Ramkeli, Centre of Krishna Bhakti in Malda, Bengal

 Gauda  or Gour, located in the Malda district, presently is a ruined city that served as the capital of Bengal between the 12th and 16th centuries.

In the heart of Malda, lies the small village of Ramkeli, popular as the land of Rup and Sanatan, the two great disciples of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

In the summer of 1515 AD, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was travelling to Vrindavan and for a short while he had stayed at Ramkeli. Two brothers, Rup and Sanatan Goswami who lived a life of opulence and luxury, were so inspired by His spiritual lessons that they decided to renounce luxury and devote their life to spread the message of Krishna.

"Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu eventually arrived at a village named Ramakeli. This village is situated on the border of Bengal and is very exquisite. While performing sankirtan in Ramakeli-gram, the Lord danced and sometimes lost consciousness due to love of God. While at Ramakeli-gram, an unlimited number of people came to see His lotus feet."

(Sri Chaitanya-charitamrita, Madhya, 1.167)

 On this very site a Krishna Temple  was built under orders of Sanatana Goswami in 1515 C.E. Presently  on the site of the  old temple  stands Madanmohan Jiu temple which was completed in May of 1938.  Installed in the sanctum sanctorum are two idols. One is of Krishna’s consort Radharani, which is probably of “ashta-dhaatu”, an alloy of 8 metals, considered auspicious. The other is of Krishna as Madanmohan.


At the temple entrance, there is a pair of 600-year-old Kadamba and Tamal trees under which Prabhu meditated for hours during his stay. 


Later the brothers dug eight large kundas (religious ponds or tanks) in and around Ramkeli to help the villagers from severe water scarcity. All the waterbodies are now titled after the Goswamis, namely – Rup Sagar, Shyam Kunda, Radha Kunda, Lalita Kunda, Bishakha Kunda, Surabhi Kunda, Ranjha Kunda and Indulekha Kunda.





 Fair- Ramkeli Mela 

The Goswami brothers had also organized a big fair to celebrate Prabhu’s visit at Ramkeli. Chaitanyadev and Sree Nityananda, were the guiding lights of goswamis. They brought forward an outstanding social reform - introducing mass-marriage among deserted men and women of low-born classes in the social history of Bengal. Along with those exploited and oppressed people, there were huge number of widows—masterless, husband-deserted, abandoned women in the society. Every year a religious ceremony including pious yagjna (oblation of fire) was held at the lawn in front of the temple on the auspicious day of Sankranti of the month of Jesthha (1st week of June). Thousands of people through this system returned back to the society with dignity.

In his Statistical Account of Bengal, Malda, W W Hunter (1876) also reported about the gathering that continued for five days where the vaishnavs opted to get married in strict accordance with the rites prescribed by Chaitanya, and their number was estimated to be around 30,000 heads.

Ramkeli mela is held every year at the same place of old Gaur, but the event of mass-marriage has been stopped for more than one hundred years.

Presently thousands of Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu’s followers gather from around the world. Free accommodation is arranged in the temple quarters. Six days of naam-kirtan is organized on a grand scale. The small village turns to a melodic land during that one week of the fair.



History

The ancient city of Gaur in Malda has also been mentioned in Hindu Puranic texts and its history is recorded since 500 B C. During those days Gaur and Pundrabardhana (Pandua) was under the Mauryan Empire. Archeological findings have also indicated that the whole of North Bengal was part of the Gupta Empire in those ancient times. Thereafter, the Guptas were succeeded by the king of Karnasubarna in 700 A.D, who ruled for almost thirty years. From mid 8th century to 11th century AD the Pala dynasty ruled Bengal and promoted Buddhism in the region actively. After the rule of the Palas it was the turn of the Sen Dynasty. Their religion was Hinduism (Vedic Hinduism, Shaivism, Tantra, and Vaishnavism). Balal Sen was the third ruler of the Sen Dynasty who ruled over Gaur and established sole control over entire Bengal within 1168 A.D. The Sen Dynasty wielded their rule over Bengal till 1204 AD, after which, the Mughals and Afghans ended their rule by invading Bengal.


