A DIVINE MESSAGE
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2012 Guru Poornima
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Philosophy
Emblem of Blessed LifeThe key to making one's own life full of all goodness
Prem Mandir Inauguration Ceremony
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Kids Story
Bhakt Vatsal - BhootabhritA story of how much God cares about His devotees
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Philosophy
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धनि तन मन धन गोविंद राधे । जो हरि अरु गुरु सेवा में लगा दे ॥
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dhani tana mana dhana goviṃda rādhe । jo hari aru guru sevā meṃ lagā de ॥
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The wise people always wish to attain blessings of God to make their life most successful. They dedicate themselves at the lotus feet of God and Guru for the accomplishment of this purpose. Only the human beings possess three things that can be dedicated towards the service of God and Guru: body, mind, and wealth.
Yet all our scriptures give the maximum importance to the allegiance of mind and then to the body and wealth. Total sacrifice of all these three is essential for complete surrender. However if, despite your willingness, you are unable to donate money, you will not be punished. But if you are waiting to get more than sufficient money for your household needs, then even millions of dollars will be insufficient.
Our scriptures advise us, spending money on multiple dresses, shoes, matching purses and outing etc. is sheer madness. One should spend money wisely only for basic necessities and donate the rest. It is injudicious to waste money on showing off material prosperity to compete with others, while on the other hand pretending dearth for the spiritual sublime causes. As per the law of God, you will never be excused for this negligence. If truth be told, others do not admire your fancy clothes and other expensive things, rather they get jealous and criticize, behind your back. But their flowery words of admiration deceive you and coddle you. Our material mind always inspires us “to be called good” versus “being good”. The desire, to be “called good” (or the false pride) is so strong that we cannot tolerate even a scolding of our Guru. Although we do not utter any word out of respect, yet we feel He could have scolded us in private rather than in public. But, when we examine ourselves our intellect denies accepting being haughty. How can the intellect give a verdict against itself?
Unnecessary expenditure on shoes, clothing, jewelry etc. spoils the mind and runs the risk of going into depression if you are not able to buy new dresses due to tight financial conditions. We are so naive that we waste our time and money on maintaining our position in society but do not care about being banished into lower forms of life like insects and worms!
Shri Maharaj Ji added a joke here. ‘Once I was going somewhere. My car stopped at the red light. As I looked out of the window, I saw a seventy-year-old lady, sitting in the car in the next lane, take out her makeup kit and start applying lipstick and powder. I could not control my laughter.
A seventy-year-old is so concerned about looking good! Think! how much you spend on your body and decorating your house and car etc.; yet you make excuses to come to satsang, just so you do not have to spend money on gas and on aarti.
Our ego is so high that even if a saint casts his graceful glance on a young girl, she, instead of being grateful, calls him a rogue.
Once it so happened that a girl was standing on the side of the road. A celestial being (devata) from the celestial abodes passed by and asked, “Would you like me to turn you into a beautiful maiden?” The girl slapped the devata saying, “Do you think that I am ugly?” The devata was taken aback. He could not imagine that an ordinary looking girl on earth would consider herself no less than a celestial nymph!
The scriptures assert that there are four things that have been considered the cause of one’s destruction: youthfulness, money, power, ignorance. Just one of these is sufficient to ruin you completely then imagine how much harm having all of these can bring!
Once, a beggar donated One rupee and 75 paisa to Shri Madan Mohan Malviya towards the construction of Banaras Hindu University. Shri Malviya was overwhelmed with this donation and considered it as the biggest donation. Since the beggar donated his entire income of the day, and slept without food that night.
Everybody has money. How much, varies from person to person. One must surrender the mind to God. And according to one’s ability one should donate as well. One may live far away, or have a family to support and hence cannot perform physical service. Those hindrances may exist in serving with body and wealth, but there is no excuse for not serving with the mind .Everyone must serve God and Guru with the mind.
If a saint hugs a foreigner, who has come after a long time, others start thinking, O when I came from Mumbai, he did not give me a hug. Guru Ji embraced him just because he lives abroad. Instead of admiring your fortune that a saint, who is always engrossed in divine pastimes of God, looked at me! He gave me a smile. He is not supposed to look at the sinner like me. Still He is doing so many favors just to deliver me. Instead you apply your insignificant material intellect even in the unintelligible actions of a saint!
Ramakrishna Parmahans once took a lump of mud in one hand and put a gold coin in the other hand and said taaka maati, taaka maati. So others asked him, “what are you doing?” He replied, I am training my mind to think that there is no difference between mud and gold.
Swami Ram Tirth was a saint. He was very fond of apples. Once he kept an apple in front of him and resolved not to eat it. The apple became rotten. Still he did not eat it to control his desire for worldly things.
The saints freely distribute divine knowledge to us. Donating the entire wealth of the entire world cannot absolve one from the debt of a saint, who gives us divine knowledge.
There was a servant Palu Ram, in the house of a wealthy person Karori Mal. Palu Ram forged all the property in own name and made Karori Mal his servant. Our mind is like Palu for us.
So here the saint is saying that person is blessed who dedicates his body, mind and wealth in the service of God and Guru.
If one thinks so and works towards it then it will happen.
Yet all our scriptures give the maximum importance to the allegiance of mind and then to the body and wealth. Total sacrifice of all these three is essential for complete surrender. However if, despite your willingness, you are unable to donate money, you will not be punished. But if you are waiting to get more than sufficient money for your household needs, then even millions of dollars will be insufficient.
Our scriptures advise us, spending money on multiple dresses, shoes, matching purses and outing etc. is sheer madness. One should spend money wisely only for basic necessities and donate the rest. It is injudicious to waste money on showing off material prosperity to compete with others, while on the other hand pretending dearth for the spiritual sublime causes. As per the law of God, you will never be excused for this negligence. If truth be told, others do not admire your fancy clothes and other expensive things, rather they get jealous and criticize, behind your back. But their flowery words of admiration deceive you and coddle you. Our material mind always inspires us “to be called good” versus “being good”. The desire, to be “called good” (or the false pride) is so strong that we cannot tolerate even a scolding of our Guru. Although we do not utter any word out of respect, yet we feel He could have scolded us in private rather than in public. But, when we examine ourselves our intellect denies accepting being haughty. How can the intellect give a verdict against itself?
Unnecessary expenditure on shoes, clothing, jewelry etc. spoils the mind and runs the risk of going into depression if you are not able to buy new dresses due to tight financial conditions. We are so naive that we waste our time and money on maintaining our position in society but do not care about being banished into lower forms of life like insects and worms!
Shri Maharaj Ji added a joke here. ‘Once I was going somewhere. My car stopped at the red light. As I looked out of the window, I saw a seventy-year-old lady, sitting in the car in the next lane, take out her makeup kit and start applying lipstick and powder. I could not control my laughter.
A seventy-year-old is so concerned about looking good! Think! how much you spend on your body and decorating your house and car etc.; yet you make excuses to come to satsang, just so you do not have to spend money on gas and on aarti.
Our ego is so high that even if a saint casts his graceful glance on a young girl, she, instead of being grateful, calls him a rogue.
Once it so happened that a girl was standing on the side of the road. A celestial being (devata) from the celestial abodes passed by and asked, “Would you like me to turn you into a beautiful maiden?” The girl slapped the devata saying, “Do you think that I am ugly?” The devata was taken aback. He could not imagine that an ordinary looking girl on earth would consider herself no less than a celestial nymph!
The scriptures assert that there are four things that have been considered the cause of one’s destruction: youthfulness, money, power, ignorance. Just one of these is sufficient to ruin you completely then imagine how much harm having all of these can bring!
Once, a beggar donated One rupee and 75 paisa to Shri Madan Mohan Malviya towards the construction of Banaras Hindu University. Shri Malviya was overwhelmed with this donation and considered it as the biggest donation. Since the beggar donated his entire income of the day, and slept without food that night.
Everybody has money. How much, varies from person to person. One must surrender the mind to God. And according to one’s ability one should donate as well. One may live far away, or have a family to support and hence cannot perform physical service. Those hindrances may exist in serving with body and wealth, but there is no excuse for not serving with the mind .Everyone must serve God and Guru with the mind.
If a saint hugs a foreigner, who has come after a long time, others start thinking, O when I came from Mumbai, he did not give me a hug. Guru Ji embraced him just because he lives abroad. Instead of admiring your fortune that a saint, who is always engrossed in divine pastimes of God, looked at me! He gave me a smile. He is not supposed to look at the sinner like me. Still He is doing so many favors just to deliver me. Instead you apply your insignificant material intellect even in the unintelligible actions of a saint!
