The Jhulan Festival is celebrated in the month of Shravana (August), from the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Ekadashi) to the full-moon day (Purnima). This festival commemorates the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna with His friends, the young cowherd boys and girls, swinging underneath the trees.
Every day, the Deities of Sri Radha Madhava are adorned with various jewelries and gently swayed on a swing decorated profusely with flowers. The main temple hall is beautifully decorated with flowers and festoons. The Deities of Sri Madhava and Srimati Radharani are adorned in brilliance and placed in a Jhulan (swing) adorned with a variety of beautiful flowers. A special arati is offered to the Deities, accompanied by sweet kirtans sung by devotees. After the arati, devotees get an opportunity to sway the swing and offer direct personal service to Their Lordships.
Jhulan Yatra Pastimes by HH Jayapataka Swami:
In India, the Jhulan Yatra is observed in the rainy season, when the air is humid and sticky. At such a time, the gentle swinging of Radha and Krishna is believed to bring a soothing breeze. In various parts of Vrindavan, this festival is celebrated differently—some for thirteen days, others for four. Following Srila Prabhupada’s instruction, we begin on Ekadashi and continue until Purnima.
The roads to the Jhulan site are lit up spectacularly, resembling a wedding celebration—but it is all in honor of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Radha Madhava Ki Jai!
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami narrates that Radharani, during this time, goes to visit Her parents—King Vrsabhanu and Queen Kirtida—at Varsana Hill. Her brother, Sridama, brings her home. But in the lila where She is in parakiya rasa, Radharani is married and has a mother-in-law named Jotila, who initially forbids Her from leaving. Crying to go see Her parents, She wins Jotila’s favor with the gifts sent by Vrsabhanu Maharaja. Jotila relents but warns Her to be cautious of “that black-faced boy of Nandagram, Krishna!”
As no one comes to escort Her, She laments, “Oh, they forgot Me, they forgot Me!” Vrsabhanu and Kirtida send Sridama promptly to bring Her home. Overjoyed, Radharani embraces Her parents. Meanwhile, Krishna, in disguise, finds Her alone on the swing and begins pushing it vigorously. Frightened, She calls out, “Krishna! Krishna save Me!” Hearing Her cry, Krishna reveals Himself and sits beside Her. Radharani, overwhelmed with relief, embraces Him. This moment is especially dear to Krishna, as She embraces Him willingly—without His needing to perform any tricks.
This is why Krishna loves Jhulan Yatra so much—it’s a time when Radharani naturally expresses Her love. Every swing is a personal service, a breeze of divine affection, and a sweet opportunity for every devotee to offer their love to the Lord.
The final day of the festival coincides with Balarama Purnima, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Balarama. Devotees are decorated with colorful powders and joyfully engage in breaking clay pots filled with honey, jaggery, and various sweets. Balarama’s favorite varuni drink is offered throughout the evening.
As night falls, Sri Sri Radha Madhava are mounted on Their magnificently decorated palanquin and taken to a small pukur (pond) near Their kunja. A beautiful light display reflects over the water. When the show concludes, the Lord returns to the temple through a road lit with more glowing displays and is greeted with dramatic exhibitions such as devotees breathing fire. The entire procession resounds with ecstatic tumult heard in all directions.
During the Jhulan Yatra festival, Their Lordships shower Their mercy upon the devotees, engaging in loving pastimes and allowing devotees to serve Them intimately through prayers, home-cooked offerings, songs, lamp offerings, dances, and showers of flowers.
So this is the Jhulan festival—a festival of devotion, celebration, and the rare chance to personally pull the swing of the Lord every day.
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Caturmasya means “four months.” It is a period of austerity, simplicity, and purification observed during the rainy season (generally July to October in India). It begins from the Ekadasi of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadha (Shayani Ekadasi) and ends on the Ekadasi of the waxing moon in Kartika (Utthana Ekadasi).
Srila Prabhupada explains:
Overindulgence in food will cause a man to sleep more than required. This human form of life is meant for austerity, and austerity means controlling sex, food intake, etc. In this way time can be saved for spiritual activity, and one can purify himself both externally and internally. Thus both body and mind can be cleansed.
— SB 4.28.35, Purport
Purpose of Caturmasya
The Chaturmasya Vrata from Haribhakti Vilasa
15th vilasa
Caturmasya Benefits
Bhavisya Purana- “One who passes the Chaturmasya season without observing religious vows, austerities and chanting of japa, such a fool although living should be considered to be a dead man.”
Kanda Purana, Nagava Khunda- “In the month of shravana (July, August) one should refrain from eating leafy vegetables. In the month of Bhadra (August, September) of yogert in Ashvina (September, October) milk. In Kartik (October, November) meat and urd dall.
Why Observe Caturmasya
Lord Krishna declares in the Padma Purana:
One who does not observe vows during Caturmasya loses the results of all pious activities and pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes difficult.
Caturmasya is meant to purify the senses, deepen one’s devotional mood, and curb material indulgence. It is a time to internalize spiritual goals by sacrificing small comforts for a higher cause — pleasing Lord Vishnu and progressing on the path of bhakti.
