Authentic Indian Mela at Barsana Dham

Authentic Indian Mela at Barsana Dham
22.APR.09 Barsana Dham's annual Indian Mela (Fair) is set for Saturday, April 25th, from 12 noon to 5:00 PM. This year's event will feature Elephant rides, traditional food and snacks, shopping bazaar, live Indian dance and music performances.

Organizers say attendees will feel like they are in a real Indian fair in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Fair goers can have their hands decorated with elaborate mehndi patterns, purchase unique clothing, jewelry, artwork, and try their luck at the dunk tank. There will be favorite Indian delicacies like samosas, lassi, rasgula, bhel puri and more. Games prizes, inflatable rides, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train, roving balloon artist Nate the Great and clown extraordinaire Bonzo Crunch will be there.

This year, the teachers of Barsana Dham will present interactive sessions which will reveal more about the teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. There will also be an Introduction to Chanting Meditation and walking tours to the holy places of Barsana Dham. Cultural music and dance will be performed on the outdoor stage ending with a Sarod and Tabla concert.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Mela at Barsana Dham, located at 400 Barsana Rd. on FM 1826 (Camp Ben McCullough Rd.). Admission is $5.00 per car. For more information, visit the Barsana Dham Web site at www.barsanadham.org or call (512) 288-7180.

Sadhu Bhog with Shree Kripaluji Maharaj

Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj celebrated Sadhu Bhog on April 20th in memory of Ammaji. The occasion was a huge success with thousands and thousands of sadhus in attendance. The event took place in Vrindavan. I will post some pictures when I get them.

Barsana Dham - US ashram of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj

Barsana Dham: A Taste of India in Austin
Author: Joe Cline

Most expect that to be able to see a true Hindu temple you would have to travel to . . . well . . . India, or at least a country in which Hinduism is a more dominant religion. But that’s not necessarily true. Throughout the years, as immigration has become more common, Hindu temples have been erected wherever believers have settled, including in America, including in Texas.
The Barsana Dham is located just south of Austin in the hill country. It was built in 1990 and today is the main U.S. center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a holy man in Hinduism born in 1922 in Mangarh village. It is said that all who saw his sweet smile and serene look loved Jagadguru Kripaul Parishat from the start. His virtues and intelligence were lauded from a young age, particularly when, at age 14, he traveled to Indore to study Sanskrit literature and mastered every topic he chose to tackle. At age 16, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat finished school and took up his Divine nature. He spent the rest of his life, which continues on today, teaching the people of India and all who would listen about his beliefs and ideals as a divine and devout Hindu man.

In 1990, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat gave his blessing for the creation of Barsana Dham. It was designed on a 200-acre property to be a representation of the holy land of Braj, where Shree Radha Rani and Shree Krishn appeared more than 5,000 years ago. Those who visit it are meant to take from the Temple and its surroundings a sense of serenity and calm that often cannot be found in the outside world. It is also hoped that visitors will walk away having learned of the knowledge of the Vedas, the Gita and the Bhagwatam, as well as the process of divine love consciousness, the energy Hindus believe unites one man’s soul with the Supreme God.

Every year, all the major Hindu festivals are celebrated at Barsana Dham in the traditional style. For example, in September, Radha Ashtmi is celebrated. This is a day commemorating when Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani descended into Barsana. The celebration begins with chanting of the leelas and virtues of the goddess, followed by more chanting and praying and a prepared lunch. It is a day in which many in the United States come to celebrate, just as all of the other Hindu festivals are from Mela Fair to Maha Shivrati to Jhulan Leela.

Truly, Barsana Dham is not a place to be missed when you are in Austin, regardless of whether you are there for religious or simply tourist purposes. But do be aware that the visiting hours are compact; general visiting is only permitted between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., daily. At those times, all may visit the holy places, view the temple architecture and take in the beautiful culture living within the site. At other times of the day, holy services are taking place and it is requested that general visitors not roam the grounds.

About the Author:

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas REALTOR. Other articles written by the author related to Austin REMAX Realtor Blog and Austin Real Estate Agent can be found on the net.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Barsana Dham: A Taste of India in Austin

Hare Ram Sankirtan - Six Beautiful Melodies

Related post: Jagadguru Kripalu Maharaj "Rasile Shyam"

Divine satsang and kirtan with His Divine Excellency Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj: http://www.jkp.org/chantings/index.html

Ecstatic Hare Ram Sankirtan in the loving Divine presence of Shree Maharajji (Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj).  

More Hare Ram Sankirtan, below, being sung in a selection of sweet melodies composed by Shree Kripaluji Maharaj:
Tip: If a song doesn't play, reload the page and try again.

