Nirjala Ekadasi : Friday, 01-06-2011

Nirjala Ekadasi : Friday, 01-06-2011

Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the most popular and toughest Ekadashi Fasting days. In 2012, the date of Nirjala Ekadashi is Thursday, 31st of May. Ekadasi fasting is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is observed on the 11th day of a fortnight in a traditional Hindu calendar. Nirjala Ekadashi is also known as Pandav Bhim Ekadasi fast. The difference from other Ekadasis and Nirjala is that devotees do not drink water on the day.

Legend has it that Bhima, the second of Pandava brothers, wanted to observe Ekadasi fasting but still eat food. But fasting and eating was not possible. So Sage Vyasa advised Bhim to observe Nirjala Ekadasi fasting which falls during the waxing phase (Shukla Paksha) in Jyeshta month as it has the benefits of observing all the 24 Ekadasis. Thus Bhim was able to get the benefits of all Ekadasis by observing Nirjala Ekadasi.

Nirjala Ekadasi is one of the strictest fast in Hindu religion and among all Ekadasis.
Nirjala means ‘without water.’ Staunch Vishnu devotees who undertake this fast does not drink water while fasting on the day. No food is also consumed on the day. The fast begins on Ekadasi sunrise and ends on next day (Dwadasi) sunrise.

It is believed that observing Nirjala Ekadashi provides the benefit of all the other Ekadashis observed in a year. Observing it is also equal to going on pilgrimage. It is believed that after death people who have observed Nirjala Ekadashi are received by messengers from Vaikunta, abode of Vishnu, and not by Yama, the god of death.

Akshaya Tritiya / Akhateej : Friday, 24-04-2012

Krishna and Sudama

Akshaya Tritiya / Akhateej : Friday, 24-04-2012

Hindus believe in the theory of "mahurats" or auspicious timings in every step in life - be it to begin a new venture or making an important purchase. Akshaya Tritiya is one such momentous occasion, which is considered one of the most auspicious days of the Hindu Calendar. It is believed, any meaningful activity started on this day would be fruitful.

Once a Year
Akshaya Tritiya falls on the third day of the bright half of Vaishakh month (April-May), when the Sun and Moon are in exaltation; they are simultaneously at their peak of brightness, which happens only once every year.

Holy Day
Akshaya Tritiya, also known as "Akha Teej", is traditionally the birthday of Lord Parasurama, the sixth incarnation of Lord Vishnu. People conduct special Pujas on this day, bathe in holy rivers, make a charity, offer barley in a sacred fire, and worshipLord Ganesha & Devi Lakshmi on this day.

The Golden Link
The word "Akshaya" means imperishable or eternal - that which never diminishes. Initiations made or valuables bought on this day are considered to bring success or good fortune. Buying gold is a popular activity on Akshaya Tritiya, as it is the ultimate symbol of wealth and prosperity. Gold and gold jewelry bought and worn on this day signify never diminishing good fortune. Indians celebrate weddings, begin new business ventures, and even plan long journeys on this day.

Myths Around Akshaya Tritiya

The day also marks the beginning of the "SatyaYug" or the Golden Age - the first of the four Yugas. In the Puranas, the holy Hindu scriptures, there is a story that says that on this day of Akshay Tritiya, Veda Vyasa along with Ganesha started writing the great epic Mahabharata. Ganga Devi or Mother Ganges also descended on earth on this day.

According to another legend, during the time of the Mahabhrata, when the Pandavas were in exile, Lord Krishna, on this day, presented them an 'Akshaya Patra,' a bowl which would never go empty and produce an unlimited supply of food on demand.

The Krishna-Sudama Legend

Perhaps, the most famous of the Akshaya Tritiya stories is the legend of Lord Krishna and Sudama, his poor Brahmin childhood friend. On this day, as the tale goes, Sudama came over to Krishna's palace to request him for some financial help. As a gift for his friend, Sudama had nothing more than a handful of beaten rice or 'poha'. So, he was utterly ashamed to give it to Krishna, but Krishna took the pouch of 'poha' from him and relished having it. Krishna followed the principle of 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is like God' and treated Sudama like a king. His poor friend was so overwhelmed by the warmth and hospitality shown by Krishna, that he could not ask for the financial favor and came home empty handed. Lo and behold! When he reached his place, Sudama's old hut was transformed into a palace! He found his family dressed in royal attire and everything around was new and expensive. Sudama knew that it was a boon from Krishna, who blessed him with more than the wealth he actually intended to ask for. Therefore, Akshaya Tritiya is associated with material gains and wealth acquisition.

Bright Births
It is also believed that people born during this time shine bright in life. Many luminaries were born during this period: Basaveshwara born on May 4, Ramanujacharya and Adi Shankaracharya on May 6, Swami Chinmayananda on May 8 and Lord Buddha on May 16. Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated as the birthday of Lord Parashurama, one of the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu.

Parasuram Jayanti : Monday/Tuesday, 23/24-04-2012

Parasuram Jayanti : Monday/Tuesday, 23/24-04-2012

The date of Parasurama Jayanthi 2012 is on 23rd April 2012. Lord Parasurama is the sixth avatar of Maha Vishnu. Parasurama Jayanthi is celebrated on the third day of Shukla Paksha in the Vaishakha Masam in Hindu calendar. Usually Parashurama Jayanti falls one day before the Akshaya Tritiya day.

