A Day in Vrindavan and Gokul- Travel Blog 2/2

Radhe Radhe

So after the wonderful day in Barsana, the next spots were Vrindavan and Gokul. I hope you will like this part too.

Kesi Ghat

This lovely place is commemorating the glorious victory of Lord Krishna over the terrifying Keshi demon. Situated on the banks of the River Yamuna, Keshi Ghat is counted amongst the most popular tourist attractions in Vrindavan. Legend has it that after slaying the demon Keshi (after which the ghat is named), Lord Krishna took a bath at this ghat. Keshi was the horse demon that was sent by Krishna’s evil uncle Kansa to kill him. Since then, devotees visiting Vrindavan make a point to take a dip in the holy water. In the evenings, a special aarti is performed at the ghat for the Yamuna Devi. Keshi Ghat, now a major bathing center in Vrindavan, is visited by numerous pilgrims and photo enthusiasts on an everyday basis.

Man in the frame- Manoj Kr. Mahali

(p.c. Aditya Bharadwaj)

Historical stories of Krishna at Keshi Ghat

Kesi Ghat is named after the famous pastime of the young boy Krishna, in which he annihilated the demonic horse monster Keshi. Legend has it that Krishna’s evil Uncle Kansa sent the gigantic horse to trample young Krishna to death.

After easily dispatching the demon by grabbing his legs and hurling him away, Krishna was attacked again by Keshi rushing towards him with an open mouth intent on devouring the small child. Krishna deftly thrust his fist into the demon’s mouth suffocating him and causing him to explode. To wash off the filth of the Keshi demon from his pure body, Krishna went into the Yamuna River to bathe. 

Bankey Bihari temple

The Bankey Bihari temple, Vrindavan is amongst the holiest and famous temples of Krishna in India. Shri Swami Haridas got Bankey Bihari Ji appeared in Nidhivan. The idol of Thakur Ji is much older and was worshipped in Nidhivan till 1863. This temple was constructed in 1864 with the contribution of Goswamis. After constructing the temple, Goswamis transferred the idol to this temple. Bankey means “Bent at three places” and Bihari means “supreme enjoyer”. Bankey Bihari Ji is worshiped and looked after as a child. There is a different and unique style of celebrating every festival in the Bankey Bihari temple. The deity is dressed up and offered cuisine (bhog, prasad) according to season. Temple is decorated with lights and various types of flowers according to the festival. There are no bells or conch in the temple because Bankey Bihari does not like the sound of bells or conch, there is the only chant of ‘Radha Naam’. When someone enters the temple, he feels eternal bliss and calm and forgets all misery. As soon as someone meets with Thakur Ji, he becomes dedicating himself to Thakur Ji. Kind-hearted Thakur Ji demolishes his problem and blesses him with His divine grace how far he is.

Prem Mandir, Vrindavan

Also known as the temple of divine love, Prem Mandir, Imbued with elegance, and grandeur is dedicated to Goddess Radha and Lord Krishna, and Lord Rama and Goddess Sita. It was shaped and designed by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj in 2001, and is sprawled over 54 acres. Considered as one of the most beautiful and elegant structures in Vrindavan, this Italian white marble temple is dedicated to the major events of Lord Krishna’s life and the interiors depict those scenes, including the raising of Govardhan Hill.

A grand music fountain, where a pleasing sound and light show takes place in the evening, is one of the most interesting attractions of this religious site. The pathways through the garden, a restaurant, shop, and fountains are all part of the temple. Prayers and assemblies are held in a large, pillar-less, dome-shaped Satsang hall that can accommodate as many as 25,000 people at a time.

Today, it is run and maintained by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, an international non-profit, educational, spiritual, and charitable trust. It is a much-frequented religious site for couples, young and old, who come here to be inspired by the eternal bond of who are perhaps the greatest examples of love and devotion in Indian mythology.

