BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//ISKCON Punjabi Bagh, - ECPv5.10.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:ISKCON Punjabi Bagh, X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ISKCON Punjabi Bagh, BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:UTC BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:UTC DTSTART:20230101T000000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231107 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231108 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231004T124631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T072413Z UID:24628-1699315200-1699401599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Kasisvara Pandita 7th Nov 2022 DESCRIPTION:Kasisvara Pandita served as Lord Caitanya’s bodyguard in Jagannatha Puri. Another of His services was to distribute prasadam after kirtana. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-kasisvara-pandita-7th-nov-2022/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Kasisvara.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231106 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231107 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231003T082822Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231116T072407Z UID:24125-1699228800-1699315199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Virabhadra 6th Nov 2023 DESCRIPTION:Sri Viracandra or Virabhadra Prabhu appeared on the ninth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Kartik. Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami has given this description of Him in the C.c. Adi 11.8-12. \n“After Nityananda Prabhu\, the greatest branch is Virabhadra Gosani\, who also has innumerable branches and sub-branches. It is not possible to describe them all. Although Virabhadra Gosani was the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, He presented Himself as a great devotee. And although the Supreme Godhead is transcendental to all Vedic injunctions\, He strictly followed the Vedic rituals. He is the main pillar in the hall of devotional service erected by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He knew within himself that He acted as the Supreme Lord Visnu\, but externally He was prideless. It is by the mercy of Sri Virabhadra Gosani that people all over the world now have the chance to chant the names of Caitanya and Nityananda. I there take shelter of the lotus feet of Virabhadra Gosani so that by His mercy my great desire to write Sri Caitanya-Charitamrta will be properly guided.” \nSri Birbhadra Gosvami is the son of Sri Nityananda Prabhu and the disciple of Sri Jahnava Mata. His mother is Srimati Vasudha Devi. In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika it is described that Sri Viracandra Prabhu is an incarnation of Ksirodakasayi Visnu – one of the expansions of Sri Sankarsana. He is thus not different from Lord Caitanya Himself. \nOnce upon a time\, Isvari (Sri Jahnava Mata) went to the house of one Jadunandana Acarya of Jhamatpur near Rajbol Hat(ta?)œ and by her mercy he became a devotee. Jadunanda’s wife was extremely devoted to her husband and his two daughters\, Srimati and Narayani\, possessed bodily forms which excelled the limits of mortal beauty. By the desire of Isvari that very perfect brahmana gave these two daughters in marriage to Prabhu Viracandra. [B.R.13]\nSri Yadunandana Acarya became the disciple of Vircandra Prabhu and Srimati and Sri Narayani were given initiation in mantra by Sri Jahnava Mata. Viracandra prabhu had a sister\, Srimati Gangadevi\, who was none other than Mother Ganga herself. Her husband Madhavacarya was an incarnation of Raja Santanu. \nTaking permission from his mother\, Viracandra Prabhu set out on a pilgrimage to Vrindavana. First he came to Saptagram and proceeded to the house of Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura where He was met by Uddharana Datta’s son\, Srinivasa Datta. Srinivasa greeted Him with respect and showed Him all hospitality for the two days that he stayed there. From there He went to Santipur where He was led to Advaita Bhavan in a kirtan procession by Advaita Acarya’s son\, Sri Krsna Misra. Next he crossed the Ganges River and came to Gauri dasa Pandita’s house in Ambika Kalna. Sri Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu respectfully greeted Him and honored Him as His guest. From here He came to Navadvipa\, to the house of Jagannath Misra. When the family members and associates of Mahaprabhu learned that He was the son of Sri Nityananda Prabhu\, they were highly pleased and showed Him all courtesies. \nAfter spending two days there He came to Sri Khanda where He was greeted very respectfully and affectionately by Sri Raghunandana and to Sri Kanai Thakura. He spent a few days there\, and then went to Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu’s house in Jajigram\, where Acarya Prabhu received his exalted guest by offering Him the appropriate worship. A few days passed In the ecstasy of sankirtan and then Viracandra Prabhu came to Kantak Nagan (Katwa). He remained there for one day and then proceeded to Bhudarigram. There He was received by Sri Govinda Kaviraj who worshipped His lotus feet and offered Him all hospitality. Sri Viracandra Prabhu was very pleased at his devotion and remained there for a couple of days. Thereafter He made His auspicious arrival in Kheturi. \nAs soon as he received news of His arrival\, Sri Narottama Thakura came out in great ecstasy to meet Sri Viracandra Prabhu. He led Him into the courtyard of the temple of Sri Gauranga where sankirtan accompanied with ecstatic dancing commenced. A steady crowd of people thronged to get a glimpse of Prabhu Vircandra.\n[B.R. 13]\nAfter spending a few days in Kheturi in ecstatic sankirtana\, Viracandra Prabhu set off for Sri Vrindavana Dhama. Along the way many sinful and atheistic people were delivered by His influence. As news of His arrival reached Vrindavana\, the Gosvamis\, namely Srila Jiva Goswami\, Srila Krsna dasa Kaviraj Gosvami\, Sri Ananta Acarya\, Sri Hari dasa Pandita\, Sri Krsna dasa Brahmacari (Sri Madhu Gopala’s pujari\, a disciple of Sri Gadadhara Pandita)\, Sri Madhu Pandita (pujari of Sri Gopinatha)\, Sri Bhavananda\, Sri Kasisvara\, as well as his disciple Sri Govinda Gosvami and Sri Yadavacarya were all informed. \nThe Gosvamis\, accompanied by many residents of Sri Vrindavana Dhama\, all came out to meet Prabhu Viracandra. Everyone was overwhelmed by His appearance in ecstatic love\, and they all were humming like bumble bees in discussing His good qualities. Prabhu Viracandra\, in the company of these exalted souls\, took darshana of Sri Madana Mohana\, Sri Govindaji\, Sri Gopinatha\, the principal Deities in Vrindavana.\n[B.R. 13]\nAfter receiving the consent of Sri Jiva Gosvami and Sri Bhugarbha Gosvami\, Prabhu Viracandra set out to wander in the twelve forests of Vrajamandala\, becoming completely overwhelmed by seeing the various places of Krsna’s pastimes\, like Sri Radha Kunda\, Sri Shyama Kunda and Giri Govardhana. His display of ecstatic symptoms captivated the Brijbasis. After seeing the sights of Sri Vrajadhama\, Bircandra Prabhu returned to Gaudadesa. \nAll of the divine qualities of His father\, Sri Nityananda Prabhu\, were fully present in Him. Those who were fortunate enough to witness His ecstatic love praised His glories far and wide. \nGopijana Vallabha\, Rama Krsna and Ramacandra\, who are thought by some to be the sons of Virabhadra Gosai\, were actually His disciples. The youngest\, Rama Krsna\, who resided at Khardaha\, belonged to the Sandilya Gotra and was a member of the Batabyal brahmana community\, known for their great accomplishment in studying the Vedas. The oldest\, Gopijana Vallabha\, lived at Latagram near Manakar\, in the district of Barddhaman. The middle one\, Rama­candra\, lived at Ganeshpur near Maldah. Because their gotras and surnames (titles) were different\, and because they lived at different places\, it is concluded they were not actually Vira­candra Prabhu’s sons. \nHis birthplace is at Khardaha\, which now is a rail station on the Sealdah-Krsnanagar line. The village where Nityananda Prabhu made His advent in this world – Ekacakra – is also named Viracandra­pur. Here the Deity of Sri Bankim Raya was worshipped by Vira­candra Prabhu. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-virabhadra-6th-nov-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Virabhadra.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231105 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231106 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231002T101944Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T053214Z UID:16760-1699142400-1699228799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Bahulastami 5th Nov 2023 DESCRIPTION: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 pumkins (gords) 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 sooooo “cooling”. \nThe holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha\, the transcendental world\, because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathura puri is the transcendental forest of Vrndavana because of Krsna’s rasalila pastimes. And superior to the forest of Vrndavana is Goverdhana Hill\, for it was raised by the divine hand of Sri Krsna and was the site of his various loving pastimes. And\, above all\, the superexcellent Sri Radha Kunda stands supreme\, for it is overflooded with the ambrosial nectarean prema of the Lord of gokula\, Sri Krsna. Where\, then\, is that intelligent person who is unwilling to serve this divine Radha Kunda\, which is situated at the foot of Goverdhana Hill? \nSrila Rupa Goswami’s Nectar of Instruction (Upadeshamritam) \nThe Origin of Radha-kund \nAfter 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. \nKrishna\, 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). \nAfter 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. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/bahulastami-5th-nov-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Bahulastami.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231102 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231103 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231001T081540Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231106T053159Z UID:24121-1698883200-1698969599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura 2nd Nov 2023 DESCRIPTION:Narottama Dasa Thakura was a leading acarya in the Gaudiya Vaisnava line. He was the only disciple of Srila Lokanatha Gosvami. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura helped bring the books of the Gosvamis from Vrndavana to Bengal and Orissa. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-narottama-dasa-thakura/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Srila-Narottama-Dasa.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231028 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231029 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231027T110345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T131151Z UID:31606-1698451200-1698537599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Fourth Month of Caturmasya Begins 28th October 2023 DESCRIPTION:Fourth month: No Ural Dal. \nCaturmasya stands for ‘four months’. It is the period between sayana and uttana ekadasis. The scriptures refer to this period as the duration of Lord Visnu’s sleep in this universe. \nThe main goal of observing Caturmasya is to decrease attachment to material things and to increase devotion to Krishna.\nSrila Prabhupada writes in Caitanya Caritamrta\, “Caturmasya should be observed by all sections of the population. It does not matter whether one is a grihasta or a sanyasi. The observation is obligatory to all ashramas.” He further explains how to observe the vow: “This is not very difficult. In the month of Sravana one should not eat spinach (green leafy vegetables of the nature)\, in the month of Bhadra one should not eat yogurt (yogurt used as binding agent for cake is allowed)\, and in the month of Asvina one should not drink milk (milk sweets\, milk by-products are fine). One should not eat fish or other non-vegetarian food during the month of Kartik. Masura dal and urad dal being high in protein is also considered non-vegetarian.” Thus during caturmasya one should practice to give up all food intended for sense enjoyment. However\, maha-prasad\, though containing restricted item can be honoured!\nIt is stated in Hari Bhakti Vilasa 15/113 that ‘after properly praying to the Supreme Lord near Him\, one should properly take a vow to follow the proper rules and regulations and process of caturmasya to increase one’s devotion to Lord Sri Krishna.’