Friday, 10 May 2013
Pujaya Shri Lalji's first twelve disciples (sewak)
Shri Dawarka Das Khatri was the first disciple
(Sewak) of Pujaya Shri Lal Ji Maharaj.It is noted
from the old writings of Pujaya Shri that Dawarka
Das was an incarnation of Shri Akroor Ji of
Dwaper Yug............More
Shri Occhi Ram Ji Kalra was a very rich man in
Dera Gazi Khan. He owned huge volume of wealth
including a big orchard.He was a........More
Shri Hith Jagdish Ji Tarneja was a very poor
vegetable vendor in Dera Gazi Khan.One day he
was carrying his vegetables in a basket on.........More
Shri Khem Das Pushkarna was a poor Brahmin
and used to live in Kaludi Village, a small village in
Pakistan. Shri Khem Das used to beg food from the villagers.........More
Shri Permanand Lapsya
Shri Ras Jagdish Khatri
Shri Permanand Ji Sachdev
Shri Khem Das Pushkarna
Shri Dandhi Brahmin
Shri Bhagwan Das Pambu
Shri Sant Das
Shri Mani Ram Balochi
Shifting of Temple from Dera Gazi Khan to Vrindaban Dham
In August 1947, when India was divided into two India and Pakistan at that time situation in Dera Gazi Khan became very pathetic and brutal, not only in Dera Gazi Khan but all North West Frontier (Now in Pakistan) side. Seeing the disturbance in the area, all the Goswami Swarup of Ashtampith had to decide to move at a safer place so that sewa of Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Shri Thakur Ji) could not get hampered. All the people from nearby areas gathered in the temple to get shelter. All the Goswami Swarups advised them not to get scared because Shri Thakur Ji was with them. Every one prayed before Shri Thakur Ji for safety, in the night, people noticed that a shining plate was moving round the temple. People were so sure that was non other but was “Sudershan Chakraâ€(Lord Krishan’s weopon) for their safety. Now all the people were confident that they would now remain safe since Shri Thakur Ji was with them and they left for safer place in the next morning. By the grace of Shri Thakur Ji all the people reached safely without even getting a small scratch on their body. When people left then Goswami Swarups arranged trucks so that all the family members with some luggage could move from Dera Gazi Khan. One Truck was made Khasa (Purified) to place the Holy Idol of Shri Thakur Ji.
On 20th November 1947 kartik sudi Gopashtmi, Goswami Swarups started from Dera Gazi Khan with Shri Thakur Ji to Muzaffargarh on trucks (which was around 20 K M away from Dera Gazi Khan (other side of sindu river) after the Raaj Bhog. In the evening trucks reached Muzaffaegarh camps. Here Shri Thakur Ji was placed in a small hut where sandhaya arti and shayan sewa was performed. Shri Thakur Ji remained there for 3 days and all the sewas were performed accordingly. At that time following Goswami Swarups of Ashtampith and Mukhiyas (Sewa Dhar) were present in Shri Thakur Ji's sewa:
Goswami Shri Kanhaya Lal JI
Goswami Shri Dani Lal Ji
Goswami Shri Banka Lal Ji
Goswami Shri Shyam Lal Ji
Goswami Shri Panna Lal Ji
Mukhiyas
Shri Goru Lal Ji
Shri Bihari Lal Ji
Shri Kanhaya Lal Ji
Rest of the Goswami Swarups were accompanying with other family members to reach Shahbad Markanda (Near Ambala in India) refugee camps for their safety.
On 23rd November 1947 at 6.00 P M Goswami Swarups moved from Muzaffargarh with Shri Thakur Ji by a train for Khanewal Junction (Now in Pakistan) from Khanewal they moved to Lahore and from Lahore to Attari enroute to Shahbad Markanda and reached on 25th November 1947. During the journey proper sewa of 8 yaam was performed.
The utsav of Harprobodhini Ekadashi (Tulsi Vivah) was performed at Rajpura Junction (Punjab India) on the same day by evening they reached Shahbad Markanda refugee camps where other Goswami Swarups were present. Here Shri Thakur Ji remained for 20 days. On 15th December 1947 they left for Delhi and reached Delhi Junction at 4.00 A M on 16th December 1947. Shri Thakur Ji was placed in a small arch (Burji) outside the station of Delhi Junction.
On the auspicious day of Vihar Panchami i.e 17th December 1947 after Raaj Bhog they moved for Vrindaban by special bus. They reached Vrindaban at 9.00 PM in the pre-existing own temple of Lord Shri Gore Dau Ji (Which was established by Shri 108 Goswami Kewal Ram Ji Maharaj Grand son of Shri 108 Goswami Lal Ji Maharaj) at Sukhan Mata Ki Kunj, Gautam Para, Vrindaban. After performing sandhaya and Shayan sewa Shri Thakur Ji was placed on Komal Shayia (soft sleeping bed) adjoining Lord Shri Gore Dau Ji. That was the happiest moment for all Goswami Swarups when Holy Idol of Shri Thakur Ji was placed with comfort. Since then Shri Thakur Ji Maharaj has been giving his glorious darshan in Vrindaban to all His devotees.
