1. om sri-krsnaya namah

2. om kamala-nathaya namah

3. om vasudevaya namah

4. om sanatanaya namah

5. om vasudevatmajaya namah

6. om punyaya namah

7. om lila-manusa-vigrahaya namah

8. om srivatsa-kaustubha-dharaya namah

9. om yasoda-vatsalaya namah

10. om haraye namah

11. om caturbhujatta-cakrasi-gada-sankhambujayudhaya namah

12. om devaki-nandanaya namah

13. om srisaya namah

14. om nanda-gopa-priyatmajaya namah

15. om yamuna-vega-samharine namah

16. om balabhadra-priyanujaya namah

17. om putana-jivita-haraya namah

18. om sakatasura-bhanjanaya namah

19. om nanda-vraja-jananandine namah

20. om sac-cid-ananda-vigrahaya namah

21. om navanita-viliptangaya namah

22. om navanita-nataya namah

23. om anaghaya namah

24. om navanita-navaharaya namah

25. om mucukunda-prasadakaya namah

26. om sodasa-stri-sahasresaya namah

27. om tribhangi-madhurakrtaye namah

28. om suka-vag-amrtabdhindave namah

29. om govindaya namah

30. om yoginam pataye namah

31. om vatsa-palana-sancarine namah

32. om anantaya namah

33. om dhenukasura-mardanaya namah

34. om trni-krta-trnavartaya namah

35. om yamalarjuna-bhajanaya namah

36. om uttala-tala-bhetre namah

37. om tamala-syamalakrtaye namah

38. om gopa-gopisvaraya namah

39. om yogine namah

40. om koti-surya-sama-prabhaya namah

41. om ilapataye namah

42. om parasmai jyotise namah

43. om yadavendraya namah

44. om yadu-dvahaya namah

45. om vanamaline namah

46. om pita-vasase namah

47. om parijatapaharakaya namah

48. om govardhanacaloddhartre namah

49. om gopalaya namah

50. om sarva-palakaya namah

51. om ajaya namah

52. om niranjanaya namah

53. om kama-janakaya namah

54. om kanja-locanaya namah

55. om madhughne namah

56. om mathura-nathaya namah

57. om dvaraka-nayakaya namah

58. om baline namah

59. om vrndavananta-sancarine namah

60. om tulasi-dama-bhusanaya namah

61. om syamantaka-maner hartre namah

62. om nara-narayanatmakaya namah

63. om kubjakrstambara-dharaya namah

64. om mayine namah

65. om parama-purusaya namah

66. om mustikasura-canura-malla-yuddha-visaradaya namah

67. om samsara-vairine namah

68. om kamsaraye namah

69. om muraraye namah

70. om narakantakaya namah

71. om anadi-brahmacarine namah

72. om krsnavyasana-karsakaya namah

73. om sisupala-siras-chetre namah

74. om duryodhana-kulantakaya namah

75. om vidurakrura-varadaya namah

76. om visvarupa-pradarsakaya namah

77. om satya-vace namah

78. om satya-sankalpaya namah

79. om satyabhama-rataya namah

80. om jayine namah

81. om subhadra-purvajaya namah

82. om visnave namah

83. om bhisma-mukti-pradayakaya namah

84. om jagad-gurave namah

85. om jagannathaya namah

86. om venu-nada-saradaya namah

87. om vrsabhasura-vidhvamsine namah

88. om banasura-karantakaya namah

89. om yudhisthira-pratisthatre namah

90. om barhi-varhavatamsakaya namah

91. om parthasarathaye namah

92. om avyaktaya namah

93. om gitamrta-mahodadhaye namah

94. om kaliya-phani-manikya-ranjita-sri-padambujaya namah

95. om damodaraya namah

96. om yajna-bhoktre namah

97. om danavendra-vinasakaya namah

98. om narayanaya namah

99. om para-brahmane namah

100. om pannagasana-vahanaya namah

101. om jala-kridasamasakta-gopi-vastrapaharakaya namah

102. om punya-slokaya namah

103. om tirtha-karaya namah

104. om veda-vedyaya namah

105. om daya-nidhaye namah

106. om sarva-bhutatmakaya namah

107. om sarva-graha-rupine namah

108.  om parat-paraya namah

Sri Govinda Ghosh

Sri Govinda Ghosh, an intimate associate of Lord Caitanya, was known for his sweet kirtans at the annual Jagannatha Puri Ratha- yatra festival. Lord Caitanya would at once begin to dance whenever Govinda Ghosh would sing. Govinda Ghosh and his brothers Vasudeva and Madhava are eternal associates of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda Prabhu.

He made his home in Agradvipa, Vasudeva in Tamluk, and Madhava Ghosh in Dain Hat. Govinda Ghosh Thakur’s house is not far from Agradvipa in Kashipura Vishnutala. Some are of the opinion that Vaishnavatala was his birthplace. Govinda Ghosh participated in Mahaprabhu’s lilas in Srivasa Angan, in the nagara-sankirtan to the Kazi’s house, and in the house of Raghava Pandit. During the Rathayatra festival, he was the lead singer in the fourth kirtan group, accompanied by his two brothers, Chota Hari Das, Vishnu Das and Raghava Pandit. Vakresvara Pandit joined this group as the principal dancer.

On Mahaprabhu’s direction, Govinda revealed the Gopinath deity from a black stone in Agradvipa. Mahaprabhu also instructed him to get married. The story goes that Govinda Ghosh’s wife and son both died untimely. As he grew older, Govinda began to wonder who would perform the last rites for him, as it is considered important for one to have a son who can do the shraddha ceremony on his behalf. He had a dream in which Gopinath appeared to him and said, “Don’t worry about this. I will perform the shraddha ceremony for you myself.”

When Govinda Ghosh finally passed away, Gopinath offered the pinda on his behalf. Gopinath continues to perform this ceremony every year on the anniversary of Govinda Ghosh’s departure from this world. This takes place on the krishna trayodashi of the month of Chaitra. Vasudeva Ghosh’s disappearance day is on the second day of the waxing moon in the month of Kartik.

When to Wear

Further Information Regarding the Wearing of Tilaka

Put the water in your left hand, and rub the hard tilak into the water, creating a wet paste out of the clay. Begin by putting your ring finger of the right hand into the clay, and starting between the eyebrows, bring the finger straight up to the hairline, making two straight lines. It should look like a long, narrow U-shape. Then use some more tilak to make the marking on your nose, it should extend about 3/4 of the way down your nose. As you apply the tilak to your body, chant the following mantras:

forehead: om keshavaya namaha 
belly: om narayanaya namaha 
chest: om madhavaya namaha
neck: om govindaya namaha 
right: belly om vishnave namaha 
right: arm om madhusudhanaya namaha 
right: shoulder om trivikramaya namaha
left: belly om vamanaya namaha 
left arm: om shridharaya namaha 
left shoulder: om hrishikeshaya namaha 
upper back: om padmanabhaya namaha 
lower back: om damodaraya namaha 

Take the remaining tilak, and wipe it on the back of the head, in the area of the sikha, and chant om vasudevaya namaha.

 While traveling in British Columbia last week, visiting Saranagati and attending the Ratha Yatra, we heard a most inspiring story at the Vancouver Temple.

Dr. Sukumaran is an Auyervedic doctor, originally from the town of Kotakala in Kerala state, where his family owns and operates one of the biggest auyervedic hospitals and herbal remedy centers in all of India. It was there that he met and married a Canadian devotee, Rudrani devi dasi. Due to her preaching, he became a devotee and Gaudiya Vaisnava, now known as Sananda dasa.

