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SAYANI EKADASHI English युधिष्ठिर ने पूछा : भगवन् ! आषाढ़ के शुक्लपक्ष में कौन सी एकादशी होती है ? उसका नाम और विधि क्या है? यह बतलाने की कृपा करें । भगवान श्रीकृष्ण बोले : राजन् ! आषाढ़ शुक्लपक्ष की एकादशी का नाम ‘शयनी’ है। मैं उसका वर्णन करता हूँ । वह महान पुण्यमयी, स्वर्ग और मोक्ष प्रदान करनेवाली, सब पापों को हरनेवाली तथा उत्तम व्रत है । आषाढ़ शुक्लपक्ष में ‘शयनी एकादशी’ के दिन जिन्होंने कमल पुष्प से कमललोचन भगवान विष्णु का पूजन तथा एकादशी का उत्तम व्रत किया है, उन्होंने तीनों लोकों और तीनों सनातन देवताओं का पूजन कर लिया । ‘हरिशयनी एकादशी’ के दिन मेरा एक स्वरुप राजा बलि के यहाँ रहता है और दूसरा क्षीरसागर में शेषनाग की शैय्या पर तब तक शयन करता है, जब तक आगामी कार्तिक की एकादशी नहीं आ जाती, अत: आषाढ़ शुक्ल पक्ष की एकादशी से लेकर कार्तिक शुक्ल एकादशी तक मनुष्य को भलीभाँति धर्म का आचरण करना चाहिए । जो मनुष्य इस व्रत का अनुष्ठान करता है, वह परम गति को प्राप्त होता है, इस कारण यत्नपूर्वक इस एकादशी का व्रत करना चाहिए । एकादशी की रात में जागरण करके शंख, चक्र और गदा धारण करनेवाले भगवान विष्णु की भक्तिपूर्वक पूजा करनी चाहिए । ऐसा करनेवाले पुरुष के पुण्य की गणना करने में चतुर्मुख ब्रह्माजी भी असमर्थ हैं । राजन् ! जो इस प्रकार भोग और मोक्ष प्रदान करनेवाले सर्वपापहारी एकादशी के उत्तम व्रत का पालन करता है, वह जाति का चाण्डाल होने पर भी संसार में सदा मेरा प्रिय रहनेवाला है । जो मनुष्य दीपदान, पलाश के पत्ते पर भोजन और व्रत करते हुए चौमासा व्यतीत करते हैं, वे मेरे प्रिय हैं । चौमासे में भगवान विष्णु सोये रहते हैं, इसलिए मनुष्य को भूमि पर शयन करना चाहिए । सावन में साग, भादों में दही, क्वार में दूध और कार्तिक में दाल का त्याग कर देना चाहिए । जो चौमसे में ब्रह्मचर्य का पालन करता है, वह परम गति को प्राप्त होता है । राजन् ! एकादशी के व्रत से ही मनुष्य सब पापों से मुक्त हो जाता है, अत: सदा इसका व्रत करना चाहिए । कभी भूलना नहीं चाहिए । ‘शयनी’ और ‘बोधिनी’ के बीच में जो कृष्णपक्ष की एकादशीयाँ होती हैं, गृहस्थ के लिए वे ही व्रत रखने योग्य हैं - अन्य मासों की कृष्णपक्षीय एकादशी गृहस्थ के रखने योग्य नहीं होती । शुक्लपक्ष की सभी एकादशी करनी चाहिए । The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Keshava, what is the name of that Ekadashii that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June - July)? Who is the worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?" Lord Shri Krishna replied, "Oh caretaker of this Earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the deva lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narad Muni. One day Narad Muni asked his father, "What is the name of the Ekadashii that comes during the light part of the month of Ashadha, much as you did? Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadashi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Shri Vishnu." Lord Brahma replied, Oh great saintly orator, O best of all sages, Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is as usual excellent for all mankind. There is nothing better than Ekadashi, the day of Lord Shri Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst sins if observed properly. For this reason I shall tell you about this Ashadha-shukla Ekadashi. Fasting on this Ekadashi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all ones desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell. Ashadha-shukla Ekadashi is also famous as Padma Ekadashi. Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, Oh Narad, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event that was recorded in the scriptures regarding this Ekadashi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection. Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha (Sun dynasty) whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own family members and children. On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his entire kingdom. All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also were very wealthy. The king's own treasury was free of any ill-gotten moneys, and thus he ruled happily for many years. Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years.The subjects found themselves beset by famine also. The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the prescribed Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations of grita (ghee) to their forefathers and to the devas, engage in any ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures. Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and addressed him thus, 'Oh king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead. The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His another name is Narayana. God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there. It is said that three things cannot exist without water; pearls, human beings, and flour. The essential quality of a pearl is its luster, and that is due to water. The essence of a man is his semen, whose main constituent is water. And without water, flour cannot be made into dough and then be cooked into various forms of bread, offered and eaten. Sometimes water is called jala-narayaaa, the Supreme Lord in the form of this life sustaining substance - water. In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rains, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity. Oh king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as people die off or leave your kingdom. Oh best ruler on Earth, please find some solutions to this problem and bring us to peace and prosperity once again. The king replied, "You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives. Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom? The Holy Scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king (or head of the country) is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer. I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the good of all you subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation." Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage. Paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their Ashrams and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last he came upon the ashram of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sages, whose senses were completely under control. The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni. Then the king joined his palms and prayed for the Muni's blessings. That saintly person reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom. The seven limbs of a king's domain are 1. the king himself; 2. the ministers; 3. his treasury; 4. his military forces; 5. his allies; 6. the brahmins; 7. the sacrificial performances performed in the kingdom and the needs of the subjects under his care. After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were situated, King Mandhata asked the sage about his own situation, and if he was happy. Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering. The king said, "Oh great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects. Angira Rishi said to the king, "The present age, Satya yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness). In this age everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penances. Although this is a standard, Oh lion among kings, there is one shudra (uninitiated, untrained person) who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom. This is why there is no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peace to your subjects. The king then replied, "How can I kill an offense-less performer of austerity and sacrifice? Please give me some spiritual solution." The great sage Angira Muni then said, "Oh king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadashi, and by its influence plentiful rains and thus grains and other foodstuffs will surely return to your kingdom. This Ekadashi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection. Oh king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadashi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal." Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace. When the Padma Ekadashi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and shudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day. After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain. By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous. Therefore, Oh Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadashi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee. Lord Shri Krishna concluded, "My dear Yudhishthira, Padma Ekadashi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. Oh Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadashi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadashi. Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani, indicates the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with all the devas (demigods). It is said that after this day one should not perform any new auspicious ceremonies until Devotthani Ekadashi (Haribodhini (Probodhini) Devotthaani (Utthana) Ekadashi), which occurs during the month of Kartika (October - November), because the devas (demigods), being asleep, cannot be invited to the sacrificial arena and because the Sun is traveling along its Southern course (Dakshinayanam)." Lord Shri Krishna continued, "Oh lion among kings, Yudhishthira Maharaj, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadashi which is also the day when the Chaturmasya fast begins." Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Ashadha-shukla Ekadashi - also known as Padma Ekadashi or Deva-sayani Ekadashi - from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana. English SAYANI EKADASHI

GAURA PURNIMA Gaura Purnima – Appearance Day of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu This festival celebrates the appearance of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu . It is observed annually (in February – March) by Krishna devotees all over the world—especially in the area of Mayapur, India, the place where Mahaprabhu appeared in the year 1486. ​ Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is the Supreme Person, Krishna Himself, appearing as His own devotee, to teach us that we can gain full enlightenment simply by chanting the holy names of the Lord: ​ Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare ​ Those who witnessed Mahaprabhu’s pastimes saw Him dance and chant with ecstatic love for God, the likes of which had never been seen before. He encouraged everyone to follow this same process. He taught that anyone—regardless of background or spiritual qualification—could develop their innate love of God and experience great spiritual pleasure by chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. ​ ​ Gaura Purnima means “golden full moon,” signifying that: 1) Lord Chaitanya was “born” during a full moon, and 2) The Lord blesses everyone with the soothing, moonlike rays of His sublime teachings. ​ His followers generally observe this festival by fasting and chanting the holy names all day. At moonrise, a vegetarian feast is offered to the Lord and then enjoyed by all. ​ Reason for appearance ​ Lord Krishna thought in Goloka, “I shall personally inaugurate the religion of the age; nama-sankirtana, the congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord in the form of Lord Gauranga. By accepting the role of a devotee, I shall make the whole world dance in ecstasy, and thus realize the four mellows of loving devotional service. In this way, I shall teach devotional service to others by personally practicing it, for whatever a great personality does, common people will follow. Of course, My plenary portions can establish the religious principles for each age, but only I can bestow the kind of loving devotional service which is performed by the residents of Vraja.” ​ Besides this secondary reason for Lord Krishna to appear once more, taking the form of a devotee, there is another confidential purpose of a very personal nature. Even though Lord Krishna had tasted the essence of loving mellows by performing His conjugal pastimes in the company of the gopis, He was not able to fulfill three desires. ​ Therefore, after His disappearance, the Lord thought, “Although I am the Absolute Truth, and the reservoir of all rasas, I cannot understand the strength of Radharani’s love, with which She always overwhelms Me. Indeed, the love of Radharani is My teacher, and I am Her dancing pupil, for Her love makes Me dance in various novel ways. Whatever pleasure I get from tasting My love for SrimatiRadharani, She relishes ten million times more, by Her love. Although there is nothing greater than Radha’s love, since it is all pervading, it nonetheless expands constantly and is completely devoid of pride. There is nothing purer than Radha’s love, and yet its behavior is always perverse and crooked.” ​ “Sri Radhika is the highest abode of love, and I am its only object. I taste the bliss to which the object is entitled, but Radha’s pleasure is ten million times greater than Mine. Therefore, My mind becomes mad to taste the pleasure that is experienced by the abode of love, although I cannot do so. Only if I can somehow become the abode of that love, will I be able to experience its joy.” ​ This was one desire that increasingly blazed in Lord Krishna’s heart. Then, upon seeing His own beauty, Lord Krishna began to consider as follows: “My sweetness is unlimitedly wonderful. Only Radhika can taste the complete nectar of My sweetness, by the strength of Her love, which acts just like a mirror whose clarity increases at every moment. Although My sweetness, being without limit, seemingly has no room for expansion, it shines forth with newer and newer beauty, and thus constantly competes with the mirror of Radharani’s love, as they both go on increasing without admitting defeat.” “Devotees taste My sweetness according to their respective love, and if I see that sweetness reflected in a mirror, I also become tempted to taste it, although I cannot. Upon deliberation, I find that the only way I can relish My sweetness is to take the position of SrimatiRadharani.” ​ This was Lord Krishna’s second desire, and His third desire was expressed while thinking as follows: “Everyone says that I am the reservoir of all transcendental bliss, and indeed, all the world derives pleasure from Me alone. Who then could give Me pleasure? I think that only someone having a hundred times more qualities than Myself could give pleasure to My mind, but such a person is impossible to find.” ​ “And yet, in spite of the fact that My beauty is unsurpassed, and gives pleasure to all who perceive it, the sight of SrimatiRadharani gives pleasure to My eyes. Although the vibration of My flute attracts everyone within the three worlds, My ears become enchanted by the sweet words spoken by Radharani. Although My body lends its fragrance to the entire creation, the scent of Radharani’s limbs captivates My mind and heart. Although there are various tastes due to Me alone, I become charmed by the nectarean taste of Radharani’s lips. Although My touch is cooler than ten million moons, I become refreshed by the touch of SrimatiRadharani. Thus, in spite of the fact that I am the source of happiness for the entire world, the beauty and attributes of Sri Radhika are My very life and soul.” ​ “My eyes become fully satisfied by looking at SrimatiRadharani, and yet, when She gazes at Me, She feels even greater satisfaction. The whispering murmur of the bamboo trees that rub against one another steals away Radharani’s mind, for She thinks it to be the sound of My flute. She embraces a tamala tree, mistaking it for Me, and thus She considers, ‘I have gotten the embrace of Krishna, and so now My life has become fulfilled.’ When the fragrance of My body is carried to Her by the wind, Radharani becomes blinded by love and tries to fly into that breeze. When She tastes the betel nut that has been chewed by Me, She merges into an ocean of joy, and forgets everything else.” ​ “Thus, even with hundreds of mouths, I could not express the pleasure which Radharani derives from My association. Indeed, upon seeing the luster of Her complexion after Our pastimes together, I consider My own happiness to be negligent. Expert sexologists say that the happiness of the lover and the beloved are equal, but they do not know the nature of transcendental love in Vrindavana. Because of the indescribable pleasure which Radharani experiences, I can understand that there is some unknown mellow within Me that controls Her entire existence.” ​ “I am always very eager to taste the joy that SrimatiRadharani derives from Me, and yet, in spite of endeavoring, I have been unable to do so. Therefore, in order to fulfill My three desires, I shall assume Sri Radhika’s bodily complexion and ecstatic loving sentiment, and then descend as an incarnation.” ​ Desiring to understand the glory of Radharani’s love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness that She feels upon realizing the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord, Gauranga-Krishna, decided to appear in a form that was richly endowed with Her emotions. First of all, the Lord had His respectable superiors incarnate on the earth, such as His mother and father, Sri Sachidevi and Jagannath Mishra. In addition, there was Madhavendra Puri, KeshavaBharati, Ishvara Puri, Advaita Acharya, SrivasPandita, Thakur Haridas, Acharyaratna and Vidyanidhi. ​ Before the appearance of Lord Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, all of the devotees in the Navadvip area used to gather at the house of Advaita Acharya. In these meetings, Advaita Acharya preached on the basis of Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, decrying the paths of philosophical speculation and fruitive activity, and firmly establishing the super excellence of devotional service. In the house of Advaita Acharya, the devotees took pleasure in always talking about Krishna, worshipping Krishna, and chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. ​ However, Advaita Acharya felt very pained to see how practically all the people of the world were devoid of Krishna consciousness and completely merged into material sense enjoyment. Knowing that no one can gain relief from the cycle of repeated birth and death without taking an interest in the devotional service of the Lord, Advaita Acharya compassionately pondered over the means whereby people could become delivered from the clutches of maya. ​ Advaita Acharya thought, “Only if Lord Krishna personally appears and preaches the path of devotional service by His own example, will liberation become possible for all people. Therefore, I shall worship the Lord in a purified state of mind and constantly petition Him with all humility. Indeed, my name Advaita will be fitting only if I am able to induce Lord Krishna to inaugurate the sankirtan movement of chanting the holy name, which is the only religion for this age.” ​ While Advaita Acharya thought about how to satisfy Krishna by His worship, the following verse came to mind: “Sri Krishna, who is very affectionate toward His devotees, sells Himself to one who offers Him merely a tulasi leaf and a palmful of water.” (Gautamiya-tantra) ​ Advaita Acharya considered the meaning of this verse in the following way: “Lord Krishna cannot find any way to repay the debt which He owes to one who offers Him a tulasi leaf and water. Therefore, the Lord concludes, ‘Since there is nothing in My possession which is equal to a tulasi leaf and water, I will liquidate the debt by offering Myself to the devotee.’ ” Thereafter, while meditating upon the lotus feet of Sri Krishna, Advaita Acharya constantly offered tulasi buds in water from the Ganga. While thus engaged in worship, Advaita Acharya petitioned Krishna to appear by His loud cries, and this repeated invitation attracted the attention of the Lord, causing Him to descend. ​ Sri Upendra Mishra, a brahmana who was formerly the gopala named Parjanya, the grandfather of Lord Krishna, was a great devotee and scholar. One of Upendra’s seven sons, Jagannath Mishra, moved from Srihatta to the banks of the Ganga at Nadia, and then married SrimatiSachidevi, the daughter of NilambarChakravarti, who was formerly Gargamuni. ​ Before the appearance of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, Jagannath Mishra (who was formerly Nanda Maharaja) begot eight daughters in the womb of Sachidevi (who was formerly Yashoda), but just after birth, they all died. Being very aggrieved at the loss of his children, one after another, Jagannath Mishra worshiped Lord Vishnu, while desiring a son. Thereafter, Sachimata gave birth to a baby boy named Vishvarup, who was an incarnation of Lord Baladev. Being very pleased, the mother and father began to serve the lotus feet of Lord Govinda even more devotedly, because they realized that their happiness was by His mercy. ​ Then, in the month of Maagh (18th February 1486) of the year 1406, Shaka era, Lord Krishna entered the bodies of both Jagannath Mishra and Sachidevi. Thereafter, Jagannath informed his wife, “I see many wonderful things! Your body seems to be effulgent, and it appears as if the goddess of fortune is personally residing in our house. Wherever I go, everyone offers me respect, and even without asking, they give me money, cloth and grains.” Sachimata replied, “I also see wonderfully brilliant beings, appearing in the sky, as if offering prayers.” ​ Jagannath Mishra then said, “In a dream I saw the effulgent abode of the Supreme Lord enter into my heart. Then, from my heart it entered your heart, and thus I can understand that a great personality will soon take birth.” ​ After this conversation, both husband and wife felt very jubilant, and with great care and attention they rendered service unto the household Shalagrama-shila. ​ However, when Sachimata’s pregnancy approached the thirteenth month, and still there was no sign of delivery, Jagannath Mishra became very apprehensive. At that time, NilambaraChakravarti made an astrological calculation and predicted that the child would be born that very month, taking advantage of an auspicious moment. ​ Thus it so happened that on the evening of the Phalgunipurnima, in the year 1407 Shaka era, corresponding to the modern year 1486, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made His appearance at Navadvip. At this time, Rahu considered, “When the spotless moon of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is about to become visible, what need is there for a moon which is full of black marks?” Thinking in this way, Rahu covered the full moon, and so all of the Hindus went to the banks of the Ganga in order to bathe and chant the names “Krishna” and “Hari”. While the Hindus were thus vibrating the holy names of the Lord, the Mohammedans jokingly imitated them. In this way, at the time of Lord Chaitanya’s appearance, everyone was engaged in chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. ​ In all directions and within everyone’s mind there was peacefulness and joy. In Shantipur, Advaita Acharya and Haridas Thakur began chanting and dancing in a very pleasing mood, although no one could understand why they did so. While laughing again and again, they also went to the Ganga, and at that time, Advaita Acharya took advantage of the lunar eclipse to distribute all kinds of charity to the brahmanas. Upon seeing how the whole world had become jubilant, Haridas Thakur addressed Advaita Acharya in great astonishment, “Since Your dancing and distribution of charity appears very pleasing to me, I can understand that You have some very special purpose.” ​ In Navadvip, Srivas Thakur and Acharyaratna, who was also called Chandrashekhar, immediately went to bathe in the Ganga, and while chanting the holy name of the Lord in great jubilation, they also gave charity by dint of mental strength. Indeed, wherever they were situated, all of the devotees danced, chanted and gave charity on the plea of the lunar eclipse, their minds overwhelmed with joy. Even in the heavenly planets, chanting and dancing was going on, for the demigods were very eager to witness the transcendental appearance of the Lord.

