Ākanā Māheśa

How to Reach?

Darsana

Nearby from here is situated Śrī Rādhāvallabhaji Deity at Cātrā-vallabhapura.

PASTIME

The brāhmin Sudhāmaya had no children and thus being frustrated, he invited the brāhmins of the entire village in a feast. He fed them nicely and donated almost all the wealth belonging to him. He kept the rest of his wealth for Lord Jagannātha’s offerings. At that time all the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas assembled there for visiting Jagannātha. Sudhāmaya, with great joy, accompanied them towards Śrī Kṣetra. He spent many years in front of Lord Jagannātha in Nīlācala.

Afterwards the brāhmin Sudhāmaya got a divine girl from the sea. He brought her up nicely. By the order and with the help of the sea he handed over the bride ceremonially to Vīrabhadra prabhu.

Gopāla Dāsa, the disciple of Ṭhākura Abhirāma was a resident here. It is described in Abhirāma Śākhā Nirṇaya-

māheśa grāmete bāsa gopāla dāsa nāma

Gopāla Dāsa was the resident of Māheśa village.

It is assumed that Ākanā Māheśa, Cātrā and Vallabhapura, all together are presently named as Śrīrāmpura.

ŚĀSTRA PRAMĀṆA

It is described in Śrīpāṭ Darśana-

ākanā māheśera janma, jāgeśvare sthiti
kamalākara piplāi ei se niscita

It is sure that Ākanā Māheśa is famous for Kamalākara Piplāi.

Kamalākara Piplāi was the associate of Nityānanda Prabhu and was very strong and famous out of the twelve Gopālas. It is described in Gaura-ganoddeśa Dīpikā-

kamalākarah piplāi nāmnāsīda yo mahābalah

Kamalākara Piplāi was very powerful.

Festivals

The Ratha Yātrā and Snāna Yātrā (bathing ceremony) of Māheśa are very famous.