Varuthini Ekadasi
(Krishna Paksha, Vaisakha — April–May)
Sri Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You. Please now describe to me the Ekadasi of the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May), including its specific merits and influence."
Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh King, in this world and the next, the most auspicious and magnanimous Ekadasi is Varathini Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Vaisakha. Whosoever observes a complete fast on this sacred day has his sins completely removed, obtains continuous happiness, and achieves all good fortune. Fasting on Varathini Ekadasi makes even an unfortunate woman fortunate. Upon anyone who observes it, this Ekadasi bestows material enjoyment in this life and liberation after the death of this present body. It destroys the sins of all and saves people from the miseries of repeated rebirth. By observing this Ekadasi properly, King Mandhata was liberated. Many other kings also benefited from observing it, kings such as Maharaja Dhundhumara, in the Ikshvaku dynasty, who became free from leprosy resulting from the curse that Lord Shiva had imposed upon him as a punishment. Whatever merit one obtains by performing austerities and penances for ten thousand years is achieved by a person who observes Varuthinii Ekadasi. The merit one achieves by donating a great amount of gold during a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra is gained by one who observes this one Ekadasi with love and devotion, and certainly attains his goals in this life and the next. In short, this Ekadasi is pure and very enlivening and the destroyer of all sins. Better than giving horses in charity is giving elephants, and better than giving elephants is giving land. But better still than giving land is the giving of sesame seeds, and better than that is giving of gold. Still better than giving gold is giving food grains for all the forefathers, demigods (devas), and human beings become satisfied by eating grains. Thus there is no better gift of charity than this in the past, present or future. Yet learned scholars have declared that giving away a young maiden in marriage to a worthy person is equal to giving away food grains in charity. Moreover, Lord Sri Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, has said that giving cows in charity is equal to giving food grains. Still better than all these charities is teaching spiritual knowledge to the ignorant. Yet all the merits one can attain by performing all these acts of charity are attained by one who fasts on the Varuthini Ekadasi. One who lives off the wealth of his daughters suffers a hellish condition until the inundation of the entire universe, Oh Bharata. Therefore one should be especially careful not to use the wealth of his daughter. Oh best of kings, any householder who takes his daughter's wealth out of greed, who tries to sell his daughter, or who takes money from the man to whom he has given his daughter in marriage such a householder becomes a lowly cat in his next life. Therefore it is said that whoever, as a sacred act of charity, gives away in marriage a maiden decorated with various ornaments, and who also gives a dowry with her, obtains merit that cannot be described even by Chitragupta, the chief secretary of Yamaraja in the heavenly planets. That very same merit, however, can be easily achieved by one who fasts on the Varuthini Ekadasi.
Observances
On Dashami (the day before Ekadasi), one should give up:
Eating on bell-metal plates, eating any kind of urad-dahl, eating red-lentils, eating chick-peas, eating kondo (a grain that is primarily eaten by poor people and that resembles poppy seeds or agarpanthas seeds), eating spinach, eating honey, eating in another person's house/home, eating more than once, and participating in sex of any kind.
On Ekadasi itself, one should give up:
Gambling, sports, sleeping during the daytime, betal nuts and its leaf, brushing one's teeth, spreading rumours, faultfinding, talking to the spiritually fallen, anger, and lying.
On Dwadasi (the day after Ekadasi), one should give up:
Eating on bell-metal plates, eating urad-dahl, red-lentils, or honey, lying, strenuous exercise or labour, eating more than once, any sexual activity, shaving the body, face or head, smearing oils on one's body, and eating in another's home.
Conclusion
Lord Sri Krishna continued, "Whoever observes the Varuthini Ekadasi in this way becomes free from all sinful reactions and returns to the eternal, spiritual abode. One who worships Lord Janardana (Krishna) on this Ekadasi by staying awake throughout the entire night, also becomes free from all his previous sins and attains to the spiritual abode. Therefore, Oh king, he who is frightened of his accumulated sins and their attendant reactions, and thus of death itself, must observe Varuthini Ekadasi by fasting very strictly. Finally, Oh noble Yudhisthira, he who hears or reads this glorification of the sacred Varuthini Ekadasi obtains the merit earned by donating one thousand cows in charity, and at last he returns home, to the Supreme abode of Lord Vishnu in the Vaikunthas."
Disappearance Day — April 9th, 2026
On the sacred saptami of the dark fortnight in the month of Madhusudana, devotees lovingly remember the disappearance day of Sri Abhirama Thakura, also known as Abhirama Gopala and Rama Dasa, one of the most powerful and ecstatic associates of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. Renowned for his fearless preaching, intense devotion, and extraordinary spiritual potency, his life beautifully connects the intimate pastimes of Vraja with the merciful sankirtana mission of Navadvipa.
