I remember in 1987, that one elderly Bengali gentleman named Dhiren Sen came to me when I was president of Krishna Balaram Mandir. He was having an introduction letter from Adhridharan of Calcutta and wanted to join our Krishna Balaram Temple. He explained to me that he was living in Radha Kunda, but the politics between the Brijbasis and the babajis was intolerable. No matter how you tried to stay neutral, you got dragged one side or the other. He further explained that he was interested in Sakhya Rasa and was sure at the lotus feet of Krishna Balaram, he would be able to achieve this.

I understood that he was initiated by someone in the temple next to Krishna Dasa Kaviraja’s bhajan kutir. Even though he wasn’t an ISKCON devotee, his gentle nature and sincerity were very charming. I reasoned that Srila Prabhupada has built a house for the whole world to live, and if this fellow is willing to do service, then why not let him join. His attraction for sakhya rasa was also quite charming as I feel myself attracted in this way, and I agreed with him, that at the lotus feet of Krishna Balaram, he would definitely achieve his goal. So I gave him the chance to stay.

He always faithfully carried out whatever service was given to him despite his age. Sometimes he obstinately letter-followed whatever instruction was given him, but he was quite good natured. He always rose for Mangala arti and he was a fixture just to the right of the Vyasanana at Srimad Bhagavatam Class every day. His gentle nature captured everyone’s heart. Eventually he was given the task of receiving the mail from the post office in front of the Gurukula and distributing it to it’s proper receiver. He was very tenacious with letters who’s receivers he did not recognize and tirelessly traced them out. So gradually he became know as Letter Dadu. Dadu, of course, being an affectionate Bengali term for a grandfather, or any older gentleman for that matter. We have many Dadus in our temple, but even after giving up this service in the last couple of years, he was still know as Letter Dadu.

He always used to tell us some amusing Bengali stories, some of which were a little strange, but always amusing. Eventually Daivishakti Mataji, published a small book, called “Dadu Tells a Story” even though he was adamant in his own humble way that his name not come on the book.

He recounted how he had never married and always laughed in his own humble way when we tried to call him a naistiki-brahmacari. He gradually endeared himself to everyone in the temple, including Ayodhaypati das who eventually became known as BB Govinda Maharaja, who was very fortunate to be there in Vrindavan for Dadu’s last rites. He had no enemies, only I remember one co-president refused to let him take prasad with the temple brahmacaris since he was an “outsider”. I was shocked as he was probably one of the few actual brahmacaris I had ever met. Even he was eventually refused prasadam at all, but Dhanjaya and Bala Gopal always gave him an open invitation to the MVT restaurant, and hearing about his predicament, Ananda Vrindavan let him take prasad with the Gurukula. Eventually some devotees intervened and everything was settled out.

Then last year just prior to Gaura Purnima, Dadu had pnemonia and many other problems. Eventually he was shifted against his will to the hospital and everytime I visited, we could talk of nothing except get me out of here, I want to be in Krishna Balaram Mandir. He was eventually discharged, but grew very weak. I can remember coming with Govinda Maharaja to see him and he was very feebly, brokenly, and slowly reciting Krrriiissshhhnnaaa Balaaaaraaaammm. We were sure he was going. Some how he pulled thru and he asked both of us to talk to Mahaprabhu to let him pass on Gaura Purnima. I argued with him that it would ruin the festival and he please wait till after.

Then Parvati’s daughter, Radhika Priya, who is studying to become an Ayurvedic Doctor began to treat him and very soon he regained his health and remained quite hale and hearty up till the day before I had to leave for Ahmedabad. I was praying that he would hang on until I returned, but Krishna Balaram had their own schedule and have called him back to Them.

By Deena Bandhu dasa

”DADU” The most loved and respected devotee in the whole of Vraja. Dadu does not have a single enemy. He loved everybody and everybody loved him, from the sweepers to Sanyasis. He Left his body today morning (31/03/09)at 4:00am.

Devotees were shocked to hear the announcement in the morning. Nobody could actually believe his departure because he was fit and quite active considering his age of 87 years.

Yesterday, H.H.Subhaga Swami Maharaja came to visit DADU in his room and personally served DADU. He massaged his head and cleaned his foot. Today, Maharaja could not believe the announcement he asked us to check Dadu again.

Last year in the months of April - May Dadu suffered from phenumonia, congested chest, severe head ache and back pain, and all of us thought that finally this glorious devotee is preparing to leave us and we gave up our hopes. HG Aindra Prabhu started Kirtan, HG Saranga thakur Prabhu was preparing for last Kriya but surprisingly Dadu came back to normal life by Ayurvedic treatment under the supervision of Mother Parvati’s daughter. Last 4/5 days DADU was not able to come out from his room due to weakness, treatment was going on with love and affection.

DADU told me “I am OK, no pain just little weakness but they are giving me so much medicine”. DADU’S glorious Journey to Jamuna Ghat (near kesi Ghat) with ecstatic Kirtan was lead by H.G. Gadhi Prabhu.

