Shrimad Bhagavat katha flows to Jammu, India
Shrimad Bhagavat katha was held at Nagrota Gujaru, Jammu from 20th to 27th April, 2006. This was the first occasion of organizing a katha in the Jammu region. It was a celestial scene watching the simple rural folks attentively listen to the narration of the divine Shrimad Bhagavat Katha in their native rustic setting. Time flew away swiftly amidst the sincere love and affection of these simple rural folks. Their lilting folksongs, their exotic dances, everything contributed in making it a memorable experience. The local Dogri folksongs touched the chords of everyone’s heart. On 20th April a grand Shobhayatra of Shrimad Bhagavat was arranged. The Shobhayatra commenced at 2 p. m. in the afternoon. Many people who had come from the surrounding villages had the good fortune of having the darshan of this grand Shobhayatra. Since this was the first occasion of narrating Shrimad Bhagavat Katha in this village, the villagers were witnessing such a Shobhayatra for the first time. Learned Brahmins welcomed the Pothiji of Shrimad Bhagavat Katha at the main gate of the katha marquee amidst the chants of Vedic mantras. Saints and sages welcomed Pujya Bhaishri and offered him floral tributes and lit the auspicious inaugural lamp.
Commencing the katha Pujya Bhaishri said that the word Bhagavat was made up of four syllables. The syllable Bha signified Prakash (light), Ga signified Gyan (Knowledge), Va signified Vairagya (Renunciation) and ‘Ta’ signified Tapah (Austerities). When these four aspects combine we automatically enter the domain of Bhagavat (God). Even if any or all these aspects are missing we need not despair, because by listening to Shrimad Bhagavat katha all these four aspects will be accomplished. Shrimad Bhagavat katha removes the darkness of ignorance and fills the light of knowledge. “Ke rase sthiti karoti ya sa katha” i.e. That which makes you experience the Rasa (Delight, Sweetness,) is called ‘Katha’. When we reverse the word ‘Katha’ it reads as Thaka which means fatigue or tiredness. That means katha cures the fatigue or weariness of life and puts us in an absolutely relaxed and peaceful state of mind. However gruesome sins we might have committed through our actions, speech or thoughts merely by listening to the katha we get liberated from all our sins. Dhundhukari in spite of being a Brahmin lived a sinful life. Yet he got liberated by listening to the katha.
At 4 p.m. on the fifth day of katha Shri Krishna Janmotsav was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fanfare. On that occasion it appeared as if the region of Nagrota-Gujaru was transformed into Gokuldham. Afterwards the Nandotsav prasad of Panjari was distributed to the people of entire village.
During the katha Pujya Bhaishri also reflected upon on many modern day problems. Referring to the proselytizing activities he said, “No activity was more unspiritual than conversions. We are bent upon making people Hindu, Muslim or Christian in the name of religion. But a true religion is that which makes a Hindu, a Muslim or a Christian into a true human being. Today proselytizing is a serious problem in many regions. Therefore it is the responsibility of religious leaders that they explain the true definition of religion and save people from irreligious activities. Referring to terrorist activities Pujya Bhaishri said that the true solution of terrorism lay only in spiritualism. Religion was merely a ladder that enabled us to enter into the temple of spiritualism. A true spiritualist cannot be a terrorist.
The entire arrangement for this katha was made by ‘Jan Kalyan Sansthan Durgapuri Nagrota Gujaru Samiti’. All arrangements of katha were supervised efficiently by the host Shri Bansilal Gupta, Shri Naresh Gupta, Shri Om Shastriji and others.
