Muruga

 

Muruga - Wishing all a very happy Thaipusam

Shree

 

Vanvihari

 29-01-26 | New Forever , Vanvihari , Madhuradhipati

Krishna plays the flute accompanied by the gentle breeze over the lotus pond.

Bhaghavata

 28-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Guru and Devotee , Shloka , Affordable Originals

When Sage Sukha began narrating the Srimad Bhagavatha to Parikshit, it was like nectarine fruits flowing from the tree of the sacred scriptures.

 

निगमकल्पतरोर्गलितं फलं शुकमुखादमृतद्रवसंयुतम् ।

पिबत भागवतं रसमालयं मुहुरहो रसिका भुवि भावुकाः ॥

Srimad Bhaghavatam - 1:1:3

Krishna Philharmonic

 

Govinda Pattabhishekam

 

Tiruppavai 30

 Andal's marriage.

Tiruppavai

 13-01-26 | Utsav , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna accepts the gopikas’ request for eternal servitude. Everyone was happy.

Suddenly, Andal went close to Krishna and started prostrating repeatedly. Krishna held her by her shoulders and gently lifted her up.
“What is this, child? I have already given all that you desired. Is there something more you want? Don’t worry, reveal whatever you have in mind. ”

Andal was in tears. She was overwhelmed.

Slowly, she begins to speak: “We have come early in the morning, sung your glories and paid obeisance to you. There is one invaluable request that we wish to put forward at your lotus feet. Please listen.

“You were born as a cowherd amongst us. It is only natural that you should command and happily accept our services at any time…”

Krishna: “ I have already assured all that. But why the tears?”

“O’ Govinda! We agree that you’ve blessed us with everything, to the last detail. We are elated. Overjoyed. But then, the afterthought was devastating. You will go back to your mansion, and we’ll have to go back home.

“How do we suffer your separation? How do we spend our life? Even if it is heaven, the life of luxury is perishable. Fear grips us. The joy of being with you wanes. So I fell at your feet, seeking solace.”

Krishna: “Charming girl! …then, what more do you seek?”

“This sacred vow will be complete now. But we want the assurance that it will continue in all our successive births. Every day of every life, we want you to be amongst us. Not even a second of separation. We seek daily service to you — only you.”

Krishna: “It is customary for devotees to ask for servitude without rebirth — but you seem to have different ideas. Your nature is noble. Your Bhakti is endearing. Let everything happen according to your wish. ”

Andal: “We cannot trust that, Krishna! The cosmic power of illusion can hide you from us, and show itself as most desirable. Slowly it will lead us away from you!

“So we ask: Let our mind seek nothing else but you. Let it remain pure. Yes, the mind cannot remain without desires. If our desires go astray - please direct it towards you."

Krishna smiles: "Smart girl! Forever it'll be! Be at peace!

Tiruppavai 28

 12-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Krishna: “O’ Gopikas !  You sought conches, drums, flags etc., and later clothes, ornaments and sumptuous food — aren’t they perishable? Is there something higher that you had in mind?  If so, have you observed any austerities to achieve whatever you desire?” 

Andal sums it up : 

“O’ Lord! It might appear that we were seeking worldly pleasures. Our ultimate aim is to be of eternal service to you. But we are clueless on the means to achieve it.  You are our only way. You have to fulfill our desire.   

“O Govinda! We are simple folks.  What learning do we have?  Every morning, we follow the cows to the forest and let them graze. When they take rest under shade of the trees, we have our bath in the Yamuna and have some simple curd rice. And with you at the centre, we eat our lunch while you play the flute.  

“O Krishna! We are blessed and extremely fortunate that you have chosen to descend upon this earth — specifically amongst common folks like us!  

“O Govinda - you are the one without a fault!  Poorna. The Complete one!   Our relationship is indestructible — neither by you, nor by us. We cannot live without you nor can you live without us!  

“O’ compassionate one! We’ve have taken liberties with you, calling you with inappropriate names - but it is out of affection. Don’t be angry with us!

“O’ Almighty God! Please grant us eternal servitude.”

Tiruppavai 27

 11-01-26 | Govardhana , Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai , Aabharana

The austerities near completion -

Andal exults:

“O’ Govinda ! You have a graceful way of winning over your opponents, just as you humbled Indra’s rage by holding the Govardhan mountain for seven days to protect the cowherds. And it was he, who anointed you as Govinda.

“Govinda! As a reward our austerities, we’ll adorn ourselves with bracelets, shoulder ornaments, ear-studs, rings, anklets et al. We will wear new clothes. We will have food prepared using milk, and the sumptuous ghee will rise over the food and flow down our elbow.
"With your grace, we eulogize you. That’s the real reward. We shall be eternally united and experience infinite joy.”

Tiruppavai 26

 10-01-26 | Bhaghavata , Gopika , Tiruppavai

Andal and the others proceed for the sacred bath, along with Krishna.