Understanding the Glory of Purushottama Month

Purushottama Month, also known as Adhik Masa, is an extra lunar month that appears approximately every three years to harmonize the lunar and solar calendars. While materially minded people once considered this month inauspicious because it was not assigned for worldly ceremonies and rituals, Lord Krishna Himself transformed its destiny by bestowing upon it His own name — Purushottama, “The Supreme Personality.”

The scriptures describe how this neglected month approached Lord Vishnu in deep sorrow after being rejected by all. Moved by compassion, Lord Krishna granted this month extraordinary spiritual potency, declaring that anyone who sincerely worships Him during this sacred time receives immense spiritual benefit and special mercy.

For devotees, Purushottama Month is not ordinary time. It is a sacred invitation to deepen one’s relationship with Krishna through sincere chanting, hearing, service, prayer, simplicity, and spiritual reflection.

As Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu beautifully describes in the first verse of His Shikshashtakam:

“ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam”
“The chanting of the Holy Name cleanses the mirror of the heart.”

To chant is to purify the heart and make it a suitable place for the Lord to reside.
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# The Purpose of Purushottama Month

Purushottama Month is an opportunity for spiritual acceleration.

In our normal routines, spiritual life can sometimes become mechanical or distracted. This sacred month invites us to pause, simplify our lives, and intentionally increase our Krishna consciousness.

The focus is not merely external austerity, but internal purification:

* More sincere chanting
* More attentive hearing
* More remembrance of Krishna
* More humility
* More devotional association
* More service

This month is meant to nourish devotion, not ego. Even a small offering performed with sincerity during Purushottama Month carries immense spiritual value.
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# Recommended Practices During Purushottama Month

The scriptures and Vaishnava tradition recommend increasing devotional activities during this month. One may adopt practical vows according to one’s capacity and maintain them steadily throughout the month.

## 1. Increase Chanting of the Holy Name

The heart of Purushottama Month is increased remembrance of Krishna through chanting.

* Chant attentively every day
* Increase one’s rounds if possible
* Attend japa sessions
* Avoid inattentive chanting
* Create a peaceful atmosphere for chanting

The Holy Name cleanses the dust accumulated for years on the mirror of the heart.

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## 2. Rise Early

If possible, wake during Brahma-muhurta (before sunrise), the most spiritually uplifting time of the day.

Morning spiritual practices performed during this time greatly nourish the mind and consciousness.
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## 3. Read Sacred Scriptures Daily

Especially recommended:

* Bhagavad-gita
* Srimad Bhagavatam
* Krishna Book
* Teachings of Srila Prabhupada
* Pastimes of Radha and Krishna

Daily hearing purifies consciousness and strengthens spiritual conviction.
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## 4. Offer Simple Worship

One may offer:

* Ghee lamp
* Incense
* Flowers
* Tulasi leaves
* Kirtan or bhajans
* Simple heartfelt prayers

Even simple worship offered with sincerity becomes spiritually powerful during this month.
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## 5. Associate with Devotees

Association deeply influences consciousness.

Whenever possible:

* Attend temple programs
* Join online satsangs or japa groups
* Hear from senior devotees
* Engage in Krishna-katha
* Encourage others spiritually
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## 6. Practice Simplicity

Purushottama Month is a time for spiritual focus and inner reflection.

Many devotees choose to:

* Reduce unnecessary entertainment
* Spend less time on social media
* Eat simpler meals
* Speak less frivolously
* Live more intentionally

Simplicity creates space for remembrance of Krishna.
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# Foods to Eat During Purushottama Month

The emphasis is not harsh renunciation, but purity and mindfulness.

Recommended:

* Simple sattvic vegetarian meals
* Fresh fruits
* Grains
* Milk preparations
* Nuts and dry fruits
* Simple home-cooked prasadam
* Ekadashi-friendly preparations on fasting days

Most importantly:
All food should first be offered to Krishna before honoring it as prasadam.
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# Foods and Habits to Avoid

During this sacred month, devotees traditionally try to avoid:

* Onion and garlic
* Non-vegetarian food
* Intoxication
* Gambling
* Excessive eating
* Gossip and criticism
* Idle entertainment
* Harsh speech
* Laziness and oversleeping

The purpose is not merely restriction, but purification of consciousness.

