Vraj Mandal Jhanki-Fulfil longing for drishy of Divine bhumi-1

Vraj Bhumi – First Jhanki

(part of 21 post series)

Entry to Divine Vraj Bhumi is prohibited due to Covid-19 pandemic.

I long to be there!

And I realise that similarly there must be 1000’s of bhakts who long to place foot in Vraj.

Divine Vraj Mandal is sakshat Golok 🙏

Just so all can have darshans of the Bhumi, I’ll try and post few from my collection of several yatras over the years. A kripa from the divine shaktis of Vraj bhumi🙏

Hope all bhakts enjoy them; a kripa from Shree Radha Herself, who is the original Divine Shakti 🙏

वह भव्य, दिव्य व्रज भूमि, जो साक्षात गोलोक है,

जब नेत्र और आत्म में शुद्धता होने से आलोकिकता महसूस होने लगे,

तो समझिए श्रीनाथजी, श्री राधा कृष्ण की कृपा बरस रही है 🙏

Jai Shree RadheKrishn 🙏

Jai ShreeNathji Prabhu 🙏

Jai Vraj Bhumi

Complete Vraj Album (made for Covid times) can be viewed here on Facebook too

https://www.facebook.com/pg/abhashahrashyama/photos/?tab=album&album_id=3511763468838954

Dhanyawad 🙏

Shree RadhaRani darshans as a baby at Rawal, Her birth place

Giriraj Govardhan at Vraj Mandal

A Golden Vraj Mandal

BanshiVat at Vrindavan, Shree RadhaKrishn MahaRaas Sthali

BhandirVan at Vraj Mandal, Shree RadhaKrishn Marriage place

Beautiful Gaumata@Shree RadhaKrishn divine bhumi, Vraj Mandal

Tulsi kyara at Vrinda Kund

Madan Mohanji at Vrindavan

Kaliya Deh at Vrindavan

GaharVan at Barsana

Jai Shree RadheKrishn 🙏

Jai ShreeNathji Prabhu 🙏

A ‘selfie’ with Giriraj Govardhan

There is no other as ALIVE SPOT in Vraj Mandal as the divy 21 kms of Giriraj Govardhan parikrama marg; in our times.

It is a sthal of several sakshatkar and Shree Thakurjee anubhuti.

At any point on this parikrama marg, there are many Shilas (Girirajji stones are called Shila as they are divine) which have a divine feel about them. Shilas can appear and disappear as they are alive with the divine powers.

When there is the pavitrata and samarpan one can ‘feel’ the divine presence at several spots around this Divine Parvat, which has been the leela sthali for several Shree RadheKrishn and ShreeNathji divine leelas.

Jai ShreeNathji Prabhu 🙏

Jai Shree RadheKrishn 🙏

श्री गिरिराज गोवर्धन

श्रीनाथजी ठाकुरजी

एक selfie गिरिराज जी की दिव्य शिला के संग

इस आलोकित क्षण में हम क्या पा जाते हैं, वही समझ सकता है जो पूर्ण समर्पण में है।

गिरिराज जी के परिक्रमा मार्ग में, जहाँ से हटने को मन नहीं करे, समझ लो कुछ तो दिव्य दर्शन की अनुभूति हो रही है

BanshiVat-Vraj Mandal photos

BanshiVat at Vrindavan, Vraj Mandal: Shree RadhaKrishn Maha Raas Sthali

Few photos from this sacred mandir, from my visits here.

Some photos from our satsang here in February 2013:

Jai Shreeji!

This sacred mandir is situated in the heart of Vrindavan city with an area of approx. 30,000 sq feet.

It is known as BANSHI VAT MAHARAAS STHALI.

The Vrindavan Parikrama Marg and the sacred Yamuna run on the back side of this place and are connected by a narrow lane to the back door of this divine place.

Earlier as history describes, Banshivat was situated on this Yamuna Tat (bank); but as time passed land between the two places became divided, because the sacred Yamuna River has been receding very fast.

There are two mandirs here; one is the small ‘Charan’ mandir which is situated in the center of the parisar. These divine ‘Charan’ of Shree RadhaKrishn were established in 1820, by a great sage, Girdhari Sharn Dev acharya; he was a great devotee and served Ras Bihari with a lot of bhao, which pleased the Divine, and Radha Ras Bihari gave Their Charan to him.

The other large mandir was built by King Oyal (from Lucknow) in the 1900’s; in which the proper sewa is done daily of the Deities of Shree Radha Krishn today.

Pushti maarg samprada Chief Sri Maha Prabhu Vallabhacharya came to Vrindavan. He was looking for a place to hold the Bhagvat katha. He found Banshivat to be the most pure and decided to have the Bhagvat katha here.

Some say that the first darshan of ShreeNathji he found here at Banshivat.

His many disciples – Surdas. Meerabai, Kumbhandas, Nanddas ……. Visited this place and have described it in their books.

It also finds mention in the Chaitanya Charitamrit.

