Monday, May 26, 2008

In memory of Vijayji ( 19th Dec 1938 - 24th May , 2008)



Usha Behenji


Vijay ji pays shraddhanjali to bhaktimati Usha Behenji

Frankly speaking the very basis of hariharji.blogspot.com is ‘’BRAJ VIBHAV KI APOORVA SHRI USHAJI", Ushaji’s biography in Hindi. The work is beautifully written with detailed attention to divine and subtle nuances. Revered Sadhu Bhakt Vijay Babaji, Boboji’s ardent disciple, penned it under the sublime guidance of Sri Pad Baba, founder of Braj-Academy and a highly acclaimed Saint of Braj-Vrindavan, and Susheela Bahinji, long-time associate of Ushaji and currently in charge of Her Thakurji. The Biography’s 51st page refers to Her Guru-lineage as under:


“Boboji here refers to Saint Ushaji of Vrindavan and Vijayji was Her student since the age of 16. Born on 19th December 1938, he passed MA in 1965 and got a Govt Officer's job. Soon thereafter he quit this post to become a denizen of Braj in 1972, renouncing all worldly pleasures to attain spiritual bliss. During this long span of 36 years from 1972 to the date of His Gaulokgaman ( 24th May, 2008) Sadhu Vijayji widely journeyed all over Braj ... Vrindavan-GOVERDHAN-BARSANA-NANDGAON diary of Divine - Great Saint Ushaji . He wrote the ‘Braj Bhoomi Mohini’. There is something strikingly enchanting about the text as it describes the celestial land of dreams and Lord Krishna's divine play. When Saint Ushaji, His ideal and Guru, wrote the foreword of this deeply moving work, She was actually laying the foundation of a Devotee-writer in Vijayji. Later on he edited several of Her works. Of late, ‘Shri Krishan Leelalok’ was the latest 21st book to be published while ‘Shri Krishan Karnamrit’ is still in the press.


24th May is Ma Anandmayi Jayanti coupled with Gaulok-gaman day of 20th Century's Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Hence revered Manoharji reached Lalji's house on Faridabad for the celebration.


But we were in for a rude shock. As soon as the kirtan got over, by about 1 pm on 24th May, 2008, the devotees present took prasad by 2 pm. All of a sudden when Vipanji took leave from Manohar Baba, a fateful phone call from Vrindavan informing that our respected Vijayji had chosen 24th May to proceed to Gaulok, shattered the whole lot of us. I wept inconsolably. The incidence released a flood of memories deeply impressed on my mind, closely associated as I was with Vijayji since childhood along with Boboji. His followers were shocked and grief-stricken all over the globe; several of them in Nandgaon and Goverdhan, Rahul Nevile in Gurgaon, Piyush-Shalini, now in Canada and Rajesh Sharmaji in Dubai, to name a few.


Within minutes of hearing the ill-fated news, Poojya Manohar Baba and Shantanu left for Vrindavan. Manoharji confirmed that the sanskar or last rites would be performed at the holy Yamuna-Ghat on, 25th May, the Gaulokgaman day of revered Dharam Bahinji. On 25th May 2008 at around 9.30 am, Vijayji's body left Saint Ushaji's residence at Sri Bankey Bihari Colony amidst the chanting of the Mahamantra: 'Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare.' By 11.30 am the remains of a great Saint were consigned to the flames ......NARAYAN NARYAN NARAYAN.


The scene of the final departure was heartrending. Manohar Baba coupled with many reputed saints and several devotees swarmed the place, bidding Him a tearful farewell. Their reactions were different but affection for their revered Vijayji was identical. Pratibha Didi said she had lost a father figure while Indu Auntyi wailed that she would miss her divine brother. Rahul and Madhulika Nevile confirmed the presence of five cows and a nandi at the site. The nandi‘s snorting seemed to ward off any evil powers. The incidence authenticated the presence of Lord Shiva since Ushaji always endorsed that Lord Shiva is the Guru of Vijayji and the whole lot of us.


