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Who made these 'baithaks' of Shri Mahaprabhuji open to public? |
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| Shri Gokulnathji was Shri Mahaprabhuji's grandson. It is his credit, that we have so much information about the baithaks. He had written a book in Vraj language. It is called 'Baithak Charitra'. This book contains interesting stories of baithaks. A noteworthy incident has taken place at each one of these 'baithaks'. The book is a compilation of all these stories. It is the oldest known recorded history about detailed literature on the 84 'baithaks'. It dates back to 400 years. |
Are these 'baithaks' still evident today? |
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| No. Most of these 'baithaks are open today. The rest are not visible and these are mainly in South India. |
What does a 'baithak' consist of? |
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| Firstly, the spot where Shri Mahaprabhuji had sat, is marked by a mud square. Today in some of these spots, a marble slab has been placed. These spots are worshipped with the image of Shri Mahaprabhuji in mind-as He still sits there. In many places, they apply tilak, offer tulsi kanthi and dhoti - uperna. In some baithak's a 'gadi' (small mattress) and takiya(pillow) are placed. A tilak is made on the pillow-'takiya', and 'Shringar' are also offered. Dhoti and uperna are also a part of the offering. In some 'baithaks' Shri Mahaprabhuji's picture is also placed on the 'gaditakiya'. |
Who can do seva in the 'baithak'? |
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| Only those vaishnavs, who have been initiated with the Brahmasambandh mantra, can do seva in the 'baithak'. They have to bathe and remain in 'app-ras' (without touching anything impure) if they want to do seva. |
What is the significance of and why is it important to fill 'jhari ji' in the 'baithak'? |
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| It is important to remember that Pushtimarg is not only for the rich. The poorest of the poor can become a vaishanav. Shri Mahaprabhuji does not discriminate between vaishnavs. The seva of 'jhari' not entail any expense whatsoever. It is possible, even for the most poor vaishnav. When you spend more money, you become arrogant. So, since there is no expense involved in filiing the jhari one does not become proud. There is no place for false pride in Pushtimarg. Rather, its primary requirements are mercy and kindness. Thus, when vaishnav go to the baithak to fill 'jhari', they experience compassion and mercy, not pride. |
How do we fill the jhari in the 'baithak'? |
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| The way in which the 'mukhiyaji' instructs you. In case there are too many vaishnavs, to fill jhari, they should put their right hand on the vaishnav's right shoulder (i.e. the vaishnav standing exactly in front of them). Then with eyes shut, and reciting the Yamunashtak mentally or orally, each vaishnav must fulfil his desire to fill jhari. |
Are there any other baithaks besides Shri Mahaprahbuji's? |
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| Yes, the other baithaks are of Shri Gusainji, his seven sons, Shri Hariraiji, Shri Nathji and Shri Damodardas Harsaniji. Their total number is 58. so 84 + 58 = 142 baithaks. |
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