In this Edition MESSAGE & ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE TRUSTEE BOARD / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PAGE 2. Message f(om Pujya Jeje

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1 Pushti Preeti Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Message f(om Pujya Jeje Holi Utsav/Dolutsav ki Badhai! Dolutsav is a major festival of Vraj and as our beloved Thakorji is a Vrajvasi, it is a verc imporeant utsav for all of us in Pushtimarg. This festive occasion is celebrated with g(eat enthusiasm and ferior throughout the world by Vaishnavs and Hindus. For Pushtimargiya Vaishnavs, Dolutsav marks the end of 40 days of VasantMtsav. During this time, our beloved Thakorji plays with colors of Abil, Gulal, Choba and Chandan. In Pushtimarg this khel or playfml activitc reminds us that no marer what obstacles, disappointsents, failures or successes we exuerience in our daily lives, when we sur(ender and find refmge in our beloved Lord Shri Krishna and are showered by the vibrant colors of His divine love and bhakti, our lives become puruosefml, meaningzml and eter[ally blissfml! Blessings, Vrajrajkumarji In this Edition MESSAGE & ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM THE TRUSTEE BOARD / EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE PAGE 2 VYO-WORLD ACTIVITIES UPDATES ON SOME PAST ACTIVITIES FROM DIFFERENT CENTERS PAGE 3-13 PUSHTI ETIQUETTE RESPECTING RELIGIOUS TEXTS/ BOOKS PAGE 19 VASANT PANCHMI & HOLI THE SIGNIFICANCE IN PUSHTIMARG PAGE SIGNIFICANCE OF DIFFERENT EKADASHIS PAGE 19 NIDHI SWAROOPS OF PUSHTIMARG PAGE VYO EVENTS IN THE COMMUNITY LOVE FOR GAU EVENTS & RARE BEAR VOLUNTEERING PAGE KIDS CORNER VYO POEM & VYO YOUTH DESCRIBING THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH VOLUNTEERING PAGE UPCOMING PUSHITIMARGIYA FESTIVALS & HOLIDAYS PAGE 23 PLEASE FEEL FREE TO FORWARD THIS TO ALL VAISHNAVS THAT MAYBE INTERESTED. COMMENTS, QUESTIONS, SUGGESTIONS? VALLABHYOUTHUSA@GMAIL.COM VYO-USA, Inc.

2 Message from the VYO USA National Trustee Board, Executive Board, and Center Presidents Jai Shri Krishna BhagIadiya Vaishnavs! With divine g(ace of Lord Shri Nathji Prabhu and aashiraad bom Pujya Jeje Shri Vrajrajkumarji MahodayShri, VYO USA is g(owing rapidly with the mission to spread Shuddhadvaita, nondualist bhakti of Lord Shri Krishna. Aſter celebrating Diwali and Annkut utsavs last year, most centers have celebrated the Holi Khel, Rasiya and Dolotsav with t(me gopi bhav and bhakti. Centers are excited and now preparing for one of the most auspicious occasion in Pustimarg - Shri Mahaprabhuji PragatCotsav. We, here at VYO USA are exe(emely happy and pleased to wit[ess the t(emendous g(owth of our centers throughout the count(c. VYO centers are conducting regmlar monthly satsangs, utsav celebrations, VYO education classes for kids and communitc seriices. By gering kids involved in all these activities, we are seeing g(eat prog(ess in kids and adults alike for our heritage of Pusti Bhakti marg that teaches kids how to live as a proud Hindu in the United States. VYO USA TrMstees and Executive commiree have been exe(emely busy to launch new and unique monthly spiritmal meet called a Prabhu Padhramni Satsang with Pujya Jeje Shri s gmidance and ag[ya. This concept will be implemented bom April 2016 throughout the count(c. VYO USA is also working tirelessly to ar(ange Pujya Jeje Shri s spiritmal tour in USA with Aapshri s Kathas, VachanamrMt and other SpiritMal discourse. With Shri Thakorji s asim krmpa, VYO is g(owing World -Wide and Pujya Jeje Shri is taking ATI KAST to bring all scarered Pusti Jeevs to the lotms feet of Shri Nathji Prabhu by doing literal PrMthvi Parikrama of the 21st CentMrC. VYO USA feels blessed to be able to become nimmit for such a g(eat karca of Pujya Jeje Shri. Shri Vallabh Jug Jug Raaj Karo Jay Shri Krishna! Jay Shri Vallabh! - VYO USA TrMstee Board & VYO USA Executive Board Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!2

