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The Blissful Symphony of Devotion: Celebrating Pushya Abhishek

by | Jan 5, 2024 | General

Intoduction

In the realm of devotion, where love transcends boundaries, the festival of Pushya Abhishek stands as a testament to the boundless affection that devotees shower upon Lord Krishna. This unique celebration, marked by the consecration of vibrant flowers, unfolds as a beautiful symphony of emotions and devotion. Devotees, disregarding caste or community, come together to express their love for Sri Sri Radha Krishna through this annual festival. In the month of Poush, the first rays of festivity illuminate the spiritual landscape as Lord Krishna is adorned with kilos of fragrant flowers, creating a mesmerizing sight. Let us delve into the enchanting world of Pushya Abhishek, where every petal tells a tale of devotion.

The Significance of Pushya Abhishek

Pushya Abhishek holds a special place in the hearts of devotees, symbolizing the profound connection between the Supreme lord and the devotee. Lord Krishna, known for his sensitivity to feelings, joyously accepts even the simplest offerings made with love. The festival takes place with the anointment of the Lord using hundreds of kilograms of colorful and fragrant flowers, transforming the deity into a breathtaking floral spectacle. Devotees, driven by pure love, dress the Lord in garments made of these exquisite flowers, creating an immersive experience of devotion.

Bhagavad Gita’s Teachings on Devotion

The essence of Pushya Abhishek is beautifully encapsulated in a verse from the Bhagavad Gita (BG 9.26):

“patram puspam phalam toyam
yo me bhaktya prayacchati
tad aham bhakty-upahrtam
asnami prayatatmanah”

 Translation: “If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, fruit, or water, I will accept it.”

This verse exemplifies the simplicity and purity of devotion, emphasizing that the Lord cherishes even the humblest offerings when made with genuine love. It reflects the inclusive nature of devotion, inviting all to express their love in whatever form they can.

 The Tale of Mahatma Vidur and His Wife:

A poignant example of devotion is found in the story of Mahatma Vidur and his wife. When Lord Krishna, as a messenger, faced rejection from Duryodhana, he sought refuge at Vidur ji’s house. Overcome with hunger, Krishna requested entry, and Vidur’s wife, driven by pure emotion, welcomed him with open arms. In a display of unconditional love, she fed Lord Krishna banana peels, unaware of their ordinary nature. Lord Krishna, touched by her sincerity, relished the peels, showcasing that Supreme Lord values the emotions behind an offering more than the material substance. Vidur ji, initially surprised, scolded his wife upon witnessing this unconventional offering. However, the wife, repentant yet angry, expressed her sentiments to the Lord. In response, Krishna, with laughter in his eyes, explained that her love had brought him immense joy. Vidur ji then joined in the offering, realizing that Krishna’s hunger was not for the physical, but for the emotional essence of devotion. This heartwarming tale underscores the profound truth that God yearns for the love and emotions of his devotees.

Celebrating Pushya Abhishek

Pushya Abhishek is not merely a ritualistic celebration but a spiritual journey where devotees offer their love through flowers, fruits, and water. The festival encourages a heartfelt connection with the Supreme Lord, emphasizing that the Lord accepts these offerings with immense joy. As devotees gather, irrespective of background, to prepare for the festival, the atmosphere becomes infused with love and devotion. Most festivals involve the utsav deity of the temple, but Pushya Abhishek takes a unique turn. Devotees shower colorful and fragrant flower petals on the original deity of the Lord, creating a visual spectacle. In the evening, the melodious kirtan of the Lord resonates, marking the culmination of the day’s celebrations. The festival serves as a reminder that the core of devotion lies in offering one’s heart and feelings to the divine.

Conclusion

In the grand tapestry of devotion, Pushya Abhishek emerges as a radiant thread, weaving together the love and emotions of devotees for Lord Krishna. The festival, with its floral symphony and heartfelt offerings, transcends the boundaries of tradition, inviting all to participate in the joyous celebration. The story of Mahatma Vidur and his wife serves as a timeless lesson, teaching us that Supreme Personality of Godhead values the sincerity and emotions behind our offerings.

As we approach the sacred month of Poush, let us immerse ourselves in the spirit of Pushya Abhishek. Whether in the grandeur of an ISKCON temple or the warmth of our homes, let the fragrance of flowers and the melody of kirtan fill our hearts with devotion. The festival beckons us to express our love for Sri Sri Radha ParthaSarathi Ji, reminding us that in the garden of devotion, even the simplest flower holds profound significance.

