Surrender

Jai ShreeNathji Prabhu 🙏

Jai Shree RadheKrishn 🙏

श्री कृष्ण चरणों में समर्पित यह जीवन यात्रा,

श्रीनाथजी ठाकुरजी की कृपा पात्र;

यहीं है आख़िरी मंज़िल इस जीव आत्म की; कहीं और भटकने की ज़रूरत अब नहीं

जय श्री राधे कृष्ण 🙏

जहाँ श्री राधा कृष्ण लीला में डूब जाने को मन, शरीर, आत्मा और दिल करे, वो व्रज धाम, श्रीनाथजी ठाकुरजी की प्रिय लीला भूमि;

The 84 Kos of Divine Land which Appeared on Earth from Golok, at the request of Shree Radha, is where this soul will find the final rest;

the merging with the Presence of Thakurjee ShreeNathji; who permanantly resides on sacred Shri Govardhan, with Shree RadhaKrishn and all His Sevaks and Gwal Bals

Jai ShreeNathji Prabhu 🙏

Jai Shree RadheKrishn 🙏

श्रीनाथजी के साक्षात्कार जून २००५ में, उनके मुखारविंद, श्री गोवर्धन

वह भव्य, दिव्य व्रज भूमि, जो साक्षात गोलोक है, नेत्र और आत्म में शुद्धता होने से आलोकिकता महसूस होने लगे, तो समझिए श्रीजी की कृपा बरस रही है 🙏

श्री राधा, श्री कृष्ण-दिव्य प्रेम के पूर्ण प्रतीक इस पृथ्वी पर हमें एहसास दिलाते हैं, जागो और मुझ में समा जाओ, श्रीनाथजी ठाकुरजी जिनके संविलीन स्वरूप आज हमारे बीच हैं 🙏

ShreeNathji..Sadness as He ‘sees’ the outer dimensions

ShreeNathji -श्रीनाथजी की कृपा!

आँखों में अश्रु हैं..मन में आज प्रातःकाल से कुछ खलबली है!

(A post in Hindi)
कुछ भाव जो कविता के रूप में प्रस्तुत..
लम्बी हो गयी, पढ़ें ज़रूर 🙏

प्रभु का प्राकट्य हुआ १४०९ 1409 गिरिराज कंदरा से-
५२३८ 5238 वर्ष बीतने पर, श्री राधाश्री कृष्ण एक बार फिर पधारे श्रीनाथजी स्वरूप में।

क़रीब २६० वर्ष गिरिराजजी पर व्रज वासीन से दिव्य लीला खेल करने के पश्चात,
१६६९ 1669 में श्रीनाथजी उठ चले प्रिय गिरिराज से,
एक भक्त को दिया वचन पूर्ण करने पहुँचे सिंहाड (नाथद्वारा) १६७२ 1672 में।

२ वर्ष, ४ महीने, ७ दिन वे रथ में चले,
इतना भाव था श्रीनाथजी का, अपनी भक्त और सखी अजबा के लिए;

जैसे श्री गुसाँई जी ने भविष्यवाणी करी थी, १६७२ में अटक गया (रुका) श्रीनाथजी का रथ मेवाड़ के एक पिपर के नीचे,
गंगाबाई से श्रीजी ने संदेश पहुँचाया;
“यह, मेरी प्रिय भक्त अजब की जगह है, बनाओ मेरी हवेली यहीं पर;
रहूँगा कई अरसे तक यहाँ,पूरा होगा मेरी प्रिय अजबा को दिया वचन,
तुम सब भी अवस्था अपनी करो यहीं अग़ल बग़ल।

हवेली बनी शानदार, एक दिव्य गोलोक ठाकुर बालक के लायक,
सभी व्यवस्था और सेवा, शुरू हुई, श्री गुसाँई जी के बताए अनुसार।