3 VYO International Update Bhagvad Smaran to All, With Shri Thakorji s krupa and divine aashirwad of Pujya Pad Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, VYO International Board was established in Fall 2015 to connect and inspire Vaishnavs worldwide and to spread selfless Pushti Bhakti and serve Happiness through Spirituality. Dedicated Vaishnavs of VYO International Board are working hard to achieve its goal of spreading VYO s wings worldwide. INDIA Recently thousands of Vaishnavs benefitted from kathas by Pujya Jeje Shri along with grand manoraths of Thakorji in Surat, Anand, Jamnagar, Vadodara, Ahmedabad and Rajkot. VYO India has successfully organized four International Vaishnav Conventions in various cities of Gujarat to spread the awareness of Love for Gau project to protect the cows and for Prachar of VYO s signature project Krishna Sanskar World. With Pujya Jeje Shri s krupa - VYO India is enjoying various spiritual programs such as spiritual tour of Saurashtra and Manoraths throughout this year including "Pushti Dham" haveli grand opening in Nandurbar (Maharastra) USA VYO USA has been progressing very rapidly with its 21 centers and 2 Havelis VYO Boston and VYO Tampa. VYO USA has successfully launched Prabhu Padhramni satsang concept this year. Recently celebrity writer Kaajal Oza Vaidya visited many VYO centers in the US for the benefit of Love of Gau Project. VYO Education courses for Kids age 6 to 16 are running very efficiently to teach the next generation how to live a happy, pious life with the feeling of Proud Hindu in North America. AFRICA VYO KISUMU has successfully established Shri Govardhan Nathji Haveli in fall Local bhavuk Vaishnavs are taking aloukik laabh of Shri Thakorji s darshan and regularly celebrates all Pushti-margiya utsavs at the Haveli. UK VYO UK is successfully established and is organizing Pujya Je Shri s Kathas in Leicester, Manchester and London followed by Prayag Tirth Kalash Mahotsav in London in summer With Pujya Jeje Shri s extreme hard work, and blessings VYO International is flourishing and becoming nimmit to achieve one of VYO s goals of KRISHNA SEVA SADA KARYA Worldwide! Jai Shri Krishna Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!3

4 VYO activities from different centers around the world VYO-India The year 2016 continued with lots of spiritual activities and programs for VYO India. An exceptionally successful historic event, Run for Cows, was organized in Vadodara by VYO to promote the vision of Love for Gau and to bring awareness for cows protection. Shri Nath Charitramrut Kathas were organized at various venues in Gujarat and a lot of Vaishnavs attended to experience the divinity of the Lords leelas thru enchanting narration by Pujya Jeje Shri. New VYO centers were established in Jamnagar, Surat, Aanand and Ahmedabad. Along with kathas, International Vaishnav conventions were effectively organized in various cities to provide a platform for Vaishnavs to come together and create a network. VYO India organized an award ceremony earlier this year to recognize hard work and efforts by the members of VYO India. A lot of youngsters took part in VYO Rajkot organized Yuva Shibir to get inspired by Jeje Shri and get spiritual yet practical guidance. There is a lot of activity going on in the area of VYO Education as well. Please visit respective centers Facebook pages for more information. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!4

5 VYO-India (cont ) Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!5

6 VYO-India (cont ) Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!6

7 VYO-Africa VYO Kisumu is a tightly-knit vaishnav community that has come together to establish a VYO center and Haveli. They get together for seva, regular satsangs, and celebrating the major utsavs. Some picture here provide a glimpse into the activities at VYO Kisumu. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!7

8 VYO-USA With the blessings of Shri Thakorji and under the gudance of our beloved, HDH Yuva Vaishnavacharya Goswami 108 Shri Vrajrajkumarji Mahodayshri, VYO USA centres celebrated various Pushti utsavs and conducted monthly spiritual meet to experience divinity of Pushti Bhakti and to serve Love and Happiness to one and all! VYO Boston celebrated Holi utsav with more than 400 people! Utsav celebration on March 20th started with Dolotsav at noon followed by Rajbhog Darshan and Holi khel initiated by Mukhyaji by spraying color water and dry colors on Vallabhi Vaishnavs. Holi khel was followed by mahaprasad. This very well organized utsav was telecasted by TV Asia on March 29th, at 7:30 PM under community round up. Along with eleven utsav manorathis, Vaishnavs donated generously to support VYO Boston! VYO Detroit hosted a beautiful Holi Utsav at the residence of param bhagvadiya Sarju bhai and Shreya ben. More than 150 Vaishnavs gathered for this celebration and enjoyed the beautiful darshan of Shri Thakorji with melodious Holi Rasia sung and presented by beloved Mukhyaji Shri Jeetu bhai of The Hindu Temple. Click here to view more pics from VYO Detriot s Holi celebration Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!8

