Pilgrimage and Its 'Phala'(fruit)

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Vãranãsi, Vrindãvan, Ayodhya, Dwãraka and Pandaripura are Kshetras filled with ‘Sãnnidhya’(Presence of the Lord). A trip undertaken, without the knowledge of the Sthalapurana(History of the Kshetra), in the company of friends in a bus or train, gossiping all the way, seeking comfortable boarding and lodging, visiting the temple as per one’s whims and fancy can be deemed only as an excursion and not as pilgrimage. When one decides to undertake pilgrimage, the Sthala purana should be learnt from a Bhãgavata or the Sadguru. Undertaking pilgrimage along with the Sadguru is the best way. To go in the company of good religious -minded people is ‘madhyama’(i.e, not as good as going in the company of the Sadguru) and all other ways are ‘adhama’(not good).

This is because it is not possible for ordinary mortals like us to comprehend the ‘Purana’ incidents that had taken place in these kshetras and the experiences of Mahatmas who had lived there in the past, in Bhakti bhãva. However, when we go in the company of a Mahãn, He explains the special features of the kshetras and enjoys it all with bhãva; as such we feel deep involvement in them. Worldly matters do not arise in our minds when we go in the company of the Sadguru or Satsang. The pilgrimage is greatly enjoyable as there is incessant Nãma Sankirtan and Pravachanãs(Spiritual discourses). Every pilgrimage should be undertaken only in this manner.

If visit to a kshetra is possible only due to punyas accrued in our earlier janmas(births) then what to speak of those who live there. Therefore, one should not hold any grudge against the demanding Pandãs(priests) and beggars in such kshetras. One should not criticize how one can call the river (running in that kshetra) holy when the gutter flows into it. Such thoughts/speech would earn GRAVE SINS.

One should deem all the residents of the kshetras as verily Sadhus. While going to and returning from a kshetra, one should perform incessant Nãma Kirtan or Nãma japa or think of Bhagavan or do dhyãna. If these are not possible one can remain in silence.

‘Poorna Phala’ (full benefit) is obtained only if the pilgrimage is undertaken in this manner.

Source : Madhuramurali