by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Jan 1, 2024 | Ekadashi
Uncover the blessing of Saphala Ekadashi. The spiritual act of fasting is being preached by every religion, and in the same manner, Ekadashi holds value as per the Sanatan Dharma. The purpose of fasting on this auspicious day is not to trouble the material body, but to devote and utilize this holy day entirely to the devotional services of Lord Shri Krishna, and it is extremely beneficial to read and listen to the glories of Ekadashi vrat for this purpose.
As per Bhavishyottara Purana, once Maharaj Yudhishthir requested Lord Shri Krishna to explain “how one should observe fasting on Posh Masa, Krishna Paksha Ekadashi, and which demigod is to be worshipped on this day?”
“Oh holy saint Maharaj Yudhishthir, like Sheshnag is the superior of all of the snakes (sarpa), as Garuda dev is the superior most of all of the birds (pakshi), as Ashwamegha Yagya is the most superior of all of the Yagyas, like the holy river Ganga is the most pious of all of the rivers and as Lord Vishnu is the superior of all of the devas, in the same way, Ekadashi Vrat is the most important, beneficial and superior of all of the vrats, that is why none other vrat or devotional services can please me as that Ekadashi vrat does – replied Lord Krishna about the glories of the most sacred day of Ekadashi.
And those who observe this fast with complete devotion can please me in all terms. Posh Mas, Krishna paksha Ekadashi is also known as Saphala Ekadashi, and the fast is to be observed by showing a lamp and offering fruits to Lord Shri Narayana on this day, followed by listening to Lord Shri Narayana’s glories.
Once upon a time, there was a vast kingdom of Champawati ruled by Emperor Mahishmata; he had four sons, the eldest of which was Lumpak, but sadly, Lumpak was the greatest sinner of all—continues Lord Shri Krishna. Lumpak used to indulge in many malpractices, like forcing other people’s wives into courtship, he was a non-vegetarian, used to gamble, and he was envious of all others. He used to criticize Brahmins and Vaishnavas, and because of his malpractices, his father was becoming poorer day by day. The emperor was now able to make out that his son must not be forgiven, and he banished Lumpak from his kingdom. But Lumpak thought that as I had been banished by my father, I would spend my days hunting animals for flesh and plunder people at night, which led to increasing his sinful life over the years. He used to start his day with malpractices and end it similarly.
Now comes Saphala Ekadashi, he was sleepless the night before owing to an intense cold. The following day he wasn’t able to wake up in time because of ill health, he didn’t even hunt for food that day. So he collected fruits from the nearby trees and sat under one of the trees then he requested Supreme Lord, “Oh Lord Hari, please be merciful to me and accept these fruits”, in this way unknowingly he observed the fast on Saphala Ekadashi and offered fruits to Lord Shri Hari.
Supreme Lord is so merciful and kind even if someone (being sinful or not) observes the fast of Ekadashi and offers the offerings that would easily attain his mercy.
That way, Lumpak was able to please Lord Shri Hari, who blessed Lumpak with a boon. The next morning, a white horse stood before his house, and then a celestial voice was heard, saying, “By the mercy of Lord Vasudeva, Lumpak is now free from all sin and has got his kingdom again, as he has observed fast on Saphala Ekadashi.” This changed his life altogether, he returned back to his kingdom and took charge with the permission of his father, becoming an exultant devotee of Lord Shri Krishna. Lumpak delegated all the responsibilities and distributed his wealth among his sons in old age and devoted the remaining days of his life to the devotional services of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. After this, leaving behind all of the material desires and the material body Lumpak returns back to the heavenly abode of Lord Shri Krishna.
So by this story, one can better understand that although Lumpak had committed several mistakes but just by observing this fast and by involving oneself in the devotional services of Lord Shri Krishna he was able to attain salvation.
Let’s carefully observe this fast of Saphala Ekadashi in remembrance of Lord Shri Krishna by listening to the glories of Lord Shri Hari and chanting the holy name-
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram, Ram Ram Hare Hare
Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Nov 2, 2023 | Ekadashi
A very famous saint Tukaram Maharaj of Maharashtra, said that- A person who obeys and fast on Ekadashi, he indeed attains the abode of God. The person who does not like the tithi of this Ekadashi is a person who lives in hell.
Tukaram Maharaja says that the one who has collected a good amount of virtue from the previous birth, only that person observes the Ekadashi fast.
Utthana Ekadashi is also known as devutthani Ekadashi, prabodhani, haribodhani Ekadashi.
