Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा के पीछे की कहानी

जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा के पीछे क्या कहानी है जो हर साल लाखों भक्तों को जगन्नाथ पुरी की ओर आकर्षित करती है? क्यों साल में एक बार भगवान जगन्नाथ अपने भाई बलदेव और छोटी बहन सुभद्रा के साथ मंदिर से बाहर आते हैं और विशाल रथों पर सवार होते हैं?

परम पूज्य भक्ति चारु स्वामी महाराज ने अपने एक व्याख्यान में विश्व प्रसिद्ध जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा उत्सव के पीछे की कहानी को खूबसूरती से समझाया है। नीचे उनके व्याख्यान का प्रतिलेखन है।

परम पूज्य भक्ति चारु स्वामी महाराज द्वारा जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा की कहानी

सौ साल तक कृष्ण वृंदावन से दूर रहे। कृष्ण ने आश्वासन दिया था, “मैं जल्दी वापस आऊंगा। चिंता मत करो।” गोपियाँ कृष्ण को वृंदावन छोड़ने से रोकने की कोशिश कर रही थीं। वे उसे रोकने के लिए बेताब थे। कुछ गोपियाँ रथ के घोड़ों की लगाम पकड़े हुए थीं।

कुछ गोपियाँ रथ खींच रही थीं, “हम तुम्हें जाने नहीं देंगे।” कुछ गोपियाँ रथ के पहियों के सामने लेट गईं और कुछ गोपियाँ अक्रूर को पीट रही थीं, “तुम कृष्ण को ले जाना चाहते हो, हम तुम्हें ऐसा कभी नहीं करने देंगे।” गोपियों की हालत बहुत खराब थी। कृष्ण ने उन्हें आश्वासन दिया, “चिंता मत करो। मैं बस एक मिशन के साथ वहां जा रहा हूं। राजा ने मुझे आमंत्रित किया है, इसलिए मुझे जाना है। इसलिए, चिंता मत करो मैं वापस आऊंगा।“

कृष्ण ने वचन तोड़ा

कृष्ण में कई अद्भुत गुण हैं। उनका एक गुण यह है कि वे अपनी प्रतिज्ञाओं को तोड़ते हैं,  उनके शब्दों का कभी-कभी कोई मूल्य नहीं होता।

इसलिए जब कृष्ण कुछ वचन देना चाहते हैं, तो वे अपने भक्तों के माध्यम से वचनबद्ध होते हैं क्योंकि उनके वचन विफल हो सकते हैं लेकिन उनके भक्तों के वचन कभी विफल नहीं होते हैं।

इसलिए, वे कहते हैं, “कौन्तेय प्रतिजानीहि न मे भक्तः प्रणश्यति , भगवद गीता 9.31. अर्जुन तुम घोषणा करो, मैं यह नहीं कहूँगा। अगर मैं यह कहूँगा, तो लोग सोच सकते हैं कि यह सिर्फ एक और झांसा है। हे कुन्तीपुत्र! निडर होकर घोषणा कर दो कि मेरे भक्त का कभी विनाश नहीं होता है।“

गोपियाँ और कृष्ण कुरुक्षेत्र आते हैं

तो, सौ साल तक कृष्ण वापस नहीं गए। सूर्य ग्रहण के अवसर पर, यह प्रथा है कि पवित्र लोग कुरुक्षेत्र के सामंत पंचक में स्नान करने जाते हैं। तो, सूर्य ग्रहण के अवसर पर बहुत से लोग कुरुक्षेत्र में स्नान करने गए और गोपियाँ भी गईं।

वृंदावनवासी भी स्नान करने गए और कृष्ण भी गए। उन्होंने स्नान किया। अगले दिन वे जाने ही वाले थे कि वृंदावनवासियों को खबर मिली कि कृष्ण और बलराम वहां हैं। वे तुरंत कृष्ण और बलराम से मिलने दौड़े।

राधारानी कृष्ण को देखकर खुश नहीं होतीं

तब तक कृष्ण अपने रथ पर सवार हो चुके थे। वे जाने वाले थे। वृंदावनवासी  वहां पहुंचे। हर कोई स्वाभाविक रूप से बहुत उत्साहित थे, बहुत खुश थे। लेकिन राधारानी नहीं थीं। राधारानी की मनोदशा थी, यह नंदलाल नहीं है।

नंदलाल, मेरे कृष्ण, अपने सिर पर मोर पंख पहनते हैं, लेकिन यह व्यक्ति मुकुट पहने हुए है। मेरे कृष्ण पीले वस्त्र पहनते हैं, और यह व्यक्ति शाही वस्त्र, शाही पोशाक पहने हुए है। मेरे कृष्ण वन के फूलों से बनी फूलों की माला पहनते हैं और इस शख्सियत ने कीमती रत्नों और गहनों से बना हार पहने हुए है।

मेरे कृष्ण के पास एक बांसुरी है और यह धनुष-बाण और तलवार लिए हुए है। मैं उनसे यमुना के तट पर एकांत स्थान पर मिलती थी लेकिन यह स्थान इतने लोगों से भरा है, इतना शोर, इतने घोड़े, इतने हाथी।

व्रजवासी कृष्ण का रथ खींचने लगे

यह वह जगह नहीं है जहां मैं कृष्ण को देखना चाहती थी। वृंदावन के निवासी, राधारानी के भक्त, राधारानी की मनोदशा को समझ गए। तो उन्होंने क्या किया? उन्होंने कृष्ण के रथ को पकड़ लिया।

घोड़े पहले से ही लगे हुए थे, इसलिए घोड़ों के साथ वे कृष्ण के रथ को खींचने लगे। बलराम भी थे। बलराम भी उनके मित्र थे। इसलिए बलराम का रथ भी घसीटा जा रहा था। छोटी बहन को अकेला नहीं छोड़ा जा सकता, इसलिए उसे भी ले लो। लेकिन कहां? वृंदावन को।

तो यह है रथ यात्रा उत्सव। कुरुक्षेत्र से, कृष्ण, बलराम और सुभद्रा को वृंदावन की ओर खींचा जाता है। वृंदावन में, कृष्ण, श्रीमती राधारानी से मिलते हैं। गुंडिचा मंदिर वास्तव में वृंदावन है। यह है रथ यात्रा उत्सव की कहानी।

परम पूज्यभक्ति चारु स्वामी महाराज ने जगन्नाथ रथ यात्रा उत्सव के पीछे की कहानी और इसके महत्व को बहुत खूबसूरती से समझाया है।

कृष्ण का रथ खींचने में राधारानी की सहायता करना

तो, रथ यात्रा उत्सव के दौरान जब हम रस्सी खींचते हैं तो इसका मतलब है कि हम श्रीमती राधारानी को कृष्ण के रथ को वृंदावन तक खींचने में सहायता करते हैं। हम राधारानी को अपने प्रिय कृष्ण से मिलने की लीला में मदद करते हैं।

भगवान जगन्नाथ के रूप में भगवान कृष्ण वृंदावन जाने और राधारानी से मिलने के लिए बहुत उत्साहित रहते हैं। राधारानी भी उत्साहित रहती हैं। इसलिए, यदि हम रथ यात्रा उत्सव में भाग लेते हैं और भगवान जगन्नाथ की रस्सियों को खींचते हैं तो हम वास्तव में कृष्ण और राधारानी के मिलन में सहायता करते हैं।

जब कृष्ण और राधारानी मिलते हैं तो आनंद असीमित होता है। राधा-कृष्ण को एक साथ देखकर भक्तों को बहुत आनंद मिलता है। और इस तरह भक्त अपने जीवन को पूर्ण करते हैं।

