Khadayata
KHADAYATA GYAN
The Khadayata is Vania/Baniya caste of Vaishnav community among Hindus. The history of Khadayata community traces back approximately 700 years. The original families/community seems to have come from a village name “Khadat” in North Gujarat. They organized themselves into a community and then pooled their resources and strove for betterment of their people. Chances for formal education in villages were scarce. So many migrated to cities and found value in education and organizations. This leads the community to form various organizations and establish facilities and scholarship funds for the higher education of Khadayata students. Various Khadayata organizations are always helping the Khadayata community by scholarships to students, or financial help to people in need or by building guest houses/ facilities such as “Khadayata Bhavan”in large cities and many Yatra Dhams in India, which provides affordable lodging to Khadayata community.
The people of this community are known for their business skills and activities worldwide. At this time Khadayata families are spread over the entire world. No matter where they live, they have never forgotten the roots and have maintained close relationships with their fellow Khadayatas.
Khadayata community believes in Kotyark prabhu as their Istha Dev & almost all Khadayata followers of Pushti Marg, worship Shree Nathji as their Aaradhya dev. Lord Shree Nathji is a child Swaroop (form) of Lord Krishna manifest as a seven-year-old child (Balak). The Swaroop of ShriNathji is that of a seven-year-old child Lord Krishna lifting the mount Govardhan to protect everyone and all animals of his village from the deluge of rain & thunder sent by Indra. His left hand, raised above his head, upholds the mountain and his right hand made into fist resting on his waist signifying rest while upholding the mountain.
Legend & Ritual: The gopis of Vraj used to love the Bala Krishna so much, they would be at Yashoda’s door at all hours to see their beloved Gopal. So, Mother Yashoda was worried that her child would not have a proper chance to rest or play outside with his friends. So, she decided that all those who wish to visit her beloved Bala Gopal, could do so after he finishes his daily routine/activities. Based on that legend, sequences of eight Darshan of Lord ShriNathji are set as follows.
- Mangla - First darshan of the day, Lord Krishna wakes up.
- Shringar - Wearing of new clothes and jewelry to Lord Krishna.
- Gwal - Lord Krishna takes his cows to pasture to graze and to play with friends.
- Rajbhog - Krishna has his mid-day meal.
- Utthanpan - Lord has just woken up after his afternoon nap.
- Bhog - Lord Krishna has the second meal of the day.
- Sandhya - As the sun dips, Lord Krishna returns with the herds and Gopis comes to see their beloved.
- Shayan - Lord Krishna is ready to go to sleep.
