Naaloran was still alive. Koorathazhwan folded his hands before the graceful Lord and told him in a shivering voice, “Naalooran, the minister should enjoy the same kind of bliss which I am enjoying now in your presence. I want no more than this, my Lord.”he said with tears..That was koorathazhwan a true vaishnava ..
Swami Ramanuja made Swami Engalazhwan a disciple of Thirukkurukaippiran Pillan. Swami Engalazhwan was also called Ammal Acharyar since he was the Acharya of Nadathur Ammal .
The Supreme Personality of Godhead , out of HIS causeless mercy appeared as Sri Krishna in Vraj bhoomi during Dwapara yugam to protect the good and destroy the evil. Sri Krishnavataaram is considered as the poornavataram amongst the innumerable avatarams taken by Mahavishnu.
Lord Krishna appeared as the eighth son to Devaki and Vasudevar but as per HIS instructions, Vasudevar carried the just born little child across Yamuna river and exchanged HIM with a just born girl child who was Yogamaya.
Sri Krishna was very affectionately brought up by HIS foster parents-Nand Maharaja and Mother Yashodha in Gokulam for the first few years and then later shifted to Vrindavan where the Lord lived with the gopis till the age of 10. Gokulam is known as AAyarpaadi.
Mother Yashoda is the most blessed devotee in the whole world as she had the opportunity to see all the pastimes of little Krishna. Kulasekhara Azhwar who is known for Rama bhakti, has dedicated 10 pasurams to Sri Krishna avataram in his devotional outpourings in “Perumal Thirumozhi”. Assuming the role of Devaki, he has lamented that he missed all those sweet pastimes of Krishna saying that Mother Yasodha and Nand bhabha were really fortunate.
Innumerable devotees like Vallabhacharyar, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, shat goswamis, Soordas, Pundalikan, Sakkubai, Namdev,Tukaram,Jayadev,Meerabai, Nammazhwar, Andal,Periazhwar,Kulasekhara azhwar , acharyars like Nathamuni, Nampillai, Prabhupad,Oothukudi — the list is endless-— have experienced the sweet pastimes of little Krishna who is bound only by unconditional love.
As mentioned earlier, Krishna lived in Gokulam,Nandgaon and Vrindavan upto HIS 10th age and later moved to Mathura and then to Dwaraka. In Vrindavan, Krishna used to go out with HIS friends to gaze calves and return in the evening. Azhwars and many devotees have beautifully described about these pastimes in their works.
Krishna playfully killed many demons sent by Kamsa like Putana , Sakatasuran, Dhenukasuran, Bakasuran, Agasuran,Vatasuran, Prahlambusuran, Vyomasuran etc.
Krishna chased Vyomasuran upto our present Rajasthan border around 40 to 50 kms from Barsaana near Vrindavan and finally killed him there. After killing Vyomasuran, Krishna and HIS friends were feeling were hungry and decided to have food packed by their mothers there itself.
The small hillock on which Krishna sat, transformed a part of it into a hollow round shape so that it could be used as thaali( plate ) by Krishna for having food. There are two such natural formations in the rock which were used by Krishna Balarama for partaking food. A local lady shared with us an incident regarding this which is shared below.
At the end of Treta Yuga, a king named Koblaas(not very sure about the name) who ruled Ayodhya was blessed with a daughter named Krishnavati whom he got her married and continued to keep his son-in-law with him.
As he was greedy in expanding his kingdom, he along with son-inlaw attacked the neighbouring kingdom known as Bhadravati and finally in the war , both the king and the son-inlaw lost their lives. Krishnavati started ruling the kingdom .
She was very detached and had no interest in material pursuits and was always engaged in meditation and used to strictly observe Ekadasi vrutham. On one such Ekadasi, when she was observing Ekadasi vratham on the banks of Sarayu, Lord Vishnu pleased with her prayers appeared before her and granted her a boon. She remembered her ancestor, Srirama redeeming Ahalya from her curse. Ahalya who was cursed to turn into a stone was redeemed by Sri Rama’s paada sparsham.
Krishnavati recollected this and opted to become a stone so that the same blessing would be conferred upon her by the Lord. Lord granted the boon but said that HE would fulfill it in HIS next avataram as Krishna. In this case, it was not a curse but a boon which she opted for.
Krishnavati appeared as Indrasena parvath, a small hillock in Kamyavan (presently in Rajasthan) and was waiting for the Lord . Inspired by Goverdhana giri’s fortune to have Krishna’s association, she continued to pray to the Lord to place HIS lotus feet on her and bless her.
Krishna, in order to answer her prayers, rested on this hillock after killing Vyomasuran. Krishna’s friends noticed that though they had brought all the bhog, they didn’t have a plate to offer it to Krishna.
A part of the stone transformed into two round hollow plates and Krishna partook the offerings made to HIM. Thus, her desire was fulfilled.
It is a normal practice for devotees to donate plates(thaalis) at this place and it is mentioned on the wall that donating gold and silver at this place is equal to performing ashwamedha sacrifice.
The lady pointed out to another stone mentioning another incident. AFter having food, Krishna and HIS friends played for a long time here. There is a stone ridge nearby. When a Kamadhenu(cow) wanted to serve Krishna with milk, Krishna left HIS friends and started sucking out milk from its udders.
When HIS friends came in search of HIM, Krishna had not swallowed the milk. The friends punched both HIS cheeks and the milk fell over the place. This is known as Ksheer sagar. There may be other versions to this but this was mentioned by that Brajbasi.
The lady shared other pastimes like Brahma mohana leela and Indra’s fury on Brajvasis .how the Lord protected them etc. adding that Krishna was very furious with Brahma than with Indra because Brahma attempted to separate Brajvasis from Krishna which Indra didn’t attempt to do.
Because of Indra’s act, all the gopis,cows etc. were together in Krishna’s presence.
The offerings which we had cooked were placed on the thalis and contemplating on the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna, we partook the prasadam after distributing to the assembled devotees.
All glories to brajwasis
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Jai Jai Ramakrishna Hari!” was the mantra practiced by Bhaktha Tukaram. This mantra made him scale to the highest spiritual speaks ever reached by any .He is the only person to leave to Srivaikunta with this material body ..
A true seeker of LORD will always respect the devotees of Lord . He never distinguishes about their birth and caste in seeking their association
A devotees glory can be seen with that deep knowledge and practices which takes them nearer to LORD .
It will be a boon serving such advanced devotees .
The most advanced devotee Nampaaduvaan sang in praise of Lord Thirukkurungudi Nambi at Thirukkurungudi temple .
He submitted the fruit of the punya earned by him to a brahmin turned BrahmaRakshasa SomaSharma and thus converted him back into a Brahmin.
The Uttana Ekadasi glorifies this divine pastime which happened few hundred years ago near a remote village Thirukurungudi which is briefed in the next few lines .
Of the Ekadasi marking the annual calendar, the interval between the Sayana and the utthana ekadasi represents the span of yoga nidra (cosmic slumber) of Lord Sriman Narayana .
This shukla paksha Ekadasi during the karthika month is celebrated as Uttana Ekadasi / kaisika ekadasi when Lord wakes up from his yoga nidra on this day after the chathurmasyam period .
Kaisika Ekadesi is a very important day for all Sri Vaishnavites . As per Elders ,even Vaikunta Ekadesi festival stands next to this glorious day .
Kaisika Ekadesi is celebrated during the Tamil month of Karthigai ( December ) which precedes Vaikunta Ekadesi.
The belief that those who undertake fast and recite / listen to the Kaisika Puraanam on the Kaisika Ekadesi day, are said to be fortunate devotees .
The word kaisikam means swaram .
This kaiSiki raga, is favorite to Lord as per the Srivaraha puranam. The divine message behind the auspicious day reverberates the fact that caste is not a hindrance in attaining LORD and true bhakthi alone is enough.
Lord varaha Perumal explains to Mother Sri Bhumidevi the greatness of those devotees who glorify him unconditionally without possessing any knowledge but just devotion and love towards HIM .
Lord assures that such a devotees even if they go to other planets , they would not think of the pleasures in such places and instead keep singing deeply moved in the mood of just glorifying HIM alone thus eventually they acquire HIM without any doubt.
This divine pastime happened in the beautiful Sri vaishnava divyadesam of Thirukurungudi where Lord appeared as vaduganambi the close disciple of JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanuja in a divine pastime appended below……
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/05/07/vaduga-nambi-the-dearest-disciple-of-swamy-ramanuja/
Once there lived a advanced devotee Nambaduvaan who was born in the fourth varna . ( Swamy Parasara bhattar aptly names this pious soul as nampaduvan since the purana does not speak about the devotees name .
May be Acharyar wanted an appropriate prefix to represent the great avatara purushas like Swamy Nammazhwar , swamy Nampillai , Swamy Nam Jeeyar )
He was a great devotee of Lord Kurungudi Nambi. Every night, he would walk several miles to the Thiru Kurungudi Nambi temple and with utmost devotion for hours together would stand before the Lord with his Veena and glorify the Lord with his ballads and before dawn, he would go back to his place, so no one noticed his presence at the temple.
This was his daily routine This almost happened for about ten years
Once during the month of Karthigai ( November- December ) month Nambaduvaan left to Lord Kurungudi nambi temple to observe his Ekadasi fast and glorify the LORD as done earlier.
