"Whenever and wherever there is a decline in religious practice, O descendant of Bharata, and a predominant rise of irreligion—at that time I descend Myself."

– Bhagavad Gita 4.7

In every age, when dharma weakens and adharma rises, the Supreme Personality of Godhead appears in forms befitting the time, place, and circumstance—just to protect His devotees and re-establish the principles of religion. Though He is unborn and eternal, Krishna takes birth by His own sweet will.

From the Srimad-Bhagavatam we hear of His countless avatāras—Matsya, the divine fish who rescued the Vedas; Kurma, the tortoise who held the Mandara mountain; Varaha, who lifted the Earth; Narasimha, who protected Prahlāda and tore apart Hiraṇyakaśipu; Vāmana, the dwarf brāhmaṇa who humbled Bali Mahārāja; Paraśurāma, the warrior sage; Rāma, the ideal king; Balarāma, the Lord of strength; Buddha, the preacher of nonviolence; and finally Kalki, who will appear at the end of this age.

And in the Dvāpara-yuga, the all-attractive Śrī Krishna, the original Supreme Personality of Godhead, appeared not merely as an avatāra, but as the fountainhead of all incarnations. ete cāṁśa-kalāḥ puṁsaḥ kṛṣṇas tu bhagavān svayam — all the other incarnations are either plenary portions or portions of the plenary portions, but Śrī Krishna is Bhagavān Himself.

He appeared in the prison of Kaṁsa to Vasudeva and Devakī, and performed His divine childhood pastimes in Gokula and Vṛndāvana. He lifted Govardhana Hill with His little finger, danced on the hoods of Kāliya, and gave His intimate company to the Vraja-gopīs, whose love surpasses all description.

How fortunate are we in this age of Kali, despite all imperfections, to get the opportunity to glorify this transcendental Lord, to hear of His pastimes, to chant His holy names, and to celebrate His divine appearance—Śrī Krishna Janmāṣṭamī—on the 16th of August.

Let us come together to chant, remember, and serve. This Janmāṣṭamī, may our hearts be filled with love for Govinda, the lover of Rādhā, the lifter of Govardhana, the son of Nanda Mahārāja, and the shelter of all.

Your devotion and generosity has always made Janmashtami a very significant and jubilant event, touching the lives of thousands of pilgrims.

On the day of Janmastami, Sri Radha-Madhava and Asta Sakhis will be offered two sets of new outfits and jewellery, gorgeous flower decorations and a bhoga of at least 108 items and a big birthday cake. Book your seva right now and be fortunate to serve the Lord, His devotees and His dear cows in the holiest of dhams, Sri Mayapur.

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“O Radha! O beloved of Madhava! O you who are worshiped by all the young girls of Gokula! All glories unto You! All glories unto You!” (Sri Radhika-stava, by Srila Rupa Gosvami)

Sri Janmastami is celebrated with much grandeur all over the world, because it is the birthday celebration of the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself. Can there be any festival greater than this? If this question is asked to devotees in Sri Dham Mayapur, the answer will be ‘Yes.’ Sri Krishna may be God, but there is one personality who devotees honor even more than Him.

Who is greater than God Himself? Sri Krishna, by definition, must be the greatest, but He has expanded Himself as Srimati Radharani, and although the whole world is controlled by Krishna, Krishna is controlled by Srimati Radhika.

Srila Prabhupada explains: “Krishna, everyone is trying to love Krishna, but Krishna is trying to love somebody. Now how great She is. Just try to understand. Everyone, the whole world, the whole universe, all living entities, they are trying to love Krishna, krsna-prema.… So krsna-prema is so valuable, but Krishna is after Radharani. Just see how Radharani is great. Just try to understand the greatness of Radharani. Therefore She is so great, and we have to offer our respect." (Montreal, August 30, 1968)

Pleasing Srimati Radharani is the ultimate goal, for if She is pleased, then automatically Krishna is pleased. Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, and thus it can be difficult to approach Him, but through Radharani He can easily become accessible. Srila Prabhupada explains in the Nectar of Devotion that Srimati Radharani is the representation of Krishna’s compassionate nature, and so devotees pray to Srimati Radharani in order to achieve Krishna’s compassion and mercy.

