November 6, 14:56Aaj Tak

Mathura Sadhus Support Dhirendra Shastri After Statement on Krishna's Form

A large gathering of sadhus, dharmacharis, and Sanatana Dharma followers took place at the historic Shri Radhakanta temple in Varindavan, Mathura. This meeting was jointly organized by the Braj Tirtha Devalaya Foundation and the Religion Protection Association. The session was presided over by Mahant Phuldol Bihari Das Maharaj. The assembly was convened amid debates that arose following Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, head of Bagneshwar Dham, statement regarding the form of Lord Krishna.

Speakers at the meeting demonstrated solidarity with Dhirendra Shastri, linking his remarks to the traditions of rasika (devotional) worship in Braj, and called for unity within the Sanatana society.

Bhagavataacharya Mridul Kant Shastri noted that the tribhangi (three-posture) form of Lord Krishna is part of the ancient tradition of Sanatana Dharma, which has been described by poets and acharyas for centuries. Mahant Harishankar Das Naga, president of Akhada Parishad Varindavan, emphasized that rasika sadhus have always described the Banki Chitvan and the tribhangi mudra of the Lord, so this should be understood in the context of devotion, not turned into a dispute.

Furthermore, Saurabh Gaur, national president of the Religion Protection Association, stated that Dhirendra Shastri is awakening the Sanatana society, and it is incorrect to create disputes by separating a person's words from their context. Thus, after the discussion about Rama and Krishna, Dhirendra Shastri received support from the Mathura sadhus.

Maharatma R.K. Pandey, general secretary of the Braj Tirtha Devalaya Foundation, reported that Lord Krishna resides in every particle of Braj, and Banke Bihari is associated with His tribhangi form. Mahant Phuldol Bihari Das Maharaj, who chaired the meeting, advised against making a statement a subject of dispute unless there is malicious intent. Ramakant Goswami, president of the Braj Tirtha Devalaya Foundation, urged the Sanatana society to direct its energy towards preserving culture rather than internal disagreements. Anand Ballab Goswami, president of Brahman Seva Sangha, and Swami Devanand Parmhans also highlighted the necessity of maintaining dialogue and self-control.

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www.aajtak.inOctober 25, 05:32

Local beliefs about the ban on staying overnight in Nidhivan in Vrindavan, related to Radha and Krishna

Vrindavan, known as the city of Lord Krishna in Uttar Pradesh state, is rich with stories associated with Kanhaiya. Among such significant places is Nidhivan, which attracts attention due to its unusual structure and religious beliefs. According to local legends, this place is connected to the divine play (raslila) of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna.

According to these beliefs, a divine play takes place here at night. Due to this tradition, Nidhivan is cleared of visitors and closed until evening. The text then examines the features of Nidhivan and its connection to the Banke Bihari temple.

Why is Nidhivan closed at night:

The entrance to Nidhivan impresses with its unique vegetation. The trees here do not grow straight and tall but are small shrubs whose branches lean towards each other. Local beliefs link these shrubs to the divine activities of Lord Krishna, Radha Rani, and the gopis. Among pilgrims, there is a widespread belief that the divine play takes place here at night, and these shrubs are part of it.

This unique structure gives Nidhivan distinct characteristics among other religious sites in Vrindavan. Pilgrims carefully study these shrubs and are interested in the beliefs associated with them. Although there are many visitors during the day, the area is cleared before sunset, and the gates are closed for the night.

Nidhivan empties out at night

The most important belief associated with Nidhivan is the divine play that occurs at night. Religious tradition states that Lord Krishna performs the divine play with Radha Rani and the gopis here at night. Consequently, Nidhivan is cleared of people and closed until evening. No one is allowed to stay here overnight, and similar rumors exist even about animals and birds. It is said that a person who stays here at night may encounter misfortunes.

The colorful palace of Nidhivan is also special

The colorful palace located within Nidhivan also holds special religious significance. It is believed that this place is connected to the divine activities of Radha Rani and Lord Krishna. Stories related to the Colorful Palace and Nidhivan have long circulated among people. This is why pilgrims visiting Vrindavan make sure to visit this place—some want to see the unique shrubs of Nidhivan, while others want to learn about the associated religious beliefs.

The connection between Nidhivan and the Banke Bihari Temple

The Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan is one of the famous temples of Lord Krishna, where a large number of devotees arrive daily. According to religious beliefs, the image of Banke Bihari originated from Nidhivan. Therefore, a special religious connection is considered to exist between Nidhivan and the Banke Bihari Temple.

The tradition of visiting the Banke Bihari Temple is also unique. A curtain is periodically lowered in front of the Thakur's idol. It is believed that devotees might become completely lost upon seeing the charming form of Lord Krishna. Because of this belief, the curtain is slightly pulled aside during the temple visit. This practice is a distinctive feature of the temple. It is also known that Lord Krishna is called Banke Bihari; according to religious beliefs, 'Banke' means turned in three directions, and 'Bihari' means the player. Lord Krishna's Tribhanga mudra is related to this name. Pilgrims from all over the world come to Vrindavan to see his captivating form. In the temple, devotees stand in long queues waiting for their turn. Some come with hope, and some come to thank God after a wish has been fulfilled. The traditions of this temple and the faith of the people in Lord Krishna make it special.