Kali Kale Nama Rupe Krsna Avatara

Glories of Kartik

2010-10-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

“One of the most important of these ceremonial functions is called Urja-vrata. Urja-vrata is observed in the month of Karttika (October-November); especially in Vrndavana, there is a specific program for temple worship of the Lord in His Damodara form. “Damodara” refers to Krsna’s being bound with rope by His mother, Yasoda. It is said that just as Lord Damodara is very dear to His devotees, so the month known as Damodara or Karttika is also very dear to them.

“The execution of devotional service during Urja-vrata in the month of Karttika is especially recommended to be performed at Mathura. This system is still followed by many devotees. They go to Mathura or Vrndavana and stay there during the month of Karttika specifically to perform devotional services during this period. In the Padma Purana it is said, “The Lord may offer liberation or material happiness to a devotee, but after some devotional service has been executed, particularly in Mathura during the month of Karttika, the devotees want only to attain pure devotional service unto the Lord.” The purport is that the Lord does not award devotional service to ordinary persons who are not serious about it. But even such unserious persons who execute devotional service according to the regulative principles during the month of Karttika, and within the jurisdiction of Mathura in India, are very easily awarded the Lord’s personal service.” (Srila Prabhupada in NOD chap. 12)

durlabho bhakti-yogo me mama vasya-vidhayakah
karttike mathurayam ca vratenanena labhyate
“Pure devotional service to Me which, because it places Me under My devotee’s dominion, is very difficult to attain, is easily attained by following this vow in Mathura during Karttika.”

“To they who worship Krishna in Vrindavan, the Lord gives them their original spiritual forms. The perfect atonement to purify the sins of a lifetime is to worship Lord Damodara in Vrindavan during Kartik. The month of Kartik spent in Vrindavan brings the supreme destination.” -Srila Rupa Goswami, Mathura Mahatyam

“In the month of Kartik, which is very dear to Sri Hari, one who bathes early in the morning attains the merit of bathing in all places of pilgrimage. Anybody who offers the Lord a ghee lamp in the month of Kartik, O brahmana, becomes free from all kinds of sins, such as killing a brahmana, and he goes to the abode of Lord Hari.” (Brahma Khanda).

As Satya-yuga is the best of yugas, as the Vedas are the best of scriptures, as Ganga is the best of rivers, so Karttika is the best of months, the most dear to Lord Krsna - Skanda Purana

“Suta Goswami says, “If anyone fasts and observes the Kartik-vrata according to the rules and regulations, the Yamadutas, the messengers of Yamaraja, run away from him, just as an elephant runs away by seeing a lion. This dear fast [vrata] of Lord Vishnu is even better than performing one hundred great sacrifices that would take him to heaven because the person who observes the Kartik-vrata goes to the spiritual world.” (Padma Purana)

“Although one can easily reach Mathura [Vraja Mandala] on this earth, and although Kartik month is easily observable, and although in the month of Kartik all of the places of pilgrimage, oceans, rivers, and lakes come to the Mathura area, still, those human beings who are foolish and suffering in the ocean of material existence do not take advantage of it.” (Padma Purana)

Kartik is the best, the purest of purifiers, and most glorious of all months. Kartik month is particularly dear to Lord Sri Krsna. 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, whereas ordinary vratas only last for one lifetime! Srimati Radhika is the presiding deity of the holy month of Kartik. Rupa Goswami and others refer to Radharani as Kartik Devi; in other words, Radhika is the goddess or presiding Deity of the Kartik Vrata. - Padma Purana. : quoted by Srila Sanatana Goswami in his Hari-Bhakti Vilasa

Specifically in the month of Damodara, one should daily worship Lord Damodara and take bath early in the morning, give charity and follow a fasting vow. This is the duty of Vaisnavas. - (HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/3 from SKANDA PURANA)

Oh son Narada, those brahmanas who do not give charity in the month of Karttika, perform sacrifice, chant japa and fast for Lord Hari are the lowest of mankind. - (HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/25 from SKANDA PURANA)

There is no other month equal to Karttika and there is no other yuga equal to Krta-yuga. There is no other scripture equal to Vedas. There is no other place of pilgrimage equal to Ganges, therefore, the month of Karttika is very dear to the Vaisnavas (people dedicated to Visnu). - (HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/39,40 from SKANDA PURANA)

Oh great sage, after giving up all varieties of religious functions, one should follow Karttika fast and listen to the narrations of Lord Sri Hari before His Deity form. - (HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/76 from SKANDA PURANA Lord Brahma speaks to Narada Muni)

One rat (female mouse) had once burnt a ghee lamp which was offered by someone else on Ekadasi day. By doing so, she achieved a rarely achievable human form and at last attained the topmost destination. - (HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/129 from SKANDA PURANA)

Most auspicious month of the year.......

2010-10-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

The auspicious Month of Kartik, more popular as the Month of Damodara, is here once again heralding the spiritually enlivening ‘Festival of Lights’.
Mother Yasoda bound little mischievous Krishna with ropes to the grinding mortar for having stolen butter and thus He came to be known as Damodara. The significance is in that the Lord of the Universe can be bound only by the rope of pure love.

The Kartik Month is the period when the enchantingly beautiful child Krishna starts playing this sweet pastime of stealing butter.

During thus Damodara month, devotees will get the opportunity to personally offer Arati to Lord Damodara with ghee lamps and sing the very enchanting ‘Damorashtakam’, to receive the special mercy of the Lord.

"In the month of Kartika one should worship Lord Damodara and daily recite the prayer known as Damodarashtaka, which has been spoken by the sage Satyavrata and which attracts Lord Damodara."

(Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa 2.16.198)

Janmashtmi 2010 @ ISKCON, East of Kailash, Delhi

2010-09-21T03:08:00.000-07:00

2 September 2010

Mangala Darsan

Sringaar Darshan

Abhiseka

Home Altar @ Janmashmi

2010-09-21T01:15:00.000-07:00

The pics are not very clear. Altar decorated by HG Ajatshatru Prabhu and HG Madhurya Kadambini Devi Dasi.
Lord's dress kindly gifted by HG Avyanga prabhu.

Radha Parthasarathi Jhulan Yatra

2010-09-01T03:11:00.000-07:00

Following are the pics of each day of the 5-day long Jhulan Yatra celebrated in Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON Delhi.

Golden Times

2010-08-31T02:58:00.000-07:00

Guru Maharaja with Srila Prabhupada

Came across this picture in Facebook. A glimpse of the older times, the golden times.

Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi's Swing Pastimes

2010-08-31T01:58:00.000-07:00

20 Aug 2010

Yes! For the first time in history of Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, Their Lordships chose to sit down on a swing for the pleasure of their devotees.

It was an unbelievable sight for the non-believers and a pleasing and awe-inspiring sight for the devotees when their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi appeared to give audience to the eagerly awaiting devotees. The two were nicely sitting on an installed swing. And I am not talking about the Utsava deities but the Acala Sri Vigrahas of the Lord and his Consort.

more pictures soon.....

ISKCON Incorporation Day - 44th Anniversary

2010-08-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today, ISKCON has branches all over the world.

Millions of lives have been transformed by the Hare Krishna mantra and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-Gita; thanks to the vision of Srila Prabhupada and the efforts of his sincere followers. But in 1966, no one (except Prabhupada himself) could foresee how this society could ever manifest on such a scale.

Excerpts from Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta

“We shall call our society ISKCON." Prabhupada had laughed playfully when he first coined the acronym.

He had initiated the legal work of incorporation that spring, while still living on the Bowery. But even before its legal beginning, he had been talking about his “International Society for Krishna Consciousness," and so it had appeared in letters to India and in The Village Voice. A friend had suggested a title that would sound more familiar to Westerners, “International Society for God Consciousness," but Prabhupada had insisted: “Krishna Consciousness." “God" was a vague term, whereas “Krishna" was exact and scientific; “God consciousness" was spiritually weaker, less personal. And if Westerners didn't know that Krsna was God, then the International Society for Krishna Consciousness would tell them, by spreading His glories “in every town and village."

Similarly, the place of worship, 26 Second Avenue, was not a New York storefront, a former curiosity shop. It was a small place, but it had now been spiritualized. The storefront and the apartment were now a transcendental haven.

