Powerful Words: Challenging Thought Conformity
→ Dandavats

In this video, Yogesvara and Matsyavatara Prabhus discuss the role of language in shaping thought and preserving wisdom across time, particularly in the face of modern media and market-driven discourse. They argue that powerful entities control language to restrict genuine, liberating ideas, using mass media to promote superficiality and conformity, which aligns with capitalist and
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Srila Prabhupada on Damodara-lila
Giriraj Swami

When Lord Krishna was present in this material world, in order to manifest an attraction for the people at large to His pastimes in the transcendental realm of Goloka Vrindavan, He exhibited before Yasoda a unique image of subordination.

gopy adade tvayi kritagasi dama tavad
  ya te dasasru-kalilashjana-sambhramaksham
vaktram niniya bhaya-bhavanaya sthitasya
  sa mam vimohayati bhir api yad bibheti

“My dear Krishna, Yasoda took a rope to bind You when You committed an offense, and Your troubled eyes were flooded with tears, which washed the cosmetic from them. And You were afraid, though fear personified is afraid of You. To see this is bewildering to me.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.8.31)

Here Krishna is described as Damodara. Damodara is another name of Krishna. The month of Damodara is coming, and it will begin on October 18. From that day, we will follow Damodara-vrata for one month. A small candle should be offered every evening to the Deity, and the Damodarastaka should be chanted (the song is in our songbook). This will be the Damodara-vrata, and this Damodara is explained in that song.

Here it is described that Krishna was afraid of His mother, Yasoda. Vallabhacarya wrote a book with the various names of Krishna, and he went to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to ask Him to hear how He had described the names of Krishna. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, “I know two names of Krishna: Syamasundara and Yasodanandana.” Syamasundara, the beautiful Syama, Krishna. Syama means blackish, and at the same time beautiful. How beautiful? If we compare Him with millions of Cupids, Krishna will still be more beautiful.

These examples appear in the sastras. They are not exaggerations; they are real facts. We have to accept them in good faith, and in that way we will advance spiritually. Otherwise, if we think that the devotees or the sastras are exaggerating, we commit aparadha, offenses.

Krishna had been offended by His mother. Yasoda went to save the milk, and Krishna wanted to take her breast milk, but she was very busy. When the milk began to spill, she immediately put Krishna aside. Krishna became very angry, so He went to the place where Yasoda kept the butter and broke a pot. When Yasoda saw that the boy had broken the pot of butter, she wanted to catch Him, but Krishna ran away. However, He was a small boy, and Mother Yasoda caught Him and wanted to tie Him with a rope. Lord Krishna was crying in fear of Mother Yasoda: “Now she is going to tie me up.” And as He wept, tears washed the ointment from His eyes. He was crestfallen, and His face was trembling. He knew He had misbehaved: “My mother is going to punish Me, and I am going to lose My freedom.”

Kuntidevi was remembering this scene and was stunned. Why? Bhaya—everyone is afraidof something. And bhaya, fear personified, is afraid of Krishna, because Krishna is the Supreme Being, the controller. Durga is like the superintendent of the police of this universe. Durga means strong; dur means difficulty. This universe is like a fort; there is no escape. Conditioned souls cannot escape; it is very difficult. There are rules andregulations, just like in the immigration department. If you try to escape, you will be punished again. Durga protects this fort, because she is a servant of Krishna. Durga is fear personified, but still she cannot disobey Krishna’s orders. Durga is so powerful that she can create a universe, but even she fears Krishna. This is Krishna’s position.

So Kunti was surprised: “How is it possible that Krishna is afraid of Hismother? Everyone is afraid of Krishna.” Everything Krishna does is a lila, and in this case He is enjoying His own attitude of fear. Everyone worships Him as the Supreme Lord; no one can approach Krishna and say, “I have come to punish You, Krishna.” But when He decides that He wants to be punished, He places Himself in a subordinate position before His devotee. This is Krishna’s lila. Krishna accepts His great devotees as His father and mother, and He allows them to punish Him.

—Srila Prabhupada class, October 11, 1974, Mayapur, India

Virabhadra Goswami Appearance
→ Ramai Swami

Sri Virachandra or Virabhadra Prabhu appeared on the ninth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika. Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami has given this description of Him in the C.C. Adi 11.8-12

Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura writes in his Anubhāṣya, “Vīrabhadra Goswami was the direct son of Śrīla Nityānanda Prabhu and a disciple of Jāhnavā-devī. His real mother was Vasudhā.

In the Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (67) He is mentioned as an incarnation of Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu. Therefore Vīrabhadra Goswami is non-different from Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

In a village of the name Jhāmaṭapura, in the district of Hugli, Vīrabhadra Goswami had a disciple named Yadunāthācārya, who had two daughters—a real daughter named Śrīmatī and a foster daughter named Nārāyaṇī. Both these daughters married, and they are mentioned in the Bhakti-ratnākara (Thirteenth Wave). 

