By Atma Tattva Das,

In mid-January 2026, devotees and spiritual seekers gathered in Lucknow for Gita Rasamritam, a two-day festival dedicated to exploring the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita and their relevance in everyday life. Hosted by ISKCON Temple Lucknow, the program took place from January 17–18 at the Sri Sri Radha Raman Bihari Ji Mandir in Sushant Golf City, drawing local residents, students, families, and newcomers for a weekend of discussion, kirtan, and devotional reflection.

The festival was designed to present the Gita not only as a philosophical text but as a practical guide for day-to-day living. Workshops and talks addressed themes such as the search for lasting happiness, the relationship between duty and devotion, and the importance of understanding one’s spiritual identity. Speakers encouraged participants to examine how these transcendental teachings can be applied in daily responsibilities, relationships, and personal decision-making.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/gita-rasamritam-brings-bhagavad-gita-wisdom-to-life-in-lucknow/

By Deena Bandhu Das

Please join us in prayers for our very dear Godbrother, His Grace Ekanatha Das.

The deity of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in this temple is said to have been worshiped by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s wife, Srimati Vishnupriya, after the Lord took sannyasa. This deity of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has His arms extended out lovingly towards His devotees.

Vishnupriya was sixteen years old when Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa and she disappeared from this material world at the age of ninety-six, so she worshiped this deity for eighty years. Wooden shoes are kept in this temple which are said to have been worn by Lord Caitanya.

After Vishnupriya-devi’s disappearance her cousin took the deity to his house. At that time he was living on the eastern side of the Ganga. Later on when his house was washed away by the Ganga he moved to Kuliya-grama on the western side of the Ganga.

This Kuliya-grama is known today as the town of Navadvipa. As Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu was the son-in-law of this family, they still to this day worship the deity as their son-in-law.

When Lord Krishna appeared in Vraja, Yoga-maya also appeared with Him. In Vraja she is known as Paurnamasi and in Navadvipa she is Praudha Maya. She also resides in Simantadvipa in another form, as Parvati. Previously Praudha Maya and Vriddha Siva were worshiped in Mayapur between the ISKCON temple and Yoga-pitha.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/dhamesvara-temple-and-praudha-maya-vriddha-siva/

Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj appeared in this world at a village in a part of India which is now Bangladesh. He was born in a wealthy family. 

Later in his life he was initiated by Jagadananda Goswami. His guru was in the line of Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana. One of our very great Acharyas. 

Srila Jagannath Das Babaji was a perfect devotee. In the holy place, Vrindavan, he had a little hut, a bhajan kutir. He would sometimes chant there for three days and nights, without stopping. He wouldn’t even eat or sleep either.

In 1880, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur came to Vrindavan and met him for the first time. Srila Jagannath Das Babaji taught Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur many things. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur arranged to work close by where Srila Jagannath Das Babaji lived, so he could visit him often. Srila Jagannath Das Babaji was very pleased to see Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s enthusiasm for preaching the Holy Name of Krishna. 

Later, Srila Jagannath Das Babaji went to Koladwip.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur had been looking for the exact birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for quite some time.

Then Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur asked his spiritual master, Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj to come to that spot. 

He was already very old at that time and his personal servant, Bihari Das, would carry him in a basket on his back, because he couldn’t walk anymore. But when he arrived at the spot, Srila Jagannath Das Babaji jumped up in the air and began to dance ecstatically while calling the names of the Lord loudly. 

Srila Jagannath Das Babaji stayed in this world for about 125 years. He was always talking, singing and chanting the Holy Name and telling everyone about his Lord, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Source: http://www.ramaiswami.com/srila-jagannatha-das-babaji-disappearance-2/

(Bhaktivedanta Research Centre: This is a one of a kind original photo of Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj found by BRC while going through Sri Sundaranand Vidyabinode’s collection.)

Today is Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s disappearance day. He comes in the Gaudiya Vaishnava disciplic succession after Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura and Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana. He was a renounced ascetic, fully engaged in chanting the holy names of Krishna and meditating on His pastimes. For some time, he made his residence at Surya-kunda in Vraja-dhama, near the temple of Suryadeva, where Srimati Radharani used to come and worship the sun-god—or, I should say, where She used to come to meet Krishna on the pretext of coming to worship the sun-god.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, who comes in the disciplic succession after Jagannatha dasa Babaji, accepted Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja as his main guru, his siksa-guru. Once, some of Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s disciples in Vraja approached the Thakura. They complained that although they had come to Vraja to live like Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, fully absorbed in chanting the holy names and meditating on Sri Sri Radha-Krishna’s astakaliya-lila, Babaji Maharaja had refused to instruct them in such esoteric topics and had instead engaged them in cultivating tulasi plants, flowers, and vegetables to offer to the Lord. So these disciples requested Bhaktivinoda Thakura to appeal to their guru maharaja to instruct them in the esoteric practices of Krishna consciousness.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura told them, “Actually, your Gurudeva’s instructions are right for you. Because you still have anarthas, for you to try to sit and do nirjana-bhajana [solitary worship] and practice asta-kaliya-lila-smarana [meditation on the Lord’s eightfold daily pastimes] would be artificial, and you would just become degraded. So you should follow your Gurudeva’s instructions with full faith and work hard in Krishna’s service. Then, in time, you may be able to chant the holy names purely.”

Eventually, Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja moved to Mayapur, where he lived by the banks of the Ganges, fully absorbed in chanting the holy names. He had the greatest reverence for the holy land of Navadvipa. Although he was so renounced and so absorbed in Krishna consciousness, as his reputation spread, gentlemen would come to him and give him donations. Once, Babaji Maharaja asked one of his servants to take the donations he had received, which he kept in an old burlap bag, and purchase a large pot of rasagullas. All the devotees were surprised, because Jagannatha dasa Babaji was so renounced and lived so simply. He would eat just the most simple rice and dal. Anyway, the servant brought the sweets, and Jagannatha dasa Babaji offered them to his Deities and then distributed them to the cows and dogs in the dhama. He said the creatures of the dhama were elevated souls and worthy of service.

Later, Babaji Maharaja would not accept prasada until he had shared his food with ten newborn puppies. He would wait until they came, and he would count them with his hands. (In his old age, Babaji Maharaja’s eyelids drooped over his eyes and prevented him from seeing.) So he would count them with his hands, and only after they had begun to eat would he also partake. He would say, “They are puppies of the dhama. They are not ordinary living entities.” He had so much faith in and affection for the dhama.

He had less affection for Mayavadi impersonalists. He used to say, “Let the dogs come in for darsana, but the impersonalists—kick them out!”

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji lived to a very old age. In fact, some Vaishnavas say he was just waiting for Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura to come—someone to whom he could impart his special knowledge and realization, for the benefit of humanity. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura had requested to be transferred from his post in Orissa to Bengal so he could be near Navadvipa-dhama. And eventually, he was posted at Krishnanagar, near Navadvipa.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura did extensive research to determine the actual birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He studied various old maps, consulted the local people, and visited the different places. Eventually he found a mound where many tulasi trees were growing. He got the intuition that this was the actual birthplace of Lord Chaitanya, but still he wanted his intuition to be confirmed. At the time, Jagannatha dasa Babaji was the most renowned Vaishnava, and he was Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s siksa-guru. Thus, Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s disciples carried him to the place with the mound and tulasi plants. He was so old (over a hundred and forty years old, some say) that his disciples had to carry him in a basket. And his eyelids were so heavy that he had to open them with his hands to be able to see. So, the disciples brought him, but they didn’t tell him that it was the site Bhaktivinoda Thakura had determined to be the birthplace. Still, when Babaji Maharaja arrived there, he spontaneously jumped out of his basket and began to dance in ecstasy, singing the holy names. Thus he confirmed the location of Mahaprabhu’s birthplace.

