Ram Katha by Bhaishri flows to Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India for the first time ever!

The auspicious commencement of Kulu Katha took place on 14th June. This was the first occasion of holding a Katha in Himachal Pradesh and it indeed was a divine experience for all. God has gifted Kulu with abundant natural beauty and the minds of its people too are rich and devotional. Driven by their intense devotion and love for Shri Raghunathji they decided to organize a Ramkatha. The local representative of the people Maheshwarsingh (Rajasaheb) was the host of the katha. For the first time it was observed that some ruling representative was so devotional.

The Shobha-yatra of Bhagavan Shri Raghunatji was taken out on 13th June, 2006. For the local people this was the first ever opportunity of witnessing such a grand Shobha-yatra. Bhagavan Shri Raghunathji arrived at the Katha marquee after gracing the people with his darshan. A beautiful temple was created near the Katha marquee where the idols of Shri Raghunathji and Shri Sitaji were kept during the katha. Everyday, early in the morning the local Brahmans performed ritualistic worship of Shri Ram and Shri Sitaji. It was truly a wonderful scene.

The katha commenced with the kindling of the auspicious lamp by Pujya Gurusharananandji Maharaj. Conveying his blessings Pujya Maharajshri said, “Even a chandaal, a killer was worthy of worship if he had devotion for Shri Ram. A person who is a devotee of Shri Ram is truly worthy of being worshipped. Therefore I bow my head again and again to Shri Mahendrasinghji, the local representative of the people.

Vyaspujan was performed in the beginning of the katha. Thereafter Pujya Bhaishri was presented with the local dress and the headgear, a pagari and Pujya Bhaishri put it on for all nine days while narrating the glories of Lord Sri Ram. Explaining the beneficial effects of Ram-naam, Pujya Bhaishri said, “Ram nama kar amit prabhava” “Ramnaam nar kesari kanak kasipu kalikala”. Likening the Ramacharitmanas with a lake Pujya Bhaishri said that this lake has all types of ghaats, banks, for quenching thirst, taking bath, etc. All your wishes get fulfilled over here.

While talking to Dainik Bhaskar, Rameshbhai said that the reason for the young people not getting interested in the kathas is that their ideals have not been established in this field. Efforts are being made in the directions to get the youngsters interested in this field. He also remarked that the sadhus or saints, whether they are in saffron robes or in white clothes, they should struggle aggressively like the soldiers.

A scene of Ram Rajyabhishek was presented by the host family and the citizens of Kulu on the concluding day. When Shri Ram and Sitaji arrived on stage it was felt as if they were returning to Ayodhya after living in the forest for fourteen years. The Rajyabhishek was consecrated by Guru Vasishthji. The citizens were delighted to see this presentation.

During the katha, Pujya Bhaishri visited certain historical sites of Kulu like Naggar Manakarna, Bijli Mahadev, etc.