H.G. Bhurijana Prabhu, H.H. BB Govinda Swami, H.G. Purnachandra Prabhu, H.G. Pundarik Prabhu, H.G. Vaisnava Prabhu, H.G. Janardana Prabhu and many more devotees took part in this last memorable yathra. Matajis with tears, followed their most beloved Dadu’s final journey. HH BB Govinda Swami came by a Rickshaw and joined the procession near Kaliyadaha, offered full dandavatas and then carried Dadu. Many tried to cherish the memories of their dear friend by clicking many photographs. H.G. Letter dadu’s ‘postman’ (Dhiren sen) life is a very big inspiration for all of us. He never wore shoes in Vrindavan, respected Vraja dhuli even in his bad health. He came to Vraja in 1985. His spontaneous attraction was to the sakhya rasa. Dadu spoke the following words on Wednesday, April 02, 2008 during his bad health condition: There are four kinds of sakhas:

1. “Suhrid Sakha: They are older than Krishna. Balaram is the leader. They always try to protect Krishna. They consider Krishna is fit for their protection. Also they try to protect Krishna By holding arms.

2. Sadharan Sakha : They are the ordinary Sakhas, they are a little younger than Krishna, they lovingly serve Krishna by performing intimate body seva, like massage, fanning etc.

3. Priya Sakha: Sridam, Dam, Sudam and Basudam are the leaders of Priya Sakhas. Even though they are priya Sakha but Sridam is Radha’s brother therefore Krishna cannot have any madhur rasa talk with Sridam.

4. Priya narma Sakha: Subal , Arjun, Gandharva, Vasanta, Ujjal - they are leaders and are supported by Madhumangal the greedy one, and their eyes want to deliver krishna’s secret message and appointment with Radha.

This I want but I have not got yet, I have ambition to sports with Krishna’s Brajs Sakhas and also picnic, with the help of Madhumangal there. Then my aspiration is to find the place in Gaur Lila too. Vasughose kahe “Krishna tumi more daya na Cadiyo” in this place I want some space. Krishna can have all verities of talks even madhur rasa talks with Priya narma sakhas. My ambition was to get a name like ujjal das babaji, under Ujjal Sakha to do bhajan but I could not have any mantra. I was there in Radha Kunda for 27 month in 1985 to 1987 May.

Ananta das babaji of Radha kund tried to convince me, my liking for Sakhya rasa is a blunder. I should accept madhurya rasa, but he could not change me. Then I left him because I was sure that i won’t get the Sakhya rasa that I want. Then I came over to Vrindavan to join ISKCON in 1987.

My Brother -in- law introduced me to Adridharan Prabhu, he gave me a recommendation letter to join ISKCON, Vrindavan with that I spoke to Deena bandhu Prabhu, he too asserted that I won’t get any Sakhya Rasa here in Vrindavan. But why? No reply. When I reach here in Vrindavan I found Deena Bandhu Prabhu was giving a class, he also tried to convince me that Radha kunda is higher place and Madhurya Rasa is highest.

But I told I am not getting Sakhya rasa there. I told him that here in the temple Krishna-Balaram are standing in the Center; they are the leaders of Sakhya rasa then why not I will get the mantra for Sakhya rasa along with Madhur ya rasa. I didn’t get any reply to that too ! “Gauranga kabhu na more karuna chadiyo” I could not do any bhajan under Ujjal Sakha that I desired, I have not done any bhajan therefore I cannot claim any bhajan Siddhi, I am depending on Kripa. I intend to deliver Krishna’s secret message, appointment with Radharani. Then play with the Gopa Sakhas and also eats picnic lunch with them. My ambition is also to find a place in Gaura Lila. Where Vasudeva Ghose Sings-”Krishna Kabhu na more Karuna chadiya” Nitai-Gaur is incomplete without Advaitacarya. I always offer my obeisance’s thinking that Advaita Acarya is also there, and I pay my obeisances to Nitai-gaur Sitanath. It will be complete if Nitai-Gaur-Sitanath is there.

Just like without sugar, tea and milk is incomplete. Krishna-Balaram is the leader of all the Sakhas. This temple belongs to Krishna-balaram and Their alter is in the central, their spire is tallest, so it is very much Krishna Balaram Mandir, then side by side with Madhurya rasa Mantra why Sakhya rasa mantra is not available here? I could not get any reply to this question. I continue to desire Sakhya rasa Mantra under Ujjal Sakha, If I can get here, I am ready to get Mantra without leaving ISKCON, Vrindavan. I could not get any mantra or do any bhajan accordingly.

At the same time it is my ambition to be in Gaura Lila where Vasu ghose kahe gauranga tumi more daya na chadibe: I want place there also. I have come to the end of my life, even if I get mantra, naam under Ujjal, I have no time or opportunity or longevity to do the bhajan and my only alternative is to depend on Kripa siddhi. So I desire some space in Gaura lila and kripa siddhi “Gauranga kabhu na more kripa nachadibe”. H.H. Bhakti Visrambha Madhava Swami wrote: “I hope dadu gets better so he can do Sri Sri Krsna Balarama bhajana under ujjvala sakha’s group leadership in the spiritual world as He desires. May srila Prabhupada, who is the dear sakha of sri sri Krsna Balarama, help dadu to attain his Krpa siddhi also.

I hope sri sri Krsna Balarama will lovingly hug him and keep him eternally in Their loving sakhya seva with their other friends in Goloka dhama!”

