Completion

Sri Nrsimhadeva, Sridham Mayapur,
Kartika Purnima November 2nd, 2009

On this holy day of Kartika Purnima, (and Rasa Purnima), I humbly offer all auspicious, positive, helpful fruits of my Kartika vrata and Bhisma Pancaka vrata 2009 to Srila Jayapataka Swami, in hope that he regain full physical good health, well-being, and longevity. Though his recent physical discomforts do not seem to hinder his preaching, and his contagious, vigorous mood, it certainly distresses his disciples and well-wishers. May these bodily afflictions flee.


His Holiness Jayapataka Swami

This Kartik month has been most glorious, personally. The blessings of the Vaisnavas has inspired me more than ever. I've reached newer heights, and extended my boundaries. Though I admit there were some days when I know I did not try my hardest, my personal best, overall this year's Kartik has been better than any other. Without the Vaisnavas, I am nothing.

On the first day of Kartik, the Lord blessed my effort with a wonderful beginning of spiritual experiences. I remember the feeling utterly elated "Why can't everyday be like this?!", I mused. Almost instantly, a "Why not?" appeared in my mind. Let me try my hardest everyday! Let me continue the delectable study of scripture I've come to love so much. Let me continue chanting more, more, MORE! Let my mind always strive to taste that wonderful spiritual nectar. Let me not give in to maya.
This battle shall continue.
It has been most enjoyable!


Sri Panca Tattva, Sridham Mayapur,
Kartika Purnima November 2nd, 2009

Let me never lose sight of the goal: the supreme goal. The japa must improve! After pure japa, all other spiritual desires will be fulfilled, I know. First, steady japa - sixteen rounds a day everyday, next harinam initiation, then gayatri initation. I want to be ready to vow that I will chant everyday for the rest of my life, sixteen rounds, no matter what.
And, initiation is only the beginning! Everyday a disciple relives the vows, and makes progress forward. Everyday the disciple promises to complete a minimum of sixteen rounds for the day.
I want to be ready for that. Soon!

With the blessings of the Vaisnavas, anything is possible!

"In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin."
Srimad Bhagavatam 3.25.25

"For those who have accepted the boat of the lotus feet of the Lord, who is the shelter of the cosmic manifestation and is famous as Murari, the enemy of the Mura demon, the ocean of the material world is like the water contained in a calf's hoof-print. Their goal is param padam, Vaikuntha, the place where there are no material miseries, not the place where there is danger at every step."
Srimad Bhagavatam 10.14.58



Thus ends the auspicious and glorious month beloved of Srimati Radharani, Kartikka, in the blessed year two thousand and nine.
OM TAT SAT.

The Destruction of Evil Naraka!

The Summary of chapter 59, entitled the Killing of the Demon Naraka, in the Srimad Bhagavatam, states:

"This chapter tells how Lord Krsna killed Narakasura, the son of the earth-goddess, and married the thousands of maidens the demon had kidnapped. It also describes how the Lord stole the parijata tree from heaven and how He behaved like an ordinary householder in each of His palaces.
After Narakasura stole Lord Varuna's umbrella, mother Aditi's earrings, and the playground of the demigods known as Mani-parvata, Indra went to Dvaraka and described the demons transgressions to Lord Krsna. Together with Queen Satyabhama, the Lord mounted His carrier Garuda and traveled to the capital of Narakasura's kingdom. On a field outside the city He decapitated the demon Mura with His disc. Then He fought Mura's seven sons and sent them all to the abode of death, after which Narakasura himself entered the battlefield on the back of an elephant. Naraka threw his sakti lance at Sri Krsna, but the weapon proved ineffective, and the Lord cut the demon's entire army to pieces. Finally, with His sharp-edged disc Krsna cut off Narakasura's head.
The earth-goddess, Prthvi, then approached Lord Krsna and gave Him the various items Narakasura had stolen. She offered prayers to the Lord and presented Naraka's frightened son at Lord Krsna's lotus feet. After pacifying the demon's son, Krsna entered Narakasura's palace, where He found sixteen thousand one hundred young women. As soon as they caught sight of the Lord, they all decided to accept Him as their husband. The Lord sent them to Dvaraka along with a great quantity of treasure and then went with Queen Satyabhama to the abode of Indra. There He returned Aditi's earrings, and Indra and his wife, Saci-devi, worshiped Him. On Satyabhama's request, Lord Krsna uprooted the heavenly parijata tree and put it on the back of Garuòa. After defeating Indra and the other demigods who opposed His taking of the tree, Krsna returned with Queen Satyabhama to Dvaraka, where He planted it in a garden adjacent to Satyabhama's palace.
Indra had originally come to Lord Krsna offering obeisances and begging Him to kill Narakasura, but afterwards, when his business had been accomplished, he quarreled with the Lord. The demigods are prone to anger because they become intoxicated with pride in their opulences.
The infallible Supreme Lord manifested Himself in sixteen thousand one hundred separate forms and married each of the sixteen thousand one hundred brides in a different temple. He took up the required activities of household life just like an ordinary person, accepting various kinds of service from each of His many wives.