Focus of the First Month (Shravana Masa)
From July 10 to August 8, the vrata or vow for the first month is:
Avoiding all green leafy vegetables, including spinach, methi or fenugreek, coriander, amaranth, mustard greens, and others.
This austerity is not just dietary — it is symbolic of disciplining the tongue, which is the doorway to sense control. According to Srila Prabhupada, if the tongue is controlled, all other senses follow.
Spiritual Practices During This Month
In addition to dietary restrictions, devotees are encouraged to
Caturmasya and Srila Prabhupada
Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of observing Caturmasya, especially for serious devotees and those living in temples or dhams. He explained that such vrata strengthens our devotional vows, prevents spiritual laziness, and cultivates a mood of tapasya or spiritual discipline.
Even small efforts during these months earn immense spiritual merit because they are offered during a time of the Lord’s divine rest.
Who Should Observe It?
There is no restriction with who can observe the Caturmasya Vrata!
Devotional Activities to increase in this period:
Chant at least 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
Read daily: Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-caritamrta.
Avoid overeating or rich preparations.
Wake up early, attend Mangal Arati (if in temple) or offer own morning prayers.
Offer deepam (ghee lamp) to the Lord during Kartika month.
Be extra mindful of Vaishnava etiquette and humility.
During the Ratha-yātrā festival in Jagannātha Purī, when Lord Caitanya and His party were at the Gundicā Temple, a celebration erupted—with colorful processions, music, and dancing. Svarūpa Dāmodara and others spoke with the Lord near the temple when suddenly the atmosphere shifted.
At that precise joyful moment, Goddess Lakṣmī, the divine consort of Lord Jagannātha, arrived in a majestic procession. Seated upon a resplendent golden four-pillared palanquin adorned with jewels, she led her entourage toward Gundicā—to bring her Lord back home.
Lakṣmī’s Protest and Displeasure
Lakṣmī Devi was deeply displeased. In her eyes, Lord Jagannātha had been taken away by His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra too often and for too long, neglecting her affection and participation in the Ratha-yātrā festivities. On this “fifth day” (Panchami), she decided enough was enough—thus the name Hera Panchami (hera = “to see/meet secretly”).
Bearing her anger, she attempted a dramatic act of reclaiming: she symbolically attempted to steal Jagannātha from Gundicā, signifying she wouldn’t let the festival conclude until the Lord returned to her side.
The Turning Point
With determination, Lakṣmī ordered the temple ropes to be cut, seeking to disrupt the pulling of the chariot. Her associates prepared to interfere with the festivities. But Svarūpa Dāmodara and Rūpa Gosvāmī, witnessing her wrath, stepped forward.
They approached Lakṣmī Devi with reverence, speaking tenderly and lovingly to pacify her mind. Their gentle words reminded her of the broader joy of the festival, and with pure devotional respect, they soothed her jealousy and disappointment.
Reconciliation and Departure
Gradually, Lakṣmī Devi’s anger melted away. Comforted by heartfelt assurances and reassured of her deep place alongside the Lord, she relinquished her disruptive act and returned, calm and satisfied, into the temple to resume her worship.
Summary Meaning
Hera Panchami illustrates the mood of Lakṣmī’s deep love and possessiveness for Jagannātha. Even amidst divine pastimes of joy and celebration, when devotion is full and hearts are immersed in worship, attachment arises—and with it, emotion. Lakṣmī’s act symbolizes that intimate, personal bond the devoted feel when separated from their beloved Lord.
Her anger leads to meaningful dialogue and reconciliation, demonstrating how tender mercy reigns even in divine love relationships. It’s a touching vignette of devotional sentiment woven into the Ratha-yātrā lila.
Jai Sri Laxmi Devi Ki Jai!!!!
Sri Ratha Yatra Ki Jai!!!
The Puranas explain why the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna appears in Puri Dham as Dharu-brahma. King Indradyumna once found three logs of wood in the ocean. Lord Krishna personally came to Indradyumna disguised as Viswakarma in order to carve the deities from the logs. He instructed the king to leave Him alone for twenty-one days inside the room. Viswakarma warned that if anyone opened the door before twenty-one days, the deities carving would remain incomplete.
Fifteen days passed and no sounds of carving could be heard from the room. Queen Gundicha suspected that the old carpenter was dead inside due to want of food. She asked the king to open the door and investigate. The king objected to this proposal, wanting to follow the instruction of the carpenter, but being forced by the queen he opened the door. He was shocked to discover that the carpenter had disappeared. To the king’s sadness, the deities construction was unfinished.
Then one unseen sound vibration was heard. “Do not worry,” the voice said. “Because you opened the door before twenty-one days and did not keep your promise, the deities will remain in this form. You can start worshiping these deities. Bring Lord Brahma from Brahma-loka to install Them.”
