Kartik Yatra Day 3

Kartik Yatra Day 2

Its said that lying down on the ground in Sri dhama is equivalent to offering obeisances to the Lord. So after some sleep, IYF boys started getting up. Quite a few were ready in their pristine white dhoti kurtas, neat tilaks chanting their rounds. The effulgent devotees chanting the holyname always seem to be like vishnudutas. Such an auspicious sight. The usual routine followed then which takes quite a time for me.

We reached Krishna Balarama Mandir where Samsara Davanala Prayers had already begun at Prabhupada's Samadhi Mandir. The feeling of being in that moment is very different. One can distinctly hear the ringing bell in the hand of the pujari offering arotik, in the silent atmosphere. A very faint voice coming from inside is heard, accompanied by a single kartal and mridanga. The mild cool breeze of Vrindavan flows. The sky is clear and still dark with twinkling stars. Devotees hushing in the temple and paying obeisances. Everyone is happy and in their hearts praying to their spiritual master and thanking them for their good fortune. One thing I always pray and hope is that my conscious be forever like this. Believe me!! those people who have never attended the Mangala prayers in Vrindavan or even in their cities, they don't know what bliss is. It's like having personal darshan of the lord. One feels a part of the few chosen ones. Though there is no restriction, but still only few fortunate souls can witness the Mangala Arati Mahotsava.

Kartik is a special time in Vrindavan. Devotees from India and rest of the world visit Sri Dhama to recharge their spiritual batteries. Srila Prabhupada used to say that Dham Yatra is the fruit of the devotional service performed round the year. So because of so many devotees, having nice and satisfying darshans of lord during mangala arati is difficult. So to avoid being left standing in the courtyard, devotees start moving inside the temple hall before the kirtan ends at Prabhupada's Samadhi. Inside the temple hall uninterrupted harinama keeps going. The portion in front of Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundara is already filled with Matajis. I guess it has been like that always. No grudges for that, but sometimes it becomes impossible to capture a good shot of the altar. So as the clock strikes 4:30, the grand doors of the 3 altars open and from inside appear the personal attendants of their lordships. The powerful sound of blowing conches makes the environment auspicious, announcing that soon the lord will be appearing to give joy to the heart of devotees. The curtains open and there THEY are. Dressed simply without many ornaments and garlands, yet the most beautiful objects of vision in the whole universe. I particularly station myself in front of Krishna Balaram. Slowly the vibhavari shesha prayers begin after a roar of jaya radha shyamsundar and krishna balaram ki jaya.

The kirtan is melodious and soft that one can distinctly hear the ringing of bells in the altar. This can be experienced even if one hears the recorded version. "Vibhavari Sesa, Alok Pravesa. Nidra Chhari Utho Jiva. Bolo Hari Hari, Mukunda Murari, Rama Krishna Hayagriva........" Devotees get lost while hearing the transcendental names and qualities of the supreme lord and drinking the nectar of the unlimited and unsurpassable beauty of the forms of the lord. The prayer depicts the whole Vrindavan and one can remember about the pastimes the two heroes must have performed. In fact the very position, the two princes stand is like they are observing the miserable conditioned souls and out of mercy are inviting them to join their eternal pastimes. Balaramaji's arm resting on Krishna's shoulder - and cows sitting at their feet - a direct scene from Goloka Vrindavan. Srila Prabhupada has given us a philosophy which is the summit in spirituality and then the beautiful deities to kep us attracted. A very dear friend has a inner desire to dress and decorate the two brothers once in this lifetime.

The Kirtan that follows is extremely soothing. By this time the jubilation is evident on the devotees' face. They are tapping their feets, smiling, as if talking to the deities, calling out to Sri Guru, Srila Prabhupada and Krishna and Radharani to help them come out of the deplorable situation of material existence and bestow the highest benediction of pure devotional service at the lotus feet of their lordships.

The Kirtan fades with devotees already feeling the mood of separation, for soon the altars will close and the deities will be no more visible. That day, Deena Nayak Prabhu led the Narasimha prayers in his sweet voice. Then is the time for announcements. These announcements are very typical to IKCON and have become part and parcel of the temples' daily routine. It starts with declaring the book distribution scores for the pleasure of the deities, srila Prabhupada and the Vaishnavas, Then the big altar doors close concealing behind them the object of everyone's affection. In Kartik, it is mostly Devamrita Prabhu making the announcements. I remember it like I heard recently "we welcome all the devotees who have just arrived in Sridhama Vrindavan and we wish them a pleasant stay. We also welcome 1200 devotees who have come from New Delhi and NCR." "Today the Braja parikrama Yatra will move from so and so place to such and such place, devotees who are interested can board the buses immediately after these announcements which are standing right outside the temple." And so on....so very reminiscent of Kartik Yatra.

