Section
1. Genesis of this Great Event
Could
it really happen? Legendary Naimishaaranyam, where the first narration of the holy Srimad
Bhagavatam took place, re-emerged
in Paralikad, Kerala – the land raised by Lord
Parashurama from the sea in Treta Yuga and gifted to humanity!
Kerala
has earned the distinction of holding numerous Bhagavata
Saptaahams. Satrams
were a significant addition to this legacy. Distinguished Bhagavata
Scholars and Exponents parade the holy land with
their assorted expositions.
‘Naimishaaranyam rebirth’ has but been a befitting fruition of this
decades long Bhagavata
association.
Paralikad
is a small village near Wadakanchery in Trichur
District of Kerala. Paralikad happens to be the
birthplace of Poojya Swami Bhoomananda Tirthaji
Maharaj, and the home village of Poojya Swami
Purushothama Tirthaji Maharaj.
Both these Swamiji Maharaj have been for
decades a distinguished spiritual pair, breathing
history, epic changes and spirituo-social
renaissance to the bounteous land and people.
“A
sage is seldom worshipped in his birthplace” runs
the proverb. But
Paralikadians have disproved it summarily. “We do
adore, worship, follow and look fondly and with
esteem at these two Mahatmas, whose individual and
joint spiritual endeavours go to shape and lead the
religious and spiritual destiny of the State,
Country as well as the World.”
With
this kind of inheritance, if at all the Naimishaaranyam
could be re-created, Paralikad, Kerala without doubt
offered the best of locations.
Shataabhishekam
flair plays the magic
Till
2001 everything was silent.
The
Naimishaaranyam
preliminary began when Paralikad yearned to
commemorate the Shataabhishekam
event for their Purushothama Swamiji.
Would Swamiji condescend? Saints do not fall
in line with the household commemorations. But the
villagers would not relent. The matter was brought up by Shri. P.V. Narayanan and Shri.
Krishnan to Narayanashrama
Tapovanam, abode of Swami Bhoomananda Tirthaji
Maharaj. Shri. Narayanan was entrusted to “do
something relevant to our lives and useful to the
people, spiritually and dhaarmicaly”.
“I shall get Swamiji’s blessings and consent for
it” was Narayanan’s response.
Chavati
Raman triggering the Saptaaham
plan
The
thought became vibrant, when Chavati Raman, a heir
of the village’s religious family, mooted the idea
of Bhagavata
Saptaaham, which the village had not witnessed
at least for a century. The idea gained currency.
Bhoomanandaji Maharaj added lustrous strength to it.
It ignited the sleepy Paralikad with an instant
resolve to hold the 7-day Saptaaham to coincide with the Shataabhishekam
Calendar they cherished so fondly.
Bhoomanandaji
Maharaj on the scene
Srimad Bhagavatam is
beloved to Swami Bhoomananda Tirthaji Maharaj, a well known Vedantic Exponent of the country.
Literally a moving University for the past 47 years
in cities and villages in India and foreign lands,
Swamiji has been blessing countless people with his Jnaanagni-dana
(literally donating his enlightened spirit).
He has followers the world over.
Swamiji agreed to instil Bhagavata
fondness in Paralikad villagers.
Prof. Vaidyalinga Sharma, quite well known in
Bhagavata
scene, was the exponent.
Swamiji’s one-day talk brought inspiration,
insight and flair in the village minds for the
event.
200
odd, a large number given the size of the village,
assembled to listen to the holy Text recital and
exposition. On
the 7th day when the session ended,
exultation and fulfilment filled the air, it also
left the listeners with a strong yearning. This
yearning was not just to have the Saptaham
again the following year, but to hear the great
message of the Text in sufficient depth, expanse and
relevance as to make it live as a stronghold in
their homes. This yearning grew up as a strong tide
and the victims went to their beloved Purushothama
Swamiji. The Swami always has his younger brother to
discuss anything with.
Post-Saptaaham phone call laying the Satram
seed
Telephone
rang at the Narayanashrama Tapovanam one day:
“What is a Bhagavata Satram? What is its structure
and purpose? Can we conduct one in Paralikad?
How complex is the task? What do you say?”
“But
where is the land for holding the event?” the
first reaction, adding without pause “the Arikkantam
paddy-field, linked with Temple festivals for ages,
none else”, the younger Swamiji’s voice was
unhesitating. Thus
was laid the seed for ‘Naimishaaranyam
re-emergence’
in Paralikad.
