shailendra badriprasad sharma's Posts (25)

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nirjala ekadasi

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on June 5, 2017 at 12:30pm

Pandav Bhim Ekadasi Vrat Katha – Nirjala Ekadashi Fasting Story

Pandav Bhima Ekadashi, also known as Nirjala Ekadasi, falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Jyeshta month (May – June). The story of Pandav Bhim Ekadasi is associated with Bhima, the second Pandava brother. The importance of Pandav Bhim Ekadasi is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. In 2010, Nirjala Ekadasi is observed on June 22.


The four Pandava brothers – Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva – Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, used to observe Ekadasi fasting without fail. Bhima, the second of the Pandavas, used to never fast as he could not control his hunger. He always had a guilt feeling of not observing the Ekadasi Vrat.


Once Bhima asked Veda Vyasa, who is also the grandfather of the Pandavas, to help in observing the Ekadasi Vrata. He said that Yudhishitra, his eldest brother, always asks him to observe fasting. He is ready to pray and give charity and observe all the rules but not fasting. And if there is no other way out he is ready to fast on one Ekadasi out of the 24 Ekadashis.


Sage Vyasa then suggests that he can observe the Ekadasi which occurs during the waxing moon in the month of Jyeshta (May – June) during the sun’s presence in either Taurus or Gemini Rashi is called Nirjala Ekadasi. One should observe total fast and should not even drink water.


Observing this Ekadasi is equal to observing all the 24 Ekadashis.


From that day onward Bhimasena began observing Nirjala Ekadasi and it came to be known as Pandava Nirjala, or Bhimseni Ekadasi.

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Winter special bhog for Lord RADHA KRISHNA

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on October 31, 2012 at 2:08pm

Gaund Ke Laadoo

In the winter season to provide energy and extra calories to Shree Thakurji, prepare this special GAUND KE LAADOO, a very simple and long lasting sweet, very healthy and fights joint pains, back pains.

Additional Info
Ingredients:
250 gms - Wheat flour.
250 gms - Pure Ghee.
1/2 cup chopped Almonds.
1/2 cup Edible gum / gaund / gunder.
1 tablespoon black pepper.
2 tablespoons Saunth powder [ dried ginger powder]
1 cup Sugar Powder.
Preparation Method:
Heat ghee in a wok / kadhaii, and fry the dried , cleaned Gaund. It will pop up, carefully fry and take out. Add the chopped almonds and fry till pink and then takeout. Now add the black pepper and takeout. To the same ghee add the wheat flour and saute till it gives the roasted smell. Add the Saunth powder and further saute. Switch off the flame .Mix well all the fried ingredients.Allow the mixture to stand for 5mins. now add the sugar powder. Mix well. Let it cool a bit. Roll Laadoos in your palmswith slight pressure into small balls.

Take out 1 laadoo every morning and offer Shri Thakurji with hot milk as Kaleva. This will keep your Thakurji warm and energetic.

Radhe Radhe.

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Kartik Snan | Kartik Snan 2012 | Significance of Kartik Month

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on October 30, 2012 at 3:44pm

Kartik Snan | Kartik Snan 2012 | Significance of Kartik Month

With the beginning of the Kartik month, a tradition of Kartik Snan also begins every year. Men and Women go for holy baths during this period. Kartik Purnima is considered to be very important during Kartik month. It is believed that Lord Vishnu also incarnated as Matsya on the day of Kartik Purnima. Taking a bath in river Ganga and donating lamps is considered to be very sacred in this day. A person can also donate as per his wishes.

Donations and charities are considered to be extremely important on this day. This day was called Mahapuneet Parv by Trideva. This day is also known as Tripuri Purnima. If Moon is in Kritika Nakshatra and Sun is in Vishakha Nakshatra on the day of Kartik Purnima, Paghya Yog is formed.

Kartik Purnima Worship

A person should take bath early in the morning. He should fast and worship Lord Vishnu. A bath is the river Ganga is also considered to be sacred on this day. People who are unable to take a bath in river Ganga, often visit any water body in their vicinity. Lamps are lit in the evening near temples, crossroads, lanes, pipal trees, tulsi plants etc. A lantern is tied on bamboo sticks and is pointed towards the sky. Mostly women keep this fast.

A person keeping a fast on this day should feed a Brahman. A havan should also be performed. Lamps should be lit in the evening. Donations should also be made to various Brahmanas. At night, the six different Kritikas should be worshipped which are Shiva, Preeti, Sambhuti, Anusuya, Kshama and Santati. A buffalo should be donated on this day after the worship. Doing this opens the doors of Shivalok for a person. People who take baths in a holy river on this day are considered to be very fortunate.

Lapsi - Tapsi Story

According to a legend, two people lived in a place. One was called Lapsi and the other was called Tapsi. Tapsi was always devoted and dedicated towards God. Lapsi used to regularly offer Lassi to God. Once, both of them started arguing about who was more devoted and dedicated. Narad Muni arrived at the scene and asked them why they were arguing. Narad Muni offered them his help after listening to the matter.

Next day, Tapsi was going back to his home after taking a bath. Narad Muni dropped a ring worth 1.25 crore in front of him. Tapsi hid the ring beneath his feet and sat there to offer his prayers. Lapsi woke up, took a bath and offered Lassi to God as usual. Narad Muni arrived at that instance. Both Lapsi and Tapsi asked him whi was more devoted. Narad Muni replied by saying that Tapsi had stolen the ring and that’s why his worship was not worth it. Hence, Narad Muni said that Lapsi was more devoted to God.

Tapsi asked Narad Muni that how he would receive the results and benefits of his devotion. Narad Muni replied by saying that he would get results from the people who will take baths during the Kartik month. Narad Muni also said that anyone who would not tell this story or listen to it during the Kartik month will not receive any benefits.

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krishna we are Servent of your servent

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on October 11, 2012 at 3:47pm
नंदलाल गोपाल दयानंदलाल गोपाल दया करके, रख चाकर अपने द्वार मुझे।धन दौलत और किसी को दे, बस दे दे अपना प्यार मुझे॥तन मन का ना चाहे होश रहे,तेरा नाम ना विसरे भूले से।तेरे ध्यान में इतना खो जाऊँ,पागल समझे संसार मुझे॥ नंदलाल गोपाल दया करके, रख चाकर अपने द्वार मुझे।मैं निर्धन गोकुल और मथुरा,तेरे दर्शन को तो जा ना सकुं।जब अपने मन में झाँकू मैं,हो जाए तेरा दीदार मुझे॥नंदलाल गोपाल दया करके, रख चाकर अपने द्वार मुझे।धन दौलत और किसी को दे, बस देदे अपना प्यार मुझे॥
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Sri Radhika Stotra by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on September 5, 2011 at 12:31am

- Sri Radhika Stotra -
The 108 Names of Radharani


by Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami

aviksatmesvari kascid vrndavana-mahesvarim
tat padamboja-matraika gati dasyati katara
patita tat-saras tire ruda tyartha-ravakulam
tac chri-vaktreksanavaptyai namanyetani sanjagau
Some maidservant, unable to find her mistress, has fallen on the bank of Radhakunda, crying in great anxiety, being very eager to take exclusive shelter of Her lotus feet, glorifying Her by singing the following names of Her:

radha gandharvika gosthayuva-rajaika-kamita
gandharva radhika candrakantir madhava-sangini
1. Radha, 2. Gandharvika, 3. The only girl desired by the prince of Vraja, 4. Who is worshipped by the Gandharva-angels, 5. Whose luster is like the moon, 6. Who accompanies Madhava.
damodaradvaita-sakhi kartikotkirtidesvari
mukunda dayita-vrnda dhammilla mani-manjari
7. Damodar's unrivalled girlfriend, 8. The queen who bestows fame on the Kartika month, 9. The crestjewel of Mukunda's ladyfriends.
bhaskaropasika varsabhanavi vrsabhanuja
ananga manjari jyestha sridama varajottama
10. Who worships the sun, 11. Who belongs to King Vrsabhanu, 12. Who is born from King Vrsabhanu, 13. Ananga Manjari's older sister, 14. Sridama's younger sister, 15. The greatest (fem.)
kirtida-kanyaka matr-sneha-piyusa-putrika
visakha-savayah prestha visakha jivitadhika
16. Kirtida's daughter, 17. Who is the nectarean object of Her mother's affection, 18. Who is of the same age as Visakha, 19. Who is dearer than life to Visakha.
pranadvitiya lalita vrndavana viharini
lalita prana-laksaika-raksa vrndavanesvari
20. Who is none other than Lalita's very life, 21. Enjoys in Vrndavana, 22. Who saves Lalita's life lakhs of times, 23. Queen of Vrndavana.
vrajendra-grhini krsna-praya-sneha-niketanam
vraja go-gopa-gopali jiva-matraika-jivanam
24. Who is as dear to Mother Yasoda as Krsna, 25. Who is the only life of the life of the cows, cowherdsmen and cowherdgirls of Vraja.
snehalabhira-rajendra vatsalacyuta-purva-ja
govinda pranayadhara surabhi sevanotsuka
26. Who is the object of King Nanda's affection, 27. Who gets parental affection from Balaram, 28. Who is the object of Govinda's love (Govinda is eager to serve His surabhi cows).
dhrta nandisvara-ksema gamanotkanthi-manasa
sva-dehadvaitata drsta dhanistha dhyeya-darsana
29. Who is very eager to go to Nandisvara for serving Krsna, 30. Who is regarded as non-different from her by Dhanistha and seen in her meditations, (Dhanistha is Yasoda's maidservant).
gopendra-mahisi paka-sala-vedi prakasika
ayur-varddha-karaddhana rohini ghrata-mastaka
31. Who is seen in Mother Yadosa's kitchen, 32. Whose cooked grains increase Krsna's life, 33. Whose head is smelt by Rohini.
subala nyasta sarupya subala priti-tosita
mukhara-drk sudha-naptri jatila drsti-bhasita
34. Who has bestowed a form equal to Hers to Subala, 35. Who is very fond of Subala, 36. Who is nectar in Mukhara's eyes, 37. Who is afraid to see Her mother-in-law, Jatila.
madhumangala narmokti janita-smita-candrika
paurnamasi bahih khelat prana-panjara sarika
38. Who smiles like the moonbeams after hearing Madhumangala's jokes, 39. The she-parrot of Whose heart is caught in Paurnamasi's cage.
sva ganadvaita jivatuh sviyahankara-vardhini
sva ganopendra padabja sparsa-lambhana harsini
40. Who is the only life of Her friends, 41. Who increases the pride of Her relatives, 42. Who is very happy to touch Upendra's feet with Her friends.
sviya vrndavanodyana paliki krta-vrndaka
jnata vrndatavi sarva lata-taru-mrga-dvija
43. Who has placed Vrnda in charge of Vrndavana's gardens, 44. Who is known by all the vines, trees, deer and birds of Vrndavana.
isac candana samghrsta nava-kasmira-deha-bhah
java-puspa pritha-hari patta cinarunambara
Whose body shines with fresh vermillion ground with some sandalpaste, 46. Whose silken dress shines more reddish than the java flower.
caranabja-tala-jyotir arunakrta-bhutala
hari citta camatkari caru nupura nihsvana
47. Whose lotus footsoles make the surface of the earth shine crimson-red, 48. Who astonishes Hari's mind with the sweet sound of Her anklebells.
krsna-sranti-hara sroni pitha-valgita ghantika
krsna sarvasva pinodyat kucancan mani-malika
49. The nice sounds of whose waistbells remove Krsna's fatigue, 50. The pearl necklace on whose firm, raised breasts is everything to Krsna.
nana-ratnollasad sankha-cuda caru bhuja-dvaya
syamantaka-mani bhrajan mani-bandhati-bandhura
51. Whose two beautiful arms are adorned with conchshell bangles inset with various jewels, 52. On Whose wrist the beautiful Syamantaka jewel shines.
suvarna darpana-jyotir ullanghi mukha-mandala
pakka dadima bijabha dantakrstaghabhic chuka
53. The shining of Whose face defeats that of a golden mirror, 54. Whose teeth, that shine like ripe pomegranate seeds, attract the parrot-like Aghabhit (Krsna).
abja-ragadi srstabja-kalika karna-bhusana
saubhagya kajjalankakta netranandita khanjana
55. Whose ruby earrings are shaped like lotus buds, 56. Whose wagtail-like eyes are anointed with beautiful eyeliner, giving great joy to the eyes.
suvrtta mauktika mukta nasika tilapuspika
sucaru nava-kasturi tilakancita-bhalaka
57. Whose nose, that is beautiful as a sesame flower, is adorned with a round pearl, 58. Whose forehead is adorned with beautiful tilak made of fresh musk.
divya veni vinirdhuta keki-pincha-vara-stutih
netranta-sara vidhvamsakrta canurajid dhrtih
59. Whose divine hairbraid is worshiped by peacock feathers (being defeated in beauty), 60. The arrows of Whose glances destroy the patience of Krsna, Who defeated the Canura wrestler.
sphurat kaisora-tarunya sandhi-bandhura-vigraha
madhavollasakonmatta pikoru madhura-svara
61. Who is blooming teenage beauty personified, 62. Who pleases Madhava, 63. Who maddens Madhava with Her sweet, cuckoo-like voice.
pranayuta-sata prestha madhavotkirti-lampata
krsnapanga-tarangodyat smita-piyusa-budbuda
64. Who is more attached to Madhava's great glories than to millions of lives, 65. Whose nectarean smiles provide bubbles on the waves of Krsna's glances.
punjibhuta jagallajja vaidagdhi-digdha-vigraha
karuna vidravad deha murtiman madhuri-ghata
66. Who is the very form of cleverness, embarrassing the whole world, 67. Whose body melts in kindness, 68. Who is abundant sweetness personified.
jagad-gunavati-varga giyamana gunoccaya
sacyadi subhaga-vrnda vandyamanoru-saubhaga
69. Whose glories arre loudly sung by all the great ladies of the world, 70. Who is incessantly praised by beautiful ladies like Saci.
vina-vadana sangita rasalasya visarada
narada pramukhodgita jagad anandi sad-yasah
71. Who is expert in singing and playing vina in the rasa dance, 72. Whose pure glories are sung by sages headed by Narada, giving joy to the world.
govardhana-guha geha grhini kunja-mandana
candamsu-nandini baddha bhagini-bhava-vibhrama
73. She is the housewife in the caves in Govardhana, 74. She decorates the kunja, 75. She has a sisterly relationship with Yamuna, (Yamuna is the daughter of the sun and Radha is thedaughter of Vrsabhanu, the sun in Taurus).
divya kundalata narma sakhya-dama-vibhusita
govardhanadharahladi srngara-rasa-pandita
76. She is adorned with the wreath of divine Kundalata's friendship, 77. She is the professor in amorous rapture, giving joy to the holder of Govardhana.
girindra-dhara vaksah srih sankhacudari-jivanam
gokulendra-suta-prema kama-bhupendra-pattanam
78. She is Laksmi on the chest of the holder of Govardhan, 79. She is the life of the enemy of Sankhacuda, 80. She is the settlement of Cupid for the love of the son of Gokulendra.
vrsa-vidhvamsa narmokti sva-nirmita sarovara
nija kunda-jala-krida jita sankarsananuja
81. Who made Her own pond after the killer of Arista mocked Her, 82. Who defeats Sankarsana's younger brother in sports in Her own pond.
mura-mardana mattebha vihara-mrta-dirghika
girindra-dhara-parindra rati-yuddhoru simhika
83. She is the ambrosial pond of enjoyment for the intoxicated elephant who defeated Mura, 84. She is a powerful lioness fighting amorous sports with the king of lions, the holder of the best of mountains.
sva tanu-saurabhonmatti krta mohana madhava
dor-muloccalana krida vyakuli-krta kesava
85. Who enchants Madhava with Her intoxicating bodily fragrance, 86. Who agitates Kesava by playfully showing Her armpit.
nija kunda-tati kunja klrpta keli kalodyama
divya malli-kulollasi sayyakalpita vigraha
87. Who expands Her artful plays in the kunja on the bank of Her own pond, 88. Who makes a bed of divine jasmine flowers there with joy.
krsna vama-bhuja nyasta caru daksina gandaka
savya bahu-lata baddha krsna daksina sad-bhuja
89. Who places Her beautiful right cheek on Krsna's left arm, 90. Who holds Krsna's right arm with Her left vine-like arm.
krsna daksina caruru slista vamoru-rambhika
girindra-dhara drg-vaksor mardi-sustana-parvata
91. Whose beautiful, broad, banana-like left hip touches Krsna's right hip, 92. Whose nice, mountain-like breasts are being massaged by the Holder of Govardhana.
govindadhara piyusa vasitadhara-pallava
sudha-sancaya carukti sitali-krta madhava
93. Whose leaf-like lips are scented by the nectar of Govinda's lips, 94. Whose beautiful words distribute nectar, cooling Madhava off.
govindodgirna tambula raga rajyat kapolika
krsna sambhoga saphali-krta manmatha sambhava
95. Whose cheeks are colored by the pan from Govinda's lips, 96. Who realizes Krsna's fancies of amorous enjoyments.
govinda marjitoddama rati-prasvinna sanmukha
visakha vijita krida-santi nidralu-vigraha
97. The profuse perspiration from whose face is wiped off by Govinda, 98. Who is being fanned by Visakha when She falls asleep after playing with Krsna.
govinda-carana-nyasta kaya-manasa jivana
svapranarbuda nirmanchya hari pada-rajah kana
99. Who has placed Her life, body and mind at Govinda's lotus feet, 100. Who worships the dust of Hari's lotus feet with billions of hearts.
anumatracyutadarsa sayyamanatma locana
nitya-nutana govinda vaktra-subhramsu-darsana
101. Who curses Her eyes for every second that they do not see Acyuta, 102. Who beholds Govinda's ever-fresh moonlike face.
nihsima hari-madhurya saundaryadyeka-bhogini
sapatnya dhama murali-matra bhagya kataksini
103. Who is the only enjoyer of Hari's endless sweetness and beauty, 104. Who can only blink at the fortune of Her co-wife, the Murali flute.
gadha buddhi-bala krida jita vamsi-vikarsini
narmokti candrikotphulla krsna kamabdi-vardhini
105. Who takes Krsna's flute after defeating Him in a gambling match, 106. Who increases the ocean of Krsna's desires by the full moonbeams of Her joking words.
vraja-candrendriya-grama visrama-vidhu-salika
krsna sarvendriyonmadi radhetyaksara-yugmaka
107. Who is the moonlike resting place for all the senses of the moon of Vraja (Sri Krsna), 108. The two syllables of Whose name Ra-dha madden all of Krsna's senses.
idam sri radhika namnam astottara satojjvalam
sri radhalambhakam nama stotram caru-rasayanam
yo dhite parama pritya dinah katara-manasah
sa natham acirenaiva sa natham iksate dhruvam
Whoever recites these 108 names of Sri Radha, that consists of all beautiful, nectarean Radha-nama, with great love, humility and eagerness, will certainly and swiftly behold Her Master.
iti srimad raghunatha dasa gosvami viracita stavavalyam
sri radhika-stottara-sata nama stotram sampurnam.
Thus ends Sriman Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami's Sri Radhika's 108 names-prayer.



