The auspicious festival of Jhulan Yatra will be celebrated from 23rd to 28th August, beginning on Ekādaśī and concluding on Balarāma Pūrṇimā. Celebrated during the sacred month of Śrāvaṇa, Jhulan Yatra commemorates the childhood pastimes of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa as They joyfully swing beneath the flowering trees of Vṛndāvana, surrounded by Their beloved friends.

Following the instruction of Śrīla Prabhupāda, devotees in ISKCON observe this festival from Ekādaśī until Pūrṇimā. During these six days, the atmosphere is transformed into a celebration of devotion as the Divine Couple accept the loving service of Their devotees.

In Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur, Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava are beautifully adorned each day with exquisite dresses, ornaments, and fragrant flower garlands before being seated upon an elaborately decorated swing. The swing itself is decorated with colourful flowers, creepers, festoons, and ornaments, creating a beautiful setting for Their pleasure.

A special ārati is offered after Their Lordships are seated on the swing, accompanied by melodious kīrtana and bhajanas. Devotees patiently wait in long queues for the opportunity to gently pull the flower rope and personally swing Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava. Throughout the festival, devotees also offer a variety of bhoga, flowers, prayers, lamps, songs, and heartfelt service to Their Lordships.

Regarding this festival, Śrī Hari-bhakti-vilāsa explains:

"To please Śrī Hari, devotees hold numerous festivals on every occasion and continuously perform saṅkīrtana. According to their ability, the devotees serve the Lord during the summer by placing Him on the boat, taking Him out on a procession, applying sandalwood on His body, fanning Him with cāmara, decorating Him with jeweled necklaces, offering Him palatable foodstuffs, and bringing Him out to swing Him in the pleasant moonlight."

His Holiness Jayapataka Swami beautifully narrates one of the cherished pastimes associated with Jhulan Yatra.

During this time, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī goes to visit Her parents, King Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja and Queen Kīrtidā, at Varṣāṇā. Her brother, Śrīdāma, is sent to bring Her home. In the parakīyā-līlā, however, Rādhārāṇī resides in the home of Her mother-in-law, Jaṭilā, who at first refuses to allow Her to leave. Longing to see Her parents, Rādhārāṇī pleads with Jaṭilā, who finally relents after receiving the gifts sent by Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja, although she cautions Her to beware of "that black-faced boy of Nandagrāma, Kṛṣṇa."

When no one immediately arrives to escort Her, Rādhārāṇī laments, "Oh, they forgot Me! They forgot Me!" Realising the delay, Vṛṣabhānu Mahārāja and Queen Kīrtidā quickly send Śrīdāma to bring Her home. Overjoyed to be reunited with Her parents, Rādhārāṇī spends time with them in loving happiness.

Meanwhile, Kṛṣṇa, disguised so that He would not be recognised, finds Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī alone upon a swing and begins pushing it vigorously. Startled, She cries out, "Kṛṣṇa! Kṛṣṇa! Save Me!" Hearing Her call, Kṛṣṇa reveals Himself and sits beside Her on the swing. Overwhelmed with relief, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī embraces Him. His Holiness Jayapataka Swami explains that this moment is especially dear to Śrī Kṛṣṇa because Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī embraces Him naturally and willingly, without His having to devise any playful trick.

For this reason, Jhulan Yatra is cherished as a festival celebrating the loving exchanges between Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa. Every gentle swing offered by the devotees becomes an expression of devotion and a personal opportunity to render loving service to the Divine Couple.

Throughout the festival, the temple is beautifully decorated with flowers and lights. The roads leading to the Jhulan area are illuminated brilliantly, creating the atmosphere of a grand celebration in honour of Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava. Sweet kīrtanas fill the air as devotees gather from near and far to participate in this intimate festival of devotion.

The fifth day of Jhulan Yatra, celebrated on the beautiful Pūrṇimā evening, is especially enchanting. Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava are seated upon a magnificent jewelled swing surrounded by flowers, fruits, and flowering creepers. Adorned with exquisite white flower garlands, They display Their incomparable beauty while the devotees sing Their glories.

Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī describes the Divine Couple in *Śrī Nikunja-rahasya-stava* (16):

Kanaka-jalada-gatrau nila-shonabja-netrau mrigamada-vara-bhalau malati-kunda-malau tarala-taruna-veshau nila-pitambareshau smara nibhrita-nikunje radhika-krishnacandrau (1)

"O mind, exclusively meditate on Śrīmatī Rādhikā and Śrī Kṛṣṇacandra. Śrī Rādhā's bodily complexion is like gold and Śrī Kṛṣṇa's is like a fresh monsoon cloud. Her eyes are like blue lotus flowers and His are like red lotuses. Their foreheads are decorated with musk tilaka. Śrī Rādhā wears a garland of mālatī flowers and Śrī Kṛṣṇa wears a garland of kunda flowers. Wonderfully adorned in Their youthful beauty, Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī wears a blue dress while Śrī Kṛṣṇa wears yellow garments as They enjoy Their confidential pastimes within the secluded groves of Vṛndāvana."

The festival concludes on the auspicious appearance day of Lord Balarāma, celebrated as Balarāma Pūrṇimā. On this joyful occasion, special offerings are made to Lord Balarāma, including His favourite Vāruṇī drink. Devotees also celebrate with colourful festivities, the traditional breaking of clay pots filled with honey, jaggery, and sweets, and an evening procession of Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava upon Their beautifully decorated palanquin. As They travel towards Their kuñja near the temple pond, dazzling lights reflect across the water, creating a breathtaking conclusion to the festival.

Jhulan Yatra is a rare opportunity to personally render loving service to the Divine Couple. By gently swinging Their Lordships, offering flowers, bhoga, kīrtana, prayers, and seva, devotees pray to receive the causeless mercy of Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava and deepen their loving remembrance of the Lord.

Sponsor a Jhulan Yatra Seva

You are warmly invited to participate in the festival by sponsoring one of the special sevas offered to Their Lordships:

* Flower Abhiṣeka – ₹50,001
* Vāruṇī Offering for Lord Balarāma – ₹50,001
* Balarāma Haṇḍī – ₹30,001
* Fruit Decoration – ₹50,001

To sponsor a seva, please visit https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Jhula-Balarama-Purnima or contact our Donor Services team:

Phone: +91 95934 00192
Email: [donorservices@mayapur.com]

Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī, one of the illustrious Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana and the revered Sambandha Ācārya of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava sampradāya, appeared in 1488, five years before Śrīla Rūpa Gosvāmī, in a Sarasvata brāhmaṇa family in Bengal.

Sanātana and his two brothers, Rūpa and Anupama, were always absorbed in bhāva-bhakti from early childhood. Remembering Vṛndāvana, they named the forests in which they played after Vraja's twelve forests, such as Tālavana, Madhuvana, Kāmyavana and Mahāvana. They called their favourite bathing ponds Rādhā-kuṇḍa and Śyāma-kuṇḍa.