9 VYO-USA (cont..) VYO Freehold celebrated Annakut Mahotsav with more than 100 people in Dec The utsav was kicked off with Pujya Jeje Shri's vachanamrut followed by recitals and dance by VYOE Freehold kids and kirtans and raas garba by adults. The centre also celebrated rasiya and Holi khel with Shri Thakorji. VYOE Freehold takes pride in educating kids in Pushtimarg. The kids have learnt about Guru, Ramayan etc. and are now progressing towards learning the basics of Pushtimarg starting out with beloved Shri Yamunaji. The centre is preparing to complete first VYOE year and awaits Pujya Jeje Shri's divine presence in summer. VYO Raleigh celebrated Vasant Panchami with Holi rasiya while learning the significance of Vasant Panchami and Somvati Amavashya. VYOE Raleigh also participated in the celebration by performing skit, kirtans and pooja of Goddess Saraswati. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs:

10 VYO-USA (cont..) VYO Richmond continues with spiritual meets every second Saturday with the recitals of Shodash granths and spiritual discourses on variety of topics. The centre organized Shri Gusainji utsav. Large number of Vaishnavs participated in the utsav. It was great divine experience for all the Vaishnavs. As usual all the volunteers did great work in organizing the event and making it successful. VYO Richmond is spreading the message of Pujya Jeje Shri "Serving Happiness through Spirituality. Richmond VYOE also continues to educate kids who are showing much interest in VYOE learning. VYO San Diego continued it s spiritual meets at the Innovations Academy as it has been for the past year and celebrated Shri Gusainji Pragatyotsav /Jalebi Utsav on January 17, 2016, Vasant Panchami and Damodardas Harsaani Patotsav on February 21, 2016, and most recently, Holi on March 13, 2016 as part of monthly spiritual meets. In addition, with the mission of maintaining culture and spirituality amongst Vaishnavs, VYO San Diego proudly hosted talk show by Mrs. Kajjal Oza-Vaidya on Saturday, April 9th to benefit Love for Gau project. Mrs. Vaidya is an author, journalist, artist, columnist and professor who is the most prolific brand in Gujarati literature. She serves as a role model for women and children and transforms the social consciousness of every listener. With a full-house audience of over 300 people, Mrs. Oza-Vaidya spoke passionately about relationships in shuddh Gujarati keeping the audience very attentive to her views! VYO San Diego is also in full swing to prepare for several upcoming events. Ram Navami, Yamunaji Utsav and Mahaprabhuji Vadhai will be celebrated during April Satsang on Saturday, April 23, Preparations have begun for Mahaprabhuji Pragatyotsav, to be held on Saturday, May 14, VYO San Diego is planning the program that includes kirtans, bhajans, a skit/dance and a surprise for our Vaishnavs! Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!10

11 VYOE San Diego classes are in full swing. The center has 8 kids in 6-9 age group and 8 kids in 9-12 age group. The classes are held every Sunday from In addition to material prepared by the VYO Education team, kids have been learning about freedom fighters, Prahlad and learning a new stanza of Shri Yamunashtak every week. VYO Tampa Vrindavan Dham continues to flourish and blossom, having completed over 2 years of being a fully operational centre. Tampa community members flock in numbers small and large to experience the bliss of our utsavs, which are well-planned and conducted with much enthusiasm by a group of dedicated Vaishnavs. A disciplined agenda is followed at every spiritual meet of nitya paaṭ recitation (35 mins), granth vanchan (30 mins), DVD (20 mins), kirtan (a minimum of 3 Utsav-based kirtan) followed by dholpad, aarti and aashray nu pad. VYO Tampa celebrated Gokulnathji s Pragatyotsav on December 20th 2015 and started 2016 with celebration of Shri Gusainji s Pragatyotsav also known as JALEBI UTSAV in Pushtimarg. Bhagvadiya Vaishnavs at VYO Tampa also celebrated Uttarayan or Bhogi Utsav (day before Uttarayan) on January 17th. Bhog of laddu made of sugar/jaggery and sesame seeds and meetho and tikho khichdo was offered to Shriji. VYO Tampa started spring with festival of colors that is the longest utsav of 40 days in our krupa marg. Vasant utsav which is the first quarter of these 40 days was celebrated with enthusiasm of more than 100 people. VYOE Tampa also continues to have regular biweekly VYO-Education classes for kids. VYO USA centers are very blessed with Shri Thakorji s krupa and Pujya Jeje Shri s Aashirwad to experience and serve Love and Happiness through Spirituality! Jai Shri Krishna and Jai Shri Vallabh! Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!11

