Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, born into the renowned Gaudiya Vaishnavism lineage, played a pivotal role in revitalizing Lord Caitanya’s teachings during a critical period of spiritual decline. His birth, upbringing, education, and eventual ascension to the revered position of a sannyasi, marked by divine interventions and dedication, form a remarkable narrative that continues to inspire millions.

Early Life and Spiritual Upbringing

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur was the blessed son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, a prominent Vaisnava acharya. Initially named Bimala Prasad, Born on February 6, 1874, in Puri, his arrival was perceived as a response to his father’s fervent prayers for a son to assist in reviving Lord Caitanya’s teachings.
The auspicious circumstances surrounding his birth, including the umbilical cord resembling a sacred thread, hinted at the divine mission he was destined to fulfill.
During the Rath Yatra festival, the auspicious falling of Lord Jagannath’s garland on the child confirmed the divine nature of his existence.

His remarkable feat of memorizing the entire Bhagavad-gita at the age of seven showcased his exceptional intellect and devotion. Acquiring the title “The Living Encyclopedia,” he became renowned for his extensive knowledge.

Austerity and strict adherence to Krishna consciousness principles characterized his early years. His vow to refrain from eating mangoes after partaking in an unoffered one showcased his unwavering commitment.

Initiation and Spiritual Pursuits

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur’s initiation journey reflected his deep commitment. Despite his erudition, his desire for initiation from Srila Gaurakisora dasa Babaji Maharaja faced initial hesitation due to Babaji’s simplicity. However, his father insisted on this spiritual connection. The turning point came when, in desperation, Saraswati Thakur declared his intention to end his life if not accepted. Recognizing the sincerity, Babaji accepted him as a disciple.

This initiation marked the beginning of a life dedicated to spreading Krishna consciousness. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur took up the formidable task of chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra one billion times, demonstrating his commitment to spiritual discipline. Residing in the Yoga Pith in Navadvipa, he followed the footsteps of Srila Haridas Thakur.

Establishing Gaudiya Math Temples

His unwavering commitment led to the establishment of 64 Gaudiya Math temples in India and centers in Burma, England, and Germany. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, often referred to as “lion guru,” faced Mayavadis with conviction and earned the respect of many for his powerful delivery of the Vaisnava siddhanta.

The Brhat-mrdangas of SrilaBhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura:

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura utilized three “Brhat-mrdangas” or printing presses in Madras, Calcutta, and Krishna-nagara, producing an extensive array of books, magazines, and newspapers. His vision was to spread the eternal, ever-fresh transcendental activities of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu. Notably, he even published a daily spiritual newspaper named Nadia Prakash, emphasizing the importance of constant engagement with the divine message.

Spiritual Vision and Revolutionary Ideas

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura’s revolutionary preaching ideas were rooted in the sastric principle of yukta-vairagya, as established by Srila Rupa Gosvami. As an eternally liberated soul, he mastered the art of engaging Maya, the illusory energy, in the service of Lord Krishna. Following the footsteps of Srila Thakura Bhaktivinoda, he advocated for daivi varnashrama, aiming to harmonize society and provide spiritual fulfillment for all.

Challenges and Victories

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s life was not without challenges, particularly the opposition from sahajiya sects deviating from pure devotion. Engaging in debates defending the universality of spiritual qualifications over birth-based distinctions showcased his intellectual prowess. His teachings emphasized genuine devotion to Lord Caitanya and the eradication of practices contrary to the true spirit of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Innovations in Preaching

In an era of societal norms, Srila Saraswati Thakura introduced innovative methods to expand preaching. He organized theistic exhibits and dioramas, employing the latest technology, including animated dolls, to depict the pastimes of Sri Krishna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Breaking traditional norms, he allowed his sannyasis to adopt modern practices, such as wearing tailored clothing and utilizing vehicles, to carry Mahaprabhu’s message beyond the Indian shores.