Vīrabhadra Goswami had three disciples who are celebrated as his sons—Gopījana-vallabha, Rāmakṛṣṇa and Rāmacandra. 

UN Global Biodiversity Report Spotlights Govardhan EcoVillage’s “Seeds for Life” Initiative at COP16
→ ISKCON News

Mohanvilas Das (right) among ISKCON leaders working with global leaders to achieve a nature-positive world. Govardhan EcoVillage (GEV) has been featured in a Faiths for Biodiversity report released at the 16th annual Conference of the Parties (COP16) meeting going on now in Cali, Colombia.  Thousands of world leaders are gathered in South America for the […]

The post UN Global Biodiversity Report Spotlights Govardhan EcoVillage’s “Seeds for Life” Initiative at COP16 appeared first on ISKCON News.

The Ultimate Compassion: Janananda Swami
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In this video, Janananda Swami delivers a lecture based on **Śrīmad Bhāgavatam**, Canto 3, Chapter 5, Verse 3, focusing on the themes of compassion, rebellion against divine authority, and the purpose of human life. He discusses how genuine compassion stems from serving and spreading awareness of Krishna, emphasizing that the primary purpose of human existence
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Surrender and Salvation: Insights on Lord Varaha’s Incarnation
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Kartik Parikrama, Vrindavan, 24 10 2024, Varaha Ghat, Lecture by H G Chaturatma prabhu – YouTube In the lecture at Varaha Ghat, H G Chaturatma Prabhu emphasizes the importance of surrender in devotional service, explaining that while we may feel like controllers, we are ultimately under the guidance of the Supreme Personality of Godhead (Krishna).
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Understanding Krsna’s Opulence & Sweetness – HH Devamrita Swami
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Understanding Krsna's Opulence & Sweetness – Part 2 – YouTube In this video, HH Devamrita Swami elaborates on the opulence and sweetness of Krishna, presenting the framework of the quest for enlightenment to emphasize why Krishna is supreme. Despite the complexities of modern life, he notes that only bhakti (devotion) works effectively in this age
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ISKCON Detroit Hosts America’s Largest Ravana Burning
→ ISKCON News

On October 13th, devotees at ISKCON Devasadan Mandir in Detroit, Michigan, celebrated the annual Dussehra festival. This event commemorates the victory of good over evil. Dussehra is the day when the evil King Ravana, who was well-known for causing atrocities to his citizens, was slain by the virtuous King Rama. Typically, this celebration includes the […]

The post ISKCON Detroit Hosts America’s Largest Ravana Burning appeared first on ISKCON News.

International Mataji Retreat Celebrates Spiritual Unity in Nepal
→ Dandavats

Against the breathtaking backdrop of Nepal’s majestic landscapes, hundreds of matajis from diverse nationalities gathered for the 2024 International ISKCON Mataji Retreat. The multi-day event brought together devotees of all ages, creating a vibrant tapestry of spiritual fellowship and cultural exchange. The retreat featured daily philosophical discussions and classes centered on Krishna consciousness, allowing participants
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A warning for all devotees
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Srila Prabhupada exclaims, “One friend of one gopi, she is warning, ‘Please don’t go that side.'” “Where? Why are you warning me, and what happens?” This is a very nice verse composed by Rupa Gosvami. Prabhupada references *Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu* 1.2.239: *My dear friend, if you are indeed attached to your worldly friends, do not look at
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HariBol Ahimsa A2 Milk | Farm to Table Journey | Pure Gir Cow Milk
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The “*HariBol Ahimsa A2 Milk*” video highlights an ISKCON initiative that provides natural, ethically sourced A2 milk from Gir cows, emphasizing both tradition and nutritional value. The milk is sourced from indigenous Gir cows known for their A2 beta-casein protein and raised in an environment following the principles of *ahimsa*, or non-violence. The calves are
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Kartik in Mayapur – Photos of devotion
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These photos capture a series of moments from the sacred celebration of the Kartik month in Mayapur, a significant spiritual event observed by devotees. Known as the month of **Damodara**, Kartik is a time for heightened devotion, prayers, and offerings to Lord Krishna. The atmosphere of devotion is beautifully depicted in the album, where devotees
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The Festival of Damodara: Kartik Month Celebrations at ISKCON Vrindavan
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As darkness descends upon the holy town of Vrindavan, thousands of devotees gather at the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir to celebrate the auspicious month of Kartik. The temple complex comes alive with the warm glow of countless flickering candles, creating an ethereal atmosphere of devotion and spiritual enchantment. Beautifully adorned deities of Radha-Krishna, decorated with
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Krishna’s love Realize Reciprocate Relish Series
→ The Spiritual Scientist

Krishna’s love Realize Reciprocate Relish BG 18 63 78 Part 1 HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji

Krishna’s love Realize Reciprocate Relish BG 18 63 78 Part 2 HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji

Krishna’s love Realize Reciprocate Relish Part 3 Hg Chaitanya Charan Prabhuji

The post Krishna’s love Realize Reciprocate Relish Series appeared first on The Spiritual Scientist.

