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Samadhi Ceremony held for His Grace Sripad Aindra Prabhu

admin — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 13:22:58 +0000

The 15th of July 2010 commemorated 30 days since the passing of His Grace Sripad Aindra Prabhu. His room was just renovated covered with fresh cow dung. All the deities were moved back in and a ceremony was held establishing his Samadhi. Some of his god brothers were present; they glorified his services and activities. Gopal Prabhu on behalf of the devotees of the 24 hour kirtan department placed his sacred ashes into Samadhi and also part took in performing all the formalities led by our head pujari H.G Mukunda Datta Prabhu. A fire sacrifice was held where we offered 108 Mahamantras and then Vaisnava Homa was performed. After the formalities were completed all the devotees present took a small procession down to Mukunda Datta prabhus house where a bhoga offering was done and the Mahaprasad distributed.
Soon after arriving in Vrindavan in the 80’s Sripad Aindra prabhu moved into room no 89 of the Brahmacari Ashram and continued to stay there for 24 years. His room depicted the Vrindavan mood with cow dung art on the walls which was done by him, Yamuna clay on the floor and remnants of the original Tamal tree from the temple courtyard. He only left his room to come for his kirtan services, Deity Dressing services, to purchase bhoga for his Deities, going to the bathroom and very rarely for other purposes. Most of his time was spent in his room chanting many rounds, studying Srila Prabhupada’s books and the Goswami literatures as well as performing his personal Deity worship. It was the desire of H.G Sripad Aindra prabhu that his Samadhi be nearby his Deities and that the worship of over 2000 Saligrama Sheilas, Nitai Saci Suta and his many other Deities go on as he was doing. His presence is very much felt in his room and he will continue to reside there to inspire everyone especially the devotees of the 24 kirtan department to keep the blazing fire of Harinaam Sankirtan Yajna burning.

Bhagavat Katha by HH Radha Govinda Das Goswami

admin — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 12:26:19 +0000

To mark the occasion of Sri Sri Krishna Janmastami 2010,ISKCON Vrindavan is organizing Bhagavat Katha by HH Radha Govind Goswami Maharaja, in Krishna Balaram Temple. The topic for this year will be on the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna lifting Govardhan – “Giri Dharan Leela”. The lectures will start from 24th August till 2nd September 2010, and the timings will be in the morning 8AM to 10AM, daily. We heartily extended invitation to all the devotees/ guest/ well wishers to come, attend the lectures and reap unlimited spiritual benefits.
On the eve of the Bhagavat Katah, we will be feeding prasadam for about 1000 devotees/guests/well wishers both in the morning and in the afternoon. We humbly request all to take advantage of this Seva opportunity and donate generously.
Prasadam Seva Morning Breakfast prasadam for 1000 devotees Rs,25,000/-
Afternoon Lunch Prasadam for 1000 devotees Rs. 25,000/-
For further information please contact Brajbihari Das 09897905111

Upcoming Festivals

admin — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:38:13 +0000

Respected Vaishnavas/Devotees/Well wishers

From Krishna BalramMandir-ISKCON Vrindvan, for the pleasure of Their Lordships and for the pleasure of the devotees, we are happy to announce the Janmastami Festival Program schedule and seva opportunities as follows:

Jhulan Yatra:. Starting from. 20^th till 23^rd August for the pleasure of Their Lordships Jhulan festival will be celebrated. Every day the Jula and the Mandap will be decorated with nice flowers, leaves etc. The decoration will be done by different teams every day. From evening 5PM onwards till 8.30 Utsav Deities of Sri Sri Radha Shyamsunder ,Lalita and visaka will be seated in the Jhula and thousands of devtoees and visitiors will participate in the festival. (Seva Opportunities)

Balaram Punirma will be ceberated on 24^th August 2010. The programme in brief is, the deities will be offered new outfit, the altar and temple will be beautifully decorated with nice and colourful flowers, senior devotees will speak in English and Hindi on the pastimes of Lord Sri Balram, Abhishek and mahafeast etc. (Seva Opportunity)

Janmastami On2nd September. Brief program : Deities will be offered new outfits-Mangal Arti, Darshan Arti, evening and during midnight arti. Flower decoration,Abhishek in the main altar lectures and kirtan ,chappan bhog oferring and midnight arti, and maha feast for all the visitors and devotees. For the benefit of devotees/well wishers this year we have arranged “personal Abhishek

There will be Silver Kalash, copper kalash and conch. For details of “personal Abhishek and other seva opportunities during the entire festival please (Seva Opportunities)

Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance day

On the 3.9.2010 we will celebrate the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada! Flower decorations, glorifications, bhoga offerings,Maha feast will be the program for the festival.