Ramakrishna Parmahans once took a lump of mud in one hand and put a gold coin in the other hand and said taaka maati, taaka maati. So others asked him, “what are you doing?” He replied, I am training my mind to think that there is no difference between mud and gold.
Swami Ram Tirth was a saint. He was very fond of apples. Once he kept an apple in front of him and resolved not to eat it. The apple became rotten. Still he did not eat it to control his desire for worldly things.
The saints freely distribute divine knowledge to us. Donating the entire wealth of the entire world cannot absolve one from the debt of a saint, who gives us divine knowledge.
There was a servant Palu Ram, in the house of a wealthy person Karori Mal. Palu Ram forged all the property in own name and made Karori Mal his servant. Our mind is like Palu for us.
So here the saint is saying that person is blessed who dedicates his body, mind and wealth in the service of God and Guru.
If one thinks so and works towards it then it will happen.
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सुनहु करहु जो तुमहिं सुहाई ।
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sunahu karahu jo tumahiṃ suhāī ।
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Listen to what I said, now do whatever you like.
Philosophy
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj is the fifth Divine personality who further glorifies the illustrious history of India. In 1957, at the young age of 34, Shri Maharaj Ji was honored by Kashi Vidwat Parishat (the epic body of Sanskrit scholars) with the title of “Jagadguruttam”. In addition to His incessant efforts towards the spiritual upliftment of mankind, Shri Maharaj Ji has established Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP), a world renowned organization that is working unceasingly towards meeting the social, medical and educational needs of the poor and neglected sections of Indian society. The benefits of the schools, medical centers, hospitals and health camps etc. are available to all regardless of religious orientations, sect, caste, or creed. Shri Maharaj Ji is uniquely proficient in reconciling the seemingly contradictory views of all previous Jagadgurus, ancient Hindu scriptures and the various schools of philosophy. Hence, along with spiritual progress, He also considers health and education equally important. On one hand, JKP has established centers that teach about selfless devotion towards Radha-Krishna and facilitate the practice of devotion through philosophical discourses, chanting sessions etc. and on the other hand, JKP has built and continues to build hospitals in poor areas where there are absolutely no medical facilities. These hospitals are equipped with state of art medical facilities and provide medical services and medicines to the masses free of cost.
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तन बिनु भजन वेद नहिं बरना
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tana binu bhajana veda nahiṁ baranā
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"Realization of God is not possible without maintenance of sound body."
For holistic improvement, education is also mandatory. In India, there are adequate education opportunities for both boys and girls in cities and towns. But in the villages, there are hardly any opportunities for women’s education. Hence, JKP has established girl’s institutes in villages, where elementary to university education is imparted free of cost.
The founder of JKP, the fifth original Jagadguru and the greatest saint and philosopher of modern times, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj has established an exquisite temple named “Prem Mandir” in the Holy land of Vrindaban. This land is the favorite playground of Shri Krishna, the son of Nand, who is the personified form of Supreme Bliss and Shri Radha Rani, the daughter of Shri Vrishbhanu, who is the chief deity of Mahaaraas.
The foundation stone of “Prem Mandir” was laid by Shri Maharaj Ji on 14th Jan 2001 and the temple was inaugurated by Shri Maharaj Ji in a three day ceremony from 15th to 17th February 2012. Devotees started decorating the temple with colorful lighted strings, beautiful curtains, real and silk flowers, and rangoli (colorful patterns on the floor), 15 days ahead of the inauguration ceremony. On the day of the inauguration, the temple looked like a newly wedded bride.
The garden in the premises was artistically laid out with fragrant flowers and creepers. It was further decorated with images of Maharaas, peacock idols and capitals. The main external attraction of the temple was Shri Radha Krishna Idols swinging continuously on a spectacular electric swing. But the most attractive part of the Prem Mandir premises was the fountain with laser lights. After an attractive laser show, the water formed a screen and the image of Shri Maharaj Ji performing sankeertan with His devotees was displayed on it. Everyone was amazed to see this state-of-art invention.
The main temple is constructed with Italian white marble. Its architecture is based on the patterns revealed by the celestial architect Vishwakarma in his book “Shilp Ratnakar”. And the name of this architecture is “Naagraadi”. In brief, this temple’s architecture is based on Vedic methodology and it was inaugurated with full Vedic rites. The estimated life of this temple is thousands of years.
The moment you enter the temple shrine, you get to bathe in the glimmer of the temple. Shri Krishna’s 80 leelas, depicted in Srimad Bhagavat Puran, are sequentially carved, in panoramas, on externals walls of both floors. This is the first temple in the world, where all pastimes of Shri Krishna mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavat are creatively enameled on the walls. One can learn from or be reminded of all the stories while seeing these vivid illustrations.
On the south wall, in the middle is an idol of Shukdev Paramhans preaching Bhagavat. On the north facing walls are scenes of Shri Maharaj ji chanting with His devotees. And in the middle of the wall, there is a robotic-idol of Shri Maharaj ji, writing the meaning of Bhagavat in His numerous compositions. Several compositions of Shri Maharaj ji are engraved on the walls all over the temple. Shri Maharaj ji has composed 13 couplets called “Kripalu Trayodashi”, which is the essence of the entire Indian Philosophy. These couplets are engraved on the left side of the main shrine on the ground floor. On the right side is the composition called “Braj Ras Trayodashi”. This describes the grandeur of pure love depicting how the Supreme God becomes a slave to those devotees who love Him alone selflessly.
On the first floor of the temple is the idol of the Lord of Saket Lok, Shri Ram with Mother Sita. One cannot take one’s eyes off the Divine couple. On this floor on the south facing walls, scenes from the life history of all-attractive Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are engraved. On north facing wall, images of all four prior Jagadgurus are engraved and brought to life using befitting colors.
15th Feb 2012 was the first day of celebrations for inauguration of this temple. The celebrations started with “Kalash Yatra”. Thousands of devotees standing in long queues, carrying intricately decorated gold or brass pitchers on their head was enchanting. Interweaved between the devotees were various troops of performers. The various groups of performers dressed in vibrant clothes were playing different musical instruments including conch, cymbals, drums etc. They were also accompanied by a musical band party and acrobats displaying their talents. Shri Maharaj Ji led the procession, followed by His family members. They were followed by His preachers, followed by male and female devotees. All were drenched in the love of Shri Radha Krishna.
In this manner, when the procession of about 10,000 devotees entered the premises of Shri Prem Mandir, about 40-50 thousand spectators were sitting in a huge circle in the gardens to watch the spectacle. The sight of an event led by Supremely gracious Shri Maharaj Ji, in the land of Braj with thousands of fluttering yellow garments and love-filled eyes together produced a Divine atmosphere. Everyone present had just one thing to say, “seems like some Divine abode has descended on earth and we are drowning in the ecstasy of being present in that divine abode.”
From morning 10 AM, Vedic rituals started and entire Vrindavan resounded with the chanting of Vedic Mantras. For hosting events, chanting, singing devotional songs and arti, an awe-inspiring and gigantic tent was erected by master tentmakers from Jaipur. It seemed like it was made of marble and could accommodate more than 10,000 people. Adding to the beauty of the tent was the decoration done with fresh flowers and breath-taking images of Shri Radha Krishna. Approximately 10,000 people were singing devotional songs in this tent from 5 AM to 9 PM every day.
In the evening, the world famous ‘Raas Leela’ performers from Vrindavan put up a stage show of the pastimes of Shri Krishna. The stage in the satsang hall was decorated accordingly. By 7:00 PM Shri Maharaj Ji came to the hall. Shri Ramswaroop Sharma, the director of the Raas leela gave a warm welcome to Shri Maharaj Ji. Shri Maharaj Ji too welcomed him with a flower garland. Then swaying in a very jolly mood, Shri Maharaj Ji performed Aarti of Shri Radha-Krishna actors. The troop performed an enchanting “peacock dance” and leela of “engagement ceremony of Shri Radha-Krishna”.
The next day, “Kalash Yatra” was organized again. Shri Maharaj Ji along with His family members washed the inside sanctuary, where the idols are situated, with the waters of five holy rivers and all the oceans. Devotees washed inside and outside the temple. It was an amazing scene. After the ceremonial washing of the temple entire Vrindaban resounded with the sounds of thousands of devotees saying “swaha, swaha” .