In his youth, Śrī Sanātana dreamed that a beautiful brāhmaṇa boy gave him a Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. Feeling ecstatic, he awoke. But seeing neither the boy nor the Bhāgavatam, he felt sad. When Sanātana began his pūjā that morning, however, Kṛṣṇa Himself, disguised as a beautiful brāhmaṇa boy, came and said:

"Take this Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from Me, always study it, and you will attain perfection."

In Kṛṣṇa-līlā-stava, Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī glorifies the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam:

"O holy Bhāgavata, you are my only company, my only friend, and my guru. You are my greatest treasure and my personal saviour. You are the emblem of my highest fortune and the very form of ecstasy. I offer my obeisances unto you."

Forced to submit to the ruling Muslim government, Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Sanātana became ministers and lived at Rāmakeli. But their real engagement was teaching śāstras, which they had learned from Vidyāvācaspati, the brother of Sarvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya. Paṇḍitas and brāhmaṇas from all over India came to study under the two brothers, who were acclaimed as the "crest jewels of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava scholars."

After the Lord visited Rāmakeli and freed them, they renounced everything for Lord Gaurāṅga's service. Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu ordered Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmīs to move to Vṛndāvana and perform four services:

Uncover Śrī Kṛṣṇa's pastime places.
Install Deities and arrange for Their worship.
Compile bhakti scriptures.
Propagate the principles of devotional life.

As described in Śrī Vraja Maṇḍala Parikramā:

"Entering Lord Chaitanya's service, they resolutely gave up power, riches, and position to live in Vrindavana as humble beggars absorbed in bhajana. One cannot properly perform Krishna bhajana until one renounces all attachments both internally and externally, and adopts a life of simplicity and humility."

They travelled extensively throughout Vraja-maṇḍala, discovering many līlā-sthānas of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. Having no fixed residence, they would sleep for no more than one and a half hours each day beneath a tree or bush. Śrī Rūpa and Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmīs spent their time writing, discussing Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, and constantly chanting the holy names of the Lord.

To maintain himself, Sanātana would beg some wheat flour, roll it into a ball by adding a touch of Yamunā water, and drop it into smouldering coals to cook. He would offer this baṭī (salt-free baked bread ball) to his Deity of Madana Mohana. Giving up all kinds of material enjoyment, the Gosvāmīs accepted the poorest way of life as mendicants. They ate only enough to maintain their bodies.

The Rādhā-Madana Mohana Mandir established by Sanātana Gosvāmī was the first temple opened in Vṛndāvana by the Six Gosvāmīs. Described as "the personal extension of the body of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu," Śrī Sanātana is the ideal spiritual master because he gives one shelter at the lotus feet of Madana Mohana. The three principal Vṛndāvana Deities, Madana Mohana, Govindajī and Gopīnātha, are the life and soul of the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavas.

The Deity of Madana Mohana has the specific quality of helping neophyte devotees understand their eternal relationship with the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.

"Madana Mohana" means Kṛṣṇa, who is so indescribably beautiful that He even attracts Cupid (Kāmadeva). Sanātana Gosvāmī is the Sambandha Ācārya who gives us knowledge of our proper relationship with Kṛṣṇa, and his Deity, Madana Mohana, helps us overcome our attraction for material sense gratification and fix our minds on devotional service.

Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī spent forty-three years wandering from village to village throughout Vṛndāvana. The Vrajavāsīs affectionately cared for him as they would their own father. With patience and concern, he listened to their problems and pleased everyone by his preaching and practical advice on everything from increasing crop yields to resolving family quarrels.

Bhakti-ratnākara describes him:

"Renouncing all worldly pleasures, Sanatana Goswami was humble, detached, always absorbed in study. Mahaprabhu often said that Sanatana Goswami was His favorite Devotee. As an ocean of love and mercy, Sanatana excelled all other Devotees in his compassion toward the suffering souls."

In his last years, Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī entrusted his beloved Deity of Madana Mohana to his disciple, Kṛṣṇa Dāsa brahmacārī. He then performed bhajana on the banks of Mānasī Gaṅgā next to Cakaleśvara Mahādeva at Govardhana. Daily he walked the twenty-four-mile parikramā (the original longer route) of Govardhana Hill. Although he was sixty-five years old, he maintained his daily vow of offering 1,008 obeisances to Govardhana Hill and to every Vaiṣṇava whom he met.

Understanding the difficulty of His pure devotee, Śrī Madana Mohana appeared one day and said,

"Bābā! You are too old. Don't take so much trouble to walk around Govardhana Hill every day."

Sanātana replied,

"This is one of the daily activities of my bhajana: I must maintain it."

"Since you are old," said Madana Mohana,

"You may now give up this vow."

Starting to walk again, Sanātana replied,

"I will never give up my religious principles."

Sanātana Gosvāmī's firm determination to complete his daily devotional vow pleased Śrī Madana Mohana (Kṛṣṇa). But in the loving dealings between the Lord and His pure devotee, Kṛṣṇa's desire to please His devotee often defeats the devotee's desire to please Him.

So, out of loving compassion for His devotee, Śrī Kṛṣṇa stood upon a large flat stone (Govardhana-śilā) taken from Girirāja. He played His irresistible flute. The Govardhana-śilā melted in ecstasy, capturing the impression of Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet.

Presenting this to Sanātana, Kṛṣṇa said,

"If you circumambulate this śilā every day, it will be the same as going around Govardhana Hill every day. You will keep your vow intact and not compromise your religious principles."

Seeing that Girirāja Himself (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) had given the śilā, Sanātana Gosvāmī gratefully accepted it. Even today, devotees can have the darśana of this sacred Govardhana-śilā at Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Dāmodara Temple in Vṛndāvana, where it still bears the divine impressions of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's lotus feet.

Śrī Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura states in Jaiva Dharma:

"Sanatana Goswami was empowered to explain the esoteric aspects of Krishna's manifest and unmanifest Vraja-lila."

Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī made an immeasurable literary contribution to the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava sampradāya through his writings, including Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, Bṛhad-Bhāgavatāmṛta, and Bṛhad-Vaiṣṇava-toṣaṇī. These timeless works continue to guide devotees in devotional practice, philosophy, and the understanding of Śrī Kṛṣṇa's eternal pastimes.

In the form of Lavaṅga Mañjarī, Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī eternally serves Śrīmatī Viśākhā-sakhī in the nitya-nikuñja-līlā of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava.

After spending forty-three years serving in Vṛndāvana—rediscovering the holy places of Kṛṣṇa's pastimes, establishing Deity worship, composing transcendental literature, guiding devotees, and exemplifying a life of complete humility and renunciation—Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī entered the Lord's eternal pastimes.

His samādhi is situated behind the historic Śrī Śrī Rādhā Madana Mohana Temple in Vṛndāvana, where devotees continue to honour the life and teachings of one of the greatest ācāryas in the Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava tradition.

Through his spotless example of surrender, scholarship, compassion, and unwavering devotion to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Madana Mohana, Śrīla Sanātana Gosvāmī continues to guide countless devotees on the path of pure devotional service.

