Can we get the mercy of Chaitanya without Nityananda?

When we read the pastimes of Lord Chaitanya, we find that only because of the mercy of Lord Nityananda devotees got the mercy of Lord Chaitanya.

Lord Chaitanya who is lovingly called as Nimai and Lord Nityananda who is affectionately called as Nitai are always together.

As fragrance from flower and sweetness from sugar is inseparable so is Nitai inseparable from Nimai. They enjoy each other’s company, appear on earth together and together they perform many pastimes to attract the heart of those who left the beauty of the spiritual world and got caught in this not so happy place.

Nityananda always serves Krishna in different forms

Nitai is none other than Lord Balaram and he enjoys serving Krishna anywhere and everywhere.  

Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī explains, “In all the forms He tastes the transcendental bliss of serving Kṛṣṇa. That same Balarāma is Lord Nityānanda, the companion of Lord Gaurasundara.”  Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 5.11

These are the different ways in which Lord Balarama serves Lord Krishna

• As Ananta-Shesha he is the bed of Lord Vishnu in Vaikuntha.
• As Ananga manjari he assists Srimati Radharani in her amorous pastimes with Krishna.
• As Lakshmana he is ready to do anything and everything for Lord Rama.  
• And in Kaliyuga he accompanies Lord Chaitanya to introduce sankirtan movement to distribute mercy of Krishna to all the living entities without caring and bothering about the recipients’ qualification.

We cannot get the mercy of Radha and Krishna without getting the mercy of Lord Chaitanya, and we cannot get the mercy of Lord Chaitanya without getting the mercy of Lord Nityananda.

Examples of devotees who got mercy of Lord Nityananda

Rupa Goswami (the abhidheya acharya), Sanatana Goswami (the sambandha acharya), Raghunath Das Goswami (the prayojana acharya) who played a very vital role in spearheading bhakti movement got the mercy of Lord Chaitanya through Lord Nityananda.

Chaitanya Bhagavata and Chaitanya-charitamrta, the two most authoritative and authentic biographies of Lord Chaitanya were written by the inspiration of Lord Nityananda.

Nityananda Prabhu ordered his disciple Vrindavana Dasa Thakura to write Sri Caitanya Bhagavata and he appeared in the dream of Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami inspiring him to author Chaitanya-charitamrta.

Upon the instruction of Lord Chaitanya, Nityananda Prabhu and Haridas Thakura were approaching each person beseeching them to chant the names of Krishna.

Mercy of Nityananda on Jagai & Madhai

While distributing the sublime love of Krishna freely they encountered Jagai and Madhai, the two wicked personalities. They were so sinful that pious residents upon seeing them used to bathe in Ganges to get purified from contamination.

But Nityananda Prabhu decided to deliver them too but in return Madhai assaulted him with an earthen pot. Lord Chaitanya upon getting this news became so angry that he called his sudarsan chakra to kill Madhai but Nityananda prabhu begged the Lord to forgive the offender.

In this age of Kaliyuga the Lord is not supposed to kill the sinner but is to kill their sins using the weapon of the holy name.

Seeing the magnanimity of Nityananda Prabhu, Jagai and Madhai surrendered to them giving up all ungodly behaviour and decided to chant the name of Krishna and serve all the Vaisnavas.

Lord Chaitanya is always present at these 4 places:

• At mother Sachi’s house
• At the kirtan of Srivas Pandit
• At the house of Raghav Pandit
• At the place where Lord Nityananda is dancing while performing kirtan.

Taking shelter of Lord Nityananda

And Lord Nityananda is always present where Lord Chaitanya is glorified. So, the best way to please Nityananda Prabhu is by distributing Lord Chaitanya’s message profusely.

Nitai and Nimai freely distributed one way ticket to the spiritual world to everyone. We too can get that ticket if we take shelter of Nityananda prabhu’s lotus feet.

He is so magnanimous that he will surely take us back to the kingdom of Krishna if we are sincere and carry desire to serve the Lord. 

Whether our heart longs for Krishna or wants something else? | Bhagavad Gita 10.10

Have you checked, if your heart longs for Krishna or is still attached to things of this world?

Externally we may dress perfectly, speak expertly, recite shlokas scholarly, sing melodiously but these qualities may not attract the attention of the Lord. Maybe we are doing it to seek people’s attention and self-glorification.

Krishna hardly bothers about our externals instead he directly peeps into our heart to see whether our heart longs for him or it hankers for something else.

When Duryodhana invited Krishna for lunch in his palace then Krishna was not interested because Duryodhana did not have a devotional heart. Duryodhana wanted to make a show of his opulence and gesture.

Krishna preferred to eat at Vidura’s house although Vidura did not offer him lavish food. It was because Vidura and his wife had deep love for Krishna. Lord Rama happily chewed the half – eaten berries offered by Sabari because it was being offered with love. So, we should try to cultivate a devotional heart and deep desire to serve Krishna. 

