The Pursuit of Bliss

Shivratri (The Great Night of Shiva)  (A quick synopsis from the view point of Itihasa Puranas and Scriptures of the Vedic Tradition) Consort of Lord Shiva. By rigorous penance she won over Bhagawan Shiva, himself a great ascetic.  Mother of Ganesha and Kartikeya. By becoming the wife of Shiva she paved the way for the spread  of peace and felicity in the world. Mother Parvati Goddess Parvati is the wife of Lord Shankar. She has several names, each with a special significance. Since Ishwara or Shiva is also called 'Bhava' (Of course by now you would have also known that  Maha Bhava Swarupini is Shri Radha Rani and thus Lord Shiva is constantly in Radha Samadhi, earning Him the name Bhavaya) his wife is known as 'Bhavani.' She is 'Parvati', being the daughter of the king of mountains, Parvataraja. With the same connotation she has two other names ‘Girija’ and 'Shailaja'. As she is the source of all good things to all those who have fait...

Vasant Panchami Vasant Panchami marks the beginning of the spring season and falls on the fifth day of spring (Maagh). Also known and celebrated as Saraswati Puja. This festival is celebrated at the beginning of the Spring season, when vibrant yellow flowers in the mustard fields are blooming, creating a joyous atmosphere everywhere. In Braj, from the time of Vasant Panchmi, devotees begin to sing Holi songs in the Temples. Shri Maharaj Ji dresses up in lovely yellow garments. Devotees chant special Holi songs, dance in spiritual happiness and play Holi of flower petals throwing them on each other, and Shri Maharajji showers his Grace by throwing flowers on them. “Pad Kirtans” sung during this season usually recount how the exasperated gopies, took their sweet revenge on Shri Krishna and his friends. Tired of being teased and harassed by Shri Krishna and his friends, the gopies decided to retaliate by pelting the darling of Braj with cow-dung, mud, dyes made out of local flow...

Jagadguru shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj explains Hare Ram kirtan Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare  Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare  You see, this 'Hare Ram' sankirtan is described in the Vedas. Other sankirtans have been composed and revealed by Saints and some have been written by ordinary worldly people. These days, people make kirtans based on tunes from film songs and in all-night chanting events they create a huge storm of devotional entertainment. That's not what kirtan is all about. This 'Hare Ram Hare Ram' is a mantra of an Upnishad. There is an Upnishad called 'Kalisantarnopnishad'. This (Hare Ram) Ved mantra has been revealed for the souls of kaliyug. All the Ved mantras in the Upnishads have particular and very distinct vocalics and rules. However, in this (Hare Ram mantra), there is no formality or protocol. The Vedas have given this freedom. You could be in the most unpleasant environment and in the most unfavorable si...

"O Krishna, please give in" - Jagadguru  Shri Kripaluji Maharaj An incredible 1987 lecture by Jagadguru Shri Kripaluji Maharaj, titled "Tum Hi Maan Lo Haar". with English Subtitles