Surdas Jayanti, celebrated on Friday, 2nd of May, commemorates the birth of the revered saint and poet Surdas, who is widely known for his devotion to Bhagwan Krishna. His poetic works, especially his devotional hymns ( bhajans ), vividly capture the divine love and childhood exploits of Krishna, particularly in Vrindavan. Surdas' contributions were pivotal in the Bhakti movement, emphasizing love, devotion, and surrender to the divine. On this day, devotees honor his legacy through prayers, singing his hymns, and gathering in celebrations across India, especially in regions where the Krishna cult thrives, reflecting on his profound spiritual and artistic impact.
Significance & Importance of Surdas Jayanti
Surdas Jayanti holds great significance as it celebrates the birth of Surdas, a prominent saint and poet whose devotion to Bhagwan Krishna profoundly shaped the Bhakti movement in India. Surdas' works, particularly his devotional hymns, express an unwavering love for Krishna and highlight his divine childhood exploits, which resonate deeply with the hearts of his followers. By focusing on the simplicity of devotion and the purity of love for the divine, Surdas' teachings have inspired generations of devotees to cultivate a spiritual connection with God through heartfelt worship.
The importance of Surdas Jayanti lies in the opportunity it provides to reflect on Surdas' contributions to spirituality and literature. His hymns, which are sung in various temples and homes, serve as a reminder of the power of devotion and surrender to God. Celebrating this day helps keep Surdas' legacy alive, encouraging individuals to engage in acts of devotion and spiritual reflection. It also fosters a sense of unity among Krishna devotees, creating an atmosphere of peace and love, which is central to the essence of his teachings.
Story of Surdas Jayanti Festival
Surdas Jayanti honors the life and legacy of the saint-poet Surdas, a prominent figure in the Bhakti movement, who is believed to have been born in the 15th century in Braj, a region associated with the early life of Bhagwan Krishna. Born blind, Surdas had a unique ability to perceive the world through his profound spiritual insight. His heart was entirely devoted to Bhagwan Krishna, and he expressed this devotion through countless hymns and devotional songs ( bhajans ) that celebrated the divine love between Krishna and his devotees. His lyrical compositions, which often narrate the enchanting childhood of Krishna in Vrindavan, were grounded in pure devotion and emotional depth, transcending the need for external rituals. Surdas' teachings emphasized the power of personal connection with God, portraying devotion as a means of spiritual liberation and inner peace.
Surdas Jayanti marks the birth of this extraordinary saint and poet, offering devotees a chance to reflect on his immense spiritual and literary contributions. The festival is particularly cherished in places like Braj, where Krishna’s divine childhood is cherished. On this day, devotees engage in singing Surdas’ hymns, participating in prayers, and immersing themselves in the spirit of devotion that Surdas championed. Beyond celebrating his birth, Surdas Jayanti serves as a reminder of his lasting impact on the Bhakti movement and on devotional literature, with his hymns continuing to inspire devotion and humility among his followers.
The festival fosters unity and devotion, bringing people together to honor his legacy and reaffirm the central values of love, simplicity, and surrender to the divine. It is a day to reflect on the depth of Surdas' teachings and their transformative influence on the spiritual lives of countless devotees.
Festival Date, Time, Muhurat & Tithi
Surdas Jayanti will be observed on Friday, May 2nd, 2025.
Ashtami Tithi (8th lunar day) of the Vaishakha month as per the lunar calendar.
547th Birth Anniversary of Surdas
Key Timings for Surdas Jayanti 2025:
-
Surdas Jayanti Muhurat:
06:00 AM to 08:30 AM (IST)
Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes - Ashtami Tithi begins at 07:10 AM on May 2nd (IST)
- Ashtami Tithi ends at 08:45 AM on May 3rd (IST)
Note: Sunrise and sunset vary by region and date due to India's geographical diversity. For exact timings, please refer to local astronomical data.
How to Celebrate Surdas Jayanti
Surdas Jayanti can be celebrated in a variety of meaningful and spiritual ways, allowing devotees to honor the life and teachings of Surdas, who was a great poet and devotee of Bhagwan Krishna. One of the most common practices is to gather in temples or homes to sing his devotional hymns, which extol the divine love of Krishna. These hymns, many of which were composed by Surdas himself, are an integral part of the celebration and help create an atmosphere of devotion and joy.
Devotees may also engage in prayer and meditation, focusing on Surdas' teachings of simple devotion and deep love for God. Reading his works and reflecting on his spiritual messages can provide insight into his profound understanding of devotion. Additionally, some people observe fasting or participate in community feasts as an act of sharing and gratitude. In regions closely associated with Bhagwan Krishna, such as Braj, special processions, kirtans, and gatherings are organized to celebrate his birth.
Charitable activities such as distributing food to the needy, offering donations to temples or religious organizations, and helping those in need are also common practices on Surdas Jayanti, reflecting the spirit of love and selflessness that Surdas espoused in his life and work.
Surdas Jayanti Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure)
The Surdas Jayanti Puja Vidhi (Puja Procedure) is a devotional ritual to honor the saint-poet Surdas. It typically begins with the purification of the worship area, where devotees clean the space and set up an altar with a picture or idol of Surdas. The altar can also include an image of Bhagwan Krishna, as Surdas was a devoted follower of Krishna.
Start the puja by lighting a lamp (diya) or incense to create a peaceful atmosphere. Offer fresh flowers to the idol or picture, symbolizing respect and devotion. Then, chant mantras or hymns composed by Surdas, such as his famous bhajans dedicated to Bhagwan Krishna. These hymns express deep love and devotion, which are the essence of Surdas' teachings.
Next, offer fruits, sweets, or any other offerings you have to Bhagwan Krishna and Surdas, with a pure heart and gratitude. It is also customary to light a ghee lamp and offer it as a symbol of enlightenment and devotion. After chanting the hymns and offering prayers, sit in meditation for a few minutes to reflect on Surdas' teachings, focusing on love, simplicity, and devotion to God.
Conclude the puja by offering a prayer of gratitude, thanking Surdas for his wisdom and devotion. Some may choose to distribute prasad (blessed offerings) to friends and family or engage in acts of charity to honor his selflessness and compassion. The puja is a time for spiritual reflection, devotion, and spreading love as Surdas did throughout his life.
Surdas Jayanti Puja Mantra
The Hare Krishna mantra is often chanted during Surdas Jayanti as it aligns with Surdas' deep devotion to Bhagwan Krishna. The mantra is simple, powerful, and embodies the essence of surrender and love towards the divine:
'Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare'
Chanting this mantra on Surdas Jayanti is a way to invoke the divine presence of Bhagwan Krishna and honor the legacy of Surdas, who expressed profound love and devotion to Krishna throughout his life.
Devotees can chant this mantra during the puja, meditation, or as part of group kirtans, immersing themselves in the divine energy and spiritual grace that Surdas promoted. The repetition of this mantra is believed to purify the mind, elevate spiritual consciousness, and connect the devotee with the divine love of Krishna.
Surdas Jayanti Vrat Vidhi (Fasting Procedure)
Surdas Jayanti Vrat Vidhi is a meaningful practice for those who wish to observe a fast in honor of Surdas and deepen their devotion to Bhagwan Krishna. The fast is typically observed with the intention of spiritual purification and devotion, and it can be done in various ways depending on individual preferences.
- Start the fast by waking up early in the morning before sunrise.
- Begin by cleaning yourself and performing a short prayer of gratitude for the opportunity to observe the vrat.
- It is customary to take a holy bath to purify the body, followed by setting up a small altar with an image or idol of Bhagwan Krishna or Surdas.
- Offer fresh flowers, incense, and light a lamp to create a sacred environment.
- Avoid consuming any food, though some devotees may opt for a partial fast by consuming fruits, milk, or water.
- The fasting period usually lasts throughout the day, and devotees engage in chanting mantras, hymns, or bhajans composed by Surdas to invoke divine blessings and maintain focus on Krishna. The Hare Krishna mantra is often chanted during this time as a form of spiritual practice.
- After sunset, you can break the fast by consuming simple, sattvic food (pure and light food, avoiding heavy or non-vegetarian meals).
- Offering prasad (blessed food) to family members or others after breaking the fast is also a common practice.
- Conclude the vrat with a prayer, expressing gratitude to Bhagwan Krishna and Surdas for the opportunity to observe the fast, and to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, and spiritual growth.
Surdas Jayanti Vrat Katha (Traditional Fasting Story)
Surdas, though born blind, was blessed with an extraordinary spiritual insight that allowed him to see and experience the divine in ways beyond ordinary sight. His deep love and devotion to Bhagwan Krishna led him to compose many hymns and bhajans that continue to inspire millions.
As a young boy, was completely devoted to Bhagwan Krishna. He spent his days in Vrindavan, singing hymns in praise of Krishna, with a heart overflowing with love for the Bhagwan. Despite his blindness, Surdas' spiritual vision was unmatched. His hymns captured the essence of Krishna’s divine playfulness, his love for his devotees, and his eternal presence in the world.
One day, a group of people, skeptical of Surdas' devotion, decided to test him. They invited him to participate in a religious gathering and challenged him to prove his vision of Krishna. Surdas, in his innocence, expressed that he could not see Krishna in the physical sense, but he could feel Krishna's divine presence everywhere. To test him further, they placed an idol of Krishna in front of Surdas and asked him to describe it. Surdas, unaware of the idol, instead began singing a hymn about Krishna’s divine beauty, expressing how Krishna’s form was beyond description and could only be felt by the heart.
Moved by Surdas' unwavering devotion and spiritual insight, the skeptical group realized that Surdas’ devotion was not limited by physical sight. His soul was constantly connected to Krishna, and his true vision was one of divine love and grace. From that moment on, Surdas’ reputation as a devoted poet-saint spread far and wide, and his hymns became an essential part of the Bhakti movement.
The vrat katha illustrates that true devotion goes beyond the physical senses, it is a connection of the heart and soul with the divine. Surdas, through his poetry, taught that love for God transcends all worldly limitations and that spiritual vision comes from deep devotion, not physical sight.
Puja Utensils, Essentials
Rudra Centre brings an extensive collection of Puja Articles which caters to all that is required for daily and special Puja Vidhis. We offer variants of designs and sizes in each category. The list includes handcrafted Puja Mandirs, Puja Pedestals, offering Bowls, Panchpatra, intricately carved Puja Thalis, Abhishek Vessels, in different materials, Pure Silver/German Silver articles like Kalash, set of Shodash Upachara and Several other Puja Articles, which we deliver at your doorstep.
Enchanting Ruby Krishna - 475 gms
Rare statue of Krishna playing flute under tree made from a single piece of 100% natural ruby of red and green colour.We call it rare due to its intricate design and minute details carved in Ruby. Krishna is the eighth incarnation of Bhagwan Vishnu, and is known as the beautiful dark complexioned Shyamasundara. With his flute he used to enchant the residents of Vrindavana. When Bhagwan Krishna used to play his flute, all the cows used to stop wandering around and were drawn close to him, lured by his divine music.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Surdas Jayanti is a sacred occasion to honor the life, devotion, and poetic brilliance of Surdas, one of the most revered saints and poets in the Bhakti tradition. His unwavering love and devotion to Bhagwan Krishna, as expressed through his soulful bhajans and hymns, continue to inspire millions of devotees. Surdas Jayanti serves as a reminder of the transformative power of love and devotion, showing that true spiritual vision comes not from physical sight, but from a deep, heartfelt connection to the divine. By observing this day with devotion, prayer, and reflection on Surdas’ teachings, we can strengthen our own bond with the divine, embrace simplicity and humility, and live a life filled with devotion and surrender, just as Surdas did. His legacy continues to guide us on the path of spiritual awakening, love, and devotion to Bhagwan Krishna.
Comments 0
Leave your thought here