Tulasi Arati time: Two Aratis simultaneously go on. One in the main courtyard, where all the prabhujis are present and one in front of the matchless gift shop for matajis. At the time of yani kani ca papani portion of the prayer when devotees circumambulate Tulasi mahrani, it looks like a giant my fair lady ride. Soon after, the Japa Period starts. Devotees spread across the Krishna Balarama Temple, in temple hall, courtyard, stairs, walking the temple parikrama marg, samadhi mandir, Prabhupada quarters, Guest house reception and some go on a Vrindavan Parikrama. The whole atmosphere is filled with the pure vibration of the holy name. What different would be the Spiritual world from what we experience right here in temple. The weather was mildly cold that day.

7:00 AM we were supposed to report in Phogla Ashram for Guru Vandana. But I along with few others decided to stay back and attend Sringar Arati and Guru Arati in KB temple itself. For we would not get that chance again in this Yatra especially so me. Who knows when will I get this opportunity again. So darshan arati started at 7:15 AM, the lord appeared in a purple dress today. Srila Prabhupada had been seated today on the stairs in the courtyard for Guru Puja. Probably to accommodate large number of devotees. The kirtan started with Jaya Prabhupada, Jaya Srila Prabhupada and then Guru Vandana. Suddenly I realised that the voice is known and this melody is heard before. Where ? It was none other than His Holiness Loknath Swami Maharaja. It was too good to be missed. So I recorded some portion of the event in the camera. Slowly we noticed that many devotees had stayed back to witness this. After this AGP, Saurabh Prabhu and I proceeded towards Phogla Ashram where a snack prasadam was awaiting.

After this we were supposed to be going to visit places like Radha Damodarji, Radha Ramanji, Nidhu Vana and Seva Kunja. So the congregation of 1200 devotees started from Phogla Ashram with Brahmacaris leading the kirtan at the front. Some devotees were manging the crowd and keeping them on one side of the road. We first went to Radha Damodar Mandir. After taking darshans, we circumambulated the temple. It is said that it is equivalent to giriraja goverdhan parikrama. This took a lot of time as the temple was packed with devotees. Mohan Rupa Prabhu was in full form, leading Kirtan, singing hare krishna mahamantra and Vaishnav Bhajans. This temple also houses the samadhi of Srila Rupa Goswami, Bhugarbha Goswami, Bhakti Sidhhant Saraswati Goswami amongst other prominent Vaishnava Acarya. It was this temple where Prabhupada had stayed and written Srimad Bhagvatam Canto 1 before he embarked on a journey which was to change the course of history of mankind.

Then we went to Radha Ramanji, the special thing about this deity is that apart from being extremely beautiful, that he mercifully has allowed himself to be photographed. Whereas in other Goswami Mandirs it is not. Nowadays in Krishna Balaram Temple also it is very difficult to click photographs for security reasons. At this temple there is a special rabri mahaprasad which is given to devotees in a clay pot. I was fortunate to get some. Due to heavy rush of devotees and personal agendas I lost company of Saurabh Prabhu and Ajita Govind Prabhu, So I moved fast to our next destination.

It was Nidhi Vana this time, where Shyamanand Prabhu found anklebells of Srimati Radharani and subsequently blessed by her. Its an area densly covered with small height trees.I guess they were Tulasi shrubs. I could hear Mohanrupa Prabhu's voice from far away. In the midst of the forest was the Vishakha Kund situated deep below the ground level. There were a row of stairs to get there. After doing acaman and dipping our beads in the holy water, we proceeded further. I walked fast to catch up with the main party, as I could hear Mohanrupa Pr describing the pastimes and philosophy. Near the end of the way there is a big open space, where devotees had gathered around and intently heard from Mohanrupa prabhu. Prabhuji described the pastime of Shyamananda Prabhu's meeting with Srimati Lalita Devi and then subsequently Srimati Radharani. Its a very beautiful pastime between the Princess of Vrindavan and a pure devotee and how she gave the deity of Sri Shyamsundar (the form/deity in her heart) to Shyamanand Prabhu. Then after this we proceeded further and came near the exit. I was finally able to catch up with Saurabh Prabhu and Ajita Govinda Prabhu.

