Hare Krishna

With the mercy of Lord Sri Krishna and Srimati Radha Rani, we are going to have an addition in our family as we are inviting Sri Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Sri Nityananda Prabhu to have their mercy upon us. This is a very auspicious occasion for our family and we all are very much excited to welcome Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu at their new residence on March 9th.

It is really amazing that since we decided for this occasion every week some new changes are going on in my habits/ regularities and the most amazing is – automatically I stared to wake up half an hour earlier than my regular wake up time and this is the mercy of Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu only. This half an hour really matters for me a lot as I’m not at all an early morning person. Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu already blessed me with their mercy as sometime during last week I was wondering about, “how nice it would be if I can serve my Radha Krishna, dear Laddu Gopal and new members Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu with a fresh feast of khichdi or kheer (something simple / but made with love which I can make just for them in the morning) instead of a glass of milk and fruits (which I use to offer in the morning). This thought came true now and that half an hour made my dream come true.

Why I’m writing this all is, just to share an example of how merciful Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu are

With all respect and happiness we invite you all for the Abhishekam ceremony for Sri Chaitanya MahaPrabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhuon:

March 9th, Friday at Hampden fire hall @ 6:30 PM.

This program would be a part of IOHU Regular Friday program.

Date: March 9th 2012

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Hampden Fire Hall, 1200 Good Hope Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

With Sincere Regards

Sanjay , Rashmi, Teena and Neil (Pandey Family)

तुम हो तो , राहें भी है
तुम नहीं , तो रास्तें कहाँ
तुम हो तो , यहाँ सब भी है
तुम नहीं , तो कौन यहाँ
तुम हो तो है , हर एक पल मेहरबान यह जहाँ
जो तुम हो तो , हवा में भी
मोहबतों का रंग है
जो तुम न हो , तोह फिर कोई
न जोश न उमंग है
तुम मिले तोह मिली यह ज़िंदगी

krishna shravanapasat tvam
niryato dhyanarajjubhih
grahyastabhyasca niryato
namakirtana srikhalaih
tvadbhakti lolitenadya
na marya jatu mokshyase
vrito dhrito’si gadham tvam
pitakauseya vasasi

"O Krishna! The ropes of meditation have liberated You from the cords of hearing, and the chains of the congregational chanting of Your holy name have liberated You from the cords of meditation. As I am now perturbed by an increase of love for You, so it is no longer possible for me to let you go. O one attired in golden silk, You are now caught and tightly bound!"

"Siddha premika-bhakta mahatmas are liberated from all psycho-physical sufferings, they constantly depend on Shri Krishna’s transcendental pastimes, and eternally taste the bliss of prema-bhakti (love divine for Shri Shri Radha-Krishna) which is the ultimate goal of life for a living entity."

Hiraṇyadhanura, the king of the outcastes (caṇḍālās), had a son named Ekalavya. Desiring to study the science of projectile weaponry (astra-vidyā), the outcaste prince presented himself before Droṇācārya. However, Droṇācārya did not agree to initiate him into the science of archery, for he was aware of Ekalavya’s very low status.

Nevertheless, Ekalavya vowed to himself that he would learn archery only from Droṇācārya, and with that purpose in mind, he went to the forest. There he sculpted an idol of Droṇācārya out of earth and began practising astra-vidyā in the presence of his imagined guru. In this way, he gradually became extraordinarily expert in archery. Arjuna was Droṇācārya’s dearest disciple, and the ācārya had promised him that none of his other disciples would ever be able to surpass him.

* * *

One day, on the order of Droṇācārya, the Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas ventured out from their capital to the forest to hunt. They soon came across a dog, directly on their path and were extremely astonished to find that seven arrows had been shot into the dog’s mouth simultaneously when he had opened it to bark. They could see that the archer who had let loose those arrows was even more skilled than any of the Pāṇḍavas, and set out to find him.

After searching for some time, they discovered that the boy who had performed this feat was Ekalavya, the son of Hiraṇyadhanura, and that he had developed his extraordinary skill by making and worshipping an idol of Droṇācārya.

The Pāṇḍavas returned to their capital and informed Droṇācārya of this amazing incident. In a humble mood, Arjuna informed Droṇācārya of the fact that the ācārya had one disciple more skilled in the art of archery than he. The ācārya listened to these words in shock. At once, he returned to the forest with Arjuna and came upon Ekalavya, who was fully absorbed in practising archery as he let loose dense volleys of arrows, one after the other.

When Droṇācārya approached, Ekalavya suddenly saw the ācārya standing directly before him. The young archer immediately worshipped his feet, introduced himself as one of his disciples, and stood submissively with folded hands.

Droṇācārya addressed Ekalavya, “You must offer me guru-dākṣina*.”