If we have a desire to genuinely serve Krishna then Krishna who always resides with us in our heart will give us intelligence by which we can swiftly come to him.

This is confirmed by Krishna Bhagavad Gia 10.10: “To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.”

Check your motive

So, while practicing devotion we should seriously introspect and find out with what motive we are doing any activity. We should see if we have offered our heart to Krishna or still our heart is attached to something else.

Because of our past conditionings it won’t be immediately possible to do everything for the pleasure of Krishna. But we should sincerely try for it and pray to Krishna to purify our heart, so that we always do anything for Krishna’s pleasure.

We need to endeavour hard to cultivate a devotional heart and subsequently give up material hankering. If we do so then gradually our heart will start longing for Krishna and then Krishna will immediately manifest his love within our heart.

Ask Yourself

1. Do you serve Krishna to please Krishna?
2. Or do you have some personal selfish interest while serving Krishna?
3. What steps you are taking to give up your selfish motives while serving Krishna?

Do you always look for glofication?|Bhagavad Gita 16.3

Although we would hesitate to admit it but it’s a fact that more than hunger for food most of us have hunger for glorification. Any activity we do we want to be appreciated for it. And if someone fails to oblige us then we immediately become morose and go to the extent of detesting that individual.

We like to be in the company of those who constantly massage our ego. And we try to orchestrate our life in a way so that we can attract other’s attention.

What they think about me? What will their reaction be if I do this? Is my importance intact or increasing or diminishing? These thoughts continuously occupy our mind. And instead of living for ourselves we become a dancing doll whose key is in other people’s hand.

But the world is such that we would never always continue to be the “centre of attraction.” Someone is going to eclipse us some day. And those who used to play an important role in making us feel important effortlessly shift their loyalty. Our heart cries and we moan in silence but we can do nothing about it.

This is why wise sages in the past have always warned us against running for name and fame. Lord Krishna says the same in Bhagavad Gita.

In Bhagavad Gita 16.3, the Supreme Lord says that one should be “free from passion for honour”, ati-mānitā. This is a divinue attribute, which we should try to cultivate. If we can do so, we can live peacefully. So, we should not be obsessed about what others think or feel about us. It’s a useless endeavour and return is mostly heart breaking.  Instead we should use this life for purification and not for proving our worth to others. In fact, we should not be concerned about our own glorification but instead we should always try to make sure that Krishna is always glorified.

Ask Yourself

1. Do you always think of impressing others?
2. If yes, then are you in control of your life or is your life in other’s control?

What should be the qualification of the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam?|Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.4.2

Have you ever wondered that what should be the qualification of the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam?

These days we see there are many professional reciters of Srimad Bhagavatam. They may have the ability to sing the verses of Bhagavatam in a poetic way but if they are not the devotees of the Lord then their recitation is of not much value. 

We generally see that such professional reciters like to speak a lot about Krishna’s rasa lila which is given in the tenth canto.

These professional reciters do not show much interest in the first nine cantos and eleventh and twelfth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam. But they passionately speak about Krishna’s pastimes with gopis of Vrindavan which is given in the tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam.

They present it as if it’s like a boy and girl relationship which we see in this world. The gullible audience likes such stories.

But such recitation does not transform the heart of the speaker and the audience. This is why we see so many people know the rasa lila pastime of Krishna, but they never become sincere devotees of Krishna.

After hearing Bhagavatam from professional reciters people continue with their mundane life. They do not develop any taste in chanting the names of Krishna and they do not develop any desire to dedicate their life to Krishna. 

On the other hand, we see that when people hear Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees then their heart automatically develops love for Krishna.  And they immediately give up all mundane attachment and get attached to the lotus feet of Krishna.

Two examples

For example, Parikshit Maharaj, relished Srimad Bhagavatam from Sukhadev Goswami continuously for 7 days and 7 nights.  He gave up all worldly attachments and remained absorbed in Krishna Consciousness.

Recently, we have seen that thousands of people dedicated their lives to Krishna after hearing Srimad Bhagavatam from Srila Prabhupada.

Conclusion

So, we should always hear Srimad Bhagavatam from pure devotees of Krishna. In fact, the qualification of the speaker of Srimad Bhagavatam is mentioned in Srimad Bhagavatam itself. First qualification is that he should be a devotee of Krishna. And second qualification is that he should have heard Srimad Bhagavatam from a devotee of Krishna. Both are equally important.

For example, the sages of Naimiṣāraṇya chose Suta Goswami to speak about Srimad Bhagavatam because Suta Goswami had directly heard Srimad Bhagavatam from Sukadeva Goswami and also, he was a pure devotee of Krishna.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.4.2

śaunaka uvāca

sūta sūta mahā-bhāga

vada no vadatāṁ vara

kathāṁ bhāgavatīṁ puṇyāṁ

yad āha bhagavāñ chukaḥ

Śaunaka said: O Sūta Gosvāmī, you are the most fortunate and respected of all those who can speak and recite. Please relate the pious message of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, which was spoken by the great and powerful sage Śukadeva Gosvāmī.

