Wednesday, November 4, 2009

SHREE SARVOTTAM STOTRAM

 
1. Prakurta dharmaana shreyam prakurt nikhil dharm roopmiti
    Nigam prati pandhyam tachund saakruti staumi


2. Kalikaal tamashchan dhrasti tavadi dhushampi
    Sampratya vishyastasya mahatma yan samabhud bhuvi


3. Dayaya nij mahatmayam karishyan prakurt Hari
    Vadya yada tada syasyan pradurbhutam chaakara hi


4. Tadhukatmapi durbodhan subodhan sayadhyata tatha
    Tannamaash tottar shatan pravshyamkhilad hat.


5. Rishiragni kumarstu naamna chando jagatyasu
    Shri Krishnasyam Devta cha, bijan karurik Prabhu.


6. Viniyogo bhaktiyog pratibandh vinashane
    Krishnadhara mrataswad sidhiratra na sanshey


7. Anand Parmanand Shri Krishna swayam krapanidhi
    Devodwarprayatnatma smrutimatrar ti nashan


8. Shri Bhagvad guddaarth prakashan parayaan
    Saakaarbrahmavaadekstapko vedparag


9. Mayavad niraakarta sarva vadiniraaskruta
    Bhaktimargabaj maartand strishudradudratishum


10. Angikrutyev Gopishvallabhikrutmanav
      Angikruto samaryado mahakarruriko vibhu


11. Adaydhan dhaksh shrach mahodaarcharitravaan
      Prakurtanukrutit vyaj mohitasurmanush


12. Vaishvanro Vallabhbhay sadrupohitkrutastaama
      Janshikshakrutteh Krishna bhakti krannikhileshtadha


13. Sarvalakhshasampan Shri Krishna gyan-do Guru
      Svanan datundil Padmadalaayat vilochana


14. Kripadrag vrashti sanharst daasdaasipriya pati
      Roshdak paat sanploosht bhaktdweeta bhaktsevit


15. Sukhsevyo duraradhyo dhurlabbhandhri saroruha
      Ugrapratapo vaaksidu puritashesh sevak


16. Shri Bhagvatpiyush samudramathansham
      Tatsaarbhutraas stri bhavpuritvigraha


 17. Saananidhya matra dat shriKrishnaprema vimukh teed
      Raaslile kataatparia krupye tat kathaprad


18. Varihanubhave kaart sarva tayago padeshaka
      Bhaktyacharo padeshta cha karmamargpravartak


19. Yagado bhaktimargek saadhan tavopdeshak
      Purnanand purakaamo vaak patir vibudeshravar


20. Krishnanaam sahastrasya vaakta bhaktparayan
      Bhaktyacharop deshaart na na vaak nirupak


21. Swarthojjitaakhilpran priyastadrushveshteed
      Swadasarthkrutashesh saadhan sarvashaktidruka


22. Bhuvi bhaktipracharakkrute Svanveykrute pitah
      Savvansheystapitaasheshsavmahatmeya samyapah


 23. Pativratapati paarlaukikehidhaankrute
      Nigudherdheyo nenyabhakteshu gyapitasheya


24. Upasnadimargatimughadmohnivarak
      Bhaktimarge sarvamargveylakshaadyaanobutikrute


25. Prathaksharanmargopdeshta ShriKrishnahardvita
      Prtishannikunj-jastlilarassupurit


26. Tatkaathashipathchitasatdhvismrataanyo vrajpriya
      Priyavrajstiti pushtililakarta raha priya


27. Bhaktechapurak Sarvaagyaatlilotimohan
      Sarvaasakto bhaktmaatraskut patitpavan


28. Savyashogaansanharshthardeyyanmbhojvishtar
      Yash piyushlahriplavitaanyaras par


29. Lilamratrasaardhrardhrikrutakhil sharirbruteh
     Govardhanstitatyutsaahsatlilaprempurit


30. Yaagyabhokta yaagyakarta chaturvargvisharad
      Satyapratigyastrigudatito nayvisharad


31. Savkirtivardansatatva sutrabhashyapradarshak
      Mayavaad dhakya tulagni brahmavaadnirupak


32. Aprakurta khilakalpa bhushit sahajasmeet
      Trilokibhushan bhumibhagyan sahajsunder


33. Asheshbhaktsanpratarya charanbij rajodhan
      Ityanandnide proktan naamna mashtotaran shatam


34. Shradavishudbhudirya Pathatyanudinan jun
      attadekamna sidhimuktaan prapnotysanshayam


35. Tadprapto Vratha Mokshasatdapto Tadagataarthta
      Ataha Sarvotam Stotran japyan Krishnarasaarthibi


Iti ShriMadvallabhacharya Virchitam Shri Sarvottam Stotram Sampurnam

Friday, October 23, 2009

SHREE YAMUNAJI KE 41 PAD


1.   Priyasang rangbari kari kalole, sabanko sukhden, piyasadakkarat sen, chit me     tub parat chain, jab hi bole,  (repeat Priyasang).
       Atihi vikhiyaat, sab baat inke haat, naam lat krupakare atole, daraskari paraskari dhyaan hiya mein darey, sada brijnath in sadak dole.
       Atihi sukhkaran, dukh saban ke haran, ahee lino paran de jhakole aisi yamune jaan tum karo gungaan, rasik priyatam paye nag amole.


2.   Shyam sukhdham jahan naam inke, nishdhin pranpati aye hiya mein base, johi gaawhe sujus bhagya tinke.
Yehi jag mein saar, kahat barambaar, saban ke aadhar dhan nirdhan ke lat shriyamune naam, det abhay pad dhan, rasik pritam priya basju inke.

