ईश्वर का स्वभाव

एक बार कन्हैया ने किसी गोपी के यहाँ माखन चुराया और गोपी ने उसे पकड़ लिया !कहती है -आज यशोदा माता को दिखाना है कि कान्हा ने माखन चुराया है ;यशोदा हमें झूठा समझती है !गोपी कान्हा को कस कर बाँध देती है ;कान्हा मिन्नत करता है कि थोड़ा ढीला कर दो कोमल शरीर है !  गोपी थोड़ा ढीला कर देती है ;कान्हा उसमें से   कर निकल कर भाग जाता है और फिर गोपी को बाँध देता है !गोपी कहती है -कान्हा मुझे खोल दो देखो मैंने भी तो तेरा बन्धन ढीला किया था ! कान्हा कहता है -वास्तव में गोपी मुझे बाँधना ही आता है खोलना नहीं ! मै  जिस का हाथ थामता हूँ कभी नहीं छोड़ता 

   

Kaliyug

Once the four Pandavas (except Yudhishthira who was not present) asked Krishna:

"What is Kaliyuga and what will happen during Kaliyuga?"

Krishna smiled and said "Let me demonstrate to you, the situation of Kaliyuga." He took a bow and four arrows and shot them in four directions and ordered the four Pandavas to go and bring them back.

Each of the four Pandavas went in the four different directions to search for the arrows.

When Arjuna picked an arrow, he heard a very sweet voice. He turned around and saw a cuckoo singing in a spellbinding voice but was also eating flesh of a live rabbit which was in great pain. Arjuna was very surprised to see such a gory act by such a divine bird he left the place immediately.

Bhima picked arrow from a place, where five wells were situated. The four wells were surrounding a single well. The four wells were overflowing with very sweet water as if they were not able to hold water and surprisingly the well in the middle of these four overflowing wells was completely empty. Bhima was also puzzled at this sight.

Nakula was returning to the place after picking up the arrow. He stopped at a place where a cow was about to give birth. After giving birth the cow started licking the calf but continued to lick it even after the calf was clean. With great difficulty people were able to separate them and by that time the calf was injured badly. Nakula was puzzled by the behaviour of such a calm animal.

Sahadeva picked arrow which fell near a mountain and saw a big boulder falling. The boulder was crushing the rocks and big trees on its way down, but the same boulder was stopped by a small plant. Sahadeva was also amazed at this sight.
All the Pandavas asked the meaning of these incidents. Krishna smiled and started explaining...

"In Kaliyuga, the priests will have very sweet voice and will also have great knowledge but they will exploit devotees the same way cuckoo was doing with rabbit.

In Kaliyuga poor will live among rich, those rich will have enormous amount of wealth which will actually overflow but they will not offer a single penny to the poor same as the four wells didn't have a single drop of water for the empty well.

In Kaliyuga parents will love their children so much that their love will actually spoil them and will destroy their lives similar to the love shown by cow to her newborn calf.

In Kaliyuga people will fall in terms of character like the boulder from the mountain and they will not be stopped by anyone at the end only the name of God will be able to hold them from doom like the little plant held the boulder from further fall."

~ Uddhava Gita, Srimad Bhaagawatam.

