Holi.

 Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most vibrant and joyous celebrations in Hindu tradition. It marks the arrival of spring and symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

1. Victory of Prahlada over Hiranyakashipu – The most popular legend associated with Holi is that of Prahlada, a devotee of Lord Vishnu, and his tyrannical father, Hiranyakashipu. The demon king wanted everyone to worship him, but his son remained devoted to Vishnu. Enraged, Hiranyakashipu ordered his sister, Holika, who had a boon that made her immune to fire, to sit in flames with Prahlada in her lap. However, due to divine intervention, Holika was burnt while Prahlada emerged unscathed. This event is commemorated by the Holika Dahan (bonfire) on the eve of Holi.

2. Lord Krishna and Radha’s Playful Colors – Another significant aspect is the celebration of Holi in relation to Lord Krishna and Radha. According to legend, young Krishna, who had a dark complexion, was worried about whether the fair-skinned Radha would accept him. His mother, Yashoda, playfully suggested that he apply color to Radha’s face. This became a tradition, symbolizing love, joy, and breaking social barriers.

3. Arrival of Spring and Harvest Festival – Holi also marks the arrival of spring and the end of winter. It is a time of renewal and agricultural prosperity, celebrated with songs, dances, and festive foods. Farmers rejoice in the new harvest, making it a festival of abundance.p

Holi is a two-day festival with distinct rituals:

1. Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) – The Bonfire Ritual

On the eve of Holi, people light bonfires to symbolize the burning of evil (Holika) and the triumph of righteousness (Prahlada).

Prayers are offered, and people circle the fire while chanting mantras and throwing grains or coconuts into the flames as offerings.

2. Rangwali Holi (Main Day of Colors)

The next morning, people celebrate by smearing each other with colored powders (gulal) and spraying colored water.

Traditional folk songs, dhol (drums), and dancing create an atmosphere of joy.

Special sweets like gujiya, malpua, and thandai (a spiced milk drink) are prepared.

People visit friends and family, strengthening bonds of love and friendship.

Regional Variations

Barsana’s Lathmar Holi – In Barsana (Radha’s village), women playfully beat men with sticks (lathis), symbolizing Radha’s playful teasing of Krishna.

Braj Ki Holi – In Vrindavan and Mathura, Holi is celebrated for over a week with processions, temple rituals, and vibrant colors.

Shantiniketan Holi (West Bengal) – Inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, this version of Holi (called Basanta Utsav) involves cultural performances, poetry, and dance.

Dol Jatra (Bengal, Odisha, Assam) – People carry an idol of Lord Krishna in a procession while singing devotional songs.

Holi, beyond its religious significance, promotes unity, joy, and the spirit of forgiveness, making it one of the most beloved festivals in India and among Hindu communities worldwide.

Jagannath.

 When Ramanujacharya visited jaganath puri he noticed that the lord was waking up an any time the rituals went on till late at night. There was no order followed. He was agust at the way the pandaris were taking liberties with the Lord and their service. He and his 5000 followers overnight took over the running of the temple's of purity bring about some order. Everything was settled all went smooth for about three months. But it is said thatvtge Lord missed seeing his devotees dance in a trance. He tried to reason with Ramanujacharya. But knowing him he decided to simply transport the Acharya and his followers to a place in Andhra overnight and chided Ramanujacharya that he liked the dance and rituals which were earlier  followed there. Though the efforts of Sri Ramanujacharya did bring some order in running the temple. 

Sri Ramanujacharya, the great proponent of Vishishtadvaita Vedanta, had a significant yet lesser-known connection with the Jagannath Temple in Puri. His visit to Puri is said to have influenced the temple's practices, although his philosophy did not fully integrate into the temple's traditions.

Ramanujacharya’s Visit to Puri

During his extensive travels across India to establish the doctrine of Vishishtadvaita, Sri Ramanujacharya visited the Jagannath Temple in Puri. His primary concern was the temple’s rituals, which, at the time, were influenced by Tantra and other esoteric traditions. As a strict follower of Pancharatra Agama and Vedic traditions, he sought to reform some of the practices to align them with Vaishnavism.

Attempts to Reform the Temple Rituals

According to some legends, Ramanujacharya wanted to introduce stricter Vaishnavite practices in the temple, similar to those followed in Sri Rangam and other Vishnu temples. However, the existing traditions of the temple, based on tribal and tantric influences, were deeply rooted, and the priests resisted any changes.

