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

The Special Glories of Kartika Maas

By Sanatana Gosvami

Kartika month is the most important month in our calendar, as it is very dear to Sri Sri Radha-Madhava. Just as there is no yuga equal to Satya-yuga, no scripture equal to the Vedas, and no place of pilgrimage equal to the Ganges, so there is no month equal to Kartika. During the Kartika month, millions of devotees worship Damodara Krishna with ghee lamps and devotional bhajans, glorifying His playful childhood pastime of stealing yogurt. And traditionally, desiring to satisfy Their Lordships, Gaudiya Vaisnavas celebrate this month by following certain vows. Below we present these vows, observing which one can easily get a priceless treasure of the pure love of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava! Let us take the opportunity and accept this wonderful gift of the most merciful Karttika.

Kartika is particularly dear to Lord Krishna because it is the month of Srimati Radharani. Gaudiya Vaishnavas observe Kartika-vrata, also known as Damodar-vrata, Urjja-vrata, or niyama-seva-vrata, with the desire to please Srimati Radharani and receive Her mercy. The essence of this vow is to increase our devotional service to Sri Sri Radha-Damodara, offering Them our time, attention, prayers, and sincere efforts.

The name Urjja-vrata is especially significant. Urjjesvari is one of the names of Srimati Radharani, meaning “Mistress of Urjja-vrata.” The word urjjah means “wealth” or “power.” All wealth and strength manifest in Her for serving Sri Krishna. Thus, devotees attach great importance to Kartika, aspiring to satisfy Srimati Radharani and gain the opportunity to serve Her beloved Sri Krishna.

For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Kartika-vrata is especially dedicated to the worship of Srimati Radharani and Her gopis, while also lovingly glorifying Lord Damodara, the Lord of Gokula. The month is a time to cultivate devotion, follow additional practices, and consciously dedicate ourselves to pleasing the Divine Couple.

Hearing Hari-katha and Remembering the Lord

Kartika is not only a month for offering lamps; it is also a special opportunity to hear the glories of the Lord and immerse ourselves in spiritual discussions. Hari-bhakti-vilasa and the Skanda Purana describe the extraordinary benefits of hearing Hari-katha during this month.

Hari-bhakti-vilasa, Sanatana Gosvami

Daily offering of ghee lamp to Radha-Damodara (any Radha-Krishna Deity or picture) and singing Damodarastakam is one of main seva that everyone could offer during Karttika month. One should also inspire as many souls as possible to offer lamps to Sri Radha- Damodara for their spiritual benefit. Hari Bhakti Vilasa states that the best place to perform Karttika vrata is at Sri Vrindavan dhama or other holy dhamas like Mayapur.

Skanda Purana, dialogue between Brahma and Narada

Moreover, for those who hear Visnu-katha in this month, each half verse or quarter of verse yields the fruits of donating one hundred cows; indeed, O great sage, all other duties should be given up in favor of hearing scriptures from holy men. Be it for spiritual benefit or with other expectations, by engaging in Hari-katha one uplifts hundreds of his family’s generations.

A person will burn all sinful reactions and gain the fruit of ten thousand sacrifices for each day of Kartika spent in the delight of the scriptures. In fact, Madhusudana is not as pleased by sacrifices or by charity of cows and elephants as He is pleased by discourses from the scriptures during Kartika.

O eminent sage, by hearing Hari-katha one can transcend the distress accumulated in millions of births. By regularly trying to read Srimad Bhagavatam during this month one gains the benefit of reading all eighteen Puranas. (75-81) Furthermore, during Kartika a man should cultivate supreme devotion by living among Vaisnavas, at the cost of giving up acts of piety and other prescribed duties. (82)

These instructions remind us to make space for hearing and reading during Kartika. Even if we cannot take up many additional services, we can try to read a little of Srimad-Bhagavatam each day, hear from devotees, sing devotional songs, and spend time in the association of Vaishnavas. Small, consistent efforts can help us remain connected to the purpose of this sacred month.

