Radha Rani’s Annual festival in Rawal. Priya Priyatam temple in Rawal, held its annual 56 bhog festival yesterday.  Gujarati Baba presided over the program, which included a day-long kirtan and  gift distribution to girls. Being Radha Rani’s birthplace, Rawal is the perfect place for making girls feel valued; necessary because social conventions such as the dowry system can make girls feel like second class citizens. The program was enjoyed by all and was attended by the leaders of the four main sampradayas.  Read more (Hindi)

Ram’s River crossing lila on stage. Vrindavan, Thursday night: The Ram Lila organized by Sri Panchayat Ramlila Committee impressed crowds by depicting Ram’s journey into the Chitrakoot forest and the depth of Kevat’s devotion.  The crowd seemed amused when Kevat, a simple boatman, stated his fear that the wooden planks of his boat may turn into women if Sri Ram’s feet touches them, as he had heard that Ram had previously turned a stone into a woman. But, Kevat’s persona also demands reverence, as, his simple thinking provides for his absolute faith in the power of Sri Ram’s lotus feet. MLA member for Mant, Shyama Sunder Sharma, said that he feels inspired by Ram’s impartiality, because, “the selfish interests of political factions destroy our country”.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Indiamart

Mathura’s statues exported for Diwali. Many of the statues Laxmi-Ganesh statues to be worshiped this Diwali will be Mathura exports. There are over 50 households in the Mathura-Vrindavan area that produce statues for local and interstate markets.  The majority of the Laxmi-Ganesh statues produced in Braj are made of either clay or plaster of paris. While the clay statues tend to be simple, the plaster statues are usually colourfully painted. The main markets for Mathura’s statues are Delhi, Haryana, Punjab and West Uttar Pradesh. Read more (Hindi)

BTVP to speed up development work.  Friday: Braj Tirtha Vikas Parishad vice president, Shailjakant Misra addressed an MVDA meeting. After examining videos and photographs, Misra gave directions to the managers of each development project. Misra said that development work must move quickly and that no stalling will be tolerated. Shailjakant Misra is famous for his work in the IPS as he was able to crack the toughest crime rings and was even able to launch an investigation into the police force’s own practices. At the meeting yesterday, Misra outlined the priorities for development, with Mathura’s Jawahar Bagh, Barsana’s ropeway and Vrindavan’s Yamuna riverbank listed as top priorities. Misra also reinforced the council’s position that no encroachment will be tolerated on Vrindavan’s riverbank or Goverdhan’s parikrama reserve. Read more (Hindi)

Dehli wallah’s car robbed. Mathura, Friday: Dehli resident Anil Bhatia was in Mathura to register his son’s apartment. He left a briefcase in his car while dining at a restaurant. Thieves broke the window and took the briefcase containing Rs15,000; a cheque book and registry documents. The victim informed the media before informing police. Read more (Hindi)

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Foreigners volunteer to clean Braj. Braj Vrindavan Act Now has stepped up its efforts to keep Braj clean. The organization’s founder, Paramadvaiti Swami, has an intense love for Braj, which helps him inspire the people who stay at his ashram to help with cleaning projects. Braj Vrindavan Act Now previously focused on cleaning the area around Madan Mohan and Radhagopinath temples. Now they will extend their efforts to the Parikrama Marg and riverfront. Hindustan reports that devotees from countries such as Belgium, Colombia, Germany and Chile participated in the recent cleaning campaign.

Bhaiji says: Don’t fight darkness, light a lamp. Parasauli village, Goverdhan: Ramesh Ojha, (Bhaiji), one of the most popular Bhagavatam speakers in India, yesterday, described his conception of God as being both mother and father. He said that Bhagavat katha represents the female aspect because it acts like a mother, teaching and gently guiding. Bhaiji told the audience that fighting darkness is useless, but it will disappear by itself when we light a lamp. Putting his theory into practice, Bhaiji presided over ‘Nandotsav’ celebrations with the joyful singing of the bhajan, “Nand ke anand bhaye re, jay jay Kanaya lal ki” Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Widow marriage in Gopinath Temple. A woman who lost her husband while on a religious pilgrimage in Kedarnath, will be remarried on Monday in Radha Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan. Radha Gopinath is one of the 7 main historical temples of Vrindavan, so, for them to hold a widow marriage is a courageous break with tradition. In the past, widows were not even allowed to attend religious festivals, but this has been changing recently. The marriage ceremony will be traditional, with the exception that the henna ceremony and mahila sangeet (women’s kirtan) will be performed by widows.  Read more (Hindi)

MVDA fails to attend tribunal hearing. The National Green Tribunal’s attempts to hold Matura Vrindavan Development Authority (MVDA) officials accountable for the poor state of sewerage plants in Mathura-Vrindavan are being thwarted by the MVDA’s lack of co-operation. At the last hearing of the tribunal, senior advocates for the MVDA were not present. National Green Tribunal has issued a warning that MVDA will be fined Rs1 Lakh if they fail to present their case at the next hearing on 17^th October. Read more (Hindi)

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Ah, Gandharvika and Girivaradhari are beaming with bright smiles from the pleasures of swinging together. There the sakhis are swinging them, their joy clearly visible. I worship that place which is famed as Govinda Sthala.

Stavāmṛta Kaṇā Vyākhyā: In this verse Raghunath Das Goswami praises Sri Govinda Sthalī, the highest elevation in Sri Vrindavan. The Yamuna flows north of Govinda Sthalī, so she flows around Vrindavan on three sides; it is as though her eastern and western branches are like arms embracing this central ground. And in the Yamuna’s embrace, it rises to take the shape of a turtle’s back.

At the top of this hillock is Sri Radha and Krishna’s great jeweled Yogapīṭha mandir, which has a kalpavṛkṣa tree standing in each of its four corners. Inside this quadrangle there are kuñjas with platforms in each of the four corners. In the north is Śvetāmbuja Kuñja (“the bower of the white lotus”), where Sri Radha and Krishna play dice, in the east is Nīlāmbuja Kuñja (“the bower of the blue lotus”), where they are dressed and ornamented, in the south is Aruṇāmbuja Kuñja (“the bower of the red lotus”), where they dine and in the west is Hemāmbuja Kuñja (“the bower of the golden lotus”), where they lie down to rest.

In the north-east is a pavilion of mādhavī flowers, in the south-east is one of mālatīs, in the south-west of fresh jasmine, and in the north-west is a pavilion of golden yūthīs.

Outside that are the kuñjas of the eight sakhīs in a circle, and outside of that, in concentric circles the kuñjas of sixteen, thirty-two, sixty-four and many thousands of other sakhīs.

Outside that again a golden place (hema-sthalī) with a banana-grove, a flower garden, orchards, six seasonal forests, betel-groves and coconut-groves in gradual rows. Outside of that the afore-mentioned Yamuna streams complete this beautiful and enchanting Govinda-sthala.

Each spring Sri Radha and Mādhava enjoy swinging here. The sakhīs then sing of the sweetness of the Divine Pair, worship the lotus-like faces of the Rasika Mithuna in ārātrika with flowers and lift them on their jeweled swing. They straighten out their necklaces and Krishna’s turban, that may become dishevelled while they mount the swing, and then serve them betel leaves, garlands and sandalwood pulp.

Two prāṇa-sakhīs tuck the edges of their sarees away with their sashes of bells, bend over slightly, catch the swing and begin to rock it, while Radha and Krishna embrace each other. Sri Krishna places his arm, which is so long that it reaches down to his knees, over Srimati’s left shoulder up to her left breast, while Srimati holds on to Śyāma’s waist with her right arm. Both the lovers are blossoming with rasa while they behold the sweetness of each other’s faces, while the sakhīs most blissfully swing the Divine Pair back and forth.

Śyāma swings, Gorī (Radha) on his left, maddened by ecstatic love. They play with slight smiles and all the sakhīs join in the pushing of the swing, singing so wonderfully.

The rope of the swing is made of gold and jewels and strings of bumblebees land on the flowers that adorn these ropes, overwhelmed by their fragrance. The tree branch (that supports the swing) is entwined by fresh vines that make Vrindavan so beautiful in the moonlit night.

Śyāma, who shines like a fresh monsoon cloud, swings with Rai, who embraces him with her lightning-like luster, on his left. Necklaces that shine like the moon and the stars oscillate around their necks while they lean against each other.

The mridangas play dhi dhi kaṭa dhiyā tāthaiyā – tininā tininā tā tiyā in an enchanting way, the loud sounds of the songs and the musical instruments pierce the atmosphere in an indescribably sweet way.