On the 15^th September 2010 is the very auspicious appearance day of Sri Sri Radharani. On that day we will be offering new outfits during Mangal Arti,Darshan,Evening etc. The temple premises,altar,temple mandap will be decorated very beautifully with colourful flowers etc. After Darshan Arti, Senior devotees will discuss on the pastimes of Sri Sri Radharani. At about 10-30 there will be Mahaabhishek. 11=30 Bhoga Offerings and 12 noon the Bhoga Arti. After the arti there will be Mahafeast for all. (Seva Opportunities)

Official Report on Departure of HG Aindra Prabhu

admin — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 13:31:39 +0000

Friday 23rd of July 2010
Initiated in Sri Vrindavan Dham U.P India
Interviews conducted by Gopal Das (Head Of Department)
24hr kirtan. Investigating cause of fire and death of HG Aindra Prabhu,
Room 89 Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula Building.
The reason for this report is to have clarity and proper representation of what happened. Panca Gauda Das, Adi Kesava Das and Martanda Das wrote there own account of events as they happened. Gopal das conducted the other interviews. To Gopal Das’s knowledge none of the devotees shared information with each other prior to being interviewed.
Description/ Dimensions of Room.
Length 20ft width 11ft floor to ceiling 10.5ft
The room was made for studio recording facility there was only one entry and exit point that was composed of three doors. The first door was a mosquito screen door which was nailed to the original front door. The bottom right corner was made into a small trap door or air vent behind these two doors was a second door made air tight from wood covered with professional studio sound proofing rubber and foam materials imported from New York.
After entering the room on the immediate left three feet from the ground were kitchen shelves and at ground level were two gas burners connected to a gas cylinder bottle via rubber hose pipe. At the end of the room the furthest point from the door is where the altar
and deities resided.
First person in the room
17th Morning account by Adi Kesava Das
It was 6:30am and Aindra prabhu did not come to dress the Deities. This was not unusual as it had happened many times before that he comes late because he is tired and so we have to go wake him up. I sent Rasikendra prabhu one of the pujaris to go up and call him. He returned after some time and said that he knocked on the door but there was no answer. A few minutes later he
and Gopendra prabhu another pujari mentioned that they recalled hearing some sounds & seeing smoke coming from his room the night before about 10:30pm.Their room is situated in another building adjacent to the Gurukula so they were seeing through Aindra prabhus back window.
I took it very seriously and rushed upstairs. I started banging loudly on the door calling out his name. By then Damodarastakam prabhu, Arjuna Krsna prabhu and Martanda woke up and came outside. I informed them that he had not come to dress the deities. Some pujaris noticed some smoke coming from his room the night before. I suggested that we break open the door and check. I went downstairs to inform the head of security to get help to break open the door as well as to call the carpenter. Arjuna Krsna prabhu got some tools to try to open the lock. I met Sanak Sanatana prabhu and informed him of the urgent situation.He immediately responded and went upstairs. With an iron pipe we began banging on the door. We managed to push open the small trap door which pushed against the big inner door.
I entered through the small trap door; there was a very strong smell of gas. I was calling out his name. A major part of the room as well as the deities were all black and mainly the front area near the door had been heavily burnt. I looked to the right at his computer desk but he was not there. I proceeded forward to the altar and looked to the left; he was bowing down behind Lord Nityananda.I went over to him thinking that he may be unconscious due to the gas; I called out his name touching his body. I tried to move him but his body was very heavy and stiff. I tilted him to the side to see his face and saw the burns. I called out to Sanak Sanatana and the other devotees to help me as he was too heavy. By then the door had been fully opened and Arjuna Krsna prabhu, Martanda prabhu, Sanak Sanatana prabhu and myself carried him out. We placed his body on a grass matt and covered it with saffron cloth.
Shortly after, I took the initiative to lock the room. Mahabhagavat prabhu provided the lock. I opened the room once for the police to inspect. After Aindra Prabhu’s body had left for an autopsy which was about 4 hours later approximately 1pm, I handed the room keys over to Giridhari prabhu and we began moving the other smaller Deities out.
In conclusion I can say that I did not notice anything that seemed like that there was any arson or external interference that may have caused this fire. It is quite clear to me being the first person to enter the room that it was an accident and of course ultimately Krishna’s will.
Adi Kesava Das
Caretaker of Srila Prabhupada’s Quarters & Pujari.
Second person in the room
Interview with Aindra Prabhu’s servant Arjun Krishna Das
Conducted by Gopal das on 24th July 2010
Arjun Krishna Das last saw Aindra Prabhu after his kirtan service in the temple room 7pm 16th July. Arjun Krishna was the second person to enter the room after Adi Keseva ( Pujari Department) on the 17th July after 7am.