1. Radha = Radha
2. Gandharvika = Gandharvika, she who is expert in singing and dancing
3. Gosthayuva-rajaika-kamita = The only girl desired by the prince of Vraja,
4. Gandharva radhika = Who is worshipped by the Gandharva-angels,
5. Candrakantir = Whose luster is like the moon,
6. Madhava-sangini = Who accompanies Madhava.
7. Damodaradvaita-sakhi = Damodar's unrivalled girlfriend,
8. Kartikotkirtidesvari = The queen who bestows fame on the Kartika month,
9. Mukunda dayita-vrnda dhammilla mani-manjari = The crest jewel of Mukunda's ladyfriends.
10. Bhaskaropasika = Who worships the sun,
11. Varsabhanavi = Who belongs to King Vrsabhanu.
12. Vrsabhanuja = Who is born from King Vrsabhanu,
13. Ananga manjari = Ananga Manjari's older sister,
14. Jestha sridama = Sridama's younger sister,
15. Varajottama = The greatest (fem.)
16. Kirtida-kanyaka = Kirtida's daughter,
17. Matr-sneha-piyusa-putrika = Who is the nectarean object of Her mother's affection,
18. Visakha-savayah = Who is of the same age as Visakha,
19. Prestha visakha jivitadhika = Who is dearer than life to Visakha.
20. Pranadvitiya lalita = Who is none other than Lalita's very life,
21. Vrndavana viharini = Enjoys in Vrndavana
22. Lalita prana-laksaika-raksa = Who saves Lalita's life lakhs of times,
23. Vrndavanesvari = Queen of Vrndavana.
24. Vrajendra-grhini krsna-praya-sneha-niketanam = Who is as dear to Mother Yasoda as Krsna,
25. Vraja go-gopa-gopali jiva-matraika-jivanam = Who is the only life of the life of the cows, cowherdsmen and cowherdgirls of Vraja.
26. Snehalabhira-rajendra = Who is the object of King Nanda's affection,
27. Vatsalacyuta-purva-ja = Who gets parental affection from Balaram,
28. Govinda pranayadhara surabhi sevanotsuka = Who is the object of Govinda's love (Govinda is eager to serve His surabhi cows).
29. Dhrta nandisvara-ksema gamanotkanthi-manasa = Who is very eager to go to Nandisvara for serving Krsna,
30. Sva-dehadvaitata drsta dhanistha dhyeya-darsana = Who is regarded as non-different from her by Dhanistha and seen in her meditations, (Dhanistha is Yasoda's maidservant).
31. Gopendra-mahisi paka-sala-vedi prakasika = Who is seen in Mother Yadosa's kitchen.
32. Ayur-varddha-karaddhana = Whose cooked grains increase Krsna's life,
33. Rohini ghrata-mastaka = Whose head is smelt by Rohini.
34. Subala nyasta sarupya = Who has bestowed a form equal to Hers to Subala,
35. Subala priti-tosita = Who is very fond of Subala,
36. Mukhara-drk sudha-naptri = Who is nectar in Mukhara's eyes,
37. Jatila drsti-bhasita = Who is afraid to see Her mother-in-law, Jatila.
38. Madhumangala narmokti janita-smita-candrika = Who smiles like the Moonbeams after hearing Madhumangala's jokes.
39. Paurnamasi bahih khelat prana-panjara sarika = The she-parrot of Whose heart is caught in Paurnamasi's cage.
40. Sva ganadvaita jivatuh sviyahankara-vardhini = Who is the only life of Her friends,
41. Sva ganopendra padabja = Who increases the pride of Her relatives.
42. Sparsa-lambhana harsini = Who is very happy to touch Upendra's feet with Her friends.
43. Sviya vrndavanodyana paliki krta-vrndaka = Who has placed Vrnda in charge of Vrndavana's gardens,
44. Jnata vrndatavi sarva lata-taru-mrga-dvija = Who is known by all the Vines, trees, deer and birds of Vrndavana.
45. Isac candana samghrsta nava-kasmira-deha-bhah = Whose body shines with fresh vermillion ground with some sandalpaste.
46. Jjva-puspa pritha-hari patta cinarunambara = Whose silken dress shines more reddish than the java flower.
47. Caranabja-tala-jyotir arunakrta-bhutala = Whose lotus footsoles make the surface of the earth shine crimson-red,
48. Hari citta camatkari caru nupura nihsvana = Who astonishes Hari's mind with the sweet sound of Her anklebells.
49. Krsna-sranti-hara sroni pitha-valgita ghantika = The nice sounds of whose waistbells remove Krsna's fatigue,
50. Krsna sarvasva pinodyat kucancan mani-malika = The pearl necklace on whose firm, raised breasts is everything to Krsna.
51. Nana-ratnollasad sankha-cuda caru bhuja-dvaya = Whose two beautiful arms are adorned with conchshell bangles inset with various jewels.
52. Syamantaka-mani bhrajan mani-bandhati-bandhura = On Whose wrist the beautiful Syamantaka jewel shines.
53. Suvarna darpana-jyotir ullanghi mukha-mandala = The shining of Whose face defeats that of a golden mirror,
54. Pakka dadima bijabha dantakrstaghabhic chuka = Whose teeth, that shine like ripe pomegranate seeds, attract the parrot-like Aghabhit (Krsna).
55. Abja-ragadi srstabja-kalika karna-bhusana = Whose ruby earrings are shaped like lotus buds,
56. Saubhagya kajjalankakta netranandita khanjana = Whose wagtail-like eyes are anointed with beautiful eyeliner, giving great joy to the eyes.
57. Suvrtta mauktika mukta nasika tilapuspika = Whose nose, that is beautiful as a sesame flower, is adorned with a round pearl,
58. Sucaru nava-kasturi tilakancita-bhalaka = Whose forehead is adorned with beautiful tilak made of fresh musk.
59.ddivya veni vinirdhuta keki-pincha-vara-stutih = Whose divine hairbraid is worshiped by peacock feathers (being defeated in beauty),
60. Netranta-sara vidhvamsakrta canurajid dhrtih = The arrows of Whose glances destroy the patience of Krsna, Who defeated the Canura wrestler.
61. Sphurat kaisora-tarunya sandhi-bandhura-vigraha = Who is blooming teenage beauty personified.
62. Madhavollasakonmatta = Who pleases Madhava.
63. Pikoru madhura-svara = Who maddens Madhava with Her sweet, cuckoo-like voice.
64. Pranayuta-sata prestha madhavotkirti-lampata = Who is more attached to Madhava's great glories than to millions of lives,
65. Krsnapanga-tarangodyat smita-piyusa-budbuda = Whose nectarean smiles provide bubbles on the waves of Krsna's glances.
66. Punjibhuta jagallajja vaidagdhi-digdha-vigraha = Who is the very form of cleverness, embarrassing the whole world.
67. Karuna vidravad deha murtiman = Whose body melts in kindness,
68. Madhuri-ghata = Who is abundant sweetness personified.
69. Jagad-gunavati-varga giyamana gunoccaya = Whose glories are loudly sung by all the great ladies of the world.
70. Sacyadi subhaga-vrnda vandyamanoru-saubhaga = Who is incessantly praised by beautiful ladies like Saci.
71. Vina-vadana sangita rasalasya visarada = Who is expert in singing and playing vina in the rasa dance.
72. Narada pramukhodgita jagad anandi sad-yasah = Whose pure glories are sung by sages headed by Narada, giving joy to the world.
73. Govardhana-guha geha grhini = She is the housewife in the caves in Govardhana.
74. Kunja-mandana = She decorates the kunja,
75. Candamsu-nandini baddha bhagini-bhava-vibhrama = She has a sisterly relationship with Yamuna, (Yamuna is the daughter of the sun and Radha is the daughter of Vrsabhanu, the sun in Taurus).
76. Divya kundalata narma sakhya-dama-vibhusita = She is adorned with the wreath of divine Kundalata's friendship.
77. Govardhanadharahladi srngara-rasa-pandita = She is the professor in amorous rapture, giving joy to the holder of Govardhana.
78. Girindra-dhara vaksah = She is Laksmi on the chest of the holder of Govardhan,
79. Srih sankhacudari-jivanam = She is the life of the enemy of Sankhacuda,
80. Gokulendra-suta-prema kama-bhupendra-pattanam = She is the settlement of Cupid for the love of the son of Gokulendra.
81. Vrsa-vidhvamsa narmokti sva-nirmita sarovara = Who made Her own pond after the killer of Arista mocked Her.
82. Nija kunda-jala-krida jita sankarsananuja = Who defeats Sankarsana's younger brother in sports in Her own pond.
83. Mura-mardana mattebha vihara-mrta-dirghika = She is the ambrosial pond of enjoyment for the intoxicated elephant who defeated Mura,
84. Girindra-dhara-parindra rati-yuddhoru simhika = She is a powerful lioness fighting amorous sports with the king of lions, the holder of the best of mountains.
85. Sva tanu-saurabhonmatti krta mohana madhava = Who enchants Madhava with Her intoxicating bodily fragrance,
86. Dor-muloccalana krida vyakuli-krta kesava = Who agitates Kesava by playfully showing Her armpit.
87. Nija kunda-tati kunja klrpta keli kalodyama = Who expands Her artful plays in the kunja on the bank of Her own pond,
88. Divya malli-kulollasi sayyakalpita vigraha = Who makes a bed of divine jasmine flowers there with joy.
89. Krsna vama-bhuja nyasta caru daksina gandaka = Who places Her beautiful right cheek on Krsna's left arm,
90. Savya bahu-lata baddha krsna daksina sad-bhuja = Who holds Krsna's right arm with Her left vine-like arm.
91. Krsna daksina caruru slista vamoru-rambhika = Whose beautiful, broad, banana-like left hip touches Krsna's right hip.
92. Girindra-dhara drg-vaksor mardi-sustana-parvata = Whose nice, mountain-like breasts are being massaged by the Holder of Govardhana.
93. Govindadhara piyusa vasitadhara-pallava = Whose leaf-like lips are scented by the nectar of Govinda's lips.
94. Sudha-sancaya carukti sitali-krta madhava = Whose beautiful words distribute nectar, cooling Madhava off.
95. Govindodgirna tambula raga rajyat kapolika = Whose cheeks are colored by the pan from Govinda's lips,
96. Krsna sambhoga saphali-krta manmatha sambhava = Who realizes Krsna's fancies of amorous enjoyments.
97. Govinda marjitoddama rati-prasvinna sanmukha = The profuse perspiration from whose face is wiped off by Govinda.
98. Visakha vijita krida-santi nidralu-vigraha = Who is being fanned by Visakha when She falls asleep after playing with Krsna.
99. Govinda-carana-nyasta kaya-manasa jivana = Who has placed Her life, body and mind at Govinda's lotus feet.
100. Svapranarbuda nirmanchya hari pada-rajah kana = Who worships the dust of Hari's lotus feet with billions of hearts.
101. Anumatracyutadarsa sayyamanatma locana = Who curses Her eyes for every second that they do not see Acyuta.
102. Nitya-nutana govinda vaktra-subhramsu-darsana = Who beholds Govinda's ever-fresh moonlike face.
103. Nihsima hari-madhurya saundaryadyeka-bhogini = Who is the only enjoyer of Hari's endless sweetness and beauty.
104. Sapatnya dhama murali-matra bhagya kataksini = Who can only blink at the fortune of Her co-wife, the Murali flute.
105. Gadha buddhi-bala krida jita vamsi-vikarsini = Who takes Krsna's flute after defeating Him in a gambling match.
106. Narmokti candrikotphulla krsna kamabdi-vardhini = Who increases the ocean of Krsna's desires by the full moonbeams of Her joking words.
107. Vraja-candrendriya-grama visrama-vidhu-salika = Who is the moonlike resting place for all the senses of the moon of Vraja (Sri Krsna),
108. krsna sarvendriyonmadi radhetyaksara-yugmaka = The two syllables of Whose name Ra-dha madden all of Krsna's senses.

