Shiv Charitra Katha
This year’s first Shiv Charitra Katha by Pujya Bhaishri was held at Shri Bira Barji Dadi Dham in Fatehpur, Rajesthan, from 2nd – 4th September 2013. The Katha was narrated in two sessions, 10am-1pm and 6pm-8pm.
In this katha, Pujya Bhaishri explained the significance of the name of Lord Shiv, holy ashes and the Rudraksha beads. He said that Lord Shiv’s name symbolises the holy river Ganga, holy ashes symbolises Maa Yamuna and the Rudraksha symbolises Maa Saraswati. Those who adopt these three in the life will achieve their well-being. The name Shankar means one who facilitates one’s well-being.
Pujya Bhaishri gave lucid descriptions of Gangotri and Kedarnath based on his personal experience. He elaborated on the integral relationship between the trees, plants and our life. He recalled how a great ascetic in Gangotri had once showed him a wooden stick and shared its properties: when rubbed on a rough space the paste produced helps warm the body, keeping it near keeps scorpions and snakes away and when lit it spreads a perfumed fragrance. Thus there are numerous medicinal plants in our forest. The only requirement is to know their goals and look after them. Saying that nature is our mother, Pujya Bhaishri described Shiv-Shakti.
Furthermore, Pujya Bhaishri explained the symbolism of the tortoise, Nandi and various idols in a Shiv temple and related it to the eight steps of Yoga.
Pujya Bhaishri narrated the story of Maa Sati from Shri Ram Charit Manas. He said that both Shri Ram and Lord Shiv have a mutual relationship of being each other’s master, servant and friend. Describing the installation of Rameshwar, Pujya Bhaishri explained the different ways devotees worshipped Lord Ram. Shri Ramji’s brothers worshipped him as the supreme governor, Sitaji as her beloved and Hanumanji as his master. Lord Hanuman is the incarnation of Lord Shiv.
In addition, at the request of the assembled devotees, Pujya Bhaishri provided his blessings through two more discourses.
On the final day, Pujya Bhaishri blessed the organisers, the trustees of Shri Shakti Goyanka Trust, and Shri Bira Barji Dadaji, Shri Sajjan Goyanka and Shri Giridharlal Goyanka. Pujya Bhaishri also visited and did darshan of Shri Tirupatiji at Sujangadh of Salasarji.
