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In
the ancient Vaishnava tradition, God (Krishna) is
understood to have a personal form that is sacred and
worshipable. One of the main goals of Vaishnavism is to
develop a personal relationship with Lord Krishna, by
learning how to serve Him with love and devotion. With
this end in mind, the Deity of the Lord in the temple is
worshiped, and by this practice the worshiper is
purified.
The Vaishnava scriptures support the practice of
Deity worship. for example in the Bhagavad-gita
(9.26) Lord Krishna says, ‘If one offers Me with love
and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will
accept it.’ Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of
ISKCON, writes in his commentary to this verse, ‘for
the intelligent person, it is essential to be in Krishna
consciousness, engaged in the transcendental loving
service of the Lord, in order to achieve a permanent,
blissful abode for eternal happiness.’
In
New Goloka, Lord Krishna and His eternal consort,
Srimati Radharani (Sri Sri Radha Golokananda), are
worshiped.
Devotees make seven daily offerings of worship and
specially cooked, pure vegetarian food and worship to
the Deities. This daily program is performed by Vaishnava priests (pujaris).
The Deities clothes (which are hand-made) are changed
twice a day. On festival days there are special feasts,
and the Deities receive new clothes and paraphernalia
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