Astronomical and Sweet Numbers

By Mahanidhi Swami

Some numbers given in the Srimad Bhagavatam seem too high to believe. For example, (10.12.2): “In the morning when Sri Krishna went to the pasturing grounds, He was accompanied by hundreds and thousands of cowherd boys (prthukaah sahasrashah), and hundreds and thousands of groups of calves (sahasra-upari-sankhyayaa anvitaan).”
What to make of these astronomical numbers? In his tika to Srimad Bhagavatam (10.12.3): Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada says, “One should not argue that such a large number of cows could not possibly fit into the thirty-two square mile area of Vrindavana, because the holy dhama is unlimited by the inconceivable energy, achintya-shakti of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Even a small portion of the Vraja Dhama can accommodate billions of universes each measuring fifty million miles in diameter. Krishna showed this fact to Brahmaji in 10.13.
The Srimad Bhagavatam (10.33.38) states Krishna danced with the gopis for a night of Lord Brahma, brahma-ratra upaavrtte, which means several millions and MILLIONS OF YEARS!
In his Sarartha Darshini tika, Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada compares this inconceivable expansion of time to the fact that many universes fit within the forty-mile range of earthly Vrindavana. In this regard, Srila Rupa Goswamipada says, “In Gokula, nothing is impossible for Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the devotees, the abode, and everything in the abode of Vrindavana, by the power of the Sri Krishna’s inconceivable energy.” (Laghu Bh. 1.5.51)
Scriptures state that when Sri Krishna leaves Nandgrama to go the Rasa Mandala, He arrives there in a few seconds? How can one walk 50 kilometers in a few seconds? Our acharyas state that Krishna’s eternal lila-sthalis, pastime places, are like a lotus flower which opens and closes. To facilitate the movement of Radha-Krishna and Their associates over the vast distances of Vraja Mandala, the lotus closes to shrink the distance between two points. Or it opens to create large distances between places to prevent unwanted persons from approaching and interrupting Their pastimes. Only by the blessings of yogamaya can one understand these transcendental topics.
 However, for worshipers of the sweetness within Sri Krishna appearing as His beautiful sweet form, flute playing, loving dealings and pastimes, astronomical numbers reduce the intimate, madhurya conception they hold so dear. Devotees of Radha-Krishna in Vraja only deal in reasonable, sweet numbers which perfectly relate to our human experience, and that of a lovable, cute teenage boy frolicking in the forest with His adorable friends. Here is a list of some sweet numbers and their meanings gleaned from Gaudiya granthas for us to consider:

SWEET NUMBERS:
1. Vrajendranandana Sri Krishna.
2. Radha-Krishna.
3. Ages of Krishna: kaumara, pauganda, kaishora.
Krishna’s: in Vraja, in Mathura and Dvaraka.
Types of prema: sadharani, samanjasa, samartha.
Indulekha-sakhi is 3 days younger than Radha.
4. Features of amorous Krishna hero: dhira…lalita; prasanta; oddhata, odatta.
5. Sthayi-ratis: permanent loving mellow with Krishna.
6. Features of Krishna’s love affairs: love journey, sitting together, support, picking a quarrel, peacemaking, and separation (abhisara, asana, ashraya, kalaha, sandhi, dvaidha)
8. Radhaji’s celebrated ashta-sakhis: Lalita, Vishakha, Citra, Champakalata, Tungavidya, Indulekha, Ranga, Sudevi.
Krishna’s sakha’s kunjas at Shyama-kunda: Arjuna, Gandharva, Kokila, Madhumangala, Sananda, Subala, Vidagdha.
Daily pastime periods: (ashta-kaliya-lila).
Krishna Janmastami: bhadra krishna-astami.
Radha Avirbhava: bhadra sukla-astami.
Heroine gopis: abhisarika, vasaka-sajja, utkanthita, khandita, svadhina-bhartrka, kalahantarita, vipralabdha, proshita-bhartrka.
Sattvika-bhavas: experienced in relation to Radha-Krishna.
10. Age of 10.7 months Krishna left Vrindavana.
11. Age of Vasanta-sakha.11.4 months Kokila-sakha.
12. Main forests of Vraja Mandala.
Age of Gandharva-sakha; 12.6 months, Subala.
Body ornaments of Radhaji.
13. Age Rupa-manjari 13.6 months.
14. Age of Vishakha and Sri Radhika (14.2 months15 days).
Older than Radha by 2 days Champakalata; Lalita 27 days; Younger by 3 days Indulekha; 5 days Tungavidya; 10 days Sudevi & Ranga; 26 days Citra;
Ujjvala, Vidagdha and Sananda-sakhas 14 years.
15. Age of Krishna (15.9 months 7 1/2days).
Groups of Krishna’s gopi lovers.
16. Age of Balarama and Sridhama.
Kunjas around Shyama and Radha-kunda.
Varieties Radha’s body and flower ornaments.
17. Sevas of sakhis and manjaris for Radha-Krishna joy.
19. Symbols on bottoms lotus feet of Radha-Krishna.
25. Qualities of Sri Radha; Rooms in Radha’s Varsana palace.
30. Rooms in Radha’s Yavata home.
33. Sanchari-bhavas experienced in Radha-Krishna prema.
50. Rooms in Nanda Baba’s palace, the home of Krishna.
60. Dandas: 24 minute pastime periods in Radha-Krishna’s blissful day.
64. Qualities of Sri Krishna.
Arts; perfectly and completely seen in Radha-Krishna.
Main sakhis and 64 main manjaris serving under Radha’s ashta-sakhis.
96. Total amorous features of hero Sri Krishna.
360. Varieties of gopi heroine lovers of Krishna.


Jai Jai Sri Radhe !!!

Srimati Radharani

ANOTHER SWEET JHULANA MEDITATION

By Mahanidhi Swami


  “Sakhi, look! As Yugala-kishora swing they look like a blue sapphire set in gold.” Relishing the beauty of Their faces, Lalita and Vishakha happily push the swing.

 As playful Rai’s sakhis surround the flower decorated swing, thick rainclouds rumble overhead. The sakhis drown in ecstasy as they swing the Divine Couple.

While clapping, some sakhis tell lovely-faced Radha, “Hold Your Pranavallabha tightly!” As Radha-Shyama swing faster and faster, Their hair loosens and beads of perspiration glide from their moon-like faces like drops of nectar.

The sakhis wave chamaras to relieve Radha-Shyama’s fatigue. While watching from the tree branches, the bees and cuckoos call out, “Jaya Jaya Radha-Krishna! Jaya Radha-Krishna!” Jagannatha dasa says, “O when will I behold Yugala-kishora’s beautiful jhulana-lila in the groves of Vrindavana?”

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Gaudiya Vaishnav Samadhis in Vrindavana by Mahanidhi Swami

In prarthana Thakura Mahasaya Narottama Dasa expresses the desperation a devotee feels in separation from Lord Gauranga's eternal associates:


Kaha mora svarupa rupa kaha sanatana
Kaha dasa raghunatha patita-pavan
Kaha Mora bhatta-juga kaha kaviraja
Eka-kale kotha gela gora nata-raj
Se-Saba sangira sange je koilo bilas
Se-sanga na paiya kande narottama das

" where are my Swarupa Damodara and Sri Rupa Goswami? Where is Sanatana ? Where is Dasa Raghunatha Bhatta and Gopala Bhatta ? And where is Krishna Dasa Kaviraja ? Where did Gauranga Mahaprabhu, the king of dancers suddenly go ? Being separated from their loving association and the blissful pastimes of Mahaprabhu, Narottama Dasa can only cry"

Indeed , separation from Lord and his Devotees creates such intense feelings in pure devotees like Narottama Dasa Thakura. But fortunately for us by the transcendental arrangements of Lord Chaitanya we can obtain their mercy.

A Manjarī Glorifies Rādhikā

 

By Mahanidhi Swami



Soon a shower of the most incredibly sweet nectar will descend from the skies of mercy to inundate the desert of your heart. Just read on with enthusiastic eyes and minds full of anticipation as you marvel at this astounding glorification of Swamini Śrī Rādhā by Her dearest sweet manjarī named Kastūrī.

  One day, deeply absorbed in a mood of loving gratitude and appreciation, Kasturi-manjari glorified Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī thus: “Śrī Rādhā Ṭhākurāṇī is the svarūpa of mahābhāva, and a deep jewel mine of all extraordinary qualities. Bhanunandini is the crest jewel among all Śrī Krishna’s artful lovers.
The senses, mind and body of Raseshvari are steeped in love for Shyāma. Mādhurī Rādhā is Krishna’s personal energy nourishing all His pastimes. Rādhā is the source of Krishna’s bliss potency and Her divine form is imbued and permeated with ever-blissful spiritual rasa. “The Vaikuṇṭha Lakṣmīs, the Dvārakā Queens and the Vraja-gopīs all expand from Rādhikā alone. Unlike the other two, Rādhārāṇī expands the gopīs from Her own divine form so that Shyāma can taste all the sweetness of the rāsa dance and other pastimes.

“Being the foremost gopī, Śrīmatī Rādhikā surpasses all the gopīs in beauty, in good qualities, in good fortune and, above all, in love.

 Rādhā is the dearest beloved of Shyāma and the very wealth of His life. Śrī Krishna cannot derive any pleasure from the gopīs without the presence of Rādhā.” Becoming completely submerged in the ambrosial ocean of Radha-katha, Kasturi-manjari became very excited and started ecstatically chanting Rādhā Nāma-kīrtana.

She sang, “O Govindānandinī Rādhā! O Govinda-mohinī! O Govinda-sarvasva! O Sarva-kāntā-śiromaṇi!” Rādhā pleases and mystifies Govinda. Rādhā is Govinda’s everything! And Rādhā is the crest-jewel of all Krishna’s lovers. “O Devī! O Krishna-mayi! O Rādhikā Para-Devatā! O Sarva Lakshmi-mayi!” Priyaji is the most resplendent and beautiful celestial, and the lovely abode of the worship and love sports of Shyamasundara.

Krishna is within and without Rādhā. Wherever Rādhā casts Her glance She sees Shyāma. Parameshvari Rādhā is the supreme energy of Krishna, and the embodiment of all the mellows of love. Śrīmatī’s worship [ārādhana] is fulfilling Krishna’s desires, and that is why only She is called Rādhikā. Rādhā is the supreme goddess, and the original source of all the Queens of fortune; Rādhā fully represents the six opulences of Kṛṣṇa. “O Sarva-pūjyā! O Sarva-pālikā! O Sarva jagatera-mātā! O Sarva-saundarya-kānti! O Sarva-lakṣmī-gaṇera-śobhā!” Everyone in the universe worships Rādhā. Rādhikā is the maintainer of everyone, and the mother of the entire universe.

The transcendental body of Sarvanga-sundari Rādhā is the resting place for all beauty and luster. Kalyāṇi Rādhā’s radiant beautiful form is the origin of the splendor of all the goddesses of fortune.

