"Brij Kshetra's Grand Celebration: The Festival of "Moodiya Poonau"
In the vibrant land of Brij, the Guru Puja festival on Ashadhi Purnima is celebrated with great fervor, but it is the enchanting festival of "Moodiya Poonau" that steals the spotlight. This auspicious occasion marks the grandest parikrama (circumambulation) festival of Giriraj ji, a revered deity in the region.
But why is "Gurupurnima" referred to as "Moodiya Poonau" in Brij Kshetra? The origin of this name is steeped in a significant incident and the tradition associated with it. It is believed that on this very day, Sanatan Goswami, the supreme disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, attained Nirvana. To honor his memory, the people of this community celebrate the Nirvanotsav (death anniversary) of Sanatan Goswami ji on Ashad Purnima. During the festivities, sadhus immerse themselves in the holy waters of "Mansi Ganga" in Govardhan and perform the circumambulation of Giriraj ji. Notably, sadhus traditionally shave their heads, and this practice might have contributed to the festival's name "Moodiya Poonau."
Over time, word of this sacred celebration spread, attracting people from nearby villages to join the circumambulation of Giriraj ji and take a dip in the sacred "Mansi Ganga." Gradually, a vibrant fair emerged around these festivities, transforming "Mudia Poonau" into the grandest festival of the Brij region.
Presently, not only the residents of Brij but also devotees from distant places participate in the revered parikrama of Giriraj ji. Thousands of passionate devotees undertake the challenging 'Dandoti Parikrama,' a unique form of reverence and devotion. During the celebrations, rural women enchantingly sing devotional folk songs as they partake in the parikrama. One such common song begins with the verses - "Bhajau Bhai Govind Naam Hari. The streets of Brindaban resonate with the call to worship."
The revered Sanatan Goswami and his brother Roop Goswami were once prominent officials in the court of Hussain Shah, the ruler of Bengal. However, their metting with Chaitanya Mahaprabhu inspired them to abandon their worldly positions and embrace the path of devotion. They received initiation from Mahaprabhu and journeyed to Vrindavan by his divine command. In Vrindavan, Sanatan Goswami discovered the sacred Leela places of Lord Krishna, constructed temples in His honor, and fervently propagated the devotion of Shri Krishna. Today, Sanatan Goswami is venerated as one of the six main Goswamis of Vrindavan. He was born in 1488 and attained Samadhi on the full moon day of Ashadh month in 1558.
The "Moodiya Poonau" festival in Brij Kshetra continues to be a cherished occasion, drawing devotees from far and wide to revel in the divine aura and celebrate the legacy of Lord Krishna. The timeless tradition of parikrama and heartfelt devotion keeps this grand festival alive, fostering a sense of spiritual connection and unity among the devotees.
Blogs FAQ
Question: 1. What is the significance of the festival "Moodiya Poonau" in Brij Kshetra?
Answer: "Moodiya Poonau" is considered the biggest festival of the Brij region, specifically associated with the parikrama (circumambulation) of Giriraj ji, a revered deity. It commemorates the Nirvanotsav (death anniversary) of Sanatan Goswami, the supreme disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and celebrates his spiritual legacy.
Question: 2. Why is "Gurupurnima" called "Moodiya Poonau" in Brij Kshetra?
Answer: The festival acquired the name "Moodiya Poonau" due to the tradition of sadhus (holy men) shaving their heads. The term "Moodiya" refers to the lack of hair, which is associated with the appearance of sadhus who participate in the festivities. This unique tradition became connected with the celebration of Gurupurnima in the Brij region.
Question: 3. What is the story behind Sanatan Goswami and his connection to the festival?
Answer: Sanatan Goswami, a prominent disciple of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, left his high-ranking position in the court of Hussain Shah, the ruler of Bengal, to pursue the path of devotion. He came to Vrindavan and discovered the sacred places associated with Lord Krishna's Leelas (divine pastimes). Sanatan Goswami's teachings and contributions to propagating the devotion of Shri Krishna are revered. The festival of "Moodiya Poonau" honors his memory and spiritual contributions.
Question: 4. What activities take place during the "Moodiya Poonau" festival?
Answer: The festival involves the circumambulation of Giriraj ji, where devotees take a dip in the holy "Mansi Ganga" and perform rituals. Additionally, passionate devotees may undertake the challenging "Dandoti Parikrama" as an act of devotion. Rural women sing devotional folk songs, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Question: 5. Who participates in the "Moodiya Poonau" festival?
Answer: The festival attracts residents of the Brij region as well as devotees from distant places. People of all backgrounds, ages, and faiths come together to participate in the parikrama and seek blessings during this sacred celebration.
Question: 6. What is the legacy of Sanatan Goswami in Vrindavan?
Answer: Sanatan Goswami is revered as one of the six main Goswamis of Vrindavan. He played a significant role in discovering and identifying the Leela places of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. He constructed temples to commemorate these sacred spots and actively promoted the devotion of Shri Krishna.
Question: 7. How long has the "Moodiya Poonau" festival been celebrated?
Answer: The festival has been celebrated for many years, with its roots tracing back to the time of Sanatan Goswami in the 16th century. It has since become a cherished and grand celebration in the Brij region.
Question: 8. Can anyone participate in the festival, regardless of their religious background?
Answer: Yes, the "Moodiya Poonau" festival is open to people of all religious backgrounds. Devotees from various faiths join in the celebrations, embracing the spirit of devotion and unity.
Question: 9. Are there any specific rituals or practices associated with the festival?
Answer: The festival involves the circumambulation of Giriraj ji, bathing in the sacred "Mansi Ganga," and singing devotional songs. While there are no strict rituals, the devotees engage in acts of reverence, prayer, and remembrance of Sanatan Goswami's spiritual journey.
Question: 10. What is the message or essence of the "Moodiya Poonau" festival?
Answer: The festival embodies devotion, spiritual connection, and the celebration of a great soul's legacy. It encourages individuals to embark on a path of devotion and seek divine blessings, while also fostering a sense of community and unity among the participants.