Do It and You will give your heart to Krishna

• Read Srila Prabhupada’s commentary on Srimad Bhagavatam daily for at least 30 minutes.
• Hear Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam lectures.
• When possible, visit Iskcon temple and attend morning Srimad Bhagavatam Class.

Why Parikshit was fearless in front of death?

Srimad Bhagavatam tells the story of King Parikshit who was fearless in front of death. Parikshit was grandson of Arjuna. When he came to know that he is going to die in seven days then instead of becoming fearful or getting into depression he began thinking as how to face the inevitable death courageously.

Death is the final examination

We have heard innumerable stories of great men and women planning meticulously so that they can enjoy living like a king or queen. For them life is precious and for its safety and security they try to build invincible fortress so that life threatening formidable enemies – disease and death – could be warded off.   

But almost all the times without fail the enemy is too powerful to confront and all have to ultimately surrender in front of it.

When Srila Prabhupada had gone to the western countries to teach the message of Vedic literatures then one person challenged him, “Indians are poor people and so there the death rate is so high?” Srila Prabhupada promptly replied, “Death rate all over the world is hundred percent.” Anyone who is living has to die sooner or later.

So, when death knocks at the door then what should be done?

Should we become fearful and hide ourselves behind the curtains or should we look into its gazing eyes and say boldly, “Yes, I am ready to go with you!” Such fearlessness can be achieved only when we have thoroughly prepared ourselves for the ultimate reality of life. It is verily said – Life is a preparation; death is the final examination.

Prahlad was fearless in front of Hiranyakasipu who tried all means to kill him because Prahlad did not fear death.  In fact, Prahlad was not even praying the Lord to protect him, in fact he remembered the Lord always because it gave him great pleasure.  No one can harm us.  Others may just try to give pain to our bodies or try to destroy it which anyway will get destroyed by the powerful time.

Parikshit decides to welcome death

King Parikshit being a devotee of the Lord was well aware that death is inevitable here. So, he was unperturbed. Instead of finding ways to avoid it he decided to face it gloriously. Without wasting even a moment, he approached saintly personalities who could help him to face the challenge of death heroically.

King Parikshit had been cursed by a brahmana boy named Shringi to die in 7 days by the bite of a poisonous snake. Shringi was furious because the king had shown disrespect to his father.  It was indeed true that the king’s action was improper, but it was not so grievous that he should have been condemned to die.  

The scripture and the saintly people explain that the brahmana boy had misused his power and it was in fact the beginning of the falldown of brahmanas. Lord Krishna had departed from this material world and soon after Kaliyuga, the age of downfall, began. Śṛṅgi misusing his power proves that as Kaliyuga entered brahmanas started misusing their power to establish their authority leading to the decline of Vedic culture which was based on unbreakable religious principles.

Parikshit was a saintly king, and he too had the power to not just nullify the curse, but he could have counter cursed Śṛṅgi. But he contemplated on it and concluded that those who are born have to die. “May be as per the will of providence my time to leave this mortal world has come so why not to embrace it”, he thought.

And so, without delay he relinquished his kingdom, his relatives and immediately approached the sages for their guidance.

Duty of a dying man

In the assembly of sages was Sukhadeva Goswami, son of Ved Vyas, a highly realized soul.  Approaching him, the king said, “You are the spiritual master of great saints and devotees. I am therefore begging you to show the way of perfection for all persons, and especially for one who is about to die.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.19.37

Here we see that the king who was about to die did not beg the sage to give him any benediction or mantra so that his life can be saved. We generally find people approaching God or saintly people for countless material benedictions – wealth, health, success, safety and a long life.

But the king wanted to know the best way by which he can leave his mortal body. The king did not fear death because he was well aware that there is life after death. Death dissipates the body but does not destroy the soul because soul is eternal.

Sukhadeva Goswami was happy to hear the transcendental query. He replied, “O descendant of King Bharata, one who desires to be free from all miseries must hear about, glorify and also remember the Personality of Godhead, who is the Supersoul, the controller and the savior from all miseries. The highest perfection of human life, achieved either by complete knowledge of matter and spirit, by practice of mystic powers, or by perfect discharge of occupational duty, is to remember the Personality of Godhead at the end of life. Srimad Bhagavatam 2.1.5-6

If we remember the Supreme Lord at the time of death then we will also be fearless at the time of death.

You too can face death fearlessly like King Parikshit

Death is a certainty; none of us can avoid it. So instead of fearing it we should be prepared for it. How we lead our life determines our next destination.  And how to lead a virtuous life has been explained in the holy books.

These holy books have been given to us so that we can know about the righteous and unrighteous actions and also learn the art of dying. If we adhere to these guidelines then we can be happy in this life and can be sure of glorious destination when we bid farewell to this world.

