Transcript SHRINATHJI DARSHAN

SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
NATHDWARA, UDAIPUR,
RAJASTHAN
NATHDWARA
Nathdwara stands for Nath & Dwar which means the doors to
Lord.
Nathdwara is a place where resides the Lord Shrinathji.
Nathdwara is situated on the right bank of the Banas River near
Udaipur in Rajasthan.
Lord Shrinathji is the great sanctity for the Vaishnavas of
Pushtimargi or Vallabha sect which is devoted to Krishna as a
child
Nathdwara is known for its Pichhwais (large painting on cloth
depicting legends from the life of Lord Krishna) and Haveli
music (devotional music, akin to Dhrupad - singing, with
compositions meant for various seasons, festivals and sections
of the day).
SHRINATHJI, YAMUNAJI &
MAHAPRABHUJI
“Mara Ghat ma virajta Shrinathji, Yamunaji, Shri
Mahaprabhuji.”
Shrinathji – is the Lord Krishna
Yamunaji – is the daughter of Divine Sun and queen
of Lord Krishna & flows in form of divine river
Yamuna.
Mahaprabhuji – is another name of Shri
Vallabhacharyaji who was not only a Saint, but also a
great Philosopher and founder of Pusthi Marg.
Shri Yamunaji
Shri Yamuna is the fourth element of Shrinathji. Shri Yamuna is
the daughter of Surya (Sun) and sister of Yam. She is symbol of
Mukti from the evils of Yam and light. Yamunaji is the “ISHT
DEVI” of Pushtimarg.
Yamuna’s another name(form) is Kalindi who is also the
daughter of Surya. Kalindi is the fourth patrani of Krishna.
Yamunaji however is not the wedded wife of krishna, but is
beloved of Shri Krishna.
Radha is the First beloved of Shri Krishna (Radha is the reverse
of Dhara). Dhara takes away the being from Lord Shiva due to
its TRIGUNATMA character. On the contrary Radha with the
strength of Bhakti and Samarpan makes atma meet parmatma.
Gopanga is also sacred beloved of Krishna.
Third beloved of Krishna is “ Ananya Purva ” a daughter of Rishi
who did Katyani Vrat.
Yamunaji had emerged from the heart of Surya Narayan and
landed at Mount Kalindi. She had flown on the earth for the
benefit of its disciples to have Bhakti Bhav.
Shri Yamunaji
Yamunaji is the melted form of Bhakti Rass liquified image. She has three
images
Adhi-Bhautik: The river that flows in Mathura,Vrindavan,Gokul, etc.
Adhyatmik:
The one that gives boon & washes away the sins of the
vaishnavas.
Adhi-Daivik: The real swaroop of Shri Yamunaji (One of the main
queens of Shri Thakorji)
Mythologically she carries garland of lotus in her hands for Lord Krishna.
Where there is Krishna there is Yamunaji. She is like Krishna. Krishna is
black as is Yamunaji. Krishna is king of kings. So Yamunaji is Queen of
Queens (Patrani). This is the belief of Pushti marg.
Yamuna is sister of “Niyamak” (Yam) who keeps account of human beings
good and bad deeds. He who takes water of Yamuna becomes the son of
Yamuna. How can the mother torture his child and hence he who takes
bath in Yamuna should not be afraid of Yam.
Yamuna is the giver of “Ashta Siddhi”.
Shri Yamunaji
Shri Yamunaji
SHREE YAMUNASHTAKAM
(Following are a few lines from Yamunasthakam)
Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda,
Murari Padpankaj Sfuradamand, Renootkatam,
Tatastha Nav Kanana, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa,
Suraa Sursu Poojitaha,
Smara Pituh Shri yambibhrateem
Bhuvam Bhuvana Pawaneem,
Adhigatamane Kashwanaihi,
Priyabhiriva Sevateam, Shuka Mayur Hansadibhihi,
Tarang Bhuj Kankana, Prakat muktikavaluka,
Nitambtat Sundareem, Namat Krushna Turya Priyam.
Shri Mahaprabhuji
Shri Vallabhacharya’s father was Lakshman Bhatt and Illamargaru was the
mother. Lakshman’s parents had performed ninty-five “Yagnas” and it was
informed to him by his “Guru” that the birth of an “Avtar” would take place
in his family after having completed hundred Yagnas.
