By Gauranga Prabhu

In the high-stakes world of academic achievement, getting into the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) is often seen as the ultimate finish line. Parents start dreaming of Silicon Valley offices, and students start dreaming of… well, finally getting some sleep. But as it turns out, there is a fascinating “Dimension X” to the post-IIT life that even the most seasoned filmmakers are just beginning to capture.

Imagine the scene: a bustling local train, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks, and a young monk calmly offering copies of the **Bhagavad Gita**. To the casual commuter, this looks like a simple act of devotion. To one particular filmmaker, however, it looked like a career crisis in progress.

“Why are you begging like this?” the gentleman asked, perhaps wondering if the job market had truly become that dire. When the monk revealed he was an IIT graduate, the man’s concern shifted to genuine bewilderment: “What happened? You didn’t get employment or what?”.

It is a classic comedic misunderstanding. In a world where a “good placement” is defined by a paycheck, the idea of an elite engineer choosing to distribute **transcendental messages** instead of software updates can seem like a glitch in the system. But as Srila Prabhupada often taught, the most refined intelligence shouldn’t just be used to build better machines; it should be used to understand the “machine” of the material world and the soul within it.

When you have a sharp brain, why not use it for the highest purpose? Instead of just engineering better gadgets, these “monks with degrees” are engineering better lives. They aren’t looking for a “job” in the mundane sense because they’ve already found the ultimate Boss.

The filmmaker, who was coincidentally making a movie about the Herculean struggle students undergo just to *enter* IIT, realized he had a brand-new sequel on his hands. He had documented the effort to get in, but he hadn’t considered what happens when someone finds something even more prestigious on the way out.

The irony grew even thicker when the monk mentioned a friend—also an IITian—who was leading a temple in Pune. It seems that for some, the path from “IIT” to “Internal Infinite Transformation” is becoming a popular route.

So, the next time you see a bright-eyed monk who looks like they could solve a triple integral in their head, don’t worry about their employment status. They haven’t missed out on a career; they’ve just upgraded their “package” to something out of this world. After all, why settle for a corner office when you can have a direct connection to the spiritual sky?

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117845

Expanded over 100 acres of area, Govardhan Ecovillage is a project of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. The project is owned and managed by ISKCON Wada.

It is the result of an ardent desire of Radhanatha Swami to fulfill the dream of his beloved guru, His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada – “To erect for the members and society at large, a holy place of transcendental pastimes, dedicated to the personality of Krishna.”

“Eco-friendly,” Radhanatha Swami explained, meant: Living in harmony with nature and according to the way Krishna wants us to live on a material level and spiritual level.

Living with respect for Mother Earth, Bhumi-devi, who is the consort of Lord Varahadeva, Lakshmi herself and honoring her and living in ways that replenish her resources rather than exploit her resources, and then utilize whatever resources she gives us, by her grace, for the service of Lord Vishnu.

Govardhan Ecovillage is not an overnight establishment, but shape formed over a century of toil, hardship and the constant passion of many. Govardhan Ecovillage is a place that houses several eco-friendly initiatives. Govardhan Ecovillage is implementing several rural development initiatives in many villages nearby with the help of Sri Chaitanya Seva Trust.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117838

On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, ISKCON Mayapur launched its latest initiative, an Interactive Timeline of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada (1896–1977), ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya.

This engaging timeline presents the major milestones in Srila Prabhupada’s life and mission—from his birth in Kolkata in 1896, to his historic meeting with his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, in 1922, his courageous journey to America in 1965, the founding of ISKCON in 1966, and the extraordinary worldwide expansion of the Krishna consciousness movement until his departure in 1977.

What makes this timeline especially unique is that visitors can hear Srila Prabhupada himself speaking about many of the key events of his life and mission, bringing each moment vividly to life through his own words and realizations.

To explore the timeline, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-mayapur-launches-interactive-timeline-of-srila-prabhupada/

By Chaitanya Jivana Das 

National Sanskrit University has launched a new undergraduate degree program titled Śāstrī in Gauḍīya Darśana, equivalent to a Bachelor of Arts degree. The initiative offers students an opportunity to study Gauḍīya Vedānta within a formal university setting, combining traditional śāstric learning with a modern academic framework.

