Copyright 2002 by Henry Doktorski The Evening Service |
At ISKCON temples, Bhaktivinoda Thakura's Gaura-arati, from Gitavali (1893) was customarily sung during the evening aroti. It began: 1.
jaya jaya goracander aratiko sobha
In his song, Bhaktivinode described the beautiful worship ceremony of Lord Chaitanya in a grove on the banks of the Jahnavi (Ganges) river, which, he claimed, attracts the minds of all living entities in the universe. He wrote:
On Lord Chaitanya's right side is Lord Nityananda, and on his left is
Shri Gadadhar. By their sides stand Shri Adwaita and Shrivas Thakur, who holds an umbrella over Lord Chaitanya's head.
Lord Chaitanya has sat down on a jewelled throne, and the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma, perform the aroti ceremony.
Narahari Sarakar and others fan him with yak-tail fans. Sanjaya Pandit, Mukunda Dhutt and Vasu Ghosh sing sweet kirtan along with other devotees for Lord Chaitanya's pleasure.
Concheshells resound, bells clang, kartals ring and mridangas play very sweetly in that kirtan, so melodic and relishable to hear.
The brilliance of Lord Chaitanya's face conquers millions upon millions of moons, and the garland of forest flowers around his neck shines.
Lord Siva, Sukadev Goswami and Narada Muni are all there, and their voices are choked with the ecstasy of transcendental love. Thus Thakur Bhaktivinode envisions the glory of Lord Shri Chaitanya.
I set Umapati's text to music, using psalm tones no. 5 and no. 8 for the melody. I also wrote an accompaniment for three accordions, which were played by myself, Dhruva, and Dutiful Rama at the evening service at the chapel at Bhaktipada's house, where the brahmacari and sannyasi disciples usually attended. Other musicians accompanied the kirtan with karatals, mrdanga and two large wooden conga drums (a gift from one of Bhaktipada's African disciples) and devotees often danced enthusiastically. The Aroti of Sri Gaur Hari was also performed by devotees at the Radha Vrindaban Chandra Temple, where the householders usually attended.
All joys, all glories ever more!
Above Gauranga's lotus head,
The Lord sits on a jeweled throne
They cool the Lord with cham'ra fans --
Guitar and organ, bells and drums
And Lord Chaitanya's shining face
Narada, Suka, Shiva too
When the The Aroti of Sri Gaur Hari was finished, a chorus of Hare Krishna began, sung to the same tune. When the conch blew, signaling the end of aroti, the cantor recited the Jaya Om prayers, which were followed by the Prayers to Lord Nrsimhadeva. After this, there was either a darshan with Bhaktipada, or else a reading from a chapter from one of Bhaktipada's or Prabhupada's books. Following the evening darshan or reading, the song Blest Be the Tie that Binds was sung in unison by the assembled devotees. All held hands in a circle.
1. Blest be the tie that binds
The following text and/or outline has been excerpted from a forthcoming book by Henry Doktorski (Hrishikesh Das) tentatively titled Uniting East and West: Sacred Music and Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada's Great Experiment in Christian-Style Worship at the New Vrindaban Hare Krishna Community.
jahnavi-tat-bane jaga-mano-lobha
dakhine nitaicand, bame gadadhara
nikate adwaita, srinivasa chatra-dhara
All glories, all glories to the beautiful aroti ceremony of Lord Chaitanya in a grove on the banks of the Jahnavi! This Gaura Aroti is attracting the minds of all living entities in the universe.
Umapati Swami wrote a remarkable English translation in rhymed verse of Bhaktivinode's song and adapted it to include references to the unique kirtan which was celebrated at the various temples among the hills of New Vrindaban, which sometimes included the sweet and melodious sounds of Western musical instruments such as guitars, organ, bells, and drums, and often were personally attended by Srila Bhaktipada himself.
English lyrics by Umapati Swami
How beautiful the holy sight --
The aroti of Sri Gaur Hari,
In New Vrindaban's hills tonight.
Srivas holds an umbrella high.
Gadadhar's on the Lord's left side,
While Sri Advaita stands nearby.
With Nityananda on His right.
The demigods with Lord Brahma
Perform the aroti through the night.
Sri Narahari and his friends,
Sanjay, Mukunda, Vasu Ghosh
Lead songs of joy that never ends.
Create a sweet melodious sound,
Enchanting all the universe,
Attracting minds for worlds around.
Defeats the moon a million fold.
The forest garlands round His neck
Reflects the hue of molten gold.
Have lost their speech in ecstasy.
And Srila Bhaktipada is here
For aroti to Sri Gaur Hari.
Lyrics by John Fawcett (1740-1817);
adapted by Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada. Music by Johann Georg Nägeli (1772-1836).
Our hearts in Krishna's love;
The fellowship of kindred souls
Is like that to that above.
2. Before Lord Krishna's throne
We pour our ardent prayers;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one
Our comforts and our cares.
3. We share each other's woes,
Each other's burdens bear;
And often for each other flows
A sympathizing tear.
4. From sorrow, toil and pain,
And sin, we shall be free,
And perfect love and joy shall reign
Through all eternity.
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