17th February was the last and most exciting day of all. From 10 AM on, Shri Maharaj Ji participated in the ongoing yagya and accomplished the necessary rites. This was followed by Shri Maharaj Ji leading Mahamantra chanting. Then Shri Maharaj Ji proceeded towards the temple stairs and cut the ribbon to release a bunch of helium balloons, which had a silver placard at the bottom saying “Prem Mandir” and thrice raised the slogan of “Ladli Lal Ki Jai” (All glories to the divine couple Shri Radha Krishn). Then devotees release ten thousand helium balloons of various colors in the air. The sight of the entire sky filled with balloons was magnificent, as if a huge rainbow had decorating the sky in the honor of Prem Mandir inauguration.
After that, Shri Maharaj Ji entered the main temple. In the middle of the floor, a giant colorful round shaped rangoli was designed and in the center of that rangoli was a lamp stand with five oil lamps. Shri Maharaj Ji lit the lamps amidst chanting of Vedic Hymns. With joyous acclamations of Shri Radha Krishna, yet again a wave of joy and love gripped the devotees. Then Shri Maharaj Ji with His family opened the doors of the inner sanctuary of Shri Sita-Ram and Shri Radha-Krishna. Shri Maharaj Ji, His family members and hundreds of devotees performed Aarti of the deities for the first time, with exclusively decorated Aarti plates. Yet again acclamation of Shri RadhaKrishna filled the air. After coming out of the temple, the closing ceremony of the yagya was performed. Tilak (mark) of Yagya bhasm (ash) was applied to the forehead and sacred thread (kalava) was tied to the wrists of devotees. The inauguration ceremony came to an end with 50,000 devotees singing Radhey Radhey and dancing in ecstasy. The various performers played different tunes on their respective instruments, thereby adding to the celebrations.
Thus, the inauguration ceremony of Prem Mandir concluded amidst joy, ecstasy, merriment, jubilation, love filled atmosphere and commemoration. In a large tent, arrangements for food and snacks were made. On all three days, there was scrumptious food and about 50,000 devotees had their meals. Every occasion and every event of the ceremony was unforgettable.
This temple is a symbol of that Divine Love which controls the Supreme Lord Shri Radha-Krishna. For ages to come in future, this temple will be an incredible source of inspiration for the devotees and saints to tread on the path of divine love.
The architecture, artistic quality, sweet sentiments, every spec reflecting love of Shri Radha Krishna will proclaim the indestructible glory of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj for eons. This temple does not glorify Vrindaban alone; instead, it glorifies the entire world.
For holistic improvement, education is also mandatory. In India, there are adequate education opportunities for both boys and girls in cities and towns. But in the villages, there are hardly any opportunities for women’s education. Hence, JKP has established girl’s institutes in villages, where elementary to university education is imparted free of cost.
The founder of JKP, the fifth original Jagadguru and the greatest saint and philosopher of modern times, Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj has established an exquisite temple named “Prem Mandir” in the Holy land of Vrindaban. This land is the favorite playground of Shri Krishna, the son of Nand, who is the personified form of Supreme Bliss and Shri Radha Rani, the daughter of Shri Vrishbhanu, who is the chief deity of Mahaaraas.
The foundation stone of “Prem Mandir” was laid by Shri Maharaj Ji on 14th Jan 2001 and the temple was inaugurated by Shri Maharaj Ji in a three day ceremony from 15th to 17th February 2012. Devotees started decorating the temple with colorful lighted strings, beautiful curtains, real and silk flowers, and rangoli (colorful patterns on the floor), 15 days ahead of the inauguration ceremony. On the day of the inauguration, the temple looked like a newly wedded bride.
The garden in the premises was artistically laid out with fragrant flowers and creepers. It was further decorated with images of Maharaas, peacock idols and capitals. The main external attraction of the temple was Shri Radha Krishna Idols swinging continuously on a spectacular electric swing. But the most attractive part of the Prem Mandir premises was the fountain with laser lights. After an attractive laser show, the water formed a screen and the image of Shri Maharaj Ji performing sankeertan with His devotees was displayed on it. Everyone was amazed to see this state-of-art invention.
The main temple is constructed with Italian white marble. Its architecture is based on the patterns revealed by the celestial architect Vishwakarma in his book “Shilp Ratnakar”. And the name of this architecture is “Naagraadi”. In brief, this temple’s architecture is based on Vedic methodology and it was inaugurated with full Vedic rites. The estimated life of this temple is thousands of years.
The moment you enter the temple shrine, you get to bathe in the glimmer of the temple. Shri Krishna’s 80 leelas, depicted in Srimad Bhagavat Puran, are sequentially carved, in panoramas, on externals walls of both floors. This is the first temple in the world, where all pastimes of Shri Krishna mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavat are creatively enameled on the walls. One can learn from or be reminded of all the stories while seeing these vivid illustrations.
On the south wall, in the middle is an idol of Shukdev Paramhans preaching Bhagavat. On the north facing walls are scenes of Shri Maharaj ji chanting with His devotees. And in the middle of the wall, there is a robotic-idol of Shri Maharaj ji, writing the meaning of Bhagavat in His numerous compositions. Several compositions of Shri Maharaj ji are engraved on the walls all over the temple. Shri Maharaj ji has composed 13 couplets called “Kripalu Trayodashi”, which is the essence of the entire Indian Philosophy. These couplets are engraved on the left side of the main shrine on the ground floor. On the right side is the composition called “Braj Ras Trayodashi”. This describes the grandeur of pure love depicting how the Supreme God becomes a slave to those devotees who love Him alone selflessly.
On the first floor of the temple is the idol of the Lord of Saket Lok, Shri Ram with Mother Sita. One cannot take one’s eyes off the Divine couple. On this floor on the south facing walls, scenes from the life history of all-attractive Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu are engraved. On north facing wall, images of all four prior Jagadgurus are engraved and brought to life using befitting colors.
15th Feb 2012 was the first day of celebrations for inauguration of this temple. The celebrations started with “Kalash Yatra”. Thousands of devotees standing in long queues, carrying intricately decorated gold or brass pitchers on their head was enchanting. Interweaved between the devotees were various troops of performers. The various groups of performers dressed in vibrant clothes were playing different musical instruments including conch, cymbals, drums etc. They were also accompanied by a musical band party and acrobats displaying their talents. Shri Maharaj Ji led the procession, followed by His family members. They were followed by His preachers, followed by male and female devotees. All were drenched in the love of Shri Radha Krishna.
In this manner, when the procession of about 10,000 devotees entered the premises of Shri Prem Mandir, about 40-50 thousand spectators were sitting in a huge circle in the gardens to watch the spectacle. The sight of an event led by Supremely gracious Shri Maharaj Ji, in the land of Braj with thousands of fluttering yellow garments and love-filled eyes together produced a Divine atmosphere. Everyone present had just one thing to say, “seems like some Divine abode has descended on earth and we are drowning in the ecstasy of being present in that divine abode.”
From morning 10 AM, Vedic rituals started and entire Vrindavan resounded with the chanting of Vedic Mantras. For hosting events, chanting, singing devotional songs and arti, an awe-inspiring and gigantic tent was erected by master tentmakers from Jaipur. It seemed like it was made of marble and could accommodate more than 10,000 people. Adding to the beauty of the tent was the decoration done with fresh flowers and breath-taking images of Shri Radha Krishna. Approximately 10,000 people were singing devotional songs in this tent from 5 AM to 9 PM every day.
In the evening, the world famous ‘Raas Leela’ performers from Vrindavan put up a stage show of the pastimes of Shri Krishna. The stage in the satsang hall was decorated accordingly. By 7:00 PM Shri Maharaj Ji came to the hall. Shri Ramswaroop Sharma, the director of the Raas leela gave a warm welcome to Shri Maharaj Ji. Shri Maharaj Ji too welcomed him with a flower garland. Then swaying in a very jolly mood, Shri Maharaj Ji performed Aarti of Shri Radha-Krishna actors. The troop performed an enchanting “peacock dance” and leela of “engagement ceremony of Shri Radha-Krishna”.
The next day, “Kalash Yatra” was organized again. Shri Maharaj Ji along with His family members washed the inside sanctuary, where the idols are situated, with the waters of five holy rivers and all the oceans. Devotees washed inside and outside the temple. It was an amazing scene. After the ceremonial washing of the temple entire Vrindaban resounded with the sounds of thousands of devotees saying “swaha, swaha” .