Once the alarm was raised akd made an attempt to break the door open. Sanak Sanatan prabhu broke the door open. Adi Keseva first entered, second was Arjuna Krsna, Martanda both members of the 24 hr kirtan and last Sanak Sanatan from the temple management. Arjun recalls calling out to Aindra Prabhu but there was no response Arjuna Krsna made an attempt to break the glass and back window but failed when he understood that Aindra prabhu had left his body.
The question was than raised by Gopal Das If there had been any indication of arson or suicide?
Arjun Krishna Das says no.
Arjuna Krsna says it was a clear accident. Prior to this incident he had witnessed personally two small explosions with the same cooking apparatus on separate occasions. Arjuna Krsna had smelt a burning gassy metallic smell from his room but it was not such a heavy smell and thought that it may have been something from the gurukul when they had previously cooked with coal and possibly a factory in the back of the MVT this was approximately after 10pm on the 16th July.
Arjuna Krsna did not think it needed investigation as air pollution is a common occurrence in the ashram, part of the reason why Aindra prabhu had his room air tight. Arjuna Krsna refers to the room as very claustrophobic and difficult to work in especially when Aindra Prabhu would cook.
Arjna Krsna concluded that Aindra Prabhu had taken back the only other 2nd key to his room from him 2 months before. Prabhuji also stopped taking any service like cleaning etc.. He also became reclusive using a do not disturb sign on his front door.
Arjun Krishna Prabhu’s final conclusion after all questioning was that it was a most unfortunate fire accident similar to the smaller ones he had previously witnessed in the room this one proving to be fatal.
Third person in the room Martanda Das
Martanda Prabhuji report
Hare Krishna!
This is my report.
I saw H.G. Aindra Prbhu last time about 9.20 Pm. when he was going to buy bhoga for his Deities. I have a kirtan shift 7 to 10 Pm. So when I came back to my room after 10 Pm.,I smelt smoke and gas.I thought that someone was burning some papers in our room, why someone was so stupid and didn’t do it on veranda. I also smell gas, so I tightend mine and another devotees gas bottle. There was not a even second thought in my mind that something is going on behind the wall, no suspicion, no doubt.
I went to Arjuna Krsna room and I spend there one hour, after that I went to sleep. Next morning I woke up because someone was banging the door of Aindra Prabhu room. Usually when doesn’t want to open, he will not open. But this was too loud and too long. I woke up with anxiety. I came out with gamcha and I saw Adi Kesava Pr. banging to the door, I also saw Arjuna Krsna who was trying to open the door room outside using some tools. My anxiety was growing more and more. After less than minute came Sanaka Sanatana Pr. and he was loudly saying that we need to open this door immediately, maybe he’s dying there. He took big iron pipe and was banging against small door. He managed to break the screen and open the small door. First person who went inside thru the opening was Adi Kesava, next was Arjuna Krsna, after him was me.
When I was inside I pushed very strongly whole door with my arm and I managed to open.Room was completely dark; there was no lights, only little light from the windows. I heard voice of Adi Kesava, “Help us to carry him outside”. I went to the corner of his room where Deities of Nitai-Sacisuta are resting.
I saw Aindra Prabhu, his face was burnt and had red color. I took one arm and I told another devotee to take second arm and we managed to take him outside. When we put him on the floor of the veranda Sanaka Sanatana said:
“He is gone”.
He’s body was stiff and he left his body when he was paying obeisance’s.
Later on I came to know that he was found paying obeisances to Lord Nityananda.
I hope that this is enough to prove that what happened was accident and fire from gas bottle. When I looked again in his room I saw he’s door completely burnt from inside the foam was completely burnt was lying on the floor behind the door. Also I saw that fire went to shelf and was spreading upward. How fire was extinguished? There was not enough oxygen for the fire to burn. Why Aindra Prabhu didn’t try to go outside?
My understanding is as follows.
Situation was so dramatic and sudden that he was thinking that whole room will be burnt and feeling that he’s not able to protect his Deities he managed to take shelter of Lord Nityananda. Another factor was carbon monoxide which is produced from burning and when this substance is entering the body brain stops function properly. Another thing is that maybe he was trying to go outside but whole door was in flames and therefore he was not able to do it or maybe he was thinking that if he will open the door this will give more food for the fire to spread in the room.
Hare Krishna.
Martanda Dasa
Fourth person in the room
Interview with Sanak Sanatan Prabhu ( VMC Member)
Conducted on 26th July 2010 by Gopal Das
On the 17th morning after Srila Prabhupad’s Samadhi darshan arti approximately 5 past 7am Adi Keseva Prabhu requested Sanak Sanatan to help with a problem relating to the smell of gas coming from Aindra Prabhu’s room and him not responding.
Adi Keseva was heading towards the carpenters workshop to get tools, Sanak Sanatan prabhu told him the workshop was closed and so they proceeded upstairs to Aindra Prabhu’s room outside was a small tool box of some chisels and other working materials they all failed to penetrate the front door. At the end of the veranda in the ashram SSD found a large heavy iron pipe with the assistance of Adi Keseva they broke through the mosquito screen door forcing open the trap door/air vent creating enough space for a small person to enter. SSD sent Adi Keseva in first, cautioning him not to switch on any lights as the predominate smell of gas could cause a large explosion. After a minute or two Adi Keseva responded ‘I need some help to move him as he is too heavy I cannot lift him alone’.