It is believed that Lord Jagannath Himself intervened in a divine way. Some versions of the story say that the Lord directed Ramanujacharya to leave Puri, indicating that the temple's unique traditions were part of His divine will. Others say that Ramanujacharya was mysteriously transported overnight to a distant place, possibly Srikurmam in Andhra Pradesh, where he continued his teachings.

Despite the resistance, Ramanujacharya's visit left a lasting impact on some Vaishnava traditions in Odisha. The influence of Vishishtadvaita can still be seen in some sects of Odia Vaishnavism, though the Jagannath temple continued to follow its traditional rituals.

While Jagannath worship remained distinct from Sri Vaishnavism, Ramanujacharya’s emphasis on devotion (bhakti) and service to the Lord resonates with the core beliefs of Puri’s spiritual tradition.

L 40.

 

Shree Laxmi Chalisa (English)

II Doha II

Maatu Lakshmi Kari Kripa, Karo Hridaye Mein Vaas II

Manokamana Siddh Kari,  Purvahu meri Aas II

II Soratha II

Yahi Mor Ardas, Haath Jod Vinti Karu II

Sab Vidhi Karo Suvas, Jai Janani Jagdambika II

II Chaupaai II

Sindu Suta Main Sumirau Tohi । Gyan, Buddhi, Vidya De Mohi ॥
Tum Samaan Nahi Koi Upkari । Sab Vidhi Puravahu Aas Hamari ॥
Jai Jai Jai Jagat Janani Jagadamba । Sabki Tum Hi Ho Avalamba ॥
Tum Hi Ho Sab Ghat Ghat Vaasi । Vinti Yahi Hamari Khaasi ॥
Jag janani Jai Sindhu Kumari । Dinan ki Tum Ho Hitakari ॥
Vinavo Nitya Tumahin Maharani । Kripa Karo Jag Janani Bhavani ॥
Kehi Vidhi Stuti Karaun Tihari । Sudhi Lijai Aparadh Bisari ॥
Kripa Drishti Chitavo Mam Ori । Jag Janani Vinti Sun Mori ॥
Gyan Buddhi Sab Sukh Ki Data । Sankat Haro Hamari Mata ॥
Kshir Sindhu Jab Vishnu Mathayo । Chaudah Ratna Sindhu Mein Payo ॥
Chaudah Ratna Mein Tum Sukharasi । Seva Kiyo Prabu Bani Dasi ॥
Jab Jab Janma Prabhu Jahan Linha । Roop Badal Tah Seva Kinha ॥
Swayan Vishnu Jab Nar Tanu Dhara । Linheu Avadhapuri Avatara ॥
Tab Tum Pragat Janakapur Maahi । Seva Kiyo Hridaya Pulakahin ॥
Apanayo Tohi Antaryami । Vishva Vidit Tribhuvan Ke Swami ॥
Tum Sam Prabal Shakti Nahin Aani । Kahan Lau Mahima Kahaun Bakhani ॥
Man Kram Vachan Karai Sevakai । Man Ichchhita Vanchhit Phal Pai ॥
Taji Chhal Kapat Aur Chaturai । Pujahin Vividh Bhanti Man Lai ॥
Aur Haal Main Kahaun Bujhai । Jo Yah Paath Karai Man Lai ॥
Tako Koi Kashta Nohi Hoi । Mann Ichhita Pave Phal Soi ॥
Trahi Trahi Jai Dukh Nivarini । Taap Paap Bhav Bandhan Harini ॥
Jo yeh Chalisa Pade Padave । Dhyana Lagakar Sune Sunavai ॥
Tako Koi Na Rog Satavai । Putra Aadi Dhan Sampatti Pavai ॥
Putrahin Aru Sampatti Hina । Andh Badhir Kodhi Ati Dina ॥
Vipra Bolaya Kai Paath Karavai । Shanka Dil Mein Kabhi Na Lavai ॥
Paath Karavai Din Chalisa । Ta Par Kripa Karain Gaurisa ॥
Sukh Sampatti Bahut So Pavai । Kami Nahin Kaahu Ki Avai ॥
Barah Maas Karai Jo Puja । Tehi Sam Dhanya Aur Nahin Duja ॥
Pratidin Paath Karai Man Mahin । Un Sam Koi Jag Mein Kahun Naahin ॥
Bahu vidhi Kya Mai Karo Badai । Leya Pariksha Dhyana Lagai ॥
Kari Vishwas Karai Vrat Nema । Hoy Siddha Upajai Ur Prema ॥
Jai Jai Jai Lakshmi Bhavani । Sab Mein Vyapita Ho Gun Khaani ॥
Tumharo Tej Prabal Jag Mahin । Tum Sam Kou Dayalu Kahun Naahin ॥
Mohi Anath Ki Sudhi Ab Lijai । Sankat Kaati Bhakti Mohi Dijai ॥
Bhul Chuk Kari Kshama Hamari । Darshan Dajai Dasha Nihari ॥
Bin Darshan Vyakul Adhikari । Tumahi Achhat Dukh Sahate Bhaari ॥
Nahin Mohin Gyan Buddhi Hai Tan Mein । Sab Janat Ho Apane Man Mein ॥
Roop Chaturbhuja Karake Dharan । Kashta Mor Ab Karahu Nivaran ॥
Kehi Prakar Main Karaun Badai । Gyan Buddhi Mohin Nahin Adhikai ॥

