Inspiring Spiritual Discourse by Swami Nikhilanand of Barsana Dham

Inspiring Spiritual Discourse by Swami Nikhilanand, a JKP Pracharak at Barsana Dham









Speech by Swami Nikhilanand of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Barsana Dham. Swami Nikhilanand is a pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj.

Swami Nikhilanand left behind his Western beliefs and chose to adopt Hinduism as a young man. He travelled to India and studied in the ashrams of Shree Maharajji, learning Hindi, Sanskrit, and the essence of the prime Bhartiya scriptures (Upnishads, Darshan Shastras, Gita, Bhagwatam).

When the time came, his Guruji gave him the order of sanyas. Since then, Swami Nikhilanand has lectured throughout the U.S., inspiring audiences with his clear and practical representation of our Hindu dharm.

सात समुंदर पार बसा ब्रज

सात समुंदर पार बसा ब्रज

मथुरा। अगर आपको पता चले कि योगीराज श्री कृष्ण का एक और ब्रज है, वो भी सात समुंदर पार तो शायद अजीब लगेगा। लेकिन बात बिल्कुल सच है। अमेरिका के टैक्सास आस्टीन में बसा है एक ऐसा ब्रज जहा विराजमान हैं गोवर्धन गिरिराज महाराज।

यही नहीं राधारानी और राधाकुंड सहित कई प्रमुख धार्मिक स्थल भी नजर आते हैं। यह भले ही ये कान्हा का असली ब्रज न सही, लेकिन यहा के कण-कण में मिश्रित असली ब्रज के अंश इसे असली से ज्यादा अहमियत दे रहे हैं। इस अनोखे ब्रज को बसाया गया है एक मंदिर के विशालकाय दायरे में। भगवान श्रीकृष्ण और राधा की भक्ति में विदेशी कृष्ण भक्त कितने रमते जा रहे हैं, इसके आकलन का पैमाना मुश्किल होता जा रहा है। विदेशी कृष्ण भक्तों को उनके ही देश में भगवान श्रीकृष्ण और राधा की तमाम रास लीला स्थलियों का दर्शन कराने की दिशा में एक बड़ा प्रयास किया गया है। इससे प्रवासी भारतीयों का सीना भी शान से फूल गया है। उनके लिए तो जैसे उनका देश और संस्कृति ही चल कर पास आ गई हो। इस ब्रज को बनाया है प्रख्यात संत जगतगुरू कृपालु महाराज ने।

अमेरिका के टैक्सास स्थित आस्टीन शहर के प्रमुख मंदिर गोविंद धाम में। 220 एकड़ क्षेत्र के परिसर में बनाए गये धार्मिक स्थलों में गोवर्धन महाराज का विशालकाय पर्वत स्वरूप को स्थापित किया गया है। बताया गया है कि गिरिराज पर्वत के बनाए गये स्वरूप में एक शिला गिरिराज महाराज की शामिल है जो गोवर्धन से ले जाकर पर्वत में विराजमान की गई है।


गिरिराज महाराज का बाकायदा एक मंदिर भी वहा बनाया गया है। इसी तरह गिरिराज महाराज की परिक्रमा में पड़ने वाले राधाकुंड और श्याम कुंड भी ठीक उसी तरह बना गये हैं जैसे मथुरा जिला में स्थित राधाकुंड में मौजूद हैं। इनकी भी खासियत है कि इन दोनों कुंड के जल यहा से लेकर आस्टीन में बने राधाकुंड व श्याम कुंड के जल में मिश्रित किए गए हैं। इसके अलावा प्राचीन गोविंद कुंड भी बनाया गया है। उसमें भी यहा का जल लेकर मिलाया गया है। इसमें प्रेम सरोवर भी है। इसके अलावा पहाड़ियों के बीच बसा श्रीराधारानी धाम बरसाना भी बनाया गया है। इसमें बरसाना की श्याम कुटी, मोरकुटी के साथ-साथ यमुना महारानी यानी कालिंदी तट भी यहा श्रद्धालुओं के लिए दर्शनीय है।

यह पर्वतीय स्थल पर बनाया गया यह अनोखा धार्मिक स्थल 400, बरसाना रोड पर स्थित है। अपने आप में इस अनोखे धार्मिक स्थल के बारे में अभी तक मंदिर प्रबंधन की और से इंटरनेट पर बहुत थोड़ी सी जानकारी दी गई हैं, लेकिन आगामी समय में विदेश में बसे इस ब्रज की तस्वीरें जल्द ही इंटरनेट पर दिखाई देने लगेंगी।

Pictured above: (His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati at Barsana Dham and devotees of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati offering bhog to Giridhar Maharaj at Govardhan Hill)

Festival of Lights at Hindu Temple in Austin

Festival of Lights at local Hindu temple

Driftwood — Barsana Dham opens its doors to the community Saturday for the annual ‘Festival of Lights’ celebration called Divali.