Plain, small, and impoverished as it was, Prabhupada regarded the storefront as “a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the Personality of Krsna” It was a world headquarters, a publishing house. a sacred place of pilgrimage, and a center from which an army of devotees could issue forth and chant the holy names of God in all the streets in the world.
“Society at large” could come here; the whole world could take shelter here, regardless of race or religion.

IYF Delhi blog online

2010-07-14T00:47:00.000-07:00

Yes! IYF Delhi blog is now active. Here you can get to know everything about IYF Delhi, its offerings, activities, members etc.

Check out the pages which detail the IYF activities and also give information about BACES.

Click the pic to visit the blog or go to http://delhiiyf.blogspot.com/

Altar Inaugration at Home

2010-07-13T23:09:00.000-07:00

On the auspicious ocassion of Sri Sita Devi Appearance day, my long time desire got fulfilled. We finally got a custom made altar with just about everything that i ever wanted in the altar.

A lot of input from Avyanga prabhu and Apurva Gopal prabhu and coaxing from Sri Sacinandan prabhu(Pune temple) led to this joyous ocassion.

Since it was a saturday and we had the namahatta program also, we invited HG Padmapuri prabhu for delivering lecture and leading kirtan.

The credit for decoration that you see in the pictures below to Avyanga Prabhu.

Chandan Yatra in ISKCON Delhi

2010-05-31T20:55:00.000-07:00

Posted on May 1, 2010

It's been long since I posted on my blog. So here we go with the pics of their Lordships smeared with sandalwood paste to cool their bodies in the simmering heat of the north India. The chandan yatra is a 21-day festival which is celebrated across all ISKCON centres, Gaudiya Mathas and Sri Jagannath Puri Temple.

This festival begins on the auspicious occasion of Akshay Tritiya. On this day, whatever we do becomes akshaya (inexhaustible). HH Bhakti Vishramb Madhav Maharaja gave a sweet lecture on this day in ISKON, East of kailash, where he explained the significance of inexhaustible nature of dovetailing everything in Krishna's service. He also told that we should grind tulasi bark along with sandalwood and then it would give real pleasure to Krishna.

I remember one statement which really made an impact:

"You offer Tulasi devi to Krishna, and mercifully, she will offer you in krishna's service"

It's so easy. All Glories to Tulasi Devi, the dearmost devotee of Krishna.

Here are the pics from East of Kailash and Punjabi bagh temple on the day of Akshay tritiya.

Thanks to Kovid prabhu for contributing these pictures.

<><>

H.G. Sri Kesava Prabhu

2010-05-06T05:10:00.000-07:00

Sri Keshava Prabhu
Present Location: IYF Vrindavan

I met Prabhuji in Pune on my first visit to Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari Mandir. Got myself enrolled in his Bhakti Vriksha Program. There I met other devotees also such as Ravindra Caitanya (Rohit) Prabhu, Rakesh Kesari prabhu, Alok Pr, Prashant Pr, Deepesh Pr and others.

Soon after 2 months just before Janmashtmi, 2006 Prabhuji left Pune to serve in Vrindavan as a Pujari near his Spiritual Master - his Holiness Radha Govind Swami Maharaja. At this time, the reins of our group were now handled jointly by HG Jaya Nitai Pr and Jugal kishor Pr.

Everytime thereon when I used to go to Vrindavan, I used to meet him. And being so sweet he is, always used to give me some mahaprasad directly from altar, Breakfast Prasadam coupons, maha garlands amongst other things.

Prabhuji then went on to become Temple Commander to Congregation Preaching in Agra. Latest update: Back to youth preaching in Mathura colleges.

Whenever he meets me, asks me about my spiritual life upkeep, sadhna and if I am in regular contact with my counsellor.

Sri Kesava Prabhu is one of the sweetest devotee I have ever met.

Lord Chaitanya's moon is rising!!! I personally witnessed it....

2010-04-29T21:52:00.000-07:00

On April 24th, a dream close to my heart came true. I had been having this desire ever since I had started going to ISKCON. It was to see devotees leading a nice ecstatic kirtan in my colony and imbuing everyone with great bliss of hearing and chanting the beautiful names of Lord Hari. Frankly, it was just a desire that I kept close to my heart, but never ever practically did anything to make it come true. But Lord is so merciful. Being inside my heart in his paramatma form, he knew my desire and mercifully reciprocated by fulfilling it. Who can be more kind than Krishna? Who in this world can be more compassionate to a fallen person like me except the supreme personality of Godhead Krishna. Though I had no qualification, yet he lovingly without considering much, like a loving parent chose to satisfy me. It was an occassion of great joy for me. Finally the moon of Lord Chaitanya has risen in the colony I live. The pastimes have begun.......Now we will wait an watch, the miracles manifesting, the mercy of Lord Caitanya overflowing and flooding the people, the saving of people from the most miserable and hellish conditioned life. It will all come true...Chaitanya Mahaprabhu himself predicted that his name will be spread all over the planet. In every town and every village, his name will be chanted. I pray that by mercy of my Spiritual master I get an opportunity to be an instrument in this preaching movement.

Harinama Diksha

2010-03-30T01:46:00.000-07:00

Srila Prabhupada writes in BG 13.8-12, Purport:
Simplicity means that without diplomacy one should be so straightforward that he can disclose the real truth even to an enemy. As for acceptance of the spiritual master, that is essential, because without the instruction of a bonafide spiritual master one cannot progress in the spiritual science. One should approach the spiritual master with all humility and offer him all services so that he will be pleased to bestow his blessings upon the disciple. Because a bonafide spiritual master is a representative of Krsna, if he bestows any blessings upon his disciple, that will make the disciple immediately advanced without the disciple's following the regulative principles. Or, the regulative principles will be easier for one who has served the spiritual master without reservation.

March 27, 2010 is going to be the most important day of my life. (It should, right?) On this most auspicious day, my spiritual life started as a very dear devotee of the Lord, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami kindly accepted me as his disciple. He gave me the spiritual name: Satsvarupa Shyam Das.

Both my mother and father also got initiated and their names are His Grace Ajatshatru Das and Her Grace Madhurya Kadambini Devi Dasi.

Initiation ceremony started at 9:00 AM in the morning where all he candidates sat around the sacrificial kundas in the courtyard, right in front of temple hall. The are was beautifully decorated with fruits and flowers by the pujari department devotees. We were all given Harinama Chadars and a new Tulasi neck beads. Guru Maharaja arrived and took his seat and then gave a lecture on 10 offences against holy names. he made it clear that our advancement in spiritual life will not be dependent on our spiritual names but rather our dedication in following the principles of devotional service.

Maharaja first gave initiation to the temple residents and then the prabhus, and lastly matajis. In all he initiated around 200 devotees from New Delhi, NOIDA, Gurgaon and faridabad congregation and many IYF devotees.

Each devotee after paying obeisances to Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Guru Maharaja took vows of following 4 regulative principles, chanting 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamanra daily and 25 rounds on Ekadasi and other auspicous days. Also Maharaja asked us to read Srila Prabhupada books daily and take regular association of devotees. He then gave the beads and also awarded a new spiritual name to the disciple.

After this procedure was completed, HG Jaya Mukunda recited the invocatory hyms and started the fire sacrifice. this went on for half an hour. Then all newly initiated devotees circumambulaed the area 7 times.

Personally it was a very humbling experience. It was like a dream that had come true. The only thing I remember is when I was vowing before Guru maharaja and other senior Vaishnavas. After that it is all blank. Don't remember when Maharaja gave me the beads and the name.

Phew! Finally i now have some hope of getting saved. That is if I now strictly follow the instructions my spiritual master gave me. I request all of you who are reading this to give me your blessings and pray to Krishna so that I get strength to satisfy my spiritual master, which is the key to success in spiritual life.

Names of some of he IYF devotees are now as follows:

Sahil Prabhu: Sacinandan Nimai Das

Jogesh Prabhu: Jayadev Gauranga Das

Milan Prabhu: Parampara Prana Das

Gaurav Anand Pr: Gadadhar Pran Das

Dharmender Pr(Fbd): Devahuti Suta Das

Rama Navami - 2010

2010-03-30T00:17:00.000-07:00

Ram Navami was celebrated wih great enthusiasm in ISKCON Delhi - East of Kailash. Beautiful Abhisheka of Lord Ramacandra, along with Mother Sita, Lord Lakshana and Hanuman ji was done amidst ecsatic kirtan by devotees. This was followed by sumptuous prasadam feast.