CONTRIBUTED by
Mrs Shruti Chaabra

अभिमान

श्रीकृष्ण भगवान द्वारका में रानी सत्यभामा के
साथ सिंहासन पर विराजमान थे, निकट ही गरुड़ और सुदर्शन चक्र भी बैठे हुए थे। तीनों के चेहरे पर दिव्य तेज झलक रहा था। बातों ही बातों में रानी
सत्यभामा ने श्रीकृष्ण से पूछा कि  "हे प्रभु, आपने त्रेता युग में राम के रूप में अवतार लिया था, सीता आपकी पत्नी थीं। क्या वे मुझसे भी ज्यादा सुंदर थीं? "द्वारकाधीश समझ गए कि सत्यभामा को अपने रूप का अभिमान हो गया है।तभी गरुड़ ने कहा कि भगवान क्या दुनिया में मुझसे भी ज्यादा तेज गति से कोई उड़ सकता है। इधर सुदर्शन चक्र से भी रहा नहीं गया और वह भी कह उठे कि भगवान, मैंने बड़े-बड़े युद्धों में आपको विजयश्री
दिलवाई है। क्या संसार में मुझसे भी शक्तिशाली
कोई है? भगवान मंद-मंद मुस्कुरा रहे थे। वे जान रहे थे कि उनके इन तीनों भक्तों को अहंकार हो गया है और इनका अहंकार नष्ट होने का समय आ गया है।
ऐसा सोचकर उन्होंने गरुड़ से कहा कि हे गरुड़! तुम
हनुमान के पास जाओ और कहना कि भगवान राम,
माता सीता के साथ उनकी प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हैं।
गरुड़ भगवान की आज्ञा लेकर हनुमान को लाने चले
गए। इधर श्रीकृष्ण ने सत्यभामा से कहा कि देवी आप सीता के रूप में तैयार हो जाएं और स्वयं द्वारकाधीश ने राम का रूप धारण कर लिया। मधुसूदन ने सुदर्शन चक्र को आज्ञा देते हुए कहा कि तुम महल के प्रवेश द्वार पर पहरा दो। और ध्यान रहे कि मेरी आज्ञा के बिना महल में कोई प्रवेश न करे।
भगवान की आज्ञा पाकर चक्र महल के प्रवेश द्वार
पर पहरा देने लगे। गरुड़ ने हनुमान के पास पहुंच कर कहा कि "हे वानरश्रेष्ठ! भगवान राम माता सीता के साथ द्वारका में आपसे मिलने के लिए प्रतीक्षा कर रहे हैं। आप मेरे साथ चलें। मैं आपको अपनी पीठ पर बैठाकर वहां ले चलता हू। हनुमान ने विनयपूर्वक
गरुड़ से कहा, आप चलिए, मैं आता हूं। गरुड़ ने सोचा, पता नहीं हनुमान कब पहुंचेगे क्योकि रास्ता लंबा था। खैर मैं भगवान के पास चलता हूं। यह सोचकर गरुड़ शीघ्रता से द्वारका की ओर उड़े। पर यह क्या, महल में पहुंचकर गरुड़ देखते हैं कि हनुमान तो उनसे पहले ही महल में प्रभु के सामने बैठे हैं। गरुड़ का सिर लज्जा से झुक गया। तभी श्रीराम ने हनुमान से कहा कि पवन पुत्र तुम बिना आज्ञा के महल में कैसे प्रवेश कर गए? क्या तुम्हें किसी ने प्रवेश द्वार पर रोका नहीं? हनुमान ने हाथ जोड़ते हुए सिर झुका कर अपने मुंह से सुदर्शन चक्र को निकाल कर प्रभु के सामने रख दिया। हनुमान ने कहा कि प्रभु आपसे मिलने से मुझे इस चक्र ने रोका था,
इसलिए इसे मुंह में रख मैं आपसे मिलने आ गया। मुझे क्षमा करें। भगवान मंद-मंद मुस्कुराने लगे। हनुमान ने हाथ जोड़ते हुए श्रीराम से प्रश्न किया हे प्रभु! आज आपने माता सीता के स्थान पर
यह कौन आपके साथ सिंहासन पर विराजमान है। अब रानी सत्यभामा के अहंकार भंग होने की बारी थी। उन्हें सुंदरता का अहंकार था, जो पलभर में चूर हो गया था। रानी सत्यभामा, सुदर्शन चक्र व गरुड़ तीनों का गर्व चूर-चूर हो गया था। वे भगवान की लीला समझ रहे थे। तीनों की आंख से आंसू बहने लगे और वे भगवान के चरणों में झुक गए। तीनो का अहंकार चूर चूर हो चुका था।

Edited and compiled by
Mrs. Shruti Chabra ji
Member "Yaatra" watsapp group

Krishna and Uddhav

Why did Krishna not save the Pandavas when they played dice with Duryadhana & Shakuni?Wonderful explanation by Krishna himself:
From his childhood, Uddhava had been with Krishna, charioting him and serving him in many ways. He never asked for any wish or boon from Sri Krishna. When Krishna was at the verge of completing His Avatar, he called Uddhava and said,‘Dear Uddhava, in this avatar of mine, many people have asked and received boons from me; but you never asked me anything. Why don’t you ask something now? I will give you. Let me complete this avatar with the satisfaction of doing something good for you also’.

Even though Uddhava did not ask anything for himself, he had been observing Krishna from his childhood. He had always wondered about the apparent disconnect between Krishna’s teachings and actions, and wanted to understand the reasons for the same. He asked Krishna, ‘Lord, you taught us to live in one way, but you lived in a different way. In the drama of Mahabharat, in the role you played, in your actions, I did not understand many things. I am curious to understand the reasons for your actions. Would you fulfil my desire to know?’

Krishna said, ‘Uddhava, what I told Arjuna during the war of Kurukshetra was Bhagavad Gita. Today, my responses to you would be known as ‘Uddhava Gita’. That is why I gave this opportunity to you. Please ask without hesitation.’

Uddhava starts asking – ‘Krishna, first tell me who is a real friend?’

Krishna says, ‘The real friend is one who comes to the help of his friend in need even without being called’.

Uddhava: ‘Krishna, you were a dear friend of the Pandavas. They trusted you fully as Apadhbhandava (protector from all difficulties). Krishna, you not only know what is happening, but you know what is going to happen. You are a great gyani. Just now you gave the definition of a true, close friend. Then why did you not act as per that definition. Why did you not stop Dharmaraj (Yudhishtra)
from playing the gambling game? Ok, you did not do it; why did you not turn the luck in favour of Dharmaraj, by which you would have ensured that dharma wins. You did not do that also. You could have at least saved Dharmaraj by stopping the game after he lost his wealth, country and himself. You could have released him from the punishment for gambling. Or, you could have entered the hall when he started betting his brothers. You did not do that either. At least when Duryodhana tempted Dharmaraj  by offering to return everything lost if he betted Draupadi (who always brought good fortune to Pandavas), you could have intervened and with your divine power you could have made the dices roll in a way that is favorable to Dharmaraj. Instead, you intervened only when Draupadi almost lost her modesty and now you claim that you gave clothes and saved Draupadi’s modesty; how can you even claim this – after her being dragged into the hall by a man and disrobed in front of so many people, what modesty is left for a woman? What have you saved? Only when you help a person at the time of crisis, can you be called ‘Apadhbandhava’.  If you did not help in the time of crisis, what is the use? Is it Dharma?’  As Uddhava posed these questions, tears started rolling from his eyes.

