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

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

Shri Suta Goswami said, "Yudhishthira Maharaja said, Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight (shukla paksha) of the extra, leap year month? How does one observe it properly? Please narrate all this to me."
The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Shri Krishna, replied, "Oh Pandava, the meritorious Ekadashii that occurs during the light fortnight of the extra month of leap-year is called Padmini. It is very auspicious. The fortunate soul who observes it with great determination and faith will return to My personal abode. This extra-month Ekadashi is as powerful as I am in nullifying sins. Even four-headed Lord Brahma cannot glorify it sufficiently. Long ago Lord Brahma told Narada about this liberating, sin-removing Ekadashi."

Lotus-eyed Lord Krishna became very pleased by the enquiry of Yudhishthira and spoke to him the following pleasing words: "Oh king, please listen carefully as I narrate to you the process of fasting on Padmini Ekadashi, which is rarely done even by great sages.

One should begin his fast on the Dashami, the day before Ekadashi, by not eating any Urad dahl, chickpeas, spinach, honey, or sea salt, and also by not dining in homes of others or off bell-metal plates. These eight things should be avoided. One should eat only once on the Dashami, sleep on the ground, and remain celibate. On Ekadashi the devotee should rise early in the morning but should not brush his teeth. Then he should thoroughly bathe - in a place of pilgrimage, if possible. While chanting sacred hymns from the Vedas, he should smear his body with cow dung mixed with clay, sesame-seed paste, kusha grass, and the powder of Amalaki fruits.

Then the devotee should take another thorough bath, after which he should chant the following prayers: "Oh sacred clay, you have been created by Lord Brahma, purified by Kashyapa Muni, and lifted by Lord Krishna in His form as Varaha, the boar incarnation. Oh clay, please purify my head, eyes, and other limbs. Oh clay, I offer my obeisances unto you. Kindly purify me so I may worship the Supreme Lord, Shri Hari.

Oh cow-dung, you posses medicinal and antiseptic qualities because you have come directly from the stomach of our universal mother, the cow. You can purify the entire planet Earth. Please accept my humble obeisances and purify me.

Oh Amalaki fruits, please accept my humble obeisances. You have taken your birth from the saliva of Lord Brahma, and thus by your very presence the entire planet is purified. Kindly cleanse and purify my bodily limbs.

Oh Supreme Lord Vishnu, Oh God of the gods, Oh master of the universe, Oh holder of the conch, disc, club, and lotus, please allow me to bathe in all the holy places of pilgrimage."

Reciting these excellent prayers, chanting mantras to Lord Varuna, and meditating on all the places of pilgrimage located on the banks of the Ganges, one should bathe in whatever body of water is at hand. Then, Oh Yudhishthira, the devotee should rub his body, thus purifying his mouth, back, chest, arms, and waist as a prelude to worshipping the Supreme Lord, who wears brilliant yellow garments and gives pleasure to all creatures. By so doing, the devotee will destroy all his sins. Afterwards, he should chant the sacred Gayatri mantra, offer oblations to his forefathers, and then enter a Vishnu temple to worship Lord Narayana, the husband of the Goddess of Fortune, Laxmi-devi.

If possible, the devotee should then fashion Deities of Shri Shri Radha and Krishna or Shiva and Parvati out of gold and offer them nice devotional worship. He should fill a copper or clay pot with pure water mixed with scents, and then he should cover the pot with a cloth lid and a gold or silver lid, in this way preparing an Asana upon which the Radha-Krishna or Shiva-Parvati murthis may sit for worship.

According to capacity, the devotee should then worship these murtis with fragrant incense, a bright ghee lamp, and sandalwood paste along with camphor, musk, kumkum, and other scents, as well as selected aromatic flowers like white lotuses and other seasonal blooms, and also very nicely prepared foods. On this special Ekadashi the devotees should dance and sing ecstatically before the Deity. He should avoid prajalpa (talking unnecessarily of ordinary, mundane conversational topics) at all costs and should not talk to or touch low-born persons (untrained persons habituated to low acts) or a woman in her menstrual period, or others so absorbed. On this day he should be especially careful to speak the truth and certainly not criticize anyone before the Deity of Lord Vishnu, the brahmins, or the spiritual master.Rather, with other devotees he should be absorbed in listening to Vaishnavas read the glories of Lord Vishnu from the Puranas. One should not drink or even touch water to his lips on this Ekadashi, and one who is unable to perform this austerity should drink only water or milk. Otherwise, the fast is considered broken. One should remain awake that Ekadashi night, singing and playing musical instruments for the transcendental pleasure of the Supreme Person.