Sananda and Rudrani returned to Canada joined by Shanta, who came to assist as an attendant for Rudrani, who suffers from chronic arthritis. Rudrani, who was initiated in the mid-1970's as a Srila Prabhupada disciple, has taken care of Tulasi in various temples throughout her devotional career.

Sananda (at left), Rudrani and Shanta have been living in Vancouver for about 15 years, during which time they have served the temple in many ways. Recently, Rudrani made the Vancouver temple authorities aware of the abominable condition Tulasi was in there. She convinced them through strong arguments and persistence to come up with the capital to erect two first-class greenhouse structures. At a local home show, she convinced a greenhouse manufacturer to give them a show model at a very reduced price. Sananda dasa helped to supervise the construction and installation of the first greenhouse, and the temple then purchased and installed a second.

Due to her physical condition, Rudrani couldn't personally do the work required to care for Tulasi. Her husband Sananda began dedicating his time and energy, outside his business commitments as a doctor, to care for Tulasi devi. He is now considering how to free up more time from his auyervedic practice to dedicate himself even further to this endeavor.

All this devotion has resulted in a most phenomenal exhibition of pure Bhakti Tulasi worship. There's no denying that the Tulasis currently residing at Vancouver yatra, which completely fill the two greenhouses, are the finest specimens of Tulasi on the planet today. This is true despite the fact that Vancouver is not a climate where Tulasi devi likes to grow. Constant supervision is required throughout the seasons of inclement winter, along with grow lights and constant monitoring of temperature.

Sananda das has taken Tulasi worship to a degree that no one has ever done in the past. Before watering, he warms the water to the exact temperature that is ideal for Tulasi. He changes the earth in her pots, completely replacing it with new, fresh earth every two months. The earth consists primarily of cow dung, and is phenomenally nutritious.

Shanta spends a good portion of her day picking Tulasi manjaris. As you see in the pictures, Shanta, who is just under 5 feet tall, and whose head barely sticks out above Tulasi, needs to stand on a milk carton in order to reach the manjaris. Tulasi's manjaris are so abundant that Sri Sri Radha Madana-Mohana and all the Deities on the altar now wear an abundance of Tulasi garlands - with more being made available than the pujaris can put to use.

Whenever an infestation of spider mites is detected, Sananda makes up a batch of soapy water in an inflatable swimming pool and dunks Tulasi in this solution. Her new greenhouses are state of the art, fully equipped with automatic air vents, double doors, hot and cold running water, grow lamps, heaters and fans. Temperature controlled air blows gently over the Tulasi plants, keeping air circulating over the leaves. Vents in the roof open and close automatically, providing constant temperature control.

The Vancouver Tulasi houses are completely filled with over 30 Tulasis, all in perfect shape and perfect color. Krsna kirtans and Srila Prabhupada's audio tapes are constantly piped into the greenhouses. Once a week, a group of children come to spend time working with Tulasi, after which they enjoy a picnic together.

All in all, the circumstances surrounding the manifestation of Tulasi at ISKCON Vancouver is an amazing thing. The devotional service offered by the devotees is a perfect example of the mood of Krsna Consciousness that we should all endeavor to strive for in our service.

While taking darshan of Sri Sri Radha Madana-Mohana, we were delighted to witness how Tulasi stood beside the altar, one large branch continually fanning the Deities. With little breeze moving in the room, we could only conclude that Srimati Tulasi devi was very actively serving Their Lordships.

 While traveling in British Columbia last week, visiting Saranagati and attending the Ratha Yatra, we heard a most inspiring story at the Vancouver Temple.

Dr. Sukumaran is an Auyervedic doctor, originally from the town of Kotakala in Kerala state, where his family owns and operates one of the biggest auyervedic hospitals and herbal remedy centers in all of India. It was there that he met and married a Canadian devotee, Rudrani devi dasi. Due to her preaching, he became a devotee and Gaudiya Vaisnava, now known as Sananda dasa.

Sananda and Rudrani returned to Canada joined by Shanta, who came to assist as an attendant for Rudrani, who suffers from chronic arthritis. Rudrani, who was initiated in the mid-1970's as a Srila Prabhupada disciple, has taken care of Tulasi in various temples throughout her devotional career.

Sananda (at left), Rudrani and Shanta have been living in Vancouver for about 15 years, during which time they have served the temple in many ways. Recently, Rudrani made the Vancouver temple authorities aware of the abominable condition Tulasi was in there. She convinced them through strong arguments and persistence to come up with the capital to erect two first-class greenhouse structures. At a local home show, she convinced a greenhouse manufacturer to give them a show model at a very reduced price. Sananda dasa helped to supervise the construction and installation of the first greenhouse, and the temple then purchased and installed a second.

Due to her physical condition, Rudrani couldn't personally do the work required to care for Tulasi. Her husband Sananda began dedicating his time and energy, outside his business commitments as a doctor, to care for Tulasi devi. He is now considering how to free up more time from his auyervedic practice to dedicate himself even further to this endeavor.

All this devotion has resulted in a most phenomenal exhibition of pure Bhakti Tulasi worship. There's no denying that the Tulasis currently residing at Vancouver yatra, which completely fill the two greenhouses, are the finest specimens of Tulasi on the planet today. This is true despite the fact that Vancouver is not a climate where Tulasi devi likes to grow. Constant supervision is required throughout the seasons of inclement winter, along with grow lights and constant monitoring of temperature.

Sananda das has taken Tulasi worship to a degree that no one has ever done in the past. Before watering, he warms the water to the exact temperature that is ideal for Tulasi. He changes the earth in her pots, completely replacing it with new, fresh earth every two months. The earth consists primarily of cow dung, and is phenomenally nutritious.

Shanta spends a good portion of her day picking Tulasi manjaris. As you see in the pictures, Shanta, who is just under 5 feet tall, and whose head barely sticks out above Tulasi, needs to stand on a milk carton in order to reach the manjaris. Tulasi's manjaris are so abundant that Sri Sri Radha Madana-Mohana and all the Deities on the altar now wear an abundance of Tulasi garlands - with more being made available than the pujaris can put to use.

Whenever an infestation of spider mites is detected, Sananda makes up a batch of soapy water in an inflatable swimming pool and dunks Tulasi in this solution. Her new greenhouses are state of the art, fully equipped with automatic air vents, double doors, hot and cold running water, grow lamps, heaters and fans. Temperature controlled air blows gently over the Tulasi plants, keeping air circulating over the leaves. Vents in the roof open and close automatically, providing constant temperature control.

The Vancouver Tulasi houses are completely filled with over 30 Tulasis, all in perfect shape and perfect color. Krsna kirtans and Srila Prabhupada's audio tapes are constantly piped into the greenhouses. Once a week, a group of children come to spend time working with Tulasi, after which they enjoy a picnic together.

All in all, the circumstances surrounding the manifestation of Tulasi at ISKCON Vancouver is an amazing thing. The devotional service offered by the devotees is a perfect example of the mood of Krsna Consciousness that we should all endeavor to strive for in our service.

While taking darshan of Sri Sri Radha Madana-Mohana, we were delighted to witness how Tulasi stood beside the altar, one large branch continually fanning the Deities. With little breeze moving in the room, we could only conclude that Srimati Tulasi devi was very actively serving Their Lordships.