Reconstruction of Mandir Shri Gopi Nath Ji in Vrindaban
Around 400 years old structure of temple of Shri Gopi Nath Ji which is currently located in Sukhan Mata Ki Kunj, Gautam Para, Vrindaban (District Mathura) India had become very feeble dilapidated and needed to be rebuilt. Many meetings and plannings were discussed with Ashtampithadish Goswami Swarups for the new shape of temple after dismantling the old one. Considering all the aspects it was decided to rebuild the new structure of temple. On the auspicious day of Basant Panchami 1999 a group of devoted disciples of Ashtampith started their sincere efforts to rebuild the temple in a new shape. A huge amount of donations were received for this holy work.
A trust was established in the year 2000 with the name of Mandir Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Dera Gazi Khan) Samiti (Regd) (Reg No 37005) and office bearer were elected. The following office bearers took the charge:
Chairman : Shri Amir Chand Girdhar of Faridabad
President : Shri Ishar Das Bhutani of Delhi
Vice President : Shri Mool Chand Mandwani of Surat
General Secretary : Shri Vasudev Tuteja of Delhi
Joint Secretary : Pt Shri Shyam Sunder Sharma of FBD (Now Late)
Cashier : Shri Chander Bhan Virmani of Delhi
Asstt Cashier: Shri Roshan Lal Bajaj of Delhi
Members
Shri Arjun Das Tuteja of Delhi
Shri Shiv Dayal Chhabra of Delhi
Shri Subhash Saluja of Delhi
Shri Arjun Dev Khattar of Faridabad
Shri Krishan Gopal Khattar of Faridabad
Smt Lajjo Bai of Faridabad
Shri Dwarka Das Nadwani of Panipat
Shri Krishan Lal Miglani of Panipat
Shri Lekh Raj Chugh of Surat
Shri G D Mehta of Mumbai
Shri Shyam Lal Bajaj of Gurgaon
Shri Puran Chand Grover of Gurgaon
The above committee contacted each and every disciple of Ashtampithadish in all over the country for their contribution in the construction work. Every one extended the fullest support. And with the excellent and sincere efforts of above committee members alongwith collective efforts of devoted disciples and Goswami Swarups of Ashtampith, the old construction of temple could be converted into a new beautiful temple in the year 2005.
When the new beautiful temple was ready, Goswami Swarups of Ashtampith and committee members decided to organize a huge patoutsav (Inauguration) so that Lord Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Shri Thakur Ji) could be placed on the new singhasan (Throne).
Finally on the Panchami of Aashad Maas 2005 (11/07/2005) (after two days of Rath Yatra) the Holy Diety of Shri Thakur Ji Maharaj was seated on singhasan in newly reconstructed temple. At the occasion, a huge patoutsav (Inauguration) programme was organised which started on 10th July 2005 and concluded on 12th July 2005. His Holiness Pujaya Shri 1008 Goswami Shri Chiman Lal Ji Maharaj of Shri Vallabh Kul from Gokul, kindly graced the utsav and blessed Goswami Swarups and all disciples inspiring them to celebrate the occasion every year with devotion before Lord Shri Gopi Nath Ji. At this occasion, many functions were organised like, Bhajans Kirtans by a Mandali, Shobha Yatra of Shri Gopi Nath Ji was moved from main places of Vrindaban, Krishan Raas Lila, Bhandara, Phool Bangala, Palana Utsav, Chhappan Bhog. Thousands of devotees enjoyed all the bhavya darshans of Shri Thakur Ji and all other programmes with full enthusiasm and devotion.
After the patoutsav, the first annual function was organized on 30th June 2006 with full devotion and enthusiasm. His Holiness Pujaya Shri 1008 Goswami Shri Pranvallabh Ji Maharaj Son of His Holiness Pujaya Shri 1008 Goswami Shri Braj Raman Lal Ji Maharaj of Shri Vallabh Kul from Mathura kindly graced the annual function and blessed to all who came to attend function. A shobha yatra of Shri Gopi Nath Ji was moved from main places of Vrindaban alongwith Bhajan/Kirtan. A Bhandara (Community Feast) was also organized.
The second annual function was organized on 19th July 2007 on this occasion His Holiness Shri 1008 Goswami Braj Vallabh Ji Maharaj son of Pujaya Shri 1008 Goswami Shri Pranvallabh Ji Maharaj of Shri Vallabh Kul from Mathura blessed the all thousands devotees.
This annual function will be celebrated every year on Panchami of Aashad Maas.