Kunjavilasini Rādhā alone fulfill all of Krishna’s desires. “O Jagat-mohana-mohinī! O Parā Thākurāṇī! O Pūrṇa-śakti!” As the supreme enchantress, Rādhā captivates Krishna. Therefore, Ṭhākurāṇī Rādhā is the supreme goddess over all.

 Rādhā holds all the power of Bhagavān Śrī Krishna. (Cc. Adi 4)

Jai Srila Prabhupad

A Look at Radha’s Purva Raga

By Mahanidhi Swami

The sweet madhurojjvala lila-rasa of Radha Govinda Yugala is divided into two categories: vipralambha (divine love in separation) and sambhoga (divine love in union or meeting). Vipralamba is subdivided into four: 1) Purva-raga, love prior to meeting; 2) Maana, pouting huff, love sulk; 3) Prema-vaicittya, feeling separation even in the beloved’s presence; 4) pravasa, separation when the beloved is far away.

Purva-raga is very beginning stage of love, the falling in love period before lovers first meet. It is a very absorbing, exciting time full of hope, anticipation and doubts.

Acharyas describe eight ways that kindle or ignite Radha’s loving attraction to Shyamasundara:
Hearing the sound of Shyama’s murali.
Hearing from a girlfriend.
Hearing from messenger.
Hearing a song.
Hearing from professional reciters.
Seeing a painting.
A vision in a dream.
Direct vision.
Watch for more articles about Radha’s pure love.

Purva-ragini Radha ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe

Krishna's Devine Love

Radha Madhav ki jai

Krishna’s seventeen Unique Qualities

By Mahanidhi  Swami

Scriptures state that Bhagavan Sri Krishna has 64 transcendental qualities exhibited in their
highest degree.

 Sri Krishna’s  good qualities are also inexhaustible, unlimited in quality and
eternally existing.

Exalted personalities like Brahma and Shiva can possess 55 of these qualities,
and living entities like ourselves can have 50 of these qualities in a minute quantity for a brief
time.

In Priti Sandarbha, Sri Jiva Goswamipada lists seventeen unique qualities possessed only by
Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

 While chanting nama-japa, one can remember these divine qualities of
Our Sweet Lord Shyama, and thus mentally worship Krishna’s most wonderful and variegated
Personality.
1.Power to attain ANYTHING Simply by desiring it.
2.Complete control over a host of achintya-shaktis.
3.Sole resting place of perfect goodness.
4.Protector of all the worlds.
5.Grants Vaikuntha residence to demons He kills.
6.Attractive to all liberated souls.
7.Served by Brahma, Shiva, all demigods and sages.
8.Krishna’s spiritual form contains inconceivable transcendental potencies.
9.Krishna’s beauty and other virtues are limitless, eternally new and fresh.
10.In His purusha-avatara forms, Sri Krishna controls the world of Maya.
11.Krishana is God- the generator, operator and destroyer of the material worlds.
12.Krishna is the source of all avataras.
13.Unlimited material universes reside in the pores of His transcendental form.
14.Within His form as the original Personality of Godhead, Bhagavan Sri Krishna has all the
inconceivable potencies and transcendental qualities of Vishnu, Narayana, Vasudeva and all other divine expansions.
15.Sri Krishna gives liberation and devotional service to the demons He kills.
16.Sri Krishna’s divine form and features display a wonderful, incomparable sweetness.
17.Association with Krishna brings a perfect bliss- far, far beyond anything the material mind
and senses can ever know.
Ananda Khanda Bhagavan Sri Krishna ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhey !!!!

16 Japa Tips for Beginners

 

By Mahanidhi Swami

1. Dawn and dusk are best for japa because the air is pure and the density of distracting vibrations is less.
2. Bathe or just wash hands, feet, face, and mouth before sitting for japa.
3. Observe silence (besides japa) and avoid all distractions, both internal and external.
4. Sit in the same place at the same time daily. Facing east or north enhances concentration.
5. Resolve to complete a certain minimum number of repetitions. (rounds or malas)
6. Recite prayers before the recitation.
7. Repeat the mantra aloud for a few minutes, and then recite silently. If the mind wanders, recite loudly again or whisper for some time. Return to mental japa as soon as possible.
8. Focus your attention exclusively on the mantra sound.
9. Close your eyes, and mentally recite the mantra slowly with devotion and one-pointedness (ekagrata). As the mind becomes still and concentrated, mental japa speed will automatically increase.
10. When you repeat the mantra, visualize that Bhagavan Sri Krishna is sitting in your heart, sending purity into your mind. The mantra is elevating you to the spiritual dimension of seeing your eternal identity. The mantra is liberating you from all your negative karmas, worldly desires and cravings for unnecessary things.
11. Do not perform japa in a hurried manner.
12. Be vigilant and alert during japa. Open your eyes or stand if dullness overcomes you.
13. Be regular in the number of daily rounds (malas or recitations of the Holy Name).
14. Maintain your japa practice with tenacity and perseverance.
15. Recite japa during any free time, especially at the daily junctures (morning, noon, and evening) and before sleep.
16. Upon completing japa, sit a few minutes meditating on God and your relationship with Him. Think how you can be a better person by trying to live moment to moment for the pleasure of God and the happiness of everyone around you.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Jai Jai Sri Radhe

SYAMA’S VASANTA PURNIMA RASALILA

                     
By Mahanidhi Swami

Every year in Vraja Dhama in spring time (Mar-Apr), cool sandal- scented southern breezes arrive to excite the hearts  of Syama and His beloved cowherd damsels. Kamadeva, the invincible God of Eros, starts dancing in the minds of Krsna and gopis.

The full moon  rises majestically and illuminates the Rasa Mandala with royal crimson hues. In Gita  Govinda, Sri Jayadeva Gosvami wonderfully describes this Vasanta Rasalila.

Feeling anxious and lonely, Radhika searches for Her Priyatama Syama in each and every forest bower along the Yamuna. Suddenly, Radha discovers that Syama is nearby dancing and revelling in amorous sports amidst a group of playful gopis. Feeling indignant at being neglected, Radha runs away in a huff to hide inside a shady bower resounding with buzzing bees.

Realizing  His mistake, Syama abandons the gopis, goes to a lonely bower, and enters a deep state of depression and remorse in separation from His Priyaji Radhika.

Sakhi messengers then run back and forth between the separated lovers, conveying news of each other’s feelings and changing attitudes.
Eventually Priyatama Syama pacified Priyaji’s wounded heart. Then the Divine Couple unite again in blissful embraces followed by spins and whirls, Bends and bows, glances and prances as they dance the night away in the joy of Rasalila.

Nikunjesvari Radharani ki jai!
Rasabihari Syama ki jai

PANCA SIVA DARSANA DON'T MISS IT !

Vrajavasi lovers of Radha Govinda often visit the 5 KARUNA KRPA SIVA LINGAS of VRAJA MANDALA.

In 5 directions, Lord Siva, in his merciful Linga Form, protects, purifies and promotes Sri Krsna's devotees doing Vraja bhajana.

While taking darsana, either physically, mentally or visually (by looking at book pictures or downloads), please do the following Siva puja!

1. Dandavats, chant, e.g. "Bhutesvara Mahadeva ki Jai!"
2. Bathe Linga with milk and Ganga water.
3. Offer bael leaves (upside down) to Linga.
4. Offer flower
. 5. Offer sweets.
6. Offer aratika (incense and ghee lamp).
7. Dandavats
. 8. Ardha parikrama.
9. Chant Sri Caitanya Sivastakam. (See the previous entry)

VRAJA PALA SIVAS

1. Bhutesvara (Mathura), Eternal south area protector
2. Caklesvara (Govardhana), Centre
3. Kamesvara (Kamyavana), West
4. Nandisvara (Nandagaon), North
5. Gopisvara (Vrndavana)

On the occasion of Gita Jayanti

One should worship Bhagavad Gita book as follows:

1. Perform acamana
2. Offer Tulasi manjaris with sandalwood paste
3. Offer fragrant flower garland
4. Offer milk sweet with Tulasi leaf
5. Offer arotika (incense, ghee lamp, conch water)
6. Do parikrama of Gita book
7. Glorify Gita with prayers
8. Chant each Gita sloka
9. Conclusion of 18 chapters, offer dandavats to Gita, Bhagavan Sri Krsna, Arjuna, Sanjaya & Sri Gurudeva, begging them to accept your Gita jayanti puja.

Please note: Prayers for point 7 are as follows:

1 gita adhyaana-shilasya pranayama-paraasya cha naiva santi he paapani purva janme kritani cha If one reads Bhagavad-gita very sincerely and with all seriousness, then by the grace of Krsna, the reactions of his past misdeeds will not act upon him.

2 mala nirmochanam pumsam jala snanam dine dine sakrid gitambhaasi snanam samsara mala nashanam One may cleanse himself daily by taking a bath in water, but if one takes a bath even once in the sacred Ganges water of Bhagavad-gita, for him the dirt of material life is altogether vanquished.

3 gita sugita kartavya kim anyaih shastra vistaraih ya svyam padama nabhaayasa mukha padmad vinih srita Because Bhagavad-gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad-gita

4 bharat amrita sarvasam vishnor vaktrad vini sritam gita gangodakam pitva punar janma na vidyate One who drinks the Ganges water attains salvation, so what to speak of one who drinks the nectar of Bhagavad-gita? Gita is the essential nectar of Mahabharata and is spoken by Krsna Himself, the original Visnu.

5 sarvo panishado gavo dogdha gopala nandanah partho vatsah sudhir bhokta dugdham gita amritam mahat This Gitopanishad is just like a cow and Krsna is a famous cowherd boy, who is milking this cow. Arjuna is just like a calf and learned scholars and pure devotees are to drink the nectarean milk of Bhagavad-gita.

6 ekam sastram devaki-putra-gitam eko devo devaki-putra eva eko mantras tasya namani yani karmapy ekam tasya devasya seva Let there be one common scripture for the whole world - Bhagavad-Gita.


Let there be one God only - Sri Krsna, one prayer only - chanting the Hare Krsna mahamantra, and let there be one work only - His pure devotional service

A VRAJAVASI MEETS RAMA

By Mahanidhi Swami

While travelling from Vaikuntha to Ayodhya, Gopa kumara chanted, “O Sitapate! O Sri Raghunatha! O Laksmana Jyestha! O Prabhu! O Hanumat Priyesvara!”

Upon entering Ayodhya dhama, Gopa kumara met some monkeys jumping here and there shouting, “Rama! Rama!” and tried to snatch his flute. Then Hanuman took Gopa kumara to meet Rama who was happily sitting on a royal throne. Sita- devi stood beside Rama happily offering Him betel nut. Gopa kumara bowed down before Lord Rama and repeatedly said, “Jai! Jai!” With gentle speech full of nectar, Lord Rama said, “O my dear son of a Vrajavasi cowherd, very good. Now just relax, for you are my very dear friend.” Gopa kumara stayed for a while in Ayodhya dhama observing Sri Rama, the Lion King of the Raghus, perform His royal dharmic lila.