Our next destination SevaKunj, which was near by. There is a temple right at the start with Lalita Kund in the adjacent vicinity. There we heart from a young brajwasi boy about the pastime of Srimati Radharani getting into Mana and Krishna - the reservoir of all rasas serving her. The whole narration was rendered poetically which also made it humorous. At the end the boy asked everyone to laugh loudly. Everybody did. However the last sentence made Brahmacaris to stop and think. He said, "Jo yahan hasta hai, kehte hain usi ka ghar basta hai" (One who laughs here, settles in family life soon). Then we headed back to Phogla Ashram for Prasadam.

On my way I purchased pedas for bhoga offering from the famous Brajwasi Sweet Shop. Had lunch. Was thoroughly exhausted after the long walk so took a rickshaw and went to my ashram. Took rest, washed clothes. Then as everyone left for Phogla ashram, I went to Krishna Balaram Temple. Had to do many chores like purchase Kanthi mala for dad, offer that and sweets to Krishna Balaram, get a book from the counter, get charan tulasi )enough to last for 2 months). After this came back and then with saurabh prabhu went to Phogla ashram just in time for Prasadam. One desire had been lurking in my heart was to do little seva. But my flickering mind had manage to get me away for a number of times. But this time by mercy of Krishna, I got inside the Prasadam hall for serving seva. I joined Parthasarathi Mitra Prabhu's team. Have served under his guidance many a times in Delhi temple. It had been so arranged that the area we were serving in had all the senior devotees coming and honoring Prasadam. One quality of PMP and PujaPriya prabhu I have observed is that they take such good care of devotees serving under their management. And they never shy away from serving themselves if need be. Then they also make sure that who ever was serving is fed sumptuously and comfortably. This, very quality is what attracts one to Vaishnavas and then develop faith in Krishna.

Then later on feasting upto neck, we got ready to go back to KB temple. Demodarastakam Prayers were over. But the atmosphere in the KB temple was magical. It was something indescribable. Oh! It was something heavenly. It must have been trancendental also, but I do not know how to distinguish between two. Stepped up in the temple hall. There on the extended platform was seated His Holiness Kadamba Kanan Maharaja was leading the kirtan and besides him was ISKCON Kirtan Samrat - His Grace Aindra Prabhu. Believe me it was unbelievable. The mahamantra was resounding everywhere. Devotees were dancing. Not a corner was left in the hall and the courtyard. I won't write anymore because I am incapable of describing it anymore.
After this AGP, Saurabh Pr and me went to Govindas as previously decided. But I was too overloaded and could not afford to have anything. It turned out that any order would take a minimum of half an hour. So we cancelled the idea. On our way out we say Kadamb Kanan Maharaja was talking to another Maharaj, so we paid our obeisances. In turn Maharaja blessed us by giving his maha garland. The same garland which he would have gotten from Srila Prabhupada. We left AGP at his Dharamshala on our way to ours. It was the usual but very appropriate dinner consisting of Milk and puffed rice.

Kartik Yatra Day 1

October 17, 2008.

In the morning after mangala arati devotees started assembling in the parking area of the temple while more kept coming way past the departure time. I got myself seated in an IYF Bus with Saurabh Prabhu. I had hope to get Ajita Govinda Prabhu's association abut he went in the Sankirtana bus. The bus was full of known, acquaintances, unknown, new and old devotees. It was great. Everyone was excited to go to Sri dhama. There were many students who had just completed their schools and were in 1st year of their graduation. How fortunate they are, getting into Krishna Consciousness so early in their life before they step into the morally corrupting and stressful corporate life. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada and the followers of his mission. (I felt like an old person, for heaven's sake I was in that age 8 years back.)

Faridabad devotees joined us on the way. I stuck a good friendship with one of them, Vaikuntha Murti Prabhu, who I had gone with last year on Srila Prabhupada Disappearance Day. We reached SriDhama by 10:00 AM. After reaching respective ashrams, devotees proceeded towards Phogla Ashram for breakfast. After this there was a lecture scheduled by Sridham Prabhu (ACBSP) where he explained the significance of Spiritual Master-Disciple relationship and the absolute necessity of being surrendered to Guru's instruction rather than acting whimsically on the path of devotion. The MC of the whole 3 day program was HG Vidur Priya Prabhu.