Martanda and Arjun Krishna responded by entering the room. SSD was attempting to open the door with the pipe while from inside the room Martanda and Arjun Krishna were attempting to force the doors open it was jammed. After some time with difficulty the doors opened.
Sanak Sanatan Prabhu witnessed that Aindra Prabhu’s body had suffered from first and second degree burns. His face was burned with blistered eyes closed shut,his upper body hands, shoulders, and arms were also burned. There were no third degree burns the worst were on the face shoulders arms and hands he does not recall seeing anything on the lower body. After requesting for a mat to be placed on the outside veranda. Aindra Prabhu was first placed on his side, than placed on his back. He was somewhat stiff and partially remaining in the obeisance’s position as he was first found. Sanak Sanatan prabhu says it was very clear and obvious what had happened even without immediately having a doctors opinion Adi Keseva mentioned to Sanak Sanatan that some pujaris had stated that they saw smoke and fire.
Gopal Das asked Sanak Sanatan if he had seen any indication of an attempt on Aindra Prabhu’s life through arson.
Sanak Sanatan replied no, it was a clear accident. It would have been very difficult for someone to have started a fire as the door was locked from inside. It is clear that there was a gas leakage and as Aindra Prabhu made an attempt to start his bhoga cooking the gas ignited causing a fireball to explode in his face and upper body.
Aindra Pr than appears to have proceeded to the back window of his room maybe in an attempt to call or signal for help. A large copper water pot with spout was found emptied near his body he could have been trying to break the glass, unfortunately the triple plain glass used for sound proofing the back window would have taken an Axe or hammer to penetrate.
SSD concludes that he may have been able to escape from the room, due to the fire burning directly unto the door which had ignited the rubber sound proofing material made it very difficult to escape.
This extreme fire fed by the gas leakage in the rubber hose trapping the only exit point. Due to this strong fire the electricity cut out coupled with smoke and soot made the room dense and dark.
Gopal Das asked SSD that if the alarm was raised that night just after the fire had started and someone had broken into the room to rescue him could he have survived.?
SSD replied ‘yes if the alarm was raised immediately .Even though it is hard to say, it is for a professional opinion. I would say that he had between 10-15 min survival time.’ The fire trap at the door prevented him from escaping, since it was a very intense fire which consumed the oxygen in the room. The gas regulator on the cylinder was industrial instead of domestic. Domestic regulators have a membrane on the head which controls the amount of gas and output pressure maintaining a steady flame of no more than 15-20cm. Industrial regulators have a screw system and does not have as much control on the output of pressure. This caused high pressure, causing a gas leakage which initiated a fireball and later fed the fatal flames of fate causing eventually the fire to put itself out by consuming all oxygen in the room.
Last two people to have personally seen Aindra Prabhuji
Interview conducted by Gopal Das
25th of July with Balaram Das from Iskcon Nairobi Kenya Africa (Last eye witness)
Balaram Das was present with Aindra Prabhu from 8-9:30 pm on the 16th of July in his room.
The question was raised with Balaram Das did he notice anything unusual in Aindra Prabhu’s room or any smell of gas? The answer was no. Balaram Das was sitting opposite Aindra Prabhu’s chair in front of his altar and only smelt puja oil and incense. During the discussion Aindra Prabhu was speaking about many spiritual topics relating to some books, he had requested Balaram Das to help join in by participating in the 24hr kirtan department during his stay in Vrindavan he stated ‘don’t worry we’re going to mold you into a pure devotee’.
At approximately 9:15 pm Bhagavat Purana Prabhu entered the room he had a small talk with Aindra Prabhu and he also indicated to Balaram Das that he should leave the room to allow Aindra Prabhu to finish his Japa after a few minutes Balaram Das left at approximately 9:20pm-9:45pm. When Balaram Das had left he recalls the inside door being closed and the outside mosquito door partially open and unlatched.
Gopal Das raised the question If he noticed anyone entering the room after him or heading in that direction on the veranda. Balaram Das responded no, the ashram was quiet and empty as he exited the building. In conclusion Balaram Das and Bhagavat Puran Das were the last two devotees to see Aindra Prabhu before his departure.
Interview with Bhagavat Purana Das 26th July
Bhagavat Purana was the second last devotee to be in the physical presence of Aindra Prabhu on the 16th of July. At approximately 8:45pm Bhagavat Purana Prabhu visited Arjun Krishna Prabhu’s room in the brahmachari ashram after some discussion Bhagavat Purana Prabhu entered Aindra Prabhu’s room at approximately 9pm.
Bhagavat Purana prabhu confirms that Balaram Das was engaged in discussion with Aindra Prabhu. Bhagavat Purana Prabhu interjected at a point in the conversation to mention to Aindra Prabhu issues related to his visa status. The discussion concluded with Bhagavat Purana dropping the hint to Balaram Das that it was getting late and that Aindra Prabhu had Japa to finish, Balaram Das got the hint and left not too long after.
