IYF - Delhi: The Future

Just an impromptu group photo.

Stalwarts in the mid: NKP;SGP;RBP;AmoghaLila Prabhu (wearing tie)

Akshay Keshav Prabhu (next row, the extreme right)

Pic taken on 29-November-2009, Sunday

His Grace Sankarshan Prabhu in Delhi

Hi Grace Sankarshan Das Adhikari, the most prolific internet preacher through his Self Realization Course was in New Delhi recently. On Sunday 29th November, he gave Srimad Bhagavatam lecture and also initiated 3 devotees. Devotees were given names as follows: Madhurya Lila Devi Dasi, Guru Vandana Devi Dasi and Hari Krishna Das.

ISKCON Delhi Update - That Time of the Year

Few happenings in temple, I thought of sharing.

Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON, Delhi Update : Novemeber 27, 2009

Its that time of the year when Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi themselves start handing out the Bhagavad Gitas to people. That is the spirit of Book Distribution in Delhi.

The morning Bhagavatam lecture is shortened to half an hour so that devotees can immediately leave for book distribution after honoring breakfast prasadam. No doubt Delhi is standing 1st in Book Distrbution for last 5 years.

New Addition to ISKCON Delhi temple, East of Kailash. Yes, this beautiful deity of Kaliya Mardan Krishna has finally been installed. It is situated just below the fountains. This beautiful pond is also slated to be hosting the Radha Krishna Naukavihar festival.

His Grace Rasaraja Prabhu gave Srimad Bhagavatam lecture on Sunday. He stressed on deeply understanding Srila Prabhupada’s books and not just superficially. On two accounts he illustrated how superficially I have been reading Srila Prabhupada Books –

1. What does it mean by nouminal and phenomenal world and

2. Body is source of senses or otherwise.

He then shared a considerable time with IYF devotees after the lecture and clarified many doubts. He also gave fitting replies for usual questions/responses people give when devotees try to give them Srila Prabhupada books.

Srila Prabhupada Book Distribution Marathon

Also known as Bhagavad Gita Marathon or December Marathon, started in early ISKCON days. The Christmas holidays see a heavy shopping trends, and devotees used this to their advantage for mass book distribution. Since then it has become a part of our heritage. From 3 days, it expanded to a week and then to a whole month.

The month sees a great surge in devotees to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books. In India, since the Gita Jayanti occurs in the month of December, and the popularity of Gita among Indians, the marathon is now known as Bhagavad Gita Marathon.

The temples start taking seminars orienting devotees to take up this service, which pleases Srila Prabhupada the most. All in all everyone gets engaged in getting inspired and inspiring others for Book Dstribution.

Will keep on updating !!

P.S. This year Gita Jayanti fell on 28 November, Saturday

Kartik-2009 in Vrindavan - Day3

Kartik Yatra
Day 1 - Diwali

Day 2 - Goverdhan Puja

Day 3 - Goverdhan Parikrama 

18-Oct-2009, Monday

The 3rd Final day, we woke up early and somehow made it to Mangala Arati. Surprisingly the trend had reversed. My parents were the first ones to leave for temple as I was still getting ready.

I locked the door and ran to temple hoping to be there on time for standing at the front line for darshans of Krishna Balarama. When I reached, Samsara prayers were almost over and hare krishna kirtan was going on at Samadhi Mandir. I paid obeisances and ran inside. Sounds childish, huh? Guru Maharaja Passed by on his way to altar. Had never seen him like this before. He had a shawl all wrapped around his head and shoulders. We were supposed to leave back for our rooms as we were to Join Guru Maharaja for Goverdhan Parikrama. However as I learnt that Maharaja will not leave before 5:30, I tried my luck and extended untill the announcements ended. I was in for some strong words from my father whom I had kept waiting.

On reaching the ashrama, I realised I didnt have the keys. Maybe I dropped it somewhere in temple. Parents were furious. I ran back to Krishna Balarama Mandir to enquire. Just as I reached I saw Maharaja's shining white car taking a turn and GM rolling down the window to talk to some devotee. There goes our plan to catch him. My search went in futile. I returned to ashram, finding that my dad had broken the lock. We packed our stuff back in car and zoomed to Goverdhan.

We parked our car near Kusum Sarovar. One big group of devotees had come there led by I guess Dina Bandhu Prabhu. But Guru Maharaja had already left with the group of devotees from delhi. We hired a rickshaw to escort us till we find our group. As we proceeded to Manasi Ganga, we found out that Maharaja was ahead of Dan Ghati and then even further passed ISKCON temple. We kept on sitting on the rickshaw slowly moving towards Maharaja. There we saw across a big patch of thorny forest between the main road and the inner sandy way a person in red cardigan and a red muffler. It could undoubtedly be none other than our dear Guru Maharaja. We stopped the cart and paced across the big arid field to join devotees. I joined but my parents left behind. And somewhere they lost track. After a whole lot of ruckus, we decided that lets rendezvous at the next intersection. I joined Maharaja at Govind Kunda , where he sat to speak about glories of that place. After honoring nice kheer prasadam which the local babaji lovingly offered us, we set back on the journey.

Chakravarti pr was there. I walked slowly chanting japa. Radha charan Pr bestowed his mercy by giving me his sweet Gaura Nitai on my head. I carried them for a while. After a long walk, I saw mom and dad paying obeisances from far to Guru Maharaja and then joining us. Then we kept on walking, reached Mansi Ganga - went to Chakaleswara Mahadeva.