Program Structure and Duration

The semester-based program is designed to be completed in either three or four years. Students who complete three years, or six semesters, will receive a Śāstrī degree, equivalent to a B.A. Those who continue for a fourth year and complete eight semesters will be awarded Śāstrī Sammanita, equivalent to a B.A. Honours degree. The course follows a Choice Based Credit System, intended to provide both flexibility and a systematic progression of studies.

Eligibility and Medium of Instruction

Applicants must have completed 12th standard from a recognized government board. While a background in Sanskrit is preferred, students from general educational streams may also apply. Those who have completed Prāk-Śāstrī or equivalent traditional studies are likewise eligible.

The medium of instruction and examination is Sanskrit, enabling students to study original texts directly rather than through translations. Organizers say this approach is intended to strengthen both Sanskrit proficiency and a deeper understanding of Gauḍīya philosophy.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/national-sanskrit-university-launches-gau%e1%b8%8diya-darsana-degree/

Following the success of the Mahavatar Narsimha animated film, the creators have officially announced Mahavatar Parshuraam as the next film in the Mahavatar cinematic universe. This latest installment is scheduled for release in December 2027.

Mahavatar Parshuraam will be the second chapter in the planned seven-film franchise, which is expected to unfold through 2037. The larger cinematic universe, created by Hombale Films and Kleem Productions, aims to bring the stories of Lord Vishnu’s avatars to life through large-scale 3D animation and contemporary storytelling.

The announcement follows the remarkable box office success of Mahavatar Narsimha, which became the highest-grossing Indian animated film, earning more than 320 crore worldwide. The film marked a major milestone for Indian animation and launched what the creators describe as a long-term cinematic universe.

The newly released poster and motion teaser introduce the film with the tagline, “When Dharma Falls, The Parshu Rises,” a story centered on Lord Parshuram’s mission to restore righteousness on earth and confront rulers who have abandoned dharma.

Director Ashwin Kumar shared a title reveal motion trailer on his Instagram; readers can watch it here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/mahavatar-parshuraam-announced-as-next-film-in-expanding-franchise/

It was wonderful to again visit our Vraja Eco Village project just outside Manila. The deities and temple are beautiful as are the surrounding landscaped grounds. While there on Akshaya Tritiya, I took part in a yajna to mark the final stages of the new reception and conference building.

Apart from the temple area there are many wonderful facilities, such as, a big kirtan/yoga hall, restaurant, private and group guest houses, school, goshala, ashrama, fields of banana, coconut, other fruit trees and vegetables.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/vraja-eco-village-philippines-2/

HH Śivarāma Swami gives a direct update from a hospital where he has been admitted due to recurring fever episodes that began after returning from Vrindavan in early March. He explains that the fevers have come in cycles lasting around ten days each, prompting concern and eventually leading him to seek hospital care in Budapest.

He describes the hospital as a large, well-equipped facility and notes that doctors admitted him to conduct thorough testing rather than leaving the issue unresolved. So far, he has received antibiotics, anti-fever medication, and undergone multiple examinations, including a CT scan of his lungs. This revealed pneumonia, a condition he has experienced before, though doctors suspect there may be an additional underlying cause.

Further tests have ruled out malaria, while other possible infections—such as chikungunya—are still being investigated through lab cultures, which will take time to confirm. He explains that doctors are carefully monitoring his fever patterns to guide diagnosis and treatment.

Despite the situation, his tone remains steady and reflective. He shares that when not feverish, he spends time writing and resting, and expresses hope that the medical team will soon identify the exact cause so appropriate treatment can be finalized. This is the video,

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117827

By HG Nrsimha Kavaca das

On Śrīmad Bhāgavatam 3.28.16, the focus is on meditation (dhyāna) as practiced in bhakti-yoga and the transformative power of fixing the mind on the form of the Lord. The verse describes the Paramātmā as supremely beautiful—so captivating that the devotee loses all interest in anything else. This is not poetic exaggeration but a description of purified perception.

In Vedic understanding, terms like mind, heart, and consciousness are closely related. When the heart is purified, one perceives reality differently. Material beauty never satisfies because it is temporary and mixed with impurity. The senses constantly seek enjoyment, yet remain unfulfilled. The solution is not to suppress the senses but to engage them in the service of their true master, Krishna (Hṛṣīkeśa). When the senses are dovetailed in divine service, they reach their highest perfection.