॥ Doha ॥

Trahi Trahi Dukh Harini, Haro Vegi Sab Tras ।
Jayati Jayati Jai Lakshmi, Karo Shatru Ko Naash ॥
Ramdas Dhari Dhyan Nit, Vinay Karat Kar Jor ।
Maatu Lakshmi Daas Par, Karahu Daya Ki Kor ॥

॥ Iti Shri Lakshmi Chalisa Sampurnam ॥

Jaahat kaha.

 The song "Ja Kaha Ho Akeli Gori" by Kesarbai Kerkar is a classical Hindustani composition. Kesarbai Kerkar was a legendary singer of the Jaipur-Atrauli gharana, known for her mastery of khayal and her powerful yet intricate vocal expressions. The Golden Record that was sent into space aboard the Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 spacecraft in 1977, during the Carter administration  This record contains sounds and music from Earth, intended to represent human culture to any potential extraterrestrial life.

One of the tracks on the Golden Record is a Hindustani classical piece by Kesarbai Kerkar, titled "Jaat Kahan Ho Akeli Gori" in Raga Bhairavi. This song is still traveling through space aboard the Voyager spacecraft, which have now left the solar system and entered interstellar space.

While there is no direct way to confirm if the song is still "playing," the record is intact, and if extraterrestrials ever find it, they might be able to listen to it. This makes Kesarbai Kerkar's voice one of the most distant human sounds in the universe.

Ranchoodji

 The title "Ranchodji" is one of the many epithets of Lord Krishna, specifically referring to an episode from his life where he strategically retreated from battle. The name "Ranchod" means "one who left the battlefield" (from Ran meaning battlefield and chod meaning to leave). This story is primarily associated with Krishna’s encounter with the formidable king Kala Yavana and his divine strategy to protect his people.

The Story of Ranchodji

During Krishna’s rule in Mathura, the evil king Jarāsandha, father-in-law of the late Kamsa, repeatedly attacked Mathura to avenge Kamsa's death. Though Krishna and Balarama defeated him multiple times, he kept returning with larger forces. To make matters worse, Kala Yavana, a mighty and cruel warrior from the Yavana (Greek or Persian) kingdom, invaded Mathura with a massive army, instigated by Narada and encouraged by Jarāsandha.

Seeing the danger to his people, Krishna devised a strategy. Instead of engaging in a direct battle that could cost countless lives, he chose to lead Kala Yavana away from Mathura. Krishna left the battlefield unarmed and started walking. The arrogant Kala Yavana, believing Krishna was fleeing in fear, followed him.

Krishna led him deep into a mysterious cave, where a great sage-king named Muchukunda had been sleeping for ages. Muchukunda had received a boon from the Devas that whoever disturbed his sleep would be burned to ashes by his mere glance.

Unaware of this, Kala Yavana entered the cave and mistook the sleeping Muchukunda for Krishna. He kicked him to wake him up, and the moment Muchukunda opened his eyes, Kala Yavana was reduced to ashes.

