Sanji are symbolic pictures of Vraj and Krushna lila. Made from various materials, are very artistically arranged to represent the places where Krushna conducted some of his most exciting lilas in Vraj.
Prior to Navratri, the dark fortnight of Bhadra is used by the vaishnavs of Pushti Marg, to perform a virtual Vraj Yatra. Much is made of yatra in our scriptures, but not all of us are able to perform the pilgrimages we would want to. The vacant period of Bhadra, when no other religious activities may be carried out, was used as an ideal period to do the virtual Vraj Yatra ! This period is also known as Pitrupaksha. We remember our ancestors during this period.
Ever resourceful, Krushna dressed up as a woman and entered the
Over the years, sanjis have evolved and are now made of various materials, including flowers, dry / fresh fruits, coloured powders, plantain leaves cut into various shapes, dry pulses, rice etc. Bhog and arti are offered to the sanji.
Sanjies at Nathadwara
1st Madhuvan, talvan depicting killing demons, herding cows, picnic, Baithakji, monkeys, Krushna and Radhaji, Girirajji
2nd Bahulavan, Shantanu kunda depicting water tank, temple, cows, Baithakji, swastika, killing of Putana, lion, Girirajji
3rd Kumudvan
4th Krushna kunda, Radha kunda depicting foot prints of the Lord, 2 / 4 bangalas, cows, herdsmen, Girirajji, baithakji
5th Danaghati depicting bangalas, Krushna breaking the pots of gopies, trees, monkeys, peacocks
6th Kusum sarovar, Chandra sarovar, Raasa depicting various water tanks, trees, monkeys, Krishna and gopies in a rasa mandal
7th Giriraji, Gulal kunda depicting Girirajji, trees, monkeys, Baithakji, bangalas, a water tank with red / pink waters (gulal kunda)
8th - Bhojanthali, Charan pahadi depicting plates and bowls of food, Jariji, picnic, Mahadevji, pond / water tank
9th Nandagava, Barasana depicting the two towns by various bangalas, various ponds, Baithakji, gopies, peacocks, monkeys
10th Karalavan, Kokilvan depicting trees, birds, peacocks, Baithkji
11th Lalbaag, Nathadwara depicting the various gates, buildings, ponds, trees, guards in the Lalbaag outside Nathadwara
12th Chiraghat depicting Shri Yamunaji, trees, monkeys, peacocks, Baithakji
13th Vrindavan, Sheshsai depicting trees, peacocks, monkeys, Baithakji, cows, herdsmen, gopies
14th Shri Dauji, Gokul depicting Shri Daujis temple, Baithakji, various banglas, temples, cows, gopies, herdsmen
Amas Kotaki sanji depicting the temple of ShriNathji, its various buildings, cows, bulls, elephants, horses, guards, vaishnavs, gopies, gopas, peacocks, monkeys.
Here are some pics of the sanjis from Nathadwara
© Bhagwat Shah
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