His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja was also there and led the fesival.

In evening he Vaikuntha Players enacted a beautiful drama based on the pastimes of Lord Rama.

Rama Navami is coming up!!

2010-03-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

This 24th March. This day marks the auspicious appearance of Lord Sri Ramacandra. Son of King Dashratha in Ayodhya.

This day is also the day when our Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON Delhi was inaugrated in 1998.

Every year this festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across many ISKCON centers. Especially in New Delhi and Mumbai-Juhu.
So if you are reading this you are most welcome to attend this great occassion and get unlimited blessings from Lord Rama

PS: This is my 5th post today within an hour. 3 posts were pending from long time.

Gaura Purnima - 2010

2010-03-09T23:35:00.000-08:00

Will update this post soon.....!!!

Pic: Grand Abhisheka of Their Lordships Gaura Nitai.

Holi - IYF's color of Festival

2010-03-09T23:24:00.000-08:00

IYF celebrated Holi on Gaura Purnima Day. After this we went to temple hall to take part in the abhiseka ceremony of the two merciful Lords. Lord Gauranga & Lord Nityananda. That will be covered in the next post.

Back from Mayapur Yatra

2010-03-09T23:01:00.000-08:00

Went to Mayapur for Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama. Left Delhi on 14th Feb and returned on 24th. The parikrama was scheduled from 18-24 Feb. This time it was much easier and less taxing on my body. Was able to cope up with all the daily physical routine, which we city dwellers are so unused to.

Few of IYF devotees went ahead of others to Puri on 10th and joined the rest in Mayapur on 15th Feb. On 17th was the adhivasa ceremony or the day we take sankalpa to complete he parikrama. It rained that day.

Mayapur is a spiritual city, especially one gets that feeling inside the ISKCON campus. The evenings are brilliant, with all the devotees around, dancing and singing jubiliantly. The market that was put up behind the new Govindas was also very enchanting. There were evening kirtans by HH Loknath Swami, HH BB Govinda Swami and HH Radhanath Swami.

On 18th the Parikrama started. Got lots of association of Cakravarti prabhu and Nand Gopal Jivan Prabhu.
Many devotees from Pune were also there in yatra like HG Jugal Kishore Pr, Ravindra Caitanya Prabhu and others from our Bhakti Vriksha Program.

This time by inspiration from JKP, CVP and NKP, I approached Guru Maharaja's room for serving him, but unfortunately, already there were 2 devotees. So Maharaja asked us to take rest.

One of the saturdays, I witnessed the Chhota Radha Madhav's procession. It was grand, with all the gurukulis chanting vedic hymns and drums being beaten created a very outwordly ambience. The kirtan that followed Radha Madhav's re-entrance into the temple hall was also soul stirring.

Parikrama ended on 24th and I flew back to delhi the same day from Kolkata. On our way to Kolkata we also stopped at Shantipur for 15 mins for darshans of Advaita Prabhu's house.

Navadwipa Mayapur Yatra ki Jaya!!

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura instructed Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura: “Develop Sri Navadvipa-dhama parikrama, for by its performance all people of the world can be liberated.”

Nityananda Trayodasi - 2010

2010-03-09T22:47:00.000-08:00

Nadiya Godrume Nityananda Mahajana Patiachhen Namahatta Jivera Karuna
-The mercuful Lord Nityananda walks through Godruma opening up Namahatta to bestow mercy upon fallen conditioned souls of this world. In other Vaishnava Song, Nityananda Prabhu is referred to as one who is situated in transcendental happiness and is requested to bestow mercy on the suffering conditioned soul. Yet another song glorigies the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda giving cooling effect to the burning of the conditioned soul in the fire of material existence.

Also on a personal note, the Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda was the first festival I ever attended in ISKCON. Even though I had got associated in Sept 2005, yet this day in Jan 2006 was officially my first festival. As it was a working day I could not attend it completely, but definitely managed to sneak out during lunch to catch the glimpse of the merciful lord. I still remember the dress their Lordships were wearing that day. A blue dress with swans on it. The altars were so opulently decorated beyond my wildest imaginations. Whoa! Melons hanging here n there. Along with strings of apples and oranges. Where else would one get to see things like that?

So 2010 Trayodasi is my 5th one. How fast time passes by? Though getting senior in number of years, my heart is still far far away from making any advancement. How unfortunate I am. Only by Nityananda Prabhu's causeless mercy can I hope to achieve some gain in my devotional life.

The day started early with a quick trip to flower market. Then came back and decorated the altar, simultaneously prepared for the abhisheka of the lord. Then after it was performed, my mother performed the arotik offering all the 6 items (Only on festival days, the lord gets to enjoy the full arati, other days its only incense, lamp and flowers). After this we dashed off to temple to attend the main festival.

We reached in time to see the most beautiful view where the two merciful lords were being bathed with various liquids. His Grace Mohan Rupa Prabhu was leading devotees into an ecstatic Kirtan. After this the Lord were offered grand Bhoga, and then a grand arati, while all the devotees danced while HG Sriniket Prabhu and HG Ram Bhadra Prabhu led the Kirtan.

Thereafter was a feast awaiting all. I got the opportunity to do little seva there, making it a complete day for me. And then amidst company of devotees, I enjoyed feast prasadam. By the way it was Ekadasi feast, so all the more delectable.

Came back home and then in evening helped Mithilesh in preparing a small feast bhoga for Gopinath.

Indecisive.....

2010-02-08T01:26:00.000-08:00

Now that I have started writing for THT, I feel less inspired to put my thoughts and articles like I used to over here!!!

No doubt I have been posting all the updates about what's happening in ISKCON Delhi and IYF. But it seems to me that I am simply putting it there because I dont have the time or energy to put in my own thoughts/realizations/views.

Hope I come out of this soon.....

Umang - Festival of Joy and Inspiration

2010-02-08T01:22:00.000-08:00

Feb 08, 2010

Delhi IYF celebrated the Umang Festival on 24th Jan 2010, after a long gap. His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja gave the lecture to a gatherin of more than 300 youth. He elaborated on the real purpose of human life and that real happiness is different from temporary illusory happiness of the material world derrived from sense gratification.

Vaikuntha Players also performed a play titled 'God on Trial'. This was followed by ecstatic dancing kirtan in the prasadam hall(for the lack of space in auditorium). Then devotees honored Feast prasadam.

A bus had been arranged to the nearest Metro station for all who wanted to avail this facility.

Here are a few pics !!!

Sri Advaita Acarya Appearance Day

2010-01-22T04:08:00.000-08:00

Didn't do much seva. Dressed up the lord in new clothes. Few pics attached

IYF Update

2010-01-19T19:38:00.000-08:00

IYF Delhi is planning to acquire a vehicle which will help in quickly and economically transport devotees across various locations in and around Delhi. Already 4.7L have been pledged by the earning IYF members.

Tata Winger has been proposed as a viable option.

Some contributors have generously donated 50 thousand to even 1 lakh rupees.

Contributing their hard earned money for propagating Krishna Consciousness has been authorised in Vedic Scriptures as well.

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 12, Verse 11.

Translation

If, however, you are unable to work in this consciousness of Me, then try to act giving up all results of your work and try to be self-situated.

Purport (by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada)

It may be that one is unable even to sympathize with the activities of krsna consciousness because of social, familial or religious considerations or because of some other impediments. If one attaches himself directly to the activities of krsna consciousness, there may be objections from family members, or so many other difficulties. For one who has such a problem, it is advised that he sacrifice the accumulated result of his activities to some good cause. Such procedures are described in the Vedic rules. There are many descriptions of sacrifices and special functions of punya, or special work in which the result of one's previous action may be applied. Thus one may gradually become elevated to the state of knowledge. It is also found that when one who is not even interested in the activities of krsna consciousness gives charity to some hospital or some other social institution, he gives up the hard-earned results of his activities. That is also recommended here because by the practice of giving up the fruits of one's activities one is sure to purify his mind gradually, and in that purified stage of mind one becomes able to understand krsna consciousness.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.