As he was passing in the dark night through the village he was way laid by a Brahmarakshasa on the way to temple.
The Rakshasa was looking very fearful and demanded its share of food and threatened him .
Nambaduvaan was shocked. He pleaded with Brahmarakshasu that, he would return back soon after his austerity is done with the last darshan of Lord ThiruKurungudi Nambi.
The Rakshasa was not prepared to believe him . Nambaaduvan pleaded the Raakshasha to allow him to go to the temple for a night which may be his last , so he could sing praise of the Lord one last time and that he would come back in the morning for the Raakshasha to consume him.
The Raakshasha laughed out stating no one in this world would be foolish enough to let go a handy prey. Wanting to meet the Lord one last time, Nambaaduvan requested the Raakshasha several times.
Finally he submits with all humility that he will accrue the related sins mentioned below in case he ignores the promises .
Nambaaduvan now clearly makes those 18 such promises that night and states that if he fails even in one of those 18 promises, he will be a party to committing of all these 17 deadly sins.
The 18th promise of Nambaaduvan is the essence of the Kaisika Puraanam and the reason why Kaisika Ekadesi and Kaisika Puraanam are most important to a Sri Vaishnavite is revealed in this statement
Nambaaduvan says
“If one ever tries equating Lord Sriman Naarayana to anyone else in this world, I will be a party to that biggest sin And may I never get Moksham from this cycle of births”
This promise reinforces the belief that ….
Lord Naarayana is the one and only supreme force and is incomparable. …….
This bold statement by Nampaduvan instills faith in the rakshasa about his sincerity . The Rakshasa says Oh ! Nampaduvana !!!
None would dare to say this .
Anyway , I believe on you, and shall wait till you return.
Nambaduvaan glad that he was allowed , happily marches to Sri Kurungudi temple, observes his jAkratha vratham , glorifies LORD with his songs for the last time and thanks HIM for his mercy seva for almost 10 years .
The next day Nambaduvaan walks back to submit himself to the Brahmarakshasa as promised . Lord ThiruKurungudi Nambi out of abundant compassion comes before him dressed as an old man (Nambi kizhavan ) .
He asks him why is he was returning in such a hurry ? Nambaduvaan explains about the incident.
LORD advises Nambaduvaan to take another path to escape from the Brahmarakshasa . Nampaduvan tells him about the 18th promise and being a devotee of LORD he does not want to loose that identity in befooling the Rakshasa
The old man replies “It’s usual in this world to save one’s own life from an enemy, one can promise on various things, but it’s not necessary to fulfill all those vows”.
Nambaduvaan replies that he would stand on Dharma being LORDs devotee and accepts whatsever comes on the way instead of this diminishing life .
Lord Thirukurugur Nambi is pleased with his devotion and blesses Nambaduvaan.
Now as decided Nambaduvaan meets Brahmarakshasa as promised and submits himself to consume him.
The Brahmarakshasu is shocked with Nambaduvaan’s humility and requests Nambaduvaan to bestow the punya credited by his songs on LORD which he sang last evening .
Nambaaduvaan states that his glorifying the LORD was not done with any motive. The Rakshasa pleads him to at least credit his punya he got from the songs he sung last night . Finally the Rakshasa falls at Nampaduvan’s feet pleading him . Later with further openness the Rakshasa reveals that previous birth he was a Brahmin vidwan Soma Sarma and used to conduct Yaagams ( Havans ) . Due to his arrogance of considering himself as the all knowing, he committed many sins including not completing a Yaagam.
Hence, he had to take the ugly form in this birth.
Hearing the pleas of the Brahmarakshasa, Nambaduvan again says that he never glorified LORD with any motive . But , still he shall pray LORD Thirukurungudi Nambhi to releive him from all his sins. LORD gives the merit of the last song and relieves Brahma Rakshasa of its sins.
This divine pastime strongly reiterates that true bhakthi is enough to attain Him and caste of a person is totally insignificant.
Kaisika Puranam, is a part of Sri Varaha Puraanam and comprises of several hundred slokas which glorify Lord Narayana as the ultimate supreme .
Thiru Kurungkudi is said to be the home to the Sri Vaishnava tradition of ‘Kaisika Ekadesi’ and Kaisika Natakam (drama) worship of the Lord through dance, music and drama is a special event at the Thiru Kurungudi Nambi temple .
On the Kaisika Ekadesi day an event that dates back several hundred years is enacted . There is a mandapam known as Kaisikga Mahatmyam mandapam where Perumal along with naachiyars, azhwars and acharyars give darshan.
Just ten days before this event , the temple servant who is all around in charge of the temple premises and another two persons belonging to devadasi vamsam take the blessings of Nambi perumal , undertake a (vow ) vratham, and are given coconut as prasadam. They stay in seclusion beside the sannidhi for 10 days, cook food offer it to Perumal and partake the prasadam for 10 days.
On ekadasi night, they once again take Perumal’s blessings, take the brahmarakshas’s mask which is kept behind Perumal and the person acting as brahmarakshas is adorned with the mask . The drama is enacted amidst the august gathering all through the night till the early hours next day.
Later in the evening, Lord gives darshan on Garudan.
At Srirangam , on this day Lord Namperumal is offered 365 new vastrams and later in the night, descendants of Sri Parasara bhattar read out kaisika puranam along with bhattars commentary. After this, purapadu of namperumal takes place .
Elders command that ” Even if one is born in a lower caste and still follows the Nine types of devotional service and surrenders to Lord unconditionally , He automatically gets liberated . He becomes a scholar by word and deed because of Lord’s mercy on him.
Consuming the devotees Sripada Theertham is a great blessing and serving him is most pleasing to LORD . Many incidents appended below reveal this important lesson for a devotee to progress in spiritual world.
The great devotee Guha was accepted by Lord Rama as his own brother . Lord Krishna preferred to stay with Vidhura to anyother when He came as a messenger to meet the kauravas .Though he had many friends and Elders he preferred Vidhura . Hence status is no criteria to decide one’s BhagavadSambandham.
Lord Rama left Ayodhya the land of the learned scholars to join with the innocent monkeys and embrace Hanumanji lovingly and accepted Sugriva and Vibhishana as His Brothers. The sacred funeral of Vidhurar was done by Dharma putra, Jatayu by Lord Rama and Maraneri nambi by Periya nambi .
In the Rajasooya yaga the Agrapooja was done to a gopala by name – Krishna. At Thirupuliyur, the Priests performed Agrapooja to Thirumazhisai Aazhwar who was brought up by a woodcutter. Kurumbarutha Nambi was a great devotee at Thirumala(Pushpa Mandapam) was worshipped and reverred by a great king and Kshatriya Thondaiman Chakravarthy.
JagathAcharyar Swamy Ramanujacharya learnt from Sri Thiru Kachhi nambi who alone was able to talk to Lord Varadar at Kanchi. At Srirangam the temple priest Lokasaranga carried Thirupannazhwar on his shoulders into the temple sanctorum
During Thiruvaradhanam, Swamy Ramanujar used to hold the hands of Sripillai Urangavilli Dasar as Kayasuddhi. After Thiruvaradhanam, Sri Nampillai used to receive Prasadam from Pillai Eru Thiruvudaiya Dasar.
During Graha Pravesha, Sri Vadakku thiruveedi Pillai asked Sri Pillai Ramanuja Dasar to enter His house first
Our Poorvacharyars have written commentary on Vishnu Puranam and Kaisika Puranam only. Vishnu puranam by Engalzwan and Kaisika Puranam by Swamy Parasara bhattar.
Swamy Paraasara Bhattar had presented a wonderful commentary for the entire Kaisika Puraanam .
This Divya Desam is located about 30 kms South East of Tirunelveli and near Nanguneri .
One can have darisanam of all the Five temples of Nambi Perumal.
All glories to the devotees who are attending the great festival at this Holy place on November 30th , 2017 .
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics credits : Google images
video credits : Advanced devotees who attended this seva.
Azhwar further says that For a true devotee of Lord Krishna …. all is Lord Krishna the Food – eaten to satisfy the appetite, water drunk to quench the thirst, the betel leaves consumed after the food, are all Lord Krishna . Chanting HIS holy name, speaking of HIS qualities, and thinking of HIM , HIS devotee will feel the hunger and the thirst and all other needs satisfied. They will not eat any other food since KRISHNA CONSCIOUSNESS is enough food for them and always remain in that bliss forever ……
The Puranas states that out of many thousands of gopis, sixteen thousand are predominant and among them 108 gopis are very close , eight are still more prominent . Radharani and Candravalli are very prominent and Srimathi Radharani is the most prominent. Because Radharani possesses all the charm and sweetness to attract Lord Krishna .
Introduction about the Ashta sakhis is appended in the below linked post
The Eight Gopis who are the foremost, dearest and most beloved friends of Shri Shri Radharani are glorified as Asta-sakhis Gopis . Their names are Lalita, Visakha, Chitralekha, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
TUNGAVIDYA SAKHI TEMPLE ROUTE
BARSANA—– CHIKSOLI(2KMS)—— DABARA(2 KMS)——RAKOLI(4 KMS)
One of the prominent ashta sakhis of Radharani, Tungavidya devi appeared on Bhadrapad maas Triyodasi thithi (after Radhastami) at Dabaara village about 4 kms from Barsana. Barsana is about 70 kms from Mathura. On that day, in this small village, Mattiphal mela takes place. Amidst singing and dancing, the abhishekam for the gopi is performed grandly. All the people from neighbouring villages assemble to take darshan of this gopika.