With a view to visit the sacred places of North India, Lakshman Bhatt had
started from his village with his family members to reach Varansi. He found
the place with peace and during his stay in Varanasi, he had performed all
five Somayagnas.
Here he lived for some time but later, fearing disturbance and violence
owing to Muslim ruler called Bahulul Lodi he fled with his family by a certain
route which took him back to his native place.
On his way to the South, he halted at Champaranya, a forest area in Raipur
District i.e. in Madhya Pradesh. The terror and physical strain suffered by
her resulted in the birth of the child at Champaranya, two months
prematurely. Taking the child to be still-born for it showed no signs of life at
first, the parents sadly placed it under a tree wrapped in a piece of cloth and
proceeded to the village for rest.
At night they had a dream in which God himself appeared and informed that
he had been born as their child which they had thought as dead. Hence they
went to the spot and to their surprise they found the divine baby enveloped
by fire as its protecting spirit.The blessed mother extended her arms into
the fire and recieved the divine baby from the fire. The child was named
Vallabh. Later he was known as Vallabhacharya.
Shri MahaPrabhuji’s Childhood & Education
Lakshman Bhatt himself was a learned man and so he took keen
interest in his child’s education. He engaged the best tutors who
were well versed in their subjects. In his childhood Shri Vallabh
didn't play with toys like the ordinary children but liked to play
with idols of Shri Krishna or his father's books.
He completed the study of all the four vedas,the upanishads and
the six darshans(philosophies) at a tender of only five years.
He completed his education at Banaras.He defeated many learned
men at a very small age of only thirteen years.He decided to start
a parikrama of India when he was only eleven years old.
He completed three such parikramas during his lifetime.He used
to wear only a dhoti and a uparana and he always remained
barefoot during his life.
Shree Vallabhacharya used to meditate and talk to his followers in
a peacefull surrounding area. There are total eighty four
“Baithaks” all over India and they are still regarded with great
reverence by the Vaishnavs.
Shri Mahaprabhuji
Constrution of the temple at Jatipura and starting of
Sewa Pranalika by Shri Mahaprabhuji
Shri Vallabh came to the Giriraj parvat at Jatipura
during his parikrama.
Here Shri Govardhannathji (Krishna) ordered Shri
Vallabh to build a temple for him.Shriji had also given
a dream to a vaishnav (Shri Puranmal Kshatri)in
Punjab to come to Jatipura.
He came to Jatipura and he became a sevak
(devotee) of Shri Vallabh who later ordered him to
construct a temple for Shriji at Govardhan parvat.
In this temple Shri Vallabh started the sewa pranalika
which to this day is carried on by the vaishnavas of
Pushtimarg.And thus the beautiful Pushtimarg was
born.
Shri Mahaprabhuji’s Family
When he was in Pandharpur, Shri Vitobha told Vallabhacharya
to adopt (Gruhastha Dharma) i.e. to get married so that the
Pushti Marg could be propagated for generation after
generation.
Shree Vallabhacharya settled down in Varanasi and accepted
Mahalakshmi the daughter of a Brahmin called Madhu
Mangalam, in marriage after consulting his mother in S.Y.1560.
He had two sons. The elder was named Shri Gopinathji born in
the S.Y.1568 and the second son born in the S.Y.1572 whose
name was Shri Vithalnathji in reverence to Shri Vitobha of
Pandharpur, whose incarnation he was believed to be.
Shri Vallabhacharya being a great scholar had written
innumerable books and his commentaries on Srimad Bhagvata
Purana are considered the best.
Some interesting Varta prasangs
(incidents) about Mahaprabhuji
Once when Shri Vallabh went to Ujjain he stayed at the Ashram of
sage Sandipani.The ashram was situated at a very barren area,there
was not a single tree nearby.When Shri Vallabh was doing Sandhyavandan a leaf from a peepal tree fell infront of him. Shri Vallabh
inserted into the soil and poured some water and a miracle
happened,instantly a large green peepal tree sprung from the
ground! Shri Vallabh completed his Bhagvat parayan beneath this
tree.