Lord Parasurama was born as the son of Sage Jamadagni and Renuka. Parashurama is regarded as the first warrior Brahman (Brahmakshatriya) or the first warrior saint. The aim of Parasurama’s birth is to save the Mother Nature from the kshatriya kings who neglected their duties and strayed from the path of Dharma.

Seven Mukti Sthalas

The Seven Mukti Sthalas in Karnataka were created by Parashurama. The idol of Goddess Kanyakumari Devi in Kanyakumari Temple Tamilnadu, the idol of Dharma Sastha Temple in Sabarimala are some of the other famous temples constructed by Parasurama.  

Shani Amavasya (New Moon) : Saturday, 21-04-2012

Shani Dev on His Chariot

Shani Amavasya (New Moon) : Saturday, 21-04-2012

Shani Dev is one of the most popular deities that the Hindus pray to ward off evil and remove obstacles.

Shani literally means the “slow-moving-one”. According to myths, Shani oversees the "dungeons of the human heart and the dangers that lurks there."

Shani is represented as having a dark complexion and is said to be the son of Surya, the sun god, and Chaya, the servant whom his wife Swarna surrogated. He is the brother of Yama, the god of death and is believed by many to be an avatar of Shiva.

The Lord of Bad Luck?:

Stories about his evil influence abound. Shani is said to have chopped off Ganesha’s head. He is lame and has a limp because his knee was injured when he fought as a child with Yama. In the mythology, he is represented as riding a chariot, carrying a bow and arrow and pulled by a vulture or crow. Shani is found wearing a blue cloth, blue flowers and sapphire.

He is also known as Saura (son of sun-god), Kruradris or Kruralochana (the cruel-eyed), Mandu (dull and slow), Pangu (disabled), Saptarchi (seven-eyed) and Asita (dark).

The Ill-effect of His Planet - Saturn:

Hindus are under fear of evil from his planet - Saturn. In Vedic astrology, the planetary position at the time of birth determines the future of a person. So, Hindus accord immense importance to the planets, and Saturn or Shani is one such planet which they fear the most for ill-luck. Anyone born under his influence is believed to at risk.

How to Appease Shani:

To appease him, many pay obeisance every Saturday by lighting a lamp before the image of Shani and reading the ‘Shani Mahatmyaham’. He is pleased to accept lamps lit with sesame or mustard oil. Even the day named after him, Shanivara or Saturday, is considered inauspicious to begin any new venture.

The Giver of Kindness:

“Yet o son of Chhaya (shadow) you are the fire who can destroy Time itself and like Kamadhenu, the wish giving cow, you grant us all good things with kindness and compassion”, wrote Muthuswami Dikshitar (1775-1835) in his musical ‘Navagraha’ (Nine Planets) composition in Sanskrit.

Shani Temples:

Most Hindu temples have a little shrine set apart for the ‘Navagraha’ or the nine planets where Shani is placed. Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, the oldest Navagraha temple has the most benign Shani. Another important Shani temple is at Shingnapur in Maharashtra where the deity is represented as a block of stone. Navi Mumbai has a Sri Shaniswar temple at Nerul while Delhi has a popular Shanidham at Fatehpur Beri in the historic Mehrauli area.

Mahavir Jayanti : Thursday, 05-04-2012

Mahavir Jayanti : Thursday, 05-04-2012

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, is the last one in the galaxy of Twenty-four Teerthankaras (Jain Prophets). He was born in the year 599 B.C. and has been acclaimed as one of the greatest prophets of peace and social reformation that Bharat has ever produced. He was born to a pious couple, Siddhartha and Priyakarani or popularly Trishala Devi - who were deeply permeated with the philosophy of jainism preached by Parswanatha, the 23rd Teerthankara. Siddhartha was the king of Kaundinyapura on the outskirts of Vaishali (near Patna in Bihar).

Even as a boy, Mahavira came to be associated with many episodes of absolute fearlessness which earned him the name 'Mahavira'. He grew up as a prince, excelling in physical prowess as well as intellectual acumen. However, he renounced the pleasures and luxuries of the place, as also the power and prestige of kingship, and undertook a life of intense penance for more than twelve years. He calmly bore not only the rigors of nature but the torments from the ignorant and mischievous among his own countrymen also. He finally became self-illumined. But not content with his own personal salvation, he chose to become a great human redeemer.

He looked around and found the society corrupted by the distortions of the true concept of Dharma. Violence in the form of animal sacrifice had overshadowed the true spirit of yajna and yaga. Spiritual values had been supplanted by superstitions and lifeless rituals and dogmas. Propitiating various Gods and Goddesses was considered as a means of acquiring religious merit - Punya - to the exclusion of the true spiritual significance of these Vedic practices. Mahavira, with his penetrating insight born out of self-realization, struck mercilessly at these perversions. He simplified the religious procedures and concentrated on righteous conduct.

Mahavira's simple and convincing method of appealing to the highest and noblest impulses in the living breast soon won him a large following. He would, for example, pose the following question in order to bring home the grand message of non-injury to every living being: "Can you hold a red-hot iron rod in your hand merely because some one wants you to do so?" The listeners would instantly reply, "No, never". Then Mahavira would ask them, "Then, will it be right on your part to ask others to do the same thing just to satisfy your desire? If you cannot tolerate infliction of pain on your body or mind by others' words and actions, what right have you to do the same to others through your words and deeds?" Mahavira would then sum up his message: "Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or violence done by your to any life in any form, animal or human, is as harmful as it would be if caused to your own self."