Proceeding to the Radha Kunda - Shyama Kunda area, we first visited ISKCON centre there, which also houses Samadhi of HH Bhakti Swarup Damodar Sripad Maharaja, the scientist disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Thwn proceeding to Raghunath Das Goswami's Samadhi, we came to banks of Radha Kunda. As is practice Maharaja sat there to chant his Gayatri, while devotees chanted there Japa. After a long time, we stood up again and started moving.

Kartik-2009 in Vrindavan - Day2

Kartik Yatra

Day 1 - Diwali

Day 2 - Goverdhan Puja

Day 3 - Goverdhan Parikrama

18-Oct-2009, Sunday

Woke up for Mangala Arati. Guru Maharaja passed by 5 mins before altar opening from left door to the altar door on the right.Then after morning program, this time when we took Srila Prabhupada for temple circumambulation, there were two new participants as well. Yes! They were Krishna Balarama (Utsava deities) on a palanquin led by Srila Prabhupada and devotees to Goshala to see Their beloved cows. The procession was accompanied with ecstatic Kirtan by HG Janardana Prabhu. All through the way devotees showered flower petals on the two Princes and Their pure devotee Srila Prabhupada.

On reaching the venue, devotees feed the cows with nice big laddoos, made up of jaggery and bran (i guess !!).

Then there was abig pandal setup, where His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja performed Go puja. There on His Holiness Bhakti Madhav Vishvambhar Swami Maharaja and His Grace Devamrta Prabhu enlightened the assembled devotees on the significance of cows and their relationship with Krishna. It is mentioned in scriptures that merely by scratching the cow, on its nect, head, back or belly pleases the cow so much that it gives herself away to the person. And when cow is pleased then Krishna is also immensely pleased. So it is not so difficult to get Krishna's mercy after all.

Then Krishna Balarama moved back to temple. Devotees after honoring breakfast Prasadam also returned to temple, where an opulent Annakut was being prepared. Huge hill of rice and halwa decked with burfis, laddoos, gulab jamuns and cookies. Aindra Prabhu was leading Kirtan, while senior devotees and Guru Maharaja did abhisheka of Goverdhan Sila. After the arati, I saw Apurva Gopal Pr was back from Mathura with his parents.

Then we went back to our room to get some rest and came back for Prasadam. Then pretty much spent the evening in Krishna Balaram Mandir only culuminating with deep dana.

Kartik-2009 in Vrindavan - Day1

After experiencing the Diwali and Goverdhan Puja festivals in Vrindavan in 2007, this time too, I decided to spend these auspicious days in Sridham. Krishna willing my parents also acceeded to my plans. So we left for Vrindavan on 17th October, Saturday. It was Diwali and came back on 21st, the Monday.

 Kartik Yatra

Day 1 - Diwali

Day 2 - Goverdhan Puja

Day 3 - Goverdhan Parikrama 

17-Oct-2009, Saturday

The day when Damodara Pastime was performed.

We reached Krishna Balarama Temple around 8:30 AM, missing the precious Sringar Darshan and Guru Puja.

In the courtyard, His Grace Makhan Lal Prabhu (ACBSP) was giving a lecture on Srimad Bhagavatam. He was establishing the position of Srila Prabhupada as an complete Acarya who has given everything in his books. he lambasted the claims of some immature people who say that Srila Prabhupada only taught ABC. He was very strong in his words. He asked the assembled devotees to read CC, NOD and SB to judge themselves.

We are so grateful to Srila Prabhupada that he picked us up, made us qualified and then gave us the biggest treasure in the world in the form of his books. All Glories to him. That fulfilling feeling was there, sitting in the courtyard of Krishna Balarama Mandir, morning chill in the air, vaishnavas all around with nice shining dhotis and kurtas adorned with Big, bright Tilak and Kanthi. It seems like Vishnu-dutas have themselves descended to Vrindavan and rightly so. And there stand in front of our eyes, the lords of our life, the two transcendental brothers, princes of Vrindavan smiling affectionately seeing their devotees assembled together for the sole purpose of Their pleasure.

Met Sri Kehshav Pr, (will soon be posting about this lovely devotee from Vrindavan), Chakravarti Prabhu. After breakfast Prasadam, 3 of us along with CVP left for Goswami Temples. We first visited Radha Damodar Mandir. The area in front of Rupa Goswami's Samadhi and Bhajan Kutir has been revamped. It looks really great now. Then we left for Radha Shyamsundar Mandir, there Krishna was in Durga Vesha. For the whole month of Kartik, Shyamsundar is dressed in various ways. Off to Radha Raman, it was closed so we quickly moved to Gopal Bhatt Goswami's Samadhi adjacent to Radha Raman Mandir. Then we visited Radha Gokulanand Mandir, which houses the deities of Loknath Goswami and Narottam Das Thankur's apart from others. This time I even visited Nupur Sthali, where Shyamanand Pandit discovered Radharani's ankle bells.