Their jewelled anklebells chime ‘runu jhunu’ along with the swinging. Uddhava Dāsa, his heart filled with the sole desire for attaining the lotus feet of Radha Mohana (Krishna, the enchanter of Radha), writes this song.

Just for fun Sri Krishna increases the speed of the swing, making Sri Radha afraid that she will fall. The sakhīs forbid Krishna to swing so fast, but Krishna does not listen and increases the speed of the swing even more. This causes Sri Radha’s braid to loosen, her veil to fall off and her clothes and ornaments to become dishevelled.

Seeing the sweetness of Srimati’s form at that time Krishna begins to swing even harder, making the terrified Sri Radha embrace Sri Krishna around the neck with her vine-like arms. Krishna then lets go of the swing’s ropes and holds Srimati to his chest with both hands, while pushing the swing on with his feet. In this way it looks as if the Śrī-mūrti-yugala has become one in a beautiful way as they are bound by the ropes of their mutual embrace. Thus they look as incomparably lovely and beautiful as a blooming champaka flower and a blooming indīvara flower tightly united on one stem and oscillating in the southern breezes.

The sakhīs are immersed in an ocean of transcendental bliss when they behold these sweet pastimes of the Śrī-Yugala. After the swinging pastime the sakhīs take the Divine Pair off the swing and serve Them by straightening out Their dresses and ornaments and by feeding Them a meal of fruits and roots. In this way Raghunath Das Goswami reveals his aspiration to worship Govinda Sthalī, which is so famous and glorious because of the wonderful swinging-pastime that takes place there.

With a pure mind I always worship the blissful and famous place called Govinda Sthala, where Radha and Sri Radha Ramaṇa sit on a jeweled swing with beautiful blossoming faces that are so enchanting and intoxicating for the minds of the sakhīs, who meet here in the spring to push this swing.

“The temple now survives in its truncated form since its sanctuary was complete destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb. It was originally seven storeys high and atop the temple a large lamp was kept burning. The story goes that from Agra Aurangzeb saw the majestic lamp and got infuriated by the greatness of this Hindu temple and sent troops to demolish it. The Mohammedan soldiers were able to dismantle the top four stories of the seven storied structure. According to another version, the upper four stories were neatly dismantled and placed alongside. During the attack, the deities enshrined within were moved to Jaipur, where they remain until the present day.” (Baij Nath Aryan in Economic Times 19-4-1991,
This is the central dome. You can see the patterns in the setting of thestone. I wonder if the original intent was to have some of these surfaces painted. The dome seems to be intact.

Commentary of Sri Radha Kund Mahant, Pandit Sri Ananta Das Babaji Maharaj is named Stavāmṛta Kaṇā Vyākhyā (a drop of the nectar of Stavāvalī), and was published in Gaurābda 503 (1989 A.D.) from Sri Krishna Chaitanya Shastra Mandir, Vrajananda Ghera, PO Radhakunda (district Mathura), U.P., India.

Devotional songs in Bengali that follow each commentary were composed by Dr. Haripada Sheel.

© Translated by Advaita dāsa in 1994

More of Ananta Das Pandit’s writings in English translation can be found at Tarun Govinda’s blog, Amrita Tarangini.

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Here are some Rasa lila kirtan padas. The following selection by Govinda Das is famous, for no Rasa kirtan pala or program can begin without this invocation of the lila.

Rāsa Abhisāra

As the autumn full moon rises, Vrindavan’s forest is filled with the scent of blooming mallika, malati and juthi flowers. Thus the enmaddened honey-bees buzz hither and thither. And seeing the lovely moonlit evening, Shyama Mohan is shaken by Madana’s arrows, so taking up his murali, he plays in the fifth scale to steal the Vraja kulavatis’ minds! Hence, blinded by prema, they hurry to fully surrender to him as the murali’s sweet song becomes their guide. But when leaving their homes, the gopis even forget themselves! Thus a gopa taruni puts mascara on only one eye, and others come running with bangles on one hand, or with an earring dangling from only one ear! And while they scurry towards Govinda, their nivi bandhanas loosen, their garments fall off and their blouses come undone! But as some of the sakhis assemble before Muralidhar Krishna, the others have lost their way, blinded by their anurāga! Govinda Das thus describes their milan with Gokula Chand.

(2)

kālindī tīra sudhīra samīraṇa, kunda kumuda aravinda vikāśa
nācata maura bhora matta madhukara,

śuka śārikā pīka pañcama bhāṣa
madhuvane nidhuvane mugdha murāri

mugdha gopa-vadhū adhika laka saiye
raṅge vihāre vṛṣabhānu kumārī
nācata nāṭinī gāoye naṭa-śekhara, gāoata nāṭinī nāce naṭa-rāja
śyāmara gaurī saiye śyāmara, nava jaladhare janu bijuri virāja
heri heri aparūpa rāsa-kalā-rasa, manmathe lāgalo manmatha dhanda
bhulalo gagane sagaṇe rajanīkara, caudiśa phirata dīpa dhara chanda
tārā gaṇa saiye tārāpati heri, lāje lukāolo dinamaṇi kati
govinda dāsa pahu jaga-mana-mohana, vihari bhelo kalāpa sama rati

The gentle breeze blows from the Kalindi’s bank, and the kunda flowers, lilies and lotus flowers bloom. The peacocks are dancing, the intoxicated bees are buzzing, and the shukas, sharis and kokilas sing in the fifth scale. Thus madhura Vrindavan enchants Rasika Murari, as thousands of enchanted Vraja sundaris appear to enjoy Rasa-vihara with Vrishabhanu kumari. The gopis dance and Nata-shekhara sings, but sometimes he dances as they sing. When Shyama and Gauri dance in circles they look like a lightning streak within the dark cloud! So while viewing their wonerful talent, Madana casts his magic spell! Thus the sky, the moon and their family of stars even forget themselves. For when the Vrajacanda dances with his galaxy of star-like maidens, all the other luminaries lose their glitter! Govinda Das says, “Thus the Jaga-mana mohana* Prabhu enjoys Rasa-vihara for a night lasting one kalpa.”

(3)

bājata dampha ravaba pakoāja, karatāla tāla tarala eka meli
calata citra-gati sakala kalāvatī, kare kare nayane koru keli
nācata śyāma saṅge vraja nārī, jalada puñje jānu taḍit latāvalī
aṅga bhaṅga koto raṅga vithāri natana hilola lola maṇi kuṇḍala, śrama jala dhala dhala vadana hu cānda
rasa bhore galita lalita kucha kañcuka, nīvī khasata aru kabarika bandha
duhu duhu sarasa paraśa rāsa lālase, alase rahato lulāi
govinda dāsa pahu mūrati manobhava, koto yuvatī rati ārati badhāi

The dampha, ravaba and pakhoaj play as the gopa sundaris clap in time with the rolling beat. The kalavatis gracefully dance with intricate steps, hand in hand, eye to eye! Aho! Shyama-jaladhara is dancing beside and around them, just as a dark, moving cloud formation is garlanded by multicolored lightning flashes! As the dancing sweeps like a rolling wave, everyone’s earrings bob. Then fine beads of sweat glide from the participants’ foreheads like numerous new moons! Aho! The Rasa rasa overflows and the Vraja sundaris’ kanchulis, nivi bandhanas and braids loosen! But as Krishna’s many murtis enjoy their touch with an amorous embrace, they unite together! Govinda Das says. “Krishna’s form as Madana Mohan excites the Vraja yuvatis’ thirst for rati.”

(4)

dekho re sakhi, śyāma cānda, indu-vadani rādhikā
vividha yantra, yuvatī-vṛnda, gāoye rāga mallikā
manda pavana, kuñja bhavana, kusuma gandha mādhurī
madana rāja, nava samāja, bhramata bhramara cāturi
tarala tāla, gati dulāla, nāce nāṭinī naṭana śūra
prāṇanātha, dharata hāta, rāi tāhe adhika pūra,
aṅge aṅge, paraśa bhora, keho rahato kāhuka kora
jñāna dāsa, kohoto rāsa, jaiche jalade vijuri jora

Aha re, sakhi, look! Shyama Chand is dancing with indu-vadani Radhika—and the Vraja yuvatis play numerous instruments while singing the mallika rāga! The soft breeze, the nikunja bhavan, the scented flowers and the restlessly roaming bees all bring madhuri to Sri Madana Raja’s kingdom. And with the swift tāla, natini Rai and nataraja Shyama dance with lively flowing steps. Holding her Prana-nath’a hand Radha feels tremendous ecstasy! Yet due to their repeated touching—the ecstasy escalates! Thus Jnana Das describes the Rasa lila as if it were the tender embrace of lightning and a dark cloud.