One editorial suggestion: I would actually remove the final two paragraphs I added (beginning with "After spending forty-three years..." and "Through his spotless example...") if this is for Mayapur.com. They are summaries written by me, not from your source. Ending instead with:

"In the form of Lavaṅga Mañjarī, Śrī Sanātana Gosvāmī eternally serves Śrīmatī Viśākhā-sakhī in the nitya-nikuñja-līlā of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava. Sanātana Gosvāmī's samādhi is behind Śrī Śrī Rādhā Madana Mohana Temple."

29 July – 24 November 2026

Cāturmāsya, meaning "four months," is one of the most sacred periods in the Vaiṣṇava calendar. It is a time dedicated to increased remembrance of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa through simplicity, austerity, and deeper devotional practice. Rather than being merely a period of giving up certain foods, Cāturmāsya is an opportunity to strengthen one's relationship with the Lord by increasing sādhana, service, and spiritual discipline.

Traditionally, Cāturmāsya begins on Śayanī Ekādaśī, when Lord Viṣṇu is said to enter His divine yoga-nidrā (mystic rest), and concludes on Utthāna Ekādaśī, when He awakens. During these four months, devotees voluntarily accept simple austerities to reduce unnecessary sense gratification and dedicate more time and attention to devotional service.

Why Observe Cāturmāsya?
The purpose of Cāturmāsya is to purify the body and mind, strengthen devotional determination, and cultivate greater dependence on Kṛṣṇa.

Śrīla Prabhupāda 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."

— Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 4.28.35, Purport
Austerity in Kṛṣṇa consciousness is never an end in itself. It is meant to help us become more absorbed in hearing, chanting, remembering, and serving the Lord.

Scriptural Glories of Cāturmāsya
The importance of observing Cāturmāsya is glorified throughout the Vedic scriptures.

The Bhaviṣya Purāṇa states:
"One who passes the Cāturmāsya season without observing religious vows, austerities, and chanting of japa, although living, should be considered spiritually dead."
The Padma Purāṇa explains that one who neglects vows during Cāturmāsya loses the benefit of many pious activities and finds it more difficult to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

These statements highlight the significance of sincerely dedicating these four months to spiritual advancement.

Monthly Cāturmāsya Observances (2026)
As described in the Hari-bhakti-vilāsa and other Vaiṣṇava scriptures, devotees traditionally avoid one category of food during each month.

29 July – 27 August
Avoid leafy green vegetables
Examples include spinach, fenugreek (methi), coriander leaves, amaranth, mustard greens, and similar leafy vegetables.

28 August – 25 September
Avoid yoghurt (curd)

26 September – 25 October
Avoid milk

26 October – 24 November
Avoid urad dal (black gram)
These dietary observances are voluntary offerings of devotion meant to cultivate self-discipline and remembrance of Kṛṣṇa.

Beyond Food Restrictions
The heart of Cāturmāsya lies not in what we avoid but in how sincerely we increase our devotional service.

Devotees are encouraged to:
Increase chanting of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.
Read Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, or other Vaiṣṇava literature daily.
Rise early and strengthen their morning sādhana.
Worship and circumambulate Śrīmatī Tulasī Devī.
Observe Ekādaśī carefully.

Perform more seva for the Lord and His devotees.
Practise humility and proper Vaiṣṇava etiquette.
Avoid gossip, criticism, and unnecessary material distractions.
Offer simple, sattvic preparations with devotion.
Reduce unnecessary sense gratification and live more simply.

Many devotees also choose to accept a personal vrata (vow), such as chanting additional rounds, reading extra scriptures, offering additional prayers, or increasing their service during these months.

The Spirit of Cāturmāsya
Śrīla Prabhupāda encouraged devotees to observe Cāturmāsya as a practical means of cultivating tapasya—voluntary spiritual discipline that strengthens one's devotional life.
By accepting small austerities with sincerity, we train the senses to serve Kṛṣṇa rather than our own desires. Every sacrifice offered with devotion becomes an expression of love and helps deepen our attachment to the Lord.

Cāturmāsya is therefore not about deprivation—it is about transformation.

Who Can Observe Cāturmāsya?
Anyone can observe Cāturmāsya according to their capacity. Whether one is living in a temple, at home, or beginning devotional life, every sincere effort made during these sacred months is spiritually beneficial.

Even accepting one meaningful, sustainable vow with genuine determination can bring lasting spiritual advancement.
May this Cāturmāsya inspire all of us to deepen our remembrance of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, strengthen our devotional practices, and grow in humility, service, and love for the Supreme Lord.

There was a person named Bandhu Mohanty in the city of Jajpur in Orissa. He had two daughters and one son. His wife was very obedient. He was very poor and lived by begging alms. He had no reserve funds—whatever he collected in one day he spent in one day, with nothing left over. Bandhu Mohanty was a great devotee of Lord Hari. He used to spend his days chanting the holy name of the Lord. He was merciful to all living entities, was very truthful, and was very fond of serving brahmanas. He was indifferent to family life, knowing that everything is temporary except the holy name of the Lord. In this way, he spent his days happily.

Once there was a drought in his area, and people were dying due to lack of food. Bandhu Mohanty went to some villages to beg alms, but the people had no food even for themselves—how could they give alms to Bandhu Mohanty? He returned to his house without any food, all the while meditating on the Lord.

His wife told him that the children were very hungry. They could not tolerate their hunger pangs any longer. She asked, "Don't you have some relative who can help us during this difficult time? Let us leave this place and go to some other place where your relatives are staying."

Bandhu Mohanty replied, "I have no relatives to help me, but I do have a friend. He lives far from here. He is the best among all people. There is no one equal to Him. He lives in Sri Kshetra Puri Dham. If somehow or other we can manage to reach Him, our problems will be solved."

His wife was very happy to hear this. She said, "Then let us go there immediately. I will carry one child. You will carry the other. Let us go without any delay. Otherwise all of us will die."

Bandhu Mohanty was very happy to hear this from his wife. He thought it would be very nice to go to Sri Kshetra and take darshan of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra.

They started their journey to Sri Kshetra, arriving four days later. They approached the Jagannath Temple at the Lion Gate. Thousands of people were visiting the temple, and security was very tight. Many guards were there with sticks in their hands. As it was not possible for them to enter the temple, they took darshan of Patita-pavana, the deity of the Lord at the entrance of the temple's eastern gate. Whoever is not allowed to enter the temple can take darshan of this deity.

Then Bandhu Mohanty went toward the southern gate near Peja Nala, where all the starch water from Jagannath's kitchen gathers. The cows drink this liquid known as peja. Bandhu Mohanty was very tired. He sat down there near the south gate.

His wife said, "Why are you sitting there? It is getting late. Now it is already evening time. Let us go to your friend's house to get refreshed and eat something. We all are very tired and hungry. Where is your friend's house?"

At this time all the children also started to cry, saying, "We are very hungry. We cannot tolerate our hunger anymore. If you do not feed us, we will die very soon."