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* Guru-dākṣina is the reciprocation due to the teacher of a particular art for initiating and training the student. If the student fails to provide guru-dākṣina, his learning is not blessed.

Ekalavya replied, “Whatever you order, I am prepared to give.”

Droṇācārya next told Ekalavya to sever his right thumb and give it as dākṣina, and he followed the order of his gurudeva with a bright face, without any objection.

* * *

Despite being rejected by Droṇācārya due to being from a low caste, Ekalavya did not lose faith in his gurudeva. He made an earthen statue of Droṇācārya and learned the science of archery from it, thus demonstrating ideal guru-bhakti. Furthermore, the common conception is that Arjuna was jealous that Ekalavya had achieved greater expertise than he had, and that Arjuna was responsible for destroying Ekalavya’s prowess by inducing Droṇācārya to keep his word. However, this is not actually true, and it is not the conception of the devotees.

Śrī Bhagavān is the eternal, Supreme Truth, His bhakti-nīti – that is, His principle of devotion – is eternal truth, and His devotees are eternal truth. These three – Bhagavān, bhakti and the bhakta – are the sole, eternal Supreme Truth. For the devotees, everything is well, while for the non-devotees nothing is well. Even the qualities of the non-devotees are disqualifications because their qualities are not engaged in pleasing the transcendental senses of God.

Those who consider mundane ethics to be greater than Bhagavān are unable to comprehend the topics of the Absolute Truth. They belong to the school of impersonalism (nirviśeṣa-vāda). They do not accept that Bhagavān, bhakti and the bhakta are non-different, and yet there are real specialities between them.

* * *

What flaw was there in Ekalavya’s behaviour that is worthy of careful deliberation? Ekalavya wore the mask of guru-bhakti, but he was actually acting antagonistically toward his guru.

When the ācārya – he whom Ekalavya had accepted as his gurudeva – did not want to teach Ekalavya the science of archery, either because he considered Ekalavya to be of a low caste, or for the purpose of testing him, or for any other reason, it was Ekalavya’s duty to take that order on his head. However, that idea did not even enter his mind. Instead, his main concern was to become baḍa, or very big and great.

According to custom, if the student does not accept a guru from an external perspective, he will not be accepted as properly trained, nor will he ever be acclaimed as great. It was for this reason that Ekalavya created an earthen statue of Droṇācārya and imagined being in his presence. In this act, his sole purpose was to become great by expertly learning the science of archery. In essence, the root cause and purpose of his sādhana was nothing but the gratification of his senses.

Sacrificing himself to the desire of his guru was in no way his exclusive aim. Some argue that, in the end, Ekalavya made no objection to the strict instruction of his guru, and in fact, executed his order with joy. However, by reflecting upon this matter with gravity and a little subtlety, we can see that even in this instance, rather than actually valuing transcendental devotion to his guru, Ekalavya considered mundane ethics to be of utmost importance. The ethic he upheld when he severed his thumb was that one must unfailingly give whatever object one’s gurudeva requests as dākṣina.

Actually, Ekalavya did not make his offering with any real devotion, or bhakti. Bhakti’s tendency is to be natural and honest. If Ekalavya had natural and causeless bhakti for Hari, guru, and Vaiṣṇavas in his heart, then neither his guru, Droṇācārya; nor the topmost Vaiṣṇava, Arjuna; nor Bhagavān Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself would have been disturbed by his behaviour. But his gurudeva did not accept Ekalavya’s endeavour to attain expertise in the science of archery or to become great. The core of Ekalavya’s heart suffered from the disease of desiring and endeavouring to become even greater than Arjuna, who is the greatest of Vaiṣṇavas.

The desire to be greater than the Vaiṣṇava is not bhakti, it is abhakti. It is simply a display of mundane bravado. According to worldly considerations, the ambition to become great may be considered a good thing. But the endeavour to stay subordinate to the Vaiṣṇavas and to remain under their guidance is indeed called bhakti.

Rather than directly receiving knowledge through the śrauta-paramparā* or from a mahanta-guru (grandmaster) through the process of aural reception, Ekalavya wanted to become great through his own bravado, and it was this that Arjuna informed Droṇācārya of. If Arjuna had not mercifully done so, impersonalism (nirviśeṣa-vāda) would have triumphed. An atheistic doctrine would have been established that it is possible for people to achieve perfection without ever approaching a mahanta-guru for transcendental knowledge or instructions on bhakti and even after going against the wishes of such a guru and simply practising near an imaginary or clay statue of him. It is clear that Arjuna was not at all envious of Ekalavya; rather he showed causeless compassion to him and the whole worl! d.

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* The descent of perfect sound vibration through the succession of perfected masters.