BALARAM JAYANTI The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Lord Balarama is his second body. They are both one and the same identity. They differ only in form. Balarama is the first bodily expansion of Krishna, and He assists in Lord Krishna’s transcendental pastimes. He is the source of the entire spiritual world and is the adi-guru, the original spiritual master. ​ He assumes five other forms to serve Lord Krishna. He Himself helps in the pastimes of Lord Krishna, and He does the work of creation in four other forms called the catur-vyuha (four armed) forms known as Vasudeva, Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Anirudha. He executes the orders of Lord Krishna in the work of creation, and in the form of Lord Sesa He serves Sri Krishna in various ways. In all the forms He tastes the transcendental bliss of serving Krishna. No one can approach Krishna without first getting the mercy of Baladeva. ​ Whenever Krishna appears in the material world, He is accompanied by His associates and paraphernalia. Five thousand years ago when Krishna descended into the material world, He was first preceded by Baladeva. Only after Baladeva give His mercy did Krishna descend, such is the intimate relationship between Krishna and Baladeva. ​ Lord Balarama is sixteen years old, full of the luster of youth and has a fair complexion the color of crystal. He wears blue garments and a garland of forest flowers. His handsome hair is tied in a graceful topknot. Splendid earrings adorn His ears and His neck is splendidly decorated with garlands of flowers and strings of jewels. Splendid armlets and bracelets ornament Blaram’s graceful and very strong arms and His feet are decorated with jeweled anklets. ​ Lord Balarama’s beauty is enhanced by the earrings touching His cheeks. His face is decorated with tilaka made from musk, and His broad chest is ornamented with a garland of gunja. Balarama’s voice is very grave and His arms are very long, touching His thighs ​ The splendor of Lord Balarama’s form eclipses many millions of glistening rising moons, and the slightest scent of His boundless strength is sufficient to destroy many armies of demons. Although He knows the supernatural power of His younger brother, Krishna, still, out of love for Him, He never leaves Krishna alone in the forest even for a moment. Balarama is Sri Krishna’s dearest friend and is a great reservoir of many kinds of pastimes. Some Specific Pastimes of Lord Balarama ​ 1. Balarama slays demon Dhenukasura 2. Balarama kills Pralambasura 3. Balarama was always glorified by Krishna 4. Yamuna devi was chastised when she did not gave way for Balaram 5. Kauravas chastised when they had captured Samba 6. Balarama marries Revati 7. Balarama became angry at Bhima for killing Duryodhana by trickery, but was appeased by Sri Krishna. 8.Killing of Romaharshana for not representing Vyasdev properly. ​ Mercy of Lord Balarama ​ Lord Balarama exemplifies the service attitude to Krishna. His only mission is to please Krishna by rendering service to Him, whether it is in the creation of the material worlds, maintaining the spiritual world or as His personal paraphernalia. ​ Lord Balarama is the eternal companion of Sri Krishna. He came as Lakshmana with Rama and later as Nityananda Prabhu with Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He is the original spiritual master, and any one desiring to make spiritual progress must first get the mercy of Lord Balarama. Directly we cant approach Krishna, only through Balaram we can approach supreme lord Krishna. Spiritual master represents the true representation of Balaram. Thus by following the instructions of spiritual master and by pleasing him we can get the grace of Krishna. ​ ​ ​ ​ © 2021 iskconallinone.com All ri

PANDAVA EKADASHI English युधिष्ठिर ने कहा: जनार्दन ! ज्येष्ठ मास के शुक्लपक्ष में जो एकादशी पड़ती हो, कृपया उसका वर्णन कीजिये । भगवान श्रीकृष्ण बोले: राजन् ! इसका वर्णन परम धर्मात्मा सत्यवतीनन्दन व्यासजी करेंगे, क्योंकि ये सम्पूर्ण शास्त्रों के तत्त्वज्ञ और वेद वेदांगों के पारंगत विद्वान हैं । तब वेदव्यासजी कहने लगे: दोनों ही पक्षों की एकादशियों के दिन भोजन न करे । द्वादशी के दिन स्नान आदि से पवित्र हो फूलों से भगवान केशव की पूजा करे । फिर नित्य कर्म समाप्त होने के पश्चात् पहलेब्राह्मणों को भोजन देकर अन्त में स्वयं भोजन करे । राजन् ! जननाशौच और मरणाशौच में भी एकादशी को भोजन नहीं करना चाहिए । यह सुनकर भीमसेन बोले: परम बुद्धिमान पितामह ! मेरी उत्तम बात सुनिये । राजा युधिष्ठिर, माता कुन्ती, द्रौपदी, अर्जुन, नकुल और सहदेव ये एकादशी को कभी भोजन नहीं करते तथा मुझसे भी हमेशा यहीकहते हैं कि : ‘भीमसेन ! तुम भी एकादशी को न खाया करो…’ किन्तु मैं उन लोगों से यही कहता हूँ कि मुझसे भूख नहीं सही जायेगी । भीमसेन की बात सुनकर व्यासजी ने कहा : यदि तुम्हें स्वर्गलोक की प्राप्ति अभीष्ट है और नरक को दूषित समझते हो तो दोनों पक्षों की एकादशीयों के दिन भोजन न करना । भीमसेन बोले : महाबुद्धिमान पितामह ! मैं आपके सामने सच्ची बात कहता हूँ । एक बार भोजन करके भी मुझसे व्रत नहीं किया जा सकता, फिर उपवास करके तो मैं रह ही कैसे सकता हूँ? मेरे उदर में वृकनामक अग्नि सदा प्रज्वलित रहती है, अत: जब मैं बहुत अधिक खाता हूँ, तभी यह शांत होती है । इसलिए महामुने ! मैं वर्षभर में केवल एक ही उपवास कर सकता हूँ । जिससे स्वर्ग की प्राप्ति सुलभ हो तथाजिसके करने से मैं कल्याण का भागी हो सकूँ, ऐसा कोई एक व्रत निश्चय करके बताइये । मैं उसका यथोचित रुप से पालन करुँगा । व्यासजी ने कहा: भीम ! ज्येष्ठ मास में सूर्य वृष राशि पर हो या मिथुन राशि पर, शुक्लपक्ष में जो एकादशी हो, उसका यत्नपूर्वक निर्जल व्रत करो । केवल कुल्ला या आचमन करने के लिए मुख में जल डालसकते हो, उसको छोड़कर किसी प्रकार का जल विद्वान पुरुष मुख में न डाले, अन्यथा व्रत भंग हो जाता है । एकादशी को सूर्योदय से लेकर दूसरे दिन के सूर्योदय तक मनुष्य जल का त्याग करे तो यह व्रत पूर्णहोता है । तदनन्तर द्वादशी को प्रभातकाल में स्नान करके ब्राह्मणों को विधिपूर्वक जल और सुवर्ण का दान करे । इस प्रकार सब कार्य पूरा करके जितेन्द्रिय पुरुष ब्राह्मणों के साथ भोजन करे । वर्षभर में जितनीएकादशीयाँ होती हैं, उन सबका फल निर्जला एकादशी के सेवन से मनुष्य प्राप्त कर लेता है, इसमें तनिक भी सन्देह नहीं है । शंख, चक्र और गदा धारण करनेवाले भगवान केशव ने मुझसे कहा था कि: ‘यदि मानवसबको छोड़कर एकमात्र मेरी शरण में आ जाय और एकादशी को निराहार रहे तो वह सब पापों से छूट जाता है ।’ एकादशी व्रत करनेवाले पुरुष के पास विशालकाय, विकराल आकृति और काले रंगवाले दण्ड पाशधारी भयंकर यमदूत नहीं जाते । अंतकाल में पीताम्बरधारी, सौम्य स्वभाववाले, हाथ में सुदर्शन धारण करनेवालेऔर मन के समान वेगशाली विष्णुदूत आखिर इस वैष्णव पुरुष को भगवान विष्णु के धाम में ले जाते हैं । अत: निर्जला एकादशी को पूर्ण यत्न करके उपवास और श्रीहरि का पूजन करो । स्त्री हो या पुरुष, यदिउसने मेरु पर्वत के बराबर भी महान पाप किया हो तो वह सब इस एकादशी व्रत के प्रभाव से भस्म हो जाता है । जो मनुष्य उस दिन जल के नियम का पालन करता है, वह पुण्य का भागी होता है । उसे एक-एकप्रहर में कोटि-कोटि स्वर्णमुद्रा दान करने का फल प्राप्त होता सुना गया है । मनुष्य निर्जला एकादशी के दिन स्नान, दान, जप, होम आदि जो कुछ भी करता है, वह सब अक्षय होता है, यह भगवान श्रीकृष्ण काकथन है । निर्जला एकादशी को विधिपूर्वक उत्तम रीति से उपवास करके मानव वैष्णवपद को प्राप्त कर लेता है । जो मनुष्य एकादशी के दिन अन्न खाता है, वह पाप का भोजन करता है । इस लोक में वह चाण्डालके समान है और मरने पर दुर्गति को प्राप्त होता है । जो ज्येष्ठ के शुक्लपक्ष में एकादशी को उपवास करके दान करेंगे, वे परम पद को प्राप्त होंगे । जिन्होंने एकादशी को उपवास किया है, वे ब्रह्महत्यारे, शराबी, चोर तथा गुरुद्रोही होने पर भी सब पातकों से मुक्त हो जातेहैं । कुन्तीनन्दन ! ‘निर्जला एकादशी’ के दिन श्रद्धालु स्त्री पुरुषों के लिए जो विशेष दान और कर्त्तव्य विहित हैं, उन्हें सुनो: उस दिन जल में शयन करनेवाले भगवान विष्णु का पूजन और जलमयी धेनु का दान करनाचाहिए अथवा प्रत्यक्ष धेनु या घृतमयी धेनु का दान उचित है । पर्याप्त दक्षिणा और भाँति-भाँति के मिष्ठान्नों द्वारा यत्नपूर्वक ब्राह्मणों को सन्तुष्ट करना चाहिए । ऐसा करने से ब्राह्मण अवश्य संतुष्ट होते हैं और उनकेसंतुष्ट होने पर श्रीहरि मोक्ष प्रदान करते हैं । जिन्होंने शम, दम, और दान में प्रवृत हो श्रीहरि की पूजा और रात्रि में जागरण करते हुए इस ‘निर्जला एकादशी’ का व्रत किया है, उन्होंने अपने साथ ही बीती हुई सौपीढ़ियों को और आनेवाली सौ पीढ़ियों को भगवान वासुदेव के परम धाम में पहुँचा दिया है । निर्जला एकादशी के दिन अन्न, वस्त्र, गौ, जल, शैय्या, सुन्दर आसन, कमण्डलु तथा छाता दान करने चाहिए । जो श्रेष्ठतथा सुपात्र ब्राह्मण को जूता दान करता है, वह सोने के विमान पर बैठकर स्वर्गलोक में प्रतिष्ठित होता है । जो इस एकादशी की महिमा को भक्तिपूर्वक सुनता अथवा उसका वर्णन करता है, वह स्वर्गलोक में जाताहै । चतुर्दशीयुक्त अमावस्या को सूर्यग्रहण के समय श्राद्ध करके मनुष्य जिस फल को प्राप्त करता है, वही फल इसके श्रवण से भी प्राप्त होता है । पहले दन्तधावन करके यह नियम लेना चाहिए कि : ‘मैं भगवानकेशव की प्रसन्न्ता के लिए एकादशी को निराहार रहकर आचमन के सिवा दूसरे जल का भी त्याग करुँगा ।’ द्वादशी को देवेश्वर भगवान विष्णु का पूजन करना चाहिए । गन्ध, धूप, पुष्प और सुन्दर वस्त्र सेविधिपूर्वक पूजन करके जल के घड़े के दान का संकल्प करते हुए निम्नांकित मंत्र का उच्चारण करे : देवदेव ह्रषीकेश संसारार्णवतारक । उदकुम्भप्रदानेन नय मां परमां गतिम्॥ ‘संसारसागर से तारनेवाले हे देवदेव ह्रषीकेश ! इस जल के घड़े का दान करने से आप मुझे परम गति की प्राप्ति कराइये ।’ भीमसेन ! ज्येष्ठ मास में शुक्लपक्ष की जो शुभ एकादशी होती है, उसका निर्जल व्रत करना चाहिए । उस दिन श्रेष्ठ ब्राह्मणों को शक्कर के साथ जल के घड़े दान करने चाहिए । ऐसा करने से मनुष्य भगवान विष्णुके समीप पहुँचकर आनन्द का अनुभव करता है । तत्पश्चात् द्वादशी को ब्राह्मण भोजन कराने के बाद स्वयं भोजन करे । जो इस प्रकार पूर्ण रुप से पापनाशिनी एकादशी का व्रत करता है, वह सब पापों से मुक्त होआनंदमय पद को प्राप्त होता है । यह सुनकर भीमसेन ने भी इस शुभ एकादशी का व्रत आरम्भ कर दिया । तबसे यह लोक मे ‘पाण्डव द्वादशी’ के नाम से विख्यात हुई । The Story of Pandava Nirjala Ekadashi: Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhishthira, asked the great sage Shrila Vyasadeva, 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 Yudhishthira, 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, (the digestive air) 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, Shrila Vyasadeva said, "If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hellish planets, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadashis." 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's 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 Shrila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Shrimad 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 Ekadashis. I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation's release." Shrila Vyasadeva 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 Ekadashis." As stated in Shrimad Bhagavatam (Mahabhagavat Puranam) 12:13:12 and 15, the Bhagavat Puranam is itself the essence or cream of all Vedanta philosophy (sara-vedanta-saram), and the Shrimad Bhagavatam's unequivocal message is that of full surrender to Lord Shri Krishna and the rendering of loving devotional service to Him. Observing Ekadashi strictly is a great aid in that process, and here Shrila Vyasadeva is simply stressing to Bhima the importance of the Ekadashi vratam. "One who fasts on Ekadashis saved from going to the hellish planets." Hearing Shrila Vyasadeva'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!" Vyasadeva 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 Achamana for pratiprokshana purification. But while performing Achamana 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 endeavours 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 honour prasadam with a branmana. 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 nirjalafast 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 minimised, 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, what more can I say to you? You should not eat during the Ekadashis that occur during the dark and light fortnights, and you should even give up drinking water (nir = no jala= water) on the particularly auspicious Ekadashi day of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadashi. Oh Vrikodara (voracious 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 Ekadashis 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 Shrila Vyasadeva 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 Dvadashi (technically it is a Maha-Dvadashi). Shrila Vyasadeva 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 Shri Krishna in this way making your sankalpa declaration, "Oh Lord of all the devas (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, Dwadashi." 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 Shri 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 Shri 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 waterpot, 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 waterpot 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." Shrila Vyasadeva 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 Pura. PANDAVA EKADASHI English

JANMASTAMI Long ago the city of Mathura was ruled by a demon king Kamsa. All the citizens in his kingdom always lived in fear because he was wicked and cruel in his behavior. He had a noble sister named Devaki who was married to Vasudeva. ​ ​ One day he heard a divine voice in the sky which said, “O Kamsa, the eighth son of your sister Devaki is going to kill you. Kamsa was furious. His eyes blazed with anger. He called for his soldiers and ordered them to capture Devaki and Vasudeva and throw them into a deep dark dungeon. Devaki gave birth to seven sons. The evil Kamsa killed them all one by one. Being chained in the dark prison, Devaki and Vasudeva prayed to God to protect them. Do you know anybody who is most beautiful, most intelligent, most famous, the wealthiest, the strongest and the most renounced? Famous people like film stars, sport stars, industrialists, scientists and politicians can attract millions of fans for few years but they all appear, disappear and forgotten with the passing time like shooting stars. God is one, who is the oldest and yet possesses all six opulences in full FOREVER. ​ The Supreme Lord is called by many names like ‘Krishna’, ‘Christ’ and ‘Allah’. The Greek word ‘krstos’ comes from Sanksrit word ‘Krsta’ or ‘Krsna’ meaning ‘all attractive’. So when we address God as “Christ”, “Krsta” or “Krishna” we indicate the same all-attractive Supreme God. ​ Hearing the sincere prayers of Devaki and Vasudev, Lord Krishna who is the most beautiful, strong, wealthiest, famous, intelligent and renounced person wanted to protect them. So He decided to come to earth from his spiritual abode as their son. ​ During the birth of Lord Krishna, the whole atmosphere became filled with prosperity and joy. The trees were laden with fruits and flowers. The rivers were overflowing with water, and the lakes were beautifully decorated with lotus flowers. The birds in the forest began to sing with sweet voices, and the peacocks began to dance. The wind blew very pleasantly, carrying the aroma of different flowers. All the people’s minds became filled with peace and joy. The denizens of the heavenly planets began to sing, offer prayers and dance on the auspicious occasion. The heavenly residents being pleased also began to shower flowers. At the seashore there was the sound of mild waves, and above the sea there were clouds in the sky which began to thunder very pleasingly. Amidst such a wonderful atmosphere, Lord Krishna in order to protect his devotees took birth as the eighth child of Devaki and Vasudeva, bringing boundless joy to both of them. ​ The day when Lord Krishna took birth is called as Janmastami. This day falls in the month of August or September. The Janmastami festival is celebrated by millions of people every year all over the world. On this day people take bath early in the morning and wear new clothes. In temples the deities of Krishna are decorated with beautiful clothes, jewels, garlands and flowers. People visit the temples to see Krishna and sing songs glorifying his activities. They read the teachings of Lord Krishna written in the Scripture called the Bhagavad Gita. They also distribute these Holy Books to everyone. ​ At homes lot of sweets, savories and festival meals are prepared with love and then offered to Lord Krishna. These foods are then shared and relished by one and all. People visit their friends and relatives’ homes and exchange sweets and good wishes. On this glorious day all people chant the names of Krishna for bringing peace and happiness to everyone. ​ ​ ​ © 2021 iskconallinone.com All rights Reserved.