Srila Prabhupada's Nectar of Devotion based on Srila Rupa Gosvami's Bhakti Rasamrta Sindhu, says, in Chapter 46:

"An instance of astonishment in devotional service by indirect perception occurred when Maharaja Pariksit heard from Sukadeva Gosvami about Krsna's killing Narakasura, who had been fighting Krsna with eleven aksauhini divisions of soldiers. Each division of aksauhini soldiers contained several thousand elephants, several thousand horses and chariots and several hundreds of thousands of infantry soldiers. Narakasura possessed eleven such divisions, and all of them were throwing arrows toward Krsna, but Krsna killed them all, simply by throwing three arrows from His side. When Maharaja Pariksit heard of this wonderful victory, he immediately rubbed the tears from his eyes and became overwhelmed with joy. This instance is an example of astonishment in devotional service by indirect perception through aural reception."



But Krsna was so kind! His compassion knows no limit.

"Paundraka, Narakasura, Salva and Kamsa were all inimical toward the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but because all these kings constantly thought of Him, they achieved the same liberation—sarupya-mukti. The jnana-bhakta, the devotee who follows the path of jnana, also attains the same destination. If even the enemies of the Lord achieve salvation by constantly thinking about the Lord, what is to be said of pure devotees who always engage in the Lord's service and who think of nothing but the Lord in every activity?"
(S.B. 7.10.40, Purport)


Sri Sri Rukmini-Krsna-Sathyabhama, ISKCON Chennai

A Glorious Ekadasi

Happy Ekadasi!

Today being the auspicious Rama Ekadasi, our Vaisnvava tradition tells us to fast from grains and beans, and increase our hearing and chanting.

Coincidentally, all of my programs for the day were almost magically rescheduled, postponed, or cancelled on their own. I took it as a sign from above and embarked on a long, relaxed journey to the temple. The long journey gave me ample time to finish my sixteen rounds (and even a few extra!)

Fond memories of a Kartik four years ago flooded my mind. My best friend an I decided to do a nirjal on this very same ekadasi. It was one super-surcharged day! We went to mangal arati, the morning program, spend the day chanting japa, in kirtan, and trying to remember Krsna as much as possible (in spite of school). We even went on harinam sankirtan and book distribution! Aahhh, youthful, happy days...

Today, I wasn't sure if I could do a nirjal fast successfully. The weather has been quite hot and I didn't want to promise something I couldn't do. So I decided to do a nirjal for half the day, till noon, and allow myself to take as little fruit and water as possible. The lesser the eating, the more the time of sravanam, kirtanam, and visnu-smaranam!

I even read the beautiful bhakti-rasa-filled poetry of Srila Vrndavana Das Thakur, Srila Narahari Cakravarti Thakur, Srila Govinda Das Thakur, and Srila Vasudeva Ghosh. These poetic songs filled with philosophy as well as extraordinary pastimes are powerful enough to melt even the most stone-like of hearts! My heart swells up in pride and admiration for our rich Gaudiya Vaisnava culture, and its radiant gem-like saints.

Read the glories of Karttika-krsna Ekadasi, or Ramaa Ekadasi, from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana of Srila Krsna Dvaipayana Veda Vyasa here.

Read a Dandavats article: Hearing Gaura Katha on ekadasis in Kartika here.

Nectar from Bhakti Ratnakara

Excerpts from Bhakti Ratnakara, written by Srila Narahari Cakravarti Thakur


The Glories of Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda

Syama-kunda is also known as Arista-kunda. Whoever bathes in Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda gets the same results one achieves by the performance of a rajasuya and asvamedha-yajna. This is confirmed in Adi-varaha Purana.

Raghava Pandita said that according to the Puranas there is no limit to the glories of Radha-kunda. In the Adi-varaha Purana, Mathura-khanda, it is stated that if a devotee of Visnu offers a lamp to Radha-kunda during the month of Kartika, he will be able to see the entire universe.
In Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya, it is stated: “Radha-kunda is very dear to Sri Hari and is situated near Govardhana Hill. By taking bath in Radha-kunda on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartika [Bahulastami], one can greatly please Lord Hari, who enjoys His pastimes there. This kunda is as dear to Krsna as Radha Herself. Amongst all the gopis, She is the most dear to Krsna. It is the duty of the devotees to bathe in the Radha-kunda during the month of Kartika and thereafter worship Lord Janardana. This simple worship pleases Krsna as much as one does by worshiping Janardana on the day of Uthana-ekadasi.”


Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Discovers Sri Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda

“See these two kundas, Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, which are surrounded by beautiful forests and which enchant the sages and demigods. After visiting the other forests of Vrndavana, Caitanya Mahäprabhu came here and sat under this tamala tree. He asked the residents of Arista-grama where the two kundas were, but no one could answer. The brahmana accompanying Him from Mathurä also did not know.

“Being the omniscient Personality of Godhead, Lord Caitanya, carefully searched and discovered the two kundas in two paddy fields. He joyfully took a bath in whatever little water was there and glorified the kundas in various ways. Then He marked His forehead with mud from the kundas.

“The villagers were greatly startled by His behavior. One of them inquired, ‘From where has this sannyasi suddenly come?' Someone said, ‘O brother, by seeing Him I cannot understand what is happening in my body.' Another person said, ‘He cannot be a mortal sannyasi. Seeing Him I cannot explain what is happening in my mind.'

“Someone else said, ‘Who says He is a sannyasi? He is Krsna Himself appearing in this dress and form. Just see the proof. Different birds are all coming for His darsana. The cuckoos and parrots are happily addressing Him as Krsna, and the peacocks are dancing in jubilation. The different sounds of the birds is very pleasing to the ears. And see the wonderful blooming of the trees! O brother, just see the creepers showering flowers on this person, who is disguised as a sannyasi. The deer are coming near Him and staring undivertedly towards His face. All the cows are coming running from all sides with raised tails, and they also look at His face. By the tears of ecstasy falling from the eyes of these creatures we can understand that they are meeting Him after a long period of time.'

“‘O brother, I repeatedly glorify the good fortune of these creatures, who are seeing Krsna in this form and dress. Dear brothers, let us offer obeisances unto the feet of the Lord, who has incarnated to distribute knowledge to the people. By His mercy we can now understand that these two paddy fields known as Kali and Gauri are actually holy kundas.' Speaking like this amongst themselves, they all became maddened by the nectarean sight of Mahaprabhu at this most holy site. Even Lord Brahma cannot describe a fragment of Mahaprabhu's ecstatic expression when He discovered these kundas.”

The Fulfillment of Srila Dasa Gosvami's Desire

“O Srinivasa, presently these paddy fields are seen as two kundas full of water. Please listen while I briefly describe the transformation of the two paddy fields into beautiful kundas.

“One day Raghunatha dasa Gosvami suddenly considered to himself that if these kundas were filled with water it would be very good. Considering that for this purpose money would be needed, Raghunatha dasa remained silent. He scolded himself again and again, thinking why he had desired such a thing. Solacing himself, he decided to stay alone and behave cautiously for sometime. However, when a devotee desires something, that cannot be denied, for Krsna always fulfills His devotees' desires.

“Meanwhile, one rich person had gone to Badarikasrama to get the Lord's darsana. He offered Lord Narayana a large sum of money. That night in a dream the Lord ordered the man, ‘Take this money to Arista-grama in Vraja. There you will find the best of the Vaisnavas, Raghunatha dasa. Give the money to him in My name. If Raghunatha does not agree to take the money, you should remind him about his desire to clean the two kundas for bathing and drinking water.'

“Speaking these words, the Lord disappeared, and that sincere devotee happily came here to Arista-grama. Going before Raghunatha dasa he fell to the ground, offered his obeisances, and then gave the money to Raghunatha. He explained the instruction given to him by the Lord in his dream. Raghunatha became stunned for some time. After some time he repeatedly praised his fortune and requested the rich man to excavate the two kundas without delay. Hearing this, that fortunate man was filled with ecstasy and proceeded to engage many people for the work. Very soon the kundas were dug out. Now hear why Syama-kunda was dug in an irregular shape.

“Everyone decided that the following day a few old trees on the bank of Syama-kunda should be cut. That night Raghunatha had a dream in which King Yudhisthira told him, ‘My brothers and I are living within those trees. Tomorrow morning go to Manasa-pavana-ghata, identify those five trees, and protect them from being cut.' After the dream, Raghunatha went early the next morning to identify the trees and order the people not to cut them. For that reason they could not make Syama-kunda square. The two kundas were then filled with clear water and Sri Raghunatha became very satisfied.

