Daily Worship

As the first rays of morning light spread across the sky, Shri Radharaman (Shriji) awakens. Soon, eager devotees swarm into the temple, to quench their thirst for the nectar of His beauty at the auspicious time of Mangla Aarti. Shriji’s attendant Goswami waves the lamp in graceful rings, binding the divine Youth with the protection of his love, and dispelling any negative energy that might bring Him harm.

Then the curtain falls. After the eternal Youth brushes His teeth, He is bathed and dressed with greatest care by His Goswamis. Finally the curtain parts, revealing the glory of Shriji’s handsome Form, amidst the spreading aromatic smoke of the Dhoop Aarti.



Now Shriji is ready to go and graze the cows, but not before His mother and the gopis serve Him privately with a lavish breakfast.

Once fed and fully dressed, He sets out with His cows and cowherd friends. Finding any opportunity, Shriji slips away to meet His Beloved, Shri Radharani, and Her friends (sakhis) under the shade of the forest trees, flowers and creepers. The sakhis decorate this moment by performing Srngaar Aarti, an auspicious ritual to keep the Sweethearts safe throughout the day.

 

The curtain is drawn. Shriji rejoins His friends and walks and wanders through the forest. Later, He meets up again with His Soul Mate, Shri Radharani, and when He feels tired and hungry, She serves Him delicious, rich dishes prepared with greatest care by Her sakhis. The royal plate is filled with the flavours of their love. After enjoying Their midday meal, both Radha and Her Raman find Themselves in a relaxed mood. The Lovers are greeted with Rajbhog Aarti. Soon after, Shri Radharamanji with His Sweetheart retire to rest in a nearby grove.

 

The evening sandarshan starts with the Dhoop Aarti again, filling the entire atmosphere with aroma, and then fruits, refreshments and snacks are offered to Shri Radharamanji.

The sun is now sinking: Krishn, His big brother Balram and their cowherd friends return home, along with the cows. Thereupon Mother Yashoda welcomes her children by performing Sandhya Aarti.

“Our life’s Treasures are Shri Radharaman Lal and Shri Bhatt Gopal – all glories to them! Our Enchanter looks magnificent with His peacock crown and a graceful vaijayanti garland upon His chest. His beautiful earrings are shaped like makars and His jewelled bindi sparkles upon His brow. His curly locks are full of lustre, and He steals loving glances from the sides of His wide, mischievous eyes. This incomparable Beauty has captivated the gopis of Braj. He wears a waistbelt of tinkling bells and His anklebells ring. The flute touched to His lotus lips plays a sweet melody as He walks, graceful like a swan, through the lush pathways of Vrindavan. Shri Gopal Bhatt Goswami is by Shriji’s side and they are overflowing with love for each other. I offer my life for the sake of their love! With his eyes, Shri Gopinath Das Goswami worships his beloved Lord, who is the Shelter of all the devotees. Shriji delights all the rasiks of Vrindavan, like Shri Roop, Shri Sanatan, Shri Gopal Bhatt and the rest of the six Goswamis. He is the Garland adorning the hearts of all the souls in Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s lineage. Shri Gopinath Das Goswami says, ‘As we wear the blessed dust of our beloved Shri Radharaman’s lotus feet upon our heads, He showers us with His merciful blessings.’ “

The boys return by the end of the day, covered with dust spread by the cows. After bathing, they dress in comfortable evening attire, and hungrily demand their dinner. “My dear Boy please be patient,” answers Mother Yashoda as she brings the evening meal. This is the Aulai Sandarshan. Au-Lai literally means “I am about to bring”.


When Shriji has relished His meal, He falls in with His friends, chatting and enjoying the melodious music being played for Him. Eventually He feels sleepy, so before He retires, Lalita brings warm milk and Roop Manjari brings fragrant betel leaf.

When the time comes for sleep, the last aarti of the day is offered, called Shyan Aarti. In perfect silence the devotees worship Shriji with their eyes, while His attendant Goswami delicately waves the lamp. The bamboo flute plays, and the gong quietly sounds the most gentle lullaby.

 

The doors now closed, all the devotees and servants of Shri Radha Raman ji silently depart, their hearts filled with the eternal beauty of their Beloveds’ combined Form, Shri Radharamanji.