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PRODID:-//ISKCON Punjabi Bagh, - ECPv5.10.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN
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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,
BEGIN:VTIMEZONE
TZID:UTC
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TZOFFSETFROM:+0000
TZOFFSETTO:+0000
TZNAME:UTC
DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T094752Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084314Z
UID:40423-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Vasanta Pancami 3rd Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:This is the first day of spring in India. On the fifth day of the waxing moon one should celebrate the coming of spring to Vrindavana by offering Krishna many types of leaves and flowers\, and fresh shoots of sprouting grasses. \nThings that symbolise life and new growth.Following in the footsteps of the Vraja-basis of Vrindavana\, one should paint designs on His (Krishna’s) body and perform a special aratrika for Him. It is appropriate to offer yellow flowers too. The vasanta raga should be played on this day. The Deities in the temples\, especially in Vrindavana wear yellow or yellow and green on this day.\nIn places like Vrindavan\, Mayapur\, Jagannath Puri and Udupi many of the women folk dress in yellow also. As it is the first day of spring many fertility rites are performed at this time – for the family\, for the women folk\, for the crops\, for the cows\, etc. It’s a very festive time.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/vasanta-pancami-3rd-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/vasant.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T094906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084319Z
UID:40425-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srimati Vishnupriya Devi
DESCRIPTION:The Supreme Lord Visnu has three different Saktis: Sri\, Bhu\, and Nila. Sri Visnupriya is the internal potency known as Bhu-sakti. She appeared in Gaura-lila to assist Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu with his mission of spreading the holy name of Krsna.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-srimati-vishnupriya-devi/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Srimati-Vishnupriya.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T122115Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084325Z
UID:40427-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Sarasvati Puja 3rd Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Sarasvati Puja worship of the goddess Sarasvati (not generally observed by Vaisnavas).
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sarasvati-puja-3rd-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/saras.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T123004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084330Z
UID:40429-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura 3rd Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura\, a great Vaisnava acarya\, appeared in 1674 in what is now the Nadia district of West Bengal. During his time\, he served as the protector\, guardian\, and acarya of the Gaudiya Vaisnava line.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-visvanatha-cakravarti-thakura-3rd-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Srila-Visvanatha.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T123147Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084336Z
UID:40431-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi 3rd Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Pundarika Vidyanidhi was a disciple of Madhavendra Puri and was the guru of Sri Gadadhara Pandita. Pundarika Vidyanidhi was sometimes misunderstood to be too much attached to material pleasures\, but just by hearing the recitation of one verse of the Bhagavatam he would enter into a trance.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-pundarika-vidyanidhi-3rd-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sri-Pundarika.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T123317Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084341Z
UID:40433-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Raghunandan Thakura 3rd Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Raghunandan was born into a family of physicians in the Shaka year 1432 (1510 AD). His father’s name was Mukunda Das\, his mother’s name is unknown. Mukunda Das was Narahari Sarkar Thakur’s older brother.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-raghunandan-thakura-3rd-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Sri-Raghunandan.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T125201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084346Z
UID:40435-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami 3rd Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Raghunatha Dasa Goswami\, one of the six Goswamis\, at a young age renounced his beautiful wife and opulent home to join Lord Caitanya and His sankirtana movement. For sixteen years\, he was the personal assistant of Svarupa Damodara.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-srila-raghunatha-dasa-goswami-3rd-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Srila-Raghunatha.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250203
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250204
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T133407Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084351Z
UID:40437-1738540800-1738627199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Sri Advaita Acharya 4th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Advaita Acharya\, an intimate associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu\, is considered an incarnation of Sadasiva and Maha- Visnu. It was in response to His calls that Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu descended to this world.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-sri-advaita-acharya-4th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Sri-Advaita-Acharya.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250205
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250206
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250115T133539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T084356Z