This teaching connects with earlier stages of yoga such as pratyāhāra, the withdrawal of the senses. However, real withdrawal is not mere restraint—it is redirection. By engaging the senses in devotional service, impurities (mala) and false identifications dissolve, restoring one’s original, pure identity.

The temporary nature of material existence is highlighted through vivid examples: insects that live for hours, humans for decades, trees for centuries, and even Brahmā for cosmic lifetimes—all subject to birth, growth, decline, and death. Time is relative, but impermanence is universal. Therefore, lasting satisfaction cannot be found in the material world.

A powerful analogy compares the soul to an iron rod placed in fire. By constant association, the rod takes on the qualities of fire. Similarly, through steady engagement in devotional service, one regains one’s spiritual nature. Occasional experiences of spiritual joy encourage continued practice until that joy becomes steady.

Ultimately, Krishna is revealed as the supreme, all-attractive reality (svayam bhagavān), uniquely capable of drawing all souls—even His enemies—toward liberation. As devotion matures, attraction to Krishna becomes natural and irresistible, and the soul finds the fulfillment it has always been seeking.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=117807

By Dina-Palika Devi Dasi,

Beginning on Sunday, May 10, 2026, and continuing through July 19, 2026, an online Grief Support Group will meet weekly from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST. Designed to help participants navigate one of life’s most profound challenges, the program offers practical and spiritually grounded support for those experiencing grief and loss.

A Sacred Space for Healing

In today’s world, experiences of loss—whether through death, separation, or major life transitions—are increasingly common. Yet many individuals lack the tools, language, or support needed to process grief in a healthy and meaningful way. Karuna Care’s new support group aims to provide a safe space in which participants can deepen their understanding of the grief journey, learn to give themselves permission to grieve, develop healthy ways to cope with emotional pain, and explore common misconceptions about grief and loss. The program also seeks to help participants understand grief as an expression of love after loss and to move gently toward healing and integration.

Rooted in both practical guidance and spiritual insight, the course encourages participants to embrace and express grief rather than suppress or bypass it. The content draws on the widely respected work of Alan D. Wolfelt, particularly Understanding Your Grief (2nd Edition) and its companion journal, as well as additional insights from the teachings of David Kessler. The group will be facilitated by Vrajalila Devi Dasi and Lila Devi Dasi, both of whom bring extensive experience in grief support and devotee care.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/karuna-care-to-offer-12-week-grief-support-group-beginning-may-2026/

A new network is being formed to connect and support sanga leaders ahead of the 2026 Bhadra campaign, while organizers are also encouraging temples to use a new banner resource designed to inspire and promote Srimad-Bhagavatam distribution.

The initiative is aimed at facilitators of Bhakti Vrkshas, reading groups, japa groups, and other sangas, with the goal of creating closer cooperation among local leaders and strengthening book distribution efforts for Bhadra Purnima. Organizers say the network will allow leaders to share ideas, resources, and practical support with one another in the months leading up to the campaign.

As part of the effort, sanga leaders are invited to join a “Super Sunday” online session with Vaisesika Dasa, Global Minister of Book Distribution, on April 26 10 am EST. The gathering is intended to encourage and inspire participants in their Bhadra outreach efforts. Leaders who wish to join the network are asked to submit their contact information through an online form and are encouraged to forward the invitation to other facilitators and group leaders in their communities. To join the Super Sunday call, click here.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/bhadra-campaign-sanga-leaders-gathering-new-banner-resource-unveiled/

By Nityanand Ashraya Das 

Under the flagship of ISKCON’s Congregational Development Ministry, a two-day Preaching Krishna Consciousness with Excellence training was held on April 11–12, 2026, at ISKCON Yamuna Nagar, Haryana. More than 15 temple devotees from the local community gathered to strengthen their preaching skills and expand congregational outreach. The program was organized under the guidance of Sri Karta Dasa, Temple General Manager of ISKCON Yamuna Nagar.

The training was conducted by Nityanand Ashraya Das, Temple President of ISKCON Bahadurgarh and Bhakti Vriksha Coach and Trainer. Over the two days, participants studied the mood, principles, and methods of effective outreach, with practical sessions on systematic preaching, servant leadership, and community cultivation. The curriculum was designed to equip devotees with tools for confidently communicating Krishna consciousness and for establishing sustainable congregational structures in the region.