The Lotus Feet and Hands 
of Lords Nityananda Gauranga 

Each of the most Auspicious Marks on the Lotus Feet and Hands of Their Supreme Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga have unlimited transcendental meanings associated with them and these should be the object of our meditation when we chant the Nityananda and Gauranga Mantrarajas and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Thus this webpage will be a very important tool for increasing the intensity and depth of our concentration during Mantra Meditation.

Sources - Shrimad Bhagavatam, Saratha-darshini, (Shrila Vishvanatha Chakravarti's Bhagavatam commentary), Govinda Lilamrita and Ananda-chandrika (Shrila Visvanatha's tika on Govinda Lilamrita), Shrila Visvanatha's Rupa Chintamani, Shrila Jiva Goswami's Shri-Kara-Pada-Yugala-Samsmrti, Skanda Purana, Matsya Purana, Garga Samhita and numerous other scriptures, quotes and compilations. 

"A slight mentioning of the glories of the Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga removes the thirst for everything else. They are expert in destroying the calamities of everyone who meditate on Them and bestow all good fortune. One being highly astonished on seeing Their beauty which gladdens all the senses. Their touch removes all miseries of fatigue and awards infinite happiness. May These Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga fulfill all my desires!

"Simply by meditating on the Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga, one attains all spiritual and material fortune, beauty, good qualities and wealth.They are the abode of all pastimes. May Their Lotus Feet be our existence!"

"Even a slight worship of the Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga turns a mere stone into a purposeful gem,a mere cow into a kamadhenu, a mere tree tree into a kalpavriksha - desire tree. They fulfill all the desires of a living being. Who will not take shelter of These Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga."

"The Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga always engladdens the tongues of the honeybee-like devotees with Their fragrance that fills the whole world. Which devotee of taste could give up These Lotus Feet?"

"The Lotus Feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are like red lotus sprouts that please all the five senses with Their great qualities and that are generous like the leaves of a desire tree. We cannot compare These Lotus Feet with anything in this whole creation." 
 

Shrila Narottama Dasa Thakura sings: "Anyone who accepts the two lotus feet of the Supreme Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu as one's only treasure and wealth in life, becomes qualified to understand the essence of the pure mellows of devotional service to the Lord."

Right Lotus Foot:  16 Most Auspicious Marks 01. Lotus  02. Stick  03. Upcurving line  04. Barleycorn 05. Umbrella 06. Mountain  07. Elephant Goad 08. Thunderbolt 09. Chariot  10. Spear  11. Sacrificial Altar  12. Club  13. Kunda Earrings  14. Swastikas  15. Blackberry Fruits  16. Octagon

Left Lotus Foot: 16 Most Auspicious Marks 01.Conch  02. Sky  03. Jewelled Bangle  04. Pitchers 05. Unstrung Bow  06. Disc  07. Cow's Hoofprint 08. Triangle  09. Half Moon  10. Waterpots  11. Victory Flag  12. Flower  13. Flowery Twig  14. Flower Garland  15. Tortoise  16. Fish.

 

Thus the total Auspicious Marks on both the Lotus Feet of
Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu = 32

 Lord Krishna's Lotus Feet

Right Lotus Foot:  11 Most Auspicious Marks 01. Lotus  02. Upcurving line  03. Barleycorn 04. Disc 05. Umbrella  06. Elephant Goad 07. Thunderbolt 08. Flag 09. Swastikas  10. Blackberry Fruits  11. Octagon

Left Lotus Foot: 8 Most Auspicious Marks 01.Conch  02. Sky  03. Unstrung Bow 04. Cow's Hoofprint 05. Triangle  06. Half Moon  07. Waterpots  08. Fish

 

Thus the total Auspicious Marks on both the Lotus Feet of
Lord Krishna = 19

 Shri Radha's Lotus Feet

Right Lotus Foot:  8 Most Auspicious Marks 01. Sacrificial Altar  02. Mountain  03. Conch 04. Kunda Earrings 05. Club  06. Chariot 07. Spear  08. Fish

Left Lotus Foot: 11 Most Auspicious Marks 01.Barleycorn 02. Disc  03. Upcurving line 04. Lotus  05. Umbrella 06. Elephant Goad  07. Flag 08. Jewelled Bangle 09. Flower  10. Flowery Twig  11. Half Moon

 

Thus the total Auspicious Marks on both the Lotus Feet of
Shrimati Radha = 19

 

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There are 6 marks common on the Lotus Feet of
Lord Krishna and Shrimati Radha

 

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Lord Gauranga's Lotus Hands

 

Left Lotus Hand:  21 Auspicious Marks 01. Conch on tip of thumb  02. Conch on tip of index finger 03. Conch on tip of middle finger 04. Conch on tip of Ring finger  05. Conch on tip of Little finger  06. Umbrella  07. Plow  08. Elephant  09.< u > Javelin  10. Horse  11. Pillar of Glory  12. Fan 13. Cow  14. Fan  15. Swastika  16. Half Moon  17. Garland  18. Fish  19. Life Line  20. Fate Line  21. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line

Right Lotus Hand: 23 Auspicious Marks 01. Lotus on tip of thumb  02. Lotus on tip of index finger 03. Lotus on tip of middle finger  04. Lotus on tip of Ring finger  05. Lotus on tip of Little finger  06. Elephant Goad  07. Iron Club  08. Sword  09. Flag  10. Whisk fan  11. Tree  12. Palace 13. Trumpet  14. Sharp Arrow 15. Unstrung Bow  16. Disc  17. Barley Corn  18. Thunderbolt  19. Pitcher  20. Two carts  21. Life Line  22. Fate Line  23. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line

 

Total Marks on the Right and Left Lotus Hands of
Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu = 44

 Lord Krishna's Lotus Hands

Left Lotus Hand:  16 Auspicious Marks 01. Disc on tip of thumb  02. Disc on tip of index finger 03. Disc on tip of middle finger 04. Disc on tip of Ring finger 05. Disc on tip of Little finger  06. Umbrella  07. Plow 08. Pillar of Glory  09. Lotus  10. Swastika 11. Unstrung Bow 12. Half Moon  13. Fish  14. Life Line  15. Fate Line  16. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line

Right Lotus Hand: 17 Auspicious Marks 01. Conch on tip of thumb  02. Conch on tip of index finger 03. Conch on tip of middle finger 04. Conch on tip of Ring finger  05. Conch on tip of Little finger  06. Elephant Goad  07. Iron Club  08. Sword  09. Flag  10. Tree  11. Barley Corn  12. Disc 13. Sharp Arrow  14. Whisk fan  15. Life Line  16. Fate Line  17. Good Fortun/Enjoyment Line

 

Total Marks on the Right and Left Lotus Hands of
Lord Krishna = 33

 Shri Radha's Lotus Hands

Left Lotus Hand:  18 Auspicious Marks 01. Disc on tip of thumb  02. Disc on tip of index finger 03. Disc on tip of middle finger 04. Disc on tip of Ring finger 05. Disc on tip of Little finger  06. Elephant  07. Elephant Goad  08. Whisk fan  09. Horse  10. Tree  11. Cow  12. Flag  13. Sharp Arrow  14. Javelin  15. Garland  16. Life Line  17. Fate Line  18. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line