All Glories to IYF Devotees

Everything meets its end

2010-01-18T23:32:00.000-08:00

Every thing in this material world has a life ending with death or destruction, including mobile handsets.

My previous handset has been rendered useless as a result of falling (slipping) out of my hand. What to say? 'Laws of Nature' at work.

Latest addition to my overgrowing number of digital gadgets is Samsung Corby Txt Handset.

Here is how it looks !!!

An Act of Compassion

2010-01-18T03:24:00.000-08:00

Sannyasa Acceptance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Today is 500th anniversary of the Acceptance of Sannyasa (Renounced Order) by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

He took initiation at the age of 24 from Sriman Keshava Bharati at Katwa, Bengal.

Gauranga or Vishvambha Mishra who is non-different from Krishna himself accepted this order so as to deliver the fallen conditioned souls of the present degraded age of Kaliyuga. It was then that he got the name 'Sri Krishna Chaitanya'. He travelled for 6 years all around India spreading the glories of the chanting of Holy name of Lord Hari and distributing love of Godhead to everyone. It was an act of extreme compassion towards the conditioned souls. Perhaps the reason, why Mahaprabhu is known as 'mahavadanyaya'

After this Mahaprabhu spent most of the 18 remaining years of his manifest pastimes in Jagannatha Puri.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, The Founder Acharya of ISKCON comes in direct disciplic succession of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Prabhupada fulfilled the prophecy of Mahaprabhu by spreading the chanting of Holy Name all over the world.

In view of this, a great festival is being celebrated in Mayapur and many other places by ISKCON.

Check out http://www.mayapur.com/

IYF Update - 25 December Celebration

2010-01-11T04:08:00.000-08:00

Owing to the Christmas holiday, IYF hosted a festival at Seminar Hall. Many boys regularly coming to Sunday evening 'Discover YourSelf' program were invited to relish a day in Krishna Consciousness. Festival included a small talk by His Grace Ram Bhadra Prabhu on "Chanting Hare Krishna". Of course Kirtan remained the highlight of the program.

Since the day also marked the birthday of our very dear IYF Devotee 'Sahil Prabhu', we also celebrated the same. Photos below are posted for your pleasure.

His Grace Sundar Gopal prabhu sang Vaishnava Bhajan and then spoke encouraging words for Sahil Prabhu. Then we were joined by Sahil Prabhu's parents who also appreciated the wonderful transformation ISKCON has made in their son, and how they feel blessed to be his parents.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All Glories to ISKCON.

A Brief Introduction to Sahil Prabhu:

Sahil Prabhu hails from an affluent family based out of Delhi. He came to be associated with ISKCON some 2 years back, i.e in 2007. Since then he has made a lot of progress in cultivating Krishna Consciousness. His behaviour is always gentle and simple. because of this friendly demenour he attracts lot of new people. Many IYF devotees got introduced to KC by his association. He is also very expert at doing Kirtan. He expertly plays Mrdanga and now is learning to play Harmonium also. You will never see him sitting idly or resting when he is in temple but always engaged in service or doing kirtan. I pray to their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi that Sahil prabhu may get their mercy and eternal shelter at Their Lotus Feet.

IYF - Delhi: The Future

2009-12-10T02:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-10T02:18:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T03:01:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-01T02:23:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T01:31:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T01:26:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T01:12:00.000-08:00

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

2009-10-21T21:26:00.000-07:00

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.

2009-10-12T02:41:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T02:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-05T02:47:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-04T21:46:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T21:23:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-31T02:57:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-20T20:58:00.001-07:00

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.

The Lord Appears........

2009-08-18T22:15:00.000-07:00

As you all know that preparation for Janmashtmi had begun a few weeks before. Had got jewellery for the lord from Vrindavan on a trip with Avyanga Prabhu. He also gave me the dress material for Lord's apparel amongst many other things like scented oil, beadings, wiping cloth. I had bought flowers a day earlier and refrigerated them.

In order to reach temple for Mangala Arati I had prepared for the morning seva at our altar in the night only.

We got up at 2:30 AM in the morning. Took a bath and after applying tilak and wearing fresh dhoti kurta, I entered the temple room. After opening the latar I greeted the lord on his birthday. Played Janmashtmi Kirtan by HH Loknath Swami Maharaj in the background.

The celebrations started with the abhisheka of

the Lord. Also Mithilesh helped me with decorating the altar with flowers meanwhile. After his bath, The Lord wiped off water and got dressed in his new orange dress and a necklace.

Then offered Lord some sweets which had been prepared the night before. Then we offered incense and lamp to the lord. Immediately after this we paid our obeisances and left for the temple.

There were lot of other people to go to temple with us. Chakravarti Pr and Vinit Pr also stayed the night so that we all could go to temple in morning.

Balarama Purnima

2009-08-18T22:04:00.000-07:00

Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON New Delhi celebrated Balarama Purnima on Aug 5, 2009.Here are the pics.

This also marked the last day of Jhulan Yatra, the swinging pastimes of the Lord.

Invitation !!!!

2009-08-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

THIS FRIDAY, 14th August 2009

BE PREPARED, BE INSPIRED FOR THE
BIGGEST BIRTHDAY BASH OF THE YEAR!

From 4:30am onwards there will be Kicking Music! – Kirtan, DANCE acts!, Special Performance – Drama!, Interactive exhibition and Quiz!, Drinks – Food – Galore and
Midnight Dance Party!!!

All for the price of Rs. 0.00, Yes folks – its completely and utterly FREE

Where you ask?
Hare Krishna Temple
East of Kailash

New Delhi…

:0) see you there…

P.S. Stop By our IYF Counter for the complete experience

Everywhere I Go

2009-08-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

I remember the lines of famous song

"I feel it in my fingers, I feel it in my toes. Love is all around me, it's everywhere I go."

I happened to go to the wholesale flower market to buy flowers for decorating altar at home for tomorrow! The market is huge and houses about 1000s of vendors selling varities of flowers. I generally buy Orchids, Roses, Carnations and Gerberas and Rose Petals with Jasmine garlands.

Coming back to the point, I saw many devotees who had come there to do some mega shopping for the biggest birthday bash of the year. Here's a list of people I saw:

1. Suta Goswami Prabhu, Head pujari, ISKCON Delhi, East of Kailash

2. Radha Charan Prabhu from Vrindavan, we all know him from his

beautiful and sweet Gaura Nitai deities he carries everywhere he goes. Everywhere means everywhere.

3. Devotees from Chandigarh

4. Devotees from punjabi Bagh temple.

It felt so good to see devotees in the market. With bright tilaks adorning their foreheads. It was an auspicious sight. Last thing i know, Avyanga prabhu and Sanjeev prabhu are also buying flowers as I Blog !!!

Then there are other sightings which are increasing the excitement about tomorrow's great festival. I happened to visit Radha Parthasarathi temple yesterday, pandals are set, loud Hare Krishna Kirtan by Srila Prabhupada is going on, IYF devotees totally engaged in preparing stuff for IYF stalls. I also had darshans of H.H. Jaya Pataka Swami. He gave the evening lecture in temple hall.

Near my house is a temple called Sri Krishna Ashram that also celebrates Janmashtmi with great pomp and fervor, so the streets are bedecked with flags and lights. Yes all these things remind me that soon the Moon of Vrindavan will appear to banish the darkness of materialism and spread the cooling moonlight of love in our hearts.

Sri Krishna Avirbhava Mahamahotsava Ki Jaya!

Approaching Janmashtmi

2009-08-09T21:04:00.000-07:00

Yes! the day the day we celebrate as the anniversary of the Appearance day of the Supreme Lord is almost here. Known as Janmashtmi, Krishna Jayanti and Gokulashtmi in various parts of India. If only one can fathom the heights of emotions rollercoating though a devotee's mind during the days. The temple is bustling with activity. Everyone is so busy, there is not even a single crack of time through which maya can creak in. The service becomes so important that there's no time even for offencive mentality. Wow! Indeed these auspicious days are surcharged with spitiual potency that can bestow the sincere servant all the desired boons.