गौड़ीय वैष्णववाद के लिए रथ यात्रा का महत्व

गौड़ीय वैष्णव मत के अनुयायियों के लिए रथ यात्रा का विशेष महत्व है। गौड़ीय वैष्णववाद की स्थापना श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु ने की थी, इसलिए इसे चैतन्य वैष्णववाद भी कहा जाता है।

श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु संन्यास लेने के बाद जगन्नाथ पुरी में रहते थे और हर दिन वे भगवान जगन्नाथ के दर्शन करने के लिए मंदिर जाते थे। महाप्रभु रथ यात्रा उत्सव में बड़े उत्साह के साथ भाग लेते थे।

रथ यात्रा उत्सव के दौरान चैतन्य महाप्रभु के सैकड़ों अनुयायी जगन्नाथ पुरी आते थे। श्री चैतन्य-चरितामृत में विस्तार से बताया गया है कि कैसे महाप्रभु अपने शिष्यों के साथ रथ यात्रा उत्सव में भाग लेते थे।

आज रथ यात्रा उत्सव पूरी दुनिया में फैल गया है

श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु अत्यंत दयालु हैं, वे चाहते थे कि सभी को भगवान जगन्नाथ की कृपा मिले।

श्रील प्रभुपाद, एक महान वैष्णव संत और विद्वान, श्री चैतन्य महाप्रभु के हृदय को जानते थे, इसलिए उन्होंने पूरी दुनिया में रथ यात्रा उत्सव की शुरुआत की। श्रील प्रभुपाद भी चाहते थे कि सभी को भगवान जगन्नाथ की कृपा मिले।

तो, आज श्रील प्रभुपाद की कृपा से रथ यात्रा उत्सव न केवल जगन्नाथ पुरी में बल्कि भारत और दुनिया के विभिन्न शहरों में भी मनाया जाता है। रथ यात्रा उत्सव में लाखों लोग भाग लेते हैं और रथों की रस्सियां ​​खींचते हैं।

रथ पर भगवान जगन्नाथ के दर्शन मात्र से ही लोगों का जीवन मंगलमय हो जाता है। और अगर लोग खुशी-खुशी रथ यात्रा में भाग लेते हैं और रथ खींचते हैं तो उनका जीवन सफल हो जाता है।

Story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra Festival

What is the story behind Jagannath Rath Yatra which draws lakhs of devotees every year to Jagannath Puri? Why once in a year Lord Jagannath with his brother Baladeva and little sister Subhadra come out of the temple and ride on the massive chariots?  

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj has beautifully explained the story behind the world-famous Rath Yatra festival in one of his lectures. Below is what he said:

HH Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj tells Rath Yatra Story

For hundred years, Krishna was away from Vrindavan. Krishna gave the assurance; I will come back quickly. Don’t worry. The gopis were trying to stop him from leaving Vrindavan.

They were desperate to stop. Some gopis were holding the reins of the chariot’s horses and some gopis were pulling the chariot, “we won’t let you go.”

Some gopis laid down in front of the wheels of the chariot and some gopis were beating up Akrura, “You want to take Krishna, we will never let you do that.” So, the gopis were in desperate situation.

So, Krishna assured them, “Don’t worry., I am just going there with a mission. The king has invited me, so I have do go. So, don’t worry I will come back.”  

Krishna breaks his promise

Krishna that way has many wonderful qualities. One of his qualities is he breaks his vows. His words sometimes don’t have any values. That’s why when Krishna wants to make some promise and reassure fully, he makes the commitment through his devotees because his words may fail but his devotees’ words will never fail.

Therefore, he says, “kaunteya pratijānīhi na me bhaktaḥ praṇaśyati, Bhagavad Gita 9.31. Arjuna you declare, I won’t say it. If I say it, then people may think it’s just another bluff. So, you say it that my devotees will never vanquish.”  

Gopis & Krishna come to Kurukshetra

So, for hundred years Krishna didn’t go back. On the occasion of Solar eclipse, Surya Grahan, it’s a custom that seekers of piety go to Samanta panchak in Kurukshetra to take bath. So, many people went to Kurukshetra on the occasion of solar eclipse to take bath and the gopis also went.

The residents of Vrindavan also went to take bath and Krishna also went. They took bath. Next day they were about to leave and then the residents of Vrindavan got the news that Krishna and Balarama were there. They immediately ran to meet Krishna and Balarama.

Radharani is unhappy to see Krishna

By the time Krishna was already on his chariot. He was also about to leave. So, they arrived there. And everyone was naturally very excited, very happy. But Radharani was not. Radharani’s mood was, this is not Nandalala.

Nandalala, my Krishna, wears a peacock feather on his head, but this person is wearing a crown. My Krishna wears a yellow garment, and this person is wearing royal robes, royal dress.

My Krishna wears flower garland made of forest flowers. And this personality is wearing necklaces made of most precious gems and jewels. My Krishna carries a flute and this one is carrying a bow and arrow and sword.

I meet him in the solitary place on the bank of Yamuna but this place is full of so many people, so much noise, so many horses, so many elephants. The elephants are trumpeting, horses are whining, people are clamoring, so much noise.

This is not where I wanted to see him and this is not the way I wanted to see my Krishna.

Vrajbasis begin to pull Krishna’s chariot

So, residence of Vrindavan, Radharani’s devotees, could understand Radharani’s mood. So, what did they do? They caught hold of Krishna’s chariot. The horses were already harnessed, so along with the horses they started to pull Krishna’s chariot.

Balarama was also there; he was also their friend. Balarama’s chariot was also being dragged and the sister cannot be left alone, so take her also. But where? To Vrindavan. So that is the Rath Yatra festival.

From Kurukshetra, Krishna, Balarama and Subhadra are being dragged towards Vrindavan where he will meet Srimati Radharani. So Gundicha temple is actually Vrindavan. So that is the Rath Yatra festival.”

HH Bhakti Charu Swamu Maharaj has very beautifully explained the story behind the Rath Yatra festival and its great significance.

Assisting Radharani in pulling the chariot of Krishna

So, during the Rath Yatra festival when we are pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath then it means that we are assisting Srimati Radharani in pulling the chariot of Krishna to Vrindavan. We are participating in the pastime of helping Radharani meet his beloved Krishna.

Lord Krishna as Lord Jagannath is very excited to go to Vrindavan and meet Radharani. Radharani is excited too. So, if we are participating in the Rath Yatra festival and pulling the ropes of Lord Jagannath then we are actually assisting in uniting Krishna with his beloved Radharani.

When Krishna and Radharani meets then the bliss is unlimited. Seeing the divine couple together gives great bliss to the devotees. And this is the ultimate perfection of our life.

Significance of Rath Yatra for Gaudiya Vaishnavism

For the followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Rath Yatra holds a special significance. Gaudiya Vaishnavism was founded by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so it is also called Chaitanya Vaishnavism.

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu after taking sannyasa resided in Jagannath Puri and every day he visited the temple to took darshan of Lord Jagannath. Mahaprabhu would participate in Rath Yatra festival with great enthusiasm.

Hundreds of prominent followers of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would come to Jagannath Puri during the Rath Yatra festival. Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta elaborately explains how Mahaprabhu along with several of his disciples took part in the Rath Yatra festival. 

Rath Yatra festival has spread all over the world

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is extremely merciful, he wanted everyone to get mercy of Lord Jagannath.

Srila Prabhupada, a great Vaisnava saint and scholar, knew the heart of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, so he introduced Rath Yatra festival all over the world. Srila Prabhupada also wanted that everyone should get mercy of Lord Jagannath.

So, today by the grace of Srila Prabhupada, Rath Yatra festival is not just celebrated in Jagannath Puri but also in different cities of India and of the world. Tens and thousands of people participate in Rath Yatra procession and come to pull the ropes of the chariots.  

Just by seeing Lord Jagannath on the chariot people’s life become auspicious. And if with joy they participate in the Rath Yatra procession and pull the chariots then their life become successful.  

