All Posts (4030)

Sort by

Gopastami

On this day lord Sri Krishna became a qualified cowherd. Before this day, he was a keeper of the calves.

The Killing of Dhenukasura:

"Thus Sri Krishna, along with His elder brother Balarama, passed the childhood age known as kaumara and stepped into the age of pauganda, from the sixth year up to the tenth. At that time, all the cowherd men conferred and agreed to give those boys who had passed their fifth year charge of the cows in the pasturing ground. Given charge of the cows, Krishna and Balarama traversed Vrindavana, purifying the land with Their lotus footprints."

It is stated in the Kārttika-māhātmya section of the Padma Purāṇa:

śuklāṣṭamī kārttike tu
smṛtā gopāṣṭamī budhaiḥ
tad-dinād vāsudevo 'bhūd
gopaḥ pūrvaṁ tu vatsapaḥ

"The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kārttika is known by authorities as Gopāṣṭamī. From that day, Lord Vāsudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves."
The word padaiḥ indicates that Lord Kṛṣṇa blessed the earth by w

Read more…
Views: 12
Comments: 0

Gadadhara Dasa Goswamihttp://gaudiyahistory.iskcondesiretree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Gadadhara-Dasa-Goswami-276x300.jpg 276x" sizes="(max-width: 418px) 100vw, 418px" />

...Krishna Dasa Kaviraja describe Lord Chaitanya as radha-bahva-dyuti suvalita, "characterized by the emotions and bodily luster of Shrimati Radharani." Gadadhara Dasa is this dyuti, luster. Gadadhara Dasa is sometimes called "the personification of Sri Radhika's divine effulgence." (In the image: Shrimati Radharani).

    Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has basically two groups of associated. One group such as the dvadasa gopalas (Abhirama Gopalas, Gauridasa Pandit, Dhananjaya and others) serve Sri Nityananda Prabhu in the mood of sakhya rasa (Friendship). The second group always stay merged in the mellow of madhurya rasa (conjugal love).

   Sri Gadadhara Goswami is a united form of Chandrakanti gopi (an expansion of Radharani's effulgence) and Purnanada (an expansion of Lord Balarama's dear girlfriend). Thus, Gadadhara Dasa was an associate of

Read more…
Views: 11
Comments: 0

Srila Dhananjaya Pandit Disappearance

Dhananjaya-Pandit-2.jpg
Sri Chaitanya Bhagavata describe Dhananjaya Pandit as vilaksana mahanta, "having all the characteristics of a great personality." He took part in Lord Gaurachandra's Navadwipa kirtana pastimes before moving to Vrindavana on Mahaprabhu's order.
   
   Carrying only a kamandalu–but remaining absorbed in love of Sri Krishna and Sri Chaitanya–he traveled widely and preached. He established Deities of Gaura-Nitai, Sri Gopinatha, and Damodara. In Vraja lila he is Vasudama, one of Lord Balarama's dvadasa gopalas. His samadhi is in the 64 Samadhis Area.
Read more…
Views: 18
Comments: 0

Srila Shrinivasa Acharya Disappearance

Shrinivasa Acharyahttp://gaudiyahistory.iskcondesiretree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Shrinivasa-Acharya1-234x300.jpg 234x" sizes="(max-width: 359px) 100vw, 359px" />

Seeing his absorption in Gauranga prema, they knew he was "an embodiment of Gaura-shakti, the energy of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu." (In the image: Shrinivasa Acharya

   After witnessing Lord Gauranga's sannyasa ceremony at Katva, Chaitanya Dasa and his pregnant wife visited Lord Chaitanya in Jagannatha Puri. "Soon your wife will give birth to a son named 'Shrinivasa' said Lord Chaitanya, "and through Shrinivasa all the bhakti shastras of Rupa and Sanatana will be distributed."

   When his father left this world Shrinivasa visited the remaining associates of Lord Gauranga in Katva, Navadwipa, Jagannatha Puri. They blessed Shrinivasa and gave him valuable instructions for spiritual advancement. Seeing his absorption in Gauranga prema, they knew he was "an embodiment of Gaura-shakti, the energy of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu."