During the first quarter of the Ekadashi night the devotee should offer some coconut meat to his worshippable Deity (Isthadeva), during the second part he should offer soothing bel fruit, during the third part an orange, and as the night draws to a close some betel nut. Remaining awake during the first part of the Ekadashi night bestows on the devotee/sadhaka the same merit as that gained by performing the Agnistoma-yajna. Staying awake during the second part of the night bestows the same merit as that gained by performing a Vajapeya-yajna. Stay awake during the third part gives one the same merit as that attained by performing an Ashvamedha-yajna.

And one who remains awake throughout the night receives all of the above mentioned merit, as well as the grand merit of having performed a Rajasurya-yajna. Thus there is no better fasting day in the year than Padmini Ekadashi. Nothing can compare to it as a giver of merit, whether it be a fire sacrifice, knowledge, education, or austerity. Indeed, whoever observes this sacred Ekadashi fast receives all the merit attained by bathing in all the places of pilgrimage in the world.

After remaining awake throughout the night, the devotee should bathe at sunrise and then worship Me nicely. He should then feed a qualified brahmin and respectfully give him the Deity of Lord Keshava and the pot filled with pure scented water. This gift will guarantee the devotee success in this life and liberation in the hereafter.

Oh sinless Yudhishthira, as you have requested, I have described the rules and regulations, as well as the benefits, regarding the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the extra, leap-year month.

Fasting on this Padmini day bestows merit equal to that gained by fasting on all other Ekadashis.

The Ekadashi that occurs during the dark part of the extra month, which is known as Parama Ekadashi, is as powerful at removing sin as this one, Padmini.

Now please listen to Me carefully as I narrate to you a fascinating account connected with this sacred day. Pulastya Muni once recited this history to Naradji.

Pulastya Muni once had occasion to rescue the ten headed demon Ravana from the prison of Kartaviry Arjuna, and upon hearing of this event Narada Muni asked his friend, "Oh greatest of sages, since this Ravana defeated all the demigods, including Lord Indradev, how could Kartaviry Arjuna defeat Ravana, who was so skilled in battle?"

Pulastya Muni replied, "Oh great Narada, during the Tretayuga, Kartavirya (Kartaviry Arjuna's father) took birth in the Haihaya dynasty. His capital city was Mahishmati, and he had one thousand Queens, whom he loved very dearly. None of them, however, was able to give him the son he wanted so badly.

He performed sacrifices and worshipped the devas (demigods) and forefathers (pitris), but due to the curse of some sage he was unable to beget a son - and without a son, a king cannot enjoy his kingdom, just as a hungry man can never really enjoy his senses.

King Kartavirya carefully considered his plight and then decided to perform severe austerities to achieve his goal. Thus he donned a loincloth made of bark, grew matted locks, and turned over the reins of his kingdom to his ministers. One of his queens, Padmini - who was born in the Ikshvaku dynasty, who was the best of all women, and who was the daughter of King Harishchandra - saw the king leaving.

She felt that, since she was a chaste wife, her duty was to follow in the footsteps of her beloved husband. Removing all the regal ornaments from her beautiful body and donning but one piece of cloth, she thus followed her husband into the forest.

At last Kartavirya reached the summit of Mount Gandhamadana, where he performed severe austerities and penances for ten thousand years, meditating and praying to Lord Gadadhara, who wields a club.

But still he did not get a son. Seeing her dear husband waste away to mere skin and bone, Padmini thought of a solution to the problem. She went to the chaste Anasuya. With great reverence, Padmini said, "Oh great lady, my dear husband, Kartavirya, has been performing austerities for the last ten thousand years, but Lord Krishna (Keshava), who alone can remove one's past sins and present difficulties, has not yet become pleased with him. Oh most fortunate one, please tell me a fast day we can observe and thus please the Supreme Lord with our devotion, so much so that He will bless me with a nice son who will later rule the world as emperor."