From this description it seems that these deities are unfinished or incomplete forms of the Lord. People give many different purports to explain this form of the Lord. Some say that Parabrahma is formless, and that this “incomplete” form of Jagannath proves it. Others say this is the form of the Buddha. Still others claim this form to be Bhairava. To some this form looks very ghastly. Yet many people glorify His lovely features, especially His smiling face. All of these claims are true because He is everything.
There is a very secret and esoteric reason to confirm why Their forms are like this. In fact, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra are not deformed or incomplete forms. Rather, They are eternal forms—super complete forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This form did not manifest just because the queen forced King Indradyumna to open the door prematurely. Actually, the Lord had previously manifested this most beautiful form to His devotees. Choka-dola Lord Jagannath mercifully gives His darshan to everyone in order to deliver the whole universe. The Vaishnavas understand and appreciate this loving reciprocation between the Lord and His devotees, and they relish the following pastime describing the real reason the Lord appears as Jagannath.
After leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna resided in Dwaraka along with His 16,108 wives. All of them were very beautiful and served the Lord with extreme love and care. Though the queens engaged in intense service to satisfy their divine husband, still Lord Krishna always meditated on Sri Vrindavan. He constantly remembered the residents of Vraj, especially the gopas and gopis, and He longingly recalled the pastimes he shared with them. Feeling separation from Vrindavan, sometimes Lord Krishna would seem indifferent to everything. This disturbed His wives immensely. The queens of Dwaraka thought, “What is happening? Even if we serve the Lord so nicely, why does He always talk about and remember Vrindavan?” The Lord frequently cried out in His sleep, “Radhe, Radhe! Gopi, Gopi!”
The queens became curious to know about the Lord’s pastimes in Vrindavan. What happened there so that Lord could not forget? “But who can tell us the childhood pastimes of our beloved husband when he was a child living in Vrindavan?” They came to know that Mother Rohini had witnessed the Vrindavan pastimes of the Lord, and that to their great fortune, she was staying in Dwaraka. One day, all of the queens anxiously approached Rohini mata and requested her to kindly tell them about the Lord’s youth in Vrindavan.
Mother Rohini understood that the queens were eager to hear about the Lord’s Vraja lila. She said, “Indeed, the Vrindavan pastimes of Krishna are very special—so special that Krishna also gets attracted by hearing their glories. I can describe those wonderful activities to you, but on one condition: Krishna and Balaram should not hear when I describe these pastimes. If they hear, it will be a big problem.”
One day, when Krishna and Balaram had gone to attend a meeting in Sudharma meeting hall, all of the queens eagerly took the opportunity of Their absence. They all gathered in one big hall and requested Rohini Mata to narrate Krishna’s childhood pastimes. To make sure that the brothers could not listen, Mother Rohini instructed Subhadra to serve as the door keeper. Subhadra would signal to Mother Rohini if Krishna and Balaram arrived on the scene.
Now everything was ready. All of the queens gathered in great excitement. Subhadra stood at the gate and stretched her hands so that no one could enter inside, specifically Krishna and Balaram. Mother Rohini joyfully told the childhood pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavan. Rohini’s descriptions were so pleasing and ecstatic. The queens heard with rapt attention. They were so absorbed in drinking the amṛta coming from the lips of Mother Rohini that all of them lost their external senses.
Subhadra, although officially engaged in guarding the gate, could not miss the opportunity to hear Lord Krishna’s pastimes. Like the Dwarka queens, she lost her external senses. Although Krishna and Balaram were busy attending a meeting, They could understand that Mother Rohini was describing Their Vrindavan lilas. In overwhelming greed to hear the kotha, the brothers suddenly left the assembly hall and ran to the place where Rohini Devi and the queens were gathered.
When they reached the door, They found Subhadra standing at the gate on security duty. Krishna and Balaram stood on both sides of Subhadra and instantly became absorbed in Mother Rohini’s descriptions. Since Subhadra was fully engrossed in hearing and had lost her external senses, she did not perceive the presence of the Lords. As the three became enraptured by hearing the pastimes, great transformations started to appear in Their bodies. “Oh, such nice pastimes! The Vrindavan pastimes tell of the love and affection of the Vraj basis!” Lost in a state of wonder, Their eyes became big and dilated, and Their hands and legs disappeared inside Their bodies. Their hands and legs shrunken so, Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra looked just like tortoises.
At this time, Narada Muni came to that spot. From a far distance he could see the three forms of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra. As he approached Them, Krishna, along with His brother and sister came to Their external senses. Their bodies manifested Their normal forms. They wound up that maha-bhava which had manifested Their special forms. Narada Muni danced with his arms raised in great bliss. “I have seen it! I have seen it! You are trying to hide from me. My dear Lord, I have seen so many of Your amazing, transcendental forms. But I have never seen this beautiful form! I humbly pray that You manifest this most auspicious form somewhere so that everyone can take darshan of your most special maha-bhava prakash rupa.”
To fulfill the desire of His devotee, Narada Muni, Lord Krishna manifested this form and eternally resides in Sri Kshetra, Purusottama Dham.
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