3.   Kahat shrutisaar nirdhar karike, in bina kaun aisi kare he sakhi, harat dukh dundh sukhkand barkhe.
Brahmasambandh jab hot ya jeev ko, tabhi inki buja baam farke, dorikari shorkar jaaye piyaso kahe, atihi anand manmeinju harke.
Naam nirmol nag le koho na sake, bhakt rakhat hiya haar karike, Rasik Pritamjuki jot japar kripa, sohi ShriYamunaji ko rup parkhe.

4.   Neinbar dekh aab banu tanya keli Piyaso kare bramar tabhi pare, shramjal bharat anand manya.
Chalat tedi hoy let Piyako mohi, in bina rahat nahin ek chinya, Rasik Pritam raas karat ShriYamuna paas, mano nirdhan ki he ju dhanya.

5.   Shyamsang Shyam bahe Shri Yamune surat shram bindute sindusi bahachali,    mano aatur ali     rahi na bavne.
      Koti kaamhi varo, rup nein niharo, Lal Giridharan sang karat ramne, harki Govind Prabhu nirkhi inki aur, mano navdhulhanni  aayi gavne.

6.   Shri Yamunasi naahi koi aur dhata  jo inkisharan jaat hain dorike, tahiko tihi chin kar sanatha.
Yehi gun ghan raskhan rasna ek, sahastra rasna  kiyon a dehi Vidhata, Govind Prabhu tan man dhan varne, sabhiko jivan  inhike ju haata.

7.   Shri Yamuna jas jagat mein joi gaave,  taake aadheen  bahe rahat he Pranpati, nein auroben mein ras ju chave.
Ved puran ki baat ye agam he premko bhedh koi na paveh, kahat Govind Shri Yamune ki ja par kripa, sohi Shri Vallabh kul sharan aave.

8.   Charanpankaj renu Shri Yamune ju deni kalyug jeev udharan karan, katat paap ab dhar peni.
Pranpati pransut aaye bhaktan heet, sakalsukhki tum ho ju shreni, Govind Prabhu bina rahat nahin ek chinu, atihi aatur chanchal ju nayni.

9.   Dhayke jaaye jo ShriYamuna teere taaki mahima ab kahanlag varniye, jaaye parsat adak prem neere.
Nish dina keli karat Manmohan Piyasadak bhaktanki hain ju bhire, Chitswami Giridharan ShriVithal, in bina nek nahin dharat dhire.

10.  Ja mukhte ShriYamuna yeh naame aawhe taapar kripa karat Shri Vallabh Prabhu, sohi ShriYamunaji ko bhedh pawhe.
Tan man dhan sab Lal Giridharan ko, deke charan chit lawhe, Chitswami Giridharan Shri Vithal, nein  prakat lila Dhikhave.

11.  Dhanya ShriYamune nidhi dhenhaari, karat gunghaan agyaan adh dur kari, jaye milvat Priya Pranpyari, 
Jin koi sandeh karo baat chit mein dharo, Pushtipat anusro sukh jo kaari, prem ke punj mein raasras kunj mein, taahi rakhat rasradakh bhaari.
ShriYamune auro Pranpati pran auro pransut, chahunjan jeev par daya vichari, Chitswami Giridharan Shri Vithal, preetke liye aab sadak dhari.

12.  Gun apaar mukh ek kahanlo kahiye tajo sadhan bhajo naam ShriYamunaji ko LalGiridharanvar tabhi peye.
Param Puneet  pritike riti saab janike dhran kar charan kamal ju grahiye, Chitswami Giridharan Shri Vithal, aisi nidhi chaad ab kahan ju jaaye.

13.  Chitmein ShriYamuna nishdhin jo rakho bhakt ke vash kripa karat hain sarvada, aiso ShriYamunaji ko hainju saakho.
Ja mukhte ShriYamune yeh naam aawhe, sadak kije ab jaye taake, Chaturbujdas ab kahat hain sabanso, taate ShriYamune-Yamune ju chakho.

14.  Pranpati viharat Shri Yamuna kule lubdh makarand ke bhramar jiyo bas baye, dekhi ravi uday mano kamal fule.
Karat gunjaar  murli ju le Savaro, sunat Brijvadu tan sudi tan sudhi ju bhule, Chaturbujdas ShriYamune premsindumein, LalGiridharanvar ab harki jule.

15.  Barambaar Shri Yamune gun ghaan kije. Yehi rasnate bhajo naam ras amrit, bhagya jaake hain sohiju pije.
Bhanutnaya daya atihi karunamaya, inki kar aas ab sadahi jije, Chaturbhujdas kahe sohi piya paas rahe, joi ShriYamunaji ke ras ju bhije.

16.  Het kari det ShriYamune vas kunje. Jahan nis vasar rasmein rasikvar, kahan lo barniye prem punje.
Thakit sarita neer, thakit Brij badu bhir, koi na dharat dhir murli sunije, Chaturbhujdas Yamune pankaj jani, madhupki ki nai chit lai gunje.

17.  Bhakt par kari kripa ShriYamune aisi. Chaadh nij dham vishram bhutal kiyo prakat lila dhikai ju taisi.
Param Parmart karat hain sabhanko, det adbhutrup aap jaisi, Nanddas yo jaani dhadkari charan gahe, ek rasna kaha kaho visheshi.

18.  Neh karan ShriYamune pratham aayi. Bhakt kechit ki vrati sab jaan ke, tahate atihi aathurju dhai.
Jaake man jaisi icha hati tahiki, taisi hi aaye sadh ju pujai, Nanddas Prabhu ta par rijhi rahe, joi Shriyamuneji ko jas ju gai.

