Tomorrow is Sayana Ekadasi (calculations based on Vaishnava calendar for Toronto, Canada). Every ekadasi is a time for more service and tomorrow some of us have the pleasure of doing Harinam Sankirtan with book distribution at a nearby city. 40 or so devotees marching up and down the street with Mahaprabhu's love and Srila Prabhupada's books. What a nice way to honour ekadasi. Below are the glorifications of Sayana Ekadasi
The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Keshava, what is the name of that Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha?
Who is the worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?
Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh caretaker of this Earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the deva lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narad Muni.
"One day Narad Muni asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the light part of the month of Ashadha', much as you did?
Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.'
"Lord Brahma replied, 'Oh great saintly orator, O best of all sages, Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is as usual excellent for all mankind.
There is nothing better than Ekadasi, the day of Lord Sri Hari, in this or any other world.
It nullifies even the worst sins if observed properly.
For this reason I shall tell you about this Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi.
'Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all ones desires.
Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell. Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi is also famous as Padma Ekadasi.
Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day.
Listen carefully, Oh Narad, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event that was recorded in the scriptures regarding this Ekadasi.
Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.
'Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha whose name was Mandhata.
Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor.
He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own family members and children.
On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his entire kingdom.
All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also were very wealthy.
The king's own treasury was free of any ill-gotten moneys, and thus he ruled happily for many years.
'Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years.
The subjects found themselves beset by famine also.
The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the prescribed Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations of ghee to their forefathers and to the devas, engage in any ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures.
Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and addressed him thus, 'Oh king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now.
Everyone and everything in this world needs water.
Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead.
The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His another name is Narayana.
God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there.
It is said that three things cannot exist without water; pearls, human beings, and flour.
The essential quality of a pearl is its luster, and that is due to water.
The essence of a man is his semen, whose main constituent is water.
And without water, flour cannot be made into dough and then be cooked into various forms of bread, offered and eaten.
Sometimes water is called jala-narayaaa, the Supreme Lord in the form of this life sustaining substance - water.
In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rains, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity.
' "Oh king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as people die off or leave your kingdom.
Oh best ruler on Earth, please find some solutions to this problem and bring us to peace and prosperity once again.
'The king replied, "You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings.
Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives.
Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom?
The Holy Scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly.
If a king is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer.
I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character I can honestly say that I find no sin.
Still, for the good of all you subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation.
Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage.
Paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest.
He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their Ashrams and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom.
At last he came upon the ashram of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions.
Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma.
King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sages, whose senses were completely under control. The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni.
Then the king joined his palms and prayed for the Muni's blessings.
That saintly person reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom.
The seven limbs of a king's domain are
1. the king himself;
2. the ministers;
3. his treasury;
4. his military forces;
5. his allies;
6. the brahmins;
7. the sacrificial performances performed in the kingdom and the needs of the subjects under his care.
'After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were situated, King Mandhata asked the sage about his own situation, and if he was happy.
Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering.
The king said, "Oh great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought.
To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help.
Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.
'Angira Rishi said to the king, 'The present age, Satya yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness).
In this age everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost members of society.
Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penances.
Although this is a standard, Oh lion among kings, there is one shudra who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom.
This is why there is no rain in your land.
You should therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peace to your subjects.
'The king then replied, "How can I kill an offense-less performer of austerity and sacrifice?
Please give me some spiritual solution.
'The great sage Angira Muni then said, "Oh king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha.
This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence plentiful rains and thus grains and other foodstuffs will surely return to your kingdom.
This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection.
Oh king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadasi fast.
Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal.
Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace.
When the Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and shudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day.
After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain.
By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.
Therefore, Oh Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadasi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee.'
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "My dear Yudhishthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless.
Oh Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi.
Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani, indicates the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with all the devas.
It is said that after this day one should not perform any new auspicious ceremonies until Devotthani Ekadasi, which occurs during the month of Kartika, because the devas, being asleep, cannot be invited to the sacrificial arena and because the Sun is traveling along its Southern course (Dakshinayanam).
"Lord Sri Krishna continued, "Oh lion among kings, Yudhishthira Maharaj, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi which is also the day when the Chaturmasya fast begins.
Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi - also known as Padma Ekadasi or Deva-sayani Ekadasi - from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.
Today is Ratha Yatra in Jagannath Puri! Of course the Ratha Yatra at your local ISKCON centre may have already happened or may be coming soon...like in Toronto it is just over 3 weeks from now!
So to honour Ratha Yatra in Jagannatha Puri we have posted a melodious video of Jangannathastakam which consists of 8 beautiful verses which are included in this post just below the video complete with translation.