If Ekalavya had had sincere bhaki for his guru, then Kṛṣṇa would never have been able to destroy him, for He always protects His bhakta or the bhakta of His bhakta. However, Ekalavya was killed by Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s own hands. This was the ultimate fate of Ekalavya.

Śrī Caitanyadeva has explained, “An external display of austerities cannot be called bhakti. The demons also perform austerities of such severity that even the demigods cannot rival them” (Śrī Caitanya-bhāgavata, Madhya-khaṇḍa, 23.46). Ekalavya wanted to be greater than the Vaiṣṇava, even though this was directly opposed to the desire of his guru. Because he was slain by Śrī Kṛṣṇa’s own hand, he attained an impersonal destination. Only demons are killed by Śrī Kṛṣṇa, while devotees are protected by Him.

Hiraṇyakaśipu and Prahlāda are the respective evidence of this. We must not wear the mask of guru-bhakti with the objective of becoming greater than the Vaiṣṇavas. We must not become impersonalists (nirviśeṣa-vādīs). This is the teaching that śuddha-bhaktas can glean from the example of Ekalavya’s life. There is not even one iota of guru-bhakti in the most extraordinarily skilful execution of karma, but subordination to the Vaiṣṇava is truly bhakti.

Translated by the Rays of The Harmonist team
from Upākhyāne Upadeśa

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Upākhyāne Upadeśa is Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda’s instructions through the medium of scriptural moral tales.

Hare Krsna.
Dandvat pranam. All glories to Vaishnav devotees of Lord !!! Srila Rasikanand Prabhu ki Jai !!! Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj ki Jai !!! Jai Srila Prabhupad !!!

Today is disappearance day of 2 dear associates of Lord Gauranga – Srila Rasikanand Prabhu and Srila Jagannath Das Babaji Maharaj. Srimad Bhagavatam says that our body is like a boat and we jivas are ‘suffering’ in that boat in the material ocean full of miseries (Hindi word ‘sufer’ means to ‘travel’ but we are really suffering as we ‘sufer’ or travel )..so pure devotees of Lord like Srila Rasikanand Prabhu and Srila Jagannath das Babaji Maharaj are like expert captain of this boat and they expertly guide us through this vast ocean of material existence to the shores of Sri Golok Vrindavan. We should hold the lotus feet of these wonderful Vaishnav acharyas tightly and never let go….

Srila Rasikanand Prabhu is dear disciple of Srila Shyamanand Pandit Prabhu who established the worship of SriSir Radha Shyamsundarji (upon receiving Sri Shyamsundarji who manifested from Srimati Radharani’s heart). Srila Rasikanand Prabhu, at the time of leaving his body, started a powerful kirtan in front of SriSri Radha Khirachor Gopinathji in Remuna. While the kirtan was going on, he entered into the vigraha of SriSri Radha Khirchor Gopinathji. Srila Rasikanand Prabhu is known to be the incarnation of ‘Sri Anniruddha’ (one of the 4 chatur-vyuha expansion – Sri Vasudev, Sri Aniruddha, Sri Praduymna, and Sri Sankarshan). Pasted below is some info on Sri Rasikanand Prabhu along with picture of SriSri Radha Shyamsundarji from Vrindavan, SriSri Radha Khirchor Gopinathji, and some pictures of Sri Rasikanand Prabhu. His samadhi is in SriSri Radha Shyamsundarji temple at Vrindavan next to Srila Shyamanand Prabhu’s samadhi. Also attached is few beautiful picture of SriSri Radha Shyamsundarji from Vrindavan dressed as SriSri Shiva Parvatiji for Shivratri festival this year.

Srila Jagannath das Babaji Maharaj was shiksha guru of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur. When Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur discovered the ‘Yoga Pith’ – the place where Lord Gauranga appeared, he requested Srila Jagannath das Babaji Maharaj to confirm if it is the right place…when Sri Jagannath das Babaji Maharaj arrived at Yoga pith site, carried by his servant as he was unable to see/ walk due to old age…he immidiately begun to dance in ecstasy thus confirming the appearance place of Lord Gauranga. Attached below Srila Rasikanand Prabhu’s info is some informaiton on Srila Jagannath das Babaji maharaj along with his samadhi pictures.

We should fast till noon in honor of these acharyas, offer a nice aarti and obeiances (if not possible physically, offer mentally) and pray to them from heart to receive love for SriSri Radha Shyamsundarji.

Sri Vaishnav Thakur ki Jai !!!

Rasikananda Prabhu

Accepting the order of his guru, Sri Syamananda, on his head, Rasikananda preached the message of Sri Gaursundar in the world for approximately 16 years. Thereafter he entered into his eternal pastimes through the lotus feet of Gopinatha at Remuna. On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna, Sakabda 1574 (1652AD), Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone’s notice and walked to Remuna. Arriving there, he discussed krishna-katha with the devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Sri krishna with devotion. Then, after requesting them to begin sankirtana, he entered the temple of Sri Gopinatha, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha’s lotus feet, which bestow complete fearlessness, he entered into their ultimate shelter.