By Madhavendu (das) SSM (Vrindavan - IN)

By 5 PM on this warm Saturday eveing, the teeth of the sun had been broken and it was very pleasant sitting at Keshi Ghat waiting for the festival to begin. Since this was the first time we were doing the Boat Festival on the Yamuna, naturally there were last minute glitches, but soon every thing was ready. Four foot Deities of Radha Shyamsudar radiantly reigned over Their beautiful swan boat as it began to glide up and down the Kalindi. On an island on the opposite side, Aindra Prabhus kirtan rolled accross the water to the devotees sitting on the ghats. One boat with the Vrindavan Sadhus pulled near and they began to shower the Deities with flower petals. Soon bags of flowers were passed around to other boats, and all the devotees began to do the same. The waters of the Yamuna began to flow with bright yellow and orange streaks.

Mukunda Prabhu, the Swiss head pujari, had brilliantly dressed and decorated Their Lordships. Shyamsundar was very cute, and Radharani beamed with quait Bengali plumpness. Specially made garlands adorned Their graceful necks and a gorgeous flower canopy rested over Their heads. After a couple of rounds of the ghats, They stopped in front of Aindra Prabhu’s kirtan party where more than
200 devotees were dancing ecstatically in the sand and even on the boats. There a Chappan Bhog offering cooked by our own devotees under the able guidance of Srestha Prabhu’s wife Mother Vishaka was offered to Radha Shyamsundar.

After another round of the ghats, the famous Yamuna Arti began. One Sadhu named Ganga Das swirled a giganitc multi tiered lamp over the waters of the Yamuna. Drums were beating and instruments playing. He was joined by many other Sadhus and our own devotees with smaller lamps. From special spouted pots, the devotees poured milk into the swirling waters of Kalindi.

As the sun set over the Yamuna, who it the Daughter of the Sun, Surya Putri, the festival wound down to a close with an energetic kirtan party on top of one of the piers. Unfortunately, the devotee who promised to bring nice fireworks from Delhi, never showed up, which would have made a spectacular grand finale to a spectacular festival. Oh well, we’ll try again next year.

Everyone kept coming to us and profusely thanking us for this wonderful festival and asking why we didn’t do it before. We told them it was Radha Shyamsundar’s desire, they were tired of seeing Their devotees pushed and shoved in a crowded temple room and They wanted to come to the Yamuna where everyone could peacefully participate. Anyway They arranged the whole thing as all week I had been laying in bed with a terrible case of the change-of-season flu. Actually Jankinath Prabhu, our Prison Preaching Incharge, and a small band of devotees organized the whole thing.

Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar’s Nauka Bihar ki Jaya! Sri Kalindi-Yamuna Devi ki Jaya! Srila Prabhupada ki Jaya!

The following is the link to see all the photos:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Vrindakunda4/RadhaShyamsundarSBoatFestivalInYamuna#

By Deena Bandhu dasa

The Brijabasi ladies trained up our foreign ladies, most of whom were from China as their visit to Braja happenned to coincide with their trip. As soon as we started up the kirtan, the Brijabasinis showed off how they could dance balancing the pot on their heads with no hands. We circumambulated the village of Nandagram where Krishna and Balaram lived 5000 years ago with Nanda and Yashoda. All the Nandagram vasis were astonished to see videshi (foreign) ladies carrying water pots.

Finally we climbed up to Nanda Maharaja’s Temple on top of the hill, where we rested and had an enthusiastic kirtan. One of the Chinese ladies danced very beautifully with her pot in the temple room. Of course she was holding the pot with one had, but the Brijavasinis again showed off how to do it with no hands. Then one other tall Chinese lady also began to dance with no hands also, much to the pleasure of all.

The procession again started back down the hill and heading toward Vrinda Kunda. It was a bright sunny day, but not too hot, and a cool spring breeze to refreshen everyone. Arriving at Vrinda Kunda, the ladies placed their pots all around the temple. We reached just in time for aratika where all the devotees were amazed by the beautiful darshan of Vrinda Devi in her flower bedecked temple rising out of the kunda. Meanwhile all the Brijabasis went over to the lawn on the side and sang and danced their enchanting Brij songs and gopi dancing.

After aratika, we served prasad to all the Brijabasis, while our devotees sat and listened to the katha of Nandagram and Vrinda Kunda. Then everyone tried their hand at churning yogurt into butter. Finally everyone sat down on the lawn in the shade of the trees and took prasada, just like Krishna and the cowhered boys used to do.

You can relish all the pictures at the link below. You will see many Chini Gopis as well as well as quite a few Prabhupada disciples. You will see Trishakti Devi Dasi, from Prabhupada Village, carrying her pot and when she got tired, her husband, Vyapaka helped out. Ludvamsi was there from Kiev in the Kirtan. Rama Vigraha from Murari Sevaka with his wife Murali Priya. Kapilasva from Alachua with his daughter Chandrika.

http://picasaweb.google.com/Vrindakunda4/VrindaKunda6thAnniversaryFestival#

In service of Srimati Vrinda Devi, Deena Bandhu dasa

We will be leaving almost every morning from Krishna Balaram Temple and returning for lunch, unless otherwise noted. We will visit different places of the divine pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna and hear the wonderful lilas.

The grand finale, our famous Sankirtan Procession around Nandagram with the ladies in front carrying waterpots with coconuts on top, Kalash Yatra, will be on Sunday Feb 22nd. And that day will be totally free for everyone!