Sunday was pretty hectic and that's good. Morning we went to the engagement of a very dear devotee friend. By "we", I mean Avyanga Prabhu and me.

After feasting there, I went to Amit Ghosh Prabhu's house. They have a very big altar which houses all the dities one can percieve to be present in an ISKCON altar. Palika Candrika Mataji - mother of Amit Ghosh Prabhu treated us with nice poori aloo lunch prasadam. There we sat for around 2 hours and shared various aspects of Krishna Consciousness in householder life and in general laughed about foolish philosophies propagated outside. Probably a devotee can understand this better.

After this we left for temple, where some service regarding IYF stall in Pandal awaited both of us. After spending some 1-2 hous there I was to visit Avyanga Prabhu's house to collect outfit for my deities. I parked my car at the Metro station and took the Metro train to Adarsh Nagar. I reached his house by 7:30 pm. This marked the onset of excruciating pain in my molars. Reminded me how bad is this bargain of having to carry this body which is capable of inflicting unmeasurable sufferings.

Avyanga prabhu has this most awesome altar presided by Lord Jagannath, baladeva and Subhadra and Damodar Gopal ji. And they are dressed in most exquisite of dresses and jewellery. He practices the highest possible standard of deity worship and service that is possible for a householder. He has this treasure of deity parphernalia which always levaes me wide eyed and agape.

Prabhuji then as usual being the perfect host treated us (Mohit Pr was also there) He then gave me dress material, beadings and a fragrant oil for the Lord's service. After having dinner prasadam I left in time to catch Metro back.

Visiting houses of three great devotees was a wonderful experience. Seeing the love and honor with which they accept a guest is very inspiring. May be some day I will be qualified to do the same.

What's going on ?

2009-08-03T04:57:00.000-07:00

I thought that I will also post whats generally going on in my life. So to start with Delhi temple is bustling with activity for preparation for the upcoming Maha-Festival - Jamnashtmi, the appearance day of the Supreme Lord. So many departments, so many volunteers. It's being managed very nicely. My parents got the same seva they got last time - thats Japa Plaza.

IYF devotees were informed about their seva. They play a very important role in fecilitating the humongous task of managing the festival. Along with congregation, IYF forms the workforce, with senior devotees managing them with their expert guidance.

IYF has big plans this time. Some major innovations for preaching this time around.

On another note, I visited Sridhama Vrindavan yesterday. On reaching I realized that what an auspicious day it was apart from me being there in Sri dhama. It was Ekadasi, during the month of Savan, 2nd day of Jhulan Yatra and Disappearance Day of Sri Rupa Goswami Prabhupada.

After taking darshans of Krishna Balarama, Gaura Nitai and Radha Shyamsundar, we could only take darshans at Radha Damodar Mandir. Sunday being holiday, Vrindavan was thronged by lakhs of devotees and thousands of vehicles. It was chaos on roads. But Vrindavan always mantains its place in the heart of the devotee.

After doing whole lot of shopping for deities by Avyanga Prabhu, we ended up in the evening Kirtan at Krishna Balarama Mandir. That time, the supremely beautiful all attractive lord Sri Krishna was enjoying swinging pastimes with his most beloved Srimati Radharani. The whole arrangement was decorated heavily with flowers.

We left around 8:30 pm and reached home by 11:30 pm.

Aindra Prabhu Inundates Delhi in Harinama Sankirtana

2009-07-09T23:30:00.001-07:00

His Grace Aindra Prabhu inundates Delhi by Harinama Sankirtana.

July 8,2009, Wednesday.

It was a great fortune for residents of Delhi, that His Grace Aindra Prabhu performed sankirtana in Delhi. He came after 9 years to Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Mandir, ISKCON Delhi.

Prabhuji, performed ecstatic Kirtan starting from 7:30 pm

up till 10:00pm. He had his team of sankirtana devotee, who also assist him in Vrndavana.

Temple hall was bustling with devotees. And all the devotees were sitting around prabhuji, enchanted by the Harinama in his sweet voice. While other devotees could not stop dancing to the ecstatic and joyous Kirtan accompanied by Mridangas and Kartalas.

At 9:00 pm, the Kirtan came to an end, and when devotees requested for more, prabhuji started speaking.

Here is an excerpt:

We are all praying everyday to become Brajvasis. (Referred to Tulasi Arati). He said, it written that one who even sets one foot in the 84 kosa area of Braja Mandal even once, should not leave that place ever. It is an offence to the Holy Dhama to leave it once entered. There is no excuse but one. To spread the glories of Vrndavana and induce others also to come and stay in Vrindavan.

Next Prabhuji, explained the significance of Harinama and the need of chanting Shuddha nama. He quoted verse from CC “Kali kale, nama rupe, Krsna avatara.” i.e the holy name is non-different from Krishna himself. Thus the intelligent class, sumedhasa interpret Krishna’s final instruction in Bg as

“Naam Ekam Sharanam Braja”, i.e to replace Maam (Krishna) with Naam (also Krsna especially so in kaliyuga)

He also said its braja. When Krishna was right there standing, why he asked Arjuna to GO and Surrender. Why not simply surrender? Where did he wanted Arjuna to go? Prabhuji explained it was Vrndavana where he wants all of us to go and take shelter of Harinama.

Then he told how Prabhupada had said that, “If there is a need, and we have to close all ISKCON Centers (including Delhi) we can close, but temples in Vrindavan and Mayapur must remain open at all costs.” Prabhupada said that other ISKCON centers were “home away from home”. But the real home is Vrindavan. And we should all desire to live in our original home.

Aindra Prabhu then told, that if he ever had to live in a home away from home, in his understanding, there is no better place than the Delhi temple, a home away from home.

Prabhuji invited all devotees to visit Sridhama Vrindavan as muc

h as possible and chant rounds there. As Hari Bhakti Vilasa says, the benefit one gets of chanting nama in Vrindavan is 1 million times than chanting at any other place.

It is a secret of advancing in spiritual life very quickly.

He then narrated the pastime when Arjuna experienced the mellow of conjugal service when he was turned into Arjunia Gopi, by the grace of Krishna.

By that time it was 9:45. On feverent request by devotees for more Kirtan. Prabhuji said, “Rather than talking about it, better do Kirtan” and then he dived into a joyous and fast kirtan. All devotees were deeply absorbed in hearing and singing Harinama.

By 10:00 pm, the affair came to an end. All Delhi devotees requested that Aindra Prabhuji may bless them by his divine association more frequently.

Ratha Yatra in Delhi, June 2009

2009-07-09T23:29:00.000-07:00

On the auspicious day of Jagannath Ratha Yatra in Sri Ksetra Jagannatha Puri, Delhi ISKCON also organized a Rath Yatra Festival in the Greater Kailash Area of South Delhi.

His Grace Muktidata prabhu and His Grace Mohan Rupa prabhu led the Kirtan for Ratha Yatra. While IYF devotees were busy in distributing Srila Prabhupada books.

Prasadam was being distributed to all those who participated in yatra by chanting, dancing and pulling the ratha, but also to the bystanders. Such is the mercy of Nayan Vishala Jagannath.

Ratha yatra came to an end with a sumptuous feast.

Here are some pics for your pleasure

Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre

2009-06-25T20:59:00.000-07:00

Dharmakshetre Kurukshetre Samveta Yuyutsava,

Mamka Pandavascaiva Kim Kurvata Sanjya.

This verse is the first verse in bahagavad Gita, spoken by King Dhritarashtra, enquiring from Sanjaya, about the activities of his sons and the sons of Pandu who had gathered in the religious grounds of Kurukshetra.

My grandmother's departure yet again sent us on a visit to this holy place where Lord Krishna delivered the instructions to Arjuna 5000 years ago. Kurukshetra is in the state of Harayana, a good 200 Km drive from New Delhi. W had to go to a small town adjacent to Kurukshetra named Peohwa. It is believed that Lord Krishna made King Yudhisthir perform rit

es for the departed Kuru clan to rectify mistakes in performing last rites for them.

In Vedic culture, it is advised that the dying person should be brought down from bed and lied down on the floor and Lighting a lamp and an incense. if one is not able to do that, then one has to go to Peohwa.

