by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Oct 3, 2023 | Festivals
Maa Durga is a revered goddess for those who follow Sanatan Dharma. Hindus worship her all over the world in the form of Mother Shakti.
Generally, we have seen Maa Durga with ten hands with some weapons and ride over Lion, who displays his infinite powers. It is also concluded that she fights against demonic power who are trying to cause damages to peace, prosperity, and religion. Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Shardotsava, is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in South Asia in which Goddess Durga is worshipped.
Who is Maa Durga?
According to Shastra, Maa Durga is an expansion of Mother Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. She takes the form of Navdurga and does all the upbringing of this world. Lord Sri Krishna also tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 9, text 10
mayadhyaksena prakrtih
suyate sa-caracara
hetunanena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate
This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and it is producing all moving and unmoving beings. Therefore, by its rule, this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.
Durga Devi is the presiding deity of this material world. It is also believed that the person who is getting diverted from the spiritual world of Lord Krishna and going against the rules, they sent to this material world of Goddess Durga. The comparison of this material world is made with Durg, a type of Fort. This Fort is the correctional home of all the rebellious souls, where they spend their lives protecting Durga Devi, facing the Tritaap (Adhyatmika, Adhibhautika and Adhidaivika).
The trident in the hand of Goddess Durga is a symbol of reminding all the rebels who have come into this material world of Lord through Tritaap (Adhyatmika, Adhibhautika and Adhidaivika). Maa Durga is worshipped to get rid of these tritapas.
When a person comes to this material world, they have to face many sufferings like birth, death, old age, diseases, adhyatmika, adhibhautika and adhidaivika miseries. Goddess Durga takes care of all these things.
Therefore, worshipping Goddess Durga will help them get rid of these sufferings. However, if you want a permanent solution, you have to come out of this material world.
To get rid of the cycle of birth and death, people worship Goddess Durga. As a result, such living beings get an opportunity to do devotion to the Lord. As a result, they get rid of Mahamaya, the potency of the Lord, and come under the protection of his own Shakti, Yogamaya.
Srimad Bhagavatam also mentioned that the Gopis worshipped Mother Katyayani to get Lord Krishna as their husband. It is also mentioned in Brahma Samhita, Chapter 5, Text 44-
srishti-sthiti-pralaya- sadhana-shaktir eka
chayeva yasya bhuvanani vibharti durga
icchanurupam api yasya che cheshtate sa
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami
The external potency Maya who is of the nature of the shadow of the cit potency, is worshipped by all people as Durga, the creating, preserving and destroying agency of this mundane world. I adore the primaeval Lord Govinda in accordance with whose will Durga conducts herself.
The Lord presides over this material world objectively, and those who do not accept it are sent to this world of duality. Therefore, by coming in contact with a pure devotee, if the living entity understands that this material world is not his real home, he becomes free from here and goes to his original home in Vaikuntha or Goloka Vrindavana and attains bliss forever.
So on this Durga Puja, let us pray to Maa Durga to give us enough strength to get us out of this material world and go back home, back to Godhead.
Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Sep 27, 2023 | General
Srila Haridas Thakur, a revered saint in the Gaudiya Vaishnava Parampara, lived a remarkable life dedicated to the chanting of the Holy Names of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Born in the village of Buron, in what is now Bangladesh, Srila Haridas Thakur’s life is a testament to unwavering devotion and the universal nature of spirituality.
A Devotee from Birth: From his very birth, Srila Haridas Thakur displayed an intense devotion to the Holy Names of Sri Krishna. His background as a Mohammedan by birth did not deter his deep connection with the Supreme Lord. His devotion led him to the banks of the Ganges at Phulia, near Santipur, where he came into the company of Sri Advaita Acarya, a prominent vaishnava saint of the time.
Challenging Times:Srila Haridas Thakur’s devotion to the Holy Names began to draw attention, and not all of it was positive. The local Mohammedan administrator, filled with malice, accused him of behaving like a Hindu and summoned him for trial. This marked the beginning of a challenging period in Haridas Thakur’s life.
A Test of Faith: When ordered to abandon his chanting and recite the Kalma, a Muslim prayer, Srila Haridas Thakur resolutely declared that the Supreme Lord is one, regardless of the different names people use to address Him. He refused to abandon the chanting of Hari Nama, even in the face of severe punishment. Hari Das Thakur answered with conviction:
khanda khanda haï deha jay jadi prana
tabu ami vadane na charii hari-nama
“You may cut my body to pieces, and the life may leave it. But I will never abandon the Holy Name which my tongue will ever continue to chant.” (Chaitanya Bhagavat 16.91)
The Ordeal: The local king, influenced by the administrator, ordered that Srila Haridas Thakur be beaten in twenty-two marketplaces. However, Srila Haridas Thakur’s unwavering devotion to the Holy Name shielded him from harm, and he did not feel any bodily discomfort during this ordeal.