 However despite experiencing the bliss of serving Rama in Ayodhya, Gopa kumara’s heart again hankered for the sweet life of Vrajabhumi, wherein he would embrace his friend and Lord, Madana Gopala.

 The all-compassionate Lord Rama understood Gopa kumara’s mood, so He sent him forward in his spiritual sojourn to Sri Dhama Vrndavana.

(Brhad Bhag.)

Jai Sita Rama! Jai Radhe Syama! Jai Vraja

Damodara and Radha-Damodara

By Mahanidhi Swami

 The Fall season in Vrindavana (Oct-Nov), Karttika, is surcharged with both sensual beauty and spiritual shakti. The peacocks freely advertise their rainbow colors, and tall trees scent the breeze with sweet aromas from their flowers. With the loving arms of her soothing waves, the Yamuna River offers crystal clear water for tasting and cooling currents for bathing.

Every day at the Radha-Damodara temple, thousands of Vaisnava pilgrims go around the temple, participate in the many kirtanas, and hear the enlightening Bhagavata discourses by different panditas speaking in turn. This spiritual atmosphere, swelling with sounds, scents and sentiments, saturates any sincere soul with ecstatic love for Sri Krishna.

All the months of India are named after different forms of Narayana like Madhava, Govinda, Keshava and so on as in Vaisnava tilaka. Similarly, the month of Karttika is called “Damodara” which also refers to a Vishnu form. This fact is confirmed in sanatana-siksha (Cc. 2.20.201), wherein Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said:
äçvine padmanäbha, kärtike dämodara, rädhädämodara anya vrajendra-koìara
“In the month of Äçvina, the predominating Deity is Padmanäbha, and in Kärttika it is Dämodara. This Dämodara [which the month is named after] is different from RädhäDämodara, the son of Nanda Mahäräja in Våndävana

Nevertheless, most Vaisnavas understand that the “Damodara month” refers to that naughty boy, Krishna, who Mother Yasoda bound around the waist with a rope, which took place on Dipavali day in Karttika. During this Damodara month, if one manages to capture Krishna with the ropes of pure devotion, he will be released from the bondage of repeated birth and death.

Gauòéya Vaiñëavas consider Radharani to be the presiding Deity for the month of because Sri Srila Rupa Goswamipada(Utkalika-vallari) refers to Radharani as Karttika-devi, the goddess of Karttika. Unlike others who call it the “Damodara” month, Gaudiyas, using the following scriptural evidence, refer to Karttika as the “Radha-Damodara” month.

“One day in Karttika, Shyama arrived late for His rendezvous with Priyaji in Her kunja. In loving anger, Manini Radha glanced at Shyama with frowning eyebrows. Using some golden vines, Kunjeshvari then tied a rope around Shyama’s belly to punish Him for not showing up as promised. Madhava pleaded that He was late because Maa Yashoda had kept Him home for a festival. Seeing Her mistake, Radha quickly untied Her beloved Damodara.” (Bhaviñya Puräëa, Uttara-khaëòa) Rädhäräëé’s desire to bind Krishna with Her love is fulfilled in this pastime. Thus Vrajavasis adore this Damodara, bound by Devi’s love.

The Garga-samhita tells another wonderful lila of Radha-Damodara: “One day as children Radha and Gopala were walking together in Bhandiravana along the shimmering blue waters of Kalindi. The lovely couple rested for a time under the cooling shade of a Banyan tree. In an instant, Yogamaya manifested their robust, youthful forms. Suddenly from nowhere, Lord Brahma arrived. Then acting as the officiating priest, Brahmaji performed a mock marriage with all the demigods in attendance. During the wedding ceremony the sari and dhoti of Radha and Krishna were tied together as is the custom in Vedic weddings. After the ceremony the guests left, and Radha-Govinda again assumed their childhood forms and walked home.”Since the Divine Couple were tied together at this time, some Vaiñëavas consider this pastime a lila of Radha-Damodara ki jai

Perfection at Your Fingertips

By Mahanidhi Swami

Each and every Holy Name of Bhagavan Sri Krishna is all powerful, all beautiful, all merciful and all beneficial.

Tremendous blessings and benefits will come to anyone who chants, regardless of time, place, method or condition. However, the benefits and degree of mantra perfection will vary according to one’s endeavor.

Developing the following six qualities will help the chanter quickly attain mantra-siddhi and experience all the sublime treasures (japa sampatti hetavah) of the Holy Name.

Srila Sanatana Goswamipada explains in Hari-bhakti vilasa (17.128):
manah samharanam shaucam, maunam mantrartha chintanam
avyagratvam anirvedo, japa sampatti hetavah

1) One-pointed mind (samharanam) means withdrawing it from all sense objects, especially during japa.
2) Cleanliness (shaucam) of body, clothes, asana and mind.
3) Meditation on meaning of mantra (mantra artha chintanam).
4) Undisturbed mind (avyagratvam) Sit peacefully and chant without mental restlessness.
5) Patience (anirvedo). Even though the promised results and treasures are not manifesting, one should continue chanting without feeling despondent or disappointed (nirveda).

Sri Harinama Japa ki jai!   Hare Krishna Maha Mantra ki jai!
Sri Harinama Acharya Haridasa Thakura ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Importance of Sri Radha and Karttika

By Mahanidhi Swami

Why do Gaudiya Vaisnavas observe Karttika Vrata?

Gaudiyas especially observe Karttika Vrata for the purpose of worshiping and pleasing Srimati Radharani. Because Radha is most famous as Karunamayi Radha, we very strictly follow all the rules and regulations of the Kartika Vrata, NIYAMA SEVA, so that Srimati showers us with Her divine compassion.

The goal of this month, our lives and every moment is simply to gain a glance of mercy and favor from our beloved Swamini Radha.


May Sri Radha, all Her merciful sakhis and manjaris, Sri Krishna, Nitai-Gauranga, and all the Gurus in our parampara bless us with gopi-bhava and Srimati Radhika’s eternal loving service in the groves of Sridhama Vrndavana.

For Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Karttika Vrata is more important than any other vrata in the year. Other vratas observed for the satisfaction of Syamasundara and His expansions last for one day at most, but Sri Radha’s pleasure vow of Karttika LASTS FOR ONE MONTH.

In Stavamala, Sri Rupa Gosvamipada describes Sri Radha in one verse as Kartiki-devi Srimati Radharani. In Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, he describes Karttika Vrata as the Urja-vrata.

Urja means power, strength and empowerment.  And who is the source of this urja, power and spiritual strength? Urjeshvari Radha and only Radha.  Kishori Radha is the Goddess or the Queen and one and only worshipable Deity of the month of Kartika.
Kartikidevi Srimati Radharani ki jai!   Urjeshvari Radhika ki jai!

All Vaisnavas, including Gaudiyas, observe many other vows, vratas, and fasting days to honor Bhagavan or His various expansions on days such as Janmastami, Ramnavami, Nrsimha Chaturdashi, Vamana Mahadvadasi etc.

It is interesting to note that these shaktiman Purusha Bhagavan Vratas only extend for one day or half a day at most. But in case of the shakti, sarva-sakti-mayi powerhouse source, Radharani, the vrata extends for one month. It is not one day long or fasting till midnight like Janmastami or fasting half a day. It is one entire month called niyama seva month.

And yes, like all other Vaisnavas, we will sing about and full-heartedly glorify Lord Damodara of Gokula throughout this month and devotedly worship Bhagavan Sri Krishna in this most mischievous and beautiful form. But this most auspicious and wonderful month of Karttika, we Gaudiya Vaisnavas especially focus on worshiping and performing special observances for the pleasure of our most worshipful Aradhya-devi Srimati Radharani.

Niyama means doing extra and special sevas simply to please Radharani; more Nama-japa and kirtana, extra prayers, extra puja, extra reading, extra preaching, extra Hari, Guru, Vaisnava seva and more—all for happiness of Srimati Radharani. This is the goal of our sadhana. Our prayojana is Radharani’s pleasure! We observe Karttika Vrata only for the purpose of bringing more joy to Radhika.

And if Swamini so desires, She will be compassionate to us, purify us,  and make us eligible to attain Her eternal divine service in the groves of Vrindavana.

 Other vratas like Harivasara Ekadasi and Bhagavan Janmotsavas are of course important, but for Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Kartika Vrata is by far the most powerful, extensive and necessary vow of austerities, penances, pujas and devotional practices. To repeat, our ishta-devi is Srimati Radharani and Karttika is THE MONTH TO SPECIFICALLY WORSHIP Srimati Radharani.
And there are so many benefits of the Kartika Vrata described in Hari Bhakti Vilasa which will be described in our upcoming articles. When the days get longer and longer, and your vrata seems to become more and more difficult, simply remember:
DO OR DIE, IT’S ALL FOR RAI!


(Rai is a sweet name for Radha)
Karttika Niyama Seva Vratosava ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Our View of Vrinda- Devi

                                                                               By Mahanidhi Swami

The Brahma Vaivarta Purana and other Puranas contain stories about Vrinda-devi and other transcendental associates of Sri Krishna being cursed and descending to the material world. Gaudiya Vaisnavas do not reject these stories because they are in the shastras. However, we do not follow them because Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the six Gosvamis did not present these ideas. The six Gosvamis distilled all the shastras and presented  the essential truth for all the Gaudiya Vaisnavas to understand and follow. According to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Rupa Gosvami and Raghunatha Das Gosvami, Vrinda-devi is a nitya sakhi of Shrimati Radharani for the eternal loving service of Radha and Krishna in the spiritual world and in the material world when the Divine Couple descend, Vrinda devi exhibits two forms; one as a sakhi named Vrinda-devi and another form as a beautiful bush named Tulasi devi replete with beautiful leaves and fragrant flowers called manjaris. Any other conception about Vrinda-devi is not endorsed by Gaudiya Vaisnavas.
Shrimati Vrinda devi ki jai!
Shrimati Tulasi Maharani ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe

SYAMA’S VASANTA PURNIMA RASALILA

                           
By Mahanidhi Swami


Every year in Vraja Dhama in spring time (Mar-Apr), cool sandal- scented southern breezes arrive to excite the hearts  of Syama and His beloved cowherd damsels. Kamadeva, the invincible God of Eros, starts dancing in the minds of Krsna and gopis.

The full moon  rises majestically and illuminates the Rasa Mandala with royal crimson hues.
In Gita  Govinda, Sri Jayadeva Gosvami wonderfully describes this Vasanta Rasalila. Feeling anxious and lonely, Radhika searches for Her Priyatama Syama in each and every forest bower along the Yamuna.

Suddenly, Radha discovers that Syama is nearby dancing and revelling in amorous sports amidst a group of playful gopis.

Feeling indignant at being neglected, Radha runs away in a huff to hide inside a shady bower resounding with buzzing bees. Realizing  His mistake, Syama abandons the gopis, goes to a lonely bower, and enters a deep state of depression and remorse in separation from His Priyaji Radhika. Sakhi messengers then run back and forth between the separated lovers, conveying news of each other’s feelings and changing attitudes.