This Ekadashi is considered more significant and more sacred than other Ekadashi. According to Vishnu Purana, Lord sleeps in Kshirsagar for four months on Ashada Shukla Ekadashi.
According to Vishnu Purana, all their sorrows go away on this day, those who worship and remember Lord Hari. In the Skanda Purana, Brahma dev and Narada muni have been described as the glory of Utthan or prabodhini Ekadashi’s dialogues. Once Brahma dev started telling Devarshi Narada, let me recite the sage about the Ekadashi, which gives virtuous bliss and salvation to all.
The Glories of Utthana Ekadashi
This Ekadashi falls in the Shukla Paksha of Kartik month.The virtue obtained by observing this Ekadashi is many times more than the virtue obtained by performing a thousand Ashwamegh Yagya or a hundred Rajasuya Yagya. So after hearing this, Narada asked O Father, please tell me about the outcomes that can be achieved on this day by eating one time or doing complete fasting.
–Conversation between lord Brahma deva and Narada Muni
Brahma dev said- Eating fruits at one time on Ekadashi destroys the sins of a person of one birth. O son, by observing Utthana Ekadashi, a scarce virtue is attained in Tribhuvan. Like the mountain of Mandar, sins are also destroyed by the effect of this fast. The purity of this day can only be compared to Mount Sumeru.
Narada Muni has said, that Swami, please, how should this Ekadashi be done?” Tell us about this.
Lord Brahma said, O Dwijshrestha, after taking a bath in the morning, worship Lord Keshav, observe a fast so that O Lord Arvindaksha, I will not eat grains on Ekadashi. I will eat grains only on Dwadashi.
O Achyut, please protect me. Brahma Dev further said that one should observe fast for the whole day with love and devotion. One should awaken at night by chanting the name of Hari, listening to Kirtan and His sweet pastimes. One should give up the attitude of greed on Ekadashi. Whosoever virtuous observes such a fast, and he achieves his ultimate goal. Brahma Dev said whoever offers Kadamba flowers on this day to Lord Janardan. He never has to go to Yamaloka.
O Narada Muni, one should do Hari Jagran on the night of Ekadashi and the day of Dwadashi, worship Lord Hari and complete the fast by feeding Brahmins. According to one’s ability, by worshipping the spiritual master, he should be given worthy Dakshina. This pleases Lord Hari. Thus Brahma explained the importance of Utthan Ekadashi to Devarshi Narada.
In Brahma Vaivarta Purana, it is said that whoever observes a fast on the day of Ekadashi. He becomes free from all sinful activities and progresses in spiritual life.
The Main Motive of Fasting
The basic principle is not to be hungry on that day, but to reduce the needs of our body and use our mind, intellect and senses to remember him more and invest more time in the service of the Lord and have to strengthen our loyalty and love for Supreme Lord Krishna even more.
Therefore, let us all also observe this most auspicious Ekadashi fast and most dear to Lord Krishna and listen to the divine pastimes of the Lord in the company of devotees.
Chant Hari Naam and do Naam Sankirtana to increase the Love of Krishna, the ultimate goal of life.
Hare Krishna!
Utthana Ekadashi Mahotsava ki Jai!
Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Oct 3, 2023 | Festivals
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.
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Sep 27, 2023 | Vaishnav Acharya
Srila Haridas Thakur, a revered saint in the Gaudiya Vaishnava Parampara, lived a remarkable life dedicated to the chanting of the Holy Names of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna. Born in the village of Buron, in what is now Bangladesh, Srila Haridas Thakur’s life is a testament to unwavering devotion and the universal nature of spirituality.
A Devotee from Birth: From his very birth, Srila Haridas Thakur displayed an intense devotion to the Holy Names of Sri Krishna. His background as a Mohammedan by birth did not deter his deep connection with the Supreme Lord. His devotion led him to the banks of the Ganges at Phulia, near Santipur, where he came into the company of Sri Advaita Acarya, a prominent vaishnava saint of the time.
Challenging Times:Srila Haridas Thakur’s devotion to the Holy Names began to draw attention, and not all of it was positive. The local Mohammedan administrator, filled with malice, accused him of behaving like a Hindu and summoned him for trial. This marked the beginning of a challenging period in Haridas Thakur’s life.