The Glories of Offering a Lamp During Kartika

One of the most cherished practices during Kartika is offering a lamp to Lord Damodara. Each evening, devotees gather to offer lamps and sing Damodarastakam, remembering how the Supreme Lord lovingly allowed Mother Yashoda to bind Him with ropes.

The scriptures glorify this simple offering in extraordinary ways:

“When one offers a lamp during the month of Karttika, his sins in many thousands and millions of births perish in half an eye blink.”

“Please hear the glories of offering a lamp during pleasing to Lord Kesava. O King of brahmanas, a person who offers a lamp in this way will not take birth again in this world.”

“By offering a lamp during the month of Karttika one attains a pious result ten million times greater than the result obtained by bathing at Kuruksetra during a solar eclipse or by bathing in the river Narmada during a lunar eclipse.”

“O Tiger among sages! For a person who thus offers a lamp burning with ghee or sesame oil, what is the use of performing an asvasmedha-yajna?”

“Even if there are no mantras, no pious deeds, and no purity, everything becomes perfect when a person offers a lamp during the month of Karttika.”

“A person who during the month of Karttika offers a lamp to Lord Kesava has already performed all yajnas and bathing in all holy rivers.”

“A person who offers a lamp to Lord Krishna during Karttika attains the eternal spiritual world where there is no suffering.”

“O King of brahmanas, when someone offers Him a lamp on the full-moon day of the month of Karttika, Lord Krishna, finding that He does not have sufficient money to repay that gift, gives Himself in exchange for that lamp.”

“All the results acquired by donating grains during pitri-paksha or by distributing water in the hot months of Jyeshtha or Ashadha are easily gained in the course of Kartika merely by reviving (relighting) a dipa offered by someone else.”

The ancestors say: When someone in our family pleases Lord Kesava by offering to Him a lamp during the month of Karttika, then, by the mercy of the Lord who holds the Sudarsana-cakra in His Hand, we will all attain liberation.

“O Narada, no sin exists anywhere in the three worlds that will not be purified by offering a lamp to Lord Kesava during Karttika.”

The glories of lamp offering are further expressed in the following verse:

kim ca meru-mandara-matrani
kritva papany aseshatah
dahate natra sandeho
dipa-danat tu karttike

By offering a lamp during the month of Kartika, one burns away a collection of sins as vast as Mount Meru or Mount Mandara. Of this, there is no doubt.

These verses remind us not to underestimate the offering of a single lamp. We may not always be able to perform elaborate worship or extensive austerities, but we can approach the Lord with a simple offering and a sincere prayer. Kartika gives us the opportunity to make this offering a daily part of our devotional lives.

Simple Ways to Observe Kartika-vrata

Kartika is also known as the month of niyama-seva. Niyama means “rules”—additional prayers, pujas, reading, preaching, and extra service to Lord Hari, the Spiritual Master, and the Vaishnavas. The vow encourages us to dedicate this time to a more attentive and purposeful devotional routine.

The following observances are described in the material from Hari-bhakti-vilasa and the Skanda Purana:

• Rise at brahma-muhurta and attend mangala-aratika – attain spiritual world.

• Offer incense, ghee lamp, flowers (malati, lotus, rose, jasmine, lily) and camphor lamp three times a day.

• Daily ghee lamp to Radha-Damodara (any Radha-Krishna Deity or picture) and sing Damodarastakam.

• Maintain akhanda ghee/sesame lamp before Deity, base of Tulasi, hang in the sky – attain the spiritual world. Just by offering a ghee lamp to Sri Krishna, one attains perfection and goes back to Godhead.

• Offer sweet rice mixed with ghee, tasty food and varieties of fruits.

• Mandira-parikrama four times daily while reciting prayers – get the merit of a horse sacrifice with every step.

• Offer water and prasada to ancestors.

• Offer camphor lamp with aguru oil esp. on Ekadasi – no rebirth.

• Offer fresh flower garlands (rose or lotus) and sanadalwood paste.

• Offer new clothes.

• Offer one lakh of Tulasi leaves to Krishna.

• Daily offer incense, ghee lamp and flowers to Tulasi and circumambulate her.

