Yamuna Maharani Dressed in 101 saris. Sunday, Mathura: Devotees at Vishram Ghat adorned Yamuna ji in 101 Saris. Devotees managed the feat by standing on boats and holding up the chain of 101 saris. In this novel offering to Yamuna Maharani, devotees drew attention to the beauty of Yamuna Maharani, which is sometimes overshadowed these days by the constant commentary on the need for Yamuna cleaning. Tourists were thrilled to see the spectacle and shots of the scene were clicked by thousands of spectators. The sari offering was followed by dancing and singing of bhajans in praise of Yamuna Maharani. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Daoji declairs that winter has begun. Sunday, Baldev: BJP District President Tejbir Singh cut the ribbon which marks the beginning the one month of festivities, which is held every year at the beginning of winter. Local legend has it that Baldev once appeared on this purnima (full moon) covering himself with a quilt to declare that winter has begun. Daoji will now use His quilt until Vasant Panchami (festival marking the beginning of spring). The festivities included an abhishek and an extra helping of Daoji’s favourite food – makhan misri. Read more (Hindi)

Sudevi to collect visa today. Monday, Radha Kund: Sudevi received the news that her visa formalities had been completed on Sunday and is going to pick up her visa today. Sudevi’s 35 years of tending cows from income she brings in from rental properties in Germany softened the hearts of authorities, who made a rare exception by extending her visa. Sudevi now has one year before she has to worry about visa problems again. Word about Sudevi’s love of cows is spreading. She has made a name for herself by her tireless service for 1200 cows, calves and bulls, many of whom are injured and would otherwise be left to die.  The paper edition of Jagran today reports that Sudevi is so attached to the heard that she doesn’t even use the milk that they give – she saves it the surplus milk for feeding orphaned calves and buys milk for herself. Read more (English)

P.C. Ashoka News

New Mayor gives thanks for his victory. Sunday, Mathura: The newly elected Mayor of Mathura-Vrindavan, Dr Mukesh Aryabhandu, was joined by his family for a visit to the Kali temple in the Cantt. area of Mathura. He told reporters that he had prayed to the Maha Kali for victory. The tradition of praying to mother Kali before entering into a contest or battle was created by Lord Ram, who is said to have prayed to Her before engaging in battle with Ravan. The mayor told reporters that he is determined to clean the city and provide better facilities for devotees coming out from outside. Read more (Hindi)

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.04 (VT): Yesterday morning, differently-abled children from local schools staged a special street theatre performance in Mathura. Through the performance, they aimed to raise awareness about the challenges diff-abled people face in Indian society.

From Demipyar Nagar to Holi Gate, various enlightening skits were presented along the street. One skit depicted what it is like for a blind person to cross the street in India. One of the students mimed crossing a road, while another, playing the part of a careless driver, bumped into him and knocked him down. With no one willing to assist, the blind person picked himself up and simply continued on his way.

In another skit, the children showed a poor man being involved in a traffic accident, in which he lost a leg. The man then started begging in order to earn enough money for food. Passers-by made fun of him and abused him. One even pushed him down and laughed as he tried to get back up. Later, the abusive man became disabled himself, and started begging in the same alleyway as the man he abused.

Some of the students participating in the event were blind, while some were deaf and others had trouble walking. To accommodate all the students, little to no dialogue was used in the plays.

The students’ performance was spectacular and the presentation drew a large crowd. A number of prominent community members attended the program, which was organized by teacher Ambika Lavaniya on behalf of the Maharshi Dayanand Punarvas Sansthan and Senior Secondary School.

December 3rd was chosen for the event, as it is the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD). The theme of this year’s IDPD was “transformation towards a sustainable and resilient society for all.” IDPD began in 1992 and aims to promote a better understanding of people with disabilities around the world, and to promote their overall welness in every aspect of life. (V)

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04.12.04 (DJ, VT) The most famous preachers from around Braj met yesterday to discuss ways to promote the welfare, protection and humane treatment of cows in India. Speakers at the program included Ramesh Baba and Devi Chitralekha, both of whom are leading cow protection activists as well as being renowned Bhagavatam Katha speakers. Both sants run goshalas (cow sanctuaries) and both care deeply about the welfare of cows.

Ramesh Baba said that now all levels of Government are controlled by the BJP, which uses Hindutva as one of its voter cards. But, if the government is serious about running the country according to the edicts of Hinduism, more action needs to be taken to protect the nation’s cows.

Chitralekha Devi encouraged people to keep cows in their homes and tend to them nicely. She also expressed discontent with the lack of recognition given to cows at a national level.

