Lord Jagannath’s Rathayatra in Bath, UK, 2022
→ Dandavats

Parasuram das Bath is a famous historical English city, built by the Romans , still has a magnificent Roman Temple and hot water baths, for which the city is named after. The Mayor of Bath Councillor Rob Appleyard enthusiastically joined the Rathayatra procession in the footsteps of King Prataparudra. This Rathayatra takes place annually since
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TOVP Gorgeous Temple Grounds
- TOVP.org

The beauty of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium exterior and interior will be a hallmark of this future wonder of the world. But the frontage temple grounds will also present a gorgeous display of attractive features.

The temple 45-acre frontage will be adorned with luscious gardens and attractive walkways, interwoven with calming water displays and fountains, yajna-shalas, gazebos and sitting areas, all surrounded by the residential quarters, ashrams, shops, restaurants and schools of the expanding Mayapur city.

The images below represent some of the above features of the temple grounds in computer graphics versions, more fully appreciated in the Master Plan video.
 

TOVP Gorgeous Temple Grounds  

 

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O Lord Krishna, Please Protect Me
→ Dandavats

Prabhupāda: So we have to be very careful. The age is very bad, the Kali-yuga. You are experiencing. We have to simply take shelter of Kṛṣṇa and always cry, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, he! kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, he! kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa, rakṣa mām! kṛṣṇa, kṛṣṇa,
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Monthly Media – June 2022
→ KKSBlog

The Month of Blessings

In the month of June, blessings were given to all of us. Kadamba Kanana Swami started the month in New York City. He gave lectures, led kirtans and attended the annual Ratha-yatra. “Ratha-yatra” means “chariot festival”. This celebration has been held every year for hundreds of years at Jagannatha Puri in Orissa on India’s East Coast. There, three huge chariots, carrying the Deity forms of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra, are pulled by hand through the city streets amid loud musical performances. Millions of pilgrims come to the festival in Orissa. Jagannatha is a special and very merciful form of Krsna.

Ratha-yatra is the biggest street festival sponsored by the International Society for Krsna Consciousness and it ends with a delicious, sanctified vegetarian feast. It is celebrated by devotees of Lord Krsna all over the world and was introduced to the West by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1967 in San Franscisco.

Please see the links below to Kadamba Kanana Swami’s lectures, kirtans and festivals.

1 June 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 3.12.32

2 June 2022 – Harinama in New York City

https://www.facebook.com/groups/ydnyc/permalink/8159762667382609/

8 June 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam Class

https://www.facebook.com/iskconnyc/videos/1074826609376508/

9 June 2022 – Bhakti School Program

10 June 2022 – Pandava Ekadashi Initiation Ceremony

10 June 2022 – Time Square Kirtan

11 June 2022 – New York City Ratha-yatra

After spending some time in New York City, Kadamba Kanana Swami flew to the United Kingdom and attended many programs, held lectures and gave initiation to his aspiring disciples. Please see the links to these events below. Many lectures were recorded on his Instagram page as well.

19 June 2022 – Caitanya Caritamrta Adi Lila 5.99-100

19 June 2022 – Sunday Feast Kirtan

20 June 2022 – Srimad Bhagavatam 1.6.22

21 June 2022 – Sadhu Sanga

21 June 2022 – Kirtan

23 June 2022 – Initiation Ceremony

26 June 2022 – HH Swayam Bhagavan Kesava Maharaj Sannyasa Initiation

Weekly Zoom Meetings

3 June 2022 – Intimate message for disciples and health update

10 June 2022 – Devotees who shaped our lives

17 June 2022 – We can trust Srila Prabhupada

24 June 2022 – Disciples Meeting in London

After spending time in the United Kingdom, Kadamba Kanana Swami went to Radhadesh in Belgium. Please stay tuned in and follow his adventures.

The article " Monthly Media – June 2022 " was published on KKSBlog.

Saturday, July 2, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Russell, Ontario

Some Excitement

For our morning sadhanasession with the Bhakti Academy, I facilitated the group on a class from Bhagavatam1.2.17. Here’s the verse in English:

“Sri Krishna, the Personality of Godhead, who is the Paramatma (Supersoul) in everyone’s heart and the benefactor of the truthful devotee, cleanses desire for material enjoyment from the heart of the devotee who has developed the urge to hear His messages, which are in themselves virtuous when properly heard and chanted.”