When questioned Bhagavat Puran confirmed that he did not see anything suspicious in the room, or the smell of leaking gas. He also confirmed that no one else was present or planning to enter when exiting the building he confirmed the veranda’s were quiet and empty.
Supporting Evidence By Prem Kishor Prabhu
A few days before Aindra Prabhu’s departure I had offered him a prashad fragrant flower to smell he responded by saying ‘ I can’t smell the flower prabhu as I do not have the sense of smell’. Aindra Prabhu is known to have been taking allergy medication and had sinus problems.
Supporting Evidence By Keseva Das
On the 15th of July evening after the last arti approximately 8:30pm I was cycling home and saw Aindra Prabhu on a rickshaw by Bhaktivedanta Swami gate. We exchanged greetings and I asked him where he was going, he said ‘I am going to fill my gas bottle’’. I noted that it was the same colour gas bottle as the one found in his room. He had with him his bhoga shopping bag I mentioned that his rickshaw driver looked a bit simple he smiled and drove off towards Radhe Dham,I proceeded home.
The last events of Aindra Prabhu’s life
Interview conducted by Gopal Das (H.O.D) 24hr kirtan dep
Interview conducted in Temple President’s office
Present Panca gauda (TP) Mukunda Dutta Prabhu Head Pujari
Adi Keseva Prabhu, Rasikendra Das, Vraja Roop Das, Roop Sanatan, Gopendra
Das
(All Pujaris)
16th July 2010 Night.
Gopendra Das and Rasikendra Das were in their rooms opposite to the Gurukul building. They are located on the roof of that building. Rasikendra Das heard some kind of an explosion he describes as a similar sound to an electrical transformer box overloading or as in his words ‘when a monkey gets killed by jumping on an electrical line causing an explosive sound’ when questioned why he did not tell anyone he explained that he assumed that someone in that building would have heard and done something.
Gopendra Das recalls after finishing prasadam in his room he heard a sound similar to that of an auto rickshaw motor at 10:30pm we understand to be the exhaust fan and motor fan blades melting Gopendra Das did not leave his room to investigate the source of sound.
At 10 pm Roop Sanatan and Vraja Roop prabhu were pacing up and down on the roof top chanting japa they heard a similar sound at 10:30pm coming from the exhaust fan when asked what Roop Sanatan thought the sound was he replied ‘I thought it was an auto rickshaw driving away from the kitchen after a delivery’. Both Vraja Roop and Roop Sanatan than looked down to see where the sound was coming from and saw smoke coming out from Aindra Prabhu’s room the smoke did not last very long. 10:50 pm Roop Sanatan Prabhu went downstairs and knocked on Aindra Prabhu’s front door there was no reply he proceeded to knock on the next door to his room to call any of the residents, there was no response. He went to take rest at 11 pm remembering that this is the usual time that Aindra Prabhu cooks he may have burnt the offering. In previous months he had smelt burning dhal and called Aindra Prabhu from his altar service to please come and check his room. Seeing the DO NOT DISTURB sign he retired for the night.
In conclusion two different reports collaborate the same. The smell of gas and fire the sound of an explosion with the exhaust fan motor burning. All between 10:30 pm and 10:50 pm we understand that at this time a gas explosion occurred injuring Aindra Prabhu with burns and depriving his room from oxygen causing a short but intense fire and departure from this world at approximately 10:48 pm.
Timeline
16th July 2010
2130-2145 Hrs. Last visitors depart from his room.
2200-Hrs. Smells of gas and smoke in adjacent rooms
2230-2250-Hrs. Sounds of an explosion, visual sighting of smoke and attempt to communicate with no response.
17th July 2010
0630 Hrs Aindra Prabhu fails to arrive for his pujari service.
0700 Hrs Aindra Prabhu found in obeisances position departed.
Police report pending
Death certificate pending
Autopsy report pending
Closing words from the TemplePresident: Panca Gauda Das
I was going to the temple to attend the greeting of the Deities, when Sanaka Sanatan Prabhu called me in a frantic voice telling me to “run as fast as you can Aindra is gone” when I arrived in disbelief I saw the body of our dearly departed Aindra Prabhu layed out on the veranda. News spread quickly, I was receiving calls from all over the world from his well wishers. Our local devotees were all coming up to join in the kirtan and offer final respects, police and investigators came taking their reports. Emotions were extremely high it was a very intense period. After the medical examiners did their work, we prepared Aindra Prabhu’s body wrapped on a bamboo stretcher covered in Maha garlands from Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara carried by loving devotees through the streets of Vrindavana. There were many hundreds of devotees, loud kirtan with the procession ending at the Yamuna at the funeral pyre. The ceremony was preformed by our head pujari Mukunda Dutta Prabhu, HH Mahanidhi Swami and many others started the fire to consume the body just after 6:30 pm in the evening.
Love, memories and appreciation poured from the hearts of all the devotees in Braj and around the world. Personally I am going to miss my dear friend Aindra Prabhu we worked together and had close friendship since 1993, I know he was very special I offer my respectful obeisances to his feet.
Your servant,
Pancagauda das