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# Important “Don’ts” During Purushottama Month

The scriptures especially caution against:

* Criticizing devotees
* Engaging in unnecessary arguments
* Speaking ill of others
* Excessive material discussions
* Sense gratification-centered activities

Purushottama Month flourishes in an atmosphere of humility, sincerity, and respect.
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# Charity and Service

Acts of charity performed during this month are considered highly auspicious.

One may:

* Support devotional projects
* Sponsor prasadam distribution
* Donate spiritual books
* Assist temple services
* Help devotees
* Offer seva according to one’s means

Service offered with devotion attracts the mercy of the Lord.
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# The Mood of the Month

Purushottama Month is not meant to become a competition of austerities.

The true spirit of this month is:

* Sincerity over performance
* Devotion over display
* Transformation over pressure
* Connection over perfection

Even one sincere prayer offered during this month can deeply affect one’s spiritual life.
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# A Sacred Invitation

Purushottama Month comes rarely, and its blessings are extraordinary.

This is a sacred opportunity to:

* Reconnect with Krishna
* Purify the heart
* Deepen one’s chanting
* Build spiritual consistency
* Strengthen devotional practices
* Receive the special mercy of Lord Purushottama

May this holy month inspire us to chant with greater sincerity, serve with greater humility, and remember Krishna with deeper love.

Hare Krishna.

Sri Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June)?
I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari.
Please narrate everything to me"

Lord Sri Krishna said, "Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society.
This Ekadasi is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its purity.

"Oh great saintly king, the name of this unlimitedly meritorious Ekadasi is Apara Ekadasi.
Whoever fasts on this holy day becomes famous all over the universe.
Even such sins as killing a brahmana, a cow, or an embryo; blasphemy; or having sex with another man's wife are completely eradicated by observing Apara Ekadasi.

Oh king people who bear false witness are most sinful.
A person who falsely or sarcastically glorifies another; one who cheats while weighing something on a scale; one who fails to execute the duties of his varna or Ashrama (an unqualified man's posing as a brahmin, for example, or a person's reciting the Vedas wrongly); one who invents his own scriptures; one who cheats others; one who is a charlatan astrologer, a cheating accountant, or a false Ayurvedic doctor.
All these are surely as bad as persons who bears false witness, and they are all destined for hellish punishments.
But simply by observing Apara Ekadasi, all such sinners become completely free of their sinful reactions.

Warriors who fall from their kshatriya-dharma and flee the battlefield go to a ferocious hell.
But, Oh Yudhishthira, even such a fallen kshatriya, if he observes fasting on the Apara Ekadasi, is freed of that great sinful reaction and goes to heaven.
That disciple is the greatest sinner who, after receiving a proper spiritual education from his spiritual master, turns around and blasphemes him.
Such a so-called disciple suffers unlimitedly.
But even he, rascal though he be, if he simply observes Apara Ekadasi, can attain to the spiritual world.


Listen, Oh king, as I describe to you further glories of this amazing Ekadasi.
The merit attained by one who performs all of the following acts of piety is equal to the merit achieved by one who observes Apara Ekadasi:
bathing three times daily in Pushkara-kshetra during Kartika (October-November); bathing at Prayag in the month of Magh (January-February) when the sun is in the zodiac of Capricorn; rendering service to Lord Shiva at Varanasi (Benares) during Shiva-ratri; offering oblations to one's forefathers at Gaya; bathing in the sacred Gautami River when Jupiter transits Leo (Simha); having darshan of Lord Shiva at Kedarnatha; seeing Lord Badrinath when the Sun transits the sign of Aquarius (Kumbha); and bathing at the time of a solar eclipse at Kurukshetra and giving cows, elephants, and gold there in charity.
All the merit one gets from performing these pious acts is gained by a person who observes the Apara Ekadasi fast.
Also, the merit attained by one who donates a pregnant cow, along with gold and fertile land, is attained by one who fasts on this day.

