Shrimad Bhagavat Katha in Kota, Rajasthan, India
| The Kota Bhagavat katha was organised by Shri Samarpan Seva Samiti under the guidance of Shri G. D. Patel, the president of the Seva Samiti, for the purpose of spiritual emancipation and happiness. The katha commenced on 13th January 2008 with a grand Shobha yatra of the pothiji and 5000 women carrying kalashas on their heads. The Shobha yatra arrived at the katha venue amongst Vedic chants of learned Brahmins.
Pujya Bhaishri began the narration of katha by chanting the Kalisantaapaharanopnishad mantra, which is “Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare, Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare”. Chanting this mantra is an effective cure for all the afflictions that torment people in this age of kali. Pujya Bhaishri said that Shrimad Bhagavat is the literary manifestation of Lord Shri Krishna himself. When Lord Shri Krishna set out to return to his abode, his friend Udhavji at his lotus feet and asked, “When you have returned to Vaikunth, where and to whom will your devotees take refuge?” At that time Shri Krishna consoled Udhavji saying, “Shrimad Bhagavat is my swaroop. I will be present to guide my devotees in the form of Shrimad Bhagavat. Therefore, Shrimad Bhagavat will serve as a refuge for all Vaishnavites”. Several festivals like Shri Krishna janmotsav, Sri Govardhan pooja and Shri Rukmini vivah were celebrated with zest and fanfare during the katha. During his stay in Kota, Pujya Bhaishri visited Shri Ram-dham temple where he planted a sapling. Pujya Bhaishri mentioned to the devotees gathered at the temple that planting trees was his favourite activity. Trees are the boons bestowed on human beings by mother nature. We are indebted to the nature for this boon. Every individual should plant at least six trees during their life-time in order help pay this debt of mother nature. Spiritually speaking, trees are the roma (pores on the skin) of God. Therefore unreasonable cutting of trees is a sin. Talking to the press representatives in a press conference, Pujya Bhaishri said that in India three groups of practitioners serve the society through their pursuits of different aspects of God: 1. Patrakars (journalists) serve through their pursuit of Truth (Satya); If these three groups pursue their goals with commitment, they will help create a truthful and good society, and consequently the fourth Kar – which is Sarkar (the government) will automatically run smoothly. |