Bandhu Mohanty said to them, "Today there are many guests at my friend's house. The gatekeepers are allowing only selected guests inside. If anyone tries to enter by force, they will be beaten. Let us sleep here tonight. We can drink some starch water from Jagannath's kitchen and spend the night here. Early in the morning we will go to meet my friend and ask him to give us shelter and food. My friend is very merciful."

His wife agreed to the proposal. They arranged a broken clay pot, and all of them drank the rice-starch water and got a little relief from their hunger. All the members of the family were very tired and soon fell asleep.

Bandhu Mohanty started to offer his prayers to Lord Jagannath:

"O Lord of the universe, You are maintaining everyone in Your creation. Am I not part of Your creation? We are dying here due to want of food. Please bless us. Otherwise we will lose our lives. Please consider our case."

While he was praying to the Lord in this way, he fell asleep.

In the meantime, Lord Jagannath's pujari completed the evening offering to the Lord. After finishing the puja, he locked the temple door and, with the key in hand, headed toward his home.

During the night, Lord Jagannath became very worried that His devotee was sleeping without having eaten anything. He could not sleep.

"My friend has come from so far. How can I sleep peacefully without feeding him? He has come here thinking I am his only friend, to seek My help at this time."

Then the Lord of the universe entered the storeroom and took one golden plate in His hand. He collected many varieties of foodstuffs—cakes, sweet rice, vegetable rice, and all kinds of dry sweet prasada. Then He came to the south gate of the temple.

The Lord called, "Oh, my dear Bandhu, please come here."

Bandhu Mohanty heard someone calling his name. He thought, "Maybe they are calling someone else. There must be so many people with this name. No one knows me here, so who could be calling me?"

Then the Lord called again:

"O Bandhu Mohanty from Jajpur! Please come here along with your family."

Hearing this, Bandhu went and saw an old brahmana standing there, holding a plate filled with foodstuffs.

The Lord, in the form of this old brahmana, told Bandhu:

"Please accept this food and feed your family members. Tomorrow morning I will arrange everything for you."

Saying this, the Lord disappeared from there.

Bandhu Mohanty took the prasada very happily. He woke up all the family members, and they all honored the prasada very happily. After eating, they once again slept, content with full bellies.

Afterward, Bandhu Mohanty went to the south gate to return the plate. He pushed the door, expecting that the brahmana would be there and he could return the plate to him. But to his surprise, the brahmana was not there. Bandhu went back to his sleeping place and, wrapping the plate in his cloth, decided he would return it in the morning.

Early the next morning, Lord Jagannath's pujaris opened the temple gate. Everybody was busy with their individual services. When they opened the storeroom, they discovered that the golden plate of Lord Jagannath was missing. The plate had been stolen!

The pujaris reported the theft to the temple management, and the police arrested all the pujaris and beat them, thinking that it could only have been a pujari who had stolen the plate from inside the storeroom.

It happened that by chance some people saw one person sleeping at the south gate of the temple. They could see the golden plate wrapped in his cloth. The plate was dazzling in the sun. They immediately informed the temple authorities. Several people caught hold of Bandhu Mohanty. They secretly took away the golden plate.

Bandhu Mohanty and his wife tried to explain that an old brahmana had given them the plate filled with prasada in the middle of the night, and that they had tried to return the plate to the brahmana but could not find him. They pleaded with the police:

"We are not at fault. Why are you beating us without any fault?"

But nobody cared for what they said. He was arrested and put in prison.

Bandhu Mohanty stayed in the prison house. He fixed his mind on Lord Jagannath and started to offer prayers:

"Dear Lord Jagannath, I am the greatest sinful person in this universe. You are an ocean of mercy. There is no one as sinful as me, and there is no one like You, the great deliverer of the fallen souls. Whatever You wish to do with me, please do it. I have no other shelter than You."

Thinking like this, he meditated upon the lotus feet of the Lord.

Later that evening, all the temple devotees completed their services and went back to their respective houses. The Lord, who is all-pervading and always worried for His devotees, could not tolerate the suffering of His devotee. He immediately climbed on the back of Garuda and went to the palace of the King.

At that time, the King was sleeping. The Lord appeared to the King in his sleep and told him:

"O King, please listen. When guests come to your house, do you let them stay without feeding them and caring for them? Is there anyone in your palace who stays without eating?

My friend has come all the way from Jajpur along with his whole family, and yet you have not served him food. Did I spend your father's property? I served My friend food and gave him a golden plate. Then your people caught him along with his whole family, and they were beaten severely.

Go immediately to Puri, release them from jail, and wash their lotus feet with the greatest humility. Give them the best clothes and ornaments. Place a turban on my friend's head to give him topmost respect. My friend deserves the same service from you that you give to Me.

You will provide him and his family with the best food and accommodation for the rest of their lives. If you do not follow My order, your whole family will be destroyed."

After saying this, Lord Jagannath woke the King and then left the palace.

The King immediately called all his ministers and explained everything to them. He personally went to the prison house to release Bandhu Mohanty and embraced him with affection.

The King said:

"My life has become successful simply by receiving your darshan. Now I am blessed. Please forgive me for all the offenses committed by my people."

After saying this, the King performed abhisheka to Bandhu Mohanty with holy water, gave him opulent cloth for wearing, and placed a turban on his head with great respect. He arranged for the maintenance of Bandhu Mohanty's whole family for the rest of their lives. The King respected them as if they were his own relatives. He arranged a house for them near the south gate of the temple.

Bandhu Mohanty was happy to stay next to his friend Lord Jagannath. He happily served Lord Jagannath along with his whole family for the rest of their lives.

This is an example of the bhakta-vatsalya mood of Lord Jagannath. Whoever serves Him with great faith, He reciprocates with him in this way. He is very dear to His faithful devotees. Whoever lacks faith, for him Lord Jagannath is very far away.

Whoever hears this pastime of Bandhu Mohanty will be freed from the reactions of all sinful activities. He will achieve success in all his attempts and will never see Yamaloka. This is the verdict of all the Vedic scriptures.

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Come and receive the unlimited mercy of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu during the most auspicious month of Kartik!
 

Join us for a spiritually uplifting 3 Nights / 4 Days Gaura Mandal Yatra and stay at the sacred Katwa Dham, where Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu accepted Sannyasa.

Date: 30th October – 2nd November
Stay: Katwa Dham
 

Yatra Highlights:
• Visit 16+ Gaura Mandal Sripats
• Association of senior devotees & sannyasis
• Darshan of deities personally worshipped by great acharyas
• Holy Dham Vasa during the sacred month of Kartik
• Gaura Katha, Harinam Sankirtan, Prasadam & Sadhu Sanga

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Hare Krishna!

Among the many transcendental pastimes of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu, the Panihati Cida-Dadhi Mahotsava stands as one of the most celebrated manifestations of divine mercy in the Gaudiya Vaiṣṇava tradition. Observed annually on the bright fortnight of the month of Jyeṣṭha, this festival commemorates the extraordinary mercy bestowed by Lord Nityānanda Prabhu upon Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī, who would later become one of the illustrious Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana. The pastime is described in detail in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā, Chapter 6.