12 Getting Involved with VYO-USA Activities Would you like to participate in VYO activities, below is the contact information for local chapters of VYO-USA. For VYO Centers worldwide, please visit our website at VYO Atlanta - GA VYO Boston - MA VYO Bradenton - FL VYO Charlotte - NC VYO Cherry hill - NJ VYO Columbus - OH VYO Dallas -TX VYO Daytona - FL VYO Detroit - MI VYO Edison - NJ VYO Florence - SC VYO Freehold - NJ VYO New Haven - CT VYO New York - NY VYO Parsippany - NJ VYO Raleigh - NC VYO Richmond -VA VYO San Diego - CA VYO Savannah - GA VYO Scranton - PA VYO Tampa - FL shahami76@hotmail.com kmalaviya47@outlook.com, dpatelcpa@comcast.net fourshah44@yahoo.com gandhi1101@yahoo.com praghema@gmail.com Siaphotography@yahoo.com shailesh777@yahoo.com shruti2819@yahoo.com sunilrupal@hotmail.com pmaniar4@gmail.com kensi4u@yahoo.com khyati.maher@prudential.com shethhansal@gmail.com sdesaipt@yahoo.com, sonalmshah@gmail.com rshah07039@gmail.com Shaharvind@aol.com vyorichmondvirginia@gmail.com tshah@yahoo.com amishampatel@bellsouth.net rangeshshah@yahoo.com jaysmivi@hotmail.com Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!12

13 Staying Connected with VYO VYO Website Facebook Vallabh Youth Organization Twitter Subscribe to receive s - Subscribe to YouTube channel - Access online shop - For latest events - VYO Mobile app Download the VYO app so you can: - set daily Darshan schedule - watch latest videos - stay connected to JeJe Shri - receive information about VYO activities and much more Download - ios - Android - Krishna World Run Mobile game Download Krishna World Run mobile game that introduces young children to Lord Krishna and his leelas through the amusement of the game. Download - ios - Android - Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!13

14 Vasant Panchmi and Holi Vasant Panchmi is celebrated on the 5 th day of bright fortnight of the month Maha (Maha Sud 5). As such, the Vasant rutu (spring season) starts in the month of Vaishakh, but on this day of Maha sud 5, Kamdev was reborn as Pradyumna the child of Shri Takorji and Shri Rukmaniji. Since growth of Kamdev was not possible without Vasant rutu, his birth was celebrated by Shri Swaminiji by placing newly arrived branches of trees in front of Shri Thakorji. This tradition continues till date. On this day, a copper vessel is covered with an orange cloth and placed infront of Shri Thakorji. Small branches of different trees are placed in it with flowers. This is the Aagman (beginning) of Vasant. During the days of Vasant, Shri Thakorji s charnarvind (feet) are covered with a cloth. The reason for this is to help bhakts create Saakhya bhav (the bhav of friendship). When bhakts come to play Holi, if they see Shri Thakorji s charnarvind, they develop Daasya Bhav and they do naman to Shri Thakorji. To aovid this situation, Shri Thakorji s feet are covered so bhakts can develop Saakhya bhav to freely play with Shri Thakorji. 40 Days of Celebration Did you know? Shri Gokulnathji - The protector of Kanthi & Tilak Contributed by VYO Tampa Shri Gokulnathji was the fourth son of Shri Gusainji, born in the year 1551 A.D. At the height of his reign, Emperor Jahangir passed an order whereby any Vaishnav or person wearing a kanthi or tilak would be executed. This order created tremors in Pushtimarg because kanthi-tilak were indispensable in Pushtimarg. Shri Gokulnathji The tranistion period for a season is 40 days including the Vasant rutu. First ten days: Vasant Kehl The main ras is Shant. So only slight khel is done to the yugal swaroop. Next ten days: Dhammar Khel During these days, group of holi players gather and go to different houses of Vraj to play colors. Next ten days: Faag Khel During these days, all Gwal balaks in groups dance and sing in the streets of Vraj. Last ten days: Hori Khel During this time, two groups are formed Gwal balaks and Gopi jans. They play with colors and tries to snach items from each other. Dol Mahotsav: After playing the Holi on the 40 th day, Shri Thakorji is tired and goes to sleep early. This leaves his bhaktas sadden since they didn t have a chance to play with Shri Thakorji. So on the 41 st day, Shri Yashodaji prepared a dol and played with Thakorji along with other bhaktas in Nandalay. That is why a day after Holi, Dol utsav is celebrated. Bhavas of Colors The color powders are not just the physical colors but each one represent Shri Swamiji s bhavs. approached the Emperor to have this order cancelled and he even went all the way to Kashmir to hold talks with the Emperor who had gone there on a holiday. Shri Gokulnathji had given his wholehearted efforts for protecting the kanthi-tilak. After many days, Emperor Jahangir saw logic and cancelled the order. For this epic effort Shri Gokulnathji is known as the 'protector of kanthi-tilak' in Pushtimarg even today. Gulal (Red color): Shri Lalitaji Abir (White color): Shri Chandravaliji Chandan (Yellow color): Shri Swaminiji Chova (Black/dark color): Shri Yamunaji Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!14