   He came to Vrindav

Read more…
Views: 16
Comments: 0

Ultimate Questions, Ultimate Answers

Radha-Rhoda  ~  The History of The Goddess

This article is a continuation of my page Who Is Sri Radha and is based on the research of Bhakti Ananda Goswami. You can read his other articles on the History of Religion here. This illustrated guide to the history of the ‘World Goddess’ explores the many different Names and Forms of Sri Radha (known as Goddess Rhoda in the ancient Mediterranean). Both in the East and the West, She was worshipped as the Divine Youthful Maiden, and as Her Primary Expansions as the Mother Goddess, and the Priestess of Compassion.

first-cities-neareast

Since the beginning of written history, the Sacred Love Tradition (or Bridal Mysticism) of Radha and Krishna was at the center of the Great Civilizations of the Mediterranean and Fertile Crescent. From Sumer to Egypt to the Greek Islands, the Godhead was worshipped as a the Divine Couple Rhoda and Kouros. This Heliopolitan Religion called the Eternal Youthful God and G

Read more…
Views: 42
Comments: 0
Srila Prabhupadahttp://gaudiyahistory.iskcondesiretree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Srila-Prabhupada.jpg 700w" sizes="(max-width: 212px) 100vw, 212px" />

AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada - Founder Acharya of ISKCON (International Society for Krishna Consciousness).

    His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appeared in a family of pure Gaudiya Vaisnavas in 1896 in Calcutta. From early childhood he showed signs of pure devotion to Lord Sri Krishna. At the tender age of five, he single-handedly organized a neighborhood Ratha-yatra festival to glorify Lord Jagannatha. He authentically decorated a small cart to resemble the Lord's colossal chariot in Puri. Besides leading the kirtana party, he organized cooking and prasadam distribution. With his enthusiasm and ecstatic love for Lord Krishna he engaged the community in chanting:

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare. 

   Unlike other children his age who would waste their time playing, Sri

Read more…
Views: 15
Comments: 0

Srila Vasudeva Ghosh - Disappearance

9468772890?profile=original

 

The three brothers, Sri Vasudeva Ghosa, Sri Madhava Ghosa and Sri Govinda Ghosa were very expert singers. Sri Nityananda Prabhu Himself would dance as they sang. [C.B. Antya 5.259]

According to some, their maternal uncle's house was in the village of Buron (or Burangi) in Sylhet (Srihatta). Their father later took up residence at Kumarahatta. After residing there for some time, the three brothers came to live at Navad­vipa.

They were born in the family of uttara-radhiya Kayasthas, and were very intimate associates of Sri Sri Nitai-Gauranga. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur states that they are immediate expansions of Srimati Radhika's body.

All three of them composed very sweet songs describing the lilas of Sri Gaurasundar and Sri Krsna. They have particularly described the childhood pastimes of Gaura Hari, His sankirtana pastimes and acceptance of sannyasa, as well as descriptions of the beauty of Sri Nityananda prabhu.

According to Gaur-ganoddesa-dipika, Sri Govinda, Sri Madhava a
Read more…
Views: 13
Comments: 0

Govardhan-Puja(Go-Puja)



Worshiping Govardhana Hill
KRSNA BOOK CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

While engaged with the brahmanas who were too much involved in the performance of Vedic sacrifices, Krishna and Balarama also saw that the cowherd men were preparing a similar sacrifice in order to pacify Indra, the King of heaven, who is responsible for supplying water. As stated in the Caitanya-caritamrita, a devotee of Krishna has strong and firm faith in the understanding that if he is simply engaged in Krishna consciousness and Krishna’s transcendental loving service, then he is freed from all other obligations. A pure devotee of Lord Krishna doesn’t have to perform any of the ritualistic functions enjoined in the Vedas; nor is he required to worship any demigods. Being a devotee of Lord Krishna, one is understood to have performed all kinds of Vedic rituals and all kinds of worship to the demigods. One does not develop devotional service for Krishna by performing the Ved

Read more…
Views: 9
Comments: 0

Bali Daityaraja Puja


When Lord Vamandev was pleased with Bali maharaj and appeared in Vishnu-rupa, Bali asked a boon that Lord Vishnu would be on every door at Patalaloka because in Nether regions Bali wants his society Lord Vishnu agrees and goes to become a Dwarpalaka of Bali. Narad tells Laxmi where Lord Vishnu is. Laxmi plays trick on Bali - she goes to Bali as a poor woman seeking help - with her she takes raksha bandan. She says to Bali that she doesn't have a brother - and would dearly like one. When the raksha bandan is tied the brother has to offer her something. Bali asked Laxmi what he can give her, Laxmi replied that you have my everything in your service - please release Lord Vishnu.

As Yama's sister is Yamuna and she fed Yama to his satifaction he said that from now on any brother who visits thesister on Bhaidhuj day will escape the hand of Yamaraj - the sister prays for her brother.

Brother goes to sister's house – the very best of foods are cooked, and then the sister feeds brother.

There is a

Read more…
Views: 14
Comments: 0

Srila Rasikananda Prabhu Appearance

Rasikananda Prabhuhttp://gaudiyahistory.iskcondesiretree.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Rasikananda-Prabhu-300x151.jpg 300x" sizes="(max-width: 690px) 100vw, 690px" />

One time some mad elephants attacked Rasikananda. Calmly, he chanted "Gauranga, Gauranga, Krishna, Krishna" while sprinkling water on the rampaging beasts. The elephants immeditately stopped charging, humbly bowed their heads, raised their trunks, and bellowed "Hare Krishna! Hare Krishna!" (In the wallpaper: Rasikananda Prabhu, and some elephants).