Rasikananda prabhu’s samadhi is at the Temple of Kshira-chora Gopinath at Remuna just in front and to the right as you go in the main gate, with the temple to the left, and admin’ offices straight ahead.

Birth :
Around 1590 AD (Sakabda 1512), on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik, during the night of the festival Dipamalika, when the houses are decorated with rows of lamps, Sri Rasikananda Deva made his appearance in this world. His father was Sri Acyuta Deva, the king of Rohini.

The village of Rohini or Royni was situated within the country known as Mallabhumi, encompassed on one side by the Suvarnarekha River (Suvarna meaning golden and rekha, a line). This Suvarnarekha River cleansed the sins of all the local people. Near Royni was another village of the name Barayita, by the side of which flowed the Dolanganadi River, whose banks were adorned with beautiful gardens. Raja Acyuta Deva very affectionately maintained his subjects and was famous for impeccably observing the rites attendant upon kings. In the village of Royni the son of King Acyuta appeared as the sun appears in the eastern sky and became dearly beloved by the people. He was known as Rasikananda and also Murari.

Youth :
At a very young age he became quite proficient in all of the scriptures. He was very devoted to his parents, especially his mother, whose name was Bhavani. His father married him at very young age. Murari’s wife Syamadasi was a treasure chest of good character who hailed from the village of Ghonta Sila, not far from Royni on the banks of the Suvarna Rekha, where in earlier ages the Pandavas had lived in exile.

Meeting his Guru :
One day, Murari was sitting in a lonely place, wondering when and where he might become so fortunate as to get shelter at the lotus feet of a spiritual preceptor. Just then a voice from the sky addressed him, “Don’t be in anxiety, you will become the disciple of Sri Syamananda.” Having heard this proclamation, Rasik Murari became very jubilant, and began to repeatedly murmur the name Syamananda, as though chanting japa.

Moment to moment his eagerness increased without diminition, as tears flowed from his eyes by his chanting of the name of Syamananda. He was in such a state that he spent most of the night sleeplessly, calling to his master Syamananda. Finally, towards the early morning, he drifted off to the land of dreams, where he saw his spiritual master, the very figure of charm and grace. Smilingly, Syamananda informed him, “When tomorrow the eastern sky becomes tinged with pink, you will obtain me.” Saying this, Syamananda disappeared. Rasikananda’s heart began to swell in ecstatic bliss. Then, with the first rays of morning which dispel the dense darkness of the world, the wise Murari sat silently watching the path. After some time Syamananda approached from the distance, looking as effulgent as the sun and surrounded by his disciples like Sri Kishora dasa and others. His smiling face was like the lotus flower that opens to greet its friend- the sun, and his chest was as broad as a door. His captivating appearance was made all the more irresistable by the sweet sounds of ‘Sri krishna Caitanya-Nityananda’ emanating from his lotus mouth. Absorbed in intense love he moved along the path like the clouds move in the sky. When Rasika caught sight of this divine form, he fell down in front of him to touch his lotus feet. In great ecstasy Shyamananda embraced him and began to bathe him with his tears of ecstatic love.

Life devoted to Preaching :
Sri Rasika Murari then felt himself to be one of the most fortunate living beings within this universe. On an auspicious day Syamananda initiated Rasika and his wife in Radha-krishna mantra. After that, Rasikananda began to travel with his guru, during which time he became a very intimate disciple. Syamananda then bestowed upon him the service of Sri Radha- Govinda Deva at Sri Gopiballabhapur. Rasikananda became totally engaged in their Lordships service, and the devotees were charmed by his excellent services. At Gopiballabhpur and other places he began to seriously take up the preaching the message of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. By his influence many atheists and non-believers were transformed into devotees of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. “By the tremendous influence of Rasikananda’s preaching, many rogues, robbers and atheists were delivered from their sinful activities and received his mercy. He distributed the jewel of devotion as he travelled from village to village, in the company of his disciples.

One day he even converted a wild elephant which was sent for his destruction into his disciple and engaged him in the service of krishna and the Vaisnavas. That wicked miscreant who sent the elephant bowed at his feet when he realised his mistake. It is not possible to count the number of living entities that were extricated from the ocean of material existence by Rasikananda Deva’s association. He was always intoxicated with the chanting of the Holy Name. Who cannot but be overwhelmed by hearing about his uncommon qualities?” [B.R. 15.86] Many virtuous kings and zamindars such as the king of Mayurbhanj named Vaidyanatha Bhanj, the king of Patashpur known as Gajapati and Candrabhanu, the king of Moyna, took shelter at his lotus feet. What to speak of those pious and noble gentlemen, even the sinful zamindar Bhima, Suba Ahmadbeg and the wicked atheist Srikar also surrendered themselves at his lotus feet. Another vicious, wild elephant was tamed by Rasikananda’s transcendental influence and henceforward was known as Gopala das. Later, two jungle tigers likewise gave up their ferocious nature.