How Hare Krishna Movement Spread to the World

How Hare Krishna Movement Spread to the World

by | Sep 25, 2021 | General, Spirituality

According to Vedic tithi, Srila Prabhupada landed in America after a 37 days long, tiring journey. He went there by a cargo ship named “Jaladuta”. According to the English calendar, 17th September 1965 is an unforgettable historic day, when Krishna bhakti or Krishna consciousness revolution (Hare Krishna Movement) erupted in the entire world. On this day, Srila Prabhupada resolute the devotional service of Krishna in the heart of American People on his spiritual master’s order.

Srila Prabhupada’s Journey To America

Srila Prabhupada vocalized that everyone wishes to go to London in general, but I planned to go to America instead. I used to think about how to go to New York. I always make new strategies thinking about how can I reach there and what should I do about it. So many questions arise in my mind, such as is going through the Tokyo route fine? Going through which way will cost less? I always used to think about all this. I always had an aim to go to New York.

How He Planned His Journey

Nearly at the age of 70s, a septuagenarian started printing books, prepared passports and kept many other documents ready, which are compulsory for the set foot in America. For doing all this, he struggled a lot but never stopped preferment of Krishna Bhakti. Even because of his increasing age, he faced many health issues, but these hurdles could not distract him from his aim.

How Sumati Morarjee Agreed:

The mistress of Scindia shipping company Sumati Morarji has not accepted Srila Prabhupada’s obsecration. She even tried to dishearten him for going to America. But Srila Prabhupada was highly undeterred. So, in the end, Sumati Morarji was constrained to send Srila Prabhupada to one of her cargo ships.

Hurdles Faced In Ship

In that unprecedented journey, envoy Srila Prabhupada in a ship named Jaladuta was travelling to promote Krishna bhakti among the people of America. Despite having suffered two heart attacks during his journey of panic and dizziness, Srila Prabhupada still depended on Lord Krishna to follow the Guru’s instructions. After 15 days of an agonizing journey, the seafarers were startled to see the Atlantic ocean that much calm.

Seafarers Statement About Miracle

They said that they were feeling as the rein of the ship was in Lord Krishna’s hand. In a conversation, Srila Prabhupada said that he was all alone. No one in my family was with me. But I felt that Lord Krishna was with me. On the day he stepped into the land of America, he wrote about Markine Bhagavata Dharma, a poem on the preaching of Bhagavad Dharma. In this poem, he wrote about the conversation to Lord Krishna about everything in the heart of Srila Prabhupada and pleaded for his blessings.

Summary Of The Poem 

He wrote: Hey Lord,

You are so kind to this tiny person. I don’t know why you brought me to this materialistic world. So you can do whatever you wish with me. Here most of the people are indulged in rajasik and tamsik work. But I know you are a great magician or if you want you can do anything.

Srila Prabhupada’s Entreaty

Hey Lord!  

I can just repeat your words, and if you want, you can manipulate my words and make them understanding. With your grace, my words will get sacred and will be perforating. I am just a puppet of your hand. However, you want me to dance, just make me dance too. I don’t have little Bhakti and Gyan. But I will entirely rely on your holy names. I got the title of Bhaktivedanta, and if you want, you can make this name accurate.

Srila Prabhupada Ji’s Appearance

As a miserable beggar as a native of Vrindavan covering by gone shawl in body, wearing ordinary sleepers, tilak at the forehead, kanthi mala in the neck and taking Japa mala in hand. Vaishnava Sanyasi came to New York for the first time.

Reaction of People

People of New York unnoticed this ordinary-looking sanyasi. They were unaware that this person came to relieve them from an essential part of our life: the life and death cycle. He has the priceless treasure of Krishna Bhakti which is the ultimate treasure of life.

How Srila Prabhupada Cope in America

Srila Prabhupada said that when he reached America, he had 4 Dollars only. When he insisted captain of the ship Shriman Pandya to purchase one set of Srimad Bhagavatam, he asked how much it cost, Srila Prabhupada answered 16 dollars. Sriman Pandya gave him 20 dollars instead of 16, which is the only thing other than books he was having along with him.

Result of Prabhupada’s Journey

Srila Prabhupada’s journey to America is exhilarating. After reaching there, the intensity of the publicity of Krishna Bhakti increased.

What Should We Comprehend

Each moment of the founder of the ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada’s life is dedicated to his spiritual master and Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. And this is the ultimate reason that he was successful in bringing the revolution of bhakti. So we all should admire him and learn the lesson of extreme dedication, devotion and sacrifice.

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