Made out of white marble and adorned with very intricate carvings, this temple is also famous for its architectural beauty. Statues of Shri Krishna and his admirers, portraying essential occasions surrounding the Lord's life, cover the main temple. Various scenes from Krishna's life, like raising the Govardhan Mountains have been depicted on the periphery of the Prem Mandir. The lighting of the temple further glorifies its spectacular look, especially during the night. The colored water twists and twirls to the tunes of the kirtans of Radha Krishna being played nearby and are an audio-visual delight.

 

Raman Reti

This pious place is believed to have been the sporting place of Laddu Gopal (baby Krishna) in Gokul. Reti means sand and thus in the sand of this sacred place is blessed by the lotus feet of the baby Krishna. Thus this place is revered among the people of Braj. It is believed that at this place Lord Krishna during his childhood used to play with Lord Balram and his other gopa friends. So, due to its association with Krishna, this land has been used by many saints for their meditation. A small shrine by the name of Rang Bihari Ji is located at this place which was established and worshipped by a pious saint Sri Gyandas Ji Maharaj who performed his severe austerities for the blessings of Lord Krishna while fasting at this sacred place of Raman Reti. It is also believed that saint Gyandas founded this place of Raman Reti.

Raman Reti is the sand in which Lord Krishna played as a child. In more recent times, about 200 years ago, the famous Saint, Swami Gyandas Ji did severe penance at Raman Reti for 12 years. Pleased with his devotion, The Lord appeared before him and today you can find a Raman Bihari Ji Temple at that place. Today devotees roll over the sand here and seek the blessings of Lord Krishna.

Some more pictures from the Mathura trip

Most of the beautiful pictures were clicked by Aditya Bharadwaj, who is a professional photographer from GLA University.  You can contact him at 9219780770 or Aditya60bharadwaj@gmail.com for an appointment. For now, have a glimpse of his work

 Thank you very much for stopping by!

A Day in Barsana- Travel Blog 1/2

Radhe-Radhe

Some of you might have visited so many of the holy places. We all love such places, not just for beauty, but also for the historical beliefs and to feel the culture more closely, Right?

When I came to Mathura, 4 years back, I was amazed by the beautiful temples and the mythological stories related to this city as well as nearby places. So I will be sharing my experience with these lovely places along with the associated historical beliefs. Trust me, by the end of this blog, you will be known to many of the places and stories, you have never heard.

So, the first place I will be telling you about is Barsana, which is world-famous for Lathmar holi. The highlights for the towns that are said to be associated with a Hindu legend related to Lord Krishna and Radha.

Thousands of men from all parts of Mathura district in Uttar Pradesh come to Radha Rani temple in a village called Barsana. After a small ritual ceremony, everyone gathers in the temple compound and in the famous narrow lane in front of it called ‘Rang Rangeeli Gali’ (the colorful lane).

The celebration starts with women smearing color on men and they make sure no one’s left out. Villagers sing folk songs and women dance for their audience. Sweet shops overflow with a cold drink called thandai which is prepared with an edible form of cannabis called bhang. On the next day, men arrive in Barsana again, and this time they try to smear color on the women in the village. Then, the women take out sticks and try to beat the men who save themselves with shields. While men try to save them and each other, the women shout and cheer for their friends and urge them to chase and hit harder. All this is done in jest and everyone gathered participates in the fun.

The mythological story of Lath Mar Holi

Indian mythological stories write about Lord Krishna in different stages of his life. In his days as a young man, he was mischievous and playful. He often visited Barsana, the village where his beloved Radha used to live. Once, days before Holi, the Indian festival of colors, Krishna visited Barsana with his friends, and, together, they teased Radha and her companions. Taking offense to this, Radha’s friends chased the men away with sticks. Lath Mar Holi festival is a re-enactment of this legend

The celebrations are in good spirits and so is the commemoration of the tales associated with the place. There are vibrancies and good cheer all around that depict the true spirits of Mathura. It is one of the biggest festivals in North India is closely associated with Indian mythology. One must definitely visit Mathura during the festival of Holi to immerse themselves in the wonderful colors of love and happiness. 

