Bhavna Things to carry Procedure Points to remember
The word 'Jhari-Charansparsh' is very familiar amongst Pushtimargiya vaishanavas. Scores of vaishnavas go to any of the Bethakjis of Shri Mahaprabhuji, Shri Gusainji, Shri Hariraiji, etc. Balaks for doing the 'Jhari-Charansparsh'. Unfortunately, most of the vaishnavas go there just because they have seen others doing it or are forced by their elders or dear ones. Here we'll try to understand the importance and the reasons for this beautiful sewa of our guru.
The bhavna for doing 'Jhari-Charansparsh' at bethakji (Note: For understanding the bhavna of Jhari-Charansparsh we must also be familiar with the bhavna of bethakji) is that Shri Vallabh had taken immesurable shram(effort) for the vaishanvas by expalining to them the meaning of Shrimad Bhagwat while he resided at the bethakjis.. The vaishnav is not in a position to ever be free from this rin(obligation), but to express his/her gratitude towards Shri Vallabh, the vaishnavas offer water in a jhariji (water pitcher) to quench Shri Vallabh's thirst and to relieve his throat of uneasiness. They also do charan-sparsh(touch his lotus feet) after offering jhariji. Thus the word 'Jhari-Charansparsh' is formed.
Any vaishnav - WHO HAS TAKEN BRAHMASAMBANDH FROM A VALLABHKUL BALAK - can do Jhari-Charansparsh at the bethakji. For this he/she must carry the following things:
- New or reshmi dhoti and a bandi or uparna for men. Ladies must have a new or reshmi saree or chaiya-choli.
New Dhoti-uparna for offering to bethakji, a gomukhi with jap-mala inside. Also attar and kanthi (These things are optional)
Dry fruits or fruits and misri(mid-size sugar pieces).
Do not forget to carry bhet to be done to the bethakji
The exact procedure to be followed can differ at all bethakjis but a certain procedure is common to all. Here we are giving the general directions to be followed by anyone willing to do Jhari-Charansparsh:
First take bath in apras and wear the dhoti-bandi/saree. Dry your hair or tie it properly so that it does not fall on bethakji
Be careful not to touch any vaishnav who is not in apras
Carry the things to be offered at the bethakji with you in apras (fruits, dhoti-bandi, gomukhi, etc.)
Enter the sewa and first do dandvat to the seat (chontraji).
Go to an adjoining room or verandah and cut the fruits into pieces (remove the seed from apples, oranges, etc.). Put the fruits and misri in different bowls
Go to the mathni-ghar (room or place where the water pithcer for filling jharijis is kept) and wash and refill a jhariji (Note: Most of the bethajis have stock of jharijis, optionally vaishnavas can take new jharijis with them also)
Go back in sewa and carefully offer the jhariji and bhog (fruits,etc.) near the chontraji.
Also offer the new Dhoti-uparna, gomukhi, attar, etc. to the chontraji.
- Do charan-sparsh and bhet of the padukaji. If there is enough space do atleast one parikrama of the chontraji.
- Stand at one corner and do one paath of 'Shri Sarvottam-stotram' infront of the bethakji. If there is not enough space in sewa then sit at some place and recite the stotra. Even if you sit outside, stay in apras till the paath is not completed.
- Once the paath is finished take the jhariji and bhog as prasadi. Empty the jhariji in the mathni-ghar and take the fruits with you as 'prasad of bethakji', do not forget to take a drop of water from jhariji also.
There are certain points which should be borne in mind when doing Jhari-Charansparsh. These are not rules but if kept in mind they give pleasure to other vaishanvas and also Shri Vallabh:
Please take personal care of all your belongings, never trust any locals
If possible read the 'bethak-charitra' (story of the bethak) of the particular one you are visiting
In sewa never be in a hurry. If someone is doing Jhari-Charansparsh before you and you want to leave early, let him know in a polite manner
Be VERY CAREFUL when you are carrying your bhet-samagri with you near the chontraji. Careless vaishnavas many times spill the things on the chontraji whereby giving shram to Shri Vallabh. Anyone in sewa should complusorily take care of this point
When you are in apras and darshan are open, please stand in such a way that you do not obstruct the darshan
If you cannot take bath in apras then do darshan of bethakji without fail
If you're doing bethakji in a big group, say more than 100, take consent of all present and fill the jhariji and offer dhoti-uparna, etc. collectively (one person offering them and the rest touching his hand to complete the bhavna). If you have got a different set, give it to the mukhiaji or the adhikariji who will use them at a later date. Don't forget to do charan-sparsh and bhet individually. This will give relief to bethakji as many times if everyone tries to do everything it gives shram to Shri Vallabh
If there are any sewaks, give them nominal sewaki