Worship the Supreme at the Supreme Dhama

Mahanidhi swami

The powerfully purifying, blissful blessing month of Purusottama is coming! (17 June to 16 July 2015) Every three years, Bhagavan Sri Krishna arranges an extra month (leap year) to boost the bhakti of all His beloved bhaktas. Praised throughout the Puranas, the Purusottama month (aka Adhika-mas), and its accompanying one month vrata or vow of austerities, is unique in that the worshipable Deities of this month are Swayam Bhagavan, Purusottama Sri Krishna and His lovely divine consort Srimati Radharani.

Some Puranas recommend observing this vrata in Purusottama Kshetra (aka Jagannatha Puri). But since Radha-Krishna Yugala are the ista-devatas of this vrata, it seems that Sri Radha Kunda Dhama in Vrindavana, where the Supreme Yugala-kishora enjoy Their most intimate and blissful lilas, would be the best place to observe the Purusottama-vrata.

We are submitting the following wonderful quotes to inspire all seekers of love divine to spend their Purusottama Vrata in Radha Kunda. In the upcoming months, we will post a list of guest houses and ashrams to stay in Radha Kunda, and details on how to properly observe this most sacred of vows.

Shyama-kunda, Radha Kunda, Giri-Govardhana ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The Supreme Glories of the Supreme Sri Radha Kunda

* Cc. 2.18.7 (Cc. means Chaitanya-caritamrta)

saba gopé haite rädhä kåñëera preyasé, taiche rädhä-kuëòa priya ‘priyära sarasé’

“Of all the gopés, Rädhäräëé is the dearmost. Similarly, the lake known as Rädhä-kuëòa is very dear to the Lord because it is very dear to Çrématé Rädhäräëé.

*Cc. 2.18.11

kuëòera ‘mädhuré’—yena rädhära ‘madhurimä’,, kuëòera ‘mahimä’—yena rädhära ‘mahimä’

“The attraction of Rädhä-kuëòa is as sweet as that of Çrématé Rädhäräëé. Similarly, the glories of the kuëòa [lake] are as great as Çrématé Rädhäräëé’s.

*Cc. 2.18.13

çré-rädheva hares tadéya-sarasé preñöhädbhutaiù svair guëair

yasyäà çré-yuta-mädhavendur aniçaà prétyä tayä kréòati

premäsmin bata rädhikeva labhate yasyäà sakåt snäna-kåt

tasyä vai mahimä tathä madhurimä kenästu varëyaù kñitau

“‘Because of its wonderful transcendental qualities, Rädhä-kuëòa is as dear to Kåñëa as Çrématé Rädhäräëé. It was in that lake that the all-opulent Lord Çré Kåñëa performed His pastimes with Çrématé Rädhäräëé with great pleasure and transcendental bliss. Whoever bathes just once in Rädhä-kuëòa attains Çrématé Rädhäräëé’s loving attraction for Çré Kåñëa. Who within this world can describe the glories and sweetness of Çré Rädhä-kuëòa?’” This verse is found in the Govinda-lélämåta (7.102).

*NOI 9 (NOI means Nectar of Instruction, Upadeshamrta by Sri Rupa Goswami)

rädhä-kuëòam ihäpi gokula-pateù premämåtä plävanät

kuryäd asya viräjato giri-taöe seväà viveké na kaù

TRANS: “And, above all, the superexcellent Çré Rädhä-kuëòa stands supreme, for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord of Gokula, Çré Kåñëa. Where, then, is that intelligent person who is unwilling to serve this divine Rädhä-kuëòa, which is situated at the foot of Govardhana Hill?”

PURPORT: Srila Prabhupada said, “Advanced devotees prefer to reside at Rädhä-kuëòa.  Çréla Rüpa Gosvämé has given much stress to Rädhä-kuëòa because of Çré Caitanya Mahäprabhu's desire to find it. Who, then, would give up Rädhä-kuëòa and try to reside elsewhere? No person with transcendental intelligence would do so.”

*NOI 10 ………paçu-päla-paìkaja-dåças täbhyo 'pi sä rädhikä

preñöhä tadvad iyaà tadéya-sarasé täà näçrayet kaù kåté

TRANS: (literal) …..Superior to all the gopés who always gaze upon the lotus face of Krishna, the maintainer of the cows (or gopis), Radhika is the most dear to Kåñëa.  O Radha! What fortunate person would not take shelter of Your lake.”

TRANS: (Srila Prabhupada)… “Radha kuëòa is as profoundly dear to Lord Kåñëa as Srimati Radharani, the most beloved of the gopés. Those who execute devotional service on the banks of Rädhä-kuëòa are the most fortunate people in the universe.”

PURPORT: Srila Prabhupada said, “Everyone interested in Kåñëa consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Rädhä-kuëòa and execute devotional service there throughout one's life.

*NOI 11 yat preñöhair apy alam asulabhaà kià punar bhakti-bhäjäà

tat premedaà sakåd api saraù snätur äviñkaroti

TRANS: “Undoubtedly Rädhä-kuëòa is very difficult to attain even by great devotees, what to say about those engaged in bhakti bhajana. If one bathes even once in this lake prema arises.”

PURPORT: Srila Prabhupada said, “A devotee will at once develop pure love of Kåñëa in the wake of the gopés if he once takes a bath in Rädhä-kuëòa. Çré Rädhä-kuëòa is the most select place for those interested in advancing their devotional service in the wake of the lady friends (sakhés) and confidential serving maids (maïjarés) of Çrématé Rädhäräëé.

“Living entities who are eager to return home to the transcendental kingdom of God, Goloka Våndävana, by means of attaining their spiritual bodies (siddha-deha) should live at Rädhä-kuëòa, take shelter of the confidential serving maids of Çré Rädhä and under their direction engage constantly in Her service. It is also recommended that one should live on the banks of Rädhä-kuëòa and be absorbed in the loving service of the Lord.

“One should bathe there regularly and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Çré Rädhä and Her assistant gopés. If one is thus constantly engaged during his lifetime, after giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Çré Rädhä in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Rädhä-kuëòa.

“The conclusion is that to live on the banks of the Rädhä-kuëòa and to bathe there daily constitute the highest perfection of devotional service. Thus there is no limit to the glory of Çré Rädhä-kuëòa. By serving Rädhä-kuëòa, one can get an opportunity to become an assistant of Çrématé Rädhäräëé under the eternal guidance of the gopés.”

*Radha Kunda Tilak (Srila Prabhupada Folio ref:  760816rc.bom) Acyutänanda Swami said, “Srila Prabhupada, our devotees are also wearing the Rädhä-kuëòa tilaka.” Srila Prabhupada replied, “There is no harm.”

* In Amrta Vani # 53, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada said, “The spiritual master has an eternal kuïja on the shore of Çré Rädhä-kuëòa. There he has bound Kåñëa by the power of his service.”

*The Amrta Vani Appendix contains a lecture given by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada in Radha Kunda Kartika Oct 16, 1932:

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada said, “As the surrendered maidservants of Çré Rädhä, we have to constantly live on the banks of Rädhä Kuëòa.

“Çré Rüpa-maïjaré instructed that service to Rädhä-kuëòa, the highest object of Çré Gaurahari’s internal mood, is the ultimate goal of all service. Only the most fortunate live in the most sanctified place, Çré Rädhä-kuëòa, with pure hearts, and worship Kåñëa twenty-four hours a day. Çré Rädhä-kuëòa is the topmost section of Goloka, the most confidential place in the spiritual sky, and the only shelter for devotees on the platform of mädhurya-rasa.

“Only by Çré Rädhä’s mercy can one reside eternally on the banks of Rädhä-kuëòa, the topmost place in the entire creation. Therefore Çré Rüpa Prabhu mentions taking bath in Rädhä-kuëòa in his ultimate instruction: tat premedaà sakåd api saraù snätur äviñkaroti, “If one simply bathes once within those holy waters, one’s pure love of Kåñëa is fully aroused…..

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada concluded this Kartika lecture at Radha Kunda by stating, “The topmost principle in the spiritual kingdom is to bathe in Çré Rädhä-kuëòa.”

*In an article titled “Radha Dasyam”, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada said, “The eternal land of our abode should be Radha Kunda. By the border of Radha Kunda we should have our groves.”

*In an article on “Radhastami”, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada said, “To constantly reside on the banks of Radha Kunda and to bathe there with a mindful attitude is not achieved by any common, fortunate person.”

* The Gaur-Govinda Archana Smarana Paddhati recommends chanting the following mantra before lovingly and respectfully bathing in the divine holy waters of Sri Radha Kunda:

rädhikä-sama-saubhägya, sarva-tértha-pravandita

praséda rädhikä-kuìòa, snämi te salile çubhe

O Sri Radhika Kunda, You have obtained good fortune equaling that of Srimati Radhika Herself. And among all the holy places, you are the most praiseworthy. I am bathing in your sacred waters, so please be gracious toward me.

*In Gopal Campu (First campu prarthamam puranam 13-15):

Sri Jiva Goswamipada said, “The two lakes named Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda are the meeting of the lovers, Radha and Krishna. I think the sweet fragrances at those lakes are actually Radha-Krsna passionate embraces; the breezes there are Radha-Krsna’s passionate sighs and trembling, and the water seen in those lakes is Radha-Krsna’s passionate love melted into nectar!”

*In Bhakti Ratnakara, Sri Raghava Goswami said, “O Çréniväsa, know for certain that only by the grace of Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada can one live at Rädhä-kuëòa.”

