dance, language, yoga,
sports, and fitness.
The religious branch, Radha Madhav Society (RMS), she said, offers Gurukul
classes for children aged 4-18. The mission of these classes is to introduce
young minds to spirituality and the richness of Hinduism in a fun and loving
atmosphere. Held every Sunday, these classes offer children the opportunity to
learn about Hinduism and its culture in an engaging environment. In addition,
RMS celebrates all Hindu festivals, organizes regular meditation and service
(seva) sessions, periodic spiritual talks in English, etc. ensuring continuous
spiritual growth for all ages.
For more information, you may contact info@yugalkunj.org. or visit https://yugalkunj.org/
