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Sayana Ekadashi

Sayana Ekadashi

by | Jun 30, 2025 | 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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The Greatness of Yogini Ekadashi

The Greatness of Yogini Ekadashi

by | Jun 17, 2025 | Ekadashi

We all experience happiness and sorrows in this life, but no one wants it and also everyone wishes for joy, but do we even know what true pleasure is?

What Are the real sorrows? First, of course, problems are the most significant birth, death, old age and disease of life because no one can escape from them, and it will happen to everyone.

Birth is painful, and we forgot it, that doesn’t mean labour is not painful, as death is unfortunate, old age is not good, diseases are not good, it’s sad, so what pain is not good?

An incredible Story about Yogini Ekadashi 

Once upon a time, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira said,

O Lord, address the of Ashadha Krishna Ekadashi what it is thus?

Lord Krishna Said:

Rajan, Ashadh Krishna Ekadashi, is known as Yogini Ekadashi, observing this fast person’s serious sins and ocean of wins release.

Yogini Ekadashi is the liberator in heaven and the three worlds.

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The Story told by Supreme Lord Krishna.

Hey Rajan, “Now I tell you a beautiful story as described in the Puranas; listen carefully.

A place in heaven called “Alka Puri” was the kingdom, which was the treasurer of the gods.

There was a devotee of Shiva name Kubera. He used to worship Shiva every day; his Gardener was a Yaksha named Hem.

Who brought beautiful flowers from Mansarovar and give them to Kubera and which is for use in the worship of Shiva, used to do the same every day.

Hem Yaksha’s name Vishalakshi and this Gardener towards his wife was very infatuated.  

One day he bought flowers from Mansarovar, but because of his love for his wife, he started laughing with his wife and having fun with her, and here king Kubera kept watching his way till noon.

In the end, king Kubera ordered a soldier to find out why the Gardener was not coming because he had not yet brought flowers.

The soldier’s said that.

Maharaj! Hem Mali is with his wife and must have been doing fun, extreme humour, and pleasure.

Listening to this, Kubera got angry and called him trembling; Hem Mali reached near him, King Kubera got angry and said, ‘ oh sinner Lowly, hypocritical, mischievous. You have disrespected my most respected Shiva Ji. That’s why I curse you, that you will suffer the separation of the woman and go to the world of death and become a leper.

Hem, Mali fell from heaven due to the curse of Kubera, and he fell to earth at that very moment as soon as he came to earth, while got into the body and his woman also become introspective at the same time.

After coming to the world of death, the Gardener suffered great sorrow and wandered without food in the terrible forest, couldn’t even sleep at night. But due to the effect of worshipping Shiva, he must have known about the condition of previous birth.

One day while roaming around, he reached the ashram of ‘Saga Markandeya’, whose age is seven Kalpas. Seeing them, Mali bowed several times from a distance.

Seeing them, the merciful and compassionate Markandeya Rishi asked him, what is the sin you have committed? Due to this condition, has it happened to you? 

Hem Mali narrated the whole story to the sage; after hearing this, the saga said, “indeed you have spoken the truth in front of me, so I tell you a fast for your salvation.

‘If you observe fast on Ekadashi called Yogini Ekadashi of Krishna Paksha of Ashad month, then all your sins will be destroyed. Hearing this, Hem Mali was delighted and bowed the land to the sage; Markandeya Rishi raised her with affection.

Hem Mali observed this Yogini Ekadashi ritually according to the advice of the sage. 

As the effect of this fast, Hem Mali got freed again in his old form and started living happily with his wife.

As per Markanday Rishi’s guidance, Hem Mali become free from all the sufferings and misfortunes.

Benefits of Yogini Ekadashi 

Lord Krishna said, “O king, Yogini Ekadashi fasting, brings prosperity and joy in life and is popular in all three dimensions.

Observing this fast of Yogini Ekadashi, one gets good virtue equal offering food to 80 thousand Bramins, and a person becomes virtuous by being freed from his all sins.

Ekadashi, therefore we yogis, may one by one destroy our sins and proceed on the path of sweet loving devotion to the Lord.

 

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Apara Ekadashi

Apara Ekadashi

by | May 16, 2025 | Ekadashi

It is said that when God created the material world, He created all beings, and at the same time, many kinds of sins also took birth. Out of those sins, a paap purusha was created. God saw that the souls were very easily inclined towards sin, and they were repeatedly sent to hellish worlds for punishment. God took mercy upon the living entities and expanded Ekadashi from his body. Living entities started observing fast on Ekadashi and were getting rid of sins. This agitated paap purusha, he went to the Lord and said, “You created me, but by the influence of Ekadashi, I am unable to do my duty.” Lord replied, “If that is the case, I order you to enter in grains on every Ekadashi. This will save your existence.”