She was born to Paushkara and Medha . She was adept in all the branches of Vedic knowledge and was a celebrated musician . She used to please Radha -Krishna with her music while playing veena.
As per the temple priest, this place was earlier known as Naubhaari Chaubaari. RAdharani along with the eight sakhis totalling to nine(nau in hindi) used to play here. Hence,known as Naubhaari. Opposite to the temple, there is a small hillock known as Shyam Shila.
The temple priest, Shri.Gopidas (9760813132) informed that Little Krishna used to climb a small hillock opposite to the temple and play flute to call the gopis. A small temple for Ashtasakhi is constructed at this place as remembrance. The gopis along with Krishna used to play with dolls. Just in front of the sannidhi, we can find a room where the life size statues of gopis playing are displayed.
Once when a devotee was describing the beauty of Radharani (who is affectionately addressed as “Shriji”), Krishna was moved hearing the description and tears started rolling out of our chinni Krishna’s eyes. The priest used the word “Dabba dabba” to describe this . Hence, this place came to be known as Dabaara.
We performed kirtan for sometime in the mood of the gopa sevaks and then proceeded to our next destination Chiksoli for darshan of Chitrasakhi. (Earlier , when we visited Chitrasakhi temple, the dieties decoration was going on and hence we could not have darshan.)
Pl.note:- It is advisable to carry fruits,flowers ,sweets and offerings to all the ashta sakhi temples from Barsana itself as there are no shops near the temple.
Also, please ensure to carry one rupee coins for distribution to the local children who will surround us . they are not happy with big notes and are content with one rupee coin only.
Jai Sree Radhe shyaam
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Periya Perumal, Lord Ranganatha Himself, ordered through the archaka –‘let this slOka be recited at the beginning of all divya prabhanda recitations; just as a Vedic recital begins and ends with the sacred ‘Om’, so also all recitals of the tamil veda, the divya prabhandam, shall commence and end with ‘srI SailESa dayA pAtram’.
Few hundred years ago Gangaikonda Chozhapuram a place in Tamil Nadu , was ruled by the Cholas who were active patrons of the arts , poetry, drama, music and dance . The Chola kingdom grew into an extensive and well-knit empire, efficiently organized and administered by the King .
One fine day two courtesans from other kingdom came to meet the King for his generosity in encouraging their talents . One of them could sing according to a pattern called deva‐gana (celestial mode) and the other could sing in the normal method manushya gana (human mode). Each thought their music was the best and excelled the other. Their objective of having an audience with the King was to settle the dispute between them as the King was well versed in those forms of art .
The king summoned his royal artists and ordered the council to meet, for them to perform . In the process , the council of royal artists agreed that the courtesan who sung with manushya gana was better than the deva gana . Thus the dispute was decided in favor of the manushya gana . Rich presents was bestowed on that performer with all the honours while the other was considered to have failed.
The lady of the deva‐gana thought thus “My method of singing, cannot be appreciated by normal humans and hence I shall submit the same to the Devas (celestial beings)” in all the temples . So with deep concern , she went to the temples from one Holy Shrine to another displaying her art to the deity and seeking their blessings
In due course she reached Viranarayanapuram a place near to Kattumannar koil . She went to the Shrine of Lord Veeranarayana Perumal and sang her song among the opulence audience of our great Sage Nathamuni the torch bearer of Srivaishnavam . Nathamuni was pleased with her recitation and as a mark of his appreciation blessed her with the tirtha and prasada of Perumal and encouraged her with blessings .
The lady thanked Swami Nathamuni for his patience and accepting her song and blessing on her . Overjoyed , she then went to king Chola and said Oh Highness !! Atlast “there is one soul, at least in your kingdom , who can understand the inner truth of my devaganam . Swamy Nathamuni, who is the blessed devotee of Lord Mannanar at Viranarayanapuram is the reason for your country’s prosperity .
The king was curious to know about the sage . He sent his messengers to Swamy Nathamuni, begging him to visit his royal palace . Swamy Nathamuni , on receiving the invitation, thought “We have set the blessed Divya Prabhandhas to exquisite music. Let us visit the king’s court, and take this opportunity of making these holy hymns known to the world. Thus he went to the king’s court taking it as Lord’s command .
On his arrival, the king rose and welcomed the Sage with every mark of honor, and offered him a suitable seat. Whereon the Sage blessed the king, and inquired as to his object in inviting him. The king submitted “Holy sage can you distinguish between the two patterns of ragas sung by these courtesans ? Can we be enlightened about this inner secret ?
Swamy Nathamuni requested that the performance be given once again before the audience . When this was done, he addressed the king and said “You all have ears to receive the flow of the manushya‐gana only. The other one can be understood by the Devas only .
“But”, the king respectfully asked, how can we be made to hear it? There upon Swamy Nathamuni directed that the 400 kinds of tala (rhythm) be marked, and explained to the king the rate of each. The king understood from this explanation the harmonical progression and symphony in which this is composed to the deva‐gana music, which produced in him a bliss never experienced before .
A small demonstration was also shown among the elated arts lovers .A pair of cymbals was placed near a consecrated post while the deva‐ gana was sung. Over a period of time , it was found that the post began to melt. The singing was stopped , and when an attempt was made to lift the cymbals, they stuck to the post and when the music was once again played they came off. It is said that Nathamuni directed a number of bronze cymbals of different weights to be sounded together and forthwith described correctly their different weights from a perception of the acute differences in the pitches of the notes. The king went into raptures over this, and falling at the feet of the Sage proposed to reward him abundantly.
But the Sage, to whom even the offer of Lordship over worlds was no temptation, politely declined the presents offered and blessing the king, returned to Viranarayanapuram. Thus with this incident the King became a disciple of Swamy Nathamuni and spent his time at Kattumannar learning the esoteric truths regularly .
Swamy Nathamuni set the 4000 Divya prabhandam to tune and music and taught to his dear disciples Melai agatthazhwAn and Keezhai agatthazhwAn (his nephews) and propagated the divine nectar in various divya desams. Nathamuni re arranged 4000 into four parts and introduced the same as part of recitation in Divya Desams, as part of worship.
Once , the King got down along with his wives to Viranarayanapuram temple . Looking at the Royal couple in such great ornaments, crown, and silk cloth, Nathamuni for a moment lost himself and thought Lord Krishna with His devis have come from Dwarakai. He fell at the feet of the king to prostrate. The king was shocked and immediately sprung to lift Nathamuni . The King realised the deep devotion of the Sage and submitted himself .
During another occasion, the king had just completed discussing with the Sage about Lordships and took Acharya’s permission to leave. He started walking towards the chariot. When he was about to board, (as usual, the king used to call the chariot driver on whose shoulder he used to set his foot to jump into the chariot), the driver was there for the king to jump in. After he jumped in, he saw below and it was Nathamuni’s shoulder. The king was shocked . He got down to apologize for his grave offence . He felt ashamed and said ! Swamin …. “What have I done! Stepped on your shoulders! I have committed a great apacharam!”
Nathamuni thought it was Lord Rama who had come by the chariot along with Sumanthrar. Hence, he offered his shoulders for Lord to step into the chariot. That was Nathamuni’s unalloyed devotion who was always in transcendental bliss always seeing LORDSHIPS everywhere .
One day Nathamuni was in Samadhi Yoga. The Chola king passed near Veeranarayanpura with his soldiers after a hunting exercise. The sage, interrupted in his meditations by the attendant bustle, opened his eyes and, construing the party to be the divine Lord Rama and his brother, on whom his thoughts were wholly bent in meditation, followed the track of the party and walked with weary steps till the very gates of the Chola capital Gangaikondapuram from Kattumannar Koil and went searching ..
Nathamuni already in that bliss imagined that Lord Rama with his brother Lakshmana and Mother Sita is have come to grace him .
He fainted at a place in a divine bliss and reached Lord’s abode on an Ekadasi day.
More details about this great saint can be seen in the appended linked post below
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/01/09/lakshmi-natha-samarambham-nathayamuna-madhyamam/
All glories to Swamy Nathamunigal
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Google images
Though Thiruputkuzhi at Kancheepuram is considered as Jatayu Mokshaa kshetram , as per Srimad Valmeekee Ramayanam , Taket near Nasik is considered as the holy place where Lord Rama met the great devotee Jatayu .
This Holy Dhaam is about 65 kms from Nasik on Igatpuri Road in Mumbai Highway road . Igatpuri is in Daudhra village, Maharashtra, which is about 45 kms from Nashik .A slight diversion from the Highway has to be taken to reach this village. This is the place where the devotee vulture, Jatayu Maharaj fought valiantly with the demon Ravana with the intention of rescuing Mother Sitadevi and gave his life at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Rama.
In this holy place , a replica of the vulture made from cotton is hung at the temple entrance . A priest recapitulated all the incidents – how Maharaj Jatayu fought valiantly with the demon Ravana, and left his body in the arms of Lord Sri Rama informing the whereabouts of Loka Matha Sita .
Lord Rama performed last rites of Jatayu here . He brought sacred water required for performing rites by shooting an arrow in the earth , all sacred rivers assembled in the kund in front of the temple except for Prayag who is separted at a distance from the pond. (It is said that he hit the arrow into the ground for water and the kund here is therefore called Sarva tirtha kund.)