Legacy and Departure

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada’s greatest legacy lies in his disciple Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, whom he initiated and inspired to disseminate Krishna consciousness globally. Srila Prabhupada, when asked about his spiritual master, expressed, “What can I say? He was a Vaikuntha man.” In the eternal pastimes of Radha-Govinda in Goloka Vrndavana, Srila Saraswati Thakura serves as Nayana-mani manjari, and his pushpa samadhis are at Radha-kunda and Radha Damodara.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura’s life was a testament to the transformative power of devotion and fearlessness in preaching. His influence reached far beyond the borders of India, inspiring countless individuals to embrace the teachings of Lord Caitanya. Despite facing opposition and challenges, he fearlessly excavated holy sites, established temples, and employed innovative methods to spread the divine message. His departure left an indelible mark on the spiritual landscape, paving the way for future generations to continue the mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. As we reflect on his life and teachings, we find a timeless source of inspiration and guidance on the path of devotional service.

We all had heard a lot about Ekadashi, but very few people know its real significance. People do not know the benefits of Ekadashi fasting.

MEANING OF EKADASHI

Ekadashi falls on every eleventh day after Krishna paksha and Shukla paksha. Ekadashi means observing fast without the intake of grains and vegetables. The literal meaning of Ekadashi is eleven, and the meaning of upwas is- up means close and was means staying. So the real meaning of Ekadashi fasting is to be engaged in the service of God with all eleven indriyas or senses. Out of eleven indriyas, five are karmendriya (hands, feet, mouth, anus, genitals), and the other five are gyanendriya (eyes, nose, ears, tongue, and skin) and the last one in mind. So in Ekadashi, fasting or upwas, a person should lessen the essential needs of the body such as food and sleep and engage all eleven senses and consciousness at the lotus feet of the lord.

Conversation between Yudhisthira and Lord

Once, Yudhisthira Maharaj asked Lord Krishna about the Ekadashi, which occurs on the Shukla paksha of the month of  Vaisakha. In reply, Lord Krishna informed Yudhisthira Maharaja about the sacred Mohini Ekadashi.  

Significance of Mohini Ekadashi

Once, Lord Rama asked Vasishtha muni about a fast through which a person can get rid of all sins. Vasistha Muni replied, “Just by remembering your name, a person becomes pure and can get rid of all sins. But as you have asked me about a fast for the benefit of all humanity and to fulfil everyone’s desire, there is an Ekadashi fast which comes in the month of Vaisakha named Mohini Ekadashi. So fasting on Ekadashi has great importance. So if a person keeps fast on Mohini Ekadashi, they can get rid of all sufferings.”

Tale of Mohini Ekadashi

Once on the bank of river Saraswati, there was a beautiful city named Bhadrawati. There lived a king named Dyutiman. He was very noble and truthful. King was born in the Chandravansh dynasty. In his kingdom, there lived a wealthy merchant named Dhanapala. He was always engaged in righteous and charity works. He always stayed busy in the arrangement of digging well, drinking water, making houses, gardens, sacred places, etc., for the people of Bhadrawati. He was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. He had five sons: Sumana, Dyutiman, Medhavi, Sukriti, and Dhristabuddhi.

About Dhristabuddhi

Dhristabuddhi was the fifth son of the king. He was involved in sinful activities. He relished gambling, illicit sex, meeting prostitutes, and other disgraceful activities. He spent all of his father’s wealth indiscriminately. One day his father kicked him out of the house. After that, he started wandering here and there. Finally, being tired of hunger and thirst, he reached the ashram of Kaundinya muni. Suffering from the grief, he went near Kaundinya muni, joined his hand, and said, “O brahmana! Please have mercy on me. I had committed many sins in my life. Kindly tell me some way to get free from all the sins I had committed previously.”