So we reached the Saraswati Kunda in the small town where many pandas (priests) are there. Only that panda will do the rites for you, whose ancestors did for your ancestors. We got ours by specifying our origin, gotra and current residential place. He then directed us to another priest who performed the actual rites at the banks of Sarasvati Kunda. Earlier it was a big river. But now it has disappeared underground and merges in the Ganga & Yamuna at Prayag.

After this we went straight to Krishna Arjuna Mandir, ISKCON.

Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Jagannath Baladev

a Subhadra preside over this huge temple. The construction is small, but the land is huge. There is a beautiful garden and amidst a beautiful and a big pond filled with lotus flowers. After attending the noon arati and honoring Mahaprasadam, we then left for the next spot.

Next was Jyoti Sar, the exact spot, where the supreme lord delivered Bhagavad Gita. The place is an open and huge marble structure, quite neatly mantained. There is no temple as such or pndas that will harass you like in other holy cities. Still stands the Banyan tree said to have witnessed the great pastime 5000 years back. After reciting some Bg verses and chanting few rounds we got into our car and headed back for New Delhi.

Oh! in case I forgot to tell, I went with my parents and Mithilesh.

Illumination 3

2009-06-23T00:12:00.000-07:00

As told to Saurabh Prabhu

"Surrender is possible only in association"

"Paramhamsas are always able to see god because they remember him by their active service."

Haridwar - The holy city

2009-06-22T01:40:00.000-07:00

Haridwar is perhaps the one of the most popular holy city in India. Thousands and thousands of pilgrims keep inundating the city. I had visited Haridvar some 15 years back with my parents and maternal grand parents, and by the look of it, nothing much has changed there. Same shops loaded with devotional CDs, worship paraphernalia and Deity Pictures. And yes, lots of Baishnava Bhojanalaya.

Inevitability of Death causes hundreds of people visit Haridvar everyday for performing last rites for their departed dear ones. Especially in north India, people spread the remains of the body in the Holy Ganga, the river that provides liberation to anyone who takes a dip in her holy water. Everyone knows the origin of Mother Ganga also known as Vishnupadi as it flows from the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.

The same fact

of life took us to Haridvar. We went to spread my grandmother's remains in the holy water. We reached Friday noon, took a room. We went to the Ghat, the famous Har ki Paudi (Hari's Stairs), took a dip in the freezing cold waters. Then went to the family panda whose family has done rites for our family since last 150-200 years, that covers about 7-8 generations. We then lit a lamp at Kusha Ghat to be kept burning whole night and then offered to Mother Ganga's waters in the wee hours. They say when the stars are still there.

Anyways, the day was very auspicious, Narsimha Caturdasi. After much struggle with my dad and uncle, I convinced them to visit the nearby ISKCON Centre. They were only reluctant because of being exhausted. My dad is also practicing all the rules & regulations of Krishna Consciousness and has been chanting 16 rounds for 2 years now. The centre was a 15 minutes rickshaw ride from Har Ki Paudi. The temple was under construction. When we went up, there were very few devotees. Most had gone for Vyas Puja of His Holiness Navyogendra Swami Maharaj in Jammu. But 4-5 devotees from different parts of India were all coincidently in Haridvar that day. We did Kirtan and heard pastimes of Lord Narsimha and Prahlada. After the Shayan Arotik, the devotees lovingly offered us Mahaprasadam. After that we left for our quarters.

Next morning, 4:30 we left for the Kusha Ghat banks, took the lamp and floated it in the river. I chanted a few rounds there in the calm and serene surroundings. It was very pleasing.

Then at 8:00 AM, we went to Har ki Paudi, spread the remains. There went the last of what we were holding on to the physical existence of my grandmother. Suddenly there was this void. It felt like a dream. Some magic, that a person between had disappeared, gone invisible.

We again came back to Kusha Ghat, did some more rites called *pinda dana etc. Gave a bedding and cow in charity to the Brahmin priest doing the ceremony. After all this we went back to har Ki Paudi, took a bath. It was hot, but the water was again freezing cold.

We were fasting since morning, so afterwards we had a nice filling breakfast. Puri aalo and delectable chutney. Loved it. Yes my taste buds continue to control my mind. But trying to subdue them by Krishna prasadam and chanting.

We then went back to the Family priest place. There we entered the reason for our visit in a

book, that had the same kind of records for previous 7-8 generations.

Afterwards, we packed up and left back for Delhi.

Haridvar is always filled with pilgrims. Many congregation gatherings, many saints giving discourses. But in all that rush, most people i noticed were either seeming to be in the picnic mode, or karma kanda or monists. Having recently been to Mayapur, Haridvar offered an extreme contrast.

May the cooling rays of Sri Harinama Sankirtan Movement inundate this holy city soon.

*Pinda Dana: offering of a gross body to the departed soul. Since the gross body is destroyed, the soul in its subtle body still needs the gross body to enjoy the fruits of the past karma (good or bad). So balls of flour and rice are offered. Then bedding is given in charity to a brahmin, which ultimately gives the departed soul the right to use it in the nether worlds. Also a cow is donated. It is said, that there is a dangerous Vaitarani river, full of blood mucous and bile with crocodiles in it. The living entity has to cross it over. The departed soul then holds on to the tail of the cow and crosses over easily. But sinful souls face a very horrible condition. Hare Krishna!!! Ref to Garuda Purana.

**ISKCON centre at Bhima Gauda, it is a small preaching centre, looked over by HH Nav Yogendra Swami Maharaja. A big temple is also coming up on the Prabhupada Road to Rishikesh. I guess.

Farewell to a loved one.

2009-06-19T00:55:00.001-07:00

My Grandmother, 76 passed away on April 30, 2009. She had been diagnosed with Urinary Bladder Cancer. After undergoing Surgery and Radiotherapy and cycle of being healthy and sick, in a short span of 6 months, she disappeared from our eyes.

Born and Brought up in pre-independence Pakistan, married in India raised 2 sons. One of them being my dad. Pious lady, very doting especially on me. I was her cherished grandson.

By the good will of the lord, she had also started chanting Mahamantra 10 rounds everyday. She even touched 16 for 2-3 months before she fell sick. She followed most of the regulative life that her advanced age allowed her to do.

Krishna had plans for her and she left her body on April 30 morning 9:20 AM. Fortunately enough she had been hearing incessantly for past 10 days and nights the holy name from the lips of the pure devotee of the lord - Srila Prabhupada. The night before we had read the 18th Chapter of Bhagavad Gita, applied tilak on her and gave her Garland prasad. Just before she took her last birth, my mother was quick enough to pour tulsi and sacred Ganges water in her mouth.

I was unfortunately no there with her at the time of her passing. I came back early from office and got engaged in the arranging for the funeral service. She was looking her prettiest. AVaishnava Tilak adorning her calm and smiling face. A devotee had gotten Maha Garlands from the Temple as well, Tulasi beads and a Tulasi Stem.

We took her body in the procession doing Harinama to the Funeral Centre. After whole lot of rites, finally her body was kept on a pile of wood. We all bid our final obeisances to her and then my father gave the fire to the woods. In 45 minutes, everthing was reduced to ashes.

A Very Krishna Conscious Departure!!!

Illumination 2

2009-06-10T03:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday night Suarabh Prabhu gave me a very nice tip to improve upon reading and hearing Srila Prabhupada. This was told to him by HG Mohan Rupa Prabhu.

It is very important to have apersonal inspiration with Srila Prabhupada when hearing his lectures. That is to meditate that the instructions that Srila Prabhupada are giving in the lecture are for me and not just lecture he delivered in the distant past. Srila Prabhupada is the Founder Acarya and Shisksha Guru of every single soul who has come or will ever come to ISKCON. This will increase our understanding of what Prabhupada is saying and will have a much greater impact on our consciousness. This way we can be more Krishna Conscious while remembering the instructions in the lecture or Bhaktivedanta Purports.

World is Not Safe

2009-06-10T02:52:00.001-07:00

World is not safe

Aila, a cyclone that recently hit the coastal West Be

ngal and Bangladesh wrecked havoc in

the area. The death toll mounted to 800 and affected more than 400,000 people. Well, nobody was there to save them from the natural disaster. The hospital, where people go for getting a treatment but end up worse? Recently a fire at a western Turkish hospital left eight intensive care unit patients dead. Mike Tyson – the boxing champion, the powerful man could not save his own 4-year-old daughter when her neck apparently got caught in a treadmill cord at her Phoenix home. This kind of reminds one of the

slasher movies like Saw and Final Destination. Yes! the depictions in the movie may seem highly unlikely but actually they are happening everywhere. This was evident when eleven people were killed and forty were injured due to wire breaking down at a free concert by Moroccan pop star Abdelaziz Stati.