The water level in Prayag pond always remains the same at all times., A tree under where Loka matha Sitadevi was observing the valiant fight between Jatayu and Ravana can be seen. Lord Rama consoles Jatayu who informs about Sitadevi’s abduction before breathing his last. Srirama blesses Jatayu by sending him to Paramapadam while Lakshmana looks on . Lord Rama performs the last rites to the bird devotee for 13 days. Even Dasaratha did not get this fortune as he could perform only Jala tharpanam at Chitakoot.
There is another Divyadesam which is connected to Jatayu. Thiruputkuzhi is located 12kms west of Kanchipuram . It is the most sought vaishnava divya desam of Sri Vijaya Raaghava Perumal temple as it relates to the episode of Jataayu Moksham in the Srimad Raamaayana.
A unique feature of this temple is Sri Vijaya Raaghava Perumal is seen in a sitting posture, having the bird (Jataayu) on his thigh. Not able to bear the grief caused by the final rites of the cremation of Jaatayu, Sri Devi Thaayar is said to have moved to the other side .
Lord Rama had got ready to perform the final obsequies on the banks of a pond (now known as Jatayu Pushkarini) when he realized that the Vedic ceremony needed the presence of his wife. He felt sad that he was helpless in the matter.
Immediately there arose a golden lotus in the tank with Bhuma Devi (Sita is considered to be a manifestation of Mother Earth) who helped fulfil Rama’s desire to complete the rituals. Hence we find Bhuma Devi in the sanctum. She is seated, with a lotus in hand.
On few festive occasions, Lord Vijaya Raaghavan goes on street processions mounted on his ‘Horse Vaahanam’ which looks like a real Horse, (with its jumping stride and movements). The devotee created this horse specifically for Lord Vijaya Raaghava was asked to make another horse. He refused to recreate his magic for anyone other than the Lord .
As a mark of blessing during Ashwa Vahaanam ( Horse ) Lord marches into the street where this devotee lived .
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
The Puranas states that out of many thousands of gopis, sixteen thousand are predominant and among them 108 gopis are very close , eight are still more prominent . Radharani and Candravalli are very prominent and Srimathi Radharani is the most prominent. Because Radharani possesses all the charm and sweetness to attract Lord Krishna .
Introduction about the Ashta sakhis is appended in the below linked post
The Eight Gopis who are the foremost, dearest and most beloved friends of Shri Shri Radharani are glorified as Asta-sakhis Gopis . Their names areLalita, Visakha, Chitralekha, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
The Astha-sakhis display the zenith of spiritual love for Radha and Krishna. No one can equal or exceed the love they bear for the Divine Couple. To increase the transcendental ecstasy of Radha and Krishna, the Parama-preshta Gopis show partiality; sometimes they favour Krishna, sometimes Radha. These Eight Gopis are the leaders of all the other gopis. Although these Varishtha Gopis are the leaders of millions of other gopis, because they are very greedy to earn Radha’s love , they always prefer to serve under the command of Radha and try to please her in every way possible. These gopi friends decorate their own dear friend Srimati Radharani and they take Radharani’s side whenever she has a lover’s quarrel with Lord Hari.
They please the Divine Couple by expertly singing, dancing and playing instrumental music. At the appropriate time they beg to be engaged in various appropriate services.
They serve palatable meals to the Divine Couple and afterward relish tasting the remnants left by Them. Their minds are pure and they are very expert and intelligent, so they serve Radha and Krsna very appropriately. Lalita-devi is the leader and controller of all these exalted and worshipable young gopis.
How to reach:-
Barsana—–Anjanak(5 kms)——Kamai(3 kms)——Karela (4kms)
Karela village which is the appearance place of Champakalatha sakhi is about 12 kms from Barsana(Varsana)
Champakalatha sakhi is the third among the varishta ashta sakhis. She is one day elder to RAdharani and her appearance day falls on Sapthami thithi in Bhadrapad maas (one day before Radhashtami). Her parents were Arama and Batika who were at Karela , a tiny village which is about 12 kms from Barsana and 3 kms from Kamai Vishakha sakhi’s temple.
Champakalatha was an expert cook .
As per the version of Brajvasis the divine sport Rasakreeda started at this place-Karela.
The priest pointed towards a photograph and shared an interesting incident .
Lord conceded to the request of Jamanda deva who was meditating on the transcendental pastime of Rasa kreeda-the divine dance performed by chinni Krishna with the gopikas at Vrindavan on Sharath Poornima.
The Lord appeared in his dream and said that his wish would be fulfilled. The Lord instructed him to assemble the few children of Braj and enact the Rasakreeda and assured that HE and Radharani would manifest in the children and presented two crowns to him to be adorned to the children depicting as Radha and Krishna.
As announced , Lord out of abundant mercy appeared in the villager’s dream and instructed them to send their children along with the sadhu. Next day, Jamand dev approached the brahmins to send their children and they obliged to his request immediately . Jamand dev brought the children to this temple and decorated them as Krishna, Radha and gopikas. As per Lord’s instructions, he adorned the children acting as Radha and Krishna with the crown.
The moment they were crowned , the children disappeared.The sage was perplexed and worried . He started contemplating on the Lord and prayed to him fervently. Lord appeared and showed him the children who were already performing the Rasa kreeda grandly.
The Sadhu was pleased and offered obesiances to LORD for the mercy .
The Lord commanded the brahmins of the village to spread HIS pastimes in other places too .
The brahmins started executing the Lord’s orders. In due course, they reached a place in Madhya Pradesh wherein the king of that territory asked them to perform Kalinga Narthanam on a real snake else they would be punished severely.
The perplexed brahmins shared the king’s orders with the children. The boy who was playing the role of Krishna advised the brahmins to accept the request without any hesitation . The entire episode of Kalinga Narthanam which took place during Krishnavataram was re-enacted before the arrogant King.
Lord Krishna HIMSELF took on the boy’s role and started dancing on the hoods of the snake and suddenly disappeared into the waters and there was no trace of the boy for nearly three hours .
The brahmins and the king who believed that it was a divine will were worried about the boy’s welfare. The king with fear submitted to LORD .He was worried that he had committed brahma hathi dosha(sin by killing a brahmin boy) and sought forgiveness at the lotus feet of Krishna. Krishna appeared on the banks of the river and everyone was glad to see the boy alive.
The king, who by now was repenting for his foolishness presented a 5 kg makut (crown) to be adorned to Krishna. This crown is kept in Mathura in safe custody.
As a part of our Piligrimage yatra recently , when we went to the temple, as part of the forthcoming celebrations, Srimad Bhagavata saptaham was being recited .
Jai Sri Radhey Shyaam
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Kurukshetra is 2 hour journey from New Delhi by Train and about 3½ hours by bus. Sridham Vrindavan to Kurukshetra is about 5-6 hour journey by train via Mathura-New Delhi route. Kurukshetra is the holy place where the great Mahabharata war took place. It is believed one who leaves his mortal coils at Kurukshetra, attains salvation.
The area extends for over 96 kms. In this place Kuru, the founder of Kuru dynasty , performed penance . Pleased with his devotion Lord blessed him with his desire that whoever leaves his mortals coils here in this place shall get rid of the cycle of births and deaths and attain moksham . Lord Krishna selected this place for the grand finale the Mahabharata war.
Kurukshetra is now a major centre of learning with many colleges and world famous Kurukshetra University. The whole yuddha bhoomi is now flooded with educational institutions.
This is the exact spot where Lord Sri Krishna spoke Bhagavad-Gita. There is a Banyan tree in this place under which Lord Krishna explained Bhagavad-Gita 5000 years back to Arjuna to his greatest friend and devotee. There is a board placed on the tree in which is written as The immortal banyan tree witness of the celestial song Bhagavad-Gita.This place is named as the Gitopadesh sthal – place where the Bhagavad-Gita was spoken.
The tree is full of birds and squirrels which adds to the mystic aura of the holy place which is eternally peaceful despite amidst coming and going of pilgrims throughout the day.The banyan tree under which Lord Krishna gave upadesam to Arjuna is still existing. We were told by the priest that since that day, the tree has neither grown nor withered.
It is remaining as it is. He said that they don’t even allow the leaves to fall down and hence the entire tree is covered with net
.
Surya Kund is one more historical place near Kurukshetra , not to be missed . A dip in Surya kund after an eclipse , especially solar eclipse is considered to be very sacred This place was prominent even before the grand war.
In Treta yugam, Lord Sri Rama visited this holy place . People perform Pithru Kaaryam at this place for its holy legacy .It was said that a dip in this tank after eclipses purified the soul. It was here that the great sage Parshurama had come to atone for killing the evil kings .
Lord Krishna along with His parents , Nanda Maharaja and Yasodha Devi used to visit this place to have holy dip in Suryakund after an eclipse.
Lord Krishna visited this place before Mahabharata war. He brought his parents to this holy place to have sacred dip .
During the solar eclipse , a massive congregation had gathered at the field of Kurukshetra to bathe in the holy kund .
Lord Krishna was leading the Yadavas. Dhritarashtra of Hastinapur was there with his sons the Kauravas and nephews the Pandavas. So were many other kings. Little did they know that soon they would be engaged in a do or die battle on this very field some years later.
Once during a total solar eclipse the cowherd community of Vrindavan arrived . This was the time when Lord Krishna met the gopis .