ISKCON Yamuna Nagar functions as an active spiritual center for the city and surrounding districts. The temple maintains daily worship of Sri Sri Radha Kunja Bihari and receives hundreds of visitors from morning until evening. Current preaching initiatives include BACE Youth Centers, congregational preaching, ladies’ programs, regular sastric courses, college and children’s preaching, daily Harinama Sankirtana, house programs, and society outreach. The local yatra includes more than 200 dedicated devotees. A new 6.5-acre temple project is under development in Yamuna Nagar, with the objective of serving millions of pilgrims and residents once completed.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/yamuna-nagar-devotees-complete-preaching-excellence-training/

On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, a day known for its ever-increasing spiritual blessings, the sacred Chandan Yatra begins. This marks the start of a deeply refreshing and joyful season in Mayapur, where the Lordships are lovingly adorned with cooling sandalwood paste to bring comfort during the summer months. Over the days that follow, beautiful and creative veśas unfold, each revealing a unique pastime and mood of the Lord. The atmosphere becomes especially magical, soft, and filled with devotion, as Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava are worshipped with increasing sweetness. This festival season gradually leads the heart toward the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha, followed by the grand celebrations of Ratha Yatra, making the entire summer in Māyāpur a continuous flow of spiritual joy and remembrance.

On this first day, the veśa offered to the Lordships was the beautiful Nauka Vihāra pastime, where Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava, along with the gopīs, were exquisitely adorned as if seated upon a divine boat, recreating this intimate and playful līlā. The delicate decorations, flowing arrangements, and gentle colors brought the entire scene to life, allowing devotees to not only see but feel the sweetness of this pastime.

Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and the gopīs, carrying yogurt, butter, and various offerings, come to the banks of the Yamunā. They need to cross to the other side—but suddenly, a mysterious boatman appears. That boatman is none other than Kṛṣṇa Himself, disguised, playful, and eager to increase the loving exchanges.

He speaks boldly, teasing them:
“Why should I ferry you across? The river is dangerous, my boat is fragile… and you seem quite heavy with all your ornaments!”

The gopīs respond with mock anger and witty replies. There is laughter, challenge, and a current of deep affection hidden beneath the banter. Finally, they agree to board His boat.

As they begin crossing, Kṛṣṇa deliberately rocks the boat. The Yamunā appears turbulent, waves rising as if participating in the divine play. The gopīs become fearful and cling to Him. In that moment, their external pride dissolves, and only dependence and love remain.

Kṛṣṇa then says:
“If you want to be saved, you must give up all your possessions.”

One by one, they surrender everything—yet ultimately, what is being asked is not just ornaments or pots of yogurt, but their very hearts.

Take Daily Darshan on: https://www.facebook.com/MayapurDotCom/ 
Today's Chandan Yatra Vesa: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18UFNZTerD/
For Seva during this sumer festival: https://mayapur.com/festivals/Akshaya-Tritiya

Happy Chandan Yatra!!!!

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/chandan-yatra-the-sweet-boat-pastime-