Mahamandaleshwar Chitra Shuksanand Maharaj drew attention to the irony of the mistreatment of cows in Braj. He said that Lord Krishna chose Braj to appear and give the message of bhakti (devotion) to the whole world. But, today, many cows in Braj live in miserable conditions.

Fuldor Maharaj said that it is very sad that the Hindu society is sleeping. There are strong laws against cow killing, however these are not being enforced. Society needs to wake up and realize that cows are an important part of the Srimad Bhagavatam and their protection is central to Hindutva.

In Sri Caitanya Caritamrita Adi Lila, chapter 17, verse 166, Caitanya Mahaprabhu confirms:

go-ange yata loma tata sahasra vatsara

go-vadhi raurava-madhye pace nirantar

Cow killers and cow eaters are condemned to rot in hell for as many thousands of years as there are hairs on the bodies of every cow they eat from.

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.05 (VT): Across the Yamuna River from Vrindavan, about five kilometers across an ocean of green fields, lies Belvan. This is the place where Goddess Lakshmi performs tapasya to attain Shri Krishna in Vrindavan.

Five thousand years ago, Belvan was a forest of bilva trees. Shri Krishna and Balram used to come to come here to eat the delicious bilva fruits.

Thoughout the month of Paush (December to January) a fair – the Belvan Mela – is celebrated here each year. Devotees gather in the temple to worship Goddess Lakshmi and to feed her khichri, in order to keep her warm and healthy through the winter’s bitter cold. Devotees from all over Braj attend the festival.

The Story of Lakshmi at Belvan

P.C. “Krsna Katha”

Once the goddess Lakshmi heard about Shri Krishna’s Raas Lila from Sage Narad. After hearing the story from him, she wanted desperately to be a part of it. She decided to go to Vrindavan, but she was unable to even cross the Yamuna river and enter there. And so she stayed in nearby Belvan, doing tapasya with the hope of someday attaining Krishna in Vrindavan.

The saints of Vrindavan say that Shri Krishna and his Raas Lila can only be attained by taking shelter of the gopis and following in their footsteps. He cannot be attained by mere tapasya.

Lakshmi didn’t follow the path of the gopis. The gopis did simple chores like milking cows, churning butter, picking up cowdung and making patties from it. She didn’t know that the gopis are the emobdiments of perfect love, and Radharani is the Queen of them all. Lakshmi did not take shelter of Radharani. And so she was never able to enter Vrindavan.

In the Shrimad Bhagwatam, after Shri Krishna defeated the poisonous serpent Kaliya, Kaliya’s wives said, “What good deeds did our husband do? He received the dust of your lotus feet, which Lakshmi could not get even after doing tapasya for thousands of years!”

In addition to the Lakshmi temple, Belvan has a sacred lake called Krishna Kund and a baithak of Shri Vallabhacharya.

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.05 (VT): Disturbed by the ongoing construction on Vrindavan’s Yamuna riverfront, Dr. Aruna Vishwanathan recently met the Environment Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on behalf of the Braj-Vrindavan Heritage Alliance (BVHA). Dr. Vishwanathan appraised the Minister about the current situation on the Yamuna riverfront in Vrindavan. After viewing all the related documents and court orders, Dr. Harsh Vardhan asked Dr. Vishwanathan for a proposal.

Now on behalf of the Braj-Vrindavan Heritage Alliance (BVHA) Shri Vijay Kishor Goswami, Sevayat of the ancient Shri Madanmohan Temple, is sending a letter in response. The letter explains that the Yamuna floodplain in Vrindavan has been the subject of destruction by different governmental departments between 2009 and 2017, and that major construction is currently underway on the riverbed. The ongoing construction, which has already been banned by the NGT, is part of the ‘Riverfront Development Project’ initiated by the then-UP government led by Akhilesh Yadav.

Two kilometers of the riverbed is currently being covered in concrete by the irrigation department after inserting 25-30 meter metal sheets (sheet piling) into the ground. The sheet piling activity has begun to dry Vrindavan’s aquifer, as the Yamuna can no more recharge the ground water due to the barrier it creates.

Under the Mayavati Government, huge amounts of earth and debris were dumped ont he riverbed to construct a road for access to build a flyover in front of Vrindavan’s iconic ‘Keshi Ghat’ in  the years 2009 to 2010. However, the project was challenged in the Allahabad High Court and the flyover was stopped. But the debris still remains on the Yamuna bed in front of the pristine heritage ghats.