Right Lotus Hand: 17 Auspicious Marks 01. Conch on tip of thumb  02. Conch on tip of index finger 03. Conch on tip of middle finger 04. Conch on tip of Ring finger  05. Conch on tip of Little finger  06. Elephant Goad  07. Palace  08. Sword  09. Trumpet  10. Unstrung Bow  11. Iron Club  12. Thunderbolt  13. Two carts  14. Pitcher  15. Life Line  16. Fate Line  17. Good Fortune/Enjoyment Line

 

Total Marks on the Right and Left Lotus Hands of
Shrimati Radha = 35

 

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There are 24 marks common on the Lotus Hands of
Lord Krishna and Shrimati Radha

 

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Lord Nityananda's Lotus Feet & Hands 

nitai-pada-kamala, koti-chandra-sushitala, 
je chayay jagata juray 
nitaiyer carana satya,tahara sevaka nitya
nitai-pada sada koro asa

"The lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu and more soothing, cool and mollifying than millions upon milions of moons. The whole spiritual and material creation simply rests on the shelter and under the shadow of His two lotus feet. The only eternal truth in this world is the two lotus feet of Lord Nityananda and the servants of These feet are the eternal and immortal associates of the Lord. Therefore please always aspire to achieve the two lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu through the chanting of His Holy Name."

  

Right Lotus Foot: 12 Most Auspicious Marks 01. Barleycorn  02. Lotus  03. Conch 04. Disc 05. Plough 06. Victory Flag 07. Four Arrows 08. Thunderbolt  09. Unstrung Bow  10. Half Moon  11. Sacrificial Altar  12. Blackberry Fruit

Left Lotus Foot: 12 Most Auspicious Marks 01. Sacrificial Altar  02. Sky  03. Lotus  04. Elephant Goad  05. Club  06. Umbrella  07. Flower  08. Cow's hoofprint  09. Spear  10. Flowery Creeper  11. Four pitchers  12. Fish

 

Thus the total Auspicious Marks on both the Lotus Feet of
Lord Nityananda Prabhu = 24 

Lord Advaita's Lotus Feet

Arrow

Barleycorn- This mark signifies that the devotees of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga receive all enjoyable opulences of prosperity by serving Their feet. It also means that once one finds shelter at Their feet and Holy Name, then the devotee's former journey through many many births and deaths is actually very tiny, just like a single grain of barley. It further demonstrates that just as the barley grains are the sustenance of life for living beings, similarly it is widely celebrated that Their glorious feet are the nourishment for all souls.

Blackberry Fruits (jambu-phala)- This mark is indicative that The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are the only worshipable objects for all those who are residents of this region of Jambudvipa (island of the Blackberry Fruits, according to Vedic cosmogrophy).

Broom

Chariot (ratha)- This mark symbolizes the universe as a chariot and The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga show in which direction for all souls to travel. It further indicates that Lord Gauranga is so merciful to His devotees that He even becomes the chariot driver for them. It also shows that the supreme goal may be easily attained, just as there is no trouble when one rides on a chariot to visit the forest. Whoever sits upon the chariot of Their feet emerges victorious in the battle with maya or the illusory energy.

Club (gada)- This mark is to show that The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are capable of chastising the elephant of sinful lust. It further indicates that for whoever takes shelter of Their feet all their ancestors will also receive benefit.

Conch (shankha) - This auspicious mark indicates that those who take shelter of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga's lotus feet are always rescued from all sorts of distress. Just as during the arati ceremony the conchshell is used to hold water that is offered directly after the fire of the ghee-lamp, similarly Their feet hold transcendental water that soothes Their devotees from the blazing fire of material miseries. Also, this symbol proclaims ultimate victory for the devotees of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga, since the conchshell mark on Their feet contains the entire ocean of material existence that may now be easily crossed. This mark also shows that those who resort to Their feet become com-pletely fearless. And furthur, the mark is also symbolic of the jala-tattva or principle of water since from Gauranga's feet has manifested the river Ganga, purifier of all the worlds. On Gauranga's foot, this mark also indicates the water-principle that soothes Krishna so that He feels no burning pain whenever He is separated from Radha's company or while feeling the mood of separation.

Cow

Cow's Hoof print (gospada)- This mark signifies that for those who have taken full shelter of uninterrupted meditation on the lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga, the great ocean of material worldly existence becomes very small and insignificant like the water held in a calf's hoof-print, and thus is easily crossed over.

Disc (chakra)- This mark cuts down the six enemies of The devotees of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga - lust. anger, greed, illusion, envy, and bewilderment. It indicates tejas or the principle of brilliance by which They destroy the darkness of sin from within Their own devotees' hearts. Furthermore, this mark on Gautranga's feet shows that He is the ruler of His own kingdoms formed by the circle of Navadvipa-mandala and Vraja-mandala. Sky (ambara) - This mark of two circles, one within the other indicates that the The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are all-pervading throughout the entire creation, both within and without all manifestations. It also shows that even though Their feet are everywhere, they are unattached just like the sky.

Drum

Elephant

Elephant Goad (ankusha)- This mark indicates that meditation on The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga brings the elephants of Their devotees' minds under control and keeps them on the right path. It also shows that those who thus stay on the path toward Their feet and Holy Names become superior among men, just as one riding on top of an elephant travels far above the rest. This mark when on Gauranga's foot, indicates that even though Krishna's elephant-like mind attempts to have like many different kinds of heroines, the lotus feet of Radha are still powerful enough to easily conquer Him and bring Him under control and force Him to assume the golden complexion of Radha to become Gauranga.

Fan

Fate Line

Fish (matsya)- This mark shows that just as a fish cannot live without water, similarly the surrendered devotees cannot live a moment with-out directly associating with The lotus feet and the Holy Names of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga. This mark on Gauranga's foot shows that Lord Gauranga is like a fish out of water, cannot live for a moment without relishing His own love and chanting His own Names. It also shows that all the most cherished desires and longings of those who resort to the lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga will be truly fulfilled. It also means that the mind is very fickle, just like a fish who wavers this way and that, and so only after much medita-tion on Their lotus feet while chanting Their Holy Names it will finally become steady and fixed of the Lord. It also indicates that Their feet will come to live in one's heart only if the heart has been liquified by soft loving emotions; Their feet do not thrive where it is dry. Further, it shows that Lord Gauranga's foot bears this mark of the fish, which is the emblem flying on the banner of Cupid, so His lotus feet are the seed and bestower of pure conjugal love for Their Lordships Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. He also has this mark on His feet to indicate that He has conquered Cupid, thereby displaying Cupid's flag of surren-der on the soles of His feet. And it is a reminder that during the great universal devastation and flood Lord Gauranga assumed the form of Matsya, the fish-incarnation, and thereby saved His devotees.

Flag (dhvaja)- This mark announces that for the devotees meditating on the feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga, the Lords give full security and safe protection from all sorts of fear. Furthermore, this mark on Gauranga's foot indicates that there will be supreme victory for all the associates of Lord Gauranga who are aware of the glories of His lotus feet.

Flower (pushpa)- This mark, unique to Gauranga's feet, shows that the divine fame of His feet spreads everywhere just like the fragrance of a flower. It also shows that His feet are not hard, but soft as flower petals. And it means that just as every fruit comes into being after the plant blooms, similarly all spiritual fruits come into being after first blossoming at the soles of Lord Gauranga's lotus feet.

