Maa Durga is the presiding deity of this material world

Maa Durga is the presiding deity of this material world

Maa Durga is a revered goddess for those who follow Sanatan Dharma. Hindus worship her all over the world in the form of Mother Shakti.

Generally, we have seen Maa Durga with ten hands with some weapons and ride over Lion, who displays his infinite powers. It is also concluded that she fights against demonic power who are trying to cause damages to peace, prosperity, and religion. Durga Puja, also known as Durgotsava or Shardotsava, is an annual Hindu festival celebrated in South Asia in which Goddess Durga is worshipped. 

Who is Maa Durga? 

According to Shastra, Maa Durga is an expansion of Mother Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva. She takes the form of Navdurga and does all the upbringing of this world. Lord Sri Krishna also tells Arjuna in the Bhagavad-Gita, Chapter 9, text 10

mayadhyaksena prakrtih
suyate sa-caracara
hetunanena kaunteya
jagad viparivartate

This material nature is working under My direction, O son of Kunti, and it is producing all moving and unmoving beings. Therefore, by its rule, this manifestation is created and annihilated again and again.

Durga Devi is the presiding deity of this material world. It is also believed that the person who is getting diverted from the spiritual world of Lord Krishna and going against the rules, they sent to this material world of Goddess Durga. The comparison of this material world is made with Durg, a type of Fort. This Fort is the correctional home of all the rebellious souls, where they spend their lives protecting Durga Devi, facing the Tritaap (Adhyatmika, Adhibhautika and Adhidaivika).

The trident in the hand of Goddess Durga is a symbol of reminding all the rebels who have come into this material world of Lord through Tritaap (Adhyatmika, Adhibhautika and Adhidaivika). Maa Durga is worshipped to get rid of these tritapas.

When a person comes to this material world, they have to face many sufferings like birth, death, old age, diseases, adhyatmika, adhibhautika and adhidaivika miseries. Goddess Durga takes care of all these things.

Therefore, worshipping Goddess Durga will help them get rid of these sufferings. However, if you want a permanent solution, you have to come out of this material world. 

To get rid of the cycle of birth and death, people worship Goddess Durga. As a result, such living beings get an opportunity to do devotion to the Lord. As a result, they get rid of Mahamaya, the potency of the Lord, and come under the protection of his own Shakti, Yogamaya. 

Srimad Bhagavatam also mentioned that the Gopis worshipped Mother Katyayani to get Lord Krishna as their husband. It is also mentioned in Brahma Samhita, Chapter 5, Text 44-

srishti-sthiti-pralaya- sadhana-shaktir eka
chayeva yasya bhuvanani vibharti durga
icchanurupam api yasya che cheshtate sa
govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami

The external potency Maya who is of the nature of the shadow of the cit potency, is worshipped by all people as Durga, the creating, preserving and destroying agency of this mundane world. I adore the primaeval Lord Govinda in accordance with whose will Durga conducts herself.

The Lord presides over this material world objectively, and those who do not accept it are sent to this world of duality. Therefore, by coming in contact with a pure devotee, if the living entity understands that this material world is not his real home, he becomes free from here and goes to his original home in Vaikuntha or Goloka Vrindavana and attains bliss forever.

So on this Durga Puja, let us pray to Maa Durga to give us enough strength to get us out of this material world and go back home, back to Godhead. 

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.

The disappearance of Srila Prabhupada

The disappearance of Srila Prabhupada

nama om vishnu-padaya krishna-preshthaya bhutale

srimate bhaktivedanta-swamin iti namine

namas te saraswate deve gaura-vani-pracharine

nirvishesha shunyavadi pashchatya desha tarine

“I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet. Our respectful obeisances are unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Caitanya deva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism.”

The disappearance day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness) allows us to meditate on his pastimes and his teachings. Srila Prabhupada had this to say about the disappearance of vaisnavas:

“As Lord Krishna’s appearance and disappearance are all spiritual, transcendental, they are not ordinary things, similarly Lord Krishna’s devotee, His representative, who is sent to this material world for preaching the glories of Lord Krishna’s. Therefore, according to Vaisnava principles, the appearance and disappearance of a Vaisnava are considered all auspicious.” 