Guru Poornima, Srila Sanatan Goswami’s Dissappearence

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 08:09:25 +0000

Today, Guru purnima, is said to be the appearance day of Srila Vyasadeva and therefore all followers of the vedic literatures worship him today, including the mayavadis. And since the spiritual master is the representative of Vyasadeva he is also worshipped today. Therefore this day is known as Guru purnima also. In the Gaudiya Vaisnava sampradaya not only the diksa guru, initiating spiritual master, but also the siksa-guru, the instructing spiritual master, is worshipped, as well as the previous acaryas, who are also siksa-gurus. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Himself, to teach us, performed vyasa-puja. And as the ideal teacher He instructed His closest associated and told them to write down His instructions and also to elaborate these. One of his close associates was Srila Sanatan Gosvami. He lived for more than thirty years in Vraja. And he was very much liked by all the vrajavasis, who accepted him as their guru. Following Mahaprabhu’s order he lived in Vraja and revealed many of the pastime places of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. Also his literary contribution is very much appreciated amongst the Gaudiya vaisnavas, especially Sri Hari-Bhakti-Vilas and Sri Brihad-Bhagavatamritam, which is actually the essence of the Srimad Bhagavatam. In the Hari-Bhakti-Vilas, which has 20 parts, he gives valuable instructions, information about all the aspects of devotional service. On this day of guru-purnima he left this material world. This day is also the first day of caturmasa. For four months all vaisnavas are performing some austerities, but most important they are trying to increase their devotional activities. In this regard also Srila Sanatan Gosvami has given valuable instructions.
And it is our good fortune that Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has sent His confidential devotees, especially Srila A.C.Bhaktivedanta Svami Prabhupada, by whose mercy we are able to advance on the path of pure devotional service. So on this auspicious day we try to remember and serve to the best of our ability all of them.