On Radhastami, devotees take advantage of this day to serve and please Srimati Radharani and obtain Her mercy, and through honoring Her on Her appearance day, also greatly please Her Lord Krishna. Therefore, apart from the annual ISKCON Gaura Purnima festival, Sri Radhastami is one of the most grandly celebrated festivals in ISKCON Mayapur.

Radhastami in Sri Dham Mayapur has a unique sweetness. Sri Navadvipa Dham is a manifestation of Srimati Radharani’s mercy and of Her desire to serve and please Lord Krishna; She personally created Sri Dham Mayapur in order to enchant Him, and He eternally resides there and is especially merciful to devotees who perform devotional service to Him and Sri Radhika in Mayapur Dham. Honoring Sri Radhastami, the most merciful of days, in the most merciful land created by Sri Radhika, is a wonderful way to obtain the mercy of the Lord.

The day before Radhastami in Sri Dham Mayapur, Radhastami celebrations have already begun, as the devotees’ excitement to honor Srimati Radharani cannot be contained for another day. The Radha Premdan Kirtan Utsav commences, and ecstatic kirtan is performed all day as devotees make preparations for the next day’s festival. Many devotees, both residents of Sri Dham Mayapur and visiting devotees, get the opportunity to sing for Sri Sri Radha Madhava. The climax of the day’s Radha Premdan Kirtan Utsav is during the Adhivas ceremony that evening, when Sri Sri Radha Madhava are honored with 26 auspicious items and the devotees are encouraged to prepare their consciousness for Sri Radhastami the next day with an Adhivas address by His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.

On Radhastami day itself, senior devotees speak about the glories of Srimati Radharani and Sri Radhastami during Srimad Bhagavatam class. This takes place before Darshan Arati, which is one hour later than usual in order to allow Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s pujaris to exquisitely adorn the deities in a new dress and to transform Their altar with elaborate decorations. Devotees crowd into Radha Madhava’s temple hall and call out to Sri Sri Radha Madhava as they wait to take darshan of Srimati Radhika. As the curtains of the altar are drawn back and Sri Sri Radha Madhava are revealed, the beauty of Srimati Radharani stuns all who are assembled.

Srimati Radharani’s beauty surpasses all other beauty, and it is described by Srila Rupa Goswami as follows:“The beauty of Srimati Radharani's eyes forcibly devours the beauty of newly grown blue lotus flowers, and the beauty of Her face surpasses that of an entire forest of fully blossomed lotuses. Her bodily luster seems to place even gold in a painful situation. Thus the wonderful, unprecedented beauty of Srimati Radharani is awakening Vrindavana.” This is a beauty beyond compare.

Srimati Radharani is glorified and served in many ways in Sri Dham Mayapur on Her divine appearance day. The Radha Premdan Kirtan Utsav continues throughout the day, as devotees glorify Srimati Radharani with Her holy name. A booth is set up in the temple where devotees can sponsor gifts to offer to Srimati Radharani, and hundreds of these gifts are offered. Srimati Radharani is given new cloth and jewelry, such as shawls, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, nose rings, and anklets. She is given many varieties of foodstuffs – numerous types of fruits, vegetables, and sweets, and honey, ghee, and other auspicious items. Throughout the day, the devotees bring these gifts onto the altar and offer them to Srimati Radharani.

A special dance drama is performed for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Madhava and the assembled devotees, in which devotees play the parts of Vrajavasis and demonstrate the happiness the Vrajavasis felt upon hearing about the appearance of Srimati Radharani.

A Maha abhiseka is performed for Radha Madhava and They are bathed with a variety of auspicious substances – panca gavya, pancamrita, various fruit juices, scented sugar syrups, and flower waters. Radha Madhava are also given two kinds of showers: Sarva Aushadi and Maha Aushadi, which use natural medicinal and herbal substances to bathe the Lord. After being bathed in these various substances, sandalwood paste is applied and then washed off of Radha Madhava’s forms with a steady shower of Ganga water known as Sahastradhara. The abhiseka finishes with a Puspa abhiseka, in which Radha Madhava are showered with flower petals until They are almost completely covered by what resembles a hill of petals, and only Their lotus faces can be seen.