I’m not sure of the history of Aksaya Tritiya. But ksaya means to diminish, so aksaya means that which never diminishes, or which goes on increasing. So this day is considered a very auspicious day to start anything from which you want the fruits never to diminish. I see that people start their businesses on this day, do grha pravesha on this day, start their journeys on this day. And there is a big festival in Nandagram on this day. But if you want to come and see it, you have to book your taxi well in advance, because on this day there are a lot of marriages and all the taxis will be booked up! The festival in Nandagram celebrates Pavana Sarovar. When Nanda Maharaj established his residence in Nandagram, he excavated this huge lake and it became know as Nanda Sarovara. He and his family and all the brijbasis used to bathe in this lake. Sometimes, he and his family would bathe at one end of the lake, and Vrsabhanu Maharaja would occasionally come and bathe with his family at the other end of the lake. The Brijbasis say that Radha and Krishna used to swim underwater to the middle of the lake and have underwater pastimes.
One day, Nandanandana saw that Mother Yashoda was making very strange type of prasadam. Not the every day rice, dal, subji and chapattis. But she was making fried dal, little fried noodles, and little fried cracker-like things we call muttry. Like that she was cooking all these fried things. So Nandalala came and asked, “Oh Meiya, oh Meiya, what kind of funny prasad are you making today? Meiya, what kind of funny prasad are you making today? Oh Meiya?”
She replied to her darling little son, “Lala, today Your Baba is going on pilgrimage, so I’m making all these fried things so they will last for several days and he will eat them along the way.” “And where’s Baba going, Meiya? where’s Baba going, Meiya? Tell me, Meiya, where’s Baba going?”
“Lala, Baba is going to Prayaga.”
“And where is that, Meiya? Where is that, Meiya? Tell me, Meiya.” “O Lala, I’m busy cooking and you ask so many questions. Go ask you ask your Baba, Lala, go ask your Baba.” So Nandanandana went to Baba and pulled on his cloth, repeatedly asking, “Where are you going, Baba? Oh Baba, where are you going? Tell me, Baba, where are you going?”
Nanda Maharaja smiled at the beautiful face of his inquisitive son and replied, “Lala, I’m going to Prayaga.” “And where is that, Baba? Oh Baba, where is that? Tell me, Baba, where is that?”
“Oh Lala, that is a very sacred place where Ganga, Jamuna, and Sarasvati join in Sangam. So I’m going there to take my bath, Lala.” “But, Baba. But, Baba, today is a very inauspicious day to start a journey. Baba, you should go tommorrow. It’s Aksaya Tritiya tommorrow and that is a very auspicious day to start your journey. Baba, you should go tommorrow.” Ok, Lala, since you are asking, I will go tommorrow. Is that ok, Lala?“ So the next morning, Nanda Maharaja got up early in the morning, like he does everyday, to go take his bath in Nanda Sarovara. When he got there, however, he saw one great big person like a king or something, rolling in the dust of Braja and laughing, "Ho, ho, ho! Ah, hah, hah!” Then he would bathe in Nanda Sarovara. Then again he would come out and roll in the Brajaraja and laugh, and again bathe in the sarovara. Nanda Maharaja had never seen a personality like this before in Nandagram, so he went over to that person. He asked, “Maharaja, who are you?” “Baba, I’m Prayaga.”
Baba, in his simple Brijbhasa, said, “Pryag? Prag? I don’t know anyone in Nandagram with that name?”
“Ahrey, Baba! I’m not from here. I’m Prayag Raja, king of all the tirthas!” “And why have you come here today, Maharaja?” O, Baba! All year long people come and put their papa on me. So one day in the year, on Aksaya Tritiya, I come here, roll in the dust of Braja, and bathe in this sarovara and become pavana.“ You know pavana? Pavana means to be purified. "Accha? Is it?” Nanda exclaimed.
Then on the other side of the lake, Nanda saw so many beautiful ladies bathing, but not like his Nandagram ladies. With beautiful silk saris with gold and silver threads. He never saw ladies like this in Nandagram. Approaching them very respectfully, Nanda asked, “Who are you, ladies?” “Baba, I’m Ganga.” Another said, “I’m Sarasvati.” And yet another said, “I’m Godavari.” They all responded with the names of different Holy Rivers, Kurujangala, Kaveri, Narmada, Brahmaputra, Mahananda, etc. Then Baba asked, “And why have you come here today? I’ve never seen you all before.”
“Ahrey, Baba! All year long people put their papa on us. One day on this Aksaya Tritiya day, we come here, roll in the dust of Braja, bathe in this sarovara and become pavana.”
“Accha? Is it?”
Then Baba took his bath and went up the hill to Nandagram. By this time Nandalala is awake. Coming before his father, he asked, “Baba, now you’re going? Oh Baba, now you’re going? Yes, Baba? Now you’re going?” “Ahrey, Lala! Now I’m not going!”
“And why is that, Baba, why is that?” “Ahrey, Lala! All the places I wanted to go, they all came here today to take bath and become pavana. So why should I the trouble to go all these places when they all came here?”
So from that day, the sarovara became known as Pavana Sarovara. Of course, it comes in the hot season, so thus the Candana Yatra festival takes place at this time. Of course, that is all nicely described in CC, so I’ll end here.
In Service of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram, Deena Bandhu dasa

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=45528

Akshaya Tritiya, one of the most important days in the Vedic calendar. Akshaya Tritiya is the appearance day of Lord Parasurama, and it is also the day that the Ganges descended to the earth. Most devotees know it as the beginning of Candana-yatra, but actually many of Lord Krishna’s other pastimes also took place on this day, specifically those which highlight Krishna’s generous and intimate reciprocation with his devotees.
 

