Krishna and Arjun Story

Once Arjun asked to lord Krishna hai, parth (Respectful person) you always appreciate the karn too much for being an enormous donator and the extreme courageous but no body I can see the massive donator like Yudhisther. Shri Krishna thinks for a moment and in subsequently he said- this time you will get your answer tomorrow.On next day after get in the appearance of Brahmin, Arjuna and Shri Krishna firstly entered in they udhisther darwar (office).Yudhisther expressed the great owner to both of the Brahmans and asked (hai, vipra) Respected persons what can I do for you? Order Me.! Two barmen’s (Arjun and Krishna) ask him for the woods of chandan to cook his food by himself for lunch.King (Yudhisther) spokes, both of you please take your seats, the woods of chandan are going to arrange soon. And king acquaint with his men’s to arrange the woods of chandan. All the men’s search the markets of the entire conurbation but all the woods are wet because of the last night rain.

Sri Krishna Janmastami Celebration to be held in Somerset

On August 28th, 2010, ISKCON will be hosting their annual celebration of Sri Krishna Janmastami at the Ukrainian Center in Somerset, from 2-10 PM.Sri Krishna Janmastami, an auspicious festival marking the appearance day of Lord Krishna, is widely celebrated throughout India. ISKCON's celebration offers a wonderful chance to experience the unique spiritual and cultural aspects of this festival, right in our own community. The celebration, which is free of charge, will include ecstatic kirtan (traditional devotional music and chants), plays depicting the transcendental activities of Lord Krishna, cultural art exhibits, and children's activities. A sumptuous and authentic vegetarian Indian feast will be served.The wide range of activities and exhibitions offered at this year's Sri Krishna Janmastami celebration make it a must for those interested in the culture, music, and cuisine of India, as well as Yoga and spirituality. All are welcome to attend this remarkable festival, and celebrate Sri Krishna Janmastami, as well as the cultural richness of our local community.

Nine day long Lord Jagnnath Puja ends with return Yatra in Arunachal Pradesh

Pasighat: The nine-day-long Jagnnath Puja (Rath Yatra) ended with the return Yatra of Lord Jagannatha, his elder brother Lord Balabhadra and sister Devi Subhadra entering into the Manipuri temple, situated at Pasighat Bazaar (opposite of Balaji temple). The Bishnupriya Monipuri community celebrates the Rath Yatra annually with devotional favour and joy.

Hundreds of devotees thronged revered Manipuri Jagnnatha temple and offered puja.This spectacular Puja/festival is celebrated in the month of Asadha, on the second day of the lunar fortnight that falls during June-July. Popularly known as Rath Yatra, this is celebrated in the honor of Lord Jagannatha who is believed to be an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rath Yatra commemorates the journey of Lord Krishna from Gokul to Mathura. It also symbolizes a journey to light from the dark. 

Pandharpur Yatra 2010 for Lord Vitthal Mandir starts on July 21: Day known as Ashadi Ekadasi.

The Pandharpur Temple Yatra 2010 starts for the Pandharpur Lord Vitthal Mandir  on July 21, 2010, Wednesday. Lakhs of devotees across the country contribute in the Pandharpur Temple Yatra to seek blessings and pay bends Lord Vithal Temple.The day falls on 11th day of Shukla paksha (vivid day) in Ashada month and this lucky day is also known as Shayana Ekadasi, Maha Ekadasi or most famed by Ashadi Ekadasi.Several religious functions are scheduled to be held by the evening to mark the day. Pandharpur Temple is a holy place of fairly relic. The divinity of this eminent temple is Vithoba, a localize story of lord Krishna.The old story that was connects to the temple in Pandharpur which creates it a special place to devotion. The people have effectively kept the tradition alive of their ancestors coming to this place barefoot, starting from the Middle Ages.This Wednesday, a devotional musical performance would be held to celebrate this time of the year. Artistic programs are being held in this temple to celebrate the festival. Pandit Raja Kale would also be there in the Wednesday event.