UID:40439-1738713600-1738799999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Bhismastami 5th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Birth and Boyhood:\nBhishma’s name in his boyhood was Devavrata. He was the eighth son of Shantanu\, a king of the lunar dynasty and Gangadevi. This boy was the human embodiment of Dyau\, one of the Ashthavasus. Shantanu\, his father was the re-birth of another king\, Mahabhisheka. The story concerning this is given in the Mahabharata as follows:\nKing Mahabhisheka after his death\, attained Vishnuloka. Once he went to visit Brahma at Satyaloka. At that time Ganga devi was also present in Brahma’s assembly. In that pious atmosphere\, a gentle breeze began to blow and Gangadevi’s clothes were slightly deranged. Just at that moment Mahabhisheka took a stealthy glance at her and she also returned that glance. This was noted by Brahma who turned both of them into human beings by a curse. Gangadevi begged pardon and Brahma lifted the curse and blessed her that the Ashthavasus would come to the earth to be born as her sons and that afterwards she could come back to heaven. After that Gangadevi was born as a mortal woman in the world under the name Ganga and she spent her days in the forests near the Ganga river valleys.\nIn those days the ruler of the lunar dynasty was a king named Pratipa. Having no children he went to the bank of the Ganga and performed tapas there. Gangadevi who was moving about in the forests nearby\, saw the king deeply absorbed in tapas. She approached him and sat on his right thigh. She wanted the king to be her husband. He explained to her that the right thigh is the proper seat of the daughter-in-law and so she would become his son’s wife in due course. In due course of time\, Pratipa has a son\, Shantanu\, born to him. When Shantanu grew up into a young man\, one day he went for a hunt to the Ganga-valley and there he met Gangadevi. He fell in love with her at first sight and courted her. Gangadevi agreed to become his wife on the condition that he should not say anything to displease her and if he violated that condition she would leave him. The king accepted the condition and they became man and wife.\nAt about that time\, the wife of Dyo\, one of the Ashthavasus\, happened to see the sacrificial cow of the sage Vasishtha and wished to have it. She expressed her desire to her husband\, Dyo. Dyo with the other seven vasus went and took away by force Vasishtha’s cow. Vasishtha in his anger cursed the Ashthavasus to be born as mortals. they repented and begged pardon from Vasishtha. The sage told them that all of them would be born as the sons of Gangadevi and all except Dyo\, who actually stole the cow\, would return to heaven at the time of birth itself. As for Dyo\, he would continue to live in the world for a long time\, as an adventurous hero.\nGangadevi became pregnant and gave birth to her first child. She carried the child to the river Ganga and threw it into the river. Shantanu who followed her up to the river bank\, did not say anything against her\, remebering his promise.\nSeven children were born to her and she threw all of them into the river in this way. When she gave birth to the eighth child Shantanu insisted that he would not allow her to throw away that child in the river. As he had violated the conditions of his promise\, the angry Gangadevi left the palace with her child. She named it Devavrata and brought him up in the forest. The sage Vasishtha and Gangadevi taught him all branches of knowledge. Thirtytwo years later\, the king went to the same forest for hunting. He saw a handsome by stopping the flow of the river Ganga. Getting interested in the boy\, the king approached him. But by that time he had disappeared. The king prayed to Gangadevi to give back the child. She appeared with the child and after handing over the child to him vanished. The king returned to the palace with the child (Mahabharata\, Adi Parva\, Chapters 95-100.) \nThe name of Bhishma:\nDevavrata was anointed\, as heir-apparent. One day king Shantanu reached the forest near the Ganga river valley\, for hunting. As he was hunting absorbed in the beauty of the forest scenery\, he felt the perfume of musk filling the air in the forest. He wondered from where it could come. He went on and on trying to find out the source of this smell until he reached the cottage of a fisherman. The fisherman had a daughter named Satyavati. It was from her that the fragrance of musk spread all around (Satyavati’s original name was Kali. The fisherman got her from the stomach of a fish. Since she had a smell of a fish she got the name Matsyagandhi. She used to assist a fisherman in his work as a ferryman in the river Ganga. Once the sage Parasara happened to get into her boat and fell deeply in love with her. The sage removed the smell of fish from her and gave her the perfume of musk instead. By this mystic power he created a mist at noon and under its cover\, he had a sexual union with her. As a result of it the child Krsna (Vyaasa) was born. The child immediately left the mother to perform tapas in the forest after promising to return to her whenever she wished for his presence. Although she gave birth to a child\, Parasara blessed her that she would again remain a virgin. The whole episode remained a secret. As usual\, Satyavati returned to the fisherman’s cottage in the evening and continued to live with him. It is at this stage that Shantanu was attracted by the perfume of musk and came to the cottage where he met Satyavati.\nThe king fell in love with her at first sight. He asked the fisherman to give the girl in marriage to him. But the brave fisherman did not yeild to the king’s demand immediately. He laid down several conditions; one of which was that Satyavati’s sons should succeed to the throne of Shantanu. The king was in a fix. Devavrata was the eldest son and heir-apparent. To deny kingship to his sons would be highly improper. Unable to find a solution to this difficult problem\, the king returned to the palace\, much depressed and gloomy. there he avoided all company and took to his bed\, passing his time in sadness and solitude.\nWhen Devavrata knew about hism father’s condition\, he called the Ministers and asked them about it. They told him everything in details. At once\, without informing even his father\, Devavrata went to the fisherman’s cottage on the bank of the river Ganges and begged for Satyavati on behalf of his father. the fisherman repeated his former condition. Devavrata agreed that Satyavati’s son shall be given the right of kinship. The fisherman pointed out that disputes were likely to arise between Devavrata’s sons and Satyavati’s children regarding the right of succession to the throne. At once Devavrata stood up and made a solemn pledge (drdavrata) that he would remain a bachelor for life. The fisherman gave Satyavati to Devavrata to be taken to the king. Devavrata took her to the palace and presented her to his father. The king\, when he came to know of the part played by his son in that matter\, rose from his bed and embraced Devavrata with tears of joy and gratitude. the gods showered flowers on the scene. Because he had taken such a solemn oath\, it was decalred that henceforth he would be known by the name BHISHMA. The loving father Shantanu also gave him a boon that Bhishma would die only when he wished.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/bhismastami-5th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bhismastami.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250210