Once when Shri Vallabh went to Bahulavan the local Vrajwasis
complained to him that the Muslim commander did now let them
worship the idol of the cow Bahula arguing that he would allow them
to worship it only if the stone idol ate grass. Shri Vallabh called the
Muslim commander and infornt of him kept a small bunch of grass
near the tail of the idol Bahula.To the astonishment of the
commander the idol turned it's neck and ate the bunch!!On seeing
this the commander apologised to Shri Vallabh and lifted the ban on
the worship of the idol.
Shri Mahaprabhuji’s last preachings
When Shri Vallabh was 52 years old, Lord Shriji ordered him to leave this world and come to
Him.Before this Shriji had come twice infront of Shri Vallabh with this demand but had returned
as Shri Vallabh insisted that some important work was still to be done.
The time Shri Vallabh gave respect to Shriji's wish and decided to do the Asur Vyamoha Leela
(leave this world).
He went to the Hanuman ghat in Varanasi and took a maun vrat for 17 days.At the completion
of this period he called both his sons and wrote a stotra of 31/2 shlokas known as the Shiksha
Shloki as the final message to them. He wrote a few words on sand; which were as
follows:-
“Listen to my last words. I forsee a time when you will forget God
and become engrossed in worldly matters. It is likely that you will
become slaves of your passions which will turn you away from the
path of Devotion. Instead of rendering service to God which is
your primary duty, you will fritter away your time and energy in
idle pursuits. But if you follow my advice, God will not forget you.
You should believe that Krishna is our God and never slacken your
faith in him and then he will surely protect you. You should regard
him as the be-all and end-all of your life. Your ultimate good lies
in serving him, which should be done with all your heart, mind and
soul. Trust in his protection. Remember him always in all
thoughts, words and deeds”.
Shri Krishna’s Message
As soon as he ended, Lord Krishna manifested himself visually on the spot and
wrote in the form of a verse completing Shri Vallabhacharya’s message and
counsel thus:“If you have faith in me, you will be under my care and protection and
will not suffer failure of any sort. Be free from sorrows and anxieties
concerning your future, for you are safe in my hands. Only you should
love me with the love of Gopis. If you do so then you will surely secure
liberation. That is the only mean of union with Me, by which you will
regain your original divine nature. Do not give your thoughts to worldly
matters. Be devoted to me and render service to “ME” by all the Means
at your disposal”.
Soon after this Shree Vallabhacharya rose from his seat and entered into the
waters of the Ganges singing to himself the song of the Gopis and the Yugala
Gita from the Bhagvata, Concentrating his mind on God’s form. And to a brilliant
flame in the form of God arose from the water and whisked him away in the
sight of thousands of men, women and children who had congregated there to
have his last Darshan.
This aspect gives him transcendental character to prove that he was not
“Prakrutic” (natural) person like us but divine. We also call him as Mahaprabhuji.
Hence Vaishnav’s consider Shri Krishna, Shree Yamunaji and Shree
Vallabhacharya on equal footings, for this simple reason that all the three are
inherently capable of emancipating the souls from the bondage of life and death.
PUSTI MARG SECT
The sect flourished under Mahaprabhuji’s second son Shri Vitthalnathji (popularly
called Shri Gosaiji), and soon adopted the graceful lifestyle of the 16th Century royal
courts of North India. The temple servants still serve the beloved prince of Vraj with
all the respect and deference due to a reigning monarch. The hoards of devotees who
come to the Haveli for a darshan, see the Lord as "Ladelelal", the endearingly
mischievous son of Yashoda.
Gosaiji and his decendents have kept the alive the spirit of the sect around India. The
current Tilakayat (the goswami in charge of looking after ShriNathji at Nathadwara)
is in direct line from Shri Gosaiji and along with about 150 other Goswamis, they look
after the welfare of the sect.
The main form of the Lord worshipped in Pushti Marg is that of Shri Govardhan
Dharan, the Lord lifting the Mount Govardhan to protect the denizens of Vraj. More
popularly, this form of the Lord is lovingly called "Shri Nathji" by the followers of
Shri Vallabhacharyaji.