Hundreds of bhoga preparations are cooked by the devotees of the community and offered to Radha Madhava and Their Asta-sakhis. Among these offerings are two birthday cakes for Srimati Radharani, but these cakes are not like most cakes; the double layer cakes are massive, with one measuring 3 feet by 7 feet (21 square feet) and the other measuring 3 feet by 9 feet (27 square feet).

A Maha arati is performed for Radha Madhava, and then a feast is served to all of the devotees, in various venues, before the devotees return to the temple to again take darshan of Sri Sri Radha Madhava and to engage in the kirtan which has been going on continuously, and which continues until late in the evening. At this time, all of the devotees offer ghee lamps to the deities, illuminating the temple with the flickering light of their offerings, and Srimati Radharani is glorified through the singing of Sri Radhikastakam, led by His Grace Naru Gopal Prabhu. This ecstatic kirtan concludes the festivities.

By honoring Srimati Radharani on Her appearance day, devotees become filled with bliss, because when Lord Krishna is pleased, the whole world becomes pleased, and there is no better way to please the Lord than by honoring His devotees – and of all the devotees Srimati Radharani is topmost.

“So this is our philosophy, to please Krishna through Radharani, and just today is the auspicious day of Radharani appearance. So we should … pray to Radharani that ‘Radharani, kindly be merciful and tell about me to Your Krishna. To Your Krishna. Krishna is Yours.’ Krishna, Radha-Krishna. Krishna is not independent. Krishna is Radharani’s property. So you have to approach Krishna through Radharani. That is, today is the auspicious day. Worship Radharani very nicely and be happy.” (Lecture given by Srila Prabhupada on September 5, 1973)

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You can offer gifts, abhisheka items, pooja, flower garlands , Birthday cake to Srimati Radharani at Sri Mayapur or take part in Prasada seva.

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The Jhulan Festival is celebrated in the month of Shravana (August), from the eleventh day of the bright fortnight (Ekadashi) to the full-moon day (Purnima). This festival commemorates the childhood pastimes of Sri Krishna with His friends, the young cowherd boys and girls, swinging underneath the trees.

Every day, the Deities of Sri Radha Madhava are adorned with various jewelries and gently swayed on a swing decorated profusely with flowers. The main temple hall is beautifully decorated with flowers and festoons. The Deities of Sri Madhava and Srimati Radharani are adorned in brilliance and placed in a Jhulan (swing) adorned with a variety of beautiful flowers. A special arati is offered to the Deities, accompanied by sweet kirtans sung by devotees. After the arati, devotees get an opportunity to sway the swing and offer direct personal service to Their Lordships.
 

Jhulan Yatra Pastimes by HH Jayapataka Swami:

In India, the Jhulan Yatra is observed in the rainy season, when the air is humid and sticky. At such a time, the gentle swinging of Radha and Krishna is believed to bring a soothing breeze. In various parts of Vrindavan, this festival is celebrated differently—some for thirteen days, others for four. Following Srila Prabhupada’s instruction, we begin on Ekadashi and continue until Purnima.

The roads to the Jhulan site are lit up spectacularly, resembling a wedding celebration—but it is all in honor of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Radha Madhava Ki Jai!

His Holiness Jayapataka Swami narrates that Radharani, during this time, goes to visit Her parents—King Vrsabhanu and Queen Kirtida—at Varsana Hill. Her brother, Sridama, brings her home. But in the lila where She is in parakiya rasa, Radharani is married and has a mother-in-law named Jotila, who initially forbids Her from leaving. Crying to go see Her parents, She wins Jotila’s favor with the gifts sent by Vrsabhanu Maharaja. Jotila relents but warns Her to be cautious of “that black-faced boy of Nandagram, Krishna!”

As no one comes to escort Her, She laments, “Oh, they forgot Me, they forgot Me!” Vrsabhanu and Kirtida send Sridama promptly to bring Her home. Overjoyed, Radharani embraces Her parents. Meanwhile, Krishna, in disguise, finds Her alone on the swing and begins pushing it vigorously. Frightened, She calls out, “Krishna! Krishna save Me!” Hearing Her cry, Krishna reveals Himself and sits beside Her. Radharani, overwhelmed with relief, embraces Him. This moment is especially dear to Krishna, as She embraces Him willingly—without His needing to perform any tricks.

