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X-WR-CALNAME:ISKCON Punjabi Bagh,
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for ISKCON Punjabi Bagh,
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TZID:UTC
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DTSTART:20240101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240108
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T061947Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T124043Z
UID:33002-1704585600-1704671999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Saphala Ekadasi 7th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Saphala Ekadasi takes place during the waning moon of the Pausa month – December/January. The glories of this Ekadasi are insurmountably great. Actually there is no way to extol the divine results of observing Ekadasi; but still they are given in the Brahmananda Purana. Sri Krsna said to Arjuna: “Oh best of the Bharata lineage\, just as Lord Sesa is best among snakes\, Garuda is best among birds\, the horse yajna is best among sacrifices\, the Ganges is best among the rivers\, Sri Visnu is best among the demigods and the brahmanas are best among human beings; so\, among all vows of austerity the day of Ekadasi is best. \nThere was once a famous king named Bahuldan who lived in the city of Hirosena. He had four sons and a very beautiful wife. Among the Kings sons\, the eldest and most valiant was named Nalaka. This Prince Nalaka was extremely sinful. He would often blaspheme the Vaishnavas\, the brahmanas\, the demigods and he was attached to gambling. He would also regularly visit the houses of prostitutes. Consequently his father King Bahuldan exiled him to a far away land. \nBeing exiled far from the kingdom Nalaka lived in a vast jungle. He would eat wild berries and truffles\, roots and shoots\, raw meats and mushrooms to survive. At night he would sometimes return to his fathers kingdom and steal from the citizens houses. Despite his stealing the citizens were unable to stop him due to his being the son of the King. \nIn the forest where Nalaka lived there was a ginormous banyan tree. This tree was as worshipable as the demigods themselves. It’s branches reached down into the ground and reappeared here\, there and everywhere; forming an unimaginably mighty forest. For quite some time Nalaka lived beneath this timorous tree. \nBy accidence the day of Saphala Ekadasi fell while Nalaka was staying beneath this Banyan tree and he didn’t even realise. However due to exhaustion and fatigue from not eating properly Nalaka remained unconscious for many hours. He rose after noon on Ekadasi and because he was so weak did not kill any animals that day. He found some fruits and in a helpless pitiable condition decided to offer them to Sri Visnu – The Supreme Personality of Godhead. By the time the sun set on that day\, all he had managed to do was to offer one palmful of berries\, one branch of amalaki and one single qualscion fruit. Through the night he remained awake due to fear of wolves and his weak condition where he would be unable to defend himself. \nBy remaining awake fasting Prince Nalaka unwittingly observed Saphala Ekadasi. Lord Madhusudana accepted his austerities even though he didn’t realise it was Ekadasi. As a result of this unbeknown fast Nalaka’s father Bahuldan took pity on his wretched son and had him collected from the forest\, washed and bathed and reinstated in his rightful position as prince of the Hirosena province. Soon his father bequeathed the land unto Nalaka and he ruled as a just King. He acquired a beautiful wife and had many sons. \nBy observing Saphala Ekadasi one will certainly receive insurmountable benefits. Fame and liberation stand with folded palms before a person who fasts on this day. Those who choose to fast on this Ekadasi are indubitably great souls and will receive the result of performing an Asvamedha sacrifice.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/saphala-ekadasi-7th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Ekadashi.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240107
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240108
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T062611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T124128Z
UID:33003-1704585600-1704671999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Devananda Pandita 7th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Living in Kuliya during Sri Caitanya’s pastimes\, Sri Devananda Pandit gave professional readings of Srimad Bhagavatam tainted with Mayavada philosophy. One day Srivasa Pandit heard his Bhagavata-katha\, began crying\, and fell to the ground.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-devananda-pandita-7th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sri-Devananda-Pandita.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240109
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240110
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T062711Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T124054Z
UID:33004-1704758400-1704844799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Sri Mahesa Pandita 9th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Sri Mahesh Pandit\, the seventh of the twelve gopalas\, tasting Krishna prema\, used to dance like a madman to the sound of a huge kettledrum.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-mahesa-pandita-9th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sri-Mahesa-Pandita.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240109
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240110
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T062930Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240111T124133Z