Mahavira's emphasis on this `Unity of Life' forms one of the highest saving principles of human life. The modern civilization, which seeks to exploit and destroy every other kind of living species in order to satiate the never ending cravings of man, is landing the entire human species itself in a deadly peril.

As one deeply conversant with the needs, capacities and aptitudes of human being, Mahavira initiated a simple five-fold path for the householders: Ahimsa (Non-injury - physical or mental - to others), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (temperance in sexual pleasures) and Aparigraha (non-acquisition of property).

Mahavira's injunctions for the monks and nuns were however very exacting. Abstinence from every kind of physical comfort and material possession and absolute dedication to the highest ethical and spiritual discipline were enforced. Even to this day, 2500 years after the passing away of that great master, this pure and upright tradition of the monks has been maintained. Thousands of white clad Sanyasins and Sanyasinis and also nude monks move on foot from village to village and town to town, throughout the length and breadth of the country, carrying Mahavira's gospel of peace, non-injury and brotherhood among people.

Mahavira left his mortal coils at the age of 71 on the Deepavali day. But the lamp of peace which he lit continues to glow through the myriad lights of that Festival of Lights.

Nyepi or Balinese New Year : Friday, 23-03-2012

Nyepi Balinese Hindus celebrate the New Year

Nyepi is New Year's Day in Bali, the Southeast Asian island that has over 90% Hindus! Nyepi is at once a day of celebration and of silence - a day to remember not only oneself but also the state of the universe before creation.

When is Nyepi?

Usually Nyepi fall in mid-March. Following the Hindu lunar calendar, Nyepi begins the Saka year in the month of Chaitra (March). It was Aji Saka, the princely scholar, who introduced the Saka era in Bali. In India the Saka calendar begins with purnima or full moon, but in Bali it starts with amavasya or moonless night.

Nyepi Begins with Fast and Silence

Even as Bali celebrates Nyepi, life stands still and quietude descends on this one of its kind 'Day of Silence'. The Balinese Hindus believe that before ushering in the New Year, one should meditate for self introspection, which can be achieved by observing a fast, and maintaining silence with very little movement inside the house and none at all outside-virtually closing the gates, switching off light and fire for the day. Pecalang or the local security patrol the roads and allow only emergency vehicles to pass. The airport is closed and tourists visiting Bali, too, observe this silence.

Four Days of Celebrating Nyepi

The New Year celebrations begin two days before Nyepi and goes on for four days. On the first day, a cleansing ritual takes place. On this day people bathe their household deity and themselves in the ocean and seek the blessing of the ocean god Varuna to purify their body and souls to embrace the coming year.

The next day is Tawur Kesanga or Tawur Agung when the effigy of evil Bhuta Kala is burnt. Huge demon-like creatures, the Ogoh-ogoh, made of bamboo, are paraded around the village amidst fanfare to ward off evil and purify everyone and in the evening burnt in the street corner.

The third day is Nyepi, the New Year - a day of silence and no activity, a day to contemplate and cleanse the mind and body.

The fourth day Ngembak Geni is spent in prayers. This is also a day when friends and family gather to meet and celebrate.

Hinduism in Bali

The Balinese people practice a form of Hinduism which they call Agama Hindu Dharma or 'Religion of the Hindu Doctrine', also called Agama Tirtha or 'Religion of the Holy Waters', representing a combination of foreign Hindu and Buddhist elements.

Telugu New Year: Friday, 23-03-2012

A ritual during Gudi Padwa

Telugu New Year : Friday, 23-03-2012


Although the Indian National Calendar is the official calendar for the Hindus, regional variants still prevail. As a result, we have a host of new year festivities that are unique to the particular regions on this vast country. Characteristic of the Indian cultural mélange, Hindus in various states of India celebrate the new year in their own ways. And not all of these fall on the same day!

The Hindus of Kashmir start their new year - Navreh - in mid March. At the same time, the southern Indian states of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh begin their new year - Ugadi. The Marathas celebrate their new year Gudi Padwa, and the Sindhis observe Cheti Chand, the coming of new year, during the same time. Usually, the Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Kashmiri and Sindhi New Year falls on the same day - the first day of the month of Chaitra, heralding the advent of spring.

It's Ugadi in Andhra & Karnataka!

The Telugu and the Kannada New Year falls on the first day of the month of Chaitra (March-April). People in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka states in the South of India believe that Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on this auspicious day of Ugadi. People prepare for the new year by cleaning and washing their houses and buying new clothes. On the Ugadi day they decorate their houses with mango leaves and "rangoli" designs, and pray for a prosperous new year, and visit the temples to listen to the yearly calendar - "Panchangasravanam" as priests make predictions for the coming year. Ugadi is also an auspicious day to embark on any new endeavor.

Bring in the Goodies on Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra & Goa!

In Maharashtra, the new year is celebrated as Gudhi Padwa - a festival that heralds the advent of spring (March-April). Early on the morning of the first day of the Chaitra month, people finish their ablutions, wear new clothes and decorate their houses with colorful "rangoli" patterns. A silk banner is raised and worshipped, and greetings and sweets are exchanged. People hang "gudhis" on their windows on this day to celebrate Mother Nature's bounty. A "gudi" is a decorated pole with a brass or a silver vessel placed on it.

Cheti Chand - the Sindhi Thanksgiving Day!