Jaya Jagannatha! kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangita-taralo
mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupah
rama-shambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesha-arcita-pado
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Who sometimes fervently plays His flute on the banks of the Yamuna river in Sri Vrindavana, who is like a bumblebee that blissfully tastes the lotus faces of the Vraja-gopis, and whose feet are worshipped by great personalities such as Laksmi, Shiva, Brahma, Indra, and Ganesha -- may that Sri Jagannatha-deva be the object of my vision.
bhuje savye venum shirasi shikhi-piccham katitate
dukulam netrante sahacara-kataksham ca vidadhat
sada srimad-vrindavana vasati-lila-paricayo
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Who holds a flute in His left hand, who wears a peacock feather on His head and a fine yellow silken cloth around His hips, who from the corners of His eyes bestows loving sidelong glances upon His companions, and who is forever known as the one who performs wondrous pastimes in the divine abode of Sri Vrindavana -- may that Sri Jagannatha-deva be the object of my vision.
mahambhodhes-tire kanaka-rucire nila-shikhare
vasan prasadantah sahaja-valabhadrena balina
subhadra-madhyasthah sakala-sura-sevavasara-do
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Who on the shore of the great ocean resides in a palace situated on the gold-like crest of Nilachala Hill accompanied by His powerful brother Baladevaji and between Them, His sister Subhadra, and who bestows the opportunity to serve Him upon all the demigods -- may that Sri Jagannatha-deva be the object of my vision.
kripa-paravarah sajala-jalada-shreni-ruciro
rama-vani-ramah sphurad-amala-pankeruha-mukhah
surendrair-aradhyah shruti-gana-sikha-gita-carito
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Who is an ocean of mercy, whose bodily complexion is as beautiful as a row of blackish rainclouds, who sports with Laksmi-devi and Sarasvati, whose face is like a spotless fully-blossomed lotus, who is worshipped by the foremost demigods, and whose transcendental glories have been sung in the topmost scriptures -- may that Sri Jagannatha-deva be the object of my vision.
ratharudho gacchan pathi milita-bhudeva patalaih
stuti-pradurbhavam prati-padam-upakarnya shadayah
daya-sindhur-bandhuh sakala-jagatam sindhu-sutaya
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
When Jagannatha's Ratha-yatra cart is moving along the road, at every step assemblies of brahmanas sing His praises. Upon hearing them, Jagannatha, being an ocean of mercy and the true friend of all the worlds, becomes favourably disposed towards them -- may that Sri Jagannatha-deva be the object of my vision.
param-brahmapidah kuvalaya-dalotphulla-nayano
nivasi niladrau nihita-carano ananta-shirasi
rasanandi radha-sarasa-vapur-alingana-sukho
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
Who is the crown-jewel of transcendence, whose eyes are like the petals of a fully-opened blue lotus, who resides at Nilachala, whose feet are placed on the head of Sesa, who is blissfully immersed in bhakti-rasa, and who derives happiness from embracing the rasa-laden body of Srimati Radhika -- may that Sri Jagannatha-deva be the object of my vision.
na vai yace rajyam na ca kanaka-manikya-vibhavam
na yace 'ham ramyam sakala-jana-kamyam vara-vadhum
sada kale kale pramatha-patina gita-carito
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
I do not pray to Jagannatha for a kingdom, nor for gold, jewels, wealth, or even for a beautiful wife as desired by all men. My only prayer is that Sri Jagannatha-deva, whose splendid glories are always sung by Shiva, be the constant object of my vision.
hara tvam samsaram drutataram-asaram sura-pate!
hara tvam papanam vitatim-aparam yadava-pate!
aho dine 'nathe nihita-carano nishcitam-idam
jagannatha svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me
O master of the demigods! Quickly deliver me from this worthless worldly existence. O Lord of the Yadus! Purge me of my limitless host of sins. Aho! You have promised to bestow Your feet upon the fallen and shelterless -- O Jagannatha Swami, please be the object of my vision.
jagannathastakam punyam yah pathet prayatah shuci
sarva-papa-vishuddha-atma vishnulokam sa gacchati
One who carefully recites this sacred Jagannathastakam, upon becoming sinless and purehearted, will attain entrance into Vishnuloka.
Tomorrow is Ratha Yatra in Jagannatha Puri so today is Gundica Marjana. This is a very sweet story full of nectar that is covered in Caitanya Caritamrta Madhya-lila Chapter 12. The fist verse from this chapter...
sri-gundica-mandiramatma-vrndaihsammarjayanksalanatahsagaurahsva-citta-vac chitalam ujjvalamca
krsnopavesaupayikam cakaraSriCaitanyaMahaprabhu washed and cleansed the Gundica temple with His devotees and associates. In this way He made it as cool and bright as His own heart, and thus He made the temple a befitting place for Lord SriKrsna to sit.
Writings from Mayapur summarize this pastime very nicely...
Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu would personally clean the Gundica temple along with hundreds of devotees. The Lord did this just to instruct others. While He cleaned the temple in great jubilation, He chanted the Hare Krishna mantra. When the Gundica temple was thoroughly cleansed, it became very purified, cool and pleasing, just as if the Lord’s own mind appeared there. Indeed, after everything had been washed, the minds of the devotees were as clean as the rooms. By enacting this pastime of cleaning the Gundica temple, Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu instructed us on how we should receive Lord Krishna within our heart. If we desire to see Krishna seated within our hearts, we must first of all purify our hearts fully and prepare to receive His lotus feet.
