‘Gaddal festival’ of Dauji marks the beginning of shivering cold in Braj
The ‘Gaddal’ festival at Dauji temple in Mahavan marks the beginning of shivering cold in Braj. It is said when Lord Dauji covers Himself with a quilt on this day. There is a saying in Braj ‘दाऊजी ओढ़ें रजाई, समझो ब्रज में सर्दी आई
With the mercury dipping in the state, priests of the temples in Braj are taking care to ensure the comfort of the Lordships. The deities are dressed with warm clothes and offered special food to keep them warm. As winter continues to grip the region with its harshness, even Gods don’t remain unaffected. Not only is there a change in their attire and cuisine, there is a variation in their routine too with a late rise from sleep early to bed.
The ‘Gaddal’ festival at Dauji temple in Mahavan marks the beginning of shivering cold in Braj. It is said when Lord Dauji covers Himself with a quilt, know that the days of chilling cold has begun. There is a saying in Braj ‘दाऊजी ओढ़ें रजाई, समझो ब्रज में सर्दी आई ‘
This way Dauji gives the message to His devotees to protect themselves from cold.
Traditionally, Lord Dauji is covered with the quilt on every Margsheesh Purnima, which coincides with the foundation day ceremony of the Dauji Temple. This festival is also known as Gaddal Purnima, which is named after ‘gadda’ i.e quilt. This time the ‘Patotsava’, the foundation day was celebrated on 30th December, 2020. Thousands of devotees were enthralled to participate in this festival.
It is believed that the deity of Lord Dauji ji Maharaj and Revati Mata was manifested on this day in the year 1582 to Goswami Shri Gokulnath ji, the grandson of Shrimad Ballabhacharya Mahaprabhu. A Grand temple was built for Dauji, which was dedicated to him one year later in 1983. The seva of the deities were handed over to Shri Kalyan Dev, whose family is serving the temple even today. The present temple, where Dauji is seated today was built by Seth Shyam Das from Delhi. Month long festival of Lakki Mela also begins on this day.
Baldeo is the place where Krishna’s elder brother Lord Balaram used to rule. The name of the place was named after Lord Balaram.