Eventually Priyatama Syama pacified Priyaji’s wounded heart. Then the Divine Couple unite again in blissful embraces followed by spins and whirls, Bends and bows, glances and prances as they dance the night away in the joy of Rasalila.
Nikunjesvari Radharani ki jai!


Rasabihari Syama ki jai

Prabhupada’s Amazing Karttika Shiksha

By Mahanidhi Swami

In Karttika 1972, in his “eternal residence” at the Radha-Damodara Mandira, Srila Prabhupada had the most amazing conversation full of realizations and Vraja illuminations. Present there at that most auspicious time were his fortunate disciples Shyamasundara, Gurudasa, Hayagriva, and Prabhupada’s gurubhai Dr. O.B.L. Kapoor. We hope all our devoted friends will increase their understanding and love for Radha-Krishna, the Vrajavasis and Sridhama Vrindavana by reading the following entries which we have categorized by topic.

THE VRAJAVASIS
SrilaPrabhupada:“The Vrajavasis prefer to die rather than give up their Krishna. Throughout India you’ll find that some of the lower castes—the shudras, or vaishyas, or harijans—will convert to Mohammedanism [Christianity], but in Vrindavana even the shudra will not give up Krishna, not even for all the gold in the world.”

“A devotee knows that this Vrindavana right here is Vrindavana. Even if the people living in Vrindavana do not appear very pious, they are most fortunate because they live in the land of Krishna. Jaya jaya vrindavana-vasiyatajana, all glories to all the inhabitants of Vrindavana! It is not said that only the devotees here are glorified. Everyone! Even the pigs. It is more fortunate to be born in Vrindavana than in a rich or aristocratic family, because in the next life, one will go back to Godhead.”

ANIMALS IN VRINDAVANA
Srila Prabhupada: “No one born in Vrindavana is ordinary. It may not be very palatable to hear, but those who live in Vrindavana and commit sinful activities take birth as dogs, monkeys, and hogs here. In this way, by eating the dust of Vrindavana, they become purified, liberated.”
Disciple: “Gurudeva, how does one get these different bodies?”
Srila Prabhupada: “If a person in Vrindavana engages in too much sex indulgence, he will get the body of a dog, a monkey, a pigeon, or even the body of a tree. The pig body is there for one who overeats or eats prohibited food.”
Disciple: “Gurudeva, what about those guys down by the Yamuna that smoke ganja all day?”
In a very sweet, humorous way with a slight laugh, Srila Prabhupada replied: “They get hippy bodies with big beards and long hair. And they have to take birth in San Francisco U.S.A.”

POWER OF VRAJA VASA
Srila Prabhupada “The effect of living in Vrindavana cannot be overestimated. At every turn, you are reminded of Krishna here, and your spiritual strength increases due to that contact. For instance, from ’62 to ’65, I would sit in these rooms and chant Hare Krishna and see the samadhis of Jiva and Rupa Goswamis. Just by thinking of how they wrote, I got courage to write. I would type and cook a little. I lived very simply, content to be in Rupa Goswami’s presence. These samadhis are the best in Gaudiya Vaishnavism. They actually inspired me to go to the West.”

DIRT &DETERIORATION
Disciple: “Prabhupada, it appears that the Dhama is deteriorated and unclean.”
Srila Prabhupada: “Vrindavana has not deteriorated! Just see. For a materialist, everything is topsy-turvy because his vision is perverted. Beauty and ugliness are in the eye of the seer. The ugliness that you see here is yoga-maya, Krishna’s covering. Vrindavana appears dirty and deteriorated to drive away the atheists and impersonalists. For a devotee, this Vrindavana is as good as Krishna’s transcendental abode in the spiritual sky, Goloka Vrindavana. But you must have the eyes to see. Vrindavana hides HERSELF from the materialist.

“Vrindavana is so potent that even the dogs and pigs here are going to be liberated. Life here is not polluted because even the most polluted are being purified. So it is not deteriorating. If even the dogs are going to be liberated, how has Vrindavana deteriorated?”

PERSONAL VRINDAVANA
Disciple: Prabhupada, why did you just speak of Vrindavana as a person[ hides herself]?
Srila Prabhupada: “In spiritual consciousness, everything is personal. In Ramayana, we find that even the city of Ravana appeared before Hanuman as a gigantic person, a rakshashi, and Hanuman knocked her down because she challenged him.”

LIBERATION IN VRINDAVANA
Srila Prabhupada: “Both the pigs and devotees here in Vrindavana are liberated, indiscriminately. Unless one is a devotee in a previous life, he cannot take birth here. He may take a pig’s or dog’s body for a few years, but that’s no impediment. He is simply getting rid of sinful reactions.
Disciple: “Are people in Vrindavana liberated even if they don’t have a bona fide spiritual master?”
Srila Prabhupada: “Yes, because Vrindavan is directly under Krishna’s supervision. Krishna is their spiritual master.”

ALL BE MESSENGERS
Living eternally in Vrindavana engaged in the loving personal service of Srimati Radharani is the goal of all Gaudiya Vaisnavas. In our hearts, in our minds and with our lives we all try to live moment by moment in Vrindavana. We meditate on Vrindavana, dream of Vrindavana, and try our best to tell everyone about the sweet glories of Vraja Dhama. Every Gaudiya is a messenger of Vrindavana, carrying the good news of Radha-Govinda’s pure loving service to one and all.

In closing his wonderful teachings at this time, Srila Prabhupada humbly said, “I’m simply Vrindavana’s messenger.” (all entries from Vrindaban Days cp. 5)

Srila Prabhupada ki jai!
Kartika Vratosava ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe

Nineteen ways to serve Sri Dhama Vrndavana

By Mahanidhi Swami

1. Sweep, wash and clean the footpaths of kunda steps, parikrama paths, lilasthalis and old temples.

2. Donate money to repair and maintain old temples especially at specific lilasthalis.

3. Visit each holy place with great respect, eagerness and enthusiasm to hear its glories and also give donations to the temple pujaris and pandas (brahmana guides).
4. Show the utmost respect to Vrajavasis, temple pujaris and pandas (brahmana guides) at each holy place

. 5. Give donations of food (sweets, fruits, juices, grains etc), cloth and money to children and needy Vrajavasis.

6. Wherever possible plant fragrant flowering trees, creepers and plants to beautify lilasthalis, temples and other open areas of the holy dhama.

7. Don’t pollute Vrajadhama with plastic bags, bottles, containers and other non-biodegradable articles.

8. Regularly and respectfully bathe in sacred waters and worship them. And also worship all the Deities with at least a ghee lamp and some incense.

9. Help the Vrajavasis who are performing Nama and Dhama seva.

10. Offer dandavats and roll in the dust of all lilasthalis.

11. Glorify the presiding Deities at each temple and lilasthalis with sweet kirtana and bhajanas.

12. Hear or read about Krsna’s lilas at every holy place you visit.

13. Also ask the pujari or panda to tell you some transcendental pastimes of Krsna

. 14. Never visit Vraja without hearing Hari-katha from devotional Vrajavasis.

15. Inspire and help others to visit or live in Vraja dhama.

16. Speak, write, make videos and print books about the glories of Vraja dhama.

17. Every day in Vraja rise early and chant, sing, hear and read the glories of Radha-Govinda with a fixed vow.

18. Never ever think, hear or speak, criticism or gossip about any Vrajavasis

. 19. When not in Vraja dhama, try to remember the Vraja deities, lilasthalis, pastimes, Hari-katha and devotees you experienced therei

Kirtana, Japa and Rules

By Mahanidhi Swami

Devotees often say, “There are no hard and fast rules in chanting Hare Kåñëa.” Thus anything goes in the name of nama-japa: chanting on tulsi beads a fixed number of rounds of the maha-mantra, Hare Kåñëa Hare Kåñëa Kåñëa Kåñëa Hare Hare—Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Since there are no restrictions, many devotees think it’s okay to chant japa while surfing the I-net, driving a car, listening to a lecture, lying in bed, shopping, watching a video etc. etc.

To prove their no rules argument, such devotees cite Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s Siksastakam verse 2: niyamitah smarane na kalah, “there are no restrictions regarding REMEMBERING the holy name of Bhagavan Sri Kåñëa.” Lord Gauranga only says here that there are no rules about remembering (smarane). Gauranga does not say there are no rules in nama-japa.

Mahaprabhu comments on this verse saying: khaaite shuite yathaa tathaa nama laya, kaala-desha-niyama naahi, sarva siddhi haya, “There is no regulation (niyama) regarding taking the name (nama laya), even while eating or lying down; it will grant all perfection (sarva siddhi).” (Cc. 3.20.18) Using Mahaprabhu’s comment, many devotees conclude, “Just see Lord Caitanya said it’s okay to chant nama-japa while lying in bed, eating prasada, or doing anything…” Sorry, this argument is completely wrong.

In His comment above and in the entire Siksastakam, Lord Gauranga is glorifying the unlimited power, mercy and benefit of Sri Hari Nama-SANKIRTANA (paraà vijayate sri-kåñëa-sankirtanam!). In these two verses, Sri Caitanya Deva is not describing nama-japa, He is talking about the congregational chanting Sri Kåñëa’s sweet Holy Names.

 Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is saying you can remember or take Sri Kåñëa’s name anywhere, anytime in any circumstance. Of course, we should always remember Sri Kåñëa, and never forget the Lord for even half a moment (lava nimesha). And to do this we must always remember Sri Nama Prabhu, sing His holy names with every breath, and chant “Hari! Hari!” between every bite of food. Yes, basically there are no rules regarding kirtana or sankirtana. BUT THERE ARE RULES IN CHANTING NAMA-JAPA


. If we ignore these rules and chant japa incorrectly, then offenses will arise, and we will never attain our cherished goal of pure love for Radha-GovindaKirtana, Japa and Rules. The mantra shastras, Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, and the Gaudiya Vaisnava lawbook, Hari-bhakti vilasa no. 17 state many rules regarding chanting Hari-nama japa, the Gopala-mantra and other diksha mantras. One should try his best to follow the rules below to quickly achieve success in chanting Hare Kåñëa nama-japa: SIX GENERAL RULES FOR NAMA-JAPA: 1. Avoid the ten offenses to Sri Nama Prabhu. 2. Daily chant the same fixed number of malas. (ganitrikaam grhita ca mantram HBV 17.71, 191)

“After vowing to chant a certain number of rounds daily (16, 32, 64) one must chant every day without fail, and not chant less than that.” (17.191) 3. Chant on 108 tulasi beads mala. 4.

Beads should be ROUND in shape. The mala should be arranged in order from the biggest bead to the smallest. (HBV 17.89) 5. One should not chant with unclean hands, or in an impure state e.g. without bathing, dirty cloth or in bed. (17.132, 137) 6. One must not chant japa while talking, lying down, walking or yawning. SKirtana, Japa and RulesIX RULES FOR MAXIMUM JAPA BENEFIT: (HBV 17.121) 1. Concentrate on Nama by withdrawing your mind from ALL other attractions (distractions). 2. Cleanliness of mind, body, cloth, asana and chanting place. 3. Chant Nama while continually meditating on the meaning of the Hare Kåñëa maha-mantra. 4. Observe strict silence while chanting japa. Hari-bhakti Vilasa (17.132-3) confirms this point: “If one speaks while chanting nama-japa, his japa will be fruitless. If while chanting nama-japa one engages in speaking, walking, lying down on bed, thinking of something else, sneezing, hiccupping, yawning, or having an agitated mind, one cannot attain perfection in his nama-japa.”

