Kunj Ekadashi Utsav in Pushtimarg

THE UTSAV OF KUNJ EKADASHI
Phaagun Sud 11 (Ekadashi)

On this day the utsav of Kunj Ekadashi is observed. On this day all vrajbhakts make a separate "Nikunj" in the forest or "Van" and play the game of

colours with Shri Thakurji and offer many types of sweet preparations to the lord.

In vrajbhoomi there are 12 types of Nikunj. They are :

Pushp kunj, Fal kunj, Ras kunj, Madhu kunj, Dwaar kunj, Nav Kunj, Shashi Kunj, Prem Kunj, Lakshmi Kunj, Tulsi Kunj, Sidh Kunj.

Lots of vrajbhakts are there in these 12 Kunjs. These Kunjs are bereft of anything worldly.

It always exhibits a youthful way of life. There is no life or death in these Nikunj.

Even animals which exhibit carnivorous tendencies are absent. In these Kunjs, the feelings

of fear, evil, sadness etc. are absent.

Every moment here happens to witness something new. The environment changes according to the

innermost feelings and wishes of the vrajbhakts.

There are all types of decorations to please the Prabhu like "Bageecha, Hindola, Jal Vihar, Phuvaara"

and all these decorations are not permanent, they keep changing as per the "Bhaav" or the innermost

feelings of the vrajbhakts.

Imagination runs riots in our mind thinking about all these different leelas of the vrajbhakts with Shri Thakurji.

But, we as Jeev can only hope that one day because of Shri Vallabhs kripa, we too can find entry in these Nikunjs,

because it is otherwise humanly impossible for us to be so privileged so as to have such a darshan.

SEVA PRAKAAR

Vastra - Kesari Doriya ke Srimastak par Paag, Meena ko Mukut, Mukut Kachni ko Shringaar, Chova ki Choli.

Abhushan - Laal Meena. Thada Vastra White(Safed).

Saamagri - Mohanthaal, Paatiya ki Sev, Kesari Ghevar, Gulab ko Seera. Boondi ki Chaas, 2 Bhujena and 2 Shaak.

After raajbhog is offered, make a "Kunj" consisting of leaves of banana tree, Mango tree and different types of creepers that are locally available. Small

flowers must also be strung on it. After Shri Thakurji partakes the raajbhog, he should then be respectfully be welcomed inside the Kunj and then we

should play the game of colours with him.

(Note: In some gaadi(gurughar), first raajbhog is partaken and then khel is done and in some gaadi(gurughar), first khel is done and then raajbhog is

offered to Prabhu.)

A saamagri like Kesari Barfi should be placed covered by the Thakujis side during "Khel". Kesar, abir, gulaal and chova are the colours with which Shri

Thakurji plays.

If the swaroop is a "Thada Swaroop" then the Venuji should be placed at the "Kati" or waist and the "Vetra" should be placed in his "Shri Hasta".

Then colours should be sprayed on the Kunj. Kirtans are sung and then aarti is performed. In the evening the Gold Mukut is replaced with the Mukut of

Flowers(Phool ko Mukut).

The last few days i.e. from Phaagun Sud 10, Shri Thakurji indulges in the game of colours within the "Bageecha" or garden. There "Raal" is sprayed. The

"Raal" is a flammable substance which when thrown near a torch of fire or any source of fire instantly gets ignited. This ignition of "Raal" here

symbolizes the "Virahagni" of the vrajbhakts. The days of khel from "Vasant Panchmi to Dol" have gone by so fast that the vrajbhakts are unaware of it.

They are so happy as the day of "Dol" is nearing and the intensity of playing the game of holi is going on increasing. But, at the same time there is a

realization in the hearts/minds that the days of happiness are very few and after holi again they will have to a whole year to experience such bliss. This

realization awakens their anxiety and increases their pangs of separation from this feeling of happiness. This is symbolized by the ignition of "Raal".