Sadhus residing at Surya Kund (P.C. Vitthal Rukmini Das)

Vrindavan, 2017.11.26 (VT): Today is the disappearance day of Siddha Madhusudan Das Babaji.

Madhusudan Das Babaji was born in a prestigious Brahmin family in Bengal. He didn’t want to get married, but his parents arranged his marriage anyway. But on the wedding night, he ran away to Vrindavan.

One day on the bank of the Yamuna River, he met a sadhu who gave him initiation. Madhusudan Das Babaji was in a trancelike state when this interaction took place. When he came to, the sadhu had disappeared. Madhusudan Das Babaji did not even know the sadhu’s name. He only knew that he was a Gaudiya Vaishnava in the line of Gangamata Goswamini.

Siddha Madhusudan Das Babaji’s Samadhi (P.C. Anjana Aggarwal)

Madhusudan Das Babaji approached Siddha Krishnadas Babaji of Govardhan, hoping to learn about about Bhakti from him. But Siddha Krishnadas Babaji refused to teach him because he didn’t know who his Guru was. He asked him to visit Siddha Jaikrishna Das Babaji of Kamyavan, but he also denied him.

Siddha Jaikrishna Das Babaji instructed Madhusudan Das Babaji to take full shelter of Harinaam, the Holy Name of Krishna. He told him that Radharani herself would help him.

Unable to get any teachings, Madhusudan Das decided to commit suicide. He went to the bank of Radhakund with a huge stone from the Govardhan Hill. He tied one end of a rope around the Govardhan stone, and tied the other end around his neck.

He jumped in Radhakund and sank to the bottom. At the bottom of the kund, he saw something bright under the water and picked it up. Suddenly the rope came loose and he rose to the surface. He saw that the thing in his hand was a palm leaf. And on the palm leaf was written the names of a list of gurus.. He felt this must be the details his own lineage.

View of Surya Kund ghats from above (P.C. Vitthal Rukmini Das)

He went back to Siddha Krishnadas of Govardhan and Siddha Jaikrishnadas of Kamyavan, but both of them said the writing on the palm leaf was not very clear. They sent him back to Radha Kund and asked him to pray to Radharani. This time, Radharani herself appearead and read out the contents of the paper to him, assuring him that this was his own guru-parampara. 

Thus blessed by the Queen of Vrindavan herself, Siddha Madhusudan Das Babaji moved to Surya Kund and spent the rest of his life immersed in worshipping Radha and Krishna. He also delivered Shrimad Bhagwatam Katha from time to time. Siddha Madhusudan Das Babaji left this world whilst giving advice about Bhakti to a group of devotees.

Nitai-Gaur at Siddha Baba’s Samadhi mandir, Surya Kund

Each year devotees come from all over Braj Mandal to attend the festival of Siddha Madhusudan Das Babaji, enjoying kirtan, prasad, and darshans at Surya Dev Mandir and Siddha Baba’s Samadhi.

Glories of Surya Kund

Surya Dev is Radharani’s ishta-devta; she always prays to him to help her meet with Krishna. Every afternoon in the eternal Lila, Radharani and her sakhis come to Suryakund to worship Surya Dev. Krishna also comes, disguised as a priest, in order to tease and delight her. (V)

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Vrindavan. 2017.11.27 (VT): Residents of Vrindavan and other places in Mathura District voted in local elections on Sunday. Vrindavan’s markets remained closed till 5pm to facilitate voting.

In the days preceding the election, candidates competed for popular support with various methods. Rallies were held and rickshaws went from neighborhood to neighborhood, blasting campaign songs and slogans over loudspeakers.

The hottest issue in this election was the merger of Mathura-Vrindavan. According to one Loi Bazar trader, “I don’t have much motivation to vote. Elections are the one time when politicians interact with the community. As soon as the election is over, they disappear.

“Yogi and his team are very good, but the problem is they don’t listen to the people. We didn’t want Vrindavan and Mathura to be merged, but they didn’t ask what we wanted.”

It appears that much of Vrindavan agreed .Voter turnout in the district was extremely low, with only 47 percent of voters participating district-wide.

Besides opposing the Mathura-Vrindavan merger, many citizens were also unhappy with the candidates and the reservation of the mayor’s seat. Many are expected to have voted for NOTA (none of the above), an option by which a voter can register his or her rejection of the available candidates.

Voter turnout in Mathura and Vrindavan was only 41 percent, while in smaller villages, which are not part of the merger, turnout was higher. In Barsana, 71 percent of voters turned out, whilst 67 percent of Radhakund residents voted. Gokul showed the higest voter turnout in the district at 81 percent.

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Questions are being raised about the quality of care Mathura’s State Orphanage after the death of an infant. Eight month old Bulbul died in hospital on Friday night, after undergoing emergency treatment for acute pneumonia.  Bulbul had been in the orphanage since she was a newborn. Her mother was living on the railway tracks after being ostracized by her  community.

Bulbul had been suffering with pneumonia for three months. Her condition was recognized as serious and treatment was undertaken at Agra hospital from 6^th-11 November. Pediatrician Dr Aman said that Bulbul had a weak constitution, however, questions are being raised about whether Bulbul could have survived if given more care and attention.

UNICEF’s global report, One is too many: Ending Child Deaths from Pneumonia and Diarrhoea, states, “the fact that children continue to die from these diseases is a reflection of deep inequalities.” According to the report, the number of children in India who die of pneumonia and diarrhoea  is unacceptably high and many of these deaths could have been prevented.

In march this year, another girl, named Savita, died due to a burn injury from boiling water. Savita’s death prompted an inspection. The inspecting officer, ACJM Kanchan, reprimanded the orphanage management for providing a poor standard of care. Orphanage staff complained to the investigating officer about the quality of food.

There are currently 44 children living in the orphanage, with 28 of them between 5 and 10 years of age. 14 of the children have been diagnosed with mental illness, and need specialist attention and care, however, the centre has only minimal facilities.

