Naggar’s ancient Krishna temple buzzes with devotion 

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Ancient temple draws devotees for Janmashtami celebrations

Naggar, September 4

Janmashtami is being celebrated with religious fervour at the ancient Radha Krishna Temple in Thawa, Naggar, with devotees arriving from different places to offer prayers and participate in bhajan-kirtan.

The temple, located in the former capital of Kullu district, is associated with several local religious traditions. According to the temple priest, Neeraj Acharya, the shrine is believed to have been constructed by the Pandavas during the Dwapar Yuga.

Temple tradition recalls mysterious idol disappearances

Acharya said Lord Murlidhar’s idol, believed to represent Lord Krishna, would mysteriously disappear from the temple. He said devotees would subsequently hear the sound of a flute from the nearby forest during the day and night.

According to the temple’s tradition, during the reign of King Pritam Singh, a decision was taken to install an idol of Goddess Radha alongside Lord Krishna. Acharya said the disappearance of the Krishna idol stopped after Radha’s idol was installed.

The temple has since continued to observe Janmashtami and other festivals with religious ceremonies and devotional programmes.

Devotees also worship the ancient tree

Another distinctive feature of the shrine is an old tree outside the temple. Local belief holds that Arjuna, one of the Pandava brothers and a devoted follower of Lord Krishna, meditated at the site and later became established there in the form of the tree.

Devotees worship the tree, which is said to have remained green for hundreds of years.

Bhajan-kirtan continues through the night

Devotees said thousands of people visit the temple during Janmashtami, with bhajan-kirtan continuing through the night.

Devotee Isha Rajput said she had come to the temple specially to seek the blessings of Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmashtami.

Temple caretaker Vidhi Negi also said devotees had gathered in large numbers to participate in the celebrations and express their devotion to Lord Krishna.