• Relight another person’s ghee lamp – attain unlimited merit and not see Yamaraja.

• Offer water to the moon.

• Offer floating ghee lamp.

• Enthusiastically dance, sing and play musical instruments, and recite prayers before the Deity – attain spiritual world with your ancestors.

These observances offer different ways to deepen our service, but each devotee should consider what can be followed sincerely according to their capacity and circumstances. The purpose is not to become overwhelmed by a long list of practices, but to use Kartika as an opportunity to become more attentive in our relationship with Krishna, Srimati Radharani, our spiritual master, and the Vaishnavas.

The last five days of Kartika are known as Bhishma-Pancaka, during which Vaishnavas also follow specific vows. Kartika-vrata is considered one of the main engagements for Vaishnavas, and the Caturmasya-vrata is considered complete only when its final month, Urjja-vrata, is observed.

Let Us Make This Kartika Meaningful

We do not need to wait until we can perform something extraordinary to begin serving. We can start with what is within our reach: offering a lamp to Sri Sri Radha-Damodara, singing Damodarastakam, reading Srimad-Bhagavatam, chanting the holy names with attention, serving Tulasi Devi, or helping someone else engage in devotional service.

The mercy of Kartika invites us to make these efforts with sincerity and to remember that the purpose of every vow is to please the Lord. May this sacred month inspire us to offer more of our hearts to Sri Sri Radha-Damodara and to grow in our desire to serve Them.

As we light our lamps each evening, may we also remember those who would like to make this offering but may not have the opportunity to do so. By supporting Lamp Seva, we can help more devotees offer lamps to Sri Damodara during this auspicious month and share in the joy of serving the Lord.

May our offerings, however simple, be made with love. May Sri Sri Radha-Damodara be pleased with our sincere endeavours, and may we receive the mercy to continue serving Them with greater devotion.

For opportunities to engage in Kartik Seva, please visit: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Kartik 

Hare Krishna!

The sacred month of Kārtika, also known as Dāmodara Māsa, marks the beginning of the fourth and final month of Cāturmāsya. Beginning on 26 October 2026, this auspicious period invites devotees to deepen their devotion to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa through sincere prayer, spiritual discipline, and loving service.

Cāturmāsya is a sacred four-month period dedicated to cultivating self-control, simplifying our lives, and increasing our remembrance of the Supreme Lord. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains in his purport to Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 4.169, that the purpose of observing these vows is to reduce sense gratification and advance in devotional service.

Kārtika is especially dear to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa because it commemorates His childhood pastime of allowing Mother Yaśodā to bind Him with ropes. Although the Supreme Lord is unlimited and beyond the reach of material power, He lovingly accepts the binding ropes of His devotee’s pure affection.

This beautiful pastime reveals the extraordinary sweetness of the Lord. He is conquered not by wealth, scholarship, or strength, but by sincere love and devotion.

During this month, devotees lovingly worship Lord Dāmodara, offer ghee lamps, sing the Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭakam, chant the holy names, and hear the transcendental pastimes of the Lord. Even a simple offering, made with a sincere heart, becomes a beautiful expression of love for Kṛṣṇa.

According to the standard monthly Cāturmāsya observance followed in the ISKCON calendar, the fourth month includes abstaining from urad dal. Devotees may also take additional vows according to their capacity, increasing their chanting, hearing, worship, charity, and other devotional activities.

These practices are not merely external austerities. Their true purpose is to purify the heart and awaken our natural love for the Lord. Every restraint becomes meaningful when undertaken for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure, and every act of service becomes an opportunity to remember His boundless mercy.

As we enter this sacred month, let us renew our commitment to devotional life. Let our homes resound with the chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, let our hands offer lamps to Lord Dāmodara, and let our hearts become filled with gratitude for His causeless mercy.

May this auspicious month inspire us to move beyond the distractions of material life and take shelter in the loving service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Dāmodara.

This Kārtika, let us offer not only a lamp to the Lord, but also the light of our hearts in loving surrender at His lotus feet.