These are not the questions of Uddhava alone. All of us who have read Mahabharata have these questions. On behalf of us, Uddhava had already asked Krishna.

Bhagavan Krishna laughed. ‘Dear Uddhava, the law of this world is: ‘only the one who has Viveka (intelligence through discrimination), wins’. While Duryodhana had viveka, Dharmaraj lacked it. That is why Dharmaraj lost’.

Uddhava was lost and confused. Krishna continues ‘While Duryodhana had lots of money and wealth to gamble, he did not know how to play the game of dice. That is why he used his Uncle Shakuni to play the game while he betted. That is viveka. Dharmaraj also could have thought similarly and offered that I, his cousin, would play on his behalf. If Shakuni and I had played the game of dice, who do you think would have won? Can he roll the numbers I am calling or would I roll the numbers he is asking. Forget this. I can forgive the fact that he forgot to include me in the game. But, without viveka, he did another blunder. He prayed that I should not come to the hall as he did not want me to know that through ill-fate he was compelled to play this game. He tied me with his prayers and did not allow me to get into the hall; I was just outside the hall waiting for someone to call me through their prayers. Even when Bheema, Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva were lost, they were only cursing Duryodhana and brooding over their fate; they forgot to call me. Even Draupadi did not call me when Dusshasan held her hair and dragged her to fulfil his brother’s order. She was also arguing in the hall, based on her own abilities. She never called me. Finally good sense prevailed; when Dusshasan started disrobing her, she gave up depending on her own strength, and started shouting ‘Hari, Hari, Abhayam Krishna, Abhayam’ and shouted for me. Only then I got an opportunity to save her modesty. I reached as soon as I was called. I saved her modesty. What is my mistake in this situation?

‘Wonderful explanation, Kanna, I am impressed. However, I am not deceived. Can I ask you another question’, says Uddhava. Krishna gives him the permission to proceed.

'Does it mean that you will come only when you are called! Will you not come on your own to help people in crisis, to establish justice?’, asks Uddhava.

Krishna smiles. ‘Uddhava, in this life everyone’s life proceeds based on their own karma. I don’t run it; I don’t interfere in it. I am only a ‘witness’. I stand close to you and keep observing whatever is happening. This is God’s Dharma’.

‘Wow, very good Krishna. In that case, you will stand close to us, observe all our evil acts; as we keep committing more and more sins, you will keep watching us. You want us to commit more blunders, accumulate sins and suffer’, says Uddhava.

Krishna says.’Uddhava, please realise the deeper meaning of your statements. When you understand & realise that I am standing as witness next to you, how could you do anything wrong or bad. You definitely cannot do anything bad. You forget this and think that you can do things without my knowledge.  That is when you get into trouble. Dharmaraj’s ignorance was that he thought he can play the game of gambling without my knowledge. If Dharmaraj had realized that I am always present with everyone in the form of ‘Sakshi’ (witness), then wouldn’t the game have finished differently?’

Uddhava was spellbound and got overwhelmed by Bhakti. He said, ‘What a deep philosophy. What a great truth! Even praying and doing pooja to God and calling Him for help are nothing but our feeling / belief. When we start believing that nothing moves without Him, how can we not feel his presence as Witness? How can we forget this and act? Throughout Bhagavad Gita, this is the philosophy Krishna imparted to Arjuna. He was the charioteer as well as guide for Arjuna, but he did not fight on his own.’- Realize that Ultimate Sakshi/ Witnesser within & without you! And Merge in that God-Consciousness! Discover Thy Higher Self- The Pure Loveful & Blissful Supreme Consciousness! - Tat Tvam Asi!