*In Vilapa Kusumanjali,  Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada prays:

“O Radha-kunda, pond of sublime joy! My Swamini Sri Radhika is always absorbed in divine amorous pastimes with Her beloved paramour Sri Krishna on your banks. Thus you are more dear to the Divine Couple than anything else They cherish. Please, therefore, be merciful upon me, and allow me but a moment's vision of the greatest object of my adoration, Srimati Radharani.&

*In Manah siksa 9, Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswamipada prays:

priya-saro- girindrau tat-prekñä-lalita-rati-datve smara manaù, “O Mind! Always remember Rädhä-kunda and Govardhana Hill, the mere sight of which bestows charming transcendental love for the Divine Couple Radha-Govinda.”

*In Vraja riti cintamani 3.33-34, Srila Visvanatha Cakravartipada gives a unique description of the origin of Radha Kunda:

“Longing to meet, but forced to remain separate, Radha-Govinda assumed the forms of Rädhä-kuëòa and Çyäma-kuëòa. In this way, Radha-Govinda become splashed with the nectar of eternally meeting each other [at the sangam]. How did these divine kundas appear? I think that when Rädhä saw Kåñëa, Radha melted with ecstasy to assume a liquid form as the waters of Rädhä-kuëòa. In the same way, when Shyama saw Rädhä, Shyama also melted in ecstasy and became the waters of Çyäma-kuëòa.” And later in verse 39, Cakravartipada said, “Limitlessly beautiful Çré Rädhä-kuëòa is filled with Radha Govinda Yugala’s topmost love.”

Shyama-kunda Radha Kunda ki jai!   

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Six Ways of Prema

Mahanidhi swami 

Your goal of life and mine is love of God—Krishna prema—immaculate, unadulterated pure loving devotion to Radha and Krishna. As devotees, we all think about prema, we read about prema, we hear about prema, we discuss prema, we hanker for prema, we look for prema, we want prema, and we all hope to one day attain Krishna prema. 

But such a coveted and cherished pure goal of life is rarely attained. While describing the means to attain pure love of Sri Krishna, Srila Sanatana Goswamipada states that mercy or compassion is the main cause. 

Let’s examine six factors necessary for the attainment of Krishna prema, and see how we can incorporate them into our daily lives. 

1. Mercy: The prime cause of Sri Krishna prema is mercy, nidanam param prema, Sri Krishna karuna bharah.

2. Meditation: Prema develops by regularly meditating upon Krishna’s sweet Vraja lilas, Vraja krida-dhyana.

3. Singing: Daily sing about Krishna’s sweet Vraja lilas (lila-kirtana), Vraja krida gana.

4. Association: Mix with Krishna premi-bhaktas, rasa loka sanga.

5. Residence: Live alone in Vrindavana in a favorite pastime place (lila-sthali), of Sri Krishna like Radha Kunda, Govardhana, Seva Kunja or Varsana, priya krida vana raha nivasa.

6. Humility: The root and foundation of prema is to always, in all places cultivate the utmost humility in your thoughts, words and deeds, sthitam sarvatra dainya mulakam. (Br. Bhag. II.5.215-223)

Radha Govinda Yugala prema ki jai!

Krishna krpa ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Sleep at 10 Up at 4 For Death No More

Mahanidhi swami

We present this essay, based on scientific research, to help aspiring devotees recognize THE NEED TO TAKE REST EARLY each night (latest by 10 p.m.), and to rise by 4 a.m. each morning in order to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and attain the perfection of human life.

After conducting hundreds of experiments on sleep and health, the world’s leading scientists have discovered that to keep optimum health, one should sleep early and RISE BEFORE SUNRISE. The best hours of sleep for your body are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. The scientists say going to sleep at 11 p.m., 12 p.m. or 1 p.m. is extremely harmful to human health, and is a direct cause of many modern “killer diseases” such as heart disease and cancer.

Nature acts and moves according to precise rhythm cycles influenced by the rotation of the earth, sun and moon. Daily the sun rises and sets, the seasons come and go, the moon waxes and wanes, and the ocean tides rise and fall. The function of sleeping and wakefulness is part of this natural rhythm.

In Nature, one finds that the animals and plants are awake and asleep in tune with these rhythms. human beings also have natural rhythms. Our human bodies, like Mother Nature, function according to natural cycles, body rhythms commonly called the internal body clock or the biological clock.

Disruptions of the natural functions of our biological clock due to improper habits and incorrect sleeping patterns cause many different diseases. When our bodies are out of balance and not functioning in harmony with nature, nothing seems to feel right. This is because hormones, chemicals and neurotransmitters that determine our energy levels, vitality, and how we feel, sleep and eat are out of sync. In other words, we are imbalanced and out of tune with our biological clock. We are going against the natural harmony established by mother nature and Bhagavan Sri Krishna.

Before the introduction of electricity in Indian villages, people would just naturally just go to bed shortly after sunset, as most animals do and which Nature intended for humans as well. The best hours of sleep for your body are the hours of 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. These hours and what your body is naturally programmed to do during these hours are governed by the movements of the sun and the 24-hour natural rhythm cycle of your internal body clock; both of which are beyond your control.

During these times (10 p.m. –6 a.m.), the human body is meant to be at a state of rest, repair, detoxification (elimination of waste products and poisons) and rejuvenation. Due to TV, computer, cell phones and Internet absorption most people nowadays are foolishly going against the natural order and design of our body. As a result, we will pay the price by getting various diseases and problems. For example, if your body is overtaxed digesting a heavy late meal or you are up late (after 10 p.m.) working, playing, watching TV or computer, your vital body energy is focused there and not available for rest and rejuvenation. Remember: Bad action brings bad reaction!

We are free to stay up late, and we make that choice. And thus we ignore our bodies, which want to rest so they can do the many things needed to keep us healthy. Let your mind rest once and a while, and give your body some time, so it can do what it has to do to reward you with good health.

The saying is “Health is the greatest wealth”. The main internal organs of your body work according to a “Time Schedule”. Knowing how your body works can help you regulate your schedule in order to attain the optimum level of health and well-being.

The biological clock and your internal organs

9.00 p.m. – 11.00 p.m.: At this time, your body eliminates toxic chemicals from the immune system (lymph nodes). It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p.m. or 10 for your body to properly execute this important function.

11.00 p.m. – 1.00 a.m.: This is the time your liver eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself. It is best to be sound asleep by 9 p.m. or 10 p.m. for your body to properly execute this important function.

12.00 midnight to 4.00 a.m.: This is the time your bone marrow produces blood.

1.00 a.m. – 3.00 a.m.: This is the time your gall bladder eliminates toxins and rejuvenates itself.

3.00 a.m. – 5.00 a.m.: This is the time your lungs eliminate toxins and rejuvenate themselves.

5.00 a.m. – 7.00 a.m.: This is the time your colon eliminates poisons and rejuvenates itself. This is the proper time to empty your bowel.

7.00 a.m. – 9.00 a.m.: This is the time that vitamins, minerals, proteins and nutrients are absorbed in your small intestines. You should definitely eat breakfast at this time.

Scientists have concluded that everyone should go to bed early (falling asleep by 10 p.m.) to obtain quality sleep, which will ensure proper physical regeneration. When you cooperate with your internal biological clock and allow Nature to take her course, you will feel refreshed, joyful and energized when you wake up (by 4 a.m., of course!). Going to bed before 10 p.m. is essential to keep the human body in tune with Nature and to remain healthy, happy and holy.

material scientists have concluded that the average human being needs 8 hours of sleep per day, which is best obtained by sleeping between 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. However, if you follow a spiritual path by eating sattvic vegetarian food [especially Krishna prasadam], your body becomes healthy, light and sanctified. And by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and engaging in Krishna’s devotion, your mind becomes purified, pacified and relaxed.

Although, most people require 8 hours daily sleep, Krishna devotees usually only need 6 hours or less to maintain ideal health because their spiritual practices produce tremendous physical energy, mental peace, purity and internal harmony. Wanting all his followers to rise at 4 a.m., Srila Prabhupada said, “We request everyone to rise early in the morning by 4 a.m.” (NOI pg. 34)

 If possible (if there’s a will, there’s a way), everyone should follow the golden rule to rise at 4 a.m. in order to be healthy, mentally happy and progress nicely in spiritual life. There is a saying, and it’s true: “Early to bed—early to rise—makes one healthy, wealthy and wise”, provided of course that you chant Krishna’s Holy Names and serve Sri Krishna, Sri Guru and the Vaisnavas. Obviously to rise by 4 a.m, you must sleep early. Practice makes perfect. You have to try sincerely to change your schedule and work towards this goal of taking rest at 10 p.m. and rising at 4 a.m.

16 Scientific tips for good rest

1. Cave Like darkness: The bedroom should be pitch-black, so you can’t even see your hand in front of your face, which means no bright lights, clock lights, night lights or any light coming in from the windows. why? When we sleep in total darkness, the human brain produces a hormone called melatonin. Melatonin is an important antioxidant which protects our DNA structure and prevents cancer. Tests prove that even a small amount of light hitting the skin almost immediately shuts off the production of melatonin.

2. Daily go outside and get natural sunlight:  This helps regulate your biological clock and increases the production of melatonin, which promotes well-balanced sleeping patterns.

3. Daily exercise: At least thirty minutes a day will help improve the quality of your sleep.

4. Avoid bright lights: One should avoid keeping bright lights on inside the house before going to bed. At this time, bright light hitting the eye disrupts the bio-rhythm of the pineal gland and shuts off your melatonin production.