Radha Kund Prakat Mahotsava

vaikunthaj janito vara madhu-puri tatrapi rasotsavad
vrndaranyam udara-pani-ramanat tratrapi govardhanah
radha-kundam ihapi gokula-pateh premamrtaplavanat
kuryad asya virajato giri-tate sevam viveki na kah

"The holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathura-Puri is the transcendental forest of Vrndavana because of Krsna's rasa-lila pastimes. And superior to the forest of Vrndavana is Govardhana Hill, for it was raised by the divine hand of Sri Krsna and was the site of His various loving pastimes. And, above all, the superexcellent Sri Radha-kunda stands supreme, for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord of Gokula, Sri Krsna. Where, then, is that intelligent person who is unwilling to serve this divine Radha-kunda, which is situated at the foot of Govardhana Hill?"
(Rupa Gosvami, Upadesamrta 9)

On this most auspicious day of Bahulastami, and the appearance of Sri Radha Kund, I humbly beg for the shelter of Sri Radha Kund, at Sri Vrndavan Dham, which is most dear to Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara. Though I am most unworthy, I know that Srimati Radharani, the Queen of Vrndavana, is most merciful. She is compassion personified! Her sweetness and glory is beyond words...



O Mother! Please be merciful to us! Accept us under Your cooling shelter! Bless us with pure Krsna Prema. Bless our attempts this Kartika. Let us please You! Let our Vratas be successful.

Below: Rare darsan of the sacred Kankan Kund, the actual kund dug by Srimati Radharani and her Sakhis, during a Maha Radha Kund clean up earlier this year.







Photos courtesy of ISKCON Mauritus: Sacred Kundas Renovated (Picasa Web Album)

Sri Radha-Kundastakam (Srila Raghunatha Das Goswami)

"After the killig of Aristasura, Srimati Radhika and Her sakhis exchanged many joking words with Sri Krsna concerning the necessary atonement for one who has committed the offence of killing a bull. As a result, the Queen of Vrndavana, Srimati Radhika, and Her sakhis joyfully excavated and filled Sri Radha-kunda with their own hands. May that immensely fragrant Radha-kunda be my shelter.

"In the land of the hearts of those who bathe in Radha-kunda, a desire tree of the superlative prema, which is not attainable even for Krsna's principal queens in Dvaraka, will arise. May that supremely charming Radha-kunda be my shelter.

"For the pleasure of Srimati Radhika, even Sri Krsna Himself, yearning to attain Her merciful sidelong glance, regularly bathes in Radha-kunda, carefully observing all the appropriate rituals. May that supremely enchanting Radha-kunda be my shelter.

"May that supremely enchanting Radha-kunda, which the moon of Vraja, Sri Krsna, loves as much as He loves the crown-jewel amongst the sweet girls of Vraja, Srimati Radhika, and which He has made known by the name of Radhika Herself, be my shelter.

"The mercy obtained by serving Radha-kunda makes the desire-creeper of prema for the prince of Vraja sprout and is celebrated for bearing the flower of service to my svamini Srimati Radhika. May that supremely charming Radha-kunda be my shelter.

"Gloriously manifest on the banks of Radha-kunda are eight kunjas named after Radhika's principal sakhis. Acting as stimuli for the amorous pastimes of the Divine Couple, these kunjas are filled with the sweet humming of bumblebees and are desired by everyone. May that supremely enchanting Radha-kunda be the shelter of my life.

"Situated on an exquisite dais on the bank of Radha-kunda and accompanied by Her beloved sakhis, our svamini Srimati Radhika charmingly engages in sweet, joking words with Sri Krsna, the moon of Vraja. These playful verbal exchanges are enhanced by the suggestion of so many innuendoes. May that Radha-kunda be the shelter of my life.

"May that very charming and especially fragrant Radha-kunda, where intoxicated with love the Divine Couple and the sakhis daily sport with great joy in the water so fragrant with exquisite lotus flowers, be the sole shelter of my life.

"To that devotee who, in a resolute mood of aspiring to serve Srimati Radhika, reads this charming prayer describing Sri Radha-kunda, even in their present body Sri Krsna will quickly grant them darsana of not only His beloved Radhika, but also of Their many variegated amorous pastimes. Witnessing these pastimes and envisioning himself serving Yugala-kisora in various ways, such a devotee will feel immense jubilation. This astaka is recited in the poetic meter known as 'Malini'."

Courtesy of Salagram.net

The Origin of Radha Kund

A bull demon named Aristasur had entered into the village of Vrndavan and began terrorizing the cows and people. He dug up the land by the river bank furiously with his horns, he pierced the bodies of the helpless cows with his horns, and made frightening advances towards the residents of Vrndavan.