These numbers probably are too less to give us a jolt. But the recent Sri Lanka – LTTE civil war is fresh in everybody’s mind. The UN estimated in May 2009, that 7,000 civilians had been killed and another 16,700 had been wounded between January 20 and May 7, 2009, and another 1,000 were killed in heavy artillery bombardments by the SLA forces in the last week of fighting. Both the Sri Lankan Army and the LTTE were blamed for the civilian deaths. What are all these facts pointing too? What is that one common string that strings them together in a theme?

Once Srila Prabhupada, with his disciples was flying in a plane. Owing to bad weather the plane experienced some turbulence. After landing, the pilot announced that they landed safely. The disciples also sighed in relief repeating that they are safe now. Srila Prabhupada said, "Material

world is never a safe place. Danger is there at every step".

Srimad Bhagavatam also declares the same sentiment

samasrita ye pada-pallava-plavam
mahat-padam punya-yaso murareh
bhavambudhir vatsa-padam param padam
padam padam yad vipadam na tesam

Vipadam means dangerous position; Padam padam, every step in this material world; na tesam - not for the devotee.

So in this material world we may try our best to live very peacefully, but nature will not allow us. There must be calamity, war and death. Especially we see in European history, there were so many wars: Carthaginian war, Greek War, Roman War, Seven Years' War between France and England, and Hundred Years' War. And wars are still going on, not only between nation and nation, but also between man and man, neighbor to neighbor, even between husband and wife, father and son. This war is going on.

Then what is the solution? How do we protect ourselves from this onslaught where everyone is bound to die.

Srimad Bhagavatam gives us the answer.

etat saḿsūcitaḿ brahmaḿs
tāpa-traya-cikitsitam
yad īśvare bhagavati
karma brahmaṇi bhāvitam

[SB 1.5.32]

O Brāhmana Vyāsadeva, it is decided by the learned that the best remedial measure for removing all troubles and miseries is to dedicate one's activities to the service of the Supreme Lord Personality of Godhead [Śrī Krsna].

The most feasible and practical way to open the path of salvation or get relief from all miseries of life is to hear submissively the transcendental activities of the Lord from the right and bona fide sources. This is the only remedial process. The entire material existence is full of miseries. People have manufactured, many remedial measures for removing the threefold miseries pertaining to the body and mind, pertaining to the natural disturbances and in relation with other living beings. The whole world is struggling very hard to exist out of these miseries, but men do not know that without the sanction of the Lord no plan or no remedial measure can actually bring about the desired peace and tranquility.

The remedial measure to cure a patient by medical treatment is useless if it is not sanctioned by the Lord. To cross the river or the ocean by a suitable boat is no remedial measure if it is not sanctioned by the Lord. We should know for certain that the Lord is the ultimate sanctioning officer, and we must therefore dedicate our attempts to the mercy of the Lord for ultimate success or to get rid of the obstacles on the path of success. The Lord is all-pervading, all-powerful, omniscient and omnipresent. He is the ultimate sanctioning agent of all good or bad effects. So we should always depend on Krsna’s assurance. In any circumstances, any dangerous position, Krsna… Avasya raksibe krsna visvasa palana. This is surrender. We should, therefore, learn to dedicate our activities unto the mercy of the Lord.

Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra is the prescribed method for this age to attract Lord’s mercy.

So Please chant Hare Krishna……….Hare Hare and be happy.

Illumination 1

2009-06-10T02:51:00.002-07:00

Mohan Rupa Prabhu told Saurabh Prabhu told me:

Dealings with Contemporary Devotees, ie Devotees with whom one shares a friendly relationship.
· Respect amongst devotees should be heartfelt.
Not just an outwardly show.
· Reveal your mind to each other and enquire about
other realizations.

· When together, focus on discussing Krsna Katha,
otherwise tendency is there to drift towards prajalpa.
This tendency results from the common aspects like age/interests etc.
· Render service to the devotee sincerely, i.e the
underlying principle of loving relationship.

Demons

2009-06-09T22:22:00.000-07:00

When we hear the word Demon, we think of mythical creatures with ugly features, belonging to some other world, who do utterly mean things. That might all be true. Krishna however explains certain qualities of a Demon.

Its the qualities and actions that make a person demon, not the external physical experience. Let us look inside our hearts to gauge our demoniac quotient.

For your benefit and mine, here I compile a few of the characteristics of demons from the Bhagavad Gita verses that I studied sometime back.

The demoniac man knows no limit to his desire to acquire money.
He does not hesitate to act in any sinful way for illegal gratification.
He believes in his own strength, and he does not know that whatever he is gaining is due to his past good deeds.
Anyone who comes into competition with such a demoniac man is his enemy.
Each demoniac person thinks that he can live at the sacrifice of all others.
Demoniac preacher tells his followers: "Why are you seeking God elsewhere? You are all yourselves God! Whatever you like, you can do. Don't believe in God. Throw away God. God is dead."
The demoniac accept that the enjoyment of the senses is the ultimate goal of life.
But one who is demoniac has no knowledge of Vedic scripture, nor has he any faith; therefore he feels free to do anything for sense enjoyment, regardless of the consequences.
They make a show of performing sacrifices, or they worship the demigods, or manufacture their own God.

The Real Enemy

2009-06-09T22:19:00.000-07:00

The Real Enemies

In the wake of recent happenings in Mumbai, the thought that so many innocent lives were taken is very disturbing. It’s natural to conclude the reason for the brutal acts like this to be the most apparent one. We feel that India is being made a target of hatred by a certain community. We also feel cheated when we see that our own Government was handicap in protecting us from this impending danger. There was a fault in the NSG procedures, police action and good for nothing politicians.

Throughout the history of world we see many such incidents. The primitive America was involved in intertribal wars amongst the Mayans and Incas, Europeans were busy waging wars, annexing neighboring kingdoms. And India has never been a stranger to these plunders. From the ancient history of being attacked by Alexander to Mughals in medieval times and Britishers in the recent history, all we see is human tragedy – millions and millions of humans suffered/died. So the cause of brutalities like the one in Mumbai cannot be restricted to just one community or country, but to something much more global, much more universal.

There are various aspects to these incidents, however if were to find a real and permanent solution we would have to go to the deep depths of human nature, where lies the root of this problem. Real enemies of humanity are not some group or alliance of people, but the very ugly propensities ingrained in them from long. These are lust, greed, anger, envy, illusion and pride. Time and again we have seen that the perpetrators of the most gruesome crimes are driven by one or more of the above mentioned traits. Be it Napoleon (greed), Hitler (envy for Jews), America’s bombing of Hiroshima (anger). And people in absence of real knowledge by their own free will agree to be affected by these. They then become instruments/puppets in the hands of these all destructive propensities and end up using anything and everything to serve their nefarious acts including misuse of religion! This only leads to endless miseries to themselves and this world.

Each one of us is affected to different degree and our real nature is held hostage by these ugly propensities or terrorists! We have no hopes on our own; they are extremely powerful, dangerous and well armed! Our only hope for rescue from such treacherous conditions is external help – the commandos!

The timeless Vedic knowledge from Bhagavad Gita have throughout

history been working like commandos, destroying the ugly propensities (lust, greed, anger, envy, illusion and pride) in the hearts of people who ever sought their sincere help. Bhagavad Gita warns us of the serious consequences if we ignore this most important matter for ourselves and this world: For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his mind will remain the greatest enemy (as it serves as the h

ead quarters for these ugly propensities).

One of the most important practices mentioned in Vedic knowledge for our times(Kali Yuga) to win this war is to incessantly Chant the Maha-Mantra Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and make our lives peaceful, happy and sublime – even amidst all the insanity of this world.