Love for Lord Jagannath :
One year, during Lord Jagannatha’s Ratha-yatra festival, Rasikananda Deva was preaching somewhere in the country, but when he realised that it was time for Ratha-yatra he dropped everything and rushed like the wind in order to come to Nilacala in time for the festival.

But in the meantime the festival had already begun. Lord Jagannath, Who felt reciprocal separation from His dear devotee Rasikananda, caused the Rath to stop. Though the king summoned his elephants to push the Ratha, under no circumstances could they budge it, not even an inch. Then Lord Jagannatha, seeing that the king was becoming frustrated, informed him that he was waiting for His devotee Rasika.

Finally Rasikananda Deva arrived, carrying with him many offerings of silk clothes and other presents. He fell down to offer his dandavats before Lord Jagannatha, and the king requested him to pull the rope at which the cart began to easily move along the road, just as the clouds move in the sky. Later the king requested Rasikananda to accept a gift of land so he might establish a temple there. Rasikananda requested the place known as Fultota Math, which is now known as Kunja Math. There he installed the Deity of Sri Bat krishna. The Deity is now known as Sri Sri Radha-Rasika Raya.

Lineage :
Sri Rasikananda had three sons: Sri Radhananda, Sri krishna-Govinda and Sri Radha-krishna. The present servants of Sri Sri Radha-Govindadeva at Gopiballabhapur are their descendents. He composed Sri Shyamananda-sataka, Srimad Bhagavatastaka as well as other hymns and songs. His Sripat Gopiballabhpur can be reached from Calcutta by taking a train to Khavagpur, and a bus to Gopiballabhpur from there. There is also a temple of Rasikananda at Puri.

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Jagannatha Dasa Babaji

Jagnnatha dasa Babaji was born in the Mayamanasimha district of West Bengal. Gaudiya Vedanta-acarya Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana had a disciple named Uddhava dasa. His disciple was Sri Madhusudana dasa Babaji who lived in Suryakunda. Madhusudana dasa Babaji’s disciple was Jagnnatha dasa Babaji.

Jagnnatha dasa Babaji was very austere; he never hesitated to fast without taking any water for three days at a stretch. He used to sit up the entire night chanting the holy name and at early dawn finish his ablutions. In the morning he took prasada of curd and flat rice.

The following is a list of disciples of Siddha Jagnnatha dasa Babaji:

1. Biharidasa Babaji
2. Bhagavata dasa Babaji
3. Gaurahari dasa Babaji
4. Ramahari dasa Babaji
5. Ramadasa Babaji
6. Nityananda dasa Babaji, a resident of Varsana
7. Harekrishna dasa Babaji, a resident of Kadamakhandi

Jagnnatha dasa Babaji lived in vrindavana and performed his bhajan there for quite some time. Once he asked his servant Biharidasa to locate a Deity to install there. Biharidasa personally approached a weaver-caste Zamindar to help him in this regard. The Zamindar thus arranged to bring Deities of Gaura-Nitai from Dainhata and gave them to Biharidasa. Nitai-Gaura looked so beautiful when They were installed that it appeared as if They were made of gold. On the occasion of the installation ceremony a sum of Rs. 3,000 was spent to feed the Vaisnavas of Suryakunda and Radhakunda.

One day a band of dacoits approached him with the motive of stealing the Deities which they thought were made of gold. He told them that he possessed nothing and they might look into the temple for booty. The dacoits broke open the temple door and quickly gathered up everything they could find, including the Deities. However, in rushing to make their escape they stumbled on the door step and dropped the Deities. Seeing that the sun had risen outside the dacoits left the Deities and rushed off with the rest of the booty. After this incident he asked Biharidasa to arrange for the Deities to be cared for by someone else. Biharidasa carried the Deities to vrindavana where he handed Them over, along with Rs. 2,000, to Mother-Goswamini, a resident of Gayespur in the district of Maldaha. At present these Deities are residing at Dhopapada in Gopalbag and are known as “Sonara Gaura”.

Sometime later he again asked Biharidasa to locate another Deity for him. Biharidasa found a Deity of the six-armed Lord Caitanya which had been kept hidden in a bag of cattle-feed. This Deity belonged to Dinu Babaji, a Manipuri Vaisnava residing in Mathura near Radhakunda. Biharidasa brought the Deity to vrindavana where he cleansed and decorated Him, then carried the Deity, along with all items for worship, to Suryakunda.