Shri Gosaiji established seven separate Havelies for his seven sons in Gokul. The form
of baby Krshna (Navanit priyaji), whom he inherited from his father, was
permanently housed with Shri Nathji at mount Govardhan. Navanit Priyaji officiates
for Shri Nathji when ever the Lord is required to perform any rituals outside the
inner sanctum. All in all, Shri Gosaiji set up nine main forms of the Lord to be
worshipped by his disciples. These are commonly called "Nidhies" of the Lord. Nidhi
means an Ocean - these Lords are indeed the oceans of great honours and wealth for
those who have the great responsibility to look after them.
Basic Concept & some terms of Pushti Marg
According to the Shudhadvait philosophy of Maha-Prabhu Shri Vallabhacharyaji,
the entire universe is part and parcel of the Sachidanand - the eternally
omnipresent and blissful Lord. By this definition, the Lord and His creation are
one and the same. Hence, the "joy" and bliss associated with the Lord are ever
present in His creation. The only reason why we do not all "feel" or experience this
joy, bliss and completeness, is because we have forgotten our true nature - that of
being one with the universal Lord. As a result, we do not appreciate that we too are
a part of the eternal Venu-geeta of the Lord and we too are part of the "Rakhilam
Madhuram" that Shri Vallabhacharya sings about in the Madhurastakam.
Rudra Marg Because Shri Vallabh cried when he realized the pain and pleasure
of his separation from his beloved Lord Shri Krshna.
Pushti Marg Because the Lord is accessible only through His own grace. The
Lord cannot be attained by a given formula - He is attainable only if He wants to
be attained !
Shuddha-Advaita Pure Monism where there is no difference between the creator
and the created.
Bhrahmavada Brahman, the source and cause of all that is in the Universe, is the
universe. Purest form of monism anywhere, in any religion. Uniquely, this is the
only philosophy that states, categorically, that everything, absolutely everything, is
perfect just the way it is. Everything is imbibed with the sprite of the Lord and as
the Lord is eternally perfect, everything is perfect !
The Deity- Lord Shrinathji
Shri Nathji, literally the "Husband of the Goddess of Wealth", has
a magnificent mansion in the Rajasthani town of Nathadwara,
India.
Shri Nathji is the form of Lord Krishna when he lifted the
Govardhana Hill.
He is shown with his left hand raised and the right hand closed in
a fist and resting on his hip. His followers worship him both as
Shri Radhanath or the Lord of Radha and as the mischievous child
god Krishna.
The idol of Shri Nathji is made from a large black stone and has
several animals engraved on it – two cows, a snake, a lion, two
peacocks, a parrot by the god’s head, three seated sages, one on
the Lord’s left and the other two on his right and another snake
below the sages. They are evidently inhabitants of Mount
Goverdhan watching Shrinathji reverently.
A flower garland made of stone around the deity’s neck resembles
a black snake. The god wears a large diamond beneath his lips, a
gift from the Mughal emperor Akbar. The lord here is given much
respect: his clothes and jewellery are changed six times a day
between the prayer services.
MYHOLOGY
Vajranabha, the great grandson of Lord Krishna, first installed
Shri Nathji as a deity over 5,000 years ago.
The deity was then found by Madhavendra Puri around 500
years ago, lying neglected in some bushes next to the
Govardhana Hill in Vrindavan. Krishna had appeared to him in a
dream and asked him to install the deity of Shrinathji who had
been originally installed by Vajranabha.
Puri then established the idol in a temple on the same hill in
1519 AD. Later Madhavendra handed over the service of the
deity to Vitthalanathji, the son of Vallabhacharya (b. 1479).
Vitthalanathji took up the worship of the deity and since then it
has been carried forward by the followers of Vallabhacharya,
the Vaishnava spiritual guru.
Vallabhacharya (Mahaprahbhuji) once defeated a large group of
learned men at Vidyanagar and was amply rewarded with gold
coins by King Krishnadeva Raya.
The scholar gave away most of those coins and kept only seven.
Those seven coins were then made into an ornament for Shri
Nathji’s statue which is still around his neck.
HISTORY OF SHRINATHJI
Shri Nathji’s idol was brought to Rajasthan from Govardhana near
Vrindavan to protect it from the hands of the Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb who in 1665 was bent upon vandalizing the area of
Vrindavan by widespread destruction of Hindu temples.