This is why Krishna loves Jhulan Yatra so much—it’s a time when Radharani naturally expresses Her love. Every swing is a personal service, a breeze of divine affection, and a sweet opportunity for every devotee to offer their love to the Lord.

The final day of the festival coincides with Balarama Purnima, the auspicious appearance day of Lord Balarama. Devotees are decorated with colorful powders and joyfully engage in breaking clay pots filled with honey, jaggery, and various sweets. Balarama’s favorite varuni drink is offered throughout the evening.

As night falls, Sri Sri Radha Madhava are mounted on Their magnificently decorated palanquin and taken to a small pukur (pond) near Their kunja. A beautiful light display reflects over the water. When the show concludes, the Lord returns to the temple through a road lit with more glowing displays and is greeted with dramatic exhibitions such as devotees breathing fire. The entire procession resounds with ecstatic tumult heard in all directions.

During the Jhulan Yatra festival, Their Lordships shower Their mercy upon the devotees, engaging in loving pastimes and allowing devotees to serve Them intimately through prayers, home-cooked offerings, songs, lamp offerings, dances, and showers of flowers.

So this is the Jhulan festival—a festival of devotion, celebration, and the rare chance to personally pull the swing of the Lord every day.
 

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Fruit decoration – ₹50,001
 

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Caturmasya means “four months.” It is a period of austerity, simplicity, and purification observed during the rainy season (generally July to October in India). It begins from the Ekadasi of the waxing moon in the month of Ashadha (Shayani Ekadasi) and ends on the Ekadasi of the waxing moon in Kartika (Utthana Ekadasi).

Srila Prabhupada explains:

Overindulgence in food will cause a man to sleep more than required. This human form of life is meant for austerity, and austerity means controlling sex, food intake, etc. In this way time can be saved for spiritual activity, and one can purify himself both externally and internally. Thus both body and mind can be cleansed.

— SB 4.28.35, Purport

Purpose of Caturmasya

The Chaturmasya Vrata from Haribhakti Vilasa

15th vilasa

Caturmasya Benefits

Bhavisya Purana- “One who passes the Chaturmasya season without observing religious vows, austerities and chanting of japa, such a fool although living should be considered to be a dead man.”

Kanda Purana, Nagava Khunda- “In the month of shravana (July, August) one should refrain from eating leafy vegetables. In the month of Bhadra (August, September) of yogert in Ashvina (September, October) milk. In Kartik (October, November) meat and urd dall.

Why Observe Caturmasya

Lord Krishna declares in the Padma Purana:

One who does not observe vows during Caturmasya loses the results of all pious activities and pleasing the Supreme Personality of Godhead becomes difficult.

Caturmasya is meant to purify the senses, deepen one’s devotional mood, and curb material indulgence. It is a time to internalize spiritual goals by sacrificing small comforts for a higher cause — pleasing Lord Vishnu and progressing on the path of bhakti.

Focus of the First Month (Shravana Masa)

From July 10 to August 8, the vrata or vow for the first month is:

Avoiding all green leafy vegetables, including spinach, methi or fenugreek, coriander, amaranth, mustard greens, and others.

This austerity is not just dietary — it is symbolic of disciplining the tongue, which is the doorway to sense control. According to Srila Prabhupada, if the tongue is controlled, all other senses follow.

Spiritual Practices During This Month

In addition to dietary restrictions, devotees are encouraged to

• Increase chanting and hearing of Harinama and Srimad Bhagavatam
• Offer simple sattvic meals with devotion
• Avoid unnecessary material pleasures or distractions
• Perform seva, charity, and acts of humility
• Visit Vrindavan holy places or take up Govardhan parikrama
• Read about and meditate on the pastimes of Lord Krishna and His devotees

Caturmasya and Srila Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada emphasized the importance of observing Caturmasya, especially for serious devotees and those living in temples or dhams. He explained that such vrata strengthens our devotional vows, prevents spiritual laziness, and cultivates a mood of tapasya or spiritual discipline.

Even small efforts during these months earn immense spiritual merit because they are offered during a time of the Lord’s divine rest.