The Intense Desire of Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī

Śrīla Raghunātha dāsa Gosvāmī was born into one of the wealthiest families in Bengal. His father, Govardhana Majumdar, and his uncle, Hiraṇya Majumdar, possessed immense wealth and influence. Yet from his childhood, Raghunātha dāsa exhibited complete detachment from material prosperity and harbored only one desire—to attain the lotus feet of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.

On numerous occasions, Raghunātha attempted to leave his home and join Lord Caitanya. However, each time his family prevented him. Understanding Raghunātha's sincerity, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu instructed him during their meeting at Śāntipura:

"Do not become a monkey renunciant. Remain at home, act externally like an ordinary person, and internally cultivate exclusive devotion to Kṛṣṇa."

Following this instruction, Raghunātha remained at home, outwardly managing his family's affairs while internally remaining detached from all worldly possessions.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā 6.35–41.

Raghunātha dāsa Hears of Lord Nityānanda's Arrival

One day, Raghunātha dāsa learned that Lord Nityānanda Prabhu had arrived in the village of Panihati on the banks of the Ganges. Accompanied by many devotees, kīrtana singers, servants, and associates, Lord Nityānanda was residing beneath a large banyan tree.

Obtaining permission from his father, Raghunātha immediately traveled to Panihati. Upon arriving, he saw Lord Nityānanda seated in the midst of countless devotees, radiating extraordinary spiritual effulgence. Overwhelmed by reverence and humility, Raghunātha offered his prostrated obeisances from a distance.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā 6.43–45.

The Merciful Punishment

Seeing Raghunātha standing at a distance, Lord Nityānanda immediately called out:

"You are a thief! You stay away from Me, not wanting My association. Today I shall punish you!"

The assembled devotees laughed joyfully. Lord Nityānanda then summoned Raghunātha and affectionately placed His lotus feet upon his head.

The Lord's punishment was unlike any ordinary punishment. He instructed Raghunātha:

"Arrange a grand festival and feed all My associates chipped rice and yogurt."

Upon hearing this order, Raghunātha dāsa felt immense happiness. He understood that this was not a punishment, but the greatest blessing and opportunity for devotional service.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā 6.46–52.

The Grand Cida-Dadhi Festival

Without delay, Raghunātha dispatched his servants to procure all the necessary ingredients from the surrounding villages. Vast quantities of chipped rice, yogurt, milk, condensed milk, bananas, sugar, sweets, and camphor were collected.

Two principal preparations were made. One consisted of chipped rice soaked in yogurt and mixed with bananas and sugar. The other consisted of chipped rice soaked in sweet condensed milk, mixed with camphor, bananas, and various delicacies.

Hundreds of large earthen pots and thousands of smaller clay bowls were arranged. As word spread, thousands of devotees, villagers, merchants, and pilgrims gathered at the sacred banks of the Ganges. So great was the crowd that many people stood in the river itself, holding their pots of mahā-prasāda while chanting the holy names of the Lord.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā 6.53–71.

The Invisible Arrival of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu

When the preparations had been distributed, Lord Nityānanda Prabhu entered a state of deep meditation and internally invited Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu to attend the festival.

By His inconceivable potency, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared there. Although most of the assembled devotees could not perceive Him, a few fortunate souls witnessed Lord Caitanya standing beside Lord Nityānanda.

Experiencing transcendental bliss, Lord Nityānanda took morsels of chipped rice from the devotees' pots and lovingly fed Lord Caitanya. In return, Lord Caitanya also fed Lord Nityānanda. To those endowed with spiritual vision, the two Lords appeared exactly as Śrī Kṛṣṇa and Lord Balarāma enjoying a festival feast together.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā 6.72–90.

The Mercy Bestowed Upon Raghunātha dāsa

The following day, Lord Nityānanda called Raghunātha dāsa before all the assembled Vaiṣṇavas and bestowed upon him His divine blessing:

"Very soon, you will attain the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. No obstacle will remain in your path."

This blessing became the turning point in Raghunātha dāsa's life. Shortly thereafter, by the mercy of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu, he escaped all material entanglements and finally reached Jagannātha Purī, where he attained the eternal association of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and later became renowned as one of the Six Gosvāmīs of Vṛndāvana.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Antya-līlā 6.149–153.

Spiritual Significance

The Panihati Cida-Dadhi Mahotsava teaches that the mercy of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu is the gateway to attaining the shelter of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Through humble service to the Vaiṣṇavas and obedience to the spiritual master's instructions, one receives the divine mercy that opens the path to pure devotional service.

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana: The Ornament of Knowledge

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana is one of the most celebrated acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Renowned for his profound scholarship, deep devotion, and unwavering dedication to the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, he played a crucial role in preserving and establishing the philosophical foundations of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Very little is known about his birth and family background, as he never spoke about his personal life. Historians believe he was born in the early eighteenth century near Remuna in Orissa (present-day Odisha, India). From a young age, he displayed extraordinary intelligence and mastered grammar, poetry, rhetoric, logic, and the Vedic scriptures.

During his travels across India, he studied the teachings of Madhvacharya and became well-versed in Tattvavada philosophy. His life took a significant turn when he met Sri Radha-Damodara Deva, a disciple in the line of Sri Rasikananda Deva. Inspired by the teachings of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, he accepted initiation and later moved to Vrindavana, where he studied under the renowned Gaudiya scholar Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura.

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana is best remembered for defending the Gaudiya Vaishnava sampradaya during the famous Jaipur controversy. When scholars challenged the legitimacy of the Gaudiya tradition due to the absence of a commentary on the Vedanta-sutra, Baladeva composed the celebrated *Govinda-bhasya*, a masterful commentary that firmly established the philosophical standing of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. In recognition of this extraordinary achievement, he was awarded the title **"Vidyabhusana,"** meaning "Ornament of Knowledge."

In addition to the *Govinda-bhasya*, he authored many important works, including *Prameya-ratnavali*, *Siddhanta-ratna*, and commentaries on key Vaishnava scriptures. His writings continue to guide devotees and scholars to this day.

Sri Baladeva Vidyabhusana spent his life serving his spiritual masters, preserving the teachings of the previous acharyas, and glorifying Sri Sri Radha-Krishna. Although the exact date of his birth is unknown, his disappearance is traditionally commemorated by devotees as a sacred occasion to remember his immense contributions to the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

His legacy lives on through his writings, his example of humility and scholarship, and the enduring strength of the Gaudiya sampradaya that he so expertly defended.

Srimati Gangamata Gosvamini: The Princess Who Became a Saint

Srimati Gangamata Gosvamini is revered as one of the most extraordinary female acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Renowned for her deep devotion, scriptural wisdom, and complete dedication to the service of Sri Sri Radha-Krishna, her life continues to inspire devotees centuries after her appearance.

