The Significance of Guru Purnima

The Significance of Guru Purnima

Guru Purnima is the festival of reverence, dedication, and respect towards the Guru (teacher). In the word Guru, ‘gu’ means ignorance and ‘ru’ means person who destroys. The word Guru means the person who destroys the ignorance of the heart. There is a belief that Krishnadvaipayan Vyas was born in Ashada Shukla Purnima in Uttarashada Nakshatra. Hence, Ashadh Shukla Purnima is famous as Guru Purnima or Vyas Purnima. The Ashadh season marks the arrival of the monsoon season. On this occasion, Guru takes the disciple out of darkness with the light of his knowledge.

Importance of Guru

This festival is ideal for the upcoming generations to explain the importance of teachers and educators in life. In ancient times, students used to live in the ashram and get education from their guru and the guru used to give this education for free. History has also been a witness to the fact that the disciples used to take every word of their Guru’s as orders. Everyone considered themselves grateful for going under Guru sharan (shelter).

The Guru were adept in Shaastra (scriptures) and Shastra (using weapons). The knowledge imparted by guru not only replete the disciple with the art of living daily Life but also guides the disciple towards the ultimate goal of this life at the same time.

What does Lord Krishna say in Bhagavad Gita regarding Guru?

According to Srimad-Bhagavatam,

tasmād guruṁ prapadyeta
jijñāsuḥ śreya uttamam
śābde pare ca niṣṇātaṁ
brahmaṇy upaśamāśrayam (ŚB 11.3.21)

The one who is inquisitive to gain knowledge about the ultimate goal of life needs to take Guru Sharan.

How to take Guru Sharan?

In Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Supreme Lord Shri Krishna has explained the method of gaining knowledge from Guru by taking his shelter-

tad viddhi praṇipātena
paripraśnena sevayā
upadekṣyanti te jñānaṁ
jñāninas tattva-darśinaḥ (Bg. 4.34)

If one wants to gain divine knowledge, he has to follow the principle of tad viddhi pranipatena which means one should try to understand the truth by approaching a spiritual master. The one who is not humble cannot take shelter under anyone. So, it is crucial to take shelter to understand that supreme knowledge by pranipata (by approaching a spiritual master). So, here the question occurs: where will I find such an authoritative person whose shelter I should take. It’s vital to do a little test before taking shelter. Or else, there have been incidents where people have suffered with ill effects because of surrendering to someone out of superstition even in the present.

How to find a Guru?

Never take shelter of the worthless being. Now how will you find whether he is wise or worthless? This is also mentioned in the scriptures. It has been described in the Mundaka Upanishad as follows-

tad-vijnanartham sa gurum evabhigacchet srotriyam brahma- nistham (MU 1.2.12)

This śrotriyam means one who is coming in the Guru-Shishya Parampara (disciplic succession). But the question arises what is the proof that he is coming in the disciplic succession? Brahma nistham. Brahma nistham implies that he is completely convinced about the absolute truth. 

What is the method of taking shelter – pranipata? Pranipata means clear, with no doubt. If you find such a person, surrender yourself to him. Only such a person can illuminate the path of our ultimate goal. Serve him, ask questions to him and clear your doubts. Surrendering to Guru means surrendering to God because Guru is the representative of the Supreme Lord. You can question Guru for understanding but not for arguments or debates. This is called pariprasna. And if we do not adopt this process and keep wasting our time only in speculation and meaningless matters, then it will never be possible.

What Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu says about the Guru?

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu tells about who is the GuruGuru means yei Krishna tattva -vetta, sei ‘guru’ haya, that is, anyone who knows Krishna is a guru.

His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), represents one such Brahma-nishtha disciplic succession, which means, an unaltered form of transcendental knowledge passed by a line of spiritual teachers starting from Lord Krishna and in present, it has been passed on to us by Srila Prabhupada through Vyasadeva, Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

On this auspicious occasion of Guru Poornima, let all pay honour to our respective teachers.