19.  Taate ShriYamune Yamune ju gaavo. Shesh shahastra mukh nishdhin gaavat, paar nahin paavat taahi paavo.
Sakal sukh dhen haar taate karo uchaar, kahat ho barambaar jeen bhulavo, Nanddas ki aas Shri Yamune puran kari, taate dhari dhari chit laavo.

20.  Bhagya sobhagya ShriYamune ju dehi. Baat laukik tajo pushti Yamune bhajo, Lal Giridharan var tav milai.
Bhagvaddiye sang kar baat inki lahe, sada saanidhiye rahe keli mei. Nanddas japar kripa Shri Vallabh kare, taake ShriYamune sada bas ju hei.

21.  Naam mahima aiso jo jaano.
Maryadadhik kahe laukik sukh lahe pushti ko pushtipath nishchay ju mano.
Swati jal bund jab parathe jahi mein, taahi mein hot teso ju vaano, ShriYamune kripasindhu jaani, swati jal bahu maani, sur gud pur kahanlo bakhano.

22.  Bhakt ko sugam ShriYamune agam aure.
Prathi nahat ad jaat taake sakal, jam hu rahat taahi haat jore.
Anubhavi bina anubhav kahan jaanhi, jaaki piya nahin chit chore, prem ke sindhu ko maram jaanyo nahin, sur kahe kahan bhayo deh bore.

23.  Falfalit hoy falrup jaane.
Dekhihu na suni taahiki aapuni, kahu ki baat kohu kaise ju maane.
Taahi ke haat nirmol nag dijiye, johi neeke kari parkhi jaane sur kahe kurte dur basiyo sada, ShriYamunaji ko naam leeje ju chaane.

24.  ShriYamunepati das ke chin nyaare.
Bhagvadi ko bhagvad sang mili rahat hai, Jaake hiya basat pran pyaare.
Gud ShriYamune baat sohi aab jaanihi, jaake manmohan neintaare, sur sukh saar nirdhaar ve paavhi, jaake hoy ShriVallabh kripare.

25.  ShriYamune raskhaan ko shish naao, aisi mahima jaan bhakhtko sukhdaan, joi maango soi ju paao.
Patit paavan karan naam lino taran dhad kar gahi charan kahu a jaao, Kumbhandas LalGiridharan mukh nirkhat, yehi chaahat nahi palak laao.

26.  ShriYamune agnit guun ginay a jaai.
ShriYamune that renu te hot he navin tanu, inke sukh dhen ki kahan karo badai.
Bhakt maangat joi dhet tihi chinu, so aisi ko kare prad nibhai, Kumbhandas LalGiridharan mukh nirkhit, kaho kaise kari man agai.

27.  ShriYamune par tan man dhan pran vaaro.
Jaaki kirti vishad kaun aab kahi sake, taahi neinte na nekh taaro.
Charan kamal inke ju chintat raho, nishdhin naam mukhte uchaaro.
Kumbhandas kahe LalGirisharan mukh, inki kripa bhaiy  taab niharo.

28.  Bhakt ki icha puran ShriYamune ju karta.
Bhina maange hu dhet kahan lo kaho het, jaise kahu ko kohu hoy dharta.
ShriYamuna puleen raas Brij badu liye paas, mandh mandh haaskar manju harta,
Kumbhandas LalGiridharan  mukh nirkhit, yehi jiye lekhat ShriYamune ju bharta.

29.  Raas rassagar ShriYamune ju jaani.
Bahat dhara tan pratichin nutan, rakhat apne urmanju thani.
Bhakt ko sahe baar, dhet ju pranaadhar, atihi bolat madhur madhur baani.
Shri Vithal Giridharanvar bas kiye, kaun pe jaat mahima bakhani.

30.  Bhakt pratipaal janjaal taare.
Apne ras rang mein sang rakhat sada, sarvada joi ShriYamune naam uchaare.
Inki kripa aab kahan lag varniye, jaise rakhat janani putra vaare,
Shri Vithal Giridharan sadhak viharat, bhakt ko ek chin na bisare.

31.  Kaun pe jaat ShriYamune jo barni.
Sabhi ko man mohat mohan, so Piya ko man hai ju harni.
In bina ek chan rahat nahi jeevan dhan, brujchand man anand karni,
Shri Vithal Giridharan sang aay, bhaktke het avtaar dharni.

32.  ShriYamune ke naam le soi suhaagi.
Inke svarup ko sada chintan karat, kal na parat jaye leha laagi.
Pushtimarg maram atihi durlab karam, chhaad sagre param prempaagi,
ShriVithal Giridharan aisi nidhi, bhaktko det hain  bina maangi.

33.  ShriYamuna ke naam aab dhur bhaaje.
Jinke guun sunko LalGiridharnpiye, aaye sanmukh taake biraje.
Tihichinu kaaj taake sagre sare, jayeke milat Brag badhu samaje,
Krishnadasni kahe taahi aab kaun dhar, jaake upar ShriYamunesi gaaje.

34.  ShirYamunajiko naame tehi ju lehey, jaaki lagan laagi Nandlalso, sarvasav deke nikat rahe he.
Jinhi sugam jaani baat manmeinju maani, bina pahichani kaiseju peye,
Krishnadasni kahe ShriYamune naam naoka, bhakt bavsindhute yo hi tariye.

35.  ShriYamune tumsi ek ho jo tumhi.
Kari kripa daras nisvasar dijiye, tihare guungaan ko rahe uddhyam hi.
Tihare payete sakal nidhi paavhi, charan kamal chit bramar bram hi,
Krishnadasni kahe kaun yeh tap kiyo, tihare ding rahat hain lata dhrumhi.