Srila Prabhupada was a pure devotee of the Lord who appeared to realise Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prediction. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is described as the most merciful of all incarnations. He had predicted that Holy Name would be chanted in every town and village of the world.

prthivite ache yata nagaradi –grama

sarvatra pracara haibe mora nama

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur had sent some of his sannyasi disciples to realise this Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prediction. Still, they returned without much success, and vaisnavas thought that Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had predicted, but it would not come true because of Kaliyuga. But Srila Prabhupada had complete faith in the instruction of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. Srila Prabhupada was the empowered personality who appeared to fulfil Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s prediction.

In Srila Prabhupada’s life, we see how he was determined to carry out the instruction of his spiritual master. On one occasion, Srila Prabhupada went to Bombay to collect funds for printing the first canto part three of Srimad Bhagavatam. Someone Bombay told him that a very pious lady called Srimati Sumati Morarji, who likes helping sadhus. Srila Prabhupada proceeded to her secretary’s office but did not let Srila Prabhupada get an audience with her. But, Srila Prabhupada was determined to see her.

So he sat down on the staircase from where she was going to exit, and he stayed there for five hours chanting the Holy Name and then in the evening when she was going home. She saw Prabhupada was sitting there. She asked her secretary who is this, Swamiji, and he replied that Swamiji was from Vrindavan. Then she gave an appointment to Srila Prabhupada for the next day. She agrees to pay for the printing of the whole Srimad Bhagavatam first canto, part three. So this example shows that how determined Srila Prabhupada was.

Finally, when Srimati Morarji agrees to facilitate Srila Prabhupada trip to America. He would walk from the residence of the Sindhiya company to Andheri station 3-4 km every day just because he did not have money for bus fare. So we see how Srila Prabhupada made so many sacrifices to establish this Krishna Consciousness movement, and Srila Prabhupada opened Vaikuntha temples worldwide. 

After Srila Prabhupada had come to India with his western disciples for the first time, the city of Vrindavana hosted a big reception. In the reception, it is said Srila Prabhupada took Vrindavana to the whole world. So Srila Prabhupada took Vrindavana to the world as a whole and established Vaikunthas all over the world. Srila Prabhupada said that ISKCON centres and temples are part of Vaikuntha. So he made all sorts of arrangements, and he trained his disciples and sent them throughout the world and instructed, “Go out and preach Krishna Consciousness.”

He has to go through the great austerities, for example. When he was living at Radha Damodara temple, he would take a Tonga (a light horse-drawn two-wheeled vehicle used in India) and go to Mathura, travelling in the third class compartment and then reaching Delhi. He proceeded to mission getting books printed and also distributed. He visited different libraries to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam sets and started to publish Back to Godhead magazine. And He visited coffee houses, clubs, restaurants to distribute these Back to Godhead magazines and one day while distributing these books magazines in the heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. He fainted due to sunstroke, but he again resumed book distribution when he came back to consciousness. So Srila Prabhupada taught by his example the importance of book distribution. 

Srila Prabhupada went to Russia for five days which was known as the Soviet Union in those days. Thus, Srila Prabhupada planted the seed of Krishna Consciousness that is continuing to grow. 

He was determined to serve Krishna. Once in New York, he was not well, and the devotees were advising him to go and take rest in Gita-Nagri. Srila Prabhupada looked at the moment and said, “Please don’t take away my privilege to struggle for Krishna. So Srila Prabhupada struggled to establish this Krishna Consciousness movement. 

Even when He was physically not too well, he did not stop his preaching. In the last days on the planet, when he was in Vrindavana, he was so weak that he could not even sit down. He could barely speak, but he had a devotee who read out the Sanskrit had another devotee reading of the commentary of the acharyas. Srila Prabhupada was whispering the translation and purport. This shows us how compassionate Srila Prabhupada was and how determined he was to save humanity.