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Amalaki iEkadashi

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on March 15, 2011 at 2:28pm

Amalakii EkAdasii
AMALAKI EKADASI

King MAndhAtA once said to Vasishtha Muni, "O great sage, kindly be merciful to me and tell me of a holy fast that will benefit me eternally."
        Vasishtha Muni replied. "O king, kindly listen as I describe the best of all fast days, Amalakii EkAdasi.  He who faithfully observes a fast on this EkAdasii obtains enormous wealth, gets free of the effects of all kinds of sins, and attains liberation.  Fasting on this EkAdasii is more purifying than donating one thousand cows in charity to a pure brAhmana.  So please hear me attentively as I tell you the story of a hunter who, though daily engaged in killing innocent animals for his living, achieved liberation by observing a fast on Amalakii EkAdasii and following the prescribed rules and regulations of worship.

"There was once a kingdom named VaidishA, where all the brAhmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and shudras were equally endowed with Vedic knowledge, great bodily strength, and fine intelligence.  Oh lion among kings, the whole kingdom was full of Vedic sounds, not a single person was atheistic, and no one sinned.  The ruler of this kingdom was King PAshabinduka, a member of the dynasty of Soma, the moon.  He was also known as Chitraratha and was very religious and truthful.  It is said that King Chitraratha had the strength of ten thousand elephants and that he was very wealthy and knew the six branches of Vedic wisdom perfectly.

"During the reign of Maharaja Chitraratha, not a single person in his kingdom attempted to practice another's dharma (duty) so perfectly engaged in their own dharmas were all the brAhmanas, kshatriyas, vaisyas, and sudras.  Neither miser nor pauper was to be seen throughout the land, not was there every drought or flood.  Indeed, the kingdom was free of disease, and everyone enjoyed good health.  The people rendered loving devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vishnu, as did the king, who also rendered special service to Lord Shiva.  Moreover, twice a month everyone fasted on EkAdasii.

"In this way, O best of kings, the citizens of VaidishA lived many long years in great happiness and prosperity.  Giving up all varieties of materialistic religion, they completely dedicated themselves to the loving service of the Supreme Lord, Hari.

"Once, in the month of Phalguna (February - March), the holy fast of Amalakii EkAdasii arrived, conjoined with DvAdasi.  King Chitraratha realised that this particular fast would bestow especially great benefit, and thus he and all the citizens of VaidishA observed this sacred EkAdasii very strictly, carefully following all the rules and regulations.

"After bathing in the river, the king and all his subjects went to the temple of Lord Vishnu, where an Amalakii tree grew.  First the king and his leading sages offered the tree a pot filled with water, as well as a fine canopy, shoes, gold, diamonds, rubies, pearls, sapphires, and aromatic incense.  Then they worshiped Lord ParashurAma with these prayers: 'Oh Lord ParashurAma, Oh son of RenukA, Oh all-pleasing one, Oh liberator of the worlds, kindly come beneath this holy Amalakii tree and accept our humble obeisances.'

Then they prayed to the Amalakii tree: 'Oh Amalakii, Oh offspring of Lord BrahmA, you can destroy all kinds of sinful reactions.  Please accept our respectful obeisances and these bumble gifts.  O Amalakii, you are actually the form of Brahman, and you were once worshiped by Lord RAmachandra Himself.  Whoever circumambulates you is therefore immediately freed of all his sins.'

"After offering these excellent prayers, King Chitraratha and his subjects remained awake throughout the night, praying and worshiping according to the regulations governing a sacred EkAdasii fast.  It was during this auspicious time of fasting and prayer that a very irreligious man approached the assembly, a man who maintained himself and his family by killing animals.  Burdened with both fatigue and sin, the hunter saw the king and the citizens of VaidishA observing Amalakii EkAdasii by performing an all-night vigil, fasting, and worshiping Lord Vishnu in the beautiful forest setting, which was brilliantly illuminated by many lamps.  The hunter hid nearby, wondering what this extraordinary sight before him was.
        'What is going on here?' he thought.  What he saw in that lovely forest beneath the holy Amalakii tree was the Deity of Lord DAmodara being worshiped upon the Asana of a waterpot, and what he heard were devotees singing sacred songs describing Lord Shri Krishna's transcendental forms and pastimes.  Despite himself, that staunchly irreligious killer of innocent birds and animals spent the entire night in great amazement as he watched the EkAdasii celebration and listened to the glorification of the Lord.

"Soon after sunrise, the king and his royal retinue - including the court sages and all the citizens - completed their observance of EkAdasii and returned to the city of VaidishA.  The hunter then returned to his hut and happily ate his meal.  In due time the hunter died, but the merit he had gained by fasting on Amalakii Ekadasii and hearing the glorification of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, as well as by being forced to stay awake all night, made him eligible to be reborn as a great king endowed with may chariots, elephants, horses, and soldiers.  His name was VasUratha, the son of King VidUratha, and he ruled over the kingdom of Jayanti.

"King VasUratha was strong and fearless, as effulgent as the Sun, and as handsome as the Moon.  In strength he was like Shri Vishnu, and in forgiveness like the Earth itself.  Very charitable and ever truthful, King VasUratha always rendered loving devotional service to the Supreme Lord, Shri Vishnu.  He therefore became very well versed in Vedic knowledge.  Always active in the affairs of state, he enjoyed taking excellent care of his subjects, as though they were his own children.  He disliked pride in anyone and would smash it when he saw it.  He performed many kinds of sacrifices, and he always made certain that the needy in his kingdom received enough charity.

"One day, while hunting in the jungle, King VasUratha strayed from the footpath and lost his way.  Wandering for some time and eventually growing weary, he paused beneath a tree and, using his arms as a pillow, fell asleep.  As he slept, some barbarian tribesmen came upon him and, remembering their longstanding enmity toward the king, began discussing among themselves various ways to kill him.  'It is because he killed our fathers, mothers, brothers-in-law, grandsons, nephews, and uncles that we are forced to aimlessly wander like so many madmen in the forest.'  So saying, they prepared to kill King VasUratha with various weapons, including spears, swords, arrows, and mystic ropes.

"But none of these deadly weapons could even touch the sleeping king, and soon the uncivilised, dog-eating tribesmen grew frightened.  Their fear sapped their strength, and before long they lost what little intelligence they had and became almost unconscious with bewilderment and weakness.  Suddenly a beautiful woman appeared from the king's body, startling the aborigines.  Decorated with many ornaments, emitting a wonderful fragrance, wearing an excellent garland around her neck, her eyebrows drawn in a mood of fierce anger, and her fiery red eyes ablaze, she looked like death personified.  With her blazing chakra discus she quickly killed all the tribal hunters, who had tried to slay the sleeping king.

"Just then the king awoke, and seeing all the dead tribesmen lying around him, he was astonished.  He wondered, 'These are all great enemies of mine!  Who has slain them so violently?  Who is my great benefactor?'

"At that very moment he heard a voice from the sky: 'You ask who helped you.  Well, who is that person who alone can help anyone is distress?  He is none other than Sri Keshava, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, He who saves all who take shelter of Him without any selfish motive.'

"Upon hearing these words, King VasUratha became over-whelmed with love for the Personality of Godhead Shri Keshava (Krishna).  He returned to his capital city and ruled there like a second lord Indra (king of the heavenly regions), without any obstacles at all.

"Therefore, Oh King Mandhata," the venerable Vasishtha Muni concluded, "...anyone who observes this holy Amalakii EkAdasii will undoubtedly attain the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu, so great is the religious merit earned from the observance of this most sacred fast day."

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Aaj Biraj holi re rasiya

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on March 14, 2011 at 1:07pm

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

घर घर से बिरज बनिता आई.Ghar ghar se Biraj banita aayi.
घर घर से बिरज बनिता आई.Ghar ghar se Biraj banita aayi.

कोई श्यामल,कोई गोरी रे रसिया.Koi shyamal,koi gori re rasiya.
कोई श्यामल,कोई गोरी रे रसिया.Koi shyamal,koi gori re rasiya.

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

आये कुमार कन्हाई लाला.Aaye kumar Kanhai Lala.
आये कुमार कन्हाई लाला.Aaye kumar Kanhai Lala.

आई राधा गोरी रे रसिया.Aayi Radha gori re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein,holi re rasiya.

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

कोई लाये चोबा,कोई लाये चन्दन.Koi laye choba,koi laye chandan.
कोई लाये चोबा,कोई लाये चन्दन.Koi laye choba,koi laye chandan.

कोई मलय मुख,रोरी रे रसिया.Koi malay mukh,rori re rasiya.
कोई मलय मुख,रोरी रे रसिया.Koi malay mukh,rori re rasiya.

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

उरत गुलाल,लाल वाये बादरा.Urat gulal,lal vaye badra.
उरत गुलाल,लाल वाये बादरा.Urat gulal,lal vaye badra.

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

चन्द्र सखी,भाज्बल कृष्ण छवि. Chandra sakhi,bhajbal Krishana chhavi.
चन्द्र सखी,भाज्बल कृष्ण छवि. Chandra sakhi,bhajbal Krishana chhavi.

चिर्जीबी यह है जोड़ी रे रसिया.Chirjibi yeh hai jodi re rasiya.
चिर्जीबी यह है जोड़ी रे रसिया.Chirjibi yeh hai jodi re rasiya.

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.
आज बिरज में होली रे रसिया.Aaj Biraj mein holi re rasiya.

 

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Shaligram Worship

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on October 4, 2010 at 2:00pm


To perform puja of the Shaligram which you have selected to install in your altar of worship, you will need the following 'samagri' or ingredients:

Ganga Jal, Panchgavya (a mixture of 5 auspicious articles that include: Cowdung, Cow's urine, Milk, Ghee and Curd), fresh Tulsi leaves, Kusha grass, Pipal leaves, Incense sticks, Camphor, Sandal paste, Lamp burner, and a conch shell. You may substitute any item that is not available with uncooked rice.

Offerings to the Shaligram can be of Milk, Fruits, Flowers, Sweet dishes or a Coconut.

Procedure To Be Followed For The Puja
1. Sit in a position in which you can face the East or North-East direction.
2. Wash the Shaligram with Ganga Jal poured from the conch shell. Then wash it again with punchgavya, and then wash it once more with Ganga Jal.
3. Place some kusha grass in a stainless steel glass filled with water to sprinkle over the Shaligram.
4. Now, put the Shaligram on some pipal leaves placed on a plate. Light the camphor, incense sticks and the lamp filled with ghee.
5. Apply some sandal paste on the Shaligram and place some fresh tulsi leaves in front of the Shila.
6. Light the lamp and move it in a circular, clockwise movement of the hand in front of the Shaligram.
7. Chant the mantra: "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare" nine times.
8. Offer milk, fruits or sweets to the Shaligram. Offer some money and then give that money to a poor person.
Note: If you are worshiping more than one Shaligram, make sure they are in even numbers. This means you should have either two, four or six Shaligrams. Place a tulsi mala around them or offer fresh tulsi leaves every where. It is important to remember that even the water that has touched the Shaligram becomes 'amrit' (holy water), while you are bathing it, has tremendous properties. If you drink this water, it can help bring relief from various physical ailments and poor health so you can lead a more healthy life.

Mantras Of Shaligrams
"Salagrama silarupi yatra tisthati kesavah
Navadhante’suras tatra bhuta vetalak ayah
Salagram sila yatra tat tirtham tat tapovanam
Yatah sanniihit as tatra bhagavan madhusudanah"
Acording to the Bramha Naradiya Purana, if Lord Keshava is placed in the form of a Shaligram shila at any place, then neither demons, ghosts, nor evil spirits can create any obstacles nor harm that person or place. Wherever the Shaligram shila is installed for worship, that place turns into a pilgrimage spot for the performance of austerities. Because then the supreme personality of Godhead, Madhusudana (Killer of the Madhu demon) resides there personally.
Kamaih krodhaih pralobhais ca vyapto yo’tra naradhamah
Sopi yati harer lokam salagrama silarcanat
The Padama Purana says that even people who are the lowest rungs of humanity, who are ruled by anger, lust and greed – even such people if they worship the Shaligram shila can be elevated to the abode of Lord Vishnu.
Striyo va yadi va sudra brahmanah ksatriyadayah
Pujayitva sila cakra labhante sasvatam padam
The Skanda Purana says that everyone – brahmans, sudras, kshatriyas and even women can worship the Shaligram shila. Everyone can hope to reside in the eternal abode of Lord Krishna.

We are now offering our services to bring you Shaligrams, which are otherwise very hard to obtain, so that you may also have the opportunity and good fortune to worship them in your home. Over the years, we have gained specialized knowledge from the ancient scriptures about Shaligrams and have the experience to identify the various types of these 'Stones of Vishnu'.

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The birth of Krishna is in itself a transcendental phenomenon that generates awe among the Hindus and overwhelms one and all with its supra mundane happenings. Mother Earth, unable to bear the burden

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on August 23, 2010 at 5:01pm
The birth of Krishna is in itself a transcendental phenomenon that generates awe among the Hindus and overwhelms one and all with its supra mundane happenings.Mother Earth, unable to bear the burden of sins committed by evil kings and rulers, appealed to Brahma, the Creator for help. Brahma prayed to the Supreme Lord Vishnu, who assured him that he would soon be born on earth to annihilate tyrannical forces.One such evil force was Kamsa, the ruler of Mathura (in northern India) and his people were utterly terrified of him. On the day Kamsa's sister Devaki was married off to Vasudeva, an akashvani or voice from the sky was heard prophesying that Devaki's 8th son would be the destroyer of Kamsa. The frightened Kamsa immediately unsheathed his sword to kill his sister but Vasudeva intervened and implored Kamsa to spare his bride, and promised to hand over every new born child to him. Kamsa relented but imprisoned both Devaki and her husband Vasudeva.When Devaki gave birth to her first child, Kamsa came to the prison cell and slaughtered the newborn. In this way, he killed the first six sons of Devaki. Even before her 8th child was born, Devaki and Vasudeva started lamenting its fate and theirs. Then suddenly Lord Vishnu appeared before them and said he himself was coming to rescue them and the people of Mathura. He asked Vasudeva to carry him to the house of his friend, the cowherd chief Nanda in Gokula right after his birth, where Nanda's wife Yashoda had given birth to a daughter.He was to exchange his boy and bring Yashoda's baby daughter back to the prison. Vishnu assured them that "nothing shall bar your path".At midnight on ashtami, the divine baby was born in Kamsa's prison. Remembering the divine instructions, Vasudeva clasped the child to his bosom and started for Gokula, but found that his legs were in chains. He jerked his legs and was unfettered! The massive iron-barred doors unlocked and opened up.While crossing river Yamuna, Vasudeva held his baby high over his head. The rain fell in torrents and the river was in spate. But the water made way for Vasudeva and miraculously a five-mouthed snake followed him from behind and provided shelter over the baby.When Vasudeva reached Gokula, he found the door of Nanda's house open. He exchanged the babies and hurried back to the prison of Kamsa with the baby girl. Early in the morning, all the people at Gokula rejoiced the birth of Nanda's beautiful male child. Vasudeva came back to Mathura and as he entered, the doors of the prison closed themselves.When Kamsa came to know about the birth, he rushed inside the prison and tried to kill the baby. But this time it skipped from his hand and reaching the sky. She was transformed into the goddess Yogamaya, who told Kamsa: "O foolish! What will you get by killing me? Your nemesis is already born somewhere else."In his youth Krishna killed Kamsa along with all his cruel associates, liberated his parents from prison, and reinstated Ugrasen as the King of Mathura.
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Radha hi bawari