For recitation of the Sanskrit transliteration of the verse, I gave each member one work to speak on. I gave a two-minute limit for each to speak. It was fun and philosophical. Each participant did well.

After a marvelous meal for breakfast at Krishna Dulal’s, we departed for Toronto. As usual, I took to walking instead of waiting. Two young raccoons began to cross the road as I was enroute. The traffic was thick. I thought the worst. The first young furry fellow cleared the traffic. The second one, not. He got hit badly by a car, but he sprung back into action and scurried across on a limp.

A massive mobile farm machinery made its way down the road. It covered a lane and a half. I had to move over, certainly. But that moving over put me to an advantage. A motorist pulled over. He was curious.

“You’re a monk?”

“Yes, a Krishna monk.”

This motorist, a male from the U.K. (he’s got the accent), has heard about the Bhagavad-gita. We exchanged contact numbers. I hope to meet him again. In the bhaktitradition, it’s all about making friends.

May the Source be with you!

3 km


 

Friday, July 1, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Ottawa, Ontario

Chanting at the Capital

Happy Birthday Canada!

It’s an annual trip I make to the capital city of this country – a country of pluses and minuses. Canada is a place where we can exercise our practice of higher consciousness. While leading kirtan, my Godbrother from Montreal, Laksminath, used his time on the microphone to express that, “We have the freedom to express outwardly our appreciation for the Creator.”

Both Laksminath and others (including myself) took the lead on the kirtan at our usual location by the Rideau Canal, a mere two-minute walk from Parliament Hill. It is a walkthrough space so some participants enjoying the whole birthday blast got a little frustrated, but for the most part folks were exceedingly happy for what they saw and heard.

Vallabha Hari moved through the crowd that was watching the crowd that was dancing and chanting. Sometimes, the two crowds merged. Some questions lodged and statements directed towards Vallabha Hari were:

“We believe in Buddha, but this is so nice!”

“What is the meaning of this mantra? Is it from India?”

“These books are great. I like this one ‘Easy Journey to Other Planets.’”

Vallabha explained that “The Hare Krishna mantra is universal. This is non-sectarian. It is for everyone, as you can see.”

A sudarji, a Black woman, an Italian woman, Hindus, Christians, yogis, Muslims – all were enwrapped in the joy of a national birthday party at the site of the chanting group.

May the Source be with you!

4 km


 

Thursday, June 30, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Yorkville, Toronto

The Eve Before the Birthday

I’m starting to get serious about doing community theatre again. It involves engaging youth in thematic productions based on Vedic stories. Currently, I am preparing a half-hour piece, a throw-back from twenty years ago. It’s called, simply, “Demon,” and it actually centers on a story of child abuse – the story of Prahlad. Our troupe, the Bhakti Academy, have begun practices and are working relatively close and without masks, having fun and learning.

This evening I also tagged along with the group for public kirtan at nearby Ramsden Park. You might as well call the mound we sat upon “Govardhan Hill.” The mound has spiritual significance based on the fact that we are doing something holy there. Pedestrians who stroll by join us. At least a trickle, which is significant enough. Our group is attractive. We sat in a circle and were a cross between a pow-wow and a kumbaya meet.

After this beautiful session of drum, guitar, and voices, I decided it’s time for an evening walk. Afterall, it was the eve of Canada’s birthday. Yorkville is generally a swanky night place but what was different today was the rock band concert at the hub of this urban village.

I walked by near the band, which is a magnet of togetherness – starved creatures at post pandemic. The music did rock, but in all honesty I’m too old for that stuff. It’s a bit too much “mumbo jumbo” for me. Some people might say, “Hey monk, you’re not so cool with that attitude.” Others might say, “Hey man, you’re actually growing up.”

May the Source be with you!

4 km


 

Wednesday, June 29, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Rosedale, Toronto

Mostly Joy

Whenever I get the insomnia attack, I will clutch onto my japa meditation beads for calming a restless mind. I know at that time that God is with me in the form of sound and that I’m not alone. Is it a true consolation?

