Friday, March 21, 2014
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.
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 KrishnaThe 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.
Monday, January 14, 2013
Pusti Bhakti
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"Pushtimarg" is a 500 year old sect of Hindu Religion, founded by Shri Vallabhacharya. 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 upbringing of the Hindu Religion. Hindu Religion's History is very old, dating back to vedic times. The four Vedas i.e..
Shri Vallabhacharya was born into a very noble and learned family in South India in what is today called Andhra Pradesh. His ancestors had a very 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 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. Shri Vallabahcharya on the next day taught the same Mantra to his first disciples 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 :-
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Yamunastakam
In V.S. 1548 at the age of 13 years, Shri Mahaprabhuji arrived in mathura during his first
global tour; he resided at Vishram Ghat on the bank of Yamuna river. At this time he form Shri Yamunastakam which describes Shri Yamunaji’s divine description in "Pruthvi Chhand".
In Yamunastakam’s first eight shlokas, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes Shri Yamunaji’s eight fold powers, its divine & wonderful icon and her divine qualities. Shri Yamunaji is the daughter of divine Sun. Her purpose for coming to earth from heaven through Kalind mountain is to bless her devotees. Her physical state as a river is also very attractive and charming. She is so kind that she even blesses evil people ! Shri Yamunaji blesses her devotees with eight fold powers. Even if an evil person, drinks water from the river Yamuna to quench their thirst, She blesses that person. So, if we humbly pray to her with knowledge and understanding, we should not be surprised if she blessed us also. One of the example from Shri Mahaprabhuju’s 84 Vaishnavas, is of Kishoribai. Kishoribai was chanting only two lines from Yamunastakam with full faith. Shri Yamunaji blessed Kishoribai with all divine fruits. |
| Namami Yamuna Maham, Sakal Siddhi Hetum Muda, Murari Padpankaj Sfuradamand, Renootkatam, Tatastha Nav Kanana, Prakat Mod Pushpambunaa, Suraa Sursu Poojitaha, Smara Pituh Shri yambibhrateem. |
Shri Yamunaji is capable of giving all kind of achievements. This first shloka describes the physical state of the river. Its both banks are full of glittering sand which is believed to be as soft as lotus feet of Shri Murari Prabhu (Shri Krshna.) Also, there are various kind of gardens of the both banks of the river. The river water is full of scent due to flowers of the garden on her banks. Shri Yamunaji is also worshipped by two kinds of vraj devotees. I bow to Shri Yamunaji described above, full love and devotion. She is capable of giving fulfillment of all the desires of the devotee in enjoying God’s love.
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| Kalind Girimastake, Pata Damand Poorojjwalaa, Vilas Gamanollasat, Prakatgand Shailonnata, Sagoshagantidantura, Samadhiroodh Dolottama, Mukund Rati Vardhinee, Jayati Padma Bandhoho Suta. |
In this shloka, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes that how Shri Yamunaji can bless her devotees to increase their love towards Shri Mukund Prabhu. Also, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the physical existence of Yamunaji as river. It flows enthusiastically from the top of Kalind mountain. The swirling waters appear to be as white as milk because of the force and flow of the river upstream. It seems like Shri Yamunaji is very eager to go in Vraj and meet Shri Krshna. It also gives impression as Shri Yamunaji is swinging in best kind of jhula. Victories to this most divine daughter of the Sun !!
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| Bhuvam Bhuvana Pawaneem, Adhigatamane Kashwanaihi, Priyabhiriva Sevateam, Shuka Mayur Hansadibhihi, Tarang Bhuj Kankana, Prakat muktikavaluka, Nitambtat Sundareem, Namat Krushna Turya Priyam. |
When Shri Yamunaji came to earth from the heavens, She blessed the whole globe by Her presence. All living beings, including birds such as parrots, peacocks and swans, serve Shri Yamunaji. Shri Mahaprabhuji visualize the glittering sand as her bangles of pearl and the waves upon the waters as beautiful divine hands of Shri Yamunaji, moving to and fro in a continuous manner. The meandering waters form beautiful banks on either side of the river, which look like the volupturous curves of a beautiful maiden. She is favorite fourth queen of Shri Krshna. And Shri Mahaprabhuji asks us to bow to her.
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| Anant Gunabhusite, Shiva Viranchi Devastute, Ghanaghan Nibhe Sada, Dhruva Parasharaa Bhistade, Vishuddha Mathura Tate, Sakal Gopgopi Vrute, Krupa Jaladhi Sanshrite, Mama Manha Sukham Bhavayah. |
In this shloka, Shri Mahaprabhuji describes the prayer to Shri Yamuna Maharani. O! Shri Yamunaji, you have infinite divine qualities. Even, Gods like Shiv and Brahama praise you. You have granted all the wishes of such great devotees as Dhruv and Parasher. Such holy cities as Mathura are on your banks. You are always with gopi’s and gopijans and you are always protected by blessings of Shri Krshna. O! Shri Yamunaji, I wish that you give me such a blessing that it gives peace and happiness to my mind. Chanting this shloka with pure and honest heart gives tremendous mental peace and eternal happiness.