An incident that took place when Lord Krishna met Radharani for the last time is discussed during discourses . A priest described the happenings here which is reproduced .
When Lord Krishna’s parents, Vasudev and Devaki learnt of this they wanted to meet Nand Maharaj and Yashoda. They had never met Krishna’s foster parents and wanted to thank them for taking care of their darling son during the formative years. The meeting was a very emotional one.
Lord Krishna came face to face with Radharani and no words were said. No hands stretched to meet each other, no smile played upon lips and no eyes sparkled with delight.
Only a million thoughts flashed through each mind and a deluge of tears flowed from each pair of eyes. They stood staring at each other till all the thoughts were exhausted and the eyes were dry.
Though Krishna and Radha had been physically separated, they had been inseparable spiritually . Without saying anything they said everything and went their separate ways. They never saw each other again. The Priest was very emotional while describing the glory of the place and this pastime.
Ban Ganga is that place near Jyotishwar where Arjuna quenched Bhishma’s thirst –arrow pierced the ground and Ganges emerged
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics Courtesy : Google images uploaded be several devotees
The Skanda Purana states that out of many thousands of gopis, sixteen thousand are predominant and among them 108 gopis are very close , eight are still more prominent; o Radharani and Candravalli are very prominent and Srimathi Radharani is the most prominent. Because Radharani possesses all the charm and sweetness to attract Lord Krishna .
The Eight Gopis who are the foremost, dearest and most beloved friends of Shri Shri Radharani are glorified as Asta-sakhis Gopis . Their names areLalita, Visakha, Chitralekha, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
The Astha-sakhis display the zenith of spiritual love for Radha and Krishna. No one can equal or exceed the love they bear for the Divine Couple. To increase the transcendental ecstasy of Radha and Krishna, the Parama-preshta Gopis show partiality; sometimes they favour Krishna, sometimes Radha. These Eight Gopis are the leaders of all the other gopis. Although these Varishtha Gopis are the leaders of millions of other gopis, because they are very greedy to earn Radha’s love , they always prefer to serve under the command of Radha and try to please her in every way possible. These gopi friends decorate their own dear friend Srimati Radharani and they take Radharani’s side whenever she has a lover’s quarrel with Lord Hari.
The introduction details can be read from this appended post linked below
Indulekha is the sixth varishta gopi among the ashtasakhis who was always engaged in the transcendental services of Radha and Krishna. She appeared on dwadasi day after Radhastami to SAgara and Vela devi . There is a separate temple dedicated to her at Anjanauk which is about 5 kms from Barsana.
She was constantly engaged in the services of Srimati RAdharani and Sri Krishna, especially fanning the Lordships with chamaram. She belongs to the village of Anjnauk and her home is in Yavat.
The temple priest explained about an interesting incident related to this place. The ashta sakhis were dressing up RAdharani with the finest jewellery and flowers in an attractive way to please little Krishna but forgot to apply kajal (collyrium) for HER eyes. Little Krishna came much before the anticipated time . The priest pointed out to Anjan shila , a small black stone inside the temple saying that the shila offered to be of service to Radharani and produced kajal which was applied to RAdharani’s eyes thus enhancing HER beauty. Even today, when we rub our finger on the stone, we get kajal.
Jai Sree Radhey Shyaam
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
The Puranas states that out of many thousands of gopis, sixteen thousand are predominant and among them 108 gopis are very close , eight are still more prominent Radharani and Candravalli are very prominent and Srimathi Radharani is the most prominent. Because Radharani possesses all the charm and sweetness to attract Lord Krishna .
The Eight Gopis who are the foremost, dearest and most beloved friends of Shri Shri Radharani are glorified as Asta-sakhis Gopis . Their names are Lalita, Visakha, Chitralekha, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
The Astha-sakhis display the zenith of spiritual love for Radha and Krishna. No one can equal or exceed the love they bear for the Divine Couple.
To increase the transcendental ecstasy of Radha and Krishna, the Parama-preshta Gopis show partiality; sometimes they favour Krishna, sometimes Radha. These Eight Gopis are the leaders of all the other gopis.
Although these Varishtha Gopis are the leaders of millions of other gopis, because they are very greedy to earn Radha’s love , they always prefer to serve under the command of Radha and try to please her in every way possible. These gopi friends decorate their own dear friend Srimati Radharani and they take Radharani’s side whenever she has a lover’s quarrel with Lord Hari.
The introduction details can be read from this appended post linked below
LORD KRISHNA’S ASHTA SAKHI TEMPLES NEAR BARSAANA VRINDAVAN.. An Introduction
In most of the temples, in Braj bhoomi, we have darshan of Radharani and Lord Krishna being flanked by two sakhis, Lalitha and Visakha. Among them, Lalithasakhi is the leader and chief of all the Ashta sakhis.
She is the constant loyal companion and follower of Radharani and always takes HER side. Her only desire is to serve RAdha and Krishna always , and Lord KRishna who is bound by bhakti alone, keeps her beside HIM.
Lallitha sakhi temple, Ooncha gaon— preparations for abhishekam
She is elder to Radharani. But as per the prevailing custom, her appearance day is celebrated as “Lalitha Sashti” which occurs two days before Radhashtami. She appeared at a place called Karhela to Visokha and Sarada devi . Her parents later shifted to Ooncha gaon where there is a big temple dedicated to her. Ooncha gaon is 2 kms from Barsaana.
Route:- Barsana——Ooncha gaon(2kms)——Sunera(3 kms)——- Barsana
But as it was the appearance day of Lalitha sakhi, we were told that abhishekam would start at noon and hence we drove straight to Sunera which is 3 kms beyond Oonchagaon to have darshan of Sudevi and then returned to Ooncha gaon. Lalitha sakhi’s temple is situated on a small hillock. The big hall in front of the altar was already crowded with devotees who unmindful of the scorching heat were immersed in bhajans.
To have the feel of the transcendental bliss , devotees advise we should first have the grace of Lalitha sakhi, then Giri Goverdhan and River Yamuna. Lalitha sakhi is so merciful that she can read one’s mind longing for Krishna and voluntarily convince and compel Radharani and Krishna to grace the person and ensures that the fallen souls attain Lords’ lotus feet.
The great saint Srila Rupa Goswami, one of the shat-goswamis of Vrindavan sought refuge at Lalitha sakhi’s lotus feet to enjoy the Madhurya rasam of Radha and Krishna. The followers of Rupa Goswami, known as Rupanugas, first pray to Lalitha sakhi for her grace.
Lalitha sakhi is sharp witted and always immersed in the pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
Lalitaji appearance in the village of Karhala where Dadhi Daan (a ritual celebration of Sri Krishna’s appearance involving the throwing of dahi mixed with turmeric) takes place every year. Karhala is considered the navel of Braj.
Her appearance day is celebrated grandly. In fact, the appearance days of Radharani and ashta sakhis starts with Lalithaji’s appearance day only .
Our god-brother , H.G Shri.Rajagopalan ( Mouni baba) was kind to accompany us to all the intricate places in Braj bhoomi and offered all the paraphernalia required for Lalitha sakhi devi’s abhishekam . We had handed over all the abhishkeam articles in the morning itself…
The temple premises was jam packed. Despite the scorching heat, the assembled devotees were doing bhajan and few artistes were performing dance accompanied by songs in Braj language in front of the mandapam where the abhishekam ritual was to be held.
Myself and Sri.Rajagopalan were ushered inside and were allotted a place to sit on the dias and watch the abhishekam. It is a usual practice for everyone to observe fast by not even taking water and were so engrossed in Krishna bhakti and were chanting loudly “Radhey Radhey” .
This made me realise and recollect our poorvacharyars craving to be associated with Braj bhoomi. Parasara bhattar, the prominent Srivaishnava acharyar used to lament that he was not born in Braj bhoomi amidst these innocent gopis .
Bhoomidevi who appeared as Kodhai(Andal) in Srivilliputtur and was brought up by Periazhwar imagined HER to be one of the gopis of Vraj and did paavai nombu. Such is the greatness of Braj mandal.
Every inch vibrates with Krishna bhakti. One has to personally go there to have a feel of this.
Unlike South Indian tradition, these pujaris have a different way of performing abhishekam. It is usual practice in South Indian temples to place the dieties on the abhishekam table, offer shodasa upacharams, pour sanctified water, milk,curd,honey etc through conch and adorn the dieties with various garlands. We use sahasradhaara plate to gently give shower to the dieties amidst chanting of pancha sukhtam. But here, the custom is different.
At noon, Lalitha devi-the chief of ashta sakhis was brought to the mandapam and a silver vessel was placed on a table .
These pujaris who have herditary right assembled together and one of them held the diety above the vessel. A holed mud pot was held above Lalitha sakhi’s head and through it the remaining priests start pouring milk,curd, honey, juice, ghee, butter etc simultaneously.
All the people having hereditary rights were given a chance to pour these abhishekam items on her.
This ritual took place for about 10 to 15 minutes after which the curtains are drawn and the deity was taken inside for decoration.
Later chappan bhog is offered to the diety and distributed amongst the devotees.
Appended above are the video clips and pictures
Jai Jai Sree Radhey shyaam
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Braj Bhumi is the most sacred dham spread over 168 miles- 42 miles on each direction with Mathura as the center. The holy place comprises of Mathura, Goverdhan, Gokulam Barsana ,Vrindavan and the surrounding 12 forests. The Supreme Lord manifested Himself as Lord Krishna along with HIS attendants and enacted various pastimes 5000 years ago in Dwapara yugam which attracts millions of devotees to have darshan of this holy dhaam repeatedly .