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Spellbinding RadhaKrishna Jhulan Yatra

Spellbinding RadhaKrishna Jhulan Yatra

Jhulan Yatra is a blissful festival for the followers of Lord Krishna. The devotees celebrate Radha Krishna’s pastime of swinging on a golden swing every day until Balrama-Purnima. It is observed in the month of Sawan when the monsoon clouds assemble. Finally, the rain appears after the scorching heat of summers. Sri Krishna’s special place Brajbhoomi looks spectacular.

Ecstatic Celebrations of Jhulan Yatra in Vrindavan

The temples of Vrindavan celebrate Jhulan Yatra with great joy and devotion. Many devotees follow a trail of pilgrimage from one temple to another from early morning to late evening for the darshan of Sri Krishna.

The calm winds of Sawan make the atmosphere pleasant. Worldwide, Devotees gather in thousands of temples to get the opportunity to render service to the divine couple by swinging them.

Vrindavan is the sacred place where 5000 years ago, Sri Krishna spent the most love-soaked chapter of His boyhood and raas drenched years of adulthood. This is the land about which Sri Krishna said to His friend Uddhav. For the people of Braj, Sri Krishna was supreme.

The people of this land were devoted entirely to Lord Krishna. Their love for Sri Krishna was uttermost, which cannot be expressed in words. Their life was totally centred on Shri Krishna. Raas with Gopis (cow-herding maidens) symbolizes the interplay of love and adoration between the Almighty and the human soul.

People of Braj and their eternal love for Lord Krishna

Lord Sri Krishna, along with his cow herding companions, used to roam in the jungles of Braj. Along with herding, He used to play and eat on land with His friends and spread happiness.

In every season, along with Krishna, His friends happily participated in every mesmerizing pastime of Lord Sri Krishna. With complete devotion, they used to provide service to their beloved friend whom they loved blindly.

Gopies were blind in love with Lord Krishna. Among all the gopi, Radha Rani was the consort of Lord Krishna.

Jhulan Yatra- The Beginning of Sawan

This festival is associated with the beginning of Sawan, and this month is known as Shravan or Sawan. It falls in July or August and resembles the end of the summer season and the beginning of the rainy season, which is an entirely moist climate.

Cold mesmerizing winds are blown. Showers of rain make the whole land of Vrindavan lush green. The dried land of Vrindavan is brought back to life after the dry summer.

The forests of Vrindavan get filled up with colourful flowers such as Jasmine, Champa, and Madhuri that have newly blossomed in the season. The sectarian honey is oozing from the beehives. The cuckoo sings with its melodic sound and makes the environment mesmerizing. The peacocks start dancing, spreading their wings in anticipation of dark clouds in the sky.

How is Jhulan Yatra Celebrated?

Sri Radhika Rani’s sakhis make a hanging swing on a kadamba tree decorated with flowers in the forests. They make a Divine couple of Radha Krishna seated on their swing. It starts on Shukla paksha Ekadashi of Sawan and ends on Purnima of Sawan month.

In ISKCON Temples, devotees decorate the wooden or metal swings with flowers. They placed the deities for 5 days on a swing and swung them gently with a string decorated with flowers. Usually this celebration starts in the evening when deities are seated comfortably on the swing from their throne, and then Arati is offered to them.

Later on, one by one, all the devotees come forward and take turns to go and swing the deities and get immense pleasure. This time is memorable for each devotee, filling their heart with joy and making the overall experience ethereal.

Who can participate in Jhulan Yatra?

Jhulan Yatra is not any kind of ritual only. It is the festival where Krishna devotees can take part and enjoy devotional service for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Celebration of this Festival is one of the best pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna, where He allows His devotees to do His devotional service and ponder His blessings on them. Therefore, every devotee should take the opportunity to witness Jhulan Yatra and feel blessed.