The entire floodplain area of the project execution site has been completely destroyed, not simply damaged. The ground is now totally levelled, compacted and hardened and is almost completely devoid of any vegetation.

The floodplain has lost all its natural vegetation, like trees, shrubs, tall grasses, and aquatic vegetation including the water hyacinth which provides a natural habitat to a large number of animals, insects and mud-dwelling organisms.

The letter continues to say that major restoration work must be carried out to compensate for the damage already done, and requests that the following actions be taken:

1.   That the NGT may direct the authorities of the state to stop any construction work on the riverbed. The area beyond the ghats should be declared a no-construction zone.

2.    That the NGT may order the sheet-piling withdrawn from the ground so that the water table can be recharged, and that all the debris on the riverbed be removed.

3.   That the wetlands of Yamuna between Vrindavan and Mathura be preserved on both sides of the river by a massive plantation of greenery.

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05.12.17 (VT) After the murder of their parents and the suicide of eldest sister, Rakhi, there are concerns about the welfare of the two remaining siblings.  The Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court met with Rakhi’s brother and sister to talk about their living arrangements and safety.

Banwari Lal and Ravibala were murdered on 8^th March 2017, leaving behind three children, who were sleeping at a neighbour’s house due to the construction work going on at their house. The murderers took advantage of the renovation work to enter and leave the house with a large sum of cash.

Chief Justice D.B. Bhosle called the children to his chamber to ask about their welfare, living conditions and arrangements for their security. Madhumangal Shukla is advocating on behalf of the children. After almost 10 months, the police still have been unable to arrest the murderer.  Shukla is demanding that increased efforts be made to track down the murderers, in addition to proper living and security arrangements for the children.

Questions are being raised about why police have been unable to solve the case. Even when Rakhi suicided after threatening to do so if her parents murderer was not found, police brushed it off, saying that her suicide was due to a fight with her sister.

Despite a hunger strike by Rakhi and her repeated visits to the offices of police and local politicians, the police were unable to apprehend the murderers. After giving up hope, Rakhi took her own life. The residents of Amar Colony, Mathura, held a protest and Rs5 Lakh compensation was announced however. Due to the public outcry and people’s determination to see justice done, the case is now before the High Court.

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Celebrations in honor of Narad Muni’s BrajYatra. Monday, Mathura: Hundreds of devotees dressed as gopis and went on a yatra (walk), in honour of Narad Muni’s Braj Yatra in which he is said to have caught a glimpse of the Rasa Lila. Following a reading of Narad Puran, the kalash yatra left from Narad Kund. The Katha speaker, Sant SriRamdas Maharaj, who told devotees that pooja is always auspicious if it is done without selfish motives. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Patrika

National Security Advisor visits Banke Bihari. Monday, Vrindavan: National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval, visited Banke Bihari temple along with his family. No chances were taken with his security and he was chaperoned into a petitioned area to have special darshan. The crowd was thrilled as the Security chief’s presence caused Bihariji’s curtains to stay open for an extended time (the curtains are usually open and shut at short intervals).

Doval was only interested in having darshan and did not talk to any media representatives. The Adviser was in the temple for around half an hour, during which time he spent 10 minutes just standing and staring at Bihariji. He also participated in a special offering ceremony, gave a donation and received special prasad.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Farmers lean how to make pickled grass for cows. Saturday, Mathura: At a workshop held at Mathura  Veterinary College, farmers learned a technique of preserving green grass to feed cows through the winter. At the end of summer, before the monsoon, and at the end of winter, people have difficulty in finding fodder for their cows. Green fodder is the best for cows health as it contains the most nutrients, and is the most economical fodder, as cows give more milk when they eat green leaves. Despite being a necessity, due to the expense and difficulty in obtaining fresh grass, many householders and farmers are unable to give sufficient quantities to their cows, especially when there is a shortage of grass and prices are high.

The veterinarians at the workshop showed how 10kg cylinders can be placed underground to create preserved (pickled) grass to cover times of shortage.  Shailajakant Mishra, Vice President of Brij Tirth Vikas Parishad was present at the workshop. Mishra spoke to the audience about the benefits of keeping cows. The veterinarians plan to visit villages to support farmers in implementing the technique.  Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Minister Promises more assistance for Disabled. Monday, Mathura: During a celebration on the occasion of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), BJP Minister Sri Krishnapal Gurjar said that artificial limbs and assistive devices that were previously only available in the West are now becoming available in India. Several people including  Govindanand Tirtha Maharaj and RSS officer Rakesh Kumar Jain, spoke in praise of the work of Kalyan Karoti. Kalyan Karoti runs a school for Mathura’s diff-abled children and also organizes distribution of assistive devices such as hearing aids and artificial limbs. Read more (Hindi)

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.05 (VT): After already being admonished by the courts for its construction work on the Yamuna floodplain, the government is now being accused of stealing land from Vrindavan’s residents for their projects. Vishal Sharma, a resident of Vrindavan, has accused the government of taking over his personal property on the riverbank. The accused allegedly said the land belongs to the Irrigation Department and that they will make a park there.