JAGANNATH SNAN YATRA 4TH JUNE 2023 On the full-moon day, sixteen days before Ratha-yatra , Lord Jagannath is bathed. He becomes sick and is confined to rest for fourteen days. He is then offered special care until He comes out for Ratha-yatra. A special bath of Jagannath takes place on the Purnima of Jyestha month, to commemorate the appearance day of Lord Jagannath. According to Skanda Purana when Raja Indradyumna installed the wooden deities he athis bathing ceremony.This day considered to be the appearance day of Lord Jagannath. Niladri Mohadaya, a religious text written in Oriya records the rituals of the festival. Lord Jagannath in His early form was being worshipped as Nilamadhava by a Suara chief called Viswabasu. The story is nicely told in the drama Jagannath Priyan natakam. Till now it is the Daitas and Asuaras who have the exclusive right to conduct the festival. On the previous day of Snana Yatra the deities of Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra along with the Sudarshana are ceremonially brought out from the sanctum in a procession to the Bathing pandal. It is at such a height that visitors standing outside the temple also get a glimpse of the Deities. On the the day before the bathing when the Deities are taken out in procession, the whole process is called Pahandi or Pahandi Vijay. For this festival the Bathin pandal is well decorated with traditional paintings of trees and gardens. Flags and arches strung with mango leaves are also put up. The Deities are profusely decorated with flowers. All kinds of perfumes such as Dhupa, Aguru etc. are then offered. In Puri the bathing procedure is as follows, After Mangala Aarti, the Suaras and Mahasuaras go in a ceremonial procession to fetch water from Golden well in one hundred and eight, vessels of copper and gold. All of them cover their mouths with a piece of cloth so as not to contaminate it even with their breath. Then all the vessels filled with water are preserved in the Bhoga Mandap. Then they purify the water with turmeric, Benachera, Chandan, Aguru, flowers, perfumes and medicinal herbs. The bathing festival takes place during the morning hours of the Purnima tithi. The filled vessels are carried from Bhoga Mandap to the Snana Vedi by the Suaras in a long single line procession. After the Snana Yatra, the Deities are kept away from public view for fifteen days and during all these days the daily rites of the temple remain suspended. When Jagannatha was absent from the temple, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who could not see Him, felt separation and left Jagannatha Puri to go to a place known as Alalanatha. As Jagannatha himself instructed, after this ceremony, he is not seen for a fortnight. The Deities are kept on a special “sick room” called the Ratan vedi inside the temple. This period is called ‘Anabasara kala’ meaning improper time for worship. During these fifteen days the descendants of Viswavasu repaint and restore the Deities and Jagannath’s fine decorations. On the 16th day the Deities in their new forms after renovation become ready for the public view darshan. The festival of the first appearance of the Lord Jagannath to his devotees is called Netrotsava.

RAM NAVAMI Ramanavmi – Appearance Day of Lord Rama Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religion and the rise of irreligion the Lord appears millennium after millennium. When the Lord comes to this world he doesn’t take birth like ordinary human beings but appears out of His own sweet will. Whenever there is a need for the protection of devotees the Lord appears. The Supreme Lord incarnates in many forms like Matsya the fish, Varaha the boar, Narsimha the half man half lion. All these forms of the Lord are very attractive to His devotees who take great pleasure in talking about his pastimes. One such famous incarnation of The Supreme Lord is Lord Rama. The birth of Lord Rama is celebrated as Rama Navami. Lord Rama was born to King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya in Ayodhya. He had three younger brothers Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. ​ The Ramayana narrates the history of Lord Rama – the great King, Husband, ideal Son and Master. Lord Rama was an ideal son. He always obeyed his father and had great respect for his mothers. He was a perfect King and ruler. Lord Rama ruled for 14,000 years. His reign till today is called Rama Rajya. When Lord Rama was ruling his people there was no famine in his kingdom, no scarcity of food and no disease ever affected anyone. The people in his kingdom had a strong bond of love with Him. They lived only to serve and please Him. He was very strict with troublemakers and punished them when necessary. He was handsome, strong, brave, chivalrous, fair, just, gentle, sweet, kind and always merciful to His devotees and all the citizens. The festival of Ram Navami marks the birthday celebrations of the Supreme Lord Sri Rama. According to the ancient Vedic calendar, it falls in the Spring season. It is considered auspicious to undertake a fast on the day in the name of Rama. Devotees perform elaborate worships and chant the name of Rama. Temples of Rama decorated with flowers, leaves and have special services and bhajan sessions throughout the day. Stories from the Ramayana are read out in joyous public gatherings. Most people fast until midnight. ​ One significant and popular element of the celebration is the Ramayana parayana, a discourse on the Ramayana, by a devotee of Lord Rama. It usually lasts nine days, beginning on Ugadi and ending on Rama Navami. The main significance behind the celebration of this festival is that the character of Lord Ram signifies an ideal son, an upright husband, a righteous King, and a loving brother and an ideal person, someone who follow the right path against all odds in life. He was also the true embodiment of humanity. So celebration of Ram Navami is a special way to remember all the noble deeds performed by Lord Ram. So in true sense it is not only a festival to enjoy and have fun but also an occasion where lot of ideals can learnt and taught. It is a celebration of goodness and its victory against all evils. Sacred places associated with Rama, like Ayodhya, Ujjain and Rameshwaram, draw tens of thousands of devotees. In Rameshwaram, thousands take a holy bath in the sea and worship lord Rama. Many places in North India host fairs in connection with the festival, culminating in spectacular fireworks on Rama Navami. ​ The birthday of Sri Rama, indeed, signifies an event worth of remembrance by everyone who cherish the time honored sublime values of human culture and civilization. Devotees stay awake on the ninth night, in anticipation of Lord Ram’s ​ birth. A Yagna is performed and they sing devotional songs in praise of Lord Rama and rock his image in cradles to celebrate his birth. A special worship is performed the next morning as a token of gratitude for His mercy. Ram Navami is a festival of celebration and brings its devotees true happiness and joy. It gives them the strength and courage to fight against all odds of life. ​ Rama means ‘bliss’ and so Lord Rama provides bliss to all those who remember Him and pray to Him. Therefore let us all remember the activities and instructions of Lord Rama; follow them and achieve happiness.