Avatars, Gods and Goddesses of Vedic Culture

Understanding the assorted Divinities or gods and goddesses of the Vedic or Hindu pantheon is not so difficult as some people seem to think when it is presented simply and effectively. And that is what you will find in this book. This will open you to many of the possibilities and potentials of the Vedic tradition, and show how it has been able to cater to and fulfill the spiritual needs and development of so many people since time immemorial. Here you will find there is something for everyone.This takes you into the heart of the deep, Vedic spiritual knowledge of how to perceive the Absolute Truth, the Supreme and the various powers and agents of the universal creation. This explains the characteristics and nature of the Vedic Divinities and their purposes, powers, and the ways they influence and affect the natural energies of the universe. It also shows how they can assist us and that blessings from them can help our own spiritual and material development and potentialities, depending on what we need.Some of the Vedic Divinities that are explained include Lord Krishna, Vishnu, Their main avatars and expansions, along with Brahma, Shiva, Ganesh, Murugan, Surya, Hanuman, as well as the goddesses of Sri Radha, Durga, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, and others. This also presents explanations of their names, attributes, dress, weapons, instruments, the meaning of the Shiva lingam, and some of the legends and stories that are connected with them. This will certainly give you a new insight into the expansive nature of the Vedic tradition.COVER PHOTO: A print of Lord Narayana (Vishnu) and Goddess Lakshmi (the Goddess of Fortune). Lord Vishnu, in His bluish complexion, holds His mace, disc or Sudarshan chakra, a conch shell, and a lotus. Lakshmi holds two lotus flowers and blessings. The Om is in the center. (This print is from the author’s personal collection.)

Chandan Yatra Festival

Festival of Chariots brings joy and goodwill

THE Festival of Chariots brings hundreds of thousands of Hindus to the streets of the Indian city of Puri every year.And while it may not be of the same scale, the festival was replicated in Liverpool on Saturday.More than 4000 people, many young people among them, flocked to Bigge Park to touch Lord Jagannath’s chariot.Picture gallery: The Festival of Chariots comes to LiverpoolOrganiser Govardhan Das said the festival was growing every year as more people understood the symbolism of the event.“In the scriptures it is said that if someone glances at Lord Jagannath or pulls the rope, he or she will be liberated from this material world to the spiritual world,” Mr Das said.“It was a joyous occasion. People met each other, the community came together and there was goodwill.”The elaborately decorated chariot of Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Baladeva and their sister Lady Subhadra was pulled through the streets to commemorate the deities.Now in its fourth year in Liverpool, a new chariot is decorated for the festival each year.

Legends of Radha Krishna

The legends of Radha-Krishna have become immortal. There are numerous legends and stories of Radha and Krishna depicting their true love. Radha's devotion and dedication towards Sri Krishna is the most sincere one. Here are some legends of Radha-Krishna portraying their love for each other.

Legend of Hot Milk
This is one interesting story showing the eternal relation of Radha and Krishna. Radha was not married to Lord Krishna. The immeasurable love of Krishna for Radha made Krishna's wives jealous of Radha. Once, they all planned a mischief to make Radha suffer. They set out a bowl of burning hot milk. They gave the bowl to Radha, saying that Krishna had sent it for her. Radha readily drank the hot milk.

Vegetarianism: A Means to a Higher End

The word vegetarian, coined by the founders of the British Vegetarian Society in 1842, comes from the Latin word vegetus, meaning "whole, sound, fresh, or lively," as in homo vegetus-a mentally and physically vigorous person. The original meaning of the word implies a balanced philosophical and moral sense of life, a lot more than just a diet of vegetables and fruits.Most vegetarians are people who have understood that to contribute towards a more peaceful society we must first solve the problem of violence in our own hearts. So it's not surprising that thousands of people from all walks of life have, in their search for truth, become vegetarian. Vegetarianism is an essential step towards a better society, and people who take the time to consider its advantages, will be in the company of such thinkers as Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Clement of Alexandria, Plutarch, King Asoka, Leonardo da Vinci, Montaigne, Akbar, John Milton, Sir Isaac Newton, Emanuel Swedenbourg, Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, Jean Jacques Rousear, Lamartine, Percy Bysshe Shelley, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Henry David Thoreau, Leo Tolstoy, George Bernard Shaw, Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Schweitzer, and Albert Einstein.

ISKCON HISTORY

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is the religious organization for devotees of Krishna (also spelled Krsna). Their religion is commonly known as Hare Krishna, because of the first two words of their principle mantra:

                         "Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna, Krishna, Hare, Hare"
                         "Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama, Rama, Hare, Hare."

Krishna means "The All-Attractive," Hare addresses the energy of God, and Rama means "The Greatest Pleasure." These names of God and the Hare Krishna Mantra are derived from ancient Indian texts of knowledge called Vedas. The image at the top of this page is of the Tilaka mark; it appears on the foreheads of all followers of Hare Krishna. The two stripes signify the lotus feet of Krishna; the leaf in the center represents holy basil, or Tulasi which traditionally adorns His feet.