(Hare Ram Maha Mantra 2) (Hare Ram Maha Mantra 3)
(5:37)                                (8:11)



(Hare Ram Maha Mantra 4) (Hare Ram Maha Mantra 5)
(9:07)                                (8:43)



(Hare Ram Maha Mantra 6)
(12:43)

Divine Satsang & Kirtan with Shree Maharajji at JKP Rangeeli Mahal

Related Post: Hare Ram Sankirtan - Six Beautiful Melodies Composed by Shree Kripaluji maharaj

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Divine Satsang & Kirtan with Jagaduru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (Shree Maharajji) in the gardens of JKP Rangeeli Mahal, Barsana Dham, India. Click the play button above to listen to a beautiful bhajan.

US ashram of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj to hold Winter Family Camp

Register online now
Or call (512) 288-7180 for more information
Fri, Dec 26 - Wed, Dec 31, 2008
Camp Topic: ''The Essence of Sanatan Dharm:
Teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj''
Everyone Welcome

Spiritual seekers from across the USA are preparing for a unique & special event at JKP Barsana Dham, the largest ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in the western hemisphere.

The highly anticipated Winter Family Camp will bring together families of all races and backgrounds for 6 days of spiritual learning, inspiration, games, and experience of the sweetness of Radha Krishn devotion at JKP Barsana Dham, the nation's center of spiritual excellence.

Take this opportunity to absorb yourself in the teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and to experience the devotional atmosphere of his ashram.

The Winter Family Camp offers a full program including classes for adults and youth throughout the day. These sessions are designed to stimulate interactive learning, and answer philosophical questions. Youth activities include courses on scriptural knowledge, chanting and games and contests that facilitate fun ways of learning. In addition to their program, adults have options of participating in various electives including yoga, harmonium, dholak and cymbal classes.

Dynamic presentations by the Barsana Dham sanyasi teachers, all personally trained under the Divine guidance of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, promote active integration of Sanatan Dharm into every day life. Each evening, special devotional programs are organized to provide a deeper experience of Radha Krishn love.

Come and enjoy the beautiful spiritual atmosphere of Barsana Dham as you strengthen your families foundation in the rich authentic teachings of our scriptures at the largest US Ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Registration fee includes course & activities, comfortable family accommodations and meals.
Experiences of previous Family Camp participants:

"My family gets more understanding of Hinduism which strengthens our trust and faith in God every time we attend the Barsana Dham Family Camp. The most important teaching we learned is to love God and form a relationship with God. This knowledge carries us through difficult times. It strengthens our practice of Hinduism at home."
Ajgaonkar Family, Austin, TX

"My kids are the ones that made me register! We attended the last Family Camp and they grew from being exposed to the scriptural knowledge. They also had so much fun and met other Hindu kids that wanted to know more about God."
Peeyush Goyal, Irving, TX

It is so uplifting just to be here at the ashram. Everything here is charged with spiritual energy, and every time I come I receive blessings beyond anything I could have imagined.
A guest from Dallas

Barsana Dham is one of the 5 branches of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. With the Gracious blessing of Shree Maharajji, Barsana Dham was established by Shree Swamiji in 1990.

The temple and ashram complex of Barsana Dham is situated on a beautiful 200 acre property. Designed as a representation of the holy land of Braj in India where Shree Radha Rani and Shree Krishn appeared about 5,000 years ago,all the important holy places of Braj like Govardhan, Radha Kund, Prem Sarovar, Shyam Kuti and Mor Kuti are represented in Barsana Dham where the natural stream, named Kalindi, represents the Yamuna river of Vrindaban.

Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple is the only temple in the world that represents the true nikunj darshan of Radha Krishn as described in the Radhikopnishad and the writings of the Great Masters of Vrindaban.

Anyone who visits Barsana Dham experiences the same Divine serenity that was found in the ancient ashrams of the Saints of Vrindaban. It has become a place of pilgrimage for millions of devotees living in the western world.

Diwali with Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Related: Kripaluji Maharaj in Mangarh

In Mangarh, the birthplace of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, the joyous occasion of Diwali was celebrated by devotees from throughout India.

Early in the morning, and throughout the day, devotees enjoyed captivating bhajans and kirtans composed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in praise of Lord Ram.


In the evening Shree Maharajji took devotees on a parikrama to Bhakti Mandir, and afterwards, there was a most spectacular fireworks display there. Later on, the birthday of our beloved Divine mother, Ammaji, was celebrated with great devotion and joy.

Late evening, magnificent dance displays and cultural items were performed in the presence of Shree Maharajji.

Read more about Diwali with Shree Maharajji.

Divali with Shree Kripaluji Maharaj October 28th

Divali is the festival of lights. The spiritual significance of Divali is to enlighten your heart with the flame of Radha Krishn love and remove the darkness of worldliness. The word ‘Deepavali’ literally means ‘rows of candles.’ Divali is celebrated about 20 days after Dashehra which falls in October-November. This festival commemorates Lord Ram's return to Ayodhya after completing His 14-year exile. To celebrate the occasion, people light oil lamps in and around their house and light firecrackers. People paint and clean their homes, buy new clothes and distribute sweets to their relatives and friends.