That’s why, if we observe fast on Ekadashi (Apara Ekadashi), then we would be saved from all the sins which we could get by consuming grains on Ekadashi. Ekadashi fast not only reduces our sins but also assists us in getting the devotion service and mercy of the lotus feet of the Lord, Shri Hari.

Once Yudhisthira asked Lord Krishna, “O Krishna! Please tell me, what is the name of Ekadashi, which occurs in the Krishna paksha of Jyestha month and its glories?”

Lord Krishna replied, “O King! This Ekadashi is popularly known by two names – Apara and Achala. As per Vedic injunctions, Ekadashi on the Krishna paksha of Jyestha month is termed as Apara Ekadashi because it bestows unlimited wealth. Those who observe fast on Apara Ekadashi, they will attain fame in the world, get rid of all sins committed due to brahma hatya, and blaspheme and also get freedom from ghostly species of life. By doing this fast, all the sins accumulated due to illicit sex life, giving false testimony, lying, reading or making false scriptures, becoming a false astrologer or becoming a false physician, etc., are all destroyed. The Kshatriya who runs away from the battlefield is certainly to hell, but by the influence of Apara Ekadashi, he will attain heaven.”

“Devotees who accept knowledge from the spiritual master but blaspheme him will certainly go to hell, but by observing fast on Apara Ekadashi, they can also get freedom from such heinous sin. The results of taking bath in Pushkar in the month of Karthik or the results of pind daan on the holy banks of Gang; same results one gets by observing fast on Apara Ekadashi.”

“This fast is like an axe which cuts the tree of sins, it is like fire which burns down all sins, it is like the Sun which destroys the darkness of sins, it is like a Lion who kills deer. That’s why living entities should be careful enough not to commit sins and observe fast on Apara Ekadashi.”

By fast observation on Apara Ekadashi and by the worship of Vishnu, one gets rid of all sins and attains the Vishnu Loka after leaving this material body. As per the popular story, there was a righteous king named Mahidwaja. His younger brother, Vajradwaja, was very cruel, unrighteous, and unfair. He was very envious of his elder brother. One-night Vajradwaja killed his elder brother while he was asleep and buried the body under a peepal tree in the woods. Because of unnatural death, Mahidwaja attained ghostly species of life. He used to live on the peepal tree and created several nuisances.

apara ekadashi rishi

One day a great sage, Dhaumya, passed by that forest and he saw the ghost. With his mystic power, he could know the ghost’s past life. He also understood the reason for such nuisances. He brought down the ghost from the peepal tree and instructed about parlok vidhya. Sages are always very kind by nature, and out of his kindness, he observed fast on Apara Ekadashi so that the ghost could be freed. He also donated all the piousness earned by him to the ghost. As a result of which, Mahidwaja got freedom from the ghostly species and attained a transcendental body. He went to the higher planetary system after boarding pushpak vimaan.

Let’s not waste this great occasion of Apara Ekadashi, we all should observe fast to get rid of sins and attain the pure love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Krishna.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare |

Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram Hare Hare ||

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Jahnva Mata Appearance Day

Jahnva Mata Appearance Day

by | May 2, 2025 | Festivals

Glories of Srimati Jahnava Devi – Nityananda Swarupini

1. Identity and Divine Role

Srimati Jahnava Devi is the eternal consort of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, who is the manifestation of Lord Balarama in Chaitanya Leela. In the spiritual text Shri Gaura Ganoddesha Dipika by Kavi Karnapur, Jahnava Devi is identified as Revati, the divine consort of Balarama in Krishna Leela, while her co-wife Vasudha Devi is described as Varuni. Jahnava Devi is affectionately addressed by devotees as “Maa Jahnava” and is revered as “Nityananda Swarupini,” signifying that she embodies the very energy of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

2. Her Role After the Disappearance of the Pancha Tattva
After the divine departure of the Pancha Tattva – Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Nityananda Prabhu, Sri Advaita Acharya, Sri Gadadhar Pandit, and Sri Srivas Pandit – Srimati Jahnava Devi assumed a prominent role in the propagation of Krishna consciousness. With deep love and unwavering dedication, she preached the glories of the Holy Name and uplifted numerous fallen souls and non-believers, bringing them into the fold of Vaishnavism through her pure devotion.

3. Kheturi Festival: First Gaur Purnima Celebration
The first public celebration of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance, now known as Gaur Purnima, took place in the village of Kheturi in present-day Bangal. This historic event occurred after the departure of the Pancha Tattva. During this festival, Srimati Jahnava Devi not only organized a massive Maha Hari Naam Sankirtan but also personally prepared and served prasad to thousands of Vaishnavas with her own hands. Witnessing this unparalleled level of devotion, it is said that both Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu manifested during the event, blessing all who were present.