Lord Krishnavataaram is the POORNA AVATARAM of Lord Maha Vishnu. Every inch in this place is sacred because of its association with Lord Krishna’s lotus feet (as He walked over all these places).
Anyone who visits this sacred place is bestowed with divine love . This is one of the seven mukthi tharum kshetrams , the rest being Ayodhya, Avatnti, Kasi,Kanchi, Puri, Dwarka. Also, Mathura is very dear to Lord Vishnu as it has Lord’s association in all the four yugams. Lord eternally resides in this place.
Braj Bhoomi, is spread over a area of around 5,000 square kilometers spanning Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, Bharatpur district in Rajasthan and Hodal Subdivision of Palwal Dist. of Haryana. On its northern fringe, Braj Bhoomi starts at a distance of around 115 KMs from the border of India’s capital New Delhi, along the National Highway 2.
From New Delhi , Vrindavan and Mathura, the popular townships of Braj are thre to four hours drive (145 Kms) on the Delhi-Agra National Highway .
Vrindavan and Mathura are at a distance of around 10 kilometers along the NH 2.
Out of the 108 Vaishnava divya desams (sacred shrines glorified by the 12 Azhwar saints of South India), Braj bhoomi comprises of 2 divya desams. They are Mathura (Vada Mathura in Tamil meaning Mathura of North) comprising of Mathura, Vrindavan and Goverdhan giri and Thiru aayarpaadi (Gokulam).
Naalayira Divyaprabhandham known as Dravida vedam comprises of the devotional outpourings of 12 Azhwars on the 108 divya desams. Mathura, Gokulam, Goverdhanam, Vrindavanam have been glorified by Azhwars,especially Periazhwar and Andal.
Among all the azhwars, Vishnu chittar(popularly known as Periazhwar) has experienced Krishna bhakti in Yashoda bhaavam(vatsalyam). Azhwar’s transcendental state and then the outporings is discussed in the below appended post linked below .
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/09/04/chinni-krishna-and-peria-azhwar/
Periazhwar Thirumozhi composed by Periazhwar is full of the nectarian bliss that azhwar enjoyed as Mother Yasodha.
Anyone who reads these pasurams will be captiviated by Krishna bhakti.
Kulasekhara Azhwar, Periazhwar have expressed beautifully about the pastimes of Lord Krishna with the gopikas and Andal has glorified him as the one who simply roams about telling lies ( madhuryabhavam) in Vrindavan.
Lord Krishna manifested his divine play in this land it is this playful nature which endears and establishes his reign over the hearts of those devoted to him throughout time and it is this which endears this land to his devotees. Krishna performed his “leelas” in 137 sacred forests and around 1000 Kunds (water bodies), on holy hills and on the banks of river Yamuna as per the legendary details .
Brajbhaktivilas mentions that over 137 transcendental dense forests on both flanks of Yamuna existed . More than 650 villages of Braj are associated with HIS various leelas. All this makes the entire region of Braj sacred for millions of Vaishnavites all over the world. Braj has a 5000 year old cultural heritage of unbroken continuity.
According to scholars every major forest in Braj corresponds to the various parts of Krishna’s body, hence the land is non-different from Krishna and walking about its sacred spaces is considered synonymous with being with Krishna. This is the feeling evinced throughout history by Krishna devotees and can and will be relished so long as these sites survive.
Lord Sri Krishna lived in Vrindavan upto HIS 10th year and later moved to Mathura to annihilate the demon Kamsa. After this episode , Lord stayed in Mathura and later shifted to Dwarka. Though Lord Krishna resided in Dwaraka by constructing a beautiful city in the sea and was served by 16,108 wives and innumerable assistants,
HIS HEART ALWAYS CRAVED FOR THE GOPIKAS AFFECTION IN VRINDAVAN. The Lord was physically present in Dwaraka but always resided permanently in the hearts of the Gopis and Gopikas of Vrindavan.
Of the 16,108 wives of Lord Krishna, eight are more prominent who are collectively known as Ashta mahishis.
They are Rukmini, Sathyabama, Jambhavati, Kalindhi, Mithravindha, Sathya, Badra and Lakshmana.
WE can have darshan of all these mahishis in Dwaraka which is also a divyadesam. In South India, Lord gives darshan as Srividya Rajagopalan along with Rukmini and Satyabhama at Mannargudi; with Rukmini at Thiruvellikeni; with Rukmini,Satyabhama,Jambavathi at Thiruthankaal which is also a divya desam.
Likewise, out of lakhs of gopis in Vrindavan, eight gopikas(Ashta sakhis) along with Radharani are very prominent. One can have THEIR darshan at ISKCON, Mayapur, ISKCON Tirupati, and in Vrindavan. RAdharani belongs to Barsana(Varsana) and the ashta sakhis serving the lordships appeared in the surrounding villages of Barsana. The villages and the distances are mentioned below .
Divine pastimes where Lord Krishna suffered from severe headache for which Sage Narada said that” applying dust from feet of devotees was the only remedy “reminds us of the deep love LORD has for HIS devotees . The wives of Krishna got perplexed and refrained from committing this grave sin (apacharam ) whereas the gopis hearing this news started dusting their feet and collected the dust in carts and sent it to Dwaraka as they couldn’t digest the fact that their Lord was suffering. Such was their bhakti.
Once ,during Solar eclipse, Lord KRishna decided to have holy bath at Surya Theertham in Kurukshetra and along with HIS entire retinue from Dwaraka went to Kurukshetra. On hearing this news, the gopis of Vrindavan also reached Kurukshetra to meet their life-breath-Krishna.
The wives of Krishna were very curious to know about the gopikas bhakti and approached Rohini, the step-mother of Krishna who was with Krishna during HIS childhood to share their pastimes. Rohini instructed Subhadra to stand guard at the entrance as Krishna would forget everything if HE remembered the sweet pastimes and shared everything with the wives of Krishna.
The Ashtamahishis of Lord Krishna were very excited to see the gopis and their faces lit up in reverence. The gopika bhakti cannot be described in words. All the queens were keen to know from them what was that trait which Lord Krishna was attracted to them.
Draupadi, an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna was also extremely happy to see the Gopis. People who had gathered were all extolling the greatness of Lord Krishna. Draupadi on seeing the queens eagerly enquired the reason for marrying Lord Krishna.
“Na vayam sadhvi samraajyam swaraajyam bhojam abyuthae”
The Ashta Bharyas/ Mahishis beautifully replied to Draupadi’s question that they married Lord Krishna for merely doing service to the Lord and not for acquiring any wealth or even liberation. They wanted to marry the Lord not to enjoy the status of being a spouse, but so that they may be treated like a broom (‘gruha maarjani’) so that there is a nimble chance that He may shower His grace by looking at them in the passing.
Their main purport in life was to do service to the Lord and they clearly mentioned that they learnt this purport only from the Gopis who are verily the personification of godliness.
The Gopis are verily the gurus for the all the devotees who seek Lord Krishna .
The gopikas once visited Dwaraka to meet Lord Krishna and while returning, being unable to bear the pangs of separation from Lord , jumped into a deep pit and gave up their material body and united with the Supreme Lord. The place where the gopis gave up their life is known as Gopi Talab near Dwaraka.
Krishna blessed them that they would change into chandan which would be applied by all HIS devotees who crave for HIM. This is known as “Gopi Chandan”.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead as Krishna used to dance in front of gopis just for taking some butter. Lord Krishna was bound by gopis affection which cannot be described in words. OUr poorvacharyars have lamented that they were unfortunate for not having taken birth in Braj bhoomi during Krishnavataram.
Suka brahmam ensured that while narrating Srimad Bhagavatam to King Parikshit who was cursed to die very soon not to take the gopis names because he would get lost in their bhakti and pastimes and would not be able to complete the Bhagavata Saptaham (Completing Bhagavatam in seven days). Such is the greatness of the gopika bhakti which cannot be extolled in mere words.
Puranas reveal that out of many thousands of gopis, sixteen thousand are predominant and among them 108 gopis are very close , eight are still more prominent . Radharani and Candravalli are very prominent and Srimathi Radharani is the most prominent. Because Radharani possesses all the charm and sweetness to attract Lord Krishna .
The Eight Gopis who are the foremost, dearest and most beloved friends of Shri Shri Radharani are glorified as Asta-sakhis Gopis .
Their names are Lalita, Visakha, Chitralekha, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
The Astha-sakhis display the zenith of spiritual love for Radha and Krishna. No one can equal or exceed the love they bear for the Divine Couple.
To increase the transcendental ecstasy of Radha and Krishna, the Parama-preshta Gopis show partiality; sometimes they favour Krishna, sometimes Radha.
These Eight Gopis are the leaders of all the other gopis. Although these Varishtha Gopis are the leaders of millions of other gopis, because they are very greedy to earn Radha’s love , they always prefer to serve under the command of Radha and try to please her in every way possible.
These gopi friends decorate their own dear friend Srimati Radharani and they take Radharani’s side whenever she has a lover’s quarrel with Lord Hari. They please the Divine Couple by expertly singing, dancing and playing instrumental music. At the appropriate time they beg to be engaged in various appropriate services.
