The Srimad Bhagavat Gita, a timeless spiritual scripture revered globally, holds a profound place in Hindu philosophy and culture. December 11 marks Gita Jayanti, the sacred day commemorating the revelation of this divine discourse. Delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, the Gita is not merely a religious text but a universal guide for achieving inner peace, self-realisation, and moral integrity. 

This blog explores the essence of Gita Jayanti, the significance of Moksada Ekadashi, the practical lessons from the Srimad Bhagavat Gita, and how one can engage in activities such as Gita Daan to imbibe its teachings deeply into one’s life. 

Advent of Srimad Bhagavat Gita 

The advent of Srimad Bhagwat Gita marks the sacred day when Lord Shri Krishna revealed the profound teachings of the Gita to Arjuna at Jyotisar Tirtha, Kurukshetra. Amid the Kurus and Pandavas’ impending war, Krishna, as Parthasarathi (charioteer), imparted timeless wisdom that continues to guide humanity. 

Visitors to Jyotisar Tirtha can witness the iconic monument of Krishna and Arjuna on their chariot, near a tree believed to be a continuous growth of the original tree present during the historic discourse. Devotees commemorate this day by reciting the Gita, performing arati, offering lamps at Brahma Sarovar, and participating in discussions and seminars on its relevance. Many engage in the auspicious distribution of Gita copies, ensuring its teachings reach others. 

Remembering the Scene: 

The battlefield was set. The Pandavas’ army, positioned to the west near a lake, faced the massive Kauravas’ army to the east. Conches blew, drums resounded, and the warriors finalized rules of righteous warfare (Dharma-Yuddha), including sparing those who surrendered and prohibiting harm to non-combatants. 

On the eve of the battle, sage Vyasa visited Dhritarashtra, foretelling the inevitable destruction of his sons. Granting Sanjaya divine vision to narrate the war, Vyasa departed, leaving the blind king to listen to the unfolding events. 

Duryodhana, strategizing his troops, ensured Bhishma’s protection, knowing his formidable prowess. Bhishma, clad in silver with a golden banner, inspired his soldiers, emphasizing the glory of a warrior’s death on the battlefield. Meanwhile, Arjuna prepared the Pandavas’ army in the Vajra Vyuha formation, with Krishna as his charioteer and Hanuman gracing his banner. As Krishna urged Arjuna to behold the Kaurava army, the profound dialogue of the Bhagavad Gita began, illuminating the essence of duty, righteousness, and devotion. 

Gita Jayanti 

Gita Jayanti is celebrated on the Ekadashi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha in the month of Margashirsha, per the Hindu calendar. On this day, Lord Krishna bestowed Arjuna with the eternal wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavat Gita. This occasion is a day of remembrance and a moment to introspect and imbibe the values enshrined in the scripture. 

The celebration of Gita Jayanti includes recitations of the entire Bhagavad Gita, discourses on its teachings, and discussions on its relevance in today’s world. Across India and globally, devotees engage in spiritual activities like yajnas (sacrificial fire offerings) and Gita Daan, emphasising the propagation of the Gita’s wisdom. 

Moksada Ekadashi 

Coinciding with Gita Jayanti, Moksada Ekadashi is a highly auspicious day for seeking liberation (moksha). The Srimad Bhagavat Gita aptly aligns with the spirit of Moksada Ekadashi, as its core teachings revolve around breaking free from the cycle of birth and death through devotion, knowledge, and selfless action. 

Observing a fast and dedicating the day to spiritual practices on Moksada Ekadashi is believed to cleanse one’s soul and pave the path toward liberation. Many devotees take this opportunity to engage in Gita Daan, spreading the scripture to others and earning divine blessings. 

The advent of the Bhagavat Gita 

Lord Krishna spoke of the Bhagavat Gita on the Kurukshetra battlefield, a moment steeped in historical and spiritual significance. He delivered it when Arjuna faced a moral dilemma about engaging in a righteous war against his kin. 

Through the Srimad Bhagavat Gita, Krishna unveiled the ultimate truths of life, detailing the paths of Karma (action), Bhakti (devotion), and Jnana (knowledge). Each shloka (verse) in the Gita is imbued with wisdom that transcends time, offering guidance for individuals grappling with moral and existential dilemmas. 

Participate in Gita Jayanti 

The essence of Gita Jayanti lies in understanding and practising the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavat Gita. There are several ways to participate in this sacred occasion meaningfully: 

  1. Recitation and Study 

Devotees can read and recite the Gita’s shlokas. This practice purifies the mind and deepens one’s comprehension of the scripture. 

  1. Gita Daan 

Distributing copies of the Srimad Bhagavat Gita is highly virtuous, especially to those unfamiliar with its teachings. Many organisations provide opportunities for Gita Daan, enabling individuals to contribute to spiritual education while availing themselves of benefits like the 80G tax exemption. 

  1. Attending Discourses 

Attend lectures and discussions by learned scholars or spiritual leaders. These events illuminate the intricate layers of the Gita, making it relatable to modern challenges. 

  1. Fasting and Prayer 

Observing a fast and engaging in activities like kirtans (devotional songs) are integral to the celebration. 

What are the Key Learnings from Gita? 

The Srimad Bhagavat Gita is a repository of universal wisdom. Here are some pivotal teachings that resonate with people across cultures and generations: 

  1. Dharma (Righteous Duty) 

The Gita underscores the importance of performing one’s duties selflessly without attachment to the outcomes. 

  1. Detachment 

Krishna advises Arjuna to rise above dualities like success and failure, joy and sorrow, and focus on unwavering devotion to duty. 

  1. Paths to Liberation 

The Gita outlines three major paths—Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga—each suited to different inclinations and temperaments. 

  1. Equanimity in Action 

Maintaining composure and balance, irrespective of external circumstances, is a hallmark of the Gita’s teachings. 

  1. Supreme Devotion 

The scripture emphasises unwavering faith and surrenders to the Supreme Being to achieve moksha. 

Donation on Moksada Ekadashi 

One of the most sacred acts on Moksada Ekadashi is Gita Daan, the distribution of the Srimad Bhagavat Gita. Donating copies of this scripture to temples, libraries, schools, or individuals ensures that the divine teachings reach a wider audience. 

Engaging in Gita Daan not only furthers the cause of spiritual education but also allows donors to avail themselves of an 80G tax exemption under Indian tax regulations, making the act spiritually and financially rewarding. 

Devotees also consider making monetary contributions to ISKCON and similar organisations that promote the study and dissemination of the Gita. These contributions often go towards printing and distributing Gitas, organising events, and conducting spiritual education programs. 

Conclusion 

The Advent of Srimad Bhagavat Gita reminds humanity of the wisdom that has guided humanity for millennia. Celebrating Gita Jayanti and observing Moksada Ekadashi are not mere rituals but opportunities to immerse oneself in the teachings of the Bhagavat Gita. 

Through practices like recitation, reflection, and Gita Daan, individuals can internalise the profound messages of the Gita, enriching their spiritual lives while spreading its light to others. 

As Krishna declared in the Gita, sharing this divine knowledge is among the highest forms of service, and engaging in such acts leads to both material and spiritual prosperity. 

On this sacred day, let us pledge to read the Srimad Bhagavat Gita and live its teachings, allowing its timeless wisdom to transform our lives and those around us. 

By celebrating Gita Jayanti, participating in Gita Daan, and embracing the path laid down by the Srimad Bhagavat Gita, one aligns with the essence of dharma and paves the way for eternal bliss.