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s bhajana-kutira and samadhi are there in Navadvipa-dhama, in Koladvipa. Devotees who perform Navadvipa-parikrama visit there and get his mercy. We also pray to him for his mercy, that we may be instrumental in fulfilling the desires of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and the other acaryas in the line of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu coming to us through Srila Prabhupada and his disciples.

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja ki jaya!

Srila Prabhpada ki jaya!

[A talk by Giriraj Swami on Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s disappearance day, February 20, 2004, Carpinteria, California]

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=43407

“Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was respected by all the Vaisnava community and was thus known as Vaisnava Sarvabhauma, or chief amongst the Vaisnavas. There are some nice stories connecting him with the finding of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s birthplace recorded in Sri Navadwipa Dhama Mahatmya.

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja was born around the year 1800 AD. He spent many years in Vrndavana where he became famous as a perfect devotee, though more than this is not known of his early years and pastimes. What we do know, however, is that he was particularly enthusiastic in serving the Lord’s devotees and performing ‘kirtan’. In later life his servant, Bihari Lal, used to carry him on his shoulders in a basket, though when he would hear a ‘kirtan’ or himself be engaged in ‘kirtan’, his body would extend itself out of the basket like a beautiful banyan tree and he would loudly shout, “Nitai ki nam eneche re! Nitai, ki nam diteche re!” “O Lord Nityananda, what a wonderful name you have brought! O Nitai, what a wonderful name you have given!”

The stories which I will now relate are at the time when he was more than 120 years old. Living in a tent at Sri Navadwipa with Bihari Lal, his servant, he would eat ‘prasadam’ from a large brass plate which someone had given as a donation. A litter of puppies which had taken birth nearby began to come and eat off Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja’s plate, but he did not object. After a few days however, Bihari Lal saw what was happening, and disgusted to see the dogs eat from his ‘gurus’ plate, he drove them away. Jagannatha dasa Babaji chastised Bihari Lal angrily saying, “If the dogs can’t eat I won’t eat!” His servant had to search out and bring back the puppies, and as they joined Babaji Maharaja again over his plate he exclaimed, “All glories to the ‘dhama’ dogs!” Thus he always displayed his great respect for all the residents of the holy ‘dhamas’. On another occasion he had his servant purchase two hundred rupees worth of ‘rasagulas’ and instructed him, “Feed them to all the ‘dhamas’ cows, but don’t give one to those rascal ‘sahajiya babajis’ (pretenders).”

Srila Jagannath dasa Babaji Maharaj was such a great devotee that the famous Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Kedarnath Datta) called him the commanding chief of the devotees. When Srila Bhaktivinoda was looking for the actual place where Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s birthplace was, he asked Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja to go with him. During the many changes in the course of flow of the mighty Ganges River, some parts of the sacred ‘dhama’ of Navadwipa (nine islands) had changed. The Ganges had revealed old and lost places and reclaimed new ones. To his surprise Bhaktivinoda Thakura discovered that the modern day city called Navadwipa was not more than 100 years old and therefore wasn’t the Navadwipa of Sri Caitanya. Some said the birth site was on a place now in the Ganges, while some said it was in the city of Navadwipa. Dissatisfied, Bhaktivinoda pushed on looking. He found some antiquarian maps and government records, and authentic books written at the time of Lord Caitanya, all of which agreed that Mayapur Navadwipa Dhama is situated on the east bank of the Ganges. To Bhaktivinoda’s amazement he found several large mounds covered with sacred Tulasi plants on land owned by Mohammedans. It was shrouded with local rumours of strange lights and sounds, so the owner, believing it to be haunted, would not go there. Many old babajis of the time, however, believed this to be the actual birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Convinced it was true, Bhaktivinoda, inspired by Jagannatha dasa Babaji, went there to the spot, with Jagannatha dasa Babaji being carried in his basket.

Due to his old age, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji couldn’t open his eyes, but had to forcibly open them with his fingers, what to speak of walk. If he went anywhere he was carried in his basket by Bihari Lal, but upon arriving at the transcendental site, he leapt out of the basket and danced in ecstasy shouting, “Haribol!” and “Gauranga!”, definitely establishing it to be the very same birthplace of Lord Caitanya.

gauravirbhava bhumes twam nirdesta sajjana priyah

vaisnava sarvabhauma sri jagannathaya te namah

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is respected by the entire Vaisnava community and who discovered the place where Lord Caitanya appeared.”

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja had a disciple named Bhagavat dasa Babaji Maharaja, and Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji was his disciple. However at this time there was another great exponent of Vaisnava teachings that, on passing, we have already mentioned. His name is Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. And so the line again divides like this:”

JAGANNATHA DASA BABAJI MAHARAJA

BHAGAVAT DASA BABAJI

SRILA BHAKTIVINODA THAKURA

GAURA KISORA DASA BABAJI

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=25249

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja comes in the Gaudiya Vaishnava disciplic succession after Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura and Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana. He was a renounced ascetic, fully engaged in chanting the holy names of Krishna and meditating on the pastimes of Krishna. For some time he made his residence at Surya-kunda in Vraja-dhama, near the temple of Suryadeva, where Srimati Radharani used to come and worship the sun-god—or, I should say, where She used to come to meet Krishna on the pretext of coming to worship the sun-god.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, who comes in the disciplic succession after Jagannatha dasa Babaji, accepted Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja as his main guru, his siksa-guru. Once, some of Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s disciples in Vraja approached the Thakura and complained that although they had come to Vraja to live like Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, fully absorbed in chanting the holy names and meditating on Sri Sri Radha-Krishna’s astakaliya-lila, Babaji Maharaja had refused to instruct them in such topics and had instead engaged them in cultivating flowers, vegetables, and tulasi plants to offer to the Lord. And they requested Bhaktivinoda Thakura to appeal to their guru maharaja to instruct them in the esoteric practices of Krishna consciousness.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura told the disciples, “Actually, your gurudeva’s instructions are right for you. Because you still have anarthas, for you to try to sit and try to do nirjana-bhajana [solitary worship] and practice asta-kaliya-lila-smarana [meditation on the Lord’s eightfold daily pastimes] would be artificial, and you would just become degraded. So you should follow his instructions with full faith and work hard in Krishna’s service. Then, in time, you may be able to chant the holy names purely.”