Then we sent off my parents to the rooms to take rest, while CVP and I went to loi Bazaar to shop for some essentials. I got a great deal on chanting beads n bags. Returning back to room after taking rest, we went for lunch prasadam. After being satiated again four of us set for visiting Radha Madan Mohan Mandir and Keshi Ghata. Keshi Ghata is very dear to me, as that place is a little isolated from the noise of the vehicles and people. Cool breeze flows there along with the calm and serene Yamuna. I aspire to once go and spend like 2-3 hours there and chant my rounds. Perhaps there my rascal mind will get subjugated and for once chant attentively. This reminds me to beg you and all vaishnavas that might be reading this blog to pray for improvement in my Japa. Its going downhill for me. Quality is at it's worst. So please keep me in your prayers.

We also spent some time at Kaliya Daha, which has been revamped very nicely. Its really awesome. Then off we were to Krishna Balarama for the legendary 6:30 kirtan by the legendary kirtan king of ISKCON, His Grace Aindra Prabhu. What followed was ecstatic dancing and singing during Gaura Arati. Wonders of Wonders!!! What do i see, Apurva Gopal Prabhu is also here. A day before his planned arrival. Vijay Madhav prabhu had also arrived. So after this we hit the Govinda's snack counter opposite Prabhupada's samadhi and we sat together just like old times in Pune. It's so good to be in Vrindavan. After this I again went back in to relish some more kirtan. This time Radha Caran prabhu was generous and allowed me to carry his beautiful Gaura Nitai on my head and dance. It's good, but at same time it's exhausting.

After this long day's routine, I retired to our room at Chitrkoot Ashram. Waiting for next day's celebrations.

Srila Prabhupada Disappearance Day

Prabhupada to his dear disciples and followers, known as Bhaktivedanta Swami in Gaudiya Viashnava circles was an empowered devotee of Lord Krishna who spread the movement of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu throughout the world. He was a disciple of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakur. He appeared in this world in 1986 and departed on 14th November, 1977. He established ISKCON in 1966.

Today is the Disappearance anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. Let's read and remember the final pastime of Srila Prabhupada and absorb ourselves in contemplating the qualities of this great mahatma.

Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai !!!

Chronology of Srila Prabhupada's Departure

written by Anantacarya das

These are extracts from a diary I kept 32 years ago during the last five days of Srila Prabhupada's presence with us in Vrindavan, India.

Arriving at the Krishna-Balaram Mandir from California at about 9:30 a.m. on November 11, I enter Srila Prabhupada's room. Lying on his back in a large bed, he is being massaged gently. A kirtan is in progress. Prabhupada is incredibly thin; his hands and feet are swollen. His limbs are supported by pillows. Srila Prabhupada says he will go on parikram to Govardhan Hill. Devotees ask if he will ride in a minibus; his answer is "bullock cart".

Srila Prabhupada is so weak he can barely move his forearms or raise a hand as a signal. If he wants to move his leg, he asks someone to help him. It is startling to see him so emaciated, but there he is, in his transcendental body. In this unbelievably weakened condition he proposes to go 32 kilometres in a bullock cart, circumambulate the hill, stay overnight and return the next day! He remains our intrepid spiritual leader, not wanting his bodily condition to stop his Govardhan Puja. Worried, we start planning for the parikram.

At 1:00 a.m. on November 12 Srila Prabhupada is resting, Swarup Damodara, tending closely to him, is relieved by another devotee who begins massaging Prabhupada. While he rests, the room is completely silent. We chant japa under our breaths. I learn that Prabhupada's associates have talked him out of going on the parikram, and we are to go in his place.

Kaviraj Shastri, the doctor, comes in at 8:00 a.m. and declares Srila Prabhupada's pulse to be normal. Kaviraj says that he has seen many, many patients, but never one with a body like Prabhupada's. One day everything will seem in disorder, but the next day everything will be perfect again. Today there is no more high blood pressure either. Kaviraj plans to go to Jaipur to get the ingredients for a medicine, saying if Prabhupada will continue to take milk and medicine he will be well.

At 3:50 p.m. ten devotees are singing a kirtan for Srila Prabhupada. Then another devotee leads kirtan on the harmonium, and I accompany him on kartals. We sing continuously until 7:00. Prabhupada asks to be seated up in bed, and accepts a few chudi noodles. After he is done, Upendra carefully distributes his Mahaprasad among the devotees. Prabhupada is always giving to us, no matter what his apparent condition.

Entering the room at 1:00 a.m. on November 13, I offer obeisances near the bed. The room is silent except for the very faint sound of Srila Prabhupada's breathing as he sleeps, and the slight rustle of a devotee's beads. Prabhupada awakens and begins to have more trouble with his body. Despite rearranging his pillows, massaging, moving him and changing the blankets, Prabhupada is not doing well.

Upendra is sent for, and under his care Srila Prabhupada goes back to sleep. He sleeps for an hour, then awakes at 3:00. For awhile he is cold, but then the quilt which is put on is too heavy, and he asks that it be removed. His left leg is in pain, and he needs to be helped to pass urine. He insists that all covers stay off.

We get Upendra up again and send for Dr. Shastri. Srila Prabhupada loudly and distinctly says "Hare Krishna", repeating it twice at five-minute intervals. Upendra tells us: "You may all chant japa out loud." Kaviraj takes the pulse, looks over Srila Prabhupada and leaves. Prabhupada becomes quieter.

After mangala aratik I re-enter the room. Satsvarupa Maharaj is leading 20 devotees in kirtan, but Srila Prabhupada is worse. Now he has a cold, too. Prabhupada's sister arrives, dressed in white, and goes to the head of the bed to see her brother. She reaches out her hand to give him a long, consoling touch, then proceeds to the foot of the bed and touches his feet before she leaves.