10th Vrindavan Temples

11th Gokula

12th Madhuvan - Talavan

13th Man Sarovar, Bhandirvan, Baelvan

14th Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur Appearance

15th Javat - Ter Kadamba - Vrinda Kunda (lunch at Vrinda Kunda)

16th Radha Kunda - Kusuma Sarovara

18th Govardhana Parikrama

20th Barsana

21st Vrindavan Parikrama

22nd Vrinda Kunda Festival

So come join the festivities! All bus parikramas will be free for Srila Prabhupada’s disciples and accompanying family members.

For further assistance you may contact the Information Center for taxi pickup or dropping at all railway stations or Delhi Aiports, railway reservations, or accomodation at

In service of Srimati Vrinda Devi, Deena Bandhu dasa

With great grief, we want to inform you of the tragic passing away of His Grace Shyama Krishna dasa, one of the key members of the Temple Management of Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, Vrindavan, on the night of Sunday, the 4th of January, 2009. He was only 37 years old.

He leaves behind his wife Sundari Priya dasi, two sisters, elderly parents & also a grandmother aged over 90 years.

He was a member of the Vrindavan Management Council & contributed significantly in the overall management of the Temple. In particular, his responsibilities included overseeing the Legal Dept., the Public Relations Dept. & the Security Dept. - the three most difficult departments in the Temple.

He formerly held a very responsible position in the Government of India, in the Customs & Excise Dept. & was highly regarded in his profession.

Sometime in this period, he came in contact with devotees in Mumbai & began practicing Krishna Consciousness very seriously. Later, he accepted initiation from His Holiness Radhanath Swami.

While he executed his professional duties with zeal, the inner call, urging him to surrender to Krishna & dedicate his life for Srila Prabhupada’s mission, was beginning to gnaw at his heart. Eventually, in about 2003, he resigned from his Government services, although the Government was very reluctant to release him.

He enrolled himself, along with his wife, for a full-time Bhakti Sastri course in Vrindavan. He subsequently did further studies for the Bhakti Vaibhava degree in Mayapur.

Sometime in the end of 2004, he moved to Vrindavan to assist the Temple Management at Krishna Balarama Mandir. Soon his capabilities became evident & he took on many unpleasant services which were very essential for the Temple. He used his prowess & intelligence to help the Temple overcome many formidable obstacles & to come out of very difficult legal situations. In the course of executing his services boldly & intelligently, he was not deterred by many risks to his personal safety.

He was a source of great strength to the Temple in its dealings with many hostile, aggressive & sometimes criminal elements.

With his passing away, Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir & indeed our whole movement has lost one of its bravest frontline soldiers. While we understand that Krishna has taken away Shyama Krishna Prabhu for some other service elsewhere, his loss is indeed very great for all of us here.

The cremation was performed in Vrindavan on the 5th of January, soon after his family members arrived. On the 7th morning we had a very touching Memorial function, followed by a Feast in his honour.

We request devotees to please pray for Shyama Krishna Prabhu & his wife Sundari Priya devi. Please bless them to attain pure, unflinching devotion in Krishna’s service.

Your servants,

Devotees of Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir, Vrindavan

  October
  14   5:00 PM   Moonlit Parikrama of Govardhana

  16   6:30 AM   Vrindavan Temples

  17   6:30 AM   Madhuvan Talavan

  18   6:30 AM   Javat - Ter Kadamba - Lunch at Vrinda Kunda

  19   9:30 AM   Narottama Das Disap. Radha Gokulananda Mandir

  20   6:30 AM   Barsana

  21   8:00 PM   Midnight Bath at Radha Kunda

  23   6:30 AM   Radha Kunda

  24   5:00 AM   Badrinatha

  26   6:30 AM   Vrinda Kunda Nandagram, Lunch at Vrinda Kunda

  27   6:30 AM   Kamyavan

  28   6:30 AM   Raval and Gokula

  30   5:00 AM   Giriraja Parikrama

  November
  1   7:00 AM   Srila Prabhupada's Procession to Goswami Temples

  2             Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day

  4   6:30 AM   Mansarovar, Bandhirvan, Baelvan Return by Boat

  5   6:30 AM   Rama Ghata - Chir Ghata

  6   12:00 noon   Gopastami Ter Kadamba

  8   6:30 AM   Lohavan

  9   4:30 PM   All night Kirtan in Vrinda Kunda

  10  7:30 AM   Vrinda Devi Festival in Vrinda Kunda

  ps. timings of departure may be subject to change...

KARTIKE’SMIN VISESENA NITYAM KURVITA VAISNAVAH
DAMODARA ARCANAM PRATAH SNANA DANA VRATA ADIKAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/3 from SKANDA PURANA)

Specifically in the month of Damodara, one should daily worship Lord Damodara and take bath early in the morning, give charity and follow a fasting vow. This is the duty of Vaisnavas.

NIYAMENA VINA VIPRAH KARTIKAM YAH KSIPEN NARAH
KRSNA PARAN-MUKHAS TASYA YASMAD URJO’SYA VALLABHAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/24 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Narada Muni and Saunaka Rsi)

Oh brahmanas, any person who tries to observe a Karttika month without following rules and regulations properly, Lord Sri Krsna remains against them because this month (Karttika) is very pleasing to Him.

YAIR NA DATTAM HUTAM JAPTAM NA SNANAM NA HARER VRATAM
NA KRTAM KARTIKE PUTRA DVIJAS TE VAI NARADHAMAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/25 from SKANDA PURANA)

Oh son Narada, those brahmanas who do not give charity in the month of Karttika, perform sacrifice, chant japa and fast for Lord Hari are the lowest of mankind.