In other words, Apara Ekadasi is an axe that cuts down the fully matured forest full of trees of sinful deeds, it is a forest fire that burns sins as if they were kindling firewood, it is the sun blazing before one's dark misdeeds, and it is a lion stalking the meek deer of impiety.
Therefore, Oh Yudhishthira, whoever truly fears his past and present sins must observe Apara Ekadasi very strictly.
One who does not observe this fast must be born again in the material world, like one bubble among millions in a huge body of water, or like a small ant among all other species.
Therefore one must faithfully observe the sacred Apara Ekadasi and worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Trivikrama.
One who does so is freed of all his sins and promoted to the abode of Lord Vishnu.

Oh Bharata, for the benefit of all humanity I have thus described to you this the importance of the holy Apara Ekadasi.
Anyone who hears or reads this description is certainly freed from all kinds of sins, oh best of saintly kings, Yudhishthira.
Thus ends the narration of the glories of Jyeshtha-krishna Ekadasi, or Apara Ekadasi, from the Brahmanda Purana.

NOTES:

1. Pushkara-kshetra, in western India, is the only place on Earth where a bonafide temple of Lord Brahma is to be found.
2. The Vedas declare, narah budbuda samah: "The human form of life is like a bubble in water".
In water, many bubbles form and then suddenly burst a few seconds later.
Thus if a person does not utilize his rare human body to serve the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Sri Krishna, his life has no more value or permanence than a bubble in water.
Therefore, as the Lord herein recommends, we should serve Him by fasting on Hari-vasara, or Ekadasi.

In this regard, Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada writes in the Srimad Bhagavatam (SB 2:1:4 purport) :
"The great ocean of material nature is tossing with the waves of time, and the so-called living conditioned are something like foaming bubbles, which appear before us as bodily self, wife, children, society, countrymen, etc.
Due to a lack of knowledge of self, we become victimized by the force of ignorance and thus spoil the valuable energy of human life in a vain search after permanent living conditions, which are impossible in this material world."

For Ekadashi Seva: https://www.mayapur.com/donations/donationform/general

Hare Krishna Dear Devotees & Well-wishers,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

With hearts full of gratitude, we would like to sincerely thank each and every one of you who came forward to support and be part of the sacred celebrations of Sri Narasimhadeva.

This entire festival, from Narasimha Navaratri to the Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva procession, and culminating in the grand Narasimha Mahotsava appearance day, carried a depth that is difficult to capture in words. There was a tangible sense of auspiciousness and mercy present throughout, something that could be felt in every moment.

Devotees of all ages came together, young children, newborns in their mothers’ arms, adults, elders, each one present not only physically, but with full heart and consciousness, gathered to receive the Lord’s mercy. Taking darshan felt like being carried in a flowing wave of devotion, as the crowd moved steadily, drawn in one direction, with a shared longing to catch even a single glimpse of the Lord on His appearance day.

From the yajnas to the sankalpa offerings, from the heartfelt prayers to the continuous kirtan, every moment held a blissfful intensity. During these sacred ceremonies, all of your names were included in the offerings, and prayers were made on your behalf, seeking the protection, mercy, and blessings of Sri Narasimhadeva for you and your loved ones.

The Abhishek ceremony unfolded with great devotion. From the offering of various sacred items, to the chanting of mantras, to the flower abhishek, each step was performed with attention and sincerity. The kirtan resonated deeply, creating an atmosphere that drew the heart inward.

As the evening progressed, bhoga was offered to the Lord, and shortly after, He gave darshan adorned in golden armor. It was a moment that left a lasting impression, deeply moving and spiritually grounding for all ther hearts that has been waiting to get the Lord last darshan for the day!

Behind all of this was the steady, dedicated service of many hands and hearts. From the tireless efforts of HG Krishna Caitanya Prabhu and the pujari departments, to the wider devotee community who set aside their personal schedules to serve, each contribution played its part. The altar was transformed with artistry, ornaments and jewelry were prepared with attention and devotion, and every offering, from the kitchen to the temple hall, reflected a shared intention to serve the Lord with sincerity.

It came together as something deeply heartfelt, an offering shaped by devotion, care, and collective service.

None of this would have been possible without your support. Your contributions and willingness to serve made you a part of this sacred offering, and for that, we are deeply grateful.

We would also like to warmly invite you to be part of next year’s Sri Narasimhadev Caturdashi celebrations.