The very word Akshaya means “that which never diminishes”. Any service or charity one performs on this day will be paid back many times over. On this day, Sudama gave the Lord a tiny portion of chipped rice and was rewarded with untold opulence. Draupadi was protected by Krishna twice on this day, once when He provided her an unlimited sari at the dice game in return for a tiny piece of cloth, and later, when she needed to provide food for Durvasa muni, the Lord took a single grain from her pot and satisfied the hunger of all the sages.
 

“If the devotee offers something to the Lord, it acts for his own interest because whatever a devotee offers the Lord comes back in a quantity a million times greater than what was offered. One does not become a loser by giving to the Lord; one becomes a gainer by millions of times.”

Krsna Book Ch. 81, The Brahmana Sudama Blessed by Lord Krishna

Please consider taking advantage of this auspicious occasion by making a donation on this day.

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In the Skanda Purana (Utkala-khanda, Chapter 29) it is described that Lord Jagannatha instructed King Indradyumna to keep His transcendental body cool by applying sandalwood paste all over His divine form:

vaisakhasya site pakse tritiyaksaya samjnikatatra 
mam lepayed gandha lepanair ati sobhanam

“Smear fragrant sandalwood paste on My body on the day of Aksaya-trtiya during the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha.”

This festival is called the Candana-yatra festival, which literally translates to the festival of sandalwood paste. Every year during the hottest part of the summer, Lord Jagannatha and His brother Sri Baladeva and sister Subhadra Maharani are wonderfully decorated with sandalwood paste lovingly made by the hands of Their devotees.

During the first week of the festivities, Lord Jagannatha is taken on a procession to Lake Narendra, where He performs His wonderful boating pastimes. The Lord also wears various dresses, or vesas, which depict His various pastimes. Some of the dresses depict Krishna as Natabara, the best dancer; Krishna as Sadbhuja Gauranga, the combined form of Sri Krishna, Lord Ramacandra and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu; Vastra-harana, Krishna stealing the clothes of the gopis; and so on.

In Sridhama Mayapur, the ISKCON Rajapur Jagannatha Mandir is considered to be nondifferent from Jagannatha Puri. There, as in Puri, Lord Jagannatha celebrates the Candana-yatra festival. The forms of the Lords are covered in candana and dressed in different vesas. Lord Jagannatha also enjoys wonderful boating pastimes in the pond that is located behind Jagannatha’s temple. Devotees from Mayapur, Rajapur, and the surrounding communities cook and bring offerings for the Lord of the Universe who enjoys boating pastimes with His brother and sister on His opulent swan boat.

In the Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir, Sri Sri Radha Madhava also celebrate the Candana-yatra festivities in a grand way. Inspired by reading the pastimes of Sri Madhavendra Puri and after further research into how the festival is observed in Jagannatha Puri, the devotees from the Sri Mayapur Candrodaya Mandir began to celebrate the Candana-yatra festival many years ago. His Grace Jananivas Prabhu recalls that the Candana-yatra festival in ISKCON Mayapur started during the 1980s; at that time, he remembers going to the Yogapitha temple to observe how the festival was celebrated by the devotees there.

Every year, the Mayapur Candana-yatra team designs and makes new dresses for small Radha Madhava for each day of Candana-yatra. They stitch and decorate the dresses, and make complimentary jewellery out of beads, cloth and flowers. They also plan and make the decorations and props needed to help display the particular pastimes being depicted in the vesas. These decorations include chariots, trees, the giant Agasura snake, clay figurines of the Vrajavasis, and more. This small team of Mayapur community devotees begins planning for the festival many months ahead of time, and the results are breathtaking! The intricate detail and effort put into this service is very apparent when the Lord’s curtains open for each amazing darshan.

During the Candana-yatra festival, Sri Sri Radha Madhava go out every evening for seven days on procession to Srila Prabhupada’s Puspa Samadhi, where they are taken around the decorative pond (affectionately referred to as Srila Prabhupada’s pukur, or pond, by local devotees) in a swan boat, ornamented with fragrant and colourful flowers and garlands. As Their Lordships go around Srila Prabhupada’s pukur, the devotees make offerings of various foodstuffs, flowers, lamps and most importantly, their prayers. As the boat encircles the pukur, one or two devotees lead a glorification of the Divine couple by singing beautiful songs such as Sri Vraja Dhama Mahimamrta (Jai Radhe Jai Krishna Jai Vrindavan) by Krishna Dasa, and Sri Krsnaer Vimsottara Sata Nama (Jaya Radha Madhava kunja bihari) by Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

As the boat takes Their Lordships around Srila Prabhupada’s pukur, a massive, multi-coloured water fountain sprays water high into the sky, and a gentle summer breeze carries and offers its fine mist to cool the transcendental bodies of Srimati Radhika and Her Madhava, and then to the masses of Their loving devotees gathered around the edges of the water. Once dusk arrives, the beautiful swan boat stops in the middle of the pukur and a stunning Sandhya Arati is performed for Sri Sri Radha Madhava.