All of above a name of a very humble, diligent, God devoted person Late Pandit Shyam Sunder Sharma’s name of Sector 19, Faridabad (Haryana) can not be forgotten for his untiring devotion and contribution in reconstruction of temple. He was a great social worker and was always ready to help others. He took an initiative in temple committee and devoted his 3 years in the process of arrangement of construction. After few months from the date of construction he fell ill and was detected with kidney cancer, besides this, he continued his services in the temple. He did not bother about his bad health and inspite of that he prayed to Shri Thakur Ji to grant him two years life span so that he could complete his task which was assigned to him. It seems Shri Thakur had accepted his prayer and in that two years of time the structure of new temple came into being and then he passed away. Also active co-operation of Late Goswami Shri Krishan Lal Ji son of Pujaya Goswami Shri Radhu Lal Ji Maharaj of Ashtampith can not be omitted mention and for two years he did not leave site of the construction and stood shoulder to shoulder with Late Pt Shyam Sunder Ji. He guided Late Pt Shyam Sunder Ji and the Engineer to ensure that dismantling of old structure as also construction of new structure did not hamper with daily Aath Yaam (Eight Time) sewa of Lord Shri Gopi Nath Ji and Lord Shri Gore Dau Ji even for a single day. Lord Shri Gopi Nath Ji fructify efforts of His devotees
Pujaya Shri Lalji's first twelve disciples (sewak)
- Shri Dawarka Das Khatri was the first disciple (Sewak) of Pujaya Shri Lal Ji Maharaj.It is noted from the old writings of Pujaya Shri that Dawarka Das was an incarnation of Shri Akroor Ji of Dwaper Yug.
- Shri Occhi Ram Ji Kalra
- Shri Jagdish Ji Tarneja
- Shri Khem Das Pushkarna
- Shri Permanand Lapsya
- Shri Ras Jagdish Khatri
- Shri Permanand Ji Sachdev
- Shri Khem Das Pushkarna
- Shri Dandhi Brahmin
- Shri Bhagwan Das Pambu
- Shri Sant Das
- Shri Mani Ram Balochi
Biography of Pujya Shri 108 Goswami Lal Ji Maharaj
Lal Ji Maharaj born on Magh Sukla Saptami Vikrmi Samvat 1608 at Village Sevan in Sindh Province located in District Larkana (Now in Pakistan). His father's name was Shri Ajju Dev a Saraswat Brahmin and mother's name was Shrimati Devki.His Father was a Prohit (Priest).
One day his father and mother were performing a Som Yagya (Religious Ritual) after completing the same they got a vision of Lord Nagar Ji and Lord said I am very happy from your sewa (worship), now demand whatever you want from me. The holy couple did not demand any thing except Lord's worship. Lord again insisted to demand some thing. Then the said couple requested Lord that we want a son like you. Lord agreed and promised. After this promise the couple felt very much gratified and awaited the time when Lord would take birth in their home. The couple was blessed with a son an incarnation of God on the aforesaid date (Magh Sukla Saptami Vikrmi Samvat 1608). The couple gave a name to newly born child as Tulsidas who later was known as Shri 108 Goswami Lal Ji Maharaj.
When Tulsidas Ji was 5 years old he lost his loving mother. After some time his father Shri Ajju Dev Ji told him that he had to go to his Yajman (disciple) for 3-4 days in connection with wedding ceremony and in his absence you would perform sewa of Lord Shri Nagar Ji. His father advised him to first prepare the food (bhog) for Lord and offer Him after that you may take the prasad.
Shri Tulsidas Ji in the next morning started sewa and performed shringaar and prepared food (bhog) for Lord after taking every care that the bhog is made very delicious. He presented bhog in Thali (Plate) and placed before Lord Shri Nagar Ji and prayed that He may accept bhog and take it. After some time when he went to remove bhog thali he was surprised that the bhog was intact and it appeared to him that the bhog was not accepted by Lord. He thought that there was some mistake on his part and decided to take bath again and prepare the bhog again with all care. Second time he repeated the same process but still he doubted that the Lord had not accepted the food. Both the thalis were given to cow and he slept without taking the food.
This process continued for 3 days and the child Tulidas remained without Prasad for all these days. On fourth day in the morning he took bath and performed sewa of Lord although he was feeling very weak and feeble he prepared bhog samigri and placed the thali before Lord and prayed humbly to kindly accept the bhog pitting on a child and fell down unconscious. After some time the Lord awakened him lovingly and told him that He had accepted his bhog samigri on all 3 days and now you may see yourself, I am taking bhog and would give my prasadi The child Tulsidas was very happy and Lord fed him Prasadi with His own hand.
In the evening when his father returned he asked his son did you perform sewa and placed bhog before Lord Properly The child Tulsidas narrated the whole story as he experienced during the last 3-4 days. His father was over whelmed with joy and tears rolled down from his eyes. He told his son that he is a blessed pious soul of God. He asked his son that in the next morning he would prepare bhog samigri and place bhog before God. Because he was anxious to see Lord taking bhog before his eyes. Child Tulsidas followed the instructions of his father and placed bhog thali before Lord repeating his request to accept and take bhog.
His father could not see Lord taking bhog and asked his son to show if Lord was taking bhog. The son indicated that Lord was pleased and taking bhog and he watching all that. On behalf of his father he prayed to Lord to bless him divya drishti (spiritual vision) so that he could take the vision of his Lord's Darshan. Shri Ajju Dev was able to had Darshan of God taking of bhog.