Vrindavan is famous as God played ras leelas with the gopis. In today’s times there are many places which have been proclaimed as the raas sthali; but with the proof available Banshivat is the only place which is mentioned in many scriptures and holy books and history by various saints.

Banshivat is Thakurjee’s most loved Raas leela sthal.

“Brindavan so van nahi, Nandgaon so gaon

Banshivat so vat nahin, Shree Krishn naam so naam”.

 

‘Gopika shat kati bhi Raas leela vibhu sith

Banshi Rav sama keerm Banshivat namo stute”.

 

“Brindavane vate banshi, praoage maoarath:|

Gayanya akshay khyat, kalpastu Purushottume||

Nishkumbh: khal lankaya, eategha panch gha vat:|

Eaitesu vat mulesu, sada nivsati makhav”|

 *Shree Krishn Played His flute often under this Vat. Banshi means the flute; Vat means the Banyan tree.

*Banshivat is the spot where the Divine couple spent a lot of time.

*ShreeKrishn played the famously divine Maha Raas here on the Sharad Purnima night.

*This is the spot where many famous loving divine leelas of Radha and Shyam along with the gopis took place. Freedom from the many commitments made to various bhakts in the many different avatars;

Granting anand and bliss to the many rasik bhakts; are some of the main reasons spoken about in the olden scriptures as reasons for the Maha Raas.

*Another reason for being famous is Shree Krishn’s victory over Kaam Dev at this spot.

A small temple of Gopeshwar is also on one corner of the main court, inside the Banshivat.

The story about why this is here:

When the sacred Maha Raas began, while in deep meditation on Kailash Parvat, Shiv Bhagwan heard the mesmerizing dhwani of Shree playing His divine flute. He told Parvati that He was going to prathvilok to be a part of this divine happening. He followed that transcendental sound until He came to Vrindavan, where ShreeKrishn was getting ready to start the Maha Raas with His gopis.

Desiring intensely to join the Maha Raas, when He came to the entrance of the Raas-Shali, He was stopped by Yogamaya, who told him, “Only gopis can enter here, no males except Thakurjee can be here at this time.”

Being a male He first, He was requested to take the form of a gopi, which only Shree Yamunajee would be able to grant Him.

After bathing in the Yamunaji, Lord Shiva emerged from the river with the form of a beautiful gopi.

Lord Shiva in Her gopi form stood at one corner of the Raas sthali. Lord Shiva stood there and prayed to Shree Radha Krishn for getting prem-bhakti.

Then the raas started. Shree Krishn danced with all the gopis. He also danced with Lord Shiva who was disguised as a gopi.

As He entered the place, Krishn recognized Him instantly – hence gave Him the name of Gopeshwar. The story continues how Radha became angry; she accused Krishn of calling a new gopi by the name of Gopeshwar, which means – the Lord of gopis. All these years He had never ever called Radha by this name. Then Shyam had to explain the details to Her. “This is no ordinary gopi. He is Lord Shiv and He has come all the way to see the Maharaas leela with a pure and sattvik gopi bhao.

Since then in His respect a mandir showing Shivji in the Gopi Form is there.

On 5^th evening at around 4.30 pm which is the 44^th day of construction, we visited the mandir and the charan shila to check if all is complete in perfection.

The structure looks heavenly in pure white and I can feel this longing again, this sense of belonging which I feel repeatedly at many places in Vrindavan. In fact looking at their pictures also is enough to evoke this sense of belonging and longing; this deep, deep connection and attraction I feel within; at times I have the over whelming need to be in Vrindavan. This is my home, it is where I belong!

Here at Banshivat today this attraction is very strong and I can feel held by the Divine vibrations.

Further details in my website: http://www.banshivat.org.in

ShreeNathji-Vallabhacharya Baithakji 8 at BahulaVan

Shri Bahulavan Baithakji Number 8

Baithaks in Pushtimarg religion are holy places where Shri Vallabhacharya, the founder of Pushtimarg, narrated the Holy Bhagvad Katha. They are total 84 in number and spread all over the country. Mahaprabhuji had circled the whole of India three times and done sthapna of these various Baithaks.

Each Baithak has its own particular Charitra (description).

Baithaks are holy places where there is no Idol or Chitra (Picture); sewa is done of Gaddi (Seating).

Baithaks are a very important pilgrim place for all Pushtimarg bhakts, as Shri Vallabhacharya is their primary Guru.

Here are some pictures displayed from my visit to the 8^th  Baithak of Mahaprabhuji, located at Bahula Van, Vraj Mandal.

The Mukhiyaji had asked us not to take photos of the darshans, so I did not.

These three photos that you see below, I have found on the internet, hence uploaded them for the bhakts. Their link is given at the bottom of this post.

View of the Krishn Kund, one of the few Kunds which have been maintained in cleanliness

There are several birds in this area, as it is not commercialized yet. There is no major construction happening here, thank God!