Srila Prabhupada said in his last days, “As long as Book distribution goes on, I will never die”.

So on this auspicious day, we should glorify him. We should remember him. We should beg mercy at his lotus feet, cry for his mercy. We should dedicate ourselves to following Srila Prabhupada’s instructions than “vaisnavera krpa paya sarva siddhi.”

If we can get the mercy of such a Vaisnava sadhu, we will achieve the perfection of our life and make spiritual advancement. 

Srila Prabhupada ki jai.

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.

Holiness of Parsva Ekadashi (Vamana Ekadashi)

Holiness of Parsva Ekadashi (Vamana Ekadashi)

Parsva Ekadashi is on  03 September 2025, India. Parsva Ekadashi (Vamana Ekadashi) is one of the most auspicious Ekadashi fastings. On this Ekadashi 10th incarnation of Lord Keshava, named as Vamana Dev, is worshipped. Hence, this sacred Ekadashi is also called Parivartan Ekadashi or Vamana Ekadashi. It is believed that the devotees who observe Parsva Ekadashi fast and worship Vamana Dev acquire the blessings of the Lord. Thus, their all wishes are accomplished.

Brahma Vaivarta Puranic Description About Parsva Ekadashi

In a conversation between Lord Krishna and Yudhishthira Maharaj in Brahma Vaivarta Purana, this sacred fast is portrayed. Once Yudhishthira Maharaj asked Lord Krishna –

Hey Janardhan, what is the name of Ekadashi, which falls on the eleventh day of Bhadrapada month in the Shukla Paksha?

Hey Lord, please elaborate on the rituals and significance of this auspicious Parsva Ekadashi fast.

Lord Krishna’s Depiction About Significance of Parsva Ekadashi

Krishna replied to Yudhishthira

Hey Rajan!

This propitious Ekadashi is known as Parsva Ekadasi. On hearing the significance of this fast, an individual can get relief from their past sins. On keeping fast on this auspicious day, the individuals get more benefits than Vajpayee Yagya. This Ekadashi is also known as Jayanti Ekadashi. An individual who worships my incarnation as Vamana Dev gets benefited with high spiritual gains. Whoever worship the lotus feet of the Lord offering lotus is considered as closest to the Lord. Any devotee who keeps fast on Shukla Paksha Ekadasi of Bhadrapad is believed to have worshipped Trilok, including Brahma and Vishnu. Therefore, it is advised to observe fast on Ekadashi.

Reason Behind Name of Parsva Ekadashi

According to the scriptures, Lord Madhusudan changes his position. Therefore, Lord changes his position and turns sideways from left to right on this day. This is the reason that this Ekadashi is known as Parsva Ekadashi or Parivartan Ekadasi.

Yudhishthira’s Query – Hey Janardhan, kindly help me in getting answers of my few questions. Hey, Devdeveshwar, how do you slumber, how you turn sideways, how we should follow these chaturmas and what to do when you sleep? Why do you keep Bali Maharaj in captivity? Kindly answer all my questions and clear my dubiety.

Lord Sri Krishna’s Reply

Hey Rajan, now you listen to this encouraging story that can terminate all the past sins from one’s life. There was a devotee named Bali born in treta yuga in a clan of daityas. He was very truthful. He used to do charity and serves brahmins. Along with his family, he always serves and worships me. He even cherished brahmins and performed many Yagya. As an outcome of it, he became highly potent.

Outcome Of His Servings to Lord

Due to his power by worshipping the Lord with dedication and devotion, he defeated Indra Dev and became crowned head of heaven. That time all the sages came to Lord. To resolve their problems lord appeared as Vamana Avtar and reached the place where king Bali was performing yagya’s ritual.