Who Should Observe It?

There is no restriction with who can observe the Caturmasya Vrata!

Devotional Activities to increase in this period:

Chant at least 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Read daily: Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, Caitanya-caritamrta.

Avoid overeating or rich preparations.

Wake up early, attend Mangal Arati (if in temple) or offer own morning prayers.

Offer deepam (ghee lamp) to the Lord during Kartika month.

Be extra mindful of Vaishnava etiquette and humility.

During the Ratha-yātrā festival in Jagannātha Purī, when Lord Caitanya and His party were at the Gundicā Temple, a celebration erupted—with colorful processions, music, and dancing. Svarūpa Dāmodara and others spoke with the Lord near the temple when suddenly the atmosphere shifted.

At that precise joyful moment, Goddess Lakṣmī, the divine consort of Lord Jagannātha, arrived in a majestic procession. Seated upon a resplendent golden four-pillared palanquin adorned with jewels, she led her entourage toward Gundicā—to bring her Lord back home.

Lakṣmī’s Protest and Displeasure

Lakṣmī Devi was deeply displeased. In her eyes, Lord Jagannātha had been taken away by His brother Balabhadra and sister Subhadra too often and for too long, neglecting her affection and participation in the Ratha-yātrā festivities. On this “fifth day” (Panchami), she decided enough was enough—thus the name Hera Panchami (hera = “to see/meet secretly”).

Bearing her anger, she attempted a dramatic act of reclaiming: she symbolically attempted to steal Jagannātha from Gundicā, signifying she wouldn’t let the festival conclude until the Lord returned to her side.

The Turning Point

With determination, Lakṣmī ordered the temple ropes to be cut, seeking to disrupt the pulling of the chariot. Her associates prepared to interfere with the festivities. But Svarūpa Dāmodara and Rūpa Gosvāmī, witnessing her wrath, stepped forward.

They approached Lakṣmī Devi with reverence, speaking tenderly and lovingly to pacify her mind. Their gentle words reminded her of the broader joy of the festival, and with pure devotional respect, they soothed her jealousy and disappointment.

Reconciliation and Departure

Gradually, Lakṣmī Devi’s anger melted away. Comforted by heartfelt assurances and reassured of her deep place alongside the Lord, she relinquished her disruptive act and returned, calm and satisfied, into the temple to resume her worship.

Summary Meaning

Hera Panchami illustrates the mood of Lakṣmī’s deep love and possessiveness for Jagannātha. Even amidst divine pastimes of joy and celebration, when devotion is full and hearts are immersed in worship, attachment arises—and with it, emotion. Lakṣmī’s act symbolizes that intimate, personal bond the devoted feel when separated from their beloved Lord.

Her anger leads to meaningful dialogue and reconciliation, demonstrating how tender mercy reigns even in divine love relationships. It’s a touching vignette of devotional sentiment woven into the Ratha-yātrā lila.

Jai Sri Laxmi Devi Ki Jai!!!!

Sri Ratha Yatra Ki Jai!!!

The Puranas explain why the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna appears in Puri Dham as Dharu-brahma. King Indradyumna once found three logs of wood in the ocean. Lord Krishna personally came to Indradyumna disguised as Viswakarma in order to carve the deities from the logs. He instructed the king to leave Him alone for twenty-one days inside the room. Viswakarma warned that if anyone opened the door before twenty-one days, the deities carving would remain incomplete.

Fifteen days passed and no sounds of carving could be heard from the room. Queen Gundicha suspected that the old carpenter was dead inside due to want of food. She asked the king to open the door and investigate. The king objected to this proposal, wanting to follow the instruction of the carpenter, but being forced by the queen he opened the door. He was shocked to discover that the carpenter had disappeared. To the king’s sadness, the deities construction was unfinished.

Then one unseen sound vibration was heard. “Do not worry,” the voice said. “Because you opened the door before twenty-one days and did not keep your promise, the deities will remain in this form. You can start worshiping these deities. Bring Lord Brahma from Brahma-loka to install Them.”

