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Prabodhini Ekadashi
Also known as Devprabodhini Ekadashi, this occurs
on Kartik Sud 11 (7/11/00)
Origin
After sleeping during 'Chaturmaas' - the 4 holy months -
in the ocean of milk - 'Kshirsagar,' the Lord awakens on
this day. This awakening is known as 'Prabodh.' His vigil
at Bali Raja's doorstep, which began on Devpodhi Ekadashi,
ends on this day. He then returns to His abode.
Sentiments
To please the Lord all the more, while He is away guarding
Bali Raja's kingdom, devotees observe extra vows during
Chaturmaas. This is an opportunity for devotees to behold
Parmatma in their Atmas. The Lord graces them for having
observed the vows and fasts by manifesting in their
hearts. This is known as 'Devprabodh'.
Ritual
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Devotees celebrate 'Devprabodh' by observing a waterless
fast. This is the fifth of the 5 waterless fasts to be
observed by Swaminarayan followers during the year, as
enjoined by Shastriji Maharaj.
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As in the majority of Hindu Dharma's festivals, this
festival is 'celebrated' by curbing the ten indriyas and
the mind. And the primary factor governing all the senses
is the sense of taste. Therefore in denying the body food
and water, all the senses lose interest in their
respective material pursuits. The time and energy
conserved is diverted to offer bhakti to the Lord, who is
thus pleased. This form of self-abnegation prevents the
senses from degrading the Jiva and so this Ekadashi forms
a step towards 'Devprabodh' - awakening the Lord within.
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Devotees in the Swaminarayan Sampradaya also offer a 'Haatadi'
to the Lord in the mandirs. This is similar to Annakut,
except here, fresh, raw vegetables are offered and
arranged in cane baskets in front of the Lord. The
inherent sentiment is that everything is God given and
this we offer back to the Lord.
Poshi
Purnima - Akshar Diksha Mahotsav
Origin
On Posh sud Poonam V.S.1866 (20/1/1810 C.E.) Lord
Swaminarayan initiated Mulji Sharma of Bhadra in the yagna
in Dabhan, naming him Gunatitanand Swami.
During the grand yagna, Lord Swaminarayan revealed
Muljisharmane deekshaam dadaanasya prajaayate,
Bhuyaanme-tra samaanando yato Dhaamaaksharam sa me.
i.e. I am extremely happy to initiate Mulji Sharma who was
born in Bhadra. He is My divine abode, Akshardham.
- Harileelakalpatru (7.17.49).
Import
Lord Swaminarayan's divine abode is Akshardham, who
manifested as Gunatitanand Swami. He is also known as
Aksharbrahman, mentioned in the Upanishads and Gita.
According to Hindu Dharma's eternal concept of dual
worship, of the Lord with His choicest devotee or consort,
such as: Narayan with Lakshmi, Rama with Sita, Shiva with
Parvati, similarly, Lord Swaminarayan or Purushottam is
worshipped with Gunatitanand Swami or Akshar. Hence the
name Akshar Purushottam.
'Akshar diksha' denotes that an aspirant needs to become 'Akshar-rup'
in order to attain the Lord Purushottam. One believes
himself to be Brahman, above the 3 bodies, in order to
offer worship to the Lord (Shikshapatri 116).
To overcome body-consciousness and to then identify one's
atma with the manifest Aksharbrahman, also known as 'Pragat
Gunatit Satpurush,' is the true meaning of Akshar diksha.
This is the ultimate 'Mahotsav'-festival of life and the
final goal.
Ritual
The festival is celebrated in all BAPS mandirs. However,
it is celebrated in Dabhan on a large scale every year,
since this is the sacred place where Lord Swaminarayan
initiated Mulji Sharma. |