UID:33010-1704758400-1704844799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Sri Uddharana Datta Thakura 9th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Uddharana Datta Thakura\, a dvadasa gopala\, lived in Saptagrama\, a cluster of seven villges. Raised in luxury within a family of gold merchants\, he later married and worked as a wealthy state minister. The place where he once held office is today called Uddharanapura in his honor.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-uddharana-datta-thakura-9th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sri-Uddharana-Datta-Thakura.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240112
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240113
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T063256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T055907Z
UID:33012-1705017600-1705103999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Lochana Dasa Thakura 12th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Sri Locana Dasa Thakura\, a disciple of Narahari Sarakara Thakura\, wrote many Bengali songs glorifying Lord Caitanya. His most famous poetic work is the Caitanya-mangala\, a depiction of Lord Caitanya’s life.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-lochana-dasa-thakura-12th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sri-Locana-Dasa-Thakura.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240115
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T063709Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T055913Z
UID:33014-1705190400-1705276799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Jiva Goswami 14th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Sri Sanatana\, Sri Rupa and Sri Vallabha were three brothers\, all employed in the service of the Badsa Hussain Shah. Amongst the three\, there was only one descendent\, Sri Jiva. Having been rewarded richly by the Badsa for their sevices\, their household life was very opulent. \nThere was nothing lacking in whatever was necessary for the upbringing of the only son. The house was illuminated by the effulgence of the child’s golden complexion; his eyes were like the expanded petals of the lotus; every part of his body was graced with a lusterous\, radiant splendor. When Sri Gaurasundara came to Ramakeli\, Sri Jiva was blessed by having darshana of His worshipable lord\, though he was just a baby at the time. Placing the dust of His lotus feet on the child’s head\, Mahaprabhu indicated him to be the future sovereign preceptor of the Gaudiya sampradaya. Though he was only a child\, Sri Jiva kept the form of the Lord\, which fascinates all the world\, within his heart. As he grew up\, while eating\, lying down\, in his dreams\, while he was awake\, at all times\, he would meditate on that form. \nLater on\, when his father and uncles renounced their family life in order to be with Mahaprabhu\, the only child\, Sri Jiva\, was left with his mother in the family palace at Fateyabad. Lying in her lap\, which was wet with tears of separation\, he gradually began to grow as the waxing moon. Seeing that the mother and the child’s face were always wet with tears\, their friends also fell under the shadow of sadness and only with great difficulty managed to assuage their grief. Whenever Sri Jiva would remember his father and uncles\, or the lotus feet of Sri Gaura Hari\, he would lose consiousness and fall to the ground. \nAs he got a little older\, Sri Jiva took up the worship of the Deities of Sri-Sri Rama-Krsna. He would carefully decorate Them and offer bhoga and arati\, serving Them with his full attention. Even in his play\, whatever games he played were connected with Sri krsna’s pastimes. \nWhile studying under the local panditas he became proficent in grammar\, poetry and rhetoric. Noting his great intellect\, his teachers commented\, “Such brilliance is not often found in a child so young as this. No doubt he will be a very high-souled\, saintly person.” \nEven while engaged in his studies Jiva always thought of Sri Sri Nitai-Gauranga. Once he saw in a dream that Sri Rama-Krsna had taken the forms of Nitai-Gauranga and were dancing. [B.R.1.732] Giving him the dust of Their lotus feet\, the Two Lords then disappeared. Having seen such a wonderful dream\, Sri Jiva was consoled somewhat. Then he began to think\, “When will I be able to crawl out of this well of family life and devote my full time and energy\, my very self\, to serving these two most magnanimous Lords?” But he was the only son of the family. Only in his company could his mother forget somewhat the pangs of separation in her heart. When Sri Jiva learned that his father had given up his life on the banks of the Ganga\, he was compeletely unsettled. After that his eyes were never dry. The family members and friends tried to console him but to little avail. Family life had become the source of his utter sadness. \nSomeone suggested to Jiva to go to Navadwipa and bathe himself in the coolness emanating from the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu so that his mind and body\, burning with with grief\, could be refreshed. Thus Sri Jiva set our for Navadwipa with a group of pilgrims. [B.R.1/741]\nNityananda Prabhu\, the omniscient Lord\, could understand that Sri Jiva was on his way to Navadwipa. Therefore He also left for there from Khardaha. After a few days\, Jiva arrived at Navadwipa. Seeing the beauty of that place he was charmed. Falling down on the ground\, he offered his dandavats to Mother Ganges. Inquiring from the villagers the directions to Mayapura\, he learned that Nityananda Prabhu was residing at Srivasa Pandita’s house. At last arriving there\, he fell down at the door to offer his dandavats. Nityananda Prabhu came out with Srivasa Pandita and picked him up and embraced him\, asking\, “Are you the nephew of Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana?” \nAs an answer\, Jiva again fell down on the ground at the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu. This time Nityananda Prabhu brought him in the house and began to inquire after the welfare of his family at Fateyabad. Then Sri Jiva was introduced to the devotees present in Navadwipa; he offered his salutations at their lotusfeet. Everyone was very happy to meet the nephew of Sri Rupa and Sanatana. That day