51st Kolkata Rath Yatra by Iskcon

Iskcon celebrated 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra on 1^st July 2022.  For last two years because of Covid, Rath Yatra was not celebrated in such a grand scale. So, this time devotees of Jagannath, were eager to participate in the Kolkata Rath Yatra festival which was started by Srila Prabhupada in 1972.  Thousands of devotees accompanied the Rath Yatra procession.

On the streets thousands of people stood to pull the chariots of the Lords. Some people especially elderly who could not come on the street watched the massive Rath Yatra procession from their house’s balconies and window.

Seeing the three massive chariots rolling through the streets of Kolkata amidst the loud chanting of Jay Jagannath and Hare Krishna Mahamantra gave great joy to everyone.

Inauguration of 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra

Rath Yatra started from Iskcon’s Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple at 3C Albert Road, Minto Park and culminated at TAI Brigade Ground where a beautiful Gundicha temple has been built.

51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra was inaugurated by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj and HH Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Swami Maharaja.

Chief Minister of West Bengal participates in Rath Yatra

Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee also participated in the 51^st Kolkata Rath Yatra. CM Mamata Banerjee along with TMC MP, Nusrat Jahan, first visited Sri Sri Radha Govinda temple and did arati of Radha Govinda. Then she also did arati of Lord Jagannath who was seated on the chariot. She also participated in pulling the Rath of Lord Jagannath.

Rath Yatra was to start at around 1 pm IST but was little delayed.  Devotees were eager to pull the chariot. They were desperately waiting for the Rath Yatra to start.  Many devotees were holding the ropes of the chariot and sitting on the street. Just like a mother holds her baby on her lap or close to her chest, devotees had put the rope on their laps, some close to their chest.

Rath Yatra management team had announced that when they will show green flag then devotees can pull the chariot and when they will show red flag then devotees should stop and not pull the chariot.

Eagerness of the devotees to pull the chariot

On few occasions, it happened that the devotees thought that the procession is about to start, so they got up holding the ropes with great enthusiasm hoping to pull the chariot of the Lord. But the rath yatra management would politely ask them to wait for some more time. 

The wait was little longer. I was also desperately waiting for the Rath Yatra to begin. One elderly devotee was sitting beside me. He spoke pure Bengali language. I am not able to understand Bengali completely, I can understand it in bits and pieces. And am not able to speak. The elderly devotee also did not speak Hindi/English. But still we conversed and tried to understand each other.

The elderly devotee was saying that he has been practicing Bhakti since last 36 years. He was around 70 years old. He said that he is a disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. From the conversation, I could sense that he had great respect for Maharaj.

For him the wait was little more difficult, especially because of his age. So, he was little upset. We had been waiting for hours. I was also losing patience thinking that why it is not starting. Some said that because the CM has not arrived, so Rath Yatra has not started. Some gave other reasons.

Lord Jagannath moves as per his own will.

All the material reasons for the delay could be true, it could be justified too. But one thought came to my mind.

In Chaitanya-Charitamrita Madhya 13.28, describing the Rath Yatra procession of Jagannath Puri, Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī writes, “Sometimes the car would stand still and not move, even though it was pulled very vigorously. The chariot therefore moved by the will of the Lord, not by the strength of any ordinary person.”

Lord Jagannath moves as per his own supreme will. He is independent Lord, whenever he decides, he moves.

So, putting aside all my logic, arguments, analysis, frustration, impatience, I prayed to Lord Jagannath to give us an opportunity to participate in the festival of pulling his chariot.

While all of us were wating for the procession to start, devotees were doing kirtan, doing arati and were offering bhoga to the Lord.

Rath Yatra procession finally begins

Finally, Lord Jagannath decided to move. Rath Yatra management devotees announced that we are now going to pull the chariot of the Lord. They showed the green flag. It was celebration time. Devotees who were holding the ropes of the chariot for hours and siting on the road, immediately got up and with the loud chant of Jay Jagannath, they pulled the ropes. Hundreds of devotees who were standing on the sides of the road joined them to pull the chariot.

Rath Yatra procession started at around 3:30 pm IST. Lord Jagannath Rath started at 3:51 pm IST. 

Once the Rath Yatra started, there was no delay. The three massive chariots of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi rolled through the streets of Kolkata. In front of each chariot devotees were doing kirtan.

The three chariots

Lord Jagannath chariot is called Nandighosa. This chariot has 16 wheels. It’s charioteer is Daruka.

Lord Baladeva’s chariot is called Taladhwaja. It has 14 wheels and Matali is the charioteer.

Subhadra’s chariot is known as Devadalana/Darpadalana/Padmadhwaja. This chariot has 12 wheels and Arjuna is the Charioteer.

People’s eagerness to pull the chariot

At different places bhoga was offered to the Lord. At some places 108 food items were offered to the Lord, at some places 51 items. Lord Jagannath prasadam were distributed along the way. Many people were eager to serve the devotees participating in the Rath Yatra procession, So, at many places they were serving water, juices and refreshment to the devotees.

I saw few devotees carrying broom with them to sweep the street from where the Lord will pass. People were falling flat on the street to pay obeisances to the Lord.

Because of Rath Yatra procession, commuters had to wait for long time at traffic signals. But no one looked upset. They too were enjoying Rath Yatra procession. Many people got down from buses and their vehicles to pull the chariot.

Many were peeping from inside the buses and vehicles to see the Lord. They were also raising their hands to welcome the Lord and offer their respects to the Lord. 

Although we say that because of Kaliyuga people are not showing much interest bhakti but still I saw that there were thousands of people at different spots eagerly waiting to pull the chariot of the Lord. Young and old, men and women, rich and poor everyone came to pull the rath. And while pulling they all were chanting Jay Jagannath or were singing Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

It is because of Srila Prabhupada’s mercy that so many people in Kolkata are getting mercy of Lord Jagannath. If you would have looked at the face of Lord Jagannath, he looked happy.

Wonderful Rath Yatra experience  

A day before Rath Yatra I was not feeling enthusiastic to participate in Rath yatra. On the Rath Yatra day too in the morning, the feeling remained the same. But I did not want to miss Rath Yatra. I thought that I will be there for couple of hours and then return back. But after being there with the Lord and his sincere devotees, I could not think of coming after attending only for couple of hours.

I had wonderful experience.  I pulled all the three chariots – of Lord Jagannath, of Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. After pulling the three chariots, I came in front of Lord Jagannath’s chariot. I saw their one of my friends HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu who is a celibate monk in Iskcon temple and other devotees. I decided to be with them.

Devotees in front of Lord Jagannath chariot were doing kirtan and were dancing for the pleasure of the Lord. Because of their inspiration I too participated in the kirtan. It was a great experience.

Poison in beginning, nectar at end

In Bhagavad Gita 18.37, Lord Krishna says, “That which in the beginning may be just like poison but at the end is just like nectar and which awakens one to self-realization is said to be happiness in the mode of goodness.”

I realized that because of my laziness and impurities I was not feeling motivated to participate in Rath Yatra but once I participated and took the association of the devotees, I felt really nice. One lesson I learnt is that I should not listen to my mind but should follow the guidelines of the scriptures and footsteps of sincere vaisnavas.

As many devotees were there trying to pull the chariot, it was naturally that they will step over each other. So, while pulling the chariots many devotees stamped over my feet. I have blisters on my feet. But it is ok. Its sweet pain.

Rath finally reached Gundicha temple

Rath Yatra finally reached Gundicha temple at TAI Brigade ground, at around 9 pm i.e. almost after five and half hours. Here Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi will stay in Gundicha temple for 9 days i.e. till the day of Ulta Rath Yatra which is on 9^th July.

