Atlanta, GA, January 18, 2024: The Gaudiya Vaishnava Association (GVA) joyously observed Shree Geeta Jayanti at their Alpharetta center on December 22, 2023, under the guidance and blessings of its Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace Bhakti Swarup Tirtha Maharaj.
Over 5000 years ago, Lord Shree Krishna spoke the Shreemad Bhagavad Geeta to His friend and disciple, Shree Arjuna, in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Geeta Jayanti, celebrated as the Advent of Shree Bhagavad Geeta, coincided with the auspicious Mokshada Ekadashi. Approximately 150 members attended the program, engaging in the reading of verses from Shree Bhagavad Geeta and listening to the Chatuh shloki Bhagavad Geeta (10.8-10.11), recited and elucidated in detail by His Divine Grace Bhakti Swarup Tirtha Maharaja. The study of this Chatuh shloki Geeta unveils the supremacy of Lord Shree Krishna, the original source of everything, the nature of pure devotees of the Lord, the predominance of bhakti yoga over other processes, and the significance of complete surrender to the Lord.
The GVA center, adorned by dedicated volunteers, welcomed guests with a beautifully decorated setting. An attractive chariot featuring Lord Shree Krishna and Shree Arjuna was arranged at the altar to symbolize the occasion, transporting the audience to the great war of Kurukshetra and visualizing the conversations between the Supreme Lord and Shree Arjuna. Decorative plaques, displaying select verses from the Bhagavad Geeta, adorned the walls. Young devotees from GVA Gurukula recited numerous shlokas from the Bhagavad Geeta.
The youth from GVA Youth Program presented the core philosophy of the Bhagavad Geeta meticulously, quoting appropriate verses that encompass the five basic truths: the jivas (living entities), Ishvara (the supreme controller), prakriti (material nature), karma (activity), and kala (time). These subjects were part of the gurukula and youth students’ study material throughout the year. The presentations of these young children were highly appreciated and admired by all. A Maha Arati with ecstatic kirtans was performed, and guests were treated to a sumptuous Ekadashi prasadam feast.
The Bhagavad Geeta, consisting of 700 verses in 18 chapters, transcends sectarianism and addresses the deepest questions of life. Its purpose is to deliver mankind from the nescience of material existence. This scripture, intended for all of mankind, is highly commendable as it serves as the absolute guide and life manual. To delve deeper into this wonderful scripture, please contact GVA at 1-888-9GVA-USA or visit online at www.bhagavatvani.org. GVA conducts various programs throughout the year in Alpharetta and various cities in the US to promote peace, harmony, and spiritual betterment of the community under the spiritual guidance of His Divine Grace, who is one of the foremost speakers and preachers of Bhakti Yoga. GVA welcomes everyone to their Bhagavad Geeta classes conducted every Sunday at 4040, Old Milton Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia.
–By Badarayani Dasa and Vishnu Dasa