Sri Jiva received the remnants of Nityananda prabhu’s prasadam. \nThe next day\, the two of them came to Saci Mata’a house. Seeing the birthplace of Sri Gaurasundara\, which was filled with such splendor\, Sri Jiva was greatly pacified and fell down on the ground to roll in the dust. In the large courtyard the devotees were singing songs praising the glories of Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Seeing Nityananda Prabhu\, everyone stood up and then fell down\, offering their dandavats at His lotus feet. Then Jiva saw Saci Mata sitting on the veranda. \nDressed in white with silk chadder around her shoulders she looked radiant\, the white of her hair blending with her white sari. Though her body trembled with old age and was very thin\, still the courtyard was illuminated by her divine effulgence. Forgetting herself in rememberance of Sri Gaursundara\, she was sitting with her eyes closed. Becoming aware that Nityananda Prabhu had arrived\, she covered her head with her sari and called her servant. “Isana! Srpada has arrived. Please wash His feet.” \nAfter this was done\, Nityananda offered namaskar to the mother of the Supreme Lord and took His seat. He then introduced Sri Jiva to her. Saci Mata placed her hand on his head to bless him\, and Sri Jiva floated in the ocean of happiness. Saci Mata then requested the two of them to honor the Lord’s prasada. “Take prasada here at your mother’s house today\, my child. I offered there preparations in secret to Sri Gaurcandra.” \nSri Jiva spent some days with Nityananda Prabhu\, touring the nine islands of Navadwipa\, in order to have darsana of the holy places of the Lord’s pastimes there. Then\, as ordered by Nitya­nanda Prabhu\, he set out for Kasi (Varanasi) . At Kasi he studied Vedanta under Sri Madhusudana Vacaspati\, a disciple of Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya. The conclusions of Vedanta contained in Srimad-Bhagavatam that were expounded by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu to Sarvabhauma Bhattacarya in Puri had been in turn taught by the Bhattacarya to Madhusudana Vacaspati\, who established a toll at Kasi. From him\, Sri Jiva mastered the same conclusions. \nFrom here Sri Jiva set out for Sri Vrindavana where he received shelter at the lotus feet of his two uncles. Sri Rupa and Sanatana. They were very pleased to see him and received from him all the news. Jiva stayed with Sri Rupa\, who began to teach him Srimad Bhagavatam. After initiating him with the divine mantra\, Rupa engaged him in the service of Sri Sri Radha-Damodara. According to Sadhana dipika\, this Deity of Damodara was fashioned by Rupa Gosvami’s own hand for his dear disciple Sri Jiva. Sri Sri Radha-Damodara are presently being worshipped in Jaipur\, Rajasthan. \nSeeing that Jiva had quickly become conversant with the conclusion of the Srimad Bhagavatam\, Sri Rupa engaged him in proof-reading his Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu. At this time Sri Jiva compiled a commentary on Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu called Durgama sangamani. In the year 1476 (Sakabda) Sri Sanatana Gosvami compiled Sri Vaisnava tosani\, a commentary on the tenth canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam\, which he gave to Sri Jiva for proof reading. Under the order of Sri Sanatana\, Sri Jiva compiled a commentary on that named Laghu Vaisnava tosani in the year 1500 (Sakabda). His writings\, along with those of Sri Rupa and Sri Sanatana\, Sri Gopal Bhatta\, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta\, Sri Raghunath das\, Sri Krsna das\, Sri Kasisvar Pandit\, and Sri Madhu Pandit\, completely captivated the learned men of that time. It was the beginning of a golden age at Sri Vraja dhama. \nSri Jiva regurlarly brought water for Sri Rupa and Sanatana’s bath. He massaged their heads with oil\, cleaned their ashram\, worship the Deity\, cooked and corrected manuscripts. \nAfter the disappearance of Sri Rupa and Sanatana\, Sri Jiva continued the tradition that they had inaugerated. Once Sri Jiva travelled to Agra to debate with the Rajputs concerning the glories of Jamuna and Ganga rivers. He established that the Jamuna is more glorious than the Ganga as the Ganga emanates from Krsna’s lotus feet whereas the Jamuna is His own consort. At this the Moghul emperor was very much satisfied and wanted to present him something. Sri Jiva replied that he would accept some blank papers. So the emperor presented Jiva some stained paper. (At that time paper was very rare and most manuscripts were usually composed on leaves.) \nThere is also a legend that once\, when a moghul emperor (possibly Akbar) wanted to confer something on the Goswamis of Vrindavana\, they requested a farman (emperor’s order) that no living beings would be killed within Vraja. As a result of this no king would come to hunt there anymore. \nThe disciple of Lokanatha Gosvami\, Narottama dasa Thakura Maha­saya\, Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s disciple Srinivasa Acarya Prabhu\, and the disciple of Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu\, Sri Syamananda Prabhu\, were greatly favored by Srila Jiva Goswami. Under his tutelage they studied all the literatures of the Gosvamis. Later he sent them to preach this knowledge in Bengal. \nSrila Jiva Gosvami composed many literatures\, amongst them: \nHarinamamrta-vyakarana\nSutra-malika\nRasamrta-sesa\nGopala-virudavali\nSri-Madhava-mahotsava\nSri-Sankalpa-kalpavrksa\nBrahma-Samhita-tika\nBhakti-rasamrta-sindhu-tika (Durgama-sangamani)\nUjjvala-nilamani-tika (Locana-rocani)\nGopala-campu\nSat-sandharbha (Tattva-sandarbha\, Bhagavata-sandarbha\, Paramatma sandarbha\, Krsna-sandarbha\, Bhakti-sandharbha\, Priti-sandarbha)\nSrimad-Bhagavata-tika (Krama-sandarbha)\nLaghu-vaisnava-tosani (Tenth Canto Bhagavatam commentary)\nSarva-sambadina (commentary on Sat-sandarbha)\nGopala-tapani-tika (Sri-Suhkha-bodhini)\nPadma-puranastha-yogasara-stotra-tika\nGayatri-vyakhya-vivrti (A commentary on the Gayatri mantra as described in the Agni Purana\, chapters 216-217)\nRadha-Krsnarcana-candrika\nDhatu-sangraha\nBhavartha-sucaka-campu \nBirth: 1533 (Christian calendar)\, 1455 (Sakabdha)\, 12th day of the bright fortnight in the month of Bhadra.\nDisappearance : 1540 (Sakabdha)\, 3rd day of bright fortnight\, Pausa\nAge: 85 years \nBhajans Composed by Sri Jiva Goswami\nAudio Lectures about Sri Jiva Goswami\nRead ebooks of Sri Jiva Goswami\nGallery of Sri Jiva Goswami\nBiography of Sri Jiva Goswami\nBiography of Sri Jiva Goswami\nRead Blogs of Sri Jiva Goswami