Shri Vallabhacharya was born in the VS 1535 or AD1478.

It was on Vaishak Vad Giyaras (11th) in Vikram Samvat 1535, or AD 1478; in Satbhisha Nakshatra on a Thursday; during the Abhijit mahurat, 12.40-1.00 in the afternoon; when ShreeNathji’s Lotus Face Appeared from Govardhan to give His divya Darshan to the lucky people of the village; According to Shree Krishn’s desire, on the same day but in the Abhijit mahurat, 12.40-1.00 at night, Shree Vallabhacharya also appeared at Champaran in a ring of fire.

(Details of his life and teachings, can be read on my website:

http://www.shreenathjibhakti.org

http://www.shreenathjibhakti.org/brief_sketch_vallabhacharya.htm

8^th Baithakji at BahulaVan

(This detail of the original varta about this Baithakji is taken from website: http://www.vallabhkankroli.org/)

At Bahulavan, Shri Mahaprabhuji stayed three days giving discourses on the Srimad Bagavatam

This is the fourth Van of the Vraj area, in the village of Bathi.

Krishn Kund is also located here

Here there are temples of Bahulabihariji and Bahula cow.

A story of Bahula cow can be found in Padma Puran:

Once Dharmaraja, in the form of a lion, visited this jungle to kill cows. All the cows except Bahula had escaped at the sight of this lion. Lion wanted to kill Bahula. She requested him to wait till she can go and feed her child. She promised him to return after that. She did return. Impressed with her honesty and truthfulness, lion revealed his true identity of Dharmaraja. When the cow died the people of this village started worshipping her by installing a stone statue of this cow.

The Muslim King of this area prohibited them from worshipping this cow. The king proclaimed that worship could only be commenced when the cow would actually eat grass. During his visit to this place, Shri Mahaprabhuji was informed about this prohibition. Shri Mahaprabhuji invited the king and showed to him the stone Bahula cow partaking of the offered grass. The king was amazed and became disciple of Shri Mahaprabhuji. In his next life this king was born as Meha Dhemar.

Amongst the Vraj’s 12 ‘ Vans’, this ‘ Van’ ranks fourth. Under the tree of ‘ Vadh’, this Baithakji is situated. Also beside it a cow named ‘ Bahula’ rests.

In this Baithakji, Vraj’s Muslim Suba was shown an astonishing miracle by Shri Mahaprabhuji.

Contact Information :-

Shri Mahaprabhuji’s Baithak,

At Post – Bathi

Dist. Mathura

Uttar Pradesh

India

(Picture of the inner mandir darshans are taken from: http://www.panoramio.com/photo/45245944)

Jai Shreeji!

ShreeNathji Sakshat darshans website

Our new website that has been launched is about Giriraj Govardhan and ShreeNathji.

As per ShreeNathji’s Hukum, we have been able to make public His Shakshatkar Darshans by sharing this divine Sakshatkar photo of His leela, which took place on His Sacred Mukharwind at Shri Govardhan in 2005.

Shreeji, in His love for His bhakts world wide, has now desired to reward His bhakts with HIS LALAN SWAROOP DARSHANS. 
The photographs of the Divya Darshans from Shreeji Mukharwind at Jatipura, which we were given in 2005 is now being made public, as per His desire.
The photos are totally authentic as taken at the time of pujan and not tampered with in any way. 

Once you read the Varta and see the photos, you will believe that our beloved Thakurjee, SHREENATHJI, SHREE GOVARDHANNATHJI, yet does His Divine Leela and Play in the outer world.

PLEASE DO A BIG FAVOUR FOR YOURSELF AND LOG ON TO THE WEBSITE.
RECEIVE SHREEJI’S BLESSINGS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY ON THIS AUSPICIOUS DAY AND EVERY DAY HENCEFORTH.

Do share this link on all your pages so that Thakurjee’s blessings spread all over the world.
Help in ShreeNathji’s sewa by spreading His Darshans. Become a link for Shreeji and His bhakts

www.govardhan.org.in

Wish you all a very happy and blessed new year
Abha Shahra Shyama

Shreeji ki Jai Ho!
Thank You for all Your Kripa on Your bhakts

ShreeNathji Darshans – Nathdwara-2

 Eight Jhankis at ShreeNathji Nathdwara Haveli:  

(In continuation from ShreeNathji Darshans – 1)

During every darshan, there is the goonj of Jai jaikar in the hall: “GovardhanNath ki Jai, Krishn Kanhaiya Lal ki jai, Banke Bihari ki Jai, Sanvariya Seth ki Jai, Dwarkadhesh ki Jai, ShreeNathji Baba ki Jai, Shyam Sunder Yamune Maharani ki Jai, Mor Mukut Bansi Wale ki Jai, Vallabhadhesh ki Jai, Giriraj Dharan ki Jai, Bol Shree Radhe, Radha Rani ki Jai, Barsane Wali ki Jai, Aaj Ke Anand ki Jai Jai Ho Jai Ho Jai Ho…”