We all went to our ashrams for some rest, to come back for the evening program to the same place. In evening it was H.H. Prabodhananda Saraswati Maharaj and Dinabandhu Prabhu who gave lectures, followed by a delectable feast. VMP and I made it to Krishna Balarama temple just in time for the sandhya arati. The atmosphere was surcharged with exhilaration. Devotees desperately waiting for their lordships to give darshans and the kirtan was gaining tempo. The style of kartalas and mridanga beats, the melody, everything is different in Vrindavan. It is a uniqye style. The darshans opened followed by a roar of Radhe Shyam and Gauranga and Hari Bol by devotees. Deep Dana had started just after the gaura arti and before damodarashtakam.

Muktidata Prabhu was to lead the damodar prayers and the subsequent kirtan. However I went to the Devotee prasadam hall at the back of temple, where senior and resident devotees assemble for offering lamps and singing Damodarashtakam. I had heard about the uniqueness of this program from Gaurav(Blr) Prabhu. The special thing about this place is that after the damodar prayers a special prayer from Bhagvatam sung by the beautiful damsels of Vraja - the Gopi Geet is sung. In the temple hall, Muktidata Prabhu was making devotees jump up and down and dance ecstatically to his Kirtans. I joined back the main group again at 8:45 pm. By this time the congregation of dancing devotees had reach the Samadhi Mandir. There was loud uproar of Jaya Prabhupada Jaya Srila Prabhupada in all directions. The kartalas and midangas made a tumultuous sound which echoed in the Samadhi Mandir. Devotees were in no mood to leave and not a least bit tired. We then returned to our Sleep over bases. IYF boys had stationed at ....... Guesthouse on the Braj Parikrama Marg. Me, Nand Gopal Prabhu, and Saurabh Prabhu then sat talking while sipping hot milk and feasting on the light weight crispy rice. Went to bed late, knowing we had to get up early morning.

श्री वृन्दावन धाम की जय

Prelude to Kartik Yatra

This time I decided to go for Kartik Yatra with Delhi devotees. The yatra was scheduled for 17, 18, and 19 of October. That meant I wouldn't be able to attend any festivals this time around. But this time I was really intent of having association of devotees from Delhi, because otherwise its only 10-15 minutes when I visit temple. Later it came to be known that we will also be missing Guru Maharaj's (H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj) personal association, as he would be in Mumbai for RGB meetings.

Finally it was revealed that it was good I decided to go that time, because If I would have delayed my yatra by 1 week, I would have completely missed it. I had to come to Pune for a project one week later for a project.

So I took a flight from Bangalore to Delhi on 15th night. Reached home past midnite. Next day was mostly relaxed and preparation for the yatra. in the eve I went to Radha Parthasarathi Mandir. As this would be the only eve I would get to offer lamp to their lordships. Met many devotees including Ajita Govind Prabhu and Saurabh Prabhu. Had brought Prasadam from Bangalore, so got to opportunity to serve the same to Mohan Rupa Prabhu. I didnt want to go away, but had to. Had to come back early morning the next day to start for yatra.

Reached home, had prasadam and then packed for the yatra and went to bed quite late. Couldn't wate to get up for exciting next 3 days.

Saurabh Pabhu

Saurabh Prabhu

Met him in Pune for the first time when he had come to do his summer internship there. My
misfortune that I could not attend him properly due to my ignorance of such dealings. After that Prabhuji called me several times from Delhi and also invited me once to stay a day in DCE Bace.

It was in Bangalore when Ajita Govinda Prabhu was leaving that I realized that Saurabh prabhu was his junior in DCE and highly revers him. This common thing made me saw a good friend in him. Then gradually over time I got more of his association during Janmashtmi and Kartik Yatra.

In the footsteps of his senior, he also has limitless love and desire for association of his shiksha guru: His Grace Mohan Rupa Prabhu. He has read Srila Prabhupada's small books twice,
Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam (all 12 Cantos) and Sri Caitanya Caritamrita (adi, madhya
and antya lila). He also leads the DCE Bace and is inspiring many boys in DCE for spiritual
life.
Its his greatness that he affords me his friendship, because friendship can be between equals.

krsna se tomara, krsna dite paro,tomara sakati ache
ami to’ kangala, ‘krsna ‘krsna ‘boli’,dhai tava pache pache

Updated on 12 October 2012: He graduated from DCE, went on to start up a venture in partnership with one of his senior. A successful hotshot, featured in one of the business magazines. Right now He is off to foreign lands to pursue further studies.