They serve palatable meals to the Divine Couple and afterward relish tasting the remnants left by Them.
Their minds are pure and they are very expert and intelligent, so they serve Radha and Krsna very appropriately. Lalita-devi is the leader and controller of all these exalted and worshipable young gopis…
To understand the deep devotion of the brajwasees one has to really go and see this place for oneself .
The whole Brajbhoomi vibrates with the name “Radhey Radhey”. Radharani, the dearest gopi of Krishna is “personification of bhakti”.
To attain Krishna’s lotus feet, one must pray to RAdharani for HER divine intervention and grace. She alone is capable of uniting us with Lord Krishna.
Srimati Radharani, the personification of bhakti and the foremost dearest gopi of Lord Krishna appeared on a lotus in a pond at a place presently known as Rawal to Vrishabanu.
She was affectionately brought up by King Vrishabanu and Kirti Devi at Barsana . It may be recalled that in Kaliyugam, our Kodhai nachiyar(Andal) also appeared near a Tulasi plant and was brought up affectionately by Periazhwar.
Like Radharani, Kodhai was also immersed in Krishna bhakti and was enthralled by Gopika bhakti that SHE chose to be one of the gopis in Vrindavan .
Following the footsteps of the gopis who did Kaathyayeni nombu in Dhanur maasam, our Kodhai did Paavai nombu during Dhanur maasam(Dec-Jan) along with her friends for attaining Krishna.!! Finally, she was successful and the Lord married her. This happened in our present Kali yugam.
When Mother Yasodha along with child Krishna visited Vrishnabanu’s palace, little Krishna went to Radharani and touched her. Due to SriKrishna’s sparsham, the little girl opened her eyes and saw Krishna.
From that moment, they became inseparable . Radharani who was elder to Krishna used to be so caring and protective that even Mother Yashdha and Nand Maharaj wondered .
EVeryday Krishna used to come from Nandgaon for grazing cows and Radha other gopis used to come from Barsana to sell butter and milk.
Both of them would meet in the junction which is now known as Sanket.
At the same time, Vrishnabanu’s brother was blessed with a girl named Chandravalli at Rittora. Chandravali attained Krishna by her own means .
The gopis of Vrindavan formed two groups- one whose leader was RAdharani and the other group led by Chandravalli. Both the groups used to compete amongst themselves to be in Krishna’s association.
Radharani was always surrounded and served by her thousands of gopi-friends out of which eight of them are very prominent and are collectively known as Ashta sakhis. They are Lalitha , Vishaka, Tungadevi, Rangadevi, Indulekha, Chitralekha, Sudevi and Champakalatha. These sakhis appeared in different villages around Barsana.
Lalitha at Ucchagaon,
Visakha at Kamaai,
Champakalatha at Karela,
Tungavidya devi at Dabaara,
Rangadevi at Raakoli,
Sudevi at Sunera,
Chitradevi at Chiksoli,
Indulekha at Anjhanak.
These sakhis individually had many assistants under them for serving Radha Krishna. Few of them are elder to Radharani and others are younger to Radha.
The appearance days of all these sakhis coincide with RAdhastami- Radharani’s appearance day which is celebrated after Sri Krishna Janmashtami. Starting from Sashti thithi upto Pournami, the appearance days of these ashta sakhis are celebrated and Radharani’s appearance day celebrated on RAdhashtami.
The beautiful temple of Srimathi Radharani is located on a small hill in Barsana . There are four paths leading to the temple. Devotees have darshan of Sri Krishna and Radharani all through the day. On Radhashtami, ( Abhishekham ) thirumanjanam ( Abhishekam ) is performed to deity of Radharani which had appeared under a tree near the temple some 200 years ago .
Lord Krishna stayed in Vrindavan till HE attained 10 years of age . The exchange of love between our chinni Krishna and gopikas is transcendental and great sages swoon when they remember the rasa kreeda performed by Krishna with the gopis.
It may be noted that Krishnavataram took some 5200 years ago and due to passage of time, all the places related to the divine pastimes of Lord Krishna disappeared.
As per Gaudiya sampradaya ,it is told that just about 500 years ago, Krishna and Radha appeared as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Mayapur to revive the Madhurya bhakti .
When Mahaprabhu arrived in Braj bhoomi, he went into ecstasy and by the will of Providence, discovered all the places related to Lord Krishna. Before proceeding further, adiyen offers humble obeisances to Poojya Vedavyasar who composed Srimad Bhagavatham, Sri Sukarbrahman who expounded it to Parikshit Maharaj, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who discovered the transcendental places, the six Goswamis of Vrindavan who revived all those places .
Adiyen offers dandaavats to all other devotees like Krishna Premi Swamigal, ISKCON Goswamis , Sri Vallabha sampradaya bhaktas , Sri Nimbarka sampradaya devotees and all the great devotees for propagating the importance of these places. All these Ashtasakhi temples are around Barsana and can be covered within half a day or one day by car if we start early.
WE had hired a Tavera driven by Sri.Vishnu, a brajvasi who is familiar with all the places in Vrindavan. He may be contacted on 89583 97684. WE had engaged this vehicle 5 days picking up from Delhi airport and dropping us back at the airport after visiting the holy places in Barsana and Vrindavan. We visited the temples in the following manner:
Barsana to Chiksoli Chitrasakhi temple — 2 kms
Chiksoli to Dabara Tungadevi sakhi temple — 2 kms
Dabara to Rakoli RAngadevi sakhi temple — about 4 kms and return to Barsana.
Take another route from Barsana to visit Lalitha sakhi and Sudevi sakhi temples
Barsana to Oonchagaon Lalitha sakhi temple — 2 kms
Oonchagaon to Sunera Sudevi sakhi temple — 3 kms
and return to Barsana to take Delhi route to visit Indulekha, Vishaka and Champakalatha temples
Barsana to Anjanauk Indulekha sakhi temple– 5 kms
Anjanauk to Kamai Vishaka sakhi temple — 3kms
Kamai to Karela Champakalatha temple (Rajasthan route)– 4 kms
and return to Barsana.
The services rendered by these ashta sakhis as per Gaudiya Sampradayam differs with Nimbarka and Vallabhacharya sampradayas. We need to just realise that these sakhis rendered service to the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna and attained eternal bliss.
In all the temples, we find Radha and Krishna gracing the devotees at the centre, the sakhis who appeared at that place are seen on right side and another sakhi is on the left side.
Detailed travel experiences we had recently to all the Ashtasakhi temples are posted with separate headers for relishing the divine nectar….in the following url
CHITRA SAKHI
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/11/04/lord-krishnas-ashta-sakhi-chitra-sakhi/
TUNGAVIDYA SAKHI
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/11/17/lord-krishnas-ashtasakhis-of-radharani-tungavidya-sakhi/
SUDEVI SAKHI
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2016/05/10/sudevi-radha-krishnas-ashta-sakhi/
LALITHA SAKHI
https://kazhiyurvaradanblog.in/2015/11/09/lord-krishnas-ashta-sakhi-lalitha-sakhi/
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pictures credits : Google images
video credits : Saadaya..
Source: Thiruvarangathu AmudhanAr’s ” PRAPANNA GAYATHRI “
The three day festivities at Thirunangoor near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu , is celebrated since 140 years during November -December every year … Adiyen with tears submit to the divine will of Azhwar and Almighty who graced us to have this darishna bhagyam amongst several devotees .What else does a soul needs except HIS cool benovalent grace always to be among Haribhaktaas………..
Nadu nagaramum NAMO NARAYANA enru ..
Thats the final prayer LORD ..Adiyen seeks his mercy to be HIS always
The Puranas states that out of many thousands of gopis, sixteen thousand are predominant and among them 108 gopis are very close , eight are still more prominent .
Radharani and Candravalli are very prominent and Srimathi Radharani is the most prominent. Because Radharani possesses all the charm and sweetness to attract Lord Krishna .
Introduction about the Ashta sakhis is appended in the below linked post
The Eight Gopis who are the foremost, dearest and most beloved friends of Shri Shri Radharani are glorified as Asta-sakhis Gopis . Their names areLalita, Visakha, Chitralekha, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Rangadevi and Sudevi.
The Astha-sakhis display the zenith of spiritual love for Radha and Krishna. No one can equal or exceed the love they bear for the Divine Couple. To increase the transcendental ecstasy of Radha and Krishna, the Parama-preshta Gopis show partiality; sometimes they favour Krishna, sometimes Radha.
These Eight Gopis are the leaders of all the other gopis. Although these Varishtha Gopis are the leaders of millions of other gopis, because they are very greedy to earn Radha’s love , they always prefer to serve under the command of Radha and try to please her in every way possible. These gopi friends decorate their own dear friend Srimati Radharani and they take Radharani’s side whenever she has a lover’s quarrel with Lord Hari.
They please the Divine Couple by expertly singing, dancing and playing instrumental music. At the appropriate time they beg to be engaged in various appropriate services. They serve palatable meals to the Divine Couple and afterward relish tasting the remnants left by Them. Their minds are pure and they are very expert and intelligent, so they serve Radha and Krsna very appropriately. Lalita-devi is the leader and controller of all these exalted and worshipable young gopis.
To understand the deep devotion of the brajwasees one has to really go and see this place for oneself .Radharani was always surrounded and served by her thousands of gopi-friends out of which eight of them are very prominent and are collectively known as Ashta sakhis.