Rasa Analysis

For those wishing to make an in-depth study of the Rasa, there are countless other Mahajan padāvali selections. Moreover, the Rasa narrations found in Sri Kavi Karnapur’s Ānanda-vṛndāvana-campū, Sri Jiva Goswami’s Gopāla-campū and Sri Prabodhananda Saraswati’s Āścarya-rāsa-prabandha along with the Bhagavata’s Rāsa-pancādhyāya commentaries of Sridhara Swami, Sanatan Goswami, Jiva Goswami, Vishwanath Chakravarti and many others are all well worth investigating.

Yet there is an important consideration for those who want to ideally meditate on the Rasa. Sri Gopala Guru and Dhyanachandra Goswami advise in their Paddhatis:

eteṣu samayeṣv evam yā yā līlā puroditā
tāṁ tām eva yathā kālam saṁsmaret sādhako janaḥ

The sadhaka should perform smaran of each lila during the time that it unfolds. (Gaura-govindārcana-paddhati, 171)

Hence, the Rasa lila’s meditaion should go on between 12.00 and 2.00 a.m., when most people are asleep. And this brings to mind Krishna’s statement in Gita 2.69, “The sleeping time for all being is the time of awakening for the self-controlled bhakta.” So those wanting to meditate on Rasa lila must practise jagaran, or vigil. In the night’s wee hours, when the world’s busy pace stops and everyone is sound asleep, then the ether becomes pure and peaceful. Thus by nature’s arrangement, these are the ideal moments to focus on Sri Krishna’s lila mukuta mani, the Rasa.

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Vrindavan, 2017.10.15 (VT):  The Allahabad High Court issued a show-cause notice to the U.P. Chief Secretary and others for non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s order to end pollution of the river Yamuna. While issuing the notice, the court questioned why it should not direct a First Information Report (FIR) to be lodged against all the responsible Officers of the State of Uttar Pradesh for not taking appropriate measures to protect Yamuna from pollution, despite the Apex court’s judgement to that effect in the case of M.C. Mehta in 1988.

The bench comprising Justice Arun Tandon and Justice Rajiv Joshi sternly questioned why, 29 years after a judgment passed by the Supreme Court of India to ensure that no untreated sewage water is permitted to enter river water in the State of Uttar Pradesh, no adequate measures have been taken by the authorities.

The court expressed that 29 years is too long a period to permit such a negligent attitude on the part of State authorities and local bodies, and this will not go on unnoticed. The court further stated that the time has come when all the responsibile parties will be held accountable. Unless responsibility is fastened upon the officers of the State and local bodies, said the court, there would be no or little response to the direction of the Apex court.

In their affidavit, the authorities of the Mathura-Vrindavan Nagar Nigam admitted that 20-million liters of untreated sewage is being permitted to flow into the Yamuna River within the jurisdiction of Mathura-Vrindavan alone. They also stated that they were willing and ready to perform their duty and they had already sent a proposal to the State government on January 21st, 2017, and are still awaiting a response from the State Government.

Taking the affidavit on record, the court the court lamented the painfully slow speed with which local bodies and the State Government are acting. Even the proposal to establish a new Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) or enhance the old ones was submitted seven full years after the original Public Interest Litigation was filed against the sewage dumping.

The Public Interest Litigation in question was filed by Madhumangal Shukla in 2010, primarily against the construction of the “half-moon bridge” at Keshi Ghat. In the petition, Shri Shukla had said that instead of preventing sewage being dumped into Yamuna and regulating the encroachments, the government itself was building a half-circular bridge, which would add to the pollution of the river and obstruct the view of iconic Keshi Ghat.

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Vrindavan, 2017.10.16 (VT): Although the NGT and the High Court have banned the use of polythene in Vrindavan, use of plastic bags continues. Raids are executed from time to time, and business owners are regularly fined for using plastic bags, but the convenience of plastic seems difficult to shake

Now by the divine blessings of Shri Radharaman Lal, it seems a solution to the polybag problem has been found.

On a mission to restore Vrindavan to its original pristine state, Shri Padmalochan Goswami of the Shri Radharaman Temple has become an authorised distributor for the Natural Eco-Friendly Solution company, which produces biodegradable carry-bags. At a press conference yesterday, he announced that the company’s bags – which are maide of cornstarch – will soon be launched into the Vrindavan marketplace.

Goswami ji has special-ordered the bags with the phrase “I love Braj”, a positive reminder for people to show their love for Vrindavan by shunning plastic and embracing more environmentally safe alternatives.

The eco-friendly bags resemble polythene, yet they contain no plastic. They are are completely natural and break down like any other organic waste when placed in soil. They also dissolve in water and contain no harmful chemicals. They are reportedly digestible for animals, although they still represent a choking hazard for cows and should be disposed of responsibly.

Shri Padmalochan Goswami says that the bags are quite strong and can carry more weight than typical plastic bags. Their only limitation is that they cannot be used for hot items.

Shri Dhananjay Goswami says, “These bags are the most effective alternative to the usual dangerous plastic bags. Made from natural ingredients, these biodegradable bags break down like organic waste, reducing synthetic waste residue that may be harmful to the environment.”

Raseshwari Dasi, who was an integral part of the effort to bring biodegradable bags to Vrindavan, adds, “Dear devotees; please help us to spread this message to others. Let’s join hands to make our Braj-Vrindavan free from plastic bags. We hope that all devotees will help us to spread the word and ensure that plastic waste is completely eradicated from Vrindavan.”

Photo Courtesy Shri Dhananjay Goswami

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Vrindavan, 2017.10.16 (VT): Diwali is one of the most important festivals in Vrindavan, just as it is for Hindus the world over. The whole town is in high gear preparing for the sacred festival of lights.

For many Brajwasis, preparing for Diwali means deep-cleaning and repairing ones home. Houses are cleaned from top to bottom and walls get a fresh coat of paint. As the houses become clean, dust and debris are shifted to the streets. Whether the municipality will properly engage in its side of the Diwali cleaning remains to be seen.

The pre-Diwali period is also an important shopping season for Brajwasis. The local people purchase items for pooja as well as personal items and home goods like appliances, which tend to go on sale in the holiday season. The jewellery business is also expected to make a Diwali comeback after a long lull caused by demonitization and GST.

The potters of Vrindavan are especially busy this week, making thousands upon thousands of clay lamps. It is estimated that a single potter may sell more than twenty-five thousand lamps in the lead-up to Diwali. Temporary Lakshmi and Ganesh murtis made of clay are also sold in large numbers, as well as hathri, the small clay houses used in Diwali pooja.

The State government is doing its part to promote local artisans, with Yogi Adityanath attempting a world record for the most clay lamps lit at a Diwali function in Ayodhya. The government is reportedly planning special Diwali decorations for Vrindavan as well, which are likely to feature natural, locally-made lamps.

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Anjani Kund’s mysteries revealed. Saturday, Chameli Van, Hodal: Braj Foundation officials and special guests laid the foundation stone for the renovation of Anjani kund. The renovation of kunds leads to the uncovering of their glories, and Anjani kund’s spiritual potency connects several of Thakurji’s lilas. According to local legend, Krishna once jumped into the kund while being pursued by the Gopis. He emerged out of the Kund in the form of Hanuman, giving Yashoda Mother the great joy of having Hanuman darshan. Since that time, the pond has been named Anjani kund, as Krishna’s mother became like Hanuman’s mother. Its ability to inspire pilgrims had been covered over by the neglect of its physical form, but, that situation is about to change. Braj Foundation is resuming the renovation work that the organization began several years ago, when they removed the silt from the kund. Addressing the Brajwasis, the head of The Braj Foundation Shri Vineet Narayan said that the first phase of the project will be “beautification of the Ghats and Parikrama marg”. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. sadguru.com

Elephant Festival in Mathura. The ‘Haathi Vadh Mahotsav Samhiti’ is organizing a festival in Mathura on 26^th October, the anniversary of Krishna-Balaram’s killing of Kamsa as well as the elephant Kuvalayapida. At the time of his last wrestling match, Kamsa deployed the violent elephant, hoping that it would put an end to Krishna. That plan was obviously doomed to fail, but, even after Sri Krishna had killed so many of the demons that Kamsa sent against Him, Kamsa was unable to change his thinking or learn from his mistakes. Sri Krishna killed the elephant with much showmanship and little effort. The festivities on the 26th will include a procession of floats between Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi and Swami Ghat.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Indian Express