Celebration of Jhulan Yatra in ISKCON

In every temple of ISKCON worldwide, this festival is acknowledged with great joy and enthusiasm. So this year, you all can visit your nearest ISKCON temple from (16th August 2024 – 19th August 2024) to witness this spellbinding couple and make your birth worthy. 

 

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Sri Radha Ashtami (Srimati Radha Rani Appearance Day)

Sri Radha Ashtami (Srimati Radha Rani Appearance Day)

Sri Krishna is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Similarly, Radharani is the source of all goddesses such as Laxmi Ji, Rukmini Ji and Satyabhama. She is the ultimate source who serve with endearment to the Supreme Lord in both the material and spiritual world. When in someone’s heart there is a flow of Krishna’s love, devotion and rasa then it becomes a shrine. When Triveni of love, devotion and rasa flows in someone’s heart, that gesture is known as Radha Bhava. This surpassing devotion and love for Krishna are known as Radha bhava in the heart.

Story Of Radharani’s Appearance-

The story is of when Nanda Baba and mother Yashoda lived in Nandgaon, and Vrishbhanu and mother kirtida Lived in Barsana. Both families were very close and intimate friends of each other. Both the couples were not blessed with a child at that time. So, Nandbaba and Maharaj vrishbhanu decided to settle at the bank of the holy river Yamuna. Yamuna Ji is very loving and kind. So, on staying close to her at the bank of river Yamuna, we will unquestionably be blessed with the child. So, in this way, Nandbaba got settled at the sacred land of Gokul and Maharaj Vrishabhanu at Rawal.

Later, Krishna appeared on Ashtami tithi of Bhadrapada month of Shukla Paksha. We celebrate that momentous day as Janmashtami. On Ashtami tithi of Bhadrapada month Vrishabhanu Maharaj went to take a dip at the pond during dawn which is known as Arunodaya Bela he noticed a dazzling light. That gratifying light was pleasing his eyes. When Sri Vrishabhanu went near that light, he saw those golden light rays coming from a glaring lotus. When he went close by, he noticed that the sparkling light was not coming from that bright golden lotus. It was coming from the utmost beautiful girl present inside it.

On watching that girl, Vrishabhanu Maharaj’s love strings were overflowing. Brahma Ji appeared at that time, and one prophecy occurred.

Prophecy You did severe penance in previous births to get the internal potency of Supreme Lord Krishna in the form of a daughter.

Lord Brahma’s Utterance

Srimati Radharani is appearing as your daughter. So, you take Her to your house and do Her upbringing. On hearing this, Vrishabhanu Maharaj, being pleased, took her to his house. But after reaching home, he noticed that the girl neither opened her eyes nor spoke or listened to anything. He got upset.

Narad Muni’s word

Then Narad Muni comes there disguised and asks him to celebrate the appearance of Shri Ji herself on the attainment of Kanyaratna.

So, Vrishabhanu Maharaj arranged a grand ceremony to celebrate the appearance of his daughter. In that function, Lord Sri Krishna, Balrama, Mother Yashoda and Nanda Baba appeared. In this way, Nanda Maharaj has got Sri Krishna, and Vrishabhanu Maharaj has got Shri Ji.

Celebration of Radharani’s Appearance

People were playing instruments; All the guests were welcomed with scents, butter and mishri. People were singing a song, and boon companions were dancing, wearing new dresses. Everyone appeared to get a glimpse of Vrishabhanu’s daughter. All the guests were served various delectable dishes.

How Lord Krishna Met Srimati Radharani in the house of Vrishbhanu Maharaj

Everyone was indulged in their work. That time baby Krishna crawled and came near Radha rani. With the support of the cot, he stood near Radharani and touched her. As soon as he touched Radharani with his sacred hands, Radharani opened her eyes and started crying. On hearing Radharani’s screech, everyone spurted. Vrishabhanu Maharaj and Kirtida were delighted that their daughter could speak, see, and listen.