Divine Protection: Just as Prahlada Maharaja was protected from harm by the Lord’s divine intervention, Srila Haridas Thakur’s faith and devotion shielded him from the attackers. Even the Mohammedans who sought to harm him realised he was no ordinary person.
Forgiveness and Redemption: Witnessing the greatness of Srila Haridas Thakur, the attackers were humbled and sought his forgiveness. Srila Haridas Thakur, in his magnanimity, forgave them, and they were absolved of their offences.
Miraculous Encounters: Srila Haridas Thakur’s life was filled with miraculous incidents. He would chant the Holy Name in a small cave-like hollow by a tree near Phulia. The devotees hesitated to stay there despite a poisonous snake inhabiting the tree’s roots. In response, Srila Haridas Thakur peacefully asked the snake to leave, and it complied, deepening the devotees’ faith in him.
Teaching the Power of Chanting: In another instance, Srila Haridas Thakur emphasized the significance of loudly chanting the Holy Name, explaining that it not only benefits the chanter but also uplifts others, even birds and animals. This teaching drew the ire of a proud Brahmana, resulting in his downfall due to Vaishnava aparadha.
Divine Revelations: Srila Haridas Thakur had a special relationship with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who revealed His divine form to Haridas, bearing the scars from the beatings Haridas endured for his devotion.
Transforming a Prostitute: Srila Haridasa Thakura’s compassion extended to a prostitute sent by Ramacandra Khan to distract him. Instead, she became his disciple, giving up her previous life and dedicating herself to chanting the Holy Name.
Legacy and Departure: Srila Haridas Thakur’s presence enriched the lives of all who encountered him. His devotion, humility, and teachings left an indelible mark on the Bhakti tradition. He would chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra 300,000 times everyday. He was appointed as the Acarya of the Holy Name by Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself. His departure from this world, in the presence of the Lord, marked the end of a life dedicated to the chanting of the Holy Names.
Srila Haridas Thakur’s life serves as an inspiration for all, demonstrating that true devotion knows no boundaries of caste or creed. His unwavering faith in the Holy Name and his ability to forgive even those who sought to harm him exemplify the highest ideals of devotion and humanity. His legacy continues to inspire seekers on their spiritual journey, reminding us of the power of the Holy Name and the universal nature of spirituality.
If you would like to serve the Vaishnav then visit the below link:
Vaishnav Seva
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Aug 10, 2023 | Ekadashi
We do fasting several times on different occasions throughout the year. Among all fasts, Pavitra Ekadashi Fast is considered as the superior and most dear to God. This is because keeping fast on Ekadashi leads devotees one step ahead towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead. People of all age groups keep this fast, including women. This auspicious tithi of Ekadashi is also known as Madhav tithi.
“madhava-tithi, bhakti-janani, jatane palana kori, krsna-basoti, basoti boli’, parama adare bori”
That means this auspicious Ekadashi tithi is Janani to rejuvenate bhakti in the life of devotees. Therefore, this Madhav tithi should be followed with Yatna (endeavour). So today, we will acquire knowledge about one of the most sacred Ekadashi.
Story of Pavitra Ekadashi by Lord Krishna
In Bhavishya Uttara Purana Significance of auspicious Ekadashi is found in conversation of Lord Sri Krishna and king Yudhisthira.
Once Yudhisthira Maharaj asked Lord Sri Krishna:
Hey, Madhusudan!
What is the name and significance of Ekadashi of Sawan month Shukla paksha tithi? Kindly describe it in detail.”
Reply of Lord Sri Krishna: Hearing Yudhisthira’s query Sri Krishna replied that this auspicious Ekadashi is “Pavitra Ekadashi”.Anyone who will listen to the significance of this fast will acquire the sequel of Bajpayee Yagya. Now listen to the story.
The Story Beyond the Significance of Ekadasi
Long ago, at the beginning of Dwapara-Yuga, there was a king named Mahijit. He was the king of a place called “Mahishmati”. He cares for the people of his kingdom as his kids. Once, he invited all the Brahmins and his people to Rajya Sabha. He said he had never committed any sin on anyone. He had never acquired wealth through immoral acts.
King said, he had never committed any injustice on his people. He had never snatched the wealth of Brahmins and deities. In my kingdom, there is an equal rule for everyone. Even on finding any of my relatives guilty, I punished them. I even honoured and paid deserved respect to my spiritual enemies.