17th February was the last and most exciting day of all. From 10 AM on, Shri Maharaj Ji participated in the ongoing yagya and accomplished the necessary rites. This was followed by Shri Maharaj Ji leading Mahamantra chanting. Then Shri Maharaj Ji proceeded towards the temple stairs and cut the ribbon to release a bunch of helium balloons, which had a silver placard at the bottom saying “Prem Mandir” and thrice raised the slogan of “Ladli Lal Ki Jai” (All glories to the divine couple Shri Radha Krishn). Then devotees release ten thousand helium balloons of various colors in the air. The sight of the entire sky filled with balloons was magnificent, as if a huge rainbow had decorating the sky in the honor of Prem Mandir inauguration.
After that, Shri Maharaj Ji entered the main temple. In the middle of the floor, a giant colorful round shaped rangoli was designed and in the center of that rangoli was a lamp stand with five oil lamps. Shri Maharaj Ji lit the lamps amidst chanting of Vedic Hymns. With joyous acclamations of Shri Radha Krishna, yet again a wave of joy and love gripped the devotees. Then Shri Maharaj Ji with His family opened the doors of the inner sanctuary of Shri Sita-Ram and Shri Radha-Krishna. Shri Maharaj Ji, His family members and hundreds of devotees performed Aarti of the deities for the first time, with exclusively decorated Aarti plates. Yet again acclamation of Shri RadhaKrishna filled the air. After coming out of the temple, the closing ceremony of the yagya was performed. Tilak (mark) of Yagya bhasm (ash) was applied to the forehead and sacred thread (kalava) was tied to the wrists of devotees. The inauguration ceremony came to an end with 50,000 devotees singing Radhey Radhey and dancing in ecstasy. The various performers played different tunes on their respective instruments, thereby adding to the celebrations.
Thus, the inauguration ceremony of Prem Mandir concluded amidst joy, ecstasy, merriment, jubilation, love filled atmosphere and commemoration. In a large tent, arrangements for food and snacks were made. On all three days, there was scrumptious food and about 50,000 devotees had their meals. Every occasion and every event of the ceremony was unforgettable.
This temple is a symbol of that Divine Love which controls the Supreme Lord Shri Radha-Krishna. For ages to come in future, this temple will be an incredible source of inspiration for the devotees and saints to tread on the path of divine love.
The architecture, artistic quality, sweet sentiments, every spec reflecting love of Shri Radha Krishna will proclaim the indestructible glory of Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj for eons. This temple does not glorify Vrindaban alone; instead, it glorifies the entire world.
Philosophy
जगद्गुरु श्री कृपालु जी महाराज भारतीय इतिहास को समुज्जल करनेवाली वह पंचम दिव्य विभूति हैं जिन्हें सन् १९५७ में ३५ वर्ष की अवस्था में काशी विद्वत् परिषत् द्वारा जगद्गुरु की उपाधि से सम्मानित किया गया था । इनका जीवन केवल आध्यात्मिक उन्नति हेतु ही समर्पित नहीं है अपितु इन्होंने जे.के.पी. नामक विश्वविश्रुत संस्था की स्थापना भी की जो जाति-पाँति, धर्म, सम्प्रदाय आदि के भेद से सर्वथा परे होकर आध्यात्मिक, शैक्षिक व स्वास्थ्य विकास सम्बन्धी जन-कल्याण के कार्यों में ही अहर्निशरत है । ये समन्वयवादी जगद्गुरु हैं । अतः आध्यात्मिक उन्नयन के साथ- साथ वे स्वास्थ्य व शिक्षा के महत्त्व को भी अत्यावश्यक समझते हैं । अतः एक ओर इन्होंने श्री राधाकृष्ण की अनन्य व निष्काम भक्ति के प्रचार के लिये स्थान-स्थान पर आश्रम स्थापित किये हैं, जहाँ अहर्निश सत्संग व दार्शनिक प्रवचनों के द्वारा वह जीवोद्धार में लगे हुये हैं तो दूसरी ओर वे निर्धन व ग्रामीण जनता के स्वास्थ्य वर्धन के लिये जगह-जगह पूर्णतया निःशुल्क व समस्त आधुनिक उपकरणों के सुसज्जित अस्पतालों के निर्माण करवा रहे हैं । क्योंकि तुलसीदास जी के अनुसार । "तन बिनु भजन वेद नहिं बरना" ।
किसी भी क्षेत्र में समुन्नति के लिये शिक्षा का भी महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है । अपने देश के नगरों में तो स्त्री पुरुष सभी की शिक्षा का समुचित प्रबंध है किन्तु गाँवों में स्त्री शिक्षा के पिछड़ेपन को देखकर इन्होंने जे. के. पी. द्वारा प्राइमरी से डिग्री कॉलेज पर्यंत पूर्णतया निःशुल्क विद्यालयों को खोलकर गाँव की बालिकाओं पर महान् उपकार किया है ।
इस जे.के.पी. के संस्थापक, पंचम मौलिक जगद्गुरु व वर्तमान काल में धरा के सर्वश्रेष्ठ सन्त व दार्शनिक उन्हीं श्री कृपालु जी महाराज ने ब्रजेन्द्रनंदन आनंदकंद श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र व वृषभानुनंदिनी रासेश्वरी श्री राधा रानी की मनभावनी लीलास्थली वृन्दावन धाम में प्रेम मंदिर की स्थापना कराई है, जिसका शिलान्यास १४ जनवरी २००१ में व उद्घाटन उन्हीं के कर कमलों द्वारा १५, १६ व १७ फरवरी २०१२ को दिव्यातिदिव्य महोत्सव के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ । श्री महाराज जी के अनन्य भक्तों ने बड़े उत्साह व गुरु भक्ति के साथ १५ दिन पहले से ही मंदिर को विद्युत्-झुमरों और रंग-बिरंगी लाइट्स, सुन्दर-सुन्दर पर्दों, असली व रेशमी पुष्पों तथा कलात्मक रंगोली आदि से नव बधू से समान सजा दिया था । विशेष कलाकारी के साथ सुगन्धित फूलों, बेल आदि से सज्जित उद्यानों को रासलीला की झाँकियों, अनेक प्रकार के मोरों के विग्रहों से सजाया गया । मंदिर बाहरी सज्जा के प्रमुख आकर्षण थे विद्युत्
।
संचालित सुन्दर झूले पर निरंतर झूलते हुये युगल सरकार । किन्तु प्रेम मंदिर में सर्वाधिक आकर्षण का केन्द्र तो है वह अद्वितीय झरना जो विभिन्न रंग-बिरंगे डिजाइनों के प्रदर्शन के बाद पानी के ही परदे (स्क्रीन) को प्रकट करता हुआ झरने के जल के मध्य भक्तों के साथ संकीर्तन करते हुये श्री महाराज जी व अन्य गायकों के विडियो का प्रदर्शन करता है । वर्तमान युग के इस आश्चर्यजनक नवीन आविष्कार को देखकर सभी दर्शक मन्त्रमुग्ध होकर रह जाते हैं ।
मंदिर भवन का निर्माण इटली के सुप्रसिद्ध श्वेत संगमरमर पत्थर से हुआ है ।वास्तुकला का आधार आदि वास्तुकार विश्वकर्मा का पुरातन ग्रन्थ "शिल्प रत्नाकर" है और इसकी शैली का नाम
"नागरादि" है । सारांशतः इस मंदिर का निर्माण विशुद्ध वैदिक रीती व समुचित वैदिक अनुष्ठानों के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ है । तदनुसार इस मंदिर की अनुमानित आयु हज़ारों वर्ष है ।
