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Day 7 - 25.03.2001 - Sunday

6.00 a.m. - 7.00 a.m.

Moola pãrãyana of Srimad Bhãgavatam was completed. This was followed by Vishnu sahasranãma parãyana. Srimad Bhagavatam says that ‘ Nivrithi for any dosha that might have occurred during the seven day pãrãyana is chanting Vishnu sahasranãma’.

7.30 a.m. - 9.00 a.m.

Ava Bhruta snana in the Holy Yamuna.

Sri Swamigal flanked by Bhãgavatas and devotees set out to Keshi Ghat at sharp 7.30 a.m. The Bhãgavatas carried the kalasams and the toddler Krishna.

Sri Swamigal, neck adorning various kinds of garlands offered by devotees, His right hand holding the ‘theertha kaveri’ (the small vessel for performing ‘anushtaana’) walked briskly, through the narrow winding lanes of the holy Vrindavan towards Keshi Ghat along with the bhagavatas and devotees, singing “Radhe Shyam! Radhe Shyam!”

The male devotees, both the young and the old, clapping their hands over their heads, danced their way to the Holy Yamuna. Female devotees, young and old, not to be out beaten, with glee on their faces, “Radhe Shyam! Radhe Shyam!” on their tongues and with sprightly steps moved towards the Holy Yamuna.

As Sri Swamigal stepped into the entrance of Keshi Ghat, a flower-vendor, seated on top of the sidewall, reverentially offered handful of flowers to Sri Swamigal. Sri Swamigal flanked by the devotees and Bhãgavatas stepped into the Holy Yamuna. The river though deep here was not in full flow. Encircled by Bhãgavatas, Vedic Scholars and devotees Sri Swamigal waited for the ‘Sankalpa’ to be completed. Then holding the toddler Krishna over His head, Sri Swamigal took three dips in the Holy Yamuna! All - the Bhãgavatas, Vedic Sholars and devotees - followed suit.

Meanwhile, Sri Rama’s (vãnara) ‘army’ performed ‘Vastra abaharana Lila’!

Silver Umbrella held over His head, Bhagavatas and devotees singing “Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare! Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare!” Sri Swamigal walked back to the Ashram, down the narrow winding lanes of the Holy Vrindavan. The Sun God was out in full brightness. As the crowd followed the eastward bound lanes towards Sri Raghunath Ashram the Sun God dried out the ‘dampness’ of the wet clothes. However, the ‘whiteness’ of the ‘Light God’ was no match for the gleeful ‘fair’-ness of the devotees’ faces!

At the entrance to Raghunath Ashram Ãrati was taken to Sri Swamigal by ‘Paranur Mãmi’ Smt. Ãndal.

9.00 a.m. 9.30 a.m.

Unchavriti was taken by Sri Sambasiva Bhãgavata.

Sri Chandrasekara Sarma concluded his Upanyasa with Rukmini Kalayanam.

It is interesting to note that it was a Unchavriti Brahmin who helped Rukmini reach her message of Love to her Lord Krishna.

Rukumini, the princess of Vidarbha, had her heart enslaved by Krishna. From her childhood she had heard of the beauty and valour of Krishna narrated by none less than Sage Narada, a frequent visitor of her father, King Bhishmaka. Though the King also felt Krishna was the rightful choice for his beautiful, intelligent daughter, his son Rukmi (a confirmed hater of Krishna) whose word was final in all matters, had other plans. Accordingly, arrangements were quickly made to give away Rukmini in marriage to Rukmi’s friend and Krishna/Balarama hater, Shishupala.

It was the Unchavriti Brahmin who used to visit Rukmini who came to the aid of the heart-broken and desperate Rukmini. He reached Dwaraka with the tear-filled message of Rukmini. Krishna with mischief in his eyes and a smile on his lips received the love-lorn message of Rukmini. Describing the charm and beauty of Krishna that had captivated her heart she had pleaded, “let not a jackal snatch away what is meant for the lion! Only the hope of your accepting my love is keeping me alive. I have performed ‘vratas’ and been respectful to elders and Brahmins. Severe penances have I performed with the only motive of attaining You. If You do not come to my rescue I will abandon this body of mine which has already been worn out by repeated ‘vratas’. I will die with the hope of attaining you in my next ‘janma’ and if I fail in it, then in the next. Innumerable ‘janmas’ may pass but until I attain You as my lord, I will pray for Your grace and await You. Let not the blame of failing to save your devotee who had surrendered her all toYou be pasted on You.”

Lord Krishna, at once, with the Unchavriti Brahmin at his side set out for Vidarbha, on His chariot. The Brahmin met the tear-filled, restless Rukmini and passed on the message of Krishna’s presence in the city. The overjoyed Rukmini in a choked tone said, “How can I ever return the help you have extended to me? All that I can do is fall at your feet!” and Rukmini fell at the old brahmin’s feet.

And the next morning on her return to the palace after the worship at the temple of Goddess Parvati - the only time the princess could be out on the open space - Rukmini took the extended hand of Krishna who stood majestically in His chariot! And in full view of the shocked Rukmi, Sishupala and all other princes and much to the joy of King Bhishmaka, Krishna carried away Rukmini to Dwarãka where He married her.

11.30 p.m.

Radha Kalayanam was then performed. Sri Sumanth Bhagavata sang the Kalayãna Ashtapati. This was followed by Radha Kalayãna Utsava. All the Bhãgavatas and the devotees sang “Radha! Radha Krishna! Radha!” Chocolates and flowers were thrown around in celebration.

Prasad and ‘thamboolam’ were offered to all gathered.

The Shatakrathu Mahotsavam came to a grand close with Sri Swamigal presenting a Tanjore painting of Sri Rãmãnuja and a garland to Sri Seetharama Swami of Sri Raghunath Ashram.

“RADHE! RADHE! RADHE! RADHE! RADHE! RADHE! RADHE! RADHE!”

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Report | Introduction | Daily Events | Inaugural Function | Day 1 - Day 4 Events | Day 5 - Rukmini Kalyanam | Day 6 - Jaanavaasam | Day 7 - Avabhruta Snana/Radha Kalyanam
Sri Swamigal's Discourses: Inaugural Address | Lilaa Stalas | Valedictory Address

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