It was such a wonderful day! As we know Lord Jagannath is shining
because of His big smile. He looks very satisfied and happy. On this
day the devotees looked also very happy being in the association of
Lord Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra devi.
The morning programme took place at the Jagannath temple. After the
Darshan arati and the Guru puja Guru Maharaj gave a Srimad-Bhagavatam
class.
In the life of Guru Maharaj this day of Snan Yatra is special. On
this day Srila Prabhupada gave Him the sannyas initiation. Mirabhay
mataji asked Guru Maharaj to share His remembrances about this
occasion.
In one of the lectures Guru Maharaj said, that as soon as a lecturer
begins to speak about Srila Prabhupada, even those devotees who fall
asleep wake up and begin to listen carefully. Because it's a very
special topic.
For us it is of cause especially interesting to hear about that lilas
of Srila Prabhupada in which Guru Maharaja took part himself.
Therefore as He started to speak about these times when Srila
Prabhpada gave Him initiation it was just the pure invaluable nectar
pouring from His mouth.
There was one ecstatic moment during the transport of Lord Jagannath,
Baladev and Subhadra from the temple room to the abhishek hall. The
Deities are very big and heavy, that's why it wasn't that easy to
transport Them. The devotees remained me of pandas from Jagannath Puri
(especially Gaura Vani Prabhu). It seemed that the devotees became a
little bit mad out of love to the Lord. They started such a kirtan!
And some of the prabhus jumped almost to the ceiling. And the heart
pulsated faster for that moment.
When Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra were ready for the abhishek Guru
Maharaj lead an Arati after which the abhishek started. It was a
wonderful surprise that everyone could take place in the abhishek.
Usually in India only the brahmana prabhus can bathe the Deities on
the altar and others watch the abhishek from the temple room.
But Jagannath is so merciful that He let everyone to bathe Him. For me
personally it was a very special occasion because during my stay in
India for the last 5 years i never could bathe the Deities and
sometimes i sadly remembered Moscow where everyone is allowed to do
so.
After the abhishek with great enthusiasm the prabhus cleaned the
abhishek place and dressed the Deities.
A big impression was left by the outfits of Lord Jagannath, Baladev
and Subhadra which was offered to Them after the abhishek. We all know
the story how Jagannath took the form of Ganesha. And here the Deities
also put on the Ganesha outfit. That looked gorgeous.
After a wonderful darshan and arati led by Ganga Narayana prabhu,
Jagannath started to distribute prasadam right from the altar. Of
course not personally but through His servants Ganga Narayana prabhu
and Arunakshi prabhu. Everyone got the transcendental gift and
enjoyed.
That were the things which impressed me mostly and stayed in my memory.
Now Jagannath is seek. And all the devotees wait impatiently for His
healing and coming out for the Ratha Yatra Festival, which will take
place on the 24 June.