In Braj leelas, Divali has a unique charm. Five thousand years ago when Radha Krishn appeared They played among Their eternal associates (the Brajwasis who had descended with Them from Divine Vrindaban) and revealed all kinds of loving leelas. Once, near the beautiful pond on Govardhan hill, called Mansi Ganga, Radha and Krishn celebrated Divali in a new and charming way. Govardhan hill was glittering, glowing and twinkling with the light of thousands of candles.

Radha Rani with all Her Sakhis and Krishn with Madhumangal and His other Gwalbal friends arrived at opposite sides of Mansi Ganga. Each of the groups lit thousands of golden candles and floated them on the waters of the pond. Then both of the groups kept moving the water with their hands very gently so that the candles floated ahead. The water of the entire Mansi Ganga was now illuminated with the glowing candles.

When both groups of candles reached the center of the pond they began to intermingle and formed one group. Gopis who were watching this festivity expressed their over-joyousness by repeatedly saying, “Glory to Radhey, glory to Krishn, and glory to (this unexampled glittering ornamentation of) Divali.” The Bliss that Radha Krishn revealed in this loving leela is beyond description. Shree Maharajji showers the same nectar of Braj ras during the Divali celebrations at Bhakti Dham in Mangarh.

Divali festivities at Mangarh attract devotees from all over India and the world. The Satsang Hall and ashram buildings are lavishly decorated with sparkling lights. In the early morning Shree Maharajji leads a parikrama chanting with thousands of devotees. Special pad kirtans associated with Divali festival are sung. Shree Kripaluji Maharaj Graces the audience with his Divine discourse and all the devotees receive prasad (sweets). In the evening there is a colorful fireworks display. The Grace that devotees experience at this most auspicious time is further magnified because it is also the day that we celebrate the birthday of our beloved Divine mother, Ammaji.

Day after Divali, we celebrate Govardhan Pooja. Once in Braj, people were preparing many varieties of food to offer to god Indra, the king of the celestial abodes, so that he would provide plenty of rain for their crops and cattle. The little son of Nand, Krishn, told them to stop worshipping celestial god Indra and to direct their devotion to Govardhan hill which is the embodiment of God Himself. Thus, all the food that was prepared to be offered to Indra, was offered to Govardhan hill. At that moment Lord Krishn appeared on the hilltop as Govardhan God and accepted all the offerings.

Govardhan Puja is celebrated the day after Divali. Devotees celebrate this function in Mangarh every year. They create a small hill-like structure in the Sadhana Hall and cover it with tree branches and flowers. Shree Maharajji sits on the top of it and is offered varieties of food. Then all the devotees circumambulate the decorated hill while singing the glories of Govardhan and dancing joyously.

Below, devotees celebrating at Govardhan with Shree Kripaluji Maharaj during his trip to JKP Barsana Dham in the USA.

Sharat Poornima & Shree Maharajji's Birthday Celebration

This week, devotees in Mangarh and around the world celebrated a most joyous occasion... Sharat Poornima, the Divine night when Radha Krishn revealed the supreme Bliss of maharas to uncountable Gopis in Vrindaban about 5,000 years ago. It is the full moon night which falls in October.

This particular day is precious in our lives for the added reason that our beloved Shree Maharajji appeared on that night in 1922 in Mangarh. This is the most important celebration at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh. The village overflows with devotees who come from overseas and all over India to participate in the festivities. The Sadhana Hall and the stage are magnificently decorated. In the early morning thousands of devotees wearing yellow shawls form a procession where Shree Maharajji sits on an elegantly decorated chariot. The procession starts from the residence of Shree Maharajji with loud cheers. Chanting and dancing accompany the procession as it approaches the Satsang Hall. The chanting and rejoicing goes on throughout the day. Shree Maharajji enlightens the hearts and minds of the audience with his speech that reveals the Bliss of maharas. Stage plays of Radha Krishn leelas are enacted by the devotees and cultural programs of devotional songs and dances express devotees' love and dedication to Shree Maharajji and Radha Krishn.

Early morning, at 2am, devotees gathered outside the room of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj for ecstatic kirtan which continued throughout the morning. Later, Shree Maharajji threw handfuls and handfuls of candy to all the devotees in a celebratory style. Throughout the day, devotees had the joy of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj visiting their rooms, doing charan pooja to him, kirtan, arti... Later in the day, Ammaji and Shree Maharajji cut a decorated cake which was lovingly prepared by devotees and in the evening, there were dances and entertaining cultural programs to celebrate the occasion.

Throughout the Sadhana program, some of the most joyous festivals are celebrated. One upcoming celebration is Diwali on October 28th.