 

Radha rani temple

Shri Radha Rani Temple is a prominent temple in Barsana. Located at approx 43 km from Mathura in Uttar Pradesh Barsana village is one of the most revered places that appeals devotees across the world. Being the homeland and birthplace of Shri Radha Rani, this little suburb of the Braj region is believed to be amongst the favorite spot of divine destinations not only for pilgrims but also for travelers with spiritual instincts. The Radha Rani temple in the city is also known as Ladli Lalji or Shree Ji temple. Ladli lal Ji or Shree Ji means beloved Radha. 

Radha Rani is believed to be the Goddess of Brajwasis. She is believed to be the secret power of Lord Krishna. For Brajwasis, Radha Rani is not just a consort of Krishna, but the ultimate source of his prowess. Due to her eminent character, she is the only worshipped Goddess of the Braj region. The Radha Rani Temple in Barsana is believed to be the place where Shreeji is always omnipresent and is believed to be a blessing every pilgrim visiting the temple with unending devotion. 

Unknown facts about the Shriji Temple

Located on the Bhanugarh hill, the Shriji temple in Barsana is believed to be 5000 years old. The name of the hill came from Shri Radha Rani’s father’s name Vrishbhanu. Barsana is famous worldwide as it is dedicated to Radha-Krishna. People all around the world come to visit the place as a pilgrimage. According to legends, Barsana is the place where Shri Radha Rani was born and brought up amongst her friends. Shri Krishna used to come to Barsana to meet her beloved Shri Radha.

According to the legends, Shri Krishna’s father Nand Maharaj Ji and Shri Radha’s father Vrishbhanu Maharaj were good friends and used to live in Gokul and Rawal respectively. Due to the atrocities of Kansa, both Nand Maharaj and Vrishbhanu shifted to Nandgaon. Since Vrishbhanu resided on Bhanugarh Hill, the place became home to Radha Rani, where the temple is built today. Krishna and Radha’s pastime stories are innumerable and Barsana witnessed some of them. It is said that Krishna used to come to Barsana to play Holi with Shri Radha Rani. Till date, this ritual is religiously followed by the locals here. The men of Nandgaon still comes to play Holi with the women of Barsana. People from all over the world come to see this soul binding festivity and celebrate Holi here. The temple resonates with the soulful spiritual vibrations the whole year which gains momentum during festive times like Radhashtmi and Holi.

Kirti Temple of Radha Krishna at Barsana

This is the only temple in the world which is dedicated to Kirti Maa who according to the legends is considered to be the Mother of Shri Radha Ji.

 

As we approached Barsana the home town of Shri Radha Ji the daughter of Brisbhan Ji we had the chantings and the prosody coming to the ears all around Radhe Krishna. The very first sight of the temple captured my eyes and my heart throbbed for my dedication to Krishna and Radha and I could not stop uttering myself Hare Krishna Hare Radha.

The temple in itself with the grand scale of architecture and the magnificent rock-cut carvings done out of pale and buff-colored sandstone captivated my heart and I was immersed in deep devotion as it is commonly said ‘a thing of beauty is a joy forever’. Visiting inside the sanctum I found the statue of baby Radha sitting in the lap of her mother which is the only kind of statue in the world.

To be continued...

You have been reading me, but now you will get to know me!

 I know this is too late to post an introductory post of mine. Posting a view of my life, and the people behind my writings, after 14 appreciated blogs, might look silly, but still, I feel I should share how I started. Going back to my rustic root, let me take you to my childhood.

Growth/ Values/ Upbringing/ Principles all we get from our family. So, growing up in a joint family of 11 members, which had excellent ethics, was a blessing. I got my superhero in childhood only. My father, who is an advocate by profession, was a responsible and broad-minded man. A guy who helped his wife at every stage, helped her complete her education and get a dignified job, never got jealous of her success, appreciated her achievements, and trusted more than she did to herself, wow!! That was the first image I noticed about a man when I got my senses. I wondered, how could someone manage his studies, manage to top and get scholarships, manages his job, take care of family, and still chose to be calm and motivate his wife to study more and more, or rather, I say, boost her to achieve what she wanted.

If this is how men are, I should have born as a man, I wondered always! 