36.  Aisi kripa kijiye lijiye naam.
Shri Yamune jag vandini guun a jaat kahu gini.
Jinke aisi dhani SundarShyam. Dhet sanyog ras aise piyu heju bas, sunat tiharo sujas pure sab kaam.
Krishnadasni kahe bhakt hitkarne ShriYamune  ekchin nahin kare vishram.

37.  ShriYamune ke saath aab firat hey Nath.
Bhakt ke manke manorath puran karat, kahalo kahiye inke ju gaath.
Vividh shingaar abhushan pehere, ang ang shobha barni na jaat, daas Parmanand paaye aab brujchand  rakhe apne sharan bahe ju jaat.

38.  ShriYamune ki aas aab karat hey das.
Man karam bachan kar jorike maangat nishdina rakhiye apneju paas.
Jahan Piye Rasikvar Rasikni Radhika, dhou jan sangmili karat hain raas,
Daas Paramanand paye aab brujchand, dekho sirane nein mandhaass.

39.  Shriyamune piyeko bas tum jo kine.
Premke fandke grahiju raakhe nikat, aise nirmol nag mol leene.
Tum jo pathavat tahan aab dhaavat sada, tihare rasrang mein rahat bhine,
Das Paramanand paye aab brujchand, param udhar ShriYamune ju daan dine.

40.  ShriYamune shukhkarni Pranpati ke.
Jine bulijaat piye tine sudi kardhet, kahalo kahiye inke ju hit ke.
Piyasang gaan kare umaangi jo ras bare, dhet taari kar let jhatke.
Das Paramanand paye aab brujchand, yehi janat sab premgati ke.

41.  Sharan pratipaal Gopal rati vardhini.
Dhet pati panth Priya kanth sanmukh karath, atul karunamayi Nath ang ardhini.
Dhin jan jaan raspunj kunjeshwari ramath rasraas Piye sang nis sardani, bhakti dhayak sakal bhavsindhu taarini karath vidvans jan akhil  adh mardini.
Rahat nandsunu tat nikat nis dhin sada, Gop Gopi  ramath ramath madhya ras kandni, Krishna taan varn, guun dharam
ShriKrishnake Krishnalilamayi Krishna sukh kandini.
Padamaja paye tu, sanghi murripo, sakal saamtharya baee paap ki khandni,
kripa ras pur Vaikunth pad ki seedi, jagat vikhiyat  shiv shesh shir mandni.
Paryopad kamal tar aur sab chhaad ke, dekh dug kar daya haasyamukh mandini,
Ubay kar jor Krishnadas vinti kare, karo aab kripa Kalind giri Nandni.
Ubay kar jor Krishnadas vinti kare, karo aab kripa Kalind giri Nandini.
Ubay karo jor Krishnadas vinti kare, karo aab kripa Kalind giri  Nandini.


Monday, October 12, 2009

ASHTAKSHARA MANTRA



The Ashtakshara Mantra or the 8 letter mantra,which is first given to the devotee who comes under Lord Shri Krishna, is no ordinary mantra. It has divine capabalities. The mantra says " Shri Krishnah Sharnam Mamah:" literally meaning "Shri Krishna is my shelter."

On superficial view, these words may sound like ordinary ones, but they are definitely not so. They contain the meaning of the Vedas in them.The one who is bestowed with this mantra by the Grace of God and the Guru should be considered extremly fortunate.The vedas are treated as the highest authority among the ancient Indian scriptures.The four vedas along with the Bhagwad-Gita, Bhramasutras, and Shrimad Bhagwatam, collectively indicate that "Shri Krishna alone is the ultimate reality or the innermost soul of the whole universe" , he is "Purna-Purshottam","Paramatma","Para-Brahma".

Through this mantra, one comes under the protection of Lord Krishna, the ultimate reality. Once Shri Krishna, accepts one as his dasa, one doesn't have to fear anything or anybody. Shri "Vitthalnathji", who is popularly known as "Gosainji" has this to say about the "Ashtakshara mantra". The one who remembers Shri Krishna is assured a place in "Vaikuntha" (adobe of Shri Krishna). (Vaikhuntam Tasya Mischitam) He further assures that Yama (deity of death) cannot even touch you if you always remember Him. All this because He loves His devotees very much.

This mantra is not a man made mantra, nor is it derived from any of the scriptures. Instead, it is a mantra which was taught to Shrimad Vallabhacharya by Shri "Govardhannathji". It is taught to those wanting an entry in Pushtimarg, in order to deviate them from worshiping any other deity apart from Shri Krishna , as no other deity has the qualities of Shri Krishna.The name Shri Krishna itself is capable of removing all sorts of worldly miseries.

The letter

"Shri" :
suggests fortunes . "Shree" means Lakshmi which also means luck or fortune.Therefore, one who recites this name also becomes fortunate just like Lakshmi.

The letter


"Kru":
destroys all the sins that are performed by us in our previous lives and the current one.


The letter

"Shna":
keeps at bay all the miseries that one experiences in the world.


The letter


"Sha":
saves one from having to take birth again and again in thousands of forms and suffer miseries.


The letter


"Ra":
enables one to experience and understand the heavenly form and heavenly deeds of the Lord.


The letter


"Nam":
makes one's devotion towards Shri Krishna strong.


The letter


"Ma":
initiates eternal love for Shri Krishna


The second letter


"Ma":
enables one to enjoy accompaniment of Shri Krishna till eternity and keeps one from undergoing the the circle of life forever.