When the Mughal army came to Govardhana, the devotees of the
Lord showed them the titles and gifts given to the temple by the
previous Mughal rulers.
The army commander then ordered the deity to be taken away
from Govardhana. For almost six months the statue stayed in Agra
after which the custodians of the idol of Shrinathji left that place
with the idol in search of a new heaven.
While several other princes were diffident, it was Maharana
Rajsingh of Mewar who dared to provide refuge. The idol went on
a journey to Mewar which took 32 months to complete.
The decision to settle the Lord here at Nathdwara involves an
interesting story. When the wheel of the chariot carrying the Lord
got stuck in the mud at a place called Sihar, the Rana saw it as a
divine sign that Lord Krishna wished to settle here. and thus a
temple was built at this spot and the holy township of Nathdwara
grew around the temple.
In 1672 Shrinathji was installed in a new temple built in village
Sihad, now called Nathdwara, on the banks of the Banas.
SHRINATHJI TEMPLE
The temple of Shri Nathji dating from 12th century BC is a simple
structure and is built like a house, but simultaneously has grace,
design and harmony.
It has been designed in the lines of the house of Krishna’s father,
Nanda Maharaj, in Vrindavan. The temple is thus also known as
Nanda Bhavan or Nandalaya (the house of Nanda Maharaj).
A kalasha (spire) tops it on which are seven flags alongwith the
weapon of Lord Vishnu, the sudarshan chakra (discus).
There is an interesting story regarding the deity of Shri Nathji
that forms the basis of a temple ritual. It is said that once the
Lord had torn his clothes while rushing back to the temple to be
on time for prayers. Since that day it has become a custom to
first blow the conch and then wait for a few minutes before
opening the altar doors so that the Lord can return from his
frolicking without any hurry and thus save himself from the
embarrassment that he had already faced once.
The management of the temple is under the main acharya or the
spiritual leader of the Vallabh Sampradaya, known as the
Tilakayata. The acharya is also known as Gosain Maharaj.
SHRINATHJI’s JHANKIS (DARSHANS)
Shrinathji during summer sleeps late at night and so rises late
in the morning similary in winter Shrinathji retires early at
night and so awakens early in the morning. In winter a Saghdi
with Coal is lit and placed near him in order to produce heat for
the divine child.
Early in the morning the VINA is played to awaken Shrinathji
and classical songs and music is sung during other Jhankis.
Shrinathji is royally dressed and fed the purest and richest of
foods.
Even the water he drinks comes from the sacred river Yamuna.
Shrinathji wears the best of the Dresses/Jewellery which is
very rarely repeated.
Normally there are eight Jhanki’s are eight Jhanki’s every day.
These eight Jhanki’s are for a short while because shrinathji
being a young child can be a Victim of evil eye (Nazar) and
moreover each Jhanki has a particular meaning and purpose.
The 8 Darshans or glimpses of Srinathji known as Ashtaya, are
Mangala, Shrungar, Gwal, Rajbhog, Uthhapan, Bhog, Sandhaya
Aarti and Shayan. In each of them the leelas (divine
manifestations) of the Lord are described and harmonized with
His daily routine.
The Attraction of Holy Cows
The temple has over 500 cows amongst
which one is honoured of being Shri
Nathji’s cow.
This cow comes from a lineage that has
served the Lord for ages and whose milk
is only for the deity to drink.
Milk from the other cows is used to make
various sweets.
Other Temple Attractions
Nathdwara has several other temples dedicated to
Madana Mohana and Naveet Priya, all located in the
main Shri Nathji temple complex.
Madana Mohana deity was gifted to the temple by the
wife of Maharana Fateh Singh of Udaipur.
Naveet Priya temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, or
one who is fond of butter (naveet means butter and
priya means lover).
The Banamali Temple is also a Krishna Temple and is
located to the right of the Shri Nathji Temple
The Vitthalnath Temple is right opposite the entrance
of the Shri Nathji Temple. The deity of this temple
was previously located at Gokula in Brajbhumi or the
land of the Braj.
