On the auspicious occasion of Srimad Bhagavad-gita Jayanti, a highly advertised preaching event was organized in Mandya by our devotees there, headed by Madhumangala Dasa and Sridhara Dasa.
Sripada Bhakti Vijnana Giri Maharaja was invited as the speaker for the occasion that was well attended by around 300 people. Sripada Giri Maharaja, accompanied by the devotees of the asrama, was ceremoniously received at the event with bursts of beautiful fireworks, nadeswara-vadana and was escorted by two columns of traditionally clad young school girls on either side, each holding purna-kumbhas (auspicious pots) on their heads. Dr C. M. Parameshwar was invited to preside as the chief guest of the program.
The program began with a brief introductions of all the important guests attending the event. Caitanya Dasa Adhikari briefly introduced Sripada Giri Maharaja to the public in Kannada language. After the introductions, a lamp was lit by Maharaja and he offered pranamas to the picture of our Gurudeva, Srila Bhakti Gaurava Narasingha Maharaja.
As Maharaja did not speak Kannada, the lecture was translated line-by-line by Caitanya Dasa. Giri Maharaja began his lecture with a brief prelude about the origin of the Gita in the Mahabharata explaining the situation as to why it was spoken by Sri Krsna. Later he gave succinct explanations on each chapter of Bhagavad-gita dealing with Karma Yoga, Dhyana Yoga, Jnana Yoga and finally Bhakti Yoga. He also exposed the so-called 'godmen' of our age by describing the supra-mundane qualities that can only be possessed by Bhagavan Sri Krsna. The lecture was summed up with a narration of the story of the Oriyan brahmana Arjuna Misra illustrating the validity of each and every verse of the Gita and showing how deep faith is a fundamental requirement to realize them. The program was concluded with kirtana led by Sri Gopala Dasa Adhikari and prasadam distribution.
After the program, Sridhara Dasa hosted Sripada Giri Maharaja and the devotees for Ekadasi prasadam at his humble residence in Mandya. The devotees very much appreciated the variety of preparations and the endeavours of Sridhara Dasa and his family.
In conclusion, all were extremely satisfied by taking part in the most auspicious activity of spreading the message of Bhagavad-gita and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