A Test of Faith: When ordered to abandon his chanting and recite the Kalma, a Muslim prayer, Srila Haridas Thakur resolutely declared that the Supreme Lord is one, regardless of the different names people use to address Him. He refused to abandon the chanting of Hari Nama, even in the face of severe punishment. Hari Das Thakur answered with conviction:
khanda khanda haï deha jay jadi prana
tabu ami vadane na charii hari-nama
“You may cut my body to pieces, and the life may leave it. But I will never abandon the Holy Name which my tongue will ever continue to chant.” (Chaitanya Bhagavat 16.91)
The Ordeal: The local king, influenced by the administrator, ordered that Srila Haridas Thakur be beaten in twenty-two marketplaces. However, Srila Haridas Thakur’s unwavering devotion to the Holy Name shielded him from harm, and he did not feel any bodily discomfort during this ordeal.
Divine Protection: Just as Prahlada Maharaja was protected from harm by the Lord’s divine intervention, Srila Haridas Thakur’s faith and devotion shielded him from the attackers. Even the Mohammedans who sought to harm him realised he was no ordinary person.
Forgiveness and Redemption: Witnessing the greatness of Srila Haridas Thakur, the attackers were humbled and sought his forgiveness. Srila Haridas Thakur, in his magnanimity, forgave them, and they were absolved of their offences.
Miraculous Encounters: Srila Haridas Thakur’s life was filled with miraculous incidents. He would chant the Holy Name in a small cave-like hollow by a tree near Phulia. The devotees hesitated to stay there despite a poisonous snake inhabiting the tree’s roots. In response, Srila Haridas Thakur peacefully asked the snake to leave, and it complied, deepening the devotees’ faith in him.
Teaching the Power of Chanting: In another instance, Srila Haridas Thakur emphasized the significance of loudly chanting the Holy Name, explaining that it not only benefits the chanter but also uplifts others, even birds and animals. This teaching drew the ire of a proud Brahmana, resulting in his downfall due to Vaishnava aparadha.
Divine Revelations: Srila Haridas Thakur had a special relationship with Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who revealed His divine form to Haridas, bearing the scars from the beatings Haridas endured for his devotion.
Transforming a Prostitute: Srila Haridasa Thakura’s compassion extended to a prostitute sent by Ramacandra Khan to distract him. Instead, she became his disciple, giving up her previous life and dedicating herself to chanting the Holy Name.
Legacy and Departure: Srila Haridas Thakur’s presence enriched the lives of all who encountered him. His devotion, humility, and teachings left an indelible mark on the Bhakti tradition. He would chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra 300,000 times everyday. He was appointed as the Acarya of the Holy Name by Caitanya Mahaprabhu himself. His departure from this world, in the presence of the Lord, marked the end of a life dedicated to the chanting of the Holy Names.
Srila Haridas Thakur’s life serves as an inspiration for all, demonstrating that true devotion knows no boundaries of caste or creed. His unwavering faith in the Holy Name and his ability to forgive even those who sought to harm him exemplify the highest ideals of devotion and humanity. His legacy continues to inspire seekers on their spiritual journey, reminding us of the power of the Holy Name and the universal nature of spirituality.
If you would like to serve the Vaishnav then visit the below link:
Vaishnav Seva
by Sarvapujya Golokapati Das | Aug 10, 2023 | Ekadashi
We do fasting several times on different occasions throughout the year. Among all fasts, Pavitra Ekadashi Fast is considered as the superior and most dear to God. This is because keeping fast on Ekadashi leads devotees one step ahead towards the Supreme Personality of Godhead. People of all age groups keep this fast, including women. This auspicious tithi of Ekadashi is also known as Madhav tithi.
“madhava-tithi, bhakti-janani, jatane palana kori, krsna-basoti, basoti boli’, parama adare bori”
That means this auspicious Ekadashi tithi is Janani to rejuvenate bhakti in the life of devotees. Therefore, this Madhav tithi should be followed with Yatna (endeavour). So today, we will acquire knowledge about one of the most sacred Ekadashi.
Story of Pavitra Ekadashi by Lord Krishna
In Bhavishya Uttara Purana Significance of auspicious Ekadashi is found in conversation of Lord Sri Krishna and king Yudhisthira.
Once Yudhisthira Maharaj asked Lord Sri Krishna:
Hey, Madhusudan!
What is the name and significance of Ekadashi of Sawan month Shukla paksha tithi? Kindly describe it in detail.”
Reply of Lord Sri Krishna: Hearing Yudhisthira’s query Sri Krishna replied that this auspicious Ekadashi is “Pavitra Ekadashi”.Anyone who will listen to the significance of this fast will acquire the sequel of Bajpayee Yagya. Now listen to the story.