In other words, it is best not to speak ONE WORD until you finish your daily quota. If you do this, your mind will become very strong, pure, peaceful and determined. Then you can call yourself a Kåñëa bhakti-YOGI, a serious practitioner of devotional sadhana. Obviously, any form of “interaction” with one’s mobile phone is breaking this law of silence. Be careful, perfection is not a joke. Will you take your mobile to Goloka Vrndavana? 5. Maintain a peaceful mind, heart and attitude during nama-japa. 6. Chant japa with intense eagerness, interest and enthusiasm. There are three ways of chanting Sri Kåñëa Holy Names: loudly, softly or silently. Loud chanting means speaking the maha-mantra loud enough that someone can hear it. This is kirtana or sankirtana; IT IS NOT NAMA-JAPA. It is said that Namacarya Thakura Haridasa daily chanted 192 rounds; 64 chanted loudly as kirtana, 64 inaudible whispering japa (upamshu), and 64 silent in the mind (manasic).

 In ISKCON’s beginning days, Srila Prabhupada set the example of early morning chanting by sitting in the temple with his disciples and chanting ONE round loudly. This anecdote however, does not mean that nama-japa should be chanted loudly. Although there are three forms of chanting Hare Kåñëa, there are only two forms of chanting nama-japa on beads: inaudible whisper (upamshu) and silent mental chanting (manasic). Hari-sauri personally told me that Srila Prabhupada chanted very softly to silently in upamshu. In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Srila Rupa Gosvami describes sankirtana and japa as two distinct practices. Of the sixty-four limbs of bhakti-sadhana, number 32 is sankirtana (uccair bhasha), “loud euphoric congregational chanting of Hare Kåñëa” and number 33 is japa, “silent meditative chanting on beads.” The specific japa verse says: mantrasya su laghu uccharo japa ity abhidhiyate, “very, very silent muttering or utterance of the maha-mantra is called japa.”

 In correct upamshu japa, one mentally focuses on the meaning of the maha-mantra while fine tuning his hearing to the silent movement of the maha-mantra inside the mouth. The tongue and lips are barely moving as the mantra almost silently resonates within the mouth. The more one meditates on the meaning and concentrates on the “silent sound within his mouth and heart,” the more and more silent the chanting becomes. Eventually, the mantra meaning and sound merge in the totally absorbed, silent chanting of Hare Kåñëa within the mind. Soon Sri Kåñëa’s sweet all-attractive form arises from the concentrated mind, heart and internal hearing. This is manasic japa. The basic point is that japa chanting is a solitary and silent contemplative practice. We say “I am chanting japa”, but here the word chanting really means “silently speaking” or mentally uttering inside the mouth; unheard outside of one’s lips. Nama-japa is a deep, powerful form of meditation requiring seriousness of purpose, sense and mind control, and the utmost absolute concentration. Nama-japa brings one face to face with Radha-Kåñëa within the silent recesses of one’s pacified and pure heart. Please take your nama-japa very seriously. Attentive, concentrated nama-japa is the best, quickest, easiest and most blissful way to fall in love with Kåñëa, and enter the eternal realm of joy-filled Vrndavana to lovingly serve Radhe-Syama forever. Om tat sat! Jaya Jaya Sri Radhe!

Mahamantra of Krsna’s flute

                                                                              By Mahanidhi Swami


Many yogis meditate on the seven chakras, psychic energy centers within the human body, and on the anahata naad (shabda). This anahata naad is the unstruck mystic sound. It is not the sound produced by striking or beating something. It is  an internal sound heard within the cave of the heart during the deep stage of meditation.

The Yoga sastras state that there are from 5 ---- 13 different sounds, i.e., sea waves, bells, conch etc.; which are perceivable within the heart during deep concentration. Of all these sounds, yogis say that when one hears the flute sound, his entire being is  permeated with Divine bliss and he loses body consciousness. This result of the flute sound resembles the experience of the elegant young ladies of Vraja who faint in ecstasy upon hearing  Syama’s sweet song. Upon hearing the bewildering sound of Syama’s murali, doe-eyed damsels become stunned.


Their heads pins and their jeweled tiaras whirl and fall off. Abandoning  all other duties, the sakhis scurry off to meet Syama. Acaryas say Krsna’s flute sound is the Mahamantra svarupa, the very form of the greatest  mesmerising mantra. At the beginning of the Rasa dance, Syama engages the spell-binding magic of this Mahamantra to bring His beloveds to His side. The sweet seductive sound of Syama’s murali is hidden within the all-powerful Kama Gayatri chanted meticulously everyday by yogis of devotion, Krsna’s bhaktas.
“ O Syama! O all-attractive flute player of Vraja! When will you cast your spell on me and call me to your side by   manifesting the Mahamantra of your enchanting flute song as I chant mystic Kama Gayatri. Other than this, I have no other desire or kama.”
Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!

GOPIS CAPTURE KRSNA ON HOLI

By Mahanidhi Swami


O Sakhi, look! Radha and Krsna are engaged in a long Holi festival in a secluded place. Radha and gopis have overpowered Syama and forcibly carried Him to their place. Then they sprinkle Syama with musk-scented colorful water. Seeing that Syama has been taken captive by the gopis, Balarama and the other gopas sent a messenger to the gopis. Then Balarama sent a gift to the gopis as a ransom for Krsna release. Accepting it, the gopis gave Krsna to Balarama. (Gopala Tapani Up.)

Jai Jai Shri Radhey ...

Everyone Chant “Radhe Radhe”

 
                                                                             By Mahanidhi Swami


In the earthly realm of Vrndavana and in the spiritual sky, Radharani known as Vrndavanesvari, Queen of Vrndavana, which  means that Radharani is the one and only controller of everything including the heart of Sri Krsna.

In Vraja Gokula, there are two instances wherein Radha’s sakhis will sometimes chant the Hare Krsna Mahamantra: To nourish Radhika’s taste in sambhoga –vilasa when She meets with Krsna or to soothe Radha’s searing heart in times of separation from Her beloved Syama, and at other times, the sakhis will sweetly sing  “Radhe Radhe!” as serve Sri Radha throughout the day.


Now let’s consider the reality of the present day Vrndavana where I have been living for the last 27 years.
In Vraja Dhama, everyone chants “Radhe Radhe” from the time they wake up until the time they take rest.

For Vrajavasis, the name of Radha is inseparable from their breathing. They hear the name of Radhe in the wombs of their mothers; they are born with the name of Radha in their ears; they move with the name of Radha in their lives; they dream with the name of Radha in their minds; and they die with the name of Radha on their tongues. By continually hearing and chanting “Radhe Radhe”  in this way, every Vrajavasi automatically becomes full of Radha-bhava or gopi-bhava.

 And this is the goal that all Gaudiya Vaisnavas hope to attain especially by residing in Vrndavana.

In Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi, verses 95-97, Gaudiya rasika Acarya Srila Prabodhananda Sarasvati glorifies Radha’s completely pure and ecstatic Holy Name thus: “The name of Radha is the liquid rasa of blissful love (premananda rasam). Radha’s name give the greatest joy when chanted with tender loving affection(mahasukha karam uccharitam prematah).

 The two syllables Ra and Dha, contain all divine knowledge (vidya para dvakshara). Sri Krsna becomes supremely pleased whenever He hears someone chanting “Radhe Radhe!” (japa mudha gayati).
“Even once chanting of Radha nama will immediately attract Sri Krsna (japa sakrid gokulapati akarshak).

Lord Madhava Himself lovingly chants Radha nama (mantra japa priti svayam madhava). Sometimes, Hari sits with the sakhis and chants Radha nama until tears run down His lotus face (ali svayam japa ashru mukha hari).”

“Sometimes, Krsna goes along the banks of Yamuna and enters the bowerhouse alone (kalindi tata kunja mandira gato). Syama sits down like the King of Yogis to mediate on the radiance of Radha’s sweet lotus feet (pada jyotir dhyana). Krsna starts chanting Radha nama and soon becomes drenched in tears of love (sada japa prema-ashru purno hari) as He relishes the amazing blossoming mellows of Radha’s blissful loving enchantment (adbhutam ullasad rati rasananda sammohitah).

“May the most amazing two syllables (Ra and Dha ) become manifest to me forever (tad adhbhutam me radheti varna dvayam). The embrosial elixir “Radha” is my life and soul (tad amritam pradeti me jivanam).”
In this regard, Srila Prabhupada once said, “there is no harm in chanting “Radhe”.” (75.04.08)


Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!

DAUJI’S RASA DANCE

                                                                                       By Mahanidhi Swami

While living in Dwaraka Balarama once felt intense separation from the Vrajavasis, so He returned to Vraja for two months (Mar-Apr, chaitra-vasaka).

His pangs of love and separation became so great that Dauji (Krsna’s elder brother, Balarama) even left His dearly beloved brother behind in Dwaraka and ran to Vrndavana.

Although Sri Krsna wanted to accompany His brother, the Yadus in Dwaraka prevented Krsna from going to Vrnddavana due to fear that Krsna would not return.

This is the magical and mystic power of Vrndavana that once you go there and actually taste the unique flavor of Vraja prema, you can never leave.
Upon meeting His beloved cowherd friends, Balarama ’s voice choked with prema as He enquired about their welfare.

 Although they are extremely shy and would never reveal before Balarama their internal pain of separation from Krsna, Krsna’s beloved gopis smiled ecstatically when they saw Balarama.

This happened because they were overwhelmed by transcendental madness and prema. The gopis asked Balarama about Krsna’s welfare, and if Krsna still remembered the many sevas that they had offered like stringing flower garlands, smearing sandal wood on His body, making fans, bed and canopies of fragrant flowers.

As the gopis remembered Syama’s sweet smile, playful talks, exciting glances, graceful gait and loving embraces, they broke down and started crying right in front of Balarama.

To pacify the distressed gopis, Balarama relayed to them Krsna’s heartfelt internal messages, which were dignified, sweet, apologetic and full of divine wisdom. For two months, Balarama danced at Ramaghata beside the Yamuna, with His own gopis, as well as those gopis who had missed Krsna’s rasa dance because of being too young at that time.

The  Rasa Mandala was bright with the rays of full moon, fragrant with blooming white lotuses and refreshed by cool breezes. Balarama wore white Vyajayanti mala and a single earring.

The beads of perspiration decorating His smiling lotus face looked like snowflakes. For two months, Balarama enjoyed dancing with His gopis.

However, all those nights passed as if they were a single night since each night brought a completely new experience of joy in association with the beautiful damsels of Vraja.