Conversation Between Lord Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani at Goloka

At Goloka Vrindavan Dham, Lord Sri Krishna said to Srimati Radharani :
Hey Sakhi, it’s time to appear on the earth. Radharani answered that if Sri Vrindavan Dham, Govardhan and Sri Yamuna Ji were not present, I don’t want to go there. On hearing this, Lord Krishna replied I knew it, so I already sent some part of Vrindavan Dham, Govardhan and Yamuna Ji together to the material world. So, you can stay there forever. Then Radharani replied I have one more issue to discuss. Until the time I get sight of your face, I will neither watch anything nor hear or say anything. So, she was waiting for Shri Krishna.

Real Purpose of Human Life

The main aim of our life is to surrender unto the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna’s lotus feet. Therefore, we should have dedication, concentration, determination to serve Lord Krishna and the best example is Radharani. Lord Sri Krishna himself came to this world 500 years ago to show the love and devotion of Radharani to people. To spread it, Sri Krishna appeared as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and propagate Harinam sankirtan.

According to Srimad Bhagavatam, in Kaliyuga, the best and easiest way to uplift humankind is Harinam sankirtan.

So, In this Radha Ashtami, let’s get a unique darshan of Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani. Along with it, adopt the maha-mantra which is itself given by the lord as an essential part of our life.

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare

There is nothing more important and influential than this maha-mantra given by Supreme Lord Sri Krishna itself. And to spread it for the benefit of people, He came to this world.

So, let’s chant the Hare Krishna maha-mantra on this Radha Ashtami to get the blessings of the most loving, tender-hearted Radharani.

 

  • Fasting till noon

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Glorious Utpanna Ekadashi

Glorious Utpanna Ekadashi

Lord Krishna told the importance of the Utpanna Ekadashi fasting to his childhood friend Arjuna in the Bhavishya Purana.

Arjuna told Lord Krishna that why you have declared this Ekadashi as the most sacred among all pilgrimages, please explain to me in detail. 

Then Shri Krishna told Arjuna that O Partha, there used to be a powerful, fierce demon named the Mur in the golden age. The demon named Mur had won his victory over all the demigods. Then all the demigods fled and went to the shelter of Lord Shiva and requested Lord Shiva that, all the people are living their lives in the world of death after getting defeated by the demon named the Mur. Due to the fear of all those demons, we are unfortunate and are also suffering terribly. Devraj Indra, the king of the demigods, said that Lord, you tell us some way to escape from this demon named the Mur. After listening to the demigods like this, Lord Shiva who is very innocent asked Devraj Indra, please go to Lord Vishnu. He will tell you the solution to this problem.

Then all the demigods like Indra went to Lord Shri Hari & started praising Lord Vishnu, O Shri Hari, and you are the Lord of all the three worlds, you are the savior of the whole world, that’s why we have a lot of respect for you. We all are in Your shelter; you protect us from that terrible demon, and because of the atrocities of that demon, we all have come under your protection; please save us from that monster in any way. All of us have been expelled from Devloka by that demon. That’s why we live our lives in the world of death, facing a lot of suffering due to the fear of that demon. That is why, Jagannath, you protect us.

In this way,after  praised by demigods, Lord Vishnu asked, please tell me which is such a terrible Demon, due to which this situation has happened to you. 

Hearing such words of ShriVishnu, Devraj Indra said, that O Lord, this is an Asura named Nadijangham, who was born in the Brahmavansh in ancient times. This demon has a son named the Mur who resides in the city named Chandra Vati. It is so fierce and powerful that it has conquered death in the entire Devloka by its strength. By removing all the demigods from Devloka, he has made the demons of his Daitya clan as Indra Niyam Varun Moon, etc. And by becoming the Sun himself, the earth gets austerity in the strong sunlight and the form of a cloud. He rains vital water on the people of the planet. That is why God save us from this terrible monster.