At Gundicha temple venue, various attractive stalls have been put for people to visit and get inspired to practice Krishna Consciousness.  For kids there is special kids corner where they can come, have fun and see a glimpse of Krishna Conscious life. For nine days, various programs will be there at Gundicha temple throughout the day.

After we reached Gundicha temple we had delicious khichdi and halwa prasadam.  It was a wonderful and memorable Rath Yatra experience.

The happiness which Lord Jagannath bestows upon all who participate in his Rath Yatra celebration cannot be described in words.

Lord Krishna Quotes

“Krishna comes to this material world to enlighten unfortunate souls like you and me who are suffering here unnecessarily. He tells us to give up everything and take his shelter.”

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Importance of devotee association

In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 4.12.37, Srila Prabhupada writes about the importance of devotee association, “Without the association of devotees, one cannot advance in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Therefore, we have established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. Factually, whoever lives in this society automatically develops Kṛṣṇa consciousness.”  

Srila Prabhupada in his Bhativedanta purports and lectures have highlighted about the need of devotee association many times.  Association plays a vital role in shaping our destiny. It is said that we are sum total of the people we associate with.

How association affects us?

Let us pause for few minutes and reflect on our life especially on the qualities which we have and we appreciate and the qualities which we have but we do not like and want to give it up. Now let us try to figure out how did we develop these qualities. Some of our qualities are from our childhood days and some we acquired in later part of our life either in school or college or from somewhere else. In almost all the cases we will find that the good or bad qualities which we have, we inculcated from others.  

For example, no one learns to smoke or drink liquor from the womb of his or her mother. Ask any smoker or drunkard and he will tell you that he imitated someone, or he was somehow convinced by others to indulge in it.  Similarly, if you appreciate some good quality in others and if you go and ask them about it, he will tell you that he got inspired by someone and so started applying it in his life.  

So, it is important that we choose our association very carefully. Not just people around us but things around us also affects our psyche. How things affect our consciousness is very well explained by Mother Sita. She tells the following story to her husband, Lord Rama, when they were wandering in the forest during the exile period.

Sage becomes a killer

There was a sage who was doing severe penance in the forest. Indra, the king of heaven, became worried that he may lose his kingdom to the sage. He wanted to somehow stop the sage from doing penance. So, one day fearful Indra went to the forest dressed as a soldier to meet the austere sage. He was carrying a sword with him. When he met the sage, he bowed down to him and requested him to guard his sword till he returns back from some urgent work.

The sage promised to keep the sword safe. The sage had given his word to properly take care of the sword. So, the sage always carried the sword with him. When he would go to pluck the flowers and fruits, he carried the sword. While doing penance also he was cautious to take care of the sword. 

Sword impact on sage’s life

Slowly the sage started developing cruel nature.  He started using his sword to cut tree branches and plants for flowers and fruits.  Not just that slowly he started even attacking and killing animals with the sword.  Gradually, he became extremely cruel.  Everyone started fearing him. Innocent animals would flee in fear seeing him.

Other sages doing penance in the forest left that place and went somewhere else. He lost all his accumulated piety and became a cruel person. Needless to say, Indra never came back to take back his sword.  The sage who had great destination became a ruthless killer just by associating with the sword. He went to hell after death.

These stories are there in our scriptures to help us understand the consequences of wrong association in our life. Whether it’s the people we associate with or the things we associate with, we have to be very careful. Just by associating with the sword the sage lost all his saintly qualities. So, we have to be careful not only with the people we associate with but with also the things we associate with. 

Associate with gadgets carefully

These days everyone carries a mobile. It has become a necessity but if we do not use it carefully, we will be in great trouble.  Just like weapon of mass destruction can create havoc on earth similarly mobile if not used righteously can create havoc in our life.  

Mobile addiction has become so common these days. Just like the sage who always carried the sword with him, we too have mobile with us 24 hours a day.  When we sleep, our mobile also lies with us on the bed. Even in bathroom we carry mobile.  

Our mobile has high speed internet connection and so with this little gadget we can see anything and can do anything. We can waste tonnes of time on mobile browsing social medias, watching videos or playing games. This will surely degrade our consciousness and take us away from Krishna.

So, it is advisable to use gadgets carefully, only when we need them. And most importantly not do anything with it which takes us away from Krishna.

Association of exalted devotees give exalted destination

If we study the life of great spiritual personalities, we find that they were very careful as how they spent their time and with whom they spent their time. Not even a single moment they wasted.

First, they would give up the association of non-devotees and the things which may hamper their devotional journey.  And then they would make sure that they only associated with sincere devotees of Krishna.

Just as the sun rays can immediately dispel all darkness, similarly, association of sincere devotees can enlighten our heart.

In Srimad Bhagavatam sage Narada underlines the importance of associating with exalted devotees while narrating his life story to his disciple, sage Vyasdeva. The revered sage says that his life got totally transformed when he got an opportunity to associate with the great devotees of Lord Krishna for four months.

By serving these great personalities, Narada who was in his previous life, son of a maidservant, developed transcendental qualities.  

Chaitanya Charitamrita 22.54 says that one achieves complete success in life if one gets an opportunity to associate with a devotee of Krishna even for a moment.

‘sādhu-saṅga’, ‘sādhu-saṅga’ — sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-mātra sādhu-saṅge sarva-siddhi haya

“The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success.

Great future

From the statements of the scriptures and sages, we understand that those who want Krishna always associate with those people and with those things that can give them Krishna.   Srila Prabhupada established Iskcon, so that genuine seekers can associate with each other and encourage each other to practice devotion to Krishna.  

Srimad Bhagavatam 4.12.37 tells the destination of those who associate only with the devotees of Krishna.

“Persons who are peaceful, equipoised, cleansed and purified, and who know the art of pleasing all other living entities, keep friendship only with devotees of the Lord; they alone can very easily achieve the perfection of going back home, back to Godhead.”

As we discussed earlier we are sum total of five people we associate with. So if we want to become a sincere devotee then we should seek association of sincere devotees. If we do so we will have a great future.

We should try our best to surround ourselves with those devotees who are sincerely practicing Krishna consciousness 24 hours a day. In their association we will develop taste for devotional life, will become a dear devotee of Krishna and will attain love of Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada meeting his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, for the first time

“Although initially reluctant but when Srila Prabhupada met his guru for the first time his life got completely transformed, he dedicated his life fully at the lotus feet of Lord Krishna and preached to millions of people the message of Krishna.”  

There are certain events which eventually turn out to be the turning point in the history of humanity. One such event occurred 100 years back in 1922, when Srila Prabhupada met his guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura in Kolkata.  That meeting fanned the flame of devotion which young Abhay had in his heart for Krishna. It helped him to define the mission and purpose of his life.

He now knew what he has to do in his life and took a vow like the famous kuru warrior Bhisma, that practicing, preaching and propagating Krishna Consciousness will be the ultimate goal of his life. He spearheaded a worldwide Krishna Conscious movement and established Iskcon in 1966, in New York. Today the world bows down to this great saintly personality and out of love and reverence calls him, Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada always thanked and glorified his guru for transforming his life.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura: A spiritual revolutionary leader

Abhay was born and brought up in Kolkata. Kolkata was a cosmopolitan city and for British it was an important city. The British East India Company established its base in Kolkata first and the city was the capital of British India from 1772 – 1911. However, Indians en masse were protesting against the British empire. The political movement gave birth to many prominent nationalistic leaders who were galvanizing the masses against the foreign subjugation.

During this time, few prominent personalities were also trying their best to revive India’s pristine spiritual culture and glory which people were not paying much attention to. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was one such spiritual leader who was working tirelessly to revive Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a movement started by Lord Chaitanya around 500 years back. Later his son, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, played a key role in inspiring thousands of people to practice devotion to Krishna and Chaitanya.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura was a spiritual revolutionary leader and a fearless preacher. He practiced what he preached and preached what Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had asked to preach without any adulteration.