15 Kirtan for Basant Ruthu Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs:

16 Nidhi Swaroops of Pushtimarg As promised in our previous newsletter, we will outline the relevant details of some of the current Nidhi Swaroops of Pushtimarg: Lord Shrinathji (Shri GovardhanNathji) Current Residence: Nathdwara, Rajasthan Patotsav: Falgun Krishna 7 Place of Appearance: Shri Girirajji Swaroop Bhavna: Nikunj Nayak First Seva Performed by: Ramdasji Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji Most of the readers will know the story of Lord ShriNathji as we have elaborated the story in one of our previous editions of Pushti Preeti. However, here is a brief introduction: Lord Shrinathji s full form emerged in various phases from the Giriraj Hills of Vraj. In 1408, Lord Shrinathji s left hand appeared and was worshipped by the local villagers. Coinciding with the birth of Jagadguru Shrimad Vallabhacharya Mahaprabhuji the Lord s divine face appeared. Several years later, in 1492, while Vallabhacharyaji was on his tour of India, Lord Shrinathji appeared to him in a dream and expressed his desire to emerge from the caverns of Giriraj Hills as the Lord was eagerly awaiting to meet him. Shri Mahaprabhuji immediately left for Goverdhan area, and climbed up the hill to meet the Lord. Initially a temple was built on top of Govardhan Hill for Lord ShriNathji. Today Lord ShriNathji resides in the temple at Nathdwara. The swaroop of Lord Shrinathji is approximately 4 feet in height and is black in color. The Lord s divine Left hand is raised, inviting his devotees to come to him. His right hand rests on His waist in a fist to seize the wavering mind of the devotee. And his downward gaze draws his devotees to surrender unto him unconditionally for they will experience His divine Grace and Bliss! Shri Navnit Priyaji (Lalan) Current Residence: Nathdwara, Rajasthan Patotsav: Poush Krishna 6 Place of Appearance: River Yamuna Swaroop Bhavna: Bal Lila First Seva Performed by: Gajjan Dhavan Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan Shri Navnit Priyaji also affectionately known as Lalan is the toddler f o r m o f L o r d S h r i Krishna crawling on the floor with a ball of freshly churned butter (Makhan) in his right hand. Hence the name Navnit Priyaji the One who loves fresh butter. Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan states that Navnit Priyaji is the toddler form of Lord Shri Krishna who resides with his mother Yashoda and plays under her watchful eyes. Shri Navnit Priyaji was first discovered by a kshatriya woman in the River Yamuna near Mahavan and presented to Shrimad Mahaprabhuji. Both Shri Mahaprabhuji and Shri Gusainji initially performed His Seva in Gokul. Later Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan continued performing Seva until his death. Once he entered into eternal lila, Shri Girdharji, Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan s eldest son inherited the Sevya Swaroop. Shri Girdharji later entrusted Shri Navnit Priyaji to his second son Shri Damodarji. Today, Shri Navnit Priyaji resides in Nathdwara, next to Lord Shrinathji s temple. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!16