Born as **Princess Saci Devi**, she was the daughter of **King Naresh Narayana of Bengal**. Although raised amidst royal wealth and privilege, she showed little attraction to material comforts from an early age. Instead, her heart was drawn toward spiritual life, devotional practices, and the worship of Lord Krishna.

Following the departure of her parents, Saci Devi renounced her royal inheritance and journeyed to **Vrindavan**, seeking shelter among the Vaishnavas and dedicating herself fully to spiritual advancement. There she accepted **Sri Haridasa Pandita Goswami** as her spiritual master and immersed herself in the study of sacred scriptures, devotional service, and deep meditation upon Radha and Krishna.

Recognizing her sincerity and spiritual qualifications, her guru later instructed her to reside in **Jagannath Puri**. There she became associated with the historic **Radha-Kanai Temple**, helping restore its worship and establishing it as a center of devotional practice. Her profound teachings on the **Srimad-Bhagavatam** attracted many devotees, scholars, and respected leaders who came to hear her realizations.

She became widely known as **Gangamata Gosvamini** following a celebrated pastime connected with the sacred River Ganga. According to Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, Mother Ganga personally bestowed her blessings upon the saint, and devotees thereafter honored her with the title "Gangamata," meaning "Mother Ganga."

Gangamata Gosvamini demonstrated through her life that devotion transcends wealth, social status, and worldly position. Her example of humility, renunciation, unwavering faith, and dedication to guru and Krishna remains a guiding light for practitioners of bhakti.

Although the exact date of her departure from this world is not historically certain, devotees annually observe her appearance and disappearance days to remember her extraordinary devotion and pray for her blessings in the path of pure devotional service.
 

During the hottest season (northern hemisphere), if one can perform upavasa without water one is performing a great feat.

One may take only caranamrta and acamana water.
Bhima requested one vrata day by which he could obtain the fruits of all the other days of vrata that he was incapable of observing.
Vyasadeva advised him to follow this difficult vrata.

One should worship the Lord in the evening by bathing him in milk.
On the dvadasi one should give full pots of water to brahmanas and feed them before breaking one's fast.
SAMVATSARASYA YA MADHYE EKADASYO BHAVANTI HI TASAM PHALAM AVAPNOTI PUTRA ME NA ATRA SAMSAYAH ITI MAM KESAVAH PRAHA SANKHA CAKRA GADADHARAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/25 from PADMA PURANA Vyasadeva speaks to Bhimasena)

Oh son, Lord Keshava, Who holds the club, disk, conch and lotus flower in His hand, personally told me that all of the merit achieved by fasting on whatever Ekadasis fall in one year can be attained by fasting on this one Ekadasi (nirjala Ekadasi).
Of this, there is no doubt.

ATMADROHAH KRTASTES TU YAIR ESA NA HY UPOSITA PAPATMANO DURACARA DUSTAS TE NA ATRA SAMSAYAH
(HARI BHAKTI VILASA 15/33 from PADMA PURANA Vyasadeva speaks to Bhimasena)
Anyone who does not fast on this particular Ekadasi (nirjala Ekadasi), they should be understood to be sinful, corrupted and suicidal person without a doubt.

The Story of Pandava Nirjala Ekadasi:

Once Bhimasena, the younger brother of Maharaja Yudhisthira, asked the great sage Shrila Vyasadeva, the grandfather of the Pandavas, if it is possible to return to the spiritual world without having observed all the rules and regulations of the Ekadasi fasts.
Bhimasena then spoke as follows, "Oh greatly intelligent and learned grandfather, my brother Yudhisthira, my dear mother Kunti, and my beloved wife Draupadi, as well as Arjuna, Nakula and Sahadeva, fast completely on each Ekadasi and strictly follow all the rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions of that sacred day.
Being very religious, they always tell me that I should also fast on that day too.
But, Oh learned grandfather, I tell them that I cannot live without eating, because as the son of Vayudeva - Samanaprana, (the digestive air) hunger is unbearable to me.
I can give widely in charity and worship Lord Keshava properly with all manner of wonderful upacharas (items), but I cannot be asked to fast on Ekadasi.
Please tell me how I can obtain the same merits result without fasting."

Hearing these words, the grandsire of Bhima, Srila Vyasadeva said, "If you want to go to the heavenly planets and avoid the hellish planets, you should indeed observe a fast on both the light and dark Ekadasis."

Bhima replied, "Oh great saintly intelligent grandfather, please listen to my plea.
Oh greatest of munis, since I cannot live if I eat only once in a day, how can I possibly live if I fast completely?
Within my stomach burns a special fire named Vrika, the fire of digestion.
Agni the fire-god, descends from Lord Vishnu through Brahma, from Brahma to Angirasa, from Angirasa to Brihaspathi, and from Brihaspathi to Samyu, who was Agni's father.
He is the gatekeeper in charge of Nairritti, the south-eastern direction.
He is one of the eight material elements, and Parikshit Maharaja, he is very expert at examining things.
He examined Maharaja Shibi once by turning into a dove. (for further information on this incident see Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's Srimad Bhagavatam commentary to 1:12:20. Purport.)

Agni is divided into three categories; Davagni, the fire in wood, Jatharagni, the fire in the digestion in the stomach, and Vadavagni, the fire that creates fog when hot and cold streams mix in for example the ocean.
Another name for the fire of digestion is Vrika.
It is this powerful fire that resided in Bhima's stomach.
Only when I eat to my full satisfaction does the fire in my stomach become satisfied.
Oh great sage, I might possibly be able to fast only once, so I beg that you tell me of an Ekadasi that is worthy of my fasting and that includes all other Ekadasis.
I shall faithfully observe that fast and hopefully still become eligible for liberation's release."

Shrila Vyasadeva replied, Oh king, you have heard from me about the various kinds of occupational duties, such as elaborate Vedic ceremonies and pujas.
In the Kali-yuga, however, no one will be able to observe all these occupational & functional duties properly.
I shall therefore tell you how, at practically no expense, one can endure some small austerity and achieve the greatest benefit and resultant happiness.
The essence of what is written in the Vedic literatures known as the Puranas is that one should not eat on either the dark or light fortnight Ekadasis."

As stated in Srimad Bhagavatam (Mahabhagavat Puranam) 12:13:12 and 15, the Bhagavat Puranam is itself the essence or cream of all Vedanta philosophy (sara-vedanta-saram), and the Srimad Bhagavatam's unequivocal message is that of full surrender to Lord Sri Krishna and the rendering of loving devotional service to Him.
Observing Ekadasi strictly is a great aid in that process, and here Shrila Vyasadeva is simply stressing to Bhima the importance of the Ekadasi vratam.

"One who fasts on Ekadasis saved from going to the hellish planets."
Hearing Shrila Vyasadeva's words, the son of Vayu, Bhimasena, the strongest of all warriors, became frightened and began to shake like a leaf on a banyan tree in a strong wind.
The frightened Bhimasena then said, "Oh grandfather, what should I do? I am completely unable and ill equipped to fast twice in a month throughout the year!
Please tell me of the one fasting day that will bestow the greatest benefit upon me!"