Traders unhappy with BJP. With State elections set to be called on 25^th October, there is speculation that the BJP’s popularity will suffer due to the impact that demonetization and GST have had on business. Many are hopeful that the changes will have benefits in the future, however the short term effect has been a downturn in trade, which has greatly upset local business owners.  Read more (English)

P.C. Aliexpress

Golden Thakurjis for sale. In an effort to end the recession in the gold market, jewellers are creating traditional and modern-designed Thakurjis out of both gold and silver, hoping to attract customers. Dhanteras will be celebrated on 17^th October this year. On this day, sales of gold are expected to skyrocket as metal items purchased on this day are believed to increase in value due to the blessings of Laxmi Devi and Kuber. Dhanteras also marks the beginning of the Diwali festivities. Traders say that the recession in the gold trade has been caused by Government restrictions in the amount of gold that individuals can purchase and the requirement that customers must show their PAN card when purchasing gold. Read more (English)

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Gaurav Saigal
Hindustan Times, Lucknow

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Vrindavan, 2017.10.16 (VT): The Braj Teerth Vikash Parishad has announced plans to develop Mansarovar, one of Braj’s holy lakes, as a tourist destination.

BTVP vice-president Shailjakant Mishra and CEO Nagendra Pratap inspected Mansarovar early on Saturday. They directed officials from the Irrigation and Water Departments to create a plan for bringing the kund back to its pristine natural state.

Three dry kunds nearby will be again filled with water, toilets will be constructed and one thousand trees will be planted in the area surrounding the lake. Architect Samarth Chaturvedi has been entrusted with the responsibility of beautifying the interior and exterior of the Mansarovar temple in the traditional way. A cleaning drive was held alongside the inspection, in which more than 200 devotees took part.

In 2011, Friends of Vrindavan also worked hard to preserve the sanctity of this beautiful and sacred place. The following description of Mansarovar from the Friends of Vrindavan website is not to be missed:

Lake of Tears

Once in a while, you come across a hidden place of such stunning beauity that you wonder how it has remained ‘undiscovered’ for so long…

Such a place is Mansarovar, a rare wetland grove and bird sanctuary, roughly five acres in size, a few miles across the Yamuna River from the town of Vrindavan. Local tradition has it that the lake, or ‘sarovar’, was formed from the tears of Sri Radha, while in an intensely emotional state of wounded love, ‘man’. She came here alone when she feared she had lost Krishna. In her memory a solitary image of her is worshiped in a small shrine beside the lake. An atmosphere of desolation among the surrounding aged bowers heightens the remote beauty of this place.

Unlike most sacred groves, no village has grown here. Only the gnarled trees and swaying palms, which shelter a group of ‘viraktis’ – those indifferent to the world – who spend their days in prayer and meditation and tending the shrine. The only other people are pilgrims, who visit throughout the spring and autumn seasons.

But the real visitors to Mansarovar are the birds. Crowds of waterfowl and heron frequent the place. A special visitor is the Sarus Crane, an endangered species which breeds only in Northern India, but whose total population is now down to less than 15,000. The Sarus is the world’s tallest flying bird – a male can stand as tall as six feet – and regarded with reverence in Vraj.

In recent years the lake became choked with water hyacinth, so much so that the surface of the water was completely hidden from view. This drove away the birdlife, who could no longer fish here, and starved the water of oxygen. However, in the autumn of 1998 a Friends of Vrindavan team worked hard for six weeks to clear this invasive weed and restore the lake to its pristine beauty. It was exhausting and unpleasant work, producing huge heaps of rotting stems piled about the lake. But now its original beauty is restored and the birds and wildlife are returning to their previous haunts. Work has begun on re-planting indigenous species of trees, and protecting them with thorny hedges. We are currently investigating ways of securing the long-term protection of the lake and surrounding habitat so as to establish a permanent sacred wildlife sanctuary.

Future plans include the digging out of the lake, which needs to be done periodically to restore the health of the wetland. The material removed will be used to create a surrounding earthbank to further protect the sanctuary and provide a pilgrimage path, or parikrama, around it.

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P.C. Govind Dev Ji Temple Daily Darshan

Vrindavan, 2017.10.17 (VT): The Govind Dev Temple is one of the most important and historic temples of Vrindavan. Built entirely of red sandstone with an absolutely unique design, it is one of the most precious treasures of this country. The temple is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), but unfortunately, the temple is in danger of being destroyed as the ASI’s rules are continuously flouted by local residents without any consequences from the government.

The Govind Dev temple is located on a small, low hill called Gomatila. But besides the temple, there are also a number of privately-owned homes on the hill. From their simple beginnings, these homes have grown into multi-storey buildings over the years, obstructing the view of the temple from the road almost completely. Not only that, but many of the homes have installed basements by hauling out large amounts of earth from Gomatila, thus putting the temple’s very foundation in danger. All this activity is in direct violation of the ASI’s rules regarding protected monuments, however nothing is being done to stop it.

Social activist Mahant Madhumangal Sharan Shukla has expressed deep anguish over the matter and sought protection for the temple through a letter, which has been sent to the Director General of the Indian Archaeology Department in New Delhi and to the head of the Mathura-Vrindavan Development Authority.

In his letter, Shukla emphasized the historical importance of the Govinda Dev temple. Before Govind Dev was transferred to Jaipur to protect him from Aurangzeb’s raids, Govind Dev was known as the King of Vrindavan. His temple was built with special permission of the pre-Aurangzeb Mughal government, and thus was allowed to be made with the same red sandstone as official government buildings.

Shukla says that the temple was constructed in such a way that the first rays of the morning sun would fall at Govind Dev’s lotus feet, offering pranam to him. And when first rays of the moon on Sharad Purnima caressed his lotus face, only then would the night’s festivities begin throughout Vrindavan. The temple’s beauty has been highlighted by many native and foreign scholars describing Braj culture.

In his letter, Shukla goes on to say that he has been interacting with the Central Government and UNESCO for the last ten years trying to obtain World Heritage status for the Govind Dev Temple. But unfortunately, due to corruption, apathy and the ineffectiveness of survey officers, the temple’s ethos is continuously being violated.

Shukla closed his letter by saying that if strict action is not immediately taken, then he will be forced to pursue the matter in the Allahabad High Court to protect the temple’s sacred heritage.

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Vrindavan, 2017.10.17 (VT): All of Braj is gearing up for Diwali and Govardhan Pooja, the special day for worshipping Shri Krishna as Govardhan Hill – the protector and nourisher of the cows and the Brajwasis. On the eve of this sacred festival, Mant police have successfully apprehended a cattle smuggler and saved sixteen bulls from slaughter.

The bust occurred at a checkpoint on the Yamuna Expressway with help from an anonymous informant. The truck filled with bulls was travelling illegally from Punjab to Bihar. The driver of the truck was apprehended by police while his accomplice escaped.

The rescued bulls have been sent to Ramesh Baba’s Mataji Gaushala in Barsana.

Unfortunately, cows and bulls from Vrindavan are also smuggled illegally to the slaughter. Over the years many of Braj’s gaushalas have been attacked by gun-toting gangs of cow smugglers. But it is the street cows and bulls that are most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, getting bulls off the street is not an easy task. Due to rampant construction, Vrindavan’s once-vast pastureland has been reduced to almost nothing in a matter of a few decades. Dairy farmers now find it too expensive to support bulls and elderly cows who no longer give milk. Not finding any other option, they often leave such animals to their own fate in the streets.

But there is hope, in the shape of a growing movement for non-dairy-based cow agriculture in Vrindavan.

For example, the National Centre of Organic Farming  held a symposium in Vrindavan earlier this week, during which farmers from local villages were informed of the economic viability of non-dairy cow product like paper and fertilizers, which can be made from cow dung. Cattle farmers were enouraged to explore a variety of such products, which can generate income without dependence on milk.

Attendees were also informed of the importance of organic farming. The Vice-Chancellor of Mathura’s Veterinary University Mr. KML Pathak also emphasized the importance of promoting and conserving indigenous cow breeds (desi gaay). Such educational efforts are of great importance to ensuring the safety and prosperity of our bovine companions.

Many bulls wander the streets of Vrindavan, since they have been abandoned as economically lacking value. Many of the gaushalas also refuse to accept bulls.

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Chapter Twenty-Three :: Nisha Lila

(Continued Midnight Pastimes)

10:48 p.m.—3:36 a.m.