From distant America, Ashutosh Vatsji expressed his condolence:


“I just came to know about the tragic news from Goli Bhai. As of now I read your email. This is indeed sad. At a loss to express myself, I had a word with Daddy who was unconcolable. I cannot visualize Vrindavan minus Vijayji." Revered Vijayji truly served as the heartbeat of Vrindavan.

Kindly share your tributes here ...NARAYAN NARAYAN NARAYAN. So far revered Sheelaji has maintained Her composure . But we are certainly aware that Her grief is the greatest. She has lost a divine son who was very affectionately brought up by Ushaji , Manoharji and Girirajji's Panditji.



Sri Vishnu Sahastranam: 6 am onwards on 26th May 2008

Recently I had a word with poojya Sheela Bahinji at Vrindavan Dham. Dot at 6 am today, a Monday, 26th May 2008 the recitation of Sri Vishnu Sahastranam has begun, paying homage to great saint Vijayji who passed away on 24th May, 2008.


* In the very same premises where Vijayji resided at Sri Banke Bihari Colony of Vrindavan for the past so many years, reading of the holy text is on. “Radhi- Radhe," were His last spiritual words before He left for a Heavenly abode. It seemed He knew that the end was near since a while before in Thakurji's room He had confirmed, "Sheela Bahenji I am going! Bobo I am coming!i


Vishnu Sahastranam stands for the ‘Thousand Names of Lord Vishnu.’ The scripture is based upon the commentary of Shankaracharya. Acharya Shankara found solace in the feet of his Guru, Sri Govindapacharya. On the banks of the Narmada River the Nambootir or Brahmin boy from Kaaladi was initiated into the secrets of the Mahaavaakyas.

  • Shantanu-Poonam Rana , “ It was a great blessing of Vijayji that merely nine days before His Gaulok-gaman, He not only purified our Gurgaon residence by calling upon us but also gathered the entire parikar or divine group here for His darshan and divine grace..”. Such great kripa becomes a possibility because we enjoy Poojya Boboji's canopy of protection on us.
  • Rahul-Madhulika Nevile , “ We shall be eternally grateful to Manohar Baba for scheduling Vijayji's sanskar on 25th May. (Gaulokgaman day of poojya Dharam Bahinji .) Probably the original plan was to proceed to Yamunaji in the evening of 24th May itself which could translate into non-Darshan by several devotees who managed to reach by late night of 24th May or early next morning . Omi Baba a great Saint had come all the way from Kalka, the base camp of Simla.”



Our expectation from hariharji.blogspot.com

Vishnu (right-half, holding the disc) and Shiva (lighter half holding a trident) combined in a single murthi form


Saint Ushaji fondly called Boboji


Harihar is the name of a combined deity form of both Vishnu or Hari and Shiva or Har from the Hindu tradition; worshipped by both Vaishnavites and Shaivities as a form of the Supreme God.


Harihar is also sometimes used as a philosophical term to denote the unity of Vishnu and Shiva as different aspects of the same Supreme Being in the stories woven around them in Vedic and Puranic Scriptures.


One and the Same:

Due to the fluid nature of Hinduism there are varied beliefs and traditions associated to both Vishnu and Shiva. Some schools hold that Vishnu (and his associated avataras) is the Supreme God and others, that Shiva (including his different incarnations) is truly the Supreme Being.


Some argue that both Shiva and Vishnu are the Supreme God - both being different aspects of the one person; and there are others still who regard the Supreme God as being ultimately formless (advaita) and thus see both Vishnu and Shiva as different facets of the one formless Brahman.


You are eagerly desirous to know about the prospect of hariharji.blogspot.com dedicated to Boboji.Harharji were the first words she spoke on waking up in the morning.

The blog embodies the perennial quest of mankind for a divine and transcendental and becomes the paradigm of the seeker for ultimate reality.Lord Krishna is seen as the object of longing and of a love which is expressed in the cry of the enraptures soul for god, of the enraptured cowherdesses for union with their teasing, elusive and insistent paramour.