He was based in Mayapur, the birthplace of Lord Chaitanya and was having a preaching centre there. But to expand the movement of Lord Chaitanya, he knew he also need to establish a base out of Mayapur.

Gaudiya Math in Kolkata

He decided to have a preaching centre n Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), capital of West Bengal, because it was said during his time and is still said “What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow.” So, Srila Saraswati Thakura thought that if people of Kolkata become devotees of Krishna then rest of India (including present day Pakistan and Bangladesh) too will become devotees of Krishna eventually.

So, he established a centre in Kolkata in November 1918 at 1 Ultadanga Junction Road and named it Bhaktivinod Asan.  In September 1920, on day of Sri Krishna Janmastami, he installed small deities of Sri Gandharvika Giridhari and a tall deity of Sri Chaitanya at Ultadanga centre. And on that auspicious day, he also renamed the centre to Sri Gaudiya Math.

Gradually Gaudiya Math became one of the most important preaching centres of Gaudiya Vaisnavism. Srila Sarswati Thakura took several initiatives to spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya from here.

It was at this place Abhay met Srila Saraswati Thakura and accepted him as his guru. And we can say that at this place only Srila Saraswati Thakura who was also called simha guru because of his courageous preaching sowed the seed of Iskcon in the heart of Abhay who later came to be known as Srila Prabhupada.

When Abhay (Srila Prabhupada) met his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, Thakura for the first time

Abhay was young, dynamic and educated. From his childhood days, he was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani. He always gave credit to his father and mother for instilling love for Krishna in his heart when he was just a little child.

His father, Gour Mohan De, and mother, Rajani De, were always engaged in practicing loving devotion to Krishna and would inspire their children to do the same. Abhay’s heart was full of devotion for Krishna, so when he saw anyone befooling people in name of Krishna, he became disturbed.

Since people were not practicing bhakti as given in Vedic scriptures in letter and spirit so many charlatans had sprung up and usurped the position of spiritual leaders. Bereft of spiritual knowledge, people had become gullible, so were easily fooled by bogus spiritual leaders. Abhay had seen that many sadhus who would frequent his home hardly had any spiritual substance.

They would don the saffron robe to look like a sadhu, but their main business was to collect donation and eat nice food at the house of their guest. Although Abhay did not disrespect anyone but being a seeker of truth, he kept distance from these people. Like most of the youngsters of 1920s, Abhay also wanted to actively participate in India’s freedom movement. He was inspired by Gandhi.

Abhay’s friend

One day, his friend Narendranath Mullik asked Abhay to meet Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura who was preaching in Kolkata.  The year was 1922. Narendra had met him recently and was very much inspired. But young Abhay laughed at the proposal. He remembered meeting so called saffron robe wearing great sannyasis. He had seen their true character, so he simply refused.

But Narendra knew that this great personality is different, he is amazing. Abhay was his friend and he knew his spiritual inclination. So, he wanted Abhay to meet the saint.  He tried to convince him, “He is not like any other sannyasi you have met. He is different.” Still Abhay was reluctant.  But Narendra was persistent and finally Abhay could not say no to his friend.  But he went with a sceptical mind.

Abhay’s visits Gaudiya Math

When they reached Gaudiya Math, a devotee ushered them to the roof where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura was speaking to some of his disciples and guests.  He was tall, slender and had fair complexion. He wore sannyasi robes and had Vaisnava tilaka on his forehead and other parts of his body. On his neck were Tulasi beads and brahminical thread adorned his torso.  He looked scholarly and grave.

Both Abhay and Narendra paid obeisance to this divine personality by respectfully bowing down in front of him. This is how one pays respect to a Vaisnava sannyasi. Born in a devotee family Abhay knew the Vaisnava etiquette.

Before they could rise after paying obeisances, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura who was conversing with his guests looked towards them and said, “You both are young, educated, so why don’t you preach the message of Lord Chaitanya all over the world?” Abhay could not believe what he heard.

Mostly he had heard sannyasis asking for money for their organisation or wanted to be invited at house for eating opulent food or asking people to become their disciples. But here he was asking him to become a worldwide preacher. Abhay did not accept anything at face value. He immediately countered, “But we Indians are under subjugation. Who will listen to us?  Who will appreciate our culture and philosophy? First, we should fight for our independence and get it.”

Krishna Conscious is emergency

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura said, “Krishna Conscious is emergency. It cannot wait for anything else. Rulers keep on coming and going, political situation of a country keeps on changing. But devotion to Krishna should never stop irrespective of any political or social turbulence.”

Abhay was flabbergasted by his boldness and his courage to speak the truth. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura had complete conviction that only Krishna consciousness can solve the problem of not just India but of whole world.

Abhay was drawn towards him. He sat there in rapt attention. Abhay was like a chataka bird who only drinks pure rainwater. The chaste bird is ready to die out of thirst but does not drink any water other than rainwater. Abhay too was not ready to hear any spiritual knowledge to quench his spiritual thirst. But he was desperately waiting to drink the uncontaminated transcendental knowledge coming out from the mouth of a pure devotee of Krishna.

Today, Krishna had answered his prayer. He was in front of such a great soul.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura’s qualities

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura spoke fluently in English and Bengali, quoted Sanskrit verses from the scriptures to give authenticity to his talk. He said that we do not belong to any particular nation or religion, but we are eternal spirit souls and our only relation is with Krishna which we have now forgotten and so suffering.

Once we understand our true spiritual identity and focus all our attention to re-establish our lost relation with Krishna then all the problems of our life will cease to exist. Our only business is to chant the names of Krishna and serve the mission of Krishna.

Abhay was delighted to hear the pure transcendental teachings. He saw that this person thinks nothing but Krishna and asks nothing but to chant the names of Krishna. He has no interest in anything material.  His door was open for anyone who was interested in practicing Krishna Consciousness.

Like other so-called sadhus he had seen earlier, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura was not coaxing people especially the rich ones for donation. He treated rich and poor, Hindus and non-Hindus, Indians and non-Indians alike. He saw everyone as the children of Krishna.

Abhay’s experience

It was getting dark. Abhay was listening to this great personality for last two hours and was relishing his words. Monks at Gaudiya Math gave him and his friend prasad. They both bowed down to the sage and came out of the building. It was dark outside, but Abhay’s heart was enlightened. In his heart he felt deep satisfaction and deep joy.

Although he met him for the first time but in his heart he knew that he has eternal relationship with him. He was eager to join his mission but he was married, had family responsibilities which he could not give up abruptly. But as the great guru had said that Krishna consciousness cannot wait for anything else so, he decided that from now the purpose and mission of his life will be to practice and preach Krishna consciousness.

What about Abhay’s involvement in India’s freedom movement?  In fact, this was the best way by which he could serve his motherland and the entire humanity.

Abhay was grateful to his friend for bringing him here. When Narendra asked him, “How was his experience?”

Abhay just said “wonderful.” He could not think of any other word to express his feelings. When the heart is overwhelmed with feelings of devotion, words fail to describe those emotions. 

Abhay fulfils the first instruction of his spiritual master

Whenever he got opportunity, he met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. He had already accepted him as his guru in the first meeting itself and he formerly took initiation from him in 1932. As a grihasta he did his best to serve his guru and Gaudiya Math.

He had deep desire to fulfil the first instruction of his guru – to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world. With lots of struggle and difficulty, he finally succeeded. He established Iskcon in 1966 and travelled all over the world to preach pure devotion to Krishna.  His disciples and admirers started calling him as Srila Prabhupada.

Srila means one who has “beauty and power to understand the lila (pastimes) of Krishna.” Prabhupada has two meanings.

1. At whose feet (pada), many Prabhus (masters) bows down.
2. One who is always at the lotus feet (pada) of the Supreme Master (prabhu), Lord Krishna.