Edited and compiled by
Mrs. Shruti Chaabra

सच्चा प्रेम

एक बार श्री कृष्ण से देव ऋषि नारद ने पूछा की आप सदा यह क्यों कहते है की गोपिया ही आप से ज्यादा प्रेम करती है आप की रानियों की अपेक्षा । श्री कृष्ण ने कहा कीमैं इस का उत्तर अवश्य दूंगा  परंतु पहले मेरे लिए औषधि ले कर आओ क्यों की मुझे सिर में पीड़ा हो रही है।नारद जी समझे नहीं। श्री कृष्ण ने कहा की जो प्राणी संसार में मुझ से सबसे अधिक प्रेम करता हो उस के चरणों की धुल मुझे ला दो वही मैं औषधि के रूप में प्रयोग करूंगा।इतना सुनते ही नारद महल में रानियों के पास गए और चरण धुल मांगी श्री कृष्ण के लिए परंतु पाप होने के भय से किसी भी रानी ने अपने चरणों को धुल नहीं दी क्योंकि उन्हें भय सताने लगा की यदि श्री कृष्ण ने अपने माथे पर चरण रज का प्रयोग किया तो रानियों को नर्क में भी जगह नहीं मिलेगी। नारद अब गोपियो के पास गए और श्री कृष्ण की पीड़ा मुक्ति के लिए गोपियो से उनकी चरण धूलि मांगी।जैसे हीगोपियो ने यह सुना तो वो व्याकुल हो गयी।और सभी अपने चरणों की भूल देने के लिए तुरंत तैयार हो गयी। नारद जी ने कहा की क्यों उन्हें इस  कार्य के लिए नर्क जाने का भय नहीं है ?गोपियो ने कहा यदि हमारे चरणों की धुल श्री कृष्ण  के माथे पर लगने से उन की पीड़ा कम होती है तो हम हज़ारो बार नर्क जाने के लिए तैयार है। और तुरंत सभी ने अपने पैरो की धुल नारद जी को दे दी। यह देख नारद जी के नेत्र आंसुओ से भर गए और समझ गए की सच्चा प्रेम तो गोपियो का ही है।प्रेम और भक्ति में सौदा नहीं होता।













Edited and compiled by Smt Kanchan ji

Act of God!

Once upon a time Shri Krishna and Arjun saw a poor brahmin begging when they went for a stroll. Arjun had pity on him and he gave a small bag full of gold coins to him. Receiving it the brahmin  started for his house happily but a robber snatched the bag from him on the way. The anguished brahmin again started begging. The next day Arjun again saw the brahmin and asked him the reason for begging again. On hearing the painful happening with the brahmin, once again he had pity on him and this time he gave him gemstone ruby.
The brahmin took it and reached his home and he hid the same in pot because of fear of its being stolen. He slept soundly as he was very tired. While he was sleeping , his wife took the pot and went to the river to fetch water in it. When she dipped the pot into the river the ruby also floated away with the flow of water. When the brahmin came to know about it, cursing his luck he again started begging. When Arjun and Shri Krishna saw him in this poor condition again, They went to him  to know what all had happened to him again. At this Arjun felt disappointed and thought prosperity can never come in the life of this. unfortunate brahmin . Lord Krishna smiled and said "Now, look how his fortune will change!". Lord krishna  gave him two paise . At this Arjun  asked him " oh lord when the gold coins and ruby could not help him to get rid of his poverty. Then how would these two paisa help him ".   Hearing this god smiled and asked Arjun to follow the brahmin. On the way the brahmin thought while walking that he could not get the food even for a single person with this 2 paise and why the god had given him such a small amount in charity.
While he was thinking so he saw a fisherman with the fish struggling for its life in the net. Brahmin had pity on it. And he thought that these two paise will not satisfy his hunger. Then he bought that fish from the fisherman to save its life and put it into his kamandal. When the fish felt uneasy in it then ruby came out of its mouth. The brahmin shrieked with happiness saying "I have got it. Ihave got it.!!"
At that time luckily the robber who had robbed him of the gold coins was passing through the same path and  heard the words of  brahmin and  thought that brahmin had recoginized him  He started begging pardon of the brahmin out of fear and returned him all the gold coins.In this war the brahmin manage to get back all his gold coins and ruby. Observing this Arjun bowed before god and understood the secret message of the act of God!

True devotee

 एक बार अर्जुन को अहंकार हो गया कि वही भगवान के सबसे बड़े भक्त हैं। उनकी इस भावना को श्रीकृष्ण ने समझ लिया। एक दिन वह अर्जुन के साथ भ्रमण पर निकले । रास्ते में उनकी मुलाकात एक गरीब ब्राह्मण
से हुई। उसका व्यवहार थोड़ा विचित्र था। वह  रुखा सुखा भोजन  खा रहा था और उसकी कमर से तलवार लटक रही थी। अर्जुन ने उससे पूछा, ‘आप तो अहिंसा के पुजारी हैं। लेकिन फिर हिंसा का यह उपकरण तलवार क्यों आपके साथ है?’ ब्राह्मण ने जवाब दिया, ‘मैं कुछ लोगों को दंडित करना चाहता हूं।’‘ आपके शत्रु कौन हैं?’ अर्जुन ने जिज्ञासा जाहिर की। ब्राह्मण ने कहा, ‘मैं चार लोगों को खोज रहा हूं,ताकि उनसे अपना हिसाब चुकता कर सकूं। सबसे पहले तो मुझे नारद की तलाश है। नारद मेरे प्रभु को आराम नहीं करने देते,सदा भजन-कीर्तन कर उन्हें जागृत रखते हैं। फिर मैं द्रौपदी पर भी बहुतक्रोधित हूं। उसने मेरे प्रभु को ठीक उसी समय पुकारा, जब वह भोजन करने बैठे थे। उन्हें तत्काल खाना छोड़ पांडवों को दुर्वासा ऋषि के श्राप सेबचाने जाना पड़ा।‘आपका तीसरा शत्रु कौन है?’अर्जुन ने पूछा।‘ वह है हृदयहीन प्रह्लाद। उसनिर्दयी ने मेरे प्रभु को गरम तेल के कड़ाहे में प्रविष्ट कराया, हाथी के पैरों तले कुचलवाया और अंत में खंभे से प्रकट होने के लिए विवश किया।और चौथा शत्रु है अर्जुन। उसकी दुष्टता देखिए। उसने मेरेभगवान को अपना सारथी बना डाला।उसे भगवान की असुविधा का तनिक भी ध्यान नहीं रहा। कितना कष्टहुआ होगा मेरे प्रभु को।’ यह कहते ही ब्राह्मण की आंखों में आंसू आ गए। यह देख अर्जुन का घमंड चूर-चूर हो गया। उसने श्रीकृष्ण से क्षमा मांगते हुए कहा, ‘मान
गया प्रभु, इस संसार में न जाने आपके कितने तरह के भक्त हैं। मैं तो कुछ भी नहीं हूं।’