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-jiva-goswami-14th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Sri-Jiva-Goswami.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240114
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240115
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T064309Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T055919Z
UID:33016-1705190400-1705276799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Jagadisa Pandita14th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Jagadisa Pandita lived near Jagannatha Misra\, the father of Lord Caitanya\, in Sridhama Mayapur. Jagadisa Pandita assisted Lord Caitanya in spreading the sankirtana movement in Jagannatha Puri.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-jagadisa-pandita14th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sri-Jagadisa-Pandita.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240115
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240116
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T064455Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T055925Z
UID:33018-1705276800-1705363199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Ganga Sagar Mela 15th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Ganga Sagar Mela is a festival observed especially at the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Kapilasrama\, the asrama of Lord Krsna’s incarnation as Kapiladeva\, the son of Devahuti\, is located at this place.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/ganga-sagar-mela-15th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Ganga-sagar.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240115
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240116
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T065758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T060154Z
UID:33020-1705276800-1705363199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Makara Sankranti 15th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:The Sun enters the Makara raasi (the zodiac sign of Capricorn – the goat)\, on Sankranti day\, signifying the onset of Uttarayana Punyakalam. Many a traditional folk form add glory to the festive scenario. \nThe following has been translated from an article in Sadachara Vybhavam of the great Vaishnava devotee Sripad Madhvacharya. \nToday is “Makara Sankranti”  which is celebrated when the Sun begins the northward journey\, marking the beginning of the “uttaraayana punyakaalam”. Sun enters the sign of “Makara”\, (Capricorn) from Cancer at this time. (This is also called equinox\, when the day and nights are exactly the same). Starting this day\, the duration of day starts to increase until “dakshiNaayanam” comes. Makara Sankranti signifies two things. One is the changing path of Sun and other is the beginning of “Uttarayana Punyakaala” Makara literally means “Capricorn” and sankranti means “change” or ‘sankramaNa’ literally means ‘crossing’. \nOn this day\, it is said that Sun passes from one Zodiac sign to another. A sankranti or sankramaNa marks the beginning of every solar month in the Vedic calendrical system when Sun passes from one sign to the other\, it’s the cusp of the months as astro-wallas call. But\, being solar based the change of January 14th or 15th of every year is considered more sacred than any other month\, as it is the beginning of Uttarayana Punyakaala. \nLord Surya on His dazzling chariot that has thousands of spokes and magnificent wheels\, and driven by seven horses (seven colours of the spectrum) begins His journey northward into the Makara Rasi\, filling our lives with light and getting rid of the darkness.  This light not only fills our material life and helps our plants grow at seeding time\, but also gets rid of our “internal” darkness\, showing the path of self realisation – moksha. \nOn this day\, devotees prepare a dish made of green grams\, rice and jaggery (sarkkarai pongal) – representing Lord Narayana\, Laxmi and Their Divine love. The festival reminds us that we need to establish that Divine Love within ourselves and give a direction to this “chanchala buddhi” and fix it our Lord Narayana\, who brings light in our lives. \nThis same festival is celebrated as Pongal in the South of India.  Harvest is brought home the new rice is then boiled in milk to make the sweet called “chakrapongali”\, the special cuisine of the eve. This harvest festival is celebrated for 3 days. The delicacy is first offered to Sun God\, the chief deity under worship\, that is later distributed to all as prasadam. The harvest is celebrated as being blessed with Dhanyalakshmi and a splendid feast is shared by all after the Ishta Devatha pujas. \nTraditionally\, this period is considered an auspicious time and the veteran Bhishma of Mahabharata chose to die during this period. Bhishma fell to the arrows of Arjuna. With his boon to choose the time of his death\, he waited on a bed of arrows to depart from this world only during this period.  Sri Bhishma Pitamaha waited on the bed of arrows till the “uttaraayana punyakaalam” has arrived\, and then breathed once more\, for the last time. It is believed that one escapes the cycle of repeated birth and death\, if one gives up one’s body on this day. The uttarAyaNa (norther course of the Sun) was traditionally considered more auspicious than the dakshiNAyana (southern course of the Sun). Over the years\, this led some to believe that dying during dakshiNAyana\, the southern path of the sun\, was inauspicious and did not lead to moksha – release – liberation. \nThis belief is cast aside in the Brahma-Sutras that the time of death is immaterial in the case of the intelligent devotee. In those Sutras 4.2.19-20\, it is established that one who has knowledge of the Lord can die during any time; the exaltations of uttarAyaNa are merely to praise meditation on the path to Vaikuntha\, which the wise devotees jIva takes upon death.  