Vrindavan 2016.07.27 (VT): Devotees have already started coming to Mathura-Vrindavan during the month Savan, during which time big crowds are in Braj, especially for Hariyali Teej (Aug. 5) and Jhulan Yatra (Aug. 14-18). In preparation, the local deity shops are enticing devotees with moortis of Laddu Gopal in a swing (jhulan).
The market around Dwarikadhish temple and Shri Krishna Janma Bhumi and of Loi Bazar in Vrindavan has already started selling deities in hammock. The deities are also available in all sizes based on the requirement and budget of the devotees.
Artisans giving a final touch to the deities of Laddu Gopal
Artisans also have decorated the deity of Laddu Gopal in various styles. In some shops, the Lord can be seen holding an umbrella to protect himself from getting wet in the rainy season, whereas at some places Lord is dressed in a cap and sunglasses, no doubt to attract devotees with a modern sensibility.
Shopkeepers are also importing more and more deities as the number of pilgrims and religious tourists from round the world are increasing greatly with improving communications and sustained efforts from the tourist departments.
Mainly these deities are imported from Hathras, Iglas and Muradabad where they are moulded in various sizes and sculpted. Then they are given a final touch by painting and adding detail to the face and body. As Mathura is the centre for Lord Krishna’s raas, these deities are also mainly sold in Mathura markets.
Devotees also like to buy the deities here in the holy land, considering it particularly auspicious to do so. Not long after Jhulan, the festivals of Shri Krishna Janmasthami (August 25) and Radhashtami are also coming up.
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