Today Iskcon has more than 600 temples all over the world in prominent cities. Iskcon organizes famous Jagannath Rath Yatra festival in many important cities of the world such as Washington DC, New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Rome, Zurich, Sydney, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, Rio de Janeiro, Moscow, Dhaka, Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai. 

Srila Prabhupada’s contribution

Srila Prabhupada wrote several books and also translated Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita and other Vedic literatures. These books of Srila Prabhupada are now available in 89 languages. In last 55-56 years, Iskcon has distributed millions of these Vedic literatures including Bhagavad Gita all over the world. It has played an important role in the exponential growth of Hare Krishna movement across the globe.  

Lauding the contribution of Srila Prabhupada and Iskcon, Prime Minister of India, Mr Narendra Modi said, “Today there are hundreds of ISKCON temples in different countries around the world and is spreading the Indian culture. ISKCON has told the world that for India, faith means zeal, enthusiasm, to be in high spirits and faith in humanity.” https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pm-modi-lauds-iskcon-for-teaching-true-meaning-of-faith-101630504980604.html

Although he attained great success but he always remembered his guru, always remained grateful to him. Srila Prabhupada gave all credit for the success of Krishna Consciousness movement to his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, his eternal spiritual father.

Many years later, reflecting on his first meeting with his guru, Srila Prabhupada said, “I accepted him as my spiritual master immediately. Not officially, but in my heart. I was thinking that I had met a very nice saintly person.”

इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन कोलकाता में श्री श्री गौर निताई विग्रह की स्थापना

श्री श्री गौर निताई इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन, कोलकाता में प्रकट हुए हैं। 19 मई 2022 से 22 मई 2022 तक कोलकाता में गौर निताई के विग्रह का भव्य स्थापना समारोह मनाया गया।

परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य भक्ति पुरुषोत्तम स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य भक्ति प्रेम स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य भक्ति विजय भागवत स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य भक्ति दयिता आदि पुरुष स्वामी महाराज, संकर्षण निताई प्रभु, संकर्षण प्रभु,  सांबा प्रभु, हरीमती माताजी, अतुल कृष्ण प्रभु, प्रेम हरिनम प्रभु, सुंदरवर प्रभु और हजारों भक्त इस शानदार समारोह में शामिल हुए।

परम पूज्य राधानाथ स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य भक्ति रसामृत स्वामी महाराज, दयाराम प्रभु आभासी रूप से समारोह में शामिल हुए।

परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी महाराज और परम पूज्य राधानाथ स्वामी महाराज ने विग्रह का नाम श्री श्री निताई गौरांग रखा।

स्थापना समारोह 19 मई 2022 को सुबह शुरू हुआ। नीचे स्थापना समारोह का संक्षिप्त विवरण दिया गया है:

गौर निताई विग्रह की स्थापना के दौरान महत्वपूर्ण कार्यक्रम

*19 मई, पहला दिन -*

8.00 AM: आचार्य अनुजना, विष्वक्सेन पूजा, वासुदेव पुण्यः वचन

आचार्य अनुजना: आचार्य अनुजना में मंदिर परिषद के सदस्यों, मंदिर के पुजारियों और दानदाताओं ने आजीवन विग्रह की सेवा करने का संकल्प लिया।

विष्वक्सेन पूजा: विष्वक्सेन, भगवान विष्णु की सेना के सेनापति हैं। किसी भी महत्वपूर्ण मंदिर उत्सव से पहले जो पंचरात्र परंपराओं के रूप में आयोजित किया जाता है उनकी पूजा की जाती है।

सेवा अतुल्य प्रभु, जो विग्रह पूजा मंत्रालय में कार्य करते हैं, समारोह के मुख्य पुजारी थे। उनके साथ अन्य पुजारी भी थे।

9.00 – 10 AM: यज्ञ शाला प्रवेश पूजा, यज्ञ शाला- कलश स्थापना और आराधना

सुबह 10.00 बजे से दोपहर 12 बजे तक: वैष्णव होम

*शाम का सत्र*-

6.10 बजे : संकल्प

6.20 PM : *नेत्रोंमिलन दर्शन (आंखों का खुलना)*:

विग्रह से आंखें खोलने का अनुरोध किया गया।

शहद में डूबी हुई छड़ी से विग्रह की दाहिनी आंख को छूकर पुजारी ने वैदिक मंत्रों का पाठ किया जिसका अर्थ है:

“भगवान, जो अपने शरीर से प्रकट होने वाली सेना से देवताओं की रक्षा करते हैं, उन्हें बहुत प्रिय है। सूर्य, वरुण और अग्नि उनकी आंखों के समान हैं। वह परमात्मा हैं, जो ब्रह्मांड में चेतन और निर्जीव दोनों चीजों और प्राणियों में निवास करते हैं। वह उच्च ग्रहों, पृथ्वी और अंतरिक्ष में व्याप्त हैं।” (ऋग्-वेद 1.115.1, (शुक्ल – यजुर्वेद 7.42)

घी में डूबी हुई छड़ी से विग्रह की बायीं आंख को छूकर पुजारी ने वैदिक मंत्रों का पाठ किया जिसका अर्थ है:

भगवान, ज्ञान के नेत्र, मूल कारण, भक्तों के हितैषी, परम पद पर स्थित हैं। हम सौ शरद ऋतु के लिए प्रभु को देखें। हम सौ शरद ऋतु तक प्रभु में आनन्द मनाएँ। हम सौ शरद ऋतु में प्रभु के साथ आनंद लें। हम सौ शरद ऋतु के लिए प्रभु के साथ मौजूद रहें। हम सौ शरद ऋतु के लिए प्रभु के बारे में सुने। हम सौ शरद ऋतु के लिए प्रभु की स्तुति करें। हम सौ शरद ऋतु तक आसुरी तत्वों से अपराजित रहें । ताकि हम दीप्तिमान  भगवान को हमेशा के लिए देख सकें। ” (शुक्ल-यजुर्वेद 36.24), (ऋग्वेद-वेद 7.66.16.)

भक्तों को गौर निताई विग्रह के दर्शन देने के लिए परदे खोले गए। कीर्तन और शंख की ध्वनि के साथ भगवान को शुभ वस्तुएं दिखाई गई, जैसे गाय, गोपियों जैसे आभूषणों से सुशोभित युवा कुंवारी लड़कियां जिन्के हाथो में श्रीमद्भागवतम, चैतन्य चरितामृत, भगवद गीता, तुलसी जैसी शुभ वस्तुएं जो भगवान को बहुत प्रिय है।

6.30 PM: वंदपन (भगवान को विभिन्न शुभ वस्तुओं को दिखाना)

विग्रह को विभिन्न शुभ वस्तुएं दिखाई गईं, जैसे

1. यमुना, गंगा, मायापुर, द्वारका की मिट्टी

2. केसर के साथ चंदन का पेस्ट

3. धान

4. दूर्वा घास

5. सुगंधित फूलों का कटोरा

6. स्वस्तिक

7. रोचन

8. सोने के गहने

9. चांदी के गहने

10. तांबे के बर्तन

11. 2 चांदी के दीये आदि

इन शुभ वस्तुओं को परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य भक्ति पुरुषोत्तम स्वामी महाराज, अतुल कृष्ण प्रभु और अन्य गणमान्य व्यक्तियों द्वारा दिखाया गया।

7.30 PM : *सयन आदिवास* (विग्रह को शुभ शय्या पर रखना)।

सयनाधिवास (बिस्तर पर आराम करना) भगवान की उपस्थिति का आह्वान करने के लिए विग्रह में नींद की भावना का आह्वान करता है।  यह भक्तों पर शुभता प्रदान करता है।