Unable to personally prevent the government officers from taking over his land, Sharma says he decided to bring the matter before the District Magistrate, Mr. Arvind Malappa Bangari. Sharma has reportedly submitted his complaint to the DM in writing. The DM in turn has ordered the heads of Vrindavan and Mant police to investigate the matter and provide an explanation. (V)

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Christian missionaries arrested for sedition. Monday, Mathura: A group of 6 Christian Missionaries have been arrested for sedition and remarks insulting to Hindus. The seventh member of the group was a woman with a small child, so villagers petitioned police to release her. There were two female members in the group, the other female was taken into police custody. The group of preachers was comprised of people from other states as well as locals, including Kosikalan’s Amit from Harvest Mission School.

The police were called after Hindu activists arrived at the program and expressed their displeasure about preacher’s inferences that Christianity is better than Hinduism. The preachers said that they distributed literature freely and were not forcing conversion. While there are a few churches in Braj, and Christianity is not illegal, preachers who accuse Hindus of being idol worshipers are likely to face difficulties, especially when making such comments in Braj. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Braj athletes top Statewide Athletics Comp. Tuesday, Baldev: Young athletes from Baldev Students Olympic Association, bagged the most medals at a Statewide competition held in Barabanki. The competing students were selected  from 18 villages and competed in a wide range of events including 100m, 200m, shot-put and hurdles. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Farmers stop Gokul’s water supply. Tuesday, Gokul: Annoyed about delays in granting promised compensation payments, farmers stopped the water supply from Gokul Water Treatment plant from 1-4pm. Officials at the plant contacted police and, the water supply was restarted, pending a meeting with farmers to discuss timing of compensation payments. Farmers have not yet received moneys due for the land that was acquired from them for building the plant. One farmer was promised a job for his son, but that has not happened either. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Efforts to control TB. Wednesday, Mathura: Health officials are increasing efforts to control disease in UP, which has a high rate of deaths from preventable and treatable diseases. Doctors in private hospitals will receive benefits for referring patients diagnosed with TB. The disease is still prevalent in the area, with the worst cases admitted in Vrindavan TB Sanitorium.

The disease affects adults, children and even babies. People can be carriers of dormant TB, however, those with compromised immune systems are more likely to get the active form, in which patients suffer from a cough which usually cannot be shaken off without heavy medication. Tuberculosis (TB) is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause from a single infectious agent.

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06.12.17 (VT) After winning a gold medal for her studies in Human Rights and International Law, Neetu Singh, is set to become the ambassador for her college’s Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao program. The Government run program has ambassadors in each State and district – high achievers in fields ranging from acting to athletics.

Neetu, a student of the Shri Girraj Maharaj College of Law and Professional Studies, received Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University’s prestigious Jawaharlal Nehru gold medal.  Neetu credited her success to her family, teachers and friends who supported her. She will now begin preparations for competitive entrance exams, hoping to land a high paying Government job.

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the girl child, educate a girl) scheme was launched in January 2015 by PM Modi. Its primary aim is to redress the uneven sex ratio due to illegal abortions of girl fetuses and the neglect of girl infants. The program aims to save girl children by changing people’s thinking about having a girl in the family. In one hugely popular campaign, people were encouraged to take selfies with their daughters.

Times are changing, but there are still lingering beliefs that women need to be kept in the home (away from danger) so, many girls, especially those from poorer families, are pulled out of school early. Even girls and women from wealthier families have to work much harder to be taken seriously as qualified professionals.

Schools and universities lending a hand in the ‘Beti Bachao, beti padhao’ program through awareness campaigns and highlighting the achievements of girls and women. Vatsalyagram Girls Gurukulum has been named a motivational centre for the program and GLA University helps to publicize the campaign by putting the slogan “Save the Girl Child” on its billboards.