Click to Know More

Popular posts from this blog

भगवान श्री कृष्ण : मैं ही ईश्वर हूँ।

Image
भगवान श्री कृष्ण ने भगवद गीता में अनेक बार कहा है कि वे ही परमेश्वर हैं। शायद ही किसी भी शस्त्र मैं किसी ने ऐसा कहा हो। इस ज्ञान को उन्हों ने कभी गुप्त रूप से और कभी सीधे-सीधे कहा है। प्रस्तुत हैं कुछ श्लोक जो इस बात की पुष्टि करतें हैं।    भोक्तारं   यज्ञतपसां   सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् ‌  । सुहृदं   सर्वभूतानां   ज्ञात्वा   मां   शान्तिमृच्छति   ॥ BG5.29 मुझे   समस्त   यज्ञों   तथा   तपस्याओं   का   परं   भोक्ता ,  समस्त   लोकों   तथा   देवताओं   का   परमेश्र्वर   एवं   समस्त   जीवों   का   उपकारी   एवं   हितैषी   जानकर   मेरे   भावनामृत   से   पूर्ण   पुरुष   भौतिक   दुखों   से   शान्ति   लाभ - करता   है  | योगिनामपि   सर्वेषां   मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना   । श्रद्धावान्भजते   यो   मां   स   मे   युक्ततमो   मतः   ॥ BG6.47  और   समस्त   योगियों   में   से   जो   योगी   अत्यन्त   श्रद्धापूर्वक   मेरे   परायण   है ,  अपने   अन्तःकरण   में   मेरे   विषय   में   सोचता   है   और   मेरी   दिव्य   प्रेमाभक्ति   करता   है   वह   योग   में   मुझसे   परम   अन्तरंग   रूप   में   युक्त   र
Read more

The Principle Of Al-Takiyah In Islam

Image
We should know about an important principle of Islam called as “Al-Takeyya”. There are many non-Muslims who are fooled into believing (by the Muslims) that Muhammad and Islam talk highly of them. They also proclaim to the non-Muslim world that Islam wants to have cordial relations with them. These are all lies. Islam allows Muslims to lie for religion. It is a binding principle of Islam and is called “Al-Takeyyah” (Al-Takiyah). Muslims use this principle to lie to the infidel unbelievers and tell that Islam is a religion of peace . Let me explain it fully. Like most religions, Islam in general, forbids lying. The Quran says, "Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies." (Quran 40:28). However, unlike other religions, within Islam there are certain provisions under which lying is not simply tolerated, but actually encouraged by Allah. This point is proven by many incidences in the life of Muhammad. He often lied and instructed his followers to do the same
Read more

Description of the Kings of Kali-Yuga in Bhagwad Puran

Image
The exact translation of some verses from  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam  that describe the kings of Kali-Yuga is presented here. It should make an interesting reading for all.    Prelude The Twelfth Canto of  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam  begins with Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī predicting the kings of the earth who will appear in the future during the Age of Kali. Then he gives a description of the numerous faults of the age   The First Chapter of this canto briefly describes the future kings of the dynasty of Magadha and how they become degraded because of the influence of the Age of Kali.  The power in the countries of Magadha and so forth will fall to kings who are no better than  śūdras  and  mlecchas  and are totally absorbed in irreligion. The Verses SB 12.1.7-8  — King Mahānandi will father a very powerful son in the womb of a śūdra woman. He will be known as Nanda and will be the master of millions of soldiers and fabulous wealth. He will wreak havoc among the kṣatriyas, and from that t
Read more

Beef and the Environment

Image
Beef  and the Environment ·         Giving up beef will reduce carbon footprint more than cars, says expert from  University of Oxford.  ·         “The US and Europe alike are using so much of their land in highly inefficient livestock farming systems, while so much good quality cropland is being used to grow animal feeds rather than human food. ” ·         Study shows red meat dwarfs others for environmental impact, using 28 times more land and 11 times water for pork or chicken. ·         Beef production results in five times more climate-warming emissions than chicken or pork.   Beef’s environmental impact dwarfs that of other meat including chicken and pork, new research reveals, with one expert saying that eating less red meat would be a better way for people to cut carbon emissions than giving up their cars. The heavy impact on the environment of meat production was known but the research shows a new scale and scope of damage, particularly for beef. The popular
Read more

Lord Krishna: I am god

Image
Lord Shri Krishna says multiple times in Bhagvad Gita directly and sometimes indirectly that "I AM THE SOURCE OF ALL". In no other scripture has anybody claimed this. There are a few selected verses for readers to read and make their own judgment on the subject.     भोक्तारं   यज्ञतपसां   सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् ‌  । सुहृदं   सर्वभूतानां   ज्ञात्वा   मां   शान्तिमृच्छति   ॥ Bg 5.29   —  A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries. योगिनामपि   सर्वेषां   मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना   । श्रद्धावान्भजते   यो   मां   स   मे   युक्ततमो   मतः   ॥ Bg 6.47   —  And of all yogīs, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself and renders transcendental loving service to Me – he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is t
Read more

