Celebrating the Return of Lord Rāmacandra and the Glories of Offering Lamps to the Supreme Lord
Dīpāvalī, popularly known as the festival of lights, is one of the most auspicious celebrations in the Vedic tradition. The word Dīpāvalī means a row of lamps. Celebrated during the sacred month of Kārtika, this festival commemorates the glorious return of Lord Śrī Rāmacandra to Ayodhyā after fourteen years of exile and His victory over the demon king Rāvaṇa.
Dīpāvalī carries a profound spiritual significance, reminding us of the victory of righteousness over evil and the importance of welcoming the Supreme Lord into our hearts through devotion. Its observance during Kārtika makes it even more special, as this entire month is considered exceptionally dear to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
The Glorious Return of Lord Rāmacandra
The pastime of Dīpāvalī is connected with the transcendental pastimes of Lord Rāmacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Following the instructions of His father, Mahārāja Daśaratha, Lord Rāmacandra accepted fourteen years of exile in the forest. Accompanied by Mother Sītā and His devoted younger brother Lakṣmaṇa, the Lord spent these years demonstrating the highest ideals of truthfulness, sacrifice, compassion and righteousness.
During this period, the demon king Rāvaṇa abducted Mother Sītā and carried Her to Laṅkā. To rescue Her and establish the principles of dharma, Lord Rāmacandra received the devoted assistance of Hanumān, Sugrīva and the vāṇara army. After a great battle, the Lord defeated Rāvaṇa and rescued Mother Sītā, demonstrating the ultimate victory of divine power over material arrogance.
Upon completing His fourteen years of exile, Lord Rāmacandra returned to Ayodhyā with Mother Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and His associates. The residents of Ayodhyā were overwhelmed with joy at the return of their beloved Lord. They decorated their homes and illuminated the streets with countless oil lamps, transforming the entire kingdom into a radiant celebration of love and devotion.
This joyful homecoming is remembered through the celebration of Dīpāvalī.
Dīpāvalī and the Sacred Month of Kārtika
Dīpāvalī is celebrated during Kārtika Māsa, also known as the month of Dāmodara. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, Kārtika is regarded as one of the most spiritually beneficial months of the year and is especially dear to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
This month is particularly associated with the beautiful pastime of Mother Yaśodā binding little Kṛṣṇa with ropes around His waist. Although the Supreme Lord is unlimited and beyond the reach of material understanding, He willingly allowed Himself to be bound by the pure love of His mother. This wonderful pastime reveals that the Supreme Lord is conquered not by wealth, power or knowledge, but by sincere and unconditional love.
During Kārtika, devotees especially worship Lord Dāmodara by offering lamps, singing the Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭaka prayers and remembering His childhood pastimes. The offering of a lamp is a simple yet deeply meaningful expression of devotion, and devotees throughout the world take this opportunity to offer lamps to the Lord throughout the month.
Thus, Dīpāvalī becomes a particularly auspicious occasion within Kārtika, connecting the celebration of Lord Rāmacandra's glorious return with the special observance of offering lamps to Lord Dāmodara.
The Special Glories of Offering Lamps in Kārtika
The offering of lamps during Kārtika is described in Vaiṣṇava scriptures as an exceptionally auspicious devotional activity. The Skanda Purāṇa describes the special spiritual benefits of offering a lamp to Lord Keśava during this sacred month.
The Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭaka, traditionally recited during Kārtika, glorifies the Lord who was bound by Mother Yaśodā's love. In its final verse, Śrīla Satyavrata Muni prays to offer his loving obeisances to Lord Dāmodara by offering a lamp.
The significance of this offering is not merely in the light produced by the flame, but in the devotion and loving intention with which it is offered. Even a small lamp, when offered with a sincere heart, becomes a beautiful expression of surrender to the Supreme Lord.
Some of the spiritual benefits of observing Kārtika include:
Purification of the heart: Devotional activities performed during Kārtika help purify the heart and deepen one's attachment to the Supreme Lord.
Growth in devotion: Hearing the Lord's pastimes, chanting His holy names and offering lamps encourage sincere remembrance and loving service.