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Priests to use safety harnesses for serving 34ft thakurji. Thursday, Goverdhan: To reduce the risk of injury when serving the 34ft high Sankarshan Bhagvan located at Sankarshan Kund, priests will wear safety harnesses. The harnesses have been specially designed by a Lucknow firm which exports industrial safety harnesses. There were fears that priests, who lean over to apply tilak, garlands etc, could overbalance and fall from the scaffolding. Before such an incident had a chance to occur, management ordered the safety harnesses. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Mishra: Archery is the pride of India. Momday, Goverdhan: Former Union Minister Kalraj Mishra has said that proficiency in archery is an important step towards increasing patriotism and pride in being Indian. The former minister spoke at a Statewide archery competition, held at Goverdhan’s Devi college, in which 380 archers from 38 districts participated. Mishra said that there are several excellent participants in the competition and they will join India’s archery team at the next Olympics. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Forum discusses the need to stop commercialization of education. Wednesday, Vrindavan: During a conference at Fogla ashram yesterday, organized by the Regional Branch of UP’s Statutory and Parliamentary Studies Institute, Hriday Narayan Dixit spoke about the need to reclaim education from the forces of commercialism. Dixit said that modern education, which is only focused on passing exams to get high paying jobs, disregards the responsibility of educators to produce worthy citizens who are committed to the advancement of the nation.  Dixit said that there is no element of nationalism and socialism in the present education system. It is worthless education. Education would be better imparted by the traditional gurukul system. Read more (Hindi)

Another member of the institute, Dr. Mohan Yadav, said that commercialization and privatization have derailed the education system. Entry into IIT, MBBS, CA, etc. is being obtained on the basis of the money. Yadav said that this system is increasing inequality and the result is social imbalance. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Biggest challenge for Saunk chairperson is installing drains. After his recent victory at the local elections, Master Bharat Singh, the new chairperson of Saunk is now ready to deal with the challenge of improving the town’s infrastructure. Speaking to Jagran, former Chairperson, Shivshankar Verma, said that during his tenure, he organized for the submission of tenders to install drains, however, these were not accepted by higher authorities so the work could not be completed. The town has also had drinking water shortage problems for several decades. The town’s water is salty and not fit for drinking. Newly elected chairperson Singh, said that is first priorities are to make improvements in drainage and drinking water facilities.

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.07 (VT): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday met fourteen newly-elected mayors at his residence in New Delhi. Amongst them was Dr. Mukesh Aryabandhu, the first mayor of the newly-formed Mathura-Vrindavan Nagar Nigam. Speaking to Dr. Aryabandhu personally, the PM reportedly talked about his Swachh Bharat mission and shared leadership tips with him.

“If the city is clean, the people too will be healthy,” the PM told Aryabandhu. He continued to say that the mayor’s duty is to serve the people, and instructed him never to show special favor  or discriminate against anyone.

PM with new mayors (P.C. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Twitter Page)

Speaking to Dainik Jagran after the meeting, Aryabandhu promised that restoring Vrindavan to its pristine condition would be his number one priority as mayor, along with ridding Braj of open defecation. Particularly, separate women’s toilets would be installed in the markets and at Shri Krishna Janmasthan for the convenience of pilgrims and locals.

The Prime Minister posed for photographs with Dr. Aryabandhu and the other new mayors, posting the photographs on his personal twitter page. Modi tweeted, “Mukesh Ji is all set to take charge as the Mayor of the holy city of Mathura. I was delighted to note his enthusiasm to give new wings to the city’s development journey. @BJP4UP”

The recent civic polls were domintated by the BJP, with fourteen of the sixteen mayoral posts won by the party. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also attended the meeting. (V)

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Vrindavan, 2017.12.07 (VT): A civil judge has reportedly written a letter to the administration of the Banke Bihari Temple, asking for darshan timings to be extended from eight hours to twelve. Over the past one hundred and fifty years, the number of pilgrims visiting the temple has more than tripled, he said, and devotees barely get a chance to see Him whilst being pushed and pummeled by the crowd.

On normal days, the number of pilgrims visiting the temple is estimated to be in the tens of thousands. And on festivals, the number of temple visitors can reach several lakhs (hundreds of thousands). In another letter, a local police official echoed the request for darshan to remain open longer, citing the troubles devotees face trying to get darshan.

Though there is some logic to the request, local resident Hari Baba sees it in another way.

“Banke Bihari is a fifteen year old boy,” he said. “Forcing him to work so much amounts to child labor. How can a judge even suggest such a thing?”