Ajita Govinda Prabhu

Ajita Govind Prabhu
(Anuj Gupta)

"A Vaishnava is a touchstone" - this statement becomes a matter of fact in association of Ajita Govind Prabhu. His mere presence inspires one to render devotional service to the
Supreme Lord and his devotees.

I met prabhuji in Delhi once, before I moved to Bangalore to stay with him in Surabhi Kunj. He was the first one there who made me feel comfortable as if at home and accompanied me anywhere I wanted to go. He teaches by his behaviour that a devotee does not have even a moment to spare for mundane activities. He was always absorbed in reading Prabhupada books if not rendering any other seva. I never saw him indulging in prajalpa.

His deterred love for his shiksha guru - His Grace Mohan Rupa Prabhu is infectious. It
was because of his mercy that I got in touch with Mohan Rupa Prabhu who so kindly accepted
to guide me. Ajita Govinda Prabhu always instills the idea of glorifying the devotees and their godly qualities which result in cultivating the same qualities in oneself.

My fortune of having his constant association was shortlived as he decided to move to Delhi
for a higher cause. Prabhuji is currently serving at Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir,
ISKCON Delhi.

Updated on 12 Oct 2012: He is engaged in school preaching. Organises Gita Saar Contest every year for school childrens and recently published a book on Value Education with help from Paramhansa Pran Prabhu.

Chakravarti Prabhu

Chakravarti Prabhu
(Chandresh Devnani)

Apurva Gopal Prabhu introduced us. He became a very close friend of mine. Though the first time we met was quite funny which would be too much to be described over here. At that time we were both in the final year of our MBA and in same University, different colleges.

I would say it was his dedication and seriousness towards spiritual life which made me stop and check back mine. He has an amazing sincerity towards his shiksha guru (which primarily mean the instructions). It's in him where i see what following an instruction means. He has such great love and devotion to serve and please his spiritual master which I can't even
begin to fathom.

He is an avid reader of Prabhupada books and regularly shares the nectar with all.

Prabhuji is currently working with Wipro, based in Chennai.

Updated on 12 october 2012: He left his job in 2010 and since then as per the instruction of his Guru maharaja, he has joined full time and serving at ISKCON Juhu.

Apurva Gopal Pr

Apurva Gopal Prabhu
(Arun Wadhwani)

His entry into my life was like a hurricane that fast tracked me on the path of devotional service. Met him at the most unexpected place - a Cricket Ground, where we had assembled to watch a Symbiosis cricket match which had been forcefully thrusted upon us. The first conversation we struck and it revived my enthusiasm which had been a little low those days. It would not be an understatement if I would use the word "Overhaul" that he did to my spiritual life. The list of things that I came to do and understood because of his inspiration is inexhaustibly long. Foremost is Chanting 16 rounds and attending Mangala Arati regularly at Pune.

Prabhuji, hails from Bahrain where housed are his most cherishable deities Sri Sri Radha
Parthsarathi. His whole family is initiated. He is an expert cook and an expert deity dresser. Pretty much expert at anything related to devotional service. His enthusiasm is contagious and will catch up with even the most lazy lethargic ignorant person.

Currently he is pursuing Bhakti Shastri course and the final year of his Masters in Business
Administration.

ekaki amara, nahi paya bala,hari-nama-sankirtane
tumi krpa kori: sraddha-bindu diya,deho’ krsna-nama-dhane

Jugal Kishor Prabhu

Jugal Kishor Prabhu

After H.G. Sri Keshav Prabhu left to serve in Sridhama Vrindavan, H.G. Jugal Kishor Prabhu took the charge of our group along with H.G. Jaya Nitai Prabhu. Prabhuji is very gentle, caring and so tolerant of a rascal like me. He took the whole group to Sri Pandharpur dhama.

He knew perfectly well, how much freedom anyone needed and accordingly counseled and preached them. Even when I left Pune, Prabhuji out of his causeless mercy kept in touch and regularly ask me about my sadhna.

Without the constant prayers and wellwishes of pure genuine devotees like Jugal Kishor Prabhu, my spiritual advancement would have suffered the same meltdown that the current global economic situation is facing these days.

All Glories to Jugal Kishor Prabhu and his gentle Vaishnava Qualities.

