AKHIL BHARATIYA NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH

      AKHIL BHARATIYA NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH





SRI NIMBARKA SAMPRADAYA IS ONE OF THE MOST ANCIENT OF THE VAISHNAVA SAMPRADAYS; AND IS BASED ON THE DWAITADWAIT PHILOSOPHY FIRST PROPOUNDED BY HANS BHAGWAN TO SRI SANKADI BHAGWAN THEN TO SRI NARADA MUNI AND THEN ON TO SRI SUDARSHANA; CHAKRAVATAR; JAGAT GURU SRI NIMBARKACHARYA. THE BASIC TENET CONSISTS OF THE WORSHIP OF SRI RADHA MADHAV , WITH SRI RADHE BEING PERSONIFIED AS THE INSEPERABLE PART OF SRI KRISHNA.

THE UNBROKEN LINE OF THE SAMPRADAYA BEGINNING FROM BHAGWAN SHRI  NIMBARKACHARYA HAS NOW CONTINUED FOR MORE THAN FIVE THOUSAND YEARS; AND EXTOLS THE FOURTH SAMPRADAYA OF VAISHNAVISM WHICH PROPOUNDS THE DVAITA-ADVAIT; i.e THE BHEDABHED SCHOOL OF PHILOSOPHY .

AS PER SRIMAD BHAGAVATHAM TRUE KNOWLEDGE WAS COMMUNICATED TO THE SANAKADI RISHIS BY BHAGWAN IN THE FORM OF A SWAN (HANS) -(REF:BOOK XI CHAPTER XIII) . THE SANKADI BROTHERS, THE MIND-BORN SONS OF BRAHMA,QUERIED HIM ON HOW IT WAS POSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE LIBERATION WHEN THE MIND CLINGS TO SENSE-OBJECTS AND THE SAME GETS IMPRINTED ON THEIR MIND (AS LATENCIES). AS BRAHMA COULD NOT ANSWER THE QUERIES OF THE SANAKADI RISHIS, HE MEDITATED ON SHRI HARI AND  SHRI HARI APPEARED AS HANS BHAGWAN ,SYMBOLLICALLY SO, AS THE SWAN IS SAID TO POSSESS THE ABILITY OF SEPERATING MILK FROM WATER  AND HERE TO PROVIDE TRUE KNOWLEDGE SEPERATED FROM THE UNREAL. THIS WAS LATER COMMUNICATED TO DEVARISHI NARADA AND FROM HIM TO SHRI SUDARSHAN CHAKRAVATAR SHRI NIMBARKACHARYA.

THE ONLY PEETH OF THIS SAMRADAY WITH MORE THAN A MILLION FOLLOWERS WORLD WIDE IS ESTABLISHED AT SRI NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH, NIMBARKA TEERTH AT SALEMABAD, KISHANGARH, IN THE HOLY PUSHKAR KSHETRA OF RAJASTHAN WHEREIN  SHRI SARVESHVAR PRABHU AND SHRI RADHAMADHAV ARE INSTALLED . THE SEVA (SERVICE) OF THE LORD IS CONSIDERED THE PRIME ASPIRATION; OF ALL NIMBARKI’S.


 SHRI NIMBARKACHARYA

    


Bhagwan Shri Krishna moved by the pleading of the multitude devotees  directed his favorite weapon– the Sudarshan Chakra in the following manner:

 “ SUDARSHANA MAHABAHO ! KOTISURYA SAMAPRABHA ! /

    AGYANDA TIMIRANDHANAM VISHNOR MARGA PRADARSHAYA” / /


Meaning :  You (Sudarshan Chakra), resplendent with a crore Suns, quickly take birth on the earth and show the millions of people now steeped in ignorance, the way of the Vaishnava Dharma” by  spreading the knowledge on the path of Bhakti.Sri Nimbarkacharya , the avatar of the Sudarshan Chakra ,was thus born of a great ascetic named Aruna Muni and Jayanti Devin at Vaiduryapattnam,(presently known as Moongipattinam) on the banks of the Godavari, in Andhra Pradesh in Southern India, in the eleventh century A.D and named Niyamananda. At the time of his birth as per the Hindu calendar on Yudhishtar year 6 on 15th of the month of Kartik in Mesha Rashi , five planets Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn were at Ascendant. After they  performed their son’s sacred thread ceremony they  sent him to Rishikul (School run by Rishi’s) for learning the Vedas, Vedangas, Darshanas, etc.

Subsequent to the study he proceeded with family members to Nimbgram , near the Goverdhan hillock , in the holy land of Vraja for doing penance. Here he obtained the “MANTRA UPADESH” from Shri Devarishi Narada and the service of Lord Sarveshvar in the form of  a Shaligram , which was once worshipped by the Sankadi Rishis.

When Niyamananda was in his teens, Brahma, the Creator, came to the Ashram of Aruna Muni in the disguise of a Sanyasi. The sun was about to set. The Muni was not in his residence. The Sanyasi asked the wife of the Muni for something to eat.  As no food was available, the Muni’s wife remained silent. As Sanyasi’s do not take their meals after sunset, the Sanyasi was about to leave the Ashram when the Muni returned.

Niyamanandacharya said  that he would soon provide him with food and till then the sun would not set. Soon he brought some fruits etc. and provided a glimpse of the sun even after actual sunset by placing his “Sudarshan Chakra” on the Neem Tree, as a part of Athithi Seva—Honour of guests, he being the Avatar of the Sudarshan Chakra. The Sanyasi, who was none other than Brahma, conferred on him the title of ‘Nimbarka’ (Nim—Neem tree; Arka—Surya or the sun).