मंदिर के परिसर में प्रवेश करते ही मंदिर की दीवारों की धवल ज्योत्स्ना में स्नान करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त होता है । पुनः दोनों मंजिलों की दीवारों के वाह्य भाग पर शोभित श्रीमद्भागवत महापुराण में वर्णित श्रीकृष्ण की लीला सम्बन्धी ८० बड़े-बड़े भित्ति चित्रों ने समस्त दर्शकों के मन को मोह लिया । विश्व का यह प्रथम मंदिर है जहाँ भागवत में वर्णित समस्त कृष्ण लीलाओं को क्रम से कलात्मक पच्चीकारी द्वारा दीवारों पर उभारा गया हो । इन लीला-चित्रों से ही दर्शकों को श्रीकृष्ण की समस्त लीलाओं का स्मरण व ज्ञान हो जाता है ।
।
भीतर भूमि तल पर स्थित मंदिर के प्रमुख द्वार से प्रवेश करते ही प्रेमस्वरूपा रासेश्वरी श्रीराधारानी व रसिकेश्वर श्रीकृष्ण की विशाल एवं मनमोहिनी मूर्ति के दर्शन होते हैं । उनके रूप की दिव्यता एवं माधुर्य को तो बस अनुभवगम्य ही कहा जा सकता है । शब्दों में वर्णन करना असम्भव है । स्थान-स्थान पर दीवारों पर श्री महाराज जी द्वारा रचित सुमधुर पद, रसिया आदि को लिखा गया है व सम्पूर्ण भारतीय दर्शन का ज्ञान करानेवाली "कृपालु त्रयोदशी" एवं ब्रज रस के गूढ़ रहस्यों का अनावरण करानेवाली "ब्रज रस त्रयोदशी" नामक रचनाओं को गर्भ गृह द्वार के दोनों ओर मूल्यवान पत्थरों की पच्चीकारी द्वारा अंकित किया गया है ।
गर्भ गृह के दोनों ओर अष्ट महासखिओं की मूर्तियाँ प्रेम-सार परम निष्काम अष्टयामी सेवा का प्रत्यक्ष सन्देश देती हैं । इसी खंड की उत्तर दिशा में श्रीमद्भागवत महापुराण का उपदेश देते हुये परमहंस श्री शुकदेव जी महाराज की मूर्ति है और दक्षिण दिशा में अनेकानेक रचनाओं के माध्यम से श्रीमद्भागवत महापुराण के वास्तविक अर्थ को लिपिबद्ध करते हुये वर्तमान काल के रसिक शिरोमणि सन्त-ध्वज जगद्गुरु श्री कृपाली जी महाराज की चल मूर्ति है
मंदिर के प्रथम खंड पर साकेत बिहारी श्री सीताराम की अद्वितीय मूर्तियाँ है, जिन्हें देखकर दर्शक अघाते ही नहीं । उनकी कैशोर छवि को अपलक देखते ही जाते हैं । इस खंड की उत्तर दिशा में चारों जगद्गुरुओं व रसिक सन्तों के भित्ति चित्रों को आकर्षक व यथोचित रंगों का प्रयोग करते हुये उभारा गया है एवं दक्षिण दिशा में श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु की विभिन्न लीलाओं का प्रदर्शन करनेवाली चित्ताकर्षक भित्ति मूर्तियाँ हैं ।
१५ फरवरी को इस महोत्सव का प्रथम रोमांचकारी दिवस था । इस दिवस का प्रारंभ कलश यात्रा से सम्पन्न हुआ । हज़ारों साधक अपने मस्तक पर अति सुसज्जित स्वर्ण व ताम्र कलश लेकर जब पंक्तिबद्ध होकर खड़े हुये तो उसकी शोभा अवर्णनीय थी । इस पर थोड़ी-थोड़ी दूर पर, हर समूह के पीछे विभिन्न प्रकार के व पृथक-पृथक वेश भूषा से सज्जित बैंड वादक, शंखवादक, नट-समूह आदि अपनी-अपनी कलाओं का प्रदर्शन करते हुये शोभायमान हो रहे थे । समस्त स्त्री-पुरुष एक से पीले वस्त्रों में शोभायमान थे । आगे-आगे रसिक शिरोमणि श्री महाराज जी, तदुपरांत उनके परिवार के परम पूज्य जन, तत्पश्चात् प्रचारक और तब पुरुषों व स्त्रियों के समुदाय थे | सभी प्रेम विभोर सौभाग्यशाली सत्संगी थे ।
इस प्रकार कलश यात्रा हेतु तैयार जब लगभग दस हज़ार भक्तों के समूह ने बैंड-बाजे के साथ मंदिर के उस परिसर में प्रवेश किया, जहाँ लगभग ४०-५० हज़ार दर्शक - भक्त गोलाई में पंक्तिबद्ध होकर पहले से ही विराजित थे । चारों ओर पीले-पीले वस्त्रों की शोभा व हर भक्त के नेत्रों से उल्लसित होता हुआ प्रेम, तिस पर जगद्वंद्य रसिक शिरोमणि श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु का साथ, पुनः श्री वृन्दावन धाम की प्रेममयी पावन धरती !! सब कुछ मिलकर एक अलौकिक वांङमय का सृजन हो रहा था । हर उपस्थित भक्त के मुख पर एक ही बात थी कि 'ऐसा लगता था, मानो कोई दिव्य लोक पृथ्वी पर उतर आया हो, और हम वहीं प्रेम - समुद्र में गोते लगा रहे हैं ।'
प्रातः १० बजे से वैदिक यज्ञ प्रारंभ हो गया और सतत वेद मन्त्रों की ध्वनि से पूरा वृन्दावन गुंजायमान हो गया । उद्घाटन की तैय्यारी में सत्संग हेतु एक बहुत विशाल व भव्य, देखने में संगमरमर के बने मंदिर का आभास देने वाले पंडाल का निर्माण करवाया गया था, जिसे जयपुर के पंडाल-विशेषज्ञों ने बनाया था । उस पंडाल का साज-श्रृंगार व फूलों की सजावट दर्शनीय थी । इस पंडाल में लगभग १० हज़ार व्यक्तिओं के साथ प्रातः ५ बजे से रात्रि ९ बजे तक तीनों दिन कीर्तन चलता रहता था ।
सायंकाल वृन्दावन की सुप्रसिद्ध रासलीला मंडली द्वारा श्री कृष्णलीला का आयोजन किया गया था । सत्संग पंडाल के रंगमंच को लीला के अनुसार विशेष प्रकार से सजाया गया । सायंकाल ७ बजे श्री महाराज जी पंडाल में आकर विराजित हो गये । रास मंडली के निर्देशक श्री रामस्वरूप शर्मा ने विभोर होकर श्री महाराज जी का भव्य स्वागत किया | श्री महाराज जी ने भी माल्यार्पण करके रामस्वरूप जी का स्वागत किया और झूम-झूम कर युगल सरकार राधाकृष्ण स्वरूप की आरती की । रास मंडली द्वारा अत्यंत मनमोहक मयूर नृत्य प्रस्तुत किया गया और सगाई लीला प्रस्तुत की गई । आगन्तुक भक्तों ने तीनों दिन सायंकाल रासलीला का भरपूर रस लिया ।
अगले दिन १६ फरवरी को पुनः कलश यात्रा सम्पन्न हुई । वेदमंत्रों के साथ श्री महाराज जी ने व उनके परिवार के सदस्यों ने मंदिर के प्रमुख भाग का, जहाँ युगल सरकार की मूर्तियाँ सुशोभित हैं, यमुना
अन्य पावन नदियों व समुद्र के पवित्र जल से स्वतः प्रक्षालन किया । मंदिर के शेष भीतरी व बाहरी भाग का प्रक्षालन उनके भक्तों ने किया । वह भी परम दर्शनीय दृश्य था ।
मंदिर प्रक्षालन के पश्चात् भक्तों ने बड़े प्रेम व उत्साह के साथ यज्ञ में भाग लिया । पूर्णाहुति के समय हज़ारों भक्तों के मुख से निःसृत "स्वाहा, स्वाहा" की धुनि से अखिल वांङमय गुंजायमान हो गया ।
१७ फरवरी को उद्घाटन का अंतिम व सबसे सुहावना दिन था । प्रातः काल १० बजे श्री महाराज जी ने यज्ञ में भाग लेकर आवश्यक संस्कारों को पूर्ण कराया व मधुर स्वर से मनमोहक महामंत्र गान करवाया ।
पश्चात् वह सीढ़िओं द्वारा मंदिर के प्रमुख द्वार की ओर आये व रिबन काट कर एक अत्यंत कलात्मक गैस के गुब्बारे को, जिस पर बड़े-बड़े अक्षरों से "प्रेम मंदिर" लिखा था उड़ाया और "लाडिली लाल की जय" का तीन बार उद्घोष किया । ऐसा करते ही भक्तों द्वारा भी एक साथ १० हज़ार गुब्बारों को उड़ाया गया । आकाश में उड़ते हज़ारों गुब्बारों की शोभा भी अवर्णनीय थी ।
तदपुरान्त गुरुदेव श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु ने मंदिर के भीतर वाले कक्ष में प्रवेश किया । मंदिर के बीचो-बीच बहुत सुन्दर मीनाकारी युक्त वृहत् गोलाकार रंगोली बनाई गई है, जिसके बिच में सुन्दर सा पाँच दीपों वाला दीपक सजाया गया था । श्री महाराज जी ने मन्त्र ध्वनि के साथ दीप-प्रज्वलन किया | प्रेमस्वरूप श्री राधाकृष्ण का तुमुल जयघोष करते हुये एक बार पुनः भक्तों के ह्रदय में नवोल्लास व भगवत्प्रेम का संचार किया । पश्चात् महाराज जी सपरिवार अपने भक्तों को लेकर श्री रामसीता व राधाकृष्ण की आरती के लिये मंदिर के आतंरिक भाग की ओर अग्रसर हुये | मंदिर के भीतर से लेकर बाहर तक हज़ारों भक्तों ने सजी-सजाई अत्यंत मनमोहक डिजाइन में बनी एक सी आरती की थालियों को लेकर श्रद्धापूर्वक आरती की, फुल बरसाये और लाडिली लाल की जयघोष से पुनः एक बार मंदिर वांङमय हर्षोल्लास से भर गया । बाहर आकर हज़ारों भक्त यज्ञ के समापन कार्य में सम्मिलित हुये । यज्ञ-भस्म का तिलक व कलावा-सूत्र धारण किया । उसके पश्चात् लगभग २० हज़ार भक्त मंदिर के विशाल प्रांगन में भक्तिभाव से ओतप्रोत होकर, राधे-राधे का गान करते हुये उन्मत्त होकर नाचे । विभिन्न प्रकार के वस्त्रों से सुसज्जित, तीन-चार प्रकार के बैंड-बाजे आदि के समूह, जिनके द्वारा भी किसी न किसी भजन की धुनि को ही बजाया जा रहा था, भक्तों के सामूहिक नृत्य की शोभा बढ़ा रहे थे ।