Devotees pull chariots of gods

KOLKATA: Thousands of Kolkatans came out on the streets to participate in Rath Yatra on Tuesday.Many pulled the chariot of Lord Jagannath while the rest stood along the way to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra. Chants of "Hare Krishna" filled the air as devotees sang religious songs, accompanied by the beat of drums and the sound of conch shells.Organized by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), the Rath Yatra started from the Park Circus Maidan, went down AJC Bose Road and SN Banerjee Road to reach the Ganga Sagar Mela ground near Babughat. The rath will be kept here till Ulta Rath when it will be pulled back to the place of origin.Apart from those who pulled the rath right from the beginning, thousands of devotees stood on the route to touch the rope pulling the chariot. Even policemen on traffic duty were seen pulling the rope briefly."I was walking from Sealdah station when I saw the chariot passing. I joined the procession and participated in the Rath Yatra till Esplanade. This is first time I have done this and I feel blessed," said an elated Bipul Nath of Beliaghata.Monks of the ISKCON order from different parts of the world participated in the festival. Prasad was distributed among devotees along the route. Meticulous management by Kolkata Police ensured that traffic movement was not thrown out of gear.

RATH - YATRA

Rath Yatra symbolizes many stories of Lord Krishna's travels on a chariot, the most popular one being the story of Jaganaath Puri. On this day Jaganaath, as Lord Krishna is known, expressed his wishes to visit His birthplace once every year. This festival is celebrated all over India but in the town of Puri in the state of Orrisa in the east of India, giant chariots are constructed where the images of Lord Jaganaath (Lord Krishna), His brother Balaram and His sister Subhadra are placed on and taken from Jaganaath temple to Ghundicha Ghar. The Journey is accompanied by thousands of devotees singing and celebrating.The English word Juggernaut is derived from this festival, depicting the very large vehicles in which Lord Jaganaath is carried.According to another legend this day marks the journey of Lord Krishna and Balaram to Mathura. Evil Kansa, Krishna's maternal uncle sent Akrur with a chariot to Gokul to invite Krishna to Mathura for a wrestling competition. On this day Krishna and Balaram left Gokul, His family and friends behind.This is a festival about Krishna's journey on a chariot, which is shown on many occasions along with his Brother and Sister. As Jaganaath Temple is or was the only temple with these 3 Murtis it is most celebrated here

The Lord Krishna Reveals Himself

A beautiful incident from Srimad Bhagavatam, about Lord Krishna's childhood may be well known to us, but a deeper understanding of the truth reveals the underlying essence of it.Lord Krishna, when He was a baby crawled to a mud puddle and grabbed some mud and put into His little mouth. The boys from the neighbourhood rushed with the news to Yashoda, Krishna's mother.Yashoda hurried to the place and found her little one amidst the mud puddle. She placed her hands on his chin and asked Him to open His little mouth. When little Krishna opened His little mouth, to Yashoda's shock, she found the entire solar system inside His mouth instead of some mud.It was an incident that revealed to Yashoda about the Godliness of her little baby. On realizing that it was God who had assumed a human form, she prayed to Him, “O Lord of Love who has assumed this form of a little baby, you have entrusted me the duty of taking care of you. Do shower your blessings on us for ever”Yashoda then assumed the role of the mother of her little baby. She picked up little Krishna and washed his mouth with care. She also warned him not to repeat the naughty act again. The Lord also allowed himself to Yashoda's care like a normal baby! This incident reminds one of the Vedantic truth of the outer world being in the inner self. The self which is beyond beginning and end is the base, the substratum or the underlying reality of the manifested world.

Silas' Darshan

When our Bhagavatam speakers glorify the pastimes of Giriraja, Gopal, Rama, Ananta, Trivikrama (Vamana), Kurma, Varaha, Mastya, and Hayagriva - Krishna's incarnations who kindly appear in our Mandir as silas - Their presence inspires me to meditate on their lotus forms and pray for Their mercy.Because of his service as one of the Lords' pujaris, Bala Gaura Prabhu knows each and every one of Them intimately, and he has shared Their order of appearance with us.Here is The Lords' 2010 Gaura Purnima darshan, moving clockwise from Lord Trivikrama who sits to the left of Radha-Vallabha's upper step. Lord Trivikrama; Sri Narasimha; Sri Gopal; Sri-Sri-Sri Ananta, Hayagriva, Ananta; Sri-Sri-Sri Rama, Varaha, Sudarshan; Sri-Sri Radha-Giriraja;Sri-Sri-Sri Kurma, Matsya, Mastya (with a white Dwaraka sila covered behind).