Begging Krsna to help them, the brajbasis backed away as Krsna turned towards the bull-demon. Seeing Krsna, he snorted with rage and ran towards Him at full speed with his horns lowered in attacking position. Krsna grabbed the demon's horns and threw him to the ground. Tired, perspiring, with his tongue hanging out, Aristasur charged at Krsna again. Krsna once again grabbed his horns and threw him t the ground, this time, the horns breaking clean off. Krsna began kicking the demon's body and passing stool, urine, and vomiting blood the demon passed away.

Soon after the occurance of this great feat done by Krsna, he wished to engage in loving pastime with Radharani and the gopis. But they turned Him away saying that He had commited a great and terrible offense by killing a bull who is the representation of religion. He was impure and needed to be purified before they could even come near Him.

Hearing this, Krsna dug His beautiful lotus foot, heel-first into the ground, calling all the seven holy rivers to appear: Ganga, Yamuna, Godavari, Saraswati, Narmade, Sindhu, and Kaveri. All these 7 rivers appeared together in the kund that is now Shyam Kund.

After bathing in Shyam Kund, Krsna said that He was now pure, but the gopis were impure having sided with a demon even though he was in the form of a bull.

Hearing these words from Krsna, Radharani broker her bangle and began digging a hole which would be Radha Kund. The gopis followed her suit and broke their bangles helping her dig. However, after completing the digging, no water appeared and Krsna laughed a tinkling laugh showing His pearl-like teeth.

Radharani and the gopis then made a line reaching all the way to Manasi Ganga and passing hand to hand pots of ganga water, slowly began filling Radha Kund. But no matter how much water they put in the kund, it still would not become full.

Chuckling slightly, Krsna took His small pinky finger and dug a line between Radha Kund and Shyam Kund and the water from Shyam Kund merged with that of Radha Kund.

It is said that anyone who once takes a bath in Radha Kund is immediately pure and becomes very very dear to Krsna as well as Radharani.

Srila Narottama Das Thakur Mahasaya

A brief biography of Srila Narottama Das Thakur Mahasaya


India today celebrates the disappearance of Srila Narottam Das Thakur, the great Mahasaya. He was an explemplary Gaudiya Vaisnava preacher, who took on the mission of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu after He and His associates completed Their manifest pastimes on this earth.

Srila Prabhupada has said that we celebrate both the appearance and disappearance of our Vaisnava saints with equally.

"As Lord Krsna's appearance and disappearance are all spiritual, transcendental, they are not ordinary things, similarly, Lord Krsna's devotee, His representative, who is sent to this material world for preaching the glories of Lord Krsna, their appearance and disappearance is also like Krsna's. Therefore, according to Vaisnava principles, the appearance and disappearance of Vaisnava is considered all-auspicious. Therefore we hold festivals."
- Srila Prabhupada
Srimad Bhagavatam Lecture (S.B. 6.1.37-34)
Surat, Gujarat, India
December 17th, 1970



So today, on this most auspicious day, I pray to the great Mahasaya for his blessings, so that we may complete each our Kartik Vratas successfully, and dedicate the rest of our lives to the great Sankirtan movement, pleasing Sri Panca Tattva, and reaching the shelter of Sri Sri Radha Krsna at the end of our lives.

Srila Narottama Das Thakur sings in his book, Prarthana, to the Vaisnava Saints. Today, we can sing this song, praying to him, for his mercy.


Vaisnave Vijnapati (Song 2)

এই-বার করুণা কর বৈষ্ণব গোসাঞি

পতিত-পাবন তোমা বিনে কেহ নাই

ei-bāro karuṇā koro vaiṣṇava gosāi
patita-pāvana tomā bine keho nāi

যাহার নিকটে গেলে পাপ দূরে যায়

এমন দয়াল প্রভু কেবা কথা পায়

jāhāra nikaṭe gele pāpa dūre jāy
emona doyāla prabhu kebā kothā pāy

গঙ্গার পরশ হৈলে পশ্চতে পাবন

দর্শনে পবিত্র কর-এই তোমার গুণ

gańgāra paraśa hoile paścate pāvan
darśane pavitra koro-ei tomāra guṇ

হরি-স্থানে অপরাধে তারে হরি-নাম

তোমা স্থানে অপরাধে নাহি পরিত্রাণ

hari-sthāne aparādhe tāre hari-nām
tomā sthāne aparādhe nāhi paritrāṇ

তোমার হৃদয়ে সদা গোবিন্দ-বিশ্রাম

গোবিন্দ কহেন-মোর বৈষ্ণব পরাণ

tomāra hṛdoye sadā govinda-viśrām
govinda kohena-mora vaiṣṇava parāṇ

প্রতি-জন্মে করি আশা চরণের ধূলি

নরোত্তমে কর দয়া আপনার বলি’

prati-janme kori āśā caraṇera dhūli
narottame koro doyā āpanāra boli'

TRANSLATION

1) O Vaisnava Gosvami, please be merciful to me now. There is no one except you who can purify the fallen souls.