“People want Banke Bihari to adjust his schedule for their comfort,” added Radha Dasi. “What they forget is that we are here to serve him, not the other way around. How can we ask Banke Bihari to wake up earlier than he likes, skip his afternoon nap, and be late for Raas Lila with Radharani just for our convenience?” (V)

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05.12.17 (VT) On the occasion of the disappearance day of Sant Gaurshiromani, it is fitting to hear the lila describing how he learned to read the words written between the lines. We usually think of the phrase ‘read between the lines’ as  referring to a reader’s ability to understand what is said-without-being-said, but, Gaurshiromaniji did not engage in speculation – he saw words that appeared in gold letters in between the printed lines.

Sant Gaurshiromani was from a family of scholars; however he took no interest in studies until he was 20 years old. When he was 20, people shamed him into taking interest in scripture and he started attending Bhagavat Katha programs. During one program, he demanded of the speaker: Why are you doing vandana (worship) after opening the Bhagavatam? The sage answered that it is written in the Bhagavatam that vandana should be conducted. Gaurshiromaniji demanded that the sage tell him which verse instructs devotees to conduct Bhagavat Vandana.

The sage said, look there, it is written between the lines. But the young Gaurshiromani could not see and told the sage, “there is nothing there”. The sage smiled and told him that, in order see what is written between the lines, you need divya dristi (transcendental vision).  The sage went on to tell the young Gaurshiromani that, if he wants to see the words, he must take initiation from a qualified guru and follow specified rituals for one week. The sage promised: If, after completing these requirements, the words still do not appear, I will cut off my tongue.

Believing the sage, Gaurshiromaniji took initiation from Chaitanya Das Maharaj and followed the prescribed rituals. On the 8^th day, he returned to the sage. The sage showed him the Bhagavatam and, there it was, written clearly in gold letters: “Vandana”.

Gaurshiromaniji was overcome with emotion and tears fell from his eyes. At that moment, he made the decision to dedicate the rest of his life to transcendental pursuits and, together with his family, he relocated to Sri Dham Vrindavan.

Sant Gaurshiromani left his body in 1891, after many joyful years of residence in Sri Vrindavan Dham.

This lila describes how transcendental vision is bestowed on those who follow the instructions of a bona fide guru with a genuine desire to know the truth.

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This is a continuing series on Vrindavan Parikrama. The previous installment took us to Govinda Ghat and Hit Harivansh’s Raas Mandal. Now we continue down the path to Cheer Ghat.

Malhar Rao Holkar

Vrindavan, 2017.12.07 (VT): After passing Govinda Ghat we come to another beautiful ghat, with a large kadamb tree tied with colourful, sparkly women’s shawls. This place is commonly known as Cheer Ghat, the place where Shri Krishna famously stole the clothes of the gopis while they were bathing in the Yamuna River.

However in Mathura: A District Memoir, F.S. Growse gives two names for this ghat: Cheer Ghat or Chain Ghat. It may be that Chain Ghat is the original name of this Ghat, as another Cheer Ghat is located near Shergarh, a good distance from Vrindavan town. Whatever its original name may be, we can be fairly sure that the current ghat was constructed by Malhar Rao Holkar in the 18th Century.

Behind Cheer Ghat or Chain Ghat is the temple of Chain Bihari, which was constructed by Queen Ahilyabai Holkar, Malhar Holkar’s daughter-in-law. The caretakers of the temple explain, “Bihari means Krishna and chain means rest. Krishna rested here after killing the demon Keshi. That’s why our deity’s name is Chain Bihari.”

Queen Ahilyabai’s murti at Chain Bihari Mandir

After her husband died in a battle, Queen Ahilyabai was supposed to commit sati according to the family customs. But her father-in-law Malhar Rao Holkar forbid her from doing so, and later she was crowned Queen of the kingdom. She was a fierce warrior but also very spiritual, and she gave generously of her private wealth in charity. She also built and renovated many temples all over India.

According to the Chain Bihari temple caretakers, once Queen Ahilyabai was sailing up the Yamuna river towards Delhi. She had several tumors on her back which she wished to have treated.  On the way, she and her party stopped in Vrindavan to take the blessings of the holy

Shri Chain Bihariji

land. There she met a Brahmin named Maya Ramji. When she told him about her ailment, Maya Ramji gave the Queen some ashes from his sacred fire. After smearing the ashes on her back, the tumors disappeared. The Queen was so thankful that she had the a temple built for Maya Ramji’s deity, Chain Bihari.

