સર્વે વૈષ્ણવોને જય શ્રી કૃષ્ણ
નિષ્ઠા
શ્રી ઠાકોરજી ઉપર દ્રઢ વિશ્વાસ રાખીયે તો જ નિષ્ઠા બંધાય. સર્વ કાર્યો કરતા એની જ યાદ રહે અને, જે મોખરે રાખીને બધા જ વ્યવહાર થાય, “હરતા-ફરતા, ખાતા-પીતાં, ઉઠતાં-બેસતા” એક માત્ર શ્રી ઠાકોરજી પ્રભુ જ આપણી પાસે સદૈવ સર્વત્ર છે એવો ભાવ જાગ્રત રહે ત્યારે નિષ્ઠા પાકી થઈ એમ કહેવાય. ભગવદ નિષ્ઠ ભક્ત કયારેય પણ લાલસા રાખતો નથી, એ હરહમેશ પ્રસન્ન અને નિર્ભય રહે છે.
KUNJ EKADASHI
Falgun Shukla 11 (Faagan Sud Ekadashi) is called Kunj Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is also known as “Aamalaki Ekadashi”. The “KUNJ” means, a secluded place under a fully grown tree, or a few trees whose branches are leaning towards the ground, and it is covered with the fragrant flowers and may also having creepers (લતા). The ground underneath has very soft grass which is adequate for a small group of people to sit on and is surrounded with plants of variously colored blooming fragrant flowers (blossoms). On this day, Vraj-bhakts make their own unique and separate “NIKUNJ” in the different “Van” (વન) of Vraj to play Hori Khel with Thakorji and offer varieties of samagri to Thakorji. This Kunj Leela Bhav of Vraj is Nitya and can be acquired by Pushti Bhakt. Even at present, Pushti Bhakt can receive such Bhavatmak Darshan of Kunj Leela as per their respective “Adhikaar” in various Kunj across 84 Kos of Vraj. In Vraj, Thakorji as Yugal Swaroop, resides in the interior sanctum of “Dwadash Nikunj” (12 Nikunj). Such Vraj has 84 Kunj, whose “Adhikaari” are Nirgunatmak 84 Vaishnav that are angikrut by Shri Mahaprabhuji.
Thus, in each Kunj, all Kunj resides with the “Antar Bhav”. Within such each Kunj, there are “Koti” groups of respective Sakha and Sakhi. Kaal doesn’t affect Vraj-bhakt within such Kunj meaning, there is no life and death, no process of aging, etc. Every Jeev of such Kunj – Nikunj; do not possess any Adhyas such as “Deh-adhyas” or, having any “Gun” that normally belong to “Prakruti”.
In other words, every Jeev in such Kunj – Nikunj are, “A-prakrut”. Kaal and Prakruti adopts corresponding Bhav and Manorath of these Vraj-bhakts. Thus, such Kunj – Nikunj provides eternal Sukh and Anand to every Jeev and Vraj Bhakt of respective Nikunj. Dwadash Nikunj (12 Nikunj) that are situated in Vraj-bhoomi, and they are: Pushp Nikunj, Fal Nikunj, Seva Nikunj, Ras Nikunj, Madhu Nikunj, Dwaar Nikunj, Nav Nikunj, Prem Nikunj, Shashi Nikunj, Lakshmi Nikunj, Tulsi Nikunj, Siddh Nikunj in Pushti Seva pranalika; on this day, a Kunj is prepared from Nij Mandir till Tibari, using leaves of Mango tree and/or Banana tree along with various types of creepers (લતા-પત્તા). Small flowers that are having pleasing fragrance, also attached to this Kunj. Usually, after Rajbhog, Thakorji is gently and with utmost respectful Bhav, brought inside the Kunj and then Hori Khel using all 4 colors are done (Kesar, Abir, Gulal, Chova). Kunj Khel is done after Sandhya Aarti. Once during Hori days, there was some disturbance in Mathura hence Thakorji at that time, gave Agya to Giridharji to recreate Hori Khel’s different situations at Haveli or, at Pushti Bhakt’s home. For this reason, from this day; various type of sajawat such as Bagicha, Hindola, Jal Vihaar, Phuvara etc are being done even at present including at Nathdwara – Kankaroli and other Pushti Haveli. In Pushti Haveli, from this day (Kunj Ekadashi) till Dol Utsav, Hori Khel with all colors is done during Rajbhog and Abir-Gulal are sprinkled in Shayan Darshan as well. After Shayan Aarti, Kirtaniya dances in the Sanidhya of Thakorji with a bhav that; Devta like Brahma, Vishnu, Indra, Ganesh, etc. have arrived to receive Darshan of Kunj Leela in the form of Kritaniya. During Hori Rang Utsav and on Kunj Ekadashi, Shrinathji had pratyaksh Hori khel with Vahuji and Betiji and had asked many things in “Fagavaa”. From this day, “Raal” is played. “Raal” is a flammable substance hence when thrown near flame, it gets instantly ignited. This symbolizes “Virah-agni” bhav of Vraj Bhakt because days of Vasant Khel has passed so fast that Vraj Bhakt has lost count of it and now it is nearing the end (4-5 days after Kunj Ekadashi, Holi-Dhuleti and Dol Utsav is celebrated which marks the end of Vasant Khel). While this Ekadashi is also called as “Aamalaki” Ekadashi. Pushti Bhav behind this is referring to Damodardas Harsaniji. Pushti Bhakti is Bhavatmak Bhakti marg, in which the only significance is to have “Preet” in Thakorji. If Pushti Jeev has exclusive “Preet” only in Thakorji which is known as Nirguna Prem; it is called “Amal” meaning, Nirmal or, “Vishuddha”. However, when Pushti Jeev has exceeded such “Preet” in Vallabh in comparison to Thakorji; now it is called “Amalaa”. Damodardas Harsaniji has such very firm Bhav in Vallabh hence he is known as “Damalaa-ji”. Such is the Darshan and Naam of Damalaaji for any Pushti Jeev, that makes Jeev freed from their Sins and thus, “Amalaa”. Therefore, “Aamalki” Ekadashi name is also Bhavatmak having such Gudh Pushti Bhav. From this day, Kunj Leela starts hence it is commonly called as Kunj Ekadashi. From today, Dol Kirtans are sung. In Kirtan, the Sakhya Bhav of Vraj Bhakt reaches to its pinnacle and hence start using the language which otherwise, considered rude. Thakorji swings in Dol at following 4 places.
1. Nandalay
2. Yamuna Pulin
3. Shri Girirajji
4. In innermost sanctum of Kunj
શ્રીજીની સામગ્રી
BARFI
Ingredients:
500 grams – Khoya / Mawa / Solidified Milk, 250 grams – Almonds blanched and ground to a paste, ¼ teaspoon – Essence of Almonds., 1 teaspoon – Cardamom seeds, 300 grams – Sugar, Sliced Pistachios for garnishing.
Method:
1- Heat pan add 2 cups water in sugar and prepare thick syrup.
2- Mix in Khoya / Mawa, Almonds paste and cardamoms and keep on stirring till the mixture leaves the sides of the pan.
3- Mix the essence and remove from fire.
4- Put the mixture in a greased thali / metal plate.
5- Spread smoothly, evenly and set aside to turn cold.
6- Cut into pieces decorate with sliced pistachios.
7- Store in fridge in airtight container.
8- Offer in a bowl with Tulsi leaf to Shree Thakorji with lots of affections.