Eventually, Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja moved to Mayapur, where he lived by the banks of the Ganges, fully absorbed in chanting the holy names. He had the greatest reverence for the holy land of Navadvipa. Although he was so renounced and so absorbed in Krishna consciousness, as his reputation spread, gentlemen would come to him and give him donations. Once, Babaji Maharaja asked one of his servants to take the donations he had received, which he kept in an old burlap bag, and purchase a large pot of rasagullas. All the devotees were surprised, because Jagannatha dasa Babaji was so renounced and lived so simply; he would eat only the simplest rice and dal. Anyway, the servant brought the sweets, and Jagannatha dasa Babaji offered them to his Deities and then distributed them to the cows and dogs in the dhama. He said that the creatures of the dhama were elevated souls and worthy of service.

Later, Babaji Maharaja would not honor prasada until he had shared it with ten newborn puppies. He would wait until they came, and because in his old age his eyelids drooped over his eyes and prevented him from seeing, he would count them with his hands. Only after they had begun to eat would he also partake. He would say, “They are puppies of the dhama. They are not ordinary living entities.” He had so much faith in and affection for the dhama.

He had less affection for Mayavadi impersonalists. He used to say, “Let the dogs come in for darshan, but the impersonalists—kick them out!”
Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji lived to a very old age. Some Vaishnavas say he was just waiting for Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura to come—someone to whom he could impart his special knowledge and realization, for the benefit of humanity. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura requested to be transferred from his post in Orissa to Bengal so he could be near Navadvipa-dhama. And eventually he was posted at Krishnanagar, near Navadvipa.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura did extensive research to determine the actual birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He studied old maps, consulted the local people, and visited different places. Eventually he found a mound where many tulasi trees were growing. He got the intuition that this was the actual birthplace of Lord Chaitanya, but he wanted his intuition to be confirmed. At the time, Jagannatha dasa Babaji was the most renowned Vaishnava, and he was Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s siksa-guru. So, Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s disciples brought him to the place with the mound and tulasi plants. He was so old—over a hundred and forty years old, some say—that his disciples had to carry him in a basket. The disciples brought him, but they didn’t tell him when they came to the site that Bhaktivinoda Thakura had determined was the birthplace. Still, when Babaji Maharaja arrived there, he spontaneously jumped out of his basket and began to dance in ecstasy, singing the holy names. Thus he confirmed the location of Mahaprabhu’s birthplace.

Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s bhajana-kutira and samadhi are there in Navadvipa-dhama, in Koladvipa. Devotees who perform Navadvipa-parikrama visit there and get his mercy. We also pray to him for his mercy, that we may be instrumental in fulfilling the desires of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and the other acharyas in the line of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu coming to us through Srila Prabhupada and his disciples.

Today especially we think of His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, who left this world on Jagannatha Dasa Babaji’s Disappearance Day, also in Gauda-mandala-bhumi. Two years ago I was in Dallas for the disappearance day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, just a few months after Goswami Maharaja passed away. As we were observing the ceremony in the temple, I was thinking how Goswami Maharaja was the perfect servant and therefore the fit representative of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Then I thought of him in relation to all of the acharyas in the last two centuries—Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and Srila Prabhupada (who are the most prominent of them)—and how he really took their mission to heart. He was absorbed in fulfilling all aspects of their mission: developing Mayapur, distributing books, spreading the chanting of the holy names throughout the world in various ways—all the programs that were so important to our predecessor acharyas.

Although I could speak of Goswami Maharaja’s surrender and service for days, today we have the rare opportunity to hear from His Grace Amoghalila dasa Adhikari. Amoghalila, could you please tell us something about your experiences with him and your realizations about him?

Amoghalila Prabhu:

I am thinking of one or two incidents I can mention, and some realizations I had from them. One was actually the last morning Srila Prabhupada was in Bombay, in Juhu. I was fortunate, actually by Giriraj Maharaja’s mercy, to be able to be in Srila Prabhupada’s room then. After about a month in Bombay, Srila Prabhupada was leaving that morning for Vrindavan. Madhava Prabhu and Upendra Prabhu were also there, though Upendra was in and out of the room.

Srila Prabhupada was just lying on his bed. He could hardly move. He couldn’t even sit up by himself. He was so weak he could barely speak. But then he said something. It was hard to hear what he said, so I leaned closer and asked, “What, Srila Prabhupada?” He said, “Call Tamal.” So Upendra Prabhu went out to get Tamal Krishna Maharaja. When Goswami Maharaja came into the room, he offered dandavat-pranama (prostrated obeisances) and then got up. Srila Prabhupada asked him about the arrangements for going to Vrindavan. Goswami Maharaja said, “Yes, Srila Prabhupada,” offered dandavat-pranama, and went out. A minute or two later, he came back in. He offered dandavat-pranama, got up, and then told Srila Prabhupada the answer to Prabhupada’s question. He said something, he got something ready, and then he offered dandavat-pranama and went out. This happened at least three times: He came in and went out, he came in and went out, he came in and went out, all within just a few minutes—it couldn’t have been more than five minutes. Practically every minute he was coming in, offering dandavat-pranama, getting up, talking to Prabhupada for a few seconds or half a minute, offering dandavat-pranama again, and going out.

Later, after Srila Prabhupada left us, when I was Goswami Maharaja’s personal secretary, I mentioned this to him, and he said, “Yes, Srila Prabhupada instructed me to do this. Srila Prabhupada said that because familiarity breeds contempt, it is very important when somebody is intimately serving the spiritual master that they keep a reverential mood.” Goswami Maharaja, of course, was such an intimate servant of Srila Prabhupada’s, yet he always maintained that deep reverence—of course love, also, but at the same time he always had such deep reverence for Srila Prabhupada. Tamal Krishna Maharaja is such an ideal example of a personal servant and disciple.

I am thinking of one other incident then, when I was Goswami Maharaja’s personal secretary in 1978 in Bombay. As I mentioned to Giriraj Maharaja, I think the real reason Goswami Maharaja wanted me to be his personal secretary was so he could train me, because he had seen how disturbing my mismanagement was. I had been the vice president and the so-called manager of Hare Krishna Land, and at one point during that time Giriraj Maharaja had mentioned to Tamal Krishna Maharaja, “Amoghalila is mismanaging the affairs here.” Goswami Maharaja had said, “There is no mismanagement . . . There is no management!” So, he felt that I needed some training in management. Therefore, he made me his personal secretary, to train me. I think that was the main reason, and he tried to train me and he did.

He did train me a lot, although I didn’t follow his training so well, but one incident when he trained me was very moving. Every time I think about it, I just . . . He was teaching me how to clean the floor. I mean, I had been a devotee for six or seven years, so I had been cleaning floors for a long time. Anyway, once, when I was cleaning the floor, he said, “No, that’s not how you clean the floor,” because I had the cloth bunched up or something. So, he took the cloth from me, got down on his hands and knees, spread the cloth out big, folded it over once, and started cleaning the floor. I tried to stop him; I said, “Maharaja, it’s okay, it’s okay. I’ll do it.” He responded, “No, I want to show you how to do it.” And he cleaned for quite a while. He cleaned a large area, and I was protesting, but he said, “No. Just watch what I am doing.” He had the cloth spread out quite big, and he cleaned for some time. I tried to stop him again, but he explained, “No, Srila Prabhupada did this to me. Srila Prabhupada showed me like this. He got down on his hands and knees and he cleaned the floor to show me how to do it. So why can’t you let me show you how to do it?”