Tulsidasji wrote the Ramayana for the well being of mankind:


Yeh shubh Shambhoo-Uma samvada ,
Sukh sampadan shaman vishada .


endorses that though the Ramayana narrates Ramji’s story at large, Tulsidasji glorifies Lord Shiva as well. Thus ‘Sri Ramcharitmanas’ bridg the gaping shortcomings of the mundane world:--


A) It spans the differences between Vaishnavas and Shaivites with deep understanding. Lord Rama had asked for water from tirthas or pilgrimage sites spanning India when He established Lord Shiva at Rameshwaram before he headed for Lanka. Ramji not only blesses in verse 2 of the 'Lankakaand':


Je Rameswar darsanu karahin ,
Te tanu taji mum lok sidharahin


He sternly warns in the first verse that those who worship Him but are critical of Lord Shiva shall perish in the most frightful hell without any respite!


Interestingly the four famous dhams are Puri in Orissa, known as the Kaliyuga axis of dharma; Badrinath in Uttaranchal ,the Satyuga’s heart of dharma ; Sri Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu, renowned as the Treta centre of dharma and Dwarka in Gujrat, the Dwapar centre point of dharma. We awaken to a world transformed by radiance as the Ramayana spans our Nation, assimilating diversified cultures from North to South and East to West in the process!


B) The Ramayana amalgamates the array of atheists and believers. Shri Ramji’s Lankan mission for killing Ravana was just an eye wash--it was in reality an integration of two different civilizations, the humans and the demonic forces. Ramji could have easily aimed an arrow from Sugreev’s kingdom to destroy the whole of Lanka.


The pivotal concept endorses that like other earthly kings Ramji did not make Lanka a part of Ayodhya because the nature of the region was totally different. He appointed Vibhishana, brother of Ravana the mighty demon, not a human as ‘Lankesh’, finding him most competent to rule demons and restore order in Lanka. During Vibhishana’s reign in Lanka the citizens became more civilized. In this manner ‘Sri Ramcharitmanas’ makes obeisance to other living beings so that the ultimate reality dawned upon them and they become friendly towards mankind


...Siya Ram May Sab Jug Jani,
Karahoon Pranam Jori Jug PaniI...


C) The Holy Scripture merges different branches of the Sanatan Dharma. The Brahma-Samaj and Arya-Samaj arrived just for a short period of time --focusing on widow-marriage or the loot of fake-pundits'. But the Sanatan Dharma has a distinctive ethereal flavour. While Arya-Samaji merely believe in Vedas the Sanatan Dharmis deeply revere the sacred Scriptures since they originated from Brahma after Lord Vishnu's instructions. Hence on Sri Ramji's majestic Coronation the Vedas and Lord Shiva perform Alleluia :


Nij Prabhumay Dekhanhi Jagat Ka Sun Karahin Virodh ( UTTARKAND )


Lord Vishnu incarnated as the Matsya-Avtara solely to save The Vedas from humans !


Since hariharji.blogspot.com ensures that Goswami Tulsidassji's ‘Sri Ramcharitmanas’ will be constantly referred to I am delighted to quote the last doha, 130-B from Tulsiji:“Seekers who devoutly take a plunge in the holy Ramcharitmanas or the intellectual lake detailing the exploits of Lord Rama will experience an ever-cooling balm without being scorched by mundane rays ."



Thus if we create hariharji.blogspot.com as pristine as the Ramayana we shall be paying true tribute to Tulsidasji and humanity at large. I have high hopes from this site because of Saint Ushaji’s blessings.



Images of Sri Ram Bridge from NASA!



Call it the ill effects of a staggering population or laxity of the Government that most l Indians do not have the basic necessities of housing, potable water, nutritious food, education, medical facilities and, electricity. Slotted as one of the developing countries we don't have enough funds for these essentials. The same argument, paucity of finances, is cited in case new bridges, dams or power –projects are to be constructed.

But we have 2500 crores of Rupees to demolish a 17, 50, 000 years old Sri Rameshwaram bridge! That too when it's one of the four revered pilgrim centres of India and millions of people throng to worship this site. Goswami Tulsidassji affirms in the celebrated epic ‘Sri Ramcharitmanas’:


"je Rameswar darsanu karahin ,
te tanu taji mum lok sidharahin
" ( Lankakaand )


The point to be targeted: why is the Government wasting a whopping 2500 crores on the SETUSAMUDRAM SHIPPING CANAL PROJECT?