2) Where does anyone find such a merciful personality by whose mere audience all sins go far away?

3) After bathing in the waters of the sacred Ganges many times, one becomes purified, but just by the sight of you, the fallen souls are purified. This is your great power.

4) The holy name delivers one who has committed an offense to Lord Hari, but if one commits an offense to you, there is no means of deliverance.

5) Your heart is always the resting place of Lord Govinda, and Lord Govinda says, "The Vaisavas are in My heart."

6) I desire the dust of your holy feet in every birth I may take. Please consider Narottama yours, and be kind upon him.

Song courtesy of KKSongs.org

Beloved month of Kartik

Jai Sri Radhe.

All glories to Srila Prabhupada, the one who has given me everything.

Each year I revel in making promises to Srimati Radhrani, during this time. With an intense and sweet mood, of the devotees, was inspired to come closer to Krishna. When the lamps were lit and the Damodarastakam prayers, sung in that deep resonated tune, my mind became captured.

This year is a little different for me. Nevertheless I will offer a ghee lamp everyday, sing Damodarastakam prayers, chant and read shastra. I wish I could offer a more intense vrata to better suit the profound month of Kartik. But honestly, there is nothing worse than making a promise that I cant keep. That is something I personally need to work on. 

Currently, there are seven people living in my house. Four of them being awesome mrdanga players, three of them being great harmonium players and five of them being expert kartal players. Within the members of our household we are able to have an ecstatic kirtan! Such kirtaniyas are valuable in this day and age of the harinam sankirtan yuga dharma. Tonight we had melodious kirtan for a couple of hours. I am defiantly appreciating this while I can. Sri Radha Damodara!

Day 1

All Glories to this most Glorious month of Kartik!

Excited, I went to sleep with butterflies in my stomach, eagerly awaiting the next day, and the beginning of Kartik. I got up early this morning before sunrise, before Brahma Muhurta, around Mangal Arati time, inspired. While my uncle did Mangal Arati, I sang the prayers to Sri Guru.

Samsara davanala lidha loka
tranaya karunya ghana ghanatvam
praptasya kalyana ghunarnavasya
vande guroh sri caranaravindam...

"The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities."

The simple, sweet morning melody swept me away by its mood. It was beautiful. Nrsimhadeva prayers and the Nrsimha Kavaca I chanted reminded me of the purpose of my vrata, and prayed with as much dedication as I could muster. The atmosphere felt magically surcharged. The entire building was quiet, cloaked with thick sleep, while one apartment on the third floor permeated the place with sacred incense, and the auspicious sounds of bells ringing, conch shells blowing, mrdanga rhythms, and beautiful Sanskrit verses.

I smiled happily. It was a good start.

Soon the dark sky began to blush soft shades of pink and saffron, while dreamy wisps of purple floated along. Slowly, a sleeping city began to awaken.

We briskly walked to the bus depot, and caught a bus to the outskirts of Chennai, where our ISKCON temple, though still under construction, stands gloriously above the miles and miles of grazing pastures. The long winding bus ride gave me a perfect opportunity to chant my rounds peacefully, without distractions, and conveniently at an early, most auspicious Brahma Muhurta time! Our friendly bus driver dropped us off in front of the temple road, though there was no bus stop there. He did us a great favor. (Otherwise we'd have to walk quite a distance to the temple.) Unknowingly he must have gotten some good benefit, luckily multiplied a thousand times by Kartik!

Their Lordships Sri Sri Rukmini Krsna Sathyabhama, Gaura Nitai, and Jagannath Baladev Subhadra were dressed in an elegant pearly white, with gold. Resplendent as always, They smiled down on the devotees. A simple morning program with a handful of devotees was held. Next HH Bhakti Vrajendra Nandan Swami, a senior ISKCON sannyasi based in Malaysia, gave Bhagavatam Class (SB 4.11.6). He spoke wonderfully and inspired me to think,

"How inspired Maharaj is, after all these years! It's wonderful. He never deviates from Srila Prabhupada's teachings, and follows so strictly! He has been in ISKCON for so many years... the politics he is forced to see, it doesn't affect him! Inner peace and rock-steady stability... atmarama. Other devotees often complain and leave ISKCON, but the thought hasn't, I'm sure, even crossed his mind! How wonderful. This should be our example. He still remembers the first time he saw devotees in England, and understood them to be always happy, singing, dancing, honoring delicious prasad. That wonder has never left him. Srila Prabhupada has left so much hidden nectar in his books. If we just look carefully, read them over and over and over again, we too can relish that wonderful nectar! These teachings are ever fresh. Devotees delve deeper and deeper in, relishing such bliss! It keeps them alive and inspired for years, lifetimes, and eternity! If they can find it, so can we! Perseverance, dedication, and unflinching faith from association with the Vaisnavas can take us far."

A Pledge

Sri Sri Guru-Gaurangau Jayatah

Dear devotees,

Please accept my most humble obeisances again and again. All glories to Srila Prabhupada, to Sri Guru, and to all the Vaisnavas.

With your blessings, I have resolved to spend this month of Kartik, which is most dear to Srimati Radharani, immersed in the nectar of devotional service. I pledge to chant a minimum of eight rounds per day, and read the ‘Teachings of Lord Caitanya’, by Srila Prabhupada, (in addition to reading the Srimad Bhagavad Gita As It Is, which is already part of my daily program). Though I’ve never read the Teachings of Lord Caitanya, many recommend it. Some find it fascinating, and say it’s their ‘most prized possession’. I will also be chanting the Nrsimha Kavaca for the good health of Srila Jayapataka Swami, my aspiring Gurumaharaj, to whom my vrata is dedicated to.

Srila Jayapataka Swami is my inspiration. Like a kind, compassionate father to so many, he cares for his disciples with unconditionally. Traveling around the world, he gives, gives, and gives continuously to others, selflessly. Srila Jayapataka Swami has shaped my innermost ideology, given me purpose, and touched my soul deeply. I am forever indebted to him. From my earliest childhood, he has been there for me, while still caring for thousands and preaching to millions. His compassion is an unfathomable ocean. I pray I may please my Gurumaharaj, Srila Prabhupada, Sri Panca Tattva, and Sri Sri Radha Madhava and Their asta-sakhis with this vrata. Whatever good comes out of this vrata, I humbly offer it unto his lotus feet, praying for hes well being and good health.

Though I am extremely nervous, I know that with the mercy of Hari, Guru, and Vaisnavas, anything is possible. A famous verse describes the mercy of Sri Guru as such that by whose mercy a dumb person can become a great scholar and orator, and one who is lame can cross over mountains.

I am extremely grateful to Krsna for giving me such a wonderful family and good Krsna conscious friends by whose good association this is all possible. Krsna's mercy is causeless, an unfathomable ocean. Somehow I have received this birth in a Vaisnava family, and have been raised with the pristine, flawless ideals of Sanatana Dharma in the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition. The just Lord and His compassionate consort have blessed me with inspiring friends with whom I share a zeal for Krsna Consciousness in ISKCON. I am sure, with the support, encouragement, and inspiration from family, friends, and our devotee readers, this vrata will be successful and Sri Sri Radha Damodara will be pleased.

A famous, much-quoted Srimad Bhagavatam verse (3.25.25, on the Glories of Devotional Service) says:

"In the association of pure devotees, discussion of the pastimes and activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead is very pleasing and satisfying to the ear and the heart. By cultivating such knowledge one gradually becomes advanced on the path of liberation, and thereafter he is freed, and his attraction becomes fixed. Then real devotion and devotional service begin."

Srila Prabhupada begins his purport by saying:

"The process of advancing in Krsna consciousness and devotional service is described here. The first point is that one must seek the association of persons who are Krsna conscious and who engage in devotional service. Without such association one cannot make advancement. Simply by theoretical knowledge or study one cannot make any appreciable advancement. One must give up the association of materialistic persons and seek the association of devotees because without the association of devotees one cannot understand the activities of the Lord."

Thank you.

Niyam Seva

Jai Sri Radhe!

Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Jayatah!

Ananta koti dandavat pranams to all the great Vaishnavs!

As the mas for Niyam seva was beginning, I thought about all the things extra and special things that visnavs do during this time. Thinking about it now and remembering how I thought of it when I was younger, has made me see how much my mind has changed in the years. As a child, Kartik was simply a time that came once a year, lasted for one month, and when my parents used to rush to the temple on Sundays in order to get there in time for singing the Damodarastakam. A picture of Damdodar was on the altar, everyone sat in the half-lit temple room closing their eyes and listening (in my case) to the sweet melodic tunes of the bengalis. And I remember thinking “wow” and not knowing any better word for it.

When we read the translation of baby Damodar's glories the only one that was always burned in my memory was the first verse where it explained that Yasoda Mai captured Krsna from behind to chastise Him and bind Him to the grinding mortar. I remember thinking "Doesn't Yasoda Mai kno that that is Krsna? Why is she chastising Him?" Now, being 12 years older, I realize that that was His blessing to her, and Kartik is a blessing to us. It is a time when he allows us to bind him with the ropes of our love. It is a time when any small amount of love given to our sweet baby Damodar is magnified hundreds and hundreds of times in His heart. It is the one chance that we get to attempt to understand how real premabhakti is achieved.

The one thing I regret is not having this knowledge AS a child. As a child, with a pure, simple and innocent heart it is easy to love Krsna and think about Him and His pastimes without even a second thought. Getting older means that the hectic chaos of this material world caves in on your head and its difficult to keep telling yourself that its not important. But because it is still in our mind that Krsna is of all importance, we try on special occasions such as this one to please Him as best as we can.

I remember always reading or hearing, that when love for Krsna is over-flowing in a true Premi's heart, their milk overflows. Examples being Yasoda Mai and all the cows being touched by Krsna, I have decided to bathe our Giriraj shila and Saligram shila that we call Damodar in milk everyday morning and bathe them once again in the evening. To have Krsna always near me, I will chant extra than my 16 rounds at every opportunity, and for the pleasure of my shilas will read Them their very own sweet and glorious pastimes from Ananda Vrndavan Champu written by Kavi Karnapur. But Niyam Seva doesn't end simply here. Throughout this month vaisnavs keep Krsna in their mind at all waking moments. They great ones can even keep Him in their dreams. Thought I myself am not great at all and very fallen and lowly, I will keep His glories in my heart and mind. With the mercy of all the vaisnavs He will become pleased with me.

With His gift of love to us and with YOUR blessings My desire will be fulfilled. Radharani has showed her most loving and merciful lotus eyes glance upon me and given me permission to reside within Her Dham. I simply wish that I may never take Braja Dham for granted, that I may never forget how lucky and blessed I am to be given Her mercy, and that I may never commit vaisnav aparad. I pray that She will take me there soon and never let me leave the embrace of the dust of Braj and the She give me a way to serve her in the smallest way by serving Her devotees. I pray that a path may be revealed to show my a way to Her moon-like toenail which resides on the chest of Shyam.

Begging for all mercy

And humbly yours in service to Sri Jiu,

Madhumayi Radha DD

An Offering

Dear fellow aspiring Vaishnavas and Vaishnavis!

All glories to this most auspicious time of Sri Damodara! All glories unto Sri Radhika, the giver of eternal mercy and beloved of Sri Gopal! All glories to the Holy Name! Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has given us this beautiful transcendental sound vibration to capture our hearts and make our minds fixed on Him. I pray to always be attracted to such chanting as the Gopis of Vrindavan Dham are even now captured by the sound of Sri Krsna’s flute.

As this Kartik begins I humbly pray for the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, our eternal spiritual master and grandfather who has given us the priceless gift of Bhakti Yoga. Each of us owes so much to this gentle spirit soul, without which I fear we would have been lost in this material world. Upon his lotus feet I humbly pray for inspiration in the coming months and pray for even a small taste for devotional service in my heart.



I pray to my Gurumaharaja His Holiness Indradyumna Swami, that he may accept this Kartik Vrata as an offering to him and through him to Srila Prabhupada and the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Gurumaharaja you have saved me! Without your guidance I would be adrift in this world having forgotten the teachings of your spiritual master and uncaring for the beautiful gift which Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has given us. What more can I say? I am forever more your aspiring servant.



This year for Kartik Vrata I have chosen to focus on developing my spiritual consciousness and developing love of God. I pledge my heart and soul to reading the instructions of our Gurumaharaja Srila Prabhupada. Through his kind instructions we may develop love of God and return to him at the time of our material death. Srila Prabhupada asked his disciples to please read from his books every day, specifically he mentions readings of the Srimad Bhagavatam and so I pledge to read from this great scripture every day during this most auspicious month. I also will continue to read the Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta by Sanatana Goswami in accordance with the instructions of my gurudeva, Indradyunma Swami.

The Holy Name is the most powerful thing in this age of Kali. As an aspiring disciple I have taken the vow to chant 16 rounds of the mahamantra every day, and so for this Kartik I promise to pursue developing love of God through improving my communication with him. A dear friend of mine once told me that chanting is like having a conversation with Krishna. If you do not pay attention in a conversation but instead are concentrating elsewhere or holding another conversation at the same time it is considered very rude, so why do we do this with Sri Krishna whom we owe more respect than anyone else? I have chosen this Kartik to rise early before sunrise and practice my chanting in full concentration and aspiring devotion.

I pray for the blessings of all the Vaishnava devotees of the Lord that I may fulfill my vows during the month of Damodara and that I may one day develop even a small seed of desire for the service of Sri Sri Radha and Govinda.

Your aspiring servant in devotion,

Abhaya Devi