Flower Garland

Good Fortune and Enjoyment Line

Half Shaped Moon (ardha-chandra)- This mark symbolizes how The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga truly accomplish the desired objectives of the devotees. It signifies that even gods like Lord Shiva have decorated their own heads with the soles of Their feet and their mouths by Their Holy Name. It also shows that devotees who likewise decorate their own heads with Their feet can become exalted like Shiva. Just as the moon showers nectar with its cooling rays, similarly Their feet shower nectar upon Their devotees, extinguishing the three-fold material miseries. So that the minds of the devo-tees may reside at Their feet. They bear the symbol of the moon (which is the devata or presiding deity of the mind) upon Their feet. Just as the moon is one, yet destroys the darkness seen by many people simultaneously, similarly the Lord Gauranga is one and yet by His cleverness can deliver many souls at the same time. The half-moon also indi-cates that since Their toenails appear like ten splendrously full moons, the real moon has shriv-eled up in shame and appears in half-form. It also means that the half-hearted attempts of those who are abhakta (improperly devoted), kurasika (relishing transcendental topics with the wrong attitude); and kutila (crooked or duplicious) cannot approach Their feet. Also, just as the half-moon is in the process of increasing, similarly the benefit for one who is day-by-day expanding the glorifica-tion of Their feet and Holy Names in a spotless manner certainly increases.

Horse

Iron Club

Javelin

Jeweled Bangle (valaya)- This mark, unique to Gauranga's feet indicates that His feet are always present on the hands of His devotees who are massaging His feet after His sankirtana dancing pastimes, just as a bracelet always accompa-nies the hand.

Kunda Earrings (kundala)- Gauranga's lotus feet hold this emblem to indicate how Krishna's ear is always listening for the tinkling sound of the charming anklebells of Radha's lotus feet; thus Lord Krishna lives for the shelter of Her feet, which give Him all happiness. It also shows that Lord Gauranga's two lotus feet are the theorum that is proven by the system of sankhya.

Life_Line

Lotus (kamala)- This mark increases greed for nectar in the minds of the beelike devotees who meditate on The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga. Furthermore, this mark on Gauranga's foot refers to the services of His devotees who massage His feet with their lotus hands. The lotus also signifies that just as a lotus grows out of water, similarly those whose eyes swell with tears upon chanting the Nityananda and Gauranga Mantrarajas receive the highest benefit. This mark also shows that the goddess of fortune, Sri Lakshmi Devi, always resides at Their feet rendering humble service. It signifies that Their feet are so soft that they can only be compared to lotus petals; indeed, upon first glancing at Their lotus feet. you would think you are directly seeing fresh lotus blossoms. It also reveals that just as a lotus blooms by day and contracts by night, similarly those who remain steeped in meditation on the Lotus Feet and Holy Names of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga always feel the blossoming unfoldment of' brilliant spiritual ecsta-sies that dispel the darkness of ignorance. This mark also indicates that just as bees live inside lotus flowers, similarly the minds of the Gauranga Bhaktas always reside in the nectar of Their lotus feet. It also shows that this lotus (or consciousness of Their lotus feet) will not grow unless there is profusion of prema-jala or the water of pure divine love. It also means that the bee of the devotee's mind cannot fly beyond the bondage of gyana (speculative knowledge) and vairagya (renunciation) without the temptation offered by the superior nectar of Their lotus feet. It denotes that Their feet always reside in the Navadvipa forest, which is shaped like a lotus; thus the mark is indicative of Their Supreme Lordship over all of creation. Even Lord Vishnu knows that the Lotus Feet and Holy Names of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are the supreme abode of happiness, and in His eternal service to Their feet He holds the four weapons (beginning with the lotus, disc, club and conchshell). Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga bestow benedictions by use of the lotus and other items like Lord Vishnu does since They are the original Vishnus, and therefore Their lotus feet are also marked with these symbols.

Mountain (parvata)- This mark on the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga reveals that even though Giri Govardhana is worshiped by all of Vraja as the best of mountains, stilt Govardhana Hill in turn serves the feet of the Divine Couple in the form of Lord Gauranga in Navadvipa.

Octagon (ashta-kona)- This mark symbolizes that those who worship The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are well-protect-ed in the eight directions. It also shows that nothing within the kingdom of eight directions is unattainable for the devotees. Further, Their devotees automatically and easily achieve the use of the eight mystic perfections in the course of performing service to Their feet and Their Holy Names.

Palace

Pillar of Glory

Plough (hala)- Lord Nityananda Balarama being the Original spiritual master cultivates the field of our heart with his golden plow and makes it fertile for planting the seed of pure devotional service to Lord Gauranga and Their Lordships Shri Shri Radha and Krishna. He also removes the unwanted weeds of material desires in this process and thus grants us qualification for chanting Gauranga's Holy Name.

Rope

Sacrificial Altar (vedi)- This mark proclaims that the sins of those who meditate upon The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are burned up as if on the altar of sacrifice. Further-more, it indicates that just as the universe is nourished by the brahmanas offering fire-sacrific-es, similarly those who offer their minds in sacri-fice to Their lotus feet stimulate universal nourishment that affects all of creation. The universe is the form of Gauranga, and the offering is the form of Nityananda; this perfect union is indicated by the mark of a sacrificial altar.

Space

Spear (shakti)- This mark assures those who wish to have the miserable bonds of the mundane sphere cut, and who take shelter of The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga immediately slash all entangle-ments and difficulties. It also indicates that They are shaktimana or the natural possessors of all divine potencies, whereas Their servants are not endowed with separate, independent power but are completely dependent on Them.

Stick

Swastikas (Auspicious symbol )- This mark signifies that for those who resort to The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga, all is well. It also shows that nothing inauspicious could possibly remain for one who holds Their feet to their heart.

Sword

Thunderbolt (vajra)- This mark reveals that meditation on The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga smashes to pieces the mountain of Their devotees' karmic reactions to past sins. It also indicates that whoever holds on to Their feet becomes as exalted as Lord Indra (whose weapon is the thunderbolt). This mark also shows that the glories of Krishna's dynasty were established by His own grandson named Vajranabha, who preserved the many places of His pastimes, built shrines, installed various Deities and initiated regular festival celebrations.

Tortoise

Tree

Triangle (tri-kona)- The meanings of this mark are: that the devotees who resort to The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga will be saved from the snares of the three-fold modes of maya; that Their feet are the first and last refuge for the inhabitants of the three worlds; that Their feet are the safest sanctuary for demigods, human beings and animals as well; that Their feet are the sole desired object of the muktas (liberat-ed), mumukshas (those desirous of liberation) as well as vishayi (sense-gratifiers); and that Their feet should be resorted to by everyone with full concentration of their body, mind and speech. It also shows that Krishna, the conqueror of Cupid, is the Lord and husband of all women, whether they are in the category of wedded wives, unwedded lovers, or prostitutes. It also shows that Gauranga is the original source of His three expanded manifestations of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. Gauranga also bears this mark upon His foot to indicate that the three energies of Shri, Bhu and Nila are His maidser-vants. It refers to His stepping over the three worlds Svarga (heavenly planets), Bhu (earthly region) and Pata!a (lower planets), with one step (in His incarnation as Vamana Deva). Also that His feet remove the threefold miseries of adhyatmika (caused by one's own body or mind), adhidaivika (caused by demigods, such as natural disasters), and adhibhautika (caused by other living beings). It further signifies that Lord Gauranga's lotus feet may be attained by worshippers performing any of the three methods of sadhana-bhakti, gyana and vairagya. It denotes that Lord Gauranga never goes anywhere other than Navadvipa, Jagannatha Puri and Vrindavana. Also that whether one is sura (godly), nara (human) or asura (demon), Lord Gauranga sees everyone equally and bestows the same bhakti. Also that His lotus feet have attracted the fixed gaze of the three eyes of Lord Shiva.