According to the Vrindavan Prakash Mala, about two hundred years ago women used to bathe in the Yamuna here and offer colourful shawls to the deity of Cheer Bihari at the ghat. Although the Yamuna River no longer touches the ghats, it still flowed by until recently. Unfortunately, the government’s ongoing construction on the riverfront is causing the river to recede further. But people still come to offer pooja and remember Shri Krishna’s beautiful lilas here. (V)

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Farmers encouraged to raise fish. Thursday, Mathura: Braj farmers are being encouraged to secure their income by taking out crop insurance and diversifying their income raising activities to include fish farming. While on one hand the Government is prosecuting those who sell fish and eggs in Vrindavan, the Panchayat Level Farmers’ School is encouraging Braj farmers to enter the meat growing industry. Read more (Hindi)

Schools to take oath of cleanliness on 12^th December. Friday, Vrindavan:  During a meeting held at Hanuman Prasad Dhanuka School, the City Commissioner, Dr Ujjwal Kumar said that if everyone makes a combined effort, Mathura-Vrindavan can get the Swachh Bharat’s top ranking for cleanliness. The commissioner demonstrated a mobile app and told the school leaders to post pictures of their cleaning and awareness raising efforts. 12th December was announced as the day when schools will take oaths of cleanliness. Read more (Hindi)

Protests against electricity price hikes. Friday, Vrindavan: After the rise in gas prices, there are now complaints about increase in rate of electricity.  The rise in the cost of utilities is seen as being anti-poor, as people who are struggling to raise a family on a small income are the worst affected by increases in the cost of living. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Hindustan

Mathura Tourism Police will help devotees. Thursday, Vrindvan: Police are making increasing efforts to protect foreigners and tourists who visit Mathura-Vrindavan’s temples. The Tourism Police Force will be posted in temples and will wear special badges to identify them. The Tourism Police will be comprised of newly joined recruits who are fluent in English. Read more (Hindi)

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8.12.17 (VT) Kumbh Mela has now joined UNESCO’s list of “Intangible cultural heritage”. PM Modi has applauded the move saying that it is a well deserved recognition for this iconic festival.

The Kumbh Mela happens in a different place every 4 years, in a 12 year cycle: at the Ganges (Ganga) at Haridwar; the confluence (Sangam) of the Ganges, Yamuna and the invisible Sarasvati at Allahabad; the Godavari at Nashik; and the Shipra at Ujjain. Bathing in these rivers is thought to cleanse a person of all sins.

A  special Kumbh fair is held in Vrindavan, on the banks of the Yamuna every 12 years, whenever the main Kumbh is at Haridwar. There are several lilas relating the kumbh to Vrindavan. One popular belief about how the Kumbh came to Vrindavan is that, while flying with the pitcher of amrit (nectar) after the churning of the ocean, Garud Dev sat on the kadamba tree at Kalidah.

While the description of the festival in the UNESCO document “The festival of the sacred pitcher“, seems to fall somewhat short of capturing the festival’s magnificence, Mark Twain did a good job of describing it when, after visiting the Kumbh of 1895, he said,

“It is wonderful, the power of a faith, that can make multitudes of the old and weak and the young and frail enter without hesitation or complaint upon such incredible journeys and endure the resultant miseries without repining. It is done in love, or it is done in fear; I do not know which it is. No matter what the impulse is, the act born of it is beyond imagination, marvelous to our kind of people, the cold whites.”

The kumbh mela is the largest religious gathering in the world. It has an amazing landslide effect, even on the cynical. Joseph Burns, who visited India as a tourist in 2007 said, “I had heard all about the pollution in the Ganges, so there was no way I was about to go swimming in it, but then I saw millions of people flocking towards their ‘Mother Ganga’, so, I joined them. I prayed to the holy river to give me shelter in this great land, and, I have never looked back.”

The Kumbh Mela is a great connector. Pilgrims from all over India, NRIs, devotees, and Hindus from every sect gather together to participate in this festival that seems to wash away all quibbling points.  In answer to the age old debate about whether Yamuna or Ganga is more holy, at the time of the Vrindavan Kumbh, Ganga water is mixed with Yamuna water, creating a sangam (unity) of immense spiritual power.