For ten years thereafter Babaji Maharaja worshiped this Deity until one day he said, “Bihari, please put this Deity in the care of someone else in vrindavana. I would like to go to Navadvipa. Let my body be offered at the lotus feet of Lord Gauranga.” Biharidasa brought the Deity to vrindavana and after receiving a donation of Rs. 25 from Mother-Goswamini of Gayespur handed over the Deity as well as the money to Narottama dasaji, the head of the Gopalaguru Matha. At present this Deity is being served at the lane of Nidhuvana.

In 1880 Bhaktivinoda Thakura went to vrindavana and saw him for the first time. While there, he received many instructions on Hari-bhakti from Jagnnatha dasa. Some time later, Babaji Maharaja visited the Barddhaman district during the month of Phalguna. He stayed at a town called Amalajora. At that time, Bhaktivinoda Thakura again had the good fortune to take his darsana.

Seeing Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s enthusiasm for preaching the holy name of krishna, Babaji Maharaja was very happy. He stayed in Amalajora during ekadasi, and that night there was kirtan and Hari-katha. Later, at Amalajora, Bhaktivinoda Thakura established his Prappana-asrama.

In 1893 Babaji Maharaja went from Koladvipa to Surabhi-kunja in Godrumadvipa. There he took his seat. His arrival in Surabhi-kunja was a wonderful event. Jagnnatha dasa Babaji revealed many lost holy places in Mayapura, including the Yogapitha, Srivasa Angana, and others. It is said that when he came upon the holy place of Mahaprabhu’s birth he danced, although he was very old and walked with difficulty. For some time he remained in Nadia and performed his bhajan on the banks of the Ganges. His bhajan kutir and samadhi mandir are still there at present. He ordered Bhaktivinoda Thakura to build a hut so devotees could stay near his bhajan kutir, and Bhaktivinoda did so.

When Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was twelve years old, he was an expert in the Jyoti-sastras explaining Vedic astrology. Hearing this, Babaji Maharaja one day called upon him to prepare the Vaisnava calendar in accordance with the proper siddhanta. He did so and Babaji Maharaja was very pleased. With this, the Navadvipa Panjika, the Vaisnava calendar recording the dates of the appearance and disappearance of important Vaisnava saints and the celebration of important festivals, began.

Babaji Maharaja always had great enthusiasm for kirtan and Vaisnava seva. Even when he was nearly 135 years old, he went on preaching the message of Sri Caitanya throughout the world for the benefit of the fallen masses. In his old age, although he was almost paralyzed by infirmity, whenever it was time for kirtana he would still raise his arms in ecstasy.

Jagnnatha dasa Babaji was the vesa, or Babaji, guru of Bhagavata dasa Babaji Maharaja. Bhagavata dasa in turn gave the dress of a babaji to Gaurakisora dasa Babaji. Jagnnatha dasa Babaji’s servant’s name was Biharidasa. He was extremely strong and powerful. In his old age, Babaji Maharaja could not walk and Biharidasa used to carry him in a basket on his shoulders. When he went to Calcutta, Babaji Maharaja would stay at the house of Bhaktivinoda Thakura on Manikatala Street. Bhaktivinoda was always very eager to invite him to his house for prasada, but Babaji Maharaja was very renounced and would come only occasionally.

When he was in his old age, Babaji Maharaja was nearly blind. Many people would come to see him and to offer him donations for the service of Sri krishna. His servant Biharidasa would keep all these donations in a bag. One day, Babaji Maharaja said, “Bihari! How many rupees have I got?” Biharidasa had put some rupees aside for some service he had planned to render Babaji Maharaja. When asked about how many rupees were on hand, Bihari placed some rupees in his hand and kept twelve rupees aside. Even though his eyesight was failing, however, Babaji Maharaja detected the discrepancy. “Bihari!,” he said, “Why have you kept twelve rupees aside? Give me all the rupees!” Smiling at this fun, Bihari surrendered the remaining coins to his guru. At that time, Babaji Maharaja made his wishes known as to how the money should be spent. The total came to two hundred rupees. Babaji Maharaja ordered Biharidasa to take the money at once and buy sweetballs, rasagulas, and feed all the cows in Navadvipa dhama.

Once Babaji Maharaja was on the banks of the Ganges, living under a makeshift canvas tent. Nearby that place there lived a dog with five puppies. Whenever Babaji Maharaja would take prasada, the dogs would come around and lick the food from his plate. When Biharidasa caught hold of one of the dogs to drive it off, Babaji Maharaja told him: “Bihari! If you wish to drive these dogs off, you may take my plate away as well. I shall not eat today.” When Bihari complained, “But guru maharaja, these dogs are unclean!” Babaji Maharaja remarked, “No. These dogs are residents of the holy dhama. You may not abuse them.”