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on July 24, 2010 at 5:43pm
रंगात रंग तो शामरंग पाहण्या नजर भिरभिरते,ऎकून तान, विसरून भान ही वाट कुणाची बघते,त्या सप्त्सुरांच्या लाटेवरूनी साद ऎकूनी होई,राधा ही बावरी हरीची राधा ही बावरी ॥ धॄ॥हिरव्या (२) झाडांची, पिवळी पाने झुलताना,चिंब (२) देहावरूनी, श्रावणधारा झरताना,हा दरवळणारा गंध मातीचा मनास बिलगून जाई,हा उनाड वारा गूज प्रितीचे कानी सांगून जाई,त्या सप्त्सुरांच्या लाटेवरूनी साद ऎकूनी होई,राधा ही बावरी हरीची राधा ही बावरी ॥ १॥आज इथे या तरूतळी, सूर वेणूचे खुणावती,तुज सामोरे जाताना उगा पाऊले घुटमळती,हे स्वप्न असे की सत्य म्हणावे राधा हरखून जाई,हा चंद्र चांदणे ढगाआडूनी प्रेम तयांचे पाही,त्या सप्त्सुरांच्या लाटेवरूनी साद ऎकूनी होई,राधा ही बावरी हरीची राधा ही बावरी ॥ २॥
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Gopi Geet

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on July 23, 2010 at 3:55pm
Jayati te dhikam janmanaa vrajahshrayata Indira shashvadatra hi |Dayita drishyataam dikshu taavaka-stvayi dhritaasava-stvaam vichinvatey || 1 ||O Dearest Lord, by your incarnation the land of Vraja (Vrindaban) hasSurpassed all the other places, that’s why the goddess of beauty andModesty has left “vaikuntha” and has made it her permanent abode here.But, O beloved Graciously take notice of us Gopis who are dedicated inYour lotus feet and are wandering in all directions looking for you.Sharadudaashaye sadhujaat-satsarasijodara shrimrisha drisha |Suratnath te shulk daasikavarad nighnato neha kim vadhah || 2 ||O master of our hearts, we are your priceless servants. O beloved, fulfillerof all our desires, Is it not slaughter on your part to strike us with the raysof your divine eyes which are more beautiful than the petals of a beautifullotus in the clear autumn lake and which have already wounded us? Is itonly weapons that can wound?Visha Jalapyayaad vyaal-raakshasaadvarsha maarutaad-vaidyutaanalaat |Vrishamayaatma jaad-Vishvatobhayaatrishabha te vayam rakshita muhuh || 3 ||O Mighty One! from the destruction through the Poisonous water of Yamuna[by the demon Agha in the guise of a Kalia snake], from deluging rain andraging storms, From lightning and from demons Vrishabh and Vyom, time andagain, you have protected us from various types of fears.Na khalu gopika-nandano bha-vaan akhil-dehinaam antaraatma drik |Vikhan saarthito vishwa-guptayesakha udeyivaan satvataam kuley || 4 ||You are not just the son of Yashoda. but you are inherent witness in allembodied beings. O eternal companion! In response to the prayer of Brahma,[the creator of the Worlds], you have reincarnated among the yadu’s toprotect the world.Virachitaa bhayam vrishni dhurya techaran miyushaam samsriteir bhayaat |Kara-saroruham kaant kaamadamshirasi dhehi nah shri kara-graham || 5 ||O the fulfiller of all desires! whoever takes refuge in your lotus feet from thetorments of samsara [materialistic world], they become fearless by yourprotection. O our beloved, the bestower of all boons, do lay your handson our head – the hand affectionately held by the hand of Lakshmi Ji.Vraja-Janaartihan veer yoshitaamnija-jan smaya-dhvans na-smita |Bhaj sakhey bhavat-kinkarih sma nojala-ruhaananam chaaru darshaya || 6 ||O Destroyer of the miseries of the inhabitants of Vraja! Your mere smile isenough to quell the pride of your love ones. O our beloved companion,graciously accept us, your servants. We are fully surrendered at your lotusfeet. Show your most beautiful dark-complexioned face to us, helpless women.Pranat-dehinaam paap-karshanamtrina charaa nugam shri niketanam |Phani-phanaarpitam te padaambujamkrinu kucheshu nah krindhi hrichchayam || 7 ||Your lotus-feet destroy the sins of those who submit to you – the lotus feetthat pursue the foot steps of grazing cows, and which are coveted by thegoddess Sri, which gracefully danced on the hood of Kaliya,. O Lord, pleaseput your lotus feet on our chest(heart) to soothe our burning desire and ridus of the sorrows lurking in our hearts.Madhurayaa gira valgu-vakyayaabudha-manognaya pushkare kshana |Vidhikaririmaa vira muhyatiradhara-sidhuna pyaayaya svanah || 8 ||O Lotus-eyed One! Your speech is so sweet. Every single word, every littlesound, every single letter is very charming. Even the most wise and learnedget engrossed in it and sacrifice everything for it. After tasting the nectar ofthe sound of your voice, your faithful Gopis are falling in love. Now you cangive us the gift of life by giving us the divine nectar from your lips.Tava Kathaamritam tapta jeevanamkavi bhiriditam kalma shaap-ham |Shrawan-mangalam shrimadaa tatambhuvi grinanti te bhurida janaah || 9 ||Prabhu [God], the stories of your divine acts [Lila Katha] are an embodimentof nectar which brings life and hope to the people suffering from the pain ofseparation. The wise Mahatmas, the devoted poets have all sung its praises.By mere listening to them removes all sins and sufferings and bestows thesupreme bliss and welfare as well. The reciters of Katha are the large-heartedbenefactors and give the utmost to this universe.Prahasitam priya prem vikshanamviharanam cha te dhyaan Mangalam |rahasi samvido ya hridi sprishahkuhak no manah kshobh-yanti hi || 10 ||My Dear lord, there was a time when we became engrossed in bliss just bythinking about your loving looks, smiles and graceful actions. Even thinkingabout them is supremely blissful. Later we met you. When we were alone,you played with our hearts and we talked with love. My friend, now thesememories are making our minds are very agitated and lonely.Chalasi yad-vrajaa-chaarayan pashoonnalin sunderam nath te padam |Shil trinaankuraih sidatiti nahKali lataam manah kaant gachchati || 11 ||Our dear swami, your feet are more tender and beautiful than the Lotus.When you take the cows for grazing, our hearts become restless at thethought of your feet being hurt by the sharp stones and thorns.It becomes very painful for us.Din Parikshaye neel kuntaleirvan-ruhaananam bibhradaa-vritam |Dhanraja-svalam darshayan muhurmanasi nah smaram vir yachch-si || 12 ||In the evening when you return from the forest, then we see yourbeautiful lotus face covered with dark curly locks and covered with dust.Our beloved, by again and again showing us your beauty,the desire for your love starts in our hearts.Pranat-Kaamadam padma jaarchitamdharani mandanam dhyey-maapadi |Charan pankajam shantmam cha teraman nah staney-shvarp-yaadhihan || 13 ||Our Dearest one, you are the only one who is destroyer of all sorrowsin the world. Your Lotus feet fulfill the desire of all and even worshipedand coveted by mother Laxmi . They are the jewels of this universe.In times of difficulty, it’s appropriate to meditate on them, by whichall sufferings are removed. Hey, the resident of Kunj (Kunj Bihari),Please put your pious feet on our chest(heart) to bless and givepeace to confer supreme beatitude and peace to us.Surat-vardhanam shoka naashnamsvarit venuna sushthhu chumbitam |Etar-raag-vi smaaranam nrinamvitar veer naste-dharaa-mritam || 14 ||O our hero, Fill us with your soul filling notes which drop like ambrosia from theflute kissed by your lips and the pitch, which heightens our spiritual ecstasy,dispel our sorrows and make us oblivious to every other allurement. Yourenchanting sweet music is divinely intoxicating.Atatee yadh bhavan hanhi kaananamtrutir-yugaayate tvaam-pashyataam |Kutil-kuntalam shri-mukham cha teJada udikshtaam pakshm krid drishaam || 15 ||O our beloved, during the day when you have gone to the forest, everymoment without seeing you passes like a yug (age). When you returnin the evening and we see your most beautiful face framed with curlylocks, at that moment we don’t want to drop our eyelids. At that time itseems that creator of eyelids is cruel.Pati-sutaanvaya-bhratri-baandhawaanati vilanghya te-antya chyutaagataah |Gati vidastavod geet mohitahkitav yoshitah kastya jennishi || 16 ||O Beloved, we have come to you after disobeying and disowning ourhusband, son, brother, relatives and our family. We are aware ofyour every move and have come here after being captured by yourdivine music. O innocent Rouge, who else will abandon a group ofdefenceless women in the darkness of night.Rahasi samvidam hrichch-yodayam,prahisitaa nanam prem vikshanam |Briha durah shriyo vikshya dhaam temuhurati spriha muhyate manah || 17 ||Our Beloved, you aroused our desire to meet with you privately by teasing us.You smiled at us lovingly, and we observed your large chest(heart) , Lakshmiji’s permanent abode. Since then our desire is constantly rising and our heartis falling more and more in love.Vraj vanaukasaam vyaktiranga te,vrijin hantryalam vishwa mangalam |Tyaj manaak cha na-stva-sprihaat manaamsvajan-hren-dru-jaam yanni shoodanam || 18 ||Our Beloved, this manifestation of yours is for the removal of sorrowsof residents of Vraja and for the well being of the entire world. Our heartis filled with an ardent desire towards you. Do grant us a small quantityof some type of remedy (medicine) that will put an end to the ache ofthat pain in our heart.Yatte sujaat-charnaam-buruham staneshubhitah shaney priya dadhi mahi karkshesu |tenaat-we matsi tad vyathate na kinsvitkoorpardi-bhir-bhramati dhirbh vadaa yushaam nah||19||As your feet are more tender than a lotus, we use utmost caution whileputting them on our chest(heart). With same tender feet you wander inthe deep dark forest bare feet. The mere thought of you treading withthose tender feet on the thorny, stony paths in the forest give us painand we loose our wits. O Lord, our lives are Only for you. We areonly living for you. We are only yours!!
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RADHIKA ASHTKAM

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on July 9, 2010 at 6:03pm
Shri RadhikastakamEight Prayers Glorifying Sri Radhikaby Shrila Raghunatha dasa GosvamiText 1rasa-valita-mrgaksi-mauli-manikya-laksmihpramudita-muravairi-prema-vapi-maralivraja-vara-vrsabhanoh punya-girvana-vallisnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who is a splendid ruby in the crown of all nectarean doe-eyed girls, a swan swimming in the lake of love for jubilant Lord Krsna, and a celestial vine sprouted from Vraja's exalted King Vrsabhanu, bathe me in Her service?Text 2sphurad-aruna-dukula-dyotitodyan-nitamba-sthalam abhi vara-kanci-lasyam ullasayanti kuca-kalasa-vilasa-sphita-mukta-sara-srihsnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who makes the sash of bells dance on Her hips splendid with red silk, and whose necklace of large pearls plays on the waterpots of Her breasts, bathe me in Her service?Text 3sarasija-vara-garbhakharva-kantih samudyat-tarunima-ghanasaraslista-kaishora-sidhuhdara-vikasita-hasya-syandi-bimbadharagrasnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who is as splendid as a great lotus whorl, who is new nectar mixed with the camphor of youth, and whose bimba fruit lips blossom with a gentle smile, bathe me in Her service?Text 4ati-catulataram tam kananantar milantamvraja-nrpati-kumaram viksya sanka-kulaksi madhura-mridu-vacobhih samstuta netra-bhangyasnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who, accidentally meeting restless Krsna in the outskirts of the forest, stared at Him with suspicious eyes as he cast amorous glances at Her and flattered Her with many sweet and gentle words, bathe me in Her service?Text 5vraja-kula-mahilanam prana-bhutakhilanampasupa-pati-grhinyah krsna-vat-prema-patram su-lalita-lalitantah-sneha-phullantaratmasnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who the girls of Vraja love as much as their own lives, who the gopa queen Yasoda loves as much as Lord Krsna, and who makes the heart of charming lalita blossom with love, bathe me in Her service?Text 6niravadhi sa-visakha sakhi-yutha-prasunaihsrajam iha racayanti vaijayantim vanante agha-vijaya-varorah-preyasi sreyasi sasnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who in the company of Visakha at the forest's edge strings a Vaijayanti garland from the flowers of many trees, and who is the beautiful beloved resting on Lord Krsna's handsome chest, bathe me in Her service?Text 7prakatita-nija-vasam snigdha-venu-pranadairdruta-gati-harim arat prapya kunje smitaksi sravana-kuhara-kandum tanvati namra-vaktrasnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who smelling the fragrance of Lord Krsna and hearing the sweet sounds of His flute, ran to Him in the forest grove and, scratching Her ears, approached Him with smiling eyes and lowered face, bathe me in Her service?Text 8amala-kamala-raji-sparsa-vata-prasitenija-sarasi nidaghe sayam ullasiniyam parijana-gana-yukta kridayanti bakarimsnapayatu nija-dasye radhika mam kada nuWhen will Sri Radhika, who on a summer evening happily plays with Lord Krsna by Her own lake cooled by breezes touching the many splendid lotuses, bathe me in Her service?Text 9pathati vimala-ceta mista-radhastakam yahparihrita-nikhilasa-santatih katarah san pasupa-pati-kumarah kamam amoditas tamnija-jana-gana-madhye radhikayas tanotiPleased with any person who, abandoning all hope of material happiness, and overwhelmed (with love), reads this sweet Sri Radhastaka with a pure heart, the prince of Vraja (Krsna) of His own accord places him among Sri Radha's personal associates.Sri Radhikastakamby Srila Krsnadas Kaviraja Gosvami"May that Srimati Radhika--whose bodily complexion snatches away the pride of a golden lotus flower tinged with kunkuma, whose bodily fragrance reproaches the fame of a fragrant lotus sprinkled with saffron powder, and who fulfills all the desires of the prince of Vraja, Sri Krishna--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."May that Srimati Radhika--whose dazzling, colorful silk sari defeats the splendour of coral, who is a garden of all varieties of blooming flowers which attract the maddened bumblebee Sri Krishna who comes to play amongst Her flowers, and who worships the sun-god in order to meet with Krishna eternally--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."May that Srimati Radhika--whose softness defeats the fame of delicate budding flowers, whose body's coolness is worshipable for the moon, sandalwood-paste, the lotus, and camphor, and whose touch dispels the heat of Gopijanavallabha, Sri Krishna's amorous desires--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."Although Lakshmi-devi is honored by all the worshipable damsels of the universe, the opulence of her great beauty and ever-fresh youthfulness is overshadowed by that of Srimati Radhika. Nor can Lakshmi-devi surpass Her by her natural loving and playful disposition. May that Srimati Radhika always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."May that Srimati Radhika--who is expert in all the celestial arts of the rasa-lila, like dancing, singing and joking; who is adorned with supernatural prema, enchanting beauty, wonderful dresses and ornaments, and all divine virtues; and who is the topmost youthful maiden of Vraja--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."May that Srimati Radhika--who by Her ever-fresh beauty, ever-fresh playfulness, and ever-fresh wealth of affection causes all the young maidens of Vraja, who are abound in love to Sri Krishna, to tremble in anxiety; and who is immersed in samadhi (meditation) upon Sri Krishna's beauty, attire, and playful pastimes--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."May that Srimati Radhika--who in divine ecstasy manifests perspiration, hairs standing on end, trembling tears, and a choked voice; who is adorned with indignation, joy, and contrariness; and who wears splendid jewel-studded ornaments which delight Sri Krishna's eyes--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."May that Srimati Radhika--who upon being separated from Sri Krishna for even half a moment becomes distressed by the ever-arising feelings of Her own lowliness and great restlessness, and who upon meeting Krishna through the intense efforts of one of Their messengers is relieved of all Her mental anguish--always bestow upon me the service of Her lotus feet."Srimati Radhika, whose darshana (audience) is rarely attained even by Parvati-devi and other goddesses, who gives great pleasure to Her sakhis (confidential servants), who Herself becomes elated upon meeting with Sri Krishna, and who is Krishna's dearest lover, very quickly makes that person who prays to Her singing this astaka a recipient for the nectar of Her service. This astaka is recited in the poetic meter known as 'Tunaka'."Radha-Stutiradha raseshvari ramyarama cha paramatmanahrasodbhava krishna-kantakrishna-vaksha-sthala-sthita"Beautiful Shrimate Radharani is the queen and the origin of the rasa dance. She is the giver of pleasure to Krishna, who is the Supersoul in the hearts of all. She is the lover of Krishna and is always situated upon the chest of the Lord."krishna-pranadhidevi chamaha-vishnoh prasur apisarvadya vishnu-maya chasatya nitya sanatani"She is the presiding Deity of Krishna's very life, and She is the first of all persons, the energy of Lord Vishnu, the embodiment of truthfulness--eternal and ever-youthful."brahma-svarupa paramanirlipta nirguna paravrinda vrindavane tvam chaviraja-tata-vasini"Her form is spiritual, therefore She is transcendental and beyond mundane qualities. She is divine energy and is unattached. O Radha, in Vrindavana You are the leader of the gopis, and You reside on the banks of the Viraja River."goloka-vasini gopigopisha gopa-matrikasananda paramanandananda-nandana-kamini"She is a resident of Goloka Vrindavana and is a cowherd damsel. She is the queen of the gopis and the divine mother of the cowherd boys. She is joyful and always experiencing the highest bliss, and She incites lusty desires in the heart of the son of Nanda (Lord Krishna)."vrishabhanu-suta shantakanta purnatama tathakamya kalavati-kanyatirtha-putra sati shubha"Radha is the daughter of Maharaja Vrishabhanu. She is very peaceful and lovely. She is completely contented and fulfilled, very pleasing and is the daughter of Kalavati. She is the purifier of the tirthas (holy places) and She is most auspicious and chaste to Lord Krishna."samsara-sagare ghorebhitam mam sharanagatamsarvebhyo 'pi vinirmuktamkuru radhe surshvari"O Radha, I have fallen into the horrible ocean of birth and death and am frightened, but I am seeking Your shelter. O queen of the demigods, please free me from all fears."tvat-pada-padma-yugalepada-padmalayarcitedehi mahyam param bhaktimkrishnena parisevite"O Radhika, please give me transcendental devotional service to Your lotus feet, which are worshiped by Lord Brahma and Lakshmi, and which are served even by Lord Krishna."tapta-kanchana-gaurangiradhe vrindavaneshvarivrishabhanu-sute devipranamami hari-priye"O Shrimati Radharani, I offer my respects to You whose bodily complexion is like molten gold. O Goddess, You are the queen of Vrindavana. You are the daughter of King Vrishabhanu, and are very dear to Lord Krishna."mahabhava-svarupa tvamkrishna-priya-variyasiprema-bhakti-prade deviradhike tvam namamy aham"O Shrimate Radharani, You are the exalted form of mahabhava, therefore You are the most dear to Krishna. O Goddess, You alone are able to bestow pure love for the Supreme Lord; therefore I offer my humble obeisances unto You."
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Pandharpur Yatra