Additionally, an upcoming very special time is approaching, Purushottama Month, which occurs once every three years. This highly auspicious month will be observed from May 17 to June 15. It is a rare opportunity to deepen one’s spiritual practice and receive special blessings, and we invite you to participate in this sacred period as well.

Also, today there will be festival celebrations at Rajapur Jagannath. We warmly encourage you to take this opportunity to have darshan.

Once again, thank you for your heartfelt support and seva.

May Sri Narasimhadeva always protect and guide you.

With gratitude and prayers,
Mayapur.com Team

Haribol

His Grace Agnidev Prabhu was a deeply cherished devotee within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, known across the world for his heartfelt kirtans, gentle nature, and lifelong dedication to spreading the holy name. Born in Trinidad and Tobago and later raised in New York, he came into contact with devotees in the early years of the movement and formally joined ISKCON in 1973 under the guidance of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada. From that moment, his life became fully centered on devotional service.

Though he had natural musical talent and once aspired toward a musical career, he chose instead to offer his voice completely in service to Krishna. What began as simple participation in kirtan gradually blossomed into a lifetime of service that spanned more than four decades. Agnidev Prabhu became widely known as a deeply meditative and powerful kirtaniya, whose singing carried sincerity, emotion, and spiritual depth. His kirtans were not performances, but genuine offerings, able to uplift hearts, unite devotees, and create a sacred atmosphere wherever he went.

Throughout his life, he served not only through kirtan but also as a teacher and leader within the movement. He traveled extensively, sharing the holy name across countries and communities, conducting kirtans, harinams, and festivals. He also served as a temple president and guide to many, always encouraging others in their spiritual lives with humility and warmth. To countless devotees, his voice became familiar, present in temples, gatherings, and even in their homes, bringing a sense of shelter, connection, and remembrance of Krishna.

In more recent years, especially during the Covid period and beyond, his association became even more meaningful for so many. Through kirtans and online gatherings, he continued to nourish the hearts of devotees around the world, offering strength and spiritual comfort during uncertain times. His dedication never wavered, he gave himself fully, again and again, simply to share the holy name with others.

As shared by devotees, Agnidev Prabhu departed this world surrounded by Vaishnavas, immersed in kirtan, a deeply peaceful and sacred moment that reflected the very essence of his life. Even those present who were not familiar with devotional culture were touched by the spiritual atmosphere, witnessing something rare and profound. It was a passing filled with the same devotion he had embodied throughout his life.

Though his physical presence is no longer with us, his legacy continues to live on, in every kirtan melody he shared, in every heart he touched, and in every soul inspired by his devotion. His memories remain like precious jewels in our hearts, especially within the Mayapur community, where his association has been so deeply felt. He may no longer be physically present among us, but through his kirtans and his service, he remains with us always.

With this spirit of love, gratitude, and remembrance, we warmly invite you to gather together as a community to honor His Grace Agnidev Prabhu. We will come together in kirtan, bhajans, and heartfelt glorifications, remembering his life, his service, and the profound impact he had on all of us.

Date: Sunday, 3rd May 2026

Time: 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Location: Soul to Soul (Mayapur)

Please come and be part of this offering as we gather with love, gratitude, and devotion, remembering him through the very kirtans he so selflessly gave to the world.

Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna Dear Devotees & Well-wishers,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

As we continue through the sacred days of Narasimha Navaratri, the anticipation is building with just **2 days remaining** before the divine appearance of **Sri Narasimhadeva**, the protector of the universe.
Yesterday, April 27th, was truly unforgettable…
The beginning of the Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva Parikrama was simply magical as the Lord rode on His Simha Vahana.

As the Lord came out to give His merciful darshan, devotees eagerly gathered to receive His blessings. The path was decorated with vibrant rangolis. The Lord made several stops along the way, gracefully parading across the campus, accepting offerings and arati from devotees—just as is the cherished tradition here in Mayapur, and the sound of kirtan created a deeply spiritual and uplifting mood.
It truly felt like a moment of grace, simple, powerful, and unforgettable.

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva Shobha Yatra (April 27–29)
For three auspicious days, Sri Sri Lakshmi Narasimhadeva continues to bless all devotees through His **grand procession (Shobha Yatra)**, riding on three divine vahanas:

Gaja Vahana – Elephant carrier
Garuda Vahana – Garuda carrier
Simha Vahana – Lion carrier
Each day offers a unique darshan and a chance to connect more deeply with the Lord.