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Fire at Mathura Refinery. On Saturday, a fire broke out in dry grass close to the State run HPCL refinery in Mathura. The workers were carrying out their work as normal when the fire broke out. The alarm was raised and the fire was extinguished before it spread any further. The plant was temporarily shut down because the flames were dangerously close to oil carrying pipes. The plant’s manager called the fire brigade and three officers from Mathura Fire Brigade arrived at the site. An investigation is being carried out to discover the cause of the fire.

The HPCL refinery is situated close to the Indian Oil Corporation refinery at Mathura. Both refineries have come under controversy, as, being only 50 kms from Taj Mahal, they are one of the one of the major causes of air pollution, which is causing the Taj Mahal to change colour. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Locals disenfranchised by incomplete electoral roll. Anger flared at polling booths yesterday as people were unable to vote due to their name being left off the electoral roll. 150 elderly women from Meera Sahabhagni Ashram in Gyan Gudari started shouting when it was found that none of their names were on the list. 35 residents of Rangji Temple ashram were also left off the list, as were the residents of Raman Reti. People whose names were not one the list were not allowed to vote, despite being able to prove their identity and residential address with their Adhaar (identity) card and voter card. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Celebrations begin for Sant Balkrishna Das’ birth centenary. This year marks the 100^th year since the birth of local legend Sant Balkrishna Das Maharaj. The celebrations began on Sunday and will continue until the end of the month, with an abhishek planned for 30^th November. Yesterday several of Vindavan’s prominent devotional artists attended a kirtan in the sant’s honour . Sant Balkrishna Das Maharaj was born in Venu Vinod Kunj, located in Sevakunj area. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Police fail to control Sunday traffic. Despite police efforts to prevent traffic jams, every Sunday cars block roads and create traffic jams in multiple locations in Vrindavan and Mathura. Some of the reasons for the police’s failure to control traffic include: the narrow roads that are made even narrower by encroachment from vendors; shortage of police personnel and, drivers not complying with temporary one-way zones. Read more (Hindi)

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Everybody needs gas for cooking, but, it is becoming less and less affordable. Jagran reports that the Government plans to end the gas subsidy in March 2018. The amount of the subsidies has also been slowly reduced and, instead of a subsidy of a few hundred rupees, customers now get less than Rs50.

When the announcement was made that customers would receive subsidies directly into their accounts, customers were forced to run around linking their gas account with their bank account. People were forced to take time out from work, the elderly and illiterate were confused and everyone was inconvenienced by crowds and long lines.

Customers were told that they have to accept subsidies into their bank account in order to avoid misuse of the subsidy system. Whether the scheme succeeded in reducing corruption is unknown, but, gas consumers in Braj and around UP all know that a gas cylinder which used to cost 350 rupees a few years ago, now costs around Rs 750.

At the beginning of the direct subsidy scheme, people were encouraged to donate their subsidy back to a government program to provide gas to the poor. Ironically, it now seems that the Government cares very little about making gas affordable.

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Jai Gurudev program. Monday, Mathura: Jai Gurudev temple celebrated its 69^th annual festival . Speakers Baburam and Satish Chandra reminded devotees of the words of Baba Jaigurudev and his achievements in spreading ‘naam sadhana’ (holy name sadhana). Baburam said that Baba Jaigurudev’s teachings help people to listen to the divinity within themselves. Baburam said that vegetarianism and abstaining from intoxicating substances is necessary for people wanting to be in contact with divinity. Jai Gurudev temple has recently come under fire for constructing on land that was leased from the Government, the case is currently before the High Court.

P.C. Patrika

Warm clothes Distributed to residents of ‘Apna Ghar’. Monday, Goverdhan: The residents of Apna Ghar Ashram were given warm clothes to get them through the fast approaching winter season. The ashram is home to around 100 residents; many of whom are mentally ill or without family. The residents include aged sadhus who have no one else to care for them. There are ‘Apna Ghar’ ashrams in several districts in India and plans to increase the capacity of Goverdhan’s Ashram from 100 to 700 beds were announced earlier this year.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Sadhu Murdered. Monday, Dangoli Village: Sixty year old Ramchandra Maharaj  was murdered while boiling milk at Burja Ashram. Unidentified assailants stabbed him with a knife and got away with his phone and bike. The ashram is involved in a land dispute that is before the courts. The land dispute is being considered a possible motive for the murder. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Local election: counting of votes underway. The counting of votes from the Mathura-Vrindavan election is now underway. The name of the new Mayor is due to be announced on December 1^st at Midday. Read more (Hindi)

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Shri Radhavallabh Lal cowherd boy dress during khichri festival

Vrindavan, 2017.11.28 (VT): Each winter, a khichri festival is held in the ancient temples of Vrindavan. Every day for one month, khichri is offered to Shri Radha and Krishna, starting on Margashirsha Shukla Dwadashi.

Khichri is the ultimate winter comfort food. A simple dish made of lentils and rice, it is very healing, and it balances the Ayurvedic doshas. Different varieties of this Indian superfood are offered to the Divine Couple each day throughout the festival.

Heating spices like saffron, nutmeg, cloves and pepper are added to the recipe, along with different kinds of nuts and lots of pure ghee. On the side, Shri Radha and Krishna enjoy various types of achar (spicy Indian pickles), pakoras (fried fritters), dahi (yoghurt), jam, butter, and sweets. Sweets made with sesame seeds are a special favourite offering during the winter.

This song by Shri Gunamanjari Das Goswami of the Shri Radharaman Temple describes the scene:

खिचरी सहचरी प्रात राधिकारमणजी को ।
सुरभी को घृत डार थार आगे लाई
कचौरी अचार चार साग धरे तापर ।
पापर कचरी दधि मोदक मलाई ॥
मीठी मीठी बात करें दीठी सों दीठी भरें ।
अँगीठी सुगंध धरें सीत बीत जाई ।
चौकी पे बैठै आन रूचि सों लगे खान ।
प्रान वारती सु आरती करत आई ॥

khichari sahachari prat radhika-ramanaji ko
surabhi ko ghrita dar thar age lai
kachauri achar char sag dhare tapar
papar kachari dadhi modak malai
angithi sugandha dhare sit bit jai
chauki pe bethe an ruchi so lage khan
pran varati su arati karat ai

Shri Priyaji (Radharani) feeds Radharamanji delicious khichri soaked in cow ghee, with fried kachoris (wheat rounds stuffed with spiced lentils), spicy pickles (achar) and four kinds of vegetable dishes, all accompanied by papad, wild cucumber (kachari), yoghurt and sweets. Gazing longingly into Each Other’s lotus eyes, the Lovers share sweet conversation whilst the coal stove gives fragrant warmth. Radharamanji sits on a low seat (chauki) and happily enjoys the luscious khichri. When He finishes, Yashoda Maiya offers her very life to Him in the form of aarti. (English translation from the book Shri Radharaman Gita).