17 Shri Mathuradheeshji Prabhu (Shri Mathureshji) And she did! This is the Swaroop bhav of Lord Mathuradheeshji. Current Residence: Kota, Rajasthan Patotsav: Falgun Shukla 7 Place of Appearance: Karnaval, River Yamuna Swaroop Bhavna: Gocharan Lila First Seva Performed by: Padmanabhdasji Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Girdharji Shri Mathuradeeshji Prabhu also known as Shri Mathureshji and Mathuranathji initially appeared to Shrimad Vallabhacharyaji Mahaprabhuji and his disciple Shri Padmanabhdasji in a very large form. He later transformed himself into a smaller swaroop to be able to sit on Shrimad Mahaprabhuji s lap. Initially, his seva was performed by Padmanabhdasji and later was returned to Shri Mahaprabhuji. Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan entrusted Him to his first son Shri Girdharji who presented it to his third son Shri Gopinathji. Shri Mathuradheeshji Prabhu is the young boy swaroop of Lord Shri Krishna and Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan explains the swaroop bhav as thus: One day Lord Mathureshji went out with His friends to the Gopi s homes to steal the freshly churned butter. When he entered Shri Swaminiji s home he was caught red handed by Shri Swaminiji herself who vowed to bring Him to his parents, Yashoda Maa and Nandbaba and complain to them. At that moment, to save himself, a pair of extra arms appeared on Lord Mathureshji s form. He pleaded with Shri Swaminji, I am under your control. I always keep you with me. I hold this conch in my right lower hand because it reminds me of Your neck. In my right upper arm, I hold a lotus, because Your face is as beautiful as the lotus flower. In my left upper hand I hold a mace, because it is like the form of Your breasts. My left lower arm holds the chakra discus which resembles the bells on Your belt. I worship the bangles on your wrist and therefore wear them on my own wrist. Now please release me! (The remainder to be continued in the next edition of Pushti Preeti Newsletter!...) Shri Vitthalnathji Current Residence: Nathdwara, Rajasthan Patotsav: Vaishakh Krishna 7 Place of Appearance: Kashi Swaroop Bhavana: Cheer Haran Lila First Seva Performed by: Shrimad Mahaprabhuji Mool Acharya Sevya Swaroop: Shri Govindraiji Shri Vitthalnathji was discovered by an ascetic in the River Ganges and presented to Shrimad Mahaprabhuji on the day that Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan was born. Hence, Shrimad Mahaprabhuji named both the swaroop and His second son, Shri Vitthalnathji. Shri Gusainji Prabhucharan eventually entrusted Shri Vitthalnathji to his second son Shri Govindraiji. Initially Shri Vitthalnathji was brought to Kota, Rajasthan in 1581 and later in 1662 moved to Khimnor, Rajasthan and eventually to his current abode in Nathdwara, after Lord ShriNathji s Haveli was established. Shri Vithalnathji is a small dark gold swaroop with His hands resting on his hips. He is accompanied by Swaminiji on His left side. The Swaroop Bhav is the Cheer Haran Lila, which depicts the divine play when Shri Krishna climbed up the Kadamba tree after stealing the clothes of Gopis while they were bathing in the River Yamuna. The golden form of Shri Vitthalnathji is because the Lord became so engrossed in the bhava of Shri Swaminiji that He turned her color of gold. Also, if he had appeared in his dark color, he would not have been able to steal the Gopis clothes. Eventually, the Lord returned the clothes to the Gopis who emerged from the water divinely transformed. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!17