Rasa Lila, Madhu-pana, Rati-keli, Jala-vihara, Shriṅgara, Nisha-bhojan,
Shayana and the Sakhis’ Seva.

1 Thereafter, Krishna began singing prabandhas, dancing with the most rasika Vraja devis following the beat of numerous tālas.

Rasa-taraṅginī Tīkā: Prabandha singing generally means the songs with all of the limbs and the ingredients of nibaddha-saṅgīta, the system that follows the rules of music’s. However, the prabandha mentioned here means the art by which Krishna and the gopis enthusiastically recite bolas, the syllables of the beat, as they dance them out upon the stage. Verse 6 to 16 will show some examples.

Kṛṣṇa-bhāvanāmṛta states that when Rāsa-rasika-vara Gokula-yuvaraj dances with the gopis, the personified devatā of each musical instrument appears to resound melodiously. Then the personified devas and devis of all the different rāgas, rāgiṇīs, svaras, mūrchanās, śrutis, grāmas, hastakas and tālas also advent to add splendor to the Rasa concert!

2 As Krishna dances with Radhika, Lalita’s group sings and Chitra’s group keeps the beat. At the same time Vrinda and the others act as the audience and watch in fascination!

Rasa-taraṅginī Tīkā: When Natendra-shekhara and Natini-mani Rai dance a duet, Lalita and her group supply added waves of ecstasy by singing and dancing with superb bodily movements and gestures (aṅga bhaṅgis)! Here is a sample:

ki nava purṇimā niśā,
jamunā pulina jhalakata rāsa
śaśi ujorāiyā diśā

rāi kānu ki madhura cānda,
nāce dohe aṅge aṅga helāiyā
bhuja āropiyā kāndha

tile tile kautuka citta,
dohe bāya bamśī miśāya mukha
nāhiko upamā dite

cāru nayane diyā,
adhare adhara paraśiyā
rāsa āveśe ullāsa hiyā

vāma dakṣina yugala kare,
prakāśaye kata bhāti abhinaya
kāmera dhairaja hare

What a lovely full-moon night! The Yamuna’s banks and the Rasa maṇḍala are glistening in the moon-rays!

Aha! What a madhura match: Rai and Kanu clasp each other, intertwining their body limbs and dancing with hands on each others’ shoulders!

And at every moment newer wonder unfolds, they’re dancing cheek-to-cheek, and play the madhura vanshi! There can be no comparison to anything else!

But now, gazing into each other’s eyes, they touch lips to lips in the Rasa’s ecstasy!

Aha! Isn’t Kamadeva fainting as the Yugala Kishor holds hands and displays such amazing drama?

3 Sometimes Krishna dances alone, then Radha and the sakhis sing and play instruments to keep the beat. And when Krishna becomes the audience watching, Rasamani Rai dances an amazing solo with all the different bodily gestures and movements!

Rasa-taraṅginī Tīkā: Sri Gandharvika watches Natendra’s dancing and sings:

Watching Rasika Shyama Rasa dance satiates my eyes! Aha! His madhura steps and sweet smile destroy all the Braja yuvatis’ presence of mind! His tossing earrings cast dazzling reflections on his cheeks to steal my mind and his wonderful poses defeat Cupid. Who knows what nectar pours from those restless sidelong glances? His caraṇa kamala dance with the tāla—but the sweet jingling of their anklebells steals my heart! They resound—tā thāi tā thāi thaiyā thaiyā, raiyā raiyā. The mridangas accompany the sound with a drimi drimi drimi. Narahari’s heart and life-airs join in the dance!

Then, as Radharani dances, Krishna ecstatically watches as the sakhis sing:

As ramani-mani Rai dances—her nupuras and kinkinis jingle. Her veni rises from her back like a hooded snake, and her neck rolls in the waves of rasa! What a wonderful drama! And while dancing, Radha recites the tālas — ta-thaiyā ta-thaiyā thaiyā tā! Her moon face diminishes the moon in the sky —and her smile is nectar. But then her playful glance puts Vraja Chand under Madana’s spell! Narahari says, “What can compare with Radha? Her bodily effulgence lights up the whole world!”

These two padas are from Bhakti-ratnākara. The author is Narahari Chakravarti.

4-5 The gopis singing and playing instruments sit on the Rasa maṇḍala’s edge like a curtain surrounding the dancers. Although the stringed instruments, brass instruments, flutes and drums all play together, their combined music nicely harmonizes with Krishna and the Vraja nitambinis’ dance steps. Then one after the other, each gopi displays her dancing skill with amazing footsteps, brow movements, hand mudrās and eye gestures!

Rasa-taraṅginī Tīkā: The leading gopis are noted for playing the following instruments:

1. Radha, the Alavani vina
2. Lalita, the Brahma vina
3. Vishakha, the Kacchapi vina
4. Chitra, the Rudra vina
5. Champakalata, the Vipanchi vina
6. Rangadevi, the Kavilaṅga vina
7. Sudevi, the Sarangi vina
8. Tungavidya, the Kinnari vina
9. Indulekha, the svara-maṇḍala vina.
   

Other sakhis play the madala, mridanga, pakhoaj, muraja and many other instruments.

Rudra Vina.

6 Natendra-shekhara then dashes from the gopis midst to the center stage! Helplessly following the beat with his intricate steps and flowing hand movements, he excites them by abruptly exclaiming: tattā tatthe, dṛgiti dṛgitthai, dṛk tathai dṛk tathai thā!

7 But Krishna Sundar goes on dancing—and boldly recites the next prabandha:
“thodik dāṁ dāṁ kiṭa kiṭa kaṇajheṁ
thokku tho dikku āre
jheṁ drāṁ jheṁ drāṁ kiṭi kiṭi kiṭidhāṁ
jheṅkujheṁ jheṅkujheṁ jhem
thodik dāṁ dāṁ dṛmi dṛmi dṛmi dhāṁ
kāṅkujheṁ kāṅkujheṁ drām !”

8 Then like a lightning streak within the Krishna cloud—Radhika’s kankanas, kinkinis and nupuras enchantingly jingle as she rotates her arms to boldly call out: tatha–thai thai tathai thai tathai thā while dancing out the bolas with her swift foot movements.

9 As Radha’s dancing goes on, she ecstatically recites:
dhāṁ dhāṁ dṛk dṛk caṅ caṅ nināṅ ṇaṅ, nināṁ ṇaṁ niṅāṁ nāṁ
tuttuk tuṅ tuṅ guḍu guḍu guḍu dhāṁ, drāṁ guḍu drāṁ guḍu drām
dhek dhek dho dho kiriṭi kiriṭi, drāṁ drimi drāṁ drimi drām !

Rasa-taraṅginī Tīkā: Raseshwari Rai’s dancing is sarvottama, the best of all. These two slokas portray her supreme skill as Shyamasundar’s manorañjana-kāriṇī (mind-stealing enchantress). As Krishna watches with unblinking eyes—Rai Rangini boldly leaps into the center-stage like a lightning flash! The bells of her kinkinis, kankanas, nupuras and armlets tinkle Kandarpa’s message up and down Krishna’s spine! Her earrings and nose pearl bob as her colorful veni tied with flowers, pearls, ribbons and tassels sails behind her! Radha’s uttariya chador is also sailing, and as she twirls, her ghagra (lower garment) rises to display her enticing legs! Thus as the curtain rises, Radha’s fascinating nupuras produce a concert of countless, newer and newer rāgas and rāgiṇīs. But seeing Krishna’s captivation, Rai Vinodini completely devastates him. She pelts Krishna with a provocative glance and boldly recites the abovementioned prabandhas as her Mohini Murti dances out the bolas!

The post Govinda Lilamrita Raas :: Dancing to the beat appeared first on Vrindavan Today.

The ancient Shri Radha-Gopinath Temple, Vrindavan

Vrindavan, 2017.10.17 (VT): It was the landslides of Kedarnath that took Vinita’s husband away. That was in 2013. After remaining in her in-laws’ home for two months, she returned to her parents’ home, but life there was hard with no job or income.

In many parts of India, widows are expected to wear white and not to participate in any festivals, let alone marrying again. Due to being considered inauspicious, many are even cast out of their homes.

Vinita had only been married for six months when her husband was killed. But rather than accept the traditional narrative that her life had ended with her husband’s, she decided to embrace life instead. She got married again, this time to a man named Rakesh, in a civil ceremony a year later. But in order to legitimize their union in the eyes of society, Vinita wanted a ceremony.

