In a harmonious blend of spirituality, culture, and community, the 47th Annual LA Ratha Yatra Festival illuminated the heart of Los Angeles with vibrant colors, soul-stirring kirtans, and a deep sense of unity. Hosted by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), this cherished event showcased the collective devotion of thousands of participants, bridging distances […]
Once upon a time, by the arrangement of providence, an extra month came to this world. Everyone took this month to be most inauspicious, and even saw it as a stool-like month.
Being so rejected by all human beings, and constantly hearing only bad words and blasphemy, the personality of this extra month became very sad. She came to Vaikuntha to explain her sorrowful situation to the Lord.
Seeing the humble and pitiable position of the extra month, Lord Vishnu became very merciful towards her. He told her, “Do not lament, I shall give you protection form all of your miseries. Please stop crying. It is not proper to lament after taking shelter of My lotus feet.”
Lord Vishnu told the extra month, “Oh child, please don’t lament, your misery will be finished very soon. Get up and come with Me to Goloka Vrindavana.” Then Lord Vishnu took Malamasa (the extra month) to Goloka by catching her by the hand.
Having reached the Supreme Abode, Lord Vishnu met Lord Sri Krishna who was surrounded by many devoted gopis. Lord Vishnu husband of Ramadevi, paid His obeisances to Lord Sri Krishna. Then He made the extra month also offer her obeisances at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna, even though she was crying loudly.
Immediately Sri Krishna asked, “Why is she crying? She is in Goloka Vrindavana, why is she crying?” Hearing these words form Lord Sri Krishna, Lord Vishnu got up from His seat and started explaining the miserable condition of the extra month.
He begged Him to please protect his unprotected month. “There is no one except You Lord Krishna, who can save this extra month from her hellish condition and give her full protection.” Having said these words, Lord Vishnu remained standing in front of Lord Krishna with folded hands.
Sri Krishna said,
“Oh Vishnu, you have done a very great deed by bringing this extra month to Me. You will become even more famous for performing this act. Because You have accepted this Malamasa, I will also accept her. I shall make this poor extra month just like Me in quality, fame opulence, realization, success, and in giving benediction to the devotees. This month will become equally potent to Me. I am bestowing all of My divine qualities in this abused month. Named after Me, this month will be famous as Purushottama month in this world.”
I went to Sri Sri Radha Rasesvara temple to observe the last day of Purushottama month.
The North European BBT has released its annual report for 2022, highlighting the expansion of both distribution and printing, as well as informative features on devotee service, preservation projects, translation efforts, and digital initiatives. Some highlights from the report include: – A significant 27% increase in the number of books distributed. 1,395,513 in 2021 to […]
By Praghosa dasa As you may know from this year, 2023, Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Puja book has been overseen, managed and produced by a new team. The core members being Ananda Tirtha Pr, Mukhya dasi, Satya Medha Gauranga Pr and Praghosa dasa This is the first time in over three decades that Srila Prabhupada’s Vyasa Read More...
By Maharishi Das The door bell rang this morning and the man at the door said, “My name is Brian. I’m come from the alarm company to carry out the maintenance on your alarm”. I had completely forgotten.Brian asked if he could walk around and check the system, I said “Yes.” After walking around he Read More...
Photo by Min An. In a transformational initiative to bridge spiritual healing and personal growth, the Bhakti Recovery Group (BRG) is gearing up to host an empowering convention in Alachua on September 23-24th. Rooted in the principles of Bhakti yoga and the 12-step recovery process, this event aims to provide devotees with the tools and […]
It was my pleasure to again visit the beautiful Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari temple in Klungkung, Bali. We have five main temples in Bali and quite a number of smaller preaching centres.
Every week the devotees come together for aroti, kirtan and to study the sastras. Prasadam is served at the end. This evening was Bhagavad-gita study and we were reading from the sixth chapter – Dhyana-yoga.
I was told that a few months ago fourteen devotees finished their Bhakti Sastri studies online under the Mayapur Institute.
From my book I’ll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story:
On August 15, Indian Independence Day, some of the tenants assembled in the garden at noon, stood in silence for a minute before the small statue of Gandhi, and then proceeded with their annual celebration—garlanding the statue, hoisting the flag, singing the national anthem, and distributing sweets.
“Where is the question of independence?” Prabhupada challenged as Hari-sauri gave him his massage on the balcony adjoining his bedroom. “We are all dependent at every step on Krishna’s mercy. The Indians struggled to become independent of the British, but who is independent of the laws of material nature?”
Prabhupada cited the ongoing drought in England, which was afflicting many people: the vegetation was drying up, animals were being killed prematurely because there was no fodder, factories in Wales were closing, and there was talk of importing water. “No one can do anything about it, and they think it is all happening by chance,” Prabhupada said. “There is not a single person in the whole world who actually knows anything.”
“No one except you, Srila Prabhupada,” Hari-sauri commented.
“Is that just flattery, or do you actually acknowledge that?” Prabhupada asked, smiling.
Hari-sauri assured him that it was not just empty praise and, as he related in his diary, “Prabhupada accepted it with pleasure as a heartfelt submission.”
Parasuram das Reverend Dr Willian Adam, Archdeacon of Canterbury, kindly greeted the Rathayatra procession outside the historic Cathedral of Canterbury, considered the oldest Christian monument that dates back to the year 597. The Archdeacon recited some beautiful prayers and we had a nice exchange. There is a famous statue of Jesus called the “Welcoming Christ”, Read More...
In a world driven by specialization, some individuals break the mold, embracing multiple passions and roles to enrich their lives and communities. Damodara Katha Das, a spirited soul residing at the Gita Nagari Eco Farm, is a remarkable example of such a modern-day Renaissance man. With an intriguing journey and a tapestry of talents, he […]