The Sindhis celebrate Cheti Chand on their New Year day which coincides with Gudhi Padwa in Maharashtra and Ugadi in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. Cheti Chand falls on on the first day of the month of Chaitra, also called 'Cheti' in Sindhi. This day is observed as the birthday of Jhulelal, the patron saint of the Sindhis. On this day, Sindhis worship Varuna, the water god and observe a number of rituals followed by feasts and devotional music, such as bhajans and aartis.

Bihu celebrations of Assam

In mid-April, the Bengalis usher in the new year with the Poila Baishakh celebrations, the Assamese in the northeast with Bihu festivals, and the Tamils in the South with Puthandu. Around this time, Hindus in Punjab get agog with Baisakhi, the springtime harvest festival marking the beginning of their new year, and the people of Kerala in the south of India welcome their new year - Vishu.

The Bright Baisakhi of Punjab

"Baisakhi", traditionally a harvest festival, is celebrated on the 13th of April every year, marking the Punjabi New Year. People celebrate the joyous occasion by performing Bhangra and Giddha to the pounding rhythm of the dhol and rings in the New Year. Baisakhi also marks the founding of the Khalsa brotherhood by Sikh Guru Govind Singh.

Shubho Naba Barsha on Poila Baishakh in Bengal!

The first day of the Bengali new year falls on the 13th or 14th of April every year. Called "Poila Baishakh," it's a state holiday in the eastern state of West Bengal and a national holiday in Bangladesh. To welcome the new year or "Naba Barsha", people clean and decorate their houses and invoke Goddess Lakshmi, the bestower of wealth and prosperity. All new enterprises begin on this auspicious day, as businessmen open their fresh ledgers with "Haal Khata"- a ceremomy in which Lord Ganesha is summoned and customers are invited to settle all their old dues and offered free refreshments. The people of Bengal spend the day feasting and participating in cultural activities.

The Boisterous Bohaag Bihu of Assam

The northeastern state of Assam ushers in the new year with the spring festival of Bohaag Bihu or Rongali Bihu, which marks the onset of a new agricultural cycle. Fairs are organized where people revel in gay games. The celebrations go on for days together, and it's a good time for young people to find a companion of their own choice! Young belles in traditional attire sing "Bihugeets" and dance the traditional "Mukoli Bihu". The festive food of the occasion is the "pitha" or rice cakes. People visit each other's houses, exchange gifts and sweets and, greet each other a Happy New Year!

Kerala, Wish You a Happy Vishu!

"Vishu" is the first day in the first month of Medam in Kerala, the beautiful coastal state in southern India. The people of this state - the Malayalees - begin the day early in the morning by visiting the temple and seeing any auspicious sight, which they call "Vishukani." The day is full of the elaborate traditional rituals with tokens called "Vishukaineetam", usually in form of coins, being distributed among the downtrodden. People wear new clothes - "Kodi vastram" - and celebrate the day by bursting firecrackers and enjoying a variety of delicacies at an elaborate lunch called the "sadya" with family and friends. The afternoon and evening is spent in the "Vishuwela".

Tamil New Year: Varsha Pirappu / Puthandu Vazthukal

The Tamil speaking people across the globe celebrate 'Varsha Pirappu' or 'Puthandu Vazthukal', the Tamil New Year, in mid-April. It is the first day of Chithirai, the first month in the traditional Tamil calendar. The day dawns by observing Kanni or viewing auspicious things such as gold, silver, jewelry, new clothes, new calendar, mirror, rice, coconuts, fruits, vegetables, betel leaves, and other fresh farm products. This ritual is believed to usher in good fortune. It is followed by a ritualistic bath and almanac worship called Panchanga Puja. The Tamil Panchangam, a book on New Year predictions, is anointed with sandalwood and turmeric paste, flowers and vermilion powder, and is placed before the deity. Later, it is read or listened to either at home or at the temple.

On the eve of Puthandu, every household is thoroughly cleaned and tastefully decorated - the doorways are garlanded with mango leaves strung together and Vilakku Kolam decorative patterns adorn the floors. Donning new clothes, the family members gather and light a traditional lamp, the kuthu vilakku, and fill niraikudum, a short-necked brass bowl with water and embellish it with mango leaves while chanting prayers. Then they visit neighboring temples to offer prayers to the deity. Traditional Puthandu meal consists of pachadi - a mixture of jaggery, chillies, salt, neem leaf or flowers, and tamarind; green banana and jackfruit preparation and a variety of sweet 'payasam' dessert.

Chaitanya Jayanti: Thursday, 08-03-2012

Chaitanya Jayanti : Thursday, 08-03-2012

Life and Teachings of Lord Gauranga:

Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486–1534) was one the most prominent Hindu saints of the 16th century. The most renowned and celebrated proponents of the Vaishnava School of Bhakti Yoga that centers around the unwavering devotion to Lord Krishna, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, is also regarded as an avatar of Lord Krishna by his followers - a Hindus sect known as GaudiyaVaishnavas.

Gauranga's Birth and Parentage:

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, also known as, Lord Gauranga was born to Pandit Jagannath Misra and Sachi Devi at Nabadwip, on the full moon (lunar eclipsed) evening of February 18, 1486 (23rd day of the month of Falgun in the year 1407 of the Sakabda era).

His father was a pious Brahmin immigrant from Sylhet, Bangaldesh, who settled in Nabadwip in the Nadia district of West Bengal north of Kolkata by the holy Ganges, and his mother was the daughter of the scholar Nilambar Chakraborty.