April 28 (Dvadasi): Maha Sudarshana & Narasimha Yajna
On this sacred Dvadasi, the powerful **Maha Sudarshana Yajna** along with the **Narasimha Yajna** will be performed.
These yajnas are performed for:

Protection from obstacles and negativity
Spiritual purification and strength
Invoking divine blessings for all

We warmly invite you to take darshan and be part of this sacred offering.

April 29–30: Narahari Nama Kirtan
Continuing the celebrations, we will have **non-stop Narahari Nama Kirtan**:
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (both days)

Let us come together and immerse ourselves in the holy names, creating a space of devotion and joy.

A Loving Invitation to Serve
These sacred festivals are carried out through the devotion and support of the Vaishnava community.
If you feel inspired, you can offer your seva by contributing towards:

Yajna arrangements
Bhoga offerings
Decorations and festival seva
Supporting kirtan and devotee services

Every offering becomes a direct service to Sri Narasimhadeva.

Donate Now: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Narasimha-Caturdasi

As we approach this divine appearance day, let us take shelter with sincerity and faith.
May Sri Narasimhadeva protect and guide us always.

With prayers and gratitude,
Gopijanavallabha Das
Haribol

Today marks the seventh day of Chandan Yatra, completing the first seven days of this beautiful festival. Each day, the Lord is dressed in different vesas, bringing a fresh and joyful darshan for everyone.

Today, Madhava and Chota Madhava appeared in Rajadhiraja Vesa. The soft blue tones and delicate decorations give such a calm and cooling feeling. Even Giriraj Govardhan looks especially beautiful today, dressed in blue and decorated so gracefully, adding to the whole atmosphere of Vrindavan mood.

Chota Radha Madhava are dressed in bright yellow, surrounded by so many fresh flowers. The combination of yellow, blue, and the natural floral setting creates such a gentle and pleasing darshan. Krishna with His flute and peacock feather, and Srimati Radharani in her golden yellow dress, look so natural and full of life, as if They are simply enjoying Their time in the forest.

Alongside this, we can remember a prayer by Rupa Goswami:

“The elephant of my mind is drowning in the waters of material illusion. Held by the crocodile of the threefold miseries, it cries in fear. O Lord Hari, please rescue it with Your Sudarshana chakra.”

It gently reminds us to bring our thoughts and struggles to the Lord and depend on Him for clarity and shelter.

Today is also the final day of the Boat Festival for Chota Radha Madhava. For the past seven days, Their boat pastimes have brought a peaceful joy, as They moved gently on the water and gave darshan to everyone.

The festival continues, and soon we will see the Boat Festival of Lord Jagannatha. Just yesterday, He appeared in Govardhana Vesa, also dressed in blue, reminding us of His pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill and caring for all His devotees.

May these days of Chandan Yatra bring peace to the heart and keep us connected in remembrance.

Jaya Jagannatha
Jaya Radha Madhava

Today is a deeply auspicious day as we honor the divine appearance of Śrī Sītā Devī and Śrī Jāhnavā Devī, along with the disappearance of Śrī Madhu Paṇḍita. These sacred personalities are not like conditioned souls who are bound by material nature. They are eternally liberated, always situated in the Lord’s internal potency, and never subject to fall down. By approaching their mercy, one can very easily receive the mercy of the Lord, for when they bestow their grace, everything becomes possible.

As conditioned souls, we are constantly influenced by the external energy, repeatedly falling into illusion unless we remain under the shelter of the Lord’s internal potency. Therefore, we pray to take refuge in that divine energy, which manifests in various forms such as Śrī Sītā Devī and Śrī Jāhnavā Devī. Their compassion and protection guide the soul back toward spiritual steadiness and devotion.