 

MANGALA – First Darshan of the day Sewa is performed with the bhao of Navneet Priyaji. His Sthan is above the Surbhi Kund, below Shyam Tamal, at Govardhan. It is thought that in Nandalaya (at Mathura), all His sakha and gopijan will come for the Darshans of Bal Krishn. Shri Parmanand das is the Kavi whose rachanas (poems) are sung in this darshan. Shreeji is woken with the sound of Shankhnaad. It is the time when Shreeji just wakes up and there are no elaborate ornaments on Him. This is the only darshan when the Pithikaji is visible, also one can have the darshan of Shreeji’s right hand. In fact this darshan is the only one, where Shreeji is visible totally. This darshan time depends on the season. And stays open for nearly 45 minutes. Aarti is done in this darshan. Aarti is done with saat vat batti (seven standing wicks) with seven full rounds and seven half rounds. Bhakts enjoy this darshan a lot, and the hall echoes with their jai jaikar: This darshan time depends on the season. During summer darshans open late. The bhao is that during summer Shreeji plays longer and so will sleep later; hence has to be woken up later; the shringar is also lighter. He is clad in a simple adbandha. His flute is not given; if Shreeji begins to play early all would be enchanted and none would be able to work. In winter He sleeps early, so will be awake earlier for the Mangala darshans. He is covered totally in a rajai (blanket) so that only the Mukharvind is visible. There is a sigri (coal fire) lit before Him to create the warmth. Milk and Mishri, butter, milk, thord seera are offered as bhog; according to the season. The ‘Seera’ is one of Shreeji’s most favorite dish – the Mangal bhog ‘Seera’. He loves it. – He told me once in Nathdwara when we were taking the Mangal bhog Prasad.

 

   SHRINGAR – Second Darshan Sewa is performed with the bhao of Shree GokulChandramaji. His Sthan is above Mansi Ganga, below the Peepal tree at Govardhan. Kirtans and bhajans of the poet kavi Shri Nand Das is sung now. Around an hour after Mangala, is the Shringar Darshan. Shreeji is dressed according to different seasons and festivals. His entire wardrobe of 365 days has been decided by Shri Gusainji nearly 500 years back and is followed till today. The clothes He adorns once are never worn again. Shreeji is offered a garland of fragrant flowers. His Bansuri is offered now with the two Chadis. The pink Kamal or any other seasonal flower are also are decorated on His waist. After His Shringar is complete, the Mukhiyaji shows Shreeji a gold ayaina (mirror) so that Shreeji can be satisfied He is well dressed. His Venu is also offered now to Him. The moment when Shreeji looks at Himself in the mirror is not to be missed, as it is 100% guaranteed that He is Present there. It is incredible. All I can do is look at this divya (divine) happening and feel lucky to have been given this opportunity to be present here. I get the bhao of Shreeji standing with both His hands on His waist, looking at me standing tall and erect as if saying, “Main accha dikhta hun na? Meri nayi vah-vah pahani hai, ab main khelne jata hun.” (Do I not look fine, I am the best dressed. I have worn my new “vah-vah” (clothes) and shall now go out to play). I just want to go hug Him and hold Him in my arms; tell Him – “Shreeji You are the best, I love You”. Bhog is offered of dry fruits and sweets.

GWAL – Third Darshan Sewa is performed with the bhao of Shree DwarkaNathji. His sthan is in The Kadamb Khedi, above the Erapat Kund at Govardhan. Kirtans and bhajans of poet kavi Shri Govind Swami is sung now. This Darshan is the time when Shreeji takes His Gaumata for grazing.. The Gaushala mukhiya comes to inform Shreeji that all His cows are doing well. In this Jhanki, Beedaji (triangle betel leaves) and Jhariji are also offered. Tulsi Dal is offered at His Feet. Dhoop Dhunni  is done for Shreeji so that no evil nazar harms Him. After this Aarti with dou vaat batti (two standing wicks) is performed now. Bhog is offered of rabdi, kheer, milk etc. This Darshan normally does not open during festivals and is done inside.