He was the tenth child of his parents and was named Viswambar. Before his birth, his mother lost a number of children. So, he was given the name "Nimai" after the bitter Neem tree as a protection against evil influences. The neighbors called him "Gaur" or "Gauranga" (Gaur = fair; Anga = body) because of his fair-complexion.

Gauranga's Boyhood and Education:

Gouranga studied logic at the school of Vasudev Sarvabhauma, a reputed professor of 'Nyaya' - the ancient Indian science of law and logic. The extraordinary intellect of Gauranga attracted the attention of Raghunath, author of the famous book on logic - Didheeti. Raghunath thought that he was the most intelligent youth in the world - even more cerebral than his teacher Sarvabhauma.

Gauranga mastered all branches of Sanskrit learning such as grammar, logic, literature, rhetoric, philosophy and theology. He then started a 'Tol' or place of learning at the age of 16 - the youngest professor to be in charge of a 'Tol.'

Gauranga was a kind and compassionate, and a pure and gentle youth. He was a friend of the poor, and lived a very simple life.

Death of Gauranga's Father and Marriage:

While Gauranga was still a student, his father died. Gauranga then married Lakshmi, the daughter of Vallabhacharya. He excelled in knowledge and even defeated a reputed scholar of a nearby province. He made a tour of the eastern region of Bengal and received many valuable gifts from pious and generous householders. On his return he heard that his wife had died of snake-bite during his absence. He then married Vishnupriya.

The Turning Point in Gauranga's Life:

In 1509, Gauranga went on a pilgrimage to Gaya, in northern India, with his companions. Here he met Isvar Puri, an ascetic of the order of Madhvacharya, and took him as his guru. A marvellous change came in his life - he became a devotee of Lord Krishna. His pride of scholastics disappeared. He shouted and chanted, "Krishna, Krishna! Hari Bol, Hari Bol!". He laughed, wept, jumped, and danced in ecstasy, fell on the ground and rolled in the dust, never ate or drank.

Isvar Puri then gave Gauranga the mantra of Lord Krishna. He always remained in a meditative mood, forgetting to take food. Tears trickled down his eyes as he chanted again and again, "Lord Krishna, my Father! Where art Thou? I can't live without Thee. Thou art my sole refuge, my solace. Thou art my real father, friend, and Guru. Reveal Thy form to me ..." Sometimes Gauranga would gaze with vacant eyes, sit in the position of meditation, and concealed his tears from companions. So consumed was his love for Lord Krishna. Gauranga wanted to go to Brindavan, but his companions forcefully took him back to Nabadwip.

Gauranga Becomes an Ascetic or 'Sannyasin':

The learned and the orthodox began to hate and oppose Gauranga. But he stood adamant resolving to become an ascetic or a 'Sannyasin.' He thought within himself: "As I must get salvation for all these proud scholars and orthodox householders, I must become a Sannyasin. They will undoubtedly bow to me when they see me as a Sannyasin, and thus they will be purified, and their hearts will be filled with devotion. There is no other way of securing emancipation for them."

So, at the age of 24, Gauranga was initiated to sainthood by Swami Keshava Bharati under the name of 'Krishna Chaitanya.' His mother, the tender-hearted Sachi, was heartbroken. But Chaitanya consoled her in every possible way and carried out her wishes. He bore deep love and reverence for his mother till the end of his life.

Gauranga went on to became a great Vaishnava preacher. He disseminated the doctrines and principles of Vaishnavism far and wide. His companions Nityananda, Sanatan, Rupa, Swarup Damodar, Advaitacharya, Sribas, Haridas, Murari, Gadadhar and others helped Chaitanya in his mission.

Krishna Chaitanya’s Pilgrimages:

Chaitanya, along with his friend Nityananda, proceeded towards Orissa. He preached Vaishnavism wherever he went and held 'Sankirtans' or religious gatherings. He attracted thousands of people wherever he went. He stayed for some time at Puri and then proceeded to the south of India.

Gauranga visited the Tirupathi hills, Kancheepuram and the famous Srirangam on the banks of the Cauvery. From Srirangam he proceeded to Madurai, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari. He also visited Udipi, Pandharpur and Nasik. Up north, he visited Vrindavan, bathed in the Yamuna, and in several sacred pools, and visited the various shrines for worship. He prayed and danced in ecstasy to his heart's content. He also visited Nabadwip, his birthplace. At last Gauranga returned to Puri and settled there.

The Last Days of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:

Chaitanya spent his last days in Puri by the Bay of Bengal. Disciples and admirers from Bengal, Vrindavan and various other places came to Puri to pay homage. Gauranga held Kirtans and religious discourses daily.

One day, in a fit of devotional ecstasy, he jumped into the water of Bay of Bengal at Puri, imagining the sea to be the holy river Yamuna. As his body was in an emaciated condition, owing to constant fasts and austerities, it floated on the water and fell into the net of a fisherman, who was fishing at night. The fisherman was extremely glad thinking he caught a big fish, and dragged the net to the shore with difficulty. He was disappointed to find a human corpse in the net. When the 'corpse' made a faint sound, the fisherman was frightened and abandoned the body. As he was slowly walking along the shore with trembling feet, he met Swaroopa and Ramananda, who were searching for their master from sunset. Swaroopa asked him if he had seen Gauranga and the fisherman narrated his story. Then Swaroopa and Ramananda hurried to the place, removed Gauranga from the net and placed him on the ground. When they sang the name of Hari, Gauranga regained his consciousness.

