Vrindavan Yatra

September 12, 2009. Saturday.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Opportunity for Vaishnava Seva

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

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

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

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

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

Guru Maharaja Vyasa Puja 2009

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

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

For last 4 years it has been privilige for devotees

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Srila Prabhupada Appearance Day

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Janmashtmi Celebrations @ ISKCON New Delhi

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Lord Appears........

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

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 !!!!

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

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

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 ?

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

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

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

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.