How Lord Resolved Problems of Sages

When Lord entered that place, Lord just stipulated three step land from king Bali. At the same time, Bali pleads to take more than that land. But Lord acquired only three feet of land as a donation from him. So, King Bali, without any second thought, gave Me three step of land. Immediately Lord assumed the form of Mahakal, in which in one step took the seven lokas, in the second step took the seven lokas along with the sky. When Lord asked for space to keep the third foot to king Bali, he civilly kept his head forward to provide space to Lord for the third step.

Lord’s reaction:

Being impressed with his devotion and dedication lord blessed him that he will always be with him. On that same day, the auspicious Ekadasi deity of Vaman Dev is entrenched at Maharaj Bali’s residence. The second deity is at Anant Shesh of Ksheer Sagar.

Significance Of Chaturmas

From Shayan Ekadashi to Utthana Ekadasi lord stay asleep. In this four-month, everyone should perform a special ritual to worship. Everyone should follow intently and wholeheartedly all the Ekadashi that falls in between these four months. By following this Ekadasi fasting, anyone can get a similar outcome as Ashwamedh Yagya. Ekadashi is the most favourite of Lord. Along with fasting on this auspicious day of Ekadashi, if a devotee does harinam sankirtan lord gets immensely impressed and bless them with the divine blessings of the Lord. According to scriptures, on hearing kirtan, remembering Lord and spending life on Lord’s lotus feet etc are the nine divisions of Bhakti. But Naam Sankirtana the is best among all. So, on Ekadashi, we should chant more Lord’s holy name.

So come let’s convene and fast on Parsva Ekadashi. On this day, chant, remember and do Naam Sankirtan of Lord’s name as much as we can, and it liberates the devotees from the cycle of birth and death. So, let’s effectuate the path of Bhakti to bestows happiness, wealth and good health and get relieves from all the sins.

All over the world, all the devotees keep fast on this auspicious day of Purvana Ekadasi. In all the temples of ISKCON, devotees chant Naam Sankirtan on this day to get the blessings of the Lord on this bright day and make their birth relevant and worthy.

 

  • Breakfast time – After 10:19 till Sunset (New Delhi)

Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.

Celebrate Independence Day

Celebrate Independence Day

On August 15th, people across India celebrate Independence Day with great enthusiasm. Whether it’s spending time with family, enjoying movies and restaurants with friends, or reflecting on the sacrifices of freedom fighters, this day is a symbol of joy, patriotism, and national pride for many Indians. We honor those who fought for our freedom and cherish the independence we gained in 1947. But in the midst of all the celebrations, have we ever stopped to question what independence truly means?

The Essence of Independence

The word “independence” generally means not being controlled by anything or anyone. But if we look closely, we might find that our so-called independence hasn’t freed us in the way we think. Consider this: we have little control over our own bodies. Our heartbeat, digestion, and many other bodily functions operate on their own, without any conscious control from us. Even if we wish to meet someone important, like the Prime Minister, we realize how difficult it is. Despite being independent citizens, we don’t have unrestricted access to those in power. Is this what true independence looks like?

A Comparison Between Then and Now

During British rule, many Indians worked for the British government in exchange for a salary. Today, many Indians are government employees too. When people went against the British, they were often met with violent suppression. Today, if large groups protest against the government, the police are called in to control the situation. So how different is independent India from the India under British rule?

Some might argue that the difference lies in our ability to follow our culture, social values, and traditions. But are we truly following our ancient Vedic culture? From the way we dress to the food we eat, we seem to be adopting more and more of a materialistic Western lifestyle. Our wardrobes are filled with branded jeans, our diets include pizza and burgers, and our best jobs are with multinational companies. Even our education system was introduced by the British. We may be politically independent, but are we culturally and spiritually independent?

Real Independence: A Spiritual Perspective

Most people don’t grasp the true meaning of independence. Real independence means returning to our original, constitutional position as servants of God. According to the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says that all living entities are His eternal parts and parcels. However, due to their desire to enjoy the material world, they are struggling with the six senses, including the mind. This struggle is because we are not in our true home. Just as a fish out of water will eventually die, living entities suffer in this material world because it is not their natural environment.