It had been a full day with meetings, but only for two hours, collectively. One issue or topic of discussion was quite bitter and, out of a sense of duty, one obliges to go through the unpleasantry of it. Hard decisions must be made.

One of those meetings, an AGM, for one of our centres brought about good news. A good report. In addition to the bittersweetness of what must be done, so far as decision-making is concerned, I switched to a new phone (a reason to smile) because there is always improvement with each successive new device.

Another highlight was a chance to read to our young members of the Bhakti Academy. I was reading to them about our guru’s failing business when he was in his household years. All was going good and then a turn was inevitable, in terms of course of action. Our guru, Prabhupada, was seeing the signs on the wall. It was time for him to take steps towards the life of a monk. Reading some paragraphs of the pages of the book, “Lilamrita,” can get the reader to a touch of emotionalism.

My insomnia did also trigger the need to get active. “Go for a walk,” tells the inner voice. “And, when you come back, clean the wooden floor with water and wood soap.” That is always a task of joy. At this time my knees don’t comfortably press against the floor. Rolling on my thighs does the job. I thought, “This is the room that Prabhupada lived in forty-five years ago. It’s a pleasure to give it a cleaning.”

May the Source be with you!

3 km


 

Tuesday, June 28, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Brampton, Ontario

Signing and Shining

Not but a few days ago I signed papers for registering ISKCON Saranagati with the property in Venables Valley, British Columbia. Today I signed papers for our newest project, ISKCON Milton. Also, I noticed when I returned form the airport, our downtown centre at 243 Avenue Road has got a new paint job. The work on all window and door frames is still in progress. It looks spiffy, classy, handsome.

Anyway, all the above achievements indicate we are growing and improving, yet much work still needs to be done. Regardless, it’s encouraging.

A second trip to the western part of the Greater Toronto Area was at the house of Rajasuya and Surabhi. Their oldest son, Rishab, is getting married to Juhi this September. My visit to their home was a visit of encouragement. We had a great meal with asparagus on the menu. For me that is a measure of success.

It was great teaming the Brampton visitors at Rajasuya’s house with the Tuesday night Gita Chat group from a place called Owen Sound. We have begun our discussion on Chapter Three of the Gita, entitled “Karma Yoga.” The interesting feature of today’s discussion was centered around war versus non-war. Some people conclude that intelligence is synonymous to being quiet, even inert. The argument arises around defending one’s people and property and dharma lifestyle. If a righteous culture is threatened by adharma, selfish motives and operations, then weapons may need to come out of storage.

May the Source be with you!


 

Monday, June 27, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Vancouver/Toronto

My Poem for Today

 

Swami from India

 

There was a wise old swami from India

Who very much wanted to be in America

He was warned that he was too old

And that America was much too cold

But he was determined to go

To the land of milk, honey, and snow

With a firm grip on his cane

He walked up a ship’s ramp and lane

And then sailed across the great sea

With a plan in mind, you’ll see

But a storm made the waves so high

The kind that could cause one to die

The swami was dizzy, problems with the heart

His whole dream looked as if to fall apart

And the ocean became so calm

The swami could now chant the name Ram

The ship docked at the city of fashion

Which never sleeps in its mode of passion

The swami came to the west with a gift

A visitor on a different kind of shift

Some people were giving him the looks

When he landed with a trunk full of books

India was a place that gave silks, spice and tea

No one knew anything about something called bhakti

The swami said we all have it within

It goes deeper and beyond our very skin

It is something we lost but can be found

A treasure not on the surface of the ground

The swami’s mission grew, he had many a student

They learned to be sensitive and prudent

The swami then left the world behind

Hoping that the world would be more kind

-          Composed by Bhaktimarga Swami, The Walking Monk©

 

May the Source be with you!


 

Sunday, June 26, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Burnaby, British Columbia

Sun/Fun Day

New initiate, Mukunda Madhava, sent me a pic of his five-day old baby, Hari Priya. Sweet indeed. It is the hope of her parents (Nancy is her mother) that naturally Hari Priya will grow up to be a strong devotional human being.