\nSo please take this opportunity and engage yourself yourselves in the service of the Lord with much enthusiasm and make your life sublime. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/fourth-month-of-caturmasya-begins-28th-october-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/four-Month.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231028 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231029 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231027T105730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T131225Z UID:31602-1698451200-1698537599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Sri Krsna Saradiya Rasayatra 28th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Lord Krsna’s autumn rasa dance with His girlfriends. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-krsna-saradiya-rasayatra-28th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/rasayatra.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231028 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231029 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231016T114846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T131112Z UID:31609-1698451200-1698537599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Laksmi Puja 28th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Laksmi Puja means worship of Laksmi Devi\, the consort of Lord Visnu Goddess Laxmi is said to have emerged from the ocean of milk at Diwali. On that day\, Laxmi puja was performed to honour Her and as such\, every year at Diwali\, She is worshipped and offered prayers (not observed by Gaudiya Vaisnavas). URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/laksmi-puja-28th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Lakxmi-Pooja.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231028 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231029 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231016T105856Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231030T131104Z UID:31604-1698451200-1698537599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Murari Gupta 28th October 2023 DESCRIPTION:Murari Gupta was a lifelong associate of Lord Caitanya. He served Lord Caitanya in all of the Lord’s Navadvipa pastimes. \nBy profession a doctor\, Murari Gupta freed his patients not only from their physical ailments but also from the contamination of the material energy. Murari Gupta is considered an incarnation of Hanuman\, the eternal servant of Lord Ramacandra. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-murari-gupta-28th-october-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Murari.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231026 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231027 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231026T122907Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231027T054518Z UID:31382-1698278400-1698364799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Krsnadasa Kaviraja Goswami 26th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Appearing near Katva\, Krishna Dasa Kaviraja left for Vrindavana after Lord Nityananda told him in a dream: are are krishnadasa\, na karaha bhaya\, Vrindavana yaha tanha\, sarva larya haya\, “0 my dear Krishnadasa\, do not be afraid. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-krsnadasa-kaviraja-goswami-26th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Kaviraja.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231026 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231027 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231026T115953Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231027T054512Z UID:31380-1698278400-1698364799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami 26th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami\, one of the six Goswamis of Vrndavana\, was ordered by Lord Caitanya to go to Vrndavana and there constantly chant the Hare Krsna mantra. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-raghunatha-bhatta-goswami-26th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Srila-Raghunatha-Bhatta-Goswami1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231026 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231027 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231010T115807Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231027T054506Z UID:31378-1698278400-1698364799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami 26th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Raghunatha Dasa Gosvami \, one of the six Goswamis\, at a young age renounced his beautiful wife and opulent home to join Lord Caitanya and His sankirtana movement. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-raghunatha-dasa-goswami-26th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Raghunath.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231025 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231026 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231009T134308Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T060045Z UID:31370-1698192000-1698278399@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Pasankusa Ekadashi 25th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Yudhishthira Maharaj said\, Oh Madhusudana\, what is the name of the Ekadashi that comes during the light fortnight of the month of Ashvina (September October)? Please be merciful and disclose this truth to me.”\nThe Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna replied\, “Oh king\, please listen as I explain the glories of this Ekadashi Pasankusa Ekadashi which removes all sins. On this day one should worship the Deity of Padmanabha\, the lotus naveled \nLord Vishnu\, according to the rules of archana viddhi (regulations). By so doing\, one achieves whatever heavenly pleasures one may want in this world\, and at last attains liberation from this world thereafter. Simply by offering one’s humbly obeisances unto Lord Vishnu\, the rider of Garuda\, one can achieve the same merit as is gained by performing great penances for a long time restraining and controlling the senses. Although a person might have committed unlimited and abominable sins\, he can still escape hellish punishment just by paying his obeisances to Lord Sri Hari\, the taker away of all sin.” \n“The merits gained by going on pilgrimage to the Holy Tirthas of this earthly planet can also be achieved simply by chanting the Holy names of Lord Vishnu. Whosoever chants these sacred names such as Rama\, Vishnu\, Janardana or Krishna especially on Ekadashi\, never sees Yamaraj\, the king of death’s punishing abode. Nor does such a devotee who fasts on Pasankusa Ekadashi\, which is very dear to Me\, see that plutonic abode.” \n“Both the Vaishnava who criticises Lord Shiva and the Shaivite (Saivite) who criticises Me certainly go to hell. The merit obtained by performing one hundred horse sacrifices and one hundred Rajasurya sacrifices is not even equal to one sixteenth of the merit a devotee is able to attain by fasting on Ekadashi. There is no higher merit one can achieve than that attained by fasting on Ekadashi. Indeed\, nothing in all the three worlds is as pleasing or as able to purify one of accumulated sin as Ekadashi\, the day of the lotus-naveled Lord\, Padmanabha. \n“O king\, until a person observes a fast on the day of Lord Padmanabha named Pasankusa Ekadashi\, he remains sinful\, and the reactions of his past sinful activities never leave him like a chaste wife. There is no merit in all the three worlds that can match the merit that one gains by observing a fast on this Ekadashi. Whosoever observes it faithfully never has to see death personified\, Lord Yamaraj. One who desires liberation\, elevation to the heavens\, good health\, beautiful women\, wealth\, and food grains should simply fast on this Pasankusa Ekadashi. O king\, neither the Ganges\, Gaya\, Kashi\, nor Pushkara\, nor even the Holy site of Kurukshetra\, can grant as much auspicious merit as this Pasankusa Ekadashi. \n“O Maharaj Yudhishthira\, protector of the earth\, after observing ekadasi during the daytime\, the devotee should remain awake through the night\, absorbed in hearing\, chanting and serving the lord for by so doing he easily attains to the Supreme abode of Lord Vishnu. Not only that\, but ten generations of ancestors on his mother’s side\, ten generations on his father’s side\, and ten generations on his wife’s side are all liberated by a single observance of a fast on this Ekadashi. All these ancestors attain their original\, four armed transcendental Vaikuntha forms. Wearing yellow garments and beautiful garlands\, they ride to the spiritual realm on the back of Garuda\, the renown great enemy of the snakes. This is the benediction My devotee earns simply by observing one Pasankusa Ekadashi properly. \n“O best of kings\, whether one is a child\, a youth\, or in old age\, fasting on Pasankusa Ekadashi frees him from all sins and makes him immune to suffering a hellish rebirth. Whosoever observes a fast on the Pasankusa Ekadashi becomes free of all his sins and returns to the spiritual abode of Lord Sri Hari. Whosoever donates gold\, sesame seeds\, fertile land\, cows\, grain\, drinking water\, an umbrella\, or a pair of shoes on this most auspicious of Holy days will never have to visit the abode of Yamaraj\, who always punishes the sinners. But if a resident of earth fails to perform spiritual deeds\, especially the observance of a fast on days such as Ekadashi\, his breathing is said to be no better\, or of as much use as the breathing/puffing of a blacksmith’s bellows. \n“O best of the kings\, especially on this Pasankusa Ekadashi\, even the poor should first bathe and then give some charity according to their means\, and perform other auspicious activities in accordance with their ability. \n“Whosoever performs sacrifices and benefits the people\, or builds public ponds\, resting places\, gardens\, or houses does not suffer the punishments of Yamaraj. Indeed\, one should understand that a person much have performed such pious activities as these in the past life if he is long lived\, wealthy\, of high birth\, or free from all diseases. But a person who observes Pasankusa Ekadashi goes to the abode of the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, Vishnu.) \nLord Sri Krishna then concluded\, “Thus\, Oh saintly Yudhishthira\, I have narrated to you the glories of the auspicious Pasankusa Ekadashi.” \nThus ends the narration of the glories of the Pasankusa Ekadashi\, or Ashwina-shukla Ekadashi\, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/pasankusa-ekadashi-25th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ekadashi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231024 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231025 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231009T134043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231026T060035Z UID:31369-1698105600-1698191999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Madhvacharya 24th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Madhvacharya is the principal acharya\, or spiritual teacher\, in in the Brahma-sampradaya\, the Vaisnava disciplic line from which the Gaudiya sampradaya descends. \nHe was born in Udupi\, South India\, in the early thirteenth century. At the age of five he took initiation and at the age of twelve left home to take sannyasa. Madhvacharya studied the Vedas under the compiler of the Vedas\, Vyasadeva\, in the Himalayas. Madhvacharya’s Vedanta- sutra commentary Purnaprajna-bhasya establishes the doctrine known as Suddha-dvaita-vada. Madhva used his erudite scholarship to crush the Mayavada (impersonalistic) philosophy and establish devotional service to the Supreme Personality of Godhead. (See Sri Caitanya-caritamrta\, Madhya-lila 9.245.) URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-madhvacharya-24th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Madhvacharya.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231024 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231025 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231009T133940Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231027T054641Z UID:31368-1698105600-1698191999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Ramacandra Vijayotsava 24th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:Lord Ramacandra’s victory over the demon Ravana. A large effigy of Ravana is ceremoniously burned. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/ramacandra-vijayotsava-24th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/ramm.