King Parikshit was finally bitten by the poisonous snake and the saintly king’s body burned to ashes by the fire of the snake’s poison. Srimad Bhagavatam 12.6.13

The king was fearless in front of death. He faced the death confidently because he was confident of reaching a glorious destination after leaving his mortal body and this mortal world.

King Prahlad advises us “The human body is most rarely achieved, and although temporary like other bodies, it is meaningful because in human life one can perform devotional service. Even a slight amount of sincere devotional service can give one complete perfection.” Srimad Bhagavatam 7.6.1

King Parikshit teaches us how to be fearless at the time of death. The king knew that he would die in 7 days and so he planned his last few days in a way so that he remains absorbed in remembering the Lord but we do not know when we are going to die.

So, should we not be always prepared to face the ultimate truth of life and be fearless in front of it?

Questions to ponder?

1. Am I going to die?
2. Am I prepared for it?
3. What will happen to me after I die?

Overcoming obstacles in our spiritual journey|Lessons from Hanuman’s journey to Lanka

Today we sing paeans in glory of Hanuman for his extraordinary service to Lord Rama. It was Hanuman who crossed the gigantic ocean and searched Mother Sita and later burned the entire city of Lanka. But there was a time when Hanuman did not believe that he has the ability to perform such heroic deeds.

In search of Mother Sita, when the monkey warriors of Sugriva saw the vast ocean then they all felt disheartened. Sampati, the brother of Jatayu, informed them that Sita is in Ravana’s Lanka. And Lanka is 100 yojanas i.e. around 800 miles from the shore. Everyone wondered how they can reach there.

Angad, the prince, said that he can go Lanka but is doubtful of returning back. Other monkeys had no ability to cross the ocean. And while the discussion was going on Hanuman was silent. He too was agreeing with all that it is not possible for them to go to Lanka and find Sita. Everyone felt disheartened.

Dealing with self-doubt

At that time, Jambavan, the mighty bear king who was quite old at that time told Hanuman about his real strengths and capabilities. He motivated, guided and persuaded Hanuman to do this gigantic task. Jambavan’s words instilled confidence in Hanuman. He understood and realized his god gifted talent and decided to do this herculean task.

From this incident we understand that how we need a guru in our life. Many times, we may not know our own capabilities. Like Hanuman we may also doubt our abilities. But a guru knows that the Lord has bestowed upon each soul talents which can be positively used. 

We see that how Srila Prabhupada identified potentials in devotees and engaged them in the service of Krishna. These devotees helped Srila Prabhupada in spreading Krishna consciousness movement all over the world and did so many wonderful things for Krishna.  We may not be blessed enough to have the power of Hanuman but if we follow the guidelines of guru then we too can do great service for the Lord.

Beware of comfort zone

In our spiritual journey many times there are possibilities of getting distracted. Distractions are not just the sufferings which we encounter in our spiritual life, but it is the material pleasures which comes in our way.

Hanuman on his way to Lanka was greeted by a mountain, Maināka. With pleasing words Maināka requested Hanuman to rest for a while on his peaks. “You must be tired, and you have to travel a lot. So, just relax for a while and then resume your journey.”

Lord Rama and Mother Sita were separated, and Hanuman’s service was to unite them. So, how can Hanuman relax! He thanked Maināka for his kind words. He respectfully touched the mountain and without relaxing continued with his journey. 

Srila Prabhupada too never relaxed. When at 70 everyone prefers to lead a retired life, he was travelling all over the world preaching the message of Krishna. He was getting up in the middle of the night and writing books. And it is because of his books that today millions of people are practicing devotion to Krishna all over the world.

Like Hanuman and Srila Prabhupada, we should never become slack in our devotional life. We should not get into comfort zone. We are fortunate that we now know that the purpose of our life is to always serve Krishna. So, we should use every moment of our life in Krishna’s service.

Avoiding unnecessary distractions

With all his might Hanuman was flying towards Lanka.  He was completely focussed, and he wanted to reach the city of Ravana as soon as possible. But his journey was interrupted by Surasa, the mother of the Nāgas.

She assumed the form of a Rākṣasī and came in front of Hanuman.  “I have been blessed by Brahma that anyone who comes to my way will have to enter into my mouth. You cannot escape me. Now, I am going to eat you.”

Hanuman said, “Sure, I will fulfil your desire. But now I am on a mission to serve Lord Rama. First let me find Mother Sita.  And after that I will return back and then you can eat me.”

Surasa exclaimed, “No. I will devour you now.”

She opened her mouth and increased its size to eight miles. Hanuman then increased his size to sixteen miles. Surasa expanded her mouth to 20 miles, Hanuman too expanded himself. She again grew in size but now Hanuman reduced himself to the size of a thumb. He then quickly entered her mouth and came out. 