Shri Radhavallabh Lal disguised as a sakhi during khichri festival

At the Radhavallabh temple, Radhavallabhji wears different disguises after Mangla Aarti throughout the festival. Despite the deepening cold, devotees flock to the temples throughout the khichdi festival to enjoy the special darshan of their Beloveds, hoping to get a taste of the special khichri prasad.

Dr. Chandra Prakash Sharma, an ardent devotee of Radhavallabh Lal said, “This khichri is cooked by the Goswamis with their own hands. It is very dear to Thakur Shri Radhavallabh Lal, as it warms one from within during the cold season. The khichri is distributed to the devotees after being offered to the Lord.”

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One of Braj’s great Muslim-born poet-saints, Raskhan

(Vrindavan, 2017.11.29): Fifty Muslim saints who wrote about Shri Krishna and his lilas will be commemorated in an open-air memorial park near Mathura. The project is being implemented by a local organization with funding from the State government.

The essence of Vrindavan is to make a relationship of pure love with Shri Krishna. People of various religions have fallen in love with Krishna over the centuries, and some of them dedicated their lives to him without ever changing their religion. A number of Muslim saints, particularly Sufis, wrote songs and poetry about Vrindavan’s Darling.

Fifty Muslim poet-saints from the 16th to 18th century will be featured in the memorial park. The story of each saint will be inscribed in stone along with samples of his or her work. Visitors will also be able to listen to the songs of each saint through a special listening device.

Ras Khan’s samadhi in Mahavan. Picture from Braj Discovery.

A budget of four crores has been alotted for the project, which will be located in Akbarpur Village, about 40 Kilometers from Mathura on National Highway 2. The village’s sacred lake, known as Banamali Kund or Akbar Talav, will also be renovated.

Amongst the chosen saints is one of Braj’s best-loved poets and a Muslim by birth, Ras Khan. Ras Khan was born around 1548AD. His birth name was Sayid Ibrahim, but Ras Khan was his pen name (Khan is a common Muslim surname, but in Hindi it means “a treasure-trove”. Thus Ras Khan means “a treasure-trove of sacred delight”). Ras Khan fell madly in love with Shri Krishna after seeing his picture in Delhi, and immediately started off towards Vrindavan to find him. There he took initiation into the Pushti Marg and received the full blessings of the Lord.

One of Ras Khan’s famous songs goes thus:

How gorgeous Shri Krishna looks
Covered with fine dust
His hairstyle is so charming
As He plays and snacks in Yashoda’s front yard
The anklets on His feet chime sweetly
And He wears a yellow dhoti
This vision of my Love is worth more
Than a million treasures to me
How fortunate the crow
Who tastes the buttered breadcrumbs
Offered by His lotus hand

Other Muslim poet-saints who will be featured include Amir Khusro, Raheem, Dariya Saheb, Kare Khan, Karim Baks, Insha, Bazind, Adil, Maksood, Wahid, Afsos, Kazim, Lateef Husain, Farhat, Kazi Ashraf Masood, Alim, Mahboob, Nafis Khalili, Saiyad Kasim Ali and Taz Begum.

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Mathura scientist wins award for research on fungus fertilizer. Yesterday, Nidhi Verma was presented with the Young Scientist Award in JNU for her research into the use of a special fungus as organic manure. On the occasion of the 86th Annual Conference of Society of Biological Chemists, India, organized by Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Umesh Vashrayai presented the award to Nidhi. The fungus, piriformespora indica, has been found to have properties that support the growth of crops, which could lead to a drastic reduction in the use of chemical fertilizers. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Indiatimes

More theft occurs on foggy days. Railway police in charge, Gaurav Saxena, said that police patrol of platforms is being increased during the morning and evening hours because, during winter, there is a greater risk that thieves will snatch bags then use the fog as a cover to escape. The officer said that extra personnel are being placed at the entry and exit points of the station. Mathura station is a hot spot for theft due to the crowds and high percentage of tourists on the platforms. Read more (Hindi)

Three day old corpse found near police station. Tuesday, Vrindavan: The corpse of an unidentified youth was found by children playing near a pond next to a police station. The corpse has been described as belonging to a 22 year old youth. A photograph shows the youth wearing jeans and a t-shirt. Police said that they suspect that alcohol was involved, as the footwear of the youth was found near the pond. Scratches were visible on his face, indicating that the youth may have been involved in a scuffle before drowning. The corpse has been sent for autopsy. Read more (Hindi)

Spate of Dowry related killings. The evil of dowry does not stop after marriage. In one of several cases reported by Amar Ujala, the in-laws of a 19 year old bride increased their demands for dowry a year after marriage. It is alleged that, when they did not receive more dowry, they killed the bride. In another incident, on Tuesday morning, a woman who had been married for 7 months was found dead. In-laws said that she hanged herself, however, the woman’s family alleges that she was strangled and later placed in a noose.

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29.11.17 (VT) Today is the second day of the Global Entrepreneurship Summit. The topic today is, ‘women first, prosperity for all’. The conference, being held in Hyderabad, was inaugurated yesterday by Narendra Modi and Ivanka Trump.

The conference organizers have been careful to ensure that women are equally represented, and 52% of the 350 participants are women. Speaking at the conference today, Chanda Kochhar said, “Not even 25 per cent of graduate women (in India) participate in the workforce.”