May They bless us to perfect our lives as we chant Their glories.

Janmasthami the day when Sri Krishna appeared in this world

One of my old friends hasn’t been very well lately. Born in Essex, he now lives in New Zealand where he teaches and is a community brahmana. He wrote the following piece and sent it to me, so I thought I’d share it with you. If you like it, please ask Lord Krishna to bless him with many years. Wherever you are on Sunday, may you have a day blessed by Sri Krishna.

Who is Sri Krishna?

By Jaya Tirtha Charan Das

Sri Krishna is God – the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This fact is stated and corroborated in the Vedic scriptures and by various authorities. Lord Brahma in Brahma Samhita says, “Krishna who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body.He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes” (BS 5.1). In the Bhagavata Purana Krishna becomes the chief object of devotion. After describing various incarnations of the Lord such as Rama, Balarama, Vamana, Nrsimha, and Vishnu, Srila Sukadeva Goswami states, “All of the above mentioned incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions of the Lord, but Lord Krishna is the original Personality of Godhead” (SB 1.3.28).

ISKCON L.A. To Mark 40th Anniversary

Jun 12, CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA (INDIA JOURNAL) — The ISKCON Los Angeles Hare Krishna Temple will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of the consecration of Sri-Sri Rukmini-Dwarakanatha. They are the same Radha-Krishna murtis which were personally installed by the loving hands of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.The event will be commemorated by three days of special services and festivity, July 16-18. There will be a Julana-yatra (a swing ceremony for the Deities.) Original disciples of Srila Prabhupada who were present for the original installation and worship will speak of the event. The festival culminates on July 18, when the Deities will be offered a fresh flower outfit to wear and taken on procession around the temple.

The Story of Krishna and Jarasandha

King Brihadratha of Magadha was married to the twin daughters of the King of Kashi. Brihadratha loved both his wives equally and had all the material joys of the world, but no son. This left him in a depressed state. The sage Chandakaushika visited his kingdom and Brihadratha served him with respect. Being pleased with his service, the sage granted Brihadratha a boon. Brihadratha asked the sage for a son and the sage gave him a mango, which Brihadratha was to give one of his wives. Now Brihadratha loved both his wives equally so he cut the mango in two equal halves and fed both of them. Nine months later, both his wives gave birth to a child, or rather half a child each. Seeing this the queens attendants were horrified and decided that they must dispose of the two halves, so they dumped them outside the kingdom. Now outside the kingdom, there lived a demoness named Jara. Sensing human flesh, she found the two halves of the child. Hoping to carry them home to eat them, she placed both the halves side by side in a basket and lo behold the halves miraculously joined up, making one complete human child. Jara realized that this must be the son of the King of Magadha, and wanting a reward, took the child to the palace. The King was overjoyed and named the child Jarasandha in order to honor Jara, the demoness who had saved him.

Advent of Lord Krishna

Once the world was overburdened by the unnecessary defense force of different kings, who were actually demons, but were posing themselves as the royal order. At that time, the whole world became perturbed, and the predominating deity of this earth, known as Bhumi, went to see Lord Brahma to tell of her calamities due to the demoniac kings. Bhumi assumed the shape of a cow and presented herself before Lord Brahma with tears in her eyes. She was bereaved and was weeping just to invoke the lord’s compassion. She related the calamitous position of the earth, and after hearing this, Lord Brahma became much aggrieved, and he at once started for the ocean of milk, where Lord Visnu resides. Lord Brahma was accompanied by all the demigods headed by Lord Siva, and Bhumi also followed. Arriving on the shore of the milk ocean, Lord Brahma began to pacify the Lord Visnu who formerly saved the earthly planet by assuming the transcendental form of a boar.

In the Vedic mantras, there is a particular type of prayer called Purusa-sukta. Generally, the demigods offer their obeisances unto Visnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, by chanting the Purusa-sukta. It is understood herein that the predominating deity of every planet can see the supreme lord of this universe, Brahma, whenever there is some disturbance in his planet. And Brahma can approach the Supreme Lord Visnu, not by seeing Him directly, but by standing on the shore of the ocean of milk. There is a planet within this universe called Svetadvipa, and on that planet there is an ocean of milk. It is understood from various Vedic literatures that just as there is the ocean of salt water within this planet, there are various kinds of oceans in other planets. Somewhere there is an ocean of milk, somewhere there is an ocean of oil, and somewhere there is an ocean of liquor and many other types of oceans. Purusa-sukta is the standard prayer which the demigods recite to appease the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Ksirodakasayi-Visnu. Because He is lying on the ocean of milk, He is called Ksirodakasayi-Visnu. He is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, through whom all the incarnations within this universe appear