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231021 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231022 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231009T133836Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231027T054635Z UID:31367-1697846400-1697932799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Durga Puja 24th October 2023 DESCRIPTION:Durga Puja is one of the significant Hindu festivals\, celebrated with much joy in the entire country. \nThe occasion marks the occassion of Lord Rama and brother Lakshman approaching Mother Durga to ask her for her blessings in His planned attack on the demon Ravana. It is therefore considered that the Supreme Personality of Godhead’s approaching her for blessings to remove material impediments to His spiritual goals should be the approach of the humble devotee of the Lord to clinche the important triumph of Lord Rama over the demon king\, Ravana\, the victory of good over evil. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/durga-puja-24th-october-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Durga-Puja.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20231010 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231011 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20231009T133608Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231012T080639Z UID:31366-1696896000-1696982399@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Indira Ekadasi 10th Oct 2023 DESCRIPTION:The delightful exultations of Indira Ekadasi are described in the Brahma-vaivarta Purana in the conversation between Sri Krsna and Maharaja Yudhisthira. Maharaja Yudhisthira enquired: “O Krsna! O Madhusudana! O Killer of the demon Madhu! What is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the waning moon in the month of Asvina (September/October)\, what is the process for following this sublime vrata (vow)\, and what merit is obtained by observing it?” \nLord Krsna replied\, “The name of this sacred and clement Ekadasi is Indira Ekadasi. By Observing this Ekadasi the sinful reactions of all one’s forbearers as well as one’s own sinful reactions are entirely eradicated. \n“O King! There was once a regal and prosperous king named Indrasena\, who lived in Satya-Yuga. He was very expert in subduing his enemies and ruled his kingdom with great compassion. Surrounded by his children and grandchildren\, he lived happily in his city of Mahismatipuri. He was always attached to the devotional service of Lord Visnu. Being a devotee constantly absorbed in cultivating and distributing spiritual knowledge\, the king spent his time chanting the holy names of Sri Govinda\, the bestower of liberation. \n“One day as the King was happily sitting on his royal throne\, Sri Narada Muni suddenly appeared before him from the sky. Upon seeing the sage Narada\, King Indrasena rose up with folded palms and offered his respectful obeisances unto him. The King then duly worshipped Narada Muni with sixteen ingredients. Once the sage was happily seated\, he asked Indrasena\, “O great King is everyone happy and prosperous in your kingdom? Is your mind fixed in religious principles\, and are you engaged in devotional service to Visnu?” \n“The King replied\, O best of sages! Everything is well and auspicious by your kind mercy. Today my life has become successful by your darsana and my performance of sacrifices has born fruit. O sage among the demigods! Please tell me the cause of your blessed visit.” \n“After hearing these humble words of the King\, Narada Muni said: ‘O lion-like King! Now hear about a wonderfully fortunate incident that took place\, prior to my arrival. O best of Kings! Once I went to the abode of Yamaraja from the abode of Lord Brahma\, Yamaraja greeted me respectfully and worshipped me with great pomp and fervour. After being comfortably seated\, I offered prayers to the pious and truthful Yamaraja. Then I saw your greatly pious father in the assembly of Yamaraja. As a result of breaking a vow\, your father had to go there. O King! He gave me a message and requested me to convey it unto you. He said\, ‘Indrasena\, the king of Mahismatipuri\, is my son. O Lord\, please tell him that due to some sinful activities committed in my previous life I am now living in the abode of the Lord of death! Yamaraja! Therefore\, in order to free me from my fate\, he should observe the vow of Ekadasi known as Indira Ekadasi\, and give away it’s piety to me. Then I will be released from my present condition of life.’ Narada Muni continued\, ‘O King This is your father’s request\, in order to deliver your father to the spiritual world\, you should observe the vow of Indira Ekadasi.’ \n“King Indrasena said: ‘O sage amongst the demigods\, kindly explain to me the procedure for following this Indira Ekadasi.’ Narada Muni replied: “On the day before Ekadasi one should take bath early in the morning and with faith and enthusiasm offer oblations to the forfathers\, for their satisfaction. On that day one should eat only once and sleep on the floor at night. On the day of Ekadasi one should rise early in the morning\, brush his teeth\, wash his hands and mouth and take bath. Thereafter he should take a vow to not indulge in any material enjoyment and thus observe a total fast. He should also pray to the Lord\, saying ‘O lotus-eyed one\, I take shelter of you.’ \n“Thereafter he should feed the brahmanas with sumptuous prasadam and give them daksina. At the end one should give the prasadi remnants to the cows. During the day one should worship Lord Hrsikesa by offering sandalwood paste\, flowers\, incense\, lamp and foodstuffs with devotion. One should remain awake throughout the night while chanting\, hearing and remembering the names\, forms\, qualities and pastimes of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. One should then breakfast at the appropriate time by eating along with his brothers\, children\, grandchildren and relatives while maintaining silence. O King! If you follow this Ekadasi as I have just described\, then your father will certainly attain the abode of Visnu.’ After speaking in this way\, Narada Muni\, took his leave and departed. \n“As per the instructions of Narada Muni\, King Indrasena strictly observed this Ekadasi accompanied by his children\, servants and others. As a result of observing this Ekadasi\, flowers showered from the sky and the father of King Indrasena immediately rode on the back of Garuda to abode of Lord Visnu. Then the saintly King Indrasena ruled his kingdom without any impediment\, and at the end of his life he entrusted the kingdom to his son and personally returned to the spiritual world. Such are the unsurmountable glories of Indira Ekadasi. Anyone who reads of hears the narration for this Ekadasi becomes free from all sinful reactions and ultimately returns to the abode of Visnu.” URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/indira-ekadasi-10th-oct-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ekadashi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230930 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20231001 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T075228Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133718Z UID:30871-1696032000-1696118399@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Third Month of Caturmasya Begins 30th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Third month: No milk (if required\, it can be mixed with a drop of lemon juice). \nCaturmasya stands for ‘four months’. It is the period between sayana and uttana ekadasis. The scriptures refer to this period as the duration of Lord Visnu’s sleep in this universe. \nThe main goal of observing Caturmasya is to decrease attachment to material things and to increase devotion to Krishna.\nSrila Prabhupada writes in Caitanya Caritamrta\, “Caturmasya should be observed by all sections of the population. It does not matter whether one is a grihasta or a sanyasi. The observation is obligatory to all ashramas.” He further explains how to observe the vow: “This is not very difficult. In the month of Sravana one should not eat spinach (green leafy vegetables of the nature)\, in the month of Bhadra one should not eat yogurt (yogurt used as binding agent for cake is allowed)\, and in the month of Asvina one should not drink milk (milk sweets\, milk by-products are fine). \nOne should not eat fish or other non-vegetarian food during the month of Kartik. Masura dal and urad dal being high in protein is also considered non-vegetarian.” Thus during caturmasya one should practice to give up all food intended for sense enjoyment. However\, maha-prasad\, though containing restricted item can be honoured! \nIt is stated in Hari Bhakti Vilasa 15/113 that ‘after properly praying to the Supreme Lord near Him\, one should properly take a vow to follow the proper rules and regulations and process of caturmasya to increase one’s devotion to Lord Sri Krishna.’ \nSo please take this opportunity and engage yourself yourselves in the service of the Lord with much enthusiasm and make your life sublime. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/third-month-of-caturmasya-begins-30th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/third.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230929 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230930 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T074959Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133713Z UID:30870-1695945600-1696031999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Acceptance of Sannyasa by Srila Prabhupada 29th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:“One night\, Abhay had an unusual dream. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta appeared before him\, beckoning. He was asking Abhay to leave home and take sannyasa. Abhay awoke in an intensely emotional state\, “How horrible!” He thought. He knew it was not an ordinary dream\, yet the request seemed so difficult and unlikely. Take sannyasa! At least it was not something he could do immediately. Now he had to improve the business\, and with the profits he would print books. He went on with his duties\, but remained shaken by the dream.” (Satwarup Goswami. 1980. Prabhupada Lilamrta. Page 118.) \nIn 1948\, Abhay closed his Lucknow factory. He had fallen behind in employees’ salaries\, and since 1946 he had been paying past rent in installments. But when sales dropped off\, continuing the factory became impossible. He lost everything. \nSrila Prabhupada: I started a big factory in Lucknow. Those were golden days. My business flourished like anything. Everything in the chemical business knew. But then\, gradually\, everything dwindled.\nWith the help of some acquaintances in Allahabad\, he opened a small factory there\, in the same city where his Prayag Pharmacy had failed fifteen years before. He moved to Allahabad with his son Brindaban and continued manufacturing medicines. While the rest of the family remained at Banerjee Lane in Calcutta\, Abhay continued his travelling; but now he was often sway for months at a time.\nAnd then he had the dream a second time. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati appeared before him; again he was beckoning\, indicating that Abhay should take sannyasa. And again Abhay had to put the dream aside. He was a householder with many responsibilities. To take sannyasa would mean to give up everything. He had to earn money. He now had five children. “Why is Guru Maharaj asking me to take sannyasa?” he thought. It is not possible now. \nThe Allahabad business was unsuccessful. “At present\, the condition of our business is not good\,” he wrote his servant Gouranga\, who had asked to rejoin him. “When the condition gets better and if you are free at that time I will call for you.” He worked earnestly\, but results were meagre.