The Story Beyond the Significance of Ekadasi
Long ago, at the beginning of Dwapara-Yuga, there was a king named Mahijit. He was the king of a place called “Mahishmati”. He cares for the people of his kingdom as his kids. Once, he invited all the Brahmins and his people to Rajya Sabha. He said he had never committed any sin on anyone. He had never acquired wealth through immoral acts.
King said, he had never committed any injustice on his people. He had never snatched the wealth of Brahmins and deities. In my kingdom, there is an equal rule for everyone. Even on finding any of my relatives guilty, I punished them. I even honoured and paid deserved respect to my spiritual enemies.
Hey Brahmins!
Even after following this spiritual pathway, I do not have a son. So kindly think about this outlook and advise me on the way out.
Steps Taken By Brahmins
After hearing this, all the brahmins assembled at a place and thought about it. Then, they decided to donate offerings in various ashrams and ask rishis who know its reason past, present, and future. So, they went to the forest and gave offerings to multiple ashrams. In the end, they reached Lomasa rishi.
Lomasa Rishi was doing long and rigid Tapasya (austerity). His appearance was divine. He was utterly delightful and under strict fasting. He was self-restrained and erudite of shastras. He was glorious and had inestimable hairs in his body. When a Kalpa of Brahma dev occurs, one hair of his body gets detached, so he is known as Lomasa. He has a mystic power and tri-kāla-jñas.
Response on Kings Advisers
On getting darshan of Lomasa Rishi, the king’s advisers were feeling blessed. They said politely that they are blessed to get darshan of this divine Rishi. They are assured that now their king’s agony will soon end.
Lomasa Rishi’s query: Lomasa Rishi asked, who are you all? Why did you all come here? What is the reason behind praising me?
Brahmin’s reply: Brahmin’s replied that they came here to solve this severe problem.
“Hey, Rishiwar!
Our king Mahijita does not have any son. He nurtured us like his children. His pain is getting unendurable for us. So we came here to do Tapasya. But, we are incredibly fortunate to get your darshan. We are sure that after getting darshan of divine Rishi, we will surely get an outcome”.
Reason for king’s Suffering
“Hey divine rishi! Please tell us away so that our king will be blessed with a son”, said Brahmins. On hearing, this Lomasa rishi starts meditating.
After knowing about King Mahijit’s previous birth, Rishi said, this king was a merchant earlier. For business purposes, he used to wander from one village to another. Once he was very thirsty, and that day was Dwadashi. While searching for water, being thirsty, he found a pond. So he reached at the bank of a pond to satisfy his thirst. He noticed a cow after parturition came with a newly born calf and started drinking water. He immediately stopped her and sent her away.
Later on, he started drinking water. This is the greatest sin done by him. This is the reason he does not possess a son.
Way to rectify his sin: On hearing this, brahmins, the king’s advisers, asked Rishi a path to the outcome. They asked by doing which atonement or fasting king can get rid of this sin.
King’s Atonement
Lomasa Rishi responded and told them a way out. In the coming Shravan month’s auspicious Ekadashi, king and all of you keep fast.
Afterwards, all the blessings you all will gain on doing this fast give it to the king. King will indeed have a son by doing so. On hearing Lomasa Rishi’s word, everyone was pleased. They respectfully greeted Rishi. They returned and described everything to the king. King, along with all his Praja, followed Ekadashi.
On Dwadashi, the next day, everyone gave the blessings they earned by fasting and gave them to the king. After a few days, the queen got pregnant and delivered a beautiful boy.
Next day, 17th August (Saturday) between ( 5:51 AM to 08:07 AM)Lord Sri Krishna to Yudhisthira
Lord Sri Krishna said, Hey Yudhisthira! Whoever abides this Pavitra Ekadashi fast, all his sins will be absolved, and he can achieve the supreme goal.
So let’s nurture this branch of spirituality by keeping this sacred Pavitra Ekadashi fast with complete devotion. Let’s spend our time chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra, doing kirtans and engage ourselves in devotional activities as much as we can on do this auspicious day.
On this day, we all devotees assemble and provide service to Vaishnavas. In this way, we can please Lord Sri Krishna and make advancements to gain Krishna’s blessings.
Pavitra Ekadasi is on – 16th, Aug 2024
Fast Breaking time – Next day, 17th August (Saturday) between ( 5:51 AM to 08:07 AM) (ISKCON Delhi)
Your Smallest act of Charity can make a difference and bring smiles to Needy Faces.