Sulabh International’s founder Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak with Prime Minister Narendra Modi

That’s where Sulabh International came in. Sulabh’s founder Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak heard about Vinita’s situation and decided to sponsor her wedding ceremony in Vrindavan.

Vrindavan’s ancient Shri Radha-Gopinath Temple proudly offered to be the venue for the wedding. The temple’s unapologetically progressive stance is a breath of fresh air in this “city of widows” where families from around India send their old mothers to die alone.

People like Sulabh International’s staff and the Goswamis of the Radha-Gopinath Temple have truly embraced these women and are making them feel accepted again.

Hundreds of of local widows attended the wedding alongside the families of the bride and groom, and some assisted in the ceremoniy. Hundreds of eyes flowed with tears as the couple took the seven steps around the sacred fire, solemnising their union. A Diwali-themed celebration was held in the evening, and the elderly ladies smiled as they lit lamps and waved sparklers.

Vrindavan resident Ratnavali Devi said, “I am so pleased that the Gopinath Temple decided to break with tradition by hosting this couple’s wedding. Morality seems to lose its purpose if it is enforced by making a whole section of the society suffer.”

Click here to view The Hindustan Times photo gallery of Vinita’s wedding at the Gopinath Temple.

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A transcendental vision of Yamuna Devi. Sunday: Ramesh Baba’s Radha Rani Parikrama reached the Yamuna at Kosikalan. Many of the devotees were disturbed by the garbage that they could see in the river, but some were able use their inner eye to see her spiritual form. Mrs A. Vishwas, who is doing the 40-day parikrama, said, “I had to wait until my kids grew up to do Braj Mandal Parikrama. It would have been nice to have come 30 years ago, when there was less pollution, but, I am grateful to be here now. At this stage of life, I can appreciate Yamuna Devi’s true form. I feel an inner peace when I see Yamuna Maharani flowing forth steadily, despite everything she has to endure. She is still watering our crops, and feeding the water basin. She is a powerful Devi, a loving mother.”

P.C. Amar Ujala

Bihariji winter timings begin Friday. From Friday (20^th October), Banke Bihari darshan will open at 8.45am; Sringar Aarati will be at 9am; Rajbhog Aarati will be from 12-12.30pm; and morning darshan will close at 1pm. In the evening, the temple will open at 4.30pm and will be closed between 7.30 and 8pm for Thakurji’s Bhog offering. Shayan Aarati and closing will be from 8.30-9pm. Read more (English)

P.C. Daily Mail

Yamuna Expressway named “Highway from Hell”. Indian Express has named the Yamuna Expressway the “Highway from Hell”. The Express reports that, “1,601 fatalities were reported in 2016, up 100 percent from 800 in 2014”. The major cause of accidents is high speed and tyre bursts. Other causes include drunk driving and driver fatigue. The Yamuna Expressway was built in 2012 and is one of India’s most expensive motorways. Ironically, it has also become infamous as one of the deadliest motorways. Many vehicles on the expressway are not built or maintained well enough to be able to handle high speeds. Drivers are also unaware of safety practices such as keeping a safe distance from other vehicles. People who pay the high tolls for the highway usually do so to save time, so drivers are often tempted not to stick to the speed limit of 100km per hour.  Efforts are now being made to control speeding. Speed cameras are being installed at toll booths and more police are being deployed to patrol the highway. Perhaps a driver education campaign would also be in order. Read more (English)

114-foot temple-museum under construction. Yesterday, Vatsalyagram officials held a meeting to discuss the construction of the new temple for Saravamangala Ma (the mother goddess who makes everything auspicious). The temple building is now under construction, as a donor has been found for the first stage. The temple building will be a huge dome, the first of its kind in Braj. As well as housing the deity, Sarvamangala Ma, the building will also have a museum dedicated to women’s contribution to Hinduism. The construction of the temple has been on the back-burner for many years, as Vatsalyagram focused its efforts on building a residential CBSC school for girls, a co-educational school for the children adopted by the organization, and a school and hostel for special needs children. As part of her efforts to arrange the temple’s construction, the organization’s founder and residing guru Sadhvi Ritambara (Didima) undertook a fast from grains for almost 10 years. Saravamangala Ma is made out of sindoor (vermillion); she holds a ladoo in one hand and has her other hand open, ready to give blessings to all who visit her. Sarvamangala Ma’s current residence is a cave underneath a replica of Kailash mountain at Vatsalyagram, Vrindavan.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Annual music festival delights audience. The Swami Laxman Prasad Classical Music Festival treated music lovers to Kathak dance and flute performances by some of India’s top artists. The two-day festival was well-attended and organizers promise to return to Vrindavan next Kartik. Read more (Hindi)

Cheater Dairies Closed Down. Yesterday, the Food Safety and Standards Authority (FSSAI) closed down several unscrupulous dairies. One of the worst offenders was Braj Mohan Store, in which officials found substitute ghee worth a retail price of Rs30,000. When they reached Anant Dairy at Raya, the officials disposed of all of the milk in the shop and sealed the entrance. Officials also took samples from shops in the Janmabhoomi area. More than a dozen shops have been issued warnings and will be closed down if they fail in the next round of testing.  Read more (Hindi)

The post Today’s Digest: Vision of Yamuna Devi; Bihariji’s winter timings; Temple-Museum construction, and more… appeared first on Vrindavan Today.

It is said that Diwali is celebrated to mark the day when Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. So, why isn’t Rama worshiped on Diwali? Why do we worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha instead? Read on to find out.

(Dhritiman Biswas The Indian Express)

Behind the glare of sparkling electric lights and the din of firecrackers, the sweet-savouries and the bonhomie of the day, there are deeper and subtle aspects of Diwali one should understand to truly appreciate the importance of the day. It is rare to see two deities (Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi) being worshipped together as part of the same festival. Creating further confusion is the accepted tradition that on the day of Diwali, Lord Ram returned to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. So, why isn’t Rama worshipped on Diwali?

Let us take a few steps back to understand the whole story.

Rama is an avatar, or reincarnation, of Lord Vishnu – the supreme godhead – with Goddess Lakshmi as his consort. However, popular Hindu iconography depicts Vishnu sleeping on Seshanaga (the king of nagas) on the sea of consciousness and, hence, he is unable to hear the prayers of devotees. Lakshmi, who is popularly shown seated close to the sleeping Vishnu, hears the prayers instead. She blesses them (on behalf of the sleeping Vishnu) with wealth (being the goddess of wealth,
fortune and prosperity).

SEE PHOTOS | Diwali 2017: This is how India is preparing for Deepawali this year

This also has a deeper meaning. In the present Kaliyug (where human consciousness is at its worst), people are not that interested in Lord Vishnu to attain liberation from the cycle of ‘life and death’. Being wrapped in ‘maya’ (materialism), they are more interested in attaining materialistic success – wealth. It makes
them happy. This is also the reason for traders and businesspeople to traditionally worship Lakshmi and Ganesha as they equate wealth with happiness. On Diwali, traders close old accounts books and open new ones for the year – symbolic of an auspicious financial start.

Ganesha’s role on Diwali is also very interesting and practical. It shows us that religious rituals have deep spiritual implications, only if we are open to understand them. Like power, unchecked wealth often leads to the destruction of not only the person, but also ends up harming society.

PHOTOS | Diwali 2017: 15 amazing Rangoli designs to stun everyone

Wealth, if used for a higher purpose of uplifting society and alleviating the pain of those who do not possess it, is liberating and a cause to celebrate. Ganesha, who is known for his wisdom, is simultaneously worshipped along with Lakshmi, to bring blessings of good intelligence to that person who is blessed with wealth, so that the wealth can be used judiciously for higher good. Reckless usage of wealth often leads to divaliya (bankruptcy).

Decoding Diwali in modern life

This is a wonderful divine example of the checks and balances system of a democracy. Power and wealth is balanced with wisdom. In a very subtle manner, devotees are guided to raise their sights on higher purposes of helping the needy. In fact, being charitable – especially anna daan (giving food) and vastra daan (giving clothes) to the needy – is one of the most effective way to repay past karmic debts, thus, helping the soul to move towards liberation.

Reflection of the divine drama is often seen in everyday modern life, where a child seeks pocket money from the mother (Goddess Lakshmi) as a strict father (Lord Vishnu) might not heed the request. Another senior member of the family (Lord Ganesha) often guides the newly rich child to spend the money well and not fritter it away on an ice cream.