By 9:00 p.m. there are 20 devotees gathered around, including Kaviraj and another elderly gentleman friend of Srila Prabhupada. A devotee is massaging Prabhupada's leg with oil, and a compress is applied to the other leg. At about 10:30, lying on his left side, he begins to sleep very well. Only four disciples are in the room: Swarup Damodara, sitting quietly in the corner, keeping an eye on Gurudev; Jagadish, seated against the wall; a brahmacari, reading by a lamp; and I, whispering the Hare Krishna mantra.

The night is getting cold, and Swarup Damodara wants to block a draft from a French window, but it won't close. I go outside and push, while Swarup Damodara pushes on it from the inside. We manage to close it without waking Prabhupada.

At 11:40 Srila Prabhupada awakes and asks to be rolled onto his back. Swarup Damodara helps him roll over, gives him his medicine and arranges the bedpan. I tuck in Prabhupada's lotus feet under the blankets.

At 12:15 a.m. on November 14, Srila Prabhupada is sleeping soundly. Chanting the Mahamantra very softly. I stand next to him, looking at his lovely head and face, and for 90 minutes I can't see anything else. I stand in one spot and meditate upon his lotus face and head.

At about 10:15, I am passing by the windows of Srila Prabhupada's room and hear a loud kirtan going on in the room. I think that Prabhupada must be feeling better, but one of the devotees tells me that his condition is as critical as ever. At noon the kirtan is still strong. At 1:15 p.m., while we take prasadam, a server announces Kaviraj's prognosis that Srila Prabhupada has only five more hours in his body.

I head quickly to Prabhupada's room, now one-third filled with perhaps 30 devotees gathered close and chanting strongly. Our spiritual master appears to be in a coma: he is unmoving, and his facial expression is trancelike. Lying on his back with his head tilted to the side, his lips are parted, but there is no movement, and his eyelids are closed. Several devotees, including Upendra and Giriraj, are seated on the bed. Caru das, from Berkeley Temple, is seated on the floor, tears streaming down his face as he strokes the feet of his spiritual master. Prabhupada's personal servants Bhakticaru Maharaj, Upendra and Swarup Damodara are in attendance, all worried.

Everybody comes to chant for Srila Prabhupada — brahmacaris, brahmacarinis, householders, Gurukula children, sannyasis, visitors. A devotee sits on a corner of the bed by Srila Prabhupada's feet and leads us in the Pancha Tattva prayer, the Mahamantra and the Gurvastakam prayers. Asking for a prayer book, he leads us in the complete set of Govindam Adi Purusham prayers from the Brahma-samhita. He sings from the book and we all join in for the refrain.

The room is now getting stuffy because of all the people. We open doors and windows and turn on fans. Srila Prabhupada's sister is here, seated on the floor next to the bed. For many hours to follow, she remains nearby. No matter what happens next, she will do her best to be with Srila Prabhupada. A bench is brought in for Prabhupada's elderly Vaishnava friends. Kirtan goes on unceasingly, and the afternoon is filled with devotees coming and going and chanting. Some elderly Vaishnavas later leave, but a really frail gentleman remains on the bench, quietly and continuously chanting japa. Will I ever be able to appreciate what a privilege it is to associate with these wonderful Vaishnavas?

At 5:00 p.m. Kaviraj arrives and moves a stethoscope about on Srila Prabhupada's chest and midsection, worriedly informing Bhakticaru Maharaj of the new prognosis. The word is passed around: only three more hours. At Kaviraj's request, japa beads, Deity pictures and some of Srila Prabhupada's books are placed around his head. It is beautiful to see Prabhupada's lovely head and face thus framed with transcendental paraphernalia.

Pradyumna and others have begun preparations for the Samadhi. There is talk of a palanquin, fresh saffron cloth and garlands. Srila Prabhupada swallows occasionally with his mouth closed. His breathing is noticeable by the slight rise and fall of the sheet covering his frail body. Bhakticaru Maharaj gives him some water. For an hour I sit in the vestibule as townspeople arrive. Everyone is determined to see Srila Prabhupada and begs for a last darshan. At 6:00 p.m. I re-enter the room and the women devotees are clustered about the bed to be as close as possible to him. Upendra's eyes are continuously filled with moisture.

At 7:50 Kaviraj bends over for the pulse, and we all push forward. I stand on a chair in the back of the room but cannot see Srila Prabhupada. Having checked for the pulse, Kaviraj swiftly says "finished". We all erupt with the Hare Krishna mantra with an almost hopeless frenzy. It begins to sink in that it's all over. Devotees are frantically chanting, crying and breaking down completely. One boy collapses in convulsive sobbing. Tamal Krsna Maharaj has us leave the room. The night is filled with close and distant sobbing, women wailing, bells ringing, and dogs are barking and howling.

I go back downstairs 45 minutes later. Srila Prabhupada has been freshly clothed in saffron, and he is adorned with garlands of flowers and a bouquet of Tulasi manjaris. Sandalwood pulp covers his forehead and a large tulasi leaf is on his forehead. His skin has become pale, and a saffron hat covers his head. Four devotees place him securely in a palanquin. Vrindavan Vaishnavas, led by Srila Narayan Maharaj, pay reverent obeisances and place flower garlands, much affected by Srila Prabhupada's departure.