Ravindra Caitanya Prabhu

Ravindra Caitanya Prabhu

(Rohit Tela)

Caring is the first quality that comes to my mind when I think of him. I met him in the very first Bhaktivriksha session I attended atSri Sri Radha Kunjabihari Temple, ISKCON Pune. He very mercifully dropped me back at my place as I was unaware of the roads of Pune. This practice went for quite long even when I was well aquainted of the routes and buses, answering all my stupid and intelligent questions with a calmness and seriousness that is so rare. He tolerated me While I was a fool, immature neophyte (I still am). He used to help me
understand the most difficult of philosophical points with much ease. The one conversation I had with him about one of the most important question in one's spiritual life: Choosing a Spiritual Master is one of my most cherished memory of him. He gave me very nice instructions in his own humble way to help me tread the path of spirtual advancement without obstruction.

Prabhuji is now attending a Bhakti Shastri course at Mayapur.

Update on 12 Oct 2012: He is serving full time @ Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari Temple, ISKCON Pune since last 3-4 years now.

Nandgopal Jivan Prabhu

Nandgopal Jivan Das
(Narendra Naulakha)
The first time I saw him was long back when I had just started going to temple. My first ever Sunday class which I went to on my own accord. There he was, a thin looking young boy entering the class somewhat late and taking a big(tht
was really big) register to make notes. It was all a first time experience for me. We got friendly only after I went to pune for MBA and visited back. It was surprising for me. Many devotees who I had not talked to before all came and met me as if I was long known to them. It seemed they missed me, probably they really missed me, but I know in my heart that I had done nothing to deserve that treatment from such nice devotees. I was nothing then (now I am worse). But I guess devotees are like that, ready to spread love and compassion without discrimination. Our friendship gradually developed over time.

Prabhuji is also the acclaimed author and editor of the Krishna Conscious e-Magazine - The Higher Taste, a service he has been rendering at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi under the guidance of H.G. Mohan Rupa Prabhu.

His business makes him travel around India, where he collects many Krishna Conscious stuff that he can lay his hands on.

Very enthusiastic, dedicated and friendly devotee.

Vaishnav Thakur Ki Jai !!!!

Amogha Lila Prabhu

Pandav Prem Prabhu

Pandav Prem Das
(Pankaj Jain)

Again one of the devotees who I came in contact with initially. I do not remember how I started talking to him. But as long as my memory serves me, I remember meeting him in Vrindavan in Kartik the very next day I met him for the first time and then in the auditorium where Final Lesson was being shown. Thereafter we sat for prasadam and he very gently inspired me to start chanting with one round and take up the reading of Bhagvad Gita As It Is. Pandav Prem
Prabhu also got initiated along with Avyanga Prabhu in Jan 2006 from His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja in Delhi.

Prabhuji is an avid reader of Bhagvad Gita and understands the message very nicely. He also gives classes on Bhagvad Gita to IYF Devotees on Sunday. And he always stresses on reading the Prabhupad's book. He is always full of appreciation for the sacred Bhagvad Gita as It Is. I wish I get even a small percentage of that love and understanding for it that he has.

Also I remember he helped me to buy my first ever beads and bead bag.

All Glories to Pandav Prem Prabhu.

Avyanga Prabhu

Avyanga Das

(Atul Gupta )

Avyanga Prabhu is one of those first devotees who gave shelter to a fallen soul like me and inspiration for taking up Krishna Consciousnes. He has great love for his deities Sri Jagannath Baldev Subhadra and Gopalji. He has a nice altar at his home and each festival he offers beautiful dresses to their lordships. He is an expert at all the deity related activities. He cooks very nicely for the lord and its often that Jagannath gets to fest on 64 bhoga items and more.

Prabhuji pinged me in response to my mail to yahoo group asking about IYF activities. There was no looking back after then. We used to chat, exchange mails, talk for hours everyday, where Prabhuji mercifully revealed the message of Krishna. He guided me how to practicaly lead a KC life. I met him for the first time a month later at Jagannath Rath yatra in Delhi in Nov 2005. He then introduced His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj - his then aspired spiritual master. He invited me to his diksha ceremony where I witnesses for the first time the process of initiation. I know many devotees who got initiated that time like Archit Prabhu, Nandgopal Jivan Prabhu, Pandav Prem Prabhu, Akshar Prabhu, Sundar Gopal Prabhu, Vaman dev Prabhu and many others.

Avyanga Prabhu played a very significant role in my Krishna Conscious life and is a contant source of love and care. He is very gentle, caring, expert and possessor of other brahminical qualities.

I offer my obeisances to this great vaishnava and beg for his constant association.

Panihati Yatra - Day 2

Continuing from the first day of yatra, here is the account of the second day when we visited Sri Ranganath and Banks of Kaveri. Despite last day’s tiresome but enthusiastic schedule, devotees got up in time for Mangala Arati by 5:00 AM. Devotees led a joyous kirtan thereafter and we got lost in dancing and chanting.

We departed for SriRangapatnam, just an hour drive from Melukote at 7:30 AM.


Day 2: Melukote to SriRangapatnam.

The bus stopped at the parking area. We got down and proceeded to the temple. The temple was built by the Ganga dynasty rulers of the area in the 9th century; the structure was strengthened and improved upon architecturally some three centuries later. Following the Sri Vaishnava etiquette we paid obeisances outside before the Garuda Stambha. We moved through one door to another finally reaching the inner sanctum sanctorum of the temple which houses the Sri Vigraha of the Lord of the Universes koti brahmanda nayaka : Sri Vishnu, lying down on the bed of Great Ananta, resting his head on one of his hands. Kaveri Devi is situated near the lotus feet of lord. The deity is all in all an illustration of the Lord’s majesty and opulence. It is so big that we can see only a part of Deity at one time, either the lotus smiling face, or the torso or the legs and lotus feet. The temple also has the Sri Vigrahas of Lord Narsimha Deva, Sudarshan Chakra and Laksmi Devi.

Here H.G. Sacidulal Prabhu – the IYF Bangalore Director joined us. After taking darshans we proceeded to the banks of River Kaveri to perform a special ceremony. It was the auspicious Appearance Day of His Holiness Tamala Krishna Goswami Maharaja – the dearmost spiritual master of Sacidulal Prabhu. We arranged an altar having Maharaj’s Picture, His book, Ranganath Prasadam and flowers. First some excerpts from the book ‘Servant of the Servant’ were read followed by glorification of his Spiritual Master by Sacidulal Prabhu. He cited many pastimes of Maharaj with Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada used to remark that Maharaj had a “brain of Brahma”. Maharaj is known for his tireless and uninterrupted service to Srila Prabhupada. Then we sang the Gurvastaka prayer, performed kirtan and offered pushpanjali to Maharaj.

All Glories to His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja.

After Vyas Puja Celebration, we came back to the parking area and boarded the bus. Buses from Bangalore having congregation devotees had started flocking the area. In 10 minutes we reached Gosai Ghat where the main event was to be carried out. Tents had already been put up. Gaura Nitai were waiting behind the curtains and devotees were absorbed in their respective areas of service. It was a well organized Supply Chain Management. One group was washing utensils and supplying water from the river. Next batch was washing mangoes, some were peeling them, some were cutting them and others making a pulp out of them. Similarly some were rolling puris and cutting vegetables. It was much like the original festival at Panihati on the steps of the bank.

After sometime when senior devotees arrived with rest of the congregation, the abhisheka ceremony of Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasunder started. After taking a bath in various liquids like milk, honey and fruit juices, they were given a flower shower in the end. Then the 10 deities were carried on the heads by 10 devotees and proceeded for the watersports in the river. It was like Mahaprabhu and Nityananda and all other associates bathing in the Narendra Sarovar near Puri. Devotees splashed the cool water of Kaveri on the transcendental brothers shouting loudly in ecstasy: Gauranga! Nityananda! Gauranaga! Nityananda! Gauranga………..!!!!!

The rest of the devotees also entered in the river and had a good time. Splashing each other and trying to touch each other’s feet, devotees were oblivious to the outside world.

All devotees now fresh with enthusiasm; it was time for the cultural presentation. First IYF-Girls presented a pantomime themed “Me, My Mind and Kali (the age of quarrel and hypocrisy)”. It showcased how mind and Kali together conspire against the living entity and become the cause of suffering. But when the remedy of Krishna Consciousness is introduced, the mind becomes subjugated, kali keeps a distance and the sweet sound of Mohan’s murli arise in our heart, and through the process one day we come face to face with the lord of our lives: Sri Krishna.

After this brilliant performance it was time for IYF-Boys to present a skit based on one of the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu with His intimate devotee, Gauridasa Pandit. This pastime is mentioned in Caitanya Bhagvat. It also included the pastime of how Mahaprabhu and Nityananda entered the heart of one of Gauridas’ Disciple – Hridayananda. There after the disciple was named Hridaya Caitanya – one in whose heart Mahaprabhu lives.