KARTIKA KHALU VAI MASAM SARVA MASESU CA UTTAMAM
PUNYANAM PARAMAM PUNYAM PAVANANAM CA PAVANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/36 from SKANDA PURANA)

The month of Karttika is the topmost of all other months. It is the most meritorious and purified of all other pure months.

NA KARTIKA SAMO MASO NA KRTENA SAMAM YUGAM
NA VEDA SADRSAM SASTRAM NA TIRTHA GANGAYA SAMAM
KARTIKAH PRAVARO MASO VAISNAVANAM PRIYAH SADA
KARTIKAM SKALAM YASTU BHAKTYA SEVATE VAISNAVAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/39,40 from SKANDA PURANA)

There is no other month equal to Karttika and there is no other yuga equal to Krta-yuga. There is no other scripture equal to Vedas. There is no other place of pilgrimage equal to Ganges, therefore, the month of Karttika is very dear to the Vaisnavas (people dedicated to Visnu).

DVADASU API MASESU KARTIKAH KRSNA VALLABHAH
TASMIN SAMPUJITO VISNUR ALPAKAIR APY UPAYANAIH
DADATI VAISNAVAM LOKAM ITI EVAM NISCITAM MAYA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/41 from PADMA PURANA)

Among all twelve months, the month of Karttika is dear to Lord Sri Krsna. If somebody performs a little worship of Lord Sri Hari in this month, He offers that devotee His own abode. This statement is true.

PRAVRTTANAM CA BHAKSANAM KARTIKE NIYAME KRTE
AVASYAM KRSNA RUPATVAM PRAPYATE MUKTIDAM SUBHAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/49 from SKANDA PURANA)

Whatever one usually eats, if he gives up some of the ingredients of it in the month of Karttika, then he achieves the same aupicious form as Lord Sri Krsna undoubtedly.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in the Digdarsini-tika, “Those who are engaged in eating daily and following the rules of Karttika, they should try to minimize and give up certain ingredients in eating. Obtaining the same form as Krsna means that it liberates one from the miseries of this material world and gives all auspiciousness and happiness.”

SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA KARTIKE KESAVA AGRATAH
SASTRA AVATARANAM PUNYAM SROTAVYAN CA MAHAMUNE

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/76 from SKANDA PURANA Lord Brahma speaks to Narada Muni)

Oh great sage, after giving up all varieties of religious functions, one should follow Karttika fast and listen to the narrations of Lord Sri Hari before His Deity form.

PALASA PATRA BHOJI CA KARTIKE PURUSO NARAH
NISPAPAH SYAT TU NAIVEDYAM HARER BHUKTVA VIMUCYATE
MADHYASTHAM ISVARAM PATRAM VARJAYED BRAHMANE TARAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/87 from PADMA PURANA)

Any person in the month of Karttika, who eats on the leaf plate of Palasa the remnants of the Lord, becomes free from all sins and achieves liberation. Besides brahmanas (twice born persons), others are not advised to eat from this leaf because this leaf is said to be the leaf of the Supreme Lord.

SNANAM JAGARANAM DIPAM TULASI VANA PALANAM
KARTIKE YE PRAKURVANTI TE NARA VISNU MURTAYAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/90 from PADMA PURANA Lord Krsna speaks to Satyabhama)

Any person who performs bathing in the month of Karttika, remaining awake, offering lamps, giving charity or planting and transplanting Tulasi, he achieves the same form as Lord Sri Visnu.

KALPA KOTI SAHASRANI PATKANI BAHUNY API
NIMESA ARDHENA DIPASYA VILAYAM YANTI KARTIKE

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/99 from SKANDA PURANA)

If even for a short time somebody burns a lamp in the temple of Lord Sri Hari, then whatever sins he has acquired for millions of kalpas (one kalpa equals 1000 yugas) are all destroyed.

YATHA CA MATHANAD VAHNIH SARVA KASTHESU DRSYATE
TATHA CA DRSYATE DHARMO DIPADANE NA SAMSAYAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/120 from PADMA PURANA)

Just as by rubbing of two sticks of wood one can see fire, so by offering a burning ghee wick to the Lord in the month of Karttika, one can see his merits without a doubt.

In his Digdarsini-tika Srila Sanatana Gosvami explains, “Even though fire is present in all pieces of wood, still without rubbing fire does not manifest. Similarly, in all kinds of functions, although merit is available, by offering a lamp in this month, certainly one can see the merit. Not otherwise. Of this there is no doubt. Therefore, without offering lamps, all merits are unprofitable. This is the essence here.”

VAISNAVO NA SA MANTAVYAH SAMPRAPTE KARTIKE MUNE
YO NA YACCHATI MUDHATMA DIPAM KESAVA SADMANI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/122 from PADMA PURANA)

Oh sage, a person who does not offer a ghee lamp in Lord Kesava’s temple in Karttika, that foolish person is not addressed as a Vaisnava.