5. Hot shower before bed:  This relaxes the body and helps you fall asleep quickly.

6. Sleep as early as possible: You should be in bed and FAST asleep by 10 p.m.

7. Wear Socks to Bed:  This applies to cold climates only.

8. the bedroom should be free from electromagnetic field: Do not keep a TV, computer or any other electronic item in your bedroom because they create strong electromagnetic field which disrupts the quality of your sleep.

9. Fresh Air: Open the window at least a crack to get fresh air to circulate while sleeping.

10. Avoid fluids: Do not drink any fluids two hours before sleep.

11. Sleep Regulation: Get up and go to sleep at the same time every day. If you are up late one night, still rise at your usual time and nap later in the day.

12. Daytime Nap: If one needs to take a nap in the day, it should not be longer than one hour for optimal rejuvenation, rest and repair. If you nap longer, it will disrupt the night-time sleep quality.

13. Avoid Noise: Because it disrupts sleep.

14. Hot Water Bottle: To relieve tension and anxiety, place a hot water bottle between the navel and the bottom of your ribcage.

15. Head Massage: To relax before sleeping.

16. Foot Rub: Rub ghee or sesame oil on the bottom of your feet to promote restful sleep.

We hope this essay will help everyone understand the extreme importance of sleeping at the proper time, and rising early in order to realize the full potential of this rare and valuable form of human life. Our heartfelt desire is that each and every one will live a long healthy life full of Krishna bhakti, spiritual happiness, and attain the ultimate perfection of Radha Govinda’s eternal loving service in the groves of Vrindavana.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!   Giridhari Shyama ki jai!  Sridhama Vrindavana ki jai!

Beautiful Boons of Bhagavatam

Mahanidhi swami 

Just by casually hearing/reading about Sri Krishna’s wonderful, sweet pastimes depicted in the Srimad Bhagavatam, you will attain four amazing blessings, even without desiring such priceless gifts.

Moreover, the inner peace and heart’s satisfaction you’ll feel by hearing the Srimad Bhagavatam will soon make you “fall in love with Bhagavata”, as you hanker to hear/read it every day, nityam bhagavata sevaya (SB 1.2.15).

But how does it all happen? As you hear/read the Srimad Bhagavatam, you will automatically acquire higher knowledge which will subdue your lower material nature and remove your miseries. You won’t even realize how this is happening—a magical transformation of YOU.

An extraordinary inner joy and satisfaction will arise in your heart like a rich sweet aroma coming from a field of blossoming roses. This new found joy will make you detached from material sense objects, and non-devotional people and places, even without trying for it.

You, the former materialist, have now become a spiritualist—a seeker of life’s essence, God’s love. And with your Bhagavata treasures of a peaceful mind and a happy heart, you will move quickly along the path of Krishna prema bhakti. 

As Bhagavan Sri Krishna says in Gita (18.54): “A spiritualist—free from grief and hankering—sees all equally and soon attains My pure love!”  

 

To summarize, let’s see the four great treasures of hearing/reading the Srimad Bhagavatam:

1) You acquire divine knowledge and peace to subdue your lower nature.

2) Delight fills your mind to dispel your gloom and despair.

3) Your joy brings easy detachment from material sense objects/people.

4) You attain a state of liberation leading you to life’s goal of Sri Krishna prema bhakti.

So my dear friends of loving faces!

May you all dive deeply into the fathomless, beautiful, exciting, fulfilling, romantic, wisdom-filled, purifying and blissful ocean of immortal nectar ambrosia named &The Srimad Bhagavatam!”

Grantha Raja, Amala Purana, Srimad Bhagavatam ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Srila Prabhupada Said

 Mahanidhi swami 

In the following conversation with his disciples, Srila Prabhupada gives some amazing teachings regarding three important topics relevant to many devotees today. May Srila Prabhupada’s sacred words serve to inspire those who are interested in deepening their understanding and practice of bhakti bhajana.

1) Sthayi-rati (One’s eternal relationship with Sri Krishna) 

Disciple: “Srila Prabhupada. One of the main ideas in their [group of disciples pursuing raganuga-bhakti in 1976] philosophy is that the living entity can desire to have any relationship he wants with Krishna.”

Prabhupada: “That's all right, he can desire.”

2) Raga Marga & Mahaprabhu 

Disciple: These devotees prefer to read about all the ecstatic symptoms on Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s body.”

Prabhupada: “That's all right. Be first of all bona fide. That is good ambition.” [“bona fide” means steady in principles and fixed in devotional service].

3) Reading Krishna Lila

Disciple: “Some of your disciples want to read all about Krishna’s pastimes.”

Prabhupada: “Then let them read. The books are there for reading. By reading, you become purified.” (BBT Folio 760607mw.la)

Mahaprabhu Radha-Krishna lila ki jai!   

Srila Prabhupada ki jai! 

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

The Day Govinda Became Ananta

Mahanidhi swami 

Once upon a time Sri Krishna was playing with Radhika and the gopis in an area near Yavata-grama and Kokilavana. Somehow the ancient pastime of Anantashayi Vishnu (aka Ananta Padmanabha came up in Their conversation. Suddenly Radhika wanted to see the lila of Ananta Vishnu resting on the thousand-hooded divine serpent.To satisfy His precious Priyaji,Shyama absorbed Himself in the bhaava of Anantashayi and laid down on a1,000 petalled lotus in the middle of lake, which turned into Kshirasagara. Much to the amazement of the gopis, Jaya Sri Radha adopted the mood of Lakshmi and massaged Ananta Vishnu’s lotus feet. 

When Chaitanya Mahaprabhu took darshana of this place, He swooned in ecstatic love remembering this beautiful pastime. We can glorify this pastime by reciting a prayer from (Vraja Vilasa-stava 91) by Srila Raghunatha dasa Goswami pada: 

sri gosthe prathayatu sada, sheshashayi sthitam nah “I sincerely pray that Sheshashayi Sri Krishna may kindly bestow upon me eternal residence in His beautiful and enchanting pasture lands of Vrindavan.” 
Today this lila-sthali is called Sheshashai, and in an old temple beside a large lake, one can see a wonderful Shyama black Deity of Bhagavan Ananta reclining on His bed with Lakshmi massaging His lotus feet.

Ananta Sheshayshayi Bhagavan Sri Krishna ki jai!
Ananda Khanda Bhagavan Sri Krishna ki jai!
Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The Story of Madana Gopala

Mahanidhi swami 

The story of Thakuraji Madana Gopala comes from Advaita Prakash, the biography of Sri Advaita Prabhu written by Sri Ishana Nagara. Before the advent of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Advaita Prabhu went on a tirtha yatra throughout Bharata Varsha, India. He also toured the lila-filled pastime forests of Vrindavana.

Upon seeing Govardhana Hill, Sri Advaita Prabhu submerged in an ocean of love filled with ever billowing waves of ecstasy. With arms raised above his head, Advaitacharya danced in joy as he beheld Radha-Krishna’s nitya lila-sthalis. He bathed in Manasi Ganga, took darshana of Harideva and did Giriraja parikrama, offering dandavats to Him.

At Dana Ghati, Sri Advaita Prabhu remembered Krishna blocking Radha while demanding tax. Joking to Himself, Sri Advaita Prabhu remarked, “This is the place where Radha and Her sakhis had to pay tax.”

Upon arriving in Vrindavana, Sri Advaita Prabhu stayed beneath a Banyan tree [now called Advaita Vata] at the foot of Dwadashaditya-tila beside Yamunaji.

At the end of the night, Sri Advaita Prabhu had a visionary dream of Krishna. He saw Sri Nandanandana captivating the worlds with His luster of fresh monsoon clouds. The Lord was sporting a crown of peacock plumes; caressing a flute to His lips; dressed in a shimmering yellow dhoti and sporting golden ankle bells. Krishna’s beautiful body, softer than butter, was filled with the nectar cream of rasa. Seeing Krishna’s extraordinary form, Sri Advaita Prabhu reeled in bliss and started dancing in euphoria with upraised arms.

        

At that time, Krishnachandra said, “You are My very body, and Your association makes waves of prema surge within My heart. You are the most generous Gopishvara Shiva, now appearing for the benefit of the conditioned souls. You are redeeming them by revealing the lost holy places, preaching pure devotion and by chanting of Krishna’s Holy Names. 

“Listen carefully! A divine jewel of a Deity of Mine, previously served by Kubja, named Madana Mohana, is lying abandoned in a kunja at Dwadashaditya Tirtha. In fear of robbers and vandals I have hidden this form of Myself. His body is covered with a thin layer of earth. Bring some Vrajavasis, uncover Me and establish My puja for the benefit of the world.”

        

After saying this, Krishnachandra disappeared. Filled with pure prema,

Advaita Prabhu loudly sang the name of Hari, raising His arms as He danced. Meeting the villagers, Sri Advaita Prabhu said, “Everyone, regardless social caste, quickly come with me to Dwadashaditya Tila to unearth a wonderfully elegant tribhanga Deity of Krishna.& 

Carefully wielding axes and shovels, the locals worked hard to unearth the Deity. All the Vrajavasis were awestruck to see Thakuraji’s matchless beauty. Under a nearby Banyan tree, they erected a straw hut and installed the Deity with the customary bathing rites and rituals. 

Advaita Prabhu engaged a pure Vaisnava brahmana in Thakuraji’s seva, and then went on Vrindavana parikrama. By the force of Providence some wicked miscreants learned of the new Deity installation. Heavily armed, they came to break the Deity and dishearten the local devotees. Seeing the approaching vandals, Madana Mohana assumed the form of a young child, a balak, and fearfully hid Himself in a flower garden. Not finding the Deity, the villains left with unhappy hearts. 

When the pujari came for puja, he saw that the Deity was missing. Thinking that Thakuraji left because He was displeased with his seva, the pujari started bitterly lamenting and began to fast.

        

Upon returning from his parikrama, Sri Advaita Prabhu saw that the Mandira was empty. Thakuraji was gone! Upon hearing what had happened from the pujari, Sri Advaita Prabhu cried out: “Krishna so kindly appeared to Me in Person! But feeling offended, the Lord has concealed Himself again!” Greatly disturbed and unhappy, Sri Advaita Prabhu started fasting without even drinking water.

While sleeping under the Banyan tree [Advaita Vata] that night, Sri Advaita Prabhu again saw Thakuraji Madana Mohana in a dream. 

In sweet words, Krishna said, “Wake up, Advaita! Out of fear of the villains I hid under some flowers in the garden. Even Brahma and others do not have the power to see Me like this. Only You are able to see Me with Your devotional eyes. Again I will reveal My perfect form, and the people rejoice in My darshana.”      

 

After this visionary dream, Advaita Prabhu woke up and quickly found Gopala under the flowers. Beholding Krishna’s divine form, overflowing with all ambrosial, succulent sweetness, Sri Advaita Prabhu wept profusely in pure love and fainted. He stood up but become stunned.

 Sometimes,  Sri Advaita Prabhu trembled; became covered with thrill bumps; or loudly exclaimed “Hari!”. Sometimes He danced and sometimes He fainted. After a while, Sri Advaita Prabhu returned to external consciousness and offered Thakuraji Sri Gopala some fruits and water. Afterwards, Advaita honored Krishna’s remnants while contemplating the Lord’s matchless mercy.

        

The next morning, Advaita Prabhu met the Pujari while bathing in Yamunaji. He told him, “O vipra! Quickly go to the Mandira, wake up Thakuraji and do puja! From now Thakuraji will be known as Madana Gopala. Just continue your seva puja, without worrying about the confidential secrets behind this pastime.” 

The brahmana replied, “But Prabhu, Thakuraji is no longer in the temple.”

Sri Advaita Prabhu said, “Krishna can never abandon His devotees.” Upon opening the temple, the amazed pujari saw the Deity once again. While contemplating these miraculous events, the pujari, in great ecstatic love, offered many prayers and praises to Thakuraji before he began his worship of Madana Gopala. From that moment onwards, the Deity of Madana Mohana was now manifest as Madana Gopala.

One night, Madana Gopala appeared to Advaita Prabhu in a dream said sweetly, “O  Sri Advaita Acharya! Listen to one thing! There are too many dangers here. So I am arranging for one Mathura brahmana named Caube to come here tomorrow and take Me. He and his wife always worship Me with parental love, thinking of Me as their son. I will surely fulfill their desires. 

“At present they have a son named Madana Mohana. I want to spend some time with them. Later when Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana come to Vrindavana, I will leave Caube’s home and return to Vrindavana with them. So please do not hesitate to hand Me to him.”

Saddened, Sri Advaita Prabhu replied, “But listen Madana Gopala! You are the only treasure of My heart! You are my very soul, My joy and My strength! How will I survive without You? I will become like a fish out of the water!&

        

Hearing these plaintive words, Madana Gopala smilingly said: “Don’t worry, for I am forever subdued by Your love! Without You, My pastimes cannot be completely satisfying. Wherever You are, I will always be there with You. Please fulfill the desires of My devotee Caube by offering My perfect divine form to him. 

“Now listen and I will describe an ancient event. Once Vishakha-sakhi painted a picture of Me that is non-different from this Deity form of Mine. When Sri Radhika  saw that picture She became completely captivated!

“This eternally perfect painting is in Seva Kunja. You can go there and easily find it. Take this picture back to Shantipura in Bengal, and redeem all the conditioned souls there by establishing puja and seva to this Deity.”

Experiencing this visionary dream of Sri Madana Gopala ji, Advaita Prabhu became lost in ecstasy, dancing with raised arms while shouting, ‘Hari bolo’! Sri Advaita Prabhu finally calmed down after three hours of continuous cascading euphoria. 

At that time, the Mathura brahmana Caube arrived there. Clutching a straw between his teeth, he offered obeisances unto Advaita Prabhu. With folded hands, he said, “You are an omniscient avatara of the Lord, and You have unearthed the Deity which was previously served by Kubja-devi. 

“In a visionary dream, Madana Gopala ordered Me to quickly take this Deity to Mathura and begin His worship. He also woke up my wife, calling her: ‘Mother, mother’! Then Thakuraji told me, ‘You two are My mother and father. You should now rear Me in all respects.’ Hence, O Lord, I have come to You. Please bless me by handing the Deity over to Me.”

        

Hearing his humble plea, Advaita Prabhu handed the Deity over to Caube. Sri Advaita then began weeping out of great love in separation. Wandering into Seva Kunja, Sri Advaita Prabhu drowned in an ocean of prema as He found Vishakha-sakhi’s painting of Madana Gopala. Sri Advaita Prabhu carefully took that nitya siddha picture and brought it to His home in Shantipura to commence worship. 

Long before when Srimati Radharani first saw this painting done by Her dearest Vishakha, She sighed in joy exclaiming, &With the beauty of His smile and His tender glance, Madana Gopala has driven Me mad! Alas! Ever since I have seen this picture the cool moonshine seems as hot as fire, and fire seems as cool as the moon!” (Vidagdha Madhava) Advaita Prakash translation, Advaitadas)

Sri Sri Madana Gopala Thakuraji ki jai!

Sri Advaita Prabhu ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

The Vishnu Shiva Aparadha

Mahanidhi swami

One must have a clear conception of nama-tattva to chant the Holy Names of Bhagavan Sri Krishna without offense, and thereby attain the desired result of Krishna prema. The Padma Purana lists ten offenses to avoid in chanting which most devotees are aware of. However, because the second offense is a little confusing, many sincere yet uninformed Vaisnavas relegate Lord Shiva to an inferior position and thus commit nama aparadha. By closely examining the actual verse and the following sastric quotes, everyone will better understand the eternal identity of Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu and thus avoid this offense to Sri Nama Prabhu.

While describing the second offense, the Padma Purana (Brahma Kanda, 25.15-18) says: sivasya sri-visnor ya iha guna-namadi-sakalam, dhiya bhinnam pasyet na khalu hari-namahita-karah.

Word for Word Meanings: sivasya: of Shiva; sri visnor: of Sri Vishnu; yah: anyone; iha: here/ certainly; guna-namadi: the qualities, names etc; sakalam: everything; dhiya: in meditation; bhinnam: separated; pasyet: sees/ considers; na khalu: most certainly not; hari-nama: the name of Hari; hita: benefit; karah: that does.

Translation of the Second Offense in Chanting Hare Krishna:

“To contemplate in one’s meditation or consider any difference or separation between the Holy Names, qualities etc. of Shiva and Vishnu will certainly destroy the benefits of chanting the name of Hari.”

Brihad Bhagavatamrita (1.2.86) concurs: shivasya bhedeksa maha-dosa-kari mata, ago bhagavata svasmin ksamyate na sive krtam, “One who sees any difference between Krishna and Shiva is committing a great offense. Krishna may excuse someone who commits aparadha to His own lotus feet, but Krishna will never excuse one who commits aparadha at the lotus feet of Shiva”.

In the Kurma purana (12.20) Vasistha Muni said, “The best thing for human beings to understand is that Shiva is non-different from Vishnu. Therefore Shiva and Vishnu must be worshiped simultaneously”.

The conception of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva’s oneness is beautifully presented in the Hari Hara Kshetra Mandir in Navadvipa Dhama, West Bengal. This temple has ONE MURTI DEPICTING BOTH GODS with Lord Hari (Vishnu) on the right side and Lord Hara (Shiva) on the left of the same murti.

Of course, we are devotees of Radha and Krishna and should always chant Their Holy Names, knowing that in the consideration of rasa (rasa-vicara), the Divine Couple are the supreme, topmost manifestations of Bhagavan Shakti and Shaktiman. But in terms of spiritual truth (tattva-vicara), we should also clearly understand that Shiva is merely another form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Never disrespect Lord Shiva or think that Mahadeva Shiva is merely a devata of the material world involved with the mode of ignorance.

Hari Om Namo Shivaya!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

TLC: Tulasi Loving Care

Mahanidhi swami 

Caretakers and householders should treat Tulasi-devi like a member of the family. She is a person and like all individuals, Tulasi thrives on attention, love and tender care. Tulasi-devi is a divine being, a Maharani, fully engaged in Sri Krishna’s loving seva, who kindly agrees to live with us like a loving friend and a family member. She reciprocates with our loving attention, and cooperates with us to better serve our Thakuraji and Thakurani Sri Sri Radha Giridhari. 

Like yourself or your beloved family members, Tulasi-devi needs proper food and nourishment; protection from the elements and aggressive living entities; and believe it or not, a daily bath!!! [that’s for India] And Tulasi-devi also needs attractive colorful clothing and various coverings in different seasons.

From the copious info available on Net, we collected a few key points on Tulasi-devi loving care, and hope they will be of use to you. 

*PROBLEMS CHECK DAILY:

Over watering

Spider Mites & bugs (inspect leaf tops & bottoms)

Fungus or Powdery Mildew

Insufficient light (Tulsi needs daily 12-14 hours; especially afternoon sunshine)

Pots with poor drainage

Insufficient soil nutrients, fertilizer. (seen in yellow or pale green leaves)

Watering too much or little.

 

DAILY TULSI CARE:

Pluck all flowers, buds aka manjaris and yellow leaves. Wash & offer to your Krishna Thakuraji.

Remove dried leaves from base of Tulasi

Loosen top soil carefully with spoon or fingers.

Rotate Tulasi pot ½ turn daily to insure straight growth. 

Daily Bath (India): Summer spray bottle Tulasi 10:00 a.m. and about 2:30. She loves it as seen in Her green effulgence. DAILY bathing (although it takes some time; it is an expression of our love), and it is the best way to keep Tulasi Maharani healthy and disease/insect free. 

PLUCKING PROCEDURE:

*** DON’T PLUCK ON DWADASI, AMAVASYA OR PURNIMA!!

One Net article warned thus: “Puranas say Lord Hari will decapitate that person who plucks Tulasi on Dwadasi, Amavasya or Purnima; or one in state of impurity or anointed with oil; at noon, daybreak or sundown; or in one’s night dress!” 

1. Humbly approach Tulasi-devi and offer obeisances with mantra:

 vrindayai tulasi devyai, priyayai keshvasya ca

krishna bhakti prade devi, satyavatyai namo namah

“I offer repeated obeisances unto Tulasi-devi, who is known as Vrnda-devi and Satyavati (the embodiment of truth). O Tulasi-devi! You are very dear to Lord Keshava and the giver of Krishna bhakti.”

2. Respectfully clap hands three times.

3. While plucking, chant this mantra:

tulasy amrta janmasi, sada tvam keshava priya

keshavartham chinomi tvam, varada bhava shobhane

“O Tulasi devi! You were born from nectar and are forever dear to Keshava Sri Krishna. Now to worship Sri Keshavaji, I am collecting your leaves and manjaris. O beautiful Tulasi, please bless me.”

4. After picking, chant:

cayanodbhava duhkham ca, yad hrdi tava vartate

tat ksamasva jagan matah, vrnda devi namo  stu te

“O mother of the universe, Vrnda devi! I offer my respectful obeisances unto you. Kindly forgive me if I have caused you any pain by picking your leaves and manjaris.”

5. Offer obeisances again & chant mantra #1. 

WATERING PROCEDURE: Insert finger in soil: if wet, don’t water; if dry, water. Best to look at Tulasi-devi, feel her presence in your heart and communicate with her needs. Supersoul Sri Krishna will guide you in this detail of proper watering. If there is love and will, Sri Krishna will show the proper way.

TLC Tulasi Loving Care ki jai!

Srimati Vrnda-devi, Tulasi Maharani ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Update on Tulasi Neckbeads…

Mahanidhi swami

In Hari Bhakti Vilasa, Srila Sanatana Goswamipada presents this prayer to speak while offering your new tulasi neckbeads to Thakuraji before wearing them:

“O Tulasi kanthi! You are made of tulasi wood and you are very dear to the Vaisnavas. Now I will wear you around my neck, so please make me dear to Bhagavan Sri Krishna.” 

Srila Sanatana Goswamipada gives a wonderful explanation of the word mala, which means necklace as in tulasi kanthi mala. He says the word “MA” means “to me,” and the word “LA” means “to give”. Thus the word mala means, “O tulasi kanthi, the beloved of Hari! Please offer me to Krishna’s devotees! 

The Gaudiya padakarta mahajana, Sri Lochana Dasa Thakura, says, “Condemned and abominable persons who never wear tulasi neckbeads will reside in hell. (tulasira hara, na pare je chara, jamalaye basa tara [“Nitai Gaura Nama bhajan]

Tulasi Kanthi ki jai! Tulasi Maharani ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Vraja Yatris Be Careful!!!

Mahanidhi swami 

The right attitude and behavior can liberate us. But wrong thinking and acting can bind us in samsara for time eternal. Yatris visiting Vraja, and especially devotees living in Vrindavana for Karttika or longer, must be very, very careful not to and never to offend any Vrajavasi or saintly person, be he/she a resident or pilgrim, yatri. 

Vraja Dhama is the most bhakti-charged holy place in the entire universe. Any contact with this holy land of love, lila and merriment will benefit us. However, we must always be careful about offending the Vrajavasis or any devotees. Let’s hear from shastra more about the subject of devotees living in Vrindavana and Vaisnava aparadha, so we can obtain the best results from our visit to Vraja Dhama. 

In the Gopala-tapani Upanisad (uttara 48-49), Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself glorifies the exceptional position of the devotees living in Vrindavana, saying:

“I am the object of worship for all the Vrajavasis (aham pujaniyo vai vraja nivasibhih). Just by living in Vrindavana, they become devoted to Me, even if they are devoid of any dharma (tad dharma gati hina), and addicted to wicked behavior because of being devoured by Kali-yuga (kalina grasita). 

“My devotee who lives in Vraja Mandala is as dear to me as Lakshmi, Shiva and his followers, You [Brahma], the Catuh Kumaras, and even My own self (tvam saha putrais ca rudro ganaih saha shriya abhiyukto aham tatha bhakto mama priyah).”

After describing the super five, most amazingly powerful and beneficial bhakti-angas (nama sankirtana, sadhu sanga, murti seva, bhagavata shravana and vrindavana vasa), Srila Rupa Goswamipada says that even a little relationship with these 5 items will produce divine ecstasy, bhava, IF one is intelligent and OFFENSE LESS, svalpa api  sambandha sad dhiyam bhava janmane. (Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu 1.2.238) 

It is correct that sad dhiyam means “with intelligence”. However, our Gaudiya Vaisnava mahajana acharya, Sri Jiva Goswamipada, says the Sanskrit phrase sad dhiyam here in the above verse means “non-offensive persons” (niraparadha chittanam).  

Srila Rupa Goswamipada’s quote establishes the merciful nature and the immense power of Vraja vasa. But there is caution; a reminder to never offend anyone. Then living in Vrindavana will grant us bhava bhakti, divine joy and rapturous bliss eternal in the loving seva of Radha Govinda Yugala. 

While teaching Krishna bhakti-tattva to Srila Rupa Goswamipada, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu compared the growth of love of Krishna in one’s heart to a flowering creeper, lata. Then when explaining the perils of aparadha, Mahaprabhu warned that offending a Vaisnava will uproot one’s personal bhakti-lata, break the stems and shrivel its leaves, upade va chinde tara shuki yaya pata. (Cc. 2.9.156) Certainly, this is another warning about the dire results of offenses to devotees. We must be very careful about this—Vaisnava savadhana!

Hari Bhakti Vilasa (10.310-312) citing Skanda Purana says, “A Vaisnava offender loses his opulence, reputation, his sons, the results of his pious activities, and he goes to hell, nashyanti artha dharma yashah sutah patanani shat. Just see, offenses will annihilate everything we have, even us.

Vaisnava aparadha is very critical. But unfortunately, it is very prevalent in today’s envy-filled world. Even just a simple everyday hearing ill of a Vaisnava can finish us. The Srimad Bhagavatam states “if you hear offenses against a Vaisnava, you must immediately run away. Otherwise, you will lose all your piety and go to hell, nindam shrnvan yati adhah sukrti cyutah (SB 10.74.40). 

We should not interpret this statement to suit our ego convenience or social standing. Shastra is commanding us to “RUN AWAY”. Thus, we must literally run away from whomever is offending a Vaisnava, without worrying what “others will think”. 

Even if it hurts, pinches our egos, deflates our pride or challenges our conditioning, the safe position is to always surrender to Bhagavan Sri Krishna, His teachings and commands. Then everything will turn out perfectly. In all circumstances, let Sri Krishna, Sri Guru and Shastra be our guide. By this we will gain everything and lose nothing of value. 

These authoritative statements of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, Shukadeva Goswami, Hari Bhakti Vilasa and Srila Rupa Goswamipada should thoroughly convince everyone about the absolute necessity of completely avoiding any type of Vaisnava aparadha (there are six by the way) at any cost. While in Vraja or anywhere, we should always live by the golden rule and all will be sublime: Love All, Respect All and Serve All.

May all the beauty, the color and care, sweetness, joy and purity of Krishna bhakti flow into our hearts, and then stream in all directions as we move through the land of loving enchantment, Sridhama Vrindavana. 

Vraja Dhama ki jai!   Vrajavasis ki jai! 

Radha-Govinda Gaura bhakta vrnda ki jai! 

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Vaishnava Aparadha

Mahanidhi Swami

Vaisnava aparadha includes actions of the body, mind, words and heart

We Only Need Krishna

Mahanidhi swami 

For a brief period of my devotional life I wore a Nrsimha kavaca. One hearty well-wisher pointed out that my guru, param guru and paratpara guru never wore such a thing. He further reminded me of Srila Prabhupada's famous quote: &The reason for my success is that I had complete faith in the holy name of Krishna and in the words of my spiritual master.& Off came the kavaca!

 

Seeing many devotees wearing nrsimha kavacas, we decided to describe the principle that Krishna alone—specifically in His nama rupa avatara is the only ONE we need. Sri Krishna’s Holy Name is our ONE AND ONLY source of protection and shelter. Surrender means believing this and following this. Hare Krishna!

Without surrender, saranagati, our sraddha will never grow and develop into nishta, ruci, bhava and prema. Our humble request to you and any other souls hearing our words is to please cast aside all kavacas and take exclusive shelter of Krishna's ambrosial holy names.

In the words of Srila Bhaktivinode Thakura, &The holy name of Krishna is the only shelter in the fourteen worlds.”

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Surrender, sharanagati, is the very life of the true devotees. Srila Rupa Goswamipada describes six aspects of surrendered in Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu:

anukulyasya sankalpa,   pratikulasya varjanam

raksisyatiti visvaso,   goptrtve varanam tatha

atma-niksepa-karpanye,  sad-vidha saranagatih

&The six divisions of surrender are the acceptance of those things favorable to devotional service, the rejection of unfavorable things, the conviction that Krishna will give protection, the acceptance of the Lord as one's guardian or master, full self-surrender and humility.

PURPORT

One who is fully surrendered is qualified with the six following characteristics (1) The devotee has to accept everything that is favorable for the rendering of transcendental loving service to Lord. (2) He must reject everything unfavorable to the Lord's service. This is also called renunciation. 

(3) A devotee must be firmly convinced that Krishna will give him protection. No one else can actually give one protection, and being firmly convinced of this is called faith. A devotee wants to remain always in the Lord's service. In this way, Krishna is merciful to His devotee and gives him all protection from the dangers found on the path of devotional service. (3) One should firmly believe that KRISHNA WILL PROTECT HIM, and that no one is a better protector than Krishna, one should always think that Krishna, or God, is great and that one is always protected by Him. [Narada Bhakti Sutras: NBS]

(4) The devotee should accept Krishna as his supreme maintainer and master. He should not think that he is being protected by a demigod. He should depend only on Krishna, considering Him the only protector. The devotee must be firmly convinced that within the three worlds he has no protector or maintainer other than Krishna. 

(5) One should always remember that one's activities and desires are not independent. In other words, the devotee should feel completely dependent on Krishna, and thus he should act and think as Krishna desires. (6) The devotee is meek and humble. (7) One should always think himself the poorest of the poor and feel totally dependent on the mercy of Krishna. [NBS]

&A devotee who follows these six principles of surrender always thinks, &O Lord, I am Yours in every respect; I am Your eternal servant.” [NBS 12]

&The six symptoms of surrender are divided into a whole and parts. Accepting Lord Krishna as one's guardian or master is the whole or main principle; the other five items of surrender are parts or assistants of this one item. 

There are three stages of surrender: 1) Initial conviction that by following religious principles, going on pilgrimages and surrendering to Lord Krishna, Krishna will protect me from the reactions of past sins. 2) Intermediate stage is the conviction that I shall give to Krishna my wife, child, friends, wealth, and other things that are my property. 3) Highest stage of surrender is the conviction that I shall place at Lord Krishna's lotus feet, my self, my body and everything that is mine.& [Satvata Tantra]

 

Surrender to Sri Krishna manifests in three forms; with the body, mind, and words. This is explained in Hari-bhakti-vilasa (11.677):

&One who with words and thoughts says, &O Lord, I am Yours, and who surrenders in his body to Lord Krishna, becomes filled with bliss.& One who surrenders his entire body to Bhagavan Sri Krishna at once attains all good fortune. 

Others attain different degrees of good fortune according to the degree of their surrender. Surrender to the Lord is glorified in the following words (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.19.9): 

“My dear Lord, for one who is being tormented on the terrible path of birth and death and is constantly overwhelmed by the threefold miseries, I do not see any possible shelter other than Your two lotus feet, which are just like a refreshing umbrella that pours down showers of delicious nectar.& This verse means that the showers of Shyama’s sweetness chase all miseries far away from the surrendered souls.

 

My dear friends, think over the discussion so far. If you are ready—then solemnly take the following vow:

&O my beloved Lord Sri Krishna! I will do whatever is favorable for pure devotional service unto You, and I will reject whatever is not favorable for it. In all circumstances, times and places, You my Lord Sri Krishna are my one and only protector. I cannot protect myself.

“I will serve You my dearest Lord Shyama as far as I am able. I believe and I know that You will always protect me. In this way I will be protected. Who am I? I am Your property—Your own part and parcel. Whatever You wish, that I will do. In this way, I offer myself to You My eternally beloved, sweet master and Lord Sri Krishna.” 

Jaiva Dharma says: &What does it mean that in every condition a devotee should be surrendered soul?& It means to think, &O Lord Sri Krishna, I am Yours& and &O my Lord Krishna, I surrender unto You&!

In his purport to Bhagavan Sri Krishna’s “surrender verse” in Gita (18.66), Srila Prabhupada says: “With faith and love, one should surrender unto Krishna. One should be confident that in all circumstances Krishna will protect him from all difficulties.” 

Conclusion: We need no other shelter besides Krishna and His holy names. At all times and in all places we should always chant the holy names for all protection, shelter and perfection. Within the Hare Krishna maha-mantra all the other avataras and incarnations are contained. 

Millions of years ago, Lord Nrsimha immediately manifested from the stone pillar to protect Prahlada Maharaja. Similarly, today in any place at any moment, the Lord Nrsimha form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna will also instantly manifest from the syllables of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra to protect any sincere devotee. 

Srila Prabhupada describes this point in his Nectar of Devotion thus: &When Narada Muni was chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, he chanted so loudly that it was apprehended that Lord Nrsimha had appeared. Thus all the demons began to flee in different directions.& (NOD cp. 27)

The Four P’s of Srila Prabhupada: 

Srila Prabhupada started the Hare Krishna Movement; personally always chanted the Hare Krishna maha-mantra; and Srila Prabhupada inspired millions worldwide to chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. He repeatedly instructed us to just depend on Krishna, and always chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra for purity, peace, PROTECTION and perfection! 

The Chandogya Upanisad (8.13.1) sums up everything beautifully—both the practice and the goal: &To attain Lord Sri Krishna, I surrender to Sri Radha. And to attain Sri Radha, I surrender to Lord Krishna.& BAS!!! (shyamac chavalaà prapadye shavalac chyamam)

O Lord Damodara, sharanagati Prabhu!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Environment Around Us

Mahanidhi Swami

Always remember that the environment around us is positive and favourable. Krishna personally arranges it for our improvement and spiritual elevation. Learn to see all with love and you will see love everywhere

Wearing Radha Kunda Tilaka

Mahanidhi swami 

#Tilaka    #RadhaKundaTilaka

Often devotees ask, “Is it okay to wear Radha Kunda tilaka?” The bhava and purpose behind all actions is the most important element in all movements on the bhakti marga. So let’s take a closer look at these points and discover the answer to this question. 

Our Gaudiya Vaisnava raskika poets and acharyas state that Srimati Radharani is very pleased to see and likes all things that are dark blue or black in color beginning with Her Priyatama Shyamasundara. 

Because the dark blue or black color reminds Sri Radha of Her darling sweet heart Sri Krishna, Kishori jeu also likes black deer, kajjala, blue sapphire bangles and necklaces, nilambari saris, sakhis named Shyamala, monsoon clouds, Amavasya, the ratri deep night, the shimmering blue Yamuna river, the dark forest, and so on.  

Every Hindu knows why every murti of Sri Hanumanji, the great monkey of Lord Rama, is covered head to toe in red/orange sindur. Bhagavan Ramachandraji once commented that He felt very happy to see the sindur in Sita Thakurani’s hairpart (simanta). 

Hearing this and wanting to please His Lord Rama, the innocent bhakta Hanuman went out and covered his entire body in red sindur. When Hanuman returned, Lord Rama was very surprised and amused at Hanuman’s unusual appearance. Thus henceforth, all Hanuman murtis are colored sindur red/orange. 

So this is the same devotional principle behind wearing Radha Kunda tilaka; it pleases Radharani, reminds Her of Shyama, and thus attracts Radhika’s compassion and mercy upon the wearer of black tilaka. 

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the first Gaudiya to wear Radha Kunda tilaka. Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja explains, “Mahaprabhu marked His body with tilaka made from the mud of Radha Kunda, collected some of the mud and took it with Him”, kundera mrttika lana tilaka karila, mrttika sange kari laila (Cc. 2.18.14).

Now let’s hear what the founder acharya of Iskcon says about wearing Radha Kunda tilaka. Thirty-nine years ago, Srila Prabhupada said, “There is no harm in wearing Radha Kunda tilaka.” (BBT Folio 760816rc.bom)

So the conclusion is that Radha Kunda tilaka is worn by those devotees who desire to gain the favor of and to please Srimati Radharani. It is especially used by those rare souls on the path of raganuga bhakti hankering to serve within Radha’s inner circle of sakhis. 

Radha Kunda tilaka ki jai!   

Syama-kunda    Radha Kunda ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Sankarshan Kund

Secrecy and the Mystic Mantra Science

Mahanidhi swami 

Mantras give birth to sadhakas. Mantras sustain the lives of sadhakas, and mantras award spiritual perfection to sadhakas by giving darshana of their cherished ishta-devatas, Radha Govinda Yugala. In this article we will explore the details and varieties of various mantras. 

Firstly, however, all sadhakas should know these four secrets. In Hari-bhakti-vilasa (2.146), Srila Sanatana Goswamipada commands fourfold secrecy for all sadhakas: they should not reveal their ishta-devata, initiating guru, their diksha mantra or japa-mala, gopayed devatam ishtam, gopayed gurum atmanah, gopayec ca nijam mantram, gopayen nija-malikam.

The Vedas mention three types of mantras: vedic, tantric, puranic. Each of these can be further divided into sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic mantras. Sattvic (mode of goodness) mantras are chanted for light, wisdom, divine love, compassion, and God realization. 

Vedic Mantras have the power to destroy all karma, bring peace, give spiritual perfection, darshana of God, and liberation after death. Rajasic (mode of passion) mantras are chanted for progeny and material prosperity. Unlike sattvic mantras, which remove karma, rajasic mantras force men to take rebirth to reap the fruits of their karma. Tamasic mantras (mode of ignorance), popularly called tantric or &black magic,& are sinful. They are generally used to propitiate spirits, harm others, and perform vicious deeds.

The original spiritual letters are endowed with specific powers, and in particular combinations they assume more power in relation to certain Deities. These combinations of letters are called bijas or seeds, and they combine to form words. When these words are connected in a particular order, they have special powers to represent a Deity in full. These combinations are called mantras. The power then manifested in the whole mantra is greater than that of any of its constituent sounds.

The mantras, which are non-different from the Deity, are an eternal manifestation of the Deity and are spiritual by nature. By repetition of the mantra, the worshiper invokes the mercy of the Deity whose mantra he repeats. Chanting these mantras (i.e. pancaratrika Gayatri mantras) helps one realize the transcendental form of the Deities. The sadhaka thus overcomes illusion and regains his original spiritual position.

The mantra is an intrinsic form of the Lord. By the mercy of Guru and Vaisnavas, who are embodiments of Krishna's mercy, Krishna enters the disciple's heart in the form of mantra. The mantra, acts to cleanse the mind and heart of the disciple, and make him fit for serving the transcendent Lord.

There are six basic types of mantras used in Deity worship: i

1) Dhyana Mantras—meditation mantras used to mentally invoke the Lord's transcendental form, abode, and pastimes.

2) Bija Mantras—seed mantras for meditation and purification of articles used in puja.

3) Mula Mantras—root mantras, being the essence of the Deity, are recited along with each article of worship as a means of addressing the Lord.

4) Stutis & Stotras—prayers chanted before, during, or after worship to glorify the name, form, qualities, and pastimes of the Lord.

5) Pranama Mantas—prayers for offering obeisances to the Lord at the end of worship.

6) Gayatri Mantras—Vedic or Pancaratrika mantras used to worship the Lord, invoking the three principles of sambandha, abhidheya, prayojana.

The word Gayatri indicates a specific poetic meter (chandas) sung in Vedic hymns. Vedic mantras, such as Brahma-gayatri, are called sabda-brahma (eternal, spiritual [aprakrta] vibrations representing God in the form of sound). In summary, a mantra is a combination of particular energies in the form of sound, and its recitation evokes those energies externally and internally. Every mantra is a combination of specific letters, words, meanings, rhythms, and tunes.

There are four aspects of all bona fide Vedic and pancaratrika mantras:

1) Rsi or sage—is the medium or the means of communication between God and man through whom the mantra was given to mankind. Every mantra has a presiding rsi or saintly person who first heard the mantra in his meditation and subsequently spread it for the benefit of others. The Gayatri mantra, for example, was revealed to Visvamitra Muni after a transcendental experience in meditation, so he is accepted as the Rsi of the Brahma-gayatri mantra.

2) Chandas—is the poetic meter of a specific mantra such as Gayatri, Anustap, and Jagati. &The Vedic meters are Gayatri, Usnik, Anustup, Brhati, Parikti, Tristup, Jagati, Aticchanda, Atyasti, Atijagati and Ativirat. The Gayatri meter has twenty-four syllables, the Usnik twenty-eight, the Anustup thirty-two, and so on, each meter having four more syllables than the previous one. Vedic sound is called brhati, or most expansive, and thus it is not possible for ordinary living entities to understand all the technical details in this matter.& (SB 11.21.41 v/p)

&The Visnu Parana says the seven horses yoked to the sun-god's chariot are named Gayatri, Brhati, Usnik, Jagati, Tristup, Anustup and Parikti. These names of various Vedic meters designate the seven horses that carry the sun-god's chariot.& (SB 5.21.16p.)

3) Ista-deva—is the controlling or presiding Deity of a mantra, or the Deity worshiped by the mantra. There are thirty-three million devatas (demigods), each having their own abode in the universe. Every devata has a name or mantra for which he is the presiding Deity. 

Chanting a devata's personal mantra invokes that devata, who will respond according to the intensity of the meditation. If one receives a mantra of a Deity or devata from a guru, and sincerely chants that mantra along with worship and meditation, then that Deity will appear either physically or in one's meditation to fulfill one's desires.

4) Viniyoga—is the use, function or purpose for chanting the mantra such as performing a homa, samskara, or to chant japa. Mostly we use the mantras for chanting Gayatri japa. So the viniyoga is chanting japa.

In Sat-kriya-sara Dipika, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami says, &The purpose of this system is to guarantee that one understands the meaning, function, correct heritage, and intonation of the mantra being chanted. As a rule, when uttering any Vedic mantra one should identify the rsi or saintly person who preserved the mantra, the chandas or meter of the mantra, the Deity being invoked in the mantra, and the function or purpose of chanting the mantra (doing a fire yajna for example).&

A traditional ritual done by vedic brahmanas before chanting the Brahma-gayatri is to offer obeisances, invoke blessings, and remember these four items.

1) Rsi—Chant the name of the rsi of a particular mantra while touching the head, thereby offering obeisances to that rsi in gratitude for his having enriched the world with this inspiring mantra.

2) Chandas—Touch the mouth while mentioning the particular chandas of the mantra. (Brahma-gayatri is gayatri meter or chandas)

3) Devata—(Ista-deva) Chant the name of the Deity of the mantra while touching the heart to indicate the seat of the devata and pray to him to please accept the prayer.

4) Viniyoga—Keep the purpose of chanting a particular mantra or prayer fixed in the mind. The purpose of chanting the Brahma-gayatri is to attain pure transcendental knowledge of God, become peaceful, and learn how to surrender and eternally serve the lotus feet of Radha and Krishna in pure love.

The details regarding the method and frequency of chanting your particular diksha mantras, the meaning of the mantras, and the meditation to accompany them will be given by your individual guru. 

May all who read this better appreciate the great depth and scientific clarity of the ancient Sanskrit Vedic shastra, which teaches the way of chanting spiritual mantras to attain perfection in love of God, Krishna prema! 

(Excerpt from book Gayatri Mahima Madhuri by Mahanidhi  Swami 

Sri Veda Mata ki jai! 

The Hare Krishna maha-mantra ki jai!  Sri Guru Parampara ki jai!

Jai Gurudeva! Jai Gurudeva! Jai Gurudeva! Ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Appeals of Temporary and Eternal Things

Mahanidhi Swami

Something temporary appeals to the mind, something eternal appeals to the heart

Yes! Live and Bathe in Radha Kunda!

Mahanidhi swami 

Two questions confound many devotees: 

1) Can we live in Radha Kunda?

2) Can we bathe in Radha Kunda? 

As there are many men and many minds, there are many different viewpoints and answers regarding these questions. So how to establish the final word, the correct answer, and the proper path of action? 

An Iskcon publication titled Prabhupada Lilamrta vol.6, quotes Srila Prabhupada saying: “My books will be the lawbooks for the next 10,000 years. Whatever I have to say, I have spoken in my books.” Thus to answer these two questions, it makes sense that we should consult the lawbooks, accept their conclusions, and then follow the laws laid down therein. 

In his “lawbooks”, Srila Prabhupada beautifully and perfectly answers these questions with very reassuring and inspiring words. Please carefully read these excerpts from the lawbooks, and then “do the needful” as Srila Prabhupada used to say. 

1) Can we live in Radha Kunda?

In the translation to the lawbook titled, Nectar of Instruction v. 10, Srila Prabhupada said, “Indeed, those who execute devotional service on the banks of Radha Kunda are the most fortunate people in the universe.” 

Concluding his purport to this verse, Srila Prabhupada said, “Therefore everyone interested in Krishna consciousness should ultimately take shelter of Radha Kunda and execute devotional service there throughout one's life.”  

Further, Srila Prabhupada said, “Living entities who are eager to return home to Goloka Vrindavana, by means of attaining their siddha-dehas, should live at Radha Kunda.” 

2) Can we bathe in Radha Kunda? 

Now let’s hear what the lawbooks say about bathing in the prema-giving, supremely sanctifying, transcendental nectar water of Sri Radha Kunda. 

In his purport to v. 11 of Nectar of Instruction, Srila Prabhupada glorifies this powerfully purifying practice of bhakti saying: “It is stated that a devotee will at once develop pure love of Krishna in the wake of the gopis if he once takes a bath in Radha Kunda. Srila Rupa Goswami recommends that even if one cannot live permanently on the banks of Radha Kunda, he should at least take a BATH IN RADHA KUNDA AS MANY TIMES AS POSSIBLE. This is a most important item in the execution of devotional service.” 

“If, by great fortune, one gets an opportunity to come to Radha Kunda and bathe even once, he can develop his transcendental love for Krishna, exactly as the gopis did. ONE SHOULD BATHE IN RADHA KUNDA REGULARLY and give up all material conceptions, taking shelter of Sri Radha and Her assistant gopis.”

Conclusion: Srila Prabhupada gives so much hope, support and encouragement in his concluding words regarding living and bathing in Radha Kunda. 

Srila Prabhupada said, “After giving up the body he will return back to Godhead to serve Sri Radha in the same way as he contemplated during his life on the banks of Radha Kunda. The conclusion is that TO LIVE ON THE BANKS OF RADHA KUNDA AND TO BATHE THERE daily constitute the highest perfection of bhakti.” (NOI 11) Srila Prabhupada ki jai ho!

Let the truth ring loud, clear and forever in the hearts of the sincere seekers of love divine. 

Shyama-kunda ki jai! Radha Kunda ki jai! Giri Govardhana ki jai! 

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!  

Service – A Privilege

Mahanidhi Swami

Service is a privilege which is extended to a conditioned soul by the mercy of guru.

Radha Madhav ki jai

Why Wear Tulasi Mala?

Mahanidhi swami 

Many religious-minded people throughout India and the rest of the world wear necklaces of Tulasi wood (tulasé-kaëöhé-mälä). Tulasi wood is sacred to Lord Krishna and His followers. 

However, there are many popular taboos and misconceptions regarding who can and cannot wear tulasi.

 

This article will answer this question by citing the infallible authority of the Vedas. It is a fact that all actions, be they secular or spiritual, will be beneficial and successful when done in accordance with transcendental scriptures i.e. Shruti, Smrti and Puranas like Mahabharata and Bhagavad-gita. 

 

Without being swayed by popular beliefs or opinions, Gaudiya Vaisnavas base their spiritual conduct on the authority of the Gaudiya Smrti titled Hari-bhakti vilasa by Srila Sanatana Goswamipada. This book is basically a collection of quotes from various Puranas and Vedas to establish the proper spiritual practices for adherents of the devotional path, bhakti-yoga. 

Quoting this pramana, we will describe the glories of wearing tulasi neckbeads and who can wear them.

I. Benefits of Wearing Tulasi Kanthi:

1. Destroys greatest sins (maha pataka samhantrim) Skanda Purana: HBV: 4.318

2. Sri Hari always with you (deha sada harih) Garuda Purana: HBV: 4.335

3. Million times benefit from punya karmas, pitr or devata puja (pitrnam devata krtam koti gunam) Garuda Purana: HBV: 4.336

4. Yamaraja stays far away (preta raja dutakah drstva nashyanti durena) Garuda Purana: HBV: 4.337 

5. Gives full protection…from bad dreams, accidents, attack by weapons, and the Yamaduttas (duhsvapnam durnimittam bhayam shastrajam) Garuda Purana: HBV: 4.338

Who Can Wear Tulasi Neckbeads?

The following authoritative quotes should put to rest all rumors, taboos and speculations regarding this question. Bhagavan Sri Krishna Himself states that ANYONE CAN WEAR TULASI kanthi mala. There are no restrictions! The wearing of tulasi neckbeads, (tulasi kanthi mala) simply depends on one’s personal sense of allegiance to his beliefs, duty, or simply as a matter of inspiration if he/she wants to do so. Srila Sanatana Goswamipada calls this a taste or attraction to wear them, (yatha ruchi) HBV: 4.308  

In Vishnu Dharmottara, Bhagavan Sri Krishna says, “Without a doubt, ANYONE who wears tulasi neckbeads, even if he/she is unclean or of bad character, will surely attain Me.” (ashauco anacharo mam eva iti na samshaya) HBV: 4.322

The following quote from a book titled, Associates of Sri Chaitanya, says that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave tulasi neckbeads to a Calcutta industrialist who had neither diksha nor the most exemplary behavior: “Mr. S.K. Ghosh often visited Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura at his residence called “Bhakti Bhavana.” Under the direction of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Mr. Ghosh started wearing a tulasi mala around his neck, although he was not able to accept the principles of Vaishnava behavior in their entirety.”

In addition, an Iskcon publication titled “Vaisnava Etiquette”, quoting Hari-bhakti Vilasa states: “The Padma Purana states regardless of whether one is an impure or pure state, ONE SHOULD ALWAYS WEAR TULASI MALA. And one should never take it off even when bathing, eating or passing stool and urine.” In other words, tulasi beads are always pure and purify anyone who contacts them. 

 

We hope this article will encourage all those who are pious and sincerely trying to progress spiritually to wear tulasi kanthi mala. You will be greatly benefitted by this, and experience some amazing miracles in your life.

Tulasi ki jai ho!

Tulasi kanthi mala ki jai! 

Srimati Tulasi Maharani ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!  

Guru Tattva Nectar Drops

 Mahanidhi swami 

To honor the Samasti Guru Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Srila Vedavyasa on this Guru Purnima celebration, we enclose the following most inspiring and illuminating quotes concerning the truth of Sri Guru. The true spiritualist sees with two eyes, shastra chaksus and guru-chaksus, the eye of the infallible, perfect, transcendental wisdom of Veda, and the enlightened merciful  eye of one’s benevolent personal Sri Guru. May the wise words of the Bhagavata lead all to perfection on the path of the highest selection. 

Serving the Guru with devotion and offering Him all that one gains (practical service) is one means for easily attaining love of God. (sb 7.7.29-30)

 

Indeed, the Guru, who is Lord Hari Himself, is the most loved one, the very Self, from whom there is not even the slightest fear. He alone is wise, who knows this truth, and he who is wise is the Guru. (sb 4.29.51)

All vices and obstacles together i.e. lust, anger, greed, envy etc. can be conquered simply by devotion to the Guru. (sb 7.15.22-25)

Whoever sees the Guru, who is God Himself giving us the lamp of divine knowledge, as a mere mortal, loses all his knowledge. (sb 7.15.26)

Bhagavan Sri Krishna said, “Those who follow the Guru’s words, which are My words, easily cross over the ocean of material life.” (sb 10.80.33)

 “An intelligent person will worship the Guru with exclusive devotion because he knows that Sri Guru is both the Lord Himself and His dearest servant.” (sb 11.2.37) 

Commenting on (sb 11.3.48), Srila Sridhara Swami said, “If Sri Guru does not know the truth, he cannot erase the student's doubts about bhajana-matters. And if Sri Guru is not devoted he cannot infuse bhajana-experiences into his student.&

Bhagavan Sri Krishna said, &You should know the acharya to be Me, and never slight or disrespect him or find faults in him, considering him to be an ordinary mortal. Sri Guru is the aggregate of all the Gods.& (sb 11.17.27)

When Uddhava asked, Who is the friend? Bhagavan Sri Krishna replied, “The greatest friend is the Guru, who is none other than Me. (sb 11.19.31, 43)

Om tat sat!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! 

Care for Cows

Care for Cows

Care for Cows is a network of international volunteers dedicated to awareness, education and action regarding cow protection (go raksha) as taught in the Vedic scriptures. We also offer guidance, support and grants to like-minded charitable organizations, throughout the world, who wish to honor and implement the Vedic standards of cow protection. At present we maintain over 500 abandoned cows, bulls, retired oxen, and orphaned calves throughout the sacred precincts of Vrindavan, India. Please contact us for further information..

To participate click on How can I Help?.

Meet our residents

Dear Care for Cows sponsors, 

Before he left this mortal world, HG Kurma Rupa Prabhu had been working with webpage designer Tina Pangre in Mumbai on a new look website for Care for Cows. We just need a little more information before we are ready to launch it. Thankyou to all who have already responded to my emails. 

For those sponsors whom we are still waiting to hear from, we humbly request that you please send an email with the following information: 

a. Your name.
b. The cows/bulls you are sponsoring.
c. The email address which is listed on Paypal when your payment is made/ or if you are making donations through our bank account. 

We hope this finds you experiencing the happiness and internal satisfaction which accompanies cow protection. 

On behalf of your friends and servants of the cows,
Rasamandala dd ACBSP
Ph: (91) 9837 090 024 or email: rasamandaladd@gmail.com
Care for Cows, FFLV Kiki Nagla (Vrindavan) Founder: HG Kurma Rupa Prabhu

Nitai Gauranga

Nitai Gaur  Hari bol

Cut Off The Wings of The Mind

Mahanidhi Swami

The bird of the mind flies on two wings: the past and the future. Cut off the wings! Be here, now: hear, chant and remember – love, serve and surrender

Jai Giriraj

Giri Raj ki jai

Parivartinii or Parsva Ekadasi

from the Bhavishya-uttara PurANa.

Sri Yudhishthira MahArAja asked of Lord Sri Krishna, “What is the name of that EkAdasii that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the month of BhAdrapada (August-September “Hrishikesha mase”) ? Who is the worshippable Deity for this EkAdasii, 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 EkAdasii, 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 EkAdasii. 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 EkAdasii than this, because it awards liberation so easily. Thus if one truly desires freedom from the punishing material world, one should fast on VAmana EkAdasii.

“While observing this holy fast, a Vaishnava should lovingly worship the Supreme Lord in His form as VAmandeva, 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 EkAdasii 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 EkAdasii.”

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 Vedik 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 VAmanadeva, 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 Vedik 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 EkAdasii, 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 EkAdasii, 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 EkAdasii 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 EkAdasii. Indeed, this observance is as powerful as the performance of a thousand horse sacrifices.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Parivartinii EkAdasii, or VAmana EkAdasii, which occurs during the light part of the month of BhAdrapada, from the Brahma-vaivarta PurANa.

These stories have been summarised and slightly changed or abbreviated from how th