Receiving the Lord's mercy: The offering of lamps is an expression of love and devotion through which devotees seek the mercy of Lord Dāmodara.
Spiritual advancement: Observing the vows and devotional practices of Kārtika provides an opportunity to strengthen one's spiritual life.
Developing loving remembrance: Remembering the Lord's intimate childhood pastimes helps devotees appreciate His sweetness and personal nature.
How Can We Observe Dīpāvalī During Kārtika?
Devotees can make this occasion spiritually meaningful through simple devotional activities:
Offer ghee lamps to Lord Dāmodara and sing the Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭaka prayers.
Chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra and participate in congregational kīrtana.
Hear and read the transcendental pastimes of Lord Rāmacandra and Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Offer prayers to Lord Rāma, Sītā Devī, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān.
Distribute prasādam and share the Lord's mercy with others.
Continue the daily observances and devotional vows of the sacred month of Kārtika.
Let the Light of Devotion Illuminate Our Hearts
Dīpāvalī reminds us of the joy experienced by the residents of Ayodhyā when their beloved Lord returned home. Kārtika, meanwhile, reminds us of the extraordinary sweetness of Lord Dāmodara, who willingly became bound by the pure love of Mother Yaśodā.
Both pastimes reveal the same eternal truth: the Supreme Lord is pleased by sincere love and devotion.
As we celebrate Dīpāvalī during this sacred month, let us illuminate our homes with lamps and, more importantly, illuminate our hearts with the light of bhakti. Let us take advantage of this auspicious period to increase our chanting, hearing, service and remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
May Lord Dāmodara and Lord Śrī Rāmacandra bless us with the opportunity to deepen our devotion and engage eternally in Their loving service.
Śrī Dāmodara Bhagavān ki jaya!
Śrī Sītā-Rāma ki jaya!
Śrī Kārtika Māsa ki jaya!
Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "O Janardana, O protector of all beings, what is the name of the Ekadasi that comes during the dark fortnight (Krishna paksha) of the month of Karttika (October - November)? Please impart this sacred knowledge to me.
The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna then spoke as follows, "O lion among kings, please listen as I narrate to you. The Ekadasi that occurs during the dark part of the month of Karttika is called Ramaa Ekadasi. It is most auspicious, for it at once eradicates the greatest sins and awards one the passage to the spiritual abode. I shall now narrate to you its history and glories.
"There once lived a famous king of the name Muchakunda, who was friendly to Lord Indra, the king of the heavenly planets, as well as with Yamaraj, Varuna, and Vibhishana, the pious brother of the demon Ravana. Muchakunda always spoke the truth and constantly rendered devotional service to Me. Because he ruled according to religious principles, there were no disturbances in his kingdom.
"Muchakunda's daughter was named Chandrabhaagaa, after a sacred river, and the king gave her in marriage to Shobhana, the son of Chandrasena. One day, Shobhana visited his father-in-law's palace on the auspicious Ekadasi day. This visit made Shobhana's wife Chandrabhaagaa quite anxious, for she knew that her husband was physically very weak and unable to bear the austerity of a day-long fast. She said to him, `My father is very strict about following Ekadasi. On Dasami, the day before Ekadasi, he strikes a large kettledrum and announces, "Nobody should eat on Ekadasi, the sacred day of Sri Hari!
"When Shobhana heard the sound of the kettledrum, he said to his wife, `O beautiful one, what am I to do now? Please tell me how I can save my life and obey your father's strictness and at the same time satisfy our guests!
"Chandrabhaagaa then spoke, `My dear husband, in my father's house nobody - not even the elephants or horses, what to speak of consenting human beings - eats on Ekadasi. Indeed, none of the animals are given their ration of grains, leaves, or straw - or even water ! - on Ekadasi, the sacred day of Sri Hari. So how can you escape fasting? My beloved husband, if you must eat something, then you should leave here at once. Now, with firm conviction decide on what you have to do.'
