Ram Navmi 2013 will be celebrated at Radha Madhav Dham with a week long Ramayan Katha by Sushree Siddheshvari Devi followed by a grand festival on Sunday April 21 2013. The Ram Navmi 2013 festival will be streamed live online!
Shree Ram bhaktas from throughout Texas are counting down the days to Ram Navmi 2013 which will be celebrated with traditional fervor and devotion at Radha Madhav Dham, the main ashram and temple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj in America.
Ram Navmi (the birth of Lord Ram) took place in Tretayug, over 18 million years ago, but Shree Ram always remains with His loving devotees as He is eternally omnipresent. All throughout India, we can still see the reminders of Shree Ram's life. There is Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh where he appeared, Chitracut, also in Uttar Pradesh, where He stayed in the early days of His exile, Panchavati in Maharashtra from where Sita was abducted, Hampi where Ram met Hanuman, Rameshwaram in Tamil Nadu from where he built a bridge to Lanka, and Rishikesh where he performed penance to atone for killing Ravan who although a demon, was also a Brahman by birth. The days of Ram's birth, of his victory over Ravan and of his return to Ayodha are known as Ram Navmi, Dusshera and Diwali festivals.
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, the preceptor of Radha Madhav Dham, has established a very special little Ram Mandir in Shree Shringverpur, located 25 km south-east of Mangarh on the banks of the Ganges River. It is situated on the exact spot where Nishadraj helped Ram, Sita, and Lakchman cross the Ganges during their exile in the forest. In Vrindavan, the Sita Ram darshan at Prem Mandir takes your breath away, so it is also one of the holiest sites for devotees of Sita Ram.
Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj offering his respects to Sita Ram at Prem Mandir
Devotees standing in front of the Ram Mandir established by Shree Maharajji in Shringverpur Dham
Darshan of Sita Ram and Lakshman at a small Ram Mandir in Shringverpur, founded by Shree Maharajji
Radha Madhav Dham in America is one of the best places to feel part of the Shree Ram tradition. The three main Shree Ram celebrations are celebrated in such beautiful and devotional ways that can hardly be matched. This year Radha Madhav Dham will celebrate Ram Navmi with week long Ramayan Katha led by Sushree Siddheshvari Devi Ji, culminating with the Ram Navmi celebration on Sunday, April 21 from 11 am - 1 pm.
In the weeks preceeding Ram Navmi, the devotees are busy preparing for the Ram Navmi celebration. They create wondrous backdrops and props to be placed in the temple and shrine. The event coordinators are in full swing, choreographing the reenactment of the leelas, with the actor kids and adults rehearsing and the costume crew making sure everything is perfect. Radha Madhav Dham's team of talented techies have been hard at work over the past few weeks to give us something extra to inspire our devotion this year: Live streaming of the whole Ram Navmi celebration!
Scene from a Ram Navmi leela jhanki at Radha Madhav Dham accompanied by lively singing of chaupai from the Ramayan. Ram Navmi 2013 leela will be the best one yet!
Beautiful leela jhankis accompanied by singing of the chaupai from the Ramayan, abhishek ceremony of Shree Ram's lotus feet, jhula celebration of baby Ram, continuous singing of the best Sita Ram kirtans revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Maharaj, along with frequent outpourings of Ramchandra Ki Jai! reverberating throughout the entire temple and surroundings of Radha Madhav Dham... This is the traditional Ram Navmi vision at Radha Madhav Dham. Afterwards, everyone partakes of a delicious celebratory prasad lunch prepared and served by the Austin community.
Precious, personal moment swinging the cradle of baby Ram on Ram Navmi 2013
We would be doing a great favor to all interested friends and family to share the link as well as the timings. The devotees are always conscientious of making us feel part of these events, through new and innovative technologies. There is a lovely feeling of connectedness, knowing that you are part of the event, watching live and joining in, as other devotees do the same, feeling the same feelings as the crowds that are actually present on the day. The date and international timings and URL of the Live Stream are as follows:
In this lecture, Swami Nikhilanand, sanyasi disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and teacher at JKP Radha Madhav Dham, explains the philosophy of God realization and becoming a Saint. He shares the life history of Prahlad, an important Saints from the history of India and explains what we can learn from him to help us find God in this life. The life history of Prahlad, and the story of how he was saved by God from being killed by demons, is the real meaning of Holi. This lecture is based on the teachings of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.
Experience Holi from your home!
Historic live streaming of Holi: Radha Madhav Dham's techies have been hard at work to make sure that each and every one of us can participate and feel included in their grand and joyous Holi celebration on March 30th, 2013. With today's advanced technology, now we can see, feel, experience and enjoy one of the best, most fun, most spiritual Holi celebrations in the whole world right from our own home!