Among the intimate associates of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu, Śrī Murāri Gupta holds a special place as an embodiment of humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion. A physician by profession and a treasure house of love of God, he dedicated his life to serving the Lord and His devotees. In the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, he is revered as the incarnation of Śrī Hanumān, the eternal servant of Lord Śrī Rāmacandra.

According to Gaura-gaṇoddeśa-dīpikā (91):

murāri-gupto hanumān
aṅgadaḥ śrī-purandaraḥ
yaḥ śrī-sugrīva-nāmāsīd
govindānanda eva saḥ

This verse reveals that Murāri Gupta was Hanumān in Lord Rāmacandra’s pastimes, Purandara was Aṅgada, and Govindānanda was Sugrīva. Just as Hanumān’s heart was eternally absorbed in the service of Lord Rāma, Murāri Gupta’s life exemplified unshakable devotion to his beloved Lord.

Born into a family of Ayurvedic physicians in Śrīhaṭṭa (Sylhet), Murāri Gupta later moved to Navadvīpa, where he became a close companion of the young Nimāi Paṇḍita. They studied together under Gaṅgādāsa Paṇḍita, engaging in discussions and scholarly debates. Even during these childhood pastimes, Murāri Gupta witnessed Mahāprabhu’s extraordinary intelligence and spiritual potency. His very name carries a beautiful significance: gupta means “hidden,” indicating that Śrī Murāri, the Lord Himself, resided secretly within his heart.

Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī glorifies him in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Ādi-līlā 10.49), describing Murāri Gupta as the twenty-first branch of the tree of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu and a treasure house of love of Godhead, whose humility melted the Lord’s heart. His compassion extended beyond bodily healing. As a physician, he treated physical ailments, while his devotion and association helped others overcome the deeper disease of material existence. As stated in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Ādi-līlā 10.51), he relieved both bodily and spiritual suffering.

One of the most celebrated episodes of his life reveals the depth of his devotion to Lord Rāmacandra. Mahāprabhu once encouraged him to worship Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa. Although Murāri Gupta deeply respected the Lord’s instruction, he could not bear the thought of abandoning his beloved Rāma. Overwhelmed with anguish, he surrendered at Mahāprabhu’s lotus feet, expressing his inability to give up his eternal Lord. Mahāprabhu was profoundly pleased by this steadfastness and glorified his unflinching devotion. This beautiful pastime, described in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya-līlā 15.137–157), teaches that pure devotion is rooted in eternal, loving service to one’s worshipable Lord.

Murāri Gupta also made an invaluable contribution to the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition by composing Śrī Kṛṣṇa-Caitanya-caritāmṛta, a Sanskrit account of Mahāprabhu’s life and pastimes. His writings preserve precious memories of the Lord’s early activities and remain an important source for understanding the history of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava movement.

On the sacred occasion of his disappearance day, we remember Śrī Murāri Gupta’s humility, compassion, and unwavering love for Lord Rāmacandra. His life reminds us that genuine devotion is expressed through steadfast faith, selfless service, and complete surrender to the Lord.

May we pray for the mercy of Śrī Murāri Gupta, that our hearts may become filled with pure devotion and that, like Śrī Hanumān, we may dedicate every moment of our lives to the loving service of the Lord.

 bhagavan api ta ratrih
saradotphulla-mallikah
viksy- a rantum manas cakre
yoga-mayam upasritah

Sri Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, full in all opulences, yet upon seeing those autumn nights scented with blossoming jasmine flowers, He turned His mind toward loving affairs. To fulfill His purposes He employed His internal potency. — Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.29.1
 

On the full moon night of Kārtika, the forests of Vṛndāvana are remembered as the setting for one of the most enchanting pastimes of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa: the Rāsa-līlā. Beneath the autumn moon, amid the fragrance of blossoming jasmine and the gentle sounds of the forest, Śyāmasundara plays His flute, awakening the hearts of His beloved gopīs and inviting them into His transcendental dance. This pastime reveals the extraordinary sweetness of the Lord and the loving exchanges He shares with His devotees.