After some time Shri Lal Ji Maharaj lost his father. Then Lord Shri Nagar Ji appeared in vision to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and advised him to move to Vrindaban (District Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, India) He reached Vrindaban after two years and stayed in Vrindaban for a short period, one day Lord Nagar Ji came in his dream and further advised him to go to Mathura at Vishram Ghat (Bank of Yamuna River) where you would meet your Pujaya Gurudev. Shri Lal Ji proceeded for Mathura where he got the honour to meet Gosain Ji Shri 108 Vitthal Nath Ji Maharaj (Second son of Jagad Guru Mahaprabhu Shri 1008 Vallabhacharaya Ji Maharaj). Pujaya Gosain Ji gave Guru Mantra and Kanthi (Made of Basil Wood) and made him His Pupil.
Pujaya Shri Gosain Ji took him to Jatipura (District Mathura) and assigned a duty (Sewa) of Jal Gharyia (Water Carrier) for Lord Shri Nathji Maharaj. He immediately started his Jal sewa and he used to go from Jatipura to Vishram Ghat (Mathura) of Yamuna River. The distance of the same was approximately 23 KM which he used to go by foot daily. He continued this sewa for 12 years, he was performing this sewa very diligently and with devotion. Due to his sincere sewa he got a wound on his shoulder which carried worms. Whenever any worm used to fall down from the wound he used to pick up and put on the same place.
In between, the well known poet and God devotee Ashtchhap Shri Surdas Ji was very sick and in his old age, Gosain Ji Shri Vitthal Nath Ji ordered him to look after Shri Surdas Ji. He followed the instructions and started his work with full devotion. After some time Shri Surdas Ji passed away and Shri Lal Ji Maharaj cremated his holy structure and completed all the traditional formalities like a son.
One day it so happened when Shri Lal Ji Maharaj was carrying Gaagar (pitcher) full with Holy Yamuna Water Lord Shri NathJi in disguise of a very poor and thirsty man and asked him to give water to quench his thirst or otherwise he would die of thirst. Shri Lal Ji Maharaj for moment thought over it and immediately he was reminded of his guru�s instructions that giving water to very thirsty man should be on top priority to save one's life. Shri Lal Ji Maharaj immediately gave water to that poor man and returned to Yamuna Ji (River) to clean gaagar and fill it up with fresh Holy Yamuna water in the mean time Lord Shri Nath Ji reached Jatipura and assured Shri Gosain Ji Maharaj that the boy Jal Gharyia had been tested and found fit to be named as eighth son of Shri Gusain Ji Shri 108 Vitthal Nath Ji Maharaj.
Thus Shri Lal Ji was relieved from sewa of Jal Ghariya and was directed by Shri Gusain Ji to his second son Shri Gokul Nath Ji to receive Shiksha (Religious Education). Shri Gokul Nath Ji gave him the shiksha of Shrimad Bhagwat and other Granths. Shri Gosain Ji gave him the tips of daily sewa (including shringaar) of Lord. After completion of one year practical training of Pushtimargiya sewa pranali (methodology). Shri Gosain Ji while giving away seven nidhis to his seven sons, he gave Holy Deity of Shri Gopi Nath Ji to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj on the inspiration of Lord Shri Nath Ji as his eighth son then he instructed Shri Lal Ji to go to north west frontier side of the country and perform sewa of Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Shri Thakur Ji) preaching about vaishanavism there.
On the auspicious day of Ekadashi (Eleveth day) of Bhadho Maas (Almost September) Wednesday Vikrami Samvat (Indian traditional year) 1640 towards said location.
Shri Lal Ji started on his journey carrying Shri Thakur Ji on his head and reached Lahore (Pakistan). He stayed at Lahore for some time and started worship (Sewa) of Shri Thakur Ji. There also it seemed Shri Thakur Ji was not happy to stay.
Again Shri Thakur Ji ordered him in vision to move further. When Shri Lal Ji reached Multan (Pakistan) he prayed to Shri Thakur Ji that he was very much tired and would not able to carry the Holy Idol on his head then Shri Thakur Ji told him if he was so tired he should move ahead and Shri Thakur Ji would follow him provided he does not look behind. Shri Lal Ji prayed how would he know that Shri Tahkur Ji was following him. Shri Tahkur Ji assured him that he would continue hearing his Nupur (Anklet) thus Shri Lal Ji Maharaj reached near river Sindh (Indus) he crossed the river by boat and reached the other bank of the river and started moving ahead. Then after some distance he did not hear the voice of Nupur due to sand and when he looked behind he saw that Shri Thakur Ji wanted to stay there.
He prayed to Shri Thakur Ji then Lord indicated that place was suitable to his wish because this place symbolized with Braj in north there is suleman hill like Goverdhan and in south the river Indus like Shri Yamuna in Braj and therefore he wished to stay there. The place was Dera Gazi Khan (Pakistan) as Shri Lal Ji came to know from the local people. He looked around and noticed there was a beautiful orchard with shadowy trees grown up there. He carried the Holy Idol and installed under the Shadowy tree. There he started worship (sewa).
The orchard was owned by Shri Ochhi Ram Kalra (A Big Land Lord). An employee of Shri Ochhi Ram noticed Shri Lal Ji Maharaj was performing sewa, he reported to his land lord about it. Shri Ochhi Ram came and asked Shri Lal Ji with whose permission he was doing sewa in the orchard and added to move out from there by next morning. Shri Lal Ji however told him that Lord wished to stay here. But Shri Ochhi Ram did not agree and asked him to move out.