Veerappa Moily Releases ‘Role of Lord Krishna in Mahabharata

The book release of ‘Role of Lord Krishna in Mahabharata’, authored by M Ranganath Pai, was held at SDM College in the city on Sunday June 6.Union law minister M Veerappa Moily was the chief guest at the programme and released the book. Swami Poornakamananda, president, Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mangalore, presided over the function.The author has previously translated the Bhagavad Geetha into Konkani and recorded it into cassettes besides translating many hymns. The book consists of 450 pages and is written in English by the author.San Bun Publishers assisted in the publishing of the book and the author’s wife Sumana Ranga Pai was his inspiration.

Krishna Birth

Old King Ugrasena of Mathura had two children, Prince Kamsa and Princess Devaki. While King Ugrasena was a good king, Prince Kamsa was a ruthless tyrant. Now Princess Devaki was to wed a nobleman named Vasudeva. Kamsa out of the love he bore for his sister decided to be the bride and groom’s charioteer for the day. While Kamsa drove the chariot bearing Devaki and Vasudeva out of the wedding hall, a voice from the heavens boomed informing Kamsa that Devaki’s eight child would be his slayer

Panihati festival celebrated with great pomp and gaiety

As the day progressed towards dusk, several devotees gathered across at the Open-air theatre at the ISKCON Bangalore temple complex, preparing flowers for decorations. There was a breath of festivity in the air as preparations for Pani Hati Chida Dahi Mahotsava were in full swing. Amongst several devotees who were knitting loose flowers into a magnificent garland, was 74-year-old Shyam Sundar Das. He has been rendering such service for the past 10 years. “I feel blessed all the time and this is probably what Lord Krishna wants me do”, he says with a humble look on his face. Shyam Sundar Das was collecting petals from flowers.

As the time raced across, closing in to strike 5:30 pm, another set of devotees were seen busy preparing the modern version of Krishna’s ‘Panchajanya’ A mini bus that would carry wisdom across. Just like how Krishna’s conch resounded his presence all over. The bus was designed by one of the devotees to carry and display books. Decorated and well illuminated the vehicle would carry books imparting knowledge of Lord Krishna, Bhagavad Gita and Srila Prabhupada and would traverse around the temple during the festivities.

Rath Yatra’ 2010 date, Lord Jagannath festival at Puri in Orissa!

India during the months of June-July Most of the city’s society is based around the worship of Jaganath (Krishna) with the ancient temple being the fulcrum of the area. The Ratha Yatra festival commemorates Lord Jagannath’s annual visit to his aunt’s home. In 2010, the date of Puri Rath Yatra is July 13

Rata Jatra, the Festival of Chariots of Lord Jagannad is celebrated every year at Puri, the temple town in Orissa, on the east coast of India on the second day of shukla pakshya of Ashadh Maas. The presiding deities of the main temple, Lord Jagannada, Lord Balarama and Goddess Subhadra, with the celestial wheel Sudarshana are taken out from the temple precincts in an elaborate ritual procession to their respective chariots. The huge, colourfully decorated chariots, are drawn by hundreds and thousands of devotees on the bada danda, the grand avenue to the Gundicha temple, some two miles away to the North. On their way to the Gundicha Temple, the three Lords are believed to stop for a while near the Mausima Temple and have an offering of the Poda Pitha, which is a special type of pancake supposed to be the Lord’s favourite. After a stay for seven days, the deities return to their abode. many shown on streets like brahahin

The Story of Krishna and Jarasandha

King Brihadratha of Magadha was married to the twin daughters of the King of Kashi. Brihadratha loved both his wives equally and had all the material joys of the world, but no son.

This left him in a depressed state. The sage Chandakaushika visited his kingdom and Brihadratha served him with respect. Being pleased with his service.

The sage granted Brihadratha a boon. Brihadratha asked the sage for a son and the sage gave him a mango, which Brihadratha was to give one of his wives.

38th Annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) - Toronto - July 17-18, 2010

New Remuna Dhama, ISKCON Toronto, would like to extend a warm invitation to devotees around the world to experience our 38th Annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) on July 17-18, 2010! Toronto’s Ratha-Yatra has the unique distinction of being accredited by Madhuha das, the organizer of the traveling Festival of India tour, as being the largest Ratha-Yatra in North America with close to 40,000 people in attendance and a plethora of Srila Prabhupada’s books sold each year!