\nAs with everything else\, Abhay saw his present circumstances through the eyes of scripture. And he could not help but think of the verse from the Srimad Bhagavatam: \nyasyAham anugrihnriAmi\nharishye tad-dhanaM shanaiH\ntato ‘dhanaM tyajanty asya\nsva-janA duHkha-duHkhitam \n“When I feel especially merciful towards someone\, I gradually take away all his material possessions. His friends and relatives then reject this poverty-stricken and most wretched fellow”. \nHe had heard Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati quote this verse\, and now he thought of it often. He took it that his present circumstances were controlled by Lord Sri Krishna\, who was forcing him into a helpless position\, freeing him for preaching Krishna consciousness. \nSrila Prabhupada: Somehow or other\, my intention for preaching the message of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu increased\, and the other side decreased. I was not disinclined\, but Krishna forced me: “You must give it up.” The history is known – how it decreased\, decreased\, decreased. \nIn the Srimad Bhagavatam\, Queen Kunti had also prayed\, “My dear Lord Krishna\, Your Lordship can easily be approached\, but only by those who are materially exhausted. One who is on the path of (material) progress\, trying to improve himself with respectable parentage\, great opulence\, high education\, and bodily beauty\, cannot approach You with sincere feeling.” \nSrila Prabhupada: So in 1950 I retired\, practically. Not retired\, but a little in touch with business – whatever is going on. Then almost it became nil. Whatever was there\, all right. You do whatever you like. (Satwarup Goswami. 1980. Prabhupada Lilamrta. Pages 140-141.) \nOne night Abhay had a striking dream\, the same dream he had had several times before\, during his days as a householder. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati appeared\, just as Abhay had known him\, the tall\, scholarly sannyasi\, coming directly from the spiritual world\, from Krishna’s personal entourage. He called to Abhay and indicated that he should follow. Repeatedly he called and motioned. He was asking Abhay to take sannyasa. Come\, he urged\, become a sannyasi. \nAbhay awoke in a state of wonder. He thought of this instruction as another feature of the original instruction Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had given him at their first meeting in Calcutta\, the same instruction that his spiritual master had later solidified in a letter; become an English preacher and spread Krishna consciousness throughout the Western world. Sannyasa was for that end; otherwise\, why would his spiritual master have asked him to accept it? Abhay reasoned that his spiritual master was saying\, “Now take sannyasa and you will actually be able to accomplish this mission. Formerly the time was not right.” \nAbhay deliberated cautiously. By accepting sannyasa\, a Vaishnava dedicates his body\, mind and words totally to the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, renouncing all other engagements. He was doing that already. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had offered sannyasa to his leading disciples so that they could continue his mission; they hadn’t done it. Preaching in the West had proved perilous even for the Gaudiya Math’s most recognised sannyasis. How could he\, a mere householder\, presume he could succeed where the others had failed? He was hesitant. The helpless\, incapable feeling he had expressed in his “Viraha-ashtaka” was there. But now his spiritual master was beckoning him – over all other considerations\, even over natural humility. Now\, although he was elderly and alone\, the desire to preach just as his spiritual master had preached remained within him\, a fierce though sometimes quietly expressed determination. \nThe Vedik standard and the example set by the previous acharyas was that if one wanted to lead a preaching movement\, sannyasa was required. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had taken sannyasa to facilitate his missionary work. Lord Chaitanya had taken sannyasa to further his sankirtan movement. Of course\, Lord Chaitanya was the Supreme Personality of godhead\, but when His young students had been disrespectful towards Him\, treating Him as an ordinary man\, He had taken sannyasa. Because a sannyasi is automatically respected\, Lord Chaitanya’s acceptance of sannyasa was a calculated tactic; as son as He began travelling throughout India as a sannyasi\, he immediately attracted thousands of followers to the sankirtan movement. \nKnowing that many cheaters would accept the saffron dress and abuse the respect given to sannyasis\, Lord Chaitanya had advised against accepting sannyasa in the Age of Kali-yuga. He knew that cheaters\, in the guise of sadhus\, would act immorally\, accumulate funds for their own sense gratification\, and make many followers simply to enhance their own prestige. Posing as swamis\, they would cheat the public. Because the people in Kali-yuga are unable to follow the rules and regulations of sannyasa\, Lord Chaitanya had recommended that they simply chant Hare Krishna. However\, if a person could actually follow the rules\, and especially if he had to spread the sankirtan movement\, sannyasa was necessary. \nAbhay first had to approach one of his Godbrothers for permission. He decided to turn to Bhaktivilas Tirtha Maharaj (formerly Kunjavihari) the leader of the Chaitanya Math in Calcutta. Abhay still thought of the Caitanya Math as the headquarters of his spiritual master’s mission. During the heated legal disputes\, the Chaitanya Math had been the most prized acquisition\, and since 1948 it had been under the legal ownership of Bhaktivilas Tirtha Maharaj. Now\, although each sannyasi had his own place or places\, the Chaitanya Math and Bhaktivilas Tirtha Maharaj legally represented the Gaudiya Math entity. Abhay felt that if he were to take sannyasa and go preach in America\, he should give the Chaitanya Math the first opportunity to support the work. In April 1959\, Abhay wrote to Tirtha Maharaj\, inquiring about sannyasa as well as about the Chaitanya Math’s printing some of his manuscripts. And since no one was going abroad\, he volunteered to do so on behalf of the Chaitanya Math. \nBhaktivilas Tirtha Maharaj replied that Abhay should first join the Caitanya Math. He mentioned the strife that still lingered; “Those who are against Chaitanya Math\, they are motivated by their individual ambitions.” Anyone who was against the Chaitanya Math\, he said was acting illogically and against the instructions of Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. So according to Tirtha Maharaj\, the thing for Abhay to do\, the thing he had neglected to do for so many years\, was to join the Chaitanya Math and act under his direction. Tirtha Maharaj mentioned several members of the Chaitanya Math who had recently accepted the sannyasa order\, and he said that Abhay could become one – in time. He invited Abhay to come reside at the Chaitanya Math; “The house that we have\, there are rooms that are airy and well lit. We will treat you exclusively. There won’t be any difficulty. We will take care that no inconveniences are caused”. But as for printing books: \nWe are eagerly awaiting to print the books like Satsandarbha\, Vedanta\, based on devotional service\, and many other rare books by the Goswamis. First we will print them. Books written by you will be checked by the editorial staff\, and if the funds can be raised\, then they can be printed according to priority. The books will be printed only if they are favourable for the service of the Chaitanya Math. Therefore\, if the fund is raised\, then there is a plan to go abroad as well. \nAbhay was not encouraged. The main difficulty\, he felt\, was the Chaitanya Math’s shortage of funds.\nSrila Prabhupada: I was working with my broken typewriter. I went to our Tirtha Maharaj: “You give me a room and print my books. Give me some money. I will join you.” I had thought\, “This is Guru Maharaj’s institution.” He did not say no\, but the printing of books was a difficult task for him. He had no money. He was hardly collecting for maintaining. Printing of books is a big job\, and there is no guarantee of sale. \nWithout printing books and going to the West\, sannyasa did not have meaning for Abhay. And who knew when Tirtha Maharaj would sanction his taking sannyasa? There was no point in going to Calcutta just to reside in an airy\, well-lit room; that he had already in Vrindavan. Abhay wrote back to Tirtha Maharaj\, mentioning his direct order from Srila Bhaktisiddhanta to preach to the English-speaking people. He wanted to go to the West right away\, and he had thought that Chaitanya Math would welcome his offer. Both Abhay and tirtha Maharaj had their responsibilities\, but perhaps they could work together to carry out the desire of their spiritual master. Abhay asked Tirtha Maharaj to reconsider.. On May 7th\, 1959\, Bhaktivilas Tirtha Maharaj wrote back. \nMy suggestion is don’t make any hasty decisions. For the time being you stay with us and engage yourself in the service of the society and then accept tridandi (sannyasa). The purpose of accepting tridandi is to serve the society.\nIf that is your desire\, then Sri Chaitanya Math will decide about your going to America to preach and make all the arrangements. It can never be the principle of the society to let one act according to his individual attempt or desire. The society will decide after consulting with the heads what is to be done by whom. That is what I want to say. First of all\, it is necessary to identify oneself with the society. \nIn order to preach in America or in other foreign countries\, it is important to have a dignified organisation in the background and secondly it is necessary to establish one’s self in India before going to preach in the foreign countries. \nNow it is that there are no conferences or meetings in the West as before. Communication is done through the media of television. \nAbhay could understand the needs and priorities of the Chaitanya Math\, but he could not allow them to overrule what he considered the highest mandate; preaching as Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had ordered. Abhay had offered his services to the leaders of the Chaitanya Math\, thinking they might also see things his way. He thought that with the world’s crying need for Krishna consciousness staring them in the face\, they might see that this Abhay Babu was convinced and enthusiastic and so should be sent right away with whatever he required. But they had other priorities.\nAbhay next turned to Keshava Maharaj in Mathura\, and Keshava Maharaj told Abhay to take sannyasa immediately. After corresponding with Tirtha Maharaj\, Abhay had felt some uncertainty about accepting sannyasa\, and now that he was being encouraged so strongly\, he resisted. But Keshava Maharaj was insistent. \nSrila Prabhupada: I was sitting alone in Vrindavana\, writing. My Godbrother insisted to me “Bhaktivedanta Prabhu\, you must do it. Without accepting the renounced order of life\, nobody can become a preacher.” So he insisted. Not he insisted: practically my spiritual master insisted. He wanted me to become a preacher\, so he forced me through this Godbrother: “You accept.” So\, unwillingly I accepted. \nKeshavaji Gaudiya Math was located in the midst of one of Mathura’s downtown bazaars. Its main entrance\, an arched doorway\, led into a courtyard\, open to the sky through a metal grating above. The architecture was similar to that of the Vamshi-gopalaji temple. The atmosphere was secluded\, as in a monastery. Abhay was a familiar\, welcomed figure here. He had lived here\, written and studied in the library here\, edited the Gaudiya Patrika\, and donated the Deity of Lord Chaitanya who stood on the altar beside the Deities of Radha and Krishna (Sri Sri Radha Vinodavihariji). But his visit during September of 1959 was not an ordinary one. He entered the matha dressed in white\, Abhay Babu\, but he would soon be leaving dressed in saffron\, a swami. \nAbhay had been living as a renunciate for nine years; there was no need for him to observe a ceremony or to proclaim himself a sadhu by changing to saffron dress. But it was the parampara system that a man take tridandi-sannyasa at the end of his life. He was aware of the cheating sannyasis; even in Vrindavana he had seen so-called sadhus who did not preach but simply spent their days hunting for chapatis. Some “swamis” of Vrindavana even indulged illicitly in what they had supposedly come here to reject: sex life. Such persons were making a mockery of sannyasa. And there were the caste goswamis also\, who lived like ordinary householders\, running temples as a business to support their families and accepting honour and donations from the public on the false basis of birth. Abhay knew of these abuses of sannyasa\, but he also knew the real purpose of sannyasa. Sannyasa was for preaching. \nOn the morning of September 17th 1959\, in the fifty-by-twenty-five-foot Deity room on the second floor of the Keshavaji Math\, a group of devotees sat before the Deities of Radha-Krishna and Lord Chaitanya. The Deities were colourfully dressed in royal clothing and silver crowns. Radharani’s right hand faced palm-forward in benediction for the worshipper; at Her side\, Her left hand held a flower for