The Glories of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar,
Part Five
BY: DR. DEMIAN MARTINS
[ Photo: Radhashyamsundar.com ]
Apr 25, 2016 — VRINDAVAN DHAM (SUN) —
Sri Shyamsundar (Lala), the only Deity within the whole creation which was manifested from the lotus heart of Srimati Radharani, was received by Sri Shyamananda Prabhu on Vasanta Panchami (13th January) 1578 AD, and was installed by him inside his underground bhajan kutir located in Seva Kunj in Sri Vrindavan Dham. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu started to serve Sri Shyamsundar like a king. On the Vasanta Panchami of 1580 AD, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu arranged the marriage of Sri Shyamsundar with a deity of Srimati Radharani (Lali) which became self-manifested in the treasury of the King of Bharatpur, and from then on he was totally absorbed in the loving service of both Deities.
Before his disappearance, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu entrusted the responsibility of the worship and service of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar to his favourite and foremost disciple, Sri Navachaitanya, Sri Rasikananda Deva Goswami Prabhu, an incarnation of Sri Aniruddha. After his disappearance, up to this day the Goswami Prabhupadas, the qualified descendants of Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, have been carrying on the loving service to the Deities very well with devotion, purity and exclusive dedication, thus following the ancient tradition of the temple.
Divine Festivals at the Temple of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar
1. Sri Shyamsundar Panchami (Vasanta Panchami, Jan/Feb): Vasanta Panchami is memorable for the whole world because on this day in 1578 AD, Srimati Radharani manifested the divine Deity of Sri Shyamsundar (Lala ji) from Her lotus heart and presented Him to Jagadguru Sri Shyamananda Prabhu. Then in 1580 AD, Srimati Radharani manifested Herself in deity form in the treasury of the King of Bharatpur, and on the Vasanta Panchami of that same year She was married to Sri Shyamsundar in Sridham Vrindavan.
Then again on the Vasanta Panchami of 1719 AD, the crest jewel among the Shyamanandi Vaishnavas and author of Sri Govinda-bhashya, Sri Baladeva Vidyabhushana Prabhupada, installed the flawlessly beautiful large deities of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar. On account of these three occasions, the residents of Vrindavan call Vasanta Panchami "Sri Shyamsundar Panchami," and the festival is celebrated in the Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar temple with great pomp. Continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, sankirtana in procession around the town, a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus, fifty-six item offering, bhajans, performance of the Rasa-lila, etc. are arranged, and all residents of Sridham Vrindavan take part in these celebrations. On this date, Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar give darshan to devotees dressed like a Bengali husband and wife.
2. Sri Shiva Chaturdashi (Feb/Mar): Lord Shiva is the topmost Vaishnava, therefore the Vaishnava devotees observe Sri Shiva Chaturdashi to obtain Lord Shiva's mercy, by which they hope to obtain the grace of Lord Sri Krishna. On this date, Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar bless the inhabitants of the whole world by giving darshan dressed like Lord Shiva and Parvati.
3. Disappearance of Sri Navachaitanya Sri Rasikananda Prabhu (Feb/Mar): Sri Navachaitanya Sri Rasikananda Prabhu disappeared on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Phalguna month (28th February, 1653), in Remuna, Balasore District, in the courtyard of the temple of Kshirachora Gopinatha. On this occasion, Srimad Bhagavata Saptaha, lectures, continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, Rasa-lila performances, a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus, etc., are all arranged within the Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Temple compound.
4. Holi of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar (Feb/Mar): On the thirteenth day (trayodashi) of the bright fortnight of the month of Phalguna, the Holi festival of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar is observed, and from early morning there are very colourful celebrations. Sri Shyamsundar holds a squirt and a shield, and in Srimati Radharani's hand there is squirt and a stick, and They are dressed like a couple playing Holi with colourful powders. From 4.00 p.m., the ladies and gentlemen who live in Vrindavan gather in the Temple courtyard, sing Holi songs and dance. After that there is prasada distribution.
5. Dola Purnima/Appearance of Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Feb/Mar): On the occasion of the Dola-yatra, from early morning the Deities are placed on swings in front of the altar and are gently swung. Continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, evening Abhishek, fifty-six items offering, etc., are arranged, and on the next day there is a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus.