Rasabihari Balarama ki jai!

Krsna Kanhaiya Dauji ka bhaiya ki jai!!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!!

12th offense in Nama Japa

By Mahanidhi Swami



I hope and pray that none of you, my devoted friends present here, are committing the dreaded 12th offense, which is to leave your mobile phone on in any mode; ring, vibrate, silent or sms while chanting japa.

 Traditionally, all vaishnavas doing nama-bhajana try to avoid the ten offenses listed in the Padma Purana.

 In 1900, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura introduced “inattention” as the 11th offense in chanting. Inattention has three forms: indifference or no attention; laziness, and distraction, which means attraction to other objects i.e. mobile phones.

Although mobile phone distraction can be seen as one form of inattention, I am introducing it as the 12th offense to focus on it and to impress the modern chanters.


The book entitled, Nama Aparadha Ten Obstacles to Attaining God” defines an offense as something which acts against one’s spiritual success by taking the flow of one’s affection away from the Supreme Lord.

We should chant japa with undivided attention (avyagra-dhiyaù) and an undivided mind and heart. But if our hearing, feeling or seeing is divided between the mobile and the Holy Name, the mobile will win and we will lose; lose our chance to chant attentively and pleasingly.

Show Krishna you care for Him, and prove to Krishna that you really want to love Him. Fully turn off your mobile, enter the spiritual world of Vraja with Radhe-Syama, and forget the synthetic world of microwaves.

At least for two hours, 1/12th of our day, we should be absolutely fixed and focused on hearing, feeling, seeing and serving Sri Kåñëa’s sweet Holy Names in japa; simply Kåñëa, the beads and me. Resist, with your greatest resolve, the gnawing tendency to be attracted to the distraction called mobile.

The word mobile means movable, and that’s exactly what mobile phones do; move your mind and heart away from Krishna. A yogi of devotion, however, calms and centers his mind on Krishna’s Holy Names in japa, like a candle flame burning steadily in a windless place.

From the beginning of humanity, all yogic paths have stressed sense control for success. From now on into the 21st cyber century sense control will mean “cell control”.

Perfection in any yoga path will now depend on how much the practitioner can control the use of his mobile phone. Use it sparingly, only when needed and save your time for sadhana.

Don’t spoil your life, and cells, by whiling away your ever diminishing treasure called time. Our priority should be singing for the Person Syama, not playing with the plastic samsong.
Although mobiles have become a mass mania, devotees should be careful that mobile phones don’t take over their lives. Whenever one has the chance, he should take a mobile phone vacation.

 Try and see how many hours a day, or days during a vacation, you can live in Hari nama-bhajana WITHOUT YOUR MOBILE PHONE. Some devotees I know keep their cell phones OFF all day until 8 p.m. Then for one hour they handle their calls and messages. The rest of the day they spend in sadhana-bhakti. Indeed, they are very fortunate. I hope some of you have become inspired by this, and will now fully turn off your mobiles during japa.

I guarantee that you will get a wonderfully fulfilling experience in your Hare Krishna nama-japa by doing this.

Om tat sat!
  Jai Jai Sri Radhe !!!

Quote : Guru Tattva

" Shradha grows to Prema, Faith gives Strength, determination to associate with devotees , to practice Bhakti."


                                  - Mahanidhi Swami

Quote : Guru Tattva

"A guru will never give an unfair order."
                                 
                                         - Mahanidhi Swami

The Wonder of Two Syllables: RA DHA

By Mahanidhi Swami

The two wonderful syllables RA  DHA immediately attract Gokulapati (Krishna, the Lord of Gokula).


If one develops love for chanting RA DHA then all the goals of human life seem insignificant.


The syllables RA DHA are marked within the mantra that is lovingly chanted by Lord Madhava Himself.

May this pair of amazing syllables RA DHA become manifest to me forever.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 95)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;
Close your eyes;
Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.


Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Radha’s True Love

 


By Mahanidhi Swami

Krishna prema is defined as a mood and expression of love, wherein even if there is a very good reason to break the relationship and leave the beloved, the lover will never under any condition or circumstance give up the beloved.

Indeed such a completely selfless, immaculate love is transcendental and divine; only found in the loving dealings of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and His beloved bhaktas.

This type of “true love” can never be found in this material world. What follows is a very secret passage from sacred scriptures. Here in the privacy of a dark cave, alone with Her personal divine raptures, Srimati Radhika opens Her heart to show the world the pinnacle of pure love.

My dear devoted friends, please read the following passage with the utmost concentration and a mood of submissive reception.

Then a few drops from the unlimited ocean of Sri Radha’s pure love may to trickle into the desert we call heart. One night in the quiet hours after midnight, Radhika tightly embraced the darkness and revealed the jewel of Her heart to Her closest girlfriends, Lalita and Vishakha. Radha cried out, “O My dearly beloved Govinda!

I am intensely missing You. Every moment just creeps by like a thousand ages. I cannot control the endless torrents of tears gushing from My anguished eyes, which appear like a downpour from monsoon clouds.


 Without You, Govinda, I see emptiness in all directions and in My agitation I see that the day never ends. “Seeing the three worlds as stark and empty, I feel as if I am burning alive in a slow fire. It seems that Krishna has become indifferent to Me just to test My love.


And My sakhis are advising Me it’s better to just neglect Krishna.” After deeply pondering over Her condition in separation from Shyama, Radha then manifested some of the natural attributes of Her pure love. Radha’s mind became agitated with the combined emotions of divine envy, enthusiasm, submission and intense eagerness.


In this state of the topmost pure divine love, Krishna prema, Srimati Radharani continued speaking: “O Lalite! O Vishakhe! Krishna may wrap Me in a pleasurable embrace, or trample Me under His lotus feet, or break My heart by never seeing Me. After all, Krishna is a debauchee and can do whatever He likes. Nevertheless, only Krishna and no one else is My Prananatha, the Lord of My heart. “I am a just maidservant at Krishna’s lotus feet, and Shyama is the reservoir of transcendental mellows.

If Shyama likes He can tightly embrace Me in the oneness of love. Or destroy My mind and body by not appearing before Me. Hey sakhi! I am completely fixed in the idea that Krishna is My Praneshvara in all conditions, whether Krishna showers Me with affection or kills Me with misery.


“Sometimes Krishna leaves the other gopis and becomes completely controlled Me as He enjoys loving affairs with Me. And sometimes that cunning cheater enjoys with other gopis right front of Me just to disturb My mind! But that does bother Me, because in any condition Krishna is always My Prananatha! “Listen, I don’t care about My personal distress. I only want Krishna to be happy.

For Krishna’s happiness of is the only goal of My life. And if Krishna feels great happiness in giving Me distress, than that distress is My greatest happiness. And even if Krishna wants to enjoy another beautiful gopi but can’t attain her, then I will go fall at her feet and take her by the hand to Krishna for His pleasure.” While concluding Her illumination on the inconceivable level of Her pure divine love for Krishna, Srimati Radhika speaks a wonderful verse which sets the standard for any sadhaka trying to become a pure lover of God, a Krishna premi: Srimati Radharani said, “Krishna is My life and soul. Krishna is the treasure of My life.

Indeed, Krishna is the very life of My life. I therefore keep Krishna always in My heart and try to please Krishna by rendering service. That is My constant meditation.” (Caitanya-caritamrta 3.20.1-60)

Mahabhava-vati Sri Radha ki jai! Vishuddha nirmala srngara-prema ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

No One Equals Radha

By Mahanidhi Swami


On the night of first Rasalila, Krishna experienced the matchless madhuri sweetness of Radhika and became compeletely  attached to Radha alone.

Nevertheless, to satisfy His curiosity, Shyama sought out all other sakhis of Vraja-bhumi, desiring to find and equal to Radha. But Krishna was unsuccessful.

Then Yogamaya inspired Kamsa to bring Krishna to Mathura, a fabulous city populated with thousands of highly attractive and sophisticated women. Still not finding an equal to Radha, however, Krishna went on to Dvaraka, and married eight princesses of the richest kings of India.

Yet again, Krishna could not find an equal to Kishori. Then Krishna married the 16,100 princesses kidnapped by Narakasura.

Among these beautiful ladies, there were celestial maidens and human damsels. But lo and behold, again Krishna could not find anyone like Srimati Radhika.

Thus Krishna returned to Vrndavana wherein Priyatama Syama remains eternally enjoying with Priyaji Radha,  Who has no equal anywhere in the entire creation. Jai Ho!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!

Prayer for Radha Bhajana

By Mahanidhi Swami

“May my tongue become overwhelmed in ecstasy tasting the nectarine ambrosia of Radha-nama.

May my feet wander over the footpaths of Vrindavana marked with the glorious footprints of Radhika.

May my hands be engaged only in Priyaji’s menial service. May my heart always meditate on Kishori’s lotus feet.

May I develop pure love for Radha’s Prananatha through Radhika’s divinely rapturous festival of love.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 142)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;
Close your eyes;
Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.


Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

A Manjarī Glorifies Rādhikā

 

By Mahānidhi Swami

  Soon a shower of the most incredibly sweet nectar will descend from the skies of mercy to inundate the desert of your heart.

Just read on with enthusiastic eyes and minds full of anticipation as you marvel at this astounding glorification of Swamini Śrī Rādhā by Her dearest sweet manjarī named Kastūrī.

  One day, deeply absorbed in a mood of loving gratitude and appreciation, Kasturi-manjari glorified Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī thus: “Śrī Rādhā Ṭhākurāṇī is the svarūpa of mahābhāva, and a deep jewel mine of all extraordinary qualities. Bhanunandini is the crest jewel among all Śrī Krishna’s artful lovers. The senses, mind and body of Raseshvari are steeped in love for Shyāma. Mādhurī Rādhā is Krishna’s personal energy nourishing all His pastimes. Rādhā is the source of Krishna’s bliss potency and Her divine form is imbued and permeated with ever-blissful spiritual rasa.

“The Vaikuṇṭha Lakṣmīs, the Dvārakā Queens and the Vraja-gopīs all expand from Rādhikā alone. Unlike the other two, Rādhārāṇī expands the gopīs from Her own divine form so that Shyāma can taste all the sweetness of the rāsa dance and other pastimes.

  “Being the foremost gopī, Śrīmatī Rādhikā surpasses all the gopīs in beauty, in good qualities, in good fortune and, above all, in love. Rādhā is the dearest beloved of Shyāma and the very wealth of His life. Śrī Krishna cannot derive any pleasure from the gopīs without the presence of Rādhā.”

Becoming completely submerged in the ambrosial ocean of Radha-katha, Kasturi-manjari became very excited and started ecstatically chanting Rādhā Nāma-kīrtana. She sang, “O Govindānandinī Rādhā! O Govinda-mohinī! O Govinda-sarvasva! O Sarva-kāntā-śiromaṇi!” Rādhā pleases and mystifies Govinda. Rādhā is Govinda’s everything!