According to the Gaudiya scriptures, Sri Abhirama Thakura is the incarnation of Sridama, one of the dearmost cowherd friends of Lord Krishna in Vrindavan. A beloved pastime describes how he came to participate in Gaura-lila. One day, while Krishna, Balarama, and Their cowherd friends were playing hide-and-seek, Krishna decided to travel to Nadia to begin His future pastimes. Taking Balarama and the other boys with Him, He manifested in Navadvipa, but Sridama remained hidden in his cave and was unintentionally left behind. Realizing this, Krishna sent Balarama—who later appeared as Lord Nityananda—to bring him. When Nityananda approached Sridama and called him to come to Nadia, Sridama hesitated, noting that Nityananda appeared smaller than he remembered from Dvapara-yuga, when bodies were much larger than in Kali-yuga. To prove His identity, Nityananda challenged him to run, promising to catch him within ten steps. Sridama ran swiftly, yet Nityananda caught him instantly. Still feeling hurt at being left behind, Sridama resisted going, and thus Lord Nityananda manifested an expansion known as Rama Dasa, who agreed to accompany Him. In this way, Sridama appeared in Gaura-lila as Sri Abhirama Thakura to assist in spreading the mercy of the Holy Name.
When Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu later instructed Lord Nityananda Prabhu to return to Bengal and freely distribute divine love, Sri Abhirama Thakura accompanied Him as a fearless preacher. His presence carried such spiritual force that atheists and offenders trembled upon seeing him. Though deeply absorbed in devotion, he later married according to the desire of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, and his wife was Sri Malini-devi.
Sri Abhirama Thakura’s life is filled with extraordinary pastimes that demonstrated his immense spiritual potency. Lord Krishna once appeared to him in a dream and revealed that His Deity form was buried beneath the earth at Khanakula Krishnanagar. Following this divine instruction, Abhirama Thakura excavated the ground and discovered the beautiful form of Sri Gopinathji. The place where the Deity manifested became known as Ram Kund, where a lake formed whose waters were said to be sweet like nectar, and those who bathed or drank from it experienced deep spiritual ecstasy. News of these divine events spread widely, drawing countless pilgrims to the sacred site.
He was also known for carrying a celebrated whip named Jaya Mangala, which awakened Krishna-prema in those touched by it. One well-known pastime describes how Sri Srinivasa Acharya was touched several times with this whip and immediately became overwhelmed with ecstatic love of Krishna. Such was Abhirama Thakura’s spiritual strength that even his obeisances carried great potency—if he offered obeisances to any stone other than a genuine Shalagram-shila, that stone would crack apart.
His interactions with other great devotees were equally remarkable. Once, when he went to meet Raghunandana Thakura, circumstances caused them to miss one another initially, but when they finally met, they danced together in deep ecstatic love. During this dancing, Raghunandana’s ankle ornament fell at a sacred location where it continued to be worshiped thereafter. Even great souls such as Gopala Guru Goswami were tested by Abhirama Thakura in their youth, yet remained unharmed due to the mercy of Lord Chaitanya.
Sri Abhirama Thakura’s intense spiritual energy was also seen in his dealings with the children of Lord Nityananda Prabhu. It is described that when he offered obeisances to the newborn sons of Nityananda Prabhu, their bodies could not withstand the force of his spiritual potency, and several departed shortly after birth. However, when Ganga-devi, the daughter of Nityananda Prabhu, was born and remained unaffected by his obeisances, he joyfully composed one hundred verses glorifying her. Similarly, when Viracandra Prabhu appeared and remained unaffected, he composed the renowned Sri Birbhadrastakam in praise.
On another occasion, absorbed in remembrance of Krishna and in the mood of a cowherd boy, Sri Abhirama Thakura desired to play the flute. In ecstatic love, he fashioned a flute from a massive tree trunk—so large that sixteen men could not lift it—and began playing in divine remembrance of Krishna’s pastimes.
As a learned scholar of the scriptures and a powerful associate of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Sri Abhirama Thakura played a vital role in spreading the sankirtana movement across Bengal. His life teaches us the spirit of fearless devotion, unwavering faith, and deep love for Krishna and His devotees. On this sacred disappearance day, devotees pray to him for the strength to serve with courage, to deepen their faith, and to develop the boldness to share Krishna consciousness without hesitation.
Let us bow down to Sri Abhirama Thakura, the beloved associate of Lord Nityananda, who carried the whip of divine love to awaken the sleeping souls of this world and inspire hearts with fearless devotion.