Mukunda, Vallabha and I went for that early stroll to the nearby Chinese/Punjabi farming district. There is it peaceful and calm.

By noon, the Vancouver areas was heating up and I found the temple room a trite stuffy, but visitors were anticipating a recharge, spiritually, at the Sunday Open House, which included chanting, darshan (deity viewing), and feasting. Today, visitor Gauranga, from India, delivered the class on bhakti. Well received.

My book, “The Saffron Path,” sold like crazy. In fact, I ran out of copies, which is a good sign that congregants are eager to learn about walking adventures and walking purification. Walking has many benefits, and one of them is the physio and mental achievements. It is a time for reflection on the self, in as much as it is a time for admiring the scenery around; which is merely a reflection of Krishna’s power.

The night had clearly come upon us, yet enthusiastic walkers in the form of Karen and Sakshi, who are expecting a baby soon, wanted to brave the mosquitoes. We settled for a drive to a nearby set of swings. What a perfect way to keep the little vampires from drawing blood.

May the Source be with you!


 

Saturday, June 25, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Burnaby, British Columbia

It Started With Fluff

Fluff floats in the air at this time of year, which is actually seeds sent off by poplars. Well, that is what is occurring in many places in North America, and the several acres off of Marine Drive, the location of the “Sage the Earth” event at ISKCON, is also having that magical touch.

Ananda Gauranga, the priest for the event, is conducting the fire ceremony, not missing a beat with his Sanskritmantra pronunciation. “He sounds like an auctioneer,” happily blurted out Patrick, the sound man at the main stage, as he readied for presentations by dignitaries. The Mayor, Mike Hurley, came. So did Peter Julian, Member of Parliament. When Peter volunteered to take up some Bharat Natyam dance steps, a first for him, it got the audience quite excited.

I particularly felt some exhilaration when some of the local musicians were jamming it up with devotional songs with traditional lyrics. Jagamohan and others really gave the program that sweet touch, although by that time the audience had thinned out.

Meeting and mingling are a big part of a devotional event like this. I sat down with Navin Maharaja (origin Fiji) and it was his dream-child to put on this event as a way to warm up the community for a future fundraiser for the upcoming temple.

I want to thank the organizers and the youth for their drama. It was our Vallabha Hari, from Toronto, who was an excellent master of ceremonies. Congratulations to Krishna Shanti for her receiving second initiation. Such a soft heart she is.

May the Source be with you!

4 km


 

Friday, June 24, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Burnaby, British Columbia

Sage the Earth

Congratulations to Bhakta Michael who accepted diksha initiation. What a fine person he is! A gourmet chef and caterer, he is also a good devotee. His Sanskrit name now is Mukunda Madhava.

Offering initiation to Mukunda Madhava is one of my reasons for coming to Vancouver. I’m also here to participate in an event called “Sage the Earth.” I just finished a poem on the topic.

 

Sage the Earth

 

She goes by the Vedic name Bhumi

And is worshipped by many a sage and muni

Sometimes she’s described as a sacred cow or calf

A sentient being who can sob and laugh

 

We are speaking of none other than this planet, the giver

Our sustainer, our mother, and deliverer

She favours a massage with our walking on her surface

Her glories are told in folklore verses

 

Indeed, Mother Earth is loved but she has been ravaged

We act upon her as though we are savage

But she is tender and very fragile

Deserving attention and a break from the hostile

 

It is sensitivity that we must awaken

To the spill of the rubbish, she has taken

We must own up to our deviation

And, hence, offer our practical protection

 

May the Source be with you!


 

Thursday, June 23, 2022
→ The Walking Monk

Saranagati, British Columbia

Back to the Valley

Vallabha Hari flew in, as did I, to attend the “Sage the Planet” event, in the role of master of ceremonies. He arrived last night from Toronto, but this morning an idea came to his head of tagging along with the Walking Monk on a five-hour drive from Vancouver to destination spot Saranagati. Vallabha heard about this unique bhaktivillage, with a population of 75, in the quaint atmosphere of the mountainous boreal forest.

“Sure, come along,” I said.

Lilananda, maintenance man from ISKCON Burnaby, became our driver. Along the way, I noticed many physical changes since the last time I came through, which was either by foot or by wheels. Although scenic, much of the area was ravaged by forest fires and last fall’s floodings. In Abbotsford, there are dynamic remains of landslides. One town, Lytton, burnt right down to the ground. And from my last walk on Highway One, I could see that some businesses went into decline, with motels, restaurants and fruit stands overtaken by the natural world, such as trees and grasses, obscuring human endeavour.

When our party arrived at Venables Valley, I saw a space of rich green like never before. Rain had been pouring quite consistently. The afternoon and evening at Radha Krishna and Damodar’s were a reunion with all the devotees. So much love. After two and a half years we walked together, chanted, hugged, ate, and did some poetry reading. I’m sure Vallabha Hari had no regrets about coming.

 May the Source be with you!

2 km


 

𝗦𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗵𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗩𝘆𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗷𝗮 – 𝐀𝐮𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐!
→ Mayapur.com

saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka- trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto […]

The post 𝗦𝗿𝗶𝗹𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗵𝘂𝗽𝗮𝗱𝗮 𝗩𝘆𝗮𝘀𝗮𝗽𝘂𝗷𝗮 – 𝐀𝐮𝐠 𝟐𝟎𝐭𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐! appeared first on Mayapur.com.

The Fruit of Love of Godhead
→ Dandavats

“The fruit of the devotional creeper is pure desire to serve and please the senses of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Kṛṣṇendriya-prīti-icchā dhare ‘prema’ nāma. (Cc. Ādi 4.165) In the spiritual world one has no desire other than to please the senses of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The conditioned soul within the material world
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Sayana Ekadasi and the TOVP, 2022
- TOVP.org

Sayana Ekadasi (Shayani Ekadasi) (lit. “sleeping eleventh”) or Maha-ekadasi (lit. “The great eleventh”) or Prathama-ekadasi (lit. “The first eleventh”) or Padma Ekadasi, Devshayani Ekadasi or Devpodhi Ekadasi is the eleventh lunar day (Ekadasi) of the bright fortnight (Shukla paksha) of the Vedic month of Ashadha (June – July). Thus, it is also known as Ashadhi Ekadasi or Ashadhi.

On this day Ksirodakasayi Vishnu falls asleep in Ksheersagar – the cosmic ocean of milk – on Shesha naga, the cosmic serpent. This day is also called Dev-Shayani Ekadashi (lit. “god-sleeping eleventh”) or Hari-shayani Ekadasi (lit. “Vishnu-sleeping eleventh”) or Shayana Ekadasi. Vishnu finally awakens from his slumber four months later on Prabodhini Ekadasi – the eleventh day of bright fortnight in the Vedic month Kartik (October–November). This period is known as Chaturmasya and coincides with the rainy season. Thus, Shayani Ekadasi is the beginning of Chaturmasya. Devotees start observing the Chaturmasya vrata (vow) to please Vishnu on this day.

As Gaudiya Vaishnavas, our main aim during ekadasi is to decrease bodily demands so we can spend more time in seva, especially hearing and chanting about the Lord. It’s recommended to chant extra rounds and stay up all night chanting and hearing the Lord’s glories. It is also auspicious to donate to Vaishnavas and Lord Krishna’s service on ekadasi and we invite our readers to consider this ekadasi to donate towards the Give To Nrsimha 2023 Campaign to complete and open Lord Nrsimhadevas temple wing in 2023.

Please go to the Give To Nrsimha 2023 Fundraiser page and sponsor a Nrsimha Brick with your name inscribed and placed under the Lord’s altar, a Prabhupada Medallion or Murti Award or give a General Donation of any amount.

  NOTE: Sayana Ekadasi is observed on July 9 in the US with the exception of some East Coast locations, and July 10 in India. Please refer to your local calendar through www.gopal.home.sk/gcal.

  View, download and share the TOVP 2022 Calendar​.

 

Sayana Ekadasi

from Bhavishya-uttara Purana

The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, “Oh Keshava, what is the name of that Ekadasii that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June – July)?Who is the worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?