6. Sri Rama Navami (Mar/Apr): On the ninth lunar day of the bright fortnight of Jyeshtha month, the appearance day of Sri Ramachandra is celebrated, and Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar give darshan dressed like Sri Sri Sita-Rama. On this day there is continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna and Abhishek is performed at noon. On the following day there is a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus.
7. Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's Appearance (Mar/Apr): Sri Shyamananda Prabhu appeared on the Madhu Purnima of the Chaitra month (29th March) of 1535 AD, in Dharenda village of Medinipur District, West Bengal. On this day, continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, kirtana singing the pastime of his appearance, a feast for Vaishnava sadhus, etc., are all arranged in the temple compound.
8. Akshaya Tritiya/ Chandan Yatra (Apr/May): On this day, thousands of devotees come to have darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., when They are covered over Their whole bodies in sandal paste. This darshan is famous throughout the three worlds. Grinding of the Malaya sandalwood begins one month beforehand, and on Akshaya Tritiya, the paste is mixed with aguru, essences, saffron, vermilion, camphor, rose water, etc., and then applied on Their Lordships from the feet to the crown. Besides this, flower decorations, bhajans, and prasada distribution are also arranged. From this day the Festival of Flowers starts.
9. Pushpa-vihara/ Phul Bungalow (Festival of Flowers): After the spring is over and the land is burning due to excessive heat, in order to refresh and please Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar, from Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) up to the Guru Purnima (July), the Festival of Flowers is arranged. The Deities are dressed with flowery creepers, jasmine, rose, marigold and similar fragrant native and foreign flowers, which are also used to splendidly decorate the whole temple. Every day in the evening from 6 to 9 o'clock, there is darshan of the flower outfits and decorations, as well as prasada distribution. Fortunate devotees sponsor this service to the Deities.
10. Sri Narasimha Chaturdashi (Apr/May): In order to kill Hiranyakashipu and thus protect the devotees, on the fourteenth day of the bright fortnight of the Vaishakha month, Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Lord Narasimha. On this day, Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar give darshan dressed like Lord Narasimha and Mother Lakshmi, and award fearlessness to the devotees. In the evening there is a Mahabhishek of Lord Narasimha. From this day until Snana-yatra, the Deities are every evening offered a preparation of rice mixed with curd and water.
11. Jamai Shashthi (May): The sixth lunar day of the bright fortnight on the Jyeshtha month is called "Jamai Shashthi." On this day, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna go to visit Barsana as bride and son-in-law (jamai), and therefore the Deities give darshan dressed accordingly.
12. Disappearance of Sri Baladeva Vidyabhushana Prabhupada (May/Jun): Sri Baladeva Vidyabhushana Prabhupada disappeared on the Ganga Puja Dashami (19th June) of 1793 AD in the Temple of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar while engaged in Their loving service. On this day, continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, a conference of devotees in commemoration of him, kirtanas in his glorification, a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus, etc., are all arranged.
13. Snana-yatra/ jala-yatra (May/Jun): On the full moon day of the Jyeshtha month, the day of the appearance of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Subhadra Maharani, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., all the Deities in the Temple are offered an Abhishek with fragrant water springing from a fountain.
14. Disappearance of Sri Shyamananda Prabhu (May/Jun): Sri Shyamananda Prabhu disappeared on the first lunar day of the dark fortnight of Jyeshtha month (26th May) of 1630 AD. On this occasion, there is a twelve day festival which includes a Srimad-Bhagavata Saptaha, lectures, continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, kirtanas glorifying him, sankirtana procession around the town, feasts for the Vaishnava sadhus, etc.
15. Lord Jagannatha Ratha-yatra (Jun/Jul): On this occasion, besides the cleansing of the Gundicha Temple and sixteen kirtana parties in front of the chariots of Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Subhadra Maharani, continuous Sri Har i Nama kirtana maha-yajna, daily feasts for the Vaishnava sadhus, lectures, kirtanas glorifying the Lord's pastimes, fifty six item offerings, offering to the sixty Mahantas, sankirtana procession around the town, etc. are arranged in the Kunj Math in Sri Jagannath Puri, which is under the management of the Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar Temple in Vrindavan.