   Shri Rasikananda Prabhu (Rasika Murari) appeared as the son of a king. He became a perfect sage, Gaudiya Vaishnava scholar, rasika bhakta, and the most beloved disciple of Shri Shyamananda Prabhu.
 
   On Shyamananda Prabhu's order, Rasikananda became the head pujari and served his guru's Deity of Govindaji with total dedication. His attentive loving service increased Govindaji's beauty and pleasure. Rasika Murari enchanted the Devotees with his unprecedented Deity service. After firmly establis
Read more…
Views: 18
Comments: 0

Srila BV Narayan Maharaj , ''When you chant harinama, you can visualize that you are anywhere in the eighty-four krosas of Vrndavana. You can be under the shade of Vamsi-vata, and sometimes in Nandagaon, at Ter-kadamba. And, if you like to weep bitterly, then go to Uddhava-kyari, where all gopis are lamenting in a mood of separation from Krsna. Sit there for some time and chant Hare Krsna, feeling something of the gopis' great separation mood.

If your mind is wandering, go then to Govardhana and try to chant Hare Krsna loudly, performing parikrama of Govardhana. You can take some rest at Kusuma-sarovara or Govinda-kunda, and especially take bath at Radha-kunda. First take bath in Radha-kunda and then in Syama-kunda (where Radha and Krsna and the gopis perform their water sports).

While chanting Hare Krsna and thinking about all of these things, gradually your mind will be controlled. . . . Jaya Gurudev . . . Jaya Prabhupada

Image may contain: 1 person
Read more…
Views: 14
Comments: 0

Dipa Dana, Dipavali, (Kali Puja)

shrine-at-hindu-temple-during-diwali-fa46xb.jpg

Dipa-dan, Dipavali, or Diwali (and Kalipuja) is a commemoration of Lord Rama’s return from exile to Ayodhya, His capital, following the defeat of the demon Ravana. (Vaisnavas don’t regularly observe Kalipuja, the worship of Durga Devi.)

14metSayantan10.jpg

Read more…
Views: 34
Comments: 0

Prabhupada On Hitler And Dictatorships

Prabhupada On Hitler And Dictatorships

Room Conversation, June 17, 1976, Toronto ‒
Prabhupada: Ah, yes. So these English people, they were very expert in making propaganda. They killed Hitler by propaganda. I don’t think Hitler was so bad man.

Morning Walk, November 20, 1975, Bombay ‒
Prabhupada: No, no. Hitler knew it [the atom bomb]. . . . No, no. He knew it, everything, but he did not like to do it. He said. He said. He was gentleman. But these people are not gentlemen. He knew it perfectly well. He said that “I can smash the whole world, but I do not use that weapon.” The Germans already discovered. But out of humanity they did not use it. And all the, your American, other countries, they have stolen from German ideas.

Conversation During Massage, January 23, 1977, Bhuvanesvara ‒ 
Prabhupada: Therefore Hitler killed these Jews. They were financing against Germany. Otherwise he had no enmity with the Jews. . . . And they were supplying. They want interest money — “Never mind against ou

Read more…
Views: 27
Comments: 0

Brahmānanda: What would be your advice to her? [Indira Gandhi]

Prabhupāda: My first step will be to capture all the hoarders and distribute the grains free. Immediately public will be obliged to… There are immense food grains; they are simply hoarded. They are not selling without good price. This is going on. Immediately she can capture the public.

And some of the hoarders should be hanged, yes, so that in future nobody will hoard.

People are hungry. And she says she has got some program, garivi hatta (?), “Drive away the poverty.” This is the point. If she can supply all consumer goods for the time being free to the poor, then immediately the whole population will be after her.

And the hoarders should be exemplary punished. Shoot them, that’s all. Then nobody will hoard. But to remain the dictator she requires spiritual knowledge. Otherwise it will be another disaster. If she wants to remain the dictator, then she must be a spiritual man. She must become a Vaiṣṇavī.

Morning Walk, July

Read more…

Srila Virabhadra Prabhu - Appearance

9468798256?profile=original


Sri Sri Birbhadra Goswami Prabhu at Khardaha Temple

Sri Viracandra or Virabhadra Prabhu appeared on the ninth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami has given this description of Him in the C.c. Adi 11.8-12:

"After Nityananda Prabhu, the greatest branch is Virabhadra Gosani, who also has innumerable branches and sub-branches. It is not possible to describe them all. Although Virabhadra Gosani was the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He presented Himself as a great devotee. And although the Supreme Godhead is transcendental to all Vedic injunctions, He strictly followed the Vedic rituals. He is the main pillar in the hall of devotional service erected by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He knew within himself that He acted as the Supreme Lord Visnu, but externally He was prideless. It is by the mercy of Sri Virabhadra Gosani that people all over the world now have the chance to chant the names of Caitanya and Nityananda. I there take shelter of the lotus f
Read more…
Views: 13
Comments: 0

Krishna_Kund_Govardhan_Mathura_1.jpg

Radha Kunda Prakat, Snan Dan – The appearance anniversary of Radha- kunda, the bathing pond of Srimati Radharani in Vrndavana. Devotees bathe there especially on midnight of this day.

