Ashtyam Leela – A unique way to experience Leelas of Shree Radha-Krishna

An event showcasing the Ashtyam Leela of Shree Radha-Krishna is being held at the Jugal Ghat of River Yamuna at Vrindavan. Devotees from far away corners of the country have arrived in Vrindavan to witness various Leelas of Shree Radha-Krishna that will be showcased during the 10-day event. The event is being held by Shree Radhikavallabha Lal Temple, Vrindavan in collaboration with Ras Bharati Sansthan. 

Ashtyam means eight, and Leela can be understood as pastimes or plays of Shree Radha-Krishna. As is evident, Lord Krishna spent his childhood in Vrindavan and Gokul regions where he performed many Leelas with Shree Radha and Gopas and Gopis of Braj region. Thus, Ashtyam Leela means playtimes of Shree Radha-Krishna during 8 parts (Prahar) of the day.

Nauka Vihar Leela of Shree Radha-Krishna at Jugal Ghat of River Yamuna, Vrindavan

                                           Nauka Vihar Leela 

On the first day of Ashtyam Leela, Greeshma Ritu Kalin or summer season Leelas like Nauka Vihar Leela, Jal Vihar Leela, Shringar Leela and Snan Leela of Lord Krishna were displayed in the morning on March 15. The whole experience was turned surreal with the depiction of each Leela in Padya form in Braj Bhasha. A group of local artists recited the Padya related to the Nauka Vihar Leela as follows –

Manimaya Kal Nuakan Me, Raajat Jugal Kishor।

Mann Vinod Bichin Badhin, Tann Chhavi Uthat Hilor॥

Morakrit Kal Naav Me, HitAli Ju Sang।
Raajat Shreehit Swamini, Ang-Ang Chhavinu-Tarang॥

Hansakrit Nauki Bani, Taamein Raajat Lal।

Ras-Salita Mann Mein Badhi, Sang Liyen Lalita Baal॥

Hod Badi Naukan Mein, Bharikein Kamalani- Punj।

Jitai So Jo Pratham Hi, Pahunchai Kamal Nikunj॥
Mann Mein Badhyou Hulas Ati, Adharani Bhadhyou Haas।

Pyari Ke Mukh-Chandra Pai, Kanchan Ki Chhabi Raas॥

Lalan Dekhi Adbhut Chhata, Bhuli Gaye Sab Khel।

Nauka Ki Gati Bhulikain, Nain Rahe Inhi Gail॥

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Holi at Shree Banke Bihari Temple, Vrindavan

After experiencing the unique Lathmar Holi at Barsana and Nandagaon, Holi festivities in the Brij region shifted to the ancient town of Vrindavan. Every Ashram and temple in Vrindavan was packed with visitors who reached there to experience the celebrations where Lord Krishna and Radha Rani once played Holi and performed Maha Raas. Most interestedly, Holi in Vrindavan was played with flower petals, Abeer-Gulal and organic color made from Tesu flowers.

Thousands gathered to play Holi with Shree Banke Bihari Ji in Vrindavan

The Holi celebrations in world-famous Banke Bihari Ji temple were held in the evening of Rangbhari Ekadashi on March 06. The celebrations started with the special Holi Shringar of Shree Banke Bihari Lal by temple priests. Bihari Ji was decked in special white attire for the occasion and his face was beautifully decorated with Rang and Gulal. To play the Holi with his devotees, Thakur Banke Bihari left Garbha Griha and got seated at a platform outside to give his devotees a better glimpse of him.

Devotees offered Abeer-Gulal and flowers to the entrance gate of the temple as a gesture of respect and then proceeded inside the main hall to play the Holi with Thakur Ji. Every corner of the temple reverberated with the chanting of Thakur Ji’s name and traditional Holi songs of Brij region. First, temple priests showered quintals of flowers on the devotees. As per the statistics, around 1.2 tons flowers of marigold and colorful roses were used for the Holi celebrations. Afterwards, when priests began to shot a warm yellow color of Tesu flowers from huge water guns in silver and gold, there was no containment of emotions. The whole ambience turned yellow, the color of spring and joyfulness. These were the 4-hours of their life that no one present in the temple premises will ever forget.