Srila Prabhupada in his palanquin is taken three times around the outside of the temple, with devotees following and chanting. The palanquin is placed successively in front of Gaur-Nitai, Krishna-Balaram and Radha-Krishna; the kirtan is strong and jubilant. The palanquin is again lifted, and Prabhupada is taken around the inside of the temple, then outside. Re-entering, he is placed before the Krishna-Balaram Deities for continued kirtan, with devotees circumambulating him. We go around many times, circling closely. Now the palanquin is lifted, and both palanquin and Prabhupada are placed right on the blue velvet Vyasasan with the lion figures on both sides.

Omkara does the Gurupuja aratik during a roaring kirtan. The first devotees to offer marigolds and obeisances to Srila Prabhupada are his sister, his Vrndavan friends and Tamal Krishna Maharaj; then Upendra, Pradyumna, the ISKCON swamis and temple presidents. Some Gaudiya Math devotees offer garlands of flowers and decorative spiritual paraphernalia. We offer the marigolds by circling motions and shower them on Prabhupada. Narayan Maharaj leads us in a nice kirtan. We learn that the townspeople of Vrndavan requested a last darshan, so Srila Prabhupada will wait on the Vyasasan during the night and then proceed on Vrndavan parikram before returning for samadhi. Tamal Krsna Maharaj tells us to hold continuous all-night kirtan.

As kirtan continues, the night grows cold. The temple room is less crowded and only a few are singing. Most of the 25 devotees in the temple room are chanting japa. After a cold shower I dash back to the kirtan. By 2:00 a.m. the air has become penetratingly cold. Four or five younger devotees and I are clustered near the Vyasasan to keep the kirtan going, along with two elderly Indian devotees who refuse to leave Srila Prabhupada, though they can hardly stay awake. One sits motionless in front of the Vyasasan with only a chadar wrapped around his shoulders. Pradyumna sits with us and chants on his beads. He is looking quite worn-out, but stays with Prabhupada. Viraha Prakash Maharaj is now standing by the side of the Vyasasan steps.

About 3:00 a.m. I am asked to fan Prabhupada with one of the camaras. It is dark enough that the devotees cannot see my tears. By 4:30 many devotees are returning, and Srila Prabhupada's sister also returns. She obviously wants to sit even closer to him, but male devotees fully occupy the carpet, so she humbly sits on the cold floor next to a pillar. Now the women come forward and offer incense to Srila Prabhupada. At 4:45 I volunteer to whisk Prabhupada again.

By 5:00 a.m. everyone is back. As mangal aratik starts, some devotees turn their backs to Srila Prabhupada to pay obeisances to the Deities. Narayan Maharaj tells Gopal Krishna that the devotees are to face Prabhupada, and there is to be a simultaneous aratik for Prabhupada at the Vyasasan while the aratik continues for the Deities. Gopal Krishna quickly arranges aratiks at each of the three altars plus the Vyasasan. Narayan Maharaj leads the kirtan, concluding with a resounding "Jaya Gurudeva." An aratik for Tulasi Devi follows.

The Parikram begins at 6:45 a.m. as the palanquin is lifted from the Vyasasan and carried to the courtyard, where we circumambulate Srila Prabhupada with more chanting. We proceed through the front gate of the mandir, down the road to Vrndavan and its seven major temples. Narayan Maharaj leads the procession and kirtan and takes care that all details of the parikram and samadhi are executed perfectly.

The procession is led by a large group of devotees leading the strong kirtan; 11 dandas are visible. After 20-metre gap is a second group with Srila Prabhupada's palanquin, bearers and attendants, followed by the women devotees and rickshas carrying Srila Prabhupada's sister and some Gurukula children.

The palanquin is borne by Citsukhananda in the front and Vishnu Tattva das in the rear. Although relieved from time to time, these two men carry the heavy palanquin for most of the procession. Bhavananda is inseparable from Srila Prabhupada's side, while Tamal Krishna Maharaj leads the second group of devotees. Upendra appears anxious, but Srila Prabhupada and his devotees sail through the streets of Vrndavan, stopping before each temple. The streets are lined with people shouting "Haribol," "Hare Krishna" and "Jai Gurudev." Families come onto rooftops, and Vrindavan's townsfolk, young and old, pay standing obeisances to Srila Prabhupada.

Not far from the mandir a young woman watches the procession go by, eyes alight with amazement and veneration. Looking at the departing procession, she turns and walks to the center of the road. She bends down and, palms down, rubs her hands in a circular motion in the dust. She smears the dust of the Vaishnavas all over her cheeks and beams with a radiant smile.

Down the road another young woman in exquisite garments steps from her house into the street ditch to see the palanquin go by. Heedless of her finery, she bends her knees into the gutter, brings her head and arms to the ground, and pays obeisances. How is it possible to keep from crying when one sees just how much everyone loves and reveres Srila Prabhupada?

Returning to the mandir, the samadhi begins immediately. Srila Prabhupada has a bathing ceremony, a change of garments, flower garlands, puja offering and a prasadam offering. Finally he is covered with salt and then sand. During the lengthy and beautiful ceremony, the temple bell rings continuously and the kirtan goes on without interruption. At 1:00 p.m. the samadhi ceremony ends, and the devotees take prasadam.