Krishna. Krishna stood like a dancer\, placing His right leg in a casual tiptoe pose before His left\, playing His long silver flute\, which He held gracefully to His red lips. His long black hair reached down past His shoulders\, and the garland of marigolds around his neck reached down to His knees. On His right stood the Deity of Lord Chaitanya\, His right arm raised\, left arm at His side\, His body straight\, feet together. He was a soft golden colour\, and He had large eyes\, a well-formed red mouth\, and straight black hair down to his shoulders. One level below the Deities were pictures of the spiritual masters in disciplic succession: Jagannath dasa Babaji\, Bhaktivinoda Thakura\, Gaurakishora dasa Babaji\, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati\, Bhaktiprajnana Keshava Maharaj. \nAbhay sat on a mat of kusha grass beside ninety-year old Sanatana\, also to receive sannyasa that day. Sitting opposite the two candidates\, Narayana Maharaj\, Keshava Maharaja’s disciple\, prepared to conduct the ceremony of mantras and offerings of grains and ghee into the fire. Akinchana Krishnadasa Babaji\, Abhay’s Godbrother\, known for sweet singing\, played mrdanga and sang Vaishnava bhajanas. Sitting on a raised asana\, His Holiness B.P. Keshava Maharaj presided. Since there had been no notices or invitations\, only the matha’s few residents attended. \nNarayan Maharaj chanted the required mantras and then sat back silently while B.P. Keshava Maharaj lectured. Then\, to everyone’s surprise\, Keshava Maharaj asked Abhay to speak. Abhay had not expected this. As he looked around at the gathering of devotees\, he understood that the common language was Hindi; only Keshava Maharaj and a few others spoke English. Yet he knew he must speak in English. \nAfter Abhay’s speech\, each initiate received his sannyasa-danda\, the traditional head-high staff made of four bamboo rods bound together and completely enwrapped in saffron cloth. They were given their sannyasa garments: one piece of saffron cloth for a dhoti\, and one for a top piece (uttara)\, and two strips of cloth for underwear (kaupins). They also received Tulasi neck beads and the sannyasa mantra. Keshava Maharaj said that Abhay would now be known as Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj and that Sanatana would be Muni Maharaj. After the ceremony\, the two new sannyasis posed for a photo\, standing on either side of their sannyasa-guru\, who sat in a chair.\nB.P. Keshava Maharaj didn’t impose any strictures on Abhay; he simply encouraged him to go on preaching. Yet Abhay knew that to become A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami did not mean merely that he was giving up family\, home comforts\, and business. That he had done five years ago. Changing from white cloth to saffron cloth\, from Abhay Babu to Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj\, had a special significance: it was only a matter of time before Bhaktivedanta Swami would travel to the West as Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati had ordained. This was Bhaktivedanta Swami’s realization of his new sannyasa status. \nThe Gaudiya Patrika’s account of the sannyasa initiation included a biographical sketch of Sri Srimad Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj\, listing the major events of his life. The article concluded: \nSeeing his enthusiasm and ability to write articles in Hindi\, English and Bengali\, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaj gave him the instruction to take tridandi-sannyasa. For nearly one year he had been ready to accept sannyasa. In the month of Bhadra\, on the day on which Vishvarupa accepted sannyasa\, Bhaktivedanta Swami at the Sri Keshavaji Gaudiya Math accepted sannyasa from the founder of the Vedanta Samiti\, Bhaktiprajnana Keshava Maharaj. Seeing him accept his ashram of renunciation\, seeing this pastime for accepting the renounced order of life\, we have attained great affection and enthusiasm. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/acceptance-of-sannyasa-by-srila-prabhupada-29th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Prabhupada-1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230929 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230930 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T074513Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133707Z UID:30869-1695945600-1696031999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Sri Visvarupa Mahotsava 29th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Today is a very sacred day in our line. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa and began to search for his brother Visvarupa. While searching\, on this day He found out that he was in Pandarapur\, and that he had left his body. He had taken samadhi on the bank of the river Bhima. Then\, on this day\, though Mahaprabhu was observing Caturmasya-vrata very strictly for four months\, He shaved his hair. Before this year\, He never shaved for these four months\, nor did He cut his nails. He observed all the rules and regulations of Caturmasya. \nIt is said that Sankararanya was the sannyasa name of Srila Visvarupa\, who was the elder brother of Visvambhara (the original name of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu). Sankararanya expired in 1432 Sakabda (A.D. 1510) at Sholapur\, where there is a place of pilgrimage known as Pandarapura. This is referred to in the Madhya-lila\, Chapter Nine\, verses 299 and 300. \n(Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 10:106 purport.)\nVisvarupa was the elder brother of Gaurahari\, Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. When arrangements were being made for the marriage of Visvarupa\, He took sannyasa and left home. He took the sannyasa name of Sankararanya. In 1431 Sakabda Era (A.D. 1509)\, He disappeared in Pandarapura\, in the district of Sholapur. As an incarnation of Sankarshana\, He is both the ingredient and immediate cause of the creation of this material world. He is nondifferent from Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu\, for the amsa and the amsi\, or the part and the whole\, are not different. As an incarnation of Sankarshana\, Visvarupa belongs to the quadruple manifestation of catur-vyuha. In the Gaura-candrodaya it is said that Visvarupa\, after His so-called demise\, remained mixed within Sri Nityananda Prabhu. \n(Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 13:74 purport.) \nataeva prabhu tanre bale\, ‘bada bhai’\nkrishna\, balarama dui——caitanya\, nitai \nTRANSLATION\nBecause Maha-sankarshana is the ingredient and efficient cause of the cosmic manifestation\, He is present in every detail of it. Lord Caitanya therefore called Him His elder brother. The two brothers are known as Krishna and Balarama in the spiritual world\, but at the present moment they are Caitanya and Nitai. Therefore the conclusion is that Nityananda Prabhu is the original Sankarshana\, Baladeva.\n(Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Adi-lila 13:78 text and translation.)\nRead Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita Madhya lila 7th chapter. \nsannyasa kari’ visvarupa giyache dakshine\navasya kariba ami tanra anveshane \nTRANSLATION\n“My elder brother\, Visvarupa\, has taken sannyasa and gone to South India. Now I must go search for Him.”\najna deha\, avasya ami dakshine caliba\ntomara ajnate sukhe leuti’ asiba’ \nTRANSLATION\n“Please permit Me to go\, for I must tour South India. With your permission\, I shall soon return very happily.”\nsuni’ sarvabhauma haila atyanta katara\ncarane dhariya kahe vishada-uttara \nTRANSLATION\nUpon hearing this\, Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya became very much agitated. Catching hold of the lotus feet of Caitanya Mahaprabhu\, he gave this sorrowful reply.\nbhattacarya-sange ara yata nija-gana\njagannatha pradakshina kari’ karila gamana \nTRANSLATION\nAccompanied by His personal associates and Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya\, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu circumambulated the altar of Jagannatha. The Lord then departed on His South Indian tour. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-visvarupa-mahotsava-29th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sri-Visvarupa-Mahotsava.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230928 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230929 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T074246Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133700Z UID:30868-1695859200-1695945599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Haridasa Thakura 28th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Sri Haridas Thakur appeared in this world in the village of Buron\, in the present district of Sat-kira\, which was previously a sub-division of Khulna\, Bangladesh. By this great fortune that land has been blessed\, in that the chanting of the Holy Names of Hari-Nam Sankirtan\, became revealed there. After remaining there for some time\, he came to the banks of Ganga at Fulia\, near Santipur. Advaita Acarya was overjoyed to get his association and roared very loudly. The two of them thus began to float in the waves of the mellows of pastimes of Sri Krsna – Govinda. [C. B. Adi 16.18]\nSri Haridas Thakur is an eternally liberated associate of the Lord. The associates of the Lord are worshipable wherever they make their appearance. Just as Garuda appeared as a bird\, and Hanuman as a monkey\, Haridas Thakur appeared in a family of Yavanas (Mohammedans). From his very birth he was very deeply devoted to the Holy Names of Sri Krsna. \nWhen he came to live by the banks of the Ganges\, Advaita Acarya was very happy to get his association. The brahmana residents of Fulia were very pleased to see how he worshipped the Holy Name\, and they used to come everyday to have his darshan. Gradually word began to spread of his glories. When the Mohammedan administrator came to know of all this he began to burn with malice and went to the local Mohammedan king to inform him\, “Though he is Mohammedan\, he behaves as a Hindu\, are therefore he should be brought here for trial.” Hearing the words of that sinful man\, the local king who was also very sinful\, had Hari das Thakur brought there immediately. [C. B. Adi 16.37]. \nThe Mohammedan King told Haridas\, “Just give up this chanting and say the Kalma (prayer of the Mohammedans).” \nHaridasa Thakura replied\, “The Supreme Lord is one\, though His names might be different. The Hindu shastras are the Puranas and the Muslim sastra is the Koran. Everyone acts as he is inspired by the Lord\, as also do I. Some yavanas become Hindus and some Hindus become yavanas\, to worship the Lord. O Maharaja\, you can now judge me.” \nHearing these words the Kazi replied that it would be necessary to punish him. Hearing the decree of the Kazi\, the Muluk pati addressed Haridasa\, “My brother\, just follow your own religion. Then you will have nothing to worry about. Otherwise you will have to be punished.” \nIn reply to this Haridasa Thakura exclaimed\, “Even if you cut my body into pieces\, I will never give up the chanting of Hari nama.” [C. B. Adi 6.94]\nAfter hearing these words of Haridasa spoken with great determination\, the Kazi declared\, “He should be beaten in twenty two market places. If he doesn’t die after this\, then I will know that the learned gentleman speaks the truth.” \nThus having heard the words of the Kazi\, the sinful Muluk pati then ordered that Haridasa Thakura be beaten in twenty two market places. Haridasa remembered the Lord by chanting “Krsna Krsna”\, and in the happiness of that remembrance\, he didn’t feel any bodily inconvenience. [C. B. Adi 16.102]. \nAs the demoniac associates of Hiranyakasipu tried in so many ways to kill Sri Prahlada Maharaja\, but were unsuccessful\, similarly the demoniac Mohammedans\, though they tried to harm Haridasa Thakura\, were unable to do so. Haridasa Thakur was immersed in the nectar of the Name and thus gradually the Mohammedans could understand that he wasn’t an ordinary person. \nThus they humbly submitted to the Thakura\, “Haridasa! We can understand that you are a genuine saintly person. No one can do anything to you. But the Mulukpati won’t understand any of this. Rather he will have our heads.” Hearing their frightened please Haridasa’s external consciousness ceased and he entered into deep meditation on the Lord’s Holy Name. \nThen the Mohammedans carried his body on their shoulders to the Mulukpati\, who surmised that he was dead. Thinking as such he ordered that his body be thrown in the Ganga. Haridasa’s body floated down