Today is the disappearance day of Govinda ghosh, an eternal associate of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Gopinath jiu (Govinda Ghosh’s beloved deity) held Kusa grass in His fingers to perform Shraddha ceremony of Govinda ghosh. This was as per His promise to Govinda Ghosh and this practice is continued till today. Gopinath jiu (Govinda Ghosh’s beloved deity) held Kusa grass in His fingers to perform Shraddha ceremony of Govinda ghosh. This was as per His promise to Govinda Ghosh and this practice is continued till today.
Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath deities were worshiped by Srila Govinda Ghosa at Agaradwip, on the order of Sri Caitanya Maharpabhu. Every year there is a big mela at Agradwip where still today Sri Gopinath deities offer pinda dana or grains to Sri Govinda Ghosh.
Sri Govinda Ghosa and the Pinda dan lila:
The three brothers, Sri Vasudeva Ghosa, Sri Madhava Ghosa and Sri Govinda Ghosa were very expert singers. Sri Nityananda Prabhu Himself would dance as they sang. [C.B. Antya 5.259] When Mahaprabhu set out for Sri Vrindavana from Nilacal with His devotees, Govinda Ghosa was also present.
There is an incident described by one Acyutacarana Caudhuri. One day, Mahaprabhu, after accepting his noon meal, extended his hand, thus requesting some hari-taki (dried fruit which aids in digestion). Govinda immediately ran out to bring some from some householders in the village near where they were staying. The next day when Mahaprabhu similarly extended His hand after lunch, Govinda again placed in it some hari-taki. Mahaprabhu looked at him and inquired as to how he was able to provide it so quickly whereas yesterday it had required some time to bring. Govinda replied that he had kept some for Mahaprabhu from yesterday. Mahaprabhu said that since he was saving things he should remain in that village and, becoming a householder, he should worship Sri Gopinathaji there. As per the order of Mahaprabhu, Govinda began to worship Gopinathji, and after marrying he had a son who would also assist him in the worship of the Deity. But his wife and then later his son passed on to the next world. Govinda became very sad. In a fit of anger he lay down on his bed. He didn’t cook anything that day, neither he ate anything, neither did he offer anything to Gopinathaji. In the night, Gopinatha came and began to massage Govinda’s legs. Then He asked him, “I don’t understand your intelligence. One of your sons dies, and you decide, “Whats the point in feeding the other one – let him die also.” Govinda replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I had only one son.” “Am I not also your son? You are feeding Me and taking care of Me as your son. Now when I am dependent on you, you decide to neglect Me all together.” “Well, anyway, now there’s no one to perform my sraddha and the offering of pinda to my forefathers. Will You do that?” “Yes, I can do it. Why not? So now will you give Me something to eat?” Having heard Gopinatha’s reply, Govinda was very happy and got up to prepare an offering. To this day, the Deity dresses in a plain white cloth and with a kusa grass ring on His finger, He offers pinda on the disappearance day of Govinda Ghosa Thakura.
Gopinathaji’s temple is a rickshaw ride away from Agradwip railway station on the Navadwip-Katwa line.
Govinda Ghosh ki Jai! Gopinath Jiu ki Jai!
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