Gita Jayanti- Celebrating the Bhagavad Gita's Eternal Wisdom

"Gita Jayanti", the auspicious day that marks the advent of the sacred Hindu text, "Bhagavad Gita", holds profound significance for millions of Hindus worldwide. This sacred scripture, revered as a conversation between Lord Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, is celebrated annually on the Ekadashi, i.e. 11th day of the Shukla Paksha, i.e. waxing phase of the moon, in the Hindu month of Margashirsha as per the Hindu Panchang. According to the Gregorian Calendar, it falls in the month of either November or December.

In the Guruvayur Sree Krishna Temple in Kerala, they celebrate Gita Jayanti" on a different day. They mark it on Guruvayur Ekadashi, which falls in the Malayalam month of Vrischikam, usually around November or December. It's their unique way of honoring the "Bhagavad Gita."

This year, we are commemorating "Gita Jayanti" on the 22nd Dec 2023.

As per Drik Panchang, the "tithi" for "Gita Jayanti" in the year 2023 is as follows:

Gita Jayanti on Friday, December 22, 2023

• Ekadashi Tithi Begins - 08:16 AM on Dec 22, 2023
• Ekadashi Tithi Ends - 07:11 AM on Dec 23, 2023

This occasion is also known by the name "Bhagavad Gita Jayanti."

Most of the time, this auspicious day of "Gita Jayanti" coincides with "Mokshada Ekadashi" as well.

 

Historical Importance behind "Gita Jayanti":

"Gita Jayanti" is a special day in Hinduism when, during the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna, believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, shared important teachings with his friend Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. This conversation, known as the "Bhagavad Gita", is highly revered in the Hindu community as a sacred text. It's a guide that imparts valuable wisdom about life, duty, and spirituality. People celebrate "Gita Jayanti" to remember and honor this significant event.

The "Bhagavad Gita" is special because it makes us think and make decisions while still being true to self. It encourages a fresh perspective on life without losing our own identity.

The "Bhagavad Gita" is really helpful because it can connect with what's going on in the world today. It's like whenever someone is feeling confused or troubled, it's their own version of seeking advice like Arjuna did. The Bhagavad Gita, with the wisdom of Lord Krishna, has been offering solutions to problems for ages, and it's something that will continue to help people forever.

 

Rituals & Observances on "Gita Jayanti":

"Gita Jayanti" is a big day for devotees of Lord Krishna because it's all about him. On this day, they wholeheartedly follow different rituals to show their devotion:

• People perform Pujas and special prayers in Lord Krishna temples all over the world.
• Many devotees visit the sacred Kund of Kurukshetra (where the battle of Mahabharata took place) for a holy bath.
• Many read "Bhagavad Gita" on this day & share their learnings with each other.
• Spiritual gatherings, i.e. satsangs, are also held by the spiritual leaders and scholars to deliver the teachings of Bhagavad Gita to the common people.
• On "Gita Jayanti", people distribute copies of the "Bhagavad Gita." This highlights the importance of reading and contemplating the wisdom found in this sacred text.
• Many followers participate in acts of kindness and service on "Gita Jayanti" reflecting the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on selfless action (karma yoga), emphasizing the importance of helping others without attachment to personal gain.
• Cultural events, dramas, and performances centered around the Bhagavad Gita's themes are also organized during "Gita Jayanti."

 

Life-Changing Teachings from "Bhagavad Gita":

Gita Jayanti, marking the anniversary of the Bhagavad Gita, is significant because this age-old scripture imparts wisdom that stands the test of time. Let's explore why it's such a meaningful occasion:

Timeless Wisdom Source:

The Bhagavad Gita isn't just an old book; it's like a treasure chest of wisdom that stays relevant no matter when you open it. It is like a life manual with smart advice about life, being good, and finding your spiritual path. It's not a one-time thing; it's always relevant.

Guidance in Difficult Times:

Picture it as a guidebook for life. Imagine you're really confused and stressed, like Arjuna on a battlefield. The Gita's teachings act like a wise friend, helping you find calm and answers during tough times. When things get tough, the Gita's teachings act as a compass, helping you find your way through challenges.

Different Paths to Happiness:

It says there are different ways to be happy and spiritual. Whether you're into doing good deeds, being super devoted, or just seeking knowledge, the Gita says there's a way for everyone.

Doing the Right Thing:

One big idea is doing your duty without worrying too much about the results. It's like saying, "Just do your best, and don't stress about what happens next."

Finding Yourself:

The Gita talks about knowing who you really are and understanding the bigger picture of life. It's like a guide to being free from life's ups and downs.

Striking Balance:

It teaches one to balance between doing stuff and not getting too attached to it. Like, work hard, but don't stress if things don't turn out exactly as planned.

For Everyone, Everywhere:

You don't have to be a certain religion to get what the Gita is saying. It's for everyone, promoting being a good person, disciplined, and growing inside, no matter what you believe in.

Smart Celebration:

Gita Jayanti is like a big reminder to read, think about, and use the Gita's wisdom in your daily life. It's a celebration of being wise and getting better.

Bringing People Together:

By celebrating Gita Jayanti, people come together to appreciate these teachings, promoting unity and respect for all paths of spirituality. It's about making the world a more harmonious place.

 

"Bhagavad Gita" on the Self Realized Soul:

“He who has attained stability of mind

through the practice of Yoga,

and who considers the whole spectacle

with the same regard,

he sees the Self in all beings,

and he sees all beings in the Self!

He who sees Me in all things,

and who sees all things in Me,

he is never separated from Me,

nor am I ever separated from him!

He who is established in unity,

who worships Me who dwells in all beings,

that yogin – whatever his way of life –

also dwells in Me!” (Gita VI, 29-31)

 

In these verses from the "Bhagavad Gita", it talks about a person who has achieved a deep sense of inner calm through the practice of Yoga. This individual, through the lens of this stability, perceives a profound interconnectedness with the world.

In simpler terms, these verses express the idea that a person who attains mental stability through Yoga sees a shared essence in all living beings and recognizes the divine presence both within themselves and in everything around them. This awareness leads to a sense of unity and a continuous connection with the divine, irrespective of the individual's chosen way of life.

 

Divine Guidance: Unlocking the Path to Success in the "Bhagavad Gita"

"Bhagavad Gita" emphasizes the principle of focused and sincere action, suggesting that to achieve optimal results in our endeavors, we should immerse ourselves completely in the task at hand. The idea is to concentrate on the action without being preoccupied with the potential outcomes. By dedicating undivided attention and energy to the task, it suggests that the results naturally follow and are likely to be more significant.

The key philosophy advocated here is detachment from the results during the course of action. It encourages individuals to engage in their activities sincerely, without letting concerns about the eventual outcomes distract them. The underlying principle is that the quality of energy invested in the action directly influences the results. Hence, by focusing on the task itself, individuals can enhance the effectiveness and impact of their actions.

It further introduces the concept of living a meaningful life by being actively engaged in work for the benefit of all, devoid of selfish motives. It implies that a self-realized person transcends personal desires and focuses on contributing positively to the collective well-being. In essence, the secret to a fulfilling life lies in committed and selfless action, where the emphasis is on the process rather than being fixated on personal gains or results.