Hare Krishna
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
All glories to Sri Narasimhadeva!
As the auspicious appearance day of Lord Narasimhadeva approaches, devotees and well-wishers alike joyfully look forward to this sacred time of receiving His protection, blessings, and mercy. The divine pastimes of Lord Narasimhadeva remind us that sincere prayers are always heard, and His shelter brings strength, courage, and reassurance to all.
As we prepare for this sacred festival:
"May there be good fortune throughout the universe, and may all envious persons be pacified. May all living entities become calm by practicing bhakti-yoga, for by accepting devotional service they will think of each other's welfare. Therefore, let us all engage in the service of the supreme transcendence, Lord Sri Krishna, and always remain absorbed in thought of Him." (Srimad-Bhagavatam, 5.18.9)
This year, we invite you to take part in the Sri Narasimha Navaratri Yajna, leading up to this most auspicious day.
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During these sacred days, yajnas will be performed daily in twelve kundas, invoking prayers for protection, purification, and divine blessings. By becoming a yajamana, you directly participate in these offerings and seek the shelter of Lord Narasimhadeva for yourself and your loved ones.
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Kindly take this opportunity to serve and receive His divine protection:
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Narasimha-Caturdasi
May Lord Narasimhadeva always protect you and your family.
Thank you once again for your continued support.
Your servants,
Mayapur.com Team
Three days ago, devotees from all over the world joyfully gathered to celebrate the 77th Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Guru Maharaj, and with each passing year, it truly feels that the bliss, enthusiasm, and heartfelt glorification only continue to increase. This year’s sacred celebration took place over two beautiful days, beginning on the 28th of March with the Vyasa Puja Adhivas and continuing on the 29th of March with the grand Vyasa Puja Mahotsava. In Sridham Mayapur, this celebration always feels like a mini Gaura Purnima, as thousands and thousands of disciples, friends, godbrothers, and well-wishers come together in unity to glorify their beloved spiritual master. The atmosphere becomes filled with kirtan, prayers, and loving offerings, and one can feel a deep sense of gratitude in every heart.
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Guru Maharaj is one of the senior disciples of Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, and his entire life stands as an example of unwavering dedication to the mission of his spiritual master. From the early days of assisting Srila Prabhupada to helping develop Mayapur into the spiritual center it is today, Guru Maharaj has spent decades tirelessly traveling, preaching, guiding disciples, and inspiring countless souls toward Krishna consciousness. His compassion and determination have helped expand the mission of Srila Prabhupada worldwide, and his life continues to inspire thousands to remain steady in devotional service. For devotees, Vyasa Puja is not merely a celebration, it is a day to reflect deeply on the mercy received through the spiritual master and to offer heartfelt gratitude for his guidance.
In October 2008, Gurumaharaja suffered a massive stroke that caused bleeding in two areas of the brain, including the delicate brain stem. The situation was extremely critical, and doctors acknowledged that the chances of survival were very slim. Devotees around the world prayed intensely, knowing that his life was not his own, but meant for the service of his Guru and the mission of Lord Caitanya.
Yet even in those life-threatening moments, his consciousness remained fixed in devotional service. While lying in the hospital, unable to speak due to medical tubes and machines, he still showed his deep compassion by encouraging those around him to chant. Devotees recall that he was given a clicker so that he could continue his chanting, even when speech was not possible. This reveals the extraordinary depth of his attachment to the holy name, that even when the body was failing, his spiritual determination remained strong.
What is even more astonishing is that only four months after such a devastating stroke, he insisted on returning to Mayapur to attend the Gaura Purnima festival, something he had not missed for decades. Despite the intense rehabilitation required, including daily physiotherapy and medical supervision, his desire was always to return to preaching and serving. His focus was never on comfort, but always on fulfilling his responsibility to his Guru and disciples.
Over the years, Gurumaharaja has faced multiple serious health challenges, including severe infections, lung complications, and in 2018, a major kidney and liver transplant that required long hospitalization and recovery. Yet even during those difficult times, his spirit of devotion did not weaken. In fact, after long hospital stays where he was unable to complete his daily chanting, once he regained strength, he carefully made up the rounds he had missed, chanting hundreds of extra rounds until his vow was complete. Such determination is almost unimaginable for ordinary persons, yet for him it is simply part of his lifelong commitment to devotional service.
Every day, Gurumaharaja thinks about how to deliver his disciples and how to bring Krishna consciousness to the whole world. Even at the brink of death, in the hospital bed, surrounded by machines and doctors, his concern was not for his own suffering but for the spiritual benefit of others. He distributed Mahaprasad to doctors and inspired them to chant, turning even the hospital environment into a place of spiritual connection.