Krishna, smiling at his perfect execution of divine strategy, blessed Muchukunda and returned to his people. However, knowing that Jarāsandha would not give up his attacks, Krishna decided to move his people to a safer land. He led the Yadavas across the ocean and established the grand city of Dwaraka, a well-fortified kingdom on the western coast of India.

The Meaning of "Ranchodji"

Though "Ranchod" means one who left the battlefield, in this case, Krishna did not leave out of fear but out of divine wisdom and strategic foresight. He knew that a true king protects his people rather than engaging in unnecessary battles. Instead of a head-on war, he used intelligence to eliminate the enemy without bloodshed.

This title "Ranchodji" became a beloved name for Krishna, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan, where devotees revere him as the deity of Dwaraka. Even today, the famous Ranchodrai Temple in Dakor, Gujarat, is dedicated to Lord Krishna under this title.

This story highlights Krishna’s diplomacy, wisdom, and his unwavering commitment to dharma, making Ranchodji one of his most celebrated names in history.

Dust

 

Ramdas bodana

 Sri Ramdas Bodana: The Gujarati Devotee of Lord Krishna.

Sri Ramdas Bodana was a great saint and devotee of Lord Krishna from Gujarat. He lived during the 16th century and was deeply influenced by the Bhakti movement, which emphasized pure devotion (bhakti) over rituals and caste distinctions. His life was a testament to unwavering faith, surrender, and divine love for Krishna.

Little is known about Ramdas Bodana’s early life, but he was born in Gujarat, a region rich in Vaishnava traditions. Gujarat has long been a center of Krishna devotion, as it is home to Dwarka, one of the most sacred sites for Krishna devotees. From a young age, Ramdas was drawn toward devotion and spent his time singing the glories of Lord Krishna.

He was deeply influenced by the teachings of the Bhakti saints, who preached that Krishna’s love transcended social divisions and that true devotion came from the heart.

Ramdas Bodana and His Pilgrimage to Dwarka

One of the most well-known stories about Ramdas Bodana is his pilgrimage to Dwarka. He longed to have darshan (divine vision) of Lord Krishna at the Dwarkadhish temple. With immense devotion, he set out on foot, chanting Krishna’s names and singing bhajans (devotional songs).

It is said that along the way, he encountered several hardships—hunger, thirst, and exhaustion—but his love for Krishna kept him going. When he finally reached the temple, he stood in front of the deity, overwhelmed with emotion. In that divine moment, he experienced an intense connection with Krishna, feeling as if the Lord was speaking directly to him.

Miracles and Divine Grace

Ramdas Bodana's devotion was so pure that Krishna himself is believed to have reciprocated it in miraculous ways. One such story recounts how, during a severe drought, Ramdas prayed for the well-being of the people. His prayers were answered when the land received abundant rainfall, saving the region from famine.

Another legend speaks of how he would offer whatever food he had to Krishna first before eating himself. Once, when he had nothing but a handful of grains, he offered it with immense love. Miraculously, the grains multiplied, feeding many devotees. This act reflected his absolute surrender to Krishna’s will.

Ramdas Bodana’s teachings emphasized:

Total surrender to Krishna – He believed that Krishna takes care of his devotees completely if they surrender to him with pure love.

Bhakti over rituals – Like other saints of the Bhakti movement, he emphasized heartfelt devotion rather than mere external rituals.

Service to others – He encouraged people to serve others as a form of worship to God.

Chanting Krishna’s name – He spread the importance of chanting and singing Krishna’s glories, as this was the simplest way to attain divine grace.

Ramdas Bodana’s devotional songs and prayers continue to inspire devotees in Gujarat and beyond. His life serves as a shining example of how faith, humility, and devotion can bring one closer to God.

Sri Ramdas Bodana’s life was a journey of divine love, selfless devotion, and spiritual realization. His unwavering faith in Lord Krishna and his simple yet profound teachings continue to resonate with devotees today. Like Meera Bai, Surdas, and other saints of the Bhakti movement, he showed that true devotion transcends all barriers and leads to ultimate bliss in Krishna’s embrace.

Even today, in the temples and homes of Gujarat, the echoes of his bhajans and the spirit of his devotion remain alive, reminding us of the timeless path of bhakti.

His songs

Aaron ne Nantahala re,

Jay ranchodraya

Kya vase tulasi

Nand ghee Ananda bhayo

Ranchod bhavani.

Rasabhima ray Ranchod

Sakhibpadve te pooran