22nd Sreemad Bhaagavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram 2023

Blending of Devotion and Knowledge

22nd Śrīmad Bhāgavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram

-Report by Devotees

By the Grace of God and blessings of the Guru, we had the opportunity to actively participate in the 22nd Śrīmad Bhāgavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram from hoisting off the flag to lowering of it. The event took place from December 22 to 31st.

At Sabhaniketan in Naimisharanyam, situated at the scenic village of Paralikad in Thrissur district, all facilities were made available to thousands of devotees and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam enthusiasts to participate either in person or online.

Discourse series “Krishna’s Last Message to Uddhava”

The program started everyday 4 am with the Ganapati Homa followed by the recitation of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam verses by Swami Nigamananda Tirthapadaji. His recitation of the verses with devotion and clarity  created a captivating atmosphere. Swami Nigamanandaji’s methodical and clear style of reciting Śrīmad Bhāgavatam verses enabled us to grasp the meaning effectively. Additionally from 9 am to 6.30 pm, five discourses on selected topics from Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, a short discourse by Poojya Swamiji and the Nama-sankeertana Parikrama were conducted in a very timely manner every day.

Devotees were served with very delicious and pleasing Bhakti-Bhojanam throughout the Satram. Śrīmad Bhāgavatam Tattva Sameeksha Satram provided a very different experience compared to other Saptahams. More than 35 exponents who gave discourses emphasized the essence and principles enunciated in Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, instead of focusing merely on the stories, during this 10-day Knowledge festival. They were very successful in delivering the message on how the teaching of Śrīmad Bhāgavatam could transform our life, fostering contentment, peace and truthfulness.

Poojya Swamiji who led the Satram from the beginning to the end despite his physical ill-health was a true inspiration to all. Swamiji’s theme for this year’s discourse
was: “Krishna’s Last Message to Uddhava”. Poojya Swamiji attracted everyone’s attention with his unique and natural style. He made the audience chant along with him some of the important verses of Bhāgavatam and compelled all to reflect upon those verses.

सोऽहं ममाहमिति मूढमतिर्विगाढः
त्वन्मायया विरचितात्मनि सानुबन्धे ।
तत्त्वञ्जसा निगदितं भवता यथाहं
संसाधयामि भगवन्ननुशाधि भृत्यम् ॥
॥ 11.7.16 ॥

“Oh lord, I feel I am this body, and I consider all experiences related to this body as my own. Isn’t it the result of your Maya only! Oh Lord, I seek guidance from you on how to save myself from this Maya” . Poojya Swamiji exhorted all to learn by heart this verse wherein Uddhava is praying to Lord Krishna.

Krishna-Janma (4th day, Dec 25)

Everyday at the end of the discourse, introduction to the books written by Poojya Swamiji helped many to understand the content of the book and also created the interest in reading those books.

Ma Gurupriyaji’s and Swami Nirvisheshananda Tirthaji’s English discourses were very special and heart-touching. Ma Gurupriyaji showed us how we can overcome fear and sorrow through bhakti and Swami Nirvisheshananda Tirthaji clarified the importance of contemplation in Bhakti.

The Nama-sankeertana led by Sampoojya Swamiji at 6:30 pm every evening was a special experience. When everyone followed Poojya Swamiji in the Nama-sankeertana three times around the Sabhaniketan, everyone present seemed to have reached another level of devotion. Those were the moments when the devotees forgot everything and went into an absolute bliss.

The processions held to celebrate Krishna’s birth and Rukmini’s Swayamvaram were also very devotional. After Nāma-sankeertana, the cultural performances were excellent and enjoyable.

On the seventh day, Vishnu-sahasranāma Japam was held in which about a thousand school students participated. Before starting the chanting, Poojya Swamiji informed the children about the significance and importance of Vishnu-sahasranāma. On this occasion, prizes were also distributed to the children who won the competitions conducted before the Satram. Poojya Swamiji’s constant efforts to make the young generation understand the cultural heritage of India and guide them to the path of goodness were very touching.

Collective Vishnu-sahasranāma chanting (Dec 28)

The Vishnu-sahasranāma Samooha Archana held on the concluding day was also a rare experience. On the very beautiful and divinely decorated platform with lamps, garlands and mauli, thousands of devotees chanted the thousand names of Mahavishnu recited by Poojya Swamiji, Ma Gurupriyaji and Swami Nirvisheshananda Tirthaji together, imagining that the lamp in front is Lord Krishna himself and offered flowers at his feet. Sabha Niketan was filled with devotion, and it was a blissful and unforgettable experience.

A quiz program was organized everyday to attract the attention of the audience to the lectures and everyday Poojya Swamiji gave prizes to the winners.

A book counter was set up by Narayanashrama Tapovanam at Sabhaniketan to display the books and other publications. Volunteers of the Ashram and the staff of the publication department worked together to run the counter very efficiently from the beginning to end of the Satram. We are so lucky to have had the opportunity to be a part of it.

All these 10 days of spiritual learning and interactional experiences enriched our minds immensely. Before we could realize, devotion and contemplation filled 10 days passed by. Praying to get an opportunity to participate in the Satram next year too. Offering our Pranams at the Holy Lotus feet of Poojya Swamiji, Ma Gurupriyaji and Nutan Swamiji.

– Usha & Suresh Babu

Vishnu-sahasranāma Samooha Archana (Dec 31)

It was with great joy that Vijay and myself started from Bangalore on 16th Dec 2023 to Narayanashrama Tapovanam, to be a part of the 22nd Śrīmad Bhāgavata Tattva Sameeksha Satram. Even though the Satram was scheduled to start on the 22nd of Dec 2023, we wanted to reach early to be able to do some Seva in the run-up to the grand event.

The very next day, 17th Dec, was Mataji Sulabha Devi’s Mahasamadhi Day. A very sublime function was held at Vijnana Bhavan wherein Poojya Swamiji and Ma reminisced about Mataji. The occasion concluded with Pushpa-samarpanam at the Samadhi Mandir.

On 18th of Dec various planning and executing activities for the Satram started. It involved amongst others, interacting with devotees, many of whom have been associated with Satram Seva for several years, and some new to the entire process, like us. We were lovingly guided by Ma and Namrataji throughout.

The experience was extremely fulfilling knowing that we were like the Gopis and Gopikas of Vrindavan who had also raised their hands, as if supporting the Govardhana Mountain while Lord Krishna was holding it up on His Little Finger. It was amazing to just watch things unfold, as if by magic. Being on our toes, present every moment, willing to do anything that the situation demanded, surrender, teamwork and cooperation – it was a very enriching experience.

The best lesson learnt was that Devotion is the main ingredient in making any action seem effortless.

As Nutan Swamiji would put it – Attention (to details), alertness (in action), at the same time being Sublime and Poised – is how we should act.

The sweeter moments were ‘Darshan Times’ with Poojya Swamiji, Nutan Swamiji and Ma, often ending with each of us getting the ‘Divine Laddoo Prasadam’.

— Lakshmy Vijay

Jai Guru!