18 Pushti Etiquette In the book Pushti Protocol written by HDH Goswami 108 Shri Chandragopalji Maharajshri there are specific rules in Pushtimarg that need to be adhered to regarding religious texts/books as follows: 1. Do not allow your feet to touch any religious texts/books. 2. Do not position yourself in a way that your feet are extended towards religious texts. 3. Do not place religious texts in areas that are not clean or where other items such as leftover food are kept or unclean vessels. 4. A religious text should not be thrown or flung. It should be handled respectfully and placed gently in its appropriate place using your hands. 5. Do not handle or touch religious texts with unclean hands. 6. Do not touch or read religious texts while eating, wearing shoes, in the bathroom or during menstrual cycles and during mourning period (Sutak). 7. Religious texts should be considered as forms of God and should be kept in a pious place. 8. Religious texts should be far more valued than any amount of wealth one possesses and therefore they must be taken care of with this understanding! Significance of Ekadashi Paap-Mochni Ekadashi: Free from paap (sins) is the meaning of this ekadashi. When a bhakt regularly offers Pushti seva, he recognizes the paap (bad karma) he has done. Pushti bhakti and seva helps him realize his paaps and gives strength to confess. Kamada Ekadashi: During the last part of the 15th century A.D. a learned Telugu Brahmin named "Yagna Narayan Bhatt" had performed 32 SomYagnas during his life span. His son Gangadhara Bhatt had performed 28 SomYagnas. His son Ganapati Bhatt had performed 30 SomYagnas. His son Vallabh Bhatt could perform only 5 SomYagnas. Finally, his son Sri Lakshman Bhat (Father of Shri Mahaprabhuji) completed 5 SomYagnas and thus promised 100 SomYagnas were completed. When Lakshman Bhattji completed 5th Yagna ( i.e.100th Yagna for his family) Shri Mandanmohanji appeared from the Yagna, and gave a boon to Lakshman Bhattji that he would appear as his son. It happened on Kamada ekadashi signifying the importance of this ekadashi is to grant spiritual desitres. Varuthini Ekadashi (Shri Mahaprabhuji Pragatyotsav): Varuthini means blessings (vardaan). This day Pushti souls obtained vardaan to attain Shri Thakorji s leela and Shri Mahaprabhuji was born to bless Pushti bhakts. Five karmendriyas, five gnyanendriyas and one mind forms eleven senses in our body. To use all these senses in the divine service of Lord Shri Krishna was the main aim of appearance of Shri Mahaprabhuji on Varuthini ekadashi. Mohini Ekadashi: On this day vraj balas became mohini (lover) of Shri Thakorji, after seeing marvelous beauty of Shri Prabhu adorned in high quality malmal clothes and flower garlands. Also on this day, during Samudramanthan, Shri Thakorji appeared in Mohini Swaroop. Apara Ekadashi: A (અ) means demon (આ#ર ) and para (પર ) means prabhu himself (દ)વ ). To show the clear difference between આ#ર and દ)વ, Prabhu himself created both these srushtis (creations or nature). Bhakti (devotion) is the characteristic of દ)વ srushti and maya (illusion) is the characteristic of આ#ર srushti. Prabhu admires the true bhakti that is completely beautiful. Thus on this ekadashi, pushti bhakt should take out demon from within and try to attain true bhakti. Nirjala (Bhim) Ekadashi: Nirjala means fasting without water. Shri Krishna explained the meaning and benefits of ekadashi and asked Pandavs to do ekadashi vrat. However, Bhim couldn t fast so he asked for a different way of achieving benefits of all ekadashies. So Shri Krishna told Bhim to keep fast on this one ekadashi without food and jal (water). Bhim kept fast on this ekadashi without water. Hence this ekadashi is called Nirjala or Bhim ekadashi. It is believed that by fasting without food and water on this day, the person gets benefits of all 24 ekadashies. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!18

19 VYO Events in the Community Love for Gau - An awareness for cow protection in INDIA As we know our beloved HDH Yuva Vaishnavacharya Pujya Goswami 108 Shri Varjrajkumarji Mahodayshri has taken an initiative for Cow Protection throughout the India through Love for Gau project. Sheetal Parikh, Administrative Director and Chief Coordinator of this project has put in tremendous efforts to bring sincere awareness of cow protection across the globe. VYO USA also participated in this very good cause of cow protection by hosting talk shows by Ms. Kaajal Oza Vaidya at various VYO centers as part of fund raising efforts to support Love for Gau. With the support of VYO USA executive committee and true dedication of bhagvadiya vaishnavs of VYO Centers, this fund raising campaign has been very successful, not only to spread awareness of cow protection but also to showcase fine activities of Vallabh Youth Organization (VYO) that thrives to serve Love and Happiness through spirituality. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!1 9

20 VYO Events in the Community Rare Bear A Community service project by VYO San Diego With the mission of believing in the youth and allowing them to gain positive vision towards life, firm faith in whatever task they persist, and to serve them happiness, the VYO and VYOE San Diego families came together with the non-profit organization, Rare Sciences, Inc. for a volunteer event on Sunday, April 3rd, As Level 4 student, Ashna Patel introduced the event in the VYO March Satsang, VYO stands for Vallabh Youth Organization, and we are focusing on the youth. One of VYO s main aspects is to uplift youngsters and for them to have firm faith in life. There are some kids that have rare diseases who are losing faith in life. Therefore, in this volunteering activity, the Rare Bear Project, VYO-SD and VYO-E-SD will help bring back these little kids faith while doctors find cures for these diseases. This reminds the children that they have something to look forward to and there are people outside their life that care about them as well. This volunteering activity brought together approximately 70 Vaishnavs of all ages: kids, parents and grandparents. Together, we stuffed 150 bear skins and were able to sew together 75 bears. Kids from eight years old to uncles sat and were sewing, a sight very rarely seen. Vaishnavs were also able to come together in support of this organization and raised money in support of finding cures for these Immuno-Deficient children. Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!2 0