इतिहास बताता है, आख़िरी संवाद हुआ गंगा बाई के साथ।
शुशुप्त हो गयी शक्ति फिर-
बाहरी लीला खेल पृथ्वी वासी से शायद पूर्ण हो गए, प्रभु भी कुछ काल को भीतर समा गए।
सैकड़ों वर्ष यूँ ही बीते और एक बार फिर वक़्त आया दिव्य बालक श्रीनाथजी प्रभु के जागने का,
और गोलोक में मची हलचल;
भेजा अंश पृथ्वी लोक को इस आदेश के साथ, ‘जाओ लीला पूर्ण हो ऐसे करो श्रीजी की मदद’

अंश ख़ुद को पहचाने, फिर प्रभु को जागता है, ‘चलो ठाकुरजी समय आ गया, वापस हमें चलना है,
जल्दी जल्दी लीला पूर्ण कर लो, गोलोक को प्रस्थान करना है।

नन्हें से बालक हमारे प्यारे प्रभु श्रीजी जागे जो वर्षों से हो गए थे गुप्त!
“अरे, कहाँ गए मेरे नंद बाबा, यशोदा मैया, मुझे यहाँ छोड़ व्रज वासी सखा हो गए कहाँ लुप्त”?

अंश ने विनम्रता से समझाया, हाथ जोड़ प्रभु को याद दिलाया, ‘श्रीजी बाबा, समय आ गया गोलोक वापस पधारना है,
पृथ्वी के जो कार्य अधूरे हैं, पूर्ण कर वापस हमें चले जाना है’।

किंतु, नन्हें ठाकुरजी बाहर आकर रह गए आश्चर्य चकित;
” मेरी हवेली इतनी शानदार होती थी, ये क्या हुआ,
इतनी टूटी फूटी कैसे हो गयी, कितना अपवित्र वातावरण है!
और यह कौन पृथ्वी वासी हैं जो मेरे उपर दुकानें लगा कर बैठे हैं,
क्या लोग भूल गए अंदर किसका वास है”

श्रीनाथजी प्रभु को समझने में कुछ वक़्त लग गया,
और अंश को बताना ही पड़ा,
‘प्रभु कुछ भाव में कमी आ गयी है, इन्हें माफ़ कर दीजिए,
सूझ बूझ हर इंसान की लालच के कारण कम हो गयी है,
उन्हें उनके कर्मों पर छोड़ दीजिए;
हमें कई कार्य पूरे करने हैं उसमें आप हमारा मार्गदर्शन कीजिए’.

‘गिरिराज गोवर्धन कर रहा है आपका इंतज़ार,
लीला के शुशुप्त अंश सर झुकाए आपके दर्शन को तरस रहे हैं इतने साल;
श्रीजी, शुरू करो प्रस्थान,
ऐसा हमें तरीक़ा सुझाएँ किसी का ना हो नुक़सान’;

श्रीजी पहुँचे गिरिराज जी पर,
किंतु यह क्या!
“यहाँ भी यही हालात हैं, गोवर्धन को भी नहीं छोड़ा
इन पृथ्वी वासी ने मेरे गिरिराज को भी क़ब्ज़ा कर इतना अपवित्र कर दिया;
चलो, मेरे गोलोक अंश चलो, मैं तुम्हें बताता हूँ,
मुझे भी अब जल्द से जल्द पृथ्वी से प्रस्थान करना है,
व्रज वासी हो, या फिर नाथद्वारा वासी;
लालच ने आँख पे पर्दा डाल दिया है,
जब पवित्रता ही नहीं भाव में, यहाँ अब मेरी ज़रूरत नहीं;
इन्हें रुपया बटोरने दो
मुझे यहाँ से मुक्त कर मेरे गोलोक वापस ले चलो”।

🙏 आभा शाहरा श्यामा
श्रीजी प्रभु की सेवा में, हमेशा

श्रीनाथजी को ६०९ (609) वर्ष बीत गए,
श्रीनाथजी बाबा हम पृथ्वी वासी पर कृपा करे हुए हैं!