In Śrīdhāma Māyāpur, which is deeply connected with the spiritual atmosphere of Vṛndāvana, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Rāsayātrā is celebrated with beautiful offerings and devotional festivities. On this auspicious occasion, the dancing Deities of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and the Aṣṭa-sakhīs, each accompanied by their own Śrī Mādhava, are beautifully arranged on the platform below the altar of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. Devotees prepare sweet rice and a variety of milk sweets as offerings for Their Lordships, seeking to please Them on this sacred evening.

Rāsa Pūrṇimā also marks the beginning of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava’s weekly elephant processions in Māyāpur. On this special evening, Their Lordships come out of the temple and travel around the Māyāpur campus on the back of an elephant, accompanied by Śrī Śrī Gaura-Nitāi from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Bhajana-kuṭīra. A harināma party leads the procession with ecstatic kīrtana, filling the atmosphere with the chanting of the holy names.
 

As Their Lordships proceed through the campus, the sounds of conch shells and vibrant drums announce Their arrival. The boys of the Māyāpur Gurukula chant auspicious mantras, while the pathways glow with the light of lamps and the campus shines with festive illumination. Devotees create intricate raṅgolīs along the procession route, using colourful powders, flowers, and other natural materials to transform the surroundings into offerings of beauty and devotion. The community also prepares a variety of dishes for the pleasure of the Lord.

The evening continues with devotees offering lamps to Their Lordships, followed by the singing of Dāmodarāṣṭakam and the Gopī-gīta. Through these offerings, prayers, and the collective chanting of the holy names, the devotees express their desire to serve and please Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava.

The full moon of Dāmodara month is also known as the second full moon of the autumn season, when Rāsa-līlā is celebrated again. This second Rāsa-yātrā is observed especially in Bengal, while the first is celebrated more prominently in Śrīdhāma Vṛndāvana. In Māyāpur, the occasion brings together worship, music, dance, kīrtana, lamps, and beautiful offerings, allowing devotees to remember the transcendental pastimes of the Divine Couple.
 

As Śrīla Prabhupāda explains:

“By gradual development of transcendental knowledge, one can rise to the stage of the transcendental arts of music and dance displayed by the Lord in His rasa-lila. But without having the Vedic knowledge one can hardly understand the transcendental nature of the Lord's rasa dance and music.” — Śrīla Prabhupāda, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 2.2.4

The Rāsa-līlā is not an ordinary dance, but a transcendental pastime of the Supreme Lord, whose activities are understood through spiritual knowledge and devotion. By the mercy of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Śrīla Prabhupāda, devotees are given the opportunity to hear about Kṛṣṇa’s pastimes in the proper devotional understanding and gradually appreciate their sweetness.

Ultimately, Śrī Kṛṣṇa Rāsayātrā is an opportunity to turn our hearts towards the pleasure of the Lord. Through the procession, kīrtana, lamp offerings, and loving service, the devotees seek not their own enjoyment, but the pleasure of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. This is the essence of the festival: to remember the Lord’s transcendental pastimes and engage whatever we have in His service.

Among the great saints of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition, Śrīla Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī shines as an extraordinary example of renunciation, humility, and unwavering love for Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu. One of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana, he dedicated his entire life to the loving service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.

Born into an immensely wealthy family in Bengal, Śrīla Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī possessed everything the material world could offer. Yet his heart longed for something far greater—the mercy and association of Śrī Chaitanya Mahāprabhu. Despite repeated attempts by his family to keep him engaged in worldly life, his desire for spiritual service remained unshaken.

By the mercy of Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, he eventually received the opportunity to leave home and join Mahāprabhu in Jagannātha Purī. There, under the guidance of Śrī Svarūpa Dāmodara Gosvāmī, he served the Lord with profound humility and devotion. Mahāprabhu personally entrusted him with a Govardhana-śilā and a garland of guñjā beads, sacred gifts that deepened his remembrance of the Divine Couple.

After Mahāprabhu’s disappearance, Śrīla Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī went to Vṛndāvana and eventually settled at the sacred banks of Rādhā-kuṇḍa. His life became a remarkable example of intense bhajana, constant chanting of the holy names, and deep absorption in the service of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī.