Vyasadeva replied, "Without drinking even water, you should fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June) when the sun travels in the sign of Taurus (Vrishabh) and Gemini (Mithun),
According to learned personalities, on this day one may bathe and perform Achamana for pratiprokshana purification.
But while performing Achamana one may drink only that amount of water equal to a drop of gold, or that amount it takes to immerse a single mustard seed.
Only this amount of water should be placed in the right palm for sipping, which one should form to resemble a cow's ear.
If one drinks more water than this, he might as well have drunk wine despite the soaring heat of summer (in the northern hemisphere and cold in the southern hemisphere).

One must certainly not eat anything, for if he does so he breaks his fast.
This rigid fast is in effect from sunrise on the Ekadasi day to sunrise on the Dwadashi day.
If a person endeavours to observe this great fast very strictly, he easily achieves the result of observing all twenty-four other Ekadasi fasts throughout the entire year.

On Dwadashi the devotee should bathe early in the morning.
Then, according to the prescribed rules, guidelines and regulative injunctions, and of course depending on his ability, he should give some gold and water to worthy brahmanas.
Finally, he should cheerfully honour prasadam with a branmana.

Oh Bhimasena, one who can fast on this special Ekadasi in this manner reaps the benefit of having fasted on every Ekadasi during the year.
There is no doubt of this, nor should there be.

Oh Bhima, now hear the specific merit one gets by fasting on this Ekadasi.
The Supreme Lord Keshava, who holds a conch, discus, club and lotus, personally told me, `Everyone should take shelter of Me and follow My instructions.'
Then He told me that one who fasts on this Ekadasi, without taking even drinking water or eating, becomes free of all sinful reactions, and that one who observes the difficult nirjalafast on Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadasi truly reaps the benefit of all other Ekadasi fasts.

"Oh Bhimasena, in the Kali-yuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, when all the principles of the Vedas will have been destroyed or greatly minimised, and when there will be no proper charity or observance of the ancient Vedik principles and ceremonies, how will there be any means of purifying the self?
But there is the opportunity to fast on Ekadasi and become free of all one's past sins.

"Oh son of Vayu, what more can I say to you?
You should not eat during the Ekadasis that occur during the dark and light fortnights, and you should even give up drinking water (nir = no jala= water) on the particularly auspicious Ekadasi day of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadasi.
Oh Vrikodara (voracious eater), whoever fasts on this Ekadasi receives the merits of bathing in all the places of pilgrimage, giving all kinds of charities to worthy persons, and fasting on all the dark and light Ekadasis throughout the year, in one go.
Of this there is no doubt.

Oh tiger among men, whoever fasts on this Ekadasi truly becomes a great person and achieves all manner of opulence and wealth, grains, strength, and health.
And at the fearful moment of death, the terrible Yamadutas, whose complexions are yellow and black and who brandish huge maces and twirl mystic pasha ropes in the air for binding their victims, will refuse to approach him.
Rather, such a faithful soul will at once be taken to the supreme abode of Lord Vishnu by the Vishnu-dutas, whose transcendentally beautiful forms are clothed in gorgeous yellowish garments and who each hold a disk, club, conch and lotus in their four hands, resembling Lord Vishnu.
It is to gain all these benefits that one should certainly fast on this very auspicious and important Ekadasi, even from water."

When the other Pandavas heard about the benefits to be gained by following Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadasi, they resolved to observe it exactly as their grandfather Srila Vyasadeva had explained it to their brother, Bhimasena.
All the Pandavas observed it by refraining from eating or drinking anything, and thus this day is also known as Pandava Nirjala Dvadashi (technically it is a Maha-Dvadashi).

Shrila Vyasadeva continued, Oh Bhimasen, therefore you should observe this important fast to remove all your past sinful reactions.
You should pray to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Sri Krishna in this way making your sankalpa declaration, `Oh Lord of all the devas (demigods), Oh Supreme Personality of Godhead, today I shall observe Ekadasi without taking any water.
Oh unlimited Anantadev, I shall break fast on the next day, Dwadashi.'

Thereafter, to remove all his sins, the devotee should honour this Ekadasi fast with full faith in the Lord and with full control over his senses.
Whether his sins are equal in volume to Mount Sumeru or to Mandarachala Hill, if he or she observes this Ekadasi, the sins that have been accumulated all become nullified and are burned to ashes.
Such is the great power of this Ekadasi.

Oh best of human beings, although a person should also give water and cows in charity during this Ekadasi, if for some reason or other he cannot, then he should give a qualified brahmana some cloth or a pot filled with water.
Indeed, the merit achieved by giving water alone equals that gained by giving gold ten million times a day.

"Oh Bhima, Lord Sri Krishna has said that whoever observes this Ekadasi should take a Holy bath, give charity to a worthy person, chant the Lord's Holy names on a japa-mala, and perform some kind of recommended sacrifice, for by doing these things on this day one receives imperishable benefits.
There is no need to perform any other kind of religious duty.
Observance of this Ekadasi fast alone promotes one to the supreme abode of Sri Vishnu.
Oh best of the Kurus, if one donates gold, cloth, or anything else on this day, the merit one obtains is imperishable.

"Remember, whosoever eats any grains on Ekadasi becomes contaminated by sin and verily eats only sin.
In effect, he has already become a dog-eater, and after death he suffers a hellish existence.
But he who observes this sacred Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadasi and gives something in charity certainly achieves liberation from the cycle of repeated birth and death and attains to the supreme abode.
Observing this Ekadasi, which is merged with Dwadashi, frees one from the horrible sin of killing a brahmana, drinking liquor and wine, becoming envious of one's spiritual master and ignoring his instructions, and continually telling lies.

"Furthermore, Oh best of beings (Jivottama), any man or woman who observes this fast properly and worships the Supreme Lord Jalshayi (He who sleeps on the water), and who on the next day satisfies a qualified brahmana with nice sweets and a donation of cows and money - such a person certainly pleases the Supreme Lord Vasudeva, so much so that one hundred previous generations in his family undoubtedly go to the Supreme Lord's abode, even though they may have been very sinful, of bad character, and guilty of suicide, etc.
Indeed, one who observes this amazing Ekadasi rides on a glorious celestial airplane (vimana) to the Lord's abode.

"One who on this day gives a brahmana a waterpot, an umbrella, or shoes surely goes to the heavenly planets.
Indeed, he who simply hears these glories also attains to the transcendental abode of the Supreme Lord, Shri Vishnu.
Whoever performs the Shraddha ceremony to the forefathers on the dark-moon day called amavasya, particularly if it occurs at the time of a solar eclipse undoubtedly achieves great merit.
But this same merit is achieved by him who simply hears this sacred narration - so powerful and so dear to the Lord is this Ekadasi.

One should clean his teeth properly and, without eating or drinking, observe this Ekadasi to please the Supreme Lord, Keshava.
On the day after Ekadasi one should worship the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His form as Trivikrama by offering Him water, flowers, incense, and a brightly burning lamp.
Then the devotee should pray from the heart, `Oh God of gods, Oh deliverer of everyone, Oh Hrishikesha, master of the senses, kindly bestow upon me the gift of liberation, though I can offer you nothing greater than this humble pot filled with water.'
Then the devotee should donate the waterpot to a brahmana.