EKADASYAM PARER DATTAM DIPAM PRAJVALYA MUSIKA
MANUSYAM DURLABHAM PRAPYA PARAM GATIM AVAPA SA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/129 from SKANDA PURANA)

One rat (female mouse) had once burnt a ghee lamp which was offered by someone else on Ekadasi day. By doing so, she achieved a rarely achievable human form and at last attained the topmost destination.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami writes in his Digdarsini-tika, “In this verse it is found that it is possible to attain the results of directly offering a lamp on Ekadasi. This history of the mouse is very famous in the Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya. (In a temple of Lord Visnu, there was a mouse living who was eating the ghee from the extinguished ghee lamps which had been offered by others to Him. One day when she felt hungry to eat ghee, she tried to eat the ghee from a lamp which was not yet extinguished. While eating ghee from
the lamp, the cotton wick got stuck in her teeth. Since the ghee wick had a flame, the mouse started jumping in front of the Lord’s Deity form and thus died due to fire. But Lord Sri Visnu accepted the jumping of that mouse with a lit ghee wick in her mouth as His aratik. In the end He gave her liberation, the topmost destination.)

MATHURAYAM NARAIR URJE SNATVA DAMODARO’RCITAH
KRSNA RUPA HI TE JNEYA NA ATRA KARYA VICARANA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/155 from PADMA PURANA)

Any person who worships Lord Damodara in the month of Karttika in the Mathura area, certainly achieves the same form as Lord Sri Krsna Himself.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami comments on this in his Digdarsini-tika, “Human beings achieving the same form as Krsna means that they see Lord Sri Krsna. In other words, they become as worshipable as Lord Sri Krsna. This this the understanding here.”

KARTIKE MATHURAYAM VAI PUJANAD DARSANAD DHRUVAH
SIGHRAM SAMPRAPTAVAN BALO DURLABHAM YOGA TATPARAIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/161 from PADMA PURANA)

Although a child, Dhruva Maharaja during the month of Karttika in the area of Mathura worshiped Lord Sri Damodara and immediately became fixed in his devotion, became worshipable by Saunaka and the other sages and saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead face to face.

SULABHA MATHURA BHUMAU PRATY ABDAM KARTIKAS TATHA
TATHAPI SAMSARANTIHA NARA MUDHA BHAVA AMBUDHAU
YANI SARVANI TIRTHANI NADA NADYAH SARANSI CA
KARTIKE NIVASANTY ATRA MATHURE SARVA MANDALE

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/162,164 from PADMA PURANA)

Although Mathura (Vraja area) is easily available on the earth and Karttika is easily attainable in the year, but oh, what a great misfortune in the side of human beings who are still suffering in the ocean of material existence. In the month of Karttika, all of the places of pilgrimage, oceans, rivers and lakes come to Mathura area [but they do not take advantage of it.]

ASVINASYA TU MASASYA YA SUKLA EKADASI BHAVET
KARTIKASYA VRATA ANIHA TASYAM KURYAD ATANDRITAH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/168 from PADMA PURANA conversation between Lord Krsna and Satyabhama)

One should take a fasting vow for the month of Karttika without any laziness on the Ekadasi which falls in the light part of the month of Asvina (September-October).

NA GRAHE KARTIKE KURYAD VISESENA TU KARTIKAM
TIRTHE TU KARTIKIM KURYAT SARVA YATNENA BHAVINI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/186 from SKANDA PURANA)

Oh beautiful lady, specifically, one should not take a vow of fasting in the Karttika month in the home or house. Always the endeavor should be made to go to a place of pilgrimage to make this vow and observe it there.

TATAH PRIYATAMA VISNO RADHIKA GOPIKASU CA
KARTIKE PUJANIYA CA SRI DAMODARA SANNIDHAU

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/195 from PADMA PURANA)

Among all other gopis, Srimati Radharani is the most dear to Lord Krsna. Therefore in the month of Karttika, one should worship Lord Damodara with Srimati Radharani near Him.

DAMODARA ASTAKAM NAMA STOTRAM DAMODARA ARCANAM
NITYAM DAMODARA AKARSI PATHET SATYA VRATA UDITAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/198)

In the month of Karttika, one should daily worship Lord Damodara and sing the Damodarastaka (the eight prayers of Lord Damodara) which pleases Lord Damodara, written by the sage named Satyavrata.

GOVARDHANA GIRAU RAMYE RADHAKUNDAM PRIYAM HAREH
KARTIKE BAHULA ASTAMYAM TATRA SNATVA HAREH PRIYAH
NARO BHAKTO BHAVED VIPRAS TADDHI TASYA PRATOSANAM

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/207 from PADMA PURANA)

Oh brahmanas, in the beautiful Govardhana area there is a Radhakunda (a lake of Radharani) which is very dear to Lord Sri Hari. One who takes bath in it on the eighth day of the dark moon night of Karttika, becomes very dear to Lord Sri Hari.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that, “Although by taking bath in Radhakunda one becomes very dear to Lord Sri Hari, still, if he takes bath anywhere in the name of pleasing Lord Hari, he pleases Him as well.

SRI KRSNA DASA VARYO’YAM SRI GOVARDHANA BHUDHARAH
SUKLA PRATIPADI PRATAH KARTIKE’RCYU ‘TRA VAISNAVAIH

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/232 from SKANDA PURANA)

On the first day of the light part of the month of Karttika, a Vaisnava should certainly worship the topmost servant of Lord Sri Krsna, Sri Govardhana Hill, early in the morning as it is found in the Srimad Bhagavatam, 10th Canto, 21 chapter, verse 18.

MATHURAYAM TATHA SAKSAT KRATVA CAIVA PRADAKSINAM
VAISNAVAM DHAMA SAMPRAPYA MODATE HARI SANNIDHAU

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/249 from PADMA PURANA)

One who stays in the Mathura area, worships Govardhana, and goes around it, he goes to the abode of Lord Sri Hari and stays there happily.