According to Shri Gosainji, a person who chants this mantra loses his worldly attachments and develops heavenly bonds with Shri Krishna. He gains fortune and salvation. He also experiences eternal bliss. God alone becomes dear to him and he becomes dear to God. He has no fear of any kind of evil. The rough becomes smooth for him and the difficult becomes easy. The enemy becomes friend and no evil eye can affect him. He experiences no kind of pain or misery as in his heart resides Shri Krishna , who is "Eternel Bliss" Himself.
             Therfore, one should chant this "Ashtakshara Mantra" with complete Faith and Devotion. God will fulfill wishes of all without fail.

WHAT IS PUSHTIMARG?

Pushtimarg (The Path Of Grace) is one of the many sects in the Hindu religion. Pushtimarg was founded by Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. Shri Vallabhacharya is one of the five main Acharyas of the Hindu Religion . The other four being Shankaracharya, Shri Ramanujacharya, Shri Madhavacharya and Shri Nimbarkacharya. These acharyas have a very significant contribution towards the revival of the Bhakti movement and upbringing of the Hindu Religion.
Shri Vallabhacharya was born into a very noble and learned Brahmin family in South India in what is today called Andhra Pradesh. His ancestors had a very staunch religious background and included learned Brahmins like Shri Yagnanarayan Bhatt and Shri Ganapati Bhatt. They wrote several books on religion and devotion. Shri Vallabhacharya was the second son of Lakshman Bhatt and Yallammagaru. Their ancestors had performed several Soma-yagnas and Shri Lakshman Bhatt completed 100 Somyagnas. Shri Yagnanarayan was blessed by Lord Vishnu, that on completion of 100 Soma-yagnas, God himself would incarnate in his family.
Thus when 100 Soma-yagnas were complete, Lakshman Bhatt went to Kashi to accomplish his vow of feeding 1.25 lakhs Brahmins. He could not complete this task as there were political disturbances in Kashi. He took his pregnant wife Yallammagaru and on his way southwards he halted at a place called Champaranya. Where his wife gave birth to a still baby which they kept under a tree and proceeded ahead. On the same night Lakshman Bhatt heard a celestial voice ordering him to go back to the baby and pick it up as it was misunderstood to be a still born. That baby was no ordinary one, but by the grace of God, Shri Vallabh had taken birth through Yallammagaru’s womb. On reaching the spot where they had kept the baby, they found the baby encircled by a divine fire as a protecting spirit.
Shri Vallabh was a brilliant and extra-ordinary child. He finished studying all the Vedas and all the prominent scriptures at a very early age. At the age of 11 he started his all India pilgrimage. During this tour he came to Vijaynagar where he came to know about a sensational debate that was being conducted in the court of King Krishnadevraya. The debate was between the different Acharyas over the question whether God is dualistic or non-dualistic. Shri Vallabh entered the court and with his unopposed arguments proved that God is non-dualistic. The details of which can be known in a book named “Vallabh Digvijay”
During the second pilgrimage, Lord Krishna appeared in the form of Lord Shrinathji in front of him and ordered him to reestablish Pushti Marg and propagate the pushti kind of devotion among the chosen ones and bring them back to their original state in God’s own domain. i.e. Vaikuntha or Golok-dham . But the question in Shri Vallabh’s mind was that the divine souls in this world too are highly influenced by the materialistic world and their souls and body have lost the kind of purity that is needed for their reunion with the Supreme entity i.e.. Lord Krishna.
Lord Shrinathji assured him that with “BRAHAMASAMBANDHA“, whichever soul is admitted into the Pushti marg, all its worldly impurities will refrain from obstructing the soul’s relation with Himself and will be eligible to pursue His bhakti. That was the night of Prabodhini Ekadashi ( Four days before the new moon day) of the auspicious month of Shravana. Lord Shrinathji taught him the Brahamasambandha mantra and asked him to bring back the divine souls into his seva.


“Brahmsambandh” - The Formal Initiation into The Path Of Grace

The absolute and exclusive rights to grant “Brahmsambandh” in the path of grace, in order to transform an Ordinary “jeev”(soul) into a Pushti “Jeev” lie only with “Vallabhkul Goswami Balaks”(The word “Goswami” literally means-The protector of cows), who Vallabh Vaishnavas respectfully and lovingly refer to as: “Goswami”,”Bawa” or “Jeje”. They are the actual and direct descendants of Shreemad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhu. Goswamies are responsible for the “pushti”(literally means spiritual nourishment) of all the disciples initiated by them. Brahmsabandh is a process, where after fasting for one full day(consuming fruits and milk only) one is given the Krishna “Gadh Mantra” in front of a Deity “Swaroop” by a Vallabhkul Goswami after which “tulsi” leaves(Indian Basil) are offered to the lotus feet of the Lord. The “Adhikaar”(right) to perform daily “seva” comes only after one is initiated into Pushtimarg by means of formally granting Brahmsambandh by a Goswami Balak. Without brahmsambandh one does not hold the right to perform seva of a “Pusht” (alive) Deity “Swaroop”.

The Three Pillars of Pushtimarg

The three pillars of Pushtimarg are

1)Raag(Traditional Haveli Music),
2)Bhog(Pure Vegetarian Food Offerings excluding Onion,Garlic,Cabbage and Root Vegetables), and,
3)Vastra&Shringar(Dressing up the deity with beautiful clothes,headwear and jewellery adornments).