16. Sri Guru Purnima (Jul): On the full moon day of the Ashadha month, the original guru and Lord Vishnu's avatar, Sri Vyasadeva, appeared. On this date, disciples and devotees come to offer worship to their Sri Gurudeva, the present Acharya of the Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar Temple.
17. Jhulana-yatra/ Swing Festival (Jul/Aug): On the third lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Shravana month, the Swing Festival of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar starts. From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., everyday all the Deities in the Temple are placed on swings in front of the altar and are swung, are offered special foodstuffs, are offered kirtanas glorifying the Swing Pastimes, etc. According to the day and date, the colour and design of the swing and outfits of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar change: white on Monday, pink on Tuesday, green on Wednesday, yellow on Thursday, white on Friday, blue on Saturday, red on Sunday, red on Ekadashi, and white on full moon and Sankranti days.
18. Sri Naukavihara Mahotsava/ Boat Festival (Jul/Aug): On the day after the full moon during the Jhulana-yatra, on the first lunar day of the dark fortnight, from 6 p.m. up to 9 p.m., the incomparable Boat Festival of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar is celebrated. With decorations in the form of fishes, tortoises, lotus flowers, etc. inside the water and a very special mood, the divine River Yamuna is represented inside the Temple, on which Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar sport on a boat.
19. Sri Krishna Janmashtami (Aug/Sep): On the eighth lunar day of the Bhadra month, on the occasion of the appearance of Lord Sri Krishna, there is huge festival in the Temple of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar. Continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, kirtanas glorifying the pastime of the Lord's appearance, lectures, Mahabhishek of the Deities at midnight, fifty six item offering, etc. are arranged. On the next day, on the Nandotsava, there is a large sankirtana procession around the town, and a huge feast for which everyone in Vrindavan is invited.
20. Sri Krishna Chati (Shashthi) Mahotsava (Aug/Sep): On the sixth day after the Janmashtami, Sri Krishna Chati Festival is celebrated. On this date, Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar are dressed like Lord Shiva and Parvati and swing a Deity of Sri Gopala on a swing.
21. Sri Radhashtami (Aug/Sep): On the eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadra month, on the occasion of the appearance of Srimati Radharani, a huge festival is celebrated in the Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar with continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, kirtanas glorifying the pastime of Her appearance, bhajans, fifty six item offering, special Arati, and at noon, a Mahabhishek with 400 litres of milk, 240 kilos of curd, 120 kilos of sugar, 200 kilos of ghee and 30 kilos of honey. On the next day, on the occasion of King Vrishabhanu's Festival, there is a huge feast for the Vaishnavas.
22. Sri Vamana Jayanti (Aug/Sep): Lord Vamanadeva appeared on the twelfth lunar day of the Bhadra month. On this date, at noon there is an Abhishek and special puja of Lord Vamana, which is largely attended by the residents of Vrindavan. On this occasion, Sri Shyamsundar gives darshan dressed like Lord Vamanadeva.
23. Sri Radharani Chati (Shashthi) Mahotsava (Aug/Sep): On the thirteenth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the Bhadra month, Sri Radharani Chati (Shashthi) Mahotsava is gorgeously celebrated. The self manifested Deity of Srimati Radharani (Lali ji) is well decorated and swung on a swing. On this occasion, 111 sarees, many ornaments, utensils, sweets, flowers, etc. are given away to the devotees gathering on the stage, who with devotion accept these as Srimati Radharani's prasada.
24. Sri Kartika Niyama Seva Vrata (Oct/Nov): The vow of Niyama Seva (regular service) in the month of Kartika is well observed with rules, steadiness and devotion and great celebrations in the Temple of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar. From Ekadashi after Vijaya Dashami up to the full moon night of Kartika, for more than one month, between 2 a.m. and 12 a.m., and between 4 p.m. and 9.15 p.m., Lord Hari's awaking, seven Aratis, lectures, kirtanas, parikramas, sankirtana processions around the town, feasts for the Vaishnava sadhus, etc. are arranged. During those 35 days, thousands of devotees flock to have darshan of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar in different outfits everyday to celebrate Their various pastimes, a feature which is not to be seen in any other temple or Math in Sri Vrindavan.