Hey Brahmins!
Even after following this spiritual pathway, I do not have a son. So kindly think about this outlook and advise me on the way out.
Steps Taken By Brahmins
After hearing this, all the brahmins assembled at a place and thought about it. Then, they decided to donate offerings in various ashrams and ask rishis who know its reason past, present, and future. So, they went to the forest and gave offerings to multiple ashrams. In the end, they reached Lomasa rishi.
Lomasa Rishi was doing long and rigid Tapasya (austerity). His appearance was divine. He was utterly delightful and under strict fasting. He was self-restrained and erudite of shastras. He was glorious and had inestimable hairs in his body. When a Kalpa of Brahma dev occurs, one hair of his body gets detached, so he is known as Lomasa. He has a mystic power and tri-kāla-jñas.
Response on Kings Advisers
On getting darshan of Lomasa Rishi, the king’s advisers were feeling blessed. They said politely that they are blessed to get darshan of this divine Rishi. They are assured that now their king’s agony will soon end.
Lomasa Rishi’s query: Lomasa Rishi asked, who are you all? Why did you all come here? What is the reason behind praising me?
Brahmin’s reply: Brahmin’s replied that they came here to solve this severe problem.
“Hey, Rishiwar!
Our king Mahijita does not have any son. He nurtured us like his children. His pain is getting unendurable for us. So we came here to do Tapasya. But, we are incredibly fortunate to get your darshan. We are sure that after getting darshan of divine Rishi, we will surely get an outcome”.
Reason for king’s Suffering
“Hey divine rishi! Please tell us away so that our king will be blessed with a son”, said Brahmins. On hearing, this Lomasa rishi starts meditating.
After knowing about King Mahijit’s previous birth, Rishi said, this king was a merchant earlier. For business purposes, he used to wander from one village to another. Once he was very thirsty, and that day was Dwadashi. While searching for water, being thirsty, he found a pond. So he reached at the bank of a pond to satisfy his thirst. He noticed a cow after parturition came with a newly born calf and started drinking water. He immediately stopped her and sent her away.
Later on, he started drinking water. This is the greatest sin done by him. This is the reason he does not possess a son.
Way to rectify his sin: On hearing this, brahmins, the king’s advisers, asked Rishi a path to the outcome. They asked by doing which atonement or fasting king can get rid of this sin.
King’s Atonement
Lomasa Rishi responded and told them a way out. In the coming Shravan month’s auspicious Ekadashi, king and all of you keep fast.
Afterwards, all the blessings you all will gain on doing this fast give it to the king. King will indeed have a son by doing so. On hearing Lomasa Rishi’s word, everyone was pleased. They respectfully greeted Rishi. They returned and described everything to the king. King, along with all his Praja, followed Ekadashi.
On Dwadashi, the next day, everyone gave the blessings they earned by fasting and gave them to the king. After a few days, the queen got pregnant and delivered a beautiful boy.
Next day, 17th August (Saturday) between ( 5:51 AM to 08:07 AM)Lord Sri Krishna to Yudhisthira
Lord Sri Krishna said, Hey Yudhisthira! Whoever abides this Pavitra Ekadashi fast, all his sins will be absolved, and he can achieve the supreme goal.
So let’s nurture this branch of spirituality by keeping this sacred Pavitra Ekadashi fast with complete devotion. Let’s spend our time chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra, doing kirtans and engage ourselves in devotional activities as much as we can on do this auspicious day.
On this day, we all devotees assemble and provide service to Vaishnavas. In this way, we can please Lord Sri Krishna and make advancements to gain Krishna’s blessings.
Pavitra Ekadasi is on – 16th, Aug 2024
Fast Breaking time – Next day, 17th August (Saturday) between ( 5:51 AM to 08:07 AM) (ISKCON Delhi)
Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Jun 19, 2023 | Festivals
The path to Supreme Lord Krishna’s devotion is filled with joy. And when we lose our way to this delightful and blissful path, then Lord Krishna reappears on the earth from his eternal abode. He always wins our hearts with his Divine Play, like his name ‘Krishna’, which means ‘all attractive’.
He always rules our hearts with his divine qualities. With his causeless mercy, Lord wants us to meditate on his lotus feets rather than this materialistic world. This causeless mercy of Lord Krishna is signified in the form of the marvellous event ‘Lord Jagannath Rathyatra’.
