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 […]
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 […]
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 video titled “A Very Amazing Name – Kartik Inspirations 2024 / Day 8” shares a spiritual message centered around the significance of chanting the name of Radha. Sacinandana Swami recounts a recent visit to a sadhu friend in Vṛndāvana, who has been devoted to chanting Radha’s name for 20 years. This friend emphasizes the Read More...
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. Read More...
Listen to a class given by Rucira dasa on text 5 of the Srimad-Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana), canto 3, chapter 12, entitled “Creation of the Kumāras and Others” given on October 23, 2024 at the Hare Krishna temple in Alachua, Florida. Here are the main themes discussed in the recording, based on the provided transcript: * Read More...
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 Read More...
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 […]
We are constantly faced with difficulties, and while science constantly promises that it will solve everything, problems only seem to increase… So how should we react to reversals in life? Read More...
The 2nd International Gita Olympiad Workshop, hosted by ISKCON Kurukshetra in collaboration with Kurukshetra Development Board and Kurukshetra University, was a resounding success. Held at the historic site of Kurukshetra, where Lord Krishna delivered the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, the workshop drew over 100 enthusiastic participants, with students traveling from various parts of Read More...
This vibrant photo collection captures the joyous atmosphere of a spiritual pilgrimage to Varsana, India. The images show a harmonious blend of Western and Indian devotees participating in what appears to be a kirtan (devotional music) celebration. Several photos feature musicians, including someone playing violin and others leading chants, while crowds of participants dance and Read More...
Gandharvika Prema Dasi, a member of the ECRL, speaking at the conference. The Warsaw Human Dimension Conference 2024, held from September 20th to October 11th in Warsaw, Poland, focused on critical human rights and fundamental freedoms across the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) region. This 10-day event, organized by the 2024 OSCE […]
India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Kazan, Russia with over 20 other world leaders for the upcoming BRICS Summit. ISKCON devotees welcomed him with kirtan and Sadhu Priya Das gifted him with books on Krishna art and a doll made by one of the devotees which was dressed in Tatar style Indian clothing. During […]
Guru Prasad Swami on main stage with minister, AIIMS Director, and university officials. Ethiccraft Club, a Social & Youth Wing of ISKCON, in collaboration with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment from the Government of India, organized a Mega Youth Festival “UDGAAR” on October 18th, 2024 at Dehli University’s stadium. More than 8,000 students […]
In this video, Mahatma Das shares a profound reflection on appreciation, drawn from a recent health crisis he faced. After undergoing a major surgery, which he likens to a severe trauma or car accident, he struggled with basic bodily functions like breathing, eating, and moving. These tasks, which people typically take for granted, required immense Read More...
In this video, Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Maharaja delves deep into the teachings of the Srimad Bhagavatam, specifically Canto 1, Chapter 3, Verse 43, which discusses Krishna as the source of all incarnations. Maharaja explains the layered conversations within the Bhagavatam, focusing on the original exchange between Śukadeva Goswami and Parikshit Maharaja. He addresses the timeless Read More...
HH Danavir Goswami discusses a famous story from Hindu scriptures about the elephant Gajendra and the crocodile, drawn from the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 8.2.31). Danavir Goswami explains how everyone in the material world struggles for survival and how, in times of distress, pious individuals take shelter in God, referencing Bhagavad Gita 7.16, which identifies four Read More...