Lord Sri Krishna replied, “Oh caretaker of this earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the deva lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narad Muni.

“One day Narada Muni asked his father, ‘What is the name of the Ekadasii that comes during the light part of the month of Ahadha. Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.’

“Lord Brahma replied, ‘Oh great saintly orator, Oh best of all sages, Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is as usual excellent for all mankind. There is nothing better than Ekadasi, the day of Lord Sri Hari, in this or any other world. It nullifies even the worst sins if observed properly.
For this reason I shall tell you about this Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi.

‘Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all one’s desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell. Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi is also famous as Padma Ekadasi. Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day. Listen carefully, Oh Narada, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event that was recorded in the scriptures regarding this Ekadasi. Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.

‘Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha (Sun dynasty) whose name was Mandhata. Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor. He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own family members and children. On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his entire kingdom.
All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also were very wealthy. The king’s own treasury was free of any ill-gotten moneys, and thus he ruled happily for many years.

‘Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years. The subjects found themselves beset by famine also. The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the prescribed Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations of grita (ghee) to their forefathers and to the devas, engage in any ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures. Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and addressed him thus.

‘Oh king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now. Everyone and everything in this world needs water. Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead. The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His another name is Narayana. God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there. It is said that three things cannot exist without water; pearls, human beings, and flour. The essential quality of a pearl is its luster, and that is due to water. The essence of a man is his semen, whose main constituent is water. And without water, flour cannot be made into dough and then be cooked into various forms of bread, offered and eaten. Sometimes water is called jala-narayana, the Supreme Lord in the form of this life sustaining substance – water. In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rains, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity.

‘Oh king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus, we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as people die off or leave your kingdom. Oh best ruler on Earth, please find some solutions to this problem and bring us to peace and prosperity once again.’

‘The king replied, ‘You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings. Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives. Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom? The Holy Scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly. If a king (or head of the country) is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer. I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character I can honestly say that I find no sin. Still, for the good of all you subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation.’

‘Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage, paid his obeisances to me (Brahma), and then entered the forest. He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their Ashrams and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom. At last, he came upon the ashram of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions. Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma. King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sage, whose senses were completely under control. The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni. Then the king joined his palms and prayed for the Muni’s blessings. That saintly person reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom.

The seven limbs of a king’s domain are:

  1. the king himself
  2. the ministers
  3. his treasury
  4. his military forces
  5. his allies
  6. the brahmins
  7. the sacrifices performed in the kingdom and the needs of the subjects under his care

‘After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were situated, King Mandhata asked the sage about his own situation, and if he was happy. Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom.
The king said, ‘Oh great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought. To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help. Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.

‘Angira Rishi said to the king, ‘The present age, Satya yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness). In this age everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost members of society. Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penances. Although this is a standard, Oh lion among kings, there is one shudra (uninitiated, untrained person) who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom.
This is why there is no rain in your land. You should therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peace to your subjects.

‘The king then replied, ‘How can I kill an offense-less performer of austerity and sacrifice? Please give me some spiritual solution. “The great sage Angira Muni then said, ‘Oh king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha. This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence plentiful rains and thus grains and other foodstuffs will surely return to your kingdom. This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection.
Oh king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadasi fast. Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal.’

‘Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace.
When the Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day.
After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain. By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.

‘Therefore, Oh Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadasi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee.’

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, “My dear Yudhishthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless. Oh Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi.
Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani, indicates the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with all the devas (demigods). It is said that after this day one should not perform any new auspicious ceremonies until Devotthani Ekadasi (Haribodhini (Probodhini) Devotthaani (Utthana) Ekadasi), which occurs during the month of Kartika (October – November), because the devas (demigods), being asleep, cannot be invited to the sacrificial arena and because the Sun is traveling along its Southern course, (Dakshinayanam).

Lord Sri Krishna continued, “Oh lion among kings, Yudhishthira Maharaj, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi which is also the day when the Chaturmasya fast begins.

Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Sayana Ekadasi – also known as Padma Ekadasi or Deva-sayani Ekadasi – from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.

This article has been used courtesy of ISKCON Desire Tree).

 

 

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Another CC set goes out in Santa Cruz
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