On Saturday Barsana Dham welcomes everyone to enjoy this festive Hindu occasion.

The evening begins with a vegetarian meal served at 6 p.m. Temple tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m. At 7:30 p.m the temple program will begin and features the “lighting the light” ceremony where State representatives and prominent community leaders will take part.

The evening continues with traditional songs and a multimedia presentation of Barsana Dham’s founders which will be narrated by Prabhakari Devi, a teacher of Barsana Dham.

The program will then move outside for a fireworks display at 9 p.m., followed by a live band playing Indian songs for a group Indian-style square dance.

Thousands of multicolor twinkling lights covering the grounds, pools, fountains, and Temple create a festive atmosphere, and stalls of chai (Indian spiced tea), sweets and snacks will be available throughout the evening. The Driftwood Volunteer Fire Department will also be on hand for demonstrations.

There is no charge for the program. Barsana Dham is located at 400 Barsana Rd near Dripping Springs. For directions visit: www.BarsanaDham.org

Barsana Dham Family Camp

Upcoming Hindu Family Camps at Barsana Dham, Austin

Thurs, November 26th - Sun, November 29th

An awakening of the great value of Indian culture, heritage and spirituality will be received by attending this extraordinary Family Camp in Austin Texas. Kids will experience pride in being Hindu, and the whole family will have a new devotional way to share time together. Through lively learning sessions, authentic Hindu knowledge will be shared.Take this opportunity to absorb yourself in the teachings of Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, and taste the sweetness of Radha Krishn devotion in your life.

In an easy style and a serene setting, adults, teens, youths and children will learn devotional philosophy that provides answers to fundamental questions such as, "Who am I? Who is God? Am I separate from God? How can I meet God?"

Through the teachings of the scriptures of Sanatan Dharm, the answers to these core questions of our life will unfold and participants will gain a firm faith and pride in the Hindu heritage.

Every aspect of the camp has been designed by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati specially for families.

For more information about Barsana Dham and Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, visit www.BarsanaDham.org

swami prakashanand saraswati

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati teaches the philsophy of God realization at Barsana Dham

As a teenager I began to discover the precious gems of spiritual wisdom contained in the Sanskrit scriptures, and the writings of the Sages and Saints of India, who explain that God can be experienced as Divine Mother, Father, Friend and Divine Beloved. There is a universality to these teachings that transcends age, race, gender and culture; a reality that lies beyond any material description and that brings us to our actual identity – as a soul who is eternally related to the Divine.

I feel extremely blessed to have had the opportunity to study Sanskrit, Hindu philosophy and devotional music with the guidance of His Divinity Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, a renowned and respected spiritual master from India. My studies were deepened in India and have enriched my life here at home in the United States. In all of these places the teachings of Divine love, which are the heart of Hinduism, have proved equally relevant and inspiring.

Flavors of India

Barsana Dham Mela showcases sights and sounds of Indian and Hindu culture

San Marcos Record
From staff reports
Flavors of India at Barsana Dham

Driftwood — From elephant rides to dance performances, Indian music to a talking parrot, sweet yogurt drinks to henna hand art and more — the annual Barsana Dham Mela will offer plenty sights, sounds and flavors of India.

Held from noon to 5 p.m. April 25 at Barsana Dham Hindu Temple near Driftwood, the Mela will feature Indian classical and folk music, elephant rides, Indian dance performances, booths featuring a variety of delectable Indian foods, a bazaar with all types of Indian handicrafts, artwork and clothing, village style roving vendors, pony rides, petting zoo and introductory talks on Hinduism.

This year's event will also feature game and prize booths, trackless train rides, balloon artist and more.Barsana Dham is a 200-acre temple that provides educational programs and and tours regarding the Hindu faith.

It also houses traditional Hindu weddings and regular yoga classes. Barsana Dham is located off FM 1826 northeast of Driftwood.