Similarly, gambling or playing cards during Diwali often leads to loss of large amounts of money, sometimes leading the loser to misfortune or divaliya (bankruptcy)
or even a minor version of it for subsequent few days. Lakshmi has an interesting connection to misfortune. Her older sister is Alakshmi, who is known as the Goddess of Misfortune. In fact, she is often represented by an owl, which – in turn – is Lakshmi’s companion. Here again, iconography weaves a subtle meaning that misfortune often accompanies great wealth, if it is not guarded or used with prudence (which is a blessing from Ganesh).

Gods always talk to us in a subtle language. It is upto us to hear and understand them. Let’s celebrate Diwali and pray for the inextinguishable light of wisdom laced with the sweetness of wealth than the ugly bang of divaliya.

Happy Diwali!

The post Why you must celebrate Diwali to avoid Divaliya (bankruptcy) appeared first on Vrindavan Today.

Earlier we shared the Diwali Lila from Shri Radha’ Baba’s book Keli Kunj. The following lila from Siddha Krishnada’s Baba’s Gutika is a little less in-depth and more logistical in nature, but it gives a unique perspective on the Diwali lila. The reason for its being less in-depth is that it was intended as a guideline to meditate upon – the depth is revealed by the blessings of Radha and Krishna through the reader’s own bhajan (spiritual practice and worship). Siddha Baba’s guidelines to the lila are followed by many Gaudiya Vaishnavas with great seriousness.

While Radha Baba’s vision of Diwali Lila was set in Nandgaon and Barsana, Siddha Baba sees Radha-Krishna and the Brajwasis at Govardhan, eager to perform Govardhan Pooja. Each section of the lila is proceeded by the corresponding lila of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the founder of the Gaudiya Sampraday whom followers believe to be the combined incarnation of Radha and Krishna.

The Leadup to Diwali: Radha and Krishna go to Govardhan
(Trayodashi Lila)

Nabadwip Dham: In eternal Nabadwip, Shri Chaitanya Mahparabhu performs his eternal lila as usual. Listening to Shri Swaroop Damodar sing about Braj Lila, he becomes immersed in that lila. 

Braj Dham: From the morning of trayodashi in the dark half of Kartik, Shri Nand Maharaj sends a man around the town to spread the announcement that this day in the afternoon, all the Brajwasis should proceed to Govardhan for the Govardhan Pooja festival. Filling their bullock-carts with pooja ingredients and dairy products, they set out for Govardhan. Upon arrival they pitch tents, where they will reside with their families until the pratipad tithi.

On this day, Shri Krishna performs his daily routine, such as cowherding, until the afternoon. Then he and his friends return to Krishna’s house and enjoy a light meal, followed by a little rest. After that, Krishna’s father Nand Maharaj loads up his bullock carts and proceeds to Govardhan along with his family, cows and calves.

Upon arrival, Nand Maharaj, Vrishabhanu Maharaj (Radha’s father), Abhimanyu and the other men clean the area around Govardhan and pitch tents from Mansi Ganga all the way to Govind Kund. In the South is Shri Vrishabhanu Maharaj’s blue tent, in the North Abhimanyu’s red tent, and Shri Nand Maharaj’s yellow tent is in the centre. After moving into their new temporary homes, the Brajwasis complete their evening duties like milking the cows. At night, Shri Radha-Krishna and the sakhis leave directly from their tents for Vrindavan and perform the Raas Lila. The Lila continues as every day up to Nishant Lila (awakening at dawn in the forest grove), after which the Divine Couple proceed back to their tents at Govardhan and take rest.

Pastimes at Govardhan before Diwali
(Chaturdashi Lila)

Nabadwip Dham: In eternal Nabadwip, all the lilas continue as on trayodashi. Shriman Mahaprabhu and his companions meditate upon the lila of Braj and enter therein.

Braj Dham: Everyone wakes up and performs their morning duties. They bathe in Mansi Ganga, get dressed and eat breakfast. After eating, they take a little rest. Then Shri Radha and Krishna perform their Yogpeeth Lila and other daily lilas as usual. At night, Shri Radha-Krishna and the sakhis proceed to Chandra Sarovar and perform Raas Lila there, after which they go to Vrindavan and enjoy their nightly walk in the forest followed by Raas Lila (again), drinking mead (madhupan lila), private romantic interludes, playing in the waters of Yamuna (jalkeli), enjoying delicious foods, and finally they take rest. In the early morning, everyone returns to camp at Govardhan and lays down to sleep.

Diwali Lila
(Kartik Amavasya Deep Daan Lila)

Nabadwip Dham: Shriman Mahaprabhu performs all his lias as every day until the afternoon.

Mansi Ganga: P.C. Unknown

Braj Dham: On the morning of Amavasya, Shri Nand Maharaj makes the announcement that this evening the offering of lamps will be done at Mansi Ganga, so everyone should go there early to clean and decorate. He then invites the Brahmins and the other Brajwasis for a feast. Shri Radha and the sakhis bathe and get ready in Shri Vrishabhanu Maharaj’s tent, then proceed to Nand Maharaj’s camp.

After taking a light snack, Shri Radha and the sakhis begin the cooking. They make delectable sweets, fried foods, rice, sabjis and so on. After offering the bhog to Narayan Bhagwan, the Brajwasis perform aarti and put Him to sleep. Threafter everyone takes prasad in shifts, following the appropriate order. After the meal, everyone eats tambul (paan, a digestive aid), and goes to rest, each in his own tent.

After eating Shri Radha and the sakhis rest a little, then escape to the lonesome caves of Govardhan where they meet with Shri Krishna enjoy some private time with him. Afterwards the Yogpeeth Lila is performed. Then everyone goes back to Nand Baba’s camp for a nap.

After some time, Yashoda instructs Radha to go to her father’s camp, where she prepares sweets and other foods before leaving for “Surya Pooja” along with her sakhis. The Surya Pooja, however, is an excuse to go to Radha Kund and meet Krishna.

The lila at Radha Kund occurs as it does every day. Afterward, they do go to Surya Kund for Surya pooja, and in the late afternoon they return to the camp, have a light meal, and rest. At twilight, after milking the cows, Nand Maharaj, Vrishabhanu Maharaj and the other Brajwasis, including Radha and Krishna and their friends, all proceed to Mansi Ganga for the festival of lights (deep daan utsav).

By the orders of Nand Maharaj and the other elders, the servants cover the steps of Mansi Ganga’s ghat with ghee lamps and light them. The shining lamps fill Mansi Ganga with light. Even the trees, creepers, and the dust of Braj are aglow. Yashoda, Kirtida (Radha’s mother), Radha and all the sakhis, along with Shri Krishna, Balram and the sakhas enjoy the blissful darshan. After that, they offer their own lamps and return to the camp. The rest of the night’s lilas continue as they do every day.

Nabadwip Dham: In Nabadwip, Shriman Mahaprabhu and his companions enjoy the daily lilas of Shri Krishna through their meditation, such as milking the cows, as well as the special Diwali lila. Externally, they offer ghee lamps of the steps of the Ganga River’s ghat. The rest of the night’s lilas continue as every day.

Chandra Sarovar – P.C. ISKCON desiretree

Braj Dham: As on the previous night, Shri Radha and Krishna first proceed to Chandra Sarovar, where they enjoy a romantic interlude before meeting on a jewel-inlaid throne for Yogpeeth Lila. All the sakhis and manjaris stand each in their appropriate places. After the Yogpeeth Seva, Shri Krishna plays upon his flute. Hearing the sound of the flute, Mansi Ganga, Patal Ganga, Yamuna, Pavan Sarovar and all the other sacred water bodies of Braj overflow their banks and fly in streams to reach Shri Radha and Krishna’s lotus feet, bringing with them lotuses and other flowers with which to worship them. By offering themselves to the Divine Couple, the sacred waters feel their life’s purpose has been fulfilled.

Afterwards, the Divine couple enjoy a walk in the forest and Raas Lila in Vrindavan, as on every night, followed by the daily drinking of mead (madhupan lila), private romantic interludes, bathing in Yamuna, eating delicious foods, and sleeping in the beautiful forest grove. In the early morning, they wake up and return to the camp at Govardhan.

Siddha Krishna Das Baba of Govardhan was one of the four famous siddha babas of 19th century Braj. He spent most of his life by the banks of the Manasi Ganga, at Chakleshwar, where his samadhi is now. After receiving a direct vision of Shri Lalita Sakhi and Sanatan Goswami, by their infinite mercy the deep meanings of the scriptures manifested within his heart.

