Krsna Kirtana Songs
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Vyasa Puja
There
are many ways to approach Krsna in order to serve
Him. However, it becomes difficult unless one receives the benedictions of the
spiritual master or guru. Many scriptures decree that it is impossible to make
spiritual progress without the mercy of the spiritual master. Therefore, one
must develop a trusting bond with the spiritual master and serve him in order
to be successful in progressing towards Krsna bhakti.
In order to celebrate the appearance day of the spiritual master, “vyāsa pujā” is
celebrated. The term “vyasa puja”
is used because the spiritual master is considered the representative of Vyasadeva, the literary incarnation of Krsna.
Vyasa Puja is celebrated by
offering puspanjali to the spiritual master. The puspanjali consists of reading verses that glorify the
spiritual master whose Vyasa Puja
is being celebrated, Gaudiya Vaisnava
lineage of disciples, as well as verses that glorify Lord Caitanya
and Lord Krsna, who are also part of the lineage.
After completion of each verse, devotees honor their spiritual master with
flowers (puspa) in the mood of a humble offering (anjali). The puspanjali ends with
a kirtana of the Guru Vandana.
In
the Vyasa Puja celebration,
disciples of the spiritual master will give offerings in the forms of letters,
spiritual gifts from holy pilgrimage sites, or renewing spiritual vows.
Disciples will also assemble to recollect moments of their spiritual master and
discuss his glories.
In
ISKCON, Srila
Prabhupada Vyasa Puja is celebrated, as His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami is the Founder and Acarya
of ISKCON. His Vyasa Puja
takes place on the ninth day of the first half of the month Bhadra
(Hrsikesa). This day is the day after Krsna Janmastami.
UPDATED: August 31, 2010