 
All the above three are included in the daily “seva”(ritual service) which all Pushtimarg following Vaishnavs offer their “Thakurji”(Personal Krishna Deity) and all have been traditionally prscribed by Goswami Shri Vitthalnathji also called Gusainji(Vallabhacharya’s younger son) almost five hundred years ago. The Music,Food and Adornment offerings vary daily according to the season, day and time of day; and this is the main reason why this path so colourful and alive compared to any other Vaishnav cult. Seva is the most important way to attain “Pushti” in Pushtimarg and has been prescribed by Mahaprabhuji Shri Vallabhacharyaji as the basic tenet; and all principles and tenets of Shuddhadvaita Vaishnavism stem out from there
Shri Vallabahcharya on the next day taught the same Mantra to his first disciple Shri Damodardas Harsani along with the principles of Pushtimarga. This was how Pushtimarga was established.

To understand Pushtibhakti better, let us now have an overview of its features :-

It is spontaneous, selfless & motiveless love for God. It is based on pure love for God. It is expressed only through service of God - “Seva”. It is love after realising God’s true nature. The knowledge gained is not a means of liberation. Liberation, is considered secondary to the enjoyment of God’s bliss. Its aim is God’s happiness. No caste, creed, color, sex or age becomes the criteria, the only criteria is God’s Grace. It does not know any boundaries, be it time, place or anything else. It does not require a devotee to give up a householder’s life. In fact, one can serve Him better, by being a householder. All the worldly desires are diverted towards God, they are then not required to be suppressed. World is not looked down upon but is treated as God’s creation and thus as real as God himself. Shri Krishna is the supreme God, all the other deities reside in his form. Therefore total faith is placed in Shri Krishna alone. In the state of liberation the entity of the devotee merges into God’s blissful form, but in Bhakti (especially Pushti bhakti) the devotee does not seek liberation but he enjoys God’s bliss by participating in it as a separate divine entity.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

SHREE GUSAINJI



Gusainji was the younger son of Vallabhacharya. His real name was Vitthalnath. He was born in 1516 at Charnat near Varanasi. Gusainji as Vithalnathji is mentioned in Hindu scriptures as follows: In Agni Purana, in a chapter titled "Bhavishiyotar" (Future Avatar (birth)), God himself professed that: "In future I will come as son of Shree Vallabh and I will be known as Shree Vithal." 

Gusainji led the sect Pushtimarg, the sect founded by his father after the latter's death. Based on the order of Shrinathji (Krishna's image currently residing in Nathadwara near Udaipur - Rajashtan - India), Gusainji included variation of Bhog (feasts & meals), Raag (music) and Shringaar (adorations) into the seva (day to day services) of Shrinathji .
 



SHREE GOKULCHANDRAMAJI



Swaroop Description:

Shree Gokulchandramaji is known as Lalit Tribhangi Lala. This swaroop is from Charan (feet) Kati (waist) and Greeva (neck) is Vraak (bent) and is only one foot tall in height. He is dark (Shyamvarna) in complex. His looks down and His eyes are full of grace. The Mukharvind (the face) is with that expression when one plays flute. The flute is held in both the hands, left leg rests on earth (Bhutal) and the right foot is above the earth. This swaroop is well known as humble and soft hearted

Swaroop Bhavna:

The dark complexion is depicted as king of shringar ras, (king of makeup and beauty). With His Tribhangi swaroop, Shree Gokulchandramaji entices Satvik (Pure, spiritual and honest), Rajas, (passionate type) and Tamus (Angry type) type of Vaishnavs.  He makes lovely renders with his flute and with that imbibes his follower with adhar ras (adhar=lips, ras=entertainment).  His left foot is on the earth, which depicts the firm foundation of Pushtimarg and by raising the right foot slightly, He is beckoning everyone to stay within social structure known as Mariyada. This right foot, although raised, the toe and fingers are rested on the earth, and this is sign to punster and is punitive in Mariyada bhava which is purview to Pushti Bhava.

Swaroop Lila:

During full moon (Sarad Purnima) in Vrandavan Shree Krishna did Maharaas (An epic dance that lasted for six months). During Maharaas Shree Krishna transformed Himself to a special form which was needed to activate and to vocal the need of this epic dance routine which was to enhance the vermilion the vertex of expectation of all the Gopis. This form was of Shree Gokulchandramaji. The form of Gokulchandramaji was so beautiful that even Cupid (Kamdev) had to bow to Him. In Maharaas all the Gopis desires and expectation were gracefully fulfilled by Shree Gokulchandramaji. So the swaroop leela is Raas Leela Swaroop.

The form (swaroop) of Shree Gokulchandramaji is described in Dasma (tenth) Skandh (Epic), Fal (Fruitful) Prakran (episode) and 32nd Adhiyay (32nd chapter)  in Shreemad Bhagwatji

Nikunj Sthan:

Nikunj Sthan (Sthan=place) is Mansi Ganga. (Mansi=Epistle of, creation from mental power and agility , Ganga= River Ganges).

Pragat Sthan:

Shree Gokulchandramaji was formed from River Yamna; Her banks known as Braham Ghat in Gokul.

Patotsava:

(Vraj-Shravan) Gujjar Ashadh Vad  4 was the date of First Paatosav. Paatosav is a ceremony where in Pushtimarg, vaishnavs and Vallabhkul celebrate inauguration or rather house warming in other words Temple warming celebration which depicts a deity is brought into the Temple. 

At the moment this swaroop is being served by Shree 108 Shree Goswami Shree Girdharlalji Maharaj.

Saturday, October 10, 2009

SHREE NAVNITPRIYAJI



 

Swaroop Description:
 
The Navnit Priyaji swaroop is gaur (fair) complexion. He has makhan (cream) in His right hand (Dakshin Hasta) and the left (Vaam Hasta) hand is rested on the floor. The Swaroop sits with the folded left leg. With eyes bow down, anjaan (mascara) in the eyes, "Nupur"  in the legs and "Kada" in His hands. A baby swaroop who walks or rather drags Himself on His knees. This swaroop depicts the age of six month. "Navnit" means fresh Makhan (cream) and "Priya" means one who loves. This swaroop loves makhan hence He was named Navnitpriyaji. For His bhakta he is known as "Niravaran". Niravaran means the one who does not have any clothes (vastra).