There is a beautiful pastime connected to this day. When Lord Rāma was in exile, He came to Māyāpur, specifically to the island of Modadrumadvīpa. Seeing Him smiling, Sītā Devī lovingly inquired about the reason. Lord Rāma explained that in that age He had sent Her to the forest, but in the age of Kali He Himself would go to the forest and accept sannyāsa. He further revealed that when She would be in the forest, He would worship a golden deity of Her, and in Kali yuga, when She would be separated, She would worship Him in a golden form. Hearing this, Sītā Devī was not pleased, as both situations carried the pain of separation from the Lord. This exchange reveals the deep and intimate nature of divine love, where even separation becomes an expression of profound devotion.

On this same day, we also remember Śrī Madhu Paṇḍita, a dear disciple of Gadādhara Gosvāmī, who journeyed from Navadvīpa to Vṛndāvana in search of Kṛṣṇa. There he became the devoted servant of Śrī Gopīnātha. Every day he would recite Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, fully absorbed in devotional service. He is also known for blessing Śrīnivāsa Ācārya with the garland of Gopīnātha before Śrīnivāsa, Narottama, and Śyāmānanda departed from Vṛndāvana carrying the treasured scriptures of the Gosvāmīs. In Goloka Vṛndāvana, Śrī Madhu Paṇḍita Gosvāmī serves as Maṇḍalī sakhī in the group of Campakalatā sakhī, revealing his eternal spiritual identity in the Lord’s pastimes.

On this sacred day, we can offer heartfelt prayers to Śrī Jāhnavā Devī:

“O my dear Śrī Jāhnavā Devī, please have compassion upon your servant and kindly extend the rope of your mercy to relieve the intense suffering I am experiencing. I have taken shelter of the boat of your lotus feet, and I have firm faith that you can carry me across this ocean of material existence. You are the divine energy of Lord Nityānanda and the bestower of Kṛṣṇa bhakti. Please bless me at your lotus feet, which can fulfill all desires. You have already delivered so many fallen souls, and today one more fallen and destitute soul stands before you, begging for your mercy.”

May this day inspire us to sincerely seek shelter at their lotus feet, deepen our faith, and continue on the path of devotion with humility and hope.

On the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, a day known for its ever-increasing spiritual blessings, the sacred Chandan Yatra begins. This marks the start of a deeply refreshing and joyful season in Mayapur, where the Lordships are lovingly adorned with cooling sandalwood paste to bring comfort during the summer months. Over the days that follow, beautiful and creative veśas unfold, each revealing a unique pastime and mood of the Lord. The atmosphere becomes especially magical, soft, and filled with devotion, as Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava are worshipped with increasing sweetness. This festival season gradually leads the heart toward the divine appearance of Lord Narasimha, followed by the grand celebrations of Ratha Yatra, making the entire summer in Māyāpur a continuous flow of spiritual joy and remembrance.

On this first day, the veśa offered to the Lordships was the beautiful Nauka Vihāra pastime, where Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava, along with the gopīs, were exquisitely adorned as if seated upon a divine boat, recreating this intimate and playful līlā. The delicate decorations, flowing arrangements, and gentle colors brought the entire scene to life, allowing devotees to not only see but feel the sweetness of this pastime.

Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and the gopīs, carrying yogurt, butter, and various offerings, come to the banks of the Yamunā. They need to cross to the other side—but suddenly, a mysterious boatman appears. That boatman is none other than Kṛṣṇa Himself, disguised, playful, and eager to increase the loving exchanges.

He speaks boldly, teasing them:
“Why should I ferry you across? The river is dangerous, my boat is fragile… and you seem quite heavy with all your ornaments!”

The gopīs respond with mock anger and witty replies. There is laughter, challenge, and a current of deep affection hidden beneath the banter. Finally, they agree to board His boat.

As they begin crossing, Kṛṣṇa deliberately rocks the boat. The Yamunā appears turbulent, waves rising as if participating in the divine play. The gopīs become fearful and cling to Him. In that moment, their external pride dissolves, and only dependence and love remain.

Kṛṣṇa then says:
“If you want to be saved, you must give up all your possessions.”

One by one, they surrender everything—yet ultimately, what is being asked is not just ornaments or pots of yogurt, but their very hearts.

Take Daily Darshan on: https://www.facebook.com/MayapurDotCom/ 
Today's Chandan Yatra Vesa: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18UFNZTerD/
For Seva during this sumer festival: https://mayapur.com/festivals/Akshaya-Tritiya

Happy Chandan Yatra!!!!

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.