Sri Dwarakadheeshi Ki – Jai Ho! Jaya Guru Datta!

It was a vision - come true for Parama Pujya Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji, who was ordained by His Mother and Guru Sri Jaya Lakshmi Mata to deliberate on the sacred text Bhagavatam at the sacred town of Dwaraka (Western most point of India, in the state of Gujarat). Bhagavata Maha Puranam, one of the most popular scriptures among Indian Holy Texts is generally venerated on two accounts.

From the perspective of a philosopher, it is ambrosia (Amrutam) which par excels in propounding the theory of Non- Dualism (Advaita – Identifying and experiencing the oneness of existence, knowledge and bliss among all the beings; with the Almighty). Each of the stories, incidents corroborate the underlying principle of Advaita, rendering it dearer to the minds of thinkers, philosophers and seekers from different pantheons of faith alike.

From the point of view related to a common man, a general devotee, various stories have beautifully depicted the sacred incarnations of Lord Maha Vishnu in many Yugas. Tenth Canto (Dashama Skandha) is undoubtedly, the most popular part of Bhagavatam, as it is called the Hrudaya (heart). This chapter narrates the Birth, Infancy, Childhood and youth of Lord Sri Krishna. (It is a general misconception that Bhagavata is the story of Krishna Avataara alone).

The aspects of devotion, wisdom, renunciation are well explained in many chapters. Approach towards death and life; model code of conduct for behavior in the final days of life (to ensure emancipation) are the most important messages of this sacred scripture. Hence, it is stipulated that every one should listen to Bhagavatam at least once in life time from the mouth of Sadguru.

This long cherished dream of devotees came true this year (between 16th to 20th March 2009.) Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Trust, Surat, led by Sri Vasudeva Goplani, Sri Niranjan Bhai efficiently organised this Yatra (Pilgrimage) and Bhagavata Katha. The discourses were conducted in the precincts of Jagat Mandir (Temple of the World) of Sri Dwarakaadheesh. In this temple, Lord Krishna is called Dwarakaadheesh (Ruler of Dwaraka, which also connotes that Sri Krishna dwells in Dwaraka and rules the entire universe).

Dwaraka literally means the Entrance Door. This is deliberately named so, to make it known that penance (Bhagavata Katha) at this holy place is the entrance to Salvation. Dwaraka is one of the Seven Auspicious Places, where penance could lead to Moksha. (Ayodhya, Madhura, Maaya (Haridwar), Kashi, Kaanchee, Avantika (Ujjain) are the other 6 important places.)

Another important aspect of this Kshetram, is the Sharada Peetham established by Sri Aadi Shankara Acharya about two millennia ago. This Peetham, is situated behind the majestic Temple of Lord Sri Krishna, where Sri Swamiji conducted Bhagavat Katha.

Program

Reaching from Bengaluru, on 16th March 2009 at 11.30 AM at Jam Nagar airport, Sri Swamiji proceeded to Reliance Township to bless the devotees in Jam Nagar. Sri Mohan Bhat, Pranatarti Haran reverentially welcomed Sri Swamiji.

In the evening, Swaagat Sabha (Welcome Function) was conducted at the venue, which was attended by Sri Narayan Brahmachari, representative of Sharada Peetham, Sri Hasrajani, Sub Collector and Administrator of the Temple, Sri Guruji Mamaji (Girnari Baba), his daughter Sat Mataji. Eminent Scholar and Aasthana Vidwan Sri Neelakantha Sastry gave the introductory address. Sri Narayana Brahmachary spoke about the significance of Bhagavata and assured the devotees that Sri Swamiji represents Sri Suka (the seer, who narrated the story to King Pareekshit) and nectar would be enjoyed by one and all. Girnari Baba invited Sri Swamiji to Girnar (an important place of Dattatreya Worship).