"Oh Bhimasena, after this Ekadasi fast and donating the recommended items according to his ability, the devotee should feed brahmanas and thereafter honour prasadam silently."

Shrila Vyasadeva concluded, "I strongly urge you to fast on this auspicious, purifying, sin-devouring Dwadashi in just the way I have outlined.
Thus you will be completely freed of all sins and reach the supreme abode."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Jyeshtha-shukla Ekadasi, or Bhimaseni-nirjala Ekadasi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Pura

Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, “Oh Supreme Lord, what is the name of that Ekadashi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the extra, leap-year month of Purushottama. What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of this to me?”

Lord Krishna, replied,

“Oh Yudhisthira, this meritorious day is called Parama Ekadashi. It bestows the great benediction of an enjoyable life and release from birth and death. The process for observing it is similar to that for observing the Ekadashi that occurs during the light part of this month of Karttika. I will now tell you a wonderful story, I heard from the great sage in the city of Kampilya.

Once a pious brahmin named Sumedha resided in Kampilya with his wife, Pavitra, who was devoted to her husband. On account of having committed some sin in his previous life, Sumedha was without any money and he hardly had adequate food, clothing, or shelter. His wife continued to serve Sumedha faithfully despite their poverty. When guests would come she would give them her own food.

Sumedha one day said to Pavitra, ‘I beg alms from the rich but receive hardly anything. Therefore please permit me to go abroad and attain some wealth.‘

Pavitra replied to him with great respect and affection: ‘One who, though in misery, is interested in the welfare of others speaks just as you have. However, the scriptures state that whatever wealth a person attains in his life is due to his having given charity in previous lives and that if one has not given charity, then even though he may sit atop a mound of gold, he will still remain poor. Please, therefore, stay with me and be satisfied with whatever wealth we get.’

Hearing this, Sumedha decided to stay back. One day the great sage Kaundinya arrived at their place, and upon seeing him, Sumedha and his wife offered him their obeisances. ‘‘Just by having your darshan today,’ said Sumedha, ‘I have become very fortunate.’ They fed the sage as they could afford, and afterwards, Pavitra asked the sage, ‘Oh most learned one, what process can we follow to be relieved of our poverty?’

Kaundinya reflected for a moment and then said, ‘There is a fast day very dear to Lord Hari. Fasting on this day nullifies all kinds of sins and removes all miseries caused by poverty. This fast day, which occurs during the dark part (Krishna paksha) of the extra, leap-year month, is known as Parama Ekadashi. It is the topmost day of Lord Vishnu, hence the name Parama.

This holy fast was once observed faithfully by Lord Kuvera. When Lord Shiva saw how strictly he had fasted, he became very pleased and made Kuvera the treasurer of heaven. Also, king Harishchandra fasted on this Ekadashi after his dear wife and son had been sold, and the king was able to get them back. Therefore, you also should observe the sacred fast of Parama Ekadashi.’

Then he said to Sumedha,

‘On the Dvadashi, the day after Ekadashi, you should vow to observe Pancharatrika fasting according to all the rules and regulations. After taking a bath early in the morning, you and your wife, along with both your parents and hers, should fast for five days according to your ability. Then you will all become eligible to return home, to the abode of Lord Vishnu.’

Hearing this advice, Sumedha and Pavitra, observed the Parama Ekadashi and the fast of Pancharatrika, and thereafter they saw a handsome prince approaching them from the royal palace. He gave them a beautiful house and an entire village for their livelihood.

Oh Yudhisthira, one who fasts on this day has also completed the offerings of oblations to his forefathers in Gaya. He has, in effect, fasted on all other auspicious days.’

The Pancharatrika fast – the fast of five days (pancha = five, ratri = nights) in the extra, leap year month – is said to remove all kinds of abominable sins. But the Pancharatrika fast, together with the fasts of Parama and Padmini Ekadashi, destroys all of a person’s sins. If a person is unable to fast on these days, he should observe the fasts during the extra month according to his ability. The rare human birth is meant for accumulating merit and at last achieving liberating release from this material world.

King Yudhisthira did exactly as Lord Krishna had instructed, and so did all his brothers and their wife. Whoever, after taking a proper bath, observes a fast on these two extra-month Ekadashis will go to heaven. Thus ends the narration of the glories of Parama Ekadashi from the Skanda Purana.

We warmly invite you to participate in Ekadashi Seva on this most auspicious day.
May Sri Sri Radha-Madhava bless you and your family with devotion, peace, protection, and spiritual happiness 

Ekadashi Seva Form: Parama Ekadashi Seva

*Please send transaction details and date of your choice and prayers to donorservices@mayapur.com or Whatsapp: +91-9593400192

Hare Krishna! Mayapur Academy, founded in 2007, is a premier institution dedicated to equipping devotees with comprehensive training in the sacred science of deity worship. As a joint educational initiative of the ISKCON Mayapur Deity Department and the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry, the Academy faithfully fulfills His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s profound desire for the development of deity worship and brahminical culture within our society. Our mission is to provide high-quality, systematic education in the principles and practices of deity worship, ensuring the preservation and transmission of these sacred traditions to create a global community of well-trained pujaris.
 

Hindi Deity Worship Course 
To expand this vital training, we are thrilled to announce our highly anticipated on-site Hindi Deity Worship Archan Course, specifically designed for our Hindi-speaking pujaris and aspiring sevaks. Running this September and October, the course focuses on two essential units: 
* Deity Dressing (September 21st – October 2nd, 2026), where students learn the intricate art of creating structured turbans and dressing 3-4 feet Radha Krishna deities, 
&
* Temple Worship (October 5th – October 23rd, 2026), providing a deep understanding of purity, basic rituals, and precise ceremonies like Şodaśopacāra Pūjā. We warmly invite all initiated devotees in good standing—both first and second initiated—to apply via our registration form (https://forms.gle/QdS7orkM9RrdJdsk8) and elevate their altar service to bring immense pleasure to Sri Sri Radha Madhava.
 

International Diploma in Arcana 
For those seeking a fully immersive and extensive experience, Mayapur Academy also proudly offers its renowned International Diploma in Deity Worship. This four-month intensive on-site educational program is meticulously designed to train students in every aspect of temple service over a full 16-week schedule. The comprehensive curriculum comprises five core units—Brahminical Culture & Ethics, Temple Worship, Cooking, Deity Dressing, and Mantras—alongside diverse electives such as Samskaras, Festivals & Abhishek, and Tulasi Care. By earning 52 credit points, which includes hands-on temple service (Practicum) and mandatory morning sadhana attendance, students internalize the appropriate mood, values, skills, and knowledge required to serve as expert pujaris in any ISKCON community worldwide.

Please register on:
https://forms.gle/c7ebfV8xg71Hd48m6

For more details, please visit:
https://mayapuracademy.org/prospectus/