19th century painting shows Shrinathji temple complex
Kettle Drum Gate: Musicians play and sing here to announce
that Shri Nathji is prepared to receive visitors to the temple
Govardhan Puja Courtyard: cows are invited for a feast
in this courtyard during the festival of Gopashtami
Suraj Pol (Sun Gate): pilgrims and visitors wait here
until the doors are opened; they then rush in to view
Shri Nathji
Doltibari: the room where viewers stand to see Shri Nathji
Shri Nathji's Shrine: Shri Nathji stands here to greet
his visitors
SHREENATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
Navanita Priyaji's Shrine: Navanita Priya means
"The Little Boy Who Loves Butter."
The small gilt image of a child with a ball of butter in his hand
has its own separate shrine at the Nathadwara temple
Moti Mahal (Pearl Palace): a priestly family, hereditary
caretakers of Shri Nathji and Navanita Priyaji, resides
in this palace
Festivals
The Festivals of Nathdwara are also quite unique in nature.
Annakuta Festival
The largest is known as Annakuta, which is simply a continuation of
the traditional worship of the Govardhana Hill as performed by the
people of Vrindavan. It takes place a day before the Diwali, another
Indian festival that is celebrated with much fervour and vigour. A hill
is made of 2,500kg of rice and is offered to the deity of Shri Nathji.
and then the temple gates are closed which are opened only in the
evening during the darshan (public viewing) of the Lord. The looting of
the prasada (mainly sweet offerings to a deity) of rice from the
annakuta (the rice hill) follows. Every single worshipper of the Lord
joins in the looting with much enthusiasm.
Rose Festival
The month of April hosts the Rose Festival and the end of summer
finds itself in the midst of the Rath Yatra. The deity is given a free ride
around the town on a silver chariot and an offering of 100,000
mangoes are also made to him. Jhulana Yatra or the swing festival is
celebrated here during June/July. Swings made of gold, silver, glass
and flowers with the deity in it are put on display. Children specially
find it fun to decorate the swing of the Lord. Janmashtami, celebrating
the birth of Lord Krishna, is again a major festival and is observed with
much fanfare.
Pichhwai Paintings
Other than its temples, Nathdwara is also famous for its
Pichhwai paintings, which are very similar in theme to the
thangka paintings of Ladakh and Tibet.
Local Brahmin artists produce fine and intricate paintings on
paper and cloth. Literally meaning ‘something at the back’,
these are large paintings on cloth portraying Shri Nathji in
various costumes and moods.
The Lord is also shown in the forests surrounded by cows and
gopinis (milkmaids). They depict the events and happenings
in the god’s life and are frequently changed to create
different moods depending on the occasion and ritual.
Ink blue clouds and dancing peacocks represent Lord Krishna
with his blue complexion while the cows symbolize the
devotees craving for their Lord.
The name pichhwai has been derived from the position of
the painting behind the image of the deity in Vaishnava
temples of the Pushti Marga sect devoted to the childgod
Krishna.
Pichhwai Paintings
The purpose of the pichhwai was to narrate the Krishna
stories for the uneducated, and the painted pichhwai of
Nathdwara has now become the main export of the town.
The paintings are devotional in theme and have their own
appeal for the Lord’s worshippers. The Nathdwara artists
have triumphed in the art of detailing, creating pichhwais
that are almost like a patchwork collection of miniatures.
The earlier paintings had used colours taken from crushed
vegetables, like indigo and mineral colours such as lapis
lazuli. However, commercial colours have now replaced
them.
Early pichhwais are rarely available as they are much in
demand from foreign tourists and are sold at exhorbitant
prices. These are miniature paintings and can be used as
cards as well. Most of these serve their purpose mainly as
low quality cheap, souvenirs.
PAINTINGS OF SHRINATHJI
(GET LOST IN ETERNAL WORLD)
GOKUL CHAND DARSHAN
GOKUL IDOL DARSHAN
DWARKA IDOL DARSHAN
MATHURA IDOL DARSHAN
VISHNU DARSHAN
MAHPRABHUJI & LORD KRISHNA
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI DARSHAN
SHRINATHJI, YAMUNAJI & MAHAPRABHUJI
JAI SHRINATHJI
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