Many people used to come and beg alms from Jagnnatha dasa Babaji. He did not want to give them alms, but told them to do service. One day a man named Sri Gaura Hari dasa came and asked Jagnnatha dasa Babaji for alms, but Babaji Maharaja would give him nothing. When the man persisted for three days, fasting outside Babaji Maharaja’s tent, Babaji Maharaja finally relented. He tore off a piece of his kaupina (undergarment) and gave it to Biharidasa, his servant, with the instruction to present it to the beggar as alms, thereby informing the beggar that he must first learn to control his senses before taking up the profession of a saint.

One day Babaji Maharaja remarked about the professional readers of Srimad-Bhagavatam, “This kind of professional Bhagavata kirtana is simply prostitution. Those who make their living by reading Srimad-Bhagavatam are offenders to the holy name of krishna. No one should listen to the kirtana and Bhagavatam readings that they produce. And one who listens to such offensive readings and thus commits offenses against the holy name of krishna certainly goes to hell. Those who are involved in this professional reading should immediately give it up. Such a person should worship the residents of vrindavana with great care and attention, considering himself most fallen, and thus pray for forgiveness.”

In Navadvipa Jagnnatha dasa Babaji preferred to live beneath a tree where now the bhajan kutir of Biharidasa stands. Later Biharidasa bought ten cottahs of land from Madhava Datta for Rs. 40. That plot had a huge ditch in it which Bihari filled up by carrying earth from the Ganges at night after Jagnnatha dasa went to bed. Sometime later Kedaranatha Datta Bhaktivinoda arrived there and both he and Biharidasa sought bhiksa from Nafar Pal Chowdhury of Mahesaganj and raised two shades. Awhile later, with the approval of Jagnnatha dasa, Rajarsi Banamali Raya Bahadur built three small rooms and fenced them in with a surrounding wall. The aged Manamohini dasi, a resident of Kaigrama, arranged to dig a well. He lived here for 32 years until his disappearance at the age of 147 years.

Srimad Bhaktivinoda Thakura remarked of Jagnnath dasa Babaji Maharaja that he was the topmost general among Gaudiya Vaisnavas.

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your servant,
Padmanabh das

Prashant Patel
Program Manager, Lenovo WW Maint Inventory
2020 Technology Parkway,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: (717) 610-2140, T/L: 471-2140

Dandvat pranam.
SriSri Umapati Mahadevji ki Jai !! Sri Shiv Ratri ki Jai !! Srila Prabhupadji Maharaj ki Jai !!

Today is Shiv Ratri…a festival held in honor of topmost devote of SriSri Radha Sharadbihariji. Today let us pray to Lord Shiva to bestow his unlimited blessings on us and to give us what is most dear to his heart – SriSri Radha Shyamsundarji and Their seva in Vrindavan. Bhagavan Shiva is eternally residing as Gopeshwar Mahadev in Goloka Vrindavan dham and also on Bhu-Vrindavan…he resides as guard and protector of Vrindavan….he resides as the bestower of all auspiciousness on devotees who wants to tread the path of Krsna Consiousness…he resides as worshippable object of all devotees who wants to gain the favor of Sri Shyamsundarji just like Gopis gained the favor of Sri Shyamsundarji by appeasing Lord Shiva. Let us pray to him from our heart today to bestow on us Krsna Consciousness.

Sri Brahma Samhita very nicely describes Lord Shiva -

ksiram yatha dadhi vikara-visesa-yogat, sanjayate na hi tatah prthag asti hetoh
yah sambhutam api tatha samupaiti karyad, Govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami

Just as milk is transformed into curd by the action of acids, but yet the effect curd is neither same as, nor different from, its cause, viz., milk, so I adore the primeval Lord Govinda of whom the state of Sambhu is a transformation for the performance of the work of destruction.

Attached is some notes and pictures which I have on Lord Shiva….hope you like it and find them useful. Today one should pray to Lord Shiva and if possible offer milk, water abhisek on him (and bilva leaves if possible). Also today we should do some sankirtan in front of him for his pleasure. and bow down to his whole family – Bhagavan Shivji, Ma Parvatiji, Sri Kartikeyaji, and Sri Ganeshji for their blessings to progress in Krsna Consiousness.

Hari Bhakti Vilasa written by Srila Gopal Bhatta Goswami mentions Shivaratri as a festival observed by Vaishnavas:

siva-ratri-vratam krsna-caturdasyam tu phalgune
vaisnavair api tat karyam sri-krsna-pritaye sada

On the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March), for the pleasure of Lord Sri Krishna, a vaisnava should always take a vow to fast on this day. (It is called Shivaratri, or the night of Lord Shiva.)
- Gautamiya-tantra quoted in Hari-bhakti-vilasa 14.187.