On the other hand, I saw my mom, who is a teacher and an advocate, was just perfect; a lady who scored well in academics but never was a book worm. While turning the old albums, I got introduced to so many qualities that she had! Pointing a picture, mom told me she was an NCC cadet, pointing to the another, she explained the outfit she was wearing, it was a Punjabi look for performance on the theme Incredible India. I was so shocked to see the same person who is good at sports, painting, dancing, singing (in a picture, she was presenting QAWALI with her group). Aha! It doesn’t end here only; cooking delicious food was one of the other qualities. Being helpful to everyone, having lots of patience and calmness are the qualities everyone likes about her. Managing office and home well, she was she, my first ideal, I wanted to be like!

So, I always knew I was the one lucky child who had a great family. Till 10th boards, life was fun. In a small village in Bihar, I was so happy in my world. Exploring the facilities I had and giving my best were giving spices to life. It even became better when I scored 95% on 10th boards; well, it was a good number. But that is where the trouble started, got admission to science, and loving arts was terrible. A girl who is an art student psychologically, but pursuing higher studies in science, got stuck between decisions and regrets. Unfortunately, I could not score more than 74% in high school and could not also clear any competitive exams I had been preparing for 2 years. 

 I got admission to the pharmacy, after the very first year, I realized I never wanted to study this or continue with such a stream which focuses on healthcare. I thought I could be anything, a management student/ air hostess/ journalist but not a pharmacist. I could have explored arts/crafts/designing/blogging but not science experiments. 

So when I came to GLA University, Mathura, I was not sure, and still, I had to continue to a course called “B.Pharm.” Many times, I thought to back out and do something I wished to do. But that is not easy, especially, if you belong to a middle-class family. Wasting a whole year was something I could not afford anyway. Moreover, I knew if I have to stay in Mathura, I have to continue in pharmacy only. So, I moved on. 

The motive of joining GLA University was “overall development.” Keeping it in mind, I explored everything I could. I became part of Literario, the literature club, Poetry club, The Saturangle, debate club, Prism, the newspaper of university, GLAD time, the magazine of the university, Athletics, and many more! 

It’s been four years now; I am 2020 pass out pharmacy graduate who is pursuing M.Pharm from GLA University again. But this time, I am sure and confident about what I am pursuing and enjoying the field I chose for the first time. 

The change was bought by my family, university, my department, faculties, friends, coaches, wardens, and who supported me or loved me during that period. I never knew I would be recognized, promoted, supported, and helped this much. 

When I started blogging, I was not much confident, but these lovely people supported me like a family. From childhood friends, coaching friends, college friends, and even strangers helped me to write better and appreciated my content. 

Thank you so much, everyone. My writing may not be able to show my gratitude towards your readers, but trust me, I feel so lucky to have such a lovely circle around. Wherever I went, I was loved; whatever I did, I was guided. 

Sakshimishrablogs.blogspot wouldn’t exist without you. It’s your visits to this webpage that keeps me writing more and more.

Every time, I get a comment at the end of a post, it’s like getting a little gift. I love hearing from you, having your pieces of advice and opinions. Never hesitate to reach out to me.

So, from the bottom of my heart, Thank You!

 

Feminism in India

India has been witnessing feminism movements since the early days. The ban of the Sati system, child marriage, and various political issues like the Involvement of Women in the Quit India movement are some of the examples. The 1917 movement by Sarojini Naidu, for the right to vote to drive the constitution of a committee consisting of 14 women across India was a big milestone in Indian feminism history. From Savitribai Phule to Ishmat Chugtai, outspoken feminists have been living in India for decades. 

If we go back to the ages of Vedas, Draupadi remodeled the notion of monogamy and sati; Sita of motherhood and power; Kali of violence; Puru’s young wife of sexuality; and the bhakta women of marriage and prayers.