Swaroop Lila:
 
As Shree Svaminiji was of fair complexion, it was to fulfill her desire (Manorath) Navnit Priyaji  also created a fair complexion. To protect Himself from "Ashoor", the Evil eyes of wrong doers, He decorated His eyes with "Anjan, a black soot inserted as eye-liner. In Lila (daily heavenly games) is known as Bal-swaroop, that is a baby deity. This swaroop is famous for "Rangan-lila". Rangan means a baby that crawal on its knees or stomach. This swaroop is also seen to run after cows on His knees. This swaroop is also famous for Bal-lila (child hood games and pranks).

Nikunj Sthan: 

Nikunj Sthan (sthan=place) is Parasoli - Chandra Sarovar. (Chandra=moon, Sarovar= Lake).

Pragat Sthan:

Shree Navnitpriyaji appeared from Yamna River near Brahmand Ghaat in Gokul. 

Paatotsava:
 
(Vraj-Fagun) Gujjar Maha Vad 7 was the date of First Paatosav. Paatosav is a ceremony where in Pushtimarg, vaishnavs and Vallabhkul celebrates an  inauguration of  a deity in the temple, a celebration which denotes a deity is brought into the Temple for despotism for worship. 

Monday, October 5, 2009

Friday, October 2, 2009

MADHURASTAKAM




adharam madhuram vadanam madhuram
nayanam madhuram hasitam madhuram
hridayam madhuram gamanam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His lips are sweet, His face is sweet,
His eyes are sweet, His smile is sweet,
His loving heart is sweet, His gait (walk) is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


vachanam madhuram charitam madhuram
vasanam madhuram valitam madhuram
chalitam madhuram bhramitam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His words are sweet, His character is sweet,
His dress (garment) is sweet, His posture is sweet,
His movements are sweet, His wandering (roaming) is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


venur madhuro renur madhurah
panir madhurah padau madhurau
nrityam madhuram shakhyam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His flute-playing is sweet, His foot-dust is sweet,
His hands are sweet, His feet are sweet,
His dancing is sweet, His friendship is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


gitam madhuram pitam madhuram
bhuktam madhuram suptam madhuram
rupam madhuram tilakam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His song is sweet, His drinking is sweet,
His eating is sweet, His sleeping is sweet,
His beautiful form is sweet, His Tilaka (mark on the forehead) is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


karanam madhuram taranam madhuram
haranam madhuram ramanam madhuram
vamitam madhuram shamitam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His deeds (activities) are sweet, His conquest (liberating) is sweet,
His thieving (stealing) is sweet, His love-sports are sweet,
His oblations (offerings) are sweet, His countenance is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


gunja madhura mala madhura
yamuna madhura vici madhura
salilam madhuram kamalam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His gunja-berry necklace is sweet, His flower garland is sweet,
sweet is the Yamuna river, and sweet are her rippling waves,
her water is sweet, and sweet are the lotus flowers also,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


gopi madhura lila madhura
yuktam madhuram muktam madhuram
dhristam madhuram shistam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His gopis (cowherd girlfriends) are sweet, His pastimes (plays) are sweet,
His union (meeting him) is sweet, His deliverance (rescue) is sweet,
His sidelong glances are sweet, His courtesy (etiquette) is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


gopa madhura gavo madhura
yastir madhura shristhir madhura
dalitam madhuram phalitam madhuram
madhur-adipater akhilam madhuram


His gopas (cowherd boyfriends) are sweet, His cows are sweet,
His cane (herding-stick) is sweet, His creation is sweet,
His victory (trampling) is sweet, His accomplishment (fruition) is sweet,
Everything is completely sweet about the Lord of Sweetness.


                              || iti srimad vallabha-acarya viracitam madhurastakam sampurnam||

Friday, September 11, 2009

HISTORY AND SAWROOP OF SHREENATHJI


HISTORY OF SHREENATHJI

A beautiful story is related to the Prakatya (appearance) of Shri Nathji.About 550 years ago Shri Nathji appeared on the mount Govardhan in Jatipura village near Mathura.Shri Nathji's raised hand (left hand)appeared from mount Govardhan first,slowly after many years Shri Nathji's Mukharvind (face) was seen.Even before Shri Nathji's Mukharvind was seen the people of the surrounding areas began to worship him thinking that he was a deva (God) and they used to take milk to serve Shri Nathji.These peolpe served Shri Nathji's raised hand for 60 years.
Later Shri Nathji gave a vision to Shri Vallabh that He wanted to live in a temple.So Shri Vallabh came to Jatipura and had a temple constructed for Shri Nathji where he started the Pranalika (rules) of doing sewa and shringar.
But Shri Nathji did not wish to stay in Jatipura forever,so he produced a cause for doing so. A rumour spread in Vraj that Moghul emperor Aurangzeb,who was destroying Hindu temples, was coming to Jatipura.Hearing this the Goswami Balaks of that time decided to take Shri Nathji to Gujarat.In the year 1669 A.D.(Vik.Sam.1723) Shri Nathji started his journey to the south,for the state of Gujarat.The caravan took a route from the cities of Agra,Chaupasni(near Jodhpur),Kishangadh and came to Singadh(Nathdwara) in Mewar (now in the state of Rajasthan) where the wheel of Shri Nathji's chariot suddenly got struck.It didn't budge even after a lot of effort was made to get the wheel free.The then Tilkayat decided that Shri Nathji wanted to stay at this place and so had a temple built for Shri Nathji at that place itself.In this way in the year 1671A.D.(Vik.Sam.1728) a new temple was built in Nathdwara.Till today,329 years after this incident,the sewa of Shri Nathji is still done at Nathdwara (also known as Shri Nathji).