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on July 6, 2010 at 2:33pm
Pandharpur Yatra, also known as Pandhapur Palki Yatra or Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadasi Waari Yatra, is the most famous pilgrimage to Lord Vithoba Temple located in Pandharpur, Solapur district of Maharashtra. Pandharpur Ashadi Ekadasi Yatra begins 21 days before Ashadi Ekadasi (Ekadasi in Ashadh month) and culminates on Ashadi Ekadashi day. In 2010, the date of culmination of Pandharpur Yatra is July 21.Pandharpur Yatra, world famous pilgrimage to Pandharpur Vithoba temple, starts from Dehu in Pune district and continues till Pune city, Alandi and the 21-day Palki yatra ends on the previous day of Ashadhi Ekadasi at Pandharpur Vithoba Temple. In 2010, Sant Tukaram Palki yatra begins on 3rd July 2010 and on 5th July 2010 Gnaneswar Mouli Palki Yatra begins. After procession of 17 days, both these Palki Yatra will culminate in Pandharpur temple on 20th July 2010, the previous day of Ashadhi Ekadasi.
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yogini ekadasi

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on July 6, 2010 at 2:30pm
Yogini Ekadashi Vrat katha is mentioned in the Brahma Vivarta Purana. Yogini Ekadasi, observed on Krishna Paksh of Ashad month in North Indian Hindi calendars, is the most important Ekadashi vrat to get rid of diseases and ailments.

Significance and importance of Yogini Ekadasi Vrata was narrated by Lord Sri Krishna to Yudhistira (Dharmaraj). Krishna told the story of Hemamali, a Yaksha who was working at Kubera, the King of Alakapuri. Hemamali was very much attracted towards his gorgeous wife, Swarupavati and neglected his daily duties that he was allocated to do for his master Kuber.

Hemamali’s daily work was to bring flowers from Manasarovar Lake. His master identified his carelessness towards his duties and asked one of his servants to go to his house and enquire. The servant went to Hemamali’s house and came to Kuber and informed that the reason of his negligence in his duties is his gorgeous wife. Kubera called Hemamali and cursed him to suffer from white leprosy and to separate from his wife. Thus Hemamali suffered from the terrible disease and separated from his wife.

When he met Sage Markandeya (Markandeya Maharshi), he suggested him to observe Yogini Ekadasi Vrata. Hemamali observed the fast on Ashadha Krishna Ekadasi and got rid of the dangerous infection and became a handsome Yaksha. He lived his rest of life happily with his wife.
A fast on today is whispered to assist in cleaning away the sins committed along with main a religious life.
Yogini Ekadasi Food - What might be eaten on Yogini Ekadashi?
Yogini Ekadasi, or Yogini Ekadashi, is a vital Upvaas (quick) dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Thousands and thousands of Hindu devotees observe Ekadasi, which is considered highly favorable by Lord Vishnu devotees or sadhak. The traditional approach is usually to refrainfrom meals utterly on the day. But nowadays a whole fast is just not possible for many people. This kind of people devour certain meals items on the Yogini Ekadasi day and observe solely a fractional fast.
It's supposed that sprite Mura found a dwelling place within the rice and Lord Vishnu appeared in the type of Yogini Ekadasi to annihilate Mura. Due to this fact devotees who quick on the Ekadashi day keep away from meals made out of grains. Many devotees resulting from several causes - like well being and job commitments - observe fractional quick on the day. These kinds of people avoid non-vegetarian and food items made out of beans, pulses and grains, especially rice. Probably the most most well-liked Yogini Ekadasi fasting meals in western parts of India is Sabudana Khichadi with potatoes or batata and ground nut - however no onion and garlic.
The meals that may be consumed on the Ekadasi day consists of recent and dried fruits, milk merchandise, greens and nuts.
As the checklist of Yogini Ekadasi meals expands there shall be new points cropping up like - Are you certain this can be consumed on Yogini Ekadasi?
Therefore the golden rule is keep away from pulses and grains on Yogini Ekadasi.
Drink a lot of water and eat recent and dried fruits.
In Hinduism faith, Upvaas is supposed to carry a person close to Brahman. So overlook in regards to the guidelines and rules and what you will acquire from the Yogini Ekadashi fast. Use up the day body.
This Yogini Ekadashi day you perform Lakshmi Puja, Kuber Puja, Kanakdhara Puja, Lakshmi-Narayana Puja. Perform on this day Puja If you facing wealth, business and finance related problems.
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Giri Govardhan

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on July 1, 2010 at 4:41pm
The term "Govardhana' has two meanings. The word "Go' means cows, and "vardhana' means nourishment. In the other meaning "Go' stands for senses and "vardhana' means to increase the diversion of the senses towards Sri Krishna. Both these jobs are done by Sri Giriraja. He kindly blesses the devotee by increasing his devotion. Thus by residing in the foothills of Sri Giriraja, all the senses and their respective duties of a soul attain divinity and are inclined to serve the Lotus Feet of KrishnaSri Giri Govardhan ki jaya, Giriraj Maharaj ki jayaSri Sri Krishna Balaram ki jayaIn the western coast of India, in the island of Salmali, lived Dronachala, the king of the mountains. Once a sage by the name of Pulastya Muni, came to him to take his son Giriraja with him to Kashi (Varanasi). After offering some initial resistance, Giriraja, somehow agreed to go with him only on condition that he should not put him down on the earth in between. If he does so, he would stay there forever.When they were flying over the Vraja bhumi, Giriraja increased his weight to the extent that Pulastya had no option but to put him down. Pulastya understood the mischief of Giriraja. He became furious and cursed him that he would decrease by a grain everyday. But then repenting on the curse he gave to Giriraja, he assured him that he would be blessed in the Dvapara Yuga and everybody would start worshipping him since then.This happened in the Satya yuga. Brahmaji wished to create the Dvapara Yuga but because of the portentous phenomenon of Ravana, he had to create the Treta Yuga. In this yuga, Hanumanaji on the instructions of Lord Rama, came to take Giriraja for the cause of constructing a pull on the ocean.Giriraja at once agreed to go for the service of Lord Rama. But before they reached, the pull was ready and there was no need of additional stones. Giriraja was very dissappointed on not having the darshana of Lord Rama.On knowing the sorrow of Giriraja, Lord Rama sent a message saying that, "...by the end of the Dvapara Yuga, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna will Himself appear and play on you and will also worship you. In the kaliyuga, the devotees shall attain numerous divine supernatural powers by worshipping you.''In Sarasvata Kalpa, i.e. the end of the Dvapara Yuga, Bhagavan Sri Krishna stopped the worship of Indra and started the Govardhana Puja by doing Himself. It was a wonderful sight. Being worshipped by Sri Krishna, Giriraja himself became like Sri Krishna. It was like He (Sri Krishna) worshipping Himself. Since then all the six seasons resided permanently on Giriraja.Besides this, the eight gates of the Asta Sakha's from where they entered the nitya lila, are also on the Govardhan hill. The Asta Sakha's, who reside on the Govardhan hill are in differrent places, each of which were passionately attached to their respsctive Deities of those places.About Govardhan Puja In brief: The day after Deepawali is celebrated as Govadhan Puja when Mount Govardhan, near Mathura, is worshipped. Pious people keep awake the whole night and cook fifty-six (or 108) different types of food for the bhog (the offering of food) to Krishna. This ceremony is called ankut which means a mountain of food. Various types of food – cereals, pulses, fruit, vegetables, chutneys, pickles, and salads – are offered to the Deity and then distributed as prasada to devoteesI had an opportunity to read a beautiful devotional bookabout 'Vishnu Shatpadi Stotra'- the Prayer glorifying Lord Krishna,composed by Jagadguru Adi Shankara, explained in a speech bySri Akhandaananda Saraswati of Vrindavan, India.In the fourth verse, starting as 'uddhRta naga...'the lifter of Mount Govardhana is glorified.The story of Govardhana hill revealed in that book is very interesting.Govardhana hill was a peak of the mountain range originally belongedto Mount SuMeru. In Treta yuga, when Lord Ramachandra was building thebridge across the ocean to fight a war with Ravana, Hanuman ji wasbringing the Sumeru mountain to be used in the construction.As he reached Vraja (Vrindavan) he learned that construction of thebridge was completed and there was no need for the Sumeru.So Hanumanji felt dropping down the Sumeru right at Vraja but themounain lamented for being separated from its original family andloved ones. So even this separation and pain was in vain. Sumeru couldnot be used in the great cause and felt devoid of divine service toLord Rama in spite of Hanuman ji's effort by carrying it so far. Nowits destiny seemed bad since it was left some where far away from itsown family and the Lord.Then Hanumanji was concerned about the fate of this Sumeru andasked Lord Rama for advice.The Lord had told Hanumanji that after the pastimes of Rama'sIncarnation in Treta yuga, He would return as Lord Krishna and sporton the same mountain in the Land of Vraja.If the Lord had used the mountain in building the bridge across theocean, He could simply tread upon it and its divine service, Seva,would thus be of limited importance.On the other hand, in Dwapara yuga, He as Lord Krishna would come backto play on the mountain itself day and night, He would engage in Hisconfidential pastimes in its caves and groves along with Hisplaymates. He and His cattle would be bathing in its streams andnourished by its trees with their produce.It would become very famous as a central stage for His cowherd-role-play.In course of time He would also lift up by hand the whole mountainover His own head as an umbrella to protect the inhabitants of Vrajasaving them from the torrential rain storm sent by Indra, the king ofheaven.Not only He would simply be treading upon the mountain as if it werejust a bridge but also it would be given a great honor as themajestic crown held upon the Lord's head!Reduced: 88% of original size [ 580 x 471 ] - Click to view full imageThe peak of Mount Sumeru became happy and satisfied, remained therein Vraja for a long time awaiting the Lord's return. Later on it isknown as Govardhana hill.Jaya Sri Radhe!Jai giri Govardhana maharaj!!
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lord GAURANGA