This divine path beginning with light\, is presided upon by deities of greater and greater brilliance\, with uttarAyaNa being one of them. This marga – path culminates in Vaikuntha\, the state of moksha\, and shastra says it should be meditated upon daily by the yogi of devotion. \nSesame oil is used in making sweets and dishes\, particularly on this day. It is believed that sesame seeds are used for purificatory purposed (or as being auspicious – “tila juhomi sarasaagum sapishhThaam gandhaara mama chitteramanutu swaaha”\, “tila krishnaa tila shevataa tila saumyaa vashaanugaa”…). \nSo generally special offerings of til (sesame) rice and corn (first harvest) are offered and distributed\, especially preparations of rice kitcheri with sesame and corn are a prefered offering to the Lord on this day. In different parts of India slight variations (gauna – local traditions prevail) but the gereral observance is much the same. In the South of India they absorb themselves in the festival of Pongal – new harvest festival. \nSome devotees also have elaborate festivals offering six kinds of sesame preparation in the service of the Lord on Sat-tila ekadasi: \nOther information about Makara sankranti – lincluding local traditions – festivals: \nThe wide range of festivities can better be witnessed by one along the countryside than in the urban localities. The festivities last the whole of Dhanurmasam\, ending with Sankranti. \nGobbemmalu – Young girls are seen to put up Gobbemmalu. These are round balls of cow dung that are decorated with vermilion\, turmeric and coloured flowers. These are placed in the middle of the bright muggus in the front yards of the dwellings and are worshipped with Navadhanyas (nine types of grains) to welcome the Lakshmi\, the Goddess of abundance and prosperity. Spinsters worship for good husbands on the occasion. After this\, the women folk get gathered to sing and dance to the accompaniment around these gobbis. \nMany a traditional folk form add glory to the festive scenario. Haridasulu (Madhwas) are seen singing eulogies of the Almighty and seeking arms from the people in the early hours of the days. Gangireddu Ata\, is another festival where trained oxen dance to the tunes of the Nagaswaram played by their master is a great attraction – probably not too many in Auckland. Kommudasarulu & PittalaDora are other folklore that brighten the days with their healthy humour – we can handle that……I got some one liners….. \nKites – kites are seen soaring high in the sky on the day of Makara Sankranti. This is symbolic of the existence of mankind\, with the kites depicting the human lives and the manza depicting the eternal bond between us and the divine self. People however seem to correlate the soaring kites with their high spirits on the eve of Makara sankranti. Competitions held with kites of all sizes and shapes and the sharp edged manza draw people on the terraces and in open grounds to witness the riot of colours – fun for the gurukulis.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/makara-sankranti-15th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Makar.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240116T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240116T170000
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240116T065759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240116T065759Z
UID:33284-1705392000-1705424400@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Bhaimi Ekadashi 20th Feb 2024
DESCRIPTION:It is said that if one observes upavasa on this day then one receives entrance to Visnu’s abode\, even though one has not performed the other vratas of the year.\nYudhisthira Maharaj said\, “Oh Lord of the lords\, Sri Krishna\, all glories unto You! Oh Master of the universe\, You alone are the source of the four types of living entities those born from eggs\, those born from perspiration\, those born from seeds and those born from embryos. You alone are the root cause of all\, Oh Lord\, and therefore You are the creator\, maintainer and destroyer. \n“My Lord\, You have so kindly explained to me the auspicious day known as Sat-tila Ekadashi\, which occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Magha (January February). Now please explain to me the Ekadashi that occurs in the light fortnight (shukla or Gaura paksha) of this month. By what name is it known\, and what is the process for observing it? Who is the presiding Deity that is to be worshipped on this sublime day\, which is so very dear to You? \nLord Sri Krishna replied\, “Oh Yudhisthira\, I shall gladly tell you about the Ekadashi that occurs during the light half of this month of Magha. This Ekadashi obliterates all kinds of sinful reactions and demoniac influences that may be affecting the spirit soul. It is known as JayA Ekadashi\, and the fortunate soul who observes a fast on this sacred day is relieved of the great burden of ghostly existence. Thus there is no better Ekadashi than this\, for it truly bestows freedom from birth and death. It is to be honoured very carefully and diligently. So I as you to listen to Me very attentively\, Oh Pandava\, as I explain a wonderful historic episode regarding this Ekadashi\, an episode that I have already related in the Padma Purana. \n“Long\, long ago in the heavenly planets\, Lord Indra ruled his celestial kingdom very nicely\, and all the devas (demigods) living there were very happy and content. In Nandana Forest\, which was beautifully graced with Parijata Flowers\, Indra drank ambrosia whenever he liked and enjoyed the service of fifty million celestial maidens\, the Apsaras\, who danced