Siddhāśrama (Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa)
The Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa describes Siddhāśrama as the most sacred place in all of Bhāratavarsha. It grants siddhi (spiritual attainment) more readily than any other tīrtha. Sanatkumāra reached his siddhi here. Brahmā received his powers of creation here. Indra won the throne of the three worlds here.
The full moon of Vaiśākha is special at Siddhāśrama. On that day Rādhā herself performed the great Gaṇeśa pūjā. All the beings of the worlds gathered to see her and to praise her glory.
Greatness and character
Bhagavān Kṛshṇa tells Nārada about Siddhāśrama. In Bhāratavarsha it is the place that gives siddhi most easily, more than any other tīrtha or holy site. Among all the sacred spots on earth, Siddhāśrama stands highest.
Its holy links are these:
- Sanatkumāra: one of the four Kumāras, born straight from the mind of Brahmā and always a boy of five years. He reached his spiritual perfection here.
- Brahmā: the Creator received his creative śakti and wisdom here.
- Indra: the king of the devas won his rule over the three worlds through the power of this place.
(Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa, Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapter 123)
Vaiśākha Pūrṇimā at Siddhāśrama
On the full moon of Vaiśākha, the most auspicious month, Siddhāśrama becomes the meeting place of beings from all worlds. Priceless gem mūrtis of Gaṇeśa are set up and worshipped here.
The best known event at Siddhāśrama is the Gaṇeśa pūjā of Rādhā. On that day:
- All the devas, munis and other beings of the cosmos gathered.
- Nanda, Yaśodā and all 300 crore gopikās came.
- Brahmā, Śiva and Ananta offered their great stotras (hymns of praise) to Rādhā.
- Gaṇeśa himself appeared and taught that the name of Rādhā must come before the name of Kṛshṇa.
(Brahma Vaivarta Purāṇa, Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapters 123–124)
Sources
- Brahma Vaivarta Mahā Purāṇa, Śrī Kṛshṇa Janana Khaṇḍa, Chapters 123–124