(Pictured above: Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in the gardens of Barsana Dham)

Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj in Vrindavan

Remember this post from back in July: Pilgrimage with Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj to Vridavan
Here is some video of Shree Maharajji and Shree Swamiji visiting Prem Mandir. Shree Maharajji is hoisting one of the huge marble blocks onto the top of the temple.

Jagadguru Kripalu Charitable Hospital Update

Way back in July, you will remember that I wrote about the blood donation camp conducted by the Kripalu Charitable Hospital next to JKP Rangeeli Mahal, Barsana Dham. (See: Blood donation camp a success). Well here's some footage of the event:



As per Shree Maharajji's wishes, the Barsana Hospital is being ever expanded, with the construction of a second story to begin this year. When the second story is fully constructed, the Barsana Kripalu Charity Hospital is expected to treat 600 patients a day, triple the current number.

Kripalu Charitable Hospitals provide medical services and pharmaceuticals without any charge.

Sadhana Program at Bhakti Dham and Barsana Dham

JKP Sadhana Programs

Yearly Sadhana Programs is taking place at Barsana Dham in the USA and will soon be starting at Bhakti Mandir in India.

Mangarh village in Pratapgarh district of Uttar Pradesh, India, is the appearance place of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Sadhana program is for one month. It starts from Dashahra which falls in October. A few days after Dashahra, Sharat Poornima comes. It is the most auspicious day for the devotee of Radha Krishn because, on that particular night (about 5,000 years ago), the maharas leela had happened. On that same night Shree Maharajji has appeared. Every October thousands of devotees travel from throughout India and around the world to Mangarh to participate in the excelling birthday celebrations of Shree Maharajji and the annual sadhana program. This devotional intensive is an exceptional opportunity to experience higher states of Radha Krishn love. During these precious weeks Shree Maharajji constantly Graces the souls with His Divine association, His unparalleled knowledge and His Divinely dynamic chantings of the names of Radha Krishn. Fortunate devotees who have attended these sadhana programs feel the enhanced closeness of Their Beloved Radha Krishn and an increased longing for Their Divine vision and love.

Throughout the sadhana program ecstatic chanting programs are scheduled in the satsang hall from morning to evening and Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj tells the leelas of Radha Krishn and expounds the deepest devotional theory and practical aspects of devotion through his Divine discourses. Devotees also have the golden chance to do seva (devotional service) in the ashram during the sadhana program.

Magnificent celebrations are organized for the auspicious occasions of Sharat Poornima, Divali and Govardhan Puja. On these festival days huge crowds of thousands of devotees dance and chant, drowned in the love of Shyama Shyam and Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. Generous donations of clothing, utensils and blankets are distributed to the needy villagers with the Blessings of Shree Maharajji, who is renowned for his kindness and compassion.

Attending the sadhana program in Mangarh is a priceless Divine gift. It is an opportunity to fully immerse oneself in continuous devotion and service. Having Shree Maharajji’s satsang for an extended period of time elevates the consciousness of the devotees and establishes their mind in Radha Krishn love. The Mangarh sadhana program leaves an indelible imprint of love and devotion in the heart of the sincere devotees.

Every year a month long sadhana program is held at Barsana Dham in the USA during September and October. This annual intensive is personally conducted by His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati and is a rare opportunity for the devotees to improve, develop and conceive the consciousness of Radha Krishn love. During the intensive Shree Swamiji reveals the internal Love and Bliss of the Divine Vrindaban, and relates the greatness of the satsang, association and the Divine Graciousness of Bhakti-yog-rasavatar, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

In his discourses, he also explains the devotional secrets and the loving leelas of Radha Krishn revealed by Shree Maharajji. Devotees also have the opportunity to open their heart, ask Shree Swamiji any devotional questions, and receive clarity on the path.
Each day intensive participants join a ‘Transpersonal Unity’ class which is a course for complete relaxation of the mind soul and physical body. Designed by Shree Swamiji, ‘Transpersonal Unity’ is an entirely new approach that immediately shows its positive effect. The course includes a short speech on physical and mental wellbeing, breathing exercises, gentle hath yog postures, and an integral relaxation method through chanting.

Celebrations are organized on each weekend of the intensive which gives devotees the opportunity to express their feelings of love and dedication for Radha Krishn and Shree Maharajji in cultural programs of devotional songs and dances. During the intensive the video of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj's life history is also shown, which makes the devotees feel the presence of Shree Maharajji in Barsana Dham.

Most importantly, the annual intensive at Barsana Dham is a time for devotees to participate in morning and evening devotions and chanting programs in the Divine atmosphere of Barsana Dham with Grace and guidance of Shree Swamiji. This is an invaluable Divine gift that helps the devotees to deepen their experience of Radha Krishn love and to feel the closeness of Shree Maharajji, whose causeless Grace has manifested Barsana Dham for the devotees of the world.