O n this auspicious day of Parshva Ekadashi, we are blessed to have the auspicious appearance of Lord Vamanadev, Srila Jiva Goswami, and Sri Indulekha Sakhi!
Tripple blessings all in one day!!!
Significance of Parsva Ekadasi: A Day of Fasting and Worship
Parsva Ekadashi, also known as Jayanti Ekadashi, is a propitious day of fasting and worship. By observing this fast, individuals can seek forgiveness for their past sins and gain high spiritual benefits. It is believed that keeping this fast provides greater benefits than performing Vajpayee Yagya. Worshipping Lord Vamana Dev on this day is considered highly auspicious, and offering lotus flowers at the Lord’s lotus feet is said to bring one closer to the divine. In fact, those who observe the Shukla Paksha Ekadashi of Bhadrapada are believed to have worshipped Trilok, including Brahma and Vishnu. Therefore, it is highly recommended to observe the fast on Ekadashi to seek blessings and spiritual gains.
Srila Jiva Goswami
CC Adi 1.35, Translation and Purport
I first offer my respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of my initiating spiritual master and all my instructing spiritual masters.
Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī, in his thesis Bhakti-sandarbha (202), has stated that uncontaminated devotional service is the objective of pure Vaiṣṇavas and that one has to execute such service in the association of other devotees. By associating with devotees of Lord Kṛṣṇa, one develops a sense of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and thus becomes inclined toward the loving service of the Lord. This is the process of approaching the Supreme Lord by gradual appreciation in devotional service. If one desires unalloyed devotional service, one must associate with devotees of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, for by such association only can a conditioned soul achieve a taste for transcendental love and thus revive his eternal relationship with Godhead in a specific manifestation and in terms of the specific transcendental mellow (rasa) that one has eternally inherent in him.
If one develops love for Kṛṣṇa by Kṛṣṇa conscious activities, one can know the Supreme Absolute Truth, but he who tries to understand God simply by logical arguments will not succeed, nor will he get a taste for unalloyed devotion. The secret is that one must submissively listen to those who perfectly know the science of God, and one must begin the mode of service regulated by the preceptor. A devotee already attracted by the name, form, qualities, etc., of the Supreme Lord may be directed to his specific manner of devotional service; he need not waste time in approaching the Lord through logic. The expert spiritual master knows well how to engage his disciple’s energy in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, and thus he engages a devotee in a specific devotional service according to his special tendency. A devotee must have only one initiating spiritual master because in the scriptures acceptance of more than one is always forbidden. There is no limit, however, to the number of instructing spiritual masters one may accept. Generally, a spiritual master who constantly instructs a disciple in spiritual science becomes his initiating spiritual master later. Continue reading => CC Adi 1.35,
Sri Indulekha Sakhi Appearance
I bet we all know the sweet qualities and description of Sri Indulekha Sakhi; she is the sixth Varistha gopi and she is three days younger than Srimati Radharani. She has a tan complexion and wears garments the color of a pomegranate flower. Her parents are Sagara and Vela-devi and her husband is Durbala. She is contrary and hot-tempered by nature.
Noble Indulekha is learned in the science and mantras of the Naga-sastra, which describes various methods of charming snakes. She is also learned in the Samudraka-sastra, which describes the science of palmistry.
She is expert at stringing various kinds of wonderful necklaces, decorating teeth with red substances, gemology and weaving various kinds of cloth. In gaura-lila she appears as Vasu Ramananda.
Beautiful strings of jewelry made from pearls, artworks, and flowers are prominent in the altar today depicting the appearance of Sri Indulekha Sakhi as it portrays her expertise in the service of Radha and Krishna. On the southeastern petal of Madana-sukhada Kunja lies the golden-colored Purnendu Kunja, where Sri Indulekha lives. She has a lemon-yellow complexion and wears a dress that is radiant like a pomegranate flower. She has a deep love for Sri Krsna and possesses the prosita-bhartrka-bhava. She often serves Krsna by bringing Him nectar-like delicious meals. Her age is 14 years, 2 months and 10 1/2 days. She is vama-prakhara and her principal seva is fanning with a camara.
Hence on this day, we pray to the lotus feet of Sri Indulekha devi to give us her mercy, so that we can develop a sincere approach towards serving Sri Radha Madhava from the core of our heart.
Recent Comments