About Jagannath Rath Yatra festival
Jagannath Rath Yatra festival is centuries old and celebrated every year. Jagannath Rath Yatra is devoted to Lord Jagannath, his elder brother Lord Baldev and his sister Devi Subhadra. Rath Yatra is a beautiful pastime of the Lord. A few years back, Jagannath Rathyatra was primarily observed in Odisha, West Bengal, and nearby states with great zeal and devotion.
However, it is celebrated worldwide due to the devotional flame of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON. Going beyond the geographical and cultural boundaries, the Rath Yatra festival signifies the meaning of spiritual love and devotion.
The anecdote behind the appearance of great Lord Jagannath is as pleasant as the context of Rath Yatra. In many temples, during Shobha Yatra, all the Deities are brought out of the temple. But downright, the purpose of Lord Jagannath is always different whenever he comes out of his temple.
Lord Jagannath is so merciful that he comes out of the temple to bless the people, especially those beings who are engrossed in material gratification and cannot pay a visit to the temple for Lord darshan. Lord Jagannath’s compassion for devotees is unmatched.
Story Behind Jagannath Rath Yatra festival
Many years after the departure of Supreme Lord Krishna from Vrindavan, the gopis meet Shri Krishna in Kurukshetra.
Many people from far-flung had gathered in Kurukshetra on the occasion of the solar eclipse. Gopis had an intense yearning for Shri Krishna the moment they met him. But gopis wanted Shri Krishna to spend time with them in the Kunj of Vrindavan rather than Kurukshetra. So gopis built a chariot in their minds, and began pulling it by their love and hands rather than by horses.
Thus, there is fervent love of the gopis in the Rath Yatra. The Rath Yatra signifies Kurukshetra as the starting point and the Vrindavan as the destination.
Significance of Rath Yatra
It is believed that during Rath Yatra, we help the gopis in their love and labor while pulling the chariot of the Lord. The intensity of devotion in our hearts can also be felt while helping the gopis who are full of devotion. Pulling Shri Jagannath’s chariot affectionately signifies taking him to Vrindavan and inviting him again to our hearts.
On the Dwitiya of the month of Ashadh, Lord Jagannath comes out of his main temple in Puri and travels to the house of his mausi (aunt) Gundicha. Thousands of people assemble on the way for his darshan and pull the chariot.
In Puri, Lord Jagannath is worshipped along with his elder brother Baldev and sister Subhadra. All the three brothers and sisters go there to their respective places with great pomp. The Yatra starts with conch, trumpet, dhol, and drums.
How Pilgrims Recognize Chariots of Lords?
Pilgrims recognize each chariot by seeing the various symbols and signs of the three chariots. Lord Jagannath’s chariot is of red and yellow colour consisting of 16 wheels whose deity is Shri Narsingh. This chariot is known as Nandighosh or Garudadhwaja or Kapiladhwaja.
The chariot of Lord Baldev is of red and green colour in which there are 14 wheels whose deity is Sheshnaag. This chariot is known as Taladhwaja or Langaladhwaja. The Subhadra’s chariot is imprinted with red and black lotus marks whose Goddess is Jayadurga. This chariot is known as Darpadalana or Padmadhwaja or Devadalana.
Spending Time in Gundicha Temple
According to tradition, the king or the high-grade officer of the kingdom starts the chariot after cleaning the road ahead with humility and honour. All three siblings delight in Gundicha temple just like they do in Kunj of Vrindavan. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the countless servants of the temple.
Goddess Lakshmi Gets Angry
On the Panchami of Ashadh Shukla Paksha (known as Hera Panchami), Goddess Lakshmi visits Gundicha temple to meet Lord Jagannath. But due to not getting darshan, she breaks a part of the chariot out of anger and comes back to the main temple. The Lord returns on the ninth day of the Rath Yatra, and Goddess Lakshmi meets the Lord with her servants. To appease the goddess, Lord Jagannath presents his garland to her.
Eventually, Lord Jagannath returns on the day of Dwadashi. Showing her anger, Goddess Lakshmi shuts the door. But she opens the door after Lord accepts his defeat.
First Rath Yatra Held Outside India in 1967
In this way, Puri’s custom Rath Yatra is executed which is meant for bringing people close to Supreme Lord. This Rath Yatra takes out the divine love of the Supreme Lord from the temple and sprinkles it not only in the whole town but in the entire world. It gives us an opportunity to take our devotional love from separation to union.
It’s all because of the deep devotion His Divine Grace Abhay Charanarvinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, founder-acharya of ISKCON, that this festival has become worldwide. ISKCON held the first Ratha-yatra festival abroad in 1967 along the streets of San Francisco and sanctified its soil.