URJE SUKLA DVITIYAYAM MADHYAHE YAMA ARCAYET
SNANAM KRTVA BHANUJAYAM YAMA-LOKAM NA PASYATI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/267 from SKANDA PURANA and PADMA PURANA)

On the midpart of the second day of the light part of the month of Karttika one should worship Yamaraja and take bath in the Yamuna. If he does so, he will not have to go to the abode of Yamaraja.

PRABODHINIM UPOSYA EVA NA GARBHE VISATE NARAH
SARVA DHARMAN PARITYAJYA TASMAT KURVITA NARADA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/289 from SKANDA PURANA spoken by Lord Brahma)

Oh Narada Muni, one who fasts on Prabodhini (when the Lord gets up) Ekadasi, does not enter again into the womb of another mother. Therefore, a person should give up all varieties of occupation and fast on this particular Ekadasi day.

DUGDHABDHIH BHOGI SAYANE BHAGAVAN ANANTO
YASMIN DINE SVAPITI CA ATHA VIBHUDHYATE CA
TASMINN ANANYA MANASAM UPAVASA BHAJAM
KAMAM DADATY ABHIMATAM GARUDANKA SAYI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/293 from PADMA PURANA)

One who fasts with one pointed intelligence on the day when the Supreme Lord Sri Hari, Who sleeps on a bed of the enemy of Garuda (snake) goes to take rest in the Milk ocean on the bed of Ananta Sesa and also the day He gets up, gets all of his desires fulfilled.

BHAKTIPRADA HAREH SATU NAMNA KSATA PRAVODHINI
YASA VISNOH PARA MURTIR AVYAKTA ANEKA RUPINI
SA KSIPTA MANUSE LOKE DVADADI MUNI PUNGAVA

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/301 from VARAHA PURANA conversation between Yamaraja and Narada Muni)

This Prabodhini Ekadasi is famous for rewarding devotion to Lord Sri Hari. Oh best of the sages (Narada Muni), the personality of Ekadasi is present on this earthly planet in an unmanifested form of Lord Hari.

Srila Sanatana Gosvami remarks in his Digdarsini-tika that one who exactly observes the Ekadasi fast by observing this, he directly worships Lord Sri Hari. This is the meaning of this verse. Therefore, Ekadasi is said to be equal to Lord Sri Hari Himself.

CATUR DHA GRAHYA VAI CIRNAM CATUR MASYA VRATAM NARAH
KARTIKE SUKLAPAKSE TU DVADASYAM TAT SAMACARET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/412 from MAHABHARATA)

A person who observed Caturmasya fast stated in four different ways should end his fast on the Dvadasi day on the light fortnight of the month of Karttika.

EVAM YA ACARET PARTHA SOBHANAM DHARMAM APNUYAT
AVASANE TU RAJENDRA VASUDEVA PURAM VRAJET

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 16/433 from BHAVISYA UTTARA PURANA)

Oh son of Prtha, Oh best of the kings, one who follows his vows properly as it is stated here achieves the highest merit and at last goes to the abode of Lord Sri Hari, the son of Vasudeva.

MALATI MALAYA VISNUH PUJITO YENA KARTIKE
PAPAKSARA KRTAM MALAM HATHAT SAURIH PRAMARJJATI

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/92 from SKANDA PURANA conversation between Lord Brahma and Narada Muni)

In the month of Karttika (October-November), any person, if he worships Lord Visnu with Malati (white Jasmine) flowers, whatever sinful activities are registered for him by Yamaraja, death personified, are removed.

KAMALAIH KAMALAKANTAH PUJITAH KARTIKE TU YAIH
KAMALA ANUGA TESAM JANMANTARA SATESU API

(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 7/102 from PADMA PURANA, UTTARA KHANDA)

Any person who offers lotus flowers to Lord Narayana, the dearest personality of Laksmidevi in the month of Karttika, Laksmidevi resides with him for hundreds of births.

Janardana das

“Both the mother and the son were lamenting Dhruva Maharaja’s having been insulted by his stepmother and his father’s not having taken any step on this issue. But mere lamentation is useless—one should find out the means to mitigate one’s lamentation. Thus both mother and son decided to take shelter of the lotus feet of the Lord because that is the only solution to all material problems. It is indicated in this connection that Dhruva Maharaja left his father’s capital city to go to a secluded place to search out the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It is the instruction of Prahlada Maharaja also that if one is seeking peace of mind he should free himself from all contamination of family life and take shelter of the Supreme Godhead by going to the forest. To the Gaudiya Vaisnava this forest is the forest of Vrnda, or Vrndavana. If one takes shelter of Vrndavana under Vrndavanesvari, Srimati Radharani, certainly all the problems of his life are solved very easily.”

Bhurijana das

The most auspicious month of Kartika is beginning from 14th October, 2008. We shall present a series of articles on the importance of performing Kartika Vrata. To begin with ………..,

PADMA PURANA ON KARTIKA VRATA
quoted by Srila Sanatana Gosvami in his Hari-bhakti Vilasa (the standard lawbook for all Gaudiya Vaisnavas)

Intro-if one neglects to perform the Kartika Vrata all his pious merits amassed in the passed are burned to ashes; his study of the Vedas becomes futile; and his performance of japa, charity, and austerity becomes fruitless.