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on June 25, 2010 at 1:06pm
Birth and ParentagePundit Jagannath Misra, alias Purandar Misra, a pious Brahmin of the Vaidik sub-caste, had migrated from Sylhet and settled at Nadia or Nabadwip, a city of learned men in the Nabadwip district of West Bengal, situated on the river Ganges, seventy-five miles north of Calcutta. Jagannath Misra's wife was Sachi Devi, daughter of the scholar Nilamber Chakravarti. She also was a pious lady. A son was born to Jagannath Misra and Sachi on the night of the full moon, on 4th February, 1486 A.D., at Nabadwip.The newborn child was named Viswambar. He was the tenth child of Jagannath Misra and Sachi Devi. The first eight--all daughters--died soon after their birth. The ninth was Viswarup, a son. He abandoned the world at sixteen when he was being forced to marry and entered a monastery in South India. The women, thinking that Sachi had lost many children, gave the tenth child, Viswambar, the bitter name of Nimai (derived from the name of the Neem tree) as a protection against all evil influences. The neighbours called him Gaur or Gaur-Hari or Gauranga (fair-complexioned) on account of his marvellous beauty. Gaur means fair and Anga means body; and they called him Gaur-Hari, because he was so fond of the name 'Hari' that nothing could soothe him, when he cried during childhood, save Hari's name.Boyhood and StudiesGouranga studied logic at the school of Vasudev Sarvabhauma, a reputed professor of Nyaya. The extraordinary intellect of Gauranga attracted the attention of Raghunath, author of the famous book on logic called Didheeti. Raghunath thought within himself that he was the most intelligent youth in the world. He thought that he was more intelligent than his teacher Sarvabhauma. Raghunath's one great ambition was that he should be the foremost man of learning in the whole world. But, when he found that Gauranga, though much younger than himself, was more intelligent and learned, he began to lose hope. His heart was filled with fear. Gauranga was at that time writing a commentary on Nyaya. This made Raghunath more nervous. Raghunath wanted to see the commentary of Gauranga. But he doubted whether Gauranga would consent to show it to him. Anyhow Raghunath requested Gauranga to show him his commentary on Nyaya. Gauranga readily consented to read it to Raghunath. When they were crossing the river by boat, Gauranga read out his commentary to Raghunath. Raghunath found that Gauranga's commentary was a masterly original exposition. Raghunath's hopes of occupying the first place in the world as professor of Nyaya were blasted. He wept bitterly. Gauranga asked, "Brother Raghunath, what is the matter with you? Why do you weep? I shall console you". Raghunath spoke out the truth: "Brother Gauranga, I have a strong ambition that I should attain the first place in the whole world as a professor of Nyaya. With this hope I have written a book on Nyaya thinking that it will beat out all the existing books. But my hope is entirely gone now, because your book really excels my book. It is concise, clear and original. It is indeed a scholarly production. This is the reason why I wept".Gauranga also burst into tears. He said to Raghunath: "Is that all? Then do not weep, my dear brother. Nyaya is after all a dry philosophy. I will not be benefited much". He threw the manuscript into the river. From that moment he gave up the study of Nyaya. Look at the magnanimous heart of Gauranga! Gauranga's Nyaya was lost to the world. Didheeti of Raghunath became the first authority on Nyaya.Gauranga mastered all branches of Sanskrit learning such as grammar, logic, literature, rhetoric, philosophy and theology. He developed marvellous talents. He was a genius. He himself started a Tol or place of learning. He was then sixteen years old and he was the youngest professor to be in charge of a Tol.Gauranga was kind and compassionate. He was pure and gentle. He was sweet and loving. He was humane and sympathetic. He was a friend of the poor. He lived with them, served them and cheered them. He was very simple in his life.Death of Gauranga's FatherWhile Gauranga was still a student, his father died. Gauranga then married Lakshmi, the daughter of Vallabhacharya. He excelled all the Pundits and defeated even a reputed scholar of another province. He made a tour of the eastern region of Bengal and received many valuable gifts from pious and generous-hearted householders. On his return he heard that his wife had died of snake-bite during his absence. He then married Vishnupriya. He entertained pupils and taught them. He became proud of his vast erudition.A Turning Point in Gauranga's LifeIn 1509, Gauranga went on a pilgrimage to Gaya with his companions. Here he met Isvar Puri, a Sannyasin of the order of Madhvacharya, and took him as his Guru. A marvellous change of life now came over Gauranga. He became a devotee of Lord Krishna. His pride of learning entirely vanished. He shouted, "Krishna, Krishna! Hari Bol, Hari Bol!". He laughed, wept, jumped, danced in ecstasy, fell on the ground and rolled in the dust. When he was in an ecstatic mood, he never ate or drank.Gauranga proceeded to witness the footprints of Lord Krishna in the Gadadhar temple. He stood before the footprints motionless as a statue. He became absorbed in meditation. Tears gushed out of his eyes in continuous stream. His cloth was drenched with tears. He was about to fall down. Isvar Puri rushed forward and supported him. Gradually Gauranga came back to consciousness. He spoke to Isvar Puri: "Oh venerable Guru, have mercy on me. Extricate me from the quagmire of Samsara. Initiate me into the mysteries of Radha's love for Krishna. Let me develop pure Prem for Lord Krishna. Let me drink the nectar of Krishna-prema-rasa".Isvar Puri then gave Gauranga the ten-lettered Mantra of Lord Krishna. Purva Raga (love springing from a previous cause) dawned in the heart of Gauranga. He always remained in a meditative mood. He forgot to take his food. Tears trickled down his eyes. He swooned sometimes. He muttered again and again, "Lord Krishna, my Father! Where art Thou? I cannot live without Thee. Thou art my sole refuge, my solace. Thou art my real father, mother, friend, relative and Guru. Reveal Thy form to me always". Sometimes Gauranga would gaze with vacant eyes. Sometimes he would sit in the position of meditation. He tried to conceal his silent tears from his companions. Sometimes he was unconscious of his surroundings. Gauranga wanted to go to Brindavan, but his companions forcibly took him back to Nabadwip.NitaiNitai alias Nityananda was a Brahmin by birth. He took to the ascetic life at the age of twelve. He wandered about in quest of Krishna. He resided at Brindavan for sometime, but could not find out his Krishna. Gauranga took Nityananda to his own house and introduced him to his mother: "Mother, here is another son of yours. He is my elder brother. The lost Viswarup has come back to you now. Take him as your Viswarup". Sachi said to Nitai: "Child, come. Take care of your younger brother. Protect him. He is careless and thoughtless. Now I need not be anxious about him. Sit down, my child. Take your food and be happy".Nityananda conducted Sankirtan in various places. Nabadwip resounded with Hari Nama. Nitai spent whole nights in singing the praises of Radha and Krishna. Religious processions were frequently arranged in which the devotees, headed by Gauranga and Nityananda, went dancing and singing through the streets or gathered in the courtyards of houses.Gauranga was an embodiment of love. He lived, moved and had his being in love. His speech was full of love. He radiated love to all. His touch was a magnetism of love. He sang in love. He breathed in love. He walked in love. He showed by practice how God should be loved. He taught little by precept, but more by example. If he simply uttered one word, "You will be blessed with Bhakti", it was quite sufficient to throw a man into Samadhi and fill his heart with Prem (love). Such was Gauranga's power.When Gauranga passed along the streets and roads, his powerful Prem current influenced and overpowered thousands. They uttered irresistibly "Hari Bol! Hari Bol!" and danced in ecstasy.Gauranga Becomes a SannyasinThe learned and the orthodox began to hate and oppose Gauranga. But Gauranga stood adamant. He converted only a few persons. He resolved to become a Sannyasin for their salvation. He thought within himself: "As I must get salvation for all these proud scholars and orthodox householders, I must become a Sannyasin. They will undoubtedly bow to me when they see me as a Sannyasin, and thus they will be purified, and their hearts will be filled with devotion. There is no other way of securing emancipation for them".So, at the age of twenty-four, Gauranga got himself initiated by Swami Keshava Bharati under the name of 'Krishna Chaitanya', usually shortened into 'Chaitanya'. His mother, the tender-hearted Sachi, was heartbroken. But Chaitanya consoled her in every possible way and carried out her wishes. He bore deep love and reverence for his mother till the end of his life.Chaitanya was extremely dispassionate. He abandoned all sorts of sensual pleasures as poison. He was very strict in observing the rules of Sannyasa. He declined to grant an interview to Raja Pratap Rudra of Orissa, because it is a great sin for a Sannyasin to see a king. It is as sinful as looking at a woman. If a Sannyasin sees a Raja or a king, gradually he will be attached to the Raja. As the mind has the habit of imitating, the Sannyasin also will begin to lead a life of luxury and have a downfall eventually. That is the reason why a Sannyasin is prohibited from seeing a Raja. Gauranga never saw a woman in the face. He did not allow any woman to approach him. He slept on the ground with bare body.Gauranga was a great Vaishnavite preacher. He disseminated the doctrines and principles of Vaishnavism far and wide. Nityananda, Sanatan, Rupa, Swarup Damodar, Advaitacharya, Sribas, Haridas, Murari, Gadadhar and others helped Chaitanya in his mission.Conversion of Jagai and MadhaiJagai and Madhai of Nabadwip were the most abandoned of sinners and the worst of criminals ever known to history. They were brothers. They were the Kotwals of Nabadwip. They plundered the rich, outraged the modesty of women and committed murders on the slightest provocation. There was no heinous crime on earth which those brothers had not committed. Though Brahmins by caste, they were inveterate drunkards.Chaitanya and Nitai undertook the serious task of reclaiming the two brothers. Chaitanya proposed to his devotees that they should go to the tent of Jagai and Madhai, doing Kirtan all the way, and then give Hari Nam to them.Chaitanya and his devotees appeared in the streets and started the Sankirtan. Nitai was at the head of the party. He led the party to the camp of Jagai and Madhai. He then came face to face with the two brothers. Nitai said, "Pray, dear brothers, take Krishna's name and serve Krishna, for He is the Supreme Lord". This exhortation inflamed Madhai, the stronger of the two. Madhai pelted Nitai with the broken neck of an earthen jar and inflicted a gaping wound in his forehead. Blood gushed from the wound. Nitai pressed the wound with both hands to stop the gush. Madhai picked another piece of the same jar and wanted to throw it on the head of Nitai. Jagai caught hold of Madhai's arms and remonstrated with him: "Hold Madhai. You are very cruel. What is the merit of killing a Sannyasin? It will do you no good".News was conveyed to Gauranga, who was behind in the Kirtan party, that Jagai and Madhai were killing Nitai. Gauranga immediately ran to the spot where Nitai stood wounded. He took his own cloth and wrapped it round the forehead of Nitai to stop the bleeding. He then embraced Jagai for the good he had rendered to Nitai by checking Madhai from attacking Nitai again. Jagai fell down in a state of trance. Madhai was in a state of despair. He lost all power of speech. He prostrated at the feet of Gauranga: "O Lord, I am a great sinner. Have mercy on me". Gauranga asked Madhai to go to Nitai and seek his pardon. Madhai apologized to Nitai. Nitai pardoned Madhai and embraced him. Madhai also, like his brother, fell down in a state of trance.Afterwards those brothers became holy saints, and as beloved of the world as they were hated and dreaded in their earlier days for their brutality. They atoned for their past misdeeds by going over on their knees in utter humility before everybody who went to the river for bathing and by doing for them all sorts of menial services. They prepared, spade in hand, a bathing Ghat which is still known by the name of "Madhai's Ghat" at Nabadwip.Talks to WashermanGauranga with his companions came to a washerman who was beating the clothes upon a piece of plank. He asked the washerman to say 'Hari Bol!'. The washerman thought that the mendicants had come to beg alms from him. He said to Gauranga, "Oh mendicant, I am very poor. I have nothing to give you. Gauranga said, "I do not want anything from you. Say 'Hari Bol!' at least once". The washerman refused. He thought he would be required to pay something to the mendicant. He said, "I am very poor. I cannot give up beating the cloth in order to utter the Name you have given to me". Gauranga said, "I shall do the beating of the cloth. Please say, 'Hari Bol!'". The washerman said, 'Hari Bol!'. Then Gauranga asked him to repeat the same twice. The washerman repeated twice. Then the fire of devotion started. The washerman repeated the name unasked. He began to dance in ecstasy raising both his hands high.The wife of the washerman brought some food to the washerman. She saw her husband dancing with uplifted hands uttering: "Hari Bol! Hari Bol!". She also noticed that her husband had no consciousness of his surroundings. She tried to rouse him by calling him loudly but in vain. She was frightened. She ran to the village and said to the relatives and neighbours, "A ghost has taken possession of my husband. Please help me. Drive away the ghost from him". They all proceeded immediately to see the washerman. He was still dancing in ecstasy. They were afraid to go near him. At last a bold man caught hold of the washerman and tried to stop his dancing. He too caught the contagion and began to dance with the washerman uttering, "Hari Bol! Hari Bol!". He embraced the onlookers. They too caught the contagion and danced in ecstasy. The people of the whole village were affected. Gauranga enjoyed the scene for some time and left the place.PilgrimagesChaitanya, along with his friend Nityananda, proceeded towards Orissa. He preached Vaishnavism wherever he went and held Sankirtan. He attracted thousands of people wherever he went. He stayed for some time at Puri and then proceeded to the South. Gauranga visited the Tirupathi hills, Kancheepuram and the famous Srirangam on the banks of the Cauvery. From Srirangam he proceeded to Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. He visited also Udipi, Pandharpur and Nasik. He visited Brindavan. He bathed in the Yamuna and in several sacred pools and visited the various shrines for worship. He prayed and danced in ecstasy to his heart's content. He also visited Nabadwip, his birthplace. At last Gauranga returned to Puri and settled there. He spent his remaining days at Puri only. Disciples and admirers from Bengal, Brindavan and various other places came to Puri to pay their respects to Gauranga. Gauranga held Kirtan and religious discourses daily.Miracle at PuriAt Puri a miracle happened. During the car festival, the car of Jagannath did not move. All the pilgrims tried their combined strength. It proved futile. The gigantic elephants of the Raja of Puri also failed to move the car. All were in a stage of suspense and dilemma. Gauranga came just then. He pushed the car by his head and the car moved at once. All the pilgrims and devotees rent the air with the sound 'Hari Bol!'.Conversion of SarvabhaumaSarvabhauma Bhattacharya was a great Vedantic scholar. Once Chaitanya went in an ecstatic mood to the temple of Jagannath. He rushed to embrace the image, but fell down on the ground in a deep swoon. The guard was about to beat Gauranga. The learned scholar Sarvabhauma Bhattacharya, the minister of King Pratap Rudra of Orissa, removed Chaitanya to his house. His students carried Gauranga on their shoulders and put him down on a clean spot in the house. The devotees uttered loudly the name of 'Hari' in the ears of Gauranga. Gauranga came back to consciousness.Sarvabhauma thought that Gauranga was a young man without any control of passion and knowledge of Vedanta. He did not like Kirtan and Nritya (dancing). He desired to re-initiate Gauranga. Gauranga humbly listened to Sarvabhauma for many days. Sarvabhauma expounded the following verse in nine different ways. Chaitanya showed his skill in Sanskrit and expounded the same verse in sixty-one different ways. Sarvabhauma was struck with wonder. The verse runs:"Atmaramascha Munayo Nigranthapi Urukrame,Kurvanty Ahaitukim Bhaktim Ithambhuta Guno Hari""Hari's qualities are so charming that the Atmarama Yogis--though they are Nigranthas (i.e., outside the influence of illusion or Shastraic injunctions)--become contemplative and are attracted by the same into adoring the Urukrama Hari with selfless love and devotion." Sarvabhauma had neither devotion nor realisation. He was only a dry learned Pundit. Gauranga was a great scholar and yet he was humble. He would never indulge in such talks as were calculated to wound the feelings of others. He would never feel a sense of elation if he got victory in his debates. Gauranga eventually converted Sarvabhauma to his faith and criticised his arguments one by one. Gauranga embraced Sarvabhauma. Sarvabhauma fainted in an ecstasy of divine joy. He then rose and danced. He prostrated at the feet of Gauranga and said, "Oh venerable Master! Logic had made my heart as hard as iron. I had no devotion. Thou hast melted me. Salutations unto thee, O powerful Lord!".Lord Gauranga converted all the leaders of Advaita and the heads of the Vaishnavas who came under his fold. Prakasananda, the Advaitacharya of Varanasi, was also converted. The ministers of the King of Gour were subjugated. Kazi, the Governor, was conquered. The King of Orissa became Gauranga's ardent and devoted disciple. He recognised Gauranga as an Avatara of Lord Krishna.Healing a LeperVasudeva was a humble, pious and good-natured Brahmin. He suffered from leprosy--a loathsome disease. He was forced to live apart from his friends and relatives on account of the abominable stench emitted by his body. He used to pick up the maggots that dropped from his sores and put them back in their place. Vasudeva had extreme compassion and equal vision. He believed that all living creatures had an equal right to live and that he had no right to deprive them (the worms) of their natural food. What a magnanimous soul with a wonderful soft heart!Vasudeva lived in the vicinity of the temple of Kurma at Jagannath. At night he heard of Chaitanya's arrival in the temple of Kurma. Next morning he proceeded to the temple to see him. He learnt that the Master had left the place half an hour earlier. On hearing this he fell down in a faint from disappointment and sorrow, exclaiming as he fell, "O Lord Krishna, hast Thou forsaken me?".Chaitanya, who was then passing along the road, heard the cry of Vasudeva and ran towards the temple. He lifted the leper in his arms and embraced him, and lo! the leprosy disappeared and the body became sound and beautiful. Vasudeva said, "Oh Lord! Thou hast embraced me! All people fled from me due to the stench of my body. I came here to pay my respects to Thee and see Thy lotus feet. Certainly I did not come here with any idea of being healed. The loathsome malady taught me to be humble and compassionate and to remember the Lord at all times. But a healthy body will again generate pride and vanity and I will forget the Lord".Chaitanya consoled him and said, "O Vasudeva! My child! You have the grace of Lord Krishna. You will never again be puffed up with vanity and pride. Lord Krishna has already accepted you on account of your extreme humility and compassion towards all living creatures and even to those worms which fed on your body. Repeat Lord Krishna's Name and save men by making them also repeat Krishna's Name".Kirtan at the Residence of SreebasPundit Sreebas was a sincere devotee of Gauranga. The first Kirtan party was formed in the courtyard of Sreebas's house. It was there that the Kirtan was usually held. Chaitanya Bhagavata was written by Sreebas's grandson in his house.There was a grand Kirtan in the house of Sreebas one night. Gauranga and the Bhaktas were dancing in great joy. Now a maid-servant entered the courtyard and made a sign to Sreebas to follow her. Sreebas left the Kirtan and went inside the house. Sreebas's only son was seriously ailing from cholera. Sreebas saw now that his son was in a dying condition. His wife was weeping. Sreebas told her, "Do not weep. This will disturb the joy of our Lord. It is a great fortune that our son is dying when Hari's Kirtan is being done in the house". In a few minutes the soul of the boy left the body. Sreebas joined in the Kirtan and danced in joy. He was not a bit affected. The matter could not be kept secret for a long time. Anyhow it reached the ears of a Kirtanist. He stopped the Kirtan. Another heard the news. He also stopped the Kirtan and wanted to see the condition of Sreebas. Gradually the Kirtanists stopped one by one. Gauranga also stopped the Kirtan and said: "How is it that I do not experience much joy today? Has anything serious happened today?". He looked at Sreebas with a pained heart.Sreebas replied, "Can I have any danger when the Lord is doing Kirtan in my house?". Another devotee said, "It is true, my Lord, a great calamity has occurred. Pundit Sreebas's son is dead". Chaitanya said, "His son dead! When?". The devotee replied, "He died some six or seven hours ago". Chaitanya burst into tears. He said, "Sreebas, bring the child before me". The body of the child was brought before Gauranga in the courtyard. Gauranga addressed the dead child and commanded him to speak. The boy spoke: "I am leaving this body for a better existence. O Lord, may my soul cling to Thy lotus feet!". The soul again left the body of the child. Gauranga then said to Sreebas and his wife Malinee: "I and Nityananda will take the place of your departed child. Be not troubled. Be not anxious". What a large and sympathetic heart Gauranga had!Six-Handed DivinityThe followers of Chaitanya regard Chaitanya as a six-handed Divinity. It is said that he showed his form with six hands to Sarvabhauma, Ramananda Ray and Nitai, the first two hands provided with bow and arrow, the second two with a flute in the act of playing upon it and the last two with Danda and Kamandalu (staff and pot). By this manifestation Chaitanya made Nitai understand that he was Rama as well as Krishna.Jumping Into the SeaWhen Gauranga was in a fit of devotional ecstasy, he jumped into the blue sea at Puri. He imagined that the blue sea was the Yamuna. He wanted to join in the frolics of the Gopis of Brindavan. As his body was in an emaciated condition, owing to constant fasts and vigils, it floated on the water and fell into the net of a fisherman. It was night. The fisherman was extremely glad as he felt that the net was very heavy. He thought that he had caught a big Brobdingnagian fish. He dragged the net to the shore with difficulty. He found in the net a human corpse instead of a big fish. He was disappointed. The corpse made a faint sound. The fisherman took it for a ghost or hobgoblin. He was greatly frightened. He slowly walked along the shore with trembling feet. Swaroopa and Ramananda, who were searching for their master from sunset, met the fisherman. Swaroopa asked him if he had seen Gauranga Deva anywhere. The fisherman narrated his story. Then Swaroopa and Ramananda hurried to the place where the net was lying. They removed their Master from the net and placed him on the ground. They sang the name of Hari loudly. Gauranga came back to consciousness.His Last WordsLord Gauranga said, "Listen Swaroopa and Ramananda Raj! The chanting of Krishna's Name is the chief means of attaining Krishna's feet in the Kali Yuga. Sankirtan of the Name is the supreme healer in the Iron Age. Sankirtan tantamounts to Vedic sacrifice. Sankirtan destroys sins and purifies the heart and creates Bhakti. Chant the name while sitting, standing, walking, eating, in bed and everywhere. The Name is omnipotent. You can repeat the Name at any place, at any time."Listen, Swaroopa and Ramananda! I tell you about the mental attitude with which the Name should be recited."Hari's Name should always be chanted by him who must be humbler than a blade of grass (which is trodden upon); who is more patient, forbearing and charitable than a tree (which does not cry out even when it is cut down, and which does not beg for water even when scorched to death, but on the contrary, offers its treasure to whosoever seeks it, bears the sun and rain itself but protects those who take shelter under it from rain and sunshine); who, however worthy of esteem should, instead of claiming respect for himself, give respect to all (from a sense of God's immanency in all beings). He who thus takes Krishna's Name gets Krishna-prem".Lord Gauranga became more humble in spirit and recited the following Sloka:-"Oh Lord, I ask not for wealth or followers, or for poetic genius. May my motiveless devotion to Thee continue in me whenever I take birth."Gauranga passed away on the 14th June, 1533.Chetodarpana Marjanain Bhava Mahadavagni NirvapanamSreyah Kairava Chandrikaa Vitaranam Vidhyavadhoo Jivanam;Anandambudhi Vardhanam Pratipadam Purnamrita SwadanamSarvatmasnapanam Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam."Glorified above all is the chanting of the various names of Krishna which cleanses the mirror of Chitta (sub-conscious), which extinguishes the great forest fire of the succession of births and rebirths, which operates like the moonbeam upon the white lily of spiritual well-being, which is the elixir of life of the bride Vidya, which makes the ocean of bliss swell, which gives the chanter the fullest enjoyment of that divine love at the utterance of each word, and which bathes the mind and the senses in divine bliss."--GaurangaSikshashtakaAlthough Lord Chaitanya was widely renowned as a scholar in his youth, he left only eight verses, called Sikshashtaka. These eight verses clearly reveal his mission and precepts. These supremely valuable prayers are translated herein.Glory to the Sri Krishna Sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This Sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.O my Lord, Your holy name alone can render all benediction to living beings, and thus You have hundreds and millions of names like Krishna and Govinda. In these transcendental names You have invested all Your transcendental energies. There are not even hard and fast rules for chanting these names. O my Lord, out of kindness You enable us to easily approach You by Your holy names, but I am so unfortunate that I have no attraction for them.One should chant the holy name of the Lord in a humble state of mind, thinking oneself lower than the straw in the street; one should be more tolerant than a tree, devoid of all sense of false prestige and should be ready to offer all respect to others. In such a state of mind one can chant the holy name of the Lord constantly.O Almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful women, nor do I want any number of followers. I only want Your causeless devotional service birth after birth.O son of Maharaja Nanda (Krishna), I am Your eternal servitor, yet somehow or other I have fallen into the ocean of birth and death. Please pick me up from this ocean of death and place me as one of the atoms at Your lotus feet.O my Lord, when will my eyes be decorated with tears of love flowing constantly when I chant Your holy name? When will my voice choke up, and when will the hairs of my body stand on end at the recitation of Your name?O Govinda! Feeling Your separation, I am considering a moment to be like twelve years or more. Tears are flowing from my eyes like torrents of rain, and I am feeling all vacant in the world in Your absence.I know no one but Krishna as my Lord, and He shall remain so even if He handles me roughly by His embrace or makes me brokenhearted by not being present before me. He is completely free to do anything and everything, for He is always my worshipful Lord unconditionally.Related Links
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who is srmati radharani?