As the Divine Couple enjoy wonderful water pastimes, Their pujaris, who are the acting boatmen of the Lord, begin to slowly rock the boat from side to side. The devotees gathered joyfully laugh at the beauty of Their worshipable Lord enjoying with His consort, but then, the ‘boatmen’ begin rocking the boat more violently. For some devotees, their joyous laughter turns to shouts of fear – fear that the boat might tip over and sink! – while others internally enjoy this blissful sight, for within their hearts they see Srimati Radhika holding onto Her Madhava for protection as the boat rocks, which was His intention all along.

After the Divine Couple enjoys water pastimes, They are then carried to a nearby swing, beautifully decorated with wonderfully scented and colourful flowers. After the Deities are properly welcomed and offered some refreshments, the devotees are given a golden rope to swing their worshipable Lord. During this time, the song Sakhi Vrnde Vijanpti (Radha Krishna prana mora) by Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura is beautifully sung, and the devotees blissfully sing and swing the Lord of their hearts. As the devotees ecstatically swing the Divine Couple, the Lord sends cooling breezes and showers of rain, almost as if to relieve the devotees’ apparent fatigue from pulling the swing.

The first day of Candana-yatra typically falls on the auspicious day of Aksaya-tritiya, which falls on the third day of the bright fortnight in the month of Vaishakha,vaisakha-sukla-paksa-tritiya. This day is considered one of the most auspicious astrologically on the Vedic calendar. It was on Aksaya-tritiya that the sixth incarnation of Lord Krishna, Parasurama, appeared. Mother Ganga’s holy waters also descended upon this planet on this day. It is also the day that Srila Vyasadeva began composing the Mahabharata. In addition, our Founder-Acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, established the League of Devotees at Jhansi in 1953 on Aksaya-tritiya.

The Candana-yatra festival perfectly exemplifies the sublime and wonderful nature of Krishna consciousness. Krishna consciousness is simply sublime because we are constantly engaged in serving Krishna somehow or other. The Lord gives us so many opportunities to glorify Him by engaging our actions, thoughts and senses! Our eyes witness the loving pastimes of the Divine Couple and drink the beauty of Their transcendental forms. Our noses smell the fragrant flowers and incense that has been offered to the Lord. Our tongue can taste the nectareanmaha prasadamcoming directly from the Lord’s lips, as well as the Lord’s sweet names. Our hands can offer lamps, flowers and bhoga, and receive theprasad remnants from Their Lordships. And our ears can hear the sweet symphony of auspicious sounds, such as mantras, songs, bells, ululating and the most wonderful songs glorifying the Divine Couple.

All glories to Sri Krishna’s wonderful Candana-yatra festival!

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=61242

The day known as Aksaya-tritiya occurs on the third (tritiya) day of the waxing moon in the month of Vaisakha. Every second of this blessed day is completely auspicious, and so there is no consideration of any one period (muhurta) being better than another. Aksaya means “inexhaustible”; anything a person undertakes on the day of Aksaya-tritiya is bound to succeed, especially the performance of devotional activities, which guarantee inexhaustible benefit.

It is said that Aksaya-tritiya is the day when Treta-yuga began and the river Ganges descended to earth. Also, the festival known as Candana-yatra starts on the Aksaya-tritiya.

In the Madhva-sampradaya, Aksaya-tritiya is celebrated as the day of the incarnation of Lord Vishnu as Parasurama. In the Sri Krishna Mutt monastery a special festival takes place during which the aksaya-patra, the marvelous pot gifted by the sun god to Draupadi, is worshiped. Srimati Draupadi was given the benediction that her pot would provide unlimited food at each meal, until she herself ate from it. It appears that the pot came under the custody of Sri Madhvacharya, and on Aksaya-tritiya it is worshiped and prasada is lavishly distributed throughout the day.