  • Close to the Mandapam Village an alternative route exists between Rameshwaram and Dhanushkoti but it is under consideration.
  • In fact the recent NASA shuttle images of an ancient bridge between India and Sri Lanka are shrouded in mystery. Actually the snapshots are breathtakingly beautiful. Indians are very well aware of this Varadi or bridge which was constructed by the "Vanara Sena" in the Treta Yuga, 17, 50,000 years ago. But now since NASA has spotted the site they have renamed it ‘Adam Bridge.’


Is it morally correct to title the site of our ancient lineage with a new and alien name? Will the foreign element ever consent if we change the name of ‘London Bridge’ to ‘Laxman Jhoola’? So, now we jointly venture to spread the truth of our cultural heritage. Pitch in your contribution and send this message across the globe.


The recent discovery of the currently named Adam's Bridge reveals that it is made of a chain of shoals, c.18 mi (30 km) long. Situated in the Pak Strait between India and Sri Lanka it uncovers some untold aspects. The structure’s unique curvature and composition by age reflect that it is man made. Legends coupled with Archaeological studies endorse that the initial signs of human habitation in Sri Lanka date back to the primitive age, about 17, 50,000 years back and the bridge’s age is almost equivalent. This amounts to crucial information about the mysterious legend called ‘Ramayana ‘dating back to the Treta Yuga. The epic highlights a construction built between Rameshwaram (India) and the Sri Lankan coast under the dynamic supervision of Rama, Supreme Lord Incarnate. This knowledge may not be of much significance to archaeologists interested in exploring the origins of man, but it certainly enlightens the world’s population, making them indefatigably aware of an ancient historical site closely linked to Indian mythology


As of now we vow to propagate this undeniable truth. Pitch in by sending this write up to your friends who will in turn spread the word around to others in this world.

(Source: Kalyan a monthly publication, page 595 of its 3rd issue 2007 www.gitapress.org .E-mail booksales@gitapress.org Phone No. 0551-2333030, 2334721Fax No. 0551- 2336997. Postal address: Gita Press,P.O. Gita Press, Gorakhpur -273 005, UP. India)

Satellites prove it twice!


Dr. Uday Kant Misra, “Barely had I finished reading the fourth issue of ‘Kalyan’, a monthly publication, when on page 613 I came across some crucial information:


  • The 17,50,000 years old Sri Rameshwaram bridge's satellite image was exhibited in 1993 at the renowned Pragati Maidan of Delhi.
  • The show was organised by the National Science Centre and its Director ascertains that the above image was initially shot by American satellite Gemini-11 on 14th Dec, 1966. Later on after a span of 22 years another satellite, IRS1A, also endorsed it s existence. Houston's Johnson Space Centre dispatched these pictures to India’s National Remote Sensing Agency ( NRSA ) through the highly reputed NASA.
  • Thus I fully support the public demand of Tamil Nadu and Lord Rama’s devotees of various other States that instead of destruction , the Government of India should concentrate on spending money in constructive work; namely school-education, potable water, nutritious food, clothing, roads, good hospitals, electricity or in building new bridges, dams and power –projects.

For more information please visit www.gitapress.org .E-mail booksales@gitapress.org Phone No. 0551-2333030, 2334721Fax No. 0551- 2336997. The postal address: Gita Press,P.O. Gita Press, Gorakhpur -273 005 ( UP) --INDIA.



Sunday, May 25, 2008

When is Chhathi: 6th day after birth of Ramji?


When is chhathi or sixth day after birth of Ramji? As He was born on naumi, apparently the sixth day should fall on Poornima. When King Dashrathji, Ma Kaushalya and all the residents of Ayodhya were celebrating Ramji's chhathi; Ma Anjani and King Kesari were making merry on the birth of Hanumanji in the distant hillocks of Southern India simultaneously. In the year 2008, since Sri Ramnaumi was on 14th April, Sri Hanuman Jayanti fell on 20th April, Sunday.