Of the many of his literary works , the following are significant:

1.           VEDANTA PARIJATA SOURABH—A BAHSHYA ON THE BRAHMA SUTRAS

2.                VEDANTA KAMADHENU DASHA SHLOKI

3.                MANTRA RAHASYA SHODASHI

4.                PRAPANNA KALPAVALLI

5.                RADHA ASHTAK

6.                PRATA SMARANADHI STOTRA
 


The Sutras of Maharishi Veda Vyasa form the basis of Vedanta. From the various interpretations of the same , four  main schools of thought emerged. The Keval Advaita of Sri Sankaracharya , the Visishta Advaita of Sri Ramanujacharya , the Dvaita philosophy of Sri Madhavacharya and the Bhedabheda or Dvaitadvaita philosophy of Sri Nimbarkacharya.  However , Sri Nimbarkacharya has been able to reconcile all the other school of thoughts and his Bhashya on the Brahma Sutras appears to pre-date all other Bashyas on the Brahma Sutras , as there is no reference, comment on the other Bhashyas by Shri Nimbarkacharya . Hence it can be safely construed that Shri Nimbarkacharya’s era is earlier to the other three sampradays of Vaishnavism.

Brindavan, Nandgram, Barsana, Govardhan and Neembgram are the chief Kshetras or holy lands of the followers of Nimbarkacharya. Parikrama of the 168 miles of Brij Bhumi is their foremost duty. To pay visits on different occasions to Sri Nimbarka’s temple in Neembgram, two miles from Govardhan, is their Sampradayik duty.


BRIEF ON THE  SUCCESSOR ACHARYAS

Shri Shrinivasacharyaji Maharaj , the foremost disciple of Shri Nimbarkacharya , wrote a masterly analysis of the Vedanta Parijata Sourabh, composed by his Guru,   named   “VEDANTA KOUSTUBH BHASHYA”. The Vedanta Kamadhenu Dashashloki composed by Shri Nimbarkacharya was further explained by Acharya Shri Purushottamacharyaji, under the name of VEDANTA RATNA MANJUSHA , which is well respected. In this tradition , Shri KeshavKashmiriBhattacharyaji  Maharaj elaborated on the Vedanta Koustubh Bhashya in his well received work titled, PRABHAVRITTI. This acharya’s work named KRAMDIPIKA on Tantra is very famous. He is also known for defeating the purpose of the YANTRA placed by Yavan Kaji at the Vishram Ghat in Mathura , by using his own    Yantra, thus upholding the Hindu Culture and also the Vedic Vaishnava Sampradayas.

This  Acharya’s main disciple Shri Rasikacharya Shri Bhattacharyaji Maharaj composed the SHRI YUGAL SHATAK in  the language of the Brij people. This famous work is known as the ADI VANI (First Voice) of the language of Braj people.   His disciple  Rasik Rajeshvar Shri HariVyas Devacharyaji Maharaj composed the great literary epic known as MAHAVANI in the language of Braj, which extols the nectarine flow of joy from Nikunj—the  celestial residence of  Radha Madhav. This acharya is also known for sanctifying the Vaishnovi Devi temple at  Jammu , by  giving diksha (Guru Mantra) to Vaishnovi Devi and stopping the practice of her receiving  animal sacrifices. He has also blessed us by composing a detailed explanation of the Vedanta Kamadhenu Dashashloki composed by  Shri Nimbarkacharya, named as  “SIDHANTA RATNANJALI”.

The formost amongst the 12 disciples of Shri Harivyasdevacharyaji Maharaj was Shri Parushramdevacharyaji Maharaj , who was instrumental in establishing the Akhil Bharatiya Shri Nimbarkacharya Peeth at Salemabad in the famous Pushkar Area of Rajasthan. This acharya had  defeated the designs of the famous Tantric Yavan Fakir Mastiganshah and averted  the designs on the Hindu   Religion as such. The acharya has also composed the monumental work called as “PARASHURAM SAGAR” . Legendary Mirabai, the foremost of devotees of Radhe Krishna , received the Guru Mantra and blessing from this acharya and presented her with an idol of Shri Giridhara Gopal to enable her to serve the Lord. This idol is  now installed  at  Shri Parashuram Dvar at Pushkar, which was the meditation place of the Acharya. Interestingly, the Emperor of Delhi , Sher Shah Suri was blessed with an offspring later named as Salem, with the blessings of this acharya. The Emperor overwhelmed with happiness requested the acharya to establish a town named Salemabad, in honour of his son, at the Nimbark Teerth. For this the Emperor had granted 6000 bighas of  fertile and forest land . Subsequent to  India gaining independence, the forest area has been under the  Ministry of Forests, Government of India.

In the tradition of the earlier Acharyas, ShriVrindavandevacharyaji Maharaj composed the great work known as “ SHRI GITAMRIT GANGA”.  The Prince of  Kishangarh, Shri Savansinghji, also known as the prime devotee Shri Nagaridasji , was also this acharya’s disciple.  The mother of the Prince, Shribankavati Vrajkunvari also obtained the Guru Mantra from this acharya and with the blessings of the acharya, converted  the Shrimad  Bhagavat Puran into 20,000 verses in the beautiful work known as ShriVrajdasi Bhagavat., which has recently been published by the the Shri Nimbarkacharya Peeth.

In the same tradition , Shri Govind Sharana Devacharyaji  Shri Shriji Maharaj  has also added to the growing literature by composing the DIVYA VANI. This acharya was instrumental in installing the deity of Radha Madhav, which was revered by Poet Laureate Shri Jayadev –famous for his work –GitaGovind, at  the Shri Nimbarkacharya Peeth at Salemabad. 

Shri Nimarkasharandevacharyaji Maharaj  sent over 300 saints to help defend the ShriVihariji Temple at Bharatpur Fort from the English forces. Most of the saints were killed in the fierce battle., thus rendering glorious service. The guru of the present Acharya , Shri Balakrishna Sharana Devacharyaji Maharaj  provided refuge to Freedom Fighters Thakur Shri Gopalsinghji and Shri Modsinghji when they were incognito.