Why devotees observe worship of Mahadeva on this day is also described in the same section of Hari Bhakti Vilas

yani kanyatra lingani sthavarani carani ca
tesu samkramate devas tasyam ratrau yato harah
sivaratris tatah prokta tena sa hari-vallabha

On the night of the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna Lord Shiva enters into whatever siva-lingas are present on this earthly planet. For this reason, this day is called Shivaratri. For this reason, this day is very dear to Lord Sri Hari. – Nagara khanda of Skanda Purana quoted in Hari-bhakti-vilasa 14.200.

sri krsne vaisnavanam tu prema-bhaktir vivardhate
krsna-bhakti-rasa-sara-varsi-rudranukampaya

The loving devotion of the vaisnavas for Lord Krishna greatly increases by the mercy of Lord Shiva who distributes the essence of krsna-bhakti-rasa. – Hari-bhakti-vilasa 14.203

In the beginning of the 34th chapter of Krishna Book, Srila Prabhupada describes that devotees sometimes observe Shivaratri and sometimes they don’t:

(here we have to be conscious of our position…Srila Prabhupad writes about devotees and Sri Nand Maharaj/ Gopas…if we are devotees we follow the same…if we are aspiring to become devotees we should try to do more by following Shiv Ratri)

Once upon a time, the cowherd men of Vrindavan, headed by Nanda Maharaja, desired to go to Ambikavana to observe the Shivaratri ceremony. The rasa-lila was performed during the autumn, and after that the next big ceremony is Holi, or the Dolayatra ceremony. Between the Dolayatra ceremony and the rasa-lila ceremony there is an important ceremony called Shiva-ratri, which is especially observed by the Saivites, or devotees of Lord Shiva. Sometimes the Vaishnavas also observe this ceremony because they accept Lord Shiva as the foremost Vaishnava. But the function of Shivaratri is not observed very regularly by the bhaktas, or devotees of Krishna. Under the circumstances, Srimad Bhagavatam states that Nanda Maharaja and the other cowherd men "once upon a time desired." This means that they were not regularly observing the Shivaratri function but that once upon a time they wanted to go to Ambikavana out of curiosity.

From Sri Navadwip Dham Mahatmya – Hari Hara Kshetra

All glories to Lord Caitanya, Sri Sacisuta! All glories to Lord Nityananda, Sri Avadhuta! All glories to Sitapati, Advaita Prabhu, king of the devotees! All glories to Gadadhara and the society of devotees! All glories to beautiful Navadvipa-dhama! And all glories to the name of Gaura!

Lord Nityananda continued on with the devotees while chanting, "Hari, Hari!" Because of ecstatic love, Nityananda Prabhu tottered as He walked and mumbled as he talked. Tears streamed down His face, and in agitation He cried out "Gaura, Gaura!" All His ornaments glittered and His divine form illuminated the ten directions. Srivasa, along with Jiva, repeatedly wept and danced. And the other devotees all danced along.

As they approached Alakananda, Lord Nityananda, immersed in bliss, said, "Starting to the west of Bilvapaksha village (Belpukura), the Mandakini River comes and surrounds Nadia. At Suvarnavihara, the Alakananda River leaves the Mandakini. On the eastern bank of the Alakananda River, near the Gandaki River, is Harihara-kshetra. A beautiful Deity will be discovered there in the future, amidst a lovely forest.

"To the west of the Alakananda River see Kasi, where the followers of Siva and his consort endeavor for liberation. This Navadvipa Kasi, however, is superior to the other Kasi. Here, Siva is always dancing and chanting the name of Gaura, begging his followers to accept Gaura-bhakti. The sannyasis who live for a thousand years in Kasi may attain liberation through the cultivation of jshana, but here the devotees kick away that liberation as they dance and chant the name of Gauranga. While leaving the body here, living entities are delivered by Lord Siva, who chants the name of Gauranga in their ears. This dhama is thus called Maha-Varanasi, for here there is no fear of death."

At that moment Nityananda Prabhu began dancing, and He asked Jiva to accept Gaura-prema. Invisible to everyone, Siva came forward and bowed at Nityananda’s lotus feet. Lord Siva and his consort, Gauri, achieved all their desires by always singing the name of Gauranga.

your servant,
Padmanabh das

Prashant Patel
Program Manager, Lenovo WW Maint Inventory
2020 Technology Parkway,
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: (717) 610-2140, T/L: 471-2140

हर पल … हर जगह.. नज़र आने लगा है तू ..!!