सयाना-मंडप मंदिर के हॉल में बनाया गया था। श्री श्री निताई गौरांग के लिए पर्दों से सजा एक नया बिस्तर तैयार किया गया था। पलंग के चारों ओर दीये जलाए गए। एक चामर, पंखा, छाता, दर्पण, जवाहरात और जड़ी-बूटियाँ भगवान को अर्पित की गईं और बिस्तर के बगल में रख दी गईं। मंत्रों का जाप करते हुए छह प्रकार के भोजन, छह प्रकार के रस और मीठे चावल, दूध, शहद, घी, फल, पके हुए चावल और अन्य सामान बिस्तर के चारों ओर रख दिए गए।

*20- 05- 2022 शुक्रवार*

*दूसरा दिन। सुबह के सत्र*-

6.00 AM: जागरण (विग्रह को जगाना): पुजारी स्यन-मंडप में गए जहां विग्रह सो रहे थे, और उनके पैर छूकर, घंटी बजाकर और मंत्रों का जाप करके उन्हें जगाया।

7.00 -8.30 पूर्वाह्न: न्यासादि होम

9.00-10 बजे के बाद: महा-अभिषेक (भगवान को स्नान कराना):

मंत्र जाप और कीर्तन के साथ निताई गौरांग को निम्नलिखित शुभ वस्तुओं से स्नान कराया गया

• पंचगव्य स्नान: भगवान का दूध, दही, घी, गोमूत्र, गोबर से स्नान

• पंचामृत स्नान: भगवान का दूध, दही, घी, शहद, मिश्री के पानी से स्नान

• उस्नोडक स्नान: भगवान का गर्म पानी से स्नान

• सर्वौसधि स्नान: भगवान का हर्बल स्नान

• महाऔषधि स्नान: दूसरा हर्बल स्नान

• मंगल स्नान (शुभ स्नान): भगवान का पद्मकम, रोचन, दूर्वा, दरभा, जातिपुष्पा और कुंडपुस्पा के मिश्रित जल से स्नान

• बीजाष्टक स्नान (आठ बीज स्नान): भगवान का आठ बीजों के पानी से स्नान कराया गया: जौ, गेहूं, जंगली चावल, तिल, बाजरा, धान, पैनिक बीज और चावल जो साठ दिनों में उगते हैं

• रत्नोदक स्नान: भगवान का रत्न जल से स्नान

• पुष्पोदक स्नान: भगवान का पुष्प जल से स्नान

• फलोदका स्नान: फल जल से स्नान

• गंधोदक स्नान (सुगंधित जल स्नान): कस्तूरी और अगुरु जैसी गंधों से भगवान का स्नान

• गंध (चंदन): भगवान के शरीर पर चंदन का लेप लगाया गया

• चंदनौदक स्नान (चंदन का पानी): चंदन के पानी से विग्रह का स्नान

• सहस्र धारा स्नान : दोनों भगवानों को “सहस्राधारा”  के शुद्ध जल से स्नान कराया गया

• कलस स्नान: आठ कलशों के जल से भगवान का स्नान

प्राण प्रतिष्ठा: श्री श्री निताई गौरांग की प्राण प्रतिष्ठा सुबह 11.40 बजे से 11.55 बजे के बीच की गई।

इस समारोह में भगवान से अनुरोध किया जाता है की वो अर्चा विग्रह के रूप में उपस्थित हों और भक्तों की दैनिक पूजा को स्वीकार करें।

प्राण प्रतिष्ठा करते समय दूर्वा घास और सफेद चावल को अंगूठे, मध्यमा और अनामिका के बीच धारण किया गया और मंत्रों का जाप किया गया

श्री श्री निताई गौरांग की प्राण प्रतिष्ठा परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी महाराज, परम पूज्य राधानाथ स्वामी महाराज और वरिष्ठ इस्कॉन भक्तों द्वारा की गई।

प्राण प्रतिष्ठा के बाद भगवान को राज भोग लगाया गया। उसके बाद दर्शन और आरती के लिए परदे खोले गए।

वेदी पर पहली बार सुंदर निताई गौरांग को देखने के लिए भक्त उत्सुक थे।

सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम और अन्य आकर्षण

गौर निताई विग्रह स्थापना समारोह के दौरान सुंदर सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रम भी आयोजित किए गए। इसमें भक्तों और कई प्रशंसित कलाकारों ने भाग लिया। नृत्य, नाटक, भक्ति गीतों ने उपस्थित भक्तों को मंत्रमुग्ध कर दिया।

गौर निताई विग्रह स्थापना समारोह के लिए और विभिन्न सांस्कृतिक कार्यक्रमों में भाग लेने के लिए हर दिन लगभग 10000 लोग आते थे। प्रसादम सभी के लिए निःशुल्क था। चार दिवसीय कार्यक्रम के दौरान भक्तों ने लगातर कीर्तन किया।

अन्नक्षेत्र स्टॉल, गौरांग का फूड कॉर्नर, बुक स्टॉल, गो पूजा स्टॉल, आरती स्टॉल आदि विभिन्न आकर्षक स्टॉल लगाए गए।

परम दयालु ईश्वर प्रकट हुए हैं

सभी भक्त खुद को बेहद भाग्यशाली महसूस कर रहे हैं कि गौर निताई आखिरकार इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन मंदिर में प्रकट हुए हैं। श्री श्री गौर निताई बहुत दयालु हैं और सभी भक्तों को उम्मीद है कि दोनों भगवान उन पर अपनी असीमित कृपा बरसाएंगे।

लोचन दास ठाकुर ने एक गीत में गौर निताई की दया को खूबसूरती से समझाया है।

परम करुणा, पहि दुई जन

निताई गौरचंद्र

सब अवतार-सारा शिरोमणि:

केवला आनंद-कंद:

दो भगवान, निताई-गौरचंद्र, बहुत दयालु हैं। वे सभी अवतारों के सार हैं। इन अवतारों का विशिष्ट महत्व यह है कि उन्होंने जप और नृत्य की एक प्रक्रिया की शुरुआत की जो कि केवल आनंदमय है।

Gaur Nitai Deity Installation at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata

Gaur Nitai Deities have finally appeared in Newtown. Grand installation ceremony of Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Deity was celebrated in Kolkata from 19th May 2002 to 22nd May 2022.  

Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Deities have finally appeared in Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata. Grand installation ceremony of Sri Sri Gaur Nitai Deities were celebrated in Newtown, Kolkata from 19th May 2022 to 22nd May 2022.

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Prem Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Vijay Bhagavat Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Dayita Adi Purush Swami Maharaj, HG Sankarshan Nitai Prabhu, HG Sankarshan Prabhu (ACBSP), HG Samba Prabhu, HG Hrimati Mataji (ACBSP), HG Atul Krishna Prabhu, HG Prem Harinam Prabhu, HG Sundarvar Prabhu and thousands of devotees participated in this wonderful ceremony. 

HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Rasamrita Swami Maharaj, HG Dayaram Prabhu attended the ceremony virtually.

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj and HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj named the Deities Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.

The installation ceremony started on 19th May 2022 in the morning.

Below is the brief description of the installation ceremony:

Important Events during Gaur Nitai Deity Installation

*19th May, 1st day -*

8.00 AM :  Acharya Anujna, Vishwaksena puja, Vasudeva Punyah-Vachan

• Acharya Anujna: In Acharya Anujna, Temple Council Members, HG Acharya Ratan Prabhu, HG Prem Swarup Prabhu, HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu, HG Sri Nitai Prabhu, HG Anand Vardhan Prabhu and the Pujaris – HG Vrindavan Chari Prabhu and HG Sri Ram Raghav Prabhu – and Purushottam Goyal Prabhu who sponsored the installation ceremony took a vow to serve the deities as long as they are given the service.
• Vishwaksena puja: Vishwaksena, is the commander-in-chief of the army of Lord Vishnu. He is the gatekeeper and “chamberlain” of Vishnu’s abode in Vaikuntha. He is worshipped before any important temple festival which is held as part of Pancaratra temple traditions.