Shri Lal Ji said he would do it. On reaching home Shri Ochhi Ram felt acute abdominal pain even after consulting doctors/hakim but the pain did not stop and it appeared that Shri Ochhi Ram would not survive. Tired of his continued pain, Shri Ochhi Ram to take him to the orchard so that he may have last darshan of the saint Shri Lal Ji, when the people brought him to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj. Shri Ochhi Ram was crying with pain and begged to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj to pardon him as he looked his death on his head.
Shri Lal Ji Maharaj gave him few drops of Jhari (Flagon in which drinking water is stored) Jal (Water) kept near the feet of Shri Thakur Ji. Miracle happened, Shri Ochhi Ram felt the pain was gone and he stood up cheerful. Then he portrayed before Shri Thakur Ji and Shri Lal Ji, begging forgiveness for his rude behavior. Then he requested Shri Lal Ji Maharaj to stay there and perform sewa till the temple is constructed by him.
In the meantime, Gazi Khan a Monarch of Dera Gazi Khan came to know about the miracle. Gazi Khan was child less and was very anxious to have an heir (Successor). He also came to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and begged for his blessings. Shri Lal Ji Maharaj picked up a fruit from the feet of Shri Thakur Ji and gave him the same to give it to his wife. Shri Lal Ji Maharaj assured him that Shri Thakur Ji would bestow him with a son. So it happened and Gazi Khan was very much pleased. He came along with Shri Ochhi Ram to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and placed money before him so that beautiful temple could be constructed. Due to their joint efforts a huge and beautiful temple was constructed.
On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritya of Vaishakh Sukla (Third date of moon fortnight of April) of Vikrami Samvat 1643 he laid down the foundation of ASHTAMPITH after placing Shri Thakur Ji on HIS SINGHASAN (Throne)
Appearance of Lord Shri Dau Ji and Establishment of Mandir of Shri Gopi Nath Ji in Vrindaban
When Pujaya Goswami Shri 108 Lal Ji Maharaj mingled with Braj Rajj (at Vrindaban) (Departed for Baikunth (Heaven). His grandson Pujaya Goswami Shri Kewal Ram Ji got an inspiration to have some place in Braj and purchased a land in Vrindaban and constructed a big house.
After some time Pujya Goswami Shri Kewal Ram Ji lost his young son (Goswami Shri Jagannath Ji). Goswami Jagannath Ji was married andused to live in Dera Gazi Khan (which is now in Pakistan). After his death his wife (Sukhan) used to live with her in-laws. One day her mother in-law noticed that in the mid night some conversation with a man is coming from her daughter-in-law’s room. She waited outside the room. After some time door opened and a person came out, then her mother in-law caught his arm. When she saw, it was shocking, that was her deceased son. She asked her son, how he came, he replied that he had come to explain the methodology of worship (sewa) of Shri Thakur Ji. His mother told, for society you are deceased, if you want to come then come for everyone otherwise remain away, as you can not change the system of nature. Her son humbly accepted her order and promised that he would not come again in this house.
One day Pujaya Jagannath Ji came in the dream of his wife and asked her to go to Vrindaban there he would teach the method of sewa of Shri Thakur Ji. In the morning, she explained about the dream to her in-laws.
Her in-laws thought about the desire of their son and decided to go to Vrindaban.
Pujaya Goswami Shri Kewal Ram Ji his wife and his daughter in- law alongwith support staff came to Vrindaban. Here Pujaya Jagannath Ji used to come and taught methodology of sewa to his wife.
Sukhan Ji used to go to Yamuna Ji daily for snan (bath). One day when she was having snan and took a dip in the water then suddenly her head struck with some thing hard. She did not bother and came out from water and returned home. In the night, she had a dream in which some one
asked what happened, when you were having snan in the Yamuna Ji,why did you not enquire about that item with whom you got hit in your head. In the morning, you go with some people and see and bring out me from the Yamuna Ji and establish me there, where in future Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Shri Thakur Ji) would be placed on the throne. She was
surprised and wanted to know who was that. Then He said I am Dauji (elder brother of Lord Shri Krishan). In the morning, she went to Yamuna Ji with some people and pulled out the big statue of Shri Dau Ji. After all the religious formalities she positioned Dau Ji in a room of her house.
Later on that portion was converted to a Temple (Mandir) and named that temple as Gore Dau Ji ka Mandir. Sukhan Ji lived whole life in the Vrindaban and used to perform sewa of Lord Shri Dau Ji and departed for heaven in her old age. After her departure to heaven that place was famously known as SUKHAN MATA KI KUNJ.
Since the temple of Gore Dauji was already established therefore most of the Goswami Swarups of Ashtampith used to come to Vrindaban from Dera Gazi Khan for Braj Vaas. After India Pakistan partition all the Goswami Swarups of Ashtampith shifted from Dera Gazi Khan with Holy
Deity of Shri Gopi Nath Ji and seated Holy Diety Shri Gopi Nath Ji on Singhasan (Throne) in the temple aside with Shri Dau Ji Maharaj, which later on known as Mandir Shri Gopi Nath Ji which is presently located in Sukhan Mata Ki Kunj, Gautam Para, Vrindaban (Utter Pradesh, India).
