Tag Archive for: Mahanidhi Swami

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Simple Vaishakha Vrata 2018 April

Mahanidhi Swami

Many Puranas and Hari Bhakti Vilasa by Sri Sanatana Goswami describe the fantastic benefits and blessings accrued by observing the Vaishakha Month Vrata (April 1-30, 2018).

It’s said among sadhus: “In material life more is less; in spiritual life more is more!” In other words, more material enjoyment means less spiritual progress. And more spiritual acts means more peace, more happiness and perfection promotion to Radha-Krishna’s nitya-seva in Sri Vraja Dhama.

For the benefit of all, we are presenting a simplified vrata based on 140 verses of Hari Bhakti Vilasa (14). By observing it, one can pleasingly serve Madhusudana Sri Krishna, and thereby gain good fortune, divine power, and lots of spiritual benefits.

  1. Donate: Dana—sesame (til) seeds, water, ghee, umbrellas.
  2. Sacred Baths: Tirtha Snana—Radha-kunda, Yamunaji, Gangaji, Samudra, etc. “Vaishakha tirtha snana yields 100,000 benefit of Magha Mas snana i.e. Kumbha Mela.” (Padma Purana/Hari Bhakti Vilasa 14.14.367-8)
  3. Bathing Prayers: Wash feet, meditate on Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and recite before morning (pratah-kala: 5-7 a.m.) snana:
  4. By the mercy of Sri Madhusudana and the blessings of the Brahmins, may my daily tirtha snana free me from all obstacles.
  5. O Murari! O Madhusudana! Please fulfill my spiritual desires as the fruit of my daily Vaishakha snana.
  6. O my beloved Sri Madhusudana! Vaishakha is Your favorite month. So please give me the fruit of destroying all my sins. (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 14. 400-403)
  7. SPECIAL DAYS TO OBSERVE:

** Akshaya Tritiya: (18 April)—This day is dear to Harivallabha Sri Krishna. Any acts of japa, dana, shraddha, snana, archana or tarpana bring one inexhaustible results. (409)

** Ganga Saptami, shukla: (22 April)—Ganga puja, snana, & tarpan to pitrs (ancestors) destroys their sins causing their bondage. (Padma P/hbv 413)

** Mohini Ekadasi: (26 April)—“Attain liberation by observing jagarana (stay awake all night). Skanda P.

** Nrsimha Chaturdasi: (28/29 April)—“Bhagavan Nrsimha said, “One will please Me by observing this topmost vow (uttama vrata) and attain happiness, sense pleasure and liberation. One Nrsimha vrata gives the benefit of 1,000 Dvadasi vratas!” (Padma P/hbv 14.414-5, 441, 446, 451)

** Vaishakha Purnima: (30 April)—Do dana, snana, tarpana, plus donate water which will give one a divine form. (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 495)

*** CONCESSION SUPER VOW: If can’t observe all the other vows for one month, then just offer your best on the last three days: Trayodasi, Nrsimha Caturdasi and Vaishakha Purnima, 27-30 April 2018, and you will attain Vaikuntha! (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 501)

**** LAST STRAW VOW: If can’t observe anything, then at least “do one good deed”. Feed 10 brahmins on one day during Vaishakha month. (Hari Bhakti Vilasa 502)

Vaishakha Vrata ki jai! Radha-kunda snana ki jai! Vaishakha Purnima ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Sadhakas Must Study Sandarbhas

Mahanidhi Swami

By quoting mostly Srimad Bhagavatam, Sri Jiva Goswamipada wrote six essential books known as the Sandarbhas, which everyone must study and know to attain success in bhakti sadhana.

As philosophical treatises, the Sandarbhas prove the unique position of Bhagavan Sri Krishna and the eternal basis of Krishna consciousness; the eternal relationship between Bhagavan and the jivatma; exact details on how to practice bhakti bhajana to attain bhava; a complete explanation of Krishna prema; how to attain it; and the experience of the premi bhakta at the final sadhaka stage of spiritual perfection—priti.