This is our Gurumaharaj, completely selfless, completely absorbed, and completely dedicated. His life is a living example of what it means to serve without hesitation, without complaint, and without pause. Even when the body is weak, his determination to preach remains strong. Even when health fails, his chanting continues. Even when facing unimaginable pain, his only desire is to carry out the instructions of his Guru.
To witness such dedication is both humbling and inspiring. It reminds us that spiritual life is not meant to be casual or convenient, but sincere and steady. Gurumaharaja’s example shows us that even in illness, even in weakness, even in the most uncertain moments of life, one can remain fixed in service.
The Vyasa Puja celebration began on the 28th of March with the Adhivas day, setting the devotional mood for the festival. The morning began with Srimad Bhagavatam class, followed by a yajna offered for Guru Maharaj’s continued health and preaching mission. Later in the day, devotees gathered for melodious bhajan kirtan, filling the temple with the vibration of the holy names. A special health update and preaching report was shared, inspiring everyone to hear about Guru Maharaj’s ongoing service and determination. In the evening, the Adhivas ceremony marked the formal beginning of the Vyasa Puja festivities, followed by a joyful cultural program where devotees expressed their love through music, drama, and devotional offerings.
The main Vyasa Puja day on the 29th of March was filled with sacred moments and heartfelt offerings. The day began early with a special Narasimha Puja, invoking protection and blessings, followed by a Srimad Bhagavatam class by Guru Maharaj, which was a deeply cherished opportunity for all present. Senior devotees and sannyasis then offered glorifications, sharing realizations and memories of Guru Maharaj’s mercy and service. Later in the morning, Guru Maharaj delivered his Vyasa Puja address, offering encouragement and guidance to all his disciples. At noon, a beautiful bhoga offering was made, followed by the bathing of the lotus feet, pushpanjali, maha arati, and gift offerings, where devotees expressed their devotion with love and sincerity. The day continued with prasadam, kirtan, further glorifications, another inspiring address by Guru Maharaj, a vibrant cultural program, and finally a joyful cake-cutting ceremony that brought smiles and happiness to everyone present.
One of the most heart-touching aspects of this year’s Vyasa Puja celebration was the offering of the special new outfit to Their Lordships, something that devotees eagerly anticipate every single year. There is always a sense of excitement and devotion surrounding this offering, and this year was certainly no exception. The theme of the new dress beautifully transformed the mood of the temple, it truly felt as if Vrindavan itself had manifested there. The temple and altar were so beautifully decorated according to the theme that one could feel transported into the sacred forests of Vrindavan. From the eyes of all those present, the altar appeared alive with decorative parrots, buzzing bees, butterflies, and many other forest elements, all carefully arranged with devotion and artistry. The colors, textures, and intricate details created a feeling of natural beauty and spiritual sweetness that deeply touched the heart. Standing there, it did not feel like an ordinary decoration—it felt like stepping into Vrindavan, where every detail reminded one of Krishna’s pastimes and the loving service of devotees.
This Vyasa Puja celebration in Mayapur is truly unlike any other, because it brings together thousands of hearts united in gratitude. Devotees travel long distances, sometimes from the farthest corners of the world, just to be present and offer their love to Guru Maharaj. Even those who cannot attend physically participate through through Mayapur TV, homages, and offerings from wherever they are. It becomes a powerful reminder that the spiritual master’s mercy reaches far beyond physical boundaries and touches the lives of countless souls across the globe.
Vyasa Puja is ultimately a festival of gratitude. It is a day when disciples reflect on the priceless gift of spiritual guidance and remember the sacrifices made by the spiritual master to uplift others. The life of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Guru Maharaj reminds us that true devotion means serving tirelessly, encouraging others, and remaining fixed in the mission of the previous acharyas. Through his dedication, compassion, and unwavering faith, he continues to inspire generations to take shelter of the holy name and remain steady on the path of devotional service.
For those who witnessed this year’s Vyasa Puja celebration, it was not simply an even, it was a spiritual experience filled with devotion, beauty, and gratitude. The sound of kirtan, the heartfelt glorifications, the sacred rituals, and the breathtaking altar decoration all came together to create a festival that felt truly blessed. Being present during these sacred days naturally fills the heart with appreciation and humility, reminding us how fortunate we are to receive the mercy of the spiritual master. Anyone who hears about or reads about such a celebration cannot help but feel grateful and blessed, because Vyasa Puja is ultimately a celebration of mercy, service, and the loving connection between guru isciple that guides us toward Krishna.