KAMIKA EKADASHI English युधिष्ठिर ने पूछा: गोविन्द ! वासुदेव ! आपको मेरा नमस्कार है ! श्रावण (गुजरात महाराष्ट्र के अनुसार आषाढ़) के कृष्णपक्ष में कौन सी एकादशी होती है ? कृपया उसका वर्णन कीजिये । भगवान श्रीकृष्ण बोले: राजन् ! सुनो । मैं तुम्हें एक पापनाशक उपाख्यान सुनाता हूँ, जिसे पूर्वकाल में ब्रह्माजी ने नारदजी के पूछने पर कहा था । नारदजी ने प्रश्न किया: हे भगवन् ! हे कमलासन ! मैं आपसे यह सुनना चाहता हूँ कि श्रवण के कृष्णपक्ष में जो एकादशी होती है, उसका क्या नाम है? उसके देवता कौन हैं तथा उससे कौन सा पुण्य होता है? प्रभो ! यह सब बताइये । ब्रह्माजी ने कहा: नारद ! सुनो । मैं सम्पूर्ण लोकों के हित की इच्छा से तुम्हारे प्रश्न का उत्तर दे रहा हूँ । श्रावण मास में जो कृष्णपक्ष की एकादशी होती है, उसका नाम ‘कामिका’ है । उसके स्मरणमात्र से वाजपेय यज्ञ का फल मिलता है । उस दिन श्रीधर, हरि, विष्णु, माधव और मधुसूदन आदि नामों से भगवान का पूजन करना चाहिए । भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के पूजन से जो फल मिलता है, वह गंगा, काशी, नैमिषारण्य तथा पुष्कर क्षेत्र में भी सुलभ नहीं है । सिंह राशि के बृहस्पति होने पर तथा व्यतीपात और दण्डयोग में गोदावरी स्नान से जिस फल की प्राप्ति होती है, वही फल भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के पूजन से भी मिलता है । जो समुद्र और वनसहित समूची पृथ्वी का दान करता है तथा जो ‘कामिका एकादशी’ का व्रत करता है, वे दोनों समान फल के भागी माने गये हैं । जो ब्यायी हुई गाय को अन्यान्य सामग्रियों सहित दान करता है, उस मनुष्य को जिस फल की प्राप्ति होती है, वही ‘कामिका एकादशी’ का व्रत करनेवाले को मिलता है । जो नरश्रेष्ठ श्रावण मास में भगवान श्रीधर का पूजन करता है, उसके द्वारा गन्धर्वों और नागों सहित सम्पूर्ण देवताओं की पूजा हो जाती है । अत: पापभीरु मनुष्यों को यथाशक्ति पूरा प्रयत्न करके ‘कामिका एकादशी’ के दिन श्रीहरि का पूजन करना चाहिए । जो पापरुपी पंक से भरे हुए संसार समुद्र में डूब रहे हैं, उनका उद्धार करने के लिए ‘कामिका एकादशी’ का व्रत सबसे उत्तम है । अध्यात्म विधापरायण पुरुषों को जिस फल की प्राप्ति होती है, उससे बहुत अधिक फल ‘कामिका एकादशी’ व्रत का सेवन करनेवालों को मिलता है । ‘कामिका एकादशी’ का व्रत करनेवाला मनुष्य रात्रि में जागरण करके न तो कभी भयंकर यमदूत का दर्शन करता है और न कभी दुर्गति में ही पड़ता है । लालमणि, मोती, वैदूर्य और मूँगे आदि से पूजित होकर भी भगवान विष्णु वैसे संतुष्ट नहीं होते, जैसे तुलसीदल से पूजित होने पर होते हैं । जिसने तुलसी की मंजरियों से श्रीकेशव का पूजन कर लिया है, उसके जन्मभर का पाप निश्चय ही नष्ट हो जाता है । या दृष्टा निखिलाघसंघशमनी स्पृष्टा वपुष्पावनी रोगाणामभिवन्दिता निरसनी सिक्तान्तकत्रासिनी । प्रत्यासत्तिविधायिनी भगवत: कृष्णस्य संरोपिता न्यस्ता तच्चरणे विमुक्तिफलदा तस्यै तुलस्यै नम: ॥ ‘जो दर्शन करने पर सारे पापसमुदाय का नाश कर देती है, स्पर्श करने पर शरीर को पवित्र बनाती है, प्रणाम करने पर रोगों का निवारण करती है, जल से सींचने पर यमराज को भी भय पहुँचाती है, आरोपित करने पर भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के समीप ले जाती है और भगवान के चरणों मे चढ़ाने पर मोक्षरुपी फल प्रदान करती है, उस तुलसी देवी को नमस्कार है ।’ जो मनुष्य एकादशी को दिन रात दीपदान करता है, उसके पुण्य की संख्या चित्रगुप्त भी नहीं जानते । एकादशी के दिन भगवान श्रीकृष्ण के सम्मुख जिसका दीपक जलता है, उसके पितर स्वर्गलोक में स्थित होकर अमृतपान से तृप्त होते हैं । घी या तिल के तेल से भगवान के सामने दीपक जलाकर मनुष्य देह त्याग के पश्चात् करोड़ो दीपकों से पूजित हो स्वर्गलोक में जाता है ।’ भगवान श्रीकृष्ण कहते हैं: युधिष्ठिर ! यह तुम्हारे सामने मैंने ‘कामिका एकादशी’ की महिमा का वर्णन किया है । ‘कामिका’ सब पातकों को हरनेवाली है, अत: मानवों को इसका व्रत अवश्य करना चाहिए । यह स्वर्गलोक तथा महान पुण्यफल प्रदान करनेवाली है । जो मनुष्य श्रद्धा के साथ इसका माहात्म्य श्रवण करता है, वह सब पापों से मुक्त हो श्रीविष्णुलोक में जाता है । The saintly king Yudhishthira maharaj said, "Oh Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the glories of fasting on Deva-sayani Ekadashi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha. Now I would like to hear from You the glories of the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight (Krishna paksha) of the month of Shravana (July -August). Oh Govindadeva, please be merciful to me and explain its glories. Oh Supreme Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You." The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, "Oh King, please listen attentively as I describe the auspicious influence of this Holy fast (vrata) day, which removes all sins. Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about this same topic. "Oh regent of all beings," said Naradji, "Oh you who sit upon a water born lotus throne, please tell me the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the sacred month of Shravana. Please also tell me which Deity is to be worshipped on that Holy day, the process one must follow to observe it, and the merit it awards." Lord Brahma replied, "My dear son Narada, for the benefit of all humanity I shall happily tell you everything you wish to know, for just hearing the glories of the Kamika Ekadashi bestows merit equal to that obtained by one who performs a horse sacrifice. Certainly, great merit is attained by one who worships, and who also meditates on the lotus feet of the four-armed Lord Gadadhara, who holds conchshell, disc, club and lotus in His hands and who is also known as Shridhara, Hari, Vishnu, Madhava, and Madhusudana. And the blessings achieved by such a person / devotee, who worships Lord Vishnu exclusively are far greater than those achieved by one who takes a sacred bath in the Ganges at Kashi (Varanasi), in the forest of Naimisharanya, or at Pushkara, which is the only place on the planet where I am formally worshipped. But one who observes this Kamika Ekadashi and also worships Lord Shri Krishna achieves greater merit than one who has darshan of Lord Kedaranatha in the Himalayas, or one who bathes at Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse, or one who donates the whole Earth in charity, including its forests and oceans, or one who bathes in the Gandaki River (where the sacred Shaligrams are found) or the Godavari River on a full moon (purnima) day that falls on a Monday when Leo (Simha) and Jupiter (Guru) are conjoined (conjunct). 'Observing Kamika Ekadashi bestows the same merit as donating a milk-cow and her auspicious calf, along with their feed. On this all auspicious day, whosoever worships Lord Shri Shridhara-deva, Vishnu, is glorified by all the devas, Gandharvas, Pannagas, and Nagas. 'Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful materialistic life should at least observe this best of Ekadashis according to their ability and thus attain liberation. This Ekadashi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins of the native. Oh Narad ji, Lord Shri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadashi, "One who fasts on Kamika Ekadashi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures. 'Anyone who fasts on this particular day remains awake throughout the night will never experience the anger of Yamaraja, the king of death personified. It has been seen that whoever observes Kamika Ekadashi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past too, many Yogis of devotion who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world. One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this most auspicious of Ekadashis. Whosoever worships Lord Shri Hari with Tulsi leaves is freed from all implication of sin. Indeed, he lives untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf, although in the water, is untouched by it. Whosoever offers Lord Shri Hari but a single leaf from the sacred Tulsi tree (occillium basilcum sanctum) attains as much merit as one who gives away in charity two hundred grams of gold and eight hundred grams of silver. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is more pleased by one who offers Him a single Tulsi leaf than by one who worships Him with pearls, rubies, topaz, diamonds, lapis lazuli, sapphires, gomeda stones (gomaz), cat's eye gems, and coral. One who offers Lord Keshava newly grown manjari buds from the Tulsi plant gets rid of all the sins he has committed during this or any other lifetime. Indeed, mere darshana of Tulsi on Kamika Ekadashi removes all sins, and merely touching her and praying to her removes all kinds of disease. One who waters Tulsi devi need never fear the Lord of death, Yamaraja. One who plants or transplants Tulsi on this days will eventually reside with Lord Shri Krishna in His own abode. To Shrimati Tulsi devi, who awards liberation in devotional service, one should therefore daily offer one's full obeisances. Even Chitragupta, Yamaraja's secretary, cannot calculate the merit obtained by one who offers Shrimati Tulsi-devi a perpetually burning ghee lamp. So dear is this sacred Ekadashi to the Supreme Personality of Godhead that all the forefathers of one who offers a bright ghee lamp to Lord Shri Krishna on this day ascend to the heavenly planets and drink the celestial nectar there. Whoever offers a ghee or sesame oil lamp to Shri Krishna on this day is freed from all his sins and enters the abode of Surya, the Sun-god, with a body as bright as ten million lamps. This Ekadashi is so powerful that if one who is unable to fast simply follows the practices as mentioned herein, s/he is elevated to the heavenly planets, along with all their forefathers." "Oh Maharaj Yudhishthira,Lord Shri Krishna concluded, "...these were the words of prajapathi Brahma to his son Narad Muni concerning the incalculable glories of this Kamika Ekadashi, which removes all sins. This sacred day nullifies even the sin of killing a brahmana or the sin of killing an unborn child in the womb, and it promotes one to the spiritual world by making one supremely meritorious. One who kills the innocent, i.e., a brahmin (brahmana), a child in the womb, a pious and spotless woman, etc., and then later hears about the glories of Kamika Ekadashi will be relieved of the reaction to one's sins. However, one should NOT think beforehand that one can kill a Brahmin or other innocent folk and then go unpunished simply by hearing of this Ekadashi. Such knowing commission of sin is an abomination. Whosoever hears these glories of the Kamika Ekadashi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Godhead - Vishnu-loka, Vaikuntha." Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Shravana-krshna Ekadashi, or Kamika Ekadashi, from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana. KAMIKA EKADASHI English