Please distribute the link far and wide, so that as many people as possible can benefit from this historic opportunity to be part of the Holi celebrations in the very abode of Radha Krishna in the west: http://radhamadhavdham.org/video/live
Live Streaming of Holi 2013 from Radha Madhav Dham begins at 3:00 pm Central Standard Time, March 30th
International Time Conversions
Pacific Standard Time 1:00 pm Saturday March 30th
Central Standard Time 3:00 pm Saturday March 30th
Eastern Standard Time 4:00 pm Saturday March 30th
UK/Ireland 8:00 pm Saturday March 30th
Paris/Rome/Warsaw 9:00 pm Saturday March 30th
India 01:30:00 Sunday Saturday MARCH 31st
Kathmandu 01:45:00 Sunday MARCH 31st
Singapore/Beijing 04:00:00 Sunday MARCH 31st
Live Viewing Schedule
Chanting of Braj-style Holi songs and chants revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj
Come celebrate a traditional, braj-style Holi at Radha Madhav Dham, the US ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj
Radha Madhav Dham, where the people are as diverse as the Holi colors; Let's Play
A conversation about Holi conjures up many different things for different people. Like all of our great Hindu festivals, Holi has numerous aspects; social, cultural, religious and spiritual. One thing that devotees and the community in America can enjoy in common though is the traditional Braj-style Holi at Radha Madhav Dham, the US ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. The thousands of people who come play Holi at this veritable Shangri-La of the Occident, and their reasons for coming, are as numerous and multifarious as the colors of Holi itself. That's what makes Holi at Radha Madhav Dham all the more unique, special and beautiful.
"Hindu festivals are so many that they would be impossible to count, but almost all of them commemorate some leela or Divine historical event. Holi is the day that Krishna protected His devotee Prahlad from being killed in a fire. The true meaning of any Hindu holiday/festival is to remember that the aim of life is to find God. We are supposed to remember this all the time, but the various festivals help us to re-focus our energy in this direction."
The Holi plays of Radha Krishna, which took place from time to time during their life, 5000 years ago, illustrate some of the highest platforms of Transcendental bliss, the meditation of which reveals deep experiences in the heart of a Radha Krishna devotee. Having the chance to actually play Holi in such a spiritually charged atmosphere as Radha Madhav Dham, keeping the feeling that you are participating in a real Holi scene with Radha Krishna, watching Krishna leelas being enacted by the devotees, feeling the Holi colors pour down on your body, mind and soul and listening to Holi songs revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj from a live band are most conducive circumstances for feeling the sublime and all-enrapturing states of Radha Krishna love.
On the cultural and social level, nothing builds a lifetime bond with someone like throwing colored powered on them and having them throw colored powder on you. Nothing says "I love you!" like smearing moist powder in someone's face! And this is also a perfectly valid reason to participate in Holi. Building friendships, getting to know people you always wanted to but couldn't, leaving aside past prejudices and misunderstandings in the spirit of the celebration are all part and parcel of the overall Holi experience. Holi is one of those "holistic" experiences that you really have to take part in once to understand.
The most important thing about Holi is to make it your own. Make your own day which you'll always remember and think about. The Holi play this year will have many unique and enjoyable features including a live band singing Holi songs from Braj to liven up the environment. Attendees will also have the chance to participate in the traditional burning of demon Holika's effigy. This act helps to remind ourselves that evil always burns in the face of good. The deeper significance of Holi & Holika are included in the "Holi talk" by Swami Nikhilanand, which will be presented in English. A delicious Dinner Prasad cooked by the Austin community will be served after the temple program ends and before the outdoor Holi play begins.
Radha Krishna Holi Darshan at Radha Madhav Dham, the US ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj
The highlight of the Holi celebration is the chance to receive the Holi darshan of Radha Krishna, who are the very heart and soul of Radha Madhav Dham. Meditating silently on the beautiful scene or joining the chanting is a really wonderful experience.
The preparation for Holi is extensive and you really feel it on the day. You see it in the faces of the devotees, as weeks' of feelings of gulal making, days of food management and all the necessary preparations required for such an event are just released on the day. Everyone lets loose and looses themselves in the magic of the day. "It's all for Radha Rani", they say.
This year is expected to be the grandest and most colorful festival ever celebrated at Radha Madhav Dham. A devotee told me that all the rooms have been booked up, weeks in advance. So all you have to do now is mark you calendars, get your old clothes out, pack your bags and head home to Radha Madhav Dham! Jai Shree Radhey!