Glories of Kartika Vrata-Kartik is the best, the purest of purifiers, and most glorious of all months. Kartika month is particularly dear to Lord Sri Krsna. This month is full of bhakta vatsalya. Any vrata, even the smallest, will yield huge results. The effect of performing a Kartika Vrata lasts for one hundred lifetimes, whereas ordinary vratas only last for one lifetime! As Krsna says in Gita that He is the month of Nov-Dev, similarly, Srimati Radhika is the holy month of Kartik which precedes His month. Rupa Gosvami and others refer to Radharani as the Kartika-devata or Kartika Devi, in other words, Radhika is the goddess or presiding Deity of the Kartika Vrata.

Daily Offer-tulsi arotik, ghee lamp to Krsna and sing Damodarastakam, bathe in Yamuna if possible, give charity to pure devotees.

Dont Eat: grains given by others, honey, sesame seeds, oils, hing, eggplant, loki, tasty foods like sweets and fried foods, samosas, pakoras.

Dont Do: cut hair, nails, use things of others, criticize Vaisnavas, Vedas or anyone, no oil on body, do not find faults in others or be envious.

Prayer before beginning: “O gopikas! By your mercy may Radha and Krsna be pleased with my Kartika Vrata.”

Benefits Observing Kartik Vrata: All sins flee from the heart. Perform other vratas one hundred times not equal to one performance of Kartik Vrata. All the holy places will live within your body. Proper performance of Kartik Vrata gives one a million times the result of chanting mantras, do yatras and other types of vratas. Those who worship Damodara in Vrndavana even once easily attain Krsna bhakti. Dhruva Maharaja attained Hari darsana by worshiping Krsna in Mathura during the Kartika month.

Summary of How to Follow the Kartika Vrata:

Remember–Kartika Vrata is a special time to worship Radha Damodara, and especially get the mercy of Radhika, since it is Her month, and She is very very easily pleased this month if one worships Her along with Her beloved Damodara.

Srila Prabhupada on When to Start Kartika Vrata: “In Vrndavana we should have Kartika Vrata, Urja Vrata, for one month beginning on Ekadasi (Pasanukusa) (Srila Prabhupada Tape 10/6/72)

Pasanukusa Ekadasi Morning: Offer prayer-”O Janardana, O Damodara, O Devesa who are accompanied by Radhika. During the month of Kartika, I will bathe early every morning for Your satisfaction.”

1. Rise early every day by Brahma Muhurta, bathe, chant japa offer Mangala Arotik

2. Hear Srimad Bhagavatam, especially Radha and Krsna pastimes in Vrndavana, daily in association of exalted Vaisnavas, if possible. By regularly reading Srimad Bhagavatam during Kartika month, one gets the benefit of reading all the eighteen 18 Puranas. All other duties should be given up in favor of hearing the scriptures from sadhus during this month.

3. Chant continually in japa and kirtan, Krsna nama, do extra rounds and more kirtana with family.

Must maintain celibacy for entire month

Give up favorite food article for entire month (sweets, salties) Try to eat only once in a day. *if you can do and carry on ordinary works*

Eat your meals only on palasa leaves (if possible, will give tremendous punya.)

No oil on body and NO EATING honey, eggplant, portal, pickles, red rajma beans, or sesame seeds, or urad dahl (no kichoris)

Daily sing the Damodarastakam, meditating on meaning

Daily offer a ghee lamp to Krsna Deity or photo (no need of picture of Mother Yasoda-Damodara or photo)

Daily offer arotik and prayers to Tulsi devi praying for eternal residence in Vrndavana and eternal service of the lotus feet of Radha and Krsna.

Daily chant the Radha-krpa katakasam, and Krsna krpa kataksam in Giti Guccha songbook

Also chant other prayers to Radha and Radha Krsna Yugala from the Giti Guccha songbook

On Ekadasi, Dvadasis, and Purnima chant the one-thousand names of Radha

On the three Ekadasis in Kartik try to observe Nirjala Vrata and stay awake chanting hari nam, especially on the last one, Uttana Ekadasi, when Lord Visnu and all the demigods awake after four months slumber.

Donate charity to pure devotees

Offer special nice foods to Krsna for entire month. For example every day make sweet rice,(khira) which is the favorite food of Krsna.

BAHULASTAMI BATH IN Radha KUNDA- “Anyone who bathes in Radha-kunda on Bahulastami becomes a dear devotee of Lord Krsna, because this act highly pleases Him.” (Hari-bhakti-vilasa)

BREAKING THE Kartika Vrata FAST: After sunrise and within the paran breaking period on the Dvadasi day after Uttana Ekadasi (if you started your Kartik Vrata on Pasanukusa Ekadasi),-offer arotik to Krsna and dedicate your vrata to Radha and Krsna for Their pleasure, worship the Vaisnava brahmanas by offering them presents plus a prasadam feast including the items that you fasted from during Kartika (sweets, milk products etc.) After honoring the brahmanas then break your Kartika Vrata fast by honoring the foods you abstained from (such as urad dahl, sweets, or whatever items.) Chant Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare and Radhe Radhe Govinda, Govinda Radhe…..and taste the sweet feeling of spending the entire month absorbed in pleasing Radha and Shyamasundara. Jai Srila Prabhupada!

Janardana Das

(Janardana Prabhu is one of the members of Vrindavan Management Council)