Vrindavan: An ancient idol of Thakur Gauranga Mahaprabhu, believed to be around 541 years old, has arrived in Vrindavan from Silchar in Assam during the holy month of Kartik. The deity has been installed at Shri Radha Damodar Temple, one of Vrindavan’s Saptadevalayas, giving devotees an opportunity to have special darshan.
The idol reached Vrindavan on October 27 and will remain at the temple for devotees until November 2.
Special Religious Events Mark the Month of Kartik
According to Damodar Chandra Goswami Maharaj, a temple servitor at Shri Radha Damodar Temple, special religious programmes are being organised during Kartik under the guidance of Bade Gusain Acharya Kanika Prasad Goswami.
The arrival of Thakur Gauranga Mahaprabhu has become a major attraction among devotees attending these events. Kartik is also known as Damodar Maas, during which darshan of the deities, temple parikrama and Deepdaan are considered especially auspicious.
What Makes the 541-Year-Old Idol Unique?
According to religious tradition, the idol is approximately 541 years old and first appeared in what was then East Pakistan, now Bangladesh.
As per the belief associated with the deity, Lord Jagannath instructed Upendra Nath Mishra, the grandfather of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, to manifest the idol.
One of its most distinctive features is its large eyes, which resemble the traditional appearance of Lord Jagannath. This unusual feature makes the deity particularly appealing to devotees.
Regular Worship Continues in Assam
The idol is currently worshipped regularly by Radhapad Mishra in Silchar, Assam. Its arrival in Vrindavan during Kartik has provided devotees with a rare opportunity to seek darshan.
Suresh Sharma, Gopal Sharan Sharma, Mahesh Sharma, Omprakash Ghatwale, Radhapati Das and Archana Devi Dasi were among the devotees present during the occasion, along with many others.