Special darshans celebrating the pastimes in different outfits during the Kartika Niyama Seva:
1. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed in Their golden (royal) outfit.
2. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed in Their silver outfit.
3. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed in Their mana-mohana outfit.
4. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed to celebrate the 'dana-lila.'
5. Sri Shyamsundar dressed like Sri Vamanadeva.
6. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed for the Autumn Rasa-lila.
7. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a vendor of bangles to meet Srimati Radharani.
8. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a yogi to meet Srimati Radharani.
9. Srimati Radharani dressed as a king and Shyamsundar dressed as a guard.
10.Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a physician to meet Srimati Radharani.
11. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a gardener to meet Srimati Radharani.
12. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a snake-charmer to meet Srimati Radharani.
13. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed like cowherds.
14. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed to play in the Holi.
15. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a magician to meet Srimati Radharani.
16. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a barber's wife to meet Srimati Radharani.
17. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed like Sri Sri Sita-Rama to give darshan to Tulasidas.
18. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar meet to sport on a boat.
19. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a dancing girl to meet Srimati Radharani.
20. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as "Shyama Sakhi" to meet Srimati Radharani.
21. Dipavali, Maha-lakshmi Puja: Sri Shyamsundar dressed like Krishna Kali.
22. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar worshipped with the offering of fifty-six items. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu Appearance Festival.
23. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed like Krishna-Balarama stealing butter.
24. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a brahmana to meet Srimati Radharani during Surya-puja.
25. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar sport on a swing.
26. Sri Shyamsundar dressed like Sri Narasimha Avatar.
27. Sri Shyamsundar decorates Srimati Radharani.
28. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as a peacock to meet Srimati Radharani.
29. Darshan of the pastime of Sri Sri Krishna-Balarama dressed as cowherd boys taking the cows to graze.
30. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar dressed as Brajbasis performing parikrama of Vrindavan and Mathura.
31. Sri Shyamsundar disguised as an expert musician to meet Srimati Radharani.
32. Utthana Ekadashi – Darshan of the marriage pastime of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar. Marriage of Tulasi and Shalagrama.
33. Dvadashi – Darshan of the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani (only on this date once a year). Srimati Radharani disguised as Subal to meet Sri Shyamsundar.
34. Lord Mahadeva comes to Braj to see the Rasa-lila of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar.
35. Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar performing the Winter Maha-rasa-lila, and fifty six item offering darshan from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
25. Dipavali (Oct/Nov): After He killed Ravana, Lord Ramachandra returned to Ayodhya, having spent fourteen years in exile. To commemorate His return, all the residents of Ayodhya lit lamps and joyfully distributed sweets to one another. In another pastime, Lord Vamanadeva cheated Bali, the king of the demons, thus bringing about the release of Lakshmi Devi, whom he had captured. All the demigods then joyfully performed Her puja. On this day, thousands of lamps are lit in the evening in the lavishly decorated temple, which is followed by the opulent worship of Lakshmi Devi.
26. Sri Govardhana Puja/ Annakuta (Oct/Nov): On the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, Lord Sri Krishna directed all the cowherd men and women to give up the worship of Indra, the king of the demigods, and instead to worship Sri Giriraj Govardhan by offering many varieties of foodstuffs, sweets, etc. Ever since the Dvapara-yuga this occasion is celebrated by making a huge Govardhan with cow dung and then worshiping it and offering fifty-six food items including many kinds of sweets. Every year, thousands of devotees visit the temple from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. to have Sri Govardhan's darshan on this tithi.
27. Sri Rasikananda Prabhu's Appearance (Oct/Nov): Sri Navachaitanya Sri Rasikananda Prabhu appeared on the first lunar day of the bright fortnight of Kartika (29th October) of 1590 AD, as the son of Sri Achyutananda Deva, king of Rohini, capital of the kingdom of Mallabhuma. On this occasion, continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, lectures, a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus, etc. are arranged.