ShreeNathji ‘Appeared’ from Shri govardhan with ShreeRadhaKrishn merged within Him

#ShreeNathjiBhakti
http://www.shreenathjibhakti.org

“ShreeNathji Sakshatkar darshans on Girirajji”

“ShreeNathji Sakshatkar darshans on Girirajji”: Prabhu ShreeNathji and Gurushree’s kripa

श्री ठाकुरजी के साक्षात दर्शन, उनके मुखारविंद, जतीपुरा में; आज से ठीक १३ साल पहले; ऐसी कृपा की कोई और मिसाल नहीं है।

दर्शन भी दिए और फ़ोटो भी लेने दिया; २०१४ में हमें आज्ञा भी दी सभी वैष्णव के साथ शेर करने की: क्या ऐसा कभी पहले हुआ है?

This divine leela happened 13 years ago on the auspicious day of 9th June 2005, at ShreeNathji Mukharwind, Giriraj Govardhan, Jatipura, with kripa of Gurushree Sudhir bhai; and only because of his close sakha bhav with prabhu ShreeNathji.

We all wonder what Shree Prabhu looks like!

The only True photo of ShreeNathji, Shree GovardhanNathji, Shree Thakurjee, Shree Dev Daman: In His Child Swarup.

Please take a moment and see for yourself in the photo above, just below the point where I am applying tilak; complete Face of Shree Thakurjee is visible as this (white) Ujjaval Urja (energy). This divine face Appeared for the duration of my pujan and Gurushree clicked the photos. The mukut, mor pankh, tilak, earrings, long black hair, both palms holding His own face and watching me do pujan, is ShreeNathji giving darshans of His Lalan swarup.

(Just for the record: it is not photoshopped, nor tampered in any way.

Details can be read on our website: http://www.govardhan.org.in

Given to us and ordered to share with His bhakts all over the world.

Thank you Prabhu for this kripa on all Your bhakts.

ShreeNathji Sakshatkar from His Mukharvind

Jai ShreeNathji

ShreeNathji’s Udhva Bhuja Blesses!!

ShreeNathji LIVE Varta in todays time period with His bhakts

ShreeNathji’s Udhva Bhuja Blesses!!

श्रीजी उनकी उद्धव भुजा नीचे लाते है और मेरे सर पर बहुत अलोकिक प्रेम और दुलार से आशीर्वाद देते हैं.

ShreeNathji

19-20 September 2005

At Nathdwara, as I rested in the afternoon, after Rajbhog darshans, this Divine happening, I experienced in full awareness. I experienced this incredible blissful darshans as a vision of me holding on to Shreeji’s little toes.

नाथद्वारा में, राजभोग दर्शन के बाद जब मैं आराम कर रही थी, पूर्ण जागृत स्थिति में यह दिव्य अनुभूति  मुझे हुई. श्रीजी के छोटे, कोमल पग को पकडे हुऐ यह भाव मुझे कुछ अनोखे आनंदमय मन की स्थिति में हुआ.

It is the Mangala darshan, at Shreeji’s Haveli. I can see myself there, pressing Shreeji’s feet, while He is having a conversation with me!

श्रीनाथजी  की हवेली में मंगला दर्शन हो रहे हैं और मैं श्रीजी के पग दबा रही हूँ. श्रीजी मुझसे वार्तालाप भी कर रहे हैं!

Shreeji is complaining to me how tired He gets standing every day.

श्रीजी मुझसे कह रहे हैं की वोह खड़े रहकर कितने थक गए हैं.

“See, my Feet hurt soo much, but nobody presses Them. I think, I might just leave Nathdwara and run away”.

“देखो मेरे पग कितने दुखते हैं, कोई दबा के नहीं देता. मैं सोचता हूँ की नाथद्वारा छोड़ कर भाग जाऊं.

I again ask Shreeji, “Shreeji, Your Arm must be hurting also. Since Hundreds of years You have been holding Your Udhva Bhuja up”.

मैं फिर श्रीजी से पूछती  हूँ , “श्रीजी, आप की उद्धव भुजा भी तो दुखती होगी? इतने सालों से आप ने ऊपर उठा कर रखी है”.

Shreeji replies, “Yes, you are very right, My Left Arm also hurts”.

श्रीजी जवाब देते हैं, “तुम ठीक कहती हो. मेरी उद्धव भुजा भी दुखती है” .