His profound devotional writings, including Vilāpa-kusumāñjali and Manaḥ-śikṣā, reveal the heart of a devotee longing for the mercy and loving service of Rādhārāṇī. He is revered as the prayojana-ācārya, one who teaches the ultimate goal of spiritual life: pure love of God.

Śrīla Raghunātha Dāsa Gosvāmī’s life reminds us that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in a heart wholly surrendered to the Lord. His example continues to inspire devotees to cultivate humility, deepen their chanting, and aspire for the selfless service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.

May we pray for his mercy, that we too may develop a sincere longing to serve the Lord and follow the path of pure devotion shown by the great Vaiṣṇava ācāryas.

Among the exalted Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana, Śrīla Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī shines as a remarkable example of humility, purity, and loving service to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

His life teaches us that devotion is not measured by the number of books one writes or the extent of one’s scholarship, but by the sincerity with which one serves the Lord, the Vaiṣṇavas, and the holy name.

Śrīla Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī was born around 1505 CE in Rāmapura, on the banks of the Padma River in East Bengal. His father, Tapana Miśra, was a devoted Vaiṣṇava and an intimate associate of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

From childhood, Raghunātha was deeply attracted to spiritual life and became highly learned in Sanskrit, grammar, and the scriptures.

When Mahāprabhu visited the home of Tapana Miśra, young Raghunātha lovingly served Him in the simplest ways. He massaged the Lord’s feet and carefully cleaned the place where Mahāprabhu had taken His meal. Though these services were simple, they were performed with profound love, and they won the affection of Lord Gaurāṅga.

Later, Raghunātha travelled to Jagannātha Purī, where he had the great fortune of serving Mahāprabhu personally. For several months he cooked for the Lord and received His intimate blessings. Mahāprabhu eventually gave him a Tulasī garland from His own neck, a precious sign of His mercy and affection.

After the departure of his parents from this world, Raghunātha returned to Jagannātha Purī and again devoted himself to Mahāprabhu’s service.

Seeing his sincere devotion, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu gave him a profound instruction: he should go to Vṛndāvana, take shelter of Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī and Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī, and deeply study Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

Following the order of his beloved Lord, Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa went to Vṛndāvana and dedicated his life to hearing and speaking the glories of Kṛṣṇa.

Thus, he became one of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana, who established the teachings, practices, and sacred places of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism.

Śrīla Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī was especially renowned for his extraordinary recitation of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.

His voice was deeply melodious, and when he recited the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa, listeners would become overwhelmed with spiritual emotion. He did not seek fame or intellectual recognition. His entire life was an offering of love to Kṛṣṇa.

He was also distinguished by his complete refusal to criticize others. His heart was absorbed in glorifying the Lord, leaving no room for fault-finding.

His life embodied the spirit of humility, Vaiṣṇava respect, and constant absorption in the holy name.

Śrīla Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī did not leave behind a large collection of philosophical writings like some of the other Gosvāmīs. Instead, his contribution was expressed through hearing, chanting, reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and inspiring others through his pure example.

Among those connected with his spiritual legacy was Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī, the great author of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, as well as the celebrated poet Gadādhara Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī.

His disciples also established worship of Gaura-Govinda in Vṛndāvana. His sacred memories continue to be honoured there, including his pādukas and the Tulasī garland associated with Mahāprabhu.

The life of Śrīla Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī reminds us that pure devotional service is ultimately a matter of the heart.

He served without seeking recognition. He spoke the glories of Kṛṣṇa without seeking prestige. He heard and recited Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam with such devotion that others were naturally drawn toward Kṛṣṇa consciousness.

On his disappearance day, we can honour this great Vaiṣṇava by following the path he demonstrated—chanting the holy names, hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, serving the Vaiṣṇavas, avoiding criticism, and humbly carrying out the instructions of our spiritual masters.

May the mercy of Śrīla Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa Gosvāmī inspire us to develop the same simplicity, humility, and deep love for Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

Śrī Madhvācārya, one of the great ācāryas of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, appeared in Uḍupi, Karnataka, in the 13th century. From his childhood, he displayed extraordinary spiritual strength, intelligence and unwavering devotion to Lord Viṣṇu.