the Ganga until he reached Fulia ghat\, where he got out of the water and began to loudly chant Hari Nama. Seeing the greatness of Haridasa Thakura\, the Mulukpati became fearful. Along with the other Mohammedans he came there and begged Haridas Thakur to forgive him for his offence. \nConsidering him to be a holy man\, they all offered their salutations and thus were delivered from their offences. Having witnessed the pastimes of the Thakura the devotees were in ecstasy. \nHaridasa Thakur used to chant Hari Nama in a hollowed out cave like hole at the base of a tree. This “cave” still exists near Fulia\, on the banks of the Ganga. One can get there by train from Santipura. Within the roots of this tree also lived a poisonous snake. Being fearful of this snake the devotees couldn’t remain there for very long and one day they mentioned to the Thakura about this snake which was worrying them. Seeing the distress of the devotees Haridasa Thakur called to that snake and spoke to him\, “My dear sir\, if in fact you are residing here\, then I am requesting that you please leave by tomorrow\, otherwise I myself will definitely leave here.” \nHearing these words of the Thakura\, that snake immediately came out of its hole and after offering namaskar to the Thakura\, it went elsewhere. Seeing this pastime\, the devotees were struck with wonder and they developed profound and deep devotion for Haridasa Thakura. \nOne time Haridasa Thakura came to a village within Jessore district named Harinodegram\, which was predominantly inhabited by brahmanas. One day during a religious discussion one puffed brahmana approached Haridasa Thakura and remarked\, “O Haridasa! Why do you chant the holy name loudly? In the scriptures it is recommended to chant within the mind.” In reply Haridasa Thakura told him\, “The birds\, beasts and insects cannot chant themselves\, but if they get to hear Hari Nama then they also become delivered. If one chants only to himself then he delivers only himself\, but if one chants loudly\, the benefit is a hundred times greater. This is the conclusion of the scriptures.” [C. B. Adi 16.180]\nHearing this objective statement of Haridasa Thakura that sinful brahmana couldn’t tolerate it and exclaimed\, “In Kali yuga sudras will recite the shastras\, now I am seeing this with my own eyes.” In answer to this personal insult delivered by that miscreant brahmana\, Haridasa Thakura simply silently walked out of that assembly. Within a few days that brahmana contracted ulcerous leprosy. The result of Vaishnava aparadha became immediately manifest. In Kali yuga\, Raksasas take birth in brahmana families in order to give trouble to the honest\, virtuous people. [C.B. Adi 16.300]\nAnother time\, Haridasa desired to have darshan of the Vaishnavas of Navadwipa. Everyone there became overwhelmed with ecstasy\, to see Haridasa. Adwaita Acarya loved Haridasa as much as His own life and he would offer the first prasadam to Haridasa Thakura (which is to be offered only to high class brahmanas) after performing Pitr-sraddha (worship of his forefathers). \nHaridasa Thakura lived for some time at Benapol\, which was within Jessore district. Every day and night he would chant three hundred thousand Holy Names. At the time\, when Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu displayed His divine opulences by manifesting Himself as the Supreme Personality of Godhead in the courtyard at Srivasa Pandita’s house\, He was calling his dear devotees: “Haridasa! when those Mohammedans were beating you I was ready to destroy them with My Sudarsana Cakra\, but as you were praying for their welfare I was unable to do anything.” [C. B. Madhya 10.42]\nTherefore I accepted their blows on My own body. Just see\, the scars are still here on My body.” Seeing those marks Haridasa fainted in ecstatic love. Regaining his consciousness he began to praise the Lord of his life\, “O Lord Viswambhara\, master of the universe\, please have mercy on this sinner\, who has fallen at Your feet. I have no good qualities and am a vile wretch\, rejected by all classes of men. How can I describe Your divine character?” [C. B. Mad 20.58]\nThakura Haridasa was present during most of the Lord’s pastimes in Nadia\, and when the Lord went to Jagannatha Puri\, Haridasa also went and took up residence there. Everyday\, after attending Lord Jagannath’s mangal arati\, Lord Caitanya would come to see Haridasa Thakura and would bring him some of Lord Jagannath’s prasadam. When Sri Sanatana Goswami and Sri Rupa Goswami would come from Vrindavana to Puri they used to stay with Haridasa Thakura. Haridasa\, in order to maintain the etiquette\, would not go near Lord Jagannatha’s temple but would offer his obeisances to the Cakra on top of the temple\, from a distance. As he was considered to be a Mohammedan by birth\, his presence in the temple would be objectionable to those who were caste conscious. \nMahamaya devi took initiation in the maha-mantra from Haridasa Thakura and Caitanya Mahaprabhu appointed him as the acarya of the Holy Name. His departure from this world\, in the presence of Caitanya Mahaprabhu\, is fully described by Sri Krsna dasa Kaviraja Gosvami in the Antya-lila of Sri Caitanya Caritamrta. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-haridasa-thakura-28th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Srila-Haridasa-Thakura.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230928 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230929 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T074105Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133650Z UID:30867-1695859200-1695945599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Ananta Caturdasi Vrata : Appearance Day of Padmanabha 28th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:There are no indications that Gaudiya Vaisnavas perform any extra functions or austerities for this vrata. \nThe fourteenth day in the bright fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada is known as anantana vrata.The Lord Ananta Padmanabha is invoked in a pot filled with water and decorated with coconut and flowers. Special puja is celebrated with fourteen varieties of dishes. \nOf all the vratas assigned to caturdasi\, the Anantacaturdasi-vrata (Bhadrapada sukla caturdasi) seems to be the most important and widely observed. It is also called ‘Anantapadmanabha-vrata’. Lord Visnu is believed to have appeared on this day as Padmanabha lying on the couch of Ananta (the thousand-hooded serpent). URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/ananta-caturdasi-vrata-appearance-day-of-padmanabha-28th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Ekadashi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230927 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230928 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T073307Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133645Z UID:30866-1695772800-1695859199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura 27th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Sri Sacidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura appeared in 1838 in a wealthy family in the Nadia district\, West Bengal. He revealed that he is an eternal associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu by his extraordinary preaching activities and prolific writing. Living as a\, mahabhagavata Vaisnava\, he stayed in the grhasta ashram until the last few years of his life. Then he renounced everything\, accepted babaji\, and entered samadhi\, totally absorbed in the loving service of Gaura-Gadadhara and Radha-Madhava. \n“He had a responsible government position as the District Magistrate (high court judge)\, maintained a Krishna conscious family\, and wrote almost one hundred books on Krishna consciousness. At the same time\, he served the Supreme Lord in so many ways. That is the beauty of his life. After a full day of government service he would sleep four hours\, get up at midnight and write until morning. That was his daily program.” (Srila Prabhupada) \nThakura Bhaktivinoda took Vaisnava diksa from Sri Vipinvihari Goswami in the line of Sri Jahnava Mata. Afterwards\, he received spiritual inspiration and direction from Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji. Holding an exalted government post\, vast erudition\, and spiritual accomplishment never disturbed Bhaktivinoda Thakura. He remained prideless\, always humble\, friendly to all. Charity seekers at his home always left happy and satisfied. A well-wisher to everyone\, he never kept grudges\, even with opponents to his preaching. In fact\, he never spoke a word that would hurt another’s feelings. \n“The Thakura was always courageous and acted for everyone’s welfare. Keeping personal needs to a minimum\, he led the simplest of lives\,” said one pandit. In the following entry from Saranagati\, Srila Bhaktivinoda\, who had all pure divine qualities\, takes the role of a conditioned soul to teach us how to advance in Krishna consciousness: \n“You should always absorb your mind in attentively chanting Krishna’s glories. By performing Krishna kirtana you’ll gain mastery over the mind. Give up all false pride. Always think yourself to be worthless\, destitute\, lower and more humble than straw in the street. Practice forgiveness like the tree. Giving up all violence toward other living beings\, you should maintain them. Throughout your life you should never give anxiety to others. But do good to them\, make them happy\, and forget about your own happiness. \n“Thus when you become a pious good soul by possessing all good qualities\, you should give up desires for fame and honor. And just make your heart humble. Knowing that Lord Sri Krishna lives within all living beings\, you should respect and honor everyone at all times. You will attain virtue by being humble\, merciful\, respecting others\, and renouncing desires for fame and honor. In such a state\, you should sing the glories of the Supreme Lord. Weeping\, Bhaktivinoda submits his prayer at the lotus feet of the Lord. ‘0 Lord\, when will You give me such qualities as these?’ ” \nAlways anxious to use every moment in loving service of Krishna\, he followed a strict austere daily schedule: \n8 p.m.-10 p.m. Rest (two hours)\n10 p.m.-4 a.m. Write\n4 a.m.-4:30 a.m. Rest\n4:30 a.m.-7 a.m. Chant Japa\n7 a.m.-7:30 a.m. Correspondence\n7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Study sastras\n9:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Bath\,prasadam (half-liter milk\, fruit\, 2 chapatis)\n10 a.m.-1 p.m. Court Duties\n1 p.m.-2 p.m. Refresh at home\n2 p.m.-5 p.m. Court Duties\n5 p.m.-7 p.m. Translate Sanskrit sastras to Bengali\n7 p.m.-8 p.m. Bath\,prasadam (half-liter milk\, rice\, 2chapatis) \nSummary Daily Schedule: \nSleep 3 hours\nWrite 8.5 hours\nJapa\,study 4.5 hours\nWork 6 hours \nSrinivasa Acarya praises the six Gosvamis of Vrindavana\, nana-sastra-vicaranaika-nipunau sad-dharma samsthakapau\, lokanam hita karinau … “The six Gosvamis deeply studied all the sastras in order to establish eternal religious principles for the benefit of everyone.” Similarly\, Thakura Bhaktivinoda made unlimited preaching contributions to help humanity. And for this he’s known as the “Seventh Gosvami.” \nBiographers list three major preaching achievements of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura: \n(1) Wrote 100 authorized spiritual books. (2) Discovered appearance place of Lord Caitanya. (3) Introduced preaching innovations. Besides books (in Bengali\, Oriya\, English) reviving and explaining Mahaprabhu’s message\, he wrote hundreds of poems and songs full of spiritual sentiments and sastrie siddhanta (philosophical conclusions). \n“His writings have made the sacred teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu fully available to every modern reader. And they are presented in a form which carries irresistable conviction and devotion\,” said a late disciple of Thakura Bhaktivinoda. \nSri Krishna-samhita\, Kalyana Kalpa-taru\, Sri Caitanya-siksamrta\, Sri Navadvipa-dhama mahatmyam\, Jaiva Dharma\, Sri Harinama¬cintamani\, Bhajana-rahasya\, Gita-mala\, Gitavalli\, Saranagati\, and commentaries on Bhagavad-gita and Caitanya-caritamrta are some of his works. The following quote comes from Thakura Bhaktivinoda’s Gitavali: \n“He who has failed to carefully worship the lotus feet of Sri Radhika\, which are the abodes of all auspiciousness. He who has not taken shelter in the transcendental abode of Vrindavana\, which is decorated with the lotus flower named Radha. He who in this life has not associated with the devotees of Radhika\, who are full of wisdom and love for Radhika. How will such a person ever feel the bliss of bathing in the ocean of Lord Syamasundara’s sublime mellows? \n“Please understand this most attentively. Sri Radhika is the teacher of madhurya rasa (mellows of conjugal love). Radha-Madhava madhurya prema is meant to be discussed and meditated upon. He who cherishes the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani obtains the lotus feet of Madhava\, which are priceless jewels. Without taking shelter of Radha’s lotus feet one can never meet Krishna. The Vedic scriptures declare that Krishna is the property of the maidservants of Sri Radha. Give up wife\, sons\, friends\, wealth\, followers\, speculative knowledge\, all materialistic actions. Just become absorbed in the sweetness of serving the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani. This is Bhaktivinoda’s solemn declaration.” \nDuring the last five-hundred years\, the original appearance place of Lord Caitanya had vanished under the indomitable Ganges River. In 1888\, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura revealed Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s janmasthana at the Yogapitha in Sridhama Mayapur. Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja\, a famous siddha saint\, and paramahamsa rasika Vaisnava\, confirmed the Thakura’s discovery. This most auspicious event delighted the Gaudiya Vaisnavas from Gaura-mandala to Vraja-bhumi. He established the worship of Lord Gauranga and Sri mati Vishnupriya at Yogapitha. \nIn the mood of innovation\, in 1896 he sent to universities around the world a book of slokas\, Sri Gauranga-lila smarana which had a forty-seven page English introduction: “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts.” This act rose from a keen desire to spread Lord Caitanya’s teachings in the Western countries. \nBhaktivinoda Thakura made three predictions concerning a person and a phenomena: “A personality will soon appear\,” wrote Bhaktivinoda Thakura\, “and he will travel all over the world to spread the teachings of Lord Caitanya.” \nHis second prediction: “Very soon the chanting of ‘Harinama sankirtana will be spread all over the world. Oh\, when will that day come when people from America\, England\, France\, Germany\, Russia will take up karatals and mrdangas and chant Hare Krishna in their towns?” \nThe third prediction: “When will that day come when the fair-skinned foreigners will come to Sri Mayapur-dhama and join with the Bengali Vaisnavas to chant\, Jaya Sacinandana\, Jaya Sacinandana. When will that day be? ” \nSrila Prabhupada said it’s spiritually significant that he himself appeared in 1896\, the same year Bhaktivinoda Thakura sent his book overseas. The will of Lord Caitanya\, the desire of Thakura Bhaktivinoda\, and the mercy of Srila Sarasvati Thakura empowered Srila A.c. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada to spread Sri Caitanya’s teachings and the chanting of Hare Krishna all over the world. Prabhupada fulfilled the Thakura’s three predictions! \nDevoid of pride\, full of humility\, radiant with pure love for Radha-Govinda\, Srila Prabhupada gave all credit to the previous acaryas. “We should take it\,” said Srila Prabhupada\, “that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was the origin of the Krishna Consciousness Movement in its pure form.” \nIn 1986\, just one-hundred years after Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s third prediction\, three-thousand “fair skinned devotees” from America\, England\, France\, Germany\, Russia\, and fifty other countries gathered at the ISKCON Mayapura Chandrodaya Mandir in Sridhama Mayapur. They joined one thousand “Bengali Vaisnavas” to rock the universe by chanting Jaya Sacinandana\, Jaya Sacinandana\, Jaya Sacinandana\, Gaura-Hari. Srila Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura ki jai!\n.\nIn 1914\, on the tirobhava tithi (disappearance day) of Sri Gadadhara Pandit (the incarnation of Sri Radha)\, Thakura Bhaktivinoda entered the eternal pastimes of Gaura-Gadadhara and Radha-Madhava. In Godrumadvipa (Navadvipa) Sri-Sri Gaura-Gadadhara\, the worshipable Deities of Thakura Bhaktivinoda\, await to bless any visitors to Svananda-sukhada-kunja. In Radha-Madhava’s nitya-vraja lila Bhaktivinoda Thakura takes the form of Kamala-manjari to serve Srimati Radharani. His pushpa samadhi is in his bhajana kutir at Radha-kunda. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-srila-bhaktivinoda-thakura-27th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Srila-Bhaktivinoda-Thakura.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230926 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230927 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T072252Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133639Z UID:30865-1695686400-1695772799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Jiva Goswami 26th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Shri Jiva Goswami displayed all the charming features of a mahapurusa (divine person). He had lotus eyes\, a high nose and forehead\, broad chest\, long arms\, and a radiant golden body. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-jiva-goswami-26th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sri-Jiva-Goswami.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230926 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230927 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T072043Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133634Z UID:30858-1695686400-1695772799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Sri Vamana Dwadashi : Appearance of Sri Vamana Deva 26th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Lord Vamanadeva appeared within this world from the womb of Aditi\, the mother of the gods. He appeared at midday on the shravan-dvadasi\, the 12th day of the lunar month of Shravan when the moon is waxing.\nThere are many lessons for Vaishnavas to learn from the narration of His activities\, as found in the 8th canto\, 18th chapter of the Bhagavat Purana (Srimad Bhagavatam). Amongst the lessons are these: \n1. That God comes to this world in many forms; not just once\, in one form\, or even many times in the same form\, but many times in many forms. He is never limited by the form\, but remains all powerful. \n2. That all other gods are meant to offer homage to Him. They did this when\, appearing as a young child\, he was awarded the sacred thread by Brihaspati\, the guru of the gods. The sun god gave Him the Gayatri mantra and His father\, Kasyapa Muni\, a straw belt. Mother Earth gave Him a deerskin and Lord Brahma gave Him a waterpot. Kuvera\, the heavenly treasurer gave Him a monk’s begging bowl\, and the wife of Lord Shiva gave Him the first alms. In this way\, the gods all offered the best of what they had to the Supreme God. Each of us\, in our own way\, must also give the best of what we own – our talents\, intelligence\, words and wealth – as a gift to that same God. He gave it to us along with our birth\, and we can offer ot back to Him. \n3. Upon seeing the lad from a distance\, King Bali noticed his remarkable sun-like effulgence. He welcomed Him and washed His feet. Thinking of himself as a great proprietor of the Earth\, Bali then asked Vamanadeva what He would like to be given in charity\, as this was the custom of the king. Vamana replied that He only wanted three paces of land\, as measured by His own short steps. The king smiled at the thought of such a small request. He was soon to discover that just as God comes in disguise\, so His requests to us are often disguised as simple acts of devotion. Many people smile at the thought that God asks us for only three words: Hare\, Krishna\, and Rama\, spoken as a mantra. But as we speak those three small words we begin to realise that He is changing our life forever from within our hearts. \n4.Vamanadeva teaches Bali that enlightened human beings are meant to be satisfied with what comes to them. Those who are not satisfied with what they actually need will never be satisfied\, even if they gain the whole Earth. And a man or a woman practising the spiritual life must never be dissatisfied\, for by such dissatisfaction they sprinkle water on the inner fire of their spiritual potency. \n5. Bali Maharaja’s guru\, Sukracarya. was perceptive enough to understand what was happening\, who the young boy was\, and what was about to happen. But he counselled the king to deny the request\, even though he knew that it was Vishnu Himself asking. Thus Sukra was an atheist\, even though learned in the Vedas. Such a guru\, who stands in the way of his disciple’s emancipation\, is fit to be rejected. \n6. Bali turns to his guru and says that telling lies\, or not keeping a promise once spoken\, is the most sinful act. He explains that Mother Earth once said: ” I can bear any heavy thing except a person who is a liar.” Therefore\, a person living according to dharma must scrupulously avoid lying. \n7. He explains that the opportunity to give in charity to a qualified\, saintly person is very rare. It must never be regarded as a time of loss\, but as a moment when auspiciousness is drawn towards the giver. When we give we don’t lose\, rather God – and the universe – gives us even more in return. \n8. Sukra curses his own disciple\, thus revealing the actual relationship that sometimes exists between an official religious priest and a member of the faith. \nBali surrenders to Vamanadeva \n9. Vamana responds to Bali’s promise by expanding his size. Although God may appear as a child\, He is the oldest of the old\, the immeasurably largest of all large things\, and the most powerful of all. This lesson would later be learned by Lord Brahma\, who tested the Lord’s power when He appeared as child Krishna. God is also the ultimate owner of everything since everything emanates from Him. \n10. Vamana takes His first two steps which\, due to His size\, encompass the entire cosmos. When He asks where He should place his third promised step\, Bali realises that there is only one thing left to give Him – his very self. The king surrenders fully to God at that moment. The surrender of Bali\, although offered in a moment of abject desperation\, is nonetheless to be emulated by all of us. We don’t own countries\, but we do regard ourselves as proprietors of our domestic domains. Most of these\, in truth\, never quite belong to us legally\, and in the grand scheme of things we can claim no factual ownership at all. Death will come very quickly and take everything away from us\, so better to give it all to God now. We do this by dedicating everything we own to His service. The result? Curiously enough\, the same result that Bali achieved: that we are given everything back and that God draws us nearer to Him and His eternal abode URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-vamana-dwadashi-appearance-of-sri-vamana-deva-26th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sri-Vamana-Dwadashi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230926 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230927 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T071922Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133629Z UID:30857-1695686400-1695772799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Parsva Ekadashi 26th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Parsva Ekadasi occurs in the month of Asvina when the Moon is waxing\, and is also known as Vamana Ekadasi. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana\, Sri Krsna and Maharaja Yudhistira discuss the illimatable glories of this special day.Maharaja Yudhistira asked Sri Krsna “What is the name of the Ekadasi that takes place during the waxing moon in the month of Asvina? How should one make a proper job of observing this Ekadasi vrata and what merit is to be obtained by it? Please explain to me all these in details.” \nSri Krsna replied. “O King\, the glories of this day are immeasurably great\, it awards liberation and revives one’s desire. This Ekadasi is also known as Vamana Ekadasi due to the Lords appearance as Vamana deva at this time. It is also known as Parsva Parivartini Ekadasi (“changing sides”) Ekadasi.” \nMaharaja Yudhistira enquired\, “O sweet Janardana! In spite of hearing your description I still have some doubts. O King how do you sleep and how do you change sides? What procedure can be carried out for fulfilling the Caturmasya Vrata. What should people do when you are sleeping? Why did you bind Bali Maharaj in your impenetrable way? This I am unable to understand? Why is this? \nSri Krsna replied: My dear Yudhistira\, there was no reason for the appearance of Vamana deva in particular\, nevertheless his appearance was most auspicious what with his being the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Your doubts will be removed in good time when you have finished hearing this description of Ekadasi and your mind is pacified by it’s observance. \n“O lion like King! In Treta-yuga there was a great devotee known as Bali Maharaj\, he was born in a demoniac family\, yet he still became a most sublime devotee. This is almost unheard of! By his regular worship of me by offering a whole variety of sweet and sincere prayers I became most satisfied. His benign service unto me was of a most high calibre and I became very pleased simply by hearing his words. He also worshipped many brahmanas and performed sacrifice. Soon he became so prominent he defeated Indra and\, the King of heaven\, and conquered the heavenly planet. Then Indra approached me and offered beautiful prayers in harmony with the desires of the personality of Godhead. By their prayer I assumed the form of a dwarf (Vamana) and went to the sacrificial arena of Bali in the garb of a brahmacari. \n“Upon asking Bali for three steps of land I grew very ashamed of myself and only when I desired something more than these three steps did I feel at ease. Vamana deva thus proceeded to take three steps\, the first step covered the lower planetary systems and the second extended beyond the limited confines of the material universe. The third step he happily placed on my head and I grew to be most ecstatic. Being fully satisfied by the Lords humility he was more than kind enough to do this and I blessed him by living constantly with him. \n“On the day of this Ekadasi which occurs during the waxing moon of Asvina. A beautiful and most acutely aware deity of Vamana deva was installed in the residence of King Bali. Another form of mine has been established in the bed of Ananta Sesa in the ocean of milk. The Supreme Lord sleeps for four months beginning from Sayana Ekadasi up to Utthana Ekadasi. One should offer special worship to the Lord with selfish motivation. He should properly observe each and every Ekadasi and by observance in this way one obtains the result of performing one thousand horse sacrifices. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/parsva-ekadashi-26th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ekadashi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230923 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230924 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T071809Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133622Z UID:30856-1695427200-1695513599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Radhastami : Appearance of Srimati Radharani 23rd Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:The appearance anniversary of Srimati Radharani\, the eternal consort of Lord Krsna. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/radhastami-appearance-of-srimati-radharani-23rd-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Radhashtami.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230920 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230921 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T071713Z LAST-MODIFIED:20231009T133617Z UID:30855-1695168000-1695254399@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Srimati Sita Thakurani Appearance Day 20th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Sita Thakurani lived in Santipura as the eternal wife of Sri Advaita Acarya Prabhu. She was always absorbed in vatsalya-prema (paternal love) for Sri Gaurasundara. Just after Sri Caitanya’s appearance\, Sita Thakurani came to Mayapur. She brought a basket full of dresses\, ornaments\, silken children’s clothes\, jeweled necklaces\, and tiger nails set in gold. To worship the golden baby she also brought auspicious articles such as fresh grass\, tumeric\, kum kum\, sandalwood. The wonderful name “Nimai” was given to the Lord by Sita Thakurani. \nIn Krishna lila\, Sita Thakurani is Yogamaya or also Paurnamasi. At Krishna’s birth ceremony she gave many instructions about child care to Nanda and Yasoda. Similarly\, in Gaura lila Sita Thakurani would often help Sacimata nurture baby Nimai. Sita Thakurani and Saci Mata were of one mind; their life and soul was Nimai. Because of Sita Thakurani’s pure parental love\, Saci Mata often chose her as the first person to worship Nimai Pandit during any auspicious ceremony. \nLater Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Sri Nityananda Prabhu often came to Santipur to visit Advaita Acarya and Sita Thakurani. They would collect all the neighbors and hold an uproarious festival of Krishna nama-lila kirtana extending late into the night. When Lord Caitanya moved to Jagannatha Puri Advaita Prabhu and Sita Thakurani would regularly visit Him. \nSita Thakurani would cook Mahaprabhu’s favorite foods and offer lunch to the Lord. Sita Thakurani loved Lord Caitanya as a son and He loved her as His mother. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/srimati-sita-thakurani-appearance-day-20th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/Sita-thakurani.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230911 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230912 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T071609Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230912T100226Z UID:30854-1694390400-1694476799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Annada Mahadvadashi 11th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said\, “Oh JanArdana\, protector of allliving entities\, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occursduring the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September).” \nThe Supreme Lord\, Shri Krishna\, then replied\, “Oh King\, hear meattentively. The name of this sin-removing\, sacred Ekadasi is Aja. Any personwho fasts completely on this day and worships Hrishikesha\, the master of thesenses\, becomes free of all reactions to his sins. Even one who simplyhears about this Ekadasi is freed from his past sins. Oh King\, there is nobetter day than this in all the earthly and heavenly worlds. This is truewithout a doubt. \n“There once lived a famous king named Harishchandra\, who was theemperor of the world and a person of great truth and integrity. His wife’sname was Chandramati\, and he had a son named LohitAshva. By the force ofdestiny\, however\, Harishchandra lost his great kingdom and sold his wife andson. The pious king himself became a menial servant of a dog-eater\, who madehim guard a crematorium. Yet even while doing such menial service\, hedid not forsake his truthfulness and good character\, just as soma-rasa\,even when mixed with some other liquid\, does not lose its ability tobestow immortality. \n“The king passed many years in this condition. Then one day hesadly thought\, ‘What shall I do? Where shall I go? How can I be deliveredfrom this plight?’ In this way he drowned in an ocean of anxiety andsorrow. \n“One day a great sage happened by\, and when the king saw him hehappily thought\, ‘Ah\, Lord Brahma has created brahmins just to helpothers.’ Harishchandra paid his respectful obeisances to the sage\, whosename was Gautama Muni. With joined palms the king stood before Gautama Muniand narrated his pitiful story. Gautama Muni was astonished to hear theking’s tale of woe. He thought\, ‘How has this mighty king been reducedto collecting clothes from the dead?’ Gautama Muni became verymuch compassionate toward Harishchandra and instructed him on theprocess of fasting for purification. \n“Gautama Muni said\, ‘Oh king\, during the dark fortnight of themonth of Bhadrapada there occurs an especially meritorious Ekadasi namedAjA (Annada)\,which removes all sins. Indeed\, this Ekadasi is so auspicious that if you simply fast on that day and perform no other austerity\,all your sins will be nullified. By your good fortune it is coming in justseven days. So I urge you to fast on this day and remain awake throughthe night. If you do so\, all the reactions of your past sins will come to anend. Oh Harishchandra\, I have come here because of your past pious deeds.Now\, all good fortune to you in the future!’ So saying\, the great sage SriGautama Muni immediately disappeared for their vision. \n“King Harishchandra followed Gautama Muni’s instructions concerningfasting on the sacred day of AjA Ekadasi. Oh Maharaja Yudhisthira\, becausethe king fasted on that day\, the reactions to his previous sins werecompletely destroyed at once. Oh lion among kings\, just see the influence ofthis Ekadasi fast! It immediately vanquishes whatever miseries one maybe suffering as a result of past karmik sinful activities. \nThus all Harishchandra’s miseries were relieved. Just by the powerof this wonderful Ekadasi\, he was reunited with his wife and son\, who haddied but were now revived. In the heavenly regions the devas (demigods)began beating on their celestial kettledrums and showering down flowers upon Harishchandra\, his queen\, and their son. By the blessings of the Ekadasi fast\, he regained his kingdom without difficulty. Moreover\, whenKing Harishchandra left the planet\, his relatives and all his subjectstoo\, went with him to the spiritual world. \n“Oh Pandava\, whoever fasts on Aja Ekadasi is surely freed from allhis sins and ascends to the spiritual world. And whosoever hears and studiesthe glories of this Ekadasi achieves the merit gained by performing ahorse sacrifice.” URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/annada-mahadvadashi-11th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ekadashi.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230908 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230909 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230902T071458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230911T045437Z UID:30853-1694131200-1694217599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srila Prabhupada 8th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada appeared in a family of pure Gaudiya Vaisnavas in 1896 in Calcutta. From early childhood he showed signs of pure devotion to Lord Sri Krishna. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-srila-prabhupada-8th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/prabhupada.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20230908 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20230909 DTSTAMP:20260717T221537 CREATED:20230717T111503Z LAST-MODIFIED:20230911T045430Z UID:29932-1694131200-1694217599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com SUMMARY:Nandotsava 8th Sept 2023 DESCRIPTION:The festival observed by Nanda Maharaja\, Lord Krsna’s father\, to celebrate Lord Krsna’s appearance. \nThe Nandotsav – Birth ceremony of Lord Sri Krishna Taken from Srimad Bhagavatam 10th Canto\, 5th Chapter\, translated by H.D.G. Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. \nAs described in this chapter\, Nanda Maharaja very gorgeously performed the birth ceremony for his newborn child. Then he went to Kamsa to pay taxes due and met his intimate friend Vasudeva. \nThere was great jubilation all over Vrindavana due to Krishna’s birth. Everyone was overwhelmed with joy. Therefore the King of Vraja\, Maharaja Nanda\, wanted to perform the birth ceremony for his child\, and this he did. During this great festival\, Nanda Maharaja gave in charity to all present whatever they desired. After the festival\, Nanda Maharaja put the cowherd men in charge of protecting Gokula\, and then he went to Mathura to pay official taxes to Kamsa. In Mathura\, Nanda Maharaja met Vasudeva. Nanda Maharaja and Vasudeva were brothers\, and Vasudeva praised Nanda Maharaja’s good fortune because he knew that Krishna had accepted Nanda Maharaja as His father. When Vasudeva inquired from Nanda Maharaja about the welfare of the child\, Nanda Maharaja informed him all about Vrindavana\, and Vasudeva was very much satisfied by this\, although he expressed his grief because Devaki’s many children had been killed by Kamsa. Nanda Maharaja consoled Vasudeva by saying that everything happens according to destiny and that one who knows this is not aggrieved. Expecting many disturbances in Gokula\, Vasudeva then advised Nanda Maharaja not to wait in Mathura\, but to return to Vrindavana as soon as possible. Thus Nanda Maharaja took leave of Vasudeva and returned to Vrindavana with the other cowherd men on their bullock carts. URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/nandotsava-8th-sept-2023/ ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Nandotsava-13th-August-2020.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR