GBC Meeting Daily Report Day 2: 8 February 2023
→ Dandavats

The GBC meeting opened with Srila Prabhupada Guru Puja prayers followed by a reading from the Srimad Bhagavatam (6.5.27-28) by Prahladananda Swami. Twenty-five members attended the meeting in Mayapur. Dina Sharan Devi Dasi, and Emeritus members Mukunda Goswami, Gopal Krishna Goswami, and Guru Gauranga Das joined online. The first agenda topic taken was a presentation
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Purusottama Das Thakura Disappearance
→ Ramai Swami

From the time he was a small boy, Purusottama dasa Thakura was dedicated to constantly meditating on the lotus feet of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

In Caitanya-Caritamrta (C.C. adi 11.38—39), Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami has written: “The twenty-third and twenty fourth prominent devotees of Nityananda Prabhu were Sadasiva Kaviraja and his son Purusottama dasa, who was the tenth gopala.

Since birth, Purusottama dasa Thakura was merged in the service of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, and he always engaged in childish play with Lord Krsna.” 

The Caitanya-Bhagavata records (C.B. Antya 5.741—742): “Sadasiva Kaviraja was greatly fortunate. His son was named Sri Purusottama dasa. Purusottama dasa Thakura had no concern for his external body; Sri Nityananda Prabhu always resided within the core of his heart.

Sri Purusottama dasa Thakura had three principle disciples: Sri Madhvacarya, Sri Yadavacarya, and Devakinandana dasa. They were from brahmana families.  Sri Madhvacarya later became the husband of Nityananda Prabhu’s daughter Gangadevi. Sri Devakinandana dasa was the author of an important book glorifying the lives of different Vaisnavas. 

Purusottama dasa Thakura’s wife’s name was Jahnava.  She passed away just after bearing Purusottama dasa Thakura’s son Kanu. Hearing this news, Nityananda Prabhu went to the house of Purusottama dasa Thakura and took his son Kanu with him to his own village of Khadadaha. Kanu Thakura was born on the ratha-yatra day in the year 1450 Saka era. Seeing his great devotion, Nityananda Prabhu gave him the name Sisu Krsnadasa. 

 When he was five years old, Kanu Thakura was taken to Vrndavana by Jahnava Mata. Upon seeing the great devotion of the boy, Jiva Goswami and the other Goswami’s called him Kanai Thakura. 

The people say that one day Kanai Thakura was in Vrndavana, dancing in the ecstasy of kirtana and while dancing, a bangle fell from his feet. At that time he said, “At the place where this bangle has fallen I shall make my residence.” 

At present that bangle is kept in a temple in a village called Khana grama in the Yasohara district of Bengal, which is where the original family home of Kanai Thakura was located.

Monthly Media – Jan 2023
→ KKSBlog

The New Year – January 2023

This month we celebrated Sri Advaita Acharya Appearance Day. Sri Advaita Acharya prabhu was born in 1434 in Nabagram, Bengal. He was the first among the associates of Lord Caitanya. He is recognised as a combined incarnation or expansion of Sri Maha Vishnu and Sri Sadashiva, Lord Shiva in Golok dham. Sri Advaita went to Vrindavan and became absorbed in the worship of Krishna. He discovered the deity of Sri Madan Mohan.

Kadamba Kanana Swami was still in Vrindavan this month and he gave many programs during this month as well. Please see the links to the programmes below:

2nd January – Program at Balaram Hall

https://youtu.be/8qNQlj2Hp3M

5th January – Srimad Bhagavatam class 10.29.19

https://youtu.be/A16DCjjj3tg

9th January – Monday program

https://youtu.be/375WTxTHo60

10th January – Mangal arati at Krishna Balaram Temple

16th January – Monday program

https://www.youtube.com/live/9ssic7meKzc?feature=share

22nd January – Australian Zoom meeting

https://youtu.be/MfHrEILucvE

23rd January – Monday program

https://www.youtube.com/live/zZQs07m2adA?feature=share

30th January – Monday program

https://www.youtube.com/live/uaGvq8MlAGo?feature=share

Weekly Zoom Meetings

7th January

https://youtu.be/AxtXYLCNlms

14th January

21st January

28th January

https://www.youtube.com/live/vKrJd0PRdL0?feature=share

Please stay tuned in and follow Kadamba Kanana Swami’s adventure.

The article " Monthly Media – Jan 2023 " was published on KKSBlog.

Final Instructions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura
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Today is the auspicious appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura! “I advise all to preach the teachings of Rūpa-Raghunātha [disciples of Lord Caitanya] with all energy and resources. Our ultimate goal shall be to become the dust of the lotus feet of Śrī Śrī Rūpa and Raghunātha Gosvāmīs. You should all work conjointly under
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Gold Coast Bhakti Centre in Queensland Australia – Summer Chariot Festival 2023
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Gold Coast Bhakti Centre in Queensland Australia held their annual Summer Rathyatra in the heart of tourist meccha Surfers Paradise in the peak of tourist season. Hundreds of locals, devotees and tourists witnessed Their Lordships Jaganath, Subhadra and Baladev being pulled through the beach precinct. During the parade an aeroplane flew up and down the
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Sadhu is always present
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By HH Gour Govinda Swami You say, “Oh! We have been cheated so many times. Now we won’t put faith in anyone. No sādhus are there. We don’t see any sādhu.” . Can you see a sādhu? Do you have the vision to see a sādhu? You are a conditioned soul. You have defective vision.
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Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was born in the holy pilgrimage place of Jagannatha Puri to Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a great Vaisnava acarya in the line of succession coming from Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Although employed as a government magistrate, Srila Bhaktivinoda worked tirelessly to establish the teachings of Lord Chaitanya in India. He envisioned a worldwide spiritual movement and prayed for a son to help him achieve his dream. 
 
On February 6, 1874, in the sacred pilgrimage town of Jagannath Puri, where Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura served as superintendent of the famous Jagannatha temple, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta appeared in this world. He was given the name Bimala Prasada.

At the age of seven, Bimala Prasada had memorized the more than seven hundred Sanskrit verses of the Bhagavad-gita and could speak illuminating commentaries upon them. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the author of many important books and other writings on Gaudiya Vaisnava philosophy, trained his son in printing and proofreading. 

By the time he was twenty-five years old, Bimala Prasada had acquired an impressive reputation as a scholar of Sanskrit, mathematics, and astronomy. His astronomical treatise, Surya-siddhanta, won him the title Siddhanta Sarasvati in recognition of his immense learning.

In 1905, following the advice of his father, Siddhanta Sarasvati accepted spiritual initiation from Srila Gaurakishora dasa Babaji. Although Srila Gaurakishora dasa Babaji was illiterate, he was renowned throughout the continent as a great saint and Vaisnava acarya. Siddhanta Sarasvati, although a great scholar, exhibited humility and dedication in the presence of Srila Gaurakishora.

Satisfied with such humility and dedication of his highly educated disciple, Srila Gaurakishora gave Siddhanta Sarasvati his full blessings and requested him to “preach the Absolute Truth and keep aside all other work.” Upon the disappearance of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in 1914, Siddhanta Sarasvati became editor of his father’s journal, Sajjana-tosani, and founded the Bhagawat Press for the publication of Gaudiya Vaisnava literature.

In 1918 Siddhanta Sarasvati accepted the renounced order of spiritual life, assuming the title Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja. For purposes of propagating Gaudiya Vaisnavism throughout India, he organized the Gaudiya Math, with sixty-four branches throughout the country. The headquarters of his mission, the Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, is located in Sridhama Mayapura, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. 
 

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta adjusted ancient traditions to conform with technological and social conditions of the twentieth century. He considered the printing press a most effective means of spreading this message throughout the world and was himself the author of many important translations, commentaries, and philosophical essays.

He was the first spiritual teacher in this line to allow his renounced preachers (sannyasis) to wear Western clothes and travel in modern conveyances rather that on foot. Throughout the 1930s, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta expanded and increased his missionary work and succeeded in reestablishing Gaudiya Vaisnavism as the leading force in Indian spiritual life. 
 
On January 1, 1937, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura passed from this world.

Srila Prabhupada — The Acharya Part 5 — 4K ULTRA HD
→ Dandavats

This is the final instalment of Srila Prabhupada the Acharya. We see Srila Prabhuapda going about his everyday affairs as he travels the world managing his worldwide preaching organisation, the International Society for Krishna Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). Srila Prabhupada enlivens his disciples and tirelessly explains the philosophy of Krishna consciousness to guests and the general
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Prayers and Mantras to Lord Nrsimhadeva
- TOVP.org

With the coming historic opening of the completed Nrsimhadeva Temple in the TOVP this October, slated to be the largest Nrsimhadeva Temple in the world, we would like to request devotees to pray to Lord Nrsimha to remove all obstacles to our success.

With that in mind we are pleased to offer the link below to the YouTube Channel, Mantra Trance, with over twenty-five standard uplifting, purifying and devotional hymns to the Lord by Yashoda Kumara Dasa, such as:

Lakshmi Narasimha Sahasranama Stotram
Narasimha Kavacham
Narasimha Stuti

From the YouTube Channel:

Description

Mantra Trance is a dedication to the stalwarts of Vedic tradition who lived an exemplary and selfless life for the benefit of one and all. Their valuable teachings, writings and compositions are like incomparable precious touch-stones that would illuminate the lives of others. Hereby we are presenting some of those immeasurable and remarkable works in the form of transcendental sound vibrations.

Yashoda Kumara Dasa

We also request all devotees to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity by financially assisting the completion of Lord Nrsimha’s temple. Please go to the Give To Nrsimha 2023 Fundraiser page on the TOVP website today.

Mantra Trance Nrsimhadeva Prayers Playlist

 

 

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Vijaya Ekadasi and the TOVP, 2023
- TOVP.org

According to the Vedic calendar, Vijaya Ekadasi falls on the 11th day of the month of Phalgun during the Krishna paksha (dark fortnight), waning phase of the Moon.

The significance of Vijaya Ekadashi has been described in the several Vedic scriptures. The term ‘Vijaya’ in literal meaning signifies victory. Observance of Vijaya Ekadashi and it’s fast offers success and victory to the observer in the difficult situation and circumstances of his/her life. It helps in providing relief from all sort of hurdles and obstacles. If people make donations and perform charities on this day, they get relieved from their past and present sins and also earn fruitful results.

We encourage devotees reading this article to kindly consider donating on this day to help complete Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Wing in the TOVP, scheduled to open October, 2023. Please go to th Give To Nrsimha 2023 Fundraiser page on the TOVP website and select one of several new and unique seva opportunity options.

  NOTE: Vijaya Ekadasi is observed on Thursday, February 16 in most parts of the world. Please refer to your local calendar through www.gopal.home.sk/gcal.

  View, download and share the TOVP 2023 Calendar​.

 

The Glories of Vijaya Ekadasi

From the Skanda Purana

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, “O Lord Sri Krishna, O glorious son of Vasudeva, please be merciful to me and describe the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March).”

Lord Sri Krishna replied, “O Yudhisthira, O king of kings, gladly I shall tell you about this great fast, known as Vijaya Ekadasi. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this Ekadasi and hears its sublime glories are eradicated.

“Narada Muni once asked lord Brahma, who sits on a lotus flower about the Vijaya Ekadasi. Sri Narada said, ‘O best of all the demigods, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadasi.’ “Narada’s great father then replied, ‘My dear son, this oldest of fasting days is pure, and it nullifies all sins. I have never revealed this to anyone until today, but you can understand beyond any doubt that this Ekadasi bestows the result indicated by its name… (Vijaya meaning Victory).

‘When Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years, He, the goddess Sita, and His divine brother Lakshmana stayed at Panchavati as mendicants. Mother Sita was then kidnapped by the demon Ravana, and Lord Rama seemingly became bewildered like an ordinary man by distress. While searching for His beloved consort, the Lord came upon the dying Jatayu, and thereafter killed His enemy Kabandha. The great devotee-vulture Jatayu returned to Vaikuntha after telling Rama how His dear Sita had been abducted by Ravana.

‘Later, Lord Rama and Sugriva, the king of the monkeys, became friends. Together they amassed a grand army of monkeys and bears and sent Hanumanji, his minister to Sri Lanka, where he was able to see Janaki (Srimati Sita devi) in an Ashoka grove garden. He delivered Lord Rama’s message and showed the ring proving his authenticity for rendering such great service to the Supreme Lord Sri Rama.

‘With the help of Sugriva, Lord Rama proceeded toward Sri Lanka. Upon arriving at the shore of the ocean with the army of monkeys, He could understand that the water was uncommonly deep and hostile. Thus, He said to Lakshmana, “O son of Sumitra, how can We earn enough merit to be able to cross this vast ocean, the unfathomable abode of Varuna deva? I can see no easy way to cross it, teeming as it is with sharks and other ferocious aquatics.”

‘Lakshmana replied, “O best of all beings, O origin of all the devas, O primal personality, the great sage Bakad Albhya lives on an island just four miles from here. O Raghava, he has seen many Brahmas come and go, so aged and wise is he. Let us go to him, take his darshan (audience) and ask him how We can safely reach Our goal.”

‘So Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the humble ashrama of the incomparable Bakad Albhya Muni. Approaching him, the two Lords paid Their respectful obeisances to him as if he were a second Vishnu. Bakad Albhya could immediately understand, however, that Sri Rama was actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who for His own reasons had appeared on the Earth and was acting just like a human being.

“Rama, ‘said Bakad Albhya,’ “O best of the human beings, why have You come to my lowly abode?”

‘The Lord replied, “O great, twice born brahmin, I have come here to the ocean shore with My phalanx of monkey and bear warriors in order to cross the sea and conquer Lanka and its demon horde headed by Ravana. O greatest of sages, please be merciful unto Me and please tell Me how I can cross this vast ocean. That is why I have come to your Ashrama today.”
‘The sage said, “O Lord Sri Rama, I shall tell you of the most exalted of all fasts, observing which You will surely conquer Ravana and be eternally glorified. Kindly now listen with full attention.

“On the day before Ekadasi, fashion a water pot of gold or silver, or even copper. Even clay will do if these metals are unavailable. Fill the pot with pure water and then decorate it nicely with mango leaves. Cover it and place it near a holy altar upon a mound of seven grains (the seven grains are barley, wheat, rice, corn, chickpeas, kukani, and dahl or peas). Now take Your morning bath, decorate the water pot with flower garlands and sandalwood paste, and in the concave lid atop the pot place there the barley, pomegranate and coconut. Now with great love and devotion worship the water pot Deity form and offer Him incense, sandalwood paste, flowers, a ghee lamp, and a plate of sumptuous foods. Remain there awake that night beside this sacred pot. On top of the lid filled with barley, etc., place a golden murthy of Lord Sri Narayana.

“When Ekadasi dawns, take Your morning bath and then decorate the water pot with fine sandalwood paste and garlands. Then worship the pot again with first class incense, lamps, sandalwood paste and flowers dipped in sandalwood paste, and then devotedly place many kinds of cooked food, pomegranate and coconut before the water pot. Then remain awake overnight.

“When the Dwadasi dawns, take the water pot to the bank of a holy river, or even to the shore of a small pond. After worshipping it again properly, O King of kings, offer it with all the aforementioned ingredients to a pure hearted brahmin, expert in the Vedic sciences. If You and Your military commanders observe the Vijaya Ekadasi in this way, You will surely be victorious in every way.”

‘Lord Sri Ramachandra Bhagavan, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, did just as Bakad Albhya Muni instructed, and thus He conquered all demoniac forces. Similarly, anyone who observes the Vijaya Ekadasi in this way will always be victorious in this mortal world, and after leaving this world he/she will reside forever in the anxiety free realm of the Kingdom of God known as the Vaikunthas.’

‘O Narada, my son, from this history you can understand why one should observe this Ekadasi fast properly, strictly following the rules and regulations. This fast is powerful enough to eradicate all one’s sinful reactions, even the most abominable ones.’

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “O Yudhisthira, anyone who reads or hears this history will attain the same great merit as that which is earned by performing a horse sacrifice on days of yore.”

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Phalguna-krsna Ekadasii or Vijaya Ekadasii, from the Skanda Purana.

 

 

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