RAJBHOG – Fourth Darshan This is the fourth Darshan of the day. Sewa is performed with the bhao of ShreeNathji Himself. His Sthan is at Anyor below the neem tree of Saddu Pande, at Govardhan. Kirtans and bhajans of the kavi singer Shri Kumbhan Dasji are sung. This is the most bhavya darshan. Before this Darshans open, one hears the call of the sewak to fetch Shreeji’s Mala quickly. It is with the bhao of when Shreeji stayed in Govardhan; the pujari had to call out loudly for His Mala; as Shreeji’s garden was at a little distance. As a routine it is followed as a signal for the Darshans to open. This Darshan is open for a longer time than all the other Darshans. After the call for Shreeji’s Mala; Shivji is called for taking ShreeNathji’s Darshans. When ShreeNathji shifted to Nathdwara, Shivji also was pratishted in a mandir near the Banas River. At this Rajbhog Darshan, it is believed that sakshat Shivji is seated on the round semicircle before Shreeji, in the Dolti Bari doing ShreeNathji’s Darshans. That is why no one should step on this circle during these Darshans. In this Jhanki, Shreeji stands with His Kamal and two new Malas (garland). Two Beedaji (triangle betel leaves), Shreeji’s Ladoo Banta (Gold box containing sweet ladoos), Jhariji are also offered along with His Venu (flute), two Chadis and Kamal(flowers on His waist). Once Shreeji is ready, He is shown an Aaina (mirror). A Morchadi (Stick of peacock feathers) is swayed from one side. Aarti is performed in this Darshan. To protect Shreeji from evil nazar (evil eye), two coins are given away to sewaks. Once the Aarti is done, the curtain is drawn for a few seconds, when one Malaji is taken away. This darshan is open for a long period after this. After this Darshan, Shreeji’s Haveli is shut for the afternoon as it is His time for vishram (rest). Most sewaks also retire and rest, as they have been awake very early. Nearly three hours later the Shankhnaad (conch) is heard again. Bhog is offered of all types of food equivalent of an elaborate lunch. Shreeji’s food is always made extra sweet and no chillies used in the preparation. His jal (water) is always mixed with either rose, Chandan or some Kesar. He does not like plain water. Shreeji, when in the right mood at times talks to me about His food habits. About how He likes milk with kesar; this happens many times when we are having tea at Gurushree’s office mandir. Suddenly I hear Shreeji’s tiny sweet voice, “Tum log yeh kiya peete ho? I reply – Shreeji, yeh chai hoti hai “Chai hai? Main chai nahi peeta. Main to kesar wala dudh peeta hun,? Main jal bhi kesar wala hee peeta hun”. (What are you’ll drinking? I reply -Shreeji, this is called tea. “This is tea? I don’t drink tea. I drink only milk with kesar,  I drink water also with kesar).

 UTTHAPAN – Fifth Darshan Sewa is performed in the bhao of Shree Mathureshji. His Sthan is at Saghan Kandara Parasoli above Chandra Sarovar at Girirajji. Kirtans and bhajans of Shri Surdas are now sung. Nearly three hours later the Shankhnaad (conch) is heard again. This is the first of the four afternoon Darshans. Like Mangala, bhakts gather outside the gate, waiting for the door to open. Shreeji is woken with the sound of the Vina. It is often around between 3.30-4.15 pm. This Darshan is open for a short time. At times Shreeji looks sleepy in this Darshan. The entire Haveli seems very peaceful and calm at this time. Shreeji’s vastra becomes lighter now. There is no Beedaji, no Chadiji, no Bansuri, no Kamal in this darshan. Two Jhariji are offered now, with the bhao of Yamune Maharaniji. No Aarti is done now. Bhog is offered of Fruits and milk products.

 BHOG – Sixth Darshan Darshans are of the bhao of Gokulnathji. His Sthan is near Nava Kund, above Rudan Kund, below the Aavli tree at Govardhan. Kirtans and bhajans of Shri Chaturbhuj das are sung now. This Darshan opens around an hour after Utthapan. During summers small fragrant fountains are started for cooling and in winters a coal sigri is burnt at some distance from Thakurjee for providing heat. There is Flower Shringar or Flower Bangala in this Darshan. Bantaji is placed now, with Jhariji and two Beedaji. Shreeji adorns two fragrant flower Malaji. His Bansuri and Chadiji are offered now. A ‘Chadi Dar’ is present on the side who dresses in a gherdar, formal attire. He is Shreeji’s guard, who wears gold kadas and carries a gold or silver Chadi. His Paag, Kamarpatta, dupatta matches Shreeji’s Vastra for that particular day. A morchadi is waved around Shreeji. No Aarti is done in this darshan. Bhog is of mainly fruits, Thor and some light snacks.

 SANDHYA AARTI – Seventh Darshan Darshans are of the bhao of Shri Vitthalnathji. His Sthan is at Apsara Kund, below Shyam Tamal at Govardhan. Kirtans and bhajans of Shri Chitta Swami are now sung. This Darshan is immediately after the Bhog Darshan. Shreeji comes back home from Gocharan and play. Ma Yashoda does Aarti for Her son, is the bhao of this Darshan. The Shringar and Vastra become light, preparing for sleep. Bantaji, Jhariji, five Beedaji are offered. Shreeji wears two thick flower Malaji, Bansuri and Chadi are offered now. A morchadi is waved from one side. Aarti is performed now It marks the end of the day. Aarti is performed. One can observe how important it is to wear gold kadas on both hands when doing Shreeji’s Aarti. The Sudarshan Chakra is also offered Bhog. The Dhajaji is wrapped around and given rest for the night.