COWS & SPIRITUALITY

Image
Kingdom of God:   Various religions of the world mention about the “kingdom of God”. Vedic texts give elaborate descriptions of It. Scriptures like Bhagwad Geeta, Bhagwad Puran, Garg Samhita and Brahma Samhita are some of them. In the spiritual realm, the Lord is engaged in herding the spiritual cows, as stated in the Hindu scriptures: cintamani-prakara-sadmasu kalpavriksha- lakshavrteshu surabhir abhipaalayantam lakshmi-sahasra-sata-sambhrama-sevyamanam govindam aadi-purusham tam aham bhajami [Brahma-samhita] “Lord Krishna is situated in a spiritual abode made of transcendental gems. In that abode he is surrounded by millions of desire fulfilling trees  (kalpa-vriksha),  and he takes pleasure in tending the divine cows. He is always being served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of devotees. To that Supreme Lord, who is always trying to satisfy the senses of the cows, and who is the original person, I offer my worship.”   The great
Read more

SRI RADHA GOVINDAJI TEMPLE

Image
Sri Radha Govindaji temple  was a grand seven-story structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold.   Akbar contributed in building it & Aurangzeb destroyed it.   THE TEMPLE The temple was built by Raja Man Singh a general from the army of King Akbar sometimes after 1570. Raja Man Singh was a disciple of Raghunath Bhatta Goswami. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North India. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall ceiling. It was said to have cost ten million rupees, and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it. Akbar himself had donated the red sandstone for its construction. In 1670, during the rule of a later Mughal king, Aurangzeb, it was plundered and destroyed leaving only three stories of the original temple.   During this attack, when few stories remained, all of a sudden the ground began to shake violently and Aurangzeb’s men were terrified and ran for their lives, never to return
Read more

Follow on Facebook

Views This Week

Popular posts from this blog

भगवान श्री कृष्ण : मैं ही ईश्वर हूँ।

Image
भगवान श्री कृष्ण ने भगवद गीता में अनेक बार कहा है कि वे ही परमेश्वर हैं। शायद ही किसी भी शस्त्र मैं किसी ने ऐसा कहा हो। इस ज्ञान को उन्हों ने कभी गुप्त रूप से और कभी सीधे-सीधे कहा है। प्रस्तुत हैं कुछ श्लोक जो इस बात की पुष्टि करतें हैं।    भोक्तारं   यज्ञतपसां   सर्वलोकमहेश्वरम् ‌  । सुहृदं   सर्वभूतानां   ज्ञात्वा   मां   शान्तिमृच्छति   ॥ BG5.29 मुझे   समस्त   यज्ञों   तथा   तपस्याओं   का   परं   भोक्ता ,  समस्त   लोकों   तथा   देवताओं   का   परमेश्र्वर   एवं   समस्त   जीवों   का   उपकारी   एवं   हितैषी   जानकर   मेरे   भावनामृत   से   पूर्ण   पुरुष   भौतिक   दुखों   से   शान्ति   लाभ - करता   है  | योगिनामपि   सर्वेषां   मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना   । श्रद्धावान्भजते   यो   मां   स   मे   युक्ततमो   मतः   ॥ BG6.47  और   समस्त   योगियों   में   से   जो   योगी   अत्यन्त   श्रद्धापूर्वक   मेरे   परायण   है ,  अपने   अन्तःकरण   में   मेरे   विषय   में   सोचता   है   और   मेरी   दिव्य   प्रेमाभक्ति   करता   है   वह   योग   में   मुझसे   परम   अन्तरंग   रूप   में   युक्त   र
Read more

The Principle Of Al-Takiyah In Islam

Image
We should know about an important principle of Islam called as “Al-Takeyya”. There are many non-Muslims who are fooled into believing (by the Muslims) that Muhammad and Islam talk highly of them. They also proclaim to the non-Muslim world that Islam wants to have cordial relations with them. These are all lies. Islam allows Muslims to lie for religion. It is a binding principle of Islam and is called “Al-Takeyyah” (Al-Takiyah). Muslims use this principle to lie to the infidel unbelievers and tell that Islam is a religion of peace . Let me explain it fully. Like most religions, Islam in general, forbids lying. The Quran says, "Truly Allah guides not one who transgresses and lies." (Quran 40:28). However, unlike other religions, within Islam there are certain provisions under which lying is not simply tolerated, but actually encouraged by Allah. This point is proven by many incidences in the life of Muhammad. He often lied and instructed his followers to do the same
Read more