Incredibly, at that moment;

SHREEJI BRINGS HIS LEFT BUHJA DOWN AND CARESSED MY HEAD AND FACE IN ALOKIK LOVE AND BLESSING.

आश्‍चर्यजनक रूप से उसी पल में;

श्रीजी उनकी उद्धव भुजा नीचे लाते है और मेरे सर पर बहुत अलोकिक प्रेम और दुलार से आशीर्वाद देते हैं.

What name can I give to such an alokik anubhav!

ऐसे अलोकिक अनुभव को क्या नाम दे सकते हैं!

This close encounter lasted for a whole 45 minutes.

I woke up and was so lost in this experience; I had to ask Gurushree about it.

It seemed he already knew about it and silenced me, telling me not to mention it to anyone for the time being.

Gurushree explained to me, “These are real darshans and you were not dreaming”.

गुरुश्री मुझे समझाते हैं, “यह वास्तविक दर्शन हैं और तुम सपना नहीं देख रही थी”.

It was for sure a real happening, or else how am I able to actually feel that touch from Shreeji’s Udhav Bhuja even after all these years. Till today I am able to feel Shreeji’s tender, gentle hand on my head and the extraordinary Divya Urja that came from Shreeji.

यह एक वास्तविक दर्शन ही हैं क्योंकि आज भी, जब मैं यह अनुभव लिख रही हूँ, या फिर इसके बारे में कभी सोचती हूँ, मुझे श्रीजी के कोमल हाथ अपने  माथे पर महसूस होते हैं और मैं उसी दिव्य ऊर्जा के कम्पन का अहसास करती हूँ.

This has to be some Grace and Kripa from my Gurushree and MahaGurushree, ShreeNathji, that I have been the receiver of this Divine Love and Blessings.

MahaGurushree, Shreeji Ki Jai Ho!!

Jai Ho Thakurjee!

ShreeNathji-Time to return to Vraj Mandal?

Shreeji has been on this earth for total of 605 years; and 342 years at Nathdwara , as in 2014 AD

From 1672 AD till today, 2014 AD, ShreeNathji has been in Nathdwara. It has been to fulfill His commitment to His dear bhakt Ajab Kunwari, a Rajput Queen.

His stay here at Nathdwara is  nearly coming to an end, and He maybe getting ready to return to His most favorite place, Braj Dham!

Shreeji has been on this earth for total of 605 years; from which 342 years have been at Nathdwara.

From 1672 AD till now in 2014 AD, ShreeNathji has been in Nathdwara. This stay has been for fulfilling His commitment to His dear bhakt and friend Ajab Kunwari, a Rajput Queen.

His stay here at Nathdwara is  nearly coming to an end, and He maybe is getting ready to return to His most favorite place, Giriraj Gowardhan on Braj Dham!

Here are listed some important dates in Thakurjee ShreeNathji’s Leela.

I have tried to put it as a image, so it becomes easy to read and remember. Details on the various years are already on our website for Shreeji:

http://www.shreenathjibhakti.org

Jai Shreeji!

 

 

(Images are copyrighted. They can be used only with proper credit to the source)

ShreeNathji-Ghasiyar Haveli

When waiting with Gurushree for Mangla darshans to open, at around 4am, I tried talking to Shreeji, informing Him about our visit His old Haveli at Ghasiyar later that day.

ShreeNathji replied immediately, “Mujhe acche tarah yaad hai. Veh mera purana ghar hai. Main vahan kabhi kabhi jaata hun. Main bhi tumare saath chaloonga (I remember it very well. That is my old home. I visit there sometimes. I will also come with you’ll).
It felt to me as if I was a part of Him and going to visit His old Home was as nostalgic for me, and felt as if I belonged here in all the happenings and can at times feel this very very deep connection with Shreeji. Many times when I feel this extreme devotion, something connects me to Shreeji’s Voice and Presence. In this highly pure state I feel as if He actually listens and replies and talks to me.