The Illusion of Identity

In our material existence, we identify ourselves with our bodies, families, and nations. If someone is born in America, they identify as American; if someone is born in India, they identify as Indian. But these identities are superficial. The Srimad Bhagavatam says that a person who identifies with their body, considers their family as their own, or worships the land of their birth is no better than a cow or an ass. This verse reminds us that our true identity is spiritual, not material.

The Upanishads also teach that the living entity is uncontaminated by the material world. Just as oil and water don’t mix, the soul, even though it is in contact with matter, remains distinct from it. No amount of political or material change can bring true independence. Real independence means being free from the cycle of birth, old age, disease, and death. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna describes these as the real problems of life.

The Temporary Nature of the World

Krishna explains in the Bhagavad Gita that this world is temporary and full of miseries. He describes it as “dukhalayam” (a place of misery) and “asasvatam” (temporary). The only way to escape this world is by attaining Him. Once a person attains Krishna, they never return to this miserable world. This is the real independence we should strive for: independence from the cycle of birth and death.

The Path to True Independence

Krishna outlines the path to true independence in the Bhagavad Gita. He advises Arjuna to always think of Him, become His devotee, worship Him, and offer homage to Him. By doing this, Arjuna is assured that he will come to Krishna without fail. Krishna also instructs us to abandon all other forms of religion and surrender to Him. He promises to protect us from all sinful reactions if we do so.
This process of surrender is made even easier by Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who propagated the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. This 16-syllable mantra:

“Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna,
Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare,
Hare Rama, Hare Rama,
Rama Rama, Hare Hare”

can give us true independence – independence from the material world.

Independence Beyond the Material

To truly understand independence, we must look beyond the material realm. The body is temporary, but the soul is eternal. Real independence comes when we realize our spiritual nature and our eternal relationship with God. By focusing on our spiritual identity, we can transcend the temporary struggles of this world and attain eternal peace and happiness.

Krishna, in the Bhagavad Gita, teaches us that true knowledge includes humility, nonviolence, tolerance, and self-control. It also includes the understanding that birth, death, old age, and disease are inevitable as long as we remain in this material world. True independence, therefore, is not just about political freedom or the ability to live as we please. It is about freeing ourselves from the bondage of material existence.

The Role of Devotion in Achieving Independence

Devotion to God plays a crucial role in achieving true independence. Krishna emphasizes the importance of constant and unalloyed devotion to Him. He advises us to live a simple life, detached from material possessions and the general mass of people. By focusing on self-realization and the philosophical search for the Absolute Truth, we can attain true knowledge and independence.

Krishna also assures us that those who attain Him never return to this material world. They achieve the highest perfection, which is freedom from the cycle of birth and death. This is the ultimate goal of life – to attain Krishna and be free from the miseries of the material world.

The Power of the Hare Krishna Mantra

Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is considered an incarnation of Krishna, introduced the simple yet powerful method of chanting the Hare Krishna mantra. This mantra has the power to purify our hearts and minds and reconnect us with our original spiritual nature. By regularly chanting this mantra, we can gradually become free from material desires and attachments, and develop a deep love for Krishna.

The Hare Krishna mantra is not just a religious chant; it is a spiritual tool that can help us achieve true independence. It reminds us of our eternal connection with Krishna and helps us focus our minds on Him. In this way, we can transcend the temporary nature of this world and attain eternal happiness.

Conclusion: Embracing True Independence

As we celebrate Independence Day, it is important to reflect on the true meaning of independence. Political freedom is important, but it is not the ultimate goal. True independence lies in understanding our spiritual nature and our eternal relationship with God. By following the teachings of Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita, we can free ourselves from the cycle of birth and death and attain eternal peace and happiness.

Let us strive for this true independence by focusing on our spiritual development, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and living a life of devotion to God. This is the real freedom that will bring us lasting happiness and fulfillment.

Sayana Ekadashi

Sayana Ekadashi

According to Padma Purana, the worship of Lord Vishnu on Shukla Ekadashi of the month of Ashadh has special significance because on this day the sleep of the Lord begins.