In His address, Sri Swamiji mentioned the command of Mother Jaya Lakshmi in His childhood that Bhagavata Katha at Dwaraka should be an important event in life. Many of the compositions on Lord Krishna (detailing the childhood events of Sri Krishna) were also composed and sung by Mother. Though it is not possible to complete the discourse on the vast scripture, initial important chapters would be briefly narrated in 4 days (Seven Session), Sri Swamiji added. He further stated that this discourse would be in Telugu, primarily. And Language should not be a barrier, as the purport, feel and name of Sri Krishna can be enjoyed. (Gist of the speech was given to Non Telugu speaking devotees in Hindi and Gujarati.)

Click here for the Topics of Sri Swamiji’s speech in each session

The valedictory function on 20th March 2009 was presided over by Swamy Sri Sadananda Saraswati, successor to His Holiness Shankara Acharya, Swaroopananda Saraswati, Pontiff of Dwaraka Sharada Peetham. In his address, he explained the oneness of Lord Krishna and Mother Goddess, quoting scriptural references. He further maintained that, regular Sri Chakra Puja of Sri Swamiji caused unlimited blessings of the Almighty on devotees. He wished the sentences of wisdom and scriptural refreshment should have a lasting impact on devotees.

Earlier, local Veda Pundits were honoured on behalf of Datta Peetham and 70 Veda Students were presented Datta Vastram and Sambhavana. Dr. Subbayya Deekshitulu and Sri Neelakantha Sastry Shukla (who rendered their literary service to Datta Peetham were felicitated on the occasion along with Senior Vidwan TS Murty. Sri Ram Prasad Thakkar, local Pundit and other priests were also honoured.

On the last day of Pravachan, Narayana Homa was conducted and Traditional Tulaabhaaram (Donating Sugar, Rice and Ghee equaling one’s own weight; towards Annandanam) was performed in the premises of Teertha Purohita Sangh.

After commending and blessing the efforts of Gujarati Devotees, especially Surat Members, in organising the conduct of Bhagavat Katha, Sri Swamiji reached Jamnagara on 21st March 2009 to travel to Mumbai.

Jaya Guru Datta - Dwarakaadheesh ki Jai

Temple of Lord Sri Krishna in Dwaraka

Swaagat Sabha (Welcome Function) on 16th March 2009
It was attended by Sri Narayan Brahmachari, representative of Sharada Peetham,
Sri Hasrajani, Sub Collector and Administrator of the Temple, Sri Guruji Mamaji (Girnari Baba), his daughter Sat Mataji.
Eminent Scholar and Aasthana Vidwan Sri Neelakantha Sastry and Sri Narayana Brahmachary

Pujya Sri Swamiji worshipping Lord Sri Krishna before the Bhagavata discourse

Bhagavata discourse

Sadgurudeva delivering discourse on Bhagavata Maha Purana

Sonorous songs of Sri Krishna in mellifluous Raga scales, lent incredible grandeur of devotion to the Bhagavat Discourse

Krishnam Vishnum Sridharam Madhavam Madhu Sudhanam

Valedictory function on 20th March 2009
It was presided over by Swamy Sri Sadananda Saraswati, successor to His Holiness Shankara Acharya, Swaroopananda Saraswati,
Pontiff of Dwaraka Sharada Peetham.

Datta Peetham honours to Pujya Sri Sadananda Saraswati Swamy by Datta Peetha Aasthana Vidwan Sri Neelakantha Sastry
and Sri. Vasudeva Goplani, Executive Trustee of Surat Ashrama

More than 70 local Veda Students were presented Datta Vastram and Sambhavana

Pujya Sri Swamiji with Gujarati devotees who were blessed with the opportunity of conducting Bhagavata discourses in Dwaraka

Sri Swamiji releases the Gujarati language translation of the very popular english book of Sri Swamiji - Heart to Heart

Sri Swamiji giving butter Prasadam

Parama Pujya Sadgurudeva

Jagat Mandir (Temple of the World) of Sri Dwarakaadheesh

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