After listening carefully to all the words of the demigods, Lord Shri Hari urged all the demigods to accompany me to the city of Chandravati. That demon named the Mur had already known the words of the demigods and Lord Shri Vishnu before his brilliance. Lord Vishnu was coming to the battlefield with all the Creators to fight the war with that demon. Then there was a fierce battle between the demigods and that demon, due to which all the demigods became more and more afraid. After that, Lord Shri Krishna himself had to fight the war on the battlefield, and He fought with that demon for 100 years. But Lord Vishnu had to conquer him because of the Leela of that demon. In the end, he entered a cave named Hemavati, 38 km long, located in the Badrika ashram for rest. 

utthana ekadashi

As soon as the Lord went to rest in that cave, a demon named Mur also followed him. Seeing Lord Vishnu sleeping, the devil planned to kill the Lord. 

But he could not succeed in it.

At the same time, a beautiful women appeared from the body of Lord Shri Hari in the form of Mohini. 

She started fighting by challenging the demon named the Mur. The demon was stunned, and he thought that after all, where did this women come from, but still he kept fighting with that women. The women got very angry, and she cut the weapon of that demon into pieces and destroyed his chariot. Due to all this, the demon got very angry and started fighting with that Lady.

That stunning women pushed that demon unconscious and severed his head from the body. Just as soon as he fell on the earth, the demon attained the world of death. Seeing the end of their king like this, all the remaining Asuras fled away.

After that, Lord Shri Hari Vishnu got up from his sleep, seeing that demon dead. He was shocked at who killed this terrible monster. Then that women pleaded with folded hands in front of Lord Shri Hari and said that Lord, this demon was ready to kill you. Then I, born from your body, killed this demon. Lord Shri Hari was pleased with him and said that you had killed this terrible monster. That is why I am pleased with you. You have got the demigods of the three peoples relieved from their sufferings; that’s why I will fulfill your every wish, whatever the boon you want to ask.

The supreme personality of Godhead said,You were born from my body on the day of Ekadashi; that’s why your name will be known as Utpanna Ekadashi in the future. Whoever observes a fast on this Ekadashi will be freed from all the sins of this world; saying this, Lord Shri Hari disappeared from there.

Then Lord Krishna told Arjuna that he was the son of Pandu. In this way, the fasting of Ekadashi is the best and most fruitful fast of the festival. By observing this Ekadashi fast, a person also attains salvation. All the creatures who observe Ekadashi, the best of all the fasts, will attain salvation in the end after enjoying worldly pleasures. That is why everyone should do this Ekadashi fast without worry. And on the day of Ekadashi, one should remember Krishna.

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

Best Fruiting Mokshada Ekadashi

Best Fruiting Mokshada Ekadashi

Ekadashi of Margashirsha month is also called Mokshada Ekadashi. On the day of Mokshada Ekadashi, our ancient religious text Shrimad Bhagavad Gita was also born from the mouth of Lord Shri Krishna. In our Indian culture, the Gita of Shrimad Bhagavad is revered and exemplary. This is the only such book in our entire world, whose birth anniversary is also celebrated as Gita Jayanti in the whole country. The essence of Vedic texts is hidden in the Gita, which Lord Sri Lord Krishna told Arjuna with his Sri Mukha during the war of Mahabharata.

In the Gita, Lord Krishna told Arjuna that one who surrenders to Shrimad Bhagavad with complete devotion and respect. There is no effect of any foul misdeeds on that person. Mokshada Ekadashi was when Shrimad Bhagwat was descended on this holy land. Anyone who follows the principles laid down in the Bhagavad Gita, this religious book, never gets hurt in his life, and they get the solution of all the problems of their life in it.

In the Brahmanda Purana, Lord Krishna told Yudhishthira about the Ekadashi coming on the Shukla Paksha of Margashirsha month.

Once the Pandava’s son Shri Yudhishthira Maharaj asked Lord Shri Krishna that Oh Lord, you are the Lord of all the three worlds, you are the one who gives happiness to all, and you are the savior of the world, all the people are your well-wishers, I salute you, Lord, you clear one of my doubts. Would you please tell me the name of the Ekadashi of the month of Margashirsha? Which deity is worshiped on this day, what is its method, please tell me about the most important.