For more information, please feel free to contact: shalav.delhi@gmail.com

Roots of Secularism

2009-06-09T22:15:00.000-07:00

Religious Extremism v/s Secular Extremism

To start with, let us revisit the definition of Secularism. A secular state is a state or country that is officially neutral in matters of religion, neither supporting nor opposing any particular religious beliefs or practices. A secular state also treats all its citizens equally regardless of religion, and does not give preferential treatment for a citizen from a particular religion over other religions. Atheism is about not believing in god, in other words, denying the existence of god.

Some time back, there was a nice poem circulating in the chain mails that caught my attention. It described how through the history of America, in the name of secularism, instead of becoming intolerant to religious discrimination, it has become intolerant to religion itself. Removing all forms of prayers from schools, public assemblies; religious passages from text books and many other such acts has made the Western civilization godless. Though these countries wear the garb of secularism, but instead of being tolerant to all the religions they have become intolerant to all religions. And sadly, India is marching forward in this direction.

On scrutinizing study of the religions of the world, any intelligent man can recognize that the underlying principles are the same. They can be summarized as:

· God is one, the supreme.

· Love God - This includes chanting his name, worshipping him.

· We, the living entities (humans, animals & plants) are all his children.

· Be a good human being - cultivate honesty, compassion, mercy.

· Restrain from sinful life - stealing, killing, adultery etc

The details, terminology may differ a little bit, but the goal remains the same. But deluded by greed, lust and anger, we have forgotten this. And in the name of religion we are either waging wars or turning totally deaf to the message of God. People ask, "If God is there and if religion is so perfect than why are the things happening in the world that are happening?" If a person is given instructions and follows them whimsically, then only a dull headed lame person would conclude that the instructions are wrong and should be done away with.

Similar is the present condition of our country today. Thanks to the sponsorship by the state, our great spiritual culture is withering away. There may be many committees formed for maintaining peace, but no matter how many peace keeping forces be created and deployed, but no peace can come unless we take the message of god in all earnest.

In Bhagvad Gita, Lord Krishna declares "samah sarvesu vedesu", i.e. one who knows oneself to be a part and parcel of the supreme god, has a vision of equality and then he sees all equal. What to speak of human beings, he considers even a cow, an elephant, a brahmana, a dog and a dog eater at same level. Why? Because he sees the supreme self in all. This principle brings us to real secularism. Roots of secularism are thus embedded in the religion – True religion. Artificially trying to turn the country into a godless society will only lead to demoniac results. Recent unfortunate events of Mumbai are one of them.

[Update: Read this new article. It talks about how secularists in US are bent on taking out Christ from Christmas]

Gaura Candra - The Moon of Nadia appears

2009-03-30T21:38:00.005-07:00

Sri Gaura Purnima, the day when Sri Gaura Candra- The moon of Nadia appeared to extinguish the burning sensation of material life by the soothing moon rays of Congregational chanting of the holy names of Lord Hari marks an importnat day in the lives of Gaudiya Vaishnavas. This year festivals at Sri Sri Radha Parthasarathi Temple spanned 4 days comemorating it by a procession of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai through the streets of Delhi accompanied with Maha Sankirtan bestowing the greatest gift of holy name to the common people of Delhi. After which His Grace Mohan Rupa Das Prabhu - Temple President of ISKCON, Delhi gave a lecture on the life and teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. This was the first in the series of lectures delivered everyday upto Gaura Purnima.

On the eve of Gaura Purnima, March 10, a big pandal program was arranged in the temple. The program started with Hari Nama Rock which attracted people of all ages and showed how even music can be employed in the service of the supreme lord. People could be seen tapping their feet and enjoying themselves hearing to the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. The soothing effect on the people in general was apparent. This was followed by a very culturally vibrant dance by the members of IGF. The show displayed the colorful Holi played by Krishna and the Gopis with flowers. After this the much acclaimed actors of Vaikuntha Men Group presented a beautiful drama on the Life and Teachings of Ras Khan - a Muslim by birth and a great devotee of Lord Krishna. The drama tried to show how Krishna Consciousness is not sectarian but teaches pure religion. After this Mohan Rupa Prabhu gave an enlightening lectures about the pastimes of Sri Krishna Caitanya. Krishna Prasadam was next on the menu. The program was wonderful in sense that it norished both the soul and body of the people who had taken time out to attend it. This shows that Krishna Conscious movement is a complete solution to all the world's problem.

The most awaited day was here - The auspicious appearance day of Sri Krishna Caitanya. He is non different from the Supreme Lord Krishna and his pleasure potency combined who appeared to establish the principle religion of Kali Yuga - The congregational chanting of the Holy names of

Lord Hari. The day begun with Mangala Arotik where all the devotees enthusiastically participated in greeting the lord. During the day there was continuous kirtan and Gaura-katha in the temple hall which was like nectar to the ears of the devotees. At 5:30 pm in the evening the festivities begun with the Maha-Abhisheka of Gaura Nitai. The temple was filled with devotees keen on witnessing this trancendental pastime when Lord is bathed with various items and scented waters. Hare Krishna kirtan was resounding everywhere and the blowing of conchshell continuing marking the auspicious moment to be arriving soon.

The abhisheka went for half an hour and ended with a continuous shower of flower petals. His Holiness Janananda Swami and His Holiness Maha Vishnu Swami also graced the event. After this a grand bhoga was offered to the lord including a big cake, freshly baked for the pleasure of their lordships.

The program then moved from temple hall to the pandal, where Vaikuntha Players presented an hour long drama on the pastimes of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu leading upto his acceptance of Sanyasa. His Grace Mohan Rupa Das Prabhu then ended the program with a short lecture on the ontological positiong of Sri Krishna Caitanya and thanking all the devotees who had made this big festival a success. There was a big feast later on and everyone honored prasadam upto his full satisfaction.

Thus came the end of the festival, May this pastime of Sri Krishna Caitanya goes on continuously in our hearts and help us develop pure love of Godhead.

Pushpa Abhisheka @ Radha Parthasarathi Temple

2009-01-20T03:08:00.000-08:00

Sunday, January 18, 2009 we celebrated the Pushya Abhiseka of our dearmost Sri Sri Radha Parthsarathi at ISKCON, New Delhi. A special flower dress was offered to their Lordships on the occasion. The devotees had whole day plucked petals to be used for showering the deities with them.

The Abhiseka ceremony started right after Gaura Arati when the Utsava deities were brought out and seated on a raised platform. After putting a Tulasi Garland and offering the lamp, the magnificent affair began. While the petals started pouring over the deities, Muktidata Prabhu raised the tempo of Kirtan creating an ecstatic atmosphere for devotees. Blessed were the visiting tourists who saw the Transcendental Pastime. They would have never seen such a beautiful affair in their life. But Radha Parthasarathi had chosen to bestow their mercy on a chosen few who decided to visit the temple that day and capture their hearts forever.

One by one the Pujaris were showering hoards of petals, inundating the deities. The whole temple hall was imbued with the fragrance of flowers especially Rose. Just as we thought it was over, the Pujaris up there surprised the eager devotees by going behind the Radha Parthsarathi (Archa deities) and started showering petals at them too. It was literally a rain of flowers. It could be judged that Their Lordships were certainly pleased as they were gently smiling at the devotees.

After that the petals were thrown on the devotees, and then they started playing Holi with flowers. It was a great festival.

May such events come again and again and forever remind devotees of the Supreme Personality of Godhead – Sri Krishna and his pastimes.

Kartik Yatra Day 3

2008-11-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

Kartik Yatra Day 2

2008-11-10T08:57:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-10T02:30:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-10T02:27:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T09:31:00.000-08:00

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

Ajita Govinda Prabhu

2008-11-05T09:30:00.001-08:00

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.

Chakravarti Prabhu

2008-11-05T09:21:00.000-08:00

Chakravarti Prabhu
(Chandresh Devnani)

Apurva Gopal Prabhu introduced to me this devotee who 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.

Apurva Gopal Pr

2008-11-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T09:19:00.000-08:00

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

2008-11-05T09:17:00.000-08:00

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.

Nandgopal Jivan Prabhu

2008-11-05T09:12:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T08:53:00.002-08:00

Pandav Prem Prabhu

2008-11-05T08:53:00.001-08:00

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

2008-11-05T08:50:00.000-08:00

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

2008-07-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

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

2008-07-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

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.