2023.10.23 (Vrindavan Today News): As the Kartik Niyam Seva begins, the devotees can relish the Divine nectar of ‘Ashtyam Lila’ in Vrindavan. An event showcasing the Divine Eightfold Daily Pastimes of Shri Shyam Sundar and Radharani is to be held at Gambhira, Jai Singh Ghera in Vrindavan from 26th October, 2023 by the renowned Rasalila troupes of Rasacharya Swami Fateh Krishna Sharma.
Devotees from far away corners of the country have arrived in Vrindavan to witness the various Lilas of Shri Radharaman that will be showcased during the 8 days long event. The ‘Ashtyayam Lila Seva Mahotsava’ is being held by Shri Caitanya Prema Samasthana (SCPS) to celebrate the Centennial Birth Anniversary of Jagat Guru Shri Purushottam Goswami ji Maharaj, under whom many Rasacharyas were trained to organize the ‘Ashtayam Lila’.
According to the SCPS sources, Pujya Maharaj ji wrote the script for the ‘Ashtayam Lila’ himself based on ‘Shri Govinda Lilamritam’ and Bhavna Saar Sangraha. He also chose the music for the Divine Presentation.
The practice of Ashtayam Leela holds a paramount place in the tradition of devotion. As elucidated by His Holiness Acharya Shrivatsa Goswami, Ashtayam Leela involves immersing oneself in the service of the Lord, essentially becoming a part of the Lord’s daily activities. This profound devotion was exemplified in the writings of Rupa Goswami, who penned the Mangal Stotra, a collection of eight verses, each describing a segment of the day of Shri Krishna’s divine pastime.
The Leelas will be enacted in accordance with the eight segments of the day: Nishanta Bela (dawn), Pratah Bela (morning), Purvahna (forenoon), Madhyahna (midday), Aparahna (afternoon), Sayamkala (evening), Pradoshakala (twilight), and Ratricchar (night). Each segment will portray the enchanting pastimes of the Lord, creating an immersive experience for the participants.
The Divine Event will be inaugurated with Adhivas Kirtan on 25th October at 7.00 pm. The schedule for the Divine Play of Ashtyama is as follows:
Prathama – Yama: The first day of the Event will begin with the ‘Kunja Bhanga Lila’ at the wee hours of 26th October (Thursday) at 3.36 a.m. when the Gopis wakes up the ‘Divine Couple’ at the ‘Nibhrit Nikunja’ by singing pleasing songs. Shri Radha and Krishna leave for their own residences, where they occupy their own beds.
Dwitiya-Yama: The second day of the event will begin at 6.00 a.m. on 27th October (Friday). Upon awakening, Krishna goes to milk the cows at the cowshed and then comes home to take His bath. He eats His meal with His playmates.
Tritiya Yama: The third day of the event will begin at 8.24 a.m. on 28th October (Saturday). It is ‘gocharan’ time. Krishna and Balaram go towards the forest, for tending the cows. They are accompanied by their cowherd friends. At the other side Shri Radha goes for the worship of the Sun god and gets a glimpse of Shri Krishna tending the cows. She tries to meet Him.
Chaturtha- Yama: The fourth day of the event will begin at 10.48 p.m. on 29th October (Sunday). Shri Radha and Krishna meet again. They engross in various sports, such as playing see – saw, roaming in the forest, sporting in the water, hiding Krishna’s flute, drinking honey etc.
Panchama Yama: The fifth day of the event will begin at 3.36 p.m. on 30th October (Monday). Shri Radharani takes Her ablution and dressed in beautiful clothes. She is very pleased to see the lotus like face of Her beloved. Shri Krishna goes back to home with the gopas and the cows. He is bathed and groomed by Mother Yashoda.
Shashtam – Yama: The Sixth Day of the event will begin at 6.00 p.m. on 31st October (Tuesday). Shri Radha sends many exquisite preparations for beloved Krishna with Her friend, who brought back the remainder of the food tasted by Him. Mother Yashoda fondled Shri Krishna. He comes to the cowshed and milked several cows, and after finishing this chore He again returned home and took His meals.
Saptam – Yama: The Seventh Day of the event will begin at 8.24 pm on 1st November (Wednesday). On this day Shri Radha sits in the company of Her playmates and is dressed Herself in clothes suitable for the dark and light fortnight, and pursuing Vrinda’s advice She repairs to a bower of peace and bliss on the banks of the Yamuna, accompanied by a messenger.
Krishna is seated in the assembly of cowherd boys and watching various acrobatic feats. Yashoda Maa brings Him home and attempted to put Him to sleep. Afterwards, the Lord quietly leaves His bed for the bower of bliss.
Ashtam – Yama: The Eighth Day of the event begins at 10.00 p.m. 2nd November (Thursday) on Shri Radha and Krishna is always anxious for each other’s company. When they are together, Vrindavan attends the loving couple in various ways. They both look very charming, along with their loving friends, while they roam in the forests and are engrossed in singing and dancing in the style of rasa. They feel tired after so many sportive activities. They are then looked after by many loving friends. At night they repose on the bed of flowers and then they sleep.
The devotees can also enjoy the discourse of Dr. Achyuta Lal Bhatt on these eight days. The timings for the Katha are as follows:
25.10.2023 (Wednesday): 7.00 p.m.
26.10.2023 (Thurday): 7.00 p.m
27.10.2023 (Friday): 7.00 p.m.
28.10.2023 (Saturday): 7.00 p.m.
29.10.2023 (Friday): 7.00 p.m.
30.10.2023 (Saturday): 10.00 a.m.
31.10.2023 (Sunday): 10.00 a.m.
01.10.2023 (Monday): 10.00 a.m.
02.10.2023 (Tuesday): 10.00 a.m.
The organizers informed ‘Vrindavan Today’ that the doors of the ashram will be closed 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the event every day. The Rasa enthusiasts are urged to take their seat before time.