The fact that India is one of the 36 countries of the world, where marital rape is legal unless the girl is minor boldly displays how women are oppressed openly in our patriarchal society. Inequality based on gender differences resulted in the difference in female literacy rates being lower at 65.46% than males at 82.14%. Well, it does not end here only. Every day newspapers are filled with the death and suicide of women and also with the death of female foeticide. Women are subjected to acid attack, child marriage, domestic violence, honor killings, abortion, sexual harassment, rape, trafficking is indicative of why India is declared as the most unsafe country for women by Thomson Reuter’s Foundation. In a developing country like India, only 14.5% of women are in Parliament and the maternal mortality being 174/10,000 is not given much attention. The gender pay gap is thought to be normal, we find it everywhere, and we feel this is how it should be.

This indiscrimination particularly alarms women across the country to raise their voices. When women stood strong against these, it was called feminism. It is an act of gaining equivalent opportunities and rights for women over the country. The participation of women in social and political life, their upliftment and empowerment along with dissolving heterogeneity of the society and identification of rights, which have been ignored for a long, was considered as the basic agenda.

Feminism aims at breaking the strong stereotyping in the capabilities and responsibilities of men and women, males are thought of to be more productive and therefore are more educated. Moreover, it is associated with self- reflection, understanding of values, and realization of self-worth. Exploring the roles, and abounding some of the stereotypes, many bring an intellectual trip for women across the country. The #MeToo movement in India, empowered many women, both from India and outside, to expose the men who sexually exploited, harassed, or assaulted other women.

A woman who is distressed by methodical social abuse because of their sex or caste, which is not granted to act willingly, who has been facing oppression while immigrating in jobs or businesses should be subjected to social, moral, economical, cultural, marital as well as individual consciousness for the awareness of their power and identity.

REMEMBER: FEMINISM IS NOT AN ANTI-MEN MOVEMENT

Udaaan aasma tak. Love everyone around!

I always had a soft corner for children, since 2011 when I read an old local newspaper “HINDUSTAN”, which dedicated 2 of its pages to the life of orphan children. On Diwali eve, I got to learn this side of orphanages for the first time. 44 children (19 boys and 25girls) were moved to a different place after the shocking revelation of the pregnancy of a 13 years old girl in Vidyavati Ashram and the orphanage was sealed by The Women and Child welfare committee. There must be more reports like this, I wondered and wished if I could ever help any of the children.

5 years later, when I was about to forget my resolution, suddenly, I met 3 crazy girls, Priya, Pragati, and Nimisha, who were volunteers at Udaan-aasma take (An NGO that works for the betterment of children). Since Priya was my roommate, I got to observe her life very intimately. She was mad for kids. She was very much concerned about their education. The rest ladies also used to work overnight just for one lovely smile of children. At the same time, I got to know GLA University has adopted many of the villages, and the students volunteer to teach and arranging events for the children of nearby villages, who go to government schools. After the college hours, the Udaan club used to teach them, and they even used to dedicate their weekends to going to school, teaching, and playing with them. 

Wow! Incredible. They were actually doing what I just thought. Applause for them.

Influenced by these three lovely girls and their dedicated team, I too decided to be a part of their visit to schools. I got to spend my weekend with those children. They were wonderful. I was so overwhelmed by their innocent smile. They took away my heart! In just two visits, one of the kids insisted me to visit his home and the next day bought some fruits for me.

Suddenly I felt some kind of attachment with kids. They were the happiest children, no worries about expensive toys, there were happy with friends. But due to some unavoidable circumstances, I could not continue with them, probably because I was afraid of getting emotional or maybe due to failure of time management! I could not go there for long, even forget their names and faces, but I miss them, I miss that feeling, I miss that peace, I miss that satisfaction. I wish to be part of that dedicated team again, I wish to go there again; and I wish to meet those kids again….

This blog is incomplete, so was my journey in Udaan. I hope someday I will be able to complete it. There I learned the difference between smile and happiness. You may smile in your life, but to get peace and real happiness, try helping others.

For now, I have a suggestion from Jessica Blaine Smith's diary. She quoted, “Gestures of kindness can change lives- theirs and yours. Say hi to strangers. Be generous whenever possible, generous with your money, your skills, and your time. Spend as much time outside as possible. Eat what is fresh, what is in season, what is local. Find someone who can fix that broken thing. Support local and independent”

Love everyone around!