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on June 23, 2010 at 6:00pm

Who is Srimati Radharani?






Srimati Radharani is the Supreme Goddess. She is most always seen with Lord Krishna. It is described that She is the chief associate and devotee of Lord Krishna, and topmost of all goddesses. Her name means that She is the most excellent worshiper of Lord Krishna. However, She is also an expansion of the Lord's energy. Since She is also an extension of Krishna, She is the feminine aspect of God. Thus, in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, God is both male and female. They are one, but Krishna expands into two, Himself and Radharani, for the sake of divine loving pastimes. If They remained as one, then there is no relationship, there are no pastimes, and there can be no dynamic exchange of love. (Caitanya-caritamrita, Adi-lila, 4.55-56)
In the Brihad-Gautamiya Tantra, Radharani is described as follows: "The transcendental goddess Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lord Sri Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all the attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord."

Radharani has many names according to Her qualities and characteristics. Some of the names that Radharani is known by include:
Govinda-anandini--She who gives pleasure to Govinda [Krishna];
Govinda-mohini--She who mystifies Govinda;
Govinda-sarvasa--the all-in-all of Lord Govinda;
Shiromani Sarva-kanta--the crown jewel of all the Lord's consorts; and...
Krishnamayi--the one who sees Krishna both within and without.

She is also known as Sarva-kanti, which indicates that all beauty and luster rest in Her body, and all the Lakshmis derive their beauty from Her. Sarva-kanti also means that all the desires of Lord Krishna rest in Srimati Radharani. As Lord Krishna enchants the world with His beauty and charm, Sri Radha enchants Him. Therefore She is the Supreme Goddess. Sri Radha is the full power, and Lord Krishna is the possessor of full power. (Cc.Adi-lila, 4.82, 84, 87-96) Thus, the two are non-different, as the sunshine is nondifferent from the sun, or as the energy is non-different from the energetic or source of energy.

Srimati Radharani is the source of the other goddesses. Just as Lord Krishna is the source of all other manifestations and incarnations of God, Radharani is the source of all expansions of the energies of God - the shaktis, or other goddesses. Thus, Vishnu, Rama, even Shiva are all expansions of the one Supreme Being, Krishna, and similarly Lakshmi, Sita, and even Durga are all expansions of this Supreme Feminine form of God, Radharani.
It is explained that the beloved consorts of Lord Krishna are of three kinds, namely the goddesses of fortune or Lakshmis, His queens, and the milkmaids of Vraja called the gopis. All of them proceed from Radharani. The Lakshmis are partial manifestations, or plenary portions, of Srimati Radharani, while the queens in Vaikuntha and in Dvaraka are reflections of Her image. The Vraja-devis or gopis are Her expansions and assist in the increase of rasa, or the divine loving pastimes. Among them there are many groups that have various sentiments and moods, which help Lord Krishna taste the sweetness of the rasa dance and other pastimes. (Cc.Adi-lila. 4. 75-81)

In this way, without Radha there is no meaning to Krishna and without Krishna there is no meaning to Radha. Because of this, in the Vaishnava tradition we always pay respects first to the Lord's internal energy in the form of Radha, and then to the Lord. Thus They are referred to as Radha-Krishna, or in other names as Sita-Rama, Lakshmi-Narayana, and so on. In this way, Radha and Krishna are one, but when Lord Krishna wants to enjoy, He manifests Himself as Radharani. Otherwise, there is no energy in which Krishna can attain pleasure outside Himself.

The descriptions of the beauty of Radharani are wonderfully poetic and descriptive. Actually, the residents of Vrindavana care more for Radharani than they do for Lord Krishna. They know that Krishna can be influenced through Radharani. They know that Radha can bring one to Krishna. She is also the compassionate nature of the Lord, and thus more easily approached than trying to reach Lord Krishna directly. And when we read these descriptions of Radha, it is no wonder why they are devoted to Her. For example, it is explained that Srimati Radharani has unlimited transcendental qualities, of which twenty-five are principal.The Hare Krishna mantra directs one's attention and devotion to Radha as well as Krishna. Radha is also known as Mother Hara, which is the name Hare in the vocative form within the mantra. So in chanting Hare Krishna, we are first approaching the Lord's internal potency and asking Radha to please engage us in the service of Lord Krishna. Concentrating on Krishna through His names is one form of that service. In other words, it is through Radha that one more easily attains Krishna and service to Krishna. This is the advantage of approaching Lord Krishna through Radharani.
To understand Himself through the agency of Radha, the Lord manifests Himself as Lord Chaitanya, who is Lord Krishna but with the super-excellent emotions of Radharani's love toward Lord Krishna. To fully taste His own sweetness, the Lord accepts the position and emotions of a devotee. Appearing 500 years ago in Bengal, India, Lord Chaitanya propagated the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra as the only means to experience Radha's love for Krishna.

These include:
1) She is very sweet.
2) She is always freshly youthful.
3) Her eyes are restless.
4) She smiles brightly.
5) She has beautiful, auspicious lines.
6) She makes Krishna happy with Her bodily aroma.
7) She is very expert in singing.
8) Her speech is charming.
9) She is very expert in joking and speaking pleasantly.
10) She is very humble and meek.
11) She is always full of mercy.
12) She is cunning.
13) She is expert in executing Her duties.
14) She is shy.
15) She is always respectful.
16) She is always calm.
17) She is always grave.
18) She is expert in enjoying life.
19) She is situated in the topmost level of ecstatic love.
20) She is the reservoir of loving affairs in Gokula.
21) She is the most famous of submissive devotees.
22) She is very affectionate to elderly people.
23) She is very submissive to the love of Her friends.
24) She is the chief gopi.
25) She always keeps Krishna under Her control.
In short, She possesses unlimited transcendental qualities, just as Lord Krishna does. (Ujjvala-nilamani, Sri-radha-prakarana 11-15)
In describing Srimati Radharani, it is also said in the Vidagdha-madhava (1.32) by Rupa Gosvami, "The beauty of Srimati Radharani's eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening Vrindavana."

"Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear Srimati Radharani is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?" (Vidagdha-madhava 5.20)

"When Srimati Radharani smiles, waves of joy overtake Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee, moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart." (Vidagdha-madhava 2.51)
The spiritual exchange of divine love between Radha and Krishna is the display of the internal energy of the Lord, and is very confidential and difficult to understand. No materialist can begin to understand this topic of the relationship between Radharani and Lord Krishna. But the more we awaken our dormant love for God, which is natural state of being for a fully awakened soul, then the more we can comprehend and actually enter into such spiritual loving exchanges.

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radha rani

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on June 23, 2010 at 6:00pm

Radha Rani
Radhe Radhe Kahat hee, sab Biyadha mitjay
koti janm kee aapada, shri Radhe kahe se kat jay

Srimati Radharani is the direct counterpart of Lordi Krishna. She is the central figure for all the goddesses of fortune. She possesses all the attractiveness to attract the all-attractive Personality of Godhead. She is the primeval internal potency of the Lord . She is the chief associate and devotee of Lord Krishna, and topmost of all goddesses Srimati Radharani is the Supreme Goddess. She is most always seen with Krishna. She is the most excellent worshiper of Lord Krishna. However, She is also an expansion of the Lord's energy. Since She is also an extension of Krishna, She is the feminine aspect of God

Radharani has many names according to Her qualities and characteristics :

GKrishnamayi
Govinda-mohini
Govinda-sarvasa
Govinda-anandini
Shiromani Sarva-kanta

Radha Rani is also known as Sarva-kanti , which indicates that all beauty and luster rest in Her body, and all the Lakshmis derive their beauty from Her. Sarva-kanti also means that all the desires of Lord Krishna rest in Srimati Radharani. As Lord Krishna enchants the world with His beauty and charm, Sri Radha enchants Him. Therefore She is the Supreme Goddess. Sri Radha is the full power, and Lord Krishna is the possessor of full power. Thus, the two are non-different, as the sunshine is nondifferent from the sun, or as the energy is non-different from the energetic or source of energy.

Radhe tu bad bhagini, Kyon tapsya keen
tenn lok taran tarad ,tere hee Adheen

Without Radha Rani there is no meaning to loard Krishna and without Krishna there is no meaning to Radha Rani. Because of this, in the Vaishnava tradition we always pay respects first to the Lord's internal energy in the form of Radha Rani, and then to the Lord Krishna. Thus They are referred to as Radha-Krishna, or in other names as Sita-Rama, Lakshmi-Narayana, and so on. In this way, Radha and Krishna are one, but when Lord Krishna wants to enjoy, He manifests Himself as Radharani. Otherwise, there is no energy in which Krishna can attain pleasure outside Himself.

Among the gopis of Vrindavana, Srimati Radharani and another gopi are considered chief. However, when we compare the gopis , it appears that Srimati Radharani is most important because Her real feature expresses the highest ecstasy of love. The ecstasy of love experienced by the other gopis cannot be compared to that of Srimati Radharani."

