Cherished Memoirs 96 – The Gokulashtami Brahmotsav of 1997

The Gokulashtami Brahmothsav of 1997

This series chronicles sweet experiences recounted by the devotees of HH Maharanyam Sri Sri Muralidhara Swamiji as well as some divine experiences of Sri Swamiji himself. These articles are translations from the series “Madhuramaana Mahaneeyar” that is published every month in Madhuramurali Tamil monthly magazine.

This month’s article is by Smt. Jayanthi Janakiraman, from Madhuramurali magazine, Oct 1997 issue.

Our Perumal’s (Sri Premika Varadan’s) 4th year Gokulashtami celebrations were held in Madhurapuri Ashram recently in a very splendid fashion. The Utsav was celebrated from the 26th of August to the 5th of September.

On the night of August 28th, Thirumanjanam was performed for Bhagwan. The Avatara Chapter from Srimad Bhagavatham was read and everyone was given vardhaan. Then the crawling Krishna was put on the cradle with the breaking of the pot and celebration of Nandotsav. Everyone surrounded the cradle, singing and doing kummi (clapping of hands). Sri Kalyanarama Bhagavathar did the Divyanama Sankeerthan that day. The next day was the Kalash Sthaapana and the beginning of Srimad Bhagavath Moola Parayana by Brahmasri Mallikaarjuna Somayaaji following the Sapthaha (7-day) rules. Bhagwan arrived on a Simha Vaahan (Lion as a vehicle). In the night, our Sri Swamiji did the Divya Nama Sankeerthan.

The next day, due to Ekadasi, Bhagwan arrived at the village of Malaipattu in Garuda Vaahana (Eagle as a vehicle). This year, there were no rains till that day. When the procession of Sri Premika Varadan started, it started raining heavily. Despite the downpour, the hospitality offered to Bhagwan by the villagers with so much devotion showed their bhakthi. Sri Kalyanarama Bhagavathar did bhajans on the street merrily, despite the downpour.

The next morning, Sri Swamiji presided over a wedding in the village and came back to Madhuraachala. Even before that, all the arrangements had been made for the Govinda Pattabhisheka. Sri Swamiji and Brahmasri Mallikarjuna Sarma did a discourse together on the topic of Govinda Pattabhisheka. With an abundance of flowers and the reverberation of Govinda nama, Govinda Pattabhisheka was held.

That night, Bhagwan visited the village of Mahanyam in the elephant vaahana. The villagers welcomed Him with huge rangolis and offerings with utmost devotion. The next day for the Nikunjothsava, a canopy of flowers was erected and Bhagwan sat on a swing.

Under the Nikunjothsav’s awning was held the music concert of Sri Kasthuri Rangan ji, who was the disciple of Brahmasri T. N. Seshagopalan. That night, Brahmasri Ramanan Bhagavathar’s divya nama sankeerthanam was held.

The next day, Bhagwan showed up in Sesha Vaahana (Serpent as a vehicle) and Sri Kalyanarama Bhagavathar’s divyanama was held. The next Bhagwan arrived at the village of Manimangalam in the Punnai tree Vaahana. Bhagwan was given a splendid welcome. Sri Ramakrishna Bhagavathar participated in the street bhajans. That night, Thiruvidaimarudhoor Brahmasri Venkatarama Bhagavathar’s divya nama keerthan was held.

The next morning, Thiruvidaimarudhoor Brahmasri Venkatarama Bhagavathar did the divya nama. That day, Mullaivaasal Brahmasri Krishnamoorthy Bhagavathar’s Kapila-Devahoothi Samvaadham was also held. Following that day was the conclusion of the Srimad Bhagavatha Moola Parayana and with the kalasha water the thirumanjana was done. From that afternoon onwards, Brahamasri Soundararaja Bhagavathar’s Ashtapathi bhajans commenced. At night, Bhagwan arrived on the Kuthirai Vaahana (Horse as a vehicle). Then Sri Soundararaja Bhagavathar performed the dhivya nama. The next morning Unchavriththi was held followed by the continuation of Ashtapadis. In the night, jaanavasa was held for Bhagwan, followed by an exchange of garlands, and the swing was put forth. Sri Soundararaja Bhagavathar’s divyanama was held all night long. Many Bhagavathars participated in the divyanama including Delhi Sri O.S. Arun ji. 

The next morning, Sri Radha-Madhava vivaah was held following the Bhagavatha sampradaya. Discourse on Rukmini Kalyanam was done by Mullaivasal Sri. R Krishnamoorthy Bhagavathar. That night the float ceremony was performed and the Vidaiyaatri on the next morning.

Thiruvannamalai, Bhagwan Yogi Ramsuratkumar’s servant Sri Pon Kamaraj ji participated in the utsav. Several great Bhagavathas and vaidheekas participated as well. A swarm of devotees congregated and enjoyed the avataara utsav of Bhagwan. All arrangements for the devotees’ stay and meals were made in a very good manner. It is certain that all those who took part in the celebrations went back home with thoughts anticipating the next Utsav.

Original Tamil article published in Madhuramurali Magazine, Oct 1997 issue
Chronicled by Smt. Jayanthi Janakiraman
Translated by Smt. Mangala Gowri Sridhar, Jacksonville FL

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