Statistics are not available for the rate of female employment in Braj, however, residents say that the problem is particularly severe in the area, due to the lack of industry and a dearth of well paying jobs in the town. Vrindavan resident and mother Deepika Parashar, said, “we are losing our brightest youth to the big cities. My friends are always asking me if I know anyone who can employ their sons, because they rely on their sons to bring-in income to help the family. They don’t even try to find work for their daughters.”

Ivanka Trump, ICICI CEO Chanda Kochhar and Telangana Minister KT Rama Rao at Global Entrepreneurship Summit in Hyderabad. (Source: Twitter/@GES2017)

At the conference this morning, Ivanka Trump said, “Having equal gender representation is a financial positive to businesses today, besides being a social responsibility.” Her words were echoed by Karen Quintos, who said, “Business outcomes are great when you have diverse thinking.”

Despite widespread agreement that having women in the workforce is good for businesses and the economy, there are still barriers that stop women entering and fully participating in the workforce.

In some families, girls’ education is viewed as only being for the purpose of making them more marriageable, and, even if they enter the workforce, many women give up work when they get married. In big cities, it is more common for more women to work after marriage as the demands of a modern lifestyle mean that people are more likely to  give up traditional beliefs in order to keep up with the rat race of consumerism. In smaller towns, like Vrindavan and the villages of Braj, traditional ways of thinking still dominate, and, many women who could have had promising careers, are kept out of the workforce. Sociology graduate Pratima Sharma said, “Feminism in India needs to advance, but there is no need for India to follow the path of the West. Women need to be given the choice of whether they want to work.”

Talking about the issues effecting Braj, Pratima said, “In the villages in Braj, the practice of married women covering their entire faces with their sari is still current. Men are brought up to believe that ‘no other man should look at my wife’. Women are taught from childhood that their duty is to serve, and they selflessly serve their husbands and children. These Indian housewives are the upholders of traditional Indian artforms like singing, cooking and weaving, but they also need to be empowered. We need to look for local solutions, which will allow women to participate in the workforce, but, at the same time, will preserve and strengthen Braj’s family-and-temple-centred culture.

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This article was first published by Vaisnavacharya Chandan Goswami on his personal blog in 2015, under the title “Etiquette of Devotee Association“. It is being shared here with the permission of the author. (V)

Sanatan Goswami asked Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, “How can one become blessed in this life?”

Mahaprabhu replied, “All the scriptures proclaim that by spending a single moment in the company of an accomplished devotee, all success is attained.”

sadhu-sanga, sadhu-sanga-sarva-shastre koy
lava-matra sadhu-sange sarva-siddhi hoy
(Chaitanya Charitamrit 2.22.54)

All success and in a fraction of a second! Who doesn’t want that? Apparently, many of us don’t! We all follow saintly figures, or someone who has more sacred love and a better understanding of the path of devotion than we do, in order to learn and become a better devotee just like that blessed person is.

The author delivering Harikatha in Argentina

Unfortunately, when it comes to learning things that are good for us, we often find our senses preoccupied with social activities. In the evenings, we used to play a game called dhoondo, where a boy or a girl would run and hide in a room of our labyrinthine building. Then that child would call out “Radhe!”, and we would hear “Radhe!” echoing from all corners of the house. We would race through the corridors and tear through each room in search of the one who was crying “Radhe”. At last, we would catch him or her, thus ending the game.

We are all playing this game with Krishna in the labyrinth of His material energy, Maya. Some people hear the call coming from the office or family. Others hear the call from the haunts of pleasure. Many hear it coming loud and clear from status and prestige. These days, Maya comes in the form of mobile phones too. I often see easily-distracted devotees scrolling through their mobile screens or swiftly getting up in the midst of devotional meetings to attend calls.

Within my own family, I remember I used to ask our women, “Why do you not stay in the temple for some time after taking darshan?”

They would reply, “Because we find that some people there want to catch up on gossip, so our personal bhajan gets affected.”

Fortunately for us, the poet Achal Ram lovingly makes us aware of our failure to attain all possible success from devotees’ association and from visiting temples:

गप्पें न मार भाई सत्संग बीच आके ॥
हरि की कथा है ज्योति, जग की कथा है तोथी ।
बन्द कर दे तेरी पोथी, जप राम राम जाके ॥
हीरा बिके जँवाहरा, मत बेच वहाँ तूँ चारा ।
भक्तों को लागे खारा, क्यों हँसता दिल दुखा के ॥
सत्संग बीच आना, गप शप नहीं लगाना ।
चुपके से उठके जाना, सन्तों को ना खिजा के ॥
जेहि हरि कथा न भावे, वो अपनें घर को जावे ।
यों अचलराम गावे, चरणों में सिर झुका के ॥

guppe na maar bhai satsang beech aake
hari ki katha hai jyoti jag ki katha hai tothi
bandhan kar de teri pothi jap raam naam jaake
heera beeke jawahara mat bech vahan tu chara
bhakto ko laage khaaraa kyun hastaa dil dukhaake
satsang beech aanaa gup shup nahin lagaanaa
chupkese uthke jaanaa santon ko naa khijake
jehi hari kathaa na bhaave vo apne ghar ko jaave
yo achalraam gaave charanon mein sir jhukaake

Translation of the Poem:

“O brother, do not gossip when you are sitting in the midst of devotee association (satsang). Hari Katha is a divine light, but gossip is darkness. Chant the Holy Name and shut your book of material life. Why sell hay at that market where the devotees purchase the finest diamonds? Why do you enjoy hurting devotees’ hearts with your gossiping? When you attend any satsang, do not gossip. Quietly leave this blissful gathering without upsetting the saints. Those who do not have taste for Hari Katha, go back to your homes. So sings the poet Achal Ram as he bows at the lotus feet of all devotees, including the gossipers.”