So, Tamal Krishna Goswami was the perfect servant of Srila Prabhupada. And as you said, Maharaja, the perfect servant or ideal servant becomes the ideal representative. Goswami Maharaja was so strict in following Srila Prabhupada exactly, to the detail, even how you open up a cloth and fold it and clean the floor—every detail, everything! These are just a couple of little incidents I was thinking about.

Hare Krishna.

Giriraj Swami: When you began, saying how Tamal Krishna Goswami would come and offer full obeisances, I thought of what some devotees told me about his routine in Dallas after Srila Prabhupada left. Every night, he would go into Srila Prabhupada’s room where the deity of Srila Prabhupada was installed and chant his last Gayatri and put Srila Prabhupada to rest. He wanted to do that as his personal service. And they told me that whenever Goswami Maharaja would leave the temple premises, even for an hour or two, he would first circumambulate the building. They gave me the impression that he was circumambulating Srila Prabhupada, although, of course, he was circumambulating the other deities as well. But he was very conscious of Srila Prabhupada. In general, he was always very conscious of his lords and masters.

I also think of how after Srila Prabhupada left Goswami Maharaja distributed different remnants of Srila Prabhupada to different devotees. He had one of Srila Prabhupada’s teeth, which he had placed in a silver capsule and hung around his neck. Indradyumna Swami, who is quite expert in getting deities and sacred relics, once was asking Tamal Krishna Goswami about the tooth—what was eventually going to happen to it. And Tamal Krishna Goswami understood that Indradyumna Maharaja was trying to see if he could one day get the tooth. Goswami Maharaja just laughed and said, “Don’t even think of it! I am taking it with me. Even after I leave, it will stay with my body.” His idea was that by the tooth being put into his samadhi, people who circumambulated his samadhi or offered obeisances there would get the benefit of circumambulating Srila Prabhupada’s tooth, of offering obeisances to his tooth. And on the absolute platform, Srila Prabhupada’s tooth is as worshipable as he is.

Devotee: The tooth was kept with him, even when he was put into samadhi?

Giriraj Swami: Yes, it was always with him.

Hare Krishna!

[A talk by Giriraj Swami on Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s disappearance day, February 20, 2004, Carpinteria, California]

Source: https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=18665#more-18665

gauravirbhava bhumes twam nirdesta sajjana priyah

vaisnava sarvabhauma sri jagannathaya te namah

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto Sri Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja, who is respected by the entire Vaisnava community and who discovered the place where Lord Caitanya appeared.”

Sri Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja was born was born around the year 1800 AD.

in the Mayamansingh district of West Bengal. Not much is known about his ealry life. Gaudiya Vedanta-acharya Sri Baladeva Vidyabhushana had a disciple named Uddhava das. His disciple was Sri Madhusudana Dasa Babaji who lived in Suryakunda and it was from Madhusudana Dasa Babaji that Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja took initiation.

Jagannatha Dasa Babaji lived in Vrindavan and performed his bhajan there for quite some time. He became famous among the devotees there as one who was perfect in Krishna-bhakti.

He first met Bhakti Vinoda Thakura around 1880 AD and was inspired him in his service. Seeing Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s enthusiasm for preaching the holy name of Krishna, Srila Babaji Maharaja was very happy and would stay at the house of Bhaktivinoda Thakura on Manikatala Street whenever he went to Calcutta. Bhaktivinoda Thakura was always very eager to invite him to his house for prasada, but Babaji Maharaja was very renounced and would come only occasionally.

Jagannatha dasa Babaji’s servant’s name was Bihari dasa. He was extremely strong and powerful. In his old age, Babaji Maharaja could not walk. Bihari dasa used to carry him in a basket on his shoulders so that Babaji Maharaja could move from place to place. He was particularly enthusiastic in serving the Lord’s devotees and performing ‘kirtan’. When he would hear a 'kirtan’ or himself be engaged in 'kirtan’, his body would extend itself out of the basket like a beautiful banyan tree and he would loudly shout, “Nitai ki nam eneche re! Nitai, ki nam diteche re!” “O Lord Nityananda, what a wonderful name you have brought! O Nitai, what a wonderful name you have given!”

In 1893, Srila Babaji Maharaja went from Koladwip (the part of Nabadwipa where Srila Sridhara Maharaja’s temple is presently located) to Surabhi-kunja in Godrumadwipa. There he took his seat. His arrival in Surabhi-kunja was a wonderful event. Sri Jagannatha Dasa Babaji revealed many lost holy places in Mayapura, including the Yogapith, Srivasa Angana and others. It is said that when he came upon the holy place of Mahaprabhu’s birth he danced, although he was very old and walked with difficulty. For some time he remained in Nadia and performed his bhajan on the banks of the Ganges. His bhajan kutir and samadhi mandir are still there at present. He ordered Bhaktivinoda Thakura to build a hut so devotees could stay near his bhajan kutir, and Bhaktivinoda did so.

Some Stories from his life

In his old age, Babaji Maharaja was nearly blind. Many people would come to see him and to offer him donations for the service of Sri Krsna. Bihari dasa would keep all these donations in a bag.

One day, Babaji Maharaja said, “Bihari! How many rupees have I got?”

Bihari dasa had put some rupees aside for some service he had planned to render Babaji Maharaja. When asked by Bihari placed some rupees in his hand and kept twelve Rupees aside. Despite his eyesight failing, Babaji Maharaja detected the discrepancy.

“Bihari!” he said, “Why have you kept twelve Rupees aside? Give me all the rupees!”

Smiling, Bihari surrendered the remaining coins to his guru. The total came to two hundred rupees. Babaji Maharaja ordered Birari dasa to take the money at once and buy rasagolas, to feed all the cows in Nabadwipa dhama.

Once Babaji Maharaja was on the banks of the Ganges, living under a makeshift canvas tent. Nearby that place there lived a dog with five puppies. Whenever Babaji Maharaja would take prasada, the dogs would come around and lick the food from his plate. When Bihari dasa caught hold of one of the dogs to drive it off, Babaji Maharaja told him: 'Bihari! If you wish to drive these dogs off, you may take my plate away as well. I shall not eat today.’ When Bihari complained, 'But guru maharaja - these dogs are unclean!’ Babaji Maharaja remarked, 'No. These dogs are residents of the holy dhama. You may not abuse them.’

One day, Sri Babaji Maharaja remarked about the professional readers of Srimad-Bhagavatam, 'This kind of professional Bhagavata kirtana is simply prostitution. Those who make their living by reading Srimad-Bhagavatam are offenders to the holy name of Krsna. No one should listen to the kirtana and Bhagavatam readings that they produce. And one who listens to such offensive readings and thus commits offenses against the holy name of Krsna certainly go to hell. Those who are involved in this professional reading should immediately give it up. Such a person should worship the residents of Vrndavan with great care and attention, considering himself most fallen, and thus pray for forgiveness.’

When Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was looking for the actual place where Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s birthplace was, he asked Jagannatha dasa Babaji Maharaja to go with him. During the many changes in the course of flow of the mighty Ganges River, some parts of the sacred 'dhama’ of Navadwipa (nine islands) had changed. The Ganges had revealed old and lost places and reclaimed new ones. To his surprise Bhaktivinoda Thakur discovered that the modern day city called Navadwipa was not more than 100 years old and therefore wasn’t the Navadwipa of Sri Caitanya. Some said the birth site was on a place now in the Ganges, while some said it was in the city of Navadwipa.