"Prince Shobhana then said, `I have decided to fast on the sacred Ekadasi day. Whatever my fate is, it will surely come to pass.' "Deciding thus, Shobhana attempted to fast on this Ekadasi, but he became unbearably disturbed with excessive hunger and thirst.
Eventually the sun set in the west, and the arrival of the auspicious night made all the Vaishnavas very happy. O Yudhisthira, all the devotees enjoyed worshipping Me (Sri Hari) and remaining awake all through night, but Prince Shobhana that night became absolutely unbearable.
Indeed, when the Sun rose on the Dwadasi, that Prince Shobhana was dead. "King Muchakunda observed his son-in-law's funeral, ordering a large stack of wood be assembled for the fire, but he instructed his daughter Chandrabhaagaa not to join her husband on the funeral pyre.
Thus Chandrabhaagaa, after performing all the purificatory processes and procedures for honouring her deceased husband, continued to live in her father's house. Lord Sri Krishna continued, "O best of the kings, Yudhisthira, even though Shobhana died because of observing Ramaa Ekadasi, the merit that he accrued enabled him, after his death, to become the ruler of a kingdom high on the peak of Mandarachala Mountain.
This kingdom was like a city of the demigods; very lustrous, with unlimited jewels set in the walls of its buildings that gave off light. The pillars were made of rubies, and gold inlaid with diamonds shone everywhere. As King Shobhana sat upon a throne beneath a pure white canopy, servants fanned him with yak-tail whisks.
A stunning crown rested upon his head, beautiful earrings adorned his ears, a necklace graced his throat, and bejewelled armlets and bracelets encircled his arms. He was served by Gandharvas (the best of heavenly singers) and Apsaras (celestial dancers). Verily, he resembled a second Indra.
"One day, a brahmin named Somasharma, who lived in Muchakunda's kingdom, happened upon Shobhana's kingdom while travelling to various places of pilgrimage. The brahmin saw Shobhana in all his resplendent glory and thought he might be the son-in-law of his own king Muchakunda. When Shobhana saw the brahmin approaching, he immediately rose up from his seat and welcomed him. After Shobhana had paid his respectful obeisances he asked the brahmin about his well-being and about the health and welfare of his (Shobhana's) father-in-law, his wife and all the residents of the city. "Somasharma then said, `O king, all the residents and subjects are well in your father-in-law's kingdom, and Chandrabhaagaa and your other family members are also quite well. Peace and prosperity reign throughout the kingdom.
But there is one thing, I'm quite astonished to find you here! Please tell me about yourself. Nobody has ever seen such a beautiful city as this! Kindly tell me how you obtained it.'
"King Shobhana then began to tell his story, `Because I observed the Ramaa Ekadasi, I was given this splendid city to rule over. But for all of its grandeur, it is only temporary. I beg you to do something to correct this deficiency. You see, this is only an ephemeral city, a place of this material world. How may I make its beauties and glories permanent? Kindly reveal this to me by your instructions.
"The brahmin then asked, `Why is this kingdom unstable and how will it become stable? Please fully explain this to me, and I shall try to help you.'
"Shobhana then answered, `Because I fasted on the Ramaa Ekadasi without any faith, this kingdom is impermanent. Now hear how it can become permanent. Please return to Chandrabhaagaa, the beautiful daughter of king Muchukunda, and tell her what you have seen and understood about this place and about me.
Surely, if you, a pure hearted brahmin, tell her this, my city will soon become permanent. "Thus the brahmin returned to his city and related the entire episode to Chandrabhaagaa, who was both surprised and overjoyed to hear this news of her husband. She said, `O brahmana, is this a dream you have seen, or is it actually a factual thing?'
"Somasharma the brahmin replied, `O Princess, I have seen your late husband face to face in that wonderful kingdom, which resembles a realm of the denizens' of heavens playgrounds.
But you former husband has asked me to relate to you that he says that his kingdom is unstable and could vanish into thin air at any moment. Therefore he hope you can find a way to make it permanent.'