in ecstasy for his pleasure. \n“Many singers\, led by Pushpadanta\, sang in sweet voices beyond compare. Chitrasena\, Indra’s chief musician was there in the company of his wife MAlini and his handsome son Malyavan. An Apsara named Pushpavati became very much attracted to Malyavan; indeed Cupid’s sharp arrows pierced the core of her heart. Her beautiful body and complexion\, along with the enchanting movements of her eyebrows\, captivated MAlayavAn. \n“Oh King\, listen as I describe the splendid beauty of Pushpavati: She has incomparably graceful arms with which to embrace a man like a fine silken noose; her face resembles the Moon; her lotus eyes reached almost to her lovely ears\, which were adorned with wonderful and costly ear-rings; her thin\, ornamented neck looked like a conch\, having three lines; her waist was very slender\, the size of a fist; her hips were broad\, and her thighs like the trunks of banana trees; her naturally beautiful features were complemented by gorgeous ornaments and garments; her breasts were highly raised emphasizing her prime of youth; and to look upon her feet was to behold newly grown red lotuses. \n“Seeing Pushpavati in all her heavenly beauty\, Malyavan was bewitched at once. They had come with the other performers to please Lord Indra by singing and dancing enchantingly\, but because they had become so enamored of each other\, pierced through the heart by the arrows of Cupid\, lust personified\, they were utterly unable to sing or dance properly before the lord and master of the heavenly realms. \nTheir pronunciation was wrong and their rhythm careless. Lord Indra understood the source of the errors at once. Offended at the discord in the musical performance\, he became very angry and screamed\, “You useless fools! You pretend to sing for me while in a stupour of infatuation with each other! You are mocking me! I curse you both to suffer henceforth as pisAchas (hobgoblins). As husband and wife\, go to the earthly regions and reap the reactions of your offenses.’ \n“Struck dumb by these harsh words\, Malyavan and Pushpavati at once became morose and fell from the beautiful Nandana Forest in the kingdom of heaven to a Himalayan peak here on planet Earth.\nImmeasurably distressed\, and their celestial intelligence vastly diminished by the effects of lord Indra’s fierce curse\, they lost their sense of taste and smell\, and even their sense of touch. It was so cold and miserable high on the Himalayan wastes of snow and ice that they could not even enjoy the oblivion of sleep. \n“Roaming aimlessly hither and thither in those harsh altitudes\, Malyavan and Pushpavati suffered more and more\, from one moment to the next. Even though they were situated in a cave\, because of the snowfall and cold their teeth chattered ceaselessly\, and their hair stood on end because of their fright and bewilderment. \n“In this utterly desperate situation\, Malyavan said to Pushpavati\, ‘What abominable sins did we commit to have to suffer in these pisAcha bodies\, in this impossible environment? This is absolutely hellish! Though hell is very ferocious\, the suffering we are undergoing here is even more abominable. Therefore it is abundantly clear that one should never commit sins”. \n“And so the forlorn lovers trudged onward in the snow and ice. By their great good fortune\, however\, it so happened that very day was the all auspicious JayA Ekadashi\, the Ekadashi of the light fortnight of the month of Magha. Because of their misery they neglected to drink any water\, kill any game\, or even eat whatever fruits and leaves were available at that altitude\, they unknowingly observed Ekadashi by fasting completely from all food and drink. Sunk in misery Malyavan and Pushpavati collapsed beneath a Pipal tree and did not even try to get up. The Sun had set by that time. \n“The night was even colder and more miserable than the day. They shivered in the frigid snowfall as their teeth chattered in unison\, and when they became numb\, they embraced just to keep warm. Locked in each other’s arms\, they could enjoy neither sleep nor sex. Thus they suffered through the whole night under the powerful curse of the deva Indra. \n“ Still\, Oh Yudhisthira\, by the mercy of the fast they had by chance (unknowingly) observed on Jaya Ekadashi\, and because they had remained awake all night\, they were blessed. \nPlease hear what happened on the next day. As DwAdasii dawned\, Malyavan and Pushpavati had given up their demoniac forms and were once again beautiful heavenly beings wearing lustrous ornaments and exquisite garments. As they both looked at each other in amazement\, a celestial airplane (vimana) arrived on the spot for them. A chorus of heavenly denizens sang their praises as the reformed couple stepped into the beautiful aircraft and proceeded directly to the heavenly regions\, buoyed up by the good wishes of everyone. Soon Malyavan and Pushpavati arrived at AmarAvati\, Lord Indra’s capital city\, and then they immediately went before their lord (Indradev) and offered him their cheerful obeisances. \n“Lord Indra was astonished to see that they had been transformed\, restored to their original status and forms so soon after he had cursed them to suffer as demons far\, far below his celestial kingdom. Indradev ask of them\, ‘What extraordinary meritorious deeds have you performed so that you could give up your pisAcha bodies so quickly after I cursed you? Who released you from my irresistible curse? \n“Malyavan replied\, ‘Oh lord\, it was by the extreme mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, Lord Sri Krishna (Vasudeva) and also by the powerful influence of the Jaya Ekadashi\, that we were released from our suffering condition as pisAchas. This is the truth\, Oh master: Because we executed devotional service to Lord Vishnu (even performed unknowingly by ajnAta sukriti) by observing the day most dear to Him\, we have happily been restored to our former status.” \n“Indradev then said\, ‘Because you served the Supreme Lord Sri Keshava by observing Ekadashi\, you have become worshippable even by me\, and I can see that you are now completely purified of sin. Whosoever engages in devotional service to Lord Sri Hari or Lord Shiva becomes praiseworthy and worshippable even by me. Of this there is no doubt.’ Lord Indradev then gave Malyavan and Pushpavati free rein to enjoy each other and wander about his heavenly planet as they wished. \n“Therefore\, Oh Maharaj Yudhisthira\, one should strictly observe a fast on the sacred day of Lord Hari\, especially on this Jaya Ekadashi\, which frees one from the sin of killing even a twice born brahmin. A great soul who observes this fast with full faith and devotion has in effect given all kinds of charity\, performed all kinds of sacrifice\, and bathed in all the Holy places of pilgrimage. Fasting on Jaya Ekadashi qualifies one to reside in Vaikuntha and enjoy unending happiness for billions of yugas indeed\, forever as the soul is eternal. Oh great king\, Lord Sri Krishna continued\, one who even hears or reads these wonderful glories of Jaya Ekadashi achieves the blessed merit attained by performing an Agnistoma fire sacrifice\, during which the hymns from the Sama-veda are recited.” \nNotes: Kamadeva\, lust personified\, has five names according to the Amara-kosha dictionary: kandarpa darpako ‘nanga Kamah pancha-sharaih smarah “Cupid has five names; (1) Cupid; (2) Darpaka\, ‘he who prevents future events’; (3) Ananga\, ‘he who has no physical body’; (4) Kama\, ‘lust personified’; and (5) Pancha-sharaih\, ‘he who holds five arrows’ “. \nKandarpa: In the tenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita (BG 10:28.) Lord Sri Krishna says\, prajanash casmi kandarpah; “Of causes for procreation\, I am Kandarpa”. The word Kandarpa also means “very beautiful”. Kandarpa appeared as Lord Krishna’s son Pradyumna in Dwaraka.\nDarpaka: This name indicates that Cupid can perceive what is to take place and prevent it from happening. Specifically\, he tries to impede pure spiritual activity by alluring one’s mind and forcibly engaging one in material sense enjoyment.\nAnanga: Once\, when Cupid disturbed the meditation of Lord Shiva\, that powerful deva (demigod) burned him (Cupid) to ashes. Still\, Shiva gave Cupid the benediction that he would act in the world even without a physical body like a ghost.\nKama: In Bhagavad Gita BG 7:11.) Lord Sri Krishna says\, dharmaviruddho bhuteshu kamo’smi: “I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles.”\nPancha-sharaih: The five arrows with which Cupid pierces the mind of the living entities are taste\, touch\, sound\, smell\, and sight.\nThese are the five names of the empowered deva Cupid\, who enchants all living entities and makes them do whatever he wants. Without receiving the mercy of Guru and Krishna one cannot resist his power.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/bhaimi-ekadashi-20th-feb-2024/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240121
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240122
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T065913Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T135305Z
UID:33022-1705795200-1705881599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Putrada Ekadashi 21st Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:The fantastic glories of Putrada Ekadasi are told in the Bhavisyottara Purana\, they cannot be vilified by any means. This Ekadasi occurs in the waxing moon of the month called Magha (December/January). \nSri Krsna said to Maharaj Yudhistira: “Oh my dear King\, the Putrada Ekadasi is very great; It’s power is incalculable. Anyone who practices penance by abstinence of eating on this day\, receives immeasurable benediction from the Personality of Godhead. All ones sinful reactions are eradicated and great wealth\, fame and sagacity await with folded palms\, eager to serve one who observes this Ekadasi. \n“There was once a great city named Bhadravati\, and a revered King named Suketumana ruled that land. His principle queen was Saivya and she was exquisitely beautiful. Despite being surrounded by great material opulence the maharaja was despondent\, for they had no son. The King and Queen spent much time performing religious activities\, with a hope to one day conceive an heir. \n“Because they were afflicted with great sorrow and misfortune\, their tempers grew hot and their brains boiled with furious agitation for the chance to have a son. As a result their offerings were always hot. Meanwhile the Kings forefathers also worried and aggrieved by the inauspicious atmosphere\, thought thus: “If there are no offspring there will be no one to offer oblations to us and deliver us from pitrloka.” \n“King Suketumana could feel the anxiety of his forefathers and grew ever increasingly determined to fulfil his obligation to them and beget a son. He also grew more and more morose\, however. He found no pleasure in his sports or recreations; he lost the taste for hunting\, found no pleasure in the music of the courtiers\, and he even became recluse from his friends and well-wishers. Merged in a fathomless ravine of staggeringly embarrassing hopelessness\, the maharati King considered his life useless. \n“He thought that\, without a son there would be no way of alleviating the debts to the demigods\, forefathers and future generations. Without being favoured by Sri Visnu one cannot conceive a child\, amass wealth or retain knowledge. Upon finding zero solace in his court the King left for the forest riding on a gleaming white horse. \n“King Suketumana entered the mighty forest that lay on the edge of his kingdom\, surrounded by a chorus of many birds. Unbeknown to him\, many wild beasts and cats silently watched him enter the eerie place; so quiet and still with moss. As the lonesome King passed deeper and deeper into the wood\, he passed many great trees. He saw Pipala and Date\, Tamarind and Palm\, Shal and Maulsiri\, Saptaparna and Sarala\, Tilak and Tamala and many others. Entering a clearing he came before a mammothian Banyan tree\, with branches springing up here\, there and everywhere. Hiding on\, among and around the branches he saw many wild animals such as Snakes\, Elephant\, Deer\, Monkeys\, Wild Boar\, Leopards\, Tigers and Lions. \n“The king became frightened by the racous howls of fearsome jackal packs and the plaintive hoots of nightbound owls. Wandering in this way through the wet wilds\, he thought thus: “I have performed so many sacrifices\, fed many brahmanas still I am suffering; what sacrifice can there be to free me from my rueful plight.” \n“Suddenly he came across a brilliant lake with many cakora birds\, swans and chakravaka sporting upon it’s crystalline waters. The vision was easily as lovely as Kusuma Sarovara. On seeing many sages chanting mantras on the banks of this lake\, King Suketumana approached them and offered obeisances to each of them in turn. The sages\, being pleased with the Kings humility spoke thus: “Oh dear King\, we are very satisfied with your stately respects and devotions and are prepared to assist you in your troubles. Please ask a benediction of us!” \n“The King Said\, “Who are you\, why have you come to this place? I am a King bereft of a son and therefore my whole kingdom seems void. How can I get a son and thereby mitigate the suffering of my citizens. \n“The sages replied\, “We are Visva devas\, we come here regularly to take bath in these sanctified waters. Today is Putrada Ekadasi\, anyone who observes this Ekadasi pleases Sri Visnu to great ends and has all his material and spiritual desires fulfilled. If one desires a son\, he will assuredly get one by following this Ekadasi vrata. \n“The king recounted: “I have observed many sacrifices for getting a son\, yet none have been sucessful. Please bless me\, so that I may be fortunate and receive my hearts desire\, a son and heir to the throne. \n“Simply observe this Ekadasi with great care and attention.” Replied the sages \n“Give up eating on this day\, remain awake and chant the glories of Hari\, by the mercy of Godhead you will conceive a son. \n“Thereafter\, the King observed Putrada Ekadasi. He broke fast the next day and after offering many respectful obeisances unto the sages\, he returned to his Kingdom. I due course of time Queen Saivya became pregnant. By the influence of Putrada Ekadasi and the blessings of the sages\, the King begot an intelligent and pious son. Thereafter the King happily ruled his Kingdom and his forefathers became pleased. \nLord Krsna continued\, “Oh King Yudhistira\, anyone who observes Putrada Ekadasi can get a son and attain the heavenly planets. Anyone who simply hears or sings the glories of this Ekadasi certainly achieves the result of performing an Asvamedha sacrifice.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/putrada-ekadashi-21st-jan-2024/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240122
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240123
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T070314Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T135259Z
UID:33024-1705881600-1705967999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Jagadisa Pandita 22nd Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Jagadisa Pandita lived near Jagannatha Misra\, the father of Lord Caitanya\, in Sridhama Mayapur. Jagadisa Pandita assisted Lord Caitanya in spreading the sankirtana movement in Jagannatha Puri.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-jagadisa-pandita/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sri-Jagadisa-Pandita.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240125
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240126
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T070423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240131T135248Z
UID:33026-1706140800-1706227199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Sri Krishna Pushya Abhishek 25th Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Srila Prabhupada once explained the festival this way: “Krishna was just a toy in the hands of the Gopis\, so one day the Gopis decided that we shall decorate Him. Pusya abhisheka means a ceremony to decorate the deity profusely with flowers\, ornaments\, cloths. \nAfter there should be lavish feasting and a procession through the streets\, so that all the citizens should see how beautiful Krishna appears.”
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-krishna-pushya-abhishek-25th-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/pushpa.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240131
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240201
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T072413Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T100336Z
UID:33028-1706659200-1706745599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srila Gopala Bhatta Goswami 31st Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Shri Gopala Bhatta Goswami (the son of a Vyenkata Bhatta\, a Shri Vaishnava brahmana) appeared in Shri Rangam\, South India. Lord Chaitanya once stayed four months in his home\, and converted the family to Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-srila-gopala-bhatta-goswami-31st-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Srila-Gopala-Bhatta-Goswami.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240131
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240201
DTSTAMP:20260426T002418
CREATED:20240102T072556Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240205T100342Z
UID:33030-1706659200-1706745599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Ramchandra Kaviraja 31st Jan 2024
DESCRIPTION:Ramacandra Kaviraja\, the son of Sri Ciranjiva Sena appeared in Sri Khanda. “Ramacandara Kaviraja was especially earnest\, beautiful\, intelligent\, energetic\, and enthusiastic\,” said one biographer.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-ramchandra-kaviraja-31st-jan-2024/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sri-Ramchandra-Kaviraja.jpg
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END:VCALENDAR