As soon as we arrive at the temple or devotional gatherings, we see our friends and acquaintances; maybe it has been a while since we last spoke to them, and the meeting becomes a reunion where we all sit together catching up, and once distracted, we may even end up messaging on our phones during the religious services. Ironically, we leave our material lives behind when we go to temples and satsangs so that we can talk to our Lord, listen to lectures and songs that glorify Him, and learn more about Him and His love from saints and other devotees. The association of saints promises to enrich us with the priceless gems of divine wisdom, but distraction means there is no real hunger or motivation on our part to attain these blessings. Instead, we tend to seek out friends and acquaintances and engage in fruitless conversations with them before heading home.

Of all the places I have travelled in this world, I personally found two places most conducive for Vaishnav practice; places where devotees can transform their lives by learning the art of fruitful association:

1. One finds so much peace and serenity in the temples of Buddh (Buddha). Anyone who visits Buddhist temples will notice how the devotees who belong to this faith come and worship with mindfulness. They do not chat amongst each other. They are fully focused on their chanting and on their Lord.

2. No importance is given to material discussions or gossiping right after entering the premises of Tathiya Sthan in Vrindavan, and there is a strict rule of stepping outside the ashram if anyone wants to indulge in idle talk.

Ugrashrava narrating Mahabharat to sages in Nimisharyana

When a Vaishnav has entered a satsang or a temple, leaving all worldly distractions behind, his highest duty is to try and direct all his efforts into one-pointed meditation on his Beloved. Achal Ram protects the sincerity of focused devotees with his honest advice, “Those who have no taste for Hari Katha should return home, and those who only want to hear Katha should come and attend the satsang. Do not engage in gossiping, and when leaving, do so in a manner that will not upset or disturb the saints and other devotees.”

When our eyes and ears are diverted away from devotion, how will we recognise the sound of Krishn’s flute, whose melody is the only thing that can free us from this maze of Maya? We must train our senses by attending satsangs with sincerity, so that we can trace the sound to its Source and say, “Caught You at last!” just as one would in the game of dhoondo. This is possible only when there is a burning fire within us to seek the company of saints. Just by seeing a saintly figure, we are reminded of God; what to speak of a moment sincerely spent in his or her company?

One only has to learn these simple lessons to become a better devotee and achieve the life-changing results of satsang that are promised by our scriptures.

Radhe Radhe!

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Thousands attend Jai Gurudev’s Bhandara-Satsang-Mela. Wednesday, Mathura: Thousands attended the last day of the program at the Jai Gurudev temple on the highway between Vrindavan and Mathura. The crowd was reminded to attend the next program, during Holi. Jagran reports that controversy surrounding the appointment of the next acharya, after Baba Jai Gurudev left his body, caused fewer people to attend the program last year, however, this year, the crowds are back as Pankaj Maharaj has won people’s hearts.   Baba Pankaj Maharaj reminded devotees that Gurus appear to help people cross  the bhavsagar (sea of turbulent emotions that prevent people from being able to focus on the supreme). Babaji said temptation is always around the corner, and that giving in to temptation is the reason that the immortal soul enters the realm of the mortal. Babaji said that, entrapment in the bhavsagar  and falling to temptation prevents people from using the opportunity of a human life to cut connections to the mortal world.

P.C. NDTV

Tyre factory owners inconvenienced by election. Wednesday, Koshikalan: Tyre factory owners sought a meeting with the SDM in relation to re-opening their factories, which were shut down pending inspection, however, the factory owners were told that the official would not be available to meet with them until after announcement of the election results (due to be released on 1^st December). The factories were sealed because of complaints about excessive smoke causing air pollution in the area. Read more (Hindi)

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Beautification and increased security for Janma Bhoomi.  Wednesday, Mathura: Janma Bhoomi and the surrounding market is about to be given a facelift. A toilet block and parking lot are being installed in the area. At a meeting, contractors gave their progress reports.  The contractors said that their work will be completed by early 2019. Municipal Commissioner Dr. Ujjwal Kumar said that the soil that was used on Vrindavan’s parikrama marg must be replaced with clean soil. Read more (Hindi)

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Traffic lights across the city are in disrepair. Thursday, Mathura: Amar Ujala reports that, 7 years ago, traffic lights were installed across the city, however, due to lack of funds, the contract for their maintenance was given to an Agra company. The company was given the rights to place advertisements around the signals, in return for their maintenance. Despite making money from the ads, the company did not maintain the signals. The company has been warned that they must hold up their end of the bargain. In the interim, thousands of drivers have been inconvenienced by delays and hundreds of litres of petrol have been wasted by cars idling in traffic jams.

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Akshay Patra fined for giving substandard milk to school children. Thursday, Vrindavan: The Akshay Patra Foundation receives government funding and private grants to distribute midday meals to Government school children. Food safety officer Dr. Shailendra Rawat sent samples of milk distributed to school children on May 5, 2016. The milk failed safety tests. The Akshay Patra Foundation denied responsibility, saying that they purchased the milk from the Akshay Vaidya Institute. After hearing the version of events from all of the parties involved, the judge imposed a fine of Rupees 3 Lakh on the Akshay Patra foundation. Read more  (Hindi)  

P.C. Jagran

Stray cows destroying Braj’s crops. Thursday, Nagla Teja Village: Farmers are crying out in despair as their efforts to grow crops are being put to waste by large numbers of stray cows who wander onto their fields, finishing off large portions of  the crop. The farmers say that their potato, mustard and wheat crops do not fetch good prices in the market, so they are unable to build proper fencing to protect the crops. In addition to wild neelgai, monkeys and insects, the large numbers of stray cows in the area are becoming an ever increasing problem for farmers. Read more (Hindi)

Russian woman’s body preserved while relatives are informed of death. Thursday, Vrindavan: A Russian woman who was admitted in Bhaktivedanta Hospital, died in the early hours of the morning. Police said that there were no suspicious circumstances as she was admitted to the hospital due to the severity of her condition and was 77 years of age. Her body is being preserved in the hospital while efforts are being made to contact relatives. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Financial Express

Farmers encouraged to grow sugarcane. Thursday, Chatta: Despite the closing of Chatta Sugar Mill, Braj’s farmers are being encouraged to produce sugar cane through government subsidies on seeds. A conference is planned and SMS are being sent to farmer’s phones. Agricultural Department officials are acquiring information about which farmers grow potatoes, as potatoes are a good crop to be rotated with sugarcane. When the potato fields become vacant in February, sugarcane can be planted.    Read more (Hindi)

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.01 (VT): Swami Satyanandaji, the venerable sadhu who founded the Kripa Vilasa ashram near Hari Nikunj, Vrindavan, entered into maha samadhi on Sunday, 26th of November 2017. For two days, Kripa Vilas Ashram was open for devotees to have a last darshan of their beloved Swamiji who was  abundantly adorned with flower garlands and surrounded by kirtan and recitations of scriptures. On the 29^th of November 2017, Wednesday,  Swamiji’s bhu samadhi (burial) followed a recitation of the 18th chapter of the Srimad Bhagvad Gita.