THE SWAROOP OF SHREENATHJI

Pushtimarg is a Bhavna pradhan sampraday,in it bhavna is very important.According to the bhavna of Pushtimarg Shri Nathji is a small child,only 7 years old.Shri Nathji's right hand is kept on his waist while the left hand is held up in the air.The bhavna reagarding this posture is that Shri Nathji is standing at the gate of a Nikunj.That is why Shri Nathji is also called Nikunj Nayak.
Shri Nathji is the pradhan swaroop (main deity) of Pushtimarg.Every Vaishnav must be humble infront of Shri Nathji.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

RECIPES FOR BHOG


Ghari


 Ingredients:

250 gms mawa (khoya)
100 gms powdered sugar
3 tbsp. Besan (gram flour)
1 cup maida (flour)
Ghee for frying
½ cup almond and pistachio powder
1 tbsp. Cardamom powder
A few strands of saffron
Few slices of almond and pistachio

Method:

Roast the mawa in a pan till it is dry and separated.
Heat besan with tbsp. of ghee and let it cool down.
Mix mawa, sugar, almond and pistachio powder and besan. Mix well and form the desired shape of balls.
Mix ½ cup slightly warm ghee with 3 tbsp. powdered sugar and keep aside.
Add 3 tbsp. of liquid ghee to the flour and form a soft dough.
Roll into thin oblong puri and put the ball prepared in the step 3 above on one side, and fold the puri to cover the ball. Press lightly and cut off with katori so that the additional part of puri is cut off.
Deep fry in ghee on low flame.
When cold cover with the mixture prepared in step no. 4.
Repeat with the remaining ghari.
Sprinkle slices of almond and pistachio.


Santha


Ingredients:

1 cup maida (flour)
Ghee little less than ¼ cup
½ cup sugar
Ghee for frying
¼ tsp. Cardamom powder
Few slices of almond and pistachio


Method:

Heat about ¼ cup ghee. Add ¼ cup flour and saute to a light brown colour.
Mix the remaining flour with the above thoroughly.
Prepare a soft dough with about ¼ cup water.
Make equal size balls, flatten the balls with the palm and poke the tip of five fingers.
Prick deep at random with a tip of knife or a fork. This is to ensure that sata do not puff up and are evenly fried from inside.
Deep fry on a very low flame to brownish colour, while frying turn over very carefully with a blunt end of a ladle.
On a low flame it takes considerably long time to fry to proper crispness, if fried on high flame it may be faster but the inner side will not get properly fried.
Add enough water in sugar, boil and make a thick syrup.
Take off from the heat and stir well till it turns white.
Put again on a very low flame.
Dip each sata on both sides in syrup.
Remove in a greased thali.
Sprinkle slices of almond and pistachio and also cardamom powder.
Repeat the process with the remaining santhas.


Thor


Ingredients:


½ cup wheat flour
½ cup maida (plain flour)
1 tsp. Sesame seeds
Ghee for frying
½ cup sugar
Few slices of almond and pistachio
½ tsp. Cardamom powder
Few petals of roses


Method:

Soak sesame seeds in water for an hour
Mix wheat flour, maida and soaked sesame seeds.
Take ¼ cup melted ghee and ¼ cup water ready with two separate tablespoons.
Go on putting one tbsp. ghee and one tbsp. water alternately and prepare soft dough.
Proceed as per sata recipe from no. 4 onwards.



Ghebar


Ingredients:

1 cup maida (flour)
½ cup thick ghee
1 cup sugar
1 ¼ cups warm water
Ghee for frying


Method:

Beat ghee in a thali with the help of palm till light and fluffy. Add flour little by little.
Keep adding warm water. Continue beating to form a light batter.
Heat ghee in a thick base vessel with tall and straight walls. Preferably the vessel should be of brass or thick aluminum and not of stainless steel.
The vessel should get about ¾ filled with ghee.
Fill the batter in a spouted vessel and pour about ½ a cup in the hot ghee with a narrow and continuous flow from a distance.
Use an end of wooden rolling pin to push down the ghebar in the vessel so that even the upper layer of ghebar is immersed in the boiling ghee.
When crisp remove the ghebar with the end of rolling pin and put on a strainer to let the excess ghee out. Repeat with the remaining gebar.
Boil water and sugar to make a syrup of 2 thread consistency.
Keep on a perforated ladle, pour 4-5 tbsp. of syrup.
Let extra syrup drain out by keeping the gebar on a strainer.
Sprinkle cardamom powder and slices of almond and pistachio.
Repeat the process with remaining ghebar.


Mung Daal Seera



Ingredients:

1 cup mung dal ( green gram split without skin )
1 cup ghee
2 cups milk
1 ¼ cups sugar
few strands of saffron
1 ½ tsp. Cardamom powder
few slices of almond and pistachio


Method:


Soak mug dal for 3-4 hours.
Remove from water and grind coarsely in a mixer.
Heat 2-3 tbsp. of ghee in a pan and saute the dal on a low flame.
Keep on adding ghee little by little and continue stirring.
When it turns reddish brown add milk.
* When milk gets absorbed, add sugar and continue stirring on a low flame.
When ghee starts separating from sheera add paste of saffron and cardamom powder and remove from heat.
Sprinkle slices of almond and pistachio.


Note:

Instead of milk, water can be used in step no . *
Instead of mung dal. Coarse mung flour can be used for this recipe.