Hanuman said, “By entering your mouth I have respected the benediction of Brahmaji and have also fulfilled your desire. So, now let me continue with my journey.”  Surasa was pleased with the intelligence of Hanuman. She blessed him saying that you will be successful in your mission.

Hanuman teaches an important lesson to us that we should not get into any unnecessary confrontations with others in our devotion journey. We should not get into ego clashes because that will impede our journey. Instead, we should be humble and get out of any unpleasant situation so that we can focus on pleasing the Lord with our service.

Kill envy to advance spiritually

Hanuman continued with his journey. He was moving with the speed of Garuda. Gandharvas, Yakṣas, Vidhyadharas and other celestial beings were watching Hanuman’s prowess and were praising him. But suddenly Hanuman felt that someone is trying to pull him down.  As he looked down, he saw a Rākṣasa woman called Simhika. She was trying to seize Hanuman’s shadow.  

While doing so, she opened her terrific mouth to swallow Hanuman. And hanuman fearlessly entered her mouth. The demigods in the sky were in shock. Simhika was delighted. But her happiness was short lived because Hanuman whose body is as hard as diamond quickly ripped apart her body and burst out of it.

The fearsome Simhika fell dead in the sea. And the fearless Hanuman continued with his journey and finally reached Lanka.

Simhika represents envy. Just like Simhika tried to arrest the progress of Hanuman, similarly, envy arrest our progress. Just like Hanuman destroyed Simhika, similarly, we should completely destroy envy.

Conclusion

Hanuman reached Lanka, found Mother Sita, burnt Lanka and later assisted Lord Rama in his war with Ravana. In Ramayana, we see that Hanuman never got distracted and always served Lord Rama. Similarly, we should never allow any material distractions or attractions to come between us and the Supreme Lord.

And with enthusiasm (utsāhāt), confidence (niścayāt) and patience (dhairyāt), we should always serve the Lord. Nectar of Instruction 3

Meditating upon three important contributions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura on his 150th appearance day

On the auspicious occasion of 150^th appearance day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, let us meditate upon his contributions in spreading the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu all over the world.

He destroyed goswami by birth logic

After the disappearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and prominent vaishnava acharyas, many apa-smpradays sprung up. They claimed to follow the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu but in reality, they were deviants.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura identified 13 apa-smpradays. One of them was jata goswami. jata goswamis laid claim to the title of goswami just because they were born in the family of goswamis. According to them those born in the family of goswami can be goswami and no one else.  

Just like caste by birth was propagated by some so called brahmanas who had no brahminical qualities, similarly certain descendants of vaishnava acharyas started claiming the position of goswami just because they took birth in the family of a goswami. 

But this is not supported by scriptures.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu did not approve caste by birth logic

For example, when Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu started propagating Krishna Consciousness then he appointed many devotees as leaders who did not fit in the caste hierarchy.

For example, Sri Rupa Goswami and Sri Sanatana Goswami had adopted Muslim names and had started working under Muslim ruler to save the Hindu community. They had even been given Muslim names.  

Although externally they were working under a Muslim king but internally they were always absorbed in chanting the names of Lord and were always desirous to associate with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu made them leaders of all the vaishnavas. Similarly, Haridas Thakura who was born in a Muslim family was designated as namacharya, the acharya of holy name by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Follows the footsteps of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

Following the footsteps of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura similarly disapproved goswami by birth logic and spoke strongly against it.

He preached that by sincerely following the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and the vaishnava acharyas one can become perfect and can become goswami. He further said that those born in the family of goswamis should first qualify themselves and then they can be given the title of a goswami.

Just like by taking birth in the family of a doctor one does not become a doctor. Similarly, by taking birth in the family of a goswami one does not automatically becomes a goswami. These irked many who were enjoying the privilege of goswami title. They vehemently opposed him and some even conspired to kill him.

But Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura did not give up. And because of his relentless effort we see that the goswami by birth monopoly is completely smashed. Today many devotees who have been sincerely practicing devotion to Krishna since several years are awarded the title of Goswami or Swami.

Today, we also see devotees irrespective of caste, creed, religion and nationality are happily practicing Krishna Consciousness. The credit goes to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura.

Srila Prabhupada speaks how Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura defeated cast gosvāmī

Srila Prabhupada talks about this contribution of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He says,

“So my Guru Mahārāja’s contribution is that he defeated these caste gosvāmī. He defeated this brahmanism. He created that the same way as Caitanya Mahāprabhu did, that, as Caitanya Mahāprabhu said,

kibā śūdra kibā vipra nyāsi kene naya

yei kṛṣṇa tattva vetta sei guru haya

[Cc. Madhya 8.128]

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā, Madhya 8.128

[“Whether one is a brāhmaṇa, a sannyāsī or a śūdra—regardless of what he is—he can become a spiritual master if he knows the science of Kṛṣṇa.”]

There is no consideration whether a man is a sannyāsī, a brāhmaṇa or a śūdra or a this or a gṛhastha, householder, or… No. Anyone who knows the science of Kṛṣṇa, he is all right. He is gosvāmī. He is brāhmaṇa.” That is the contribution, say, within hundred years. That is the contribution. And for this reason he had to face so many vehement protests from this brāhmaṇa-class gosvāmīns.”

His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda’s Appearance Day Lecture (prabhupadavani.org)

2. Established Gaudiya Maths to preach the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

In his lifetime, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura established 64 Gaudiya Maths and these Maths became centres for spreading Krishna Conscious philosophy. He was also pioneer in starting preaching in the western world. For that, he sent devotees to preach in the west. He inspired Srila Prabhupada to start preaching in the western world.

When Srila Prabhupada met him for the first time then Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura advised Srila Prabhupada to use his English speaking skill in preaching to the western people.

In one of the lectures Srila Prabhupada speaks about his first interaction with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura,

“And, I think, in 1922, when I was young man, one of my friends, he took me to Guru Mahārāja. That was my first meeting. And, of course, he was speaking to everyone, but he found me as something. So immediately after my meeting, he said this, that “Why don’t you preach this Caitanya’s cult in the Western countries?” That is a memorable day.” His Divine Grace Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Prabhupāda’s Appearance Day Lecture (prabhupadavani.org)

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura sowed the seed of preaching in the western world and Srila Prabhupada took it forward and preached to thousands of people all over the world.

3. Publishing literatures

He gave great emphasis on writing books and publishing devotional literatures. And so, he established printing press and called it bṛhad-mṛdaṅga.

He would say that the sound of mṛdaṅga can reach a certain distance, but Krishna Conscious literatures can reach to every nook and corner of the world and can transform the hearts of people.

He instructed Srila Prabhupada to print books and distribute it widely which Srila Prabhupada did.

We should be grateful to this great acharya

Let us meditate upon these contributions of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and thank him from the core of our heart for playing such an important role in disseminating the teachings of Lord Chaitanya.

Anyone in any corner of the world, today practicing Krishna Consciousess should be grateful to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. Let us pray at this lotus feet and beg for his mercy.

Nityananda Trayodasi celebration at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata

Nityananda Trayodasi i.e. the appearance day of Lord Nityananda was celebrated with fanfare at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 22nd Feb 2024. Program included special darshan of the Lord, grand abhishek, Nityananda katha, kirtan, arati and delicious prasadam. 

Devotees throng to temple to take darshan of Lord Nityananda

The presiding deity of the temple, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga were beautifully and gorgeously dressed. 

Lord Nityananda in blue colour on his appearance day looked beautiful. Several devotees since morning started visiting the temple to take darshan of the Lord and seek his blessings.

Acharyas explain that Lord Nityananda is the most merciful incarnation of the Supreme Lord. He showers his mercy even upon most fallen person. In this age of Kaliyuga, the age of quarrel and hypocrisy, everyone is most fallen. And because of our impure consciousness we commit many sins. And this is why we are always miserable.

Lord Nityananda appeared in this world for people like you and me who are most fallen. In spite of our degraded consciousness, even if we show little sincerity and plead Nityananda Prabhu for his mercy then he will immediately give his shelter to us.

He will free us from all the sins. He will free us from material bondage. And most importantly, he will give us Krishna prema.

“Simply by talking of Nityānanda Prabhu one awakens his love for Kṛṣṇa. Thus all his bodily limbs are agitated by ecstasy, and tears flow from his eyes like the waters of the Ganges.” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā, 8.23

As it was Nityananda Trayodasi, so, it was the best day for all the devotees to pray for the mercy of Lord Nityananda. 

On this auspicious occasion, devotees were fortunate to get the association of HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj and HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaj.

Nitai Mora (My Nitai) Song

In the morning, Srimad Bhagavatam class was given by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj. Maharaj began his class with a heart touching Vaisnav song (Nitai Mora (My Nitai) Song) which extolls the glories of Lord Nityananda. 

“He (Lord Nityananda) does not consider who is poor, or fallen or troubled. Who is not like that? To every person He gives the gift of ecstatic spiritual love”

Lord Nityananda appeared in 1474 almost 550 years ago in Ekachakra dham. He appeared about 12 years before Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

In the class Maharaj elaborately discussed the reason for the appearance of Lord Nityananda and the different inconceivable pastimes of the Lord.

HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj speaks about the glories of Lord Nityananda

This is what Maharaj said:

During the incident when Lord Chaitanya was about to kill Jagai and Madhai, Lord Nityananda said give them to me. Lord Chaitanya said if you really want to forgive Madhai then embrace him. And then your forgiveness will be fruitful.

Lord Nityananda tightly embraced Madhai & in this way Madhai became free from material bondage. And by the touch of Lord Nityananda, Madhai attained all spiritual potency.

Lord Chaitanya is patitpavan i.e. deliverer of fallen. This is his identify. We often ask people, what do you do? Some say, I am doctor or engineer or lawyer.  Similarly, Lord Chaitanya’s occupation is that “he is patitpavan.“

Lord Nityananda is even more merciful than Lord Chaitanya

One of the six symptoms of surrender is to accept the mission of Lord as your mission. This is what Lord Nityananda did. Lord Chaitanya was about to kill Jagai and Madhai. They would have been cut to pieces by the Lord’s Sudarshan chakra. But Lord Nityananda saved them.

So, Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura makes the point that Lord Nityananda has accepted the identity of patitpavan even more than Lord Chaitanya has because Lord Chaitanya was prepared to kill Jagai and Madhai but Lord Nityananda saved them.

Srila Bhakti Vinod Thakura further says that Lord Nityananda is more one with Lord Chaitanya than Lord Chaitanya is one with himself. As a devotee of Lord Chaitanya, he has accepted the mission of the Lord.

It is said that demon who Lord Rama might kill, Lord Krishna might spare his life. That demon who Lord Krishna might kill, Lord Chaitanya may spare his life kill. And that demon who Lord Chaitanya might kill, Lord Nityananda will not just spare his life but also give him Krishna prema.

Lord Nityananda is an incredible person in so many ways. He is extremely merciful and it is inconceivable.”

Nityananda Prabhu’s instructions of Madhai

Maharaj further quoting Chaitanya Bhagavat said that although Madhai was forgiven but he felt bad because he had hit Lord Nityananda Prabhu with a pot. And because of this blood had started coming out from the forehead of Lord Nityananda.  So, he was feeling miserable from inside.

One day he approached Lord Nityananda and prayed to the Lord saying that how degraded he is and how merciful the Lord is. He said to the Lord that “Your body is so soft that Lord Chaitanya takes rest on it. By remembering your transcendental body, one attains salvation. But I am so sinful that I attacked you.”

Saying these words, tears started coming out from the eyes of Madhai. Lord Nityananda immediately consoled him and said that you are like a child to me. Sometimes a small child hits his father but father does not become offended. So, I am not at all offended.

And then Lord Nityananda said that you should always chant the names of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, never commit any sins again and to serve the devotees you build a ghat. Madhai followed all the instructions of Lord Nityananda. He built a ghat and that ghat came to be known as Madhai Ghat.

Lord Nityananda is our only hope. He transformed the heart of Madhai. So, if we take his shelter then he will transform our heart too.

On the auspicious occasion of Nityananda Trayodasi devotees were again and again praying to the lord for his mercy.  

Abhishek of Lord Nityananda

In the evening the program began at 5 pm with the abhishek of Nitai Gauranga deity.

Throughout the day devotees kept on thronging the temple. Hundreds of devotees came to attend the evening program which started at 5 pm. For the evening program a beautiful pandal was built. Evening program started with the abhishek of the Lord.

For the abhishek, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga deities were taken on palki from temple to the pandal where abhishek was to be held. Palki procession was accompanied with dancing kirtan. Throughout the procession devotees were showering flower petals on the Lord, fanning the deities with chamar and were blowing conch shells.

Abhishek started with the arati of the Lord with nine pista lamps. First sandalwood oil was applied to the Lord which was followed by til paste. After that the two deities were bathed with sacred items like milk, curd,ghee, gomoy, gomutra, honey, sugar candy water, kusa grass water, fruit juices like green grapes, black grapes, watermelon and pomegranate, sugar cane juice, kesar water, rose water, coconut water, sarvausadhi, mahausadhi, pancapuspa jal and flower petals.

Devotees’ experience mercy of Lord Nityananda

After the abhishek, there was Nityananda katha by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj Devotees were also blessed to have the association of HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaj on Nityananda Trayodasi. Maharaj beautifully spoke about the glories of Lord Nityananda.

After the katha there was Gaur Arati in which everyone enthusiastically participated. Devotees joyfully sang and danced for the pleasure of the Lord.  

Program concluded with delicious prasadam for all the devotees who came for the program.

Everyone felt blessed and happy and experienced mercy of Lord Nityananda on this auspicious day of Nityananda Trayodasi.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.79,16-18| Lord Balarama teaches us what to do in the holy places

Lord Balarama personally teaches us all what to do when we visit the holy places.

When Mahabharat war was about to take place then Lord Balarama decided not to take side of the Pandavas or the Kauravas.  Instead, he decided to travel to holy places. Generally, people go on pilgrimage to purify themselves and attain freedom from sins.

But Lord Balarama is the first expansion of Krishna, he is free from all sins. In fact, by taking his shelter people become free of all the sins.  Then what was the need for him to go to these holy places? 

Lord Balarama is Adi guru, the first spiritual master. And the spiritual master teaches many important lessons to the people by his personal example.

So, by visiting the dhams (holy places) Lord Balarama is teaching us the necessity of going on pilgrimage.

But it is not just about going to these holy places, but it is also equally important to know what to do when we are in these sacred places.

Three activities of Lord Balarama

We see that Lord Balarama primarily did three things in dhams.

1. He took bath in the holy rivers.

He bathed in rivers like Kauśikī, Sarayū, Gomatī, Gaṇḍakī, Vipāśā, Śoṇa,Ganges,Veṇā,Pampā, Bhīmarathī, Kāverī and in the seven branches of the Godāvarī River. He also went to to Prayāga.

2. He gave charity

At Rāmeśvaram, he gave ten thousand cows to brāhmaṇas in charity.

3. He associated with the saintly people

During his pilgrimage he met great sages like Pulaha Ṛṣi & Agastya Ṛṣi. He offered prayers to Agastya Ṛṣi and got blessings from the great sage.

Conclusion

So, Lord Balarama teaches us what activities we should do when we are in the holy places

Following the footsteps of Lord Balarama, we should also take out time to visit holy places. And also perform above three activities which will purify us from the sins and take us closer to Krishna.

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.79,16-18

“There at Setubandha [Rāmeśvaram] Lord Halāyudha gave brāhmaṇas ten thousand cows in charity. He then visited the Kṛtamālā and Tāmraparṇī rivers and the great Malaya Mountains. In the Malaya range Lord Balarāma found Agastya Ṛṣi sitting in meditation. After bowing down to the sage, the Lord offered him prayers and then received blessings from him. Taking leave from Agastya, He proceeded to the shore of the southern ocean, where He saw Goddess Durgā in her form of Kanyā-kumārī. Next He went to Phālguna-tīrtha and bathed in the sacred Pañcāpsarā Lake, where Lord Viṣṇu had directly manifested Himself. At this place He gave away another ten thousand cows.” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.79,16-18

Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 10.47.21|Śrī Advaita Ācārya teaches “Our only desire should be to serve Krishna”

In the kingdom of Krishna everyone always carry the desire to serve Krishna. And we also see that Krishna too loves to serve his devotees. 

If we read scriptures and the life of great devotees, we find that they carry only one desire in their heart and their desire is to become servant of Krishna. What to talk about the pure devotees, even the first expansion of the Supreme Lord, Lord Balarama, wants to become a humble servant of Krishna.

Śrī Advaita Ācārya considers himself a servant

In Chaitanya lila, we see that Śrī Advaita Ācārya always considered himself a servant of Lord Chaitanya.

When Lord Chaitanya appeared then Śrī Advaita Ācārya was 60 years old, old enough to be grandfather of Lord Chaitanya. And so, Lord Caitanya would give him respect. But Śrī Advaita Ācārya did not like this.  So, once he enacted a pastime and he started preaching Mayavada philosophy.

When Lord Caitanya heard about this, he became extremely angry, and he started beating Śrī Advaita Ācārya. Śrī Advaita Ācārya wife, Srimati Sita Thakurani started begging Lord Caitanya to stop beating an elderly person else he will die.

But Śrī Advaita Ācārya was enjoying it. He wanted to convey to the whole world that see although Lord Caitanya considers me an acharya and gives me respect but actually Lord Caitanya is the real acharya and we all should serve him.

Śrī Advaita Ācārya thinks, “Lord Caitanya considers Me His spiritual master, yet I feel Myself to be only His servant.” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta,Ai-līlā, 6.52

Śrī Advaita Ācārya is an incarnation of Mahā-Viṣṇu and Sadasiva. He came here to propagate pure devotion to Krishna and to teach us that our only goal of life should be to always serve Krishna.

Cultivating desire to serve Krishna

Even in Vrindavan we see that mood is of servitorship. Everyone wants to serve Krishna – Nanda Maharaja, Mother Yashoda, gopis, gopas, cows, peacocks, river Yamuna, in fact everyone serves Krishna.  

The gopis would always consider themselves as Krishna’s maidservants.

“O Uddhava! It is indeed regrettable that Kṛṣṇa resides in Mathurā. Does He remember His father’s household affairs and His friends, the cowherd boys? O great soul! Does He ever talk about us, His maidservants? When will He lay on our heads His aguru-scented hand?” Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata Purāṇa) 10.47.21

In this this world we see that everyone wants to become masters but in the kingdom of Krishnan everyone wants to serve Krishna. There no one wants to enjoy with Krishna but everyone wants to give joy to Krishna. And while doing so they experiences unlimited bliss.

Today is the appearance day of Śrī Advaita Ācārya. Let us pray at his lotus feet to purify our heart and give us benediction so that we also cultivate the desire to always serve Krishna’s lotus feet.

Note: This article is based on the Srimad Bhagavatam class given by HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu @Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata on 16th Feb 2024 on the auspicious occassion of Śrī Advaita Ācārya appearance day.