Upon hearing the appealing words of Padmini, who was very chaste and deeply devoted to her husband, the great Anasuya replied to her in a very cheerful mood: "Oh beautiful, lotus-eyed lady, usually there are twelve months in a year, but after every thirty-two months an extra month is added, and the two Ekadashis that occur during this month are called Padmini Ekadashi and Parama Ekadashi. They fall on the Dvadashis of the light and dark part of the month, respectively. You should fast on these days and remain awake throughout the night. If you do so, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Shri Hari, will bless you with a son."

Oh Narada, in this way Anasuya, the daughter of the sage Kardama Muni, explained the potency of these special Ekadashis. Hearing this, Padmini faithfully followed the instructions to fulfill her desire for a son. Padmini fasted completely, even from water, and remained awake all night, chanting the glories of God and dancing in ecstasy. Lord Keshava thus became most pleased with her devotion and appeared before her, riding on the back of the great Garuda. The Lord said, "Oh beautiful one, you have greatly pleased Me by fasting on the special Ekadashi of the extra month of Purushottama. Please ask Me for a benediction."

Hearing these sublime words from the overseer of the entire universe, Padmini offered the Supreme Lord devotional prayers and asked Him for the boon her husband desired.

Lord Keshava (Krishna) was moved to reply, "Oh gentle lady, I am very happy with you, for there is no month dearer to Me than this, and the Ekadashis that occur during this month are the most dear to Me of all Ekadashis.You have followed My devotee Anasuya's instructions perfectly, and therefore I shall do what will please you. You and your husband will have the desired son that you wish."

The Lord, who removes the distress of the world, then spoke to King Kartavirya: "Oh King, please ask of Me any boon that will fulfill your heart's desire, for your dear wife has pleased Me greatly with her devotional fasting."

The king was very happy to hear this. Naturally he asked for the son he had desired for so long:

"Oh master of the universe, Oh killer of the Madhu-demon, kindly grant me a son who will never be conquered by the demigods, human beings, snakes, demons, or hobgoblins, but whom only You can defeat.'

The Supreme Lord immediately replied, 'So be it!" and disappeared.

The king became so very pleased with his wife and returned to his palace in her company. Padmini soon became pregnant, and the mighty-armed Kartaviry Arjuna appeared as her son. He was the mightiest person in all the three worlds, and thus even the ten-headed Ravana could not defeat him in battle. Except for Lord Narayana, who holds a club, a disc, and other symbols in His hands no one could overcome him. By the merit that resulted from his mother's strict and faithful observance of Padmini Ekadashi, he could defeat even the dreaded Ravana. This is not at all surprising, Oh Naradji, for Kartaviry Arjuna was the fulfillment of the benediction of the Supreme Personality of Godhead."

With these words, Pulastya Muni departed.

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, concluded, "Oh sinless Yudhishthira, as you have enquired from Me, I have explained to you the power of this special Ekadashi. Oh best of kings, whoever observes this fast will surely attain to My personal abode. And similarly, if you want all your desires fulfilled, you should do likewise."

Hearing these words from the mouth of his beloved Keshava, Dharmaraja (Yudhishthira) became filled with joy, and when the time came he faithfully observed Padmini Ekadashi. Suta Goswami concluded, "Oh sage Saunaka, I have explained to you all about this meritorious Ekadashi.

Anyone who devotedly fasts on the Ekadashis that occur during the extra, leap-year months, carefully following all the rules, becomes glorious and happily goes back to Godhead.

And one who merely hears or reads about these Ekadashis will also obtain great merit and ultimately enter the abode of Lord Shri Hari."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Padmini Ekadashi, the Ekadashi that occurs during the light fortnight of the extra, leap-year month of Purushottama, from the Skanda Purana.

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.
---
# 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.
---
# 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.

---

## 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.
---
## 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.
---
## 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.
---
## 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
---
## 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.
---
# 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.
---
# 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.

---

# 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.
---
# 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.
---
# 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.
---
# 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