A Blessed Event on the Auspicious Day of Shravan Month!
On the blessed final day of the sacred Shravan month, ISKCON Mayapur was honored with the divine arrival of Lord Shiva in His Hamsa Vahana form. This event was graced by the blessings of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, and made possible through the dedicated efforts of Mayapur co-directors HG Tapan Mishra Das and HG Subekshana Das. The occasion was particularly special, marking the end of the Shravan month revered across India for offering Abhisheka to Lord Shiva.
Shravan, a time of deep significance for Lord Shiva’s devotees, witnesses countless pilgrims journeying to holy sites dedicated to Him, performing rituals and offering sacred water as symbols of devotion. It was during this auspicious period that ISKCON Mayapur was blessed with Lord Shiva’s presence, manifested as the Hamsa Vahana Deity.
Prior to the Abhisheka ceremony of the Hamsa Vahana Deity, HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj delivered an enlightening discourse on the pastimes associated with this divine form. He recounted a mesmerizing episode from Madhyadvipa, where the rishis were absorbed in glorifying Lord Caitanya. Lord Shiva, aware of the divine glorification, embarked on a journey from Kailasa. Observing the slow pace of His bull vahana, He requested Lord Brahma for the swiftness of the Hamsa Vahana. Swiftly, He arrived at Navadvipa Dhama, to the astonishment of all rishis, who marveled at Lord Shiva’s arrival on the majestic Swan carrier.
Lord Shiva, affectionately known as ‘Vaishnava naam yatha Sambhu,’ exemplifies unparalleled enthusiasm for devotional service. His presence in Navadvipa Dhama, eager to hear the glories of Lord Gaura, inspires us all. The Hamsa Vahana Deity, a manifestation of this divine enthusiasm, was once submerged in a river, but was later recovered and placed in the temple for the devotees’ worship.
The grand welcome of the Hamsa Vahana Deity included an elaborate Bhoga offering and Arati. Lord Shiva, in His Hamsa Vahana form, was honored to have darshan of the presiding Deities of ISKCON Mayapur—Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Pancha Tattva, and Lord Narasimha Dev. Before accepting worship, He blessed all present with His divine vision and grace.
The event was further enriched by speeches from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, His Holiness Gauranga Prem Swami, and the co-directors HG Tapan Mishra Das and HG Subekshana Das. Their reflections on Lord Shiva’s glories and the spirit of worship deepened the devotees’ understanding, inspiring everyone to embrace devotion and humility.
It was a profound mercy and a rare fortune for all present to witness the darshan of Lord Shiva and participate in the offerings and Abhisheka, each accompanied by heartfelt prayers and devotion.
Video here:
https://www.youtube.com/live/SRhii3wDfAw?si=ib3QjJ-5uM9dz-dQ
Source: https://www.mayapur.com/2024/the-divine-arrival-of-lord-shiva-as-hamsa-vahana-at-iskcon-mayapur/
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