Trumpet

Twig (valli) - This mark unique to Lord Gauranga's foot, symbolizes how the desire-creeper of the devotees grows and grows and gradually seeks refuge at His lotus feet. It also shows that His feet are always found in the forest of Navadvipa, where many vines and creepers thrive. It also proves that Lord Gauranga Mahaprabhu is the supreme Lord of herbal medicine, and that His lotus feet are the ideal cure for healing the disease of materialism. Further, it means to show that Radha is like the creeper wrapping around the tree that is Krishna and thus combining to manifest the form of Gauranga. And it also shows that Lord Gauranga's lotus feet traverse ground that abounds with groves and vine-laden bower-houses. It further indicates that intelligent persons hold on to Lord Gauranga's Lotus Feet and Holy Name just as a creeper firmly grasps whatever it is ascending.

Two_carts

Umbrella (chatra)- This mark proves that those who take shelter of The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga are shielded from the incessant rainfall of material miseries. Furthermore, this mark on Lord Gauranga's feet indicates that His feet provide relief to His devotees from the scorching heat felt in His separation. It also refers to Gauranga in His form of Krishna holding Govardhana Hill up like an umbrella to protect Vraja from the devastating rainfall caused by the anger of Indra. It also denotes that those who sit in the shade of Their feet becomes exalted just like maharajas (great kings), who usually have umbrellas held over their heads.

Unstrung Bow (dhanu)- This mark reveals that those who take shelter of the lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga will perpetually be freed from all worries and difficulties. It also shows that those who are stupefied in the material world remain motionless like a target and do not come to Their feet and Their Holy Name; whereas those who come to the ultimate goal of Their feet and Holy Name remain there and never go back to the material world. Further. when the mind of the devotee meets the target of Their feet, then pure love condenses as a result and overflows as the tears showering from their eyes.

Upcurving-line (urdhva-rekha)- This mark signifies that the devotees who cling to The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga and Their Holy Names, as if holding on to a life-line, will be transported to the higher realms. Indeed, they will not fall down. It shows that such devotees need never be doubtful of their upward passage; they cannot be held captive within the small egg-like material universe. It also indicates that the path to Their feet, being free of external designations, is very direct. It also reveals that Their feet can reach down to the lowest of fallen souls and deliver those who have taken shelter of Them.

Water pot (kalasa)- This mark shows that The lotus feet of Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda Gauranga hold the golden pitcher full of purely nectarean ambrosia to be freely consumed by the surren-dered souls; indeed, they will never be bereft of nectar, for this pitcher always remains full. This mark also indicates that Their feet can pour out nectar that extinguishes the buring fire of separa-tion felt by the gopis as well as the blazing three-fold miseries of Their separated devotees. It also refers to Their feet as the source of the Ganga river, which is supremely purifying. Further, the full pitcher is a symbol to show that no inauspiciousness can come near Their devotees, but rather that Their feet bring ripples of happiness emanating from divine auspiciousness. Also in order to hear the joking statements of the gopis, Lord Gauranga bears this emblem of their jug-like breasts upon His feet.

Whisk fan

Prasadam distribution happens at many different levels, from Food For Life programs to handing out sweet balls on Harinam. When doing prasadam distribution on Harinam, be sure to distribute foodstuffs that are easy to handle. Don't hand people messy or sticky sweets that they'll get on their clothing, or preparations with turmeric that will stain their clothes. It's better to stick to things like laddus or sesame sweets. If you're handing out burfi or Simply Wonderfuls, you'll want to keep them cool and preferably, offer them wrapped.

You should also tailor your prasadam distribution to the movement of the Harinam party. For example, on a naga-Sankirtana (snaking single-file down the street), you won't want to be burdened down with a lot of prasadam distribution gear. If you're chanting in a park, it's nice to have a small table with prasadam on it. Be sure to clean up thoroughly afterwards, so the devotees will always be welcome in that place.

Like the kirtana party, those who are engaged in preaching, distributing books and prasadam should understand the art of doing this kind of preaching. They should not get hung up or absorbed in one person, regardless of how receptive that person may appear to be. When street preaching, try not to be too obstructive to people who are passing by. With practice, you can develop the art of catching people's eye, letting them stop without feeling they've been corralled or waylaid by a trick.

Preachers should not get engaged in heated arguments with the confrontational types, and they shouldn't respond negatively to any kind of abusive statements. Before going out on the streets, preachers should be trained in how to handle the people and situations they're likely to be presented with. There are a lot of crazy people out there, and some of them are fairly deceptive.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu wanted His followers to move all over the world to preach in every town and village. In the Caitanya-sampradaya those who strictly follow the principles of Lord Caitanya must travel all over the world to preach the message of Lord Caitanya, which is the same as preaching the words of Krsna--Bhagavad-gita--and Srimad-Bhagavatam. The more the devotees preach the principles of krsna-katha, the more people throughout the world will benefit.

 

Devotees like the great sage Narada, who travel all over to preach, are called gosthanandi. Narada Muni is always wandering throughout the universe just to create different types of devotees. Narada even made a hunter a devotee. He also made Dhruva Maharaja and Prahlada devotees. Actually, all devotees are indebted to the great sage Narada, for he has wandered both in heaven and in hell. A devotee of the Lord is not even afraid of hell. He goes to preach the glories of the Lord everywhere--even in hell--because there is no distinction between heaven and hell for a devotee.

Srimad-Bhagavatam 4:30:37

Book Distributors should always invite people to come to the Sunday feast. They usually carry Back To Godhead magazines, for which they request a donation. They might also carry one medium sized and one large book, perhaps carrying extras in a backpack, with a back-up supply of books nearby. The best approach is to talk to someone with the idea of first getting them to accept an invitation, second to accept a BTG, and if they're still interested, getting them to take a larger book. Unless you have a table with books, or similar arrangement, it's advisable to not be selling other items (like incense or stickers) during Harinam.

Don't try to give someone new the 'reader's digest' version of the philosophy while they're out on the street. Instead, tell them that all their questions will be answered in Srila Prabhupada's books, and encourage them to come to a Sunday program. You can also suggest they visit the HareKrsna.com website or other Krsna sites.

Hare krishna 

Please accept my humble obeisance’s,

All Gloris to Srila Prabhupada

harer näma harer näma 
harer nämaiva kevalam 
kalau nästy eva nästy eva 
nästy eva gatir anyathä

THE MILLIONS ARE THINK COMES AND GONE IN OUR MIND BUT A SINGLE IS ENOUGH FOR 

GETTING SUPREME  NECTARS THAT IS WE ARE ALL PART OF PARTIAL OF KRISHNA...........

Your Servant

 

 

"...this sankirtana or street chanting must go on, it is our most important program. Lord Caitanya's movement means the sankirtana movement. You may simply take two hours for chanting sixteen rounds daily, two hours for reading congregationally, and balance of time go out for sankirtana. We must do both, reading books and distributing books, but distributing books is the main propaganda." Srila Prabhupada Letter, 09-18-72

 

 

The Lord's devotees are engaged in many different types of service throughout the day. During the afternoon period following Raj-bhoga-arati, the devotees may go out into the community on Harinam Sankirtana.