In Nandagrama, where Sri Krishna enjoyed his childhood pastimes with Nanda Maharaja and Mother Yasoda, an interesting incident took place on Aksaya-tritiya. When Nanda Maharaja established his residence in Nandagrama, he excavated a large lake, then known as Nanda Sarovara. Nanda Maharaja, his family members, and all the Vraja-vasis used to bathe in that lake. And it is said that while Nanda Maharaja and his family bathed at one end of the lake, Vrsabhanu Maharaja would occasionally come and bathe with his family at the other end. According to local tradition, Srimati Radharani and Krishna used to swim underwater to the middle of the lake and engage in pastimes.

One day, little Krishna noticed that instead of cooking the usual meal of rice, dal, subji, and chapatis, Mother Yasoda was making all kinds of fried preparations with dal, noodles, and flour. When Krishna asked her why she was cooking those things, she replied that Nanda Maharaja was going on a pilgrimage the next day and that the fried things she was cooking would last for several days without spoiling.

Krishna then asked where His father was going, and Mother Yasoda replied that he was going to Prayaga. Little Krishna went to Nanda Maharaja and asked him where Prayaga was and why he was going there. Nanda Maharaja explained that Prayaga is the most sacred place where the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna, and Sarasvati meet and flow together and that to take bath there was most auspicious.

The next morning was the Aksaya-tritiya, the perfect day to start on a long journey. As usual, Nanda Maharaja got up early and went to take bath in his lake. When he got there, he saw a man he had never seen before, an imposing, regal person, rolling in the dust. While rolling in the dust, the man laughed loudly. Every now and then he would get up and dive into Nanda Sarovara, and then again he would come out and roll in the dust and laugh, and again bathe in the lake.

Nanda Maharaja approached the kingly man and asked, “Maharaja, who are you?”

“Baba, I’m Prayaga,” the man replied.

“Prayaga? I don’t know anyone in Nandagrama with that name.”

“No, no. I’m not from here. I’m Prayaga Raja, the king of all the holy places (tirthas)!”

“And why have you come here today, Maharaja?”

“Baba, all year long people come and bathe in my waters and leave their sins. So, every year, on Aksaya Tritiya, I come here, roll in the dust of Vraja, and bathe in this sarovara, because this dust and this lake have the potency to purify (pavana) one from all sins.”

Nanda Maharaja was amazed. Suddenly, he noticed that on the other side of the lake were many beautiful ladies in silk saris embroidered with gold and silver threads. They were also bathing in the lake. Approaching them respectfully, Nanda Maharaja asked who they were.

One lady replied, “Baba, I’m Ganga.” Another said, “I’m Sarasvati.” And yet another said, “I’m Godavari.” They all responded with the names of different holy rivers: Kurujangala, Kaveri, Narmada, Brahmaputra, Mahananda, etc.

Then Nanda Maharaja asked, “And why have you come here today? I’ve never seen you before.” The ladies explained that all year long people put their sins within their waters and that every year on the Aksaya Tritiya day they came to Vraja to roll in its dust, bathe in the sarovara, and become purified (pavana).

After taking his bath, Nanda Maharaja went back up the hill to his residence. By that time little Krishna was awake. Coming before His father, He asked, “Baba, are you going now?” “No, Lala. I’m not going.” “Why, Baba?” “Because today, all the places I wanted to go came to take bath in our lake and become purified (pavana). So why should I take the trouble to go to them when they all came here?”

From that day, Nanda Sarovara became known as Pavana Sarovara.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=85483

Akshaya Tritiya is regarded as one of the most auspicious days for new beginnings. This festival occurs on the third day (Tritiya) of the bright fortnight (Shukla Paksha) in the month of Vaishakha every year.

The word ‘Akshaya’ in Sanskrit means inexhaustible, that which is unlimited or everlasting. Thus this festival is a celebration of unending happiness, peace and prosperity.

It was on this day that Sudama, a poor brahmana, went to Dwaraka and met His childhood friend, Lord Krishna. Though Sudama never asked the Lord for any help, Lord Krishna blessed him with unlimited prosperity in return for his most humble offering of chipped rice.

In spite of possessing great riches, Sudama remained a great devotee of the Lord and never forgot Him till the end of his life. Consequently, he attained the supreme perfection. Thus Akshaya Tritiya  is also a festival of Lord Sri Krishna’s blessings for prosperity and devotion.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/akshaya-tritiya-6/