इस प्रकार श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु द्वारा स्थापित प्रेम मंदिर का उद्घाटन विशेष हर्ष, उल्लास और प्रेममयी वातावरण व उत्सवों के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ।
एक विशाल पंडाल में समस्त भक्तों के उपाहार व भोजन की शानदार व्यवस्था की गई थी। तीनों दिन एक से एक बढ़कर स्वादिष्ट भोजन बना और लगभग ५० हज़ार व्यक्तिओं ने वहाँ प्रसाद पाया । उद्घाटन का हर पल, हर उत्सव अविस्मरणीय है । जिस प्रेम के आधीन स्वयं श्री राधाकृष्ण भी रहते हैं, उस प्रेम का प्रतीक यह मंदिर सदा सर्वदा राधाकृष्ण भक्तों व रसिकों का प्रेरणा स्रोत बनकर प्रेमाभक्ति का मार्ग दर्शन करता रहेगा व इस मंदिर की कला, छटा, मधुरिमा व उसके कण- कण में व्याप्त श्री राधाकृष्ण प्रेम की तरंगें रसिक शिरोमणि श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु की कीर्ति को युग-युगांतर तक अक्षुण्ण बनाये रखेगी । प्रेम मंदिर वृन्दावन ही नहीं अपितु अखिल भूमंडल का गौरव है।
किसी भी क्षेत्र में समुन्नति के लिये शिक्षा का भी महत्त्वपूर्ण स्थान है । अपने देश के नगरों में तो स्त्री पुरुष सभी की शिक्षा का समुचित प्रबंध है किन्तु गाँवों में स्त्री शिक्षा के पिछड़ेपन को देखकर इन्होंने जे. के. पी. द्वारा प्राइमरी से डिग्री कॉलेज पर्यंत पूर्णतया निःशुल्क विद्यालयों को खोलकर गाँव की बालिकाओं पर महान् उपकार किया है ।
इस जे.के.पी. के संस्थापक, पंचम मौलिक जगद्गुरु व वर्तमान काल में धरा के सर्वश्रेष्ठ सन्त व दार्शनिक उन्हीं श्री कृपालु जी महाराज ने ब्रजेन्द्रनंदन आनंदकंद श्रीकृष्णचन्द्र व वृषभानुनंदिनी रासेश्वरी श्री राधा रानी की मनभावनी लीलास्थली वृन्दावन धाम में प्रेम मंदिर की स्थापना कराई है, जिसका शिलान्यास १४ जनवरी २००१ में व उद्घाटन उन्हीं के कर कमलों द्वारा १५, १६ व १७ फरवरी २०१२ को दिव्यातिदिव्य महोत्सव के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ । श्री महाराज जी के अनन्य भक्तों ने बड़े उत्साह व गुरु भक्ति के साथ १५ दिन पहले से ही मंदिर को विद्युत्-झुमरों और रंग-बिरंगी लाइट्स, सुन्दर-सुन्दर पर्दों, असली व रेशमी पुष्पों तथा कलात्मक रंगोली आदि से नव बधू से समान सजा दिया था । विशेष कलाकारी के साथ सुगन्धित फूलों, बेल आदि से सज्जित उद्यानों को रासलीला की झाँकियों, अनेक प्रकार के मोरों के विग्रहों से सजाया गया । मंदिर बाहरी सज्जा के प्रमुख आकर्षण थे विद्युत्
।
संचालित सुन्दर झूले पर निरंतर झूलते हुये युगल सरकार । किन्तु प्रेम मंदिर में सर्वाधिक आकर्षण का केन्द्र तो है वह अद्वितीय झरना जो विभिन्न रंग-बिरंगे डिजाइनों के प्रदर्शन के बाद पानी के ही परदे (स्क्रीन) को प्रकट करता हुआ झरने के जल के मध्य भक्तों के साथ संकीर्तन करते हुये श्री महाराज जी व अन्य गायकों के विडियो का प्रदर्शन करता है । वर्तमान युग के इस आश्चर्यजनक नवीन आविष्कार को देखकर सभी दर्शक मन्त्रमुग्ध होकर रह जाते हैं ।
मंदिर भवन का निर्माण इटली के सुप्रसिद्ध श्वेत संगमरमर पत्थर से हुआ है ।वास्तुकला का आधार आदि वास्तुकार विश्वकर्मा का पुरातन ग्रन्थ "शिल्प रत्नाकर" है और इसकी शैली का नाम
"नागरादि" है । सारांशतः इस मंदिर का निर्माण विशुद्ध वैदिक रीती व समुचित वैदिक अनुष्ठानों के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ है । तदनुसार इस मंदिर की अनुमानित आयु हज़ारों वर्ष है ।
मंदिर के परिसर में प्रवेश करते ही मंदिर की दीवारों की धवल ज्योत्स्ना में स्नान करने का सौभाग्य प्राप्त होता है । पुनः दोनों मंजिलों की दीवारों के वाह्य भाग पर शोभित श्रीमद्भागवत महापुराण में वर्णित श्रीकृष्ण की लीला सम्बन्धी ८० बड़े-बड़े भित्ति चित्रों ने समस्त दर्शकों के मन को मोह लिया । विश्व का यह प्रथम मंदिर है जहाँ भागवत में वर्णित समस्त कृष्ण लीलाओं को क्रम से कलात्मक पच्चीकारी द्वारा दीवारों पर उभारा गया हो । इन लीला-चित्रों से ही दर्शकों को श्रीकृष्ण की समस्त लीलाओं का स्मरण व ज्ञान हो जाता है ।
।
भीतर भूमि तल पर स्थित मंदिर के प्रमुख द्वार से प्रवेश करते ही प्रेमस्वरूपा रासेश्वरी श्रीराधारानी व रसिकेश्वर श्रीकृष्ण की विशाल एवं मनमोहिनी मूर्ति के दर्शन होते हैं । उनके रूप की दिव्यता एवं माधुर्य को तो बस अनुभवगम्य ही कहा जा सकता है । शब्दों में वर्णन करना असम्भव है । स्थान-स्थान पर दीवारों पर श्री महाराज जी द्वारा रचित सुमधुर पद, रसिया आदि को लिखा गया है व सम्पूर्ण भारतीय दर्शन का ज्ञान करानेवाली "कृपालु त्रयोदशी" एवं ब्रज रस के गूढ़ रहस्यों का अनावरण करानेवाली "ब्रज रस त्रयोदशी" नामक रचनाओं को गर्भ गृह द्वार के दोनों ओर मूल्यवान पत्थरों की पच्चीकारी द्वारा अंकित किया गया है ।
गर्भ गृह के दोनों ओर अष्ट महासखिओं की मूर्तियाँ प्रेम-सार परम निष्काम अष्टयामी सेवा का प्रत्यक्ष सन्देश देती हैं । इसी खंड की उत्तर दिशा में श्रीमद्भागवत महापुराण का उपदेश देते हुये परमहंस श्री शुकदेव जी महाराज की मूर्ति है और दक्षिण दिशा में अनेकानेक रचनाओं के माध्यम से श्रीमद्भागवत महापुराण के वास्तविक अर्थ को लिपिबद्ध करते हुये वर्तमान काल के रसिक शिरोमणि सन्त-ध्वज जगद्गुरु श्री कृपाली जी महाराज की चल मूर्ति है
मंदिर के प्रथम खंड पर साकेत बिहारी श्री सीताराम की अद्वितीय मूर्तियाँ है, जिन्हें देखकर दर्शक अघाते ही नहीं । उनकी कैशोर छवि को अपलक देखते ही जाते हैं । इस खंड की उत्तर दिशा में चारों जगद्गुरुओं व रसिक सन्तों के भित्ति चित्रों को आकर्षक व यथोचित रंगों का प्रयोग करते हुये उभारा गया है एवं दक्षिण दिशा में श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु की विभिन्न लीलाओं का प्रदर्शन करनेवाली चित्ताकर्षक भित्ति मूर्तियाँ हैं ।
१५ फरवरी को इस महोत्सव का प्रथम रोमांचकारी दिवस था । इस दिवस का प्रारंभ कलश यात्रा से सम्पन्न हुआ । हज़ारों साधक अपने मस्तक पर अति सुसज्जित स्वर्ण व ताम्र कलश लेकर जब पंक्तिबद्ध होकर खड़े हुये तो उसकी शोभा अवर्णनीय थी । इस पर थोड़ी-थोड़ी दूर पर, हर समूह के पीछे विभिन्न प्रकार के व पृथक-पृथक वेश भूषा से सज्जित बैंड वादक, शंखवादक, नट-समूह आदि अपनी-अपनी कलाओं का प्रदर्शन करते हुये शोभायमान हो रहे थे । समस्त स्त्री-पुरुष एक से पीले वस्त्रों में शोभायमान थे । आगे-आगे रसिक शिरोमणि श्री महाराज जी, तदुपरांत उनके परिवार के परम पूज्य जन, तत्पश्चात् प्रचारक और तब पुरुषों व स्त्रियों के समुदाय थे | सभी प्रेम विभोर सौभाग्यशाली सत्संगी थे ।