Appearance of Infallible Deity Lord Shri Gopi Nath Ji
As per the saying of ancestors of Goswami Swarups that Holy
Deity of Shri Thakur Ji appeared in the period of
Mahabharata. When Lord Krishan was willing to go to war
of Mahabharata at that time His Patrani (Queen) Rukmani
Ji asked Lord Shri Krishan, how she and other Ranis
(Queens) would survive, who do not take even water without
your darshan. Then Lord Krishan himself appeared in holy
deity and told that you may perform sewa of this deity
which would reach to me directly. This original holy deity
later on called Shri Gopi Nath Ji.
When Lord Krishan went to Mahabharata war Patrani
Rakmani Ji and other Ranis used to perform regular
sewa with all sincerity as they used to perform for Lord
Krishan. After performing sewa for a long period
Lord Krishan's elder son Shri Pradhuman Ji took over the
sewa and performed as per the tradition.
When Dwarka sank in the sea this holy deity also
disappeared in the deep sea. After long time Shri Thakur Ji
(holy deity) appeared in vision to Pujya Shri Bajranabh Ji
(Great Grandson of Lord Krishan & Son Shri
Anurudhra Ji) and ordained to take me from island near
Dwarka. Pujaya Shri Bajranabh Ji brought this deity from
there and started performing the regular sewa.
Almost thousands of years Lord Krishan's descendants
performed Shri Thakur Ji's sewa after that Pujaya
Shri Kamlasan Ji a Vaishnav took over the honour of sewa.
From Shri Kamlasan Ji, Pujaya Shri Bilva Mangal Ji, from
Shri Bilva Mangal Ji to Shri Keshavpuri Ji got the honour.
From Pujaya Shri Keshavpuri Ji, Jagatguru
Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ji's elder son
Shri Gopi Nath Ji got the honour of sewa.
From Shri Gopi Nath Ji to Shri Girdhar Ji's Vauji (wife)
then Gosain Ji Shri Vitthal Nath Ji (Second Son of
Jagatguru Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ji) further
honoured Shri Tulsidas Ji alias Shri Lal Ji Maharaj as his
eighth son on the inspiration of Shri Nath Ji (Prabhu Shri
Nath Ji) elevating him from the position of Jal Ghariya
(water carrier) and declared him as his eighth son.
When Shri Gosain Ji distributed seven nidhis (Means deities of Lord
Krishan swarups) to his seven sons, Lord Shri Nath Ji ordained on Shri
Gosain Ji to give away Holy Deity of Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Shri Thakur Ji) to
his eighth son Shri Lal Ji or otherwise I shall elope with Shri Gopi Nath Ji.
Shri Gosain Ji readily followed Prabhu Shri Nath Ji's desire. Following
the example of their father, seven
sons of Shri Gosain Ji also gave seven swarups i.e shaligram, navneet
priya etc. as a token of love and affection.
Shri Gosain Ji Maharaj gave instructions to Shri Lal Ji to go with this
Holy Deity towards North West Frontier side of India and preach
Vaishnavism ( Pushtimarg )
Deity of Shri Thakur Ji appeared in the period of
Mahabharata. When Lord Krishan was willing to go to war
of Mahabharata at that time His Patrani (Queen) Rukmani
Ji asked Lord Shri Krishan, how she and other Ranis
(Queens) would survive, who do not take even water without
your darshan. Then Lord Krishan himself appeared in holy
deity and told that you may perform sewa of this deity
which would reach to me directly. This original holy deity
later on called Shri Gopi Nath Ji.
When Lord Krishan went to Mahabharata war Patrani
Rakmani Ji and other Ranis used to perform regular
sewa with all sincerity as they used to perform for Lord
Krishan. After performing sewa for a long period
Lord Krishan's elder son Shri Pradhuman Ji took over the
sewa and performed as per the tradition.
When Dwarka sank in the sea this holy deity also
disappeared in the deep sea. After long time Shri Thakur Ji
(holy deity) appeared in vision to Pujya Shri Bajranabh Ji
(Great Grandson of Lord Krishan & Son Shri
Anurudhra Ji) and ordained to take me from island near
Dwarka. Pujaya Shri Bajranabh Ji brought this deity from
there and started performing the regular sewa.
Almost thousands of years Lord Krishan's descendants
performed Shri Thakur Ji's sewa after that Pujaya
Shri Kamlasan Ji a Vaishnav took over the honour of sewa.
From Shri Kamlasan Ji, Pujaya Shri Bilva Mangal Ji, from
Shri Bilva Mangal Ji to Shri Keshavpuri Ji got the honour.
From Pujaya Shri Keshavpuri Ji, Jagatguru
Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ji's elder son
Shri Gopi Nath Ji got the honour of sewa.
From Shri Gopi Nath Ji to Shri Girdhar Ji's Vauji (wife)
then Gosain Ji Shri Vitthal Nath Ji (Second Son of
Jagatguru Shri Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharya Ji) further
honoured Shri Tulsidas Ji alias Shri Lal Ji Maharaj as his
eighth son on the inspiration of Shri Nath Ji (Prabhu Shri
Nath Ji) elevating him from the position of Jal Ghariya
(water carrier) and declared him as his eighth son.