source#internet

Akshay Tritya

Akshaya Tritiya is a day of utmost importance in vedic calendar. The word tritiya means third. This day falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May),i.e. Vaishakh shukla tritiya. At this moment of time during the year, the sun and moon are very near to their maximum strength. The word, "Akshaya" means one that never diminishes. Hence, starting a new activity or buying valuables on this day is considered to certainly bring luck and success. All the charity and donations done on this day yield the punyas which never exhausts. If this date coincides with Rohini nakshatra then it is considered more auspicious. As per hindu mythology it is believe that on this day the “The satya yuga” began.Akshaya Tritiya is traditionally observed as the birthday of Lord Parusurama who was the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
Lord Kubera, considered to be the lord of wealth, is one amongst the eight directional lord. Some classics says that Lord Kubera himself pray to Goddess Lakshmi on this day. According to the Vedas, it was on the day of Akshay Tritiiya that Veda Vyasa along with Lord Ganesha started writing the epic, Mahabharata. Vedas say that knowledge gained or charity done on this day is very fruitful.It was today when Lord Krishna proved his true friendship with Sudaama at Dwarka.As per another legend, Pandavas received the AkshayPaatra from Lord Krishna on this day. In eastern parts of india, on the day of the Akshay Tritiiya, "HalKhata" or ceremony to start the new audit book is performed - with the worship of Lord Ganesha & Godess Lakshmi. In another intresting legend this day is also most auspicious day for the farming community. It is known as "Akha Teej". Early morning, a male member of family goes to field. All the animals and birds encountered on the way to the field indicates omen. Then predictions are made for rains and crops on the basis of omen. For the believers in astrology this day is considered as “unboojha muhurat” which means that no need to check the auspiciousness of the day by performing complex astrological calculations.

Sapta Ganga

In India, the river is considered as a deity. Our saints had written many verses in praise of rivers and discovered that they are capable of giving salvation. The principal 7 rivers are called as “Sapta Ganga”. The list includes the most sacred 7 rivers-
1)      Ganga
2)      Yamuna
3)      Godavri
4)      Saraswati
5)      Kaveri
6)      Narmada
7)      Sindhu.

Ganga- River Ganga represented as a goddess residing on her vehicle ‘crocodile’. Originates from Hiamlayas and join Bay of Bengal. Sage Bhagirath brought river Ganga from heaven.it is also called "Moksha Dayani", the one who gives salvation.

Yamuna- daughter of Sun God having blue colour. It originates from Himalayas and  joins Ganaga at Allahabad called as “Prayaag”. Their confluence is considered so auspicious that this place is often called as “Teerth Raj” means “king of all the pilgrimage”. This river witnessed the glorious childhood time of Lord Krishna.

Saraswati- The invisible and most mystic river represented by the goddess in white dress having swan as her vehichle.It originates at Mana village in Uttrakhand region and joins Arabian sea at Somnath(Gujrat). This river is a knowledge giver because goddess saraswati is a deity of knowledge. This invisible river is also present at Allahabad. The confluence of 3 rivers here is called “Triveni Sangam”

Kaveri-
According to belief the river Ganges also joins Kaveri underground once a year,  in order to wash herself free of the pollution caused by the crowds of sinners who bathe in her waters all the year round. Kaveri is considered to be as sacred as the Ganges throughout its course, with the same power to wash off all one’s sins.

Narmada-it originates from Amarkantak,the central India . The auspiciousness of the river can be judged from the fact that according to mythology every stone lying at its bed is replica of Lord Shiva. This river is also called as “River of detachment”

Godavri- often called as “Dakshin Ganga” means  “Ganga of south India”. It raises from hill in Triambak town near Nasik city at Maharashtra. Its mention has been made in the epic Ramayana because lord Rama spent crucial time of his exile along the banks of this river.

Sindhu-
Originating in the Tibetan plateau in the vicinity of Lake Mansarovar, the river runs a course through the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir, and flows through Pakistan in a southerly direction along the entire length of Pakistan to merge into the Arabian Sea near the port city of Karachi in Sindh.