Holi Schedule
3:00 p.m. Chant Braj-style Holi Pads and Chants revealed by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj
4:00 p.m. Listen to Swami Nikhilanand Ji's talk on Holi
5:00 p.m. Enjoy delicious Dinner Prasad
6:00 p.m. Watch Holika burn in the Holi Bonfire
6:30 p.m. Celebrate with Holi Colors to a Live Band
Take some time to listen to this incredible and informative series of discourses by Swami Nikhilanand, sanyasi disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharajji. The title of the lecture series is "Why do devotion to Radha and Krishna?" and "Who are Radha Krishna?" and were recorded in December, 2012. This lecture series was given at JKP, Radha Madhav Dham, the USA ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Maharajji during the 2012 Winter Hindu Family Camp at Radha Madhav Dham in Austin, Texas.
To view the full series of Swami Nikhilanand's speeches visit this link
Great Saints of India Part 1: Introduction
Great Saints of India Part 2: Bhakta Dhruv
Great Saints of India Part 3: Bhakta Prahlad
Great Saints of India Part 4: Bhakta Sudama
Great Saints Of India - How A Guru Helps The Souls
This series of lectures was given by Swami Nikhilanand, disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, in Radha Madhav Dham in July, 2012. In it, he explains the philosophy of God realization and becoming a Saint. He shares the life history of a few important Saints from the history of India and explains what we can learn from them to help us find God in this life.
Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj is the founder of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP). The main center of JKP in the West is Radha Madhav Dham in Austin, Texas (www.RadhaMadhavDham.org). Swami Nikhilanand resides at Radha Madhav Dham and travels around the U.S., spreading the philosophy of Hinduism as taught by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.
Radha Madhav Dham, the main US ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, will host its 5th Annual Family Camp this year, starting June 29 thru July 4, 2012. BOOK NOW to reserve a spot for your family.
Learn the greatness of Hinduism. Deepen your spirituality. Give your children the opportunity to feel proud of their own culture and heritage.
This fun-filled Family Camp has become a popular tradition at Radha Madhav Dham, bringing joy and devotional upliftment to everyone who attends. There is spiritual learning and fun-filled family activities planned for each age group, starting at 3 years. Click here to see video.
Let the nurturing environment of the camp blossom your family's faith in God
Children get to participate in leela performances, prasad making and yoga
Adults & kids can also learn to chant or play Indian musical instruments, like dholak & harmonium to enrich your personal life
Most importantly, your children will get an opportunity to meet and make lasting friendships with other like-minded children, providing them a whole new support structure for their life
Camp Dates: June 29th - July 4th
Camp Leaders:Swami Nikhilanand and Diwakari Didi, sanyasipracharaks of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, will lead the camp with the help of all your favorite volunteer teachers.
For more information and to register, please go to: www.HinduFamilyCamp.org or call 512-288-7180.
Past Radha Madhav Dham Family Camp Glimpses (Click to view in full size):
"Family Camp is Coming, Family Camp is Coming!" - by Joe Chorneau
There's a peacock, affectionately named Shukdeo, who lives right off Barsana Ave. Most days you can see him on the grass across from the Ancient Yoga Center standing tall and proud, like the peacock he is. And just before satsang you can hear him yelling out- "Radhey, Radhey! Radhey, Radhey! Radhey, Radhey!"
But lately he has been going on about the upcoming Family Camp coming at the end of this month, (June 29 - July 4). Some of the residents living here have reported hearing him calling out to them: "Family Camp!" He says, "Family Camp is coming soon! I can't wait! Can you?! Family Camp! It's coming!"
It's very well known that Shukdeo's greatest love is for Radha Rani, but Family Camp at Radha Madhav Dham is something very close to his heart too. He says that he loves to see so many lovely, smiling faces from the families of the community who come and enjoy this fun-filled holiday week, especially all the kids and adults playing cricket (or soccer, volleyball, or kabaddi) in front of Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple. Shukdeo fondly calls them all "my Radha Madhav Dham-vasis."
Shukdeo wants to remind the parents, especially those who have not yet had a chance to come and participate with us at Family Camp, that while Family Camp at Radha Madhav Dham is so much fun for the whole family, it is also a great opportunity for educational and spiritual growth. It's all about deepening our understanding of our great spiritual heritage of Sanatan Dharm. However he stresses that we should enjoy it, have fun, laugh and taste the sweetness of Radha Rani and Shree Krishn Who are always here, ready to shower Their Grace on us.
"This summer, don't stay home," he says to the children, "Just for a few days, leave your Xboxes or your Play-stations and come to Radha Madhav Dham Family Camp! I promise you that you'll be amazed and astounded. Go, find your parents now and tell them to start planning to come! It will soon be here!"