Unlock Spiritual Rewards with Bhakti Kids’ Bhishma Panchaka Challenge
→ ISKCON News

Bhakti Kids, an initiative by ISKCON Congregational Development Ministry (CDM), has announced the Bhishma Panchaka Challenge from November 11th to 15th. Led by Gourangi Gandharvika Devi Dasi, this event aims to engage children, youth, and families in a spiritual celebration that not only deepens their connection to Lord Krishna but also offers a fun and […]

The post Unlock Spiritual Rewards with Bhakti Kids’ Bhishma Panchaka Challenge appeared first on ISKCON News.

ISKCON Phoenix Serves Prasadam at “A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center” in Mesa, AZ
→ ISKCON News

Joyful devotees serve appreciative residents. On October 8th, 2024, ISKCON Phoenix visited “A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center” in Mesa, Arizona, distributing over 100 plates of prasadam to residents. This service is part of ISKCON Phoenix’s ongoing commitment to uplift and support the local community. The East Valley Men’s Center provides essential shelter and […]

The post ISKCON Phoenix Serves Prasadam at “A New Leaf’s East Valley Men’s Center” in Mesa, AZ appeared first on ISKCON News.

Bahulastami
→ Ramai Swami

On the eighth day of the waning phase of the damodara month the appearance day of Radha Kunda is celebrated by the residents. Bathing in Radha Kunda is especially benefical on this day. By this one gains the favor of Radha, by which one gains the favor of Krsna. Radha Kunda appeared at midnight.

People go to Radha Kunda and offer prasadam, garlands and pumpkins (gourds) into the water, then at midnight take bath in Radha Kunda and then bathe in Syama Kunda. Many people like to bathe at a ghat where Lord Nityananda’s sakti, Jahnava Mata used to bathe. But wherever you go you better get there early as thousands of people/devotees will be there. And bring some warm clothing for afterwards, as it is so “cooling”.

After killing a bull-demon named Aristasura, Krishna approached Radharani to engage in loving affairs. However, She rebuked Him, stating He was impure because of committing the sin of killing a bull, the symbol of religion. She suggested that to counteract this sin He should bathe in all the sacred rivers.

Krishna, being eager to engage in loving affairs with Srimati Radharani, immediately shoved His lotus foot into the ground, making a large hole, and called all the sacred rivers to enter into it. They appeared before Him and formed Syama-kunda (the bathing place of Syama–one who is the color of a dark rain cloud).

After bathing, Krishna stated that He had become pure by bathing in Syama-kunda, but that the gopis had become impure, having sided with a demon, even though he appeared in the form of a bull. Radharani, along with some of Her gopi friends, broke their bangles and dug a hole with the broken pieces. But there was no water – so Krishna laughed.

The gopis then formed a line to the Manasi Ganga and started to fill the hole with water that was passed from one gopi to another. At that time, all the sacred rivers again arrived in person and requested permission to enter into Radharani’s kunda, which they did after receiving Radharani’s blessing. 

The story of Gopakumar – Nagaraja Dasa
→ Dandavats

This excerpt is a discussion about the Bhagavata Purana and Brihad Bhagavatamrita, two important scriptures in Hinduism, which focus on the life and teachings of Lord Krishna. Nagaraja Prabhu explains the story of Gopakumar, a cowherd boy from Vrindavan, who travels through different realms of the universe, encountering various celestial beings and gaining spiritual knowledge.
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Prahladananda Swami: Kali Yuga is Progressing
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The video titled “SB 1.4.17-18 Kali Yuga is Progressing” from ISKCON Ljubljana focuses on teachings from the Srimad Bhagavatam, particularly discussing the effects of the Kali Yuga (the current age of decline according to Vedic teachings). The speaker explains how the sage Vyasadeva, through his transcendental vision, foresaw the deterioration of material life, including the
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Bahulastami – The Appearance Of Radhakund
→ Mayapur.com

The Sacred Glories of Radha Kunda The holy city of Mathura holds a position of spiritual supremacy over Vaikuntha, the transcendental world, because it is where the Supreme Lord appeared. Yet, even greater than Mathura is the transcendental forest of Vrindavana, renowned for the divine rasalila pastimes of Lord Krishna. Superior to Vrindavana is Govardhana […]