4. Pilgrimage and Preaching Journey
After the Kheturi festival, Srimati Jahnava Devi undertook a sacred journey to various holy places with the intention of preaching and rejuvenating the sankirtan movement. Her first destination was Ambika Kalna, her maternal home. She then visited Sri Navadwip to take the blessings of Srimati Sachi Devi, the mother of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Continuing her journey, she again visited Kheturi and eventually moved to Vrindavan Dham, where she spent her time in divine remembrance and service.

5. Divine Vision of Shyamsundar
While residing in Vrindavan, Srimati Jahnava Devi experienced a divine vision while bathing in the sacred waters of the Yamuna. A dark-skinned hand gently held her garment, and upon looking, she saw it was none other than Lord Shyamsundar Himself. Lord Krishna revealed to her that she would find Him in the form of the Gopinath deity on the banks of the Ganga River. This mystical encounter further confirmed her intimate connection with the Lord.

6. Discovery of Gopinath Deity and Final Travels
Following the Lord’s divine instruction, Jahnava Mata resumed her journey. She traveled through Ekachakra Dham, the birthplace of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, and then reached Khardaha, the residence of her stepson Sri Veerbhadra. On the banks of the Ganga, in a village called Jirat in the Hooghly district of Bengal, she discovered the deity of Gopinath exactly as the Lord had promised. This sacred deity is still worshipped today and is cared for by the descendants of Ganga Devi, the daughter of Nityananda Prabhu.

7. Legacy and Worship
Srimati Jahnava Devi’s life remains a glowing example of divine service, humility, and empowered leadership in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. She played a crucial role in preserving and spreading the mission of Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu. To this day, devotees seek her blessings to attain pure devotion, or shuddha bhakti, and consider her a motherly guide on the spiritual path. Her influence continues through sacred sites and the deity of Gopinath she unearthed, inspiring countless Vaishnavas across generations.

Conclusion

For those following the Gaudiya tradition, the life of Srimati Jahnava Devi remains a beacon of divine grace, humility, and empowered service. Remembering her glories is not only an offering of respect but a source of inspiration for anyone dedicated to the mission of Bhagavad Gita, Harinam Sankirtan, and the path of bhakti.

Also Learn – Mohini Ekadashi

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Jahnu Saptami: Everything you need to know about this significant day

Jahnu Saptami: Everything you need to know about this significant day

by | May 2, 2025 | Festivals

Hare Krishna The Saptami Tithi of the Shukla Paksha of the month of Vaishakh is known as Jahnu Saptami. On this day many people take a dip in the holy water of Ganga and wash away their sins. Many people offer water for the salvation of their ancestors and take a bath in Ganga.

The nine islands surrounded by Mother Ganga located in the Nadia district of Bengal are collectively known as Sri Navadvipa Dham, where Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared. The name of one of these nine islands is Jahnudvipa.

In the 13th chapter of Sri Navadwip Mahatmya by Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakur, it is described that Sri Nityananda Prabhu, who is Sankarshan himself, tells here that the supreme ascetic Jahnu Muni performed penance in this island and received the darshan of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

 

The Story of Jahnu Muni & Mother Ganga – Why Ganga is Called Jahnavi

Leela Behind Tulsi shaligram seva
One day, when Jahnu Muni was engrossed in his meditation and was chanting the Gayatri Mantra, then his cup of water fell into the river Ganga and the river Due to the speed of the water, it kept flowing in the river. Due to this, Shri Jahnu Muni swallowed the entire water of Mother Ganga. When Maharaj Bhagirath, who had brought Mother Ganga to earth for human welfare, came to know about this incident, he became disturbed and pleased Jahnu Muni by worshipping him for several days. Then Jahnu Muni made Mother Ganga appear on earth. Due to this, Mother Ganga is also known as Jahnavi i.e. daughter of Jahnu Muni.

We all know that Mother Ganga takes away the sins of everyone and makes us free from sins. Once, Mother Ganga asks Shri Krishna that O Lord, in Kaliyug, sins will increase, then what will happen, in response to which Lord Shri Krishna says that in Kaliyug, sins will definitely increase and Mother Ganga will also have to wash the sins of the people, but when any pure Vaishnav takes a bath in Ganga ji, then Ganga ji will become more pure and will attain purity.

Conclusion

On this auspicious day, knowing Mother Ganga to be very dear to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, the devotees offer respects and perform puja to Srimati Ganga devi to get her mercy and the mercy of Jahnu muni. In this way they may also be able to some day serve in the pastimes of Sri Gaurahari.

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