28. Srimati Tulasi's marriage with Sri Shalagrama (Nov): On the eleventh lunar day (Utthana Ekadashi) of the bright fortnight of Kartika, from 4 p.m. the marriage ceremony of Srimati Tulasi Devi and Sri Shalagrama is gorgeously performed. By offering Srimati Tulasi Devi many varieties of garments, ornaments, utensils, accessories, donations and other gifts while she is giving her hand to Sri Shalagrama, devotees acquire the pious results of giving a maiden in charity to a suitable bridegroom.
29. Sri Hari Utthana (Nov): After sleeping during the Chaturmasya period, in the evening of the Utthana Ekadashi, Lord Hari awakens. On this date, the Deity of Sri Gopala wakes up, and being well decorated, gives darshan on a dais made of sugar-cane. Special offerings, Aratis, worship, parikramas, etc. are part of the celebration, and then sugar-cane prasada is distributed to the devotees.
30. Sri Maha-rasa-lila (Nov): On the full moon day of Kartika, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Sri Sri Radha-Shyansundar give darshan of Their Winter Maha-rasa-lila. Expanding Himself into as many attractive forms as the number of gopis to dance with them all, Sri Shyamsundar attracts the minds of all present devotees. The whole Temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and electric colourful lamps, and bhajans sings the pastime of the Maha-rasa dance. Fifty six items are offered to the Deities and then distributed to the devotees, who flock to have darshan. There is no similar darshan anywhere else in Sri Vrindavan.
31. Sri Baladeva Vidyabhushana Prabhupada's Appearance (Nov): Gaudiya Vedantacharya Sri Baladeva Vidyabhushana Prabhupada, author of Sri Govinda-bhashya and crest jewel of the Sri Shyamanandi Vaishnavas, appeared on the first lunar day of the Agrahayana month (15th November) at the end of 17th century AD in Athantara village of Remuna, Balasore District, Odisha. To mark this occasion, there is a huge celebration in the temple, which includes continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, lectures, kirtanas glorifying the pastime of his appearance, a feast for the Vaishnava sadhus, etc.
32. Vyanjana Dvadashi (Nov/Dec): The twelfth lunar day of the month of Agrahayana is called Vyanjana Dvadashi. On this day Chota Annakuta is celebrated in the Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar temple with an offering of fifty-six items plus thirty-six vegetable preparations, which are nicely decorated and offered to the Deities. From 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. devotees come to have darshan of the Deities and the beautiful offerings, after which prasada is distributed to all.
33. Jagadguru Sri Shyamananda Prabhu's 'Nagar' in the Kumbha Mela: On the occasion of the Kumbha Melas in Haridwar, Allahabad, Nashik, Ujjain and Sri Vrindavan, a camp named "Jagadguru Sri Shyamananda Prabhu Nagar" is established under the management of the Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar Temple. When the Kumbha is held in Sri Vrindavan Sri Gauranga-lila and Sri Krishna-lila are performed daily by famous 'Rasa Mandali' groups. There are also continuous Sri Hari Nama kirtana maha-yajna, Srimad-Bhagavata saptaha, lectures by renowned Indian scholars, Manipuri and Odishi dance, an exhibition of ceramics depicting the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, Sri Shyamananda Prabhu and Sri Rasikananda Prabhu, a sankirtana procession around the town, decorations with colourful electric lamps, continuous prasada served to sadhus, feasts, great Vaishnava meetings, worship of the sixty-four Mahantas with the lavish offering of fifty-six items, distribution of food and clothes to the poor and afflicted, free medical service, yoga training, etc. Arrangements are made for devotee accommodations at this time.
All the abovementioned festivals are conducted with devotion according to our ancient traditions with the kind cooperation of the devotees. Those fortunate devotees in whose hearts Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar have mercifully inspired the desire to render some service may contact:
Sri Krishna Gopalananda Deva Goswami Prabhupada
Sevadhikari (Head Pujari)
Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar Temple
"Jagadguru Sri Shyamananda Prabhu Dwar Peeth"
Sevakunj, Sri Vrindavan – 281121, Mathura, U.P., India
Mobile: 94122 26368 ; 92580 56368 ; WhatsApp: 94122 80938
e-mail: shyamanandaprabhu@radhashyamsundar.com
shyamanandaprabhu1535@gmail.com
website: www.radhashyamsundar.com