Vrindawan ke vrikh ko, Maram na jane koie
Jaha dal dal or pat pat pe ,Shri Radhe Radhe hoia

It is also described that the potency of love of God is called hladini , the Lord's pleasure potency. Whenever the Lord wants to enjoy pleasure, He exhibits His own spiritual potency known as hladini . And the essence of that love is in the emotion called bhava . The ultimate development of that emotion is mahabhava , or great bhava . Mahabhava is full of the pleasure potency, and it is an exhibition of the highest love for Lord Krishna. Sri Radharani is the embodiment of that transcendental consciousness found in mahabhava . Her mind, senses and body are steeped in that highest sort of love for Krishna. She is as spiritual as the Lord Himself. In fact, being the personification of the hladini-shakti , the pleasure giving energy of the Lord, She is the only source of enjoyment for the Lord. This pleasure potency manifests spiritually as Radharani in a way that attracts even Lord Krishna. He takes no pleasure in anything material. The Lord could never enjoy anything that is less spiritual than Himself.

Therefore Radha and Krishna are identical. Then She expands Herself into different forms, known as Lalita, Visakha, and Her other confidential associates that increase the mood of divine love. However, being the Lord's hladini feature, She is also the ultimate source of all happiness for all the living beings. In other words, everything that gives pleasure and happiness within the spiritual or the material worlds is because of Her and the energy that emanates from Her. That same pleasure potency expands and spreads throughout the spiritual worlds, and then descends into the material creation into the many forms of happiness that is experienced by the conditioned soul, though it may be called by different names and perceived in assorted ways. Since we are all parts and parcels of the Lord, we also have that pleasure potency within us to a minute degree. But we are trying to enjoy it in the material world. Therefore we are like sparks that are dying out because we have left our place which is in the blazing fire of Lord Krishna's association.

In describing Srimati Radharani, it is also said in the Vidagdha-madhava by Rupa Gosvami, "The beauty of Srimati Radharani's eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening Vrindavana."

"Although the effulgence of the moon is brilliant initially at night, in the daytime it fades away. Similarly, although the lotus is beautiful during the daytime, at night it closes. But, O My friend, the face of My most dear Srimati Radharani is always bright and beautiful, both day and night. Therefore, to what can Her face be compared?"

"When Srimati Radharani smiles, waves of joy overtake Her cheeks, and Her arched eyebrows dance like the bow of Cupid. Her glance is so enchanting that it is like a dancing bumblebee, moving unsteadily due to intoxication. That bee has bitten the whorl of My heart."

Some unlimited transcendental qualities, of Radha Rani:

She is shy.
She is cunning.
She is very sweet.
She smiles brightly.
She is always calm.
She is always grave.
She is the chief gopi.
Her eyes are restless
Her speech is charming.
She is expert in enjoying life.
She is very expert in singing.
She is very humble and meek.
She has beautiful, auspicious lines
She is the reservoir of loving affairs in Gokula.
She makes Krishna happy with Her bodily aroma.
She is very submissive to the love of Her friends.
She is the most famous of submissive devotees
She is very expert in joking and speaking pleasantly.
She is situated in the topmost level of ecstatic love.

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Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat Katha

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on June 22, 2010 at 4:07pm
Nirjala Ekadashi Vrat KathaNirjala Ekadashi falls in the month of Jyestha in the Shukla paksha (June), therefore it is also called “Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi” or “Bhimsani Ekadashi” (Bhim sen, the seond Pandav Brother, had observed this difficult fast). Amongst the 24 Ekadashi’s observed throughout the year, the fast (Vrat) observed on Jyeshtha Shukla Ekadashi is considered to be the most beneficial, if one properly observes a fast on this day it is said to give the fruits of 24 Ekadashi observed throughout the year. Complete fast is observed on this day with even water not being taken. People observe strict fast and offer pooja to Lord Vishnu to ensure happiness, prosperity and forgiveness of transgressions and sins. On the preceding day that is on the 10th lunar day, Sandhya (evening prayer) is performed and only one meal is taken.Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhisthira, asked the great sage Shrila Vyasa ji, the grandfather of the Pandavas, if it is possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed all the rules and regulations of the Ekadashi fasts.Bhimasena then spoke as follows, “Oh greatly intelligent and learned grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, fast completely on each Ekadashi and strictly follow all the rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions of that sacred day. Being very religious, they always tell me that I should also fast on that day too. But, Oh learned grandfather, I tell them that I cannot live without eating, because as the son of Vayudeva - Samanaprana, hunger is unbearable to me. I can give widely in charity and worship Lord Keshava properly with all manner of wonderful upacharas (items), but I cannot be asked to fast on Ekadashi. Please tell me how I can obtain the same merits result without fasting.”Hearing these words, the grandsire of Bhima, Srila Vyasa ji said, “If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hell, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadashi’s.”Bhima replied, “Oh great saintly intelligent grandfather, please listen to my plea. Oh greatest of munis, since I cannot live if I eat only once in a day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely? Within my stomach burns a special fire named Vrika, the fire of digestion. Agni the fire-god, descends from Lord Vishnu through BrahmA, from BrahmA to Angirasa, from Angirasa to Brihaspathi, and from Brihaspathi to Samyu, who was Agni” father. He is the gatekeeper in charge of Nairritti, the south-eastern direction. He is one of the eight material elements, and Parikshit MahArAja, he is very expert at examining things. He examined Maharaja Shibi once by turning into a dove (for further information on this incident see Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam commentary to 1:12:20. Purport.)Agni is divided into three categories; Davagni, the fire in wood, JatharAgni, the fire in the digestion in the stomach, and Vadavagni, the fire that creates fog when hot and cold streams mix in for example the ocean. Another name for the fire of digestion is Vrika. It is this powerful fire that resided in Bhima’s stomach.Only when I eat to my full satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become satisfied. Oh great sage, I might possibly be able to fast only once, so I beg that you tell me of an Ekadashi that is worthy of my fasting and that includes all other Ekadashi’s. I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation’s release.”Shri Vyasa ji replied, Oh king, you have heard from me about the various kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedic ceremonies and pujas. In the Kali-yuga, however, no one will be able to observe all these occupational & functional duties properly. I shall therefore tell you how, at practically no expense, one can endure some small austerity and achieve the greatest benefit and resultant happiness. The essence of what is written in the Vedic literatures known as the Puranas is that one should not eat on either the dark or light fortnight Ekadashi’s.” As stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (Mahabhagavat Puran)) the Bhagavat Puran is itself the essence or cream of all Vedanta philosophy (sara-vedanta-saram), and the Srimad Bhagavatam’s unequivocal message is that of full surrender to Lord Sri Krishna and the rendering of loving devotional service to Him. Observing Ekadashi strictly is a great aid in that process, and here Shrila Vyasa ji is simply stressing to Bhima the importance of the Ekadashi vrat. “One who fasts on Ekadashi’s saved from going to the hell”Hearing Shri Vyasa ji’s words, the son of Vayu, Bhimasena, the strongest of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a banyan tree in a strong wind. The frightened Bhimasena then said, “Oh grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable and ill equipped to fast twice in a month throughout the year! Please tell me of the one fasting day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!”Vyasa ji replied, “Without drinking even water, you should fast on the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) when the sun travels in the sign of Taurus (Vrishabh) and Gemini (Mithun), According to learned personalities, on this day one may bathe and perform Achaman for pratiprokshana purification. But while performing Achaman one may drink only that amount of water equal to a drop of gold, or that amount it takes to immerse a single mustard seed. Only this amount of water should be placed in the right palm for sipping, which one should form to resemble a cow’s ear. If one drinks more water than this, he might as well have drunk wine - despite the soaring heat of summer (in the northern hemisphere and cold in the southern hemisphere).“One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his fast. This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on the Ekadashi day to sunrise on the Dwadashi day. If a person endeavors to observe this great fast very strictly, he easily achieves the result of observing all twenty-four other Ekadashi fasts throughout the entire year.“On Dwadashi the devotee should bathe early in the morning. Then, according to the prescribed rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions, and of course depending on his ability, he should give some gold and water to worthy brAhmaNas. Finally, he should cheerfully honor prasadam with a brahmana.“Oh Bhimasena, one who can fast on this special Ekadashi in this manner reaps the benefit of having fasted on every Ekadashi during the year. There is no doubt of this, nor should there be. Oh Bhima, now hear the specific merit one gets by fasting on this Ekadashi. The Supreme Lord Keshava, who holds a conch, discus, club and lotus, personally told me, `Everyone should take shelter of Me and follow My instructions.’ Then He told me that one who fasts on this Ekadashi, without taking even drinking water or eating, becomes free of all sinful reactions, and that one who observes the difficult Nirjala fast on Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi truly reaps the benefit of all other Ekadashi fasts.“Oh Bhimasena, in the Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, when all the principles of the Vedas will have been destroyed or greatly minimized, and when there will be no proper charity or observance of the ancient Vedik principles and ceremonies, how will there be any means of purifying the self? But there is the opportunity to fast on Ekadashi and become free of all one’s past sins.“Oh son of Vayu (air), what more can I say to you? You should not eat during the Ekadashi’s that occur during the dark and light fortnights, and you should even give up drinking water (nir = no jalaa= water) on the particularly auspicious Ekadashi day of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi. Oh Vrikodara (veracious eater), whoever fasts on this Ekadashi receives the merits of bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, giving all kinds of charities to worthy persons, and fasting on all the dark and light Ekadashi’s throughout the year, in one go. Of this there is no doubt.Oh tiger among men, whoever fasts on this Ekadashi truly becomes a great person and achieves all manner of opulence and wealth, grains, strength, and health. And at the fearful moment of death, the terrible Yamadutas, whose complexions are yellow and black and who brandish huge maces and twirl mystic pasha ropes in the air for binding their victims, will refuse to approach him. Rather, such a faithful soul will at once be taken to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu by the Vishnu-dutas, whose transcendentally beautiful forms are clothed in gorgeous yellowish garments and who each hold a disk, club, conch and lotus in their four hands, resembling Lord Vishnu. It is to gain all these benefits that one should certainly fast on this very auspicious and important Ekadashi, even from water.”When the other Pandavas heard about the benefits to be gained by following Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi, they resolved to observe it exactly as their grandfather Srila Vyasa ji had explained it to their brother, Bhimasena. All the PANDavas observed it by refraining from eating or drinking anything, and thus this day is also known as PANDava Nirjala DvAdashii (technically it is a Maha-DvAdashii).Shri Vyasa ji continued, Oh Bhimasen, therefore you should observe this important fast to remove all your past sinful reactions. You should pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna in this way making your sankalp declaration, `Oh Lord of all the devtas (demigods), Oh Supreme Personality of Godhead, today I shall observe Ekadashi without taking any water. Oh unlimited Anantadev, I shall break fast on the next day, DwAdashii.’ Thereafter, to remove all his sins, the devotee should honour this Ekadashi fast with full faith in the Lord and with full control over his senses. Whether his sins are equal in volume to Mount Sumeru or to MandarAchala Hill, if he or she observes this Ekadashi, the sins that have been accumulated all become nullified and are burned to ashes. Such is the great power of this Ekadashi.“Oh best of human beings, although a person should also give water and cows in charity during this Ekadashi, if for some reason or other he cannot, then he should give a qualified brahmana some cloth or a pot filled with water. Indeed, the merit achieved by giving water alone equals that gained by giving gold ten million times a day.“Oh Bhima, Lord Sri Krishna has said that whoever observes this Ekadashi should take a Holy bath, give charity to a worthy person, chant the Lord’s Holy names on a japa-mala, and perform some kind of recommended sacrifice, for by doing these things on this day one receives imperishable benefits. There is no need to perform any other kind of religious duty. Observance of this Ekadashi fast alone promotes one to the supreme abode of Sri Vishnu. Oh best of the Kurus, if one donates gold, cloth, or anything else on this day, the merit one obtains is imperishable.“Remember, whosoever eats any grains on Ekadashi becomes contaminated by sin and verily eats only sin. In effect, he has already become a dog-eater, and after death he suffers a hellish existence. But he who observes this sacred Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi and gives something in charity certainly achieves liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death and attains to the supreme abode. Observing this Ekadashi, which is merged with Dwadashi, frees one from the horrible sin of killing a brahmana, drinking liquor and wine, becoming envious of one’s spiritual master and ignoring his instructions, and continually telling lies.“Furthermore, Oh best of beings (Jivottama), any man or woman who observes this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord Jalshayi (He who sleeps on the water), and who on the next day satisfies a qualified brahmana with nice sweets and a donation of cows and money - such a person certainly pleases the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord’s abode, even though they may have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide, etc. Indeed, one who observes this amazing Ekadashi rides on a glorious celestial airplane (vimana) to the Lord’s abode.“One who on this day gives a brahmana a water pot, an umbrella, or shoes surely goes to the heavenly planets. Indeed, he who simply hears these glories also attains to the transcendental abode of the Supreme Lord, Shri Vishnu. Whoever performs the Shraddha ceremony to the forefathers on the dark-moon day called amavasya, particularly if it occurs at the time of a solar eclipse undoubtedly achieves great merit. But this same merit is achieved by him who simply hears this sacred narration - so powerful and so dear to the Lord is this Ekadashi.“One should clean his teeth properly and, without eating or drinking, observe this Ekadashi to please the Supreme Lord, Keshava. On the day after Ekadashi one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His form as Trivikrama by offering Him water, flowers, incense, and a brightly burning lamp. Then the devotee should pray from the heart, `Oh God of gods, Oh deliverer of everyone, Oh Hrishikesha, master of the senses, kindly bestow upon me the gift of liberation, though I can offer you nothing greater than this humble pot filled with water.’ Then the devotee should donate the water pot to a brahmana.“Oh Bhimasena, after this Ekadashi fast and donating the recommended items according to his ability, the devotee should feed brahmanas and thereafter honour prasadam silently.”Shri Vyasa ji concluded, “I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring Dwadashi in just the way I have outlined. Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode.”Thus ends the narration of the glories of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi, or Bhimaseni-Nirjala Ekadashi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.
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pandav ekadasi

Posted by shailendra badriprasad sharma on June 22, 2010 at 4:04pm
Pandav Bhima Ekadashi, also known as Nirjala Ekadasi, falls on the 11th day of the Shukla Paksha in the Jyeshta month (May – June). The story of Pandav Bhim Ekadasi is associated with Bhima, the second Pandava brother. The importance of Pandav Bhim Ekadasi is mentioned in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. In 2010, Nirjala Ekadasi is observed on June 22.The four Pandava brothers – Yudhisthira, Arjuna, Nakula, Sahadeva – Kunti, mother of the Pandavas, and Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas, used to observe Ekadasi fasting without fail. Bhima, the second of the Pandavas, used to never fast as he could not control his hunger. He always had a guilt feeling of not observing the Ekadasi Vrat.Once Bhima asked Veda Vyasa, who is also the grandfather of the Pandavas, to help in observing the Ekadasi Vrata. He said that Yudhishitra, his eldest brother, always asks him to observe fasting. He is ready to pray and give charity and observe all the rules but not fasting. And if there is no other way out he is ready to fast on one Ekadasi out of the 24 Ekadashis.Sage Vyasa then suggests that he can observe the Ekadasi which occurs during the waxing moon in the month of Jyeshta (May – June) during the sun’s presence in either Taurus or Gemini Rashi is called Nirjala Ekadasi. One should observe total fast and should not even drink water.Observing this Ekadasi is equal to observing all the 24 Ekadashis.From that day onward Bhimasena began observing Nirjala Ekadasi and it came to be known as Pandava Nirjala, or Bhimseni Ekadasi.
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