Dissatisfied, Bhaktivinoda pushed on looking. He found some antiquarian maps and government records, and authentic books written at the time of Lord Caitanya, all of which agreed that Mayapur Navadwipa Dhama is situated on the east bank of the Ganges.

One day from the terrace in his house he saw a light coming from a place across the Ganges. He wondered what it was, and then crossed over to Antardwipa the next day.

Upon reaching the exact spot, to his amazement he found several large mounds covered with sacred Tulasi plants on land owned by Mohammedans. There were rumours locally of strange lights and sounds, so the owner, believing it to be haunted, would not go there. Many old babajis of the time, however, believed this to be the actual birthplace of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Convinced it was true, Bhaktivinoda, inspired by Jagannatha dasa Babaji, went there to the spot, with Jagannatha dasa Babaji being carried in his basket.

Due to his old age, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji couldn’t open his eyes, but had to forcibly open them with his fingers, what to speak of walk. If he went anywhere he was carried in his basket by Bihari Lal, but upon arriving at the transcendental site, he leapt out of the basket and danced in ecstasy shouting, “Haribol!” and “Gauranga!” and “Ei to Nimai Janmabhoomi!!”(This is the Birthplace of Nimai!) definitely establishing it to be the very same birthplace of Lord Caitanya.

Later life

When Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura was twelve years old, he was an expert in the Jyoti-shastras explaining Vedic astrology. Hearing this, Srila Babaji Maharaja one day called upon him to prepare the Vaishnava calendar in accordance with the proper siddhanta. He did so and Babaji Maharaja was very pleased. With this, the Nabadwipa Panjika, the Vaisnava calendar recording the dates of the appearance and disappearance of important Vaishnava saints and the celebration of important festivals, began.

Srila Babaji Maharaja always had great enthusiasm for kirtan and Vaishnava seva. Even when he was nearly 135 years old, he went on preaching the message of Sri Chaitanya. In his old age, although he was almost paralyzed by infirmity, whenever it was time for kirtana he would still raise his arms in ecstasy.

Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja was the veda or Babaji guru of Bhagavat dasa Babaji Maharaja. Bhagavat dasa in turn gave the dress of a babaji to Gaurakisora dasa Babaji.

Srila Jagannath dasa Babaji Maharaj was such a great devotee that the Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Kedarnath Datta) called him the commanding chief of the devotees (vaishnava sarvabhauma shri……)

We observe the Disappearance of Vaisnava Acaryas by singing a bhajana in their honor. -

“Je anilo prema dhana”

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=25213

Disappearance Sri Rasikananda Prabhu –HDGSP mentions this Great Devotee in His Books as follows–
The temple of Ksira-cora-gopinatha still exists in this village, and within the temple the samadhi tomb of Rasikananda Prabhu, the chief disciple of Syamananda Gosvami, can still be found.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 4.12

Rasikananda was not born in a brahmana family. There are many instances in which a born brahmana took initiation from a person who was not born in a brahmana family.
>>> Ref. VedaBase => Madhya 8.128

In the Christian year 1590 (Sakabda 1512), on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik, during the night of the festival Dipamalika, when the houses are decorated with rows of lamps, Sri Rasikananda Deva made his appearance in this world. His father was Sri Acyuta Deva, the king of Rohini. After passing many years without having a male issue, Sri Acyuta Deva, by the mercy of Sri Jagadisa (Jagannath), was blessed with this jewel of a son. The village of Rohini or Royni was situated within the country known as Mallabhumi, encompassed on one side by the Suvarnarekha River (Suvarna meaning golden and rekha, a line). This Suvarnarekha River cleansed the sins of all the local people. Near Royni was another village of the name Barayita, by the side of which flowed the Dolanganadi River, whose banks were adorned with beautiful gardens. Raja Acyuta Deva very affectionately maintained his subjects and was famous for impeccably observing the rites attendant upon kings. In the village of Royni the son of King Acyuta appeared as the sun appears in the eastern sky and became dearly beloved by the people. He was known as Rasikananda and also Murari. As he grew up, shining qualities appeared by degrees in his person that caused the further exaltation of his family, just as the waxing moon gradually expands its influence in the night sky and causes the sea to rise. At a very young age he became quite proficient in all of the scriptures. He was very devoted to his parents, especially his mother, whose name was Bhavani. His father married him at very young age. Murari’s wife Syamadasi was a mine of good character who hailed from the village of Ghonta Sila, not far from Royni on the banks of the Suvarna Rekha, where in days of old the Pandavas had lived in exile. One day, Murari was sitting in a lonely place, wondering when and where he might become so fortunate as to get shelter at the lotus feet of a spiritual preceptor. Just then a voice from the sky addressed him, “Don’t be in anxiety, you will become the disciple of Sri Syamananda.” Having heard this proclamation, Rasik Murari became very jubilant, and began to repeatedly murmur the name Syamananda, as though chanting japa. From moment to moment his eagerness increased without diminition, as tears flowed from his eyes by his chanting of the name of Syamananda. He was in such a state that he spend most of the night sleeplessly, calling to his master Syamananda. Finally, towards the early morning, he drifted off to the land of dreams, where he saw his spiritual master, the very figure of charm and grace. Smilingly, Syamananda informed him, “When tomorrow the eastern sky becomes tinged with pink, you will obtain me.” Saying this, Syamananda disappeared. Rasikananda’s heart began to swell in ecstatic bliss. Then, with the first rays of morning which dispel the dense darkness of the world, the wise Murari sat silently watching the path. After some time Syamananda approached from the distance, looking as beautifully effulgent as the sun and surrounded by his disciples like Sri Kishora dasa and others. His smiling face was like the lotus flower that opens to greet its friend the sun, and his chest was as broad as a door. His captivating appearance was made all the more irresistable by the sweet sounds of ‘Sri Krsna Caitanya-Nityananda’ emanating from his lotus mouth. Absorbed in intense love he moved along the path like the clouds move in the sky. When Rasika caught sight of this divine form, he fell down in front of him to touch his lotus feet. In great ecstasy Shyamananda embraced him and began to bathe him with his tears of ecstatic love. Sri Rasika Murari then felt himself to be one of the most fortunate living beings within this universe. On an auspicious day Syamananda initiated Rasika and his wife in Radha-Krsna mantra. After that, Rasikananda began to travel with his guru, during which time he became a very intimate disciple. Syamananda then bestowed upon him the service of Sri Radha- Govinda Deva at Sri Gopiballabhapur. Rasikananda became totally engaged in their Lordships service, and the devotees were charmed by his excellent services. At Gopiballabhpur and other places he began to seriously take up the preaching of the message of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. By his influence many atheists and unbelievers were transformed into devotees of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. “By the tremendous influence of Rasikananda’s preaching, many rogues, robbers and atheists were delivered from their sinful activities and received his mercy. He distributed the jewel of devotion even to the infidel Mohammedans, as he travelled from village to village, in the company of his disciples. He even converted the wild elephant which was sent for his destruction into his disciple and engaged him in the service of Krsna and the Vaisnavas. That wicked miscreant who sent the elephant, a Mohammedan, bowed at his feet when he realised his mistake. It is not possible to count the number of living entities that were extricated from the ocean of material existence by Rasikananda Deva’s association. He was always intoxicated with the chanting of the Holy Name. Who cannot but be overwhelmed by hearing about his uncommon qualities?” [B.R. 15.86] By Sri Rasikananda’s mercy many Mohammedans, who were actually just impious and wicked atheists, became worshipers of the Supreme Lord. Also many virtuous kings and zamindars such as the king of Mayurbhanj named Vaidyanatha Bhanj, the king of Patashpur known as Gajapati and Candrabhanu, the king of Moyna, took shelter at his lotus feet. What to speak of those pious and noble gentlemen, even the sinful zamindar Bhima, the Mohammedan Suba Ahmadbeg and the wicked atheist Srikar also surrendered themselves at his lotus feet. A vicious, wild elephant was tamed by Rasikananda’s transcendental influence and henceforward was known as Gopala das. Later, two jungle tigers likewise gave up their ferocious nature. Accepting the order of his guru, Sri Syamananda, on his head, Rasikananda preached the message of Sri Gaursundar in the world for approximately 16 years. Thereafter he entered into his eternal pastimes through the lotus feet of Gopinatha at Remuna. On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Sakabda 1574 (Christian year 1652), Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone’s notice and walked to Remuna. Arriving there, he discussed Krsna-katha with the devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Sri Krsna with devotion. Then, after requesting them to begin sankirtana, he entered the temple of Sri Gopinatha, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha’s lotus feet, which bestow complete fearlessness, he entered into their ultimate shelter.

