Radhe Radhe !!

We had a grand Narasimha Appearance Day this year. The enjoyment far transcended the previous years – and i am at aloss to understand why. The best part was the sankirtan.

DH sang Narasimha stuti so sweetly that i cannot describe. i had been for 12 years in ISKCON, celebrating Narasimha Chaturdashi with all its gusto, right? Yet, once i was in Baghbazar Goudiya Math on this auspicious day. i do not know how and what for, ( it was a pleasant surprise for me) a few saffroners  from the Chaitnaya Math had dropped in. i thought they were supposed to be rivals !! Since i always like Vaishnavs to be genial with each other, i was happy when the Baghbazar authorities invited these guests to lead the kirtan. It had been a tumultuous one, and i hv yet to witness a more powerful Narasimha-kirtan. The lead-singer played mridanga with all his might, and his mouth twisted this way and that way, as if he were the very embodiment of Narasimhadev ! i had looked on fascinated.

However, Shuk’s singing was not like this at all. It was gloriously sweet. i did not know – even in my dreams – that Narasimha-kirtan could be that melodious and charming.  He actually crooned Lord Narasimha’s Holy Name – i was amazed – what was this guy up to? Even Narasimhadev would be moved to tears.

All the assembled devotees sang mesmerized, drowned in bhaav. Soulful cries of “haribol”filled the sky. As he lifted the tune higher and higher repeating “Jaya narasimha Sri Narasimha Jaya Jaya Narasimha – prahlaadeshu jaya padma mukha padma bhringa ” i could sense the powerful reverberation of Narasimhadev’s presence amidst the sankirtan. Overflowing with tears of ecstatic, we abhisheked Neelu with milk. The milk-bath was followed by dahi, ghee, honey, sugar all dissolved in milk in separate containers. Also abhisheked him in juices of watermelon, muskmelon, mango, oranges and sweet lime – all dissolved in milk.

So this is how he looked towards the end –

Who is this colorful boy?

We rounded off with the offering of Special Narasimha-kheer. It was really and truly yummy !! Oh of course – we also had an exposition on Prahlad Maharaj’s hymn. In fact we recited the entire hymn – how could we forget it? But ( i have to be truthful) – what the devotees remembered the next day was the kheer.