Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai
Mumbai, Aug 16: On the auspicious occasion of Ashtami, the day of Lord Krishna’s birth during the Shravana month, Janmashtami was celebrated with great devotion and grandeur at the residence of Dr M S Alva at Sea Shell, Prabhadevi, Mumbai.
Dr M S Alva, who personally performs priestly rituals with spiritual dedication, began the celebrations by purifying the Krishna temple installed within his residence using the holy Ganga water. At midnight, during Nishita Puja, coinciding with the beginning of Ashtami Tithi, he observed a fast and performed elaborate rituals.
On Friday evening, during Rohini Nakshatra, and at midnight—the precise time of Krishna’s birth—Lord Krishna’s idol was beautifully adorned with a golden crown, pearl and diamond ornaments, coral necklaces, garlands, and decorative items like peacock feathers and a flute. The deity was placed in a flower-decorated cradle. With devotion, Dr Alva himself offered betel leaves, fruits, dry fruits, laddus, milk, curds, butter, sugar, and sweets made of khoa to Lord Krishna. Special pujas were conducted in his presence.
The worship was marked by the devotion to Lord Krishna, regarded as the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, who destroyed evil and established dharma. Just as Janmashtami is celebrated with grandeur at Udupi Sri Krishna Mutt, the same festive spirit was witnessed at Dr Alva’s residence.
Hundreds of dignitaries attended the celebration as special invitees, while thousands of devotees visited the venue to witness the rituals. At the entrance and throughout the prayer hall, depictions of Krishna’s divine footprints were drawn, enhancing the spiritual ambience. Visitors also had the rare darshan of over a thousand priceless Saligrams displayed, which added to the grandeur of the event. Devotees expressed their reverence and extended their Janmashtami greetings to Dr M S Alva.
Dr M S Alva hails from Mijaru Guthu Anand Alva family of Moodbidri, who passed away last year at the age of 107. He is one of the three sons of Anand Alva and brother of Meenakshi Alva, Dr M Mohan Alva (Chairman, Alva’s Education Foundation), and M Balakrishna Alva. While living in Mumbai, Dr M S Alva has been serving the medical field and is also actively engaged in business.