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250211
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250210T084516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T064904Z
UID:40840-1739145600-1739231999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Nityananda Triyodasi – Appearance Day of Nityananda 10th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Lord Nityananda Prabhu appeared as Lord Caitanya’s principal associate for spreading the congregational chanting of the holy names of the Lord. He especially spread the holy name of the Lord throughout Bengal. He is considered an incarnation of Lord Balarama.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/nityananda-triyodasi-appearance-day-of-nityananda-10th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Nityananda-Trayodasi.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250213
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250210T084644Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T064910Z
UID:40841-1739318400-1739404799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Sri Krishna Madhura Utsava 12th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:There are various festivities where Lord Krishna’s rasa lila is celebrated – this festival being just one of them. The purnima or full moon of Damodara month is the second full moon of the autumn season\, and rasa lila is again celebrated. \nThis second rasa yatra is celebrated more in Bengal\, whereas the first one is celebrated more in Vrindavana. On this day one should perform full worship of Radha and Krishna with many flowers\, and place them in a rasa mandapa surrounded by the gopis. \nSri Krishna Vasant Rasa is similar excepting that it is in the Spring (Vasant)\, at this time everyone dresses in yellow. On this full moon night the devotees usually leave out pots of sweet rice payasam for the Lord to enjoy during His rasas.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/sri-krishna-madhura-utsava-12th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Utsava.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250212
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250213
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250210T104725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T064917Z
UID:40842-1739318400-1739404799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura 12th Feb 2025
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/appearance-day-of-srila-narottama-dasa-thakura-12th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Srila-Narottama-Dasa-Thakura.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250217
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250218
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250210T104906Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T064925Z
UID:40843-1739750400-1739836799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Appearance Day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura 17th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was the spiritual master of Srila Prabhupada. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura powerfully spread the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the early twentieth century.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/appearance-day-of-srila-bhaktisiddhanta-sarasvati-thakura-17th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Bhakti-Siddhanta-Sarswati-Takur.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250217
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250218
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250210T105001Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T064933Z
UID:40844-1739750400-1739836799@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Purusottama Dasa Thakura 17th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Purusottama Dasa Thakura was a great devotee of Lord Nityananda. In Goloka Vrndavana\, Purusottama Dasa Thakura serves Lord Balarama as a cowherd boy.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-purusottama-dasa-thakura-17th-feb-2025/
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Sri-Purusottama.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250218T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250218T170000
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250218T065629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250228T083451Z
UID:41197-1739865600-1739898000@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Siva Ratri 26th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Siva Ratri worship of Lord Siva. Devotees may bathe a Siva-linga in water and panca-gavya (five substances from the cow) and offer Krsna-prasada to Lord Siva. Fasting is optional for Vaisnavas. \nEvery lunar month on the 13th or 14th day of the dark half of the moon phase there is a Shivaratri but in the Vedic month of Phalgun (February-March) there is a Maha Shivaratri. The ceremony takes place mainly at night\, which is observed in the honour of Lord Shiva\, who was married to Parvati (Mother Durga) on this day. \nDevotees of Lord Shiva generally observe a strict fast on this day and some go to the extent of a nirjal fast i.e. they do not even have a sip of water. \nThey stay awake the entire night. The Shiva lingam is worshipped throughout the night by washing it every three hours with milk\, yogurt\, ghee\, honey and so forth\, whilst chanting of the mantra “Om namah shivaya”\, continues. Offering of bael leaves are made to the Lingam. Bael leaves are very sacred (as Tulsi to Lord Vishnu and dhar to Mother Durga are very pleasing to Them) and Lord Shiva becomes pleased with that offering. Many different hymns glorifying Lord Shiva are sung with intense fervour and devotion. Aspirants perform japa of the Panchakshara mantra “ Om namah Shivaya” \nHe who utters the names of Lord Shiva during Shivaratri with perfect devotion and concentration is freed from all sins that he/she have committed. He/she reaches the abode of Lord Shiva and resides very happily there. \nNOTE: the Vaishnavas however worship Lord Shiva on this day in order to receive His blessings to become a better devotee of Lord Krishna (Vishnu) and not to attain residence in the abode of Shiva. \nWhen creation was completed Lord Shiva and Parvati Mata went to live on the top of Mount Kailash. \nParvati asked\, “O adorable lord\, which of the many rituals observed in your honour pleases you the most.”  \nThe Lord replied\, “the fourteenth night of the new moon in the dark fortnight during the month of Phalgun\, is my favorite day. It is called Maha Shivaratri. My devotees give me great joy and happiness bymere fasting than by ceremonial baths and offerings of flower\, sweets and incense.” \n“The devotee observes strict spiritual discipline in the day and worships me in four different forms during each of the four successive three hour periods of the night. The offering of a few bael leaves is more precious to me than precious jewels and flowers. My devotee should bath me in milk  in the first period\, in yogurt in the second period\, in ghee in the third\, and in honey in the fourth  and the last. In the morning he should feed Brahmins (that is if this is possible)\, and after doing   that he/she breaks his/her fast. No ritual can compare with this simple routine in sanctity.”    \nParvati was deeply impressed by the words of her husband. She repeated this to her friends\, who in turnpassed it on to everyone else. Thus the sanctity of Maha Shivaratri was broadcast all over the world. \nThe Shivaratri fast is aimed at controlling a persons’ two biggest vices (rajas – the quality of passionate activity) and (tamas – that of inertia). \nAt many ashrams around the world Shivaratri is celebrated in the following manner. \nAspirants fast the whole day\, many of them without taking a single drop of water. Some ashrams perform a grand havan (fire yajnas) to Lord Shiva for peace and welfare of all. The whole day is spent in chantinge of the mantra “Om namah Shivaya” and in meditation upon the Lord. At night all assemble in the temple and chant this mantra and during the four quarters of the night the Shiva lingam is worshipped with intense devotion. \nSrila Prabhupada says – \nDemon Sankhacuda Killed – taken from Krsna Book (Chapter 34.) \n“Once upon a time\, the cowherd men of Vrindavana\, headed by Nanda Maharaja\, desired to go to Ambikavana to observe the Siva-ratri ceremony. The rasa-lila was performed during the autumn\, and after that the next big ceremony is Holi\, or the Dolayatra ceremony. Between the Dolayatra ceremony and the rasa-lila ceremony there is one important ceremony called Siva-ratri\, which is especially observed by the Saivites\, or devotees of Lord Siva. Sometimes the Vaishnavas also observe this ceremony because they accept Lord Siva as the foremost Vaishnava. But the function of Siva-ratri is not observed very regularly by the bhaktas\, or devotees of Krishna. \nUnder the circumstances\, it is stated in Srimad-Bhagavatam that Nanda Maharaja and the other cowherd men “once upon a time desired.” This means that they were not regularly observing the Siva-ratri function but that once upon a time they wanted to go to Ambikavana out of curiosity.” \n“…observing Siva-ratri\, Nanda Maharaja and all the cowherds men\, they increased their attachment for Krishna. That is wanted.” \n– ( Srila Prabhupada. 1st May 1974\, Morning Walk excerpt\, Bombay\, India.) \n“In this verse Lord Siva is described as midhushtama\, the best of the benedictors. He is also known as Asutosha\, which indicates that he is very quickly satisfied and very quickly angered. It is said in Bhagavad-gita that less intelligent persons go to the demigods for material benedictions. \nIn this connection\, people generally go to Lord Siva\, and because he is always quickly satisfied and gives benedictions to his devotees without consideration\, he is called midhushtama\, or the best of the benedictors. Materialistic persons are always anxious to get material profit\, but they are not serious about spiritual profit. \nSometimes\, of course\, it so happens that Lord Siva becomes the best benedictor in spiritual life. It is said that once a poor brahmana worshiped Lord Siva for a benediction\, and Lord Siva advised the devotee to go to see Sanatana Gosvami. \nThe devotee went to Sanatana Gosvami and informed him that Lord Siva had advised him to seek out the best benediction from him (Sanatana). Sanatana had a touchstone with him\, which he kept with the garbage. On the request of the poor brahmana\, Sanatana Gosvami gave him the touchstone\, and the brahmana was very happy to have it. He now could get as much gold as he desired simply by touching the touchstone to iron. But after he left Sanatana\, he thought\, “If a touchstone is the best benediction\, why has Sanatana Gosvami kept it with the garbage?” He therefore returned and asked Sanatana Gosvami\, “Sir\, if this is the best benediction\, why did you keep it with the garbage?” Sanatana Gosvami then informed him\, “Actually\, this is not the best benediction. But are you prepared to take the best benediction from me?” The brahmana said\, “Yes\, sir. Lord Siva has sent me to you for the best benediction.” Then Sanatana Gosvami asked him to throw the touchstone in the water nearby and then come back. The poor brahmana did so\, and when he returned\, Sanatana Gosvami initiated him with the Hare Krishna mantra. Thus by the benediction of Lord Siva the brahmana got the association of the best devotee of Lord Krishna and was thus initiated in the maha-mantra\, Hare Krishna\, Hare Krishna\, Krishna Krishna\, Hare Hare/ Hare Rama\, Hare Rama\, Rama Rama\, Hare Hare.