Before he died, Lord Gauranga said, "The chanting of Krishna's Name is the chief means of attaining Krishna's feet in the Kali Yuga. Chant the name while sitting, standing, walking, eating, in bed and everywhere, at any time. Gauranga passed away in the year 1534.

Spreading the Gospel of Sri Chaitanya:

In the 20th century, the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu were greatly revived and brought to the West by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. He is considered an incarnate of Sri Chaitanya, and credited for founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) which spread Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's bhakti tradition and the famous 'Hare Krishna' mantra throughout the world.

Yearn for the Lord

Rasa Lila is a unique vignette in the Bhagavata Purana enacted by Lord Krishna to manifest the ecstatic delight of the Jivatma when it seeks and attains the Paramatma. Bhakti is a Bhava felt deep in the heart. The Gopis loved Krishna for His sake. They just longed for His company and wished to remain with Him at all times. The path is not easy for any seeker, leave alone the Gopis who were ordinary unlearned folk with their daily chores to attend to. Yet they rose above the mundane worldly pulls to remain focussed on Krishna.

This uninterrupted longing in their hearts for the ultimate is the goal of all great seers and realised souls, said Sri Hari in a discourse. Rasa Lila shows us we have to yearn for the Lord purely for His sake. When we love the objects of the world, they do not know that we love them. A gold ornament for instance, does not care whether anyone loves it or not. But when we love God, He is aware of the Bhakti in the heart of the devout. If we take one step, He will come nearer to us by ten steps.

Meeting and parting are always happening in our lives. Many a time it becomes an informal occurrence when this happens with people we come across in the many casual walks of our life. But it assumes a deep significance when people whom we love and cherish part from us. The full extent of the ineffable sorrow that parting can evoke is best exemplified in the hearts of those in Brindavan who were forced to bid farewell to Krishna and Balarama when Akrura was sent by Kamsa to bring them to his court.

Two other Bhaktas in the Ramayana faced a similar situation. Sita's love for Rama suffered a shock when she was abducted and had to face separation from Rama for 10 months. Later again, she spent the rest of her life in Valmiki's hermitage away from Rama. But never was she away from Rama in her thoughts.

Bharata too, did not have occasion to be near Rama. After the wedding of the brothers, Bharata was away in the place of his maternal uncle for 12 years. On his return to Ayodhya, he again had to suffer the pangs of separation for another 14 years.

How to Worship Lord Narasimha

As an incarnation of Lord Krishna or Vishnu - Narasimha is worshipped as the ultimate protector. Learn more about mantras and forms of the Deity.

Narasimha is the half-lion half-man incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and considered to be the origin of the other avatars of God. Though not widely worshipped among Hindus- there has been a recent revival of the worship of the is form. Devotees of Krishna will pray to the Narasimha incarnation to protect them in their devotional life.

The Appearance of Lord Narasimha

The seventh chapter of the Srimad Bhagavatam tells the story of Narasimha and Prahlada. The demon Hiranyakashipu, angered by Vishnu killing his brother, attempts to kill Vishnu by gaining mystical powers from Brahma. Gaining the benediction of not being killed by any living entity created by Brahma or meeting death in the following conditions:

indoors or outdoors;
during the day or at night;
on the ground or in the sky;
by any weapon, nor by any human being or animal.

While Hiranyakashipu was undertaking austerities to please Brahma his wife Kayadu was under the care of Narada, a great devotee of Vishnu. Pregnant with her unborn child (Hiranyakashipu's son) Prahlada, the baby absorbs the transcendental instructions of the sage in the womb. As the child grows older his devotion to Vishnu increases.

Description of Sri Nitai from Murari Gupta's kadaca

gandha-candana-liptAGgo nIlAmbara-samAvRtaH |
svarNa-raupya-pravAlAdyair alaGkAraiz ca maNDitaH ||

His body is fragrantly smeared with sandal paste and draped in deep blue garments. His limbs are arrayed in precious ornaments of gold, silver and coral.

karpUra-tAmbulAdyaiz ca pUrNa zrI mukha paGkajaH |
loha-daNDa-dharo rUpya-hAra-kaustubha-bhUSaNaH ||

His mouth, a radiant lotus in bloom, is fragrant with camphor-laced tambula. He carries a copper cowherd's stick. He wears a silver necklace bearing the kaustubha gem.

kuNDalaika-dharaH zrImAn vanamAlA-vibhUSitaH |
veNu-pANiH sadA kurvan gaurAGga-guNa-kIrtanam ||

He wears a single earring and a garland of forest flowers on His chest. He holds a flute. He always sings Sri Gaura's glories.

caura-dasyu-gaNAH sarve dRSTvA tasya vibhUSaNam |
hartuM kurvanti te nAnA sva-yatnam AtatAyinaH ||

All the theives and dacoits noticed Nitai's ornaments and tried many times to steal them.

tAn eva kRpayA pUrNo nityAnando mahA-prabhuH |
gaurAga-kIrtanAnanda-paripUrNAn cakAra ha ||

But Nityananda Mahaprabhu's mercy foiled them; He plunged them fully into the bliss Gauranga-kirtana.

Nitai's Journey to Bengal

(from caitanya bhagavat)

One day Sri Gaurasundar was sitting in a secluded place talking with Nityananda. "My dear Nitai, if you remain here in Nilacal lost in prema, how will the fallen souls of kali be saved? You go to Bengal and shower them with the nectar rain of prema! Go, Nitai - and fulfill my name, Visvambhar!"