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| Yaya Charan Padmajaa, Muraripoho Priyam Bhavuka, Samaagamanto Bhavet, Sakal Siddhida Sevatam, Taya Sadrushtamiyat, Kamalja Spatnee Vayat, Hari Priya Kalindaya, Mansi Mesada Stheeyatam. |
Shri Gangaji evolved from the lotus feet of Shri Bhagavan. Shri Gangaji became holy and pious due to merging with Shri Yamunaji at Triveni Sangam at Prayag (Allhabad), India. Shri Yamunaji made Shri Gangaji capable of giving all boons to her devotees. Amongst great goddesses, only Shri Laxmiji is equal and comparable to Shri Yamunaji in honor and power. I only wish that Shri Yamunaji, who can remove all worries of her devotees, and who is also the most favorite of Lord Shri Krshna, comes to stay in my heart and soul forever.
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| Namostu Yamune Sada, Tav Charitra Matyadbhutam, Na Jaatu Yam Yatna, Bhavati Te Payaha Panatha, Yamopi Bhaginee Sutan, Kathamuhanti Dushtanpi, Priyobhavati Sevanaat, Tav Hareryutha Gopikaha. |
O! Shri Yamunaji, I bow to you with my full body and heart. Your divine character is very wonderful. Just by drinking your water in Vraj, we do not have to worry about the pangs of death. Your devotees can become favorite of Shri Krshna just like the gopijanas who became His favorite by doing "Katyani Vrat" on your banks (Vrat = religious observance accompanied by fasting).
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| Mamastu Tav Sannidhau, Tanu Navatvam Etavata, Na Durlabhatama Rati, Muraripau Mukundpriye, Atostu Tav Lalna, Surdhunee Param Sangamaat, Tavaiv Bhuvi Keertita, Na Tu Kadapi Pushti Sthitaihi. |
O! Shri Yamunaji, who is the favorite of Shri Mukund Prabhu, I pray to you and respectfully request a divine body, fit enough for Shri Bhagvad Leela and also able to serve you. Only you are capable of granting such a boon. With such a divine body, I can serve Shri Mukund Prabhu very well. Pushti Margiya vaishnavas (Jivas) had never praised Shri Gangaji without your merging with Shri Gangaji.
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| Stutim tava karoti kha, kamalajasepatni priyae, Hareryadanusevaya, bhavati sokhyamamokshatah, Eeyam tava kathadhika, sakalegopikasangamah, Smarashramajalanubhih, sakalegatrajaih sangamah. |
O Thous daughter of the sun, Thou art worthy of all praises! Indeed, singing thy praises and living near thee is more desirable than Moksha (nirvana / liberation of the soul). Indeed, your sacredness was enhanced when the gopies of Vraj, along with Shri Krshna, bathed in thy waters after the Rasa. The sweat of their divine sports mixed with thy waters, enhancing your holy powers for all time to come.
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| Tavashtakamidam muda, pathati surasutae sada, Samastaduritakshayo, bhavati vai Mukundae ratih, Taya sakalesiddhayoo, Murarupushya santushyati, Svabhavavijiyo bhavet, vadati Vallabhah Shrihareh. |
This ashtaka (hymn of eight stanzas) of the daughter of the Sun, is recited on a regular basis, Shri Yamnunaji will grant such a boon so that the devotee's love for the Lord will increase day by day. What better blessing can we desire than that ! The Lord Murari will fulfill all the wishes of such a devotee and more over, one will be able to win over one's own nature. This is said by Swaminiji’s dear Shri Vallabhacharya. (Shri Mahaprabhuji)
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Sunday, May 20, 2012
Shrinathji Charitramrut by Vrajraj Kumarji
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Monday, April 16, 2012
About Shrinathji
The Lord is an important swarup in Pushti Marg, representing Krishna at the age of seven. He with his left arm holds Mount Goverdhan while his right hand rests on the his waist. There is a parrot on the top centre. Two sages are meditating near Shrinathji’s left hand and below them is a snake while another below it is a tiger. Beneath the tiger there are two peacocks. On the other side is one sage beneath him is the snake and two cows. They are evidently inhabitants of Mount Goverdhan watching Shrinathji reverently.
Shrinathji’s left hand was first seen in 1410 on the summit of Mount Goverdhan. It was offered milk because the inhabitants worshipped as a single deity. The face (Mukharvind) of the Lord emerged in 1479 when Vallabhacharya was born. Hence the birth of the Mukharvind(Lotus like face) of Shrinathji.