Devotees agree that the outstanding feature of Swamiji’s teachings is the way jnana (knowledge) and bhakti (devotion) are harmoniously reconciled. While most traditions tend to favour one or the other path, Swamiji taught both as equally valid, traditional methods for the direct experience of the Ultimate Truth.

After spending several years pursuing a solitary quest for God, and receiving  shiksha and diksha (special instructions and initiation) from Shiva Himself, Swamiji wandered  throughout India as a monk. Finally, Swamiji  took shelter at the lotus feet of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan.

One devotee said, “Swamiji had a magical effect on people. I always remember Kripa Vilas Ashram as being filled with gentle voices, saturated in the tender bhava of Swamiji’s bhakti, repeating constantly, ‘Sri Krishna sharanam mama'”.

Innumerable devotees, who had gathered at Swamiji’s lotus feet, in spite of absence of publicity of any kind, were blessed by the long life of their Guruji; a life which lasted for more than 102 years. For his disciples, and those who had the good fortune to meet him, Swamiji’s outstanding life of pure devotion and humble simplicity -which was also full of gentle elegance and intelligence- will always be a beacon of love and compassion.

As Swamiji used to say, “Man may live without air, but never without grace”.

Jay Sri Krishna!

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.02 (VT): Despite a ban by the National Green Tribunal (NGT), the Irrigation Department continues to develop the Yamuna riverfront in Vrindavan. New construction is being done in addition to the existing sheet-piling, which is endangering Vrindavan’s water table and which cost taxpayers 40 crores (about 6.2 million US dollars).

Workers are currently laying a foundation for an unknown structure just upstream from Vrindavan’s historic Keshi Ghat. They are also using heavy machinery to move a large amount of sand, changing the shape of the riverbank and shifting the river’s course away from the city.

Ongoing riverfront construction, December 2017

While the State’s plan for developing the riverfront has not been publicly released, Vrindavan’s residents are highly concerned. In fact, the secrecy surrounding the riverfront plan has merely added to the people’s sense of dread. The Yamuna riverfront is the lifeline of Vrindavan, both spiritually and historically. From the spiritual perspective, it is the site of the Raas Lila, and from the perspective of heritage, it is home to Keshi Ghat, the last of Vrindavans 32 ancient ghats still to touch the water.

The riverfront project is a holdover from the previous State government led by Akhilesh Yadav. The work started in 2016 on a large scale, but in April of 2017, the new CM Yogi Adityanath ordered an inquiry into the matter. It was found that the previous government had begun the work without tender notifications or receiving bids, with a budget of Rs. 177.81 crores. No environmental clearance certificates were sought or granted by the relevant ministries either. However, even aftery the inquiry, the work continued.

The government’s “mystery project” on the riverfront has already caused a great deal of damage. In addition to moving the river and installing the infamous sheet piling, the project horrified locals by installing a large sewage pipeline directly in front of the ancient Keshi Ghat. The pipeline was only partially installed before it was banned by the Allahabad High Court. However, the government has continued to ship in construction materials for building the pipeline, despite the ban.

Due to concerns about the project’s devastating effect on Vrindavan’s ecology, local environmentalist Mr. Akash Vashsitha brought the case before the National Green Tribunal (NGT). The NGT favored Vashishtha, and by May of 2017, the government’s representatives assured the court that no further construction work would be done.

The NGT’s order under the Honorable Justice Swatanter Kumar reads: “The learned council appearing for the respondents upon instructions from Mr. Sanjeev Kumar Tiwari, AE submits that they are not doing any other work except sheet piling work and dredging is connected thereto. They will continue that work only and no other except this.”

However, the work is continuing on the floodplain, in clear violation of the court’s order. Speaking to Vrindavan Today, Mr. Vashishth said he is ready to bring the matter before the court once again.

The convener of the Braj-Vrindavan Heritage Alliance (BVHA) Sri Naresh Narayan said, “Soon we will have a meeting to discuss a number of dire issues facing our community. The construction on the riverfront is a major disaster for Vrindavan’s heritage and environment. We will soon file a PIL in the Supreme Court to protect the riverbed and the pristine ghats. The prominent environmental lawyer MC Mehta has already promised to represent us free of cost.”

On behalf of the BVHA, Dr. Aruna Vishwanathan recently met the Environment Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan. She raised the issue of Yamuna before him and showed him the papers documenting the history of the riverfront case. He asked her to send a proposal and promised to intervene on the environmental front.

Local resident Dhananjay Gautam said, “When Sri Sri Ravishankar was fined and crucified for holding a program on the Yamuna floodplain, what to speak of the construction work and pollution in Vrindavan which are outright killing the river’s ecology?”

“The concept of developing the riverfront is a good one, but it needs to be planned properly. The plan should have been made by consulting community members first. Wetland development should be prioritized, with a sanctuary for birds and peacocks. Ideally, if new ghats are to be made, they should be made on the opposite side of the river. This would help retain the ethos of the ancient architecture and keep river flowing at the old ghats. “

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.02 (VT): Swami Trivikramananda aka. Sudanshu Maharaj, the father of Vrindavan’s healthcare system, left his body on Monday night. He was the longest-serving Secretary of the Ramkrishna Mission Sevashram hospital in Vrindavan.

About six decades ago, Swamiji came to Vrindavan from West Bengal. Here he dedicated his entire life to serving the poor and helpless. His was named secretary of Ramkrishna Mission Sevashram in 1972, and continued this service till his retirement in the year 2000.