(Srila Prabhupada. Srimad Bhagavatam 4:7:7. purport.) \n“Vaishnavanams yatha Shambu – Lord Shiva is the greatest devotee of Lord Vishnu.” \nStory – The unknown fast \nIn the Shanti Parva of the Mahabharata\, Bhishma\, whilst resting on a bed of arrows and discoursing on Dharma\, refers to the observance of Maha Shivaratri by King Chitrabhanu. The story goes as follows. \nOnce\, King Chitrabhanu was observing a fast with his wife\, and it was the day of Maha Shivaratri. The sage Ashtavakra came on a visit to the king’s court. \nThe sage asked\, “ O king why are you observing a fast today?” King Chitrabhanu explained the reason\, as he had the gift of remembering the incidents of his previous birth. \nThe king said to the sage\, “in my past birth I was a hunter in Varanasi (Kashi). My name was Suswara. My livelihood was to kill and sell birds and animals. One day\, I was overtaken by the darkness of night. Unable to return home\, I climbed a tree for shelter. It happened to be a bael tree. I had shot a deer that day\, but I did not have time to take it home. I bundled it up and tied it to a branch on the tree. As I was tormented by hunger and thirst\, I kept awake throughout the night. I shed profuse tears when I thought of my poor wife and children who were starving and anxiously awaiting my return. To pass away time that night I engaged myself in plucking bael leaves and dropping them down onto the ground. “The day dawned and I returned home and sold the deer. I bought some food for myself and for my family. I was about to break my fast when a stranger came to me\, begging for food. I served him first and then took my food.” \n“ At the time of death\, I saw two messengers of Lord Shiva\, they were sent down to take me to his abode. I then learnt for the first time of the great merit I had earned but the unconscious worship of Lord Shiva during the night of Shivaratri. They told me that there was a lingam under that tree and that I had dropped the leaves on that Lingam. My tears\, which I had shed out of pure sorrow for my family\, fell onto the Lingam and washed it. And I had fasted all day and all night. Thus\, I unconsciously worshipped Lord Shiva on that most auspicious day.” “I lived in the abode of the Lord and enjoyed divine bliss for long ages. And now I am reborn as Chitrabhanu.” \nSlokas and Quotes from the Scriptures \nBrahma Samhita chapter 5 TEXT 45 \nksiram yatha dadhi vikara-visesa-yogat\nsanjayate na hi tatah prthag asti hetoh\nyah sambhutam api tatha samupaiti karyad\ngovindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami \nSYNONYMS \nksiram–milk; yatha–as; dadhi–yogurt; vikara-visesa–of a special transformation; yogat–by the application; sanjayate–is transformed into; na–not; hi–indeed; tatah–from the milk; prthak–separated; asti–is; hetoh–which is the cause; yah–who; sambhutam–the nature of Lord Siva; api–also; tatha–thus; samupaiti–accepts; karyat–for the matter of some particular business; govindam–Govinda; adi-purusam–the original person; tam–Him; aham–I; bhajami–worship. \nTRANSLATION \nJust as milk is transformed into curd by the action of acids\, but yet the effect curd is neither same as\, nor different from\, its cause\, viz.\, milk\, so I adore the primeval Lord Govinda of whom the state of Sambhu is a transformation for the performance of the work of destruction. \nPURPORT \n(The real nature of Sambhu\, the presiding deity of Mahesa-dhama\, is described.) \nSambhu is not a second Godhead other than Krsna. Those\, who entertain such discriminating sentiment\, commit a great offense against the Supreme Lord. The supremacy of Sambhu is subservient to that of Govinda; hence they are not really different from each other. The nondistinction is established by the fact that just as milk treated with acid turns into curd so Godhead becomes a subservient when He Himself attains a distinct personality by the addition of a particular element of adulteration. This personality has no independent initiative. The said adulterating principle is constituted of a combination of the stupefying quality of the deluding energy\, the quality of nonplenitude of the marginal potency and a slight degree of the ecstatic-cognitive principle of the plenary spiritual potency. \nThis specifically adulterated reflection of the principle of the subjective portion of the Divinity is Sadasiva\, in the form of the effulgent masculine-symbol-god Sambhu from whom Rudradeva is manifested. In the work of mundane creation as the material cause\, in the work of preservation by the destruction of sundry asuras and in the work of destruction to conduct the whole operation\, Govinda manifests Himself as guna-avatara in the form of Sambhu who is the separated portion of Govinda imbued with the principle of His subjective plenary portion. \nThe personality of the destructive principle in the form of time has been identified with that of Sambhu by scriptural evidences that have been adduced in the commentary. The purport of the Bhagavata slokas\, viz.\, vaisnavanam yatha sambhuh\, etc.\, is that Sambhu\, in pursuance of the will of Govinda\, works in union with his consort Durgadevi by his own time energy. He teaches pious duties (dharma) as stepping-stones to the attainment of spiritual service in the various tantra-sastras\, etc.\, suitable for jivas in different grades of the conditional existence. In obedience to the will of Govinda\, Sambhu maintains and fosters the religion of pure devotion by preaching the cult of illusionism (Mayavada) and the speculative agama-sastras. \nThe fifty attributes of individual souls are manifest in a far vaster measure in Sambhu and five additional attributes not attainable by jivas are also partly found in him. So Sambhu cannot be called a jiva. He is the lord of jiva but yet partakes of the nature of a separated portion of Govinda. (Sri Brahma Samhita\, translation by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupad.) \nLord Krishna (Vishnu) is in this analogy considered to be likened to Milk. Milk is the origin of so many dairy products – Krishna tu bhagavan swayam\, and so Krishna or Vishnu is the origin of everything. When Krishna wants activity overseen of the modes of Tamo guna He expands Himself transforming His supreme powers to act in that way\, as no-one else could\, and in that state He is Shambu – Shiva. So it may be seen that milk that is transformed becomes yogurt\, but that yoghurt can never again become milk\, this is presented in Brahma samhita 5:45. \nvrndavanavani-pate! Jaya soma soma maule\nsanaka-sanandana-sanatana-naradedya\ngopisvara! Vraja-vilasi-yugangri-padme\nprema prayaccha nirupadhi namo namaste \n“O gatekeeper of Vrndavana! O Soma\, all glories to you! O you whose forehead is decorated with the moon\, and who is worshipable by the sages headed by Sanaka\, Sanandana\, Sanatana and Narada! O Gopisvara (Shiva)\, desiring that you bestow upon me that prema for the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava who perform joyous pastimes in Vraja-dhama\, I offer obeisances unto you