Sri Jiva Goswamipada is blessed with incredible intelligence and the association of the wisest preceptors of Vaisnava siddhanta. By humbly serving Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis, Sri Jiva realized the essence of Radha-Krishna’s Vraja madhurya-rasa.

Summary of the Sandarbhas

  1. Tattva Sandarbha

Describes ways to attain knowledge i.e. direct perception (pratyaksha), inference (anumana). But of all forms of gaining knowledge, the best way is to aurally receive transcendental sound manifesting from a divine liberated source (shabdha brahman). This knowledge is supreme, infallible and universally applicable at all times. Such wisdom includes the Vedas, Upanisads, Itihasa and the Puranas—crystalized in the topmost, sweet perfection as the Bhagavat Purana or Srimad Bhagavatam.

  1. Bhagavata Sandarbha

This book describes the Bhagavat or Para-brahma, His three main saktis—antaranga (includes samvit, sandhini and hladini saktis); bahiranga “material energy”; and the jiva or tatastha sakti. The essence of hladini is the divinely sweet form of Srimati Radharani, the eternal, counter whole, and divine consort of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Bhagavan has innumerable forms and manifests in infinite ways to His devotees according to their bhajana perfection. But for yogis and jnanis, Bhagavan simply manifests as either Brahman or Paramatma.

  1. Paramatma-Sandarbha

This book deals with the concept of Paramatma, the three forms of Sri Vishnu, the jivas, living entities, and   manifestation of the material world “creation”.

  1. Sri Krishna Sandarbha

This book proves that Krishna is Bhagavan Himself and not an incarnation of Bhagavan who are but His partial manifestations. The details of the transcendental holy dhama, eternal associates and divine lilas are all described.

  1. Bhakti-Sandarbha

This book describes different kinds and levels of bhakti and how to perform proper, pure and offense less bhakti bhajana to attain Krishna prema.

  1. Priti-Sandarbha

This book establishes that love divine, priti or Krishna prema-bhakti is the highest goal of self-realization and not moksha which most believe.

In summary, the Veda says, yasmin vijnate sarvam evam vijnatam bhavati, “If one knows the Absolute Truth, then one knows everything!” (Mundaka Up. 1.3) Thus by studying the Sandarbhas, one will clearly and convincingly understand the basis, principles, practice and goal of Krishna consciousness and bhakti bhajana. These most uplifting and inspirational teachings are the direct mercy of Mahaprabhu, the Six Goswamis, and especially Sri Jiva Goswamipada.

So don’t miss this ocean of mercy! Dive in and dive deeply to become drenched in bliss and radiant with wisdom. Attentively study, then hear audio or live classes by enlightened ones. And if possible, the absolute best way to learn transcendence is to hear directly from a Guru in whom your heart and mind are faithfully sheltered.

Sat Sandarbhas ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Kama Gayatri: Meaning & Method

Mahanidhi Swami

Cupid, the material Kamadeva, is the god of love, desire and attraction who turns the minds and churns the hearts of all men and women with lust and attachment. Besides Cupid, there is the original God of pure unadulterated love, Sri Krishna, who seekers of love divine worship by chanting the ancient Vedic mantra called the Kama Gayatri.

The kama gayatri mantra is described in the Srsti-khanda of Padma Purna, the Gaudiya Vaisnava smrti, Hari-bhakti vilasa (3.321-2), citing Sanat kumāra Kalpa, and the Chaitanya-caritamrta by Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja.

Shastras state that within Vedic mantras one will discover the form, qualities and pastimes (rupa, guna, lila) of the devata described within the syllables and meter of the mantra. For example, within the kama gayatri one will first discover the form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna. After some time, the sadhaka will see the transcendental Kamadeva in his heart, and feel sweet sentiments for Kamadeva Sri Krishna in his mind while chanting the mantra.

