LALITPUR: President Ram Chandra Poudel visited the historic Krishna Temple in Patan Durbar Square on Friday and offered prayers to Lord Krishna on the occasion of Krishna Janmashtami.
President Poudel, accompanied by his spouse Sabita Poudel, worshipped Lord Krishna at the temple and received flower offerings and prasad from the priest. He also offered dakshina to the priest after the worship.
President Poudel was welcomed at the temple premises by Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan, District Coordination Committee Chief Rishidev Phuyal, Chief District Officer Narahari Ghimire, Assistant Chief District Officer Suprabha Dhungel and Chief Administrative Officer Rekhadas Shrestha, among others.
He was also welcomed by Lalitpur-2 lawmaker and former minister Jagadish Kharel, Bagmati Province Acting Speaker Apsara Chapagain, former minister Madusudhan Poudel, Prem Bhakta Maharjan and Province Assembly member Raghunath Maharjan. After offering prayers and receiving prasad, President Poudel inspected the Mangahiti area.
Krishna Janmashtami is celebrated annually on Bhadra Krishna Ashtami to commemorate the birth of Lord Krishna. Thousands of devotees thronged the Krishna Temple in Patan and other Krishna temples across the country to offer prayers and seek happiness, peace, prosperity and family well-being.
According to Hindu tradition, Lord Krishna is believed to have been born on Bhadra Krishna Ashtami during the Dwapar Yuga. Beyond its religious significance, the festival also reflects Nepal’s rich art, culture and traditions and promotes social harmony.
The Krishna Temple in Patan, built in the 17th century during the reign of King Siddhinar Singh Malla, holds a special place in Nepal’s religious and cultural history. The tradition of the head of state offering worship at the temple on Krishna Janmashtami dates back to the Malla period.
During the monarchy, the king and members of the royal family traditionally visited the temple on the occasion. Following the establishment of the republic in 2065 BS, the President, as the head of state, has continued the tradition.
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