time and again.” \nQuotes from Vaishnava smriti compilation Hari Bhakti Vilas of Srila Gopal Bhattar Goswami\, and the Dikdarshini Tika of Srila Sanatan Goswami Prabhupada. \nSiva ratri vrtam krsna catur-dasyantu phalgune\nVaisnaver api tat karyam sri krsna pritaye sada \n(hari bhakti vilasa 14/187 from gautamiya tantra) \nOn the fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March)\, for the pleasure of Lord Sri Krsna\, a Vaisnava should always take a vow to fast. (It is called Siva Ratri\, or the night of Lord Siva.) \nParat parataram yanti narayana parayanah\nNate tatra gamisyanti ye dvisanti mahesvaram \n(Hari Bhakti Vilasa 14/189 from Kurma Purana the Supreme Lord speaks to Bhrgu Muni) \n(One who avoids fasting on Siva Ratri or the “night of Lord Siva”\, he becomes very offensive. Whatever offenses one accumulates by not fasting on Siva Ratri day is explained here.) The destination of the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, Lord Narayana\, is certainly in the spiritual world. But if one is envious of Lord Sri Siva\, he does not attain the spiritual world. \nYani kany atra lingani sthavarani carani ca\nTesu sankramate devas tasyam ratrau yato harah\nSivaratris tatah prokta tena sa hari vallabhah \n(Hari Bhakti Vilasa 14/200 from Skanda purana\, Nagara khanda) \nWhatever deities of Lord Siva that can be found on this earthly planet\, on the night of this fourteenth day of the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna\, Lord Siva\, who is a leading demigod\, enters into them. For this reason\, this day is called Siva Ratri. For this reason\, this day is very dear to Lord Sri Hari. \nSri krsne vaisnavanantu prema bhakti vivardhate\nKrsna bhakti rasa sara rudra anukampaya  \nvarsi (hari bhakti vilasa 14/221 from skanda purana)  \nBeing a Vaisnava\, if somebody fasts on Lord Siva’s night (Siva Ratri day)\, by the mercy of him (Lord Siva) who is diving in the ocean of the mellow of devotion to Krsna\, one’s devotion to Krsna increases rapidly.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/siva-ratri-26th-feb-2025/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250224
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250225
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250218T065219Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T082309Z
UID:41198-1740355200-1740441599@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Vijaya Ekadashi 24th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Yudhisthira Maharaj said\, “Oh Lord Sri Krishna\, O glorious son of Vasudeva\, please be merciful to me and describe the Ekadasii that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Phalguna (February-March)”\nLord Sri Krishna replied\, “Oh Yudhisthira\, Oh king of kings\, gladly I shall tell you about this great fast\, known as Vijaya Ekadasii. Whoever observes it certainly achieves success in this life and the next. All the sins of one who fasts on this Ekadasii and hears its sublime glories are eradicated. \n“Narada Muni once asked lord Brahma\, who sits on a lotus flower about the Vijaya Ekadasii. Sri Narada said\, ‘Oh best of all the demigods\, kindly tell me the merit one can achieve by faithfully observing Vijaya Ekadasii.’\n“Narada’s great father then replied\, ‘My dear son\, this oldest of fasting days is pure\, and it nullifies all sins. I have never revealed this to anyone until today\, but you can understand beyond any doubt that this Ekadasii bestows the result indicated by its name… (Vijaya meaning Victory). \n“When Lord Rama was exiled to the forest for fourteen years\, He\, the goddess Sita\, and His divine brother Lakshmana stayed at Panchavati as mendicants. Mother Sita was then kidnapped by the demon Ravana\, and Lord Rama seemingly became bewildered like an ordinary man by distress. While searching for His beloved consort\, the Lord came upon the dying Jatayu and thereafter killed His enemy Kabandha.. The great devotee-vulture Jatayu returned to Vaikuntha after telling Rama how His dear Sita had been abducted by Ravana. \n“ ‘Later\, Lord Rama and Sugriva\, the king of the monkeys\, became friends. Together they amassed a grand army of monkeys and bears and sent HanumAnji his minister to Sri LankA\, where he was able to see Janaki (Srimati Sita devi) in an Ashoka grove garden. He delivered Lord Rama’s message and showed the ring proving his authenticity for rendering such great service to the Supreme Lord Sri Rama.“ ‘With the help of Sugriva\, Lord Rama proceeded toward Sri Lanka. Upon arriving at the shore of the ocean with the army of monkeys\, He could understand that the water was uncommonly deep and hostile. Thus He said to Lakshmana\, “Oh son of Sumitra\, how can We earn enough merit to be able to cross this vast ocean\, the unfathomable abode of Varuna deva? I can see no easy way to cross it\, teeming as it is with sharks and other ferocious aquatics.” \n“ ‘Lakshmana replied\, “Oh best of all beings\, Oh origin of all the devas\, Oh primal personality\, the great sage Bakad Albhya lives on an island just four miles from here. Oh Raghava\, he has seen many BrahmAs come and go\, so aged and wise is he. Let us go to him\, take his darshan (audience) and ask him how We can safely reach Our goal.” \n“ ‘So Rama and Lakshmana proceeded to the humble Ashrama of the incomparable Bakad Albhya Muni. Approaching him\, the two Lords paid Their respectful obeisances to him as if he were a second Vishnu. Bakad Albhya could immediately understand\, however\, that Sri Rama was actually the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, who for His own reasons had appeared on the Earth and was enacting just like a human being.\n“ ‘ “Rama\, “ said BakadAlbhya\, “Oh best of the human beings\, why have You come to my lowly abode?”\n“ ‘The Lord replied\, “Oh great\, twice born brahmin\, I have come here to the ocean shore with My phalanx of monkey and bear warriors in order to cross the sea and conquer LankA and its demon horde headed by Ravana. Oh greatest of sages\, please be merciful unto Me and please tell Me how I can cross this vast ocean. That is why I have come to your Ashrama today.”