SHAYAN – Eight Darshan This is the eighth and last Darshan of the day. The Darshan bhao are of Shree Madanmohanji. His Sthan is at Shyam Tamal and below the Kadamb tree, above Bilchu Kund at Girirajji. Kirtans and bhajans of Shri Krishna Das are now sung. These Darshans are not always held at Nathdwara. From Dassera to Ram Navami, Shayan darshan is at Nathdwara; From Ram Navami to Dassera Shayan darshan is at Jatipura, Govardhan, Mathura. Darshans are opened only after the ‘rasoiya boli’; the sewak goes on the terrace of the Haveli to call out for Shreeji’s chief cook to come early the next morning, again being in the bhao of Govardhan hill. Drums are sounded for the Darshans to open. A bhajan in the form of a Lullaby is sung. The Vina is played and Shreeji offered His Venu (flute) for the night. His Gold bed is prepared in the right way. It is supposed that Shree Radha will join Him at night, so Her garments and Ornaments are also kept ready. Shreeji wears two Malaji, made from fragrant flowers. He is offered His Bansuri and Kamal (flowers on His waist). A matching flower is also placed on His raised left hand. No Chadi is offered now. Paan Beedaji, Jhariji is kept ready. Morchadiji is swayed from one side. A sewak is positioned just outside Shreeji’s main mandir with a mashal (fire) till the end of the darshans. Mukhiyaji offers Shreeji paan seven times. We can see one sewak cleaning the floor continuously, in the bhao of Shreeji eating paan. A carpet spread on the ground leads to Shreeji’s Bed Chamber. Bhog is offered for the night. Jal (water) is filled. Laddoos are kept paan (Betel) leaves, are kept. It is the last Darshan after which Shreeji is free till the next morning. The wooden platforms from the ‘Dolti Bari’ are removed. The doors of the ‘Sinh Pole’ are left open. It marks the end of that day and all will become still and silent till the next morning, till the Shankhnaad sound; signaling that Shreeji is now awake. It is a very quiet & silent feeling in the entire town once Shreeji retires for the night. All return to their homes to come back for sewa the next day. This cycle continues every day all through the years. ShreeNathji has been here giving us His Loving Darshans year after year without any holiday or change in His routine. We may have gone through various birth cycles, but Shreeji-Thakurjee without complaining or feeling tired stands there without fail; completing His Karma of giving Darshans.

For animated ShreeNathji Haveli darshans from Nathdwara; Application launched on: Magh Sud Dasam, Samvat 2068, Rohini Nakshatra, Vrushabh Rashi, The 2^nd February 2012, Thursday at 6.31pm

Please visit: http://www.shreenathjibhakti.org/app/

Jai Maha Gurushree, Shreeji!

ShreeNathji Darshans – Nathdwara – 1

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The Swarup of ShreeNathji as He Appeared at Govardhan,and now Living at Nathdwara,  is in the Form of a reddish black stone Murti, about four feet in height. His left hand is raised, just as He had appeared at Govardhan. His right hand rests on the waist with His palm formed in a fist. ShreeNathji Himself Lives here in His Haveli Mandir; so is worshipped in a very live manner. It is assumed that He is Present at all times in His Bal Swarup; Over Shreeji’s Nij Mandir there is a roof top with the Dhajaji flying, and His Sudarshan Chakra. Shreeji has many times told me jokingly, “Dekho main kitna gareeb hun, mere paas toh sirf ek jhopdi hai, baaki sab yeh log le jaate hain”(Look, I am so poor; I have just a hut to live in, rest all is taken away by them).

Similar to how we would look after a young child, His Sewa is done with the most pure of bhao and best of samagri. According to Shrimad Bahgvat, Shri Vallabhacharya had started the Ashtyaam sewa with the bhao of Nandalaya. Later his second son Shri Gusainji Vitthalnathji established the elaborate sewa of Bhog and Shringar which is followed till today, similar to nearly 500 years ago. The festivals and their way of celebrations is also not changed; the various type of clothes and ornaments that Shreeji wears are the same as started several 100 years ago by Shri Gusainji. All of ShreeNathji Bhog is prepared according to the various seasons and days. Every type of food is prepared for Shreeji and offered in His Nij Mandir. All the traditional foods; with every dry fruit, many very expensive herbs are also used depending on the seasons. Only black pepper and rock salt is used in the preparation of His food, as being a young child would not enjoy chilies. A lot of sugar is added in His sweet preparations. Like He mentions sometimes in fun,

“Main toh bahut meetha khata hun, phir bhi mujhe diabetes nahi hota, ha, ha, ha”.

(I eat a lot of sweets, yet I do not have diabetes, ha, ha, ha”).  

During the hot summer months He is offered water with chandan and rose; while in the winters kesar is added to His water. The way of cooking food for Shreeji follows the traditional manner. Bhog is the most elaborate and perfect with the most pure ingredients being used. No one is allowed to watch Shreeji when He takes His meals.