Thus all the acharyas have contributed to the strengthening of the Acharya Peeth by way of Literature, Compositions and spread of this ancient  sampradaya.

SNNAME OF ACHARYASNNAME OF ACHARYA
1SHRI HANS BHAGWAN25SRI BHURIBHATTACHARYAJI
2SHRI SANAKADI BHAGWAN26SRI MADAHAVABHATTACHARYAJI
3DEVRISHI SHRI NARAD BHAGWAN27SRI SHYAMABHATTACHARYAJI
4SHRI SUDARSHAN CHAKRAVATAR  JAGAT GURU SRI NIMBARKACHARYA28SRI GOPALBHATTACHARYAJI
5SHRI SRINIVASACHARYAJI29SRI BHALABHADRABHATTACHARYAJI
6SHRI VISWACHARYAJI30SRI GOPINATHBHATTACHARYAJI
7SHRI PURUSHOTTAMACHARYAJI31SRI KESHAVABHATTACHARYAJI
8SHRI VILASACHARYAJI32SRI GANGLABHATTACHARYAJI
9SHRI SWAROOPACHARYAJI33SRI KESHAVAKASHMIRIBHATTACHARYAJI
10SHRI MADHAVACHARYAJI34SRI SRIBHATTADEVACHARYAJI
11SRI BALABHATTACHARYAJI35SRI HARIVYASDEVACHARYAJI
12SRI PADMACHARYAJI36SRI PARUSHURAMDEVACHARYAJI
13SRI SHYAMACHARYAJI37SRI HARIVANSHDEVACHARYAJI
14SRI GOPALACHARYAJI38SRI NARAYANDEVACHARYAJI
15SRI KRIPACHARYAJI39SRI VRINDAVANDEVACHARYAJI
16SRI DEVACHARYAJI40SRI GOVINDADEVACHARYAJI
17SRI SUNDARBHATTACHARYAJI41SRI GOVINDSHARANADEVACHARYAJI
18SRI PADMANABHATTACHARYAJI42SRI SARVESHVARSHARANADEVACHARYAJI
19SRI UPENDRABHATTACHARYAJI43SRI NIMBARAKASHARANADEVACHARYAJI
20SRI RAMCHANDRABHATTACHARYAJI44SRI VRAJASHARANADEVACHARYAJI
21SRI VAMANBHATTACHARYAJI45SRI GOPISHVARSHARANADEVACHARYAJI
22SRI KRISHNABHATTACHARYAJI46SRI GHANSHYAM SHARANADEVACHARYAJI
23SRI PADMAKARBHATTACHARYAJI47SRI BALAKRISHNASHARANDEVACHARYAJI
24SRI SRAVANBHATTACHARYAJI48SRI RADHASARVESHVARSHARANADEVACHARYAJI (SRI JI MAHARAJ)


 SHRI SRIJI MAHARAJ

   
Jagat Guru Shri Radha Sarveshvar Sharan Devacharya- Shri Shriji Maharaj , the present acharya of            Nimbarkacharya Peeth , Salemabad , was born to Shri Ramnathji Sharma Goud Indoria and Srimathi Swarnalata ,on the auspicious day of 1st Vaishaka Sukhla , Friday in Vikram Samvat year of 1986 i.e. 10th May ,1921 at Salemabad .  At the tender age of 11 years , you had been consecrated as the heir to the Nimbarkacharya peeth by Shri Nimbarkacharya Shri Balakrishna Sharan Devacharya and  obtaining the Vaishnava Deeksha. At the  young age of 20 , consequent to the passing away of the acharya , you had ascended to the Acharya of Nimbarkacharya peeth  on the 5th of  June 1943. Till the year 1948 you were under the tutelage of Shri Mahant Dhananjayji (Katiya Baba) learning Vedanta & Grammar .

At the tender age of 14,you had  been bestowed with the leadership of the Akhil Bharatiya  Sadhu Sammelan at Kurukshetra. At the sammelan , Jagatguru Shankaracharya and Puri Peetadhishvar  were also present.  Seeing the young acharya holding the Chairmanship of the organization, the Jagat Guru Shankaracharya said “  We are very proud to see the young Shri Nimbarkacharya  as the Chairman of this august gathering. People -”…. do not fret  about his tender age- The Tulsi Leaf and the Shaligram idol  may be small or large , but does not make a  difference in their importance”

In this way, since  the age of 14 itself you have been rendering service to Shri Sarveshvar Prabhu. You have traveled extensively in India. You have undertaken  to organize and conduct various religious activities at the Mahakumbh festival at Nashik, Ujjain, Vrindavan, Prayag and Haridwar. Here Non-Stop kirtan, Service to saints, Ras-Lila, Preaching’s  etc, are carried out with religious fervor at the NIMBARK NAGAR especially constructed for the purpose , thus ensuring the spread and  rejuvenate the Vaishnava  Sampraday. 

In 1970 , along with over three thousand devotees you had undertaken the Shri Vraj Chourasi Kos  Yatra. This Yatra started  and ended at  Vanshi Vat in Vrindavan . The devotees who were fortunate to be part of the yatra state that neither in the past nor in the future would one be able to witness such a massive, spontaneous participation, flow of Bhakti ras and devotion of the village folk  all along the route.

In 1976 , a massive Akhil Bharatiya Sanatana Conference was conducted at the Nimbarkacharya Peeth which is considered very significant. A similar conference was conducted 19 years later to     commemorate the 50th anniversary of Shri Shriji Maharaj ascending to the Acharya of the Peeth.