Impersonalism - the dreaded philosophy

admin — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 07:03:28 +0000

           “Brahmana is the energy feature of the Supreme, its also called the Brahmajyoti. Above this is the Paramatma(Supersoul) feature and highest is the Bhagavan(Supreme personality of Godhead) feature”. Srimad Bhagavatam (1.2.11)
           As above mentioned actually impersonalism i.e; Supreme is not a person but is only energy is the partial understanding of the absolute but the less intelligent seekers of either of the schools unnecessarily waste their time by arguing over which one is the best. Which one is best is clear if one scrutinisingly studies the Krishna conscious literatures.
           The biggest loophole in this understanding is that in fact there is no possibility of the existence of the energy separate from the energetic which they don’t accept. We see this in our day today experience; how can one imagine the existence of the Sunlight without the Sun. When one is sleeping in a room and when one sees sunlight in the window one immediately realises that the Sun has arisen and one gets up. Therefore, even a child can understand that this is ridiculous, its actually insane to even imagine this.
Danger of this philosophy is stated in Bhagavad gita 12.5:
           “For those whose minds are attached to the unmanifested, impersonal feature of the Supreme, advancement is very troublesome. To make progress in that discipline is always difficult for those who are embodied”.
The danger is 2 pronged: (i) As a living entity is embodied since time immemorial it is very difficult (klesa) for one to think of and focus on the nonperceptual, impersonal and unmanifested feature of the Supreme. So the processes of jyana-yoga are full of difficulties for one who is on the beginning stages of the process – one also has to understand the language of the Upanishads which is very difficult.

(ii) The other danger is that if one somehow succeeds in this process then one might achieve the eternal and knowledgeable feature of one’s existence but the blissful nature would be missing. By the grace of some devotee, such a transcendentalist, highly learned in the process of jyana-yoga, may come to the point of bhakti-yoga, or devotional service. At that time, long practice in impersonalism also becomes a source of trouble, because he cannot give up the idea. Therefore an embodied soul is always in difficulty with the unmanifest, both at the time of practice and at the time of realization. Every living soul is partially independent, and one should know for certain that this unmanifested realization is against the nature of his spiritual blissful self. One should not take up this process. For every individual living entity the process of Krishna consciousness, which entails full engagement in devotional service, is the best way. If one wants to ignore this devotional service, there is the danger of turning to atheism.

Thus the process of centering attention on the unmanifested, the inconceivable, which is beyond the approach of the senses, as already expressed in this verse, should never be encouraged at any time, especially in this age. It is not advised by Lord Krsna.

Aindra Prabhu, The Emperor of Kirtan

admin — Sun, 18 Jul 2010 09:35:17 +0000

We the devotees of vrindavan have seen through our naked eyes that how a vaisnava dies to live and living try to spread the holyname around. Our beloved Aindra prabhu when living sowed the barren hearts of millions with the seed of the holynames that even death could not stop his holistic and heroic task of spreading the holynames as when his body was being taken to Yamuna for final rights through a procession thousands of devotees and vrajvasis joined and chanted the holyname. It seemed that he was leading the harinam sankirtan in the streets of vrindavan.
Around 6.30 pm the procession reached on the banks of Yamuna and the fire was ignited at 6.38 pm by H.H.Mahanidhi Swami in presence of H.H.Radha Raman Swami, H.G.Panch Gauda Prabhu, the Temple President, H.G.Bhuvanesvar Prabhu. All the assembled devotees from all over the world were immerse in pool of grief but at the same time they performed ecstatic kirtan till night 9.30. It seemed that no one wanted to return to temple leaving Aindra Prabhu but with heavy heart they did.
On 19th there will be Smriti sabha, a gathering to glorify Aindra Prabhu , the Emperor of Kirtan. HH Bir Krishna Swami, HH Mahanidhi Swami, HH Prabhodananda Saraswati Swami, HH Radha Raman Swami, HG Brahmanada Prabhu, HG Gargamuni Prabhu and many Prabhupada disciples will bless the occasion. After this ceremony there will be Puspanjali , the offering of flowers and wonderful feast for everyone.

Aindra Prabhu’s news update

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 08:15:46 +0000

After the news of Aindra’s leaving his body so many devotees have come to pay their respects and obeisances to him. Devotees sat around his body performing ecstatic kirtan which has been going on in front of his room, where his body is laying since this morning. Also all the gurukula children are performing kirtan in the gurukula garden. The management is just now sorting out the legal matters with the local authorities. It will take some time to finish all the governmental proceedings, but we hope that by 4pm everything will be cleared from that side. Devotees from all over the world are calling, offering their heartfelt feelings for Aindra Prabhu. Many devotees from Delhi, Mumbai and different parts of the country are coming to Vrindavan trying to reach on time for the procession.