"Chandrabhaagaa then said, `O sage among the brahmins, please take me to that place where my husband resides at once, for I greatly desire to see him again! Surely I shall make his kingdom permanent with the merit that I have acquired by fasting on every Ekadasi throughout my life. Please reunite us at once, again. It is said that one who reunites separated persons also obtains very great merit.'
"The humble brahmin Somasharma then led Chandrabhaagaa to Shobhana's effulgent kingdom. Before reaching it, however, they stopped at the foot of Mount Mandaracala, at the sacred ashrama of Vamadeva. Upon hearing their story, Vamadeva chanted hymns from the Vedas and sprinkled holy water from his samanya arghya upon Chandrabhaagaa.
By the influence of that great Rishi's rites, the merit she had accrued by fasting for so many Ekadasis made her body transcendental. Ecstatic, her eyes beaming in wonder, Chandrabhaagaa continued on her journey.
"When Shobhana saw his wife approaching him high on Mount Mandarachala, he was overwhelmed with joy and called out to her in great happiness and jubilation.
After she arrived , he seated her on his left side and she said to him, `O dearest Patiguru, please listen as I tell you something that will benefit you greatly. Since I was eight years old I have fasted regularly and with full faith on every Ekadasi. If I transfer to you all the merit I have accumulated, your kingdom will surely become permanent, and its prosperity will grow and grow until the coming of the great inundation!'
Lord Sri Krishna then continued to address Yudhisthira as follows, "O Yudhisthira, in this way Chandrabhaagaa who was beautifully decorated with the finest ornaments and had an exquisitely transcendental body, at last enjoyed peace and happiness with her husband.
By the potency of Ramaa Ekadasi, Shobhana found his kingdom on the peaks of Mount Mandarachala able to fulfill all his desires and bestow upon him everlasting happiness, like that achieved from the transcendental Kaama-dhenu milch cow.
"O greatest of kings, I have thus narrated to you the glories of Ramaa Ekadasi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Kartika.
"Anyone who observes sacred Ekadasi during both the light and the dark fortnight of each month is undoubtedly freed from the reactions to the sin of killing a brahmin. One should not differentiate between the Ekadasis of the light and dark parts of the month.
As we have seen, both can award pleasure in this world and liberate even the most sinful and fallen souls. Just as black cows and white cows give equally good quality milk. So the Ekadasis of the dark fortnight (Krishna paksha) and the light fortnight (shukla or Gaura paksha) award the same high degree of merit and eventually liberate one from the repeated cycle of birth and death.
Anyone who simply hears this narration of the glories of the sacred day of Ramaa Ekadasi, is freed from all kinds of sin and attains the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu.
Thus ends the narration for the glories of the sacred Karttika-krishna Ekadasi, or Ramaa Ekadasi, from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana of Srila Krishna Dwaipayana Veda Vyaasa.
Śrīla Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura
Among the great spiritual masters of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, Śrīla Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura shines as an extraordinary example of renunciation, humility, and pure devotion. Through his deeply moving devotional songs and dedicated service, he carried the teachings of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu into the hearts of countless souls, inspiring generations of devotees to seek the loving service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
The Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition identifies Śrīla Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura as Campaka Mañjarī, an eternal associate of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī who assists Śrī Rūpa Mañjarī in the loving service of Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Out of compassion for the conditioned souls of this world, this eternal associate appeared on earth to distribute the treasure of divine love.
Śrīla Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura appeared on the auspicious full-moon day of the month of Māgha in the village of Kheturi, in present-day Bangladesh. His father was Rāja Kṛṣṇānanda Datta, a prominent landholder, and his mother was Nārāyaṇī Devī. Although born into a wealthy Kāyastha family, Narottama’s heart was naturally drawn toward spiritual life. His appearance demonstrated that pure devotion is not determined by social position or birth, but by the mercy of the Lord and sincere love for Him.
Bhakti-ratnākara(1.281) beautifully describes his auspicious appearance:
“Narottama was born on the Māghī Pūrṇimā. From that day on he thrived and grew like the waxing moon.”