Bathing in above rivers is considered as auspicious.

Chappan Bhog

Just to save his followers from the fury of rain god, Indra, Lord Krishna lifted the Goardhan mountain on his little finger for seven days. He didnt't eat any thing during that period. Since lord Krishna used to have 8 meals a day so after 7 days all the devotees offered 56(7x8) kinds of food to Lord Krishna. Even today, day after diwali is celebrated as 'Goardhan Pooja' and Goardhan mountain is worshipped . During the worship 56 kinds of food is prepared and offered to Lord Krishna. This special food is called "Annakut".The Bhog also needs to be arranged in a definite sequence; Milk  products arranged the closest to Him.  .This is followed by Besan items and then the salty food. At the end illachi is offered.
7 types of cereals
7 types of fruits
7 types of dryfruits
7 vegetables
7 sweets
7 drinks
7 namkeen
7 sauces or pickles

in another variation one offer
16 kinds of namkeen'
20 kinds of sweets
20 kinds of dry fruit

Here  is the list of 56 items which are offered with some variations in north India
1) Saag( Spinach)
2) Dahi (curd)
3) kheer ( sweet rice and milk)
4) Chawal (rice)
5) Rasgulla
6) Rabri
7) Mathi
8) Daal
9) Chutney
10) Kadi
11) Malpuda
12) murabba
13) Shakkarpaara
14) Ghewar
15) Chila
16) Jalebi
17) Papad
18) Dalia
19) Laddoo
20) Ghee
21) honey
22) Mohanbhog
23) Mathha
24) Lassi
25) Butter
26) Malai
27) Moong Dal Ka Halwa
28) Khichadi
29) Pakode
30) Brinjal
31) Lauki
32) Coconut chutney
33) Poori
34) Kachori
35) Roti
36) Badam Milk
37) Coconut water
38) Mango
39) Banana
40) Shkanjvi
41) Grapes
42) Apple
43) Plum
44) Cashew nuts
45) Almonds
46) Raisins
47) Pistachios
48) Channa
49) Tikki
50) Sweet Rice
51) Bhujia
52) Pudina Chutney
53) Saunf
54) Paan
55) Supaari
56) Illaichi

Ambaji

 Ambaji is a shaktipeeth located at the border of Rajasthan and Gujrat in the Banaskantha district.. According to legend , the heart of goddess Sati fell at this place. The goddess is worshipped at the new temple located about three km away.In the holy temple(new)  there is no image  of goddess. Only the holy "Shree Bisa Yantra" is worshiped as the main deity.This yantra is gold plated having sacred 51 letters are written in a mystical and spiritual way. This yantra is dressed in a special way to resemble the goddess.There are 9 kinds of decoration is done representing NavDurga, the 9 form of Devi .Even the vehicle of the deity is different each day. . No one can see the Yantra with naked eye. the photography of the Yantra is prohibited.The original temple is located at the Gabbar Hil which can be accessible through newly constructed ropeway or by climbing the stairs(just 900 steps :) ). Here the flame is lit continuously lit and one can witness the footprints of goddess at the front of the temple.This region is called as Arasur. As per another legend , Lord Rama and Laxman visited here to get the blessings of goddess and the goddess Ambaji blessed them a divine arrow called 'Ajay' which later proved important to kill his enemy Ravana. It is also believe that the mundan ceremony of Lord Krishna was performed here.
Important- during Bhadrapad mela and Navraatri days the place is totally packed with devotees. Before visiting, one must consider this factor into account. Make sure that even going via trolley to Gabbar hill, still it will consume at least 3 hrs minimum.

Location
20 Km from  Abu Road. Plenty of cabs are available at Abu Road station.

Not to be missed 
Apart from Gabbar Hill and new Ambaji temple, the following places should not to be miss
1) Kumbharia Jain Temples
2) Kamakshi temple
3) Koteshwar temple

Eating outlet
Apart from many options. US pizza outlet is safe bet for the travellers who are going along with children.

At the main gate of Ambaji

 The ropeway to Gabbar Hill

The Original place where the heart of goddess Sati fell

The Legend of Shishupal

Shishupal was the cousin of lord Krishna. He was born with three eyes and four arms.
This was the major concern for the mother. She approached Lord Krishna for the help along with the Shishupal. When lord Krishna held the Shishupal  in his lap, all of a sudden the Shishupal become normal as his extra eye and pair of arm vanished. The mother was very happy but at the same time she remembered warning given by the sage that the person who will be responsible for the Shishupal’s normalcy will also be the cause of his death in future.Mother of Shishupal begged Lord Krishna for the mercy. Krishna promised to forgive Shishupal’s 100 sins only. The time progressed. Shishupal became young. His friend was Rukmi. He wanted to marry his sister Rukmini, who was incarnation of goddess Lakshmi. But Rukmini wanted to marry Lord Krishna. This was the major cause of Shishupal’s rivalry with Lord Krishna. Once Yagya was organized by Yudhishter in which he invited all the mighty kings. When Yudhishter was about to welcome Lord Krishna, Shishpal started insulting Lord Krishna. In a moment he became unstoppable. On the otherhand Lord Krishna was counting every sin Shishupal was making by abusing him. When the total reached 100, Lord Krishna invoked his Sudarshan Chakra and killed Shishupal.In his previous birth Shishupal was King Ravana of Lanka who was again killed by another incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Rama.

Arjun and Hanuman

Once Arjun was on pilgrimage and reached Rameshwaram. When he saw the setu(bridge), he wondered that why Lord Rama needed the help of  vanar sena(troops of monkeys) though he himself was a great archer. This was the time when Arjun’s thought was governed by his ego and boast of him to be great archer. He found that one monkey was following him. The monkey tried to answer his doubt and said that it was not practical to built the bridge of arrows by Lord Rama  because it would not able to bear the weight of huge monkey army. On hearing this Arjun laughed and challenged monkey that the bridge made by him could have bear the weight easily and if it failed to do so then he would jumped into the fire. The monkey agreed the challenge and asked Arjun to build a bridge from his arrows.Arjun with his great skills built a very strong bridge. But the moment the monkey stepped on to the bridge , it collapsed.Arjuna accepted the defeat and made a fire ready jumped into.at the very moment one Brahman who was none other than Lord Krishna visited and enquired the matter. The Brahman offered his shoulder at the foundation of bridge and asked Arjun to repeat the task. Again the bridge was built by Arjun with his arrows and when monkey set his foot , the bridge did not collapsed. Arjun was stunned. The monkey appeared in his original form of Hanuman and greet the Brahman who was Lord Krishna(an incarnation of Lord Rama).

Lord Krishna said “ Dear Hanuman!! In previous yuga you have done so much for me and carried me on your shoulder.In this yuga I came to carry you on my shoulder. Also I wanted to teach Arjun a lesson who was living with a false ego”

Arjuna went into tears and asked for forgiveness as the Lord has to came to rescue him. Lord Krishna also honoured his disciple claim of building the bridge second time.God never let HIS children down.

8 consorts of Lord Krishna

There were 8 principal consorts of Lord Krishna. They were
1)Rukmini-She was the chief Queen of Lord Krishna and was the princess of Vidarbha.
2) Satyabhama- In previous birth, she was the care taker of Lord Vishnu and was His great devotee.
3)Jambvanti- she was the daughter of beer king Jambvan.
4)Mitravinda- she was the princess of Avantipura. He defeated her brothers Vinda and Anuvinda in  a battle.
5)Kalindi-she was the sister of river Yamuna
6)Bhadra-one of the great devotee of Lord Krishna
7)Lakshana- Krishna defeated Arjun and Duryodhan in a competition to won her.
8)Nila- she Lord Krishna had to fight with 7 bulls to won the hand of Nila devi.

Ek Shloki Bhagwat

When i was on a trip to Braj bhoomi, one of the pandit of the temple told me the shlok(stanza) in which the whole Bhagwat puraan was described. The stanza was as follows-

"Adhou devaki devi garbha jananam, Gopi gruhe paalanam,
Mayaa pootana jeevithaa apaharanam, govardhanodharanam,
Kansa chedana, kauravadi hananam, kunhi suta palanam,
Etad bhagawatham purana kaditam Shri Krishna leelamrutam"

It means -

'Born to devi Devaki,
Brought up by Gopis,
killed the deomness Pootana,
Lifted the Govardhana parvat,
Beheaded his uncle Kansa,
Helped in killing the Kauravas,
And looked after the children of Kunti.
This is   short   story of Bhagawatam,

The Legend behind Gop Ashtami

Gop Ashtami is celebrated on Kaartik month, Shukla Astami tithi. This is very important festival dedicated to Lod Krishna. According to legend when Indra, the chief of gods accepted defeat from the hands of lord Krishna, his pride was shattered,he along with his divine cow  'Surbhi' came to Lord Krishna to worship him. He understood the divine powers of Krishna. Even the Nanda, the foster father of Krishna witnessed this miracle. To bless his son , he allowed him to become  the independent cowherd. Previously Lord Krishna only looked after calves. For the first time on this day he came to Vrindavan  with a cow.He also got the title of "Govinda(king of cows)" today.
This day is celebrated in Vrindavan and Mathura with utmost faith.It is believe that in cow all the deties dwell. So cow worship on this day is very auspicious.Cowsheds are decorated and special food is offered to cow.Offerings  in the form of kind or food is to be given to cowherds also which is a custom.

Govardhan Parvat and Lord Rama

The Govardhan Parvat(hill) is one of the most sacred manifestation of Lord Krishna worshipped by his followers. This sacred hill has a close linkage with Lord Rama also due to involvement of boon given by him to this hill. It is believe that when Lord Rama ordered to built bridge across ocean to Lanka, Hanuman too went to Himalaya mountain ranges to fetch some rocks necessary for building bridge. Hanuman was flying back to Rama after taking one hill,called Govardhan then he came to know that he was too late as the bridge was already built during that time and no more rocks or mountains were needed. This was very disappointing for the Govardhan Hill as he was too eager to have glimpse and divine touch of holy feet of lord Rama. When Lord Rama came to know about this incident, he blessed Govardhan hill that, in Dwapar Yug, he himself would hold Govardhan in his hand and people will worship him.The blessings given by Lord Rama proved true in Dwapar Yug  when he himself incrnated as Lord Krishna and held Govardhan on his little finger for 7 days and nights.