In 1493 Vallabhacharya found Lord Shrinathji at midnight in Gokul. He was overcome with emotion and garlanded Lord Shrinathji with pavitra and offered misri.
Anyor is the village below the hill at Mount Goverdhan. A Brahmin known as Sadhu Pande was staying. He had a cow of Nandvash (Gumer) who was grazing on the hill with other cows. One fine morning Gumer poured milk and offered to Lord Shrinathji while he was feeling hungry. Gumer gave less milk and hence he doubted on Gumer that people were pilfering milk. Next day Pandeji secretly followed Gumer offering milk to Lord Shrinathji. He was surprised to see this incident and was glad to have his Darshan.
The next morning everybody climbed the hill and saw that the divine child running forward and embracing Vallabhacharya, lord then asked him to place him in a shrine so that regular seva could be performed, and said that divine grace would descend on those who worshipped him further adding “That is why I have revealed myself here.” Shrinathji during summer sleeps late at night and so rises late in the morning similary in winter Shrinathji retires early at night and so awakens early in the morning. In winter a Saghdi with Coal is lit and placed near him in order to produce heat for the divine child.
Early in the morning the VINA is played to awaken Shrinathji and classical songs and music is sung during other Jhankis. Shrinathji is royally dressed and fed the purest and richest of foods. Even the water he drinks comes from the sacred river Yamuna. Shrinathji wears the best of the Dresses/Jewellery which is very rarely repeated. Normally there are eight Jhanki’s are eight Jhanki’s every day. These eight Jhanki’s are for a short while because shrinathji being a young child can be a Victim of evil eye (Nazar) and moreover each Jhanki has a particular meaning and purpose.
Brahma Sambandh
Brahma sambandh an historical event.
The means to attain God are many. Some are difficult some are easy. All are fairly long journeys.
Bhagwan Shree Krishana states in the Gita that
“A minuscule part of Me is present in all living things”
Jiva has Bhagwad ansha; a minuscule part of God. This truth is difficult to comprehend because we do not realise the closeness we have with Thakurji. We have become engrossed in the material world. Our lives are full of activity hence we rarely ask deep rooted questions about who we are, where we are going.
On Sharawan Ekadasi Mahaprabhuji along with Damodardas Harsaniji were at Gokul on the banks of Shree Yamunaji. At Govind Ghat (ghat is a area which allows safe access to the river that flows).
Shree Mahaprabhuji was perplexed by a thought. How do the divine beings get seva or an opportunity to serve Thakurji in this Kali Yug? More specifically the Vedas do not have a means of liberating Women and Sudhras. Therefore what was to happen of Women, Sudras and non Hindus. This was the question that Shree Mahaprabhuji was worried about.
Then at about midnight Shree Nathji appeared (in Lalit trabhangi mudra) and ordained Mahaprabhuji.
The divine souls should take Braham Sambhand. In order to be fit to receive communion with Thakurji their “doshs”will be absolved.
Once this is done I (Thakurji) am ready to accept the soul. After Braham Sambhand they should offer everything they partake to me first. Then to take themselves.
Therefore everything we take must be offered to Thakurji as already mentioned.
This is the the jewel in the Crown and is a very important initiation that many people seldom obtain it!
This ceremony makes you realise that relationship that exists between you and Thakurji. When you take this initiation you have to be fairly certain as to what you are doing. As always you have to find a Goswami Balak who will initiate you.
The importance of Bhrama Sambandh lies in the fact that in the ceremony you offer all that belongs to you to the feet of Thakurji. You offer your body, your soul, your wealth, your husband/wife, your children and everything else that belongs to you which would cause you to be attached to objects. All these are offered to Thakurji and you accept His refuge and become a ‘das’. A humble servant of Thakurji. You then humbly bow to Thakurji and offer a token of your gratitude.
Later on you Guru will instruct you as to the seva you should perform and jap you should perform. In return you offer your Guru a token of your gratitude for showing you indebtedness and in directing you to the true path to God realisation and opening the door to Thakurji Gaulok..
These days people often forget the importance of Bhrama Sambandh and how precious it really is. People assume it to be a minor thing but in fact it should be more valued than the Koohinoor diamond.
To assess the value of a diamond you have to take it to a jeweller. Similarly Bhrama Sambandh is like a diamond and only some people can appreciate its importance and its value. The Bhrama Sambandh or ‘diksha’ is only to be give to some ‘special jivas’ and is not meant to be for all.
By taking Bhrama Sambandh you have turned a new leaf, it’s a new beginning your sins have been absolved by Mahaprabhuji and you make a fresh start on the path towards Thakurji. Mahaprabhuji also gives you a guarantee that your soul will not have a ‘laukik gati’
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