For more information on the upcoming Mela, call (512) 288-7180 or visit http://www.barsanadham.org/

Fun-packed Mela at Barsana Dham April 25th

www.barsanadham.org

The event organizers at Barsana Dham are in the final stages of preparing for the magnificent mela fair this Sunday, April 25th. With real-life elephant rides & ponies, colorful dance performances and outdoor concerts, roving vendors, miscellaneous performances & enlightening talks by the Barsana Dham teachers - there is so much to look forward to.

If you can't wait till sunday, here are some pictures from last year...

Authentic Indian Mela at Barsana Dham

Authentic Indian Mela at Barsana Dham

Oak Hill Lifestyle
April 22nd 2009

Barsana Dham's annual Indian Mela (Fair) is set for Saturday, April 25th, from 12 noon to 5:00 PM. This year's event will feature Elephant rides, traditional food and snacks, shopping bazaar, live Indian dance and music performances. 

Organizers say attendees will feel like they are in a real Indian fair in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Fair goers can have their hands decorated with elaborate mehndi patterns, purchase unique clothing, jewelry, artwork, and try their luck at the dunk tank. There will be favorite Indian delicacies like samosas, lassi, rasgula, bhel puri and more. Games prizes, inflatable rides, petting zoo, pony rides, trackless train, roving balloon artist Nate the Great and clown extraordinaire Bonzo Crunch will be there. 

This year, the teachers of Barsana Dham will present interactive sessions: "Hinduism, Myth vs. Fact", "Introduction to Chanting Meditation" and give a walking tour of Barsana Dham. Cultural music and dance will be performed on the outdoor stage ending with a Sarod and Tabla concert.

Everyone is welcome to attend the Mela at Barsana Dham, located at 400 Barsana Rd. on FM 1826 (Camp Ben McCullough Rd.). Admission is $5.00 per car. For more information, visit the Barsana Dham Web site at http://www.barsanadham.org or call (512) 288-7180

Barsana Dham - Taste of India

The Barsana Dham: Taste of India
Author: Joe Cline

Most expect that to be able to see a true Hindu temple you would have to travel to . . . well . . . India, or at least a country in which Hinduism is a more dominant religion. But that’s not necessarily true. Throughout the years, as immigration has become more common, Hindu temples have been erected wherever believers have settled, including in America, including in Texas.

The Barsana Dham is located just south of Austin in the hill country. It was built in 1990 and today is the main U.S. center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, a holy man in Hinduism born in 1922 in Mangarh village. It is said that all who saw his sweet smile and serene look loved Jagadguru Kripaul Parishat from the start. His virtues and intelligence were lauded from a young age, particularly when, at age 14, he traveled to Indore to study Sanskrit literature and mastered every topic he chose to tackle. At age 16, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat finished school and took up his Divine nature. He spent the rest of his life, which continues on today, teaching the people of India and all who would listen about his beliefs and ideals as a divine and devout Hindu man.

In 1990, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat gave his blessing for the creation of Barsana Dham. It was designed on a 200-acre property to be a representation of the holy land of Braj, where Shree Radha Rani and Shree Krishn appeared more than 5,000 years ago. Those who visit it are meant to take from the Temple and its surroundings a sense of serenity and calm that often cannot be found in the outside world. It is also hoped that visitors will walk away having learned of the knowledge of the Vedas, the Gita and the Bhagwatam, as well as the process of divine love consciousness, the energy Hindus believe unites one man’s soul with the Supreme God.

Every year, all the major Hindu festivals are celebrated at Barsana Dham in the traditional style. For example, in September, Radha Ashtmi is celebrated. This is a day commemorating when Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani descended into Barsana. The celebration begins with chanting of the leelas and virtues of the goddess, followed by more chanting and praying and a prepared lunch. It is a day in which many in the United States come to celebrate, just as all of the other Hindu festivals are from Mela Fair to Maha Shivrati to Jhulan Leela.

Truly, Barsana Dham is not a place to be missed when you are in Austin, regardless of whether you are there for religious or simply tourist purposes. But do be aware that the visiting hours are compact; general visiting is only permitted between 8:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., daily. At those times, all may visit the holy places, view the temple architecture and take in the beautiful culture living within the site. At other times of the day, holy services are taking place and it is requested that general visitors not roam the grounds.

About the Author:

About the Author:

Joe Cline writes articles for Austin Texas REALTOR. Other articles written by the author related to Austin REMAX Realtor Blog and Austin Real Estate Agent can be found on the net.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - The Barsana Dham: A Taste of India in Austin

Barsana Dham Teacher Inspiers L.A.