From this description it seems that these deities are unfinished or incomplete forms of the Lord. People give many different purports to explain this form of the Lord. Some say that Parabrahma is formless, and that this “incomplete” form of Jagannath proves it. Others say this is the form of the Buddha. Still others claim this form to be Bhairava. To some this form looks very ghastly. Yet many people glorify His lovely features, especially His smiling face. All of these claims are true because He is everything.

There is a very secret and esoteric reason to confirm why Their forms are like this. In fact, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra are not deformed or incomplete forms. Rather, They are eternal forms—super complete forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This form did not manifest just because the queen forced King Indradyumna to open the door prematurely. Actually, the Lord had previously manifested this most beautiful form to His devotees. Choka-dola Lord Jagannath mercifully gives His darshan to everyone in order to deliver the whole universe. The Vaishnavas understand and appreciate this loving reciprocation between the Lord and His devotees, and they relish the following pastime describing the real reason the Lord appears as Jagannath.

After leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna resided in Dwaraka along with His 16,108 wives. All of them were very beautiful and served the Lord with extreme love and care. Though the queens engaged in intense service to satisfy their divine husband, still Lord Krishna always meditated on Sri Vrindavan. He constantly remembered the residents of Vraj, especially the gopas and gopis, and He longingly recalled the pastimes he shared with them. Feeling separation from Vrindavan, sometimes Lord Krishna would seem indifferent to everything. This disturbed His wives immensely. The queens of Dwaraka thought, “What is happening? Even if we serve the Lord so nicely, why does He always talk about and remember Vrindavan?” The Lord frequently cried out in His sleep, “Radhe, Radhe! Gopi, Gopi!”

The queens became curious to know about the Lord’s pastimes in Vrindavan. What happened there so that Lord could not forget? “But who can tell us the childhood pastimes of our beloved husband when he was a child living in Vrindavan?” They came to know that Mother Rohini had witnessed the Vrindavan pastimes of the Lord, and that to their great fortune, she was staying in Dwaraka. One day, all of the queens anxiously approached Rohini mata and requested her to kindly tell them about the Lord’s youth in Vrindavan.

Mother Rohini understood that the queens were eager to hear about the Lord’s Vraja lila. She said, “Indeed, the Vrindavan pastimes of Krishna are very special—so special that Krishna also gets attracted by hearing their glories. I can describe those wonderful activities to you, but on one condition: Krishna and Balaram should not hear when I describe these pastimes. If they hear, it will be a big problem.”

One day, when Krishna and Balaram had gone to attend a meeting in Sudharma meeting hall, all of the queens eagerly took the opportunity of Their absence. They all gathered in one big hall and requested Rohini Mata to narrate Krishna’s childhood pastimes. To make sure that the brothers could not listen, Mother Rohini instructed Subhadra to serve as the door keeper. Subhadra would signal to Mother Rohini if Krishna and Balaram arrived on the scene.

Now everything was ready. All of the queens gathered in great excitement. Subhadra stood at the gate and stretched her hands so that no one could enter inside, specifically Krishna and Balaram. Mother Rohini joyfully told the childhood pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavan. Rohini’s descriptions were so pleasing and ecstatic. The queens heard with rapt attention. They were so absorbed in drinking the amṛta coming from the lips of Mother Rohini that all of them lost their external senses.

Subhadra, although officially engaged in guarding the gate, could not miss the opportunity to hear Lord Krishna’s pastimes. Like the Dwarka queens, she lost her external senses. Although Krishna and Balaram were busy attending a meeting, They could understand that Mother Rohini was describing Their Vrindavan lilas. In overwhelming greed to hear the kotha, the brothers suddenly left the assembly hall and ran to the place where Rohini Devi and the queens were gathered.

When they reached the door, They found Subhadra standing at the gate on security duty. Krishna and Balaram stood on both sides of Subhadra and instantly became absorbed in Mother Rohini’s descriptions. Since Subhadra was fully engrossed in hearing and had lost her external senses, she did not perceive the presence of the Lords. As the three became enraptured by hearing the pastimes, great transformations started to appear in Their bodies. “Oh, such nice pastimes! The Vrindavan pastimes tell of the love and affection of the Vraj basis!” Lost in a state of wonder, Their eyes became big and dilated, and Their hands and legs disappeared inside Their bodies. Their hands and legs shrunken so, Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra looked just like tortoises.

