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.
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, virajmanamanurupasaubhagamsakhi
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:
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.
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 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.
TOP
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.
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.
| SN | NAME OF ACHARYA | SN | NAME OF ACHARYA |
| 1 | SHRI HANS BHAGWAN | 25 | SRI BHURIBHATTACHARYAJI |
| 2 | SHRI SANAKADI BHAGWAN | 26 | SRI MADAHAVABHATTACHARYAJI |
| 3 | DEVRISHI SHRI NARAD BHAGWAN | 27 | SRI SHYAMABHATTACHARYAJI |
| 4 | SHRI SUDARSHAN CHAKRAVATAR JAGAT GURU SRI NIMBARKACHARYA | 28 | SRI GOPALBHATTACHARYAJI |
| 5 | SHRI SRINIVASACHARYAJI | 29 | SRI BHALABHADRABHATTACHARYAJI |
| 6 | SHRI VISWACHARYAJI | 30 | SRI GOPINATHBHATTACHARYAJI |
| 7 | SHRI PURUSHOTTAMACHARYAJI | 31 | SRI KESHAVABHATTACHARYAJI |
| 8 | SHRI VILASACHARYAJI | 32 | SRI GANGLABHATTACHARYAJI |
| 9 | SHRI SWAROOPACHARYAJI | 33 | SRI KESHAVAKASHMIRIBHATTACHARYAJI |
| 10 | SHRI MADHAVACHARYAJI | 34 | SRI SRIBHATTADEVACHARYAJI |
| 11 | SRI BALABHATTACHARYAJI | 35 | SRI HARIVYASDEVACHARYAJI |
| 12 | SRI PADMACHARYAJI | 36 | SRI PARUSHURAMDEVACHARYAJI |
| 13 | SRI SHYAMACHARYAJI | 37 | SRI HARIVANSHDEVACHARYAJI |
| 14 | SRI GOPALACHARYAJI | 38 | SRI NARAYANDEVACHARYAJI |
| 15 | SRI KRIPACHARYAJI | 39 | SRI VRINDAVANDEVACHARYAJI |
| 16 | SRI DEVACHARYAJI | 40 | SRI GOVINDADEVACHARYAJI |
| 17 | SRI SUNDARBHATTACHARYAJI | 41 | SRI GOVINDSHARANADEVACHARYAJI |
| 18 | SRI PADMANABHATTACHARYAJI | 42 | SRI SARVESHVARSHARANADEVACHARYAJI |
| 19 | SRI UPENDRABHATTACHARYAJI | 43 | SRI NIMBARAKASHARANADEVACHARYAJI |
| 20 | SRI RAMCHANDRABHATTACHARYAJI | 44 | SRI VRAJASHARANADEVACHARYAJI |
| 21 | SRI VAMANBHATTACHARYAJI | 45 | SRI GOPISHVARSHARANADEVACHARYAJI |
| 22 | SRI KRISHNABHATTACHARYAJI | 46 | SRI GHANSHYAM SHARANADEVACHARYAJI |
| 23 | SRI PADMAKARBHATTACHARYAJI | 47 | SRI BALAKRISHNASHARANDEVACHARYAJI |
| 24 | SRI SRAVANBHATTACHARYAJI | 48 | SRI 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.
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 ||
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, virajmanamanurupasaubhagamsakhi
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.
| Forehead | om keshavayah namaha |
| Belly | om narayanaya namaha |
| Chest | om madhavayah namaha |
| Neck | om govindaya namaha |
| Right Belly | om vishnave namaha |
| Right Arm | om madhusudanaya namaha |
| Right Shoulder | om trivikramaya namaha |
| Left Arm | om vamanaya namaha |
| Left Belly | om shridharaya namaha |
| Left Shoulder | om hrishikesaya namaha |
| Upper Back | om padmanabhaya namaha |
| Lower Back | om 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.
TOP
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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