Description of the Kings of Kali-Yuga in Bhagwad Puran

Image
The exact translation of some verses from  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam  that describe the kings of Kali-Yuga is presented here. It should make an interesting reading for all.    Prelude The Twelfth Canto of  Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam  begins with Śrīla Śukadeva Gosvāmī predicting the kings of the earth who will appear in the future during the Age of Kali. Then he gives a description of the numerous faults of the age   The First Chapter of this canto briefly describes the future kings of the dynasty of Magadha and how they become degraded because of the influence of the Age of Kali.  The power in the countries of Magadha and so forth will fall to kings who are no better than  śūdras  and  mlecchas  and are totally absorbed in irreligion. The Verses SB 12.1.7-8  — King Mahānandi will father a very powerful son in the womb of a śūdra woman. He will be known as Nanda and will be the master of millions of soldiers and fabulous wealth. He will wreak havoc among the kṣatriyas, and from that t
Read more

Dargah of Jalaluddin Rawan Was a Shiva Temple

Image
  Dargah of Jalaluddin Rawan in Sulibhanjan, Khuldabad, Maharashtra, was a Shiva Temple. It's clear, that the so called Dargah of Jalaluddin Rawan is built on a Shiva Temple. The Yoni part of Shivalingam is visible in the open ground of dargah. The temple complex is 800 years old which was a part of Devgiri, Capital of Yadavas.  Jalaluddin Ganj-e-Rawa came from persia and decided to live here. The name of lake, Pariyon ka Talan is evidently a later name.  
Read more

SRI RADHA GOVINDAJI TEMPLE

Image
Sri Radha Govindaji temple  was a grand seven-story structure, with an altar of marble, silver and gold.   Akbar contributed in building it & Aurangzeb destroyed it.   THE TEMPLE The temple was built by Raja Man Singh a general from the army of King Akbar sometimes after 1570. Raja Man Singh was a disciple of Raghunath Bhatta Goswami. Architecturally this temple is one of the finest in North India. A sculptured lotus flower weighing several tons decorates the main hall ceiling. It was said to have cost ten million rupees, and several thousand men were working for five full years to complete it. Akbar himself had donated the red sandstone for its construction. In 1670, during the rule of a later Mughal king, Aurangzeb, it was plundered and destroyed leaving only three stories of the original temple.   During this attack, when few stories remained, all of a sudden the ground began to shake violently and Aurangzeb’s men were terrified and ran for their lives, never to return
Read more

The Untold Story of Taj Mahal

Image
  The Untold Story of Taj Mahal Question: "What was the cost of building Taj Mahal    a symbol of love ?" Answer: "7.4 million deaths". Yes Taj Mahal was a symbol of death. It has the blood of 7.4 million people on it. Let us explain. Monetary Cost If you are looking for the monetary cost of building Taj Mahal, it was 41.8 million (4.18 crore) rupees in 1631. But what was the value of 41.8 million in those days? The average income of a single family of peasants was approximately equal to One Dam per day. A Dam was a copper coin and 40 Dams was equal to a single rupee(1). A single rupee fetched 280 kilograms of rice. Taj Mahal was constructed at a cost of 4 crore rupees(2). But Taj Mahal demanded not just money. It demanded blood. The blood of 7.4 million people. A little background. It was 1631. Shah Jahan with his army marched to Burhanpur (Malwa) to punish a Mughal commander who turned rogue and joined hands with Shia Adilshahis ( Bijapur) and Nizamsha
Read more

Vaishnav Culture of Bishnupur, West Bengal

Image
Vaishnav Culture & Major Temples of Bishnupur, Bengal. Madan Gopal Temple Deities  From around 7th century AD till around the advent of British rule, for around a millennium, history of Bankura district is identical with the rise and fall of the Hindu Rajas of Bishnupur. The ancient Rajas of Bishnupur trace back their history to a time when Hindus were still reigning in Delhi, and the name of the Muslims was not yet heard in India. Indeed, they could already count five centuries of rule over the western frontier tracts of Bengal before Bakhtiyar Khalji arrived. Adi Malla was the founder of the Malla dynasty. In 695 AD, a prince of one of the royal families of northern India made a pilgrimage with his wife to the Jagannath temple at Puri. He left his wife who was about to give birth to a child in the care of a Brahmin here. The wife gave birth to a son. When he was 15 years old he had no equal as a wrestler in the territory all around. It was this that earned him the name of Adi
Read more