They are Lalitha , Vishaka, Tungadevi, Rangadevi, Indulekha, Chitralekha, Sudevi and Champakalatha. These sakhis appeared in different villages around Barsana.
Chitra sakhi-one of the prominent varishta ashtasakhis appeared on Bhadrapad maas shukla Dasami thithi- 2nd day from Radhashtami to Catura and CArvika(parents). She stayed at Chaksauli which is about 2 kms from Barsana RAdharani temple.
She was an expert cook and used to make delicious drinks for the pleasure of little Krishna and Radharani. She was expert in gardening . She used to pluck choicest flowers and make garland and hand it over to RAdharani for garlanding little Krishna. She was fond of peacocks and the peacocks used to move freely in her presence.
In the temple, we find RAdha-Krishna in the centre, on the right is Chitra sakhi and on the left side, we find Champakalatha sakhi.
The temple priest who belongs to Nimbarka sampradaya informed us that all the sakhis perform all types of sevas to please the Lordships .
There is a slight variation of the sevas in different sampradayas like Gaudiya,Nimbarka, Vallabh sampradaya. He said that as per Nimbark sampradaya , Chitrasakhi does jal-paan seva (Serving drinks) and Champakalatha who is seen on the left side of Radha Krishna does bhojan(food)seva.
Beautiful arrangements for the forthcoming appearance day on Dasami thithi was BEING done by the priest.
WE had the opportunity to offer sweets offered to Radharani at Barsana on Dasami day as part of Chappan Bhog to Chitra sakhi. OUr god brother ,Sri.Rajagopalan had arranged all articles for abhishekam (milk,curd,honey, ghee, flowers, dress etc.)
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics : Google images
Video : chinavilly
Chinni Krishna is worshipped at Guruvayur temple in Kerala for ages.
HE is the same LORD whom Vasudeva worshipped as per the puranas at Mathura. The holy town of Mathura has the presence of Lord Sri Hari always.
Chinni Krishna who graces us in Guruvayur was originally at Adikeshava temple before arriving to Guruvayur.
It is verily the Aradhanai performed to Chinni Krishna that Lord appeared to Vasudeva and Devaki. In other words, the Guruvayur Chinni Krishna bestowed us with Lord Sri Krishna , Srimad Bhagavatam and Narayaneeyam .
Vasudeva continued worshipping this LORD in Adikeshava temple along with chinni krishna . It was during Jarasandha adventure , the denizens of Mathura along with Lord Krishna vacated Mathura and settled in Dwaraka .
Vasudeva couldn’t part with Lord Adikeshava . Hence he took the Lordships along with him to Dwaraka and established a temple for his worship . When Lord Sri Krishna was about to depart from his earthly sojourn, he advised his dear friend Uddhava that Dwaraka would be submerged in the sea soon after his departure and instructed him to worship Lord Adikeshava ( Krishna). As per Krishna’s ordinance, Uddhava was worshipping the Lordships . That is verily the reason why the Lord in Guruvayur is a connoisseur of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Uddhava proceeded to Bhadrikashrama as Dwaraka was getting submerged in the sea waters . Guru and Vayu on a divine command carried the Lordships to Narayana Saras where ParamaShivan was residing and meditating in a temple. On seeing the Lordships , it is said that ParamaShivan moved out of the temple and shifted to a place called Mammiyoor.
So ParamaShivan gave his own place to Lord Krishna and that is verily where Guru and Vayu consecrated Krishna. Lord has bestowed HIS grace to several devotees and their life stories inspire us to seek HIS mercy to swim out from this mundane life .
Narayaneeyam, considered to be a magnum opus of the great devotee Sri Meppathur Narayanabhattathiri, is a masterly summary of Srimad Bhagavatam in 1034 sanskrit slokas of great poetic merit.
The great devotee Sri Narayana Bhattadri appeared in a Namboodri family in a place near Shoranoor four hundred years ago .
His Guru Achyuta Pisharodi was suffering from severe arthritis. The obedient disciple he was , could not see his Acharyar with the pain .
With humility , Narayana Bhattadri took upon himself the disease of his Guru as Guru Dakshina.
Bhattadri could not bear the chronic pain . He approached Ramanuja Ezhuthachhan another blessed devotee for a remedy .
Ezhuthachhan advised him to go to Guruvayoor and submit to the LORDSHIPS and glorify HIS divyaleelas .
Bhattadri who was in early thirties shifted to Guruvayoor and started his divine work and aptly named the epic Narayaneeyam.
Recollecting the divine leelas from the Srimad Bhagavatha Purana he composed the nectarine work .
With the chronic arthritis pain he used to walk up to the temple and in a day he would compose 10 verses .
The grand epic took the ardent devotee quiet some time .
As per the legend , the work was started during 1584 and almost took three years .
Though he did not mention any thing about his sickness and suffering in the first two chapters, the third chapter is essentially a plea by him to Lord of Guruvayur to cure hi, in one verse, he says that he may not be able to continue what he was doing.
From then on, in the last verse of every chapter, he mad e a plea to God to cure him.
The first 36 chapters dealt with various incarnations of Lord Vishnu, and chapters 37-88 deals exclusively with the story of Lord Krishna. Chapters 89-99 dealt with the extolling of Vishnu as a primeval God as well as several philosophical concepts. The last chapter is a mellifluous description of the lord from head to foot.
It was completed on 27-11-1587 as denoted by the last words of the great work, which also means, long life, health and happiness. People believe that when reciting the last Chapter Melpathur was able to see Lord Guruvayurappa before him and once he completed this chapter he got completely cured of his disease.
Bhattadri had an understanding with Lord Guruvayoorappan that unless and until HE nodded in ascent about his composed work recited, he would not go to the next verse.
Thus this work is what LORD himself has approved and that is why the greatness of the work.
The nectar “Narayaneeyam” comprises of 1034 verses in Sanskrit.
It is Bhagavata Saram.
Vishnu Sahasranamam was recited in presence of Lord Krishna by Bhishma lying on the bed of arrows and Narayaneeyam got LORD’s sanction .
The Holy epic ” Narayaneeyam” has detailed the descent of the Lord from Hamsa Avatar, Marichi, Brahma, Devas, Rishis Kapila, Koorma, Parasuramar along with the Poorna Avatarams Sri Rama and Sri Krishna.
The work can be read as poetry or recited as slokas or can be set to music.
It is believed that the Lord gave darshan to Bhattadri as Lord Narasimhan and Lord Venugopalan.
The Bala Leela of Sri Krishna infatuated him and his verse starting with “Kesha Pasha” is the most enticing sloka.
While describing Lord Narasimha avatar, he was so much in awe and wonder that after stating “Sthambe Kottayathi” he could not proceed further on this wonderful avatar. He proceeded to sing in praise of Lord Guruvayoorappan.
During the Vamana avatar, when Brahma, Sooryadeva , Kubera and others had gifted many things necessary for a Brahmachari mother Aditi not knowing what to give, finally gave him a Koupikam ( piece of cloth made of red cloth to HIM).
During the nirmalya seva even today Lord Guruvayoorappan gives darshan to HIS devotees in this piece of red cloth bereft of all HIS accessories. ( This divine pastime shall shared in a separate post soon )
While he was contemplating on Lord Krishna avatar, Bhattadri asks Guruvayoorappan ……..
Oh Lord !! “ Did you appear with Shanku, Chakram and Mahalakshmi on your Vakshasthala on a rainy day at midnight with your neelamegha shyamala complexion?” Oh Lord !!! When you gave darshan to Vasudevan and Devaki with your Sarva alankara was not the jail lighted because of the bright complexion of Mahalakshmi? …
The mood of Bhattadree takes us into the deep insights of a craving soul to have his divine company …
It is confirmed that after he completed Narayaneeyam, he got cured of his chronic arthritis.
Another contemporary of Bhattadri was one Poonthanam (author of Gnana Paana) in Manipravalam (Malayalam). He also hailed from Shoranoor. Poonthanam used to visit Guruvayoor on every Ekadasi and he watched Bhattadri writing about Guruvayoorappan.
He had also heard about the greatness of this great disciple . On one such occasion, Poonthanam with all humility approached Bhattadri with his work Gnana Paana to go through the same and offer his comments.
Bhattadri in his arrogance would not touch the work of Poonthanam as it was in Malayalam and not in Sanskrit.
Poonthanam dejected went back to Shoranoor. Next day when Bhattadri sat down to continue his Narayaneeyam, to his surprise he realized he could not do so.
He asked Guruvayoorappan the reason for the same.
The Lord replied
“You have insulted my devotee yesterday and unless you go ask Poonthanam for his pardon and read his work, you will not be able to continue your work!”
Lord continued “Language is no barrier to Bhakti”.
Bhattadri went to Poonthanam’s house and apologized for the offense .
In Kerala it is a practice to recite Narayaneeyam at a stretch in one day and the devotees get dressed as per the avatar that was being recited .
The Priest informed that the 28th Vrichikam is that glorious day when the nectarian “Narayaneeyam” was completed few hundred years ago and is celebrated at Guruvayoor Temple as “Narayaneeyam Day” and this year on Dec 13 th 2020 Discourses on Narayaneeyam is given by eminent scholars .
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
Pics credits : Google images and advanced devotees
video credits : Om shantih ,zeereddy
Adiyen Ramanuja dasan