Although I am not competent to write about these events, I beg the mercy of our Founder-Acarya and the entire disciplic succession to record this for those who were not able to be with Srila Prabhupada during his last days with us. All glories to our inconceivably merciful and infinitely wonderful Srila Prabhupada.

H.H. Sacinandan Swami in New Delhi.

His Holiness Sacinandan Swami in Delhi

October 2^nd, 2009

His Holiness Sacinandan Swami Maharaja on the way to Vrindavan, kindly stayed in Delhi for 2 days to give his purifying association. Maharaja will be in Braj for Kartik and then later 3 weeks for Goverdhan and Japa retreat.

Maharaja gave Srimad Bhagavatam Lecture in the morning. After doing some Kirtan in temple hall in evening, he proceeded towards the Auditorium. Being a holiday, many devotees and visitors were there to hear from Maharaja.

After an ecstatic Jai Radha Madhav and Hare Krishna Kirtan, Maharaja told that he would like to speak something about the month of Kartik.

Here are a few points which Maharaja elaborated in the class.

• Maharaja's personal secret. Circumambulation Vrindavan with HH Loknath Swami, & chanting Hare Krishna  - offering it to Srimati Radharani. If one does special seva to Radharani or even her devotees, there is so much advancement.
  
• One may not feel that Bhakti has graced one's heart even after years of coming to KC. One needs to meditate that service is done for Radha & Krishna. One should do it in knowledge of one's relationship with Krishna.
  
• Always ask: "How can i please Radha Krishna, NOW?
  

Maharaja also related 2 pastimes, that reveal the glories of the month of Kartik.

In the end Maharaja asked us to remember the water falling from the flask and no container to hold water example for he will return in 2 months and ask if we applied it practically in our lives. This way Maharaja also promised that again he will give his association to Delhi devotees and we will look forward to it.

His Holiness Sacinandan Swami Maharaha Ki Jai !!!!

Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai !!!!

Oct 2 IYF Retreat

October 2, 2009; Friday

Since it was a holiday in lieu of The "Birthday" of the Father of The Nation on 2nd October. We at IYF decided to do something worthwhile. A whole-day long program christened "milan" was organized. All the newcomers who had been coming on Sunday DYS programs were communicated and invited for the program. During the course of the day, there was Kirtan, Video show, drama, Q&A, Group discussion, some prasadam, some more kirtan and then some more prasadam. All in all it was full of enthusiasm and festivity. Here are a few glimpses:

Ashraya Group

This one was taken way back in August. Might even be before that.

(L-R)Top: Anil Pr, Natavara Krsna Pr

Mid: Arun Pr, Ravi Pr, Bhupan Pr, Ananta Pr, Rajesh Pr, Lakhan Pr

Front: Anshuman Pr, Ravi Pr, Bhaskar Pr, Vaibhav Pr, Sunny Pr, Harsha Pr.

Bhakti Sadacara Course

Recently a seminar on Bhakti Sadacara was organised in ISKCON Delhi, Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir from 26-30 Sept 2009. It was presided by His Grace Brhada Mrdanga Prabhu.

The seminar was organised as a part of ISKCON Leads program for local leaders/preachers and members of congregation. Attendees included 120 prabhujis and around 70 matajis.

I was also fortunate to attend the course. Prabhuji very lucidly explained KC concepts which are very simple and right there before our eyes in Srila Prabhupada books, which we sometimes ignore.

Few points I could connect were.

• Service is the constitutional position of a living entity. Service. Service. Not type of service.
  
  
• Never take away anyone else's service just because I want to have fame n glory or the other devotee is not up to mark. Always replace, not displace. Snatching away someone's sevice always gives a reaction, by our own service being snatched away.
  
  
• Keep on forgiving a devotee for his offences. By doing that we safeguard our position and protect ourselves from future fall down.
  
  
• Nothing except Krishna Prasadam. Gives us determination in dire situations.
  
  
• Amongst devotee friends.
  
  
• Attitude towards different types of devotees. Prakrta Sahajiya, Prakrta Bhakta and Harinama Bhakta. All from Purports by Srila Prabhupada in Nectar of Instruction Verse 5.
  
  

The seminar was very interactive as there were many question answer sessions and group activities which involved a skit and a presentation.

On the last day all the attendees were awarded certificates.

Of course last but not least to say. Devotees from Gurgaon and Punjabi Bagh sponsored the wonderful feast Prasadam.

Hoping to inculcate some of the things I learnt in the seminar.

Vrindavan Yatra

September 12, 2009. Saturday.

This time we decided to take devotees who are regularly coming to our house program on a one day yatra to Vrindavan. The idea was to let them experience Sridhama, by following in the footsteps of devotees. We hired a tempo traveller. Left at 5 AM in the morning with intent of reaching Krishna Balarama Mandir before 7:15. But Krishna had other plans. His Grace Avyanga Prabhu also gladly accepted to accompany us. Without his guidance, this trip would'nt have been such a success that it was.

Reached Sridhama Vrindavan at 8:30. After taking darshans at KB Temple, we immediately left for darshans of Goswami temples. First stop was at Radha Madan Mohan Temple. The weather was at it's best. With not a sign of sunshibe, cool breeze was flowing. A perfect spring season. From the temple, we could see Yamuna ji flowing through the green fields. 