Lord Shri Krishna told Yudhishthira that, Yudhisthira, you have asked an excellent question. With this question, your fame will spread all over the world.

Margashirsha Ekadashi is the destroyer of many sins, and its name is Mokshada Ekadashi. On this day, Lord Damodar is worshiped with incense lamps, Naivedya, Tulsi Manjari, etc. The story of Ekadashi is as follows.

In ancient times, the Vaikhanas kings used to rule in Champak city. Brahmins, who knew all the four Vedas, also lived in his kingdom, and they used to take care of their subjects like a son. One night, the king saw his father suffering the tortures of hell in his dream. In this way, seeing the night dreams, the king became very worried, and he became very disturbed and called the pundits in the morning and told them about this dream.

kings father in hell mokshada ekadashi-1

The king told the brahmins that I saw my father suffering the torment of hell at night. In a dream, the king’s father said to him, ” Son, I am suffering a lot in this hell. Get me free from this hell. I am not relieved to hear these words of my father. I do not feel that the whole kingdom is pleasing to me. I am not feeling anything good. What should I do, where should I go, O Brahmin gods, please tell me the solution of this problem so that I can free my father from that hell? If I do not free my father from that hell, then my life on this earth is meaningless. That is why, please tell me a solution to this problem as soon as possible.

Hearing this pain of the king, all the Brahmins had some discussions with each other and told the king that O king, the knower of the past, the present, the present, the mountain Mahamuni, lives nearby here. If you go to him and tell his real suffering, he will free you from this problem. Then the king went to the sage’s hermitage. In that ashram, many other sages were engaged in penance with a calm mind. Mount Muni, the knower of the four Vedas, looked like Brahma.

The king bowed to him and gave his complete introduction. The king told the sage that everything was well in my kingdom, but suddenly a problem came in front of me, due to which my heart had become wholly disturbed. The king, weeping in the night’s dream, told his father what was bothering him in front of the mountain sage. And requested Munishwar that you please tell me such a way by which I can get my father free from that hell.

The mountain sage listened carefully to the king’s whole thing, closed his eyes, and started contemplating the past and future. After that, the sage told the king that I have acquired the knowledge of all your father’s misdeeds. Your father had discriminated against his wives so much that he has to suffer this hell. Then King Vaikhanas prayed to Munishwar in pleading words that you should show some way of his salvation.

Then the mountain sage told the king that the Ekadashi, which comes in the Shukla Paksha of the month of Margashirsha, is called Mokshada Ekadashi. This Ekadashi is going to give salvation. By taking the resolution of fasting on this Ekadashi, you can free your father from this hell. Your father will get saving due to fasting on this Ekadashi. Hearing such words of king Parvat Muni, he returned to his kingdom and, together with his family, fasted on Mokshada Ekadashi. Due to the effect of fasting on Mokshada Ekadashi, the king offered his virtue to his father. Then the king’s father got freedom from that hell.

Shri Krishna told Yudhishthira that those who observe a fast on Mokshada Ekadashi of Shukla Paksha of this Margashirsha month, all their sins are destroyed, and they get a place in the higher lokas. There is no other fast that bestows salvation than the fasting of this fast. This fast is like a Chintamani, which gives salvation. By observing this quickly, all the wishes of a person are fulfilled.

That is why the fast of Mokshada Ekadashi is said to be the best for all human beings who desire salvation. This fast should be done with complete devotion and devotion in front of Lord Shri Hari.

On the auspicious occasion of Mokshada Ekadashi, various significant books like Bhagavad Gita in the form of scriptures will be distributed in all the temples of ISKCON. This divine message of God can be passed on to all the people. All of you have become a participant in this holy work. Make your life bright and successful by buying all these books, studying them, distributing them elsewhere.

Moreover, you can also get your copy of Bhagavad Gita from- www.BuyGita.in

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