And Rādhā is the crest-jewel of all Krishna’s lovers. “O Devī! O Krishna-mayi! O Rādhikā Para-Devatā! O Sarva Lakshmi-mayi!” Priyaji is the most resplendent and beautiful celestial, and the lovely abode of the worship and love sports of Shyamasundara.

Krishna is within and without Rādhā. Wherever Rādhā casts Her glance She sees Shyāma. Parameshvari Rādhā is the supreme energy of Krishna, and the embodiment of all the mellows of love. Śrīmatī’s worship [ārādhana] is fulfilling Krishna’s desires, and that is why only She is called Rādhikā. Rādhā is the supreme goddess, and the original source of all the Queens of fortune; Rādhā fully represents the six opulences of Kṛṣṇa. “O Sarva-pūjyā! O Sarva-pālikā! O Sarva jagatera-mātā! O Sarva-saundarya-kānti! O Sarva-lakṣmī-gaṇera-śobhā!” Everyone in the universe worships Rādhā.

Rādhikā is the maintainer of everyone, and the mother of the entire universe. The transcendental body of Sarvanga-sundari Rādhā is the resting place for all beauty and luster. Kalyāṇi Rādhā’s radiant beautiful form is the origin of the splendor of all the goddesses of fortune. Kunjavilasini Rādhā alone fulfill all of Krishna’s desires. “O Jagat-mohana-mohinī!

 O Parā Thākurāṇī! O Pūrṇa-śakti!” As the supreme enchantress, Rādhā captivates Krishna. Therefore, Ṭhākurāṇī Rādhā is the supreme goddess over all. Rādhā holds all the power of Bhagavān Śrī Krishna. (Cc. Adi 4)

Shri Radha Govind ji

RADHA—The Quintessence of Everything

By Mahanidhi Swami

“Radha is the essence of all natural beauty and the essence of all rasa. Radhika is the only essence of happiness.

Kishori is the essence of compassion. Bhanu-tanya is the essence of all sweet and effulgent beautiful forms. Vaidagdhi Radha is the essence of divine cleverness, and

Gaurangi is the essence of loving amorous sports. My mind is completely absorbed in the quintessence of all essences known as Radha.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 26)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;
Close your eyes;
Chant japa immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe

Meeting Radha’s Family

By Mahanidhi Swami

One aspect of raganuga-sadhana is learn about the identities, relationships, feelings and moods of love of Radha and Krishna’s friends and family members.

Why you may ask? Attaining the spiritual perfection of Krishna prema means to enter Goloka Vrindavana, and to lovingly serve Radha-Krishna alongside all of Their friends and family members.

Therefore, here as part of our sadhana we must prepare ourselves to know where we are going, and with whom we will live and serve with upon getting there.

To facilitate this “spiritual family familiarization sadhana”, our compassionate Gaudiya Vaisnava acharyas Srila Rupa Goswamipada and Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada wrote two essential books for our study:
Radha-Krishna Ganoddesha Dipika and Vraja Vilasa Stava.
Also Sri Kavi Karnapura wrote Gaura Ganoddesha Dipika to help us learn the dual identities of Krishna’s eternal associates in both Vraja-lila and Gaura-lila.

To celebrate Radhastami, we are listing the key personalities in Srimati Radharani’s transcendental family of loving servitors. Wherever known, we’ll include their Gaura-lila names in brackets.

But first however, we should warn everyone with a few words of caution. If you are at all attached to your relativities in the form of friends and family members, then definitely...

DO NOT READ THIS description of the pure and loving, beautiful people in Radha’s realm of eternal transcendental bliss!

Radha’s Elders
Paternal grandfather: Mahibhanu
Paternal grandmother: Sukhada
Father: Vrishabhanu (Pundarika Vidyanidhi)
Maternal grandfather: Indu
Maternal grandmother: Mukhara
Mother: Kirtida (Ratnavati)
Elder brother: Sridama (Abhirama Gopala)
Younger sister: Ananga-manjari (Jahnava-devi)
Paternal uncles: Bhanu, Ratna-bhanu, Subhanu.

So-called husband: Abhimanyu
Father-in-law: Vrka-gopa
Mother-in-law: Jatila (Ramachandra Puri)
Brother-in-law: Durmada
Sister-in-law: Kutila

Radha’s Ashta Sakhis:
Lalita (Svarupa Damodara Goswami)
Vishakha (Ramananda Raya)
Chitra (Govindananda Thakura)
Indulekha (Vasu Ramananda)
Champakalata (Shivananda Sena)
Tungavidya (Vakreshvara Pandita)
Ranga-devi (Govinda Ghosh)
Sudevi (Vasudeva Ghosh)
And: Vrinda-devi (Mukunda Dasa)
Dhanishta (Raghava Pandita)
Nandimukhi (Saranga Thakura)

Radha’s Ashta-Manjaris:
Sri Rupa-manjari: (Srila Rupa Goswamipada)
Rati-manjari: Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada)
Lavanga-manjari (Srila Sanatana Goswamipada)
Raga-manjari (Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami)
Guna-manjari: (Sri Gopala Bhatta Goswami)
Manjulali-manjari: (Sri Lokanatha Goswami)
Vilasa-manjari (Sri Jiva Goswamipada)
Kasturi-manjari (Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja)

Radha’s Favorite Pets:
Calf: Tungi
Chakori bird: Charu-chandrika
Cows: Bahula, Sunada, Yamuna
Doe: Rangini
Elephant: Madhuri
Monkey: Kakkhati
Talking Parrots: Shubha, Sukshmadhi
Peahen: Tundika
Swan: Tundikeri

Sri Radha’s premika nitya-parisads ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Brief description of Radhika's Birth (Garg Samhita)

By Mahanidhi Swami


Placing the glorious transcendental form in the womb of King Vrishbhanu’s wife, Sri Radhika descended in a great place, in a garden by the shore of Yamuna, in the month of Bhadra.

The sky was covered with clouds to celebrate Radha’s descent. The demigods gathered flowers that had blossomed in the Nandana gardens. Because of Radha’s descent, the rivers became very pure and clear, the directions became auspicious and happy and graceful, cooling breeze carried the pollen of flowers.

 Gazing at her daughter as beautiful as hundreds of moons, the gopi Kirti became happy. To bring auspiciousness Kirti gave 200 thousand cows in charity to please the brahmanas.

Then being placed on a jeweled swing, Radha who was decorated with sandalwood paste shone brightly. Thus Radha the heroine of Rasa lila, the jewel in the necklace of Krishna appeared in the house of King Vrishbhanu

Radha Rasbihari ki jai

My Life and Soul Is Radha Nama

By Mahanidhi Swami

“The ambrosial elixir of the name of RA DHA is rarely attained by the demigods, the regular devotees, the liberated souls and Krishna’s closest associates.

With tears streaming down His face, Sri Hari often describes or loudly sings the name RA DHA to Radhika’s sakhis. If anyone chants RA DHA with loving affection, he will experiences a flood of the blissful nectar of love. The nectarean name of RADHA is my life and soul.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 97)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;
Close your eyes;
Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.
Jai Jai Sri Radhe

Hari’s Radha Japa

By Mahanidhi Swami

Hari sits alone in a kunja mandira by the Yamuna’s shore. Like the king of yogis, Yogindra Krishna meditates on the radiance of Radha’s lotus feet.

 His eyes full of loving tears, Shyama always and repeatedly mutters the two enchanting syllables RA DHA.

May these two supremely astonishing, blissful and rasa-filled syllables RA DHA always manifest in my heart.” (Radha-rasa-sudha-nidhi 96)

A Verse Meditation:
Look at a beautiful painting of Sri Radha;
Read the verse above with full concentration;
Pray to Radhika for the memory power or shakti to remember it;
Close your eyes;
Chant japa while immersing your mind and heart in this divine illumination.
Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Parsva Ekadasi

Sri Yudhishthira Maharaja asked of Lord Sri Krishna, "What is the name of that Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September "Hrishikesha mase") ? Who is the worshipable Deity for this Ekadasi, and what merit does one attain in observing it? Kindly reveal all of this to me my Lord." The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna addressed His devoted Yudhishthira as follows, "This Ekadasii, Oh Yudhishthira, is called Vamana Ekadasi, and it bestows upon those who observe it both great merit and ultimate liberation from material bondage. Therefore, because it removes all one's sinful reactions, it is also called Jayanti Ekadasi. Just hearing of its glories frees one from all his past misdeeds. So auspicious is this fast that observing it bestows the same merit as that earned by performing a horse sacrifice. There is no better Ekadasi than this, because it awards liberation so easily. Thus if one truly desires freedom from the punishing material world, one should fast on Vamana Ekadasi. "While observing this holy fast, a Vaishnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in His form as Vamandev, the dwarf incarnation, whose eyes are like lotus petals. By doing so, he worships all other Deities as well, including Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, and at death he undoubtedly goes to that abode of Sri Hari. In all the three worlds there is no fast that is more important to observe.

The reason this Ekadasi is so auspicious is that it celebrates the day when the sleeping Lord Vishnu turns over on His other side; thus it is also known as Parivartinii Ekadasi." Maharaja Yudhishthira then asked of the Lord, "Oh Janardana, please clear up a question I have. How is it that the Supreme Lord sleeps and then turns over on His side? Oh Lord, when You are asleep what happens to all the other living entities? Please also tell me how You bound the king of the demons, Bali Daityaraj (Bali Maharaja), as well as how one may please the brahmanas. How does one observe Chaturmasya, which You mention in the Chaturmasya-mahatmya of the Bhavishya Purana? Kindly be merciful to me and answer these questions." The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna replied, "Oh Yudhishthira, lion among Kings, I will gladly narrate to you an historical event that, simply by hearing, eradicates all one's sinful reactions. "In the TretA-yuga there once was a king of the name Bali. Though born in a family dynasty of demons (daityas), he was very devoted to Me. He sang many Vedic hymns to Me and performed the homa rituals (fire sacrifices) just to satisfy Me. He respected the twice-born brahmins and engaged them in performing sacrifices daily. This great soul had a quarrel with Indra, however, and eventually defeated him in battle. Bali took over his entire celestial kingdom, which I Myself had given to Indra. Therefore Indra and all the other devas (demigods), along with many great sages, approached Me and complained about Bali Maharaja. Bowing their heads to the ground and offering many sacred prayers from the Vedas, they worshipped Me along with their spiritual master, Brihaspati. Thus I agreed to appear on their behalf as a dwarf Vamanadev, My fifth incarnation." King Yudhishthira further enquired, "Oh Lord, how was it possible for You to conquer such a powerful demon, and only by coming in the form of a dwarf brahmin? Please explain this clearly, for I am Your faithful devotee." The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna replied, "Though a dwarf, I was a brahmana, and I approached that pious king Bali to ask him for alms in the form of land. I said, 'Oh Daityraj Bali, please give Me just three steps of land in charity. Such a small piece of land will be good as all the three worlds for Me.' Bali agreed to grant My request without lengthy consideration. But as soon as he vowed to give Me the land, My body began to expand into a gigantic transcendental form. I covered the entire Earth with My feet, all the Bhuvarloka with My thighs, the Swarga heavens with My waist, Maharloka with My stomach, Janaloka with My chest, Tapoloka with My neck, and Satyaloka with My head and face. I covered the entire material creation. Indeed, all the planets of the universe, including the Sun and the Moon, were encompassed by My gigantic form." "Seeing this astonishing pastime of Mine, all the demigods, including Indra and Shesha, the king of the snakes, began to sing Vedic hymns and offer prayers to Me. Then I took Bali by the hand and said to him, 'Oh sinless one, I have covered the whole Earth with one step and all the heavenly planets with the second. Now where shall I place My foot to measure the third step of land you promised Me?' "Upon hearing this, Bali Maharaja bowed down in humility and offered Me his head to place My third step. Oh Yudhishthira, I placed My foot on his head and sent him all the way to Patalaloka. Seeing him thus humbled, I became very pleased and told Bali that henceforth I would permanently reside in his palace. Thereafter, on Parivartinii Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadra (August-September), Bali, the son of Virochana, grandson of Prahlad, installed a Deity form of Me in his residence. "Oh king, until Haribodhinii Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Karttika, I continue to sleep in the ocean of milk. The merit one accumulates during this period is particularly powerful.