Thereafter we left for Radha Damodar temple, all the while doing kirtan on the streets. After hearing about it's glories and taking darshans at Srila Prabhupada's rooms, we left for Radha Shyamsundar Temple. There we witnessed sweet Arati of Lala n Lali jee. Thereafter we made it just in time to behold the beautiful darshans of Sri Radha Ramanji. After savoring on the mystical pastime of his divine appearance and Rabri prasadam, that is out of this world, we moved on to reach Banke Bihari temple on time. But unfortunately we got late n the temple was closed.

While rest of the party went to the rooms we had booked for resting, Avyanga Pr n I went to Loi Bazaar for shopping. Then we reached KB temple at 3 for Lunch prasadam. Then there was a period of 2-3 hours for devotees to spend as they like. I chose to take rest. Then by 5-5:30 we all reassembled at KB temple, enjoying Kirtan. The clock stuck 1830 hrs and it was Aindra Prabhu all the way. Devotees in the temple swayed as he melodiously glorified the lord by chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Gaura Arati on saturdays are special as in the kirtan is led by GuruKulis.

Finally left for Delhi at 7:45 pm. We got a few burgers and other prasadam packed. All in all the yatra was blissful. On our way back we asked for the experience of the people who had gone for the first time to Vrindavan in association of devotees. By this I dont mean that my association was great. But we tried our best to give the newcomers a glimpse to the nectar that people taste when ISKCON temple conducts such Yatras. We asked house program devotees to maintain devotional mood rather than picnic mood.

Personally, this was one of the best Yatras, as it combined all the factors - Service, Temple Darshans and Kirtans at KB temple.

Opportunity for Vaishnava Seva

It had been my desire to invite His Grace Jugal Kishor Prabhu and other devotees from Pune when they come to Delhi either to attend Vyasa Puja Mahotsava or during Kartik Yatra. But their schedule is packed and hence it couldn't have been a possibility for last 2 years.

Jugal Kishor Prabhu again came on Aug 31 to Delhi to attend a 5-day seminar on Leadership initiative. It was presided by His Grace Brhad Mrdanga Prabhu. After lot of changing schedules, the opportune day of Monday was decided when Prabhuji agreed to come to our house. He came along with His Grace Sarva Lakshana Prabhu (Pune), His Grace Padma Puri Prabhu (Pune, but now serving in Delhi).

They came around 7:30 pm. After having darshans of lord at our home altar, they performed Gayatri. Then they were served Prasadam, north Indian style. Afterwards, we had invited a few local residents who are now regularly attending the Namahatta program. There was little kirtan and then Prabhuji spoke for a few minutes on different aspects of Krishna Consciousness, and how it is the only process to achieve satisfaction. There was a question by the audience which was satisfactorily answered by SarvaLakshan Prabhu.

Around 9:30 PM , they left for the temple. They had to catch the train to Rourkela the next morning at 7 AM.

The appreciation of course goes to Mithilesh, my mother and father for making nice arrangements for honoring devotees.

Guru Maharaja Vyasa Puja 2009

The auspicious day of Ekadasi , next to Janmashtmi holds special significance. For on that day a beloved disciple of Srila Prabhupada appeared on this planet. It's appearance day of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja.

Maharaja, was born in Delhi in year 1944. He was in Montreal, Canada when he first met Srila Prabhupada. He actually served his Guru Maharaj by cleaning his room, before even meeting him for the first time. Maharaja was more an more facsinated with the personality and philosophy of Srila Prabhupada and thus decided to dedicate his life towards propagating the Krishna Consciousness Mission. He served Srila Prabhupada by managing printing of Books in India. He was also managing affairs at Vrindavan and Mayapur temples. In 1982, he accepted the Sannyasa order of life. He now travels extensively throughout the world for preaching the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and delivering innumerable conditioned souls.

For last 4 years it has been privilige for devotees

in New Delhi to host this Glorious Event in the honor of Guru Maharaja. Many devotees from all across India and world come in to attend his festival.

The day begins with Mangala Arati, where Maharaja worships Their Lordships Sri Sri gaura Nitai. After this, he sings Guru Vandana for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. Thereon he leaves for the venue: Sri Fort Auditorium at around 9:30 AM from Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON Delhi.

Barring a few most devotees reach venue before Maharaja to give him a royal welcome. Maharaja then proceeds towards the stage, paying obeisances to Prabhupada and the deities, he takes his vyasa asana built specially for the day. Glorification started this year as always by His Grace Gopi Parandhana Prabhu , where he explained the significance of the day.

After this Maharaja's godbrother His Grace Sri Dhama Prabhu glorified Maharaja and thanked him for engaging him in the service of Radha Parthasarathi. Then Maharaja's only Sanyasa disciple His Holiness Prabodhananda Maharaja offered his glorification, followed by many of his senior disciples.

Simultaneously, devotees line up to offer their gifts to Maharaja and seek his blessings. Followed by Feet bathing ceremony, Arotik and Bhoga offering. Then devotees return to temple to honour Ekadasi feast. It is a feast in all respects having 14-15 food items.

Evening celebrations start in Temple's very own Auditorium. the remaining devotees from Pune, Ahemdabad, Delhi Punjabi Bagh and East of Kailash offer their glorifications. This is the time when I also sneaked up on the stage to offer a gift to Maharaja and seek his blessings by touching his Lotus feet. It got very late so maharaja spoke for exactly 5 minutes from Srimad Bhagavatam.

Thus the glorious day came to an end, etched forever in the heart of disciples.