KAUNDILYA MUNI REPLY

Sage replied, “O Son! In the fortnight of Vaisakha month, the sacred Ekadashi named Mohini Ekadashi occurs. By observing fast on this auspicious day, a person can get rid of all the sins of this birth and previous births. Therefore, Mohini Ekadashi has the power to obliterate sins as vast as mount Meru.”

After hearing Kaundilya muni’s advice, he observed fast on Mohini Ekadashi faithfully. He followed all the instructions and directions and kept the fast accordingly. By fasting on that day, he became sinless.

TRANSFORMATION IN DHRISHTHABUDDHI

After fasting on this sacred day, Dhrishthabuddhi became free from all previously committed sins. He attained a divine body and rode upon Garuda, the carrier of the lord, and went to the Supreme abode of the lord, which is free from all kinds of troubles.

In this way, on hearing or studying the glories of this auspicious Mohini Ekadashi, one acquires merits equal to the charity of a thousand cows. This tithi is very fortunate. By observing fast on this bright day, one can get rid of all material attractions and life obstacles.

So come, let’s observe a fast on this holy day of Mohini Ekadashi, get freedom from all sins, and try to reach our ultimate destination, the Supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.

Let’s chant:
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE,
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE.

There are many practices and activities in the path of devotional service which assist and strengthen bhakti. Bhakti means the way to achieve Krishna’s Prema. Whatever helps one to develop the love for Krishna, one should accept. The basic principle is that whatever is favourable for bhakti, one should accept that and reject the unfavourable. The most profitable activity for bhakti is to observe fasts. Observing fast on special occasions like Ram Navami, Janmashthami, Gaur Purnima, and Ekadashi is of more importance.  

Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi

As per Vedic calculation, there are a couple of pakshas, Krishna Paksha and Shukla paksha, every month. So there would be an Ekadashi in every paksha, which means there are a couple of Ekadashi every month. So the Ekadashi, which occurs on the Krishna paksha of Vaishakha month, is known as Varuthini Ekadashi. Usually, Varuthini Ekadashi occurs in the month of Chaitra or Vaishakha. This is the most auspicious Ekadashi. One who observes fast on Varuthini Ekadashi is delivered from all sins, one who remains happy always and gets good fortunes. By giving charity to needy people on Varuthini Ekadashi, one gets the result equivalent to doing austerities for years.  

By observing fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, one gets relief from all distress. One gets the result equivalent to donating gold during the Solar eclipse. As per scriptures, by observing fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, one gets more fortune than donating land or an elephant. The donation of mustard seeds is said to be the best of all the offerings, but the donation of gold is even better than the donation of mustard seeds. Food donation is of more importance than the donation of gold, but the most promising of all donations is the Varuthini Ekadashi fast.

What Krishna says about Varuthini Ekadashi

Lord Shri Krishna also said, “Those who fix up their mind on the lotus feet of Shri Hari and faithfully observe fast on Varuthini Ekadashi will get the equivalent of performing austerities for 10,000 years. Chitragupta, who keeps an account of the deeds of human beings, is also unable to write down the merit of fasting on this Ekadashi. Even if the most sinful person observes fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, his sinful thoughts will gradually fade away, and he will attain a higher planetary system.” 

Liberation of King Mandhata and King Dhundhumara

Emperor Mandhata observed fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, and as a result, he was liberated. King Dhundhumara, who appeared in the lineage of Ikshvaku in treta yuga, was cursed by Lord Shiva. Dhundhumara observed fast on Varuthini Ekadashi and was liberated from the curse, thus attaining a higher planet.

It is not possible to write and tell the glories of Varuthini Ekadashi. Lord Shri Krishna said, “One who reads and hears the glories of Varuthini Ekadashi gets the result equivalent to donating 1000 cows. After leaving his body on the material world will certainly attain the Vaikuntha planet.”

Let’s take advantage of this great occasion and observe fast on Varuthini Ekadashi, which gives liberation from all distress, fears, and problems. Thus, in the end, he attains the love of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, which is the goal of everyone’s life.

Hare Krishna!

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