Celebration of Rath Yatra Worldwide
Today, other than India, the Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath is taken out in every corner of the world, including London, France, Germany, Boston, and Australia. Due to which many people are moving on the path of devotion to the Supreme Lord. Lord Jagannath Rath Yatra is organized in all the temples of ISKCON with great enthusiasm.
After the Rath Yatra, the mahaprasad of Lord Jagannath is also distributed to the devotees. If they receive it with reverence, the devotees will indeed receive his blessings. Therefore, all of us should be a part of this event and invite the very kind and pious Lord Jagannath into our hearts.
Rath Yatra Procession at Delhi
A special Rath Yatra Festival is organized at ISKCON Delhi every year. A huge procession is carried out on the streets of Delhi amid the roaring kirtan.
Devotees perform the sacred maha-mantra and dance. Then, thousands of devotees pull the rath of the Lords to get mercy. It is an intriguing sight and a joyful experience.
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Aug 22, 2022 | Ekadashi
Ekadashi Fasting is considered the most fruitful and holy fast. Ekadashi fasting is considered most beloved to Supreme Lord. On observing fast on this day, people can get rid of any sin, among all the donation such as Gold, Anna, Land, Cow, Kanyadaan, Sacrifices, Pilgrimage etc., blessings gained in this day by observing fast greater than all sorts of charity mentioned in scriptures. It is the easiest way to please the Supreme lord.
Description In Brahma Vaivarta Purana
In Brahma Vaivarta Purana, in a conversation between Yudhishthira Maharaj and Supreme Lord Sri Krishna, the importance of Annada Ekadashi has been described.
Yudhisthira Maharaj asked to Lord Krishna- Hey Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi which falls in Krishna paksha of Bhadra month?
Kindly describe the importance of this Ekadashi in detail.
Lord Krishna’s Reply – Hey Rajan, the name of this auspicious Ekadashi is Annada Ekadashi. It has the power to ruin all the sins. This Ekadashi is also known as Aja Ekadashi. So whoever follows this Ekadashi by keeping fast and praying Hrishikesh can get rid of an immoral act.
About Harishchandra
Long ago, in the dynasty of Lord Ram Chandra, an emperor born named Harishchandra. He was very truthful. Because of any sin done in the past and to fulfil his words, he lost his kingdom. Not even this, he even sold his wife and son.
Hey Rajan, that purely hearted, the blessed King was forced to stay as Chandal’s servant. Still, he never left the path of truth. On Chandal’s order, the King collected the clothes of dead bodies. In this way, by doing shoddy work of lower caste people, he never left his path of truth.
There was no downfall in his behaviour. In this way, he spent many years. One day the King was thinking about his bad luck.
King’s thought- The King was cursing his fate and was thinking – What he should do now? Where should he go? And now what he has to do? How can he get rid of all the sin he had done?
The King, in this way, was highly indulged in deep thought. By watching him in the worst condition, one day, Gautam rishi came to him.
On watching rishi, one thought came to King’s mind that Supreme Lord created Brahmanas only for people’s welfare. So after greeting rishi, the King said about his cursed fate and worst condition.
Gautam Rishi’s Suggested Solution
On observing King’s circumstances, Gautam Muni replies – Hey King, because of your good deed Annada Ekadashi is coming very soon. So on this day, keep fast and stay awake at night. By following this, you will get rid of all the sins you had committed. Hey King, I came here only for you. So the King kept this fast with complete devotion and got free from all the sins he committed.
Lord Krishna’s Explanation on Importance of Annada Ekadashi
Lord Krishna said, hey King, this fasting can immediately ruin all the sins of previous birth. Due to the effect of this fast, King Harish Chandra got his wife and dead son alive. He also brought back his kingdom. After few years, King, along with his family and people of his kingdom, went to eternal abode.
Lord said, hey King – whoever will keep this fast will get into the spiritual world. The person who will listen or read the importance of this fast with complete devotion will get resultant equal to Ashwamedh Yagya.
Keeping fast on Ekadashi indeed pleases Lord Sri Krishna a lot. He ruins all misfortune, scarcity of wealth and all kaleshas. If the lord Sri Krishna gets pleased by the devotional service of his devotee, He can completely change the fate as He made Vibhishana king of Lanka, gave the vast kingdom to his bhakta Dhruva, and also give the place to devotees unto His lotus feet.
So in case if Krishna is listening to our prayers. The real question is what a devotee should ask for?
We should ask our lord for unmotivated devotional service. On getting this, not only me, even my whole descendent will be blessed. So let’s keep fast on this auspicious day of Annada Ekadashi this year, chant the lord’s name, engage in the devotional activities the whole day and try to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.
Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.