Siddha Krishna Das Baba helped many to dive deep in the ocean of Shri Radha and Krishna’s lilas, and he wrote many books about them. His most famous book is simply called Gutika (The Pill). The Gutika contains detailed descriptions of Shri Radha and Krishna’s daily lilas in the Gaudiya Vaishnav mood. It also describes the yearly festivals and other rare information about the eternal lila.

Siddha Krishna Das Baba’s full biography can be read here.

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This week the story of Vinita Devi dominated Vrindavan’s news. The young woman, who was widowed in the Kedarnath landslides, and married again this week with the full support of Sulabh International and Vrindavan’s ancient Shri Radha-Gopinath Temple. 

Alongside the ceremony, a group of widows lit lamps for the festival of lights, Diwali – a tradition which had been denied to them for so long.

In addition to the mood of Krishna devotion which pervades Diwali celebrations in Vrindavan, Diwali is more widely known as a festival of wealth and prosperity. 

The celebration of Diwali alongside the wedding is a wonderful reminder that widows and indeed all women need adequate access to education and jobs – moreso even than the right to marry again – as the following article Debnarayan Roy from news18.com suggests.

Vrindavan Widows Need Jobs, Not New Remarriage Law: Member of SC Panel

New Delhi, 2017.10.18 (Debnarayan Roy, News18.com): In August of this year, when the Supreme Court formed a panel to devise a working plan to uplift the condition of widows of Vrindavan, the division bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Deepak Gupta also stressed that the committee should suggest ways to ‘encourage’ widow remarriage.

The six-member committee comprises Suneeta Dhar of NGO Jagori, Meera Khanna of Guild for Service, activist and lawyer Abha Singhal, lawyer Aparajita Singh and one nominee each from NGOs HelpAge India and Sulabh International.

“India does not need any new law for widow remarriage, as it would infringe upon the fundamental right of choice and more employment-linked skill training is needed for the widows to avoid the vicious circle of cultural marginalisation and economic deprivation,” said Khanna.

The committee has been given a deadline to submit its report by November 30 and the panel is currently in the process of studying all the recommendations. It would select the best ones and devise a working plan to rehabilitate and uplift the widows of Vrindavan.

“Widow remarriage is a matter of personal choice. So there can be no law for this. If widow remarriage was considered socially or culturally unacceptable, then there can be a law saying that widow remarriage is not prohibited. Many of these widows who are in the older category do not want to get married,” said Khanna.

Khanna also pointed out the perils of ‘forced’ widow remarriage if a law comes into force. “There are cases where a large property is involved… then in an attempt to keep the property within the family, the widow is forced to marry the elder brother of her deceased husband. So, this practice should be stopped. Remarriage is about choice and a law cannot govern it,” said Khanna.

The panel member said the big question is: “How can social security schemes be developed so that economic deprivation of widows does not take place?”

One of the most plaguing issues in Vrindavan has been sexual exploitation of widows. “Migrant women are always vulnerable to sexual attacks,” Khanna told News18.

“There are multiple levels of vulnerabilities. This vulnerability starts at being a widow, then due to a patriarchal society, there is cultural marginalisation, social discrimination and economic deprivation. Hence, vulnerability to sexual assault, molestation and exploitation,” she explained.

Khanna said a ‘statement of purpose’ which was earlier devised by a National Commission for Women (NCW) panel might be of help to tackle the sexual exploitation menace.

“Some of the members from our SC-formed panel were also members of the NCW committee. We had made a SOP on how the government-supported widow homes should function, particularly to prevent sexual assault,” said Khanna.

She said unless widows of Vrindavan were empowered economically, they will continue to be at the mercy of others. “Widows are vulnerable citizens of the country. It is duty of the state to ensure that their vulnerability is not exploited. For this, they need employment-linked skill training.”

“I would suggest that we have to move away from the welfare-based rehabilitation approach for widows to an entitlement-based approach. If there is an educated and wealthy widow, would anyone have the guts to tell her not to enter a puja area?”

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Vrindavan, 2017.10.18 (VT): Vrindavan’s picturesque Keshi Ghat is the last of the ghats to touch Yamuna as concrete rises on her floodplain. It is also one of the most iconic sights in the holy city, yet up close one finds that it is crumbling due to neglect.

On Monday night a large piece of sandstone from one of the ghat’s magestic walls suddenly fell to the ground. Luckily, no one was injured due to the time of the incident. But if the stone had fell during the day, someone may have been seriously injured or killed.

Keshi Ghat was constructed in 1760AD by Raja Surajmal’s Queen, Lachhmirani of Bharatpur. Today the ghat is still as magestic as it once was, but many elements threaten its existence. Besides the crumbling stones, the ghat is covered with graffiti both sacred and profane. Homeless people sleep rough along the ghat’s length, and criminal gangs have been known to hide out there, attacking unsuspecting devotees on parikrama.

Recently the government itself engaged in some questionable construction activity, which included laying a large sewage pipe directly in front of the ghat, and possibly damaging the ghat’s foundation. Fortunately this and other misguided projects, like the 2009 “half-moon bridge” have been brought to a halt by concerned citizens through the court system.

Locals hope that the ghat will be adopted by the Archaeological Survey of India, which is already perserving several temples in the town including the nearby temple of Shri Yugal Kishore.

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Radha Vallabha plays boardgames. Radha Vallabha, one of Vrindavan’s most ancient Thakurjis, celebrates Kartik by sitting in a special silver window and playing chaupad (a board game) with Radha Rani.  The Goswamis at Radha Vallabha temple act as stand-ins for Radha-Krishna and play the game while singing special pad-gayan (game related songs). The astonishing thing is that, somehow, Radha Rani’s team always wins the game. Dr Rajesh Sharma, co-editor at the Vrindavan Research Institute, said that references to playing this game as part of a yearly festival are found in ancient, handwritten manuscripts. It is thought that the chaupad boardgame originated in Braj, then spread to other parts of India. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. AfternoonDC

Yamuna ghats are being Dredged. Preparations such as dredging the shallow parts of the Yamuna are now underway, in preparation for the Yama Dvitiya festival. The festival is also known as Bhai Dooj and is celebrated on the day after Diwali. On this day, brothers and sisters take snarn in Yamuna together. It is said that Yamraj and his sister, Yami, exchanged gifts on this day. Yesterday, DM Arvind Malappa Bangari, Municipal Commissioner Dr. Ujjwal Kumar, and SP Shravan Singh, inspected the ghats. The dredging machine has started work to create deeper bathing pools, and temporary fencing will also be installed.  Change rooms for women will be organized, on both sides of the Yamuna, and police will patrol the area. The auspicious time for taking snarn begins at midnight, so lighting is also an important consideration. Yamuna Action Plan official, Gopeshwarnath Chaturvedi, was also present at the inspection to ensure that the festival and its preparations cause minimum damage to Yamuna’s ecology. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Hanuman Bhaktas dance in the streets. Yesterday, as part of Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, dozens of Hanuman Bhaktas from Singhpur Hanuman Temple took Hanuman’s Rath around Loi Bazaar. Despite the traffic and Diwali rush, people happily stopped to watch the procession and joined in with cheers of ‘Jay Hanuman!’ Singhpur Hanuman is one of the most important, historical temples of Vrindavan. Singhpur Hanuman’s name comes from the local legend that, when Muslims attacked Govind Dev temple, Hanuman roared like a lion to scare them off. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. The Financial Express

Locals upset about Reservation in Municipal Elections. In the lead up to the Municipal elections, there is much discontent about the reservation of the Mayor seat for a person from a scheduled caste.  Mathura-Vrindavan is home to persons of all castes, but, there is a disproportionate number of Brahman families, both Brijwasi Brahmans and Pandits from other states, who immigrate to Vrindavan seeking work in temple related activities. Many are now feeling that the reservation of seats in the election will mean that their interests will not be represented by the local government. It is expected that the BJP will  be disadvantaged, because it will be hard for them to find SC candidates.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Bharatayur

National Ayurveda Day. Yesterday, Dhanteras was celebrated all over India. Dhanteras is also known as Dhanvantri Trayodashi and National Ayurveda Day. It is said, that, on the day of Dhanteras, when the Gods and demons churned the ocean for Amrita (nectar), Dhanvantari (the physician of the Gods and an incarnation of Vishnu) emerged carrying the jar of the nectar. Lord Dhanvantari is said to be the inventor of the Ayurvedic school of medicine. In 2016, the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH), announced that Dhanteras will be celebrated as ‘National Ayurveda Day’, in recognition of the importance of Ayurvedic medicine. Read more (English)

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