Even otherwise chhathi plays a significant role in a new-born's life. After a child’s birth relatives and distant friends get the joyful news in 2-3 days time. Therefore it is feasible on for the entire lot to reach the newborn’s residence and bless the baby on the sixth day. When Lord Krishna was born, demoness Pootana exploited this busy ritual of parents Nandbaba-Yashoda and sneaked into Kanhaiya’s palace. Chhathikara the site near Mathura commemorates this incidence.

  • So let us celebrate chhathi of Ramji at Ayodhya along with the birth of Hanumanji cuddled in Ma Anjana's lap, popularly known as Hanuman Jayanti. Hanumanji, the most ardent devotee of Lord Rama, endorses the divine relation between these two pious dates. Accordingly let us humbly make obeisance at the holy feet of: Lord Rama, Bharat-Shatrughan-Laxmanji - Lord Hanumaan -- sage Yagvalkyaji and Goswami Tulsidassji .....after listening to Sunderkand at CHITRAKOOT .
  • We ought to visit Sri Hanumanji temples and bhandaras (meals provided for holy men.) nearby. Many followers journey to the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in Banaras or Rajashtan's Balaji and Salesar temples on this divine occasion and enjoy the special bhandaras there. Since Hanumanji is Lord Shiva Incarnate, celebration of Hanuman Jayanti in the city of Banaras is highly significant spiritually and makes great Media-headlines.
  • Religiously chant the Sri Hanuman Chalisa and Sunderkaand, paying tribute to Hanumanji’s birth. He was a great devotee of Shri Ramji.
  • Attain spiritual bliss by expounding the glories of His Ishtdev Ramji as under:

How to interact with Lord Rama

If we listen to stories from the cosmic world of Ramji and His divine play,it means we are interacting with Him. There is no difference whatsoever between His form, His name, His pastimes, and He Himself. Shri Ram is absolute. Therefore whether we chant the divine name of Rama or propritiate His idol, or sing His glories we are associating with the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Taking full advantage of these auspicious days when the incarnation of God appears or disappears, we try to connect with Him.


PS: Last year on the auspicious Sri Hanuman Jayanti, 2nd April, 2007, a 108 feet gigantic Hanumanji statue was unveiled at Karol Bagh in New Delhi . This year on 20th April, 2008, they added another feature. Now Hanumanji opens His heart, revealing Lord Ramji-Sitaji within --quite a feast for the eyes and an excellent use of modern technology! Every Tuesday and Saturday, the grand temple has a special 7 pm programme--all Delhites and devotees may note this point. The temple is right adjacent to the Metro Station, making commuting an easy job.

6 am stuti of Sri Nathji


Shrinathji at Nathdwara Rajasthan


ADHRAM MADHURAM ... is the most captivating verse in praise of Sri Nathji or Lord Krishna composed by ancient Acharya Vallabhacharyaji on the ‘Bhagwad Gita. Saint Ushaji began its incantation on every Ekadasi ...8 pm to 9.30 pm diary 8 of Divine-Great Saint Ushaji


Today, 2nd May 2008, a Friday, also happens to be Ekadasi. Poojya Manohar Bhaiyaji asked me to recite the stuti early in the morning at 6 am. It is also the Jayanti of composer ancient Acharya Vallabhachryaji on the 'Bhagwad Gita.'


Sri Vallabhacharya Jayanti :--He established the Sri Nathji tradition and the reputed Pushtimarg. Renowned poets Soordasji and Nanddasji were his disciples. Popularly they were known as the ‘Ashta Chhap’ poets from the Bhakti-period of Hindi literature.


Poojya Manohar Baba at 7:15 am saw the live telecast of Sri Nathji on Sanskar channel and thereafter reached Vrindavan. Since 25th April, 2008 He was in Delhi and graced the devotees by His kripa. The Sri Hari Kirtan was a grand success on 27th April. He has advised everyone to arrange a monthly Sankirtan in all localiies so that just like Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu or 20th Century's Lord Chaitanya's (Sri Maharajji) era, divinity pervades the ambience and all of us thankfully benefit in the process.