When Shri Gosain Ji distributed seven nidhis (Means deities of Lord
Krishan swarups) to his seven sons, Lord Shri Nath Ji ordained on Shri
Gosain Ji to give away Holy Deity of Shri Gopi Nath Ji (Shri Thakur Ji) to
his eighth son Shri Lal Ji or otherwise I shall elope with Shri Gopi Nath Ji.
Shri Gosain Ji readily followed Prabhu Shri Nath Ji's desire. Following
the example of their father, seven
sons of Shri Gosain Ji also gave seven swarups i.e shaligram, navneet
priya etc. as a token of love and affection.
Shri Gosain Ji Maharaj gave instructions to Shri Lal Ji to go with this
Holy Deity towards North West Frontier side of India and preach
Vaishnavism ( Pushtimarg )
Establishment of Temple (Mandir) Shri Gopi Nath Ji at Dera Gazi Khan
When Shri Gosain Ji ordered Shri Lal Ji to go towards North West
Frontier side of India then Shri Lal Ji started from Braj (Jati Pura, Mathura
& Vrindavan all located in Braj Mandal Uttar Pradesh in India) on the
auspicious day of Ekadashi (Eleveth day) of Bhadho Maas (Almost
September) Wednesday Vikrami Samvat (Indian traditional year) 1640
towards said location.
On the way his holiness first stayed at Panipat, Karnal & Kurukshetra
(Now Haryana) where he performed some festivals in devotion of Shri
Gopi Nath Ji ( Shri Thakur Ji). But Shri Thakur Ji appeared in vision to
him desired to move towards aforesaid location.
Shri Lal Ji started on his journey carrying Shri Thakur Ji on his head and
reached Lahore (Pakistan). He stayed at Lahore for some time and
started worship (Sewa) of Shri Thakur Ji. There also it seemed Shri
Thakur Ji was not happy to stay.
Again Shri Thakur Ji ordered him in vision to move further. When Shri
Lal Ji reached Multan (Pakistan) he prayed to Shri Thakur Ji that he was
very much tired and would not be able to carry the Holy Idol on his head
then Shri Thakur Ji told him if he was so tired he should move ahead and
Shri Thakur Ji would follow him provided he does not look behind. Shri
Lal Ji prayed how would he know that Shri Tahkur Ji was following him.
Shri Thakur Ji assured him that he would continue hearing his Nupur
(Anklet) thus Shri Lal Ji Maharaj reached near river Sindh (Indus) he
crossed the river by boat and reached the other bank of the river and
started moving ahead. Then after some distance he did not hear the voice
of Nupur due to sand and when he looked behind he saw that Shri
Thakur Ji wanted to stay there.
He prayed to Shri Thakur Ji then Lord indicated that place was suitable to
His wish because this place symbolized with Braj in north there is
suleman hill like Goverdhan and in south the river Indus like Shri Yamuna
in Braj and therefore He wished to stay there. The place was Dera Gazi
Khan (Pakistan) as Shri Lal Ji came to know from the local people. He
looked around and noticed there was a beautiful orchard with shadowy
trees grown up there. He carried the Holy Idol and installed under the
Shadowy tree. There he started worship (sewa).
The orchard was owned by Shri Ochhi Ram Kalra (A Big Land Lord). An
employee of Shri Ochhi Ram noticed Shri Lal Ji Maharaj was performing
sewa, he reported to his land lord about it. Shri Ochhi Ram came and
asked Shri Lal Ji with whose permission he was doing sewa in the
orchard and added to move out from there by next morning. Shri Lal Ji
however told him that Lord wished to stay here. But Shri Ochhi Ram did
not agree and asked him to move out.
Shri Lal Ji said he would do it. On reaching home Shri Ochhi Ram felt
acute abdominal pain even after consulting doctors/hakim but the pain
did not stop and it appeared that Shri Ochhi Ram would not survive. Tired
of his continued pain, Shri Ochhi Ram to take him to the orchard so that
he may have last darshan of the saint Shri Lal Ji, when the people
brought him to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj. Shri Ochhi Ram was crying with pain
and begged to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj to pardon him as he looked his death
on his head.
Shri Lal Ji Maharaj gave him few drops of Jhari (Flagon in which drinking
water is stored) Jal (Water) kept near the feet of Shri Thakur Ji. Miracle
happened, Shri Ochhi Ram felt the pain was gone and he stood up
cheerful. Then he portrayed before Shri Thakur Ji and Shri Lal Ji, begging
forgiveness for his rude behavior. Then he requested Shri Lal Ji Maharaj
to stay there and perform sewa till the temple is constructed by him.