Holi celebration at Shree Banke Bihari Ji temple, Vrindavan

Holi in Brij is unique in many ways, but one thing that makes it unique amongst all is the color of love that people have in their heart for Lord Krishna. Thousands of visitors reached Vrindavan just to play Holi with their beloved Thakur Ji and to get themselves soaked in the colors of Love and Bhakti of Lord Krishna.      

Other temples of Vrindavan including Saptadevalaya Radhavallabha Temple, Radharaman Temple, Radhadamodar Temple, Radhagovinddev Temple, Gokulananda Temple and hundreds of Kunja-Ashram celebrated the Holi with equal fervour.

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Shattila Ekadashi observed at ISKCON, Vrindavan

Donation of Sesame on Shattila Ekadashi leads to Moksha

ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan

Devotees of Lord Vishnu and Lord Krishna observe the fasting of Ekadashi with utmost devotion every fortnight. Lord Krishna followers at the renowned ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan start their day early on the day of Ekadashi. Drik Panchang correspondent visited the Temple to capture the ambience on the auspicious day of Shattila Ekadashi. This year, Shattila Ekadashi was observed on 20^th January.

Lord Krishna and Radharani at ISKCON, Vrindavan

As shared by the Communication Officer of the temple, Tirtheshwari Radhika Devidasi, devotees on the day of Ekadashi wake up in the Brahma Muhurat and gather at the temple to attend Mangal Aarti and Tulsi Aarti which are conducted at 4:30 am and 5:00 am respectively. The day of Ekadashi is dear to Lord Vishnu and one must completely devote himself or herself in Hari-Bhakti on the day of Ekadashi. ISKCON followers who perform Japa of 16-Mala every day increase their Japa and perform at least 25 Mala on Ekadashi. Consumption of Anna or grain is completely forbidden on Ekadashi, so one must only include fresh fruits, dry fruits, milk and buttermilk in their diet. Devotees then perform Parikrama of Vrindavan and pay their homage to every temple that comes in the course of Parikrama. The entire day is spent in worship of Lord Krishna. Followers immerse themselves in Hari-Bhakti by performing intense Japa, Bhajan-Kirtan, reciting Srimad Bhagavatam and Srimad Gita at the Temple on the day of Ekadashi as shared by Rakhal Raja Das, Director Braj Sevanam of ISKCON.

Significance of Shattila Ekadashi

The Mahatamya of Shattila Ekadashi was narrated to sage Narad by the Lord Vishnu Himself. Lord Vishnu shared the great Mahatamya of Shattila Ekadashi by recounting an incident He witnessed -

A long-time back, there lived a pious Brahman woman in mortal world. She devoted her life to the observance of various Vrat and fasting. Once, she observed a month-long fast which weakened her body. That woman was highly intelligent, but she never made a donation of Anna in her life. Lord Vishnu contemplated that despite the fact that this woman has purified her body by observing every kind of Vrat, and she would surely attain Vaikuntha, but she has never made a donation of food grain in her life and without grains the sustenance of life is impossible. Reflecting on this very fact, Lord Vishnu appeared in the guise of a Bhikshuk at the doorstep of that Brahman woman and asked for alms from her. In return to his request, she hurled a lump of clay towards Lord Vishnu refusing to give any food to Him. Lord Vishnu returned to Vaikuntha with that clay lump. After living her full life, that Brahman woman attained her rightful place in the abode of Lord Vishnu. As a result of her donation of clay to Lord Vishnu, she received a hut with a mango trees in Vaikuntha. But that hut was empty and devoid of any article needed for the sustenance of life. Upon seeing such a place, she approached Lord Vishnu in a restless state of mind and expressed her displeasure in the following way –

“Oh Lord Vishnu, I have worshipped you with all my devotion and observed all kind of Vrat dedicated to you. Then why my house is devoid of everything”.  

Lord Vishnu thus replied with the following words –

Return to your hut O pious woman, and when wives of Gods come to see you don’t open the door unless they recited the Mahatamya and procedure of Shattila Ekadashi to you.

Hearing such words from Lord Vishnu,
that woman returned to her hut. When the wives of Gods came to see her, she asked them to narrate the procedure and Mahatamya of Shattila Ekadashi otherwise she wouldn’t open the door. One of them then stepped forward and recited the procedure and Mahatamya of Shattila Ekadashi as follows.