According to Vedic texts, the sleep of Lord Hari is also called Yoga Nidra. On this day, Lord Mahavishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar.

Chaturmas, which is the four-month period of self-control according to the Hindu Calendar, begins from Devasayani Ekadashi itself.

The Great Legend behind Sayana Ekadashi

Once Yudhishthira Maharaj asked Supreme Lord Krishna, “O Keshav, what is the name Ekadashi coming in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Ashadha.

Who is the worshipable deity of this day? And what is the method of observing this fast? Tell me in detail, tell me, everything Lord.

Then, Supreme Lord Sri Krishna said :

Once asking the same question to Lord Brahma of  Devarshi Narada, O’King replied that the Ekadashi which falls in the Shukla paksha of Ashadha month is also known as Sayana or Devshayani or Padma Ekadashi.

Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses is the presiding deity of this day;  that’s why festivals are held for their happiness, and devotees should observe this fast.

In the past, a king named Mandhata was born in Raghuvansh, He was the appointed emperor of the earth; they used to follow the leaders of the truthful kings, powerful, mighty subjects as their children.

There was never any flood, drought, or famine in his kingdom. There was never any disease. Everyone was living happily and healthy, but after some time, maybe from Godly or maybe sinful deeds, there is no rain for direct three years.

People started starving due to lack of rain, all of them, distraught with sorrow, requested the King that O king, you always see our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now.

Thus, we are all miserable, O King! Please find some resolutions to this problem, and bring us peace and prosperity all over again.

Hearing this, the King said that it had been said in the Vedas and Puranas that such a situation arises only because of the King’s sinful deeds. But I do not know what crime I have committed.

Yet I will try to benefit my subjects; having said this, the King and his officers and soldiers saluted the brahmins and proceeded toward the forest. After entering the forest, he visited many ashrams.

One day he, fortunately, met Angira Muni; Angira muni was the son of Brahmaji and very intelligent.

Seeing them, the sense controlled King Mandhata immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful bowed to him.

When the sage inquired about the King’s arrival, the subjects, then King, said that I am ruling with righteousness and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions.

Thus, I don’t know why there has been no rain in my kingdom for three years, and I need to understand why? O Gurudev! To solve this mystery, I have requested you for help, and please help me reduce the difficulty of my subjects.

Then Angira Muni said that the present era is the best of all ages; everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost member of society in this age.

Only Brahmins have the right to perform penance, although there is one ‘Shudra’ who is unlawfully performing the rituals of austerity and penance in your kingdom.

You should bring happiness and prosperity to the state by killing him. Hearing this, the King said that I couldn’t kill a sinless person engrossed in penance; please suggest any other simple solution.

Then, Angira Muni replied that you and your subjects should observe the holy Devsayani Ekadashi in this situation.

Following this, there will be rain in the state; Ekadashi falls in Shukla Paksha the month of Ashadha.

By observing this fast, person is freed from all the sins and all the obstacles in the path of attaining his final goal. 

Therefore, O king! It would be best if you observed this fast with your family and subjects.

After hearing the words of Angira Muni, the King returned to his kingdom united with his family and subjects.

It occurred this fast due to its effect. There was rain everywhere in the kingdom, and the kingdom was again prosperous and flourishing. And the people were also pleased.

In this way, Lord Hrishikesha is pleased with the observance of fast and the statement of the person who observes the fast.

All the sins that have been prone are destroyed.

This is the Glory of Sayana Ekadashi

On this Ekadashi, devotees throng to see Lord Sri Vitthal in Pandharpur, Maharashtra. All the nearby village devotees make groups and go to see Lord and see him divine.

If we come back after holding a beautiful form in our hearts, then all of us should also keep this simple and dear to Supreme Lord means Ekadashi and save it as much as possible to remain firm on the path of Bhakti.

One should keep on hearing, chanting the Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra, and one should try to attain the transcendental loving devotional service of the Supreme Lord.

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