Till the year 1992, during his travel all over the country not only was the spread of Vaishnava Sampradaya evident  but also saw the construction of many Religious Centers and Temples. The gigantic Madanganj Temple of Shri Radha Sarveshvar, Shri Nimbark kot at Ajmer,  Bhagawan Shri Nimbark  Tapas (Rigorous Prayers) site at  Nimbgram was developed and a new Temple of RadhakrishnaVihariji was constructed in addition to renovating the ancient temple there, a new Temple at Sri Pushkaraj , Construction of a new temple at the revered site of the birth of Bhagwan Shri Nimbarkacharya at Moongi-Paitan , presently in Maharashtra, Buildings for both the Vidyalayas of the Acharyapeeth,  Building for conducting satsang, RadhaMadhav Cow– farm, Site for conducting Yagnyas (Rites) , Dispensary , Shri Sarveshvar Park, Cottage for the Acharya, Hostel for students of the Vidyalayas , Shri Hanuman Mandir, Guest House, are amongst the few.

In the field of Education , Shri Sarveshvar Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Sri Nimbark Darshan Vidyalaya and Ved Vidyalaya were established and run by the Acharya Peeth , from where students enter      various fields  of Religion, Service and  Education  successfully and are in very high positions. The entire cost of Food, Clothing , Boarding and Books of the students is borne by the Acharya Peeth.

In the field of dissemination of literature your influence has been considerable . By establishing the Shri Sarveshvar Press and publishing of periodicals , the common man / devotee has now access to the Sampraday, mode of worship , Mantras and Literary pieces. Sri Sriji Maharaj is an erudite scholar with mastery over Sanskrit, Hindi , Brajbhasha , Bangla and  Hindu religion .  He also has in depth knowledge of Ayurveda and Musicology.

In this manner , millions of devotees have been blessed by your Diksha, Upadesh, Writings and Teachings. There is no doubt that this Acharya Peeth has seen unparalleled multi disciplinary growth. In spite of  indifferent health your commitment to the  sampraday , your piety, simple lifestyle and your blessings to one and all is a magnificent symbol to all devotees.  Many devotees have their questions and doubts answered and now lead a  successful pious life.

In this Kali-Yug as stated in the Granths , it is only the GURU who can lead us devotees out of the cycle of Birth and Death  , the world of duality . It is only by complete faith in the GURU, observing the  systems of the Sampraday, Total Surrender, Bhakti, Sat-Sang (being in the company of pious souls) and  Nama– Smaran (Repetition of the Lords Name) that devotees can cross this ocean—known as life.

Some of the  literary works are:

A.          SANSKRIT:                                                     B.                    HINDI
1.       BHARAT-BHARATI-VAIBHAVAM                                            SHRI SARVESHVAR SUDHA BINDU

2.       YUGALGITI SHATAKAM                                                             BHARAT-KALPATRU

3.     SHRI NIKUNJ SOURABHAM                                                         VIVEL VALLI

4.       SHRISTAVARATNANJALI                                                          UPADESH DARSHAN

5.       SHRI SARVESHVAR SHATAKAM                                             HINDU SANGHATAN

6.       SHRI RADHAMADHAVA SHATAKAM                                  SHRI MADHAV PRAPPANASHTAKAM

7.       SHRI YUGALSTAVAVINSHITI                                                    CHATRA VIVEK DARSHAN

8.       SHRI  NIMARKGOPIJANVALLABHA ASHTAKAM              BHARAT-VEER-GOURAV

9.       SHRI JANAKI VALLABHASTAVA                                            SHRI RADHASARVESHVARLOK

10.       SHRI HANUMAN MAHIMA ASHTAKAM                           SHRI RADHA SARVESHVAR MANJARI

11.     BHARAT KALPATRU                                                                   SHRI PARASHURAM RATNAVALI

12.     SHRI NIMBARKASTAVARCHANAM                                      SHRI RADHA-ARADHANA

13.     NAVANEET SUDHA                                                                      SHRI SITARAM STHAVADARSH

14.   SHRI RADHA SHATAKAM                                                            SHRI RADHA MADHAVAVILAS

15.    SHRI NIMBARKA CHARITRAM

16.   GOU  SHATAKAM

17.   ACHARYAPANCHAYATN STHAVANAM

18.   SHRI  MADHAVSHARANPATTI STOTRAM

19.   MANTRARAJ BHAVARTHA-DEEPIKA

20.   YUGAMATATTVA PRAKASHIKA

The literary masterpiece BHARAT-KALPATRU was released by the then President of India , Hon. Shri Shankar Dayal Sharma and the BHARAT-BHARATI-VAIBHAVAM was released at the hands of  the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan  Hon. Shri Haridevji Joshi and BHARAT-VEER-GOURAV was released by the then Chief Minister of Rajasthan and later Vice President of India  Hon. Shri Bhairon Singh Shekawat. The epic SHRI NIMBARK CHARITAM was released by the then Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Hon. Shri Harishankarji Bhamda. SHRI RADHAMADHAV VILAS was released at the hands of Yugsant Shri Murari Bapu. It is a matter of immense pride that some of the above literary works are now part of the syllabi of Colleges and schools in Rajasthan . Even more awe inspiring is that many researchers have been researching on  Shri Shriji Maharaj’s persona and writings and many of these have been published. This is undoubtedly a feather in the cap for  Sanatana Dharma as a whole.