इस प्रकार कलश यात्रा हेतु तैयार जब लगभग दस हज़ार भक्तों के समूह ने बैंड-बाजे के साथ मंदिर के उस परिसर में प्रवेश किया, जहाँ लगभग ४०-५० हज़ार दर्शक - भक्त गोलाई में पंक्तिबद्ध होकर पहले से ही विराजित थे । चारों ओर पीले-पीले वस्त्रों की शोभा व हर भक्त के नेत्रों से उल्लसित होता हुआ प्रेम, तिस पर जगद्वंद्य रसिक शिरोमणि श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु का साथ, पुनः श्री वृन्दावन धाम की प्रेममयी पावन धरती !! सब कुछ मिलकर एक अलौकिक वांङमय का सृजन हो रहा था । हर उपस्थित भक्त के मुख पर एक ही बात थी कि 'ऐसा लगता था, मानो कोई दिव्य लोक पृथ्वी पर उतर आया हो, और हम वहीं प्रेम - समुद्र में गोते लगा रहे हैं ।'
प्रातः १० बजे से वैदिक यज्ञ प्रारंभ हो गया और सतत वेद मन्त्रों की ध्वनि से पूरा वृन्दावन गुंजायमान हो गया । उद्घाटन की तैय्यारी में सत्संग हेतु एक बहुत विशाल व भव्य, देखने में संगमरमर के बने मंदिर का आभास देने वाले पंडाल का निर्माण करवाया गया था, जिसे जयपुर के पंडाल-विशेषज्ञों ने बनाया था । उस पंडाल का साज-श्रृंगार व फूलों की सजावट दर्शनीय थी । इस पंडाल में लगभग १० हज़ार व्यक्तिओं के साथ प्रातः ५ बजे से रात्रि ९ बजे तक तीनों दिन कीर्तन चलता रहता था ।
सायंकाल वृन्दावन की सुप्रसिद्ध रासलीला मंडली द्वारा श्री कृष्णलीला का आयोजन किया गया था । सत्संग पंडाल के रंगमंच को लीला के अनुसार विशेष प्रकार से सजाया गया । सायंकाल ७ बजे श्री महाराज जी पंडाल में आकर विराजित हो गये । रास मंडली के निर्देशक श्री रामस्वरूप शर्मा ने विभोर होकर श्री महाराज जी का भव्य स्वागत किया | श्री महाराज जी ने भी माल्यार्पण करके रामस्वरूप जी का स्वागत किया और झूम-झूम कर युगल सरकार राधाकृष्ण स्वरूप की आरती की । रास मंडली द्वारा अत्यंत मनमोहक मयूर नृत्य प्रस्तुत किया गया और सगाई लीला प्रस्तुत की गई । आगन्तुक भक्तों ने तीनों दिन सायंकाल रासलीला का भरपूर रस लिया ।
अगले दिन १६ फरवरी को पुनः कलश यात्रा सम्पन्न हुई । वेदमंत्रों के साथ श्री महाराज जी ने व उनके परिवार के सदस्यों ने मंदिर के प्रमुख भाग का, जहाँ युगल सरकार की मूर्तियाँ सुशोभित हैं, यमुना
अन्य पावन नदियों व समुद्र के पवित्र जल से स्वतः प्रक्षालन किया । मंदिर के शेष भीतरी व बाहरी भाग का प्रक्षालन उनके भक्तों ने किया । वह भी परम दर्शनीय दृश्य था ।
मंदिर प्रक्षालन के पश्चात् भक्तों ने बड़े प्रेम व उत्साह के साथ यज्ञ में भाग लिया । पूर्णाहुति के समय हज़ारों भक्तों के मुख से निःसृत "स्वाहा, स्वाहा" की धुनि से अखिल वांङमय गुंजायमान हो गया ।
१७ फरवरी को उद्घाटन का अंतिम व सबसे सुहावना दिन था । प्रातः काल १० बजे श्री महाराज जी ने यज्ञ में भाग लेकर आवश्यक संस्कारों को पूर्ण कराया व मधुर स्वर से मनमोहक महामंत्र गान करवाया ।
पश्चात् वह सीढ़िओं द्वारा मंदिर के प्रमुख द्वार की ओर आये व रिबन काट कर एक अत्यंत कलात्मक गैस के गुब्बारे को, जिस पर बड़े-बड़े अक्षरों से "प्रेम मंदिर" लिखा था उड़ाया और "लाडिली लाल की जय" का तीन बार उद्घोष किया । ऐसा करते ही भक्तों द्वारा भी एक साथ १० हज़ार गुब्बारों को उड़ाया गया । आकाश में उड़ते हज़ारों गुब्बारों की शोभा भी अवर्णनीय थी ।
तदपुरान्त गुरुदेव श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु ने मंदिर के भीतर वाले कक्ष में प्रवेश किया । मंदिर के बीचो-बीच बहुत सुन्दर मीनाकारी युक्त वृहत् गोलाकार रंगोली बनाई गई है, जिसके बिच में सुन्दर सा पाँच दीपों वाला दीपक सजाया गया था । श्री महाराज जी ने मन्त्र ध्वनि के साथ दीप-प्रज्वलन किया | प्रेमस्वरूप श्री राधाकृष्ण का तुमुल जयघोष करते हुये एक बार पुनः भक्तों के ह्रदय में नवोल्लास व भगवत्प्रेम का संचार किया । पश्चात् महाराज जी सपरिवार अपने भक्तों को लेकर श्री रामसीता व राधाकृष्ण की आरती के लिये मंदिर के आतंरिक भाग की ओर अग्रसर हुये | मंदिर के भीतर से लेकर बाहर तक हज़ारों भक्तों ने सजी-सजाई अत्यंत मनमोहक डिजाइन में बनी एक सी आरती की थालियों को लेकर श्रद्धापूर्वक आरती की, फुल बरसाये और लाडिली लाल की जयघोष से पुनः एक बार मंदिर वांङमय हर्षोल्लास से भर गया । बाहर आकर हज़ारों भक्त यज्ञ के समापन कार्य में सम्मिलित हुये । यज्ञ-भस्म का तिलक व कलावा-सूत्र धारण किया । उसके पश्चात् लगभग २० हज़ार भक्त मंदिर के विशाल प्रांगन में भक्तिभाव से ओतप्रोत होकर, राधे-राधे का गान करते हुये उन्मत्त होकर नाचे । विभिन्न प्रकार के वस्त्रों से सुसज्जित, तीन-चार प्रकार के बैंड-बाजे आदि के समूह, जिनके द्वारा भी किसी न किसी भजन की धुनि को ही बजाया जा रहा था, भक्तों के सामूहिक नृत्य की शोभा बढ़ा रहे थे ।
इस प्रकार श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु द्वारा स्थापित प्रेम मंदिर का उद्घाटन विशेष हर्ष, उल्लास और प्रेममयी वातावरण व उत्सवों के साथ सम्पन्न हुआ।
एक विशाल पंडाल में समस्त भक्तों के उपाहार व भोजन की शानदार व्यवस्था की गई थी। तीनों दिन एक से एक बढ़कर स्वादिष्ट भोजन बना और लगभग ५० हज़ार व्यक्तिओं ने वहाँ प्रसाद पाया । उद्घाटन का हर पल, हर उत्सव अविस्मरणीय है । जिस प्रेम के आधीन स्वयं श्री राधाकृष्ण भी रहते हैं, उस प्रेम का प्रतीक यह मंदिर सदा सर्वदा राधाकृष्ण भक्तों व रसिकों का प्रेरणा स्रोत बनकर प्रेमाभक्ति का मार्ग दर्शन करता रहेगा व इस मंदिर की कला, छटा, मधुरिमा व उसके कण- कण में व्याप्त श्री राधाकृष्ण प्रेम की तरंगें रसिक शिरोमणि श्री कृपालु महाप्रभु की कीर्ति को युग-युगांतर तक अक्षुण्ण बनाये रखेगी । प्रेम मंदिर वृन्दावन ही नहीं अपितु अखिल भूमंडल का गौरव है।
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Kid's Story
Long ago, there lived a poor Brahmin. He was always engrossed in singing the glories of God and in doing so, often forgot all about eating, sleeping, and performing other household duties. People in the village used to stop by his cottage to give him something to eat, but that was never enough. Often his wife and children had to go to bed hungry. His wife was upset by the fact that he did not pay any attention to her or the children. One day, as he was performing worship to Lord Vishnu and chanting His glorious names, his wife barged into his temple and started complaining about the children not having a proper meal for days. She started cursing him for not performing his duty as a father and not earning a living. Hearing his wife's complaints, the Brahmin was very distressed. He told her to look after the kids while he went to get some food to eat. But before leaving the temple, he put a cross on Lord Vishnu's face using a piece of charcoal saying, “From today onwards you are no longer called Bhootabhrit (provider of food). Instead of Vishnu Sahastra Naam (1000 names), I will chant only 999 names.
