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Sarvamangala Namavali Mantra

૮૫૮. શિક્ષાપત્રીલેખનકૃતે નમઃ

858. Aum Shikhāpatrīlekhanakute Namah

I bow to the One who authored the Shikshapatri for the welfare of All 

 

Vasant stands for Spring season in Sanskrit and is the fifth day of Shukla Paksh, on fortnight of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Magh/Maha, (January–February). This marks the end of the winter season.

In the Shreemad Bhagwat Gita 10.35, Lord Shree Krishna says that He is the Brhat Sama of the Sama Veda, and the Gayatri amongst all poetry, Maghshirsh amongst all months and Vasant amongst all seasons.

On this day worship (Pooja) is performed and sweet food offerings are made for the Lord, Jalebi in particular as specified in the ways of devotional service by Vallabhacharyas Son, Shree Vithalnath.

 

In the Harileelamrutam, Revered Acharya Shree Viharilalj Maharaj states '…Shikshapatri lakhi svadharma sahuna, juda kahi aapiyaa…’ – He wrote the Shikshapatri and specified the codes of conduct for all to abide by.

The 3rd Canto (Kalash) and 4th Chapter (Vishram) of Harileelamrut Kalash describe a conversation between Nilkanth Varni and Kaliyug personified.               

Nilkanth Varni heeded to the pleas of Satyug (a Bhramin), Tretayug (a Kshatriya) and Dwaparyug (a Vaishya) giving them their desired benedictions. Kaliyug (a Shudra) came forth and expressed his emotions and pled for mercy. Lord provided him with a suitable place of residence. Nilkanth Varni informed him that He will compose 'Shikshapatri' in the future and whosoever abides by the righteous codes of conducts written therein, Kaliyug should not enter within such a person or their vicinity and establish his reign. Kaliyug was to go and reside with his family where there were person who do not abide by the Shikshapatri.

Lord Shree Swaminarayan, gifted mankind 212 versed Shikshapatri for the welfare of His disciples and whoever joins the sect. It serves as a fundamental code of conduct encompassing everything from basic civic norms i.e. from personal hygiene to social ethics, up to universal philosophy and spirituality. It is the essence of all the Scriptures including the Vedas. He Himself mentions within that His words are His form hence we worship the Shikshapatri on this day and pay our respectful obeisance unto Him; the benefactor of All.

The details of the initial concept of thought for writing the Shikshapatri to the completion of it can be found in the 4th Canto (Prakran) and 43rd Chapter (Adhyay) of Shreemad Satsangi Jeevan. The 44th Chapter is dedicated to the Shikshapatri itself.

In the 1st Vachanamrut of Gadhda Antya Prakran, Lord Swaminarayan reminds His devotees to abide by the codes of conducts stated in the Shikshapatri. He also commands the devotees to fast upon failing to read, listen or worship the Shikshapatri daily. To make this day more memorable and full of divinity in life, Devotees recite and/or listen to the whole Shikshapatri (Please see links below this article).