Shreeji explains,

“Main toh sirf soonghta hun, kabhi, kabhi laddoo aur beeda khol deta hun. Chappan bhog toh yeh log apne khane ke liye banate hain, ha ha ha. Jhariji mein se Jal kabhi pee leta hun.”

(I only inhale the offerings, at times I break open the Laddoo and Betel offerings. The Chappan Bhog offering is for them to eat only, ha, ha, ha. I do drink some water from my Jhariji, at times). Shreeji’s Shringar is the most artistic, and beautiful. It is alokik . All type of ornaments are there for Him; used according to the type of Shringar done on that particular day. The flowers are freshly grown, and bought every morning from various gardens, grown especially for His Sewa. There is a room for preparing Shreeji’s various Malas; where different fragrant flowers are used. Shringar can be done only by the Tilkayatji or the Mukhiyaji who has been appointed by them. None is allowed to watch Shreeji when He gets ready.

“Kabhi, Kabhi jab tayaar karte hain aur main dhyan nahin rakhta toh thoda sa hil jata hun, vastra, abhushan gir jaate hain. Kitne der khada rahun? Baar, baar tayaar karte hain, bolte hain attention mein khade raho Shreeji, bhakt log aaye hain. Main tou thak jata hun, main kiya karoo?”

(Sometimes, when they are getting me ready, and  I don’t concentrate, I shake a bit, then the clothes or jewellery fall off. How long can I stand? Over and over they want me to stand still when they make me ready for darshans, telling me to stand in attention as bhakts have come for darshans. I get tired, what to do!)

Shreeji  is Natkhat, so, though having stopped direct interactions; yet plays sometimes in His Mandir. There have been times when He refuses to accept certain ornaments or vastra. If He has pushed them away three times, it is assumed that Shreeji does not want this. A new pair of the same is always kept ready, which is then used for Shreeji. New Vastra are used daily for Shreeji. No clothes are repeated. There is a team of  tailors who continuously stitch Shreeji’s clothes in the Darji Khaana. Unlike all other Hindu mandirs, Shreeji’s Darshans are not open continuously for the day. As Shreeji Lives here in the ‘Live Form’ of a small child, all His Darshans are regulated accordingly. From morning, when He is woken, right through till the time of going to bed, there are eight Jhankis (Darshahs) which are open to bhakts. They are called-Mangala; Shringar; Guwal; Rajbhog; Utthapan; Bhog; Aarti; Shyan. All His Darshans are open only for a short while, the bhao being that He is a child, so will get tired of standing and may experience shram; so frequent Darshans are there for short durations. The bhao is of a young child who is woken up, offered snacks; bathed and dressed; ready for His play; offered an elaborate lunch; He must be tired so given rest in the afternoon; woken up for His afternoon snack; Aarti done; offered dinner; changed and asked to sleep. Each Darshan has a special bhao and meaning. (Have elaborated them later). Though each Darshan is important in Itself; ideal is to at least do all eight Darshans when in Nathdwara, for the maximum benefit of experiencing any closeness with Shreeji. The timings of each darshan are more or less fixed, they may vary at times by some 20-30 minutes, according to the seasons. The daily timings are declared outside the gate on a black board and also on an electronic board. At times two Darshans are combined. This happens when the crowd is extreme, on some important festivals. Darshans have to be kept open for a longer period so that all the innumerable bhakts get a glimpse of Thakurjee. Govardhan Parvat, Shreejis original Pragatya Sthal, has eight doors. Each door is the place of one Asht Sakha of Shreeji. The Asht Sakha were the eight poet friends, who wrote and sang various bhajans in classical bhao. All these rachanas are in praise of Shreeji and express different bhaos. They are used till today in Nathdwara with each Darshan, according to the particular Darshan, festival and time of the day.

(Details of each darshan will come in part – 2)

(For further details, please visit: www.shreenathjibhakti.org)

Jai MahaGurushree Shreeji!!

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No calculations or greed in bhakti

Purity of actions – No calculations or greed in bhakti –

Always feel gratitude for all that has been given to you. Value it and share it with some who may need it and do not have it. Giving of anything – feelings or gifts in kind should be an act complete in itself. The moment you begin to expect something in return, the purity of the action is lost and karmically nothing is gained. This holds directly to God also. We give Him a lot in terms of maybe chadava (offerings), mantra jap (chantings), havans (fire offerings), vrat (fasting), sewa (ritualistic worship), daan (charity), teerth (pilgrimage) etc…What do we hold in our thoughts and hearts as we perform this karma? Is not there always a continuous counting and calculation going on in our mind?

I did this – I will get that
I offered so much – I will receive so much back
I did puja, pilgrimage – my punya has increased – my next birth will be better
I did daan, dharm (religious charity) – I have cancelled my paap or negative karma, so I become purer
I did some parikrama – I collect xyz points in my list of punya
I will now escape hell and reach heaven

Till this calculation of adding punya does not go away; one will not be purified enough to get closer to God. Of course, the punya karta’s position will be better then the rest of the humans who do not indulge in this sewa also. But it will hardly provide any closeness to God; your intentions get you the results; God stays away till the time you begin to offer your actions and the fruit of these actions; totally at His lotus feet.

