Shrimad Bhagavat Katha at Bhadreswar, Gujarat, India

The Bhagavat katha in Bhadreswar began on 24th November 2007 on the banks of river Gurai. It was organised by “Shri Bhadreswar Mahadev Ambika Matadi Bhootnath Sewa Samiti”. The Gadipati of Bhadreswar, Mahantshri Shantigiriji blessed and guided the arrangements of the katha. The purpose for organising this katha was to start an anakshetra from the funds generated from it.

A grand Shobha yatra of Bhagavatji commenced from the residence of the chief host, Shri Jeevanbhai Veersanghbhai and family, passed through the entire town and arrived at the katha venue, where the people of Bhadreswar welcomed Pujya Bhaishri and the Pothiji.

Describing the glory of Shrimad Bhagavat, Pujya Bhaishri said, “Shrimad Bhagavat is the tilak amongst all the scriptures. It is the samhita (collective wisdom) of paramhansa. It describes and explains gyan (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), karma (duties) and vairagya (renunciation). By hearing, reading, contemplating, and implementing it, the human soul can attain liberation.”

“Oh fortunate people, this pleasure of narrating and listening to the divine glory of the Lord is not available even in the Swarga, Satyalok (the abode of the truth-being), Vaikuntha (the abode of Lord Vishnu) or in Kailasha (the abode of Lord Shiva). The pleasure of partaking this nectar is available only here, on earth. Hence, consume this divine drink eagerly, earnestly and faithfully. It is indeed a rare and divine opportunity to be able to spend and participate for even a moment where the katha is being narrated. Even a fraction of a moment spent in the katha leads to our salvation.”

Addressing the youngsters in the course of the katha, Pujya Bhaishri said that young people are the strength of our country. Therefore, the youth should be careful that their energy is not spent in wasteful activities. The strength of the youth should be used for the welfare of the people, the society and thus the country. Pujya Bhaishri said that the youths’ energy gets destroyed through vices and perverse behaviour; consequently, they should stay away from such behaviour and bad company. If at all one needs the support of some addiction then one should get addicted to hearing the katha or to chanting God’s name.

Festivals like Shri Vaman pragtya, Shri Narsimha pragatya, Shri Ram janmotsav and Shri Krishna janmotsav were celebrated with great zest and fervour.