A day earlier to our planned visit; during the Sanmukh Darshans, Sudhir bhai already had mentioned to Shreeji about our visit to Ghasiyar. Shreeji said that we should visit and that He was very happy about our plan to visit his Ghasiyar Haveli.

Once there at Ghasiyar later in the day, He was very happy. I could again feel His Vibrational Presence, talking to me from inside; telling me how happy He is to be here and how He moves around the entire area enjoying Himself tremendously. He told me He would also be Present inside today when both the darshans opened.

Later, once we finished talking to the few sewaks here, we came and sat out in shade within the parisar (courtyard) of the Haveli taking some pictures from the outer areas.

Again I felt Shreeji’s Presence around us complaining like a small child, “Yahan bahut gaarmi hai, lekin koi baat nahin. Main bahut khush hoon ki tum logon ne yaad kara. Yahan aur koi aata hi naahi hai”. (It is very hot here, but I am very happy that you both remember this place, anyone hardly visits this place).

We received Prasad of ‘Khopra pak’ today; which was extremely sweet and tasty. I tried telling Shreeji how extra sweet and tasty the Prasad was. “Of course, it will be”, Shreeji again said, “Main to bahut meetha khata hun”. (I like eating extra sweet offerings).
Later I mentioned to  Sudhir bhai about this anubhuti (experience). At that moment he silenced me, saying “Yes, I know; you are very lucky. Hardly anyone would be able to experience all the Divine closeness with Shreeji”.

Gurushree Sudhir bhai and I came here at Ghasiyar to study the details. We took pictures from outside, as similar to the Nathdwara Haveli no photography is allowed in the mandir premises. We stayed on for nearly 3-4 hours, enjoying the serenity and sacredness of the whole area. We managed to do darshans of Guval and Rajbhog.

 

Details about Ghasiyar:

As ShreeNathji travelled to Mevar, His Rath got stuck at one spot. When asked why, Shreeji replied, “My bhakt Ajaba Kunwari lived here; so My mandir should be built here, I will live here for a long time; this place reminds Me of Braj, I like the mountains here”. “There is also the Banas River which represents Yamunaji”. “This is Ajaba Kunwari’s land”, Shreeji said; “I will stay here. Tell all the Gusain Balak to build their baithak here also”.

Shri Govindaji began preparations to get the mandir ready. He ordered Gopaldas Usta, to hire maximum people and make sure that ShreeNathji mandir is ready in the earliest possible time. Work began day and night with hundreds of workers, and in a few months Shreeji’s mandir was ready.

In Vikram Samvat 1672 in Falgun Vad Satam, (AD-1728) Shri Damodar Maharajji (ShriDauji) established ShreeNathji’s Paat in the mandir Haveli. It was all perfectly done with Vastu pratishta and pujan, according to Vedic rites. Slowly all the various rituals and festivals were started again here similar to the Govardhan hill. Since then Shreeji happily began living here at Mewar.
A Gaushala was also built close by for all of Shreeji’s cows.
Shri Dauji Maharaj with a lot of loving care took care of Shreeji, and celebrated all utsav and the Mahautsav; all Shringar was also done by him.

But soon there was a problem created by the Scindia army. They wanted 3 lakh mudras or else threatened to loot the Haveli. As soon as the Maharana of Udaipur heard this he immediately made arrangements to move Shreeji to Udaipur for safety. Shreeji stayed in the Udaipur Haveli for nearly 10 months till His new Haveli was built at a place called Ghasiyar. This scenic place is situated in the Gokunda Mountains.
As Shreeji should not feel upset with the whole arrangement an exact replica of His Haveli in Nathdwara was erected. His Paat Utsav was celebrated here. Sewa similar to the Haveli at Nathdwara was also established soon.

There is a very interesting story behind the reason for moving out from Ghasiyar and back to Nathdwara.
Shri Gusainji-son of Mahaprabhuji had 7 sons. One of them, Shri Girdhariji came here with ShreeNathji for continuation of sewa. He was in charge of looking after the needs of Shreeji.