In the meantime, Gazi Khan a Monarch of Dera Gazi Khan came to know
about the miracle. Gazi Khan was child less and was very anxious to
have an heir (Successor). He also came to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and
begged for his blessings. Shri Lal Ji Maharaj picked up a fruit from the
feet of Shri Thakur Ji and gave him the same to give it to his wife. Shri
Lal Ji Maharaj assured him that Shri Thakur Ji would bestow him with a
son. So it happened and Gazi Khan was very much pleased. He came
along with Shri Ochhi Ram to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and placed money
before him so that beautiful temple could be constructed. Due to their
joint efforts a huge and beautiful temple was constructed.
On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritya of Vaishakh Sukla (Third date
of moon fortnight of April) of Vikrami Samvat 1643 he laid down the
foundation of ASHTAMPITH after placing Shri Thakur Ji on HIS
SINGHASAN (Throne).
Frontier side of India then Shri Lal Ji started from Braj (Jati Pura, Mathura
& Vrindavan all located in Braj Mandal Uttar Pradesh in India) on the
auspicious day of Ekadashi (Eleveth day) of Bhadho Maas (Almost
September) Wednesday Vikrami Samvat (Indian traditional year) 1640
towards said location.
On the way his holiness first stayed at Panipat, Karnal & Kurukshetra
(Now Haryana) where he performed some festivals in devotion of Shri
Gopi Nath Ji ( Shri Thakur Ji). But Shri Thakur Ji appeared in vision to
him desired to move towards aforesaid location.
Shri Lal Ji started on his journey carrying Shri Thakur Ji on his head and
reached Lahore (Pakistan). He stayed at Lahore for some time and
started worship (Sewa) of Shri Thakur Ji. There also it seemed Shri
Thakur Ji was not happy to stay.
Again Shri Thakur Ji ordered him in vision to move further. When Shri
Lal Ji reached Multan (Pakistan) he prayed to Shri Thakur Ji that he was
very much tired and would not be able to carry the Holy Idol on his head
then Shri Thakur Ji told him if he was so tired he should move ahead and
Shri Thakur Ji would follow him provided he does not look behind. Shri
Lal Ji prayed how would he know that Shri Tahkur Ji was following him.
Shri Thakur Ji assured him that he would continue hearing his Nupur
(Anklet) thus Shri Lal Ji Maharaj reached near river Sindh (Indus) he
crossed the river by boat and reached the other bank of the river and
started moving ahead. Then after some distance he did not hear the voice
of Nupur due to sand and when he looked behind he saw that Shri
Thakur Ji wanted to stay there.
He prayed to Shri Thakur Ji then Lord indicated that place was suitable to
His wish because this place symbolized with Braj in north there is
suleman hill like Goverdhan and in south the river Indus like Shri Yamuna
in Braj and therefore He wished to stay there. The place was Dera Gazi
Khan (Pakistan) as Shri Lal Ji came to know from the local people. He
looked around and noticed there was a beautiful orchard with shadowy
trees grown up there. He carried the Holy Idol and installed under the
Shadowy tree. There he started worship (sewa).
The orchard was owned by Shri Ochhi Ram Kalra (A Big Land Lord). An
employee of Shri Ochhi Ram noticed Shri Lal Ji Maharaj was performing
sewa, he reported to his land lord about it. Shri Ochhi Ram came and
asked Shri Lal Ji with whose permission he was doing sewa in the
orchard and added to move out from there by next morning. Shri Lal Ji
however told him that Lord wished to stay here. But Shri Ochhi Ram did
not agree and asked him to move out.
Shri Lal Ji said he would do it. On reaching home Shri Ochhi Ram felt
acute abdominal pain even after consulting doctors/hakim but the pain
did not stop and it appeared that Shri Ochhi Ram would not survive. Tired
of his continued pain, Shri Ochhi Ram to take him to the orchard so that
he may have last darshan of the saint Shri Lal Ji, when the people
brought him to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj. Shri Ochhi Ram was crying with pain
and begged to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj to pardon him as he looked his death
on his head.
Shri Lal Ji Maharaj gave him few drops of Jhari (Flagon in which drinking
water is stored) Jal (Water) kept near the feet of Shri Thakur Ji. Miracle
happened, Shri Ochhi Ram felt the pain was gone and he stood up
cheerful. Then he portrayed before Shri Thakur Ji and Shri Lal Ji, begging
forgiveness for his rude behavior. Then he requested Shri Lal Ji Maharaj
to stay there and perform sewa till the temple is constructed by him.
In the meantime, Gazi Khan a Monarch of Dera Gazi Khan came to know
about the miracle. Gazi Khan was child less and was very anxious to
have an heir (Successor). He also came to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and
begged for his blessings. Shri Lal Ji Maharaj picked up a fruit from the
feet of Shri Thakur Ji and gave him the same to give it to his wife. Shri
Lal Ji Maharaj assured him that Shri Thakur Ji would bestow him with a
son. So it happened and Gazi Khan was very much pleased. He came
along with Shri Ochhi Ram to Shri Lal Ji Maharaj and placed money
before him so that beautiful temple could be constructed. Due to their
joint efforts a huge and beautiful temple was constructed.
On the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritya of Vaishakh Sukla (Third date
of moon fortnight of April) of Vikrami Samvat 1643 he laid down the
foundation of ASHTAMPITH after placing Shri Thakur Ji on HIS
SINGHASAN (Throne).
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