Accepting the renounced order, he became known as Ānanda Tīrtha and dedicated his life to proclaiming the eternal truth that Lord Viṣṇu is the Supreme Personality of Godhead and that every living being is eternally His servant.

Through his travels, teachings and writings, Madhvācārya fearlessly defended devotional service and established the philosophy of Dvaita, emphasizing the eternal distinction between the Supreme Lord and the individual soul.

A Sacred Link in the Paramparā

Śrī Madhvācārya holds a special place in the Brahma-Madhva-Gauḍīya sampradāya, the disciplic succession through which the teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu have been lovingly carried from one generation to the next.

His life was one of courage, scholarship and, above all, devotion. He reminded the world that the ultimate purpose of knowledge is to awaken our eternal relationship with the Supreme Lord and lovingly serve Him.

On his appearance day, let us remember this great ācārya with gratitude and pray for the mercy to remain firmly connected to guru, sādhu and śāstra, and to deepen our devotion to Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

All glories to Śrī Madhvācārya, the great servant of Lord Viṣṇu!

Maharaj Yudhisthira said O Madhusudan what is the name of the Ekadasi that occures during the waxing moon in the monthof September/October. Please be kind and explain this to me .

Lord Krishna replied, O best of the Kings! The name of this Ekadasi is Pasankusa Ekadasi. Now please hear from me the glories of this Ekadasi which distroyes all ones sins. Some people also callthis Ekadasi as Papankusa Ekadasi. One should specially worship lord Padmanabha onthe day of this Ekadasi. This Ekadasi awards a person the heavenly pleasures liberation and his desired results. Just by chanting the holy namesof Lord Vishnu one can attain all the peity of visiting all the holy places on the earth. If a conditioned soul inspite of indulging in varioussinful activities due to illusion takes shelter and offers obeisances at the lotus feet of Lord Hari who is expert in delivering the fallen souls thensuch a person does not have to go to hell.

Those Vaisnavas who criticise Lord Shiva and those Saivaites who criticise lord Vishnu are both undoubtedly go to hell. The resultone obtains by performing one thousand horse sacrifices or by performing one hundred Rajasuya sacrifices can not be equal to the one sixteenth portion of peity one obtains by following this Ekadasi. There is no peity in this world which is equal to the peity earned by observing the Ekadasi. Therefore there is no other day as santified as this day of Ekadasi which is very dear to Lord Padmanabha.

O King! As soon as a person fails to observe Ekadasis the sins begin to reside in his body. This Ekadasi awards its follower the heavenly pleasure ,liberation, freed from deceased condition, beautiful women, wealth and food grains. O maintainer of the earth! If one observesthis Ekadasi and remains awake on that night easily goes to theabode of Lord Vishnu.

Lord Krishna continued O best of the Kings! By observing the vow of this Ekadasi one can deliver ten generations from his mothers family , ten generations from his fathers family and ten generations fromhis wifes family. If a person observes this Ekadasi either in his chilhood or youthhood or in his oldage he does not suffer the miseries of thematerial existence. One who strictly observes this Pasankusa or Papankusa Ekadasi then all his sinful reactions are eradicated and at the end of hislife he reaturns to the abode of Lord Vishnu. If a person gives away gold,sesame seeds, land,cow, food grains,water, umbrella or shoes in charitythen such a person does not have to goo to the abode of Yamaraj. Any one whospents his day wiuthout engaging in pious activities he is like a dead manalthough he is breathing. His breathing is compared to the bellows of the blacksmith.

O best of the Kings! A person who digs well and lakes for the benefit of others, donates land and houses and perform other pious activities such as performing sacrifices is not subjected to the punishment of Yamaraja. As a result of peity only people live long lives, become rich, take birth in high class families and become deseaseless. The purport is that the direct result of observing Ekadasi is to attain devotional service to Krishna and the indirect result is to attain the temporary material benefits.

 Thus ends the narration of the glories of  Pasankusa Ekadashi from the sacred ‘Brahma-vaivartha Purana’