Hare Krishna Tribal Devotee Community.

On November 24, 2024, the Hare Krishna Tribal Care Center from Kukarmunda organized a spiritual pilgrimage to Shabari Dham, a sacred site in the Dang district of Gujarat. The trip, led by Nitaipad Das and Markatshyam Das, included 60 tribal devotees. The devotees took part in various religious activities such as offering aarti to Lord Ram and Mother Shabari, performing Nritya Sankirtan (holy name dance), and distributing prasadam (offered meal) to about 200 local tribals.

The Significance of Shabari Dham

Shabari Dham holds a special place in Hindu tradition. Located near Subir village, about 33 kilometers from Ahwa and 60 kilometers from Saputara, it is surrounded by the beautiful forests of Dang. According to legends, it was in these forests, called Dandakaranya, that Lord Ram, Lakshman, and Sita passed through during their 14-year exile.

Shabari Dham is also believed to be the site where Shabari, an elderly devotee of Lord Ram, met him and offered him plums after tasting them first to ensure their sweetness. This story from the Ramayana is remembered for its message of devotion and humility. Today, a small temple sits on a hill in the area, surrounded by plum trees. It is dedicated to this touching episode from the epic. The temple also features paintings and imagery related to Lord Ram’s visit and Shabari’s devotion.

The devotees, recognizing the sacredness of the site, took this opportunity to celebrate and deepen their spiritual connection through prayers, song, and service to others.

Activities at Shabari Dham

During their visit to Shabari Dham, the devotees performed several key rituals. They began by offering aarti, a form of worship with light, to the deities of Lord Ram and Shabari. The offering symbolized their devotion and respect for these revered figures from the Ramayana. The aarti was followed by Nritya Sankirtan, a joyous dance while chanting the holy names of the Lord, spreading the spiritual vibration among the visiting devotees and the local tribals.

One of the key activities was the distribution of prasadam. Around 200 local tribals received this Prasadam. This act of service not only helped fulfill the physical needs of the locals but also spiritually connected them to the Hare Krishna movement.

Promoting Krishna Consciousness in Tribal Villages

The Hare Krishna Kendra in Kukarmunda has been actively promoting Krishna Consciousness in the tribal villages of Kaprada Taluka for several years. This center has successfully spread Dharma in several villages, including Ambapana, Sahuda, Junvaniya, Karanjapada, Tentbari, and Lovekar. Through their efforts, more villagers are embracing the teachings of Lord Krishna and incorporating spiritual practices into their daily lives.

The center has organized Bhagavad-gita lectures in these villages, teaching the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Devotees also distribute chanting beads and chanting bags to encourage people to engage in this spiritual practice regularly. The movement has gained popularity in the region, drawing many from these remote villages toward Krishna Consciousness and creating a sense of community centered around the holy names.

Supporting the Service

To support this vital mission of cultural and spiritual revival, the preaching center welcomes donations and partnerships. For more information or to contribute, please contact Nitaipad Das at +91 9016627048 or via email. You can also follow them on Facebook.