Accordingly on this auspicious day of
Acharya Vallabhachryaji Jayanti, let us humbly bow to His Holy Feet for blessings of Sri Nathji or Giriraj Goverdhan ....Vrindavan-GOVERDHAN-BARSANA-NANDGAON diary of Divine - Great Saint Ushaji

June 2008 Calendar: Ganga-Dussehra, Nirjala Ekadasi


Festivals like clockwork work very much on time. Milestones in our life, they turn the year’s arid stretch into a recognisable landscape. An overwhelming response to the May, 2008 Calendar, prompts me to share the important June 2008 Calendar with you.

i) On 13th June, Friday is GANGA DUSSEHRA or the day Holy Ganges appeared on earth. If convenient , take a bath in a holy river on this auspicious day.

ii) 14th June, Saturday is NIRJALA EKADASI when most people keep a fast without water or just have fruits
if unable to do so. It's acclaimed as the most important Ekadasi of the year.


I want to quote a pearl from the Holy Scripture ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ X canto, chapterr28, verse 1. Nandbaba keeps the Ekadasi fast and is therefore rescued from Varunlok by Lord Krishna. The incidence reflects the importance of this religious observance coupled with the moral that we should not bathe in a river at night. The Lord preaches to us by citing His father's example!

Therefore let us not miss this once in a year opportunity of total abstinence from food with no intake of cereals. Only ailing or old individuals can take fruits and milk.

iii) During these days in the famous temples of Bihariji and Radhavallabhji the water-fountain is on nearly every day resulting in a mini-Jalvihar in the evening. Regarding other temples, the dates for the grand function of ‘Jal- Vihar’ are announced independently so that devotees may plan their journey accordingly. For instance the time schedule at Radharamanji's temple is available at http://www.salagram.net/sstp-RadhaRamanVrindavan.html . Jal- Vihar means Jal-keli or water-sport. This is a summer festival when the heat is scorching and is often celebrated by:

  • Lord Krishna with His Devotees in Ma Yamunaji or Nikunjs and Kunjs.
  • In Braj-Vrindavan ..
  • At Saint Ushaji's Thakurji residence in Sri Banke Bihari Colony, Vrindavan, it was revelled on 6th June, 2007. For the year 2008, the date shall be announced shortly.

Canada, USA, UK to follow soon

I salute the Indian Diaspora who are far away physically but their heart is very much in India, immersed in Vrindavan and the holy feet of Bihariji, Saints and their likes. Let Divine Grace of the Lord bless us all. Their humility and innocence are to be highly respected and honoured. The secret lies in a true story that I will share with you as of now.


It so happened that there were two sages. Their Guru assured the first one," You will realise God in your next birth." Soon enough he left the Ashram to enjoy worldly pleasures since he assumed he could do Sadhana in the next birth.

To the second sage it was confirmed that his God realisation will take place after millions of births! He got deeply immersed in Bhajans and began dancing. He was convinced that his prayers were gradually noticed by God and the Lord would appear before Him at least in some birth. And guess what, God appeared immediately!

The immortal discourse of ‘Bhagwad Gita’ confirms this truth. Lord Krishna enlightens Arjuna:

"I am nearest as well as farthest to you totally depending upon your Bhavna ........"


Centuries later Goswami Tulsidassji re-enforces the same statement when He assures us in Sunderkaand of the Ramayana:


"NIRMAL MAN SO MOHI PAWA"


In fact May 24 is Maharajji's utsav. When all Devotees gathered yesterday at Lalji's home in Faridabad for Maharajji's Utsav, Poojya Manohar Baba vehemently insisted that all of us should arrange a monthly Sankirtan in all localities. Following this route precisely like Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu or 20th Century's Lord Chaitanya : Sri Maharajji, divinity would pervade the ambience, with everyone attaining religious merit


And He confirmed that the cities referred to could be abroad, say Canada, USA , UK and so on.


* The Sankirtan would purify us and cleanse the environs.


** The process would get rid of all sins, alleviate diseases and makes us happy along with being stress-free.