Although Ramkrishna Mission Sevashram was officially founded in 1908, the organization grew exponentially during Swamiji’s tenure. Under his capable and energetic leadership, many reputed doctors joined the staff, some on full salaries, some on honorarium and others for free. Housing for workers was constructed and a rest area for patients’ families was created. In 1980, a nursing school was opened at the Sevashram, and a maternity ward was added in 1986.

Also during this period, grants from the State government allowed the Sevashram to begin offering mobile medical services, as people from remote villages found it difficult to commute to the hospital in Vrindavan. Rural health awareness seminars and women’s literacy programs were added to the mobile unit’s itinerary. Many other updates to Ramkrishna Mission Sevashram’s facilities were made under Swamiji’s guidance, and the entire period of his tenure was one of rapid growth.

Devotees were allowed to have their last darshan of Swamiji at Ramkrishna Mission, and his last rites were performed on Tuesday at noon on the bank of the Shri Yamuna River.

Vrindavan Today’s managing editor Jagannath Poddar said, “Sri Sudhanshu Maharaj’s disappearance is a great loss for Vrindavan. He was a great devotee and lover of Vrindavan. I went to see him last summer with my daughter Jahnavi, and he was literally crying when he heard about the merger of Vrindavan with Mathura. He was completely dedicated to Vrindavan and his presence will be greatly missed.” (V)

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Elderly man’s mission to protect Braj Heritage. Friday, Koshikalan: 72 year old retired teacher, Shashikumar Agarwal, is using the power of the pen to petition the municipality and Architectural Department to preserve the important monuments of Braj. Agarwal said that where youth and strength fail, willpower provides the needed drive for the work. The retired teacher began his campaigning work in earnest from 2000, when he joined Kushwana and Sadbhavana Vikas Manch. Agrawal and his fellow campaigners have had some successes, but find that the authorities are often reluctant to put resources into preserving monuments. Agarwal has  been involved in the campaign for the restoration of several important monuments such as the dome of the Mughal royal inn and Mabhai kund. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

16^th Corps remembers its martyrs. Friday, Mathura: The 16th Corps CRPF celebrated the 53rd annual flag raising celebration at its Ranchi Bangar headquarters. The force is deployed in sensitive areas such as Mathura, where a Janma Bhoomi and a Mosque are close neighbours and people are intense about their religious beliefs. The corps is also deployed along the Indo-Pak border, Jammu-Kashmir, Nagaland, Asaam, Punjab and Manipur. The celebration included remembrance of those officers who have given their lives in the course of their duty of protecting law abiding citizens. Read more (Hindi)

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131st anniversary of King Mahendra Pratap. Friday, Vrindavan: The 131st anniversary of King Mahendra Pratap’s birthday was celebrated on Friday at the Prem Inter College, Keshighat. A havan-yagya  (fire offering) was held in his honour. King Mahendra Pratap was born in the Braj town of Hathras and played an important role in India’s freedom struggle. Read more (Hindi)

Government takes steps to promote the language of Braj. Wednesday, Parsauli  Village: As part of its program of ‘cultural mapping’, the BJP is taking steps to promote Braj Bhasha, the language of Braj, Braj Bhasha is spoken by 575,000 people  primarily in Braj region including Agra, Mathura, Etah and Aligarh. It is the language of countless masterpieces, including the bhajans of Surdas and the Astchap poets of the 16^th Century. During a program at the Braj Bhasha Academy in Parsauli village, Shalajakant Mishra, Vice President of the Braj Tirth Vikash Parishad, said that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has a desire to develop Braj as an ideal pilgrimage place and to honour its ancient culture. In order to honour their contributions to Braj’s culture, local artists were invited to be guests of honour at the program. Read more (Hindi)

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Vrindavan 02.12.17 (VT) The winner of the Mathura-Vrindavan local elections, BJP’s Dr Mukesh Aryabandu had a double reason to celebrate as the announcement of the election result happened to fall on his birthday. Almost a week after votes were collected, the votes have been counted and the winners have been announced. As expected, most of the seats went to the BJP, the party that is also at the helm of the Central and State Governments.

P.C. Amar Ujala

During the counting of votes, hundreds of supporters gathered, hoping to get information about which candidates were taking the lead. Police were in action to disperse the crowds and protect the officials who were bombarded by supporters wanting to get information about how their candidate was fairing. The crowd was so large that it formed a human chain causing traffic jams.

The crowds show that young men in Braj are taking an active interest in politics, however, this is not so of the general population, of which less than 50% turned out to vote. Political speculators commented that the election was overshadowed by the controversy caused by the council amalgamation, which some feel will cause Vrindavan’s identity to be overshadowed by Mathura.

Dr Mukesh Aryabandu has joined the history books by becoming the first mayor of the combined Mathura-Vrindavan Municipality. It is also seen as being auspicious that the first MV Mayor is from the BJP party as the BJP has made a name for itself as a party that cares about India’s heritage and pilgrimage places.

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I take shelter of Cheer Ghat, where the unmarried gopīs worshiped Katyayani Devi in an incomparable way by plunging into the spotless Yamuna water, keeping their clothes on the shore, and where Krishna later embarrassed them by stealing their clothes, climbing into a kadamba tree and making erotic jokes about them before returning them.

Stavāmṛta Kaṇā Vyākhyā: In this verse Raghunath Das Goswami praises Cheer Ghat, the place where Sri Krishna made wonderful rasika jokes with the maidens of Vraja that were engaged in worship of the goddess Katyayani.