Once the Ghasiyar Haveli was built, all the followers and sewaks who had accompanied Him from Giriraj, (the original Appearance place of Shreeji) settled with Shreeji here at Ghasiyar for His sewa. Soon Shri Girdhariji began to face problems. He found that all children born here did not survive. It was discovered that the environment and water here was bad, and would not let any further generations of Mahaprabhuji survive. In great distress Shri Girdhariji went and bowed before Shreeji, telling Him of this misfortune; “There will be no one left to do Your sewa, we have to move back from here”. As Shri Girdhariji bowed down, Shreeji spread His feet side ways, outwardly, putting His right hand on his head as blessings and approval. (These are the darshans maintained here in the form of a pichwai showing Shreeji’s lotus feet turned sideways).
With Shreeji’s approval and blessings, they all moved back.

After Shreeji shifted back from here, His Haveli has been left intact, with the sewa continuing in a similar manner. No village has been built around here. The management is with the Nathdwara board. The place is nearly always empty. Three people manage it on a regular basis: the main mukhiyaji-Abgirdhar, munim and a watchman. As we spoke to the mukhiyaji he told us that about 15-20 bhakts came in for darshans daily; as people are not aware that such a place exists.

Though there is a Gaushala very few cows stay on a regular basis. During Annakut about 500 cows come here from Nathdwara which then return. Also when there is shortage of green grass around the Nathdwara Gaushala, some cows are temporarily shifted here.

Abha Shahra

Shreeji Ki Jai Ho!!

 

 

 

 

ShreeNathji Kripa of His Darshans at Gowardhan

 

“Devotion for me is offering of myself at your feet, Shreeji-Shree RadhaKrishn. Through You I surrender to eternity”.

Shreeji, Aapki kripa hamesha bani rahe

 

As I feel myself experiencing this Divine energy, my whole being gets transformed. Had never experienced such sacredness in any situation before. Beyond the ordinary, the mundane, this flow of such incredible intensity moving is in no way connected to the outer reality.

It’s as if experiencing another world, some different level of reality where all is vibrations colors and energy.

What moves within?

Something just takes hold of me and transports me to another dimension.

It makes me greedy – wanting more and more. In this close experience with the Divine, with existence, it feels as if something is filling me up which creates a feeling of gratitude and a lot of joy. It’s as if I’ve finally found what I had been searching and waiting for.

This is the door for the ‘Bhao’ that I want to be a part of.

It intoxicates me – the flow of such Divine love, I am unable to keep myself to myself- I have to melt away- do away with all the physical boundaries of this gross body and move deeper and deeper to reach the Dot.

The purity, the sacredness of the total experience shows me a new and different way of being. I feel I am floating away carried away into a cradle of love, love and a lot of love. I feel rested, I feel peace and most of all I feel of not wanting to stop this flow and come back to outer reality we call life. As the vibrations enter every pore, each cell of my being, I feel I want to drown totally in this flow, in this bliss.

“Krishn, let my heart be totally pure and mind intent on the goal”.

The wearing of Shreeji’s pujan ‘mala’ at the Mukharvind, and the Tilak  of the pujan at the Shyamkund, stirred up un describable devotion and a feeling of complete surrender and peace – of “belonging”.

Abha doing pujan at Shreeji Mukharwind at Gowardhan. Shreeji Gives His Mukhar Darshans at this moment. Please look closely at this picture

 

 

Such moments of pujan become memorable, I call them soul presence, as there is nothing of the mind and body present at the time of  darshans; it is ourselves, as the true beings in the original identities.

This can only be experienced, not explained, and I guess only possible in the close proximity of one who is the highest in purity and spirituality, which is Gurushree, Sudhir bhai .

ShreeNathji leaves His Haveli Mandir from Nathdwara, as Shreeji enjoys staying with Gurushree most of the time. It is his kripa that Shreeji gave His sakshat darshans from His Mukharwind at Giriraj Govardhan.

Such intensity and Bhao I have never experienced before – such total acceptance of me as myself; as the truth about my true identity.

Jai Shreeji!!

 

Paragraph taken from my book: Zero2Dot.  http://www.zero2dot.org/

A complete website dedicated to This Darshans is coming up soon!

 

 

 

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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