At this time, Narada Muni came to that spot. From a far distance he could see the three forms of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra. As he approached Them, Krishna, along with His brother and sister came to Their external senses. Their bodies manifested Their normal forms. They wound up that maha-bhava which had manifested Their special forms. Narada Muni danced with his arms raised in great bliss. “I have seen it! I have seen it! You are trying to hide from me. My dear Lord, I have seen so many of Your amazing, transcendental forms. But I have never seen this beautiful form! I humbly pray that You manifest this most auspicious form somewhere so that everyone can take darshan of your most special maha-bhava prakash rupa.”

To fulfill the desire of His devotee, Narada Muni, Lord Krishna manifested this form and eternally resides in Sri Kshetra, Purusottama Dham.

Please visit: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Ratha-Yatra for Ratha Yatra Seva to Lord Jagannatha!

Count Down: Day 11 To Ratha Yatra! || Festival Event: June 26th 2025

Before the Ratha Yatra festival in Jagannath Puri, there is a very meaningful event that takes place—Gundicha Marjana. It is the day when Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally cleaned the Gundicha temple, the place where Lord Jagannath would later reside during His stay away from the main temple.

On this day, Mahaprabhu gathered all His devotees and went with them to the Gundicha temple, carrying brooms, water pots, and great joy in their hearts. The Lord Himself began sweeping, collecting all the dust, straw, and dirt into piles. The devotees were amazed—the Supreme Lord was cleaning with His own hands, and He was doing it with so much love and care.

Everyone followed Him, working together, fully engaged in the service. The Lord then brought water to wash the temple. The walls, floors, ceilings—everything was washed clean. Mahaprabhu even used His own cloth to wipe areas that needed more attention. He would gently correct anyone who missed a spot, not with pride, but with deep affection, teaching everyone the mood of true service.

By the end of the day, the temple was completely clean, cool, and bright. But it wasn’t just the temple that had been cleansed. In truth, everyone’s hearts were being cleaned, too.

This whole event is deeply connected to the verse from Śrī Śikṣāṣṭakam:

ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam

“Cleansing the mirror of the heart…”

Just as the temple was cleansed to receive Lord Jagannath, our hearts must also be cleansed so that the Lord may reside there. The dust in the temple represents the many unwanted things in our hearts—false pride, selfishness, envy. Mahaprabhu showed us that cleaning with our hands can lead to cleaning within, and that even the most ordinary task becomes sacred when done with love and sincerity.

Gundicha Marjana is not just a festival of cleaning—it is a festival of purification, of learning humility through service. And the most beautiful part is that the Lord Himself showed us how to do it.

So every time we pick up a broom, every time we clean something in the Lord’s service, let us remember this sweet pastime—when the Lord became a sweeper and showed the world the glory of simple, heartfelt service.

To serve on this day please visit: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Gundica-Marjana

Yesterday we celebrated the ever-merciful Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannatha, and what an outpouring of love it was! Truly, the Lord is Bhavagrahi Janardana — the One who accepts the devotion in our hearts far more than any external offering. Who could be more merciful, more reciprocal, more captivating than Him? Just after the glorious Darshan Arati, Lord Jagannatha, along with His dear brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra Devi, ascended Their Snana Mandap — the bathing platform — where They received an unending Abhishek from thousands of longing, love-filled hearts. For over 5 hours, devotees poured water, love, and prayers upon the Supreme Lord who stood there gracefully, accepting all offerings without discrimination.  Jagannatha’s mercy knows no boundaries.

The Skanda Purana proclaims: — "I do not consider one’s sin or piety, family or birth. Whoever worships Me with love is very dear to Me." Just look around — villagers, pilgrims, children, elders, near and far — they all came together, united by the sheer pull of the Lord of the Universe. He draws the soul, not by force, but with those huge lotus eyes, reminding us that we are never too unqualified to approach Him.  The Abhishek ceremony isn’t just a ritual — it is an act of surrender. Bathing the Lord on this day is said to wash away lifetimes of sins, open the heart, and awaken dormant love for Krishna. It is said that the Snana Yatra is the only time the Lord accepts such public bathing, allowing each of us to come face-to-face with His humility and compassion.

 Alongside, prasadam flowed endlessly — lovingly cooked and distributed to tens of thousands of devotees, visitors, and guests who gathered to honor our dearest Lord on this auspicious day of His appearance in this majestic form. And now, having accepted all our offerings and sins, Lord Jagannatha will rest for 15 days — this period is known as Anavasara. During this time, the Lord enters a private chamber to "recover", but really, He is entering our hearts, preparing them to receive a spark of pure love for Him.  But don’t worry — He’s coming back! And not quietly! The grandest parade — Ratha Yatra — will begin soon from 27th June to 5th July! Jagannatha will once again come out in His chariot to bless the world.  

If you missed the chance to serve during Snana Yatra, this is your golden opportunity! Come join the service of the Lord of the Universe as He takes to the streets with His siblings. There are many sevas waiting, and every little effort is seen and loved by the Lord.  

Come pull the chariot of your heart closer to Him. Come serve Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi in Their divine journey!  
Sponsor a Seva: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Ratha-Yatra

Once upon a time, a renowned and devout worshipper of Lord Ganesha made a visit to Puri. This devotee was known for his unwavering devotion—he worshipped no one but Sri Ganesha and considered Him the Supreme.

When he arrived in Puri, the king warmly welcomed him and invited him to have darshan of Lord Jagannath in the grand temple. However, the devotee politely declined.

He explained, "My heart belongs solely to Lord Ganesha. I do not visit any other deity’s temple."

The king, being a great devotee of Lord Jagannath and also well-versed in the scriptures, gently reasoned with him, saying, “But dear sir, Lord Jagannath is none other than Lord Vishnu Himself—He is the source of all the demigods, including your beloved Ganesha.”

Still hesitant, the devotee eventually agreed, out of respect for the king, to accompany him to the temple—though his mind remained fixed on Lord Ganesha.

It happened to be the sacred day of Snana Yatra, the grand public bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi. The atmosphere was festive and divine. As the devotee stood before the altar and beheld the enormous deities adorned with flower garlands and sandalwood paste, he folded his hands and prayed silently:

“O Lord, if You truly are the Supreme, and if all demigods indeed reside within You, then please reveal to me the form of my Lord Ganesha.”

Just then, something miraculous happened.

Before the eyes of all present—and especially the astonished devotee—Lord Jagannath manifested Himself in a form with a large head and trunk, resembling Lord Ganesha! The devotee was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears flowed from his eyes. His heart overflowed with love, awe, and reverence. He realized in that moment the deeper truth: that the Supreme Lord takes on various forms to reciprocate with the love of His devotees.

This merciful pastime came to be remembered eternally, and since then, on the day of Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath is decorated in an elephant-like costume, known as Gaja Vesha, to commemorate this beautiful exchange of love.

This pastime is lovingly recounted in H.G. Pankajanghri Prabhu’s book: “The Pastimes & History of Lord Jagannath in Rajapur.”

Offer a Seva this Snana Yatra, Just 6 Days to Go!!! https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Snana-Yatra 

ISKCON Mayapur joyfully presents “Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga”—a heartfelt visual and meditative offering designed to reconnect hearts with the sacred natural world of Sri Mayapur Dhama. Featuring over 500 breathtaking images of local flora and fauna, accompanied by spiritual insights from Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, this offering invites viewers to see nature through the lens of Krishna consciousness. As part of the ‘CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama’ project, it encourages us to perceive and remember the Lord in every aspect of creation—promoting mindful devotion, compassionate living, and a deep spiritual bond with Mother Earth as an expression of our bhakti.

To explore the mobile-friendly digital gateway, click here. https://srimayapurdhama.com/biodiversity/

As described in The Nectar of Devotion: “Every part of Kṛṣṇa’s body was so soft that even at the touch of newly grown leaves, the color of the touched part of His skin would change.” (NOD 26) Let us pray that every time we touch a new leaf, we remember Krishna and feel inspired to serve Him by caring for His sacred creation. May this awareness keep us grounded in loving devotion and forever sheltered at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His eternal abode — Sri Mayapur Dhama.

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/555338030/ 

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By Nandan Dasa, Mayapur Master Plan Office