Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 28: The revered religious centre Gokul in Mumbai was abuzz with devotion as it hosted a week-long Ramayana discourse programme led by Parama Poojya Sri Vidyadhish Teertha Sripada of Udupi Palimaru Mutt and junior Parama Poojya Sri Vidyarajeshwara Teertha Swamiji. Organised by the B S K B Association, Gokul Sayan, in collaboration with the Gopalakrishna Public Trust, the event ran from Sunday, December 21, to Saturday, December 27 as part of the centenary celebrations of the association.

The daily sessions, held from 5 pm to 7 pm, focused on the Sundara Kandam, with Sri Sri Vidyadhish Teertha Sripad narrating the heroic exploits of Lord Hanuman and the spiritual essence of the epic in a manner that captivated the devotees.

On the opening day, Sunday, December, 21, the Swamijis were welcomed with traditional honours by the executive board of the Gopalakrishna Public Trust and B S K B. Association officials escorted them to the temple. Devotees offered aarti to Lord Gopalakrishna, while president Dr Suresh Rao warmly welcomed the Swamijis, praying that the teachings of the Ramayana enrich the devotees’ hearts. Vidwan Mahuli Vidyasingh Acharya, head of Mulund Satyadhyana Peetha, delivered the inaugural address. Throughout the week, the Junior Swamiji narrated moral stories and mythological lessons, connecting them to everyday life for the devotees.

Sri Vidyadheesha Teertha Sripada began by discussing the first four Kands of the Ramayana before dedicating seven days to a vivid, immersive narration of the Sundara Kandam, highlighting Hanuman’s courage and devotion and the joy his acts brought to Lord Rama and the people of Kishkindha.

On Tuesday, December 23, Parama Poojya Sri Raghuvarendra Teertha Swamiji of Bheemanakatta Mutt arrived at Gokul and was received with ceremonial honours. During the event, the Swamijis commemorated the sixth Aradhana day of Param Poojya Sri Sri Vishwesh Teertha, recounting the historical and spiritual significance of Bheemanakatta Mutt and blessing the devotees.
On the final day, Saturday, December 27, Sri Sri Vidyadhish Teertha Sripad explained:

"Sundara Kandam depicts Hanuman’s extraordinary adventures in finding Sita, presenting her to Lord Rama, and spreading joy across Kishkindha. It reunites two separated bonds beautifully. By surrendering our troubles to Lord Hanuman, we can cross the ocean of worldly suffering just as he crossed the sea. Dr. Suresh Rao and the Gokul management ensured these seven days of Ramayana discourse ran seamlessly, allowing Lord Sri Rama to grace Gokul and receive the devotion of the devotees. Just as Hanuman accomplished his hundred-fold mission in Lanka, Gokul has grown and flourished over a century, standing today as a prominent centre of religious and cultural significance, a testament to the blessings of Sri Gopalakrishna. May Gokul continue to prosper, and may the efforts of Dr Suresh Rao, his team, and all members continue to bear fruit, with Sri Krishna’s grace upon everyone."

Following the discourse, Dr Suresh Rao and his spouse performed Padapuja for the Swamijis, offering ceremonial gifts and receiving mantrakshate blessings. Special puja was also conducted for Lord Rama at the Gopalakrishna temple in the presence of Sri Sri Vidyadhish Teertha Sripad, after which the Swamijis performed puja to Lord Gopalakrishna and bestowed blessings on all devotees.

During the seven-day programme, devotees who contributed significantly to the centenary celebrations were honoured before the Swamijis with mantrakshate blessings, shawls, and awards. The food committee ensured devotees were served refreshments each day.

The week-long discourse concluded successfully, leaving devotees spiritually enriched and reaffirming Gokul’s status as a vibrant hub of devotion and culture in Mumbai.