His spiritual identity and exalted position are also glorified in Bhakti-ratnākara (1.256):
akumāra-brahmacārī sarva-tīrtha-darśī
parama-bhāgavatottamaḥ śrīla-narottama-dāsa
This verse glorifies Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura as a lifelong brahmacārī who visited the sacred places of pilgrimage and attained the highest platform of devotional achievement.
From an early age, Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura possessed an intense longing for the mercy of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu. By divine arrangement, he received the mercy of Mahāprabhu and later became the devoted disciple of Śrīla Lokanātha Dāsa Gosvāmī, dedicating his life to spiritual practice and the service of the Vaiṣṇavas.
One of his greatest contributions was his devotional poetry. His songs, including Śrī Guru Caraṇa Padma, Gaurāṅga Bolite Habe and Hari Hari Biphale Janama Goṅāinu, express profound spiritual truths through heartfelt prayers. They teach us to take shelter of the spiritual master, chant the holy names, and develop genuine longing for the mercy of Lord Gaurāṅga and Lord Kṛṣṇa.
Śrīla Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura also played a significant role in preserving and spreading the teachings of the previous ācāryas. The historic festival at Kheturi brought devotees together in a grand celebration of Lord Gaurāṅga’s mercy and became an important milestone in the history of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition.
His life reminds us that the true perfection of human existence lies in awakening pure love for the Supreme Lord through the mercy of the spiritual master and the Vaiṣṇavas.
May we pray for the mercy of Śrīla Narottama Dāsa Ṭhākura, whose songs continue to awaken devotion in countless hearts and guide sincere souls toward the eternal loving service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.
A Message from Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa Prabhus
Dear Worldwide ISKCON Devotees and Congregation,
Please accept our obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We would like to wish you a happy Kartik month full of divine service to Lord Damodar, and hope you and your family are well and in blissful Krishna conscious spirits. This time of the year is always greeted with great anticipation and excitement by devotees eager to chant the Damodarastakam and remember the pastimes of the Lord with Mother Yashoda.
One important lesson to learn from this pastime is that Krishna responds to desire and effort in His service. These two elements, desire and effort, are essential in devotional service and play a key role in our progress towards love of God, Krishna prema. And therefore, it’s no wonder that the Lord tests us to see the extent of our strength of purpose and resolve in this regard, and rewards us accordingly. Krishna wants our love so we can join Him in His eternal lilas in the spiritual world and be happy, but He doesn’t force us to express it; it must come from our own heart. His job is to find ways to draw it out of us more and more as part of His lila.
The same principle applies to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. How much do we desire to build this for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada and our acharyas, to fulfill their desire to spread Krishna consciousness? The intensity of our desire and willingness to sacrifice must be there for it to manifest. And this pleases Krishna more than even the temple itself, just as Mother Yashoda’s sweat and tears pleased Lord Damodar more than being bound with the rope. Rather, He was bound by Mother Yashoda’s love, which overwhelmed Him.
Now, we are approaching the next historic phase of the project, the incredible Grand Opening ceremony, a six-month-long, world-class celebration starting on November 1, 2027, Srila Prabhupada’s 50th Disappearance Anniversary. All our beloved Mayapur Deities will be relocated into the TOVP, and gorgeous worship of Sri Sri Radha Madhava & the Ashta Sakhis, Sri Pancha Tattva and Lord Nrsimhadeva, as well as fifteen new Acharya murtis will begin.
Amazing cultural programs, divine yajnas, unmatched kirtans, ecstatic parikramas, and much more will take place at this one-of-a-kind and once-in-many-lifetimes event. At a later time we will officially announce the dates and procedures for registering to attend.
It is our humble and sincere appeal to all devotees to use this auspicious time of Kartik to increase their desire and prayers to see the TOVP opened on Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day in 2027. We also still need your financial support to make this possible. If you have made a pledge, please make a payment or complete it as soon as possible. If you have already completed a pledge, please support us and make another. Or just give a one-time donation of any amount.
Visit the TOVP Seva Opportunity page to see all the current pledge options and make a pledge, pledge payment or one-time donation today.
Thank you for your support and attention to this matter.
Your servants,
Ambarisa das
Braja Vilasa das