Hiis poetic composition " Radha Madhav Vilas" (In Hindi)  personifies him as immersed in the divine love of Radha Krishna and the following few couplets from  the chapter  titled - "Vrindavan Swarup "  aptly portrays this :

' KUNJ KUNJ PRATHI KUNJ MEIN , KUNJ VITHI MEIN GOONJ |
JAI RADHE JAI RADHIKE , "SHARAN" NINAD KHAG PUNJ ||

TARU-LATIKA-ARU-DAL PAR, PATRA- PUSHP PAR  NAAM |
RADHE- RADHE- RADHIKE, PUNI-PUNI "SHARAN" PRANAM ||


        
                  SHRI SHYAM SHARANDEVJI
                                                                  
Yuvacharya- Shri Shyam Sharandevji has been designated as the successor to the present peetaadheshvar Shri Sriji Maharaj. Belittling his young age , his grasp of the subject leaves one overawed. His melifious voice, his charm and magnetic presence holds the devotees spell bound. His discourses are largely attended and devotees listen with rapt attention as he propounds the intricacies  in a simple and understandable manner. His explanation of the Gopi Geet leaves one and all enthralled .




                                                            NIMBARAKA PHILOSOPHY
                                
                
      HANS BHAGAWAN          SANAKADI  RISHI            NARADA BHAGAWAN       SRI NIMBARKACHARYA


Nimbarka’s philosophy  is known as Dvaitadvaita , meaning existence of duality and non duality at the same time. All existence falls into three distinct groups  namely Brahman (Ishvar) , Chit( Jiva) and Achit (Everything other than Chit—Prakriti (Nature))

This aspect can be better understood by the example of  Waves on the ocean . They exist because of the ocean , yet are  distinct entities. The water in the wave is the same as  that in the ocean  , that is to say a part of the ocean is in the wave. The wave has no separate existence other than in the ocean. Similarly , Chit and Achit have the essence of Brahman in them , yet are distinct and dependent on Brahman. Thus is explained the philosophy of Bheda-Bhed—Duality and Non-duality existing simultaneously.

“Difference” or “duality” refers to the separate but dependent existence of soul and matter (para-tantra-sattva-bhava), while “non-difference” or “non-duality” means that it is impossible for soul and matter to exist independently of God (svatantra-sattva-bhava). Nimbarka perceives the relation between Brahman, and souls (cit) and the universe (achit) as a relation of natural difference-non-difference (svabhavika-bhedabheda), as seen in the example earlier; so the souls and the universe, though nothing but Brahman (brahmatmaka), are different from Him because of their own peculiar natures and attributes. According to Nimbarka, Brahman (God), souls (cit) and matter or the universe (achit) are three equally real and co-eternal realities. Brahman is the Controller (niyantra), the soul is the enjoyer (bhokta), and the material universe is the object enjoyed (bhogya).

God

God as Radha Krishna, is the Supreme reality, free from all defects personifies  goodness, Radha being the “Ahladini shakti ” or latent power of Shri Krishna . God is both the efficient and material cause of the universe. The world and the Jiva are only partial manifestations of this power. Brahman , Jiva and the Universe are not absolutely distinct and is a natural relationship of difference and non-difference (svabhavika-bhedabheda). If the universe were absolutely identical with God, with all of its imperfections, God would no longer be perfect. If, however, the universe were completely distinct from God, then  God could not be its controller. The school of thought  considers  worship of Radhe  Krishna, attended by thousands of gopi's, as our prime devotion - achieved by total Surrender (Prapatti)

Jiva
Just like a spider spins  a web from itself, similarly Brahman has the Jiva & Universe out of Himself. Hence he is  both the efficient and material cause.  The relationship between Jiva and Brahman  is one of formal difference and identity. Jiva is different if seen from the perspective of being a phenomenal aspect but identical when seen as a indivisible whole. Jiva is atomic (Anu) in size , in the form of      knowledge and possessor of knowledge. It experiences   pain and joy  of the body and merges with the Brahman during the “Pralaya”.
Universe
According to Shri Nimbarkacharya, the Universe is not an Illusion , as it is a manifestation of  Brahman. Sakti of Brahman is the material cause of the world. The three defining principles are :
1.  Aprakriti:  The material of the Divine form of the God not obtained from Prakriti.
2.  Prakriti:  The Universe with its triad of Gunas (Qualities) - Sattva , Rajas, Tamas
3.  Kaal    : The Time concept

Liberation from bondage

Avidya, the ignorance of one’s true nature and relationship with God, is the cause of karma, and of attachment to the senses, body and matter. Only True knowledge brought about by complete surrender (Prapatti)  can lead to release from this bondage.  Bhakti as generated  in the devotee by the grace of God  leads to  understanding the Jiva and lifting the veil of ignorance from the devotee.  The individuality of the individual soul is maintained even in this liberated state wherein Brahman is revealed . Since the Jiva realizes itself to be a inseparable part of Brahman , it is released from the bondage. It is now full awareness and is liberated from the cycle of Birth and Death.

The basic tenets of the philosophy are thus :

· The three categories  Brahman, Jiva and Prakriti are beginingless. Brahman is independent and Jiva and Prakriti are subservient to Brahman.

· Jiva  has three categories:

            1. Baddha : (Sansari) - One who is totally immersed in this world of  Maya.

            2. Baddha Mukta : (Liberated from the Sansar) - One who has obtained liberation by Bhakti (Devotion)

            3. Nitya Mukhta: ( Ever Liberated) - One who has never been in the grip of Maya

· Entire Universe is a part of Brahman and is in existence due to Prakriti. Hence harming any thing—living or Non-Living tantamount’s to harming Ishvar.

· For Nimbarka the highest object of worship is Krishna and His consort Radha,  of the celestial Vrindavan. Devotion according to Nimbarka, consists in self-surrender.

The Supreme Being is absolutely free form all defects. He is full of all auspicious qualities. In Nimbarka, worship of Radha Krishna (Yugal Sarkar)  gains pre-eminence. Historical studies confirm that it was after the advent of Shri Nimbarkacharya , that Radha  and her glory has been portrayed as the eternal consort of Shri Krishna.
The Five Sadhanas   

Karma 
(Ritual  action)
   Performed conscientiously in a proper spirit in tune with ones stage of life  leading to knowledge as a  means to salvation.

Vidya
 (Knowledge)
   For persons who can spend countless hours in gaining knowledge, yet is still not an independent means.

Upasana or dhyana (meditation)
   It is of three types. First is meditation on the Lord as one's self, Second is meditation on the Lord as the Inner Controller of the non sentient. Third  the  meditation on Lord Himself.
Gurupasatti

  Devotion and self surrender to guru.

         Nimbarkacharya says in "Dasha Shloki" on the  worship of the divine couple

                ange tu vame vrishabhanujam muda,       virajmanamanurupasaubhagam
sakhi
                        sahasraih parisevitam sada, smarema devim sakaleshtakamadam


    "To the left hand side of Goloka Bihari is the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, Sri Radha, who is as beautiful as the Lord and is worshipped by thousands of handmaidens. She fulfills the wishes of all. Sri Kishori is eternally remembered as Sri Ji. ."

Sri Nimbarkacharya wrote the following books:

  • ·                 Vedanta Parijat Saurabh– Commentary on the Brahma Sutras;
  • ·                 Sadachar Prakasha– Commentary on the Bhagavad-Gita
  • ·                 Rahasya Shodasi- Sri Gopala Mantra explained
  • ·                 Prapanna Kalpa Valli-Sri Mukunda Mantra explained
  • ·                 Prapatti Chintamani–  On Supreme surrender
  • ·                 Pratah Smarana Stotram
  • ·                 Dasa Shloki or Kama Dhenu– Ten Verses
  • ·                 Savisesh Nirvisesh
  • ·                 Sri Krishna Stavam.


         


                                                           
                                                                                DAILY NIYAMAS

The Sastras are very emphatic that  mantras which are provided as diksha to the follower alone enables the devotee to cross this sansar sagar. It is the responsibility of the devotee to then follow the systems and rituals laid down. The basis of this sampraday is the “ashtayama service of  Sri Radha Krishna” . Ashtayama meaning that which is spread over the entire 24 hours each day (ashtam—8 quarters). This includes the waking up , bathing, decorating , prayers, Mantra  recitation , offering of all food prepared to the lord and then imbibing the same as “Prasad” , afternoon siesta of the lord, evening wake up , pooja aarthi after sankirtan and  finally resting the lord for the night after supper. This is to be done with immense devotion , love and joy as if the entire time revolves around the devotion to the lord and hence leads to ultimate complete surrender to Radha Krishna  by appropriating the events in life , good or bad to their feet. This way of life is easy, simple and being a part of daily life does not necessitate elaborate rituals or self denial.

The essential Niyams can be stated as:

1.  Applying gopichandan at twelve designated points ,including the tilak, on the body based on the twelve  names of Sri Krishna.

Foreheadom keshavayah namaha
Bellyom narayanaya namaha
Chestom madhavayah namaha
Neckom govindaya namaha
Right Bellyom vishnave namaha
Right Armom madhusudanaya namaha
Right Shoulderom trivikramaya namaha
Left Armom vamanaya namaha
Left Bellyom shridharaya namaha
Left Shoulderom hrishikesaya namaha
Upper Backom padmanabhaya namaha
Lower  Backom damodaraya namaha


2.  Permanently wearing a Tulsi mala (necklace) (Double Strand)

3.   Reciting the diksha mantras using the  mala daily.

4.   Doing the ashtayama service for the installed Radhe Krishna idols daily. Here the” Bhav” (the thought /emotion) during the service is of paramount importance.

5.    Imbibing the “teerth” ( holy water) obtained by the abhishek of the lord.

6.    During Dhyana (Meditation) one should always keep one’s concentration on the image of Shri Yugal Kishore Radha Krishna.

7.   Leading a very simple and religious life devoted to seva , bhakti and learning the scriptures.

8.    Engaging  in the thought of Sri Radhekrishna always and undertaking  fast on Ekadashis(11th day after New Moon/ Full Moon)

9.    Celebrating all festivals particularly, Janmashtami, Radhashtami and Guru Purnima.

                                                        DAILY  MANTRAS

1.                While applying Gopi Chandan:

               GopiChandana Papagna,Vishnudeha samudhbhava,Chakrankita Namastubhyam Dharanam Muktido Bhava

2.                Gopala Gayatri Mantra:

             Om Gopalaya Vidhmahe, GopiVallabhaya Dhimahi/  Tannah Krishnah Prachodayat/ 

3.                Dasakshara– Gopala Mantra:

            Gopijana Vallabhaya Svaha/

4.                Shri Mukunda Sharanagati Mantra:

            Shri Mukunda Charanou Sada Sharanamaham Prapadhye //

5.                Shri Radha Chalisa

6.                Shri Radha  Kavacham

7.                 Shri Radha Kripa Kataksh Stotra

8.                Shri Krishna Kripa Kataksh Stotra

9.                Vedanta Dashashloki 

Urdhva Pundra Vidhi  for applying Tilak

Urdhva means upwards, Pundra means Lotus –herein  lotus like feet

The Padma Purana says that  those devotees on whose neck is the tulasi kanti mala and on whose shoulders there are the markings of conch and chakra and on whose body there are 12 tilak markings, they purify the entire universe immediately.

The tilak , representing a temple  is made of Gopi-Chandana .  The tilak represents the footprint of  Krishna and  starts at the bridge of the nose and continues as two vertical lines to the top of the forehead, curving away gently near the roots of the hair .  Within these lines, between the eyebrows is a black dot which represents  God as Radha and Krishna together.

The logo is of the Shri Nimbarkacharya peeth  with  the three symbols of Vaishnavism , Chakra , Tilak and Shankh (Conch shell) . The chakra here represents the Sudarshan Chakra , the most potent of weapons of Shri Krishna and whose avatar  is Sudarshan Chakravatar Shri Nimbarkacharya. The tilak is the one all nimbarkis are to adorn on their foreheads as explained above. The conch shell , auspicious in its own right  , is a means to spread the divine “sound”.
 
The Sri Garga Samhita explains the greatness of gopi-chandana as follows:

tasmac chata-gunam punyam
gopi-candanakam rajah
gopi-candanakam viddhi
vrndavana-rajah-samam

It is hundred times more sacred - this dust of Gopi-Chandana. Know that gopi-candana is equal to the dust of Vrndavana.

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1.       SHRI SARVESHVAR PRABHU:

AMONGST THE MAIN DEITIES AT NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH , THE SARVESHWAR PRABHU– IN THE FORM OF THE SHALIGRAM  IS THE MOST AUSPICIOUS  AND MOST WORTHY OF DARSHAN. IT  IS CONSIDERED AS ONE OF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD. THIS SHALIGRAM HAS BEEN WORSHIPPED OVER THE AGES FROM THE SANAKA BROTHERS , DEVARISHI NARAD , JAGATGURU SHRI NIMBARKACHARYA AND ALL THE FOLLOWING ACHARYAS OF THE NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH. WHEREVER THE ACHARYAS PROCEED  SARVESHVAR PRABHU IS ALWAYS WITH THE ACHARYA.

2.THAKUR SHRI MADHAV– GOKULCHANDRAMAJI:

THE IDOL OF GOKULCHANDRAMAJI INSTALLED AT NIMBARKPEETH FINDS MENTION IN THE  SHRIGOPALTAPANI OF THE ATHARVA VEDA AS THE  ANCIENT IDOL THAT CAUSED REALISATION OF THE SRI GOPAL MANTRA.THE FORTUNATE FEW WHO OBTAIN THE DARSHAN OF THIS BEAUTIFUL IDOL EVEN ONCE THEN IT IS  SAID THAT HE IS  ONE BLESSED. THE IDOL HAS ALSO BEEN WORSHIPPED BY POET      LAUREATE SHRI JAYADEV OF “GITA –GOVIND” FAME . THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF THIS IDOL IS AS FOLLOWS:

AFTER A FEW YEARS AFTER THE PASSING AWAY OF SHRI JAYADEV , THE IDOL WAS INSTALLED AT THE SHRI NIMBARKACHARYA  PEETH AT SHRI RADHA KUND , VRINDAVAN. SHRI GOVINDSHARANADEVACHARYA , THE THEN ACHARYA OF THE NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH , GOT  INSTRUCTIONS FROM  SHRIRADHAMADHAV TO EMBARK ON THE ACHARYA’S RATH ( CARRIAGE) WITH THE IDOL TO SALEMABAD, RAJASTHAN. AS INSTRUCTED THE ACHARYA PROCEEDED ON THE RATH TO SALEMABAD. ENROUTE AT BHARATPUR WHILE THE ENTROUGE RESTED FOR THE SEVA OF SHRI MADHAV , RESIDENTS OF VRAJ PLEADED WITH THE ACHARYA NOT TO TAKE AWAY THE IDOL TO SALEMABAD BUT RETURN IT TO  BRAJ. THE ACHARYA EXPLAINED THAT AS IT WAS THE INSTRUCTIONS OF SHRI RADHAMADHAV HIMSELF HE WAS HELPLESS. THE PEOPLE APPROACHED THE RULER OF BHARATPUR , WHO TOLD THE PROTESTORS THAT IF THEY COULD PULL THE RATH BACK TO BRAJ IF THE LORD WAS WILLING THEN HE HAD NO OBJECTIONS. TRY AS THEY MAY, THE RESIDENTS OF VRAJ , THE RATH DID NOT MOVE AN INCH. HOWEVER,AFTER THE SEVA,  WHEN THE ACHARYA , PLEADED FOR THE RATH TO MOVE AND ASKED THE DEVOTEES TO PULL  TO THE ASTONISHMENT OF ALL DEVOTEES, THE RATH MOVED AND PROCEEDED TO SALEMABAD , WHERE THE IDOL IS INSTALLED IN THE TEMPLE AT THE CENTRE OF THE NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH

3. ACHARYA MANDIR(TEMPLE):

THE ACHARYA MANDIR IS LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN DIRECTION FROM  THE  SHRI RADHAMADHAVJI AND SARVESHVAR BHAGAVAN. HERE DEVOTEES GET A WONDERFUL VISION OF SHRI HANS, SHRI SANAKADIK, SHRI NARAD, SHRI NIMBARK  AND SHRINIVASACHARYA. TO THE NORTH OF THE SHRI SARVESHVARPRABHU  IS THE VED MANDIR WHERE ALL THE FOUR VEDAS ARE TOGETHER ESTABLISHED.       TOWARDS THE SOUTH OF THE ACHARYA MANDIR IS THE SIDDHA PEETH .

                                   SHRI NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH INSTITUTIONS

1.  SHRI NIMBARAKA MUDRANALAYA(PRINTING PRESS) -  PUBLICATIONS , NEWS LETTERS PERTAINING TO THE ACHARYA PEETH ARE PRINTED HERE.

2.    SHRI NIMBARK FORTNIGHTLY– PUBLISHED EVERY FORTNIGHT WITH THE  MESSAGE OF THE ACHARYA ON THE FRONT PAGE AND INCLUDES ARTICLES ON RELIGION, FESTIVALS OF THE ACHARYA PEETH .

3.    SHRI SARVESHVAR SANSKRIT MAHAVIDHYALA (UNIVERSITY) : THE UNIVERSITY  DULY APPROVED BY THE RAJASTHAN  GOVERNMENT  OFFERS STUDENTS UPADHYAY AND SHASTRI COURSES AS PER THE SYLLABUS OF THE RAJASTHAN GOVERNMENT BOARD.

4.     SHRI NIMBARK DARSHAN VIDYALAYA: THE SCHOOL OFFRES  STUDENTS OF ALL STATES PRATMA, MADHYAMA, SHASTRI AND ACHARYA EXAMINATIONS CONDUCTED UNDER THE AEGIS OF SHRI SAMPOORNANADA VISHVA VIDYALAYA , VARANASI(UP).

5.      SHRI RADHASARVESHVAR CHATRAVAS(HOSTEL) : PROVIDES ACCOMADATION FOR 60 STUDENTS OF BOTH THE ABOVE VIDYALAYAS. THE FOOD,  CLOTHING, BOOKS, FEES, EXAM FEES ALL ARE BORNE BY THE NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH.

6.       SHRINIMBARK PUSTAKALAYA (LIBRARY) : THIS ANCIENT LIBRARY HAS OVER 5000 PUBLISHED AND HANDWRITTEN UNPUBLISHED WORKS.

7.      SHRI HANS  VACHANALAYA (READING ROOM) : IN THIS READING ROOM , ALL THE PUBLICATIONS OF THE PEETH AND OTHER            PERIODICALS ARE MADE AVAILABLE ALONG WITH THE DAILY NEWS PAPERS.

8.       SHRI HARIVYAS OUSHADALAYA (DISPENSARY): THE DISPENSARY PROVIDES FREE MEDICINES TO THE POOR PATIENTS . DEVOTEES DONATE TO THIS NOBLE CAUSE .

9.       SHRI RADHAMADHAV GOSHALA( COW FARM) : THE FARM HOUSES MORE THAN 200 COWS . THE MILK IS USED FOR THE SEVA OF SHRI RADHA MADHAV AND THE  NIGHT SOIL IS USED AS MANURE IN THE FARMS.

10.     SHRI SARVESVAR VED VIDYALA: STUDENTS ARE VED PATH HERE. THE ENTIRE  COST OF BOARDING , FOOD OF THE STUDENTS AND THE SALARY OF THE TEACHERS ETC. IS BORNE BY THE NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH AND IS HELPED BY THE DONATIONS FROM DEVOTEES.

11.      SHRI NIMBARK GRANTHMALA:THE INSTITUITION PUBLISHES WORKS IN HINDI AND SANSKRIT SOME OF WHICH ARE VERY RARE.

12.       SEVA NIDHIS: DEVOTEES CAN DONATE TO THE SEVA NIDHIS FOR THE SANSKRIT MAHAVIDYALA AND THE DAILY SEVA FOR SHRI RADHASARVESHVAR.

                                                   ATTACHED INSTITUTIONS

1.                SHRI SARVESHVAR PRESS, PRATAP BAZAR, VRINDAVA.                                   

2.                SHRI NIMBARKA SHISHU MANDIR(SCHOOL), VRINDAVAN

3.                SHRI SARVESHVAR CHATRAVAS(HOSTEL), VRINDAVAN

4.                SHRINIMBARK DARSHAN VIDYALA (SCHOOL) , NIMBGRAM

5.                SHRI NIMBARK CHATRAVAS( HOSTEL) , NIMBGRAM

6.                SHRI NIMBARK OUSHADALAY(DISPENSARY), NIMBGRAM

7.                SHRI NIMABRK GOSHALA( COW FARM) , NIMBGRAM

                                                                    TEMPLES

ABOUT 35 IMPORTANT TEMPLES LOCATED AT VRINDAVAN , AJMER, KISHANGAD, INDORE, SHOLAPUR, NAGPUR, AMRAVATI , NAGORE AND MOONGI PAITAN AMONG OTHER PLACES ALL OVER INDIA  ARE UNDER THE TUTELAGE OF THE SHRI NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH AND FOLLOW THE SYSTEMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE SAMPRADAY

      SOME  IMPORTANT FESTIVALS CELEBRATED AT/ BY  NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH


1.  Akshaya Trithiya:  Shri RadhaMadhav is decorated with Sandal paste.

2.  ShriRadhaMadhavji’s Patotsav:  Splendid Darshan of the Lord in Flower-Cottage

3.   Rath Yatra Mahotsav:  Festival of drawing the Rath (Carriage of the Lord)

4.   Shri Guru Poornima: Devotees  together conduct ShriAcharya Charan (Feet of the Guru) pooja

5.    Jhoolan Utsav: Celebrated in Vrindavan in the presence of Poojya Acharyaji.

6.    Shri Krishna Jayanthi– Nand Mahotsav:  This is a historic event  and is the main celebration

7.    Shri Radha Jayanthi Mahotsav: The event organized by the Acharya Peet as a big festival at Shri RadhaSarveshvar Temple every year.

8.    Shrimad Bhagwat Jayanthi Mahotsav: Conducted by the Peeth at Shri Nimbark– GopijanaVallabh Temple at Nimbarkkot, Ajmer

9.     Nimbarknagar at MahaKumbh etc: During the Maha Kumbh celebrations at Prayag, Haridwar, Ujjain, Nashik and Vrindavan, a sprawling   Nimbark Nagar is constructed  wherein the service of  Shri Sarveshvar Prabhu  and vision to devotees is the highlight. Shri Bhagvan   Naam  Sankirtan (Repetition of Radha Krishna names together ) , Readings, Ras-Lila, Service of the Saints, Library,     Dispensary are some of the highlights of the month long festivities  which draws  devotees from all the world  like a magnet . Devotees immerse themselves in the heavenly ambrosia of bhakti  ras.

THIS FULL POST IS FROM THE WEBSITE OF AKHIL BHARTIYA NIMBARKACHARYA PEETH, SALEMABAD RAJASTHAN

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