"After the killing of Aristasura, Srimati Radhika and Her sakhis exchanged many joking words with Sri Krsna concerning the necessary atonement for one who has committed the offence of killing a bull. As a result, the Queen of Vrindavana, Srimati Radhika, and Her sakhis joyfully excavated and filled Sri Radha-kunda with their own hands. May that immensely fragrant Radha-kunda be my shelter.

"In the land of the hearts of those who bathe in Radha-kunda, a desire tree of the superlative prema, which is not attainable even for Krsna's principal queens in Dvaraka, will arise. May that supremely charming Radha-kunda be my shelter.

 

"For the pleasure of Srimati Radhika, even Sri Krsna Himself, yearning to attain Her merciful sidelong glance, regularly bathes in Radha-kunda, carefully observing all the appropriate ri

Read more…
Views: 21
Comments: 0

Bahulastami

radha-kunda.jpg

The appearance day of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, sacred ponds that are the bathing places of Srimati Radharani and Lord Krsna in Vrndavana.

On the eighth day of the waning phase of the damodara month the appearance day of Radha Kunda is celebrated by the residents. Bathing in Radha Kunda is especially benefical on this day. By this one gains the favor of Radha, by which one gains the favor of Krsna. Radha Kunda appeared at midnight. People go to Radha Kunda and offer prasadam, garlands and pumkins (gords) into the water, then at midnight take bath in Radha Kunda and then bathe in Syama Kunda. Many people like to bathe at a ghat where Lord Nityananda's sakti, Jahnava Mata used to bathe. But wherever you go you better get there early as thousands of people/devotees will be there. And bring some warm clothing for afterwards, as it is sooooo "cooling".

The holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because the Lord appeared there. Superior t

Read more…
Views: 14
Comments: 0

Kartik (Damodar)...The Holiest Month...

by.Vinayak Yadav

Kartik (Damodar) is the best, the purest of purifiers, and most glorious of all months. Kartik month is particularly dear to Lord Sri Krishna. This month is full of bhakta vatsalya. Any vrata, even the smallest, will yield huge results. The effect of performing a Kartik Vrata lasts for one hundred lifetimes, Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda.

Everybody should follow following practices in Kartik (Damodar) month:

1. Daily offer a ghee lamp to Krishna and sing the Damodarastakam, meditating on meaning.

2. One should always remember Supreme Lord Hari. Devotees should try to do more Harinam Chanting. Do extra rounds and more kirtana.

3. Hear Srimad Bhagavatam, daily in association of exalted Vaisnavas, if possible. All other duties should be given up in favor of hearing the scriptures from sadhus during this month. It is most beneficial to recite and read Gajendra Moksha

Read more…
Views: 18
Comments: 0

Fourth month of Caturmasya begins

649-idol-of-yashoda-damodar-at-krishna-balarama-mandir-in-vrindavan.jpg
Performing vrata in the month of Kartika (Damodara) is glorified profusely in the puranas. Since this month is very dear to Krsna, by performing austerities, or restraining ones sense gratification and performing activities to please the senses of the Lord, one becomes very dear to the Krsna. As Satya yuga is the best of yugas, as the vedas are the best of scriptures, as ganga is the best of rivers, so kartika is the best of months, the most dear to Krsna. The vrata may begin on the ekadasi of the waxing moon of asvina, on the purnima, or (samkranti) when the sun enters the house of Libra.
Five activities are glorified: staying awake, early morning bath, worship of Tulasi, offering lamps and performing austerities.
One should practice brahmacarya, give charity, and perform homa and japa.
One is advised to give up eating beans, kalami saka, patola, eggplant, meat, fish, liquor, oil massage, illicit sex, grains cooked by others.
One should eat once a day.
One should increase ones devotional s
Read more…
Views: 26
Comments: 0

raas_leela.jpg

Lord Krsna’s autumn rasa dance with His girlfriends. On this day the deities of Vrndavana are nicely decorated in white. Krsna lila dramas are enacted. Because the moon is very auspicious, the vraja vasis leave pots of sweet rice exposed to the full moon for the whole night, to turn the sweet rice into ambrosial amrta.

Read more…
Views: 9
Comments: 0