Barsana Dham Preacher blesses L.A.

With the gracious blessings of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, Swami Akhilanand of Barsana Dham delivered inspiring spiritual discourses in L.A.

Swami Akhilanand was born to parents whose spiritual search eventually led them to Swami Prakashananda Saraswati and Barsana Dham. Swamiji grew up as a Hindu until he reached his adolescence when he became what he describes as "an insane teen." Mid-way through college, where he was studying to be an architect, Swami Akhilanand had what he describes as his "spiritual mid-life crisis." He knew that what he wanted was to take initiation and become a sannyasi.

It was a natural step to take Prakashanand Saraswati as guru, whom he had known since he was 9-years-old.  Swamiji began the program with a quiet moment of meditation. His discourse was kept interesting by his own unique method of blending anecdotes with Gita verses and bhajans. His strong pleasant voice kept his audience engaged.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati Graces L.A.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati rejoyed and encouraged devotees in L.A. with devotion and knowledge during his trip there.

Here are some pictures from his stay.

Blissful satsang at Barsana Dham

Spiritual Programs in LA

Spiritual Programs at Barsana Dham LA

Swami Akhilanand, a sanyasi student of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, regularly presents uplifting satsang programs and inspiring lecture series' in LA. Sometimes he speaks at the Barsana Dham LA center, at local temples, and sometimes he travels to various devotees' homes.

Introduced to the spiritual teachings of India at a young age, Swami Akhilanand desired to devote his life in service to God. Under the guidance of his Spiritual Master, Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, Akhilanandji studied the deepest aspects of the Sanskrit scriptures, devotional music and the philosophy of Divine love.

After intensive study and devotion in India and the US, he received the renounced order of sanyas in the raganuga tradition of Vrindaban, India. A full-time sanyasi teacher, he has taught throughout the United States, sharing the profound teachings of Sanatan Dharm.

Swami Akhilanand reveals a fresh and inspired vision of the timeless wisdom of the Bhartiya philosophy which awakens a deep sense of spiritual contentment and inspires a positive faith in the future attainment of perfect happiness. 

His speeches clarify the deepest aspects of the Divine science and are supported by quotations from the original Sanskrit texts. Through the use of stories and analogies from the sacred scriptures of India, he explains how the ancient knowledge of the Vedic scriptures has relevance in our everyday lives.

His speech touches the heart and his chanting of Radha Krishn name inspires divine love which enters deep into the hearts of the listeners.

Sankirtan with Swami Akhilanand

Swami Akhilanand playing dholak

Devotees rejoicing during kirtan

Everyone stands for the arti

Temple welcomes people of all faiths

"Temple welcome people of all faiths" (Originally posted in University Wire)

The blossoming trees, flowering gardens and crowing peacocks of Barsana Dham, a Hindu temple in South Austin, Texas, create a devotional environment away from the distractions of the city for Kanu Bhai.

"I had never imagined to visit such a beautiful place in this part of the world," said Bhai, a first-time visitor from New Jersey. "I have been to many temples all over the U.S., but this ashram is really special." One of the largest Hindu temples in the United States, Barsana Dham covers over 200 acres on the outskirts of southwest Austin, Texas.

Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, a Hindu spiritual guru from India, acquired land for a temple using donations he collected from around the United States. Barsana Dham opened in 1995.

"Barsana Dham" by AMERICAN-STATESMAN (September 27)

Barsana Dham a magical place for worshippers



Saturday, September 27, 2008: On a recent Sunday morning, cars began rolling into Barsana Dham — through the dramatic stone entryway, under an arch wrapped in purple streamers and toward the 35,000-square-foot marble temple.

To the many Central Texas Hindus who rely on Barsana Dham for spiritual inspiration, a place to worship or its educational programs, Barsana Dham is a magical place.

Inside, several dozen men and women, many of them South Asians dressed in saris, sat on the floor or in chairs watching Swami Prakashanand Saraswati, deliver a lecture on a large-screen TV.

Read full article Barsana Dham a magical place for worshippers by clicking on the above url.

Home Satsangs

At the LA chapter of JKP Barsana Dham, regular satsang programs are held at the houses of devotees as well as at the LA center of Barsana Dham.
Here are some pictures from one such satsang program.

Barsana Dham Shelters Hurricane Victims

Barsana Dham has become home to over 200 evacuees of the hurricane in Texas.