Thus Nitai started for Bengal, leaving his prana Gaur behind. But Nitai did not go alone. Ramadas, Gadadhar Das, Raghunath Vaidya, Krishnadas Pandit, Parameshvari Das, and Purandara Pandita started with him on foot for Gauda-desh.

The devotees were astounded to see Nityananda exhibiting sattvika bhavas, smiling and dancing like a maddened bull elephant. Soon his mood infected them as well. Ramadas was imbued with the mood of Krishna Himself. He suddenly froze in the middle of the road, standing like Sri Tribhanga-Sundar. He stood like that for almost an hour, oblivious to the outside world.

Gadadhar Das was overwhelmed with the mood of Sri Radha. Laughing, he called out "Who will buy yoghurt?"

Raghunath Vaidya was draped in the personality of Revati-Ma. Paramesvari Das and Krishnadas were steeped in the mood of gopalas. They made sounds like "hihi" as if herding cows.

Purandara Pandit climbed a tree and shouted from its branches, "I am Angada!" before leaping to the ground. Nitai infused these ecstasies into everyone's hearts.

They walked like this for miles, wandering left and right. After many hours they asked some local people, "Please tell us how to get back to the Ganga." The locals replied, "Oh goodness! You have come so far from Ganga! You must go back a full two hours!" Laughing, Nitai and his companions started off in the proper direction. But soon they were wandering aimlessly again, lost in their ecstatic mood. They had to stop again to ask for directions.

"You have to travel twenty miles to the left." Realizing their confusion and looking at one another, they laughed and again started on their journey. They had forgotten their own bodily needs, what to speak of the proper direction. They were always immersed in supreme joy. Who can fully describe the play of Nityananda and his companions?

The Initiation of Nayanatara Devi

The story of Nayanatara Devi of Sonamukhi city is another example of the mercy of Ramadas Babaji Mahasaya's mercy upon the fallen. Nayantara came from a respectable Brahmin family who were all educated. She was also highly educated. She was married to the son of rich man of Varanasi, who was also learned. She did not like him and ran away with the son of a goldsmith. He took her to Delhi and other places. Finally he took her to Calcutta and lived with her there for some time before giving her up. She was obliged to go back and live with her parents, but she was not well received in the family. After some time she went to Bankura and began to live as a prostitute in the area where the other prostitutes lived.

Once Baba Mahasaya happened to pass through that locality while he was out for nagara-kirtan. He looked at her piteously and mercifully. His glance touched her heart. There was a total change in her. The next day she went to find Baba Mahasaya and received initiation from him. She distributed all her wealth among the other prostitutes, shaved her head and went to Braj with only the single dhoti with which she wrapped her body. For a long time no one knew anything about her.

In 1933 Baba went to Braj on the occasion of Rasotsava. A large number of devotees and Gosvamis accompanied him. One day he was doing svapnavilasa-lila-kirtan. One of the stanzas of the kirtan was:

vRndAvana kuJja nikuJjahi nivasayi
tuhu vara nAgara kAna |
aharniza tuhAri daraza binu jhUrala
tejaba sabahu parANa ||

O Kana! You revel in the kunjas of Vrndavan, I know.
But You do not appear before me.
In Your separation I weep and weep
Weeping I shall die!

As soon as a lady heard this, she fell senseless on the ground and her consciouness never returned. She died weeping in separation from Krishna. She was the same Nayanatara, the outcast of society, that was saved by the all merciful Ramadas Babaji. She became a true Vaisnavi. The manner in which she died would be coveted by many saints. She left her body in Nidhuvan in the presence of her gurudev while hearing him singing nikunja-lila-kirtan.

Siddha Gauranga Das Babaji

Gauranga Das Babaji was born in an aristocratic brahmin family. He was highly educated and uncommonly intelligent. While still in college he received the merciful glance of Sripad Ramadas Babaji Maharaj who was performing sankirtan in the streets. It became difficult for him to go to college. Instead of attending school he would sit at the feet of Babaji Maharaj and listen to Hari katha and heart-melting kirtan. A few days after passing his University exams and obtaining his MA he left his home and joined Babaji Maharaj who asked him to reside in Braja. Gauranga Das Babaji went to Braja and did bhajan under the guidance of Siddha Pandit Ramakrishna Das Babaji, Siddha Advaita Das Babaji and other great mahatmas. He fashioned clothing from old jute sacks and wandered around Braja Mandal calling out the name of Sri Radhika, "O Pyari Ji! O Pyari Ji!" Noticing his wonderful devotional characteristics, his kaka guru Sripad Sital Das Babaji asked him to stay in his ashram at Raman Reti and do bhajan there.

Whenever any devotee came from Braja to Bengal, Ramadas Babaji would immediately inquire about the welfare of his dear disciples living there. Upon hearing about the bhajan of Gauranga Das Babaji tears of joy would roll down his cheeks. The devotion of Gauranga Das Babaji was so great that Pyari Ji Herself gave him darshan and fed him payasam with Her own lotus hand.

As time went on Sripad Ramadas Babaji Maharaj left this world. When the news reached the ears of Gauranga Das Babaji he proclaimed, "Everything is gone for me! I will not stay here anymore!" Saying this, he entered his bhajan kutir and closed the door. He refused to eat or drink. He did not even touch a single drop of water. Thirteen days after the departure of his beloved Sri Gurudev, he departed from this world to join him in the nitya-lila.