Rasikananda prabhu’s samadhi is at the Temple of Kshira-chora Gopinath at Remuna just in front and to the right as you go in the main gate, with the temple to the left, and admin’ offices straight ahead.

Sri Rasikananda had three sons: Sri Radhananda, Sri Krsna-Govinda and Sri Radha-Krsna. The present servants of Sri Sri Radha-Govindadeva at Gopiballabhapur are their descendents. He composed Sri Shyamananda-sataka, Srimad Bhagavatastaka as well as other hymns and songs. His Sripat Gopiballabhpur can be reached from Calcutta by taking a train to Khavagpur, and a bus to Gopiballabhpur from there. There is also a temple of Rasikananda at Puri. One year, during Lord Jagannatha’s Ratha-yatra festival, Rasikananda Deva was preaching somewhere in the country, but when he realised that it was time for Ratha-yatra he dropped everything and rushed like the wind in order to come to Nilacala in time for the festival.
But in the meantime the festival had already begun. Lord Jagannath, Who felt reciprocal separation from His dear devotee Rasikananda, caused the Rath to stop. Though the king summoned his elephants to push the Ratha, under no circumstances could they budge it, not even an inch. Then Lord Jagannatha, seeing that the king was becoming frustrated, informed him that he was waiting for His devotee Rasika. Finally Rasikananda Deva arrived, carrying with him many offerings of silk clothes and other presents. He fell down to offer his dandavats before Lord Jagannatha, and the king requested him to pull the rope at which the cart began to easily move along the road, just as the clouds move in the sky. Later the king requested Rasikananda to accept a gift of land so he might establish a temple there. Rasikananda requested the place known as Fultota Math, which is now known as Kunja Math. There he installed the Deity of Sri Bat Krsna. The Deity is now known as Sri Sri Radha-Rasika Raya.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=82893

By Rasikananda das

Sri Rasikananda Deva appeared in this world in 1590 A.D. (Sakabda 1512), on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik. His father was Sri Achyuta Deva, the king of Rohini. The village of Rohini was situated within the country known as Mallabhumi, encompassed on one side by the Suvarnarekha River.

In the village of Royni, Rasikananda Deva was dearly beloved by the people. He was also known as Murari. At a very young age he became quite proficient in all of the scriptures. He was very devoted to his parents, especially his mother, whose name was Bhavani. His father married him at a very young age. Murari’s wife Syamadasi was of good character who hailed from the village of Ghonta Sila, not far from Royni where the Pandavas had lived in exile long ago.

One day, when Murari was wondering when and where he might get shelter at the lotus feet of a spiritual preceptor, a voice from the sky addressed him, “Don’t be in anxiety, you will become the disciple of Sri Shyamananda.” Having heard this, he became very jubilant, and began to repeatedly murmur the name Shyamananda. He spent the night almost sleeplessly, calling to his master Shyamananda. Finally, in his dream, he saw his spiritual master, the very figure of charm and grace. Smilingly, Shyamananda informed him, “When tomorrow the eastern sky becomes tinged with pink, you will obtain me.” Saying this, Shyamananda disappeared.

With the first rays of morning, Murari sat silently watching the path. After some time Shyamananda approached from a distance, looking as beautifully effulgent as the sun and surrounded by his disciples – Sri Kishora dasa and others. His captivating appearance was made all the more irresistible by the sweet sounds of ‘Sri Krishna Chaitanya-Nityananda’ emanating from his lotus mouth. On seeing him, Rasika fell down in front of him to touch his lotus feet. In great ecstasy Shyamananda embraced him and began to bathe him with his tears of ecstatic love.

On an auspicious day Shyamananda initiated Rasika and his wife in Radha-Krishna mantra. Rasikananda began to travel with his guru, during which time he became a very intimate disciple. Shyamananda then bestowed upon him the service of Sri Radha- Govinda Deva at Sri Gopiballabhapur. Rasikananda became totally engaged in Their Lordships service. He began to seriously take up the preaching of the message of Sri Gaura-Nityananda in the surrounding places. By his influence many atheists and unbelievers were transformed into devotees of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. He even converted the wild elephant which was sent for his destruction into his disciple and engaged him in the service of Krishna and the Vaishnavas.

It is not possible to count the number of living entities that were extricated from the ocean of material existence by Rasikananda Deva’s association. He was always intoxicated with the chanting of the Holy Name. Many virtuous kings and zamindars such as the king of Mayurbhanj named Vaidyanatha Bhanj, the king of Patashpur known as Gajapati and Chandrabhanu, the king of Moyna, took shelter at his lotus feet. What to speak of those pious and noble gentlemen, even the sinful zamindar Bhima, the Mohammedan Suba Ahmadbeg and the wicked atheist Srikar also surrendered themselves at his lotus feet.

Accepting the order of his guru, Sri Shyamananda, Rasikananda preached the message of Sri Gaurasundara for approximately 16 years. Thereafter he entered into his eternal pastimes through the lotus feet of Gopinatha at Remuna. On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Sakabda 1574 (Christian year 1652), Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone’s notice and walked to Remuna. He discussed Krishna-katha with the devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Sri Krishna with devotion. Then, after asking them to begin sankirtana, he entered the temple of Sri Gopinatha, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha’s lotus feet, he entered into their ultimate shelter.

Rasikananda Prabhu’s samadhi is at the temple of Kshira-chora Gopinath at Remuna.
Sri Rasikananda had three sons: Sri Radhananda, Sri Krishna-Govinda and Sri Radha-Krishna. The present servants of Sri Sri Radha-Govindadeva at Gopiballabhapur are their descendents. He composed Sri Shyamananda-sataka, Srimad Bhagavatastaka as well as other hymns and songs.

