Ashtayam Seva is an integral part of devotional practice. It refers to the various services performed throughout the day by the companions of Radha-Krishna. These companions live by the principle of “Tatsukh Bhava” (finding joy in the happiness of Radha-Krishna), dedicating every action to bring pleasure, love, and comfort to the divine couple. The day is divided into eight segments (prahar), each lasting three hours, completing twenty-four hours of continuous service. Seven offerings (various delicacies) and five aartis are performed during this service.
Schedule of Ashtayam Seva
- Mangala (Sunrise/Morning – Around 5 AM)
- Waking up Shri Priya-Priyatham (Radha-Krishna), offering them delicious food, and performing their aarti.
- Vana Vihar (Forest Excursion – Around 6:30 AM)
- Shri Priya-Priyatham enjoy wandering in the forests of Vrindavan, relishing the beauty of the creepers and the melodious chirping of birds. Occasionally, they sing softly, filling the companions with immense joy.
- Shringaar (Bathing and Adornment – Around 8 AM)
- With utmost love, the companions bathe Ladli-Lal (Radha-Krishna) with fragrant water, dress them in beautiful garments, adorn them with fresh flower garlands and ornaments, and perform aarti.
- Rajbhog (Midday Meal – Around 11 AM)
- The companions lovingly serve Shri Priya-Priyatham delicacies prepared with great affection and effort. These meals are seasonal. After enjoying the meal, the divine couple rests.
- Utthapan (Post-Afternoon – Between 3-4 PM)
- The companions wake Ladli-Lal and offer them a light snack, followed by dhup aarti (incense offering).
- Sandhya Bhog and Aarti (Evening – Around 6 PM)
- The companions offer food to Shri Priya-Priyatham and perform their evening aarti.
- Sandhya Leela (Evening Pastimes)
- Shri Ladli-Lal visit the banks of the Yamuna River and indulge in activities such as boat excursions or Raas (dance), depending on the desires of the companions.
- Shayan Leela (Night Rest – Around 8-9 PM)
- The companions prepare a soft bed adorned with delicate flowers for Priya-Lal. Some massage their feet, while others sing sweetly to lull them to sleep.
Ashtayam Seva is very important for both spiritual practitioners and householders, as it keeps the mind and body constantly engaged in the service and remembrance of Shri Ladli-Lal.
Ashtayam Seva: Some Precautions
This post will discuss the detailed methodology of Shri Ji’s Ashtayam Seva. If you practice mental Ashtayam Seva (serving the lord in your mind with love and devotion and without the need for physical rituals) or have installed a picture-based service (Chitrapat Seva), follow this routine as much as possible according to your convenience and daily schedule. If you are busy with office or household tasks, you can start by doing only a few services as per your convenience, or you can make some changes to the given schedule as well. However, if you have installed the Vigraha (deity idol) of Thakur Ji or Shri Ji’s Naam Seva, treat them with the same love and care as your children.
Take special care to wake them up and put them to sleep on time, offer bhog (food offerings), and perform other services like perfume offerings (Itra Seva). Avoid neglecting their needs by indulging yourself in good meals while offering them something substandard or forgetting to perform essential services like bhog, waking, dressing, or adorning them.
Emotions hold immense importance in our devotion. If you do not have Thakur Ji’s Vigraha and perform this entire Ashtayam Seva mentally, you will still receive the same benefits as performing direct service. For those with the deity of Ladli-Laal or Thakur Ji, ensure that your service is filled with devotion and emotions rather than treating it as a mechanical act.
Ashtayam Seva: Beginning the Day
Start your day by waking up early in the morning. After waking, mentally offer your obeisance to Gurudev and the Lord. Spend time chanting the Naam (Holy Name) or the Guru Mantra. Then, remember some great Rasik Saints. You can say:
“Shri Harivansh Mahaprabhu Ki Jai, Shri Swami Haridas Ju Maharaj Ki Jai, Shri Hariram Vyas Ju Maharaj Ki Jai, Shri Sevak Ju Maharaj Ki Jai, Shri Nagaridas Ju Maharaj Ki Jai, Shri Hit Dhruvdas Ju Maharaj Ki Jai”
Recall the names of as many Rasik Saints as you can (you can also find the names of all Rasik Saints on the Radha Keli Kunj app. The download link is provided at the end of this post).
Afterwards, proceed with your daily routine (bathing, personal hygiene, etc.). After bathing, apply the dry dust of Vrindavan on your body and adorn your forehead with Tilak. Then, approach your Thakur Ji (deity).
Begin by remembering the Ashta Sakhis (the eight principal companions of Radha-Krishna). We will include specific verses (pads) for singing in each segment of the daily worship. All the verses of Ashtayam Seva, in sequence, are available on the Radha Keli Kunj app.
- Shri Lalita Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Vishakha Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Champakalata Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Chitra Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Tungavidya Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Indulekha Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Rangadevi Ju Ki Jai!
- Shri Sudevi Ju Ki Jai!
- Samast Sahchari Vrind Ki Jai!
After this, offer your respects to Hit Sajani Ju:
Namo Namo Jai Shri Harivansh
Rasik Ananya Venu Kul Mandan Leela Maan Sarovar Hans
Namo Jayati Shri Vrindavan Sahaj Madhuri Ras-Vilas Prasans
Aagam Nigam Agochar Radhe Charan Saroj Vyas Avatans.
Offer your respects to Shri Sevak Ji Maharaj. Through his grace, we develop an interest in serving the Divine Couple, Shri Priya-Pritam.
Pratham Shri Sevak pad sir naun.
Karahu kripa Shridamodar mopai, Shri Harivansh-charan-rati paun.
Gun gambhir Vyas Nandan (Ju) ke, tuv prasad sujas-ras gaun.
Nagaridas ke tum hi sahayak, Rasik ananya nripati man bhaun.
After this, offer your obeisance to your Gurudev with the following verse:
Namo Namo Guru Kripa Nidhan
Asharan Sharan Daya Karuna Nidhi, Mangal Roop Haran Agyan.
Pranat Janan Hit Hari Charitamrit, Abhay Karat Karavat Paan.
Aagam Nigam Saar Sarvopari, Darasavat Anand Ras Sthaan.
Naam Sukrit Dhan Apni Jeevani, Ati Hit Mani Det Var Daan.
Vrindavan Hit Bali Pad Paavan, Bhakti Prakasit Jyon Jag Bhaan.
Let’s navigate to the next page for Mangala.