\n“ ‘The sage said\, “Oh Lord Sri Rama\, I shall tell you of the most exalted of all fasts\, observing which You will surely conquer Ravana and be eternally glorified. Kindly now listen with full attention. \n“ ‘ “On the day before Ekadasii\, fashion a water pot of gold or silver\, or even copper. Even clay will do if these metals are unavailable. Fill the pot with pure water and then decorate it nicely with mango leaves. Cover it and place it near a holy altar upon a mound of seven grains (the seven grains are barley\, wheat\, rice\, corn\, chickpeas\, kukani\, and dahl or peas). Now take Your morning bath\, decorate the water pot with flower garlands and sandalwood paste\, and inn the concave lid atop the pot place there the barley\, pomegranate\, and coconut. Now with great love and devotion worship the water pot Deity form and offer Him incense\, sandalwood paste\, flowers\, a ghee lamp\, and a plate of sumptuous foods. Remain there awake that night beside this sacred pot. On top of the lid filled with barley\, etc.\, place a golden murthy of Lord Sri Narayana.\n“ ‘ “When Ekadasii dawns\, take Your morning bath and then decorate the water pot with fine sandalwood paste and garlands. Then worship the pot again with first class incense\, lamps\, sandalwood paste and flowers dipped in sandalwood paste\, and then devoutly/devotedly place many kinds of cooked food\, pomegranate\, and coconut before the water pot. Then remain awake over night. \n“ ‘ “When the Dwadasi dawns\, take the water pot to the bank of a holy river\, or even to the shore of a small pond. After worshipping it again properly\, Oh King of kings\, offer it with all the aforementioned ingredients to a pure hearted brahmin\, expert in the Vedic sciences. If You and Your military commanders observe the Vijaya Ekadasii in this way\, You will surely be victorious in every way.” \n“” ‘Lord Sri Ramachandra Bhagavan\, the Supreme Personality of Godhead\, did just as Bakad Albhya Muni instructed\, and thus He conquered all demoniac forces. Similarly\, anyone who observes the Vijaya Ekadasii in this way will always be victorious in this mortal world\, and after leaving this world he/she will reside forever in the anxiety free realm of the Kingdom of God known as the Vaikunthas.” \n“ ‘Oh Narada\, my son\, from this history you can understand why one should observe this Ekadasii fast properly\, strictly following the rules and regulations. This fast is powerful enough to eradicate all one’s sinful reactions\, even the most abominable ones.” \nLord Sri Krishna concluded\, “Oh Yudhisthira\, anyone who reads or hears this history will attain the same great merit as that which is earned by performing a horse sacrifice on days of yore.” \nThus ends the narration of the glories of Phalguna-krsna Ekadasii or Vijaya Ekadasii\, from the Skanda Purana. \nThese stories have been summarized and slightly changed\, abbreviated or added to from how they are found in the celebrated book\, “Ekadasi: The Day of Lord Hari” 1986. HH Krishna Balaram Swami. Bhaktivedanta Institute Press.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/vijaya-ekadashi-24th-feb-2025/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250225
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250226
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250218T065440Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250226T082320Z
UID:41196-1740441600-1740527999@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Isvara Puri 25th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Isvara Puri was the spiritual master of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Even though Lord Caitanya\, the Supreme Godhead\, did not need a spiritual master\, He accepted Srila Isvara Puri as His guru to establish the importance of accepting a spiritual master.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-isvara-puri-25th-feb-2025/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250228
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250301
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250218T065740Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T071819Z
UID:41199-1740700800-1740787199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji 28th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja lived for 140 years. He took diksa from Sri Madhusudana Dasa Babaji and did bhajana for many year at Surya Kunda in vrindavana.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-srila-jagannatha-dasa-babaji-28th-feb-2025/
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20250228
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20250301
DTSTAMP:20260518T032401
CREATED:20250218T065921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250305T071825Z
UID:41200-1740700800-1740787199@www.iskconpunjabibagh.com
SUMMARY:Disappearance Day of Sri Rasikananda 28th Feb 2025
DESCRIPTION:Rasikananda Prabhu preached Krsna consciousness in northern Orissa after the disappearance of Lord Caitanya. He was the principal disciple of Syamananda Gosvami. \nAccepting the order of his guru\, Sri Syamananda\, on his head\, Rasikananda preached the message of Sri Gaursundar in the world for approximately 16 years. Thereafter he entered into his eternal pastimes through the lotus feet of Gopinatha at Remuna. On the first day of the bright fortnight in the month of Phalguna\, Sakabda 1574 (1652AD)\, Rasikananda quietly slipped out of the village Santa without anyone’s notice and walked to Remuna. Arriving there\, he discussed Krsna-katha with the devotees there for a while and instructed everyone to serve Sri Krsna with devotion. Then\, after requesting them to begin sankirtana\, he entered the temple of Sri Gopinatha\, and after touching Kshira-chora Gopinatha’s lotus feet\, which bestow complete fearlessness\, he entered into their ultimate shelter. \nRasikananda prabhu’s samadhi is at the Temple of Kshira-chora Gopinath at Remuna just in front and to the right as you go in the main gate\, with the temple to the left\, and admin’ offices straight ahead \nHis Life \nBirth \nAround 1590 AD (Sakabda 1512)\, on the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik\, during the night of the festival Dipamalika\, when the houses are decorated with rows of lamps\, Sri Rasikananda Deva made his appearance in this world. His father was Sri Acyuta Deva\, the king of Rohini. \nThe village of Rohini or Royni was situated within the country known as Mallabhumi\, encompassed on one side by the Suvarnarekha River (Suvarna meaning golden and rekha\, a line). This Suvarnarekha River cleansed the sins of all the local people. Near Royni was another village of the name Barayita\, by the side of which flowed the Dolanganadi River\, whose banks were adorned with beautiful gardens. Raja Acyuta Deva very affectionately maintained his subjects and was famous for impeccably observing the rites attendant upon kings. In the village of Royni the son of