There is also a temple of Rasikananda at Puri. One year, during Lord Jagannatha’s Ratha-yatra festival, Rasikananda Deva was preaching somewhere in the country, but when he realised that it was time for Ratha-yatra he dropped everything and rushed like the wind in order to come to Nilachala in time for the festival. But in the meantime the festival had already begun. Lord Jagannath, Who felt reciprocal separation from His dear devotee Rasikananda, caused the Ratha to stop. Though the king summoned his elephants to push the Ratha, they could not push it for even an inch. Seeing that the king was becoming frustrated, Lord Jagannatha informed him that He was waiting for His devotee Rasika.

Finally Rasikananda Deva arrived, carrying with him many offerings of silk clothes and other presents. He fell down to offer his dandavats before Lord Jagannatha, and the king requested him to pull the rope at which the cart began to easily move along the road. Later the king requested Rasikananda to accept a gift of land so he might establish a temple there. Rasikananda requested for the place known as Fultota Math, which is now known as Kunja Math. There he installed the Deity of Sri Bat Krishna. The Deity is now known as Sri Sri Radha-Rasika Raya.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=52303

During a flower-offering ceremony in Bombay, Ekanatha decided to internally act “very humble” just before approaching his spiritual master. As he offered flowers, he loudly declared in his mind that he was a “number one rascal” and unworthy to be there, deliberately avoiding eye contact. After returning to his place, another devotee told him that his spiritual master had given him a huge smile. Realizing this, he felt embarrassed and understood that his spiritual master had perceived his thoughts. Despite the devotee’s lack of full sincerity, the offering was still accepted, revealing the master’s awareness and compassion.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117338

Please join us again in prayers for HG Ekanatha Prabhu ACBSP, from the The Bhaktivedanta Archives. Yesterday afternoon on Vijay Ekadasi, he suddenly left this world from heart failure in Sandy Ridge, North Carolina. He did a marvelous service preserving Srila Prabhupada’s books, tapes, photos, etc. and maintaining the Bhaktivedanta Vedabase! Faithful Prabhupada man and wonderful devotee, he will be sorely missed!
Ekanatha Das of Dutch origin joined ISKCON Amsterdam in 1972. He came to India in 1973 and was a key figure in the construction of ISKCON Juhu, Hare Krishna Land, Mumbai. Later he moved to Los Angeles, then North Carolina, leading and preserving for nearly 50 years Srila Prabhupada’s Works. Ekanatha Das was a key figure and president of the Bhaktivedanta Archives, responsible for preserving the legacy of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He oversaw the digital preservation of thousands of original audio recordings, letters, documents, and photos, and frequently updated the VedaBase. Ekanatha has worked to create a “museum-quality” facility that serves as a research center for studying Prabhupada’s life and work.
Key details, preserve original, fragile materials—including 4,500 documents, 9,000 letters, and 200,000 photo slides—in a controlled environment.
VedaBase Updates: He manages the Bhaktivedanta VedaBase updates, which involve reverifying audio transcripts and correcting text, providing updated resources for the Vaisnava community.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117326

In a recent video presentation, ISKCON Vrindavan highlighted its ongoing Devotee Care Project, an initiative dedicated to supporting senior devotees and sannyasis who have spent their lives serving the mission of Śrīla Prabhupāda. The project seeks to provide a spiritually uplifting environment where devotees can receive physical, emotional, and spiritual support while residing in the holy dhama.  See our earlier coverage on this project here.

The initiative was made possible through a land donation from His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, who envisioned a dedicated space where devotees wishing to continue their devotional service in Vrindavan could be cared for and appreciated in their later years.

The video also includes an appeal for community participation and support, expressing gratitude to devotees who have dedicated their lives to serving Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s movement. To learn more about the project, including donation and contact details, click here. 

To watch the full video, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-vrindavan-project-aims-to-serve-senior-devotees/

By Radha Krishna Das

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the departure of His Grace Raktak Das on Monday, February 9, 2026, due to a massive heart attack. He was surrounded by the Holy Name and devotees Radha Krishna Das and Avinatha Das.

Radha Krishna Das has been caring for Raktak Das for over 1.5 years. He helped him with meals, appointments, shopping, association, and anything he needed. We are ever grateful to Radha Krishna das for his service attitude.

The following remembrance was written by Radha Krishna Das: “Raktak had the roar of a lion and the kindness of a saint. He was always helping others in need, expecting nothing in return. He loved to chant the Maha Mantra loudly and to preach and distribute books wherever he went. He was as vast as the ocean with his Bhakti and touched the hearts of his friends deeply. He chanted day and night and is the only person I knew personally who chanted 192 rounds at a time.

He was a master mechanic and builder and used his skills to serve the devotees. Three years ago, he started having heart attacks and refused to have a quadruple bypass. He was told he wouldn’t make it two weeks, but through natural remedies and willpower, he lived for three more years despite multiple heart attacks. His suffering was the most intense I’ve ever seen, but he never swayed from his love for Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krishna. He was my dear friend, and I will miss his association.”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/remembering-his-grace-raktak-das/

In the teachings of Harinama Cintamani, Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura explains that the Holy Name is not different from the Lord Himself. Whether chanted softly on beads as japa or sung together in kīrtana, the Holy Name is complete, spiritual, and full of mercy. By attentive chanting, the heart becomes purified and gradually develops genuine attraction for devotional service.

It is in this spirit of chanting and service that the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival Season has now officially begun in Sri Dham Mayapur.

A Sacred Beginning in Śrī Dhāma

Yesterday, the traditional Garuḍa flag was raised, marking the formal inauguration of the festival season. Each year, this moment signals the beginning of the weeks leading up to Gaura Pūrṇimā, when thousands of devotees and pilgrims from around the world gather in Māyāpur.

This year’s Garuḍa flag was specially handcrafted and painted by the Mayapur Divine Threads team. Their careful and devotional effort added a personal touch to this important annual tradition.

The morning began with darśana-ārati, followed by a procession of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to the Lotus Park, where the flag-hoisting ceremony took place. Hundreds of devotees assembled for the occasion. The ceremony opened with Swasti-vācana prayers, invoking auspiciousness for the festival period ahead.

With the raising of the flag, the Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival Season was officially declared open.

Honoring the Legacy and Vision

In his opening address, Mayapur’s Co-Director, HG Subhekṣaṇa Prabhu, welcomed the GBC members, sannyāsīs, leaders, and devotees who had gathered for the occasion. He expressed appreciation for the global devotional community that comes together each year to celebrate the appearance of Lord Gaurāṅga.

HH Bhakti Puruṣottama Swami Maharaj reflected on the steady growth of the festival over the years. He spoke about earlier times when attendance was small and how, by the blessings of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the festival gradually expanded into an international gathering. His reflections highlighted how development in Māyāpur has taken place through cooperation, service, and dedication.

HH Lokanātha Swami Maharaj described Māyāpur as a place where devotees from many countries assemble under one spiritual purpose — chanting the Holy Name. He reminded everyone that through nāma (the Holy Name), one becomes connected to dhāma (the Lord’s abode), and that sincere chanting brings one closer to the Lord’s shelter.

Other senior Vaiṣṇavas, including HH Jayapatākā Swami Maharaj, emphasized unity, service, and loving exchanges among devotees. The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium was mentioned as a shared offering of devotion — a collective effort meant to serve Lord Caitanya and fulfill the desire of Śrīla Prabhupāda.

The overall mood of the gathering was one of gratitude and shared responsibility. The festival is not simply a yearly event; it is an opportunity for devotional service centered on the Holy Name.

The Chanting Marathon Begins

As part of the festival’s inauguration, a special book distribution marathon of Sri Caitanya-caritamrita was announced. Devotees were encouraged to distribute transcendental literature widely, helping bring Lord Gaurāṅga’s teachings into more homes.

Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently emphasized that distributing spiritual literature is an extension of kīrtana. In this way, the message of the Holy Name continues to reach people everywhere.

Kīrtana Mela Adhivāsa – Beginning the Evenings of Chanting

Later in the evening, the Kīrtana Mela Adhivāsa was held, marking the beginning of several days dedicated to congregational chanting.

The temple hall was filled with devotees eager to participate. The program began with Maṅgala-caraṇa and bhajans by HG Sachi Kumar Das, followed by meditative bhajans on the Holy Name by HG Golokanātha Das.

HH Lokanātha Swami Maharaj led a heartfelt bhajan focused on meditation on the Holy Name. HG Subhekṣaṇa Das offered a welcome address, encouraging all participants to engage deeply in the upcoming days of kīrtana.

A meaningful moment of the evening was the worship of the musical instruments, with prayers that every sound produced during the mela would be for the pleasure of the Lordships. HH Candramauli Swami Maharaj then delivered an encouraging and thoughtful address, reminding everyone of the importance of attentive chanting.

The evening also featured a mṛdaṅga presentation and other devotional offerings.

To conclude, HG Kamal Gopal Prabhu led the Adhivāsa Kīrtana. The assembled devotees joined together in chanting the Mahā-mantra, filling the hall with steady and unified sound.

The Holy Name at the Center

As explained in Harināma–cintāmaṇi, the Holy Name reveals Himself to those who chant sincerely and without offense. During Gaura Pūrṇimā in Māyāpur, this principle becomes very practical — thousands chant together, yet each devotee engages personally in remembrance and prayer.

The raising of the Garuḍa flag marks the external beginning of the festival, but it also serves as a reminder of the internal purpose: to strengthen our commitment to chanting and service.

As the flag now waves high above Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur, it silently proclaims:

Chant and be happy.
Serve and be united.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/the-raising-of-the-garua-flag-a-divine-proclamation

Another holy pilgrimage was to Surabhi Kunja and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur’s Bhajana Kutir.

While living here Srila Bhaktivinoda wrote the Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, which describes the glories of Navadvipa dhama. He also discovered Lord Caitanya’s appearance place during this time. Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s samadhi and Gaurakisora dasa Babaji’s bhajana kutira are also here.

Upstairs in the main house is the bedroom of Bhaktivinoda Thakura. There is a temple next to the original house where Gaura-Gadadhara, the original deities worshiped by Bhaktivinoda, are located. Bhaktivinoda Thakura predicted that a great devotee would appear and spread Krishna consciousness all over the world.

The place where Surabhi and Indra were performing gaura-bhajana is known as Surabhi-kunja. Presently there is a Gaudiya Matha temple at Surabhikunja and the deities are worshiped in a small house. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura also stayed at this place for a few years. This temple is located on the bank of the Jalangi River.

If you go from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Svananda-sukhada-kunja towards the boat ghat, this temple will be on your right about two hundred meters from Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s place.

This place is non-different from Surabhivana in Vrindavana. It fulfils the desires of devotees and one who builds a cottage and worships here, will easily become absorbed in meditation on Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s lotus feet.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/surabhi-kunja-and-svananda-sukhada-kunja/

In honor of the upcoming appearance day festival of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu we are continuing with excerpts from a rare little-known Bengali book called, “Gambhiraya Sri Gauranga”, which speaks about the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the Gambhira in Jagannath Puri. We hope that the text and rare artwork herein bring some pleasure to the readers.

Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu issue 616 Gambhiraya Sri Gauranga

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117328

Statement from the Executive Committee of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission on Vaisnavi Diksa Guru – GBC AGM 2026

At the GBC AGM 2026, the GBC considered and approved a proposal submitted by the GBC – ISKCON Bureau (IB) Committee concerning the topic of Vaisnavi Diksa Guru. The GBC Executive Committee presents the proposal below in its original form, as approved by the GBC. The proposal approved by the GBC is as follows:

Whereas the GBC – ISKCON IB joint committee was given the responsibility of suggesting to the GBC a way forward to resolve the issue of whether Vaisnavis can take up the service of being diksa-gurus in ISKCON;

Whereas this committee has since then discussed and deliberated Vaisnavi diksa gurus (VDG) and various connected issues to arrive at a way forward;

Whereas many highly qualified ISKCON Vaisnavis have done and are doing commendable service under Srila Prabhupada’s guidance and protection in the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu;

Whereas the GBC-IB committee concluded that the role of a guru in ISKCON needs to be further examined and clarified in relationship to Srila Prabhupada’s position, the managerial system that Srila Prabhupada established, the guru’s disciples, and other devotees in ISKCON;

Whereas to conclusively determine who is qualified to take up a service of leadership in ISKCON it is necessary to first determine what the parameters of that service are and the necessary qualifications required to perform it.

Whereas not only scriptural study is required for different parties to come to an agreement on such an important issue, but also continued discussion between concerned open-minded leaders who have mutual respect for each other. It will be helpful if underlying issues which are obstacles for the successful conclusion of the issue be recognized and attempts to resolve them made;

Whereas from the GBC-IB committee’s discussions and deliberations the committee can now present a way forward to resolve this issue. The committee’s proposal was arrived at after an examination of Srila Prabhupada’s instructions and example as well as after consultation with various ISKCON’s committees, leaders, and scholars.

Resolved:

1. There should be an ongoing discussion on guru-tattva based on Srila Prabhupada’s teachings and examples amongst qualified devotees in ISKCON. Details can be discussed further.

2. There should be a system to give more recognition and spiritual authority to certain qualified siksa-gurus within ISKCON.

3. Qualified Vaisnavis or Vaisnavas can be recognized as these special siksa-gurus.

4. Until the issue is satisfactorily resolved concerning Vaisnavi diksa-gurus, qualified Vaisnavis should only be recognized as siksa-gurus, with the exception of Narayani Devi Dasi who remains the diksa-guru of her current disciples.

5. The present committee remains open to assist in further research and discussions on the topic according to the GBC’s desire.

Issued by:

GBC Communications

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117335

By Kasisvar Das

A new outreach initiative, the Gita Game, is being introduced as a creative tool for community building and book distribution. Developed by a team of ISKCON devotees from the Bhagavad-gītā Institute in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the board game emerged from years of educational work rooted in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. The Institute operates as a branch of the Institute for Applied Spiritual Technology, founded by His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami.

Since 2017, the international team—now numbering more than 200 devotees—has conducted online training programs that have reached over 27,000 students worldwide. Organizers report that many graduates have embraced Krishna consciousness and joined ISKCON communities across Russia, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Belarus, the European Union, and the United States.