 

A Harinama party can be anywhere from two to two hundred devotees, and the larger the party, the better! More typically, a small group will be available for Harinam. It is ideal to go out in a party of six to twelve devotees, because two groups can then rotate between activities. While one group is chanting, the other is nearby distributing books or prasadam and preaching.

 

There are no hard and fast rules for how the Harinam party is to be organized, although Srila Prabhupada made various comments indicating how one should properly represent Lord Caitanya's movement. What is offered here is my personal preference for organizing a sankirtana party. Others may do things differently.

 

The kirtana party should be dressed as nicely as possible. Everyone should be dressed in proper devotee garb, whenever possible. Clothing should be colorful, but also relatively uniform, so the group appears organized. Those who are part of the kirtana should have a sense that they're being observed by the public and are representing Srila Prabhupada. They should have this mood not only when considering their dress, but also how they dance and sing, their facial expressions, etc. Devotees on Harinam are not just there to bliss themselves out, but are there to be emissaries for the whole sampradaya.

 

If temple visitors are going out on sankirtana for the first time, don't attempt to semi-dress them up in devotee garb by wrapping a dhoti or sari over their street clothes. They will look and feel out of place. It's better for the devotees to be dressed properly, from head to toe. Besides, having others in street clothing join the party will encourage passers-by to join in. Guests might be invited to carry colorful flags, or banners with the words to the Hare Krsna maha-mantra.

Harinam Party Leader

 

There should be one person designated as being 'in charge' of the Harinam party, so that necessary decisions can be made without disagreement. If there's more than one kirtana leader, they should change off as members of the party rotate between activities.

 

The leader should be always aware of what kind of impression is being made by both the kirtana party and the preachers. They should be sure that neophytes don't give the wrong impression in the kirtana, and that the preachers aren't offending anyone by aggressive tactics, or becoming too entangled in talking to just one person for an extended period of time. Before embarking on Harinam, the party 'rules' should be discussed, and everyone should understand who's in charge and be prepared to follow cooperatively.

 

Harinam leaders should know the art of kirtana. They should know a variety of tunes and be able to lead kirtana songs that are easily sung by everyone in the audience. Tunes should be simple enough so that anyone who's watching the kirtana party can read the banner, listen to the tunes, and easily follow along.

Kirtana Song List

 

Kirtana should primarily emphasize the Hare Krsna maha-mantra, which is the simplest to sing. It's good to include pranam prayers for the glorification of Srila Prabhupada (Nama Om Visnu Padaya) at the beginning of every set of kirtanas. It's also fine to include songs glorifying Lord Caitanya, like Jai Gaura Hari Bol! and short, easy mantras like Govinda Jaya Jaya or Jaya Govinda, Jaya Gopala. It's best to stay away from long, bhajan-like songs that others can't sing along with. Don't just repeat the same tune over and over at the same tempo like zombies - kirtana should not be monotonous. Devotees should express their transcendental pleasure while on Harinam!

 

Each kirtana set should be five to ten minutes in length. The kirtana should gradually build-up, ending at the crescendo. There should not be prolonged, frantic types of kirtana, with people dancing wildly like madmen. That doesn't create the right impression, and was not what Srila Prabhupada encouraged. The dancing should be done stylistically, with as much uniformity as possibly (without looking choreographed). It's better to stick to the "Swami two-step" than to go off wildly in all directions.

Instruments

 

There should be a good balance between the different instruments taken out on Harinam. The party shouldn't be overwhelmed with too many kartals or too many mrdangas. Having two kartals to each mrdanga is a good balance. The kartals shouldn't be too big, particularly the large, heavy brass kartals. In a very large Sankirtana party you might want to have a set of brass 'whompers'. Otherwise, a set of thin large brass kartals in the hands of the right player can add much to the kirtana.

 

Using harmoniums and amplifiers can be appropriate under certain circumstances, but in a traditional Harinam party, the kirtana group should be able to move easily up and down the street. Spend five to ten minutes in each spot, then move a little distance away between each kirtana set. In that way you'll be less likely to offend shopkeepers and others. You also contact more people by moving the party along. Of course, each situation must be adapted to time and circumstance.

Yudhisthira Maharaja said, “O Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the explanation of Amalaki Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Phalguna [February-March], and now I wish to hear about the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra [March- April]. What is its name, O Lord, and what results can one attain by observing it?”

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krsna, replied, “O best of kings, for the benefit of everyone I shall gladly describe to you the glories of this Ekadasi which is known as Papamocani. The history of this Ekadasi was once narrated to the emperor Mandhata by Lomasa Risi. King Mandhata addressed the risi, ‘O great sage, for the benefit of all people, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra, and please explain the process for observing it. Also, please describe the benefits one gains by observing this Ekadasi.’

“Lomasa Risi replied, ‘The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Caitra is named Papamocani Ekadasi for the faithful devotee it removes the influences of ghosts and demons. O lion among men, this Ekadasi also awards the eight perfections of life, fulfills all kinds of desires, purifies one's life of all sinful reactions, and makes a person perfectly virtuous.”

“Now please listen to a historical account concerning this Ekadasi and Citraratha, the chief of the Gandharvas [heavenly musicians]. During the spring season, in the company of heavenly dancing girls, Citraratha once came upon a beautiful forest bursting forth with a great variety of flowers. There he and the girls joined other Gandharvas and many Kinnaras, along with Lord Indra himself, the king of heaven, who was enjoying a visit there. Everyone felt that there was no better garden than this forest. Many sages were also present, performing their austerities and penance The demigods particularly enjoyed visiting this celestial garden during the months of Caitra and Vaisakha [April-May].”

“A great sage named Medhavi resided in that forest, and the very attractive dancing girls would always attempt to seduce him. One famous girl in particular, Manjughosa, contrived many ways to allure the exalted muni, but out of great respect for the sage and fear of his power, which he had attained after years and years of asceticism, she would not come very close to him. At a spot two miles from the sage, she pitched a tent and began singing very sweetly as she played a tamboura. Cupid himself became excited when he saw and heard her perform so nicely and smelled the fragrance of her sandal-paste unguent. He remembered his own unfortunate experience with Lord Siva and decided to take revenge by seducing Medhavi.”

“Using the eyebrows of Manjughosa as a bow, her glances as a bowstring, her eyes as arrows, and her breasts as a target, Cupid approached Medhavi in order to tempt him to break his trance and his vows. In other words, Cupid engaged Manjughosa as his assistant, and when she looked at that powerful and attractive young sage, she also became agitated by lust. Seeing that he was highly intelligent and learned, wearing a clean white brahmana's thread draped across his shoulder, holding a sannyasi's staff, and sitting handsomely in the asrama of Cyavana Risi Manjughosa came before him.”

“She began to sing seductively, and the small bells on her belt and around her ankles, together with the bangles on her wrists, produced a delightful musical symphony. The sage Medhavi was enchanted. He understood that this beautiful young woman desired union with him, and at that instant Cupid increased his attraction for Mahjughosa by releasing his powerful weapons of taste, touch, sight, smell, and sound.”

“Slowly Manjughosa approached Medhavi, her bodily movements and sweet glances attracting him. She gracefully put her tamboura down and embraced the sage with her two arms, just as a creeper winds itself around a strong tree. Captivated, Medhavi gave up his meditation and decided to sport with her-and instantly his purity of heart and mind abandoned him. Forgetting even the difference between night and day, he went away with her to sport for a long, long time.”

“Seeing that the young yogi's sanctity had become seriously eroded, Manjughosa decided to abandon him and return home. She said, “O great one, please permit me to return home.”

“Medhavi replied, ‘But you have only just arrived, O beautiful one. Please stay with me at least until tomorrow.’”

“Fearful of the sage's yogic power, Manjughosa stayed with Medhavi for precisely fifty-seven years, nine months, and three days, but to Medhavi all this time seemed like a moment. Again she asked him, ‘Please permit me to leave.’”

“Medhavi replied, ‘O dear one, listen to me. Stay with me for one more night, and then you may leave tomorrow morning. Just stay with me until after I have performed my morning duties and chanted the sacred Gayatri mantra. Please wait until then.’”

“Manjughosa was still fearful of the sage's great yogic power, but she forced a smile and said, ‘How long will it take you to finish your morning hymns and rituals? Please be merciful and think of all the time you have already spent with me.’”

“The sage reflected on the years he had been with Manjughosa and then said with great astonishment, ‘Why, I have spent more than fiftyseven years with you!’ His eyes turned red and began to emanate sparks. He now regarded Manjughosa as death personified and the destroyer of his spiritual life. ‘You rascal woman! You have turned all the hard-earned results of my austerities to ashes!’ Trembling with anger, he cursed Manjughosa ‘O sinful one, O hard-hearted, degraded one! You know only sin! May all terrible fortune be yours! O rascal woman, I curse you to become an evil hobgoblin pisaca!’

“Cursed by the sage Medhavi, the beautiful Manjughosa humbly beseeched him, ‘O best of the brdhmanas, please be merciful to me and revoke your curse! O great one, it is said that association with pure devotees gives immediate results but their curses take effect only after seven days. I have been with you for fifty-seven years, O master, so please be kind to me!’”

“Medhavi Muni replied, ‘O gentle lady, what can I possibly do? You have destroyed all my austerities. But even though you have done this sinful deed, I shall tell you a way you can be released from my wrath. In the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra there is an allauspicious Ekadasi that removes all one's sins. Its name is Papamocani, O beautiful one, and whoever fasts on this sacred day becomes completely freed from having to take birth in any kind of devilish form.’”

“With these words, the sage left at once for his father's asrama. Seeing him enter the hermitage, Cyavana Muni said, ‘O son, by acting unlawfully you have squandered the wealth of your penances and austerities.’”

“Medhavi replied, ‘O Father, kindly reveal what atonement I must perform to remove the obnoxious sin I have incurred by privately associating with the dancing girl Manjughosa?’”

“Cyavana Muni answered, ‘Dear son, you must fast on Papamocani Ekadasi. which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Caitra. It eradicates all sins, no matter how grievous they may be.’

“Medhavi followed his father's advice and fasted on Papamocani Ekadasi. Thus all his sins were destroyed and he again became filled with excellent merit. Similarly, Manjughosa observed the same fast and became free of the hobgoblin curse. Ascending once again to the heavenly spheres, she too returned to her former position.”

“Lomasa Risi continued, ‘Thus, O king, the great benefit of fasting on Papamocani Ekadasi is that whoever does so with faith and devotion will have all his sins completely destroyed.’”

Sri Krsna concluded, “O King Yudhisthira, whoever reads or hears about Papamocani ekadasi obtains the very same merit he would get if he donated a thousand cows in charity, and he also nullifies the sinful reactions he may have incurred by killing a brahmana, killing an embryo through abortion, drinking liquor, or having sex with his guru's wife. Such is the incalculable benefit of properly observing this holy day of Papamocani Ekadasi, which is so dear to Me and so meritorious.

Aindra Prabhu Speaks

Posted by Nandlal Prabhu

Many devotees believe Aindra Prabhu to be not so interested in the practical side of Krsna Consciousness, well at least until his “To Hell With” speech last year… This opinion of Aindra Prabhu would have been true some years ago but over the last five odd years he became more and more interested in the practical issues that face devotees caused by an increasingly materialistic ISKCON leadership.

As I have been seeking ways in which to weaken the GBC and in particular the Vrndavan’s Gurukula’s hold on ISKCON Vrndavan in order to protect Aindra Prabhu’s home and his 24 Hour Kirtan Program he grew more interested in my efforts and although I did not involve him directly I kept him very well informed of my various activities.

As I developed my website “PrabhupadaVision.com” he began to think of writing articles that I could post for him on my website so he could become involved in dealing with the problems that we all face in our Krsna Consciousness Movement, caused by the errant GBC, Rubber Stamped Gurus and Apologistic devotees of ISKCON.

Following is his first and sadly only article as this new aspect of his life was cut short due to his untimely passing.

We would joke that he would never be able to use an alias, as his distinctive writing style would immediately give him away. However I managed to convince him to use an alias for this first article due to the sensitive nature of his tenure at the ISKCON Vrndavan Temple.

He wanted me to edit the following article, however, since he is no longer present and would not be able to micro manage any attempt at editing his work, I decided to publish it unedited. Although I use the alias that he wanted, I believe that now, as he is no longer present, and does not have to face any backlash for his thoughts, he should speak for himself.

Yours in the service of my dear friend Aindra Prabhu and Srila Prabhupada

Nandlal Prabhu

Download Aindra Prabhu's kirtans and lectures in MP3 format
(Work in progress, more kirtans will be uploaded).

-Live Temple kirtans

-Gaura Purnima kirtans - DVD Video; 
-Hare Krishna kirtan - DVD Video.

-Temple lectures by Aindra Prabhu.

Sri Nama-Kirtana

(Another nice song sung anytime, but often after greeting the Deities,

by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura)

(1)

yashomati-nandana, braja-baro-nagara

gokula-ranjana kana

gopi-parana-dhana, madana-manohara

kaliya-damana-vidhana

(2)

amala harinam amiya-vilasa

vipina-purandara, navina nagara-bora

bamshi-badana suvasa

(3)

braja-jana-palana, asura-kula-nashana

nanda-godhana-rakhowala

govinda madhava, navanita-taskara

sundara nanda-gopala

(4)

jamuna-tata-chara, gopi-basana-hara

rasa-rasika kripamoya

shri-radha-vallabha, brindabana-natabara

bhakativinod-ashraya

Translation

(1) Lord Krishna is the beloved son of mother Yashoda; the transcendental lover in the land of Vraja; the delight of Gokula; Kana [a nickname of Krishna]; the wealth of the lives of the gopis. He steals the mind of even Cupid and punishes the Kaliya serpent.

(2) These pure, holy names of Lord Hari are full of sweet, nectarean pastimes. Krishna is the Lord of the twelve forests of Vraja. He is ever-youthful and is the best of lovers. He is always playing on a flute, and He is an excellent dresser.

(3) Krishna is the protector of the inhabitants of Vraja; the destroyer of various demoniac dynasties; the keeper and tender of Nanda Maharaja's cows; the giver of pleasure to the cows, land, and spiritual senses; the husband of the goddess of fortune; the butter thief; and the beautiful cowherd boy of Nanda Maharaja.

(4) Krishna wanders along the banks of the River Yamuna. He stole the garments of the young damsels of Vraja who were bathing there. He delights in the mellows of the rasa dance; He is very merciful; the lover and beloved of Shrimati Radharani; the great dancer of Vrindavana; and the shelter and only refuge of Thakura Bhaktivinoda.