King Acyuta appeared as the sun appears in the eastern sky and became dearly beloved by the people. He was known as Rasikananda and also Murari. \nYouth \nAt a very young age he became quite proficient in all of the scriptures. He was very devoted to his parents\, especially his mother\, whose name was Bhavani. His father married him at very young age. Murari’s wife Syamadasi was a treasure chest of good character who hailed from the village of Ghonta Sila\, not far from Royni on the banks of the Suvarna Rekha\, where in earlier ages the Pandavas had lived in exile. \nMeeting his Guru \nOne day\, Murari was sitting in a lonely place\, wondering when and where he might become so fortunate as to get shelter at the lotus feet of a spiritual preceptor. Just then a voice from the sky addressed him\, “Don’t be in anxiety\, you will become the disciple of Sri Syamananda.” Having heard this proclamation\, Rasik Murari became very jubilant\, and began to repeatedly murmur the name Syamananda\, as though chanting japa. a Pandit \nMoment to moment his eagerness increased without diminition\, as tears flowed from his eyes by his chanting of the name of Syamananda. He was in such a state that he spent most of the night sleeplessly\, calling to his master Syamananda. Finally\, towards the early morning\, he drifted off to the land of dreams\, where he saw his spiritual master\, the very figure of charm and grace. Smilingly\, Syamananda informed him\, “When tomorrow the eastern sky becomes tinged with pink\, you will obtain me.” Saying this\, Syamananda disappeared. Rasikananda’s heart began to swell in ecstatic bliss. Then\, with the first rays of morning which dispel the dense darkness of the world\, the wise Murari sat silently watching the path. After some time Syamananda approached from the distance\, looking as effulgent as the sun and surrounded by his disciples like Sri Kishora dasa and others. His smiling face was like the lotus flower that opens to greet its friend- the sun\, and his chest was as broad as a door. His captivating appearance was made all the more irresistable by the sweet sounds of ‘Sri Krsna Caitanya-Nityananda’ emanating from his lotus mouth. Absorbed in intense love he moved along the path like the clouds move in the sky. When Rasika caught sight of this divine form\, he fell down in front of him to touch his lotus feet. In great ecstasy Shyamananda embraced him and began to bathe him with his tears of ecstatic love. \nLife devoted to Preaching \nSri Rasika Murari then felt himself to be one of the most fortunate living beings within this universe. On an auspicious day Syamananda initiated Rasika and his wife in Radha-Krsna mantra. After that\, Rasikananda began to travel with his guru\, during which time he became a very intimate disciple. Syamananda then bestowed upon him the service of Sri Radha- Govinda Deva at Sri Gopiballabhapur. Rasikananda became totally engaged in their Lordships service\, and the devotees were charmed by his excellent services. At Gopiballabhpur and other places he began to seriously take up the preaching the message of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. By his influence many atheists and non-believers were transformed into devotees of Sri Gaura-Nityananda. “By the tremendous influence of Rasikananda’s preaching\, many rogues\, robbers and atheists were delivered from their sinful activities and received his mercy. He distributed the jewel of devotion as he travelled from village to village\, in the company of his disciples. \nOne day he even converted a wild elephant which was sent for his destruction into his disciple and engaged him in the service of Krsna and the Vaisnavas. That wicked miscreant who sent the elephant bowed at his feet when he realised his mistake. It is not possible to count the number of living entities that were extricated from the ocean of material existence by Rasikananda Deva’s association. He was always intoxicated with the chanting of the Holy Name. Who cannot but be overwhelmed by hearing about his uncommon qualities?” [B.R. 15.86] Many virtuous kings and zamindars such as the king of Mayurbhanj named Vaidyanatha Bhanj\, the king of Patashpur known as Gajapati and Candrabhanu\, the king of Moyna\, took shelter at his lotus feet. What to speak of those pious and noble gentlemen\, even the sinful zamindar Bhima\, Suba Ahmadbeg and the wicked atheist Srikar also surrendered themselves at his lotus feet. Another vicious\, wild elephant was tamed by Rasikananda’s transcendental influence and henceforward was known as Gopala das. Later\, two jungle tigers likewise gave up their ferocious nature. \nLove for Lord Jagannath \nOne year\, during Lord Jagannatha’s Ratha-yatra festival\, Rasikananda Deva was preaching somewhere in the country\, but when he realised that it was time for Ratha-yatra he dropped everything and rushed like the wind in order to come to Nilacala in time for the festival. \nBut in the meantime the festival had already begun. Lord Jagannath\, Who felt reciprocal separation from His dear devotee Rasikananda\, caused the Rath to stop. Though the king summoned his elephants to push the Ratha\, under no circumstances could they budge it\, not even an inch. Then Lord Jagannatha\, seeing that the king was becoming frustrated\, informed him that he was waiting for His devotee Rasika. \nFinally Rasikananda Deva arrived\, carrying with him many offerings of silk clothes and other presents. He fell down to offer his dandavats before Lord Jagannatha\, and the king requested him to pull the rope at which the cart began to easily move along the road\, just as the clouds move in the sky. Later the king requested Rasikananda to accept a gift of land so he might establish a temple there. Rasikananda requested the place known as Fultota Math\, which is now known as Kunja Math. There he installed the Deity of Sri Bat Krsna. The Deity is now known as Sri Sri Radha-Rasika Raya. \nLineage \nSri Rasikananda had three sons: Sri Radhananda\, Sri Krsna-Govinda and Sri Radha-Krsna. The present servants of Sri Sri Radha-Govindadeva at Gopiballabhapur are their descendents. He composed Sri Shyamananda-sataka\, Srimad Bhagavatastaka as well as other hymns and songs. His Sripat Gopiballabhpur can be reached from Calcutta by taking a train to Khavagpur\, and a bus to Gopiballabhpur from there. There is also a temple of Rasikananda at Puri.
URL:https://www.iskconpunjabibagh.com/event/disappearance-day-of-sri-rasikananda-28th-feb-2025/
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