100 births old curse

In the epic Mahabharata,Bhism Pitamah was the prominent charater. He was a very desciplined warrior. In the war when he was about to die, he was lying on the bed of arrows. The whole life series was running in his mind at the time of death. He reminded that since many births he hadn't committed a single mistake then why he had suffering at the time of death. He requested Lord Krishna to answer his question. Then Lord Krishna with his divine powers took Bhishma Pitamah 100 births back. In a retrogression journey he found that he was a king 100 births back and committed one sin while he was going to forest for hunting. He found a snake lying in on his way. He tried to save his life and lifted with sword and threw in the bushes. But, the snake lost its life being struck in thorns. Before dying he cursed the king that he too would die like this.

Lord krishna , brought Bhishma Pitamah back to current time frame and further explained that in subsequent births due to his good deeds the curse of snake didnt prevailed but it kept following him since last 100 births and this was his last birth so as per law of karma at the time of death he was lying on the bed of arrows just like the snake lied on thorns 100 births back.

The Right Choice

On the eve of Mahabharata war, there was too much anxiety in the both camps of Kauravasa and Pandavas. No body wanted to loose this battle. On the other hand Lord Krishna, the ruler of Dwarka was playing neutral role. But he had mighty army. Arjuna as a representative from Pandava side and Duryodhan from the Kauravas side went to Lord Krishna for the support for their side. Duryodhan wanted to gain upperhand and reached there before Arjun in the palace of Lord Krishna. At that time Lord Krishna was sleeping. Duryodhan hurriedly occupied a seat near the head of Krishna and Arjun decided to sit near the feet of Krishna. When Krishna woke up he saw Arjun first and then Duryodhan. On knowing the reason of their visit Krishna offered two choices to both camps. First was to choose the his mighty army which was capable of destroying any enemy and the second was his own services only as a mentor. Since Kirshna saw Arjun first so he asked Arjun to chose his option first. This made Duryodhan worried because he wanted the army of krishna dearly. On listening this Arjun fell in the feet of Krishna and asked his services in the battle. This was an absolute shocker for Duryodhan and he was overwhelmed with joy that he got the army of krishna which he thought that this would tilt the result of the battle in his own favour. He was sure shot about Kauravas victory after getting the army of krishna. But at the end of 18 day war the result was opposite. Pandavas prevails over Kauravas. Krishna played perfect role as a friend,mentor,philospher and a manager. He guided pandavas from time to time and kept the moral of his side up and high.

The same rule applies to modern day management policy.

A leader of any organisation or a family should have
1)motivational skills(Arjun who looses all his courage at the crunch time, it was krishna who motivates him)
2)controlling skills(Krishna controlled more than 1.5 million army personnel in the war)
3)Good leadership qualities( though with less resourced than Kauravas, still Pandavas won because of good leadership qualities of Krishna and his skills of utilising his limited resources effectively and efficiently)
4) Excellent strategy( Krishna knews that if Arjun fought with Karan then Arjun would surly lost. So he placed Ghatotkach against Karan. This was the turning point of the war as all the powers of Karan was wasted in killing the Ghatotkach and Arjun's strenght was safeguarded.

The 3 sins of Ashwathama

Ashwathama, the son of Dronacharya was a great warrior. During the Mahabharata war he joined the Kaurava's camp. On the 13^th day of war he committed the first crime by involving in a killing of Abhimanyu by unfair means. Later,he lost all his senses when his friend Duryodhan was killed . He decided to took revenge and attacked at the Pandavas camp at night which was against the rules of war and killed the sons of Draupadi.It was his second sin. This created havoc in the Pandavas camp and they chased Ashwathama. A fierce battle broke between Ashwathama and Arjun. Despite restrictions Ashwathama invoke the “Brahmastra”, a divine weapon to kill Arjun. But sage Vyas intervened and advised Ashwathama to stop the use of the weapon to save earth. But Ashwatham didn’t knew the trick of withdrawing the weapon. To take revenge he directed the weapon towards the womb of the daughter in law of Arjun,Uttra who was carrying Abhimanyu’s son,Parikshit. He wanted to destroy the lineage of Arjun. Later Uttra delivered stillborn child. Here Lord Krishna cursed Ashwathama that he will roam like a ghost till the end of Kaliyuga and his body will suffer from the uncurable wounds. Lord Krishna also took away the divine jewel from Ashwathama which he used to wear on his forehead as this jewel had all the powers. Still it is belive that the Ashwathama is roaming with a wound on his forehead and many people has witnessed a strange man with wounds and blood oozing from his forehead.Surly, the current age of Ashwathama would be 5000 years+ today!