Countless are the number of devotees, whose faith in Sri Guru would have increased, along with surrender to His Instructions after hearing his inconcievable transcendental glories which are potent enough to liberate a conditioned soul from the bondages of the materialistic concept of life.

For photos and videos, please visit www.gopalkrishnagoswami.com

Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day

The next day of the most awaited day of the year is a very special day for all the ISKCON Devotees. It is the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada to whom we are forever indebted to give the sublime process of Krishna Consciousness to the whole world and building ISKCON to give shelter to misdirected conditioned souls. This year was the 113th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s divine appearance in this material world.

I could not attend Mangala Arotik owing to my conditioned body. But I managed to reach Guru Puja. His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja offered the worship to Srila Prabhupada’s deity and HG Sridham Prabhu sang the Guru Vandana Prayers.

Then there was a lecture by Srila Prabhupada recorded on his Vyas Puja. Srila Prabhupada explained the significance of Vyas Puja and position of Spiritual Master.

What followed were Vaishnava Bhajans for pleasure of Prabhupada and assembled devotees.

The Vyas Puja offerings started at 9:30 AM by Sridham Prabhu, a very senior devotee in ISKCON Delhi temple.Followed by HG Vrajendra Nandan Prabhu, Communication Director, HG Krishna Priya Prabhu, HG Jita Mitra Prabhu and HG Radha Damodar Prabhu.

His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja then entered the temple hall and glorified Srila Prabhupada. He told that Every act small or big of Srila Prabhupada was wonderful and he could not forget even a moment’s association with Srila Prabhupada he had. By this tme he choked up with rememberance of his divine spiritual master, and could not speak anymore.

His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja also read his offering from the Vyas Puja book, expressing his gratitude to Srila Prabhupada. This was to be followed by Abhisheka, Bhoga Offering and Pushpanjali. Then a great feast awaited all the devotees. It included Prabhupada’s favourite Kachori and Gulab Jamun.

The celebrations continued in evening with HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja and HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja gave a combined lecture and continued their glorification of their revered Spiritual Master. Then a play was acted by the Vaikuntha Group on Srila Prabhupada Pastimes. Thus the day came to a close with a little prasadam.

All Glories to this auspicious day when the divine grace of the Lord descended on the earth for the sole reason of benefit for the fallen conditioned soul. Srila Prabhupada’s life is an example of dedication to his Spiritual master’s order, his faith in Holy name, dependence on Krishna and immense compassion. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada, the warrior-leader of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s sankirtan army.

Janmashtmi Celebrations @ ISKCON New Delhi

Lord Krishna appeard on the eighth day of bright fortnight of Month Magha. So we celebrate the anniversary of this day every year with great festive spirit. We were very fortunate to have Lord Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead who appears only once in a day of Brahma so kindly appeared in Dwapar Yuga that passed by, followed by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Prabhupada carries on the message of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and it is because of his devotion, that this day is now celebrated across the globe.

I would share some of the activities that went on in ISKCON New Delhi, Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple on August 14, Friday.

Amidst strong security measures owing to the proximity of Independence day on Aug 15 to Janmashtmi, ISKCON temple was fortified with police security. Even at 4 AM in the morning there was frisking. Somehow we managed to get inside, but could not take our mobiles and cameras inside. It was disappointing to be not able to click photos. The temple hall was filled with devotees awaiting the opening of the gates of the altar. When they opened, their lordships were greated with great roars and Kirtan. Their Lordships were marvellously dressed in a green outfit. HG Mohan Rupa Prabhu, the Temple President of ISKCON New Delhi led the Mangala Arati Kirtan.

After that some announcements were made regarding the services and Kirtan schedule followed by Japa. Then it started raining heavily, turning the weather pleasant with cool breezes throughout the day.At 7:30, there was Guru Puja and 8:30 AM, the Lord appeared in his festival dress. There was loud Kirtan and devotees sung and danced in ecstasy.

It was really good to have association of all the devotees viz Chakravarti pr, Saurabh Pr, Prateek pr and Sagar pr. Avyanga Pr also later joined us after he finished services at home. But during the day he fell very ill. Now he is ok!!

After that the devotees got engaged in their respective services. About 1.75 lakh people visited to have the blessed darshans of the Supreme Lord. Also parallely Abhiseka of the lord by the donors was going on in Auditorium lobby and Front of IYF Seminar Hall.

The stalls that were earlier decided to be closed due to security concerns were opened and the whole pandal came into life. The main attraction was the Japa Pandal and the IYF stall replete with scientific representation of the Vedas and Relevance of Krishna Consciousness in Today’s Youth’s life.

At 11:00 PM, the Abhisheka started. Fortunately we had His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja and His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja with us who bathed the lord with milk, honey and various other auspicious items. Then the lord was offered bhoga of 1008 items.

By arrangement of Lord, i was fortunate to get the service of transferring the bhoga from the preparation area to the lift that directly goes to the altar. Consequently I could not attend the Abhiseka.

This was proceeded by Maha Arati of the Lord which ended by 1:00 AM. Guru Maharaja was at Radha parthasarathi altar. At this time, the hall was almost empty with very few devotees. The doors then closed, and devotees returned to their bases, to again come next day for celebrating the appearance day of the person because of whom, we celebrated Janmashtmi with such great fervour. Yes, the next day is Appearance Day of our beloved Srila Prabhupada.