In Baikunth, Lord Vishnu was resting on Sheshnaag and Goddess Lakshmi was pressing His feet when she suddenly started laughing. Seeing her laugh, Lord Vishnu asked, “What is the matter Lakshmi, what makes you laugh like that?” Goddess Lakshmi could not control her laughter and simply pointed towards His face. Bhagavan Vishnu touched His face and saw black charcoal marks on His fingers. He immediately understood that it was a gift from one of His dear devotees.
He took leave of mother Lakshmi and headed straight to the poor Brahmin's house dressed as a trader. He carried lots of delicious food and expensive clothing and jewelry with Him. When the Brahmin's wife answered the door, He gave her everything he was carrying and told her that Her husband had sent all the stuff. When the wife inquired about Him, He replied saying, “Your husband knows me. Please ask him to remove the black mark he had placed on my face this morning.” Saying this, the stranger left. But before leaving, he turned their modest dwelling into a magnificent palace.
The wife and the kids were delighted with the gifts they had received and dressed themselves up in fineries. After a while, the Brahmin came back with the small amount of food that he got as alms. Seeing a huge mansion, he thought he had lost the way and started retracing his steps. Seeing him, his wife came running out to greet him. Seeing her in such fine clothes and jewelry, he did not recognize her, but she caught his arm, dragged him inside the house, and narrated the whole story. She said the kind trader who came said that, “You know Him. He also requested you to remove the black mark that you put on His face this morning.”
The Brahmin, who was always absorbed in the thoughts of Lord Vishnu, took no time to understand that God himself had come to satisfy his family's needs. This realization filled him with remorse. He ran out of the house shouting, “Oh my dear Lord, you gave your darshan to my wife who curses you day and night, and I who always sings your glories and praises, did not get a chance to behold your divine vision. Lord, please give me your darshan. I will myself clean up the mark on your face. You are indeed Bhootabhrit. Please let me behold your divine vision. I am sorry for accusing you of not being Bhootabhrit.” Saying so, he kept running hither and thither, looking for Lord Vishnu and soon fell unconscious on the ground.
In his trance, he heard Lord Vishnu's sweet voice asking him to rise. He woke up with a start and saw His beloved Lord Vishnu smiling at him. Seeing his dear Lord standing in front of Him, he fell at His feet and started begging for forgiveness. Lord Vishnu said, “Now that you have beheld my vision, go back home and look after your wife and kids.” Having achieved the objective of his life, he was contented and did not want to go back to his family. He pleaded to Lord Vishnu saying, “My Lord, if I go back, Maya will again take control over me and I will forget you. I don't want to go back to the world of misery. Please take me with you.” Lord Vishnu smiled and said, “Maya controls those who are not surrendered to me. Maya cannot touch those who attain me. Now that you have attained me, Maya can never touch you again. Go chant My names and you will never have to work for food ever again”.
Purport: In Gita Lord Shri Krishn says
In Baikunth, Lord Vishnu was resting on Sheshnaag and Goddess Lakshmi was pressing His feet when she suddenly started laughing. Seeing her laugh, Lord Vishnu asked, “What is the matter Lakshmi, what makes you laugh like that?” Goddess Lakshmi could not control her laughter and simply pointed towards His face. Bhagavan Vishnu touched His face and saw black charcoal marks on His fingers. He immediately understood that it was a gift from one of His dear devotees.
He took leave of mother Lakshmi and headed straight to the poor Brahmin's house dressed as a trader. He carried lots of delicious food and expensive clothing and jewelry with Him. When the Brahmin's wife answered the door, He gave her everything he was carrying and told her that Her husband had sent all the stuff. When the wife inquired about Him, He replied saying, “Your husband knows me. Please ask him to remove the black mark he had placed on my face this morning.” Saying this, the stranger left. But before leaving, he turned their modest dwelling into a magnificent palace.
The wife and the kids were delighted with the gifts they had received and dressed themselves up in fineries. After a while, the Brahmin came back with the small amount of food that he got as alms. Seeing a huge mansion, he thought he had lost the way and started retracing his steps. Seeing him, his wife came running out to greet him. Seeing her in such fine clothes and jewelry, he did not recognize her, but she caught his arm, dragged him inside the house, and narrated the whole story. She said the kind trader who came said that, “You know Him. He also requested you to remove the black mark that you put on His face this morning.”
The Brahmin, who was always absorbed in the thoughts of Lord Vishnu, took no time to understand that God himself had come to satisfy his family's needs. This realization filled him with remorse. He ran out of the house shouting, “Oh my dear Lord, you gave your darshan to my wife who curses you day and night, and I who always sings your glories and praises, did not get a chance to behold your divine vision. Lord, please give me your darshan. I will myself clean up the mark on your face. You are indeed Bhootabhrit. Please let me behold your divine vision. I am sorry for accusing you of not being Bhootabhrit.” Saying so, he kept running hither and thither, looking for Lord Vishnu and soon fell unconscious on the ground.
In his trance, he heard Lord Vishnu's sweet voice asking him to rise. He woke up with a start and saw His beloved Lord Vishnu smiling at him. Seeing his dear Lord standing in front of Him, he fell at His feet and started begging for forgiveness. Lord Vishnu said, “Now that you have beheld my vision, go back home and look after your wife and kids.” Having achieved the objective of his life, he was contented and did not want to go back to his family. He pleaded to Lord Vishnu saying, “My Lord, if I go back, Maya will again take control over me and I will forget you. I don't want to go back to the world of misery. Please take me with you.” Lord Vishnu smiled and said, “Maya controls those who are not surrendered to me. Maya cannot touch those who attain me. Now that you have attained me, Maya can never touch you again. Go chant My names and you will never have to work for food ever again”.
Purport: In Gita Lord Shri Krishn says
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अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते । तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ॥
गीता 9.22 |
ananyāścintayanto māṃ ye janāḥ paryupāsate ।
teṣāṃ nityābhiyuktānāṃ yogakṣemaṃ vahāmyaham ॥ Gita 9.22 |
“I myself take care of those fully surrendered unto Me”.
God Himself takes care of His fully surrendered devotees.
God Himself takes care of His fully surrendered devotees.
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