And then if Krishna’s mercy manifests, the sadhaka will see Srimati Radharani along with Her eternal darling and beloved consort Shyamasundara. Eventually the mantra chanting will bring the qualities and pastimes of Radha Govinda Yugala into one’s heart too!

To properly chant the kama gayatri one should visualize the transcendental form of Sri Krishna, and contemplate the meaning of the kama gayatri as revealed by your diksha guru or adi guru Bhagavan Sri Krishna within the recesses of your purified heart.

In the following entry, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu defines the kama gayatri and gives a perfect Krishna meditation for sadhakas to use while chanting the mantra.

Once to Srila Sanatana Goswamipada, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, “Kama gayatri mantra is the personal divine form of Bhagavan Sri Krishna, kama gayatri mantra rupa, haya krishnera svarupa.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.21.125)

In other words, the mantra and rupa are one. There is no difference between the words of Kama gayatri and the form of Sri Krishna. When you chant Kama gayatri, you should see the form of Krishna while meditating on the meaning of the mantra.

Once while He was absorbed in Radharani’s mahabhava and tasting the joy of conjugal love (sukhe madhurya asvadana), Gauranga Mahaprabhu described how to meditate on Krishna’s form (rupa dhyana) while chanting the kama gayatri mantra.

Sri Chaitanyadeva continued saying, “O Sanatana! Kamadeva Sri Krishna’s lovely sweet face; His elongated reddish lotus eyes; His beautiful curly locks of hair; the candana bindu tilaka on His forehead; the makara kundala earrings on His shining cheeks, and His playful seductive smiles fragrant as honey all combine to create a constant festival for the eyes. The transcendental body of Krishna is sweeter than an ocean of sweetness, krishna anga madhurya sindhu su madhura. Krishna’s divine form is an ocean of the sweetest nectar, Krishna madhurya amitera sindhu.” (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.121-149)

My personal experience is that the sincere regular chanting of the kama gayatri mantra turns the mind toward Krishna. It fills the heart with sweet attraction to Krishna and desires to serve and love Krishna eternally in the land of blissful enchantment, Sridhama Vrindavana. The more one chants the kama gayatri mantra, the more he becomes attached to Sri Krishna. Many sadhakas daily chant several rounds (108 beads) of the mantra.

There is no limit. Since it is a very powerful, wish-fulfilling Vedic mantra, one should take advantage and daily chant many rounds to fulfill your cherished desires to find bliss, peace and love in Sri Krishna’s eternal service. The proof of the mantra’s power is your personal experience!

Kama Gayatri ki jai! Krishna Prema ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Is Our Bhakti Pure?

Mahanidhi Swami

In Bhakti Rasamrita Sindhu (1.1.11), Sri Rupa Goswamipada gives the clearest, most perfect definition of suddha-bhakti or pure devotional, loving expression toward Bhagavan Sri Krishna. This verse is so crucial and important for all devotees to know, feel, realize, live and express that Srila Prabhupada quoted and explained it over 400 times!

Although we don’t know who wrote it, we offer our utmost respect and gratitude to the author of the following article which accurately describes pure bhakti; which we have modified for your pleasure. We humbly beg all devotees to deeply read, study and try your best to embody and practice these essential teachings. If you do then very soon your bhakti will become pure, and Sri Krishna will run toward you to fill your immaculate heart with His love and bliss eternal.

Sri Rupa Goswamipada’s definition of pure bhakti (uttama bhakti):

anya bhilashita shunyam, jnana karmad yanavrtam
anukul yena krishanu, shilanam bhakti uttama

Trans: Uttama-bhakti, or real, true and topmost loving service (bhakti) is devotion favorably offered to Krishna that is free from any type of selfish, personal motives or desires and devoid of jnana (brahma-jnana) and karma (desiring personal benefits and promotions). In other words, with all the actions of one’s body, mind and speech the pure devotee will try to please and satisfy Sri Krishna.

ANUKULYENA KRISHNA ANUSHILANAM

Anukulya means feelingly acting (with devotion) with a clear, selfless favorable mind only to make Krishna happy. Pleasing Shyama automatically pleases ourselves. Do it and taste the blissful difference between selfless and selfish actions.

Krishnanushilanam means continuous activity; bhakti is a lifestyle not just two hours of “chanting my rounds”. Krishnanushilanam means 24/7 pure bhakti flow, mood, feelings and movements all directed toward Sri Krishna.

However, uttama bhakti is not only restricted to the usual limbs of bhakti like hearing, chanting, remembering etc. The great devotional sage Srila Rupa Gosvami’s definition of uttama-bhakti includes everything connected with Krishna through the thread of surrender, devotion and favorability. Bhakti is a complete lifestyle; not something you do for part of the day and then forget about it. It’s not a job—Bhakti is our life, our heart and our entire existence.

The word anushilanam refers to all the activities one can perform either while awake, asleep or in deep sleep. At every moment a devotee should perform only Krishnanushilanam, activities to bring a smile on Shyama’s lotus face. For example, eating Krishna prasada, sleeping, dressing and exercising to maintain our bodies, which are on loan from Krishna for His seva, are all part of uttama-bhakti.

In Krishnanushilanam there are two modes of action: accepting or rejecting something (sankalpa/vikalpa). If you accept something, it must be anukula or favorable and pleasing to Krishna (and maybe not to you) and His devotees. Rejection of something is also based on the principle of being favorable to Sri Krishna. Krishnanushilanam includes Krishna, His associates and objects belonging to Krishna. Your actions should really satisfy the heart of Krishna; not that you force Krishna to say, “Thank you.”ANYA BHILASHITA SHUNYAM

Anyabhilashita-shunyam means acting for Krishna’s happiness without any ulterior motive, free from calculation and personal ambition. Generally a person desires some fruits from his endeavors. And if one does not desire something then at least one thinks ‘let this work be finished and I will feel happy.’

Such thinking is contaminated with the desire (abhilasha) for freedom, peace, mukti or jnana-avrtam, “Soon the job will be done and I will be free.” This means that one is not really interested in the seva, but in finishing it. Of course, the seva must be finished but not for our interest but for His—Sri Krishna. Desiring to finish quickly and be free means one will act passionately without feeling. This is not uttama bhakti.

In uttama-bhakti, one must perform actions favorably for Krishna’s pleasure whether it takes little time, a lot or a lifetime. The backing motive is the key factor. A real pure devotee thinks, acts and feels, “My beloved Sri Krishna, Radharani and all Their wonderful devotees should be happy and pleased with me and that’s all! You first, you second, everything for you—that’s my life, my purpose and my joy. Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

ANYA ABHILASHITA means to have no other desire but ONE: the desire to serve and please Priyatama Sri Krishna. When one desires to serve Sri Krishna, then there is no question of “let me finish this seva quickly so I will be free.” Uttama-bhakti means absorption in service, moment to moment favorable activities for the happiness of Sri Krishna and His devotees.

Let’s all examine our hearts and motives. Now once and for all time let’s throw away and kick out all our selfishness, holding back, profit calculating, and benefit trading feelings and mentalities. A life of pure love awaits the pure hearted, and this is what Radha and Krishna want. They want selfless, dedicated loving devotees who just want to be with, serve and please Radha-Govinda Yugala forever in Vraja Dhama.

Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Suddha bhakti ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe! Radhe!

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Queen Rukmini Teaches How to be Determined

Mahanidhi Swami

Before marrying Bhagavan Sri Krishna, the exceptionally elegant and stunningly beautiful Princess Sri Rukminiji sent a love letter to Sri Krishna expressing her desire for His hand in marriage.

Sri Rukmini beseeched, “O Krishnaji! You are certainly most difficult to attain! And I know that You cannot be gotten simply by the good acts of one birth. But if for many prior lives I have done any good deeds, with or without a desire to attain You, then please give me the results now so that I may attain You. I want nothing but this. This is my only prayer.

“O my dearest Ambujaksa Sri Krishna! If I don’t get Your mercy, then I’ll immediately die. Possibly then after hundreds of lifetimes of doing Krishna bhakti bhajana, I may obtain Your mercy.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.52.43)

Comments:

Sri Jiva Goswamipada: The Sanskrit verse phrase, sata janmabhih, “hundreds of lifetimes” actually means an indefinite number of lifetimes. In other words, Rukmini-devi is ready to continue performing Krishna bhakti bhajana for an unlimited number of births until she attains Bhagavan Sri Krishna!

Visvanatha Cakravartipada: Here Sri Rukmini-devi is saying, “O Sri Krishna! In this life I will practice celibacy and austerities to attain You in a future life. And if I don’t attain You then, I will keep doing penances for ten million more lifetimes. But I will never give up my desire to attain You.

“And if You say that I am too fallen and contaminated to achieve You, then let the dust particles of Your lotus feet purify and qualify me. If even then I don’t get Your mercy, then I will fast to death! I am ready to give up my life for hundreds of births until I attain Your mercy.” Srimati Rukminiji ki jai!

This is the ultimate in determination!

And that’s what it takes to attain Radha-Krishna prema and success in Krishna bhakti bhajana. Are you ready? Try to be like Princess Rukmini. Just think, “No matter what, come life or death, I will never quit and never stop trying to serve Radha and Krishna. “Maybe this life, the next, or in a thousand future lives I will be successful. Somehow, somewhere I WILL ATTAIN BY BELOVED Sri Krishna and His divine, beautiful sweetheart Srimati Radharani! I must!”

This is determined thinking, pukka sankalpa, do or die truth eternal.

Be it, think it, live it!

DETERMINATION IN BHAKTI!!!

How to get determination?

You can acquire firm determination in Krishna bhakti bhajana and deepen it by the following items.

  1. Be HONESTLY Dedicated to Sri Guru
  2. Genuinely WANT TO Serve and PLEASE Radha and Krishna
  3. Study Sastra to Strengthen Intellect: Patanjali Yoga Sutras (3.47) says determination is a feature of buddhi, intelligence. Thus you can increase your determination by DAILY studying Sri Gita, Bhagavata, and our Gaudiya Vaisnava sastras. This most important bhakti bhajana abhyasa [daily practice] will definitely sharpen and empower your buddhi, intellect, which then can handle and easily control your cancala mana, restless mind, and impetuous, overheated senses.
  4. Meet, Serve, Hear from Real Devotee Sadhus

Everywhere sastra say, satam prasangat mama virya samvidah (Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.25), “By associating with genuine bhaktas [as described above] who speak Krishna katha (samvida), one will get power and determination.” (Bhagavan Sri Kapila)

  1. Do Austerities, Vratas, Vows and Penances like Ekadasi, Janmastami Jagarana, Siva Caturdasi, Karttika Vrata, etc.
  2. Follow FOUR VOWS [four dharmic principles of human life].

Srila Prabhupada said, “Determination comes by tapasya (penance, austerities). You will be determined if you follow the four rules of religious life [i.e. 1- no eating meat, fish, eggs, onions, garlic, etc. ; 2- no drinking coffee, tea, or taking intoxicants; 3- no man/woman intimacies beyond marriage; 4- no lotteries, card betting, gambling, etc.]

“But if you don’t follow them, then you will be a victim of Maya. The four rules and regulations are there to keep you fixed up in your determination. But if you don’t follow [the 4 rules], then you’ll fall down in MAYA!” (BBT Folio: 740110MW.LA)

One big cause of weak determination is excessive indulgence in sense gratification i.e. overeating or sleeping, too much lady/gent intimacies, and gramya katha i.e. prajalpa, useless talk and gossip. Regarding this Srila Prabhupada once said, “Loss of determination is due to excessive amorous enjoyment.” (Path of Perfection chp. 5)

Some encouraging words: “The practice of bhakti-yoga in Krishna consciousness may appear to be a very difficult job. But you follow the four religious principles with great determination, then Bhagavan Sri Krishna will surely help you, for Sri Krishna definitely helps those who help themselves.” (Srila Prabhupada, BBT Folio 760623GC.NV)

  1. Maintain Patience: Keep Cool and Push On

“Determination is a bodily affair. Determination means keep practicing Krishna consciousness with patience and perseverance. If you don’t immediately get results, don’t think, ‘Oh, what is this Krishna consciousness? I give it up.’ No, we must have determination and faith in Krishna words.” (Srila Prabhupada, Path of Perfection chp. 5)

Sri Rupa Goswamipada gives wonderful reassurance to one and all: “Determination combined with patience will definitely give you exceptional siddhi, or perfection in bhakti bhajana, niçcayät dhairyät, bhaktiù prasidhyati.” (Upadesamrta 3)

Srila Prabhupada said, “Determination means to continue performing bhakti bhajana with patience and perseverance. Don’t think, ‘I am not getting the desired result. So what is this Krishna consciousness, I give up!’ No don’t think like that. Don’t be impatient.” (Path of Perfection 5)

“Determination, means don’t be agitated or frustrated in some attempt. There may be failure in some attempt, but you should not be sorry for that; just move on with patience and determination.” (Bhagavat Gita. 6.1-3 pur.)

Concluding Sweet Note:

Srimati Radharani’s Perfect Determination

Expressing Her intense determination and loving attachment to Her dearly beloved Sri Krishna…“Srimati Radharani once said: ‘O Prananatha Sri Krishna! What more can I say? In life or death, birth after birth, You alone are the Master of My life! My body, My home, My wealth. All is Yours forever!’

“O Syama! My life airs are tied to Your lotus feet with the rope of My love. I have offered My mind to You alone, and am determined to be Your maidservant.”

‘O My Bandhu! From my childhood, You alone have been the only friend of my life airs, parana bandhuya tumi.’” (Vilapa Kusumanjali 75 tika, Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja)

So all my friends of kind loving hearts! Please, no matter what comes your way. Just push on through, with even more determination to love, to serve, to see and forever be with Radha-Govinda Yugala—sweetly serving Them in the pleasure groves of Vrndavana!

Krishna determination ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Karttika Purnima & Nivi Damodara

Mahanidhi Swami

One day in Goloka Vrindavana on Karttika Purnima during Sri Krishna’s aprakata-lila an amazingly, sweet and beautiful pastime took place. Soothing rays of moonshine danced on the floor of the nikunja, as Nikunjeshavari Radha, rapt in the anticipation of romance, sat in anxious waiting. But Priyaji’s gallant lover Shyama arrived in the wee hours of night just before dawn.

Upset and disappointed, Radhika glared at Shyama, and then angrily tied Krishna around the waist with the string from Her undergarment (nivi). Krishna said He was detained due to Maa Yashoda’s offering a feast to celebrate the end of Karttika. Pacified by this excuse, Radhika untied Her Priyatama and smiled affectionately at Her sweetheart. At that time, Sri Krishna felt the epitome of bliss being bound by His beloved in such an intimate way.

In supreme satisfaction, Shyama addressed Sundari, “O beautiful treasure of My heart, because You bound Me around the waist with Your girdle, My name Damodara has become even more endearing to Me. No other name of mine is as dear to Me than this. By the power of this name “Damodara”, one will obtain vishuddha-vraja-prema and residence in My glorious abode of Sridhama Vrindavana. During My prakata-lila in Bhauma Vrindavana, when Janani Yashoda binds me to the mortar this name Damodara will be revealed to the world.”

Now Bhagavan became famous as “NIVI DAMODARA”, and this is the most adorable form of Sri Krishna in Vrindavana that we so lovingly revere as Gaudiya Vaisnavas. (net source: Sri Jiva Goswamipada’s Radha-Krishnarchana-dipika, verses 120-127)

Radha-Damodara ki jai! Nivi-Damodara ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Radha-Krishna Annakuta Festival

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

On the day after Dipavali, Nanda Baba arranges for Jatipura brahmanas to do a pancha-amrta abhisheka of Giriraja Govardhana. Cooks prepare many kinds of sweets, rice, rotis and sabjis. Then then they arrange everything on leaf places to offer to Govardhana Hill. In one form Krishna sits next to Nanda Baba.

And in another, huge form, Krishna sits atop Giriraja gobbling up all the offered foodstuffs at once with one very long arm! Observing this, small Gopala says, “Baba! Just see how Giriraja is eating everything!” Nanda and the cowherders happily gaze upon Giriraja in great amazement as Giriraja Baba concludes His bhoga and munches on some paan.

Then the Vrajavasis offer Giriraja Dharan lots of flower garlands and sandalwood paste. Local brahmanas offer Giriraja a huge ghee lamp held on a long pole. At the end, the gopas offer dandavats to Giriraja and ask Him, “O Giriraja Dharani! What is the best way to please You?”

Giriraja resoundingly replies, “I am most pleased by anyone who performs My parikrama!” So that’s exactly what Nanda Baba and all the gopas do. Leading the parikrama are the cows, then the brahmanas, the older gopas and gopis, the young gopis, Sri Krishna, His chums and lastly Nanda Maharaja and Yashoda Maiya. After Govardhana parikrama, Nanda Baba feed all the Vrajavasis brahmanas and give lavish charity of cows, gold, silver and cloth.

Nanda and his family then take prasadam and rest afterwards. The Playful Pair, Priya-Priyatama, slipped away for some confidential exchanges in a secluded Giriraja nikunja. Later, the Divine Couple return to the camp and meet again at midday at Radha Kunda for Their usual fun loving pastimes. (Gaur Govinda Gutika, adapted)

Radha-Govinda’s Giriraja Annakuta Utsava ki jai!

Giriraja Dharan ki jai!  Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Prabhupada’s Amazing Karttika Shiksha

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

Srila Prabhupada: “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-vasi yata jana, 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!

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Radha Damodara Lilas

Mahanidhi Swami

The Fall season in Vrindavana (October-November), 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 (Caitanya Caritamrita 2.20.201), wherein Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said:

äçvine padmanäbha, kärtike dämodara, rädhä dämodara anya vrajendra-kumara

“In the month of Äshvina, the predominating Deity is Padmanäbha, and in Kärttika it is Dämodara. This Dämodara [which the month is named after] is different from Rädhä Dämodara, 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.

Gaudiya Vaisnavas 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 Puräna, Uttara-khanda) Rädhäräni’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!

Damodara Yashoda-dulala ki jai! Joi Damodara Lal ki jai!

Karttika Vratotsava ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Prabhupada’s Karttika Vrata

Mahanidhi  Swami

The Karttika Vrata means, “Don’t eat, don’t sleep; just chant Hare Krishna 24/7!”

In 1972, Srila Prabhupada once observed Karttika month in Sri Vrindavana beginning on Ashwina Shukla Ekadasi, [Hari Bhakti Vilasa says start on Purnima also ok] and he advised his American disciples to do likewise. Before leaving America to go to India for Karttika, Srila Prabhupada said, “In Vrindavana, we shall have Urja vrata [means Karttika vrata] for one month. You also could observe Karttika vrata here [Los Angeles] from the next EKADASI for one month.” (721005DP.LA)

When Srila Prabhupada arrived in India, some disciples asked, “Srila Prabhupada, can you describe how to observe the Karttika vrata? Srila Prabhupada replied, “You should chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra twenty-four hours a day for one month. That’s all! Yes! And don’t sleep, don’t eat. This is Karttika vrata. Can you execute? (721018ND.VRN) Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

More Karttika posts coming soon. Karttika niyama-seva Vrata ki jai!

Srimati Radharani ki jai! Shyama-kunda Radha Kunda ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!