The much awaited part of the yatra was now in execution – The Feast Prasadam. The menu was extensive including puris, pulao, pineapple chutney, 2 subzis, kheer, sevai sweet, besan burfi and of course the main ingredient of this festival – Dahi Chira. The preparation was very rich with dry fruits. The devotees sat in lines and honored prasadam in great anticipation on banana leafs.

It was time for us to leave; back to the city’s hustle and bustle from this natural and simple life. While returning in the bus, we enjoyed a video titled Munnabhai . The central theme of the video was “Identifying a Guru” and was performed by devotees at Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple, Chowpatty. Finally the two day long yatra came to an end, but the memories would be forever etched in the minds of devotees.

Panihati Yatra - Day 1

Every year devotees from Bangalore go to the banks of Mother Kaveri near SriRangapatnam to celebrate the transcendental festival of Panihatti. Yatras of this kind always reinforce the devotees with dedication to Krishna Consciousness and also attract many new devotees to the Krishna Conscious life of ever increasing joy. The yatra comprised of visit to two holy places: Melukote and SriRangapatnam.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Day1: Bangalore to Melukote

ISKCON Youth Forum - boys decided to go one day prior to the rest of the Bangalore Congregation devotees in order to have darshans of Yoga Narsimha and Cheluva Narayan at Melukote. After Mangala Arati at Surabhi Kunj we started from Vinayaka Circle at 7:30 AM. Few devotees from BTM joined on the way. HG Kripamoy Gauranga Prabhu accompanied us on this yatra.
We had a stopover at Ramnagaram for breakfast prasadam. Prasadam was prepared at Surabhi Kunj. After honoring prasadam, devotees nicely disposed the used plates and glasses and left the place clean as before. Prabhupada says that Devotees should always leave the place as clean if not cleaner than before. He used to stress “Cleanliness is next to Godliness”.


After most of the devotees had completed their chanting, we watched a video about the pastimes of Srila Haridas Thakur. It included the pastime of Deliverance of the prostitute sent by Ramacandra Khan and Beating of Haridas Thakur in 22 market places and his unconditional attachment to the chanting of holy names of Krishna. This pastime shows that despite such pain and suffering, how Haridas Thakur never left chanting. So we should also struggle in times of mental agony and physical pain to chant the holy name.

After 4 hours we reached the holy place of Melukote. It has a rustic beauty about it. The atmosphere was very refreshing. We started off towards the Yoga Narsimha temple atop the hill, with Sankirtan party leading in front. The way to the top is through a number of steps made up of huge stones. It is said that at this place Prahlada maharaja came to offer pinda dana of his father Hiranyakashipu. The deity of the Lord Narsimha is said to be appeared out of a Saligrama sila. Other visiting devotees also enjoyed the kirtan and Narsimha Arati that was being performed by ISKCON devotees.

At the foothill is the Kalyani Kunda. It provides a picturesque sight from the top of hill. Adjacent to it, is a Narayan Temple. The deity is 4-handed form of Lord Vishnu made of white marble. After this we went to our accommodation – Ahobalam Mutt. After sometime, devotees performed kirtan and sung some Vaishnava Bhajans followed by Kripamoy Gauranga Prabhu’s lecture on Srimad Bhagvatam. Chapter entitled Indra offending Brihaspati. Prabhu gave enlightening insights into the spiritual master – disciple dealings. After the lecture, devotees cheerfully honored prasadam.

In the evening, we proceeded to Cheluva Narayan temple, a 5 minutes walk away. We performed lots of Kirtan. The devotees danced and chanted for nearly 40-45 minutes in front of the temple attracting passersby and temple residents.

There was still some time for opening of altar so we sat in the courtyard and heard the origin and pastimes of Cheluva Narayan Deities and Sripada Ramanujacarya. Following the Sri Vaishnava tradition of paying obeisances prior to Garuda Stambha we entered the temple. The courtyard echoed the sounds of drums and trumpet. There are two deities of Lord Narayan - Sri Sampat Kumar being the presiding deity and Cheluva Narayan deity being the Festival deity. The temple houses many deities including Sri Devi and Bhu Devi, Hanumanji, the deity of Sripada Ramanujacarya, he himself manifested and Alvars. After this we retired back to the Ahobalam Mutt, had dinner prasadam and then devotees went to bed.

This brings us to the end of the 1st day of Panihatti yatra.