Sripad Ramdas Babaji - The Divine Nature of His Kirtana

For more than sixty years Sripad Ramdas Babaji Maharaj performed kirtan at various festivals in Braja, Navadwip, and Puri. On one such occasion Babaji Maharaj was performing svapna vilas kirtan at Nidhuvan in Braja. Because he was famed as a siddha mahatma, many of the great Vaisnavas of Braja came to hear his kirtan.

As usual the kirtan was ecstatic and caused people to go mad in bliss. After the kirtan was finished, Babaji Maharaj came to know that Siddha Pandit Ramakrishna Das Babaji had been in attendance. On hearing this news he cried out to a disciple, "Alas! I may have commited a grave offense at the feet of Pandit Babaji! He is siddha in Yugal worship, and we worship Nitai-Gaura. Hearing my kirtan may have caused rasa bhanga to his worship!" In this way Babaji Maharaj was repenting. He instructed his senior disciple, Siddha Gauranga Das Babaji (OBL Kapoor's gurudeva) to go to Pandit Baba on his behalf and seek to be excused from any offense that may have been committed.

Gauranga Das Babaji went to Pandit Babaji's ashram and learned from his disciples that since returning from the kirtan of Ramdas Babaji the day before, Pandit Baba had entered bhava-samadhi. Gauranga Das Babaji had to wait until Pandit Baba came back to external consciousness. When at last Pandit Baba opened his eyes, he noticed Gauranga Das Babaji sitting in front of him. Smiling, he asked the reason for his visit.

Gauranga Das Babaji told Pandit Baba that his Gurudeva had sent him to seek forgiveness on his behalf, for any offense which may have been committed by him while singing in kirtan. Hearing this, Pandit Baba laughed and said, "Gauranga, apparently you do not know who your gurudev is. Do not think that your gurudev is himself performing such astonishing kirtan and improvising such akhar. That Naughty Person who is sitting in his heart tells His own story through the mouth of your divine gurudev. Thus, Siddha Pandit Ramakrishna Das Babaji blessed Siddha Gauranga Das Babaji and sent him back to Siddha Ramdas Babaji Maharaj.

Abhishek of Bodo Babaji prior to his disappearance date by Nityananda Vamsha Goswami Prabhupad of Sribas Angan , Sri Navadwip Dham

Sri Sri RadhaRamano Jayati

(Bhaja) Nitai Gour Radhey Shyam

(Japa) Hare Krishna Hare Ram

Last week 17th Day of February was a big festival in Navadwip Dham at RadharamanBagh Samajbari. This is Utsava for Abhishek Utsava (Bathing Ceremony) of BodoBabaji (Radharaman Charan Das Dev) which is being done customarily by Nityanada Vamsa Prabhupadas of Sribas Angan Navadwip Dham. This has been going on in Navadwip since the time of Bodo Babaji's disappearance.

The reason behind the festival is very sweet pastime of Bodo Baba. One day while living in Navawip dham, Bodo Babaji called Goswamis of Sribas Angan suddenly. Nobody knew what was in his mind, and knowing the wish of Great Bodo Baba, the Goswamis came running along with all the other devotees. Then Bodo Babaji revealed that he had decided to leave this world, and asked the Goswamis please perform my Abhishek (Bath). Then all Goswamis of Sribas Angan along with other devotees started arranging for the event. Within a moment that news was spread through the whole Navadwip and thousands of people gathered at Samajbari to attend the ceremony. The news went to Bodo Babaji's Bhek Guru Sidhdha GaurHari Das Babaji Maharaja (Disciple of famous Siddha Jagannatha Das Babaji ) who was staying at Boral Ghat at Navadwip. Bodo Babaji was the soul of his Gurudev, Gurudev could not live for a moment without Bodo Baba, and GuruDev used to refer him as 'Premer Jadukar' - Wizard of Prema. Hearing the news of Bodo Babaji's wish, he came rushing to SamajBari, and started scolding Bodo Baba about such a wish, as he being his Gurudeva has the right to decide who would leave the world first. But he was bound by Bodo Babaji's love. Bodo Babaji's sweetly laughed and said, "I want to go first in presence of you, this is certain, you please come after three days of mine." Gurudeva could not resist him. Meanwhile Goswamis of Sribas angan started Abhishek ceremony of Bodo Babaji, that was such an event in Navadwip, thousands of devotees started bringing water from nearby Sribas Angan Ghat of Ganges, thousands of thousands pot full of Ganga Water was being poured on Bodo Babaji's head by Goswami's and all the devotee, for hours. Everybody got the chance to fulfill the desire of Bodo Baba for long time. Then he started taking prasad offered to Nitai Gaur Radhey Shyam. He ate all the food that was offered to Thakurs by so many devotees.

After this event on the next 3rd day Bodo Babaji left this world in front of his GuruDeva. His GuruDeva followed him within exact three days to join his beloved disciple in Nitya Lila.

The same abhishek are still being carried out by Goswami's of Sribas Angan and devotee of Sri Navadwip Dham.

Here we see a small glimpse of that event. - Jay Nitai

Bodo Babaji's Abhishek Video

In response to the previous post about Sri Radharaman Caran Das Deva's Abhishek Utsav, I have uploaded a short clip from 2005's festival. Please enjoy darshan of the bath ceremony of Bodo Babaji's murti at his purna samadhi. 

The full VCD is available from Samajbari Ashrama in Nabadwip.