Youth Fest members Mellissa Munsami (far left), Bhaktin Sajana (in pink), Captain Cheryl Pillay (Head OF SAPS Communications Chatsworth – second left), Smita Krsna das (Programme Director- centre) with members of the Metro Police. The Youth Fest, organized by ISKCON Durban, brought together a large group of young individuals for a day focused on empowerment, […]
The glory of Indira Ekadasi is related in the Brahmavaivarta Purana. There Lord Krishna extols the Ekadasi to Yudhisthira by narrating the story of a devotee King named Indrasena.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna said, “If a person fasts on the holy Indira Ekadasi, all his sins are eradicated and his forefathers who may have fallen into hell obtain liberation. O best of kings, merely hearing about this sacred Ekadasi delivers the great merit of performing a horse sacrifice.”
In the Satya-yuga there lived a powerful king named Indrasena, who had vanquished all his enemies. His kingdom was called Mahishmati-puri. The religious King took good care of his subjects. Consequently, he was opulent with gold, grains, sons, and grandsons. He was deeply devoted to Lord Vishnu, constantly chanting His name, ‘Govinda! Govinda!’ He had sincerely dedicated himself to the Absolute Truth.
One day, as King Indrasena presided over his assembly, the perfect preacher, Sri Narada Muni, descended amidst the gathering. The king greeted the exalted sage with folded palms, offered him a comfortable seat, washed his lotus feet, and spoke welcoming words. Narada Muni enquired from Maharaj Indrasena, ‘O king, are the seven limbs of your kingdom prospering?
The seven limbs of a kingdom are the king himself, his ministers, his treasury, his military forces, his allies, the brahmanas, sacrifices, and the subjects.
Lord Krishna continued “Narada further asked ‘Have you deeply contemplated your dharma? Are you advancing in serving the Supreme Lord Vishnu?’
“The king replied, ‘Everything is well by your grace, O greatest of sages. Today, your presence has rendered all performance of sacrifice in my kingdom successful! Kindly tell me the reason for your kind visit.’
“Sri Narada said, ‘O lion among kings when I descended from Brahmaloka to Yamaloka, Lord Yamaraja received me graciously. I glorified his truthfulness and wonderful service to the Supreme Lord. I then noticed your father present in Yamaraja’s assembly. Your father gave me a message for you.
He said, “Please tell my son, the ruler of Mahishmati, that because of my past sinful deeds I have been forced to reside in Yamaraja’s kingdom. Please ask him to observe the coming aswina Krishna Ekadasi and profusely give in charity so that I may be elevated to heaven.”
Following devastating and deadly flooding across central and eastern Europe, thousands across the region have been left in difficult circumstances, many needing to flee their homes or huddle on higher floors. Young volunteers from Food for All-UK in London were able to be on the ground within hours, offering hot meals and supplies. Loka Saranga […]
Murari Mohini Devi Dasi (in white) with Vaishnavi and handloom goods (left), Julan Yatra Devi Dasi (right), the manager of the second hand store. The Mayapur Clean and Green Team, led by Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, has initiated a second-hand recycling store to foster environmental sustainability in the Mayapur community. With the steady influx and […]
The Governing Body Commission (GBC) has released its latest Meeting Highlights Report for September 18th, 2024. ISKCON GBC MEETING HIGHLIGHTS REPORT 18 September 2024 We are pleased to present the 18 September 2024 GBC Meeting Highlights Report. This report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the online GBC meeting highlighting the key topics discussed. […]