One should therefore observe Parivartinii EkAdasii carefully. Indeed, it is especially purifying and thus cleanses one of all sinful reactions. On this day the faithful devotee should worship Lord Trivikrama, Vamanadeva, who is the supreme father, because on this day I turn over to sleep on My other side. "If possible, on this day one should give a qualified person some yogurt mixed with rice, as well as some silver, and then remain awake throughout the night. This simple observance will free one of all material conditioning. One who observes this sacred Parivartinii Ekadasi in the way I have described will surely attain all kinds of happiness in this world and the kingdom of God in the hereafter. One who simply hears this narration with devotion will go to the abode of the demigods and shine there like the Moon itself, so powerful is observance of this Ekadasi. Indeed, this observance is as powerful as the performance of a thousand horse sacrifices." Thus ends the narration of the glories of Parivartinii Ekadasi, or Vamana Ekadasi, which occurs during the light part of the month of Bhadrapada, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

NOTE: The next day after Ekadashi is Sri Vamana Dvadashi: Appearance day of Lord Vamanadev. Ekadashi fast is observed till noon. The fast is broken after noon with Ekadashi prasadam. Next day (Sri Vamana Dvadashi), observe Lord Vamanadev's appearance by again fasting till noon and by chanting extra Mahamantra japa praying to the Lord for His shelter. Break this fast with joyful feasting of Lord Vamanadev's appearance day mahaprasadam!

Radha’s Eight Loving Moods

By Mahanidhi Swami

For the conjugal pleasure of Sri Krishna, Srimati Radhika and the other gopi heroines (nayikaas) of Vrindavana display a wonderful variety of emotions in eight different service situations.

We will describe them and then cite a pastime, if mentioned, of Srimati Radharani to illustrate them.
During these situations the gopi nayikaas taste different varieties of separation and union. All eight of these nayikaa bhaavas are fully, unlimitedly and uniquely experienced by Sri Radha alone.

 Yet acharyas have mentioned particular moods in relation to individual sakhis, which we will indicate with brackets. The information here comes from Ujjvala Nilamani and Jaiva Dharma.

1) Abhisarika: (Chitra-sakhi) This heroine leaves her home and travels to meet her lover at the assigned rendezvous bower, all the while thinking, “I will serve Sri Krishna.” At the time of going for abhisara, she is absolutely silent and gorgeously decorated from head to toe. As if out of shyness she contracts Her bodily limbs, and moves along the footpath accompanied by one affectionate sakhi.

Lila: Sriji said, “O Vishakha! When you make the appointment, you should tell Madhava about My beauty and character. But don’t let Pyare-mohana know how much My heart suffers with love for Him.  O My friend, please expertly appeal  to Nanda Kishora on My behalf,  and affectionately bring Bihari here to meet Me before this wretched moon kisses the horizon and robs Me of My life-breath.”

Vishakha replied, “O Sundari, the great orb of the moon is now bathing the forest of Vrindavana with its soothing rich rays. Vrajapati-nandana has
now marked the footpath You  have  taken and He is about to follow it. O Shyama-priya, You are nicely dressed in a white silk sari, and anointed with camphor and sandalwood. Will You not now place Your two beautiful lotus feet on this path that leads to Krishna?”

2) Vasaka-sajja: (Champaka-lata) This gopi ornaments and perfumes her body and prepares and decorates the bed-chamber in the kunja in eager anticipation of her lover’s arrival. She is determined to engage in games of Kamadeva. Hoping that her lover will come as soon as he can, the vasaka-nayikaa gazes down the path along which her lover will approach. While sitting with her sakhis she glorifies her lover, and hears his lila-katha from them. At every moment she eagerly waits for a messenger to bring news of her lover.

Lila: Rupa-manjari said to a gopi-friend, “When Radharani sees the conjugal pastime grove with its beautiful flower bed, and Her own nicely decorated body, She begins to smile.  Repeatedly meditating on Her association with Krishna, Gaurangi’s heart becomes intoxicated by amorous desires.”


3) Utkanthita: (Ranga-devi) This gopi repeatedly glances down the path in great eagerness, anxiously anticipating the arrival of her beloved Sri Krishna. When Shyama is late for the rendezvous however, through no fault of His own, the restless nayikaa becomes excessively impatient and eager to meet her lover.
 Her heart burns in agony, her body trembles, and she wonders why her lover has not come. Losing all desire to do anything, the utkanthita heroine thinks of her sorry plight while shedding tears of lamentation

The previous condition of the vasaka-sajja ultimately transforms into utkanthita. While waiting and seeing that her lover has not come, she becomes excessively eager and restless and is then called an utkanthita nayikaa.

4) Khandita: (Lalita) The gopi heroine enters the condition of khandita when Hari arrives late, long after the appointed time for meeting, practically at sunrise. Seeing the clear signs of Krishna’s amorous affairs with another lover, she becomes extremely jealous, either chastising Shyama or pouting in silence. And in her anger she exhales long drawn out breaths.

Lila: Sri Radha chastises Krishna: “Listen Madhava! Which artful girl has stolen the precious gold of Your love, and in return decorated You with her own cheap tinsel? Your lips are tinged with her collyrium; Your eyelids are reddish from her chewed betel, and Your chest is tinted red from the lac-dye on her feet. Is there any girl so naive that she will touch Your body in its present defiled condition? Unscrupulous as You are, what allurement can You offer now with Your soiled person?” (Kavi Govinda dasa)

Responding to Radha’s rebukes, Muralidhara pleads, “O Sundari, lovely lady! Why are You speaking such pungent words to Me? While touching Your feet, I swear I love none other than You. I spent the whole night awake in expectation for You; that’s how My eyes became reddened. Somehow this dark musk paste has tainted My lips.

“Seeing You turning Your face away from Me, My eyes are shedding tears and My heart is breaking. If You slight Me out of pride, then where shall I go? You know My heart very well. Why then are You speaking unfavorably.” Hearing these shallow words, the charming Radhika became doubly angry. (Kavi Jnana dasa)

5) Vipralabdha: (Tungavidya) When the heroine sits waiting in the secluded bower, and her lover does not show up at all, then she feels greatly disappointed. It sometimes happens that by the will of providence, Krishna cannot come for one reason or another, even after fixing the time and place of the tryst by a signal or hint. At that time, the vipralabdha heroine is severely afflicted by pangs of separation from her beloved. She decries her own worthlessness, becomes anxious, laments, weeps bitterly, sighs deeply and faints.

Lila: Radha sighed, “O Vishakha! The moon has now left the sky and the time for meeting has passed. O sakhi, I have been cheated by this lover of the goddess of fortune.  What shall we do now?  Please instruct me so that My self-respect does not manifest, for I no longer want to live.” After
speaking these words, doe-eyed Radharani fainted.

6) Kalahantarita: (Sudevi) Whenever, due to some quarrel with Hari, the nayikaa severely reprimands her Pranavallabha Shyama, and then spurns Him, even after Krishna falls at her feet before all her sakhis. However, after dismissing Shyama she becomes even more bereaved, and exhibits various emotions such as anguish, delirium, incoherent speech, debility of body and mind, exhaling drawn-out breaths.

Lila One: Radha said to Herself, “I have thrown far away all the garlands presented to Me by this Krishna, the enemy of Kesi. I have not allowed Shyama’s sweet words of supplication to enter My ears. I do not even glance at Him when Krishna bows down before Me with His hair scattered on the ground. All of this is making My mind split open like a pot being heated in a fire.”

Lila Two: Lamenting to Her sakhi, Sri Radha said, “I built a house for living happily, but fire has burned it down. I wanted to bathe in an ocean of nectar, but I dove into a pool of poison. I adored that particular Moon believing He is soothing, but instead I was scorched by the sun. I climbed a mountain to rise to great height, but plummeted into the depths of the sea. I looked to the raincloud to quench My thirst, but instead a thunderbolt pierced My heart. Love for Kanu is like an arrow stuck deeply in the heart.” (Kavi Chandidasa)

7) Proshita-bhartrka: (Indulekha) When Krishna leaves Vrindavana and  goes to Mathura, and does not return even after many days have elapsed, then the heroine becomes most miserable and suffers terribly in His separation.  She experiences many things including inertia, anxiety, melancholy, sleeplessness, and not dressing or bathing herself.

Lila: Radha said to Lalita, “Krishna is now happily enjoying pastimes in Mathura without Me. But for Me, this springtime brings pain at every step and from every direction.  Alas, My enemy, the impossible hope that perhaps Krishna may return, has become a great obstacle in fulfilling My desire to kill Myself.  Where can I find shelter from this enemy.”

8) Svadhina-bhartrka: (Radhika especially, and Vishakha too) This type of heroine experiences great joy because she dominates her lover, tames him according to her own whims, and engages him for enjoying her own flavor of amorous sports.  Being controlled by her prema, the hero cannot leave her for even a moment. Together they relish various pastimes like vana-vihara, jala-keli and picking flowers.

Lila: Radha ordered, “O Shyama, Please draw some nice pictures on My breasts and cheeks. Decorate My hips with a sash, and twine a flower garland in My braid. Put bracelets on My wrists and jeweled anklets on My feet.” With great pleasure Krishna obediently carried out all of Radha’s orders.

In summary, among the eight types of heroines just described, three (svadhina-bhartrka, vasaka-sajja and abhisarika) are cheerful at heart, and always wear ornaments and other decorations. The remaining five heroines however, throw away their ornaments and finery due being afflicted with anxiety. Suffering in separation from their hero Shyama, they lament bitterly, resting their left cheek on their left hand.

One should not think that the gopis’ suffering is anything like the searing pain and misery arising from the love affairs of this mundane world. The gopis’ apparent suffering is actually a transformation of ecstatic divine bliss in Krishna prema. Such a transcendental experience is far far beyond our minds to conceive or our words to convey.

Svadhina Bhartrka Vrindavaneshvari Sri Radha ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe!