Tag Archive for: Mahanidhi Swami

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Karttika Super Benefits

Mahanidhi Swami

Karttika is a special month to collect lots of mercy and blessings from Bhagavan Sri Krishna. Before citing the super benefits of observing the Karttika Vrata, we will quote Srila Prabhupada’s translation of one verse of Satyavrata Muni’s “Damodarastakam” which is chanted daily in the Karttika month.

Srila Prabhupada said, “In this prayer, one passage says, ‘My dear Lord Dämodara, once when You were playing as a naughty boy in the house of Nanda Mahäräja, You broke the box containing yogurt. Because of that, mother Yaçodä considered You an offender and tied You with rope to the household grinding mortar. At that time, You delivered the two sons of Kuvera, Nalaküvara and Maëigréva, who were staying there as two arjuna trees in the yard of Nanda Mahäräja. My only request is that by Your merciful pastimes You may similarly deliver me.’” (Nectar Of Devotion cp. 4)

In His teachings to Srila Sanatana Goswamipada (Cc. 2.22), Gauranga Mahaprabhu explained the 64 limbs of devotion by which one can attain the most valuable treasure of love for Krishna (pai Krishna-prema-maha-dhana). At that time, Mahaprabhu said, “In all respects, one of the most important limbs is to observe special vows in the month of Karttika, (karttika adi vrata, parama-parama-mahattva).

Srila Rupa Goswami extols the Damodara (Karttika) month in his Mathura Mahatyam: “To they who worship Krishna in Vrindavana, Lord Krishna gives them their original spiritual forms. The perfect atonement to purify the sins of a lifetime is to worship Lord Damodara in Vrindavana during Karttika. The month of Karttika spent in Vrindavana takes one to the spiritual world.”

The Hari-bhakti-viläsa proclaims, “O learned brähmanas! Lord Dämodara becomes very pleased if during the month of Karttika with one worships a Deity of Radhika solely for Her pleasure.” (16.95)

In Jaiva Dharma, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura said, “Another name for Kärttika is Ürja. Devotees take special vows of renunciation and increase their devotional activities of hearing, chanting, remembering, circumambulation, etc., to celebrate the pastimes of Sri Krishna.”

In his Nectar of Devotion, Srila Prabhupada said, “One of the most important functions is called Ürja-vrata, observed in the month of Kärttika. The execution of devotional service during Ürja-vrata in the month of Kärttika is especially recommended to be performed at Mathurä. This system is still followed by many devotees. They go to Mathurä or Våndävana and stay there during the month of Kärttika.

“Even unserious persons who execute devotional service according to the regulative principles during the month of Kärttika within the jurisdiction of Mathurä in India are very easily awarded Sri Krishna’s personal service.”

Srila Prabhupada ki jai! Karttika Super Benefits ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Karttika Vrata & Srimati Radharani

Mahanidhi Swami

Why do Gaudiya Vaisnavas observe Karttika Vrata? Gaudiyas especially observe Karttika Vrata for the purpose of worshiping and pleasing Srimati Radharani. Because Radha is most famous as Karunamayi Radha, we very strictly follow all the rules and regulations of the Kartika Vrata, NIYAMA SEVA, so that Srimati showers us with Her divine compassion. The goal of this month, our lives and every moment is simply to gain a glance of mercy and favor from our beloved Swamini Radha. May Sri Radha, all Her merciful sakhis and manjaris, Sri Krishna, Nitai-Gauranga, and all the Gurus in our parampara bless us with gopi-bhava and Srimati Radhika’s eternal loving service in the groves of Sridhama Vrndavana.

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

In Stavamala, Sri Rupa Gosvamipada describes Sri Radha in one verse as Kartiki-devi Srimati Radharani. In Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, he describes Karttika Vrata as the Urja-vrata. Urja means power, strength and empowerment. And who is the source of this urja, power and spiritual strength? Urjeshvari Radha and only Radha. Kishori Radha is the Goddess or the Queen and one and only worshipable Deity of the month of Kartika.

Kartikidevi Srimati Radharani ki jai!  Urjeshvari Radhika ki jai!

All Vaisnavas, including Gaudiyas, observe many other vows, vratas, and fasting days to honor Bhagavan or His various expansions on days such as Janmastami, Ramnavami, Nrsimha Chaturdashi, Vamana Mahadvadasi etc. It is interesting to note that these shaktiman Purusha Bhagavan Vratas only extend for one day or half a day at most. But in case of the shakti, sarva-sakti-mayi powerhouse source, Radharani, the vrata extends for one month. It is not one day long or fasting till midnight like Janmastami or fasting half a day. It is one entire month called niyama seva month.

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

Niyama means doing extra and special sevas simply to please Radharani; more Nama-japa and kirtana, extra prayers, extra puja, extra reading, extra preaching, extra Hari, Guru, Vaisnava seva and more—all for happiness of Srimati Radharani. This is the goal of our sadhana. Our prayojana is Radharani’s pleasure! We observe Karttika Vrata only for the purpose of bringing more joy to Radhika. And if Swamini so desires, She will be compassionate to us, purify us, and make us eligible to attain Her eternal divine service in the groves of Vrindavana.

Other vratas like Harivasara Ekadasi and Bhagavan Janmotsavas are of course important, but for Gaudiya Vaisnavas, Kartika Vrata is by far the most powerful, extensive and necessary vow of austerities, penances, pujas and devotional practices. To repeat, our ishta-devi is Srimati Radharani and Karttika is THE MONTH TO SPECIFICALLY WORSHIP Srimati Radharani.

And there are so many benefits of the Kartika Vrata described in Hari Bhakti Vilasa which will be described in our upcoming articles. When the days get longer and longer, and your vrata seems to become more and more difficult, simply remember:

DO OR DIE, IT’S ALL FOR RAI!

(Rai is a sweet name for Radha)

Karttika Niyama Seva Vratosava ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!!!

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PLAN NOW— KARTTIKA !!!

Mahanidhi Swami

Hurry!  Karttika Vrata begins! The Karttika Vrata, the one month long vow performed especially to please Srimati Radharani, consists of “niyama-seva” or increased sevas and offerings in sadhana bhakti performed every day at particular times. Most sincere sadhakas are trying their best every day to serve Radha Govinda Yugala, so they really can’t do much more. But Karttika is a special time with special benefits available to devotees who need a boost to surrender more, do more and serve more.

Although many devotees observe Karttika Vrata from Ashvina Purnima to Karttika Purnima), the Radha-Damodara Mandira, all the Goswami temples in Vrindavana and Radha-kunda observe the Karttika Vrata “niyamaseva” month from Ashwina Sukla Ekadashi to Karttika Utthana Ekadashi (October 20—November 19)

We are reminding all the devotees to START NOW thinking about, planning and devising a reasonable and sustainable increased sadhana program for your Karttika Vrata. Remember the 5 P’s of sadhana success:

  1. Proper
  2. Planning
  3. Prevents
  4. Poor
  5. Performance

From Sri Radha-kunda Dhama within the Madana-sukhada Kunja, we sincerely pray that Radhika-Giridhari Shyama will fully bless all my devoted friends with the requisite enthusiasm, surrender and determination to complete their Karttika niyama-sevas vows. As always, every year we remind everyone of our Karttika motto, “DO OR DIE IT IS ALL FOR RAI!!!

Srimati Radharani ki jai! Radha-Damodara ki jai!

Sri Vraja Dhama ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Prabhupada’s Karttika Vrata

Mahanidhi Swami

In every possible way, our Srila Prabhupada was a strict disciple and follower of his beloved Gurudeva, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada. On two different occasions Srila Prabhupada’s Guru observed a Karttika Vrata in Vraja Mandala. “In October 1934, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada and many disciples stayed in Mathura strictly executing the Kartika Vrata. During this time, he spoke on the topics of Radha-Krishna’s asta-kaliya-lila in Vrindavana.” (Ray of Vishnu) In 1935, Sarasvati Prabhupada observed Karttika-vrata in Sri Radha-kunda.

Perfectly following the example of his Gurudeva, Srila Prabhupada came to Vrindavana to observe the Karttika Vrata in 1972. In August of 1972, Prabhupada wrote a letter to the T.P. of Krishna-Balarama Mandira: “My plan is to come to Vrindavana for the Karttika Vrata, and I want to sit down there in the Sri Sri Radha-Damodara temple until sometime near the end of November. I will lecture daily in the courtyard on Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, especially for the benefit of the devotees.”

Srila Prabhupada came to the Radha Damodara temple, the place of Sri Rupa Goswami and the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Damodara—the source of the nectar of devotion. The time was Karttika 1972 and the audience was filled with fledgling disciples eager for nourishment. So it was the natural choice, according to time, place and circumstance for Srila Prabhupada to deliver the “Nectar of Devotion”.

What follows are excerpts from my book Prabhupada at Radha-Damodara, wherein various devotees told me their memories of that astonishing time:

Ganga Mayi dasi: “Every morning the devotees who were staying at Keshi Ghat would assemble outside Prabhupada’s room in the Radha-Damodara courtyard. Thirty devotees would have these real far-out, rip-roaring kirtanas. The sannyasis Subala, Parivrajakacharya, Paramahamsa and Tushta Krishna used to jump up and down with their dandas whirling about. And they would leap into the air, pole vaulting with their dandas. Those kirtanas were pretty amazing, come to think about it. They were very ecstatic. I remember thinking to record one of those kirtanas. But it was so wild I couldn’t figure out where to put the tape recorder. They were leaping around the courtyard like anything in ecstasy.”

Gopala Ghosh: “Prabhupadaji would come out of his room with his stick, and his chaddar wrapped over his shoulder. Two devotees would accompany him, waving camara and peacock fans. First he would do pranams to Radha-Damodaraji, then Jiva Goswami, Rupa Goswami and then sit down to lecture. During his lectures, he often paused and asked Hari Charan Goswami, famous pandit who would attend, if he had any questions. Prabhupada invited him many times to come to New York or London and preach the glories of his Deity, Radha-Raman and the aims of Gopal Bhatta Goswami.”

Ganga Mayi: “Prabhupada spoke from a small asana facing north, between Rupa Goswami’s bhajana kutira and samadhi. It was a tight cluster of fifty disciples sitting in the courtyard, which was just dirt and clumps of grass. The public didn’t pay attention, they just walked around us. During the talks, the monkeys would be jumping about in the trees, dangling on loose wires, or occasionally bounding amongst the devotees.”

Next we have some very enlightening quotes from Prabhupada’s 1972 Karttika Nectar of Devotion lectures. Gurudeva’s classes focused on four main topics: Guru, devotees, Goloka and living in Vrindavana. By reading these entries one can appreciate the special flavor of Srila Prabhupada’s intimate preaching to his disciples within the sanctified setting of Seva Kunja, Vrindavana.

SPIRITUAL MASTER

Srila Prabhupada: “A spiritual master does not think of himself as Hari, although he is offered the respect of Hari. He thinks of himself as the humble servant of Hari and all others. He takes his own disciples as his spiritual masters, and thinks himself to be their servant. They have to be trained, and Krishna has appointed me to train them.”

HUMILITY

Srila Prabhupada: “We should always be ready to offer respects, not only to devotees but to everyone.”

DANCING IN GOLOKA

Srila Prabhupada: “Once we go to the spiritual world, we stay with Krishna, dance with Him and play with Krishna. Or we serve Krishna as a tree, a plant, water, cow, land, as cowherd boys, as father or mother, or as gopis. When we go to Krishna, we live forever with Krishna in either of these capacities. Let me live at Vrindavana in any of these capacities, it doesn’t matter, but live there.”

VRAJA VASA

Srila Prabhupada: We should be very much respectful toward Vrindavana Dhama. If we remain here in Vrindavana, we should know that we are living with Krishna. How much we should be cautious, how much we should be careful, if we actually understand what the dhama is. The Holy Dhama is also Krishna. If You actually live in Vrindavan carefully without committing any offense or sinful life, then in this life you are going to Krishna.”

CORRECT VISION

Srila Prabhupada: “Cupid is one of the agents of this illusory material energy. There may be thousands of beautiful girls before a devotee, but that does not disturb his mind. He sees that they are all energies of Krishna. They are gopis of Krishna. They are enjoyable by Krishna. I have to serve them, they are gopis, because I am a servant of the servant: gopi bhartuh pada kamalayor das anudas anudasa.

RADHARANI

Srila Prabhupada: “Just like in Vrindavana, they always speak of Radharani, because the Vrajavasis have taken shelter of Radharani to approach Krishna very easily. The facility of Vrindavana is that you take shelter of Radharani directly, and Radharani will help you to approach Krishna very soon. This is the idea of coming to Vrindavana.”

TRUE DEVOTE

Srila Prabhupada: “This is the sign of a devotee, appreciation. The devotee always appreciates the qualities of the other devotees. A devotee who is actually freed from all contaminations does not find any fault with other devotees. He does not think that he’s a bigger devotee or greater devotee than others. He thinks himself as the lowest of all.”

The Dancing Lions

All narrations and dramatic performances should end on a sweet note, madhureëa samäpayet.

Thus we are concluding this Karttika article with a very funny true story that happened in Vrindavana during Karttika 1972.

A great Vrajavasi Gaudiya Vaisnava named Shri Gopala Chandra Ghosh, who has now gone serve his beloved Gopala, personally told me the following anecdote revealed in a conversation Srila Prabhupada had with Vishvambhara Goswami during Karttika in 1972.

Visvambhara Goswami: “Prabhupada, are you doing a circus in Vrindavana?”

Srila Prabhupada: “Circus? I am not doing a circus.”

Visvambhara Goswami: “Yes you are. You have caught many lions, and you have thrown them in the Vrindavana market. Many lions are now dancing there.”

Srila Prabhupada: “Lions dancing…. Goswamiji, you are an advocate, a big, big scholar and a leading person of Vrindavana. And you are my friend. So why are you saying this?”

Visvambhara Goswami: “Swamiji, with my own eyes I have seen five of your disciples riding on rickshaws, snatching from the shopkeepers and eating. The shopkeepers asked me, ‘Goswamiji, will you please save us! These Englishmen are snatching our yogurt, and snatching our pera, our sweets and our fruits. And as they do it they just say, ‘Hari Bol and Hare Krishna!’ This is very bad. Will you please go tell Prabhupada.’”

Srila Prabhupada: “Who has done this work?”

A short time later, five errant disciples came into Prabhupada’s quarters to plead their case.

Disciples: “Prabhupada, Lord Krishna stole yogurt and butter, so why can’t we? We are also following Him?”

Srila Prabhupada: “Lord Krishna played flute and performed rasa lila. So you do maha-rasa lila? And Krishna lifted Govardhan Hill, so you will lift Govardhana Hill? And Krishna danced on a serpent, can you do? Therefore, first of all you obey our Vaisnava order: trnad api sunicena taror iva sahisnuna; be humble and always chant Hare Krishna. When you go out on the road and see the Vaisnavas, you say Hare Krishna and bow your head.

“And when you go to the market, you can simply beg the shopkeeper to give you a sample of his sweets and then you can purchase. And if you have no money, then ask a Vrajavasi and he will surely give you some yogurt, sweets or anything you want. But you have snatched, this is very shameful.”

Karttika Vratotsava ki jai! Joi Damodara Jeu! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

Srila Prabhupada ki jai!

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Srimati Radharani and Urja Vrata – October8, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

Every year throughout the world, thousands of sincere, love divine hankering devotees seriously observe the “Karttika or Urja Vrata”. The Puranas and Gaudiya Goswamis proclaim that Srimati Radharani is Karttiki-Devi, the Empress or Queen presiding over the yearly Karttika month (October-November) which is also called the Urja month.

The word urja means power, strength, energy or vigor. Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti says, “Urja means strength and life air.” (Ujjvala Nilamani 9.36/tika). “Urja is Sri Krishna’s internal potency for performing pastimes.” (Srimad Bhagavatam 10.39.53-55/tika)

It is very easy to see that all the meanings given above for the word URJA especially indicate Srimati Radharani who is the “one and only source and maintainer of Sri Krishna’s very power, strength, energy, internal hladini sakti pastime potency, vigor and life air, prana.”

Krishna Pranesvari Srimati Radharani ki jai!

Quoting the Puranas, Sri Rupa Goswamipada says that the one month long Karttika vow or vrata of austerity that Vaisnavas perform to please Sri Radhika is called the Urja Vrata because Radharani is Urjesvari-devi—the presiding Devata of the Karttika month. And it is Sri Radha who is gives all the wonderful benefits to Karttika month vratis. Urjesvari also means that Srimati Radharani ALONE is the Controlling Queen of the strongest (urja) internal potency of Bhagavan Sri Krishna —the POWER OF PURE SELFLESS LOVE!

Sri Radha Kunda Mahanta Acarya, Sri Ananta Dasji Maharaja extols the Karttika month:

“By calling Sri Radha the goddess of Karttika, Sri Rupa Goswamipada indicates Radha’s Absolute Supremacy over all the other devotees. Sri Rupa says: ‘O Radha, Devata of Karttika! I praise You and I pray to You with sweet, anxious words:

“’O Srimati Radhika! May Sri Krishna give me more mercy, knowing me to be Your maidservant! Krishna will serve You with His own hands, and I will assist Krishna. Then Krishna will shower me with His mercy, knowing me to be Yours Sri Radha!’” (Utkalika Vallari 20)

“In his books Sri Rupa Goswamipada repeatedly mentions Sri Sri Radharani’s Holy Names of Karttika Devi, Urja Devi and Urjesvari. Therefore, it is understood that those who observe the vow of Karttika will be blessed by attaining the lotus feet of Sri Vrndavanesvari. (Raga Vartma Candrika/tika I.14)

“The human form of life is very rare, short and uncertain. Similarly, the Karttika month also short and occurs rarely—once a year. If one offers even a little lamp [to Krishna] in Karttika, or even just relights another person’s extinguished lamp, Bhagavan Hari will be very pleased and bestow a good destination on that person.

“It is Srimati Radharani who bestows all these glories on the month of Karttika. Thus Radha is indeed the presiding goddess of this month, Urjesvari.” (Stavalli/tika)

In our next new post, we highlight a beautiful and simple vow to please Srimati Radharani during Karttika. For more information on Karttika, and specific details of observing the Karttika Vrata, please see our older posts which will again appear here.

Karttika Devi Urjesvari Sri Radha ki jai! Urja Vrata ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Karttika Vrata: A Great Way to Please Srimati Radharani – October 8, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

Before introducing a most wonderful and simple Karttika vrata, we will highlight the ultimate vow of austerities to please Sri Sri Radha Govindadeva.

In 1972, during his Karttika vrata in Vrndavana, one devotee asked, “Srila Prabhupada, this is the beginning of Urja-vrata. Can you describe what that is and how it should be observed?”

Srila Prabhupada: “Urja-vrata means—you chant the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra twenty-four hours a day for one month. That’s all. And don’t sleep and don’t eat. This is Urja-vrata. Can you execute it?” (Vrndavana Days (1972/Hayagriva Dasa)

Indeed, Srila Prabhupada prescribed the ultimate Karttika vrata for those rare, austere few who have acquired such a refined taste for Sri Harinama, which comes, according to the Puranas, after hundreds of births of chanting Hare Krishna! The majority of devotees, however, will opt for a more feasible vrata which suits their status.

And since Karunamayi Srimati Radharani is in charge of dispensing the results and benefits of all Karttika vratas, one can certainly expect to receive lots of mercy and spiritual strength from any pure hearted simple vrata regularly performed to please our beloved Swamini Sri Radha during the most beautiful and auspicious month of Karttika.

As the perfect transcendental exemplars of the topmost form of immaculately pure and self-less love, Sri Sri Radha-Govindaji derive the greatest happiness by praising, serving and satisfying each other. This truth is seen in all the writings of the Gaudiya Vaisnava rasika mahajanas i.e. Sri Rupa Goswamipada, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura and Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti.

Our Gaudiya Vaisnava acaryas have written many amazing prayers in praise of Sri Krishna, Sri Radha, Radha-Govinda Yugala, Radha/Syama Kunda, Govardhana, Vrndavana, Yamunaji and more. Reciting their perfect prayers greatly pleases the Divine Couple.

And it simultaneously purifies, enlightens, enriches, satisfies and delights the heart of the reciter. As a great way to please Srimati Radharani during Karttika, you can daily recite the following astonishing prayer written by Radha-kunda nivasi, Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami.

Sri Sri Govardhana Vasa Prarthana Dasakam
Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami

***This prayer is in “mallini meter”. The / mark in each line indicates the break between chanting the first half of the line and the second.

  1. nija-pati-bhuja-daṇḍac/-chatra-bhāvaṁ prapadya
    pratihata-mada-dhṛṣṭod/ daṇḍa-devendra-garva
    atula-pṛthula-śaila-/ śreṇi-bhūpa priyaṁ me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ /dehi govardhana tvam
  2. pramada-madana-līlāḥ / kandare kandare te
    racayati nava-yūnor / dvandvam asminn amandam
    iti kila kalanārthaṁ / lagnakas tad-dvayor me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam
  3. anupama-maṇi-vedī/-ratna-siṁhās anorvī-
    ruha-jhara-dara-sānu/-droṇi-saṅgheṣu raṅgaiḥ
    saha bala-sakhibhiḥ-saṅ/ khelayan sva-priyaṁ me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam
  4. rasa-nidhi-nava-yūnoḥ /sākṣiṇīṁ dāna-keler
    dyuti-parimala-viddhāṁ/ śyāma-vedīṁ prakāśya
    rasika-vara-kulānāṁ / modam āsphālayan me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam
  5. hari-dayitam apūrvaṁ / rādhikā-kuṇdam ātma-
    priya-sakham iha kaṇṭhe / narmaṇ āliṅgya guptah
    nava-yuva-yuga-khelās/ tatra paśyan raho me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ/ dehi govardhana tvam
  6. sthala-jala-tala-śaṣpair/ bhūru hac-chāyayā ca
    pratipadam anukālaṁ / hanta samvardhayan gāh
    tri-jagati nija-gotraṁ /sārthakaṁ khyā payan me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam
  7. sura-pati-kṛta-dīrgha/-drohato goṣṭha-rakṣāṁ
    tava nava-gṛha-rūpas/ yāntare kurva taiva
    agha-baka-ripuṇoccair/ datta-māna drutaṁ me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam
  8. giri-nṛpa hari-dāsa-/ śreṇi-varyeti-nāmā-
    mṛtam idam uditaṁ / śrī-rādhikā-vaktra-candrāt
    vraja-nava-tilakatve/ kḷpta-vedaiḥ sphuṭaṁ me
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam
  9. nija-jana-yuta-rādhā/-kṛṣṇa-maitrī-rasākta
    vraja-nara-paśu-pakṣi-/ vrāta-saukh yaika-dātaḥ
    agaṇita-karuṇatvān / madhuri –kṛtya- tāntaṁ
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ/ dehi govardhana tvam
  10. nirupadhi-karuṇena / śrī-śacī nandanena
    tvayi kapaṭi- śaṭho ’pi / tvat-priyeṇ ārpito ’smi
    iti khalu mama yogyā/ yogyatāṁ tām agṛhṇan
    nija-nikaṭa-nivāsaṁ / dehi govardhana tvam

SRUTI PHALA

rasada-daśakam- asya/ śrīla-govardhanasya
kṣitidhara-kula-bhartur / yaḥ prayatnād adhīte
sa sapadi sukhade ’smin/ vāsam āsādya sākṣāc
chubada-yugala-sevā-/ ratnam āpnoti tūrṇam

TRANSLATION

Sri Sri Govardhana Vasa Prarthana Dasakam
Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami

  1. O Govardhana Hill! Held by the staff-like arm of your personal Master, You became an umbrella to destroy the pride of Devendra, the intoxicated, bold and arrogant one. Thus, O Govardhana, You are the incomparable King of mountains. And You are so dear to me, so please give me residence near You!
  2. O Govardhana! Please grant me residence near You, so I can get a chance to see the youthful Divine Couple, Radha-Govinda, as They enthusiastically enjoy maddening amorous pastimes in Your many caves.
  3. O Govardhana! In great delight, Krishna, Balarama and the cowherd boys play many games in Your plentiful valleys, caves, waterfalls, the hollows of Your trees, on the peaks of Your hills, and Your incomparable bejeweled thrones. O Govardhana! You are so dear to me, so please give me residence near You!
  4. O Govardhana! By manifesting as the splendorous and fragrant blue stone platforms at Dana Ghati, You witness the tax lila of Radha-Krishna—the youthful Divine Couple and the ocean of rasa. Thus You increase the ecstasy of all rasika Vaisnavas! O Govardhana! Please give me residence near You!
  5. O Govardhana! You affectionately and secretly embrace the neck of Your dearest friend, the unprecedented Radhika kunda, the beloved of Hari. O Govardhana! Please give me residence near You, so I can see the confidential pastimes of the youthful Divine Couple!
  6. O Govardhana! The full meaning of Your name, “sustainer of the cows” is established by Your many shady trees and pasture lands full of succulent grass. Alas! At every moment and with their every step the cows are being fully nourished by You. Thus You are famous throughout the three worlds. O Govardhana! Please give me residence near You!
  7. O Govardhana! Agha/Bakaripu honored You immensely by engaging You as a new home for the Gosthavasis to protect them from the sustained anger of Surapati Indra. Please give me residence near You!
  8. O Girinrpa! Because the nectar of your name as “Haridasa varya” arose from the moonlike mouth of Sri Radhika, and was recorded in the Srimad Bhagavatam (10.21.18), You are famous in the Vedas as the nava tilaka of Vraja. O Govardhana! Please give me residence near You!
  9. O Govardhana! You are a dear friend of Radha-Krishna and Their families. And You give special happiness to all the Vrajavasis, and the hosts of animals and birds attached to You. Out of Your immeasurable mercy and sweetness, O Govardhana, please accept this tired and unhappy one and give him residence near you.
  10. O Govardhana! Although I am certainly vile and deceitful, Your dearmost, endlessly merciful Sri Sacinandana has offered You to me. Without considering whether I am qualified or not, O Govardhana, please give me residence near You!

Final Blessing Verse (phala-sruti)

By carefully reciting these ten rasa-bestowing verses praising Sri Govardhanaji, the beautiful ruling Master of all mountains, one will quickly obtain a blissful residence here, and the most auspicious jewel of Radha-Govinda Yugala’s direct blissful seva.” (translation: Mahanidhi Madan Gopal das)

Sri Girirja dharana teri sarana ki jai! Giriraja Baba ki jai ho!
Sri Raghunatha Dasa Goswami ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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KARTTIKA VRATA—SIX INCONCEIVABLE BENEFITS October10, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

To confirm the connection between Radharani, the Karttika vrata and the uniqueness of this month, Sri Rupa Goswamipada says Radha is Karttika-devi, Urjadevi, Urjesvari, and the Kartika-devata.

KARTTIKA VRATA—SIX INCONCEIVABLE BENEFITS

  1. The benefits of other vows last for only one life, but the benefits from a Karttika vow last for a 100 lives, vratasyoktam phalam janma satanugam (Skanda Purana: Hari Bhakti Vilasa 16.45)
  2. In Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu, Sri Rupa Goswamipada cites the Padma Purana to prove the special effect of observing Karttika in Vraja-dhama:

“Sri Krishna gives sense enjoyment or liberation, but never bhakti to those worshiping Him outside of Vraja Dhama, bhuktim-muktim-harir-dadyad-arcito-anyatra-sevinam. However, one will quickly obtain Hari bhakti by worshiping Damodara in Mathura/Vrndavana during Karttika—harer-bhaktir-labhyate- kartike-naraih-mathurman-sakrd-api-damodara-pujanat.”

Sri Jiva Goswamipada comments: “By the power of just once worshiping Sri Krishna in Mathura/Vrndavana during Karttika, even an UNQUALIFIED person will OBTAIN BHAVA, love for Krishna—mathura-karttikayoh-sangame-pujanam-ghatate-tada-yogyata-virahiten-api-vastu-prabhavat-prapyate- eveti-bhava.”

  1. The Skanda Purana says, “The Karttika vrata is always dear to Sri Kesavaji, sarvada-kesava-priyah. If during Karttika one performs even a few pious deeds for the pleasure of Vishnu/Krishna, one will derive indestructible benefits, kincit-kriyate-punyam-visnum-uddisya-karttike, tad-aksayam-bhavet-sarvam-satyoktam-tava-narada.”
  2. Once Sri Rupa-manjari said, “O Krishna! You delight the world with Your flute by singing the glories Kartika-devi Radha, the topmost form of pure love, prema mūrti-vara kārtika devī, kīrti gāna mukharī-kṛta vaṁśam.” (Uttkalika Vallari 11)
  3. The Padma Purana (Karttika-mahatmya) says, “Of the twelve yearly months, Kartika is the most beloved of Krishna—dvādaśāsv- api -māseṣu / kārtikaḥ -kṛṣṇa-vallabhaḥ.”

“If one performs even a little Vishnu/Krishna puja during Kartika, one will definitely attain Vaikuntha—sampūjito- viṣṇur -alpa- dadāti / vaiṣṇavaṁ -lokam -niścitaṁ.”

“Bhagavan Sri Hari, the Master controller, will be pleased if one offers a ghee lamp, or even just relights another person’s extinguished lamp, and He will give one a good destination—dīpenāpi -hi –yatrāsau / prīyate -harir –īśvaraḥ / sugatiṁ- ca –dadāty- eva / para- dīpa –prabodhanāt.”

  1. Five Liberation Vows

In Hari Bhakti Vilasa (17), Sri Sanatana Goswami quotes the Padma Purana (Uttara-khanda chapter 115), wherein Bhagavan Sri Krishna says:

“If one performs these FIVE VOWS for the entire month of Karttika, one will attain liberation (mukti) to the spiritual realm:

  1. Stay awake both Karttika Ekadasi nights (Hari-jāgaraṇam).
  2. Daily sunrise bath (just before sunrise is best).
  3. Caring for a Tulasi plant. (Daily watering, bathing, puja, plucking leaves and manjaris, praising, respecting and circling).
  4. Finishing a charitable work previously started i.e. building a temple, digging a well.
  5. Daily offering ghee lamps (dīpas).”

Radharani Month Karttika Vrata ki jai! Kartika-devi Sri Radha ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Spend Karttika in Radha Kunda – October 20 – November 19, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

In Karttika month, Maa Yashoda bound her Lala Damodara, Dhruva had darshana of his ishta-deva, Lord Vishnu, and King Amburisha humbled the powerful Rishi Durvasa. In Mathura Mahatmya, Srila Rupa Goswamipada highlights the glories of living in Vraja Mandala during Karttika: “It gives immense pleasure to Bhagavan Sri Krishna, and Krishna awards one residence in the spiritual world. Although Karttika comes every year, foolish people (nara-mudha) do not take advantage of this.” (verses 172-180)

Please do not take the last phrase personally. Srila Rupa Goswamipada, like Sri Krishna in Gita motivating Arjuna in different ways, is trying to encourage us to observe Karttika Vrata in Vraja [especially Radha Kunda]. Let’s just say the phrase means, “Stop fooling around, get serious about bhakti, and arrange to spend Karttika this year in Radha Kunda to get the full mercy of Karunamayi Sri Radha.”

To facilitate the devotees wanting to do this, I have collected the names and the up-to-date contact numbers of guesthouses in Radha Kunda. You must call first, and then come here to personally see the rooms before booking. As there are lots of varieties of accommodations, you must see yourself. If a guest house is not in Radha Kunda, it will be marked (N), meaning near, 1-3 km. from the village.

  1. Manipur Gopala Mandira 9897430910
  2. Sri Nathji Ashram 8755116769
  3. Gajendra Goswami 9897412716; 9456684004
  4. Sriji 9411442020; 9634215583
  5. Lakshman Brijwasi 9897509067
  6. Raghu Lila (N) 7417103234
  7. Yugala Bhajana Kutir (N) 8791314610
  8. Radharani G.H. 9997874528
  9. Smt. Susma Parashar (N) Noida G.H. 9897500365
  10. Giridhari G.M. (N) 9760628646; 0565-281-5668
  11. Radha Kunja G.M. (N) 9454875061
  12. Rupanuga Bhajana Ashram 9412777437
  13. Nataraja Manipur Mandir 9897534796
  14. Nitai G.M. (B.R. Sadhu) [behind Mahanidhi S. Ashram] 8755570735

KARTTIKA 2018 CLASSES: Radha Kunda, Mahanidhi Swami Ashram
October 20 – November 23, 2018

3 pm – 5 pm  Rasa Lila Katha
5 pm – Radha Kunda Parikrama with Sri Harinam Sankirtana

Radha-Damodara ki jai! Karttika Vratosava ki jai!

Shyama Kunda Radha Kunda ki jai!

Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Krishna Bhakti Includes Eating, Sleeping, Working & More – October 6, 2018

Mahanidhi Swami

In Sri Gita, Sri Krishna describes devotees who are not yet niskincana pure devotees fully engaged in hearing and chanting about Sri Krishna. They are one class of bhaktas who can also please Sri Krishna by practicing bhakti in another form by offering to Sri Krishna WHATEVER they do, eat etc.

Sri Krishna says, “Just offer to Me WHATEVER you do, eat, sacrifice, give away, or WHATEVER penance you perform.”

yat –karoṣi- yad- aśnāsi- yaj -juhoṣi –dadāsi, yat
yat-tapasyasi -kaunteya -tat -kuruṣva mad-arpaṇam
(Bhagavad Gita 9.27)

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana comments: “In essence Sri Krishna is saying: ‘WHATEVER material activities you do to live and support your family; WHATEVER food you eat to live; WHATEVER money, food or other items you give to qualified persons, and WHATEVER Vedic sacrifices and vratas you perform to counteract sins; do them all as an offering to please Me and to instruct others and I will bless you fully!’

“The actions of this devotee class [the parinisthita bhakta] are offered to Sri Krishna without any personal motivation then to please Sri Krishna. Mind you however, that this type of action is not considered uttama bhakti, the topmost, transcendental form of pure bhakti.”

Sridhara Swami comments: “Ananya bhakti means that one’s actions are first offered to Bhagavan rather than acting first and offering afterwards. Thus, the verse above (Bhagavad Gita 9.27) is not included in kevala bhakti, since the acts are first performed and then offered.

While immersed in bhakti samadhi, Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti experienced the following sweet dialogue between Bhagavan Sri Krishna and Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita verse 9.27:

Arjuna says, “O Prabhu! Among the four types of bhakti You have previously described beginning with the devotion of the miserable, the wealth seeker, the curious and the wise one (Bhagavad Gita 7.16)—which bhakti should I perform?”

Sri Krishna replies (Bhagavad Gita 9.27):

“O Arjuna, because in your present state you cannot reject karma, jnana and other processes; and you are not qualified for kevala bhakti, the supreme bhakti; and nor should you descend to the inferior type of sakama-bhakti (selfish motivated devotion), you should perform bhakti combined with action and knowledge, (karma-jnana-misra- pradhānī- bhūtā -bhakti) which still qualifies as niṣkāma, non-selfish devotion but it does not culminate in kevala bhakti.

“Whatever you do be it following Vedic rules or performing worldly action; whatever you eat or drink in ordinary life; and whatever austerities you perform, do it as an offering to Me. My pure devotees however offer Me all the actions of their mind, pranas and senses.”

Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti comments:

The Srimad Bhagavatam says, “The method of bhakti is in accordance with one’s individual svabhava (particular nature acquired in conditioned life). Whatever one does with his/her words, mind, senses, intelligence or purified consciousness should be offered to the Me while thinking, ‘This is for the pleasure of Bhagavan Sri Narayana.’” (Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.36)

kāyena- vācā -manasendriyair -vā,// buddh-yātmanā- vānusṛta-svabhāvāt
karoti- yad -yat –sakalaṁ- parasmai, // nārāyaṇ-āyeti- sam-arpayet -tam

“This verse means that just as a materialist wakes up and performs actions such as urinating, evacuating, washing mouth, brushing teeth, bathing, seeing, hearing and speaking for material happiness and performs rituals for worship of devatas and ancestors, a Krishna bhakta also does all these activities as seva to Sri Krishna. Thus these acts are also limbs of bhakti.”

Now back to the Gita dialogue:

Arjuna: “O Krishnaji! When You say I should offer as sacrifice, that sacrifice is related to arcana which is a limb of bhakti aiming at Vishnu’s pleasure. And when You prescribe austerities, it means vows like fasting on Ekādaśī. These are all ananya bhakti. So how can You say that it is not?”

Sri Krishna: “True, but ananya bhakti does not mean that you first perform an action and then offer it to Bhagavan. Rather in ananya bhakti first you offer the action to Bhagavan and then you perform it as described by Prahlada in Srimad Bhagavatam (7.5.24).”

Thus ends the dialogue and comments on Bhagavad Gita. (9.27)

In Sandarbhas, Sri Jiva Goswamipada describes four types of bhakti: transcendental, sāttvika, rājasik and tāmasik wherein the same activities are performed. For example, all four devotees do puja but one does it for Krishna’s pleasure (transcendental devotee), one for purification (sattvika devotee), one for fame, followers and money (rajasik devotee), and one does bhakti just to destroy somebody (tamasik devotee). It is the intention, purpose and attitude that counts and determines the type of bhakti.

For further elaboration on bhakti in different the modes of nature, please read Kapila Muni Siksa in Srimad Bhagavatam (3.29.7-12) and Bhagavad Gita (9.22)

Thus we can see that eating, sleeping, working, sacrifice and vratas are all limbs of bhakti. And most amazingly, the all-inclusive mercy of Krishna bhakti also includes basic bodily functions.

The ancient sastra Vishnu Rahasya says, “The mind is kept in a healthy state by the proper excretion of urine and stool. Thus the anus and urinary organ, which are karma-indriya, working senses, are also engaged in Krishna’s seva.”

utsargān mala-mūtrādeś,// citta-svāsthyaṁ yato bhavet
ataḥ pāyur upasthaś ca,// tad-ārādhana-sādhanam

Dr. Satyanarayan Dasa Ji Maharaja comments, “If I don’t pass stool I will suffer and that will hamper my devotional service. The genitals can be used to make Vaiṣṇava children. Krishna says in Bhagavad Gita (7.11), ‘I am desire in those who do not contradict virtue, dharm āviruddha bhūteṣu kāmo smi.’”

Indeed, everyone can now appreciate how liberal, kind and merciful Krishna bhakti is in that it includes practically everything a devotee does consciously and unconsciously throughout the day and night.

Thus single, married, fully or semi-engaged bhaktas can all be inspired and encouraged that they are progressing steadily and positively toward the sweet lotus feet of Radha-Govinda Yugala and Their blissful, eternal service in madhurya Goloka Vrndavana.

(Sastra courtesy Madan Gopal Blog of Sri Advaita dasji)

Sri Krishna bhakti bhajana ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!

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Prabhupada Famous Quotes

Mahanidhi Madan Gopal Das

For forty years we repeatedly heard the following popular sayings. We were told that Srila Prabhupada personally spoke or wrote these sayings in his books. Being curious we recently searched the BBT Folio complete collection of all of Srila Prabhupada’s actual “AS IT IS” original words and writings.

The truths revealed by our research are most surprising and eye-opening. We herein share these truths with you for your reflection and consideration.

In one handbooks and references publication on the BBT Folio titled “Leadership Excellence Newletters” we found the following title and list:

Srila Prabhupada’s Principles

  1. “Work now samadhi later.”
  2. “Preaching is the essence; books are the basis; utility is the principle; purity is the force.”
  3. “Do the needful.”
  4. “First deserve than desire.”

RESEARCH CONCLUSION

Although very popular in some places, the following sayings were

NEVER EVER SPOKEN OR WRITTEN EVEN ONCE by Srila Prabhupada:

  1. “Work now samadhi later.”

This phrase is found only 20 times in the entire BBT Folio archive collection. And most surprisingly, it is only mentioned by devotees in their personal publications or Vyasa-puja offerings to Srila Prabhupada. Here’s a sample of devotee quotes:

— ”He [Srila Prabhupada] had always urged us on, saying, “work now, samadhi later.”

— “Srila Prabhupada coined the phrase, ‘work now, samadhi later.’”

— “Srila Prabhupada, you always stressed “work now, samadhi later.’”

— “By teaching us ‘work now, samadhi later’ you [Srila Prabhupada].”

— “Srila Prabhupada instructed us, ‘Work now, samadhi later.’”

— “You [Srila Prabhupada] said, ‘Work now, samadhi later.’”

TRUTH NUMBER ONE:

SRILA PRABHUPADA HIMSELF NEVER PERSONALLY WROTE OR SPOKE THIS popular saying, “Work now, samadhi later”, which has so deeply molded the minds, and influenced the entire lives of legions of sincere bhaktas! Indeed, this is most amazing.

  1. “Books are the basis, preaching is the essence, utility is the principle and purity is the force.”

According to the BBT Folio, this popular saying originates with an unnamed person called “Devotee” who said: “Prabhupada, this is a Chinese character scroll. It says, “Books are the basis, preaching is the essence, utility is the principle and purity is the force.” It was translated poorly by myself, and the characters were written by… (BBT Folio 770225ED.MAY)

Although the saying does contain some valuable and relevant truths, the fact is that it was NEVER EVER SPOKEN OR WRITTEN BY SRILA PRABHUPADA. What Srila Prabhupada did write but never spoke on this subject is this:

** “Practically, books are the basis of our Movement.” (Letters 72-01-20 Mandali Bhadra; 76-01-09 Tusta Krishna)

Only the following two of the four popular sayings listed above in the Folio collection were actually used by Srila Prabhupada.

  1. “Do the needful.”

The BBT Folio contains 813 entries of this saying (470: Srila Prabhupada; 343: devotees).

This popular saying which was actually used hundreds of times by Srila Prabhupada is a very clear and practical universal principle followed by most everyone in the world.

  1. “First deserve, then desire.”

For many different purposes, this phrase is being used and has been said thousands of times by various devotees. However, during his entire preaching campaign, Srila Prabhupada spoke it only 8 times! And he used it only in very specific circumstances. It is not meant to be a universal axiom to guide everyone’s spiritual lives.

Conclusion

The conclusion of our BBT Folio Archival collection of all of Srila Prabhupada’s actual words and writings is that Srila Prabhupada NEVER even once spoke or wrote two of the four popular sayings.

Of the balance, Srila Prabhupada hundreds of times used “Do the needful”. As for the saying “First deserve, then desire”, Srila Prabhupada used it a mere 8 times, which clearly indicates that it is not very significant. And nor is it a universal principle to be used in the many ways it is used today.

We hope these truths will bring you the comfort, confidence and hope that the light of knowledge brings to sincere seekers of “reality distinguished from illusion” (Srimad Bhagavatam 1.1.2). As one poet rightly said, “May the truth set you free!”

Srila Prabhupada said ki jai! Jai Jai Sri Radhe!