After the God woman had narrated the Mahatamya of Shattila Ekadashi the Brahman woman opened the door. All those God women were mesmerized to see such women of divine grace and beauty that has never been seen before. After hearing the detailed procedure and Mahatamya of Shattila Ekadashi, that Brahman woman observed the fast of Shattila Ekadashi with full devotion. Her devotion earned her the fruits of her fast and her little hut was immediately filled with various articles of food grain and wealth.

Lord Vishnu thus said that one must abstain from every kind of ignorance and observe the fast of Shattila Ekadashi. The one who observes this fast will receive eternal wellbeing and health and destroy all their sins.    

Shattila Ekadashi Mahatamya -

When the auspicious month of Magha has arrived, one must purify one’s body and mind by taking holy bath early morning and practice abstinence. A person must stay away from immoral feelings of lust, anger, greed, attachment, envy and pride.

On the auspicious occasion of Pushya Nakshatra in Magha, one must collect cow dung, mix it with sesame and cotton to make Upala and perform Homa 108 times using those Upala.

On the day of Ekadashi Tithi, a person should practice pious deeds throughout the day. After completing the routine activities of cleaning and washing, he should dedicate himself in the Bhakti of Shree Hari. He should do Puja of the Lord and do Kirtan all day with utmost devotion. He must observe fasting on Ekadashi Tithi and keep awake all night and do Homa in dedication of Lord Vishnu. On the next day, that is, on Dwadashi Tithi, the person must worship Shree Hari with Dhup, Deep and Naivedya and offer Him the Bhog of Khichdi. It his highly auspicious to offer Arghya with Petha, coconut, Sitaphal and betel nut to Lord Vishnu on the day of Ekadashi. After giving the Arghya, the person must sing a Stuti in the praise of Lord Vishnu.

“O Lord of the world! You give refuge to destitute in your heart. You salvage those who have drowned in the depths of this mortal world. O Lord with beautiful Lotus eyes! Destroyer of demon Madhu! O Lord of the universe! O lotus-eyed Vishnu! Accept along with your divine consort Shree Lakshmi this Arghya of petty value offered by this servant of yours”.

After singing the Stuti, he must donate a water-filled pitcher and sesame seeds to a Brahman. If possible make a donation of a cow and sesame seeds. Thus, a person will become worthy of living in Heaven for the number of thousand years equal to the total number of sesame seeds he donates.    

·         Bathing with sesame

·         Using sesame Ubtan

·         Offering of sesame

·         Homa/Havan with sesame

·         Consuming food made with sesame

·         Donation of sesame

Thus, using sesame in the aforementioned six ways is called Shattila. By observing Shattila, all kinds of sins are destroyed.

Summary

Observing Shattila Ekadashi fast grants a person eternal health and wellbeing and donating food grains and sesame on Ekadashi day bestows the person with great wealth and every kind of material pleasure. The story of that pious Brahman woman also suggests that a person after leaving his body will receive the fruits as per the donations and charity he or she makes in this mortal world.  Therefore, one must make donations as per their financial situation to earn the complete fruit of fasting and Vrat. It is also stated in religious scripture of Hinduism that no ritual or religious activity is complete without donation and charity.

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ISKCON Temple Vrindavan Darshan-Aarti Time Table

Presiding Deity Lord Krishna and Radharani at ISKCON Temple, Vrindavan

Summer Time Table

Samadhi Aarti- 04:10 AM
Mangal Aarti- 04:30 AM
Tulsi Aarti- 05:00 AM
Sringar Darshan- 07:15 AM
Guru Puja- 07:25 AM
Bhagwat Class- 08:00 AM
Dhoop Aarti- 08:30 AM
Rajbhog Aarti- 12:00 NOON
Temple Close- 12:45 PM
Utthapana Aarti- 04:30 PM
Sandhya Aarti- 07:00 PM
Sayan Aarti- 08:30 PM
Temple Close- 08:45 PM

Winter Time Table

Half an hour earlier during winter only in Utthapana Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, Sayan Aarti and Temple closing timings.

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Sri Rang Ji Mandir, Vrindavan

Sri Rang Ji Mandir of Vrindavan is one of the biggest temple premises in North India. The temple is dedicated to the divine couple Sri Goda-Rangamannar. Sri Goda, known popularly as Andal was an 8^th century Vaishnava saint of South India and a great devotee of Lord Krishna. She composed Tiruppuvai, a 30-stanza long poem in which she proclaims her love for Lord Krishna. Andal dedicated her life in the devotion of Lord Krishna and wanted to marry Him. Lord Krishna in his Ranganatha form answered her prayers by marrying her. In the main sanctum of the temple, Lord Ranganatha is seated in the middle while Goda accompanies him on the right and the vehicle of Lord Krishna, Garuda on the left.

Rang Ji temple also known as Ranganatha Ji temple is the biggest amongst the few South Indian styled temples in Northern part of the country. Its architectural style is inspired by Sri Ranganathaswamy Temple, Srirangam in the state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built in 1851. Great Vaishnav scholar Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji was the main force behind the construction of Sri Rang Ji temple. Ragadeshik Swamiji’s wealthy disciples Seth Govind Dasji and Seth Radhakrishna Dasji contributed financially for the construction of the temple.

Sri Rang Ji Mandir boasts a rare amalgamation of South Indian and North Indian religious customs. It hosts a 10-day Sri Brahmotasav, a South Indian event along with Holi, the festival of colour played in North India. Additionally, the temple organized various Vaishnava events throughout the year. The 10-day Vaikuntha Utsava is amongst them, during which Vaikuntha Dwara of the temple is opened on the day of Vaikuntha Ekadashi. This is once in a year event.

The temple comprises five concentric rectangular courtyards around the main sanctum and two gigantic gates carved in Jaipur style on the eastern and western side of the temple. The temple also hosts a 50-feet high wooden chariot which is taken out only once a year during Brahmotsav and a 50-feet high gilded Dhwaja-Sthambha.    

Five-day Vivahotsava of Godamma at Ranganatha Ji Temple, Vrindavan

Sri Rang Ji Mandir hosts 5-day Vivahotsava of Goda Amma every year in the month of Magha. The Utsava, during which various South Indian wedding rituals are conducted for five days concluded with the wedding ceremony of Sri Goda and Lord Rangamannar on the day of Makar Sankranti. This year, the Utsava started on 10^th January. During the one month of Dhanurmas, Godamma kept fast to attain Lord Krishna as her husband. As a result of her devotion to the Lord, He married her on the last day of the Dhanurmas which is Makar Sankranti.

On the first day of the Vivahotsava, Godamma left her abode to extend the wedding invitation to her friends. Her wedding invitation contains a fresh tuber of turmeric, turmeric leaves, betel leaf, areca nut, fresh flowers, flower garland and other auspicious articles. During her visit, Godamma practice the North Indian tradition and carries a Ghunghat around her head. On each day of the Vivahotsava, Godamma is donned in a Mala of Lord Ranganatha as special wedding jewellery.

On the second day and third day, Haldi ceremony is performed. During the Haldi ceremony, a paste of turmeric and saffron is put on Godamma which is followed by Abhishek with milk and curd. Then her hair is treated with aromatic oil and done in a beautiful hairstyle. After every ritual, Godamma checks her reflection in the mirror held by the temple priest. Women devotees sing Suhag songs on the occasion. During wedding rituals, Godamma reflects the blissful blush of a bride which mesmerize old and young equally.

On the fourth day, Godamma receives the gifts of saree, shawl, fruits, flowers, dry fruits and utensils from Sri Rangadeshik Swamiji. The gifts reflect the fatherly love of Swamiji for Godamma.

Sri Godamma adorned as a bride on her wedding day

Devotees carrying Sri Goda-Rangamannar in Palanquin on their wedding day

The last day of the Vivahotsava is the wedding day. The wedding rituals take place at the Barahdwari Mandap near the eastern gate. On her wedding day, Godamma is adorned in a beautiful red saree which she carries with the elegance of a new bride. She also draws Ghunghat on her head. She is then carried in a palanquin in front of Lord Ranganatha. Here, Godamma is put a Mala of Lord Ranganatha as a special adornment. Following this, the procession reaches the banks of River Yamuna. After Godamma receives the blessings of Yamuna, Aarti is done and the procession returns to the temple.

After a little rest, Godamma is adorned with turmeric, Kumkum and other Suhag items and transformed into a beautiful bride. An event of Jai-Mala is also conducted as part of wedding rituals. During the Jai-Mala, flower garlands are exchanged between Godamma and Lord Ranganatha three times. All through the wedding rituals, devotees and priests sing Mangal Geet or wedding songs. From here, the procession is taken to Barahdwari Mandap, where Lord Ranganatha put Mangal-Sutra around the neck of Godamma. The five-day festivities end with the fulfilment of first amongst the three wishes of Godamma which she expressed in Nachiyar Tirumozhi, a set of 143 verses composed by Godamma in praise of Lord Krishna.  

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Khichdi Utsava at Radhavallabha Temple, Vrindavan

Lord Krishna at Radhavallabha Temple appears in various Vesha to mesmerize thousands of devotees every day

Thousands of devotees visit the Temple to catch a glimpse of Thakur Radhavallabha Lal in various Chhadma-Vesha

Lord Krishna adorned as Thakur Baldev Ji at Radhavallabha Temple

In the ancient town of Vrindavan Lord Krishna is worshipped in Baal-Bhava. That is, devotees love and pamper him like a child of their own. Temples in Vrindavan organize various events throughout the year to shower their love to Thakur Ji. Khichdi Utsava of Radhavallabha temple is one of those occasions. During Khichdi Utsava Lord Krishna is pampered with a nutritious Khichdi for 30 days during Shishir Ritu or winter season. The significance behind this tradition is to offer the food of high nutritional value to protect Thakur Ji from harsh winter. During the Utsava, Thakur Radhavallabha Lal appears in various Vesha or appearances like a bookseller, a teacher, Banke Bihari Ji, Lord Shiva, Paan seller in front of his devotees every day.

Thakur Radhavallabha Lal as Lord Shiva during Khichdi Utsava

Khichdi Utsava is organized from Pausha Shukla Paksha Dwitiya till the Pratipada of Magha Shukla Paksha. This year, Khichdi Utsava began on 28 December 2019 and will end on 25 January 2020 as the Sewayata or manager at Radhavallabha Temple Mohit Maral Goswami told Drik Panchang correspondent.  Goswamiji further added that the Khichdi is offered to Thakurji before the Mangala-Aarti every morning. Thakurji is adorned in new Chhadma-Vesha every day before the Khichdi is served.  As per the legends associated with Krishna Leela, Lord Krishna used to adorn himself in various Chhadma-Vesha or guises to meet Radharani. On some occasions, Lord Krishna would become a fruit and vegetable seller and on some, a bangle seller just to get a chance to see his divine lover Shree Radharani.

Devotees waiting for Darshan at Radhavallabha Temple during Khichdi Utsava

Khichdi Utsava is a 300-year-old tradition and was started by Kamal Nayan Maharaj. As per the Goswami Ji at the temple, the Khichdi is made with rice and lentils in Panchameva and Ghee along with various other nutritious and aromatic ingredients in the Temple Kitchen. As per the tradition, only temple Goswamis are allowed in the kitchen which is built in an ancient Indian way with clay. The preparation starts as early as 3 am and Khichdi is served before Mangala Aarti which is conducted at 5:30 am. Furthermore, the Khichdi is made in both variants, that is, spicy and sweet. Thakurji is also served more than 50 delicacies along with Khichdi like Shreekhanda, Rabadi, various recipes of vegetables, pickle, Papadam and fruits.

                               Temple Goswami sharing information about Khichdi Utsava

As part of Khichdi Utsava, the priests at the Temple also sing songs and Chhanda depicting the Krishna Leela. Devotees from across Braj Mandal and nearby regions visit Radhavallabha Temple every day to get a glimpse of their beloved in various Roopa.

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Prachin Keshav Dev Mandir

Most tourists and devotees who visit Mathura are not aware that near to Krishna Janmabhumi, there exists old Keshav Dev Mandir which claims to be the most authentic birthplace of Lord Krishna. This temple is very close to newly constructed Janmabhumi temple and comes under Mallapura. This is a respected place of worship among people of Braj.

According to historians and local beliefs the legendary Krishna temple at Janmabhumi was demolished by Aurangzeb's order in 1670 C.E. At that time Maratha Sindhiya founded Prachin Keshav Dev Mandir near to historic Potara Kunda. By this record Keshav Dev temple is 342 years old.

This temple is unique as it has four-armed Krishna. Next to temple there is the room which is claimed to be birthplace of Lord Krishna and has deities of Vasudeva, Devaki and Krishna. It has the place where umbilical cord of Lord Krishna was hidden in the Earth.

Main Deity of Four-Armed Krishna at Prachin Keshav Dev Mandir, Mathura

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