Despite God standing there, over flowing with His Divine Love and Bliss He is helpless.

We as humans are not able to follow the Holy Gita in the right manner towards the path of unmotivated karmas – actions. Our greed from the outer dimensions is never satisfied and we keep on moving in circles on the outer zero – cheating ourselves in this process.

As soon as our gifts – in any form are only with bhao for Thakurjee the initial connection with Him gets established. Purity levels increase as you surrender all in His name and bhao. That is true religion and dharma——
To work for Thakurjee
To give Him joy.
To offer ourselves totally in His service.
To become the mediator for Him to enable Him to enter the outer dimensions and spread around.

Beauty

Other informative websites developed by us:

About ShreeNathji:

http://www.shreenathjibhakti.org

Pictures of Nidhi Van:

http://radhakrishn.wordpress.com/

Pictures on Sewa Kunj:

http://sewakunj.wordpress.com/

Blessings on this birthday

Today is the 16^th August 2009; though a day like any other in the calendar is special for me. It is my 53^rd birthday today and the reason for my writing, about this day.

There are two days a birthday can be celebrated-one by the English calendar which is by the date and shows the 16^th; the other is by the Lunar Hindu calendar which is called the ‘Tithi birthday’.

My Tithi birthday this year came on the 1^st August. The detail explanations about the Tithi cannot be given here, in short it is a day with similar star placements to my day of birth in 1956 when certain nakshatra and yoga and raashi match- which is Dhanu Raashi, Moola Nakshatra in short. Today I am very joyful and blissful; all my past sadhanas(from this and previous births) have given me results which make me the luckiest soul in the entire world today.

This Janmashtmi (Birthday of ShreeKrishn) of 2009, is the same tithi as the original one when ShreeKrishn was born as an Avtaar on this earth 1000’s of years ago.(details about this will follow later in another writing).  According to beliefs and calculations, on this very, very auspicious day there would be rare, some, who receive HIS Blessings, as is believed that ShreeKrishn’s Live Presence is some where on this planet.

On this very uniquely sacred day, which was the 14^th August I have been the recipient of some unique blessings; I received that Grace which is every seekers ultimate goal; just a couple of days before my 53^rd Birthday.

This physical structure which we call the human body is a store house for various requirements which a human needs to live in the world; roughly the physical, physiological, emotional, mental, spiritual… all processes encased in this structure held together with the various systems and skin and bones(sorry for this but I assure this is no lecture on biology). What I am trying to explain here is that this human body is the basic instrument we have been given to experience various truths in the outer living and also when trying to reach our spiritual goals.

What we do with this sacred physical structure, using it for whatever purpose is the free will granted to us by the creator. The highest use, according to what I believe in is to convert this body into a live temple for our God.

Here one would tend to think; so whats so special about this? Of course we all know that God does live in all living creatures, hence we all already have the Divine in us; so what is this big deal about?

Well ,this is about the ‘literal’; about creating that high level of purity in yourself that the Divine literally stays in this body, similarly to as He would in a stone idol in any mandir, like how we normally believe God Lives.

This is about that highest purity level when the Divine can use your body for HIS purpose and for HIS Rest.

This is about ‘God’s desire that HE wishes to use HIS bhakt’s body as HIS mandir’; which can ONLY happen with HIS Kripa and Blessings; when a bhakt has reached that level when God decides to Bless him with HIS highest Kripa:

“HIS LIVE PRESENCE”.

ShreeNathji painting at His Gaushala

 

So to continue about my being lucky:

“On this Janmashtmi, just a couple of days before my 53^rd birthday I have been blessed with this high level of purity; where this body may be used as a living temple for the Divine. I have been granted the reward for following all the strict disciplines with the much needed courage and the lifestyle required for purity; also keeping faith in terms of one Form of God, one Path of spiritual practice and above all total shraddha in one Guru”.

This bhao and purity which is the requirement for inviting God to stay within is received as a Prasad from one’s Guru, who becomes like an agent between the disciples soul and the Super Soul. This year I am the lucky receiver for this SUPREME PRASAD from my Divine Gurushree, Pujya Sudhir Bhai.

Though no words are enough, I thank my Gurushree for this kripa and grace; though in his humility he never takes any credit; always saying that it is your naseeb and ShreeNathji’s Kripa that it has been possible.

This is Gurushree’s surrender to his God-ShreeNathji; who loves to Live and Play with him – His most beloved Bhakt.

I am today in total surrender to God ShreeNathji who had accepted to be my MAHAGURUSHREE many years back; and do not know how to thank HIM for all the plays of Divinity that HE has made me a part of.

All I can say today is; “Shreeji, Thank You for all Your Love and Kripa; I offer my self in totality to You, In my Mind, Body, Soul; I am surrendered to YOU!!