Vyasar Gansesan, Family Camp Youth Counselor four years running, says, "At Radha Madhav Dham Family Camp, parents and children have a unique opportunity to expand their devotion. I've been coming to Family Camps for over six years, and I have seen that there is truly no limit to all of the fun that is here. Water-holi, leelas, outdoor games, interactive programs - these are all pieces that are just a part of the wonder you can experience at Radha Madhav Dham."
There's the story that Swami Nikhilanand recounts from last December's Family Camp about the girl in the 3-5 age group who learned to chant "Radhey Govind" along with the other kids. Now, her parents say that every night before going to bed, she sits in front of their family mandir and does 5 minutes of chanting and meditating on God. Even if her mother forgets, she reminds her and insists on doing it before sleeping. Imagine, such great thing as that from going to Family Camp!
And then there's the one he tells about the boy who was in the 6-12 age group. As part of the class, they made a calendar marking all the main Hindu festivals for 2012 and learned their meaning. On January 14, he asked his family what they were going to do to celebrate Makar Sankranti. His parents were surprised to be asked this by their young son, and asked him how he knew what day it was. He answered that he knew because of the calendar he had put up on the wall in his room.
Stories like these are bountiful; about how parents return home with their children and slowly realize what a profound effect Family Camp has had on them. It is so heartwarming to know so many youngsters who are becoming aware of their tremendous spiritual wealth by coming to Family Camp each year. They form lasting relationships, especially those that bind them to God, which they will one day share with their children, as well.
Here are just a few from a long list of testimonials that kids have written after every Family Camp at Radha Madhav Dham:
"The first time I came here, I never wanted to leave. And then when I came to Radha Madhav Dham for Family Camp, it felt so devotional. "
- 10-year-old participant from Texas
"Radha Madhav Dham is my favorite place in the whole world. I loved spending time here with friends and family and especially God. The things I learn at every camp change me and turn me into a better person. I can't imagine how anyone can leave here without the realization of true happiness and bliss."
- 14-year-old participant from Plano, Texas
"I felt a type of happiness that I never felt in my whole life. I feel purified by my stay in Radha Madhav Dham."
- 12-year-old participant from Queens, NY
(Vyasar Ganesan was born in Derry, New Hampshire, and raised in Austin. His mother is from near Delhi, and his father comes from southern India. He currently is an arts graduate of Allegheny College, having just finished a senior project in creative nonfiction. Vyasar is a blogger for Radha Madhav Dham, the main US ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.)
This past Sunday, Siddheshvari Deviji spoke beautifully at Radha Madhav Dham, on a clear, sunny Texas day, with the sun in the sky and lights in the hearts of the devotees. The topic of her lecture was on how "householders" can be as devotional as any sanyasi. Didiji's style of speech is very well-practiced, providing enriching spiritual context alongside entertaining and topical subjects. I'm happy to hear that she'll be staying at the mandir for another few weeks, too.
Her lesson, though, reminded me of another misconception that is very popular about devotion, and one not exclusive to non-Hindus. In every faith, it is stressed that God and religion come before everything else, without exception, without compromise. If we aren't thinking of Bhagwan at any given moment, we're wasting valuable time. Whatever devotional wealth we may have accrued over the course of our soul's existence can be squandered on a whim. Nothing is scarier than being made aware of how exactly little time one has to try and find God in their lifetime.
At the same time, though, we all have obligations. The scheduling of family reunions can run into dates set aside for prayer intensives or lecture series, and cause a great deal of tension. Productivity in the office can drop dramatically when employees are more focused on beloved God than filing papers. To put it roughly, the more time we spend on devotional or spiritual activities, the less we spend in the world.
Whether or not this is a good or a bad thing is purely a matter of perspective. From our fallen, worldly state, it feels like we aren't getting anything done. The bills need paying, the pipes need fixing, there are obligations and demands coming from all angles. We don't have time to sit in prayer and think about God for more than a half-second. But what Didiji's speech reminded me of is that there is another perspective that sees the time we spend searching for God in a wholly positive light. In our hearts and souls, Bhagwan sits, accounting our deeds and watching where we go in our lives. Our devotional actions are the ones that matter the most to Him, and in the end, they have to be the only ones that matter to us, too, if we're sincere in our hopes of finding Him.
Step 2. Attending a free talk and a 7-day Radha Madhav Dham Bhagavad Gita Family Camp at convenient venues in New York, Austin, Dallas, Houston or Washington D.C. where Swami Nikhilanand is regularly invited as a guest speaker.
Step 3. Visiting www.JKP.org and www.RadhaMadhavDham.org to learn more about the teachings and national and international activities of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and JKP Radha Madhav Dham or to purchase books and DVDs by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj and JKP Radha Madhav Dham.
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