In the 22nd Chapter of the 10th Canto of Śrīmad Bhāgavata, Sri Shuka Muni described how the Vraja-kumaris engaged in the service of Katyayani Devi and how their garments were stolen. Amongst it it a wonderful description of their peerless worship of Katyayani:

Sri Shuka Muni said: “In the first month of the hemanta season the gopīs from Nanda’s Vraja began to worship the goddess Katyayani Devi by eating haviṣya (unspiced and unsalted grains). O King! Every morning at sunrise they went to bathe in the Yamuna and worshipped a sand deity of Katyayani on the shore near the water with offerings of fragrant perfumes, garlands, garments, ornaments, incense, lamps, fresh leaves, fruits and raw rice, praying to her: “O Goddess Katyayani! O Mahamaya! O inconceivable one! O Supreme Goddess! O expert player! Make the son of the cowherd king Nanda my husband! We offer our obeisances unto you!” Repeating this mantra the Vraja-kumaris worshipped Katyayani Devi.” (Bhāgavata 10.22.1-4)

In this way they continued their worship for one month with great steadfastness, and on the final day of this month of vows their most coveted Sri Krishna fulfilled their desires by stealing their clothes and making rasika jokes about them, all in accordance with their feelings for him.

Every morning the maidens of Vraja would rise before dawn, call each other and then walk hand-in-hand to the Yamuna to bathe, loudly singing Krishna’s glories. On the final day they came to the bank of the Yamuna like every other day, placed their garments there and began to play in the Yamuna water, most blissfully singing Krishna’s glories. Krishna, who is the Lord of the kings of yoga, knew what they were doing and came to the bank of the Yamuna with his friends to grant them the fruits of their penances. Very quickly Sri Krishna stole their clothes from the shore, climbed into a kadamba tree and began to make many jokes about them with his laughing friends. When the cowherd maidens noticed this, he told them: “O cowherd maidens! Come, if you like, to the kadamba tree, find your own clothes and take them back from me. You are all ascetic girls, so I am not kidding with you. I’m speaking the truth! (Śrīmad Bhāgavata 10.22.6-10)

Seeing Sri Krishna and hearing the joking words the thief of their clothes spoke according to their feelings, the maidens of Vraja floated in oceans of transcendental bliss, but out of embarassment they could not immediately come out of the Yamuna water. With his erotic jokes Krishna brought them to the base of the kadamba tree and embarrassed them even further before returning them their clothes and fulfilling their desires by accepting them as his sweethearts. The place where Sri Krishna stole the clothes of the cowherd maidens is known as Cheer Ghat. Raghunath Das Goswami says: “I take shelter of this Cheer Ghat.”

I take shelter of Cheer Ghat, where the cowherd maidens plunged into the Yamuna, performing a vow to please Katyayani Devi to get Krishna for a husband, where Krishna stole their clothes from the shore, where they had kept them, without being noticed and sat in a kadamba tree, embarrassing them all by making erotic jokes, and where he finally returned them their clothes with a smile on his face.

The Katyayani Peeth in Vrindavan. PC: Dainik Jagran

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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Shri Krishna with Kaliya and two nagapatnis at Govinda Ghat

Vrindavan, 2017.12.03 (VT): After passing Shringar Vat we come to a place called Govinda Ghat. This Ghat is sometimes wrongly called Kaliya Ghat. The original Kaliya Ghat is located toward the Raman Reti side of the parikrama; however, the deity of Shri Krishna dancing on Kaliya Naag here at Govinda Ghat is extremely charming.

Unfortunately the Yamuna River no longer flows at Govinda Ghat, and only three steps of the ghat are still above ground. The area in front of the ghat is being used as a makeshift parking area.

Two “Nanda Mahals”

Near Govinda Ghat are two temples, both of which are called Nanda Mahal – in other words, Shri Krishna’s house. The original Nanda Mahal is, of course, in Nandgaon, which is about fifty kilometers from Vrindavan. Vrindavan’s numerous Nanda Mahals are all “extras”, so to speak. However, the two Nand Mahals at Govinda Ghat are still worth a visit as they offer beautiful and unique darshans.

The first “Nand Mahal” adjoins Govinda Ghat itself, and has a beautiful and well-pampered Deity of Shri Vrindavan Bihari with Nanda and Yashoda, as well as a captivating deity of Dauji (Balaram).

View of Govinda Ghat from Himmat Bahadur’s Kunj

Himmat Bahadur’s Kunj

On the opposite side of the alleyway is another so-called “Nanda Mahal”, which is historically known as Himmat Bahadur Kunj. This fascinating temple is made of red sandstone in a style similar to Vrindavan’s oldest structures. It was constructed by an ascetic Shaivite warlord named Gosain Anupgiri aka. Himmat Bahadur of Bundelkhand, probably sometime in the late 18th century. Bahadur’s samadhi is also on the premises. In Vrindavan: A District Memoir, the British Magistrate F.S. Growse refers to the ghat adjoining this temple as “Himmat Bahadur’s Ghat.”

Raas Mandal

Raas Mandal with trees growing out of the building

Behind Govinda Ghat is the famous Raas Mandal. It is said to have been established by Shri Hit Harivansh himself. Some believe this was the first ever Raas Mandal in existence, although there are other sites claiming the same title. Raas Lila Anukaran, or the sacred plays depicting the lilas of Shri Krishna, have been performed here for centuries as an act of faith.

In ancient times, this Raas Mandal was in the open air, but now a concrete building has been constructed around it. However, no trees were cut down to make the building. Even today, two large trees can be seen growing out of the Raas Mandal’s sides and roof. These trees are said to be the final resting places of Shri Hit Harivansh’s followers Shri Damodar Das “Sevak” and Shri Dhruvdas Ji. The Raas Mandal also has a small shrine to Radharani in the form of her Holy Name.

Shrine to Shri Radharani inside the Raas Mandal

The Raas Mandal is sometimes referred to in literature as “Mahat Sabha”, because many holy men have gathered there to share Harikatha and to watch the Raslila plays. Shri Hit Harivansh, Swami Haridas and Hariram Vyas are some of the personalities who are said to have spent time here.

Legend has it that once, during the course of a sacred play at the Raas Mandal, Shri Radharani’s anklet broke whilst she was dancing. Shri Hariram Vyas immediately broke his sacred thread (yagyopavit) and used the string to repair the broken anklet, which he then placed back on her lotus foot. This created quite a stir. But for Hariram Vyas, Radharani’s comfort was more important than anything else, including social and religious propriety. (V)

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