After the 4:30pm arati of the Deities we are planning to take Aindra Prabhu’s body on procession around the temple, three times, and then proceed to the Yamuna with kirtan for cremation. He had previously mentioned that after his leaving his body he wanted his body to be cremated at the Yamuna and also that some of the ashes be put near his Deities in his room, which will be maintained as a memorial. We will inform you later with more details as they become available. The day after tomorrow Monday July 19th there will be a smriti sabha, a gathering to glorify His Grace Aindra Prabhu who has suddenly departed, such a wonderful devotee. The ceremony will be from 8am till noon and after that there will be a feast served to all the devotees. Hare Krishna!

HG Aindra Prabhu attains the spiritual realm

admin — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 04:39:17 +0000

He reasons ill who says that Vaisnavas die,
When thou art living still in sound!
The Vaisnavas die to live, and living try
To spread the holy name around.
                         His Grace Aindra Prabhu Attains the Spiritual Realm With extreme anguish we inform the devotees of the disappearance of His Grace Aindra Prabhu on the night of July 16, 2010. He was alone in his room worshiping His beloved Deities when apparently there was a gas leak from his cylinder. Some devotees heard a sound and there was some smell, but no one knew from where it came. Devotees knocked on Aindra’s door, but there was no response all night. His door is very thick, and there is one trap door in it. In the morning when Aindra prabhu didn’t come to the temple to dress Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara, the devotees then could understand that something serious had happened. With difficulty they broke open the trap door, and only one devotee, Adi Kesava Das, was small enough to enter the room. When he entered he saw that the entire room was black and there was disturbance everywhere. It appeared that Aindra might have lit a match in the room and that caused the gas in the air to ignite and burn the room. Aindra was behind the altar. It looked as if he had tried to open the window, but was unsuccessful, so he offered his obeisances behind Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, and left his body in that position. When Adi Kesava found him, Aindra was already long gone, and his body was still offering obeisances.
                   At this moment the formalities are under way to bring Aindra Prabhu in procession to Sri Yamunaji. The entire Vaisnava community will surely lament at the disappearance of such a stalwart kirtaniya who inspired the world with akhanda kirtana. His saintly guidance and example as a pure and devoted disciple of Srila Prabhupada has certainly qualified him for express entry into the eternal lila of his beloved Lords, Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara.
                    More information will be posted throughout the day.

There are photos of Aindra Prabhu’s altar and room (before the incident) at the following site: http://www.salagram.net/sstp-AindraBabaACBSP.html

The official website of the 24-hour kirtan: http:
http://www.24hourkirtan.com

Sri Jagannath Rathyatra in Vrindavan

admin — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 03:34:07 +0000

For those of you who have not visited Vrindavan this time of year, it might come as a surprise for you to hear that Sri Jagannatha Rathayatra is celebrated in grand style here by the local residents. There are many temples of Lord Jagannatha in Vrindavan. On the auspicious ocassion of Rathayatra, Lord Jagannatha in His multiple forms comes out of His various temples in ecstatic procession. Some of Lord Jagannatha’s ratha carts are elaborately accompanied by bands, flocks of kirtaniya devotees, and hundreds and thousands of participants.Other carts are quite simple, and still others are those of the local children who also bring out their Jagannatha Deities for rathayatra, as Srila Prabhupada did when he was a child. All in all, the experience is pure ecstasy, and the fact that Jagannathaji actually is in Vrindavan, along with Subhadra and Baladeva, brings the entire rathayatra lila to full circle. In other words, Lord Jagannatha has come home! And if you ever want to see a flow of nectar, then come to Rathayatra in Vrindavan and watch the myriad forms of Lord Jagannatha roll down the streets and paths of the town. All of the carts converge at the large square and avenues in front of the Town Hall, near Rangaji Mandir. With multiple kirtan parties, countless carts, and unlimited Lord Jagannaths meeting on this most auspicious day in Vrindavan, you can simply imagine the bliss!
While cleaning the Krishna Balarama temple for Gundica-marjana, our devoted General Manager, Sri Subha Krsna Prabhu, became so immersed in washing the temple that he fell from a considerable height and almost went back to Godhead instantly. But the devotees immediately took him to the hospital and he is now recovering, with stitches in his head and a fractured arm. Please pray for him to recover quickly. He is an excellent and fully dedicated General Manager. Subha Krsna Prabhu ki jaya! Gundica-marjana ki jaya! Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu ki jaya! Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra ki jaya! Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!