So this is in continuation of sharing posts about festivals on the Vaishnava calendar, however we quickly come to the realization that although Radha Shyamasundar's prep rooms and temple are clean we have to strive to clean our hearts and thoughts so we can be qualified to serve Their Lordships.
Gaundica Marjana ki Jaya! Jaya Jaya Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!
Today marks the disappearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. How do you adequately glorify such an exalted devotee of the Lord? Do we glorify how he uplifted Vaishnava Siddhanta which had eroded significantly? Do we praise his commitment to Vaishnva theology despite being born into opulent circumstances and having government responsibilities? Do we glorify his sadhana where he kept a very regulated schedule in order to further Mahaprabhu's mission? Do we praise his discovery of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birthplace? Or perhaps do we glorify what perhaps made him the happiest...the rapid spread of the glorification of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Krishna!
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur would stay up until the late hours of the night writing, translating, commenting and annotating vedic texts. He published in English and sent the books to other corners of the world! The first globalization of the sankirtan movement. These books landed in Britain, Germany, America and yes even in Canada at our very own McGill University. Not only were the books recieved but they were read and recieved acclaim and thus the bhrad-mrdanga started...the broadcasting of this transcedental knowledge all over the globe.
In his writings, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur stated, "Soon there will appear a personality who will preach the holy name of Hari all over the world.” And this was mere months before the appearance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. Meditate on that single statement for a few moments to appreciate the gravity of this prediction. And there is more...much much more. For example, Srila Bhakitvinoda Thakur avidly wrote a magazine journal called Sajjana-Tosani in which he writes, "Oh for that day when the fortunate English, French, Russian, German, and American people with take up banners, mrdangas, and kartalas and raise kirtan through their streets and towns."
And thus in the title the declaration that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur represents the precept to ISKCON and the worldwide sankirtan movement!
Jaya Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur!
I know there are many distractions and much to read so we are trying to keep our posts short but we really want to share one wonderful quote...
“There is no vow like chanting the holy name, no knowledge superior to it,
no meditation which comes anywhere near it, and it gives the highest
result. No penance is equal to it, and nothing is as potent or powerful as
the holy name. Chanting is the greatest act of piety and the supreme
refuge. Even the words of the Vedas do not possess sufficient power to
describe its magnitude. Chanting is the highest path to liberation, peace
and eternal life. It’s the pinnacle of devotion, the heart’s joyous
proclivity and attraction and the best form of remembrance of the Supreme
Lord. The holy name has appeared solely for the benefit of the living
entities as their lord and master, their supreme worshipful object and
their spiritual guide and mentor. Whoever continuously chants Lord
Krishna’s holy name, even in his sleep, can easily realize that the name is
a direct manifestation of Krishna Himself, in spite of the influences of
Kali-yuga.”
~ Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Harinam Cintamani
Today marks the disappearance of both Sri Gadadhara Pandita and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. Our Great Great Grand Guru, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur writes:
smara gaura gadadhara kelikalam
bhava gaura gadadhara paksacaram
srnu gaura gadadhara carukatham
bhaja godruma-kanana kunjavidhum
The translation is to remember the wonderful pastimes of Gaura and Gadadhara. Become a servant of Gaura and Gadadhara. Listen to the beautiful narrations concerning Gaura and Gadadhara, and worship Lord Gaura, the beautiful moon of the groves of Godrum.
The following story allows us to follow the instruction to remember the wonderful pastimes and listen to the beautiful narrations concerning Gaura and Gadadhara. It also shows the importance of Sri Gadadhara Pandita...
When the Lord was performing his Navadvipa-lila his chief assistant was Gadadhara. They who in Vrndavana are Radha-Krsna take the form of Gaura-Gadadhara in these pastimes in Navadvipa on the banks of the Ganges. And those who in Vrndavana are gopas and gopis take part in the pastimes of the Lord in Navadvipa by performing kirtana. One day the Lord was wandering by the banks of the Ganges when he came upon a small forest grove and sat down. Gradually he became absorbed in remembering the Vrndavana pastimes. Mukunda Datta began sweetly singing songs in the purva-raga. Gadadhara, after gathering flowers in the forest decorated the Lord's neck with a garland. Just as formerly in Vrndavana, Sri Radha used to decorate Lord Krsna, inthe same way Gadadhara decorated the holy form of Lord Gauranga. Someone sang a sweet song, someone performed a beautiful dance. At length Gauranga sat Gadadhara down on the root of a tree which served as a raised platform. Sri Advaita acarya performed the aratik to the two of them.
Jaya Gadadhara!
Gauranga! Gauranga!
35th Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Manohara at ISKCON Montreal. A nectar packed weekend that will never be forgotten. Thank you Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Manohara for all the mercy!
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