21 Kids Corner VYO Vignette By Deesha Parekh from VYOE Raleigh VYO is Vallabh Youth Organization. But, it is more It has impact I have explored I have learned I have learned a new way of life A better way of life I have learned leadership, religion, awareness, friendship, importance I have learned to teach and express VYO has taught me It has taught me to look deeper and to appreciate the little things It has taught me what and why VYO is the core of understanding It is where to learn every aspect and have all questions answered Where to go look for comfort where to find the most valuable teachings VYO is Vallabh Youth Organization But, it is more Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!21

22 Kids Corner Kids experience with VYO centers and VYO Education In reference to the Rare Bear volunteering event: We stuffed and sewed more than 100 bears for the sad, sick kids in hospitals with unknown sicknesses. We wanted the kids in these hospitals to be joyful and happy that they received colorful and fluffy teddy bears made by kind, thoughtful people. I am so lucky that I don t need to spend months in hospitals because I am sick. I loved this event and everything that it does. Ruhi, age group We made teddy bears for children with rare diseases. We stuffed and sewed over 100 bears. Nishi, age group We had this event because we wanted to help those kids who have been diagnosed with rare diseases. This was an amazing experience and I had a lot of fun. In addition to stuffing bear skins that were made by different people in different states and countries, I learned how to sew. But before that, we had to clean the floor and the area we were working in because we didn t want the bears to get germs on them, because the kids that receive them don t have a good immune system. Once all the bears are finished, VYO-E Level 4 will be going to a local hospital to hand out these bears. Vishwa, age group We volunteered our time for all the children in the hospital that have rare diseases. This was important to me because the kids are sad, and I want them to be happy. I worked with others my age, my parents age, and my grandparents age. I learned many things from this experience. First, I learnt that these kids bodies are unable to fight off diseases, so we had to Clorox the area so the bears would be germ-free, and we had to wash our hands. Second, I learned how to stuff a bear. It was kind of like Build-a-bear, but we did it ourselves. It was fun to see other uncles and aunties also stuffing bears. Then, I learned how to sew, which I didn t know how to do before. It was fun and made me happy to think that I was doing this for a good cause. And soon, I will be able to bring happiness to these kids by going to one of the hospitals to hand deliver the bears we made. Maahi, age group Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!22

23 Upcoming Pushtimargiya Festivals and Holidays Festival English Month Gujarati Month/Tithi Chaitra Navratri prarambh April 8, 2016 Chaitra Sud 1 Gudi Padvo Gangouri April 10, 2016 Chaitra Sud 3 Shri Yadunathaji, Shri April 12, 2016 Chaitra Sud 6 Gusainji s 6 th son, utsav (1615) Shri Yamunaji Utsav April 12, 2016 Chaitra Sud 6 Shri Ramnavami Vrat April 15, 2016 Chaitra Sud 9 Shri Mahaprabhuji Pragtay May 3, 2016 Chaitra Vad 11 Mahotsav Akshay TruKa / Chandan Yatra May 9, 2016 Vaishakh Sud 3 Shri Nrusinh Jayan; May 20, 2016 Vaishakh Sud 14 Ganga Dashmi June 14, 2016 Jeth Sud 10 Jyeshtabhishek Snnan Yatra June 20, 2016 Jeth Sud 15 Upcoming Ekadashis Date Gujarati Month/Tithi Ekadashi Vrat April 04, 2016 Fagan-Vad 11 Paap-Mochani Ekadashi April 17, 2016 Chaitra-Sud 11 Kaamadaa Ekadashi May 03, 2016 Chaitra-Vad 11 Varuthini Ekadashi (Shri Mahaprabhuji Pragtay utsav) May 17, 2016 Vaishakh-Sud 11 Mohini Ekadashi June 01, 2016 Vaishakh-Vad 11 Apara Ekadashi June 16, 2016 Jeth-Sud 11 Nirjala (Bhim) Ekadashi Upcoming US Holidays Date Holiday Mother s day May 8, 2016 Memorial day May 30, 2016 Father s day June 19, 2016 Volume 3. Issue 3. Spring 2016 Comments/Qs: vallabhyouthusa@gmail.com!23