CHANDAN YATRA From Akshaya-tritiya, Chandan-yatra begins Chandan-yatra is a twenty-one day festival observed in temples—especially in India—during the summer season. During Chandana-yatra, devotees anoint the Deities of the Lord with cooling sandalwood paste. ​ Akshaya tritiya, according to the Vedic calendar, is a day considered to be conducive to success in any significant endeavor. Traditionally, those aware of Akshaya tritiya’s benefits schedule major life events—marriages, initiations, business ventures, establishing a new place of residence—on this day. ​ Candana yatra starts on the third lunar day of the waxing moon of Vaisakha month, and continues for twenty days. Lord Jagannatha gave direct instructions to King Indradyumna to perform this festival at this time. Smearing the body of the Lord with ointments is an act of devotion, and the best of ointments is sandalwood paste. Since the month of Vaisakha is very hot in India, the cooling effect of the sandalwood is very pleasing to the body of the Lord. ​ Sandalwood paste is applied all over the body of Jagannatha leaving only his two eyes visible. The utsava murtis (functional Deities – Vijay utsav) are taken on procession and are placed in a boat in the temple pond. To commemorate this festival, Lord Caitanya also carried out water sports with his devotees. ​ On the day of Aksaya Tritiya in Vrindavan, all large Goswami Temple Deities are covered with chandan Paste and not a bit of cloth used to cover the deities in the afternoon. The festival is also celebrated in our ISKCON Vrindavan temple and it usually continues for 21 days with the Utsava Vigrahas covered in chandan. The Deities are covered completely with chandan(sandalwood paste), which provides the Lord relief from the scorching heat of summer in the month of Vaisakha/Jyestha (May/June).

KARTIK AND DIPAVALI Diwali is one of the most popular festivals in the Indian calendar. The anniversaries of many auspicious historical events comprise this ancient festival. The festivities comprise of firecrackers, ceremonial bathing, feasting, artis, family get-togethers – and illuminations. ​ The aesthetically appealing illumination dates back to many millennia when the jubilant citizens of Ayodhya welcomed Lord Rama back to their city after His exile. The Ramayana describes, how when Lord Rama was exiled due to the misdirected intrigues of Kaikayi, Ayodhya became almost like a ghost city. All its citizens were plunged into an ocean of separation and sorrow for fourteen agonizingly long years. When Lord Rama finally returned, their heart’s innermost longing was at last fulfilled. They spontaneously celebrated this joyful reunion of divine love by illuminating their houses. ​ Apart from being a historical reality, this event also has immense relevance to our lives. Ayodhya is like our heart and Lord Rama is the Lord of our heart, the supreme object of love and devotion for all of us. Due to unfortunate misconceptions, we too have exiled the Lord from our heart. Just as Ayodhya became a ghost town when Lord Rama departed, our heart too has become infested with negative – and often self-destructive – feelings like anxiety, boredom, loneliness, depression, stress, prejudice, envy, anger and hatred. And, just like the citizens of Ayodhya, our lives too have become filled with emptiness and lamentation. ​ There is one important difference between us and the citizens of Ayodhya. They clearly knew that their grief was due to bereavement from the Lord. We however are often slow to recognize this root cause of our malaise. We try to hide and forget the existential emptiness of our life by accelerating its pace in pursuit of mundane goals – wealth, enjoyment, entertainment, fame, power and position. But these illusory substitutes for love of God offer only flickering titillation, not lasting fulfillment. Consequently, despite the frenzied pace and the jazzy gadgets that are the pride of our lives, we still remain largely unfulfilled and disappointed. ​ Historically, the import of Diwali is not the lighting of lamps, but the return of Lord Rama to Ayodhya. So our celebration of Diwali will remain incomplete if we continue to restrict ourselves to lighting lamps. Then how can we welcome the Lord back into our hearts and experience the essence of Diwali? ​ Lord Rama answers in the Ramayana through His instructions, which inform us of our actual identity and purpose. We are all eternal spiritual beings, belonging to the kingdom of God, where we eternally enthrone the Lord as the king of our hearts and rejoice in selfless loving exchanges with Him. When we exile the Lord from our hearts, we exile ourselves from that world of endless love and come to this mortal world, where we misidentify ourselves with temporary material bodies. Covered by spiritual amnesia, we play illusory roles and pursue illusory goals, but get only disappointment and distress. Though we exile and forget the Lord, He never forgets us and never actually leaves our heart. He just becomes unmanifest to our vision and continues to accompany and guide us throughout all our adventures and misadventures in this world, eagerly waiting and inviting us back to His loving shelter. By cultivating knowledge from the sacred scriptures about the Lord and His love for us and reviving our dormant love for Him by chanting His holy names, we can invite Him back to our hearts. Therefore while lighting the earthen lamps this Diwali, let us also light our heart with divine wisdom and love.

Rath Yatra

WORLD HOLY NAME FESTIVAL The newly formed ISKCON Harinam Sankirtan Ministry is holding the World Holy Name Festival, coming up from September 17 – 23. This year, they aspire to expand the festival beyond the borders of ISKCON into the greater society. With the support of devotees worldwide the festival can reach out and bring the holy names to new people. ​ Because of the global pandemic, traditional ways to share Harinam, on the streets and in kirtan events, are severely restricted. Thus, they plan to offer many ways to participate online and in smaller safer settings. ​ To do this they need devotees’ help with the artwork, marketing, web development and audio and video production, organizing in local areas. Anyone interested to get involved please contact viswabandhudas@gmail.com . ​ In the coming weeks, they will be providing resources to help devotees celebrate the World Holy Name Festival. These include materials to participate in the Japathon, Holy Name Retreats, and even learn a new beat on the mridanga! ​ And, most importantly, they will give ways for devotees to share Harinam with others. This main outreach program is in conjunction with the Fortunate People campaign. Fortunate People is a global effort to collect audio and video recordings of people chanting the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. It’s especially meant to make it fun, easy and inspiring to get people to chant the maha-mantra for the first time as part of it’s worldwide Love and Peace campaign. ​ The World Holy Name Festival will especially focus on the theme of “Let’s Make the World Fortunate” through the Fortunate People program. They’ll soon be sharing more details on how you can participate to the fullest extent. ​ But for now anyone can get started by making a recording of themselves chanting, and uploading it on www.fortunate-people.com . Then they are requested to find a friend or family member who are not chanting, and encourage them also to record and upload a chant. ​ See this video with His Holiness Lokanath Swami, Minister of Harinam Sankirtan, sharing more information on Fortunate People. ​ ​ To make sure not to miss anything please join the lists: ​ ​​ Whatsapp: https://chat.whatsapp.com/EnEF8KGlrA01q6EzrcKO5H © 2021 iskconallinone.com All rights Reserved.