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One way streets leading to Bihariji. Saturday, Vrindavan: Due to resistance to plans to widen the streets leading to Banke Bihari, ideas are being floated about making one way streets and re-organizing parking facilities. During previous trials of one way streets and temporary one way zones, the biggest hurdle was drivers not complying with traffic rules. Despite a grant from the World Bank, authorities have been unable to move ahead with plans to widen the streets around Bihariji, and have not provided basic amenities, such as toilets, in the area. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Mathura Juvenile Detention Centre in crisis. Saturday, Mathura: A recent report has come out stating that there are over 90 youths packed into Mathura Juvenile Detention Centre, which designed to accommodate 30 teenagers. The facility has only 3 toilets, 1 bathroom and 6 rooms. There are teenagers from 12-18 years staying at the facility, around 40 of whom have been incarcerated for rape.  In a report by the District Legal Services Authority, the overcrowding and unsanitary conditions were highlighted. This is not the first time the facility has been found to be unsatisfactory. Read more (Hindi)

P.C. Jagran

Mathura Police visit schools; observe Women’s Safety Week. Saturday, Braj: In a attempt to reduce the many crimes against girls and women, UP police are visiting schools, giving tips to students about being aware of danger and utilizing police services. During a talk at SPS International Academy, Koshikalan, officers informed students about the Women’s Department of Mathura police, help Line No. 1090, Dial 100, and Women’s Help Line 1098. Police across the state have been instructed that every officer must visit two schools during Women’s Safety Week. Read more (English)

P.C. Amar Ujala

Electrocution case highlights deficiencies at Mathura District Hospital. Friday, Mathura: When ambulances full of children arrived at Mathura Hospital, there was no one to take them to the beds and there were not enough stretchers. The children arrived at the hospital after being burnt by low-hanging electrical wires in Raya village. The children and their parents were sitting on top of luggage in the back of a truck. One child died and several children, and adults, were injured. Those injured were taken to hospital, however, the hospital was not prepared to deal with the emergency. There were not enough nurses to hook up the drips, so the drips were handled by unqualified cleaning staff. Amar Ujala reports that this is not the first time that inadequacies in staff and facilities at the hospital have come to light.

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09.12.17 (VT) According to Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakurji, bhakti is “the practical side of things”. Talking about the change that came over him after taking initiation, Bhaktisiddhanta said, “Up to that time, my idea of religion was confined to books and to a strict ethical life, but that sort of life was found imperfect unless I came in touch with the practical side of things.” (Sardella 2013b, p. 75.)

Bhaktisiddhanta was one of the first Gurus to start initiating foreigners. As well as initiating several foreigners himself, Bhaktisiddhanta also instructed his disciples to make as many Western disciples as possible. While carrying out his instructions, A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founded ISKCON and opened 108 temples around the world, and Narayan Maharaj traveled abroad making hundreds of disciples.

Speaking of his desire to see the world united through bhakti, Bhaktisiddhanta’s father, Bhaktivinoda Thakur, stated in his Sajjana-toshani magazine in 1882, “ When will the day come when the white-skinned British people will speak the glory of Shri Shachinandana on one side and on the other and with this call spread their arms to embrace devotees from other countries in brotherhood, when will that day come! The day when they will say “Oh, Aryan Brothers! We have taken refuge at the feet of Chaitanya Deva in an ocean of love, now kindly embrace us,” when will that day come!

In Braj, Bhaktisiddhanta’s appearance and disappearance days bring together the leaders of the Gaudiya Maths, who come together to celebrate the feeling of gratefulness that they all share. At a meeting of the World Vaishnava Association held to discuss how the different Gaudiya Maths can combine their strengths to spread the world about Bhaktisiddhanta’s teachings, Paramadwaiti Maharaj said that each math should come out in full force with the pictures of their gurus and festoons and banners. “If we show how many different groups belong to this family of Saraswata Gaudiya Vaishnavas, how many saints and powerful preachers have come through this line in such a short time, then people will begin to grasp the importance of Saraswati Thakur’s role in spreading Krishna consciousness.

Bhaktivinoda passed down what he learnt from his guru – “the practical side of things”.

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11.12.17 (VT) Vrindavan’s status as a Tirtha Sthal (pilgrimage site) is changing the attitude of authorities, who, after years of turning a blind eye to the sale and consumption of meat, are starting to crack down on meat sellers.

During raids on meat sellers on Thursday, half a dozen shops were raided and the owners arrested. The raids were carried out by police, under the instruction of the City Magistrate, in conjunction with food Security Officers Dr. Sobhnath and Dr. Shailendra Rawat.

When the inspection team arrived, some shop owners hurriedly locked up their shops, but police broke locks and forced their way in. Police seized 14 trays of eggs and 15 kg of fish from  Azad Kureshi’s home, which is on the upper story, above the shop. Kureshi’s son, Zakir, was arrested for the sale of restricted items.

Despite the longstanding ban on selling meat in Vrindavan, goats, chickens and trays of eggs have been a common sight in the area near Vrindavan Mosque and other Muslim colonies, however, after the recent crackdowns, things look set to change.

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