By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi
Bhaktivedanta Charity Trust, under the guidance of its lifetime chairperson, HH Jayapataka Swami, in cooperation with the Gaura Foundation, is restoring one of the holy places (Lila Sthali) in Navadwip, Mayapur. This is traditionally recognized as the place where Lord Balarama was approached by village Brahmanas to rescue them from the ferocious attacks of the demon Mayasura. Still, it has sadly been neglected for a long time.
Sri Radha Govinda Dasi, the founder of the Gaura Foundation, has taken the initiative to start restoring this important place. She said, “My spiritual master, Jayapataka Swami, actually asked me if my NGO could take on this important project.”
The historical setting for the pastime was during the Kurukshetra War. Lord Balarama went on a pilgrimage rather than participate in the battle. When He reached the holy land of Navadvipa, the locals approached and informed Him of the turmoil caused by a demon called Mayasura. Hearing this disturbance caused by the demon, Balarama killed Mayasura to protect the villagers. The fight continued for a long time, after which the land here became sunken and a pool of Mayasura’s blood (Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya, Pramana-khanda 4.37).
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/restoration-of-a-pastime-place-of-lord-balarama-in-mayapur-is-underway/
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