The priest who will oversee installation ceremony was also selected. HG Seva Atulya Prabu who serves in GBC deity worship ministry was selected as the priest for the ceremony. He was assisted by other priests.

9.00 – 10AM : Yajna Shala Pravesh Puja

Yaga Shala- Kalash Sthapana and Aradhana

10.00AM  – 12 P M : Vaishnava Homa

 *Evening session*- 

6.10 PM : Sankalpa 

6.20 PM : *Netronmilan Darshan (Opening of the Eyes)*: Deities were requested to open Their eyes.

Touching the Deity’s right eye with the stick dipped in honey, the priest chanted the following mantra,

“The Supreme Personality of Godhead, who protects the demigods with an army that manifests from His body, is very dear to them. Surya, Varuna, and Agni are like His eyes. He is the Supersoul, dwelling in all things and beings, both animate and inanimate in the universe. He pervades the higher planets, the Earth and space.” (Rg – veda 1.115.1, (Sukla – Yajurveda 7.42)

Touch the Deity’s left eye with the stick dipped in ghee, the priest chanted the following mantra,

“The Lord, the eye of knowledge, the primeval cause, the well-wisher of the devotees, is eternally situated in the supreme position. May we see the Lord for a hundred autumns. May we rejoice in the Lord for a hundred autumns. My we enjoy with the Lord for a hundred autumns. May we exist with the Lord for a hundred autumns. May we hear of the Lord for a hundred autumns. May we praise the Lord for a hundred autumns. May we be undefeated by demoniac elements for a hundred autumns. So that we may see the effulgent Lord eternally.” (Sukla – Yajurveda 36.24), (Rg – veda 7.66.16.)

Curtains were opened to give darsana of the Gaur Nitai Deities to the assembled devotees.  Along with kirtana and blowing of conch shells auspicious items were shown to the Lord such as cow, young Virgin girls (nicely dressed and decorated with all ornaments etc like gopis) carrying Srimad Bhagavatam, Chaitanya Charitamrita, Tulasi plant, Bhagavad Gita etc.

6.30 PM: Vandapana (showing of different auspicious articles)

The deities were shown different auspicious articles.such as

1. Earth from Yamuna, ganga, mayapura, dwaraka
2. sandal paste with saffron
3. Rice Paddy
4. Durva Grass
5. A bowl of Fragrant Flowers
6. Swastika
7. Rochana
8. Gold jewelry
9. Silver jewelry
10. Copper utensil
11. 2 Silver lamps, lighted (very small vilakku) etc

These auspicious items were shown to the deities by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaj, HG Atul Krishna Prabhu and other dignitaries.

7.30 PM :  *Sayana Adivasa* (Placing the deities in an auspicious bed).

Sayanadhivasa (resting in the bed) invokes the spirit of sleep into the Deity for invoking presence of the Lord as well as the ability to bestow auspiciousness on the devotees.

Sayana – mandapa was made in the temple hall.  A new bedding with lace curtains were prepared for the Two Lords. Lamps were lit around the bed. A camara, fan, umbrella, mirror, jewels, and herbs were offered to the Lord and placed next to the bed. Six types of eatables, six types of juices, and sweet rice, milk, honey, ghee, fruit, cooked rice and other items were placed around the bed while chanting mantras.

*20- 05- 2022 Friday*

*2nd day . Morning session*- 

6.00 AM:  Jagaran (waking up the deities): Priest went to the sayana – mandapa where the deities were sleeping, and woke Them up by touching Their feet, ringing bell and chanting mantras.

7.00 -8.30 AM:  Nyasadi Homa 

9.00-10 am onwards: Maha-Abhisheka (Bathing the Lord):

With the chanting of the mantras and the kirtan, Nitai Gauranga were bathed with following auspicious items 

• Pancagavya Snana: Bathing the Lord with Milk, Yogurt, Ghee, Cow Urine, Cow dung.
• Pancamrta Snana: Bathing the Lord with Milk, Yogurt, Ghee, Honey, Sugar Candy Water
• Usnodaka Snana: Bathing the Lord with warm water.
• Sarvausadhi Snana: Giving herbal bath to the Lord.
• Mahausadhi Snana: Second herbal bath.
• Mangala Snana (auspicious bath): Bathing the Lord with water mixed with padmakam, rocana, durva, darbha, jatipuspa and kundapuspa.
• Bijastaka Snana (eight seed bath): Bathing the Lord with water mixed with eight seeds: barley, wheat, wild rice, sesame, millet, rice paddy, panic seed and rice which grows in sixty days.
• Ratnodaka Snana: Bathing the Lord with jewel water.
• Puspodaka: Bathing the Lord in flower water.
• Phalodaka: Bathing the Lord in fruit water.
• Gandhodaka Snana (scented water bath): Bathing the Lord in water with scents such as musk and aguru.
• Gandha (sandalwood): Smearing the Lord’s body with sandalwood pulp.
• Candanodaka Snana (sandalwood water): Bathing the Lord in water mixed with sandalwood paste.
• Sahasra dhara snana : Bathing the Two Lords with pure water showered from a “sahasra dhara” (a round tray with holes in the bottom.
• Kalasa Snana (waterpot bath): Bathing the Lord with water from eight kalasas.

Prana Pratishta: Prana Pratishta of Nitai Gauranga performed from 11.40 am – 11.55 am.   

This ceremony is performed to formally request the Lord to be present in His arca – form to accept the daily worship of the devotees. Prana Pratistha is performed by meditating on the Lord entering the Deity from one’s heart, while touching the Deity’s heart holding durva grass and white rice between the thumb, middle and ring fingers chanting mantras.

Prana Pratishta of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga was performed by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj and other senior Iskcon leaders and pujaris.

Raja – bhoga was offered to the Lord after Prana Pratishta and then the curtains were opened for Darsana and first Sringar Arati.

Devotees were eager the see the beautiful Nitai Gauranga for the first time on the altar.

Cultural Programs & Other Attractions

During the Gaur Nitai deity installation ceremony beautiful cultural programs were also held. Devotees and many acclaimed artists participated in it. Dance, drama, devotional songs enthralled the assembled devotees.

Every day around 10000 people came for Gaur Nitai Deity installation ceremony and also to participate in various cultural programs. Prasadam was free for all. Kirtan continued throughout the four-day event.

Different attractive stalls were set up like Annakshetra stall, Gauranga’s food corner, Book stall, Go Puja and Aarti stall etc.

Most Merciful Lords have appeared

All the devotees feel extremely fortunate that Gaur Nitai have finally appeared in the Iskcon Newtown temple. Everyone feel blessed. Gaur Nitai is very merciful and all the devotees hope that the Two Lords will shower Their unlimited mercy upon them.

Locana Dasa Thakura in a song beautifully explain the mercy of Gaur Nitai.

parama karuṇa, pahū dui jana
nitāi gauracandra
saba avatāra-sāra śiromaṇi
kevala ānanda-kanda

The two Lords, Nitai-Gauracandra, are very merciful. They are the essence of all incarnations. The specific significance of these incarnations is that They introduced a process of chanting and dancing that is simply joyful.

इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन कोलकाता में गौर निताई की स्थापना: इस अवसर पर परम पूज्य राधानाथ स्वामी महाराज का सन्देश

19 मई से 22 मई 2022 तक, इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन कोलकाता में गौर निताई विग्रह की स्थापना समारोह मनाया गया। 20 मई, शुक्रवार, 2002 को दोपहर में वेदी पर गौर निताई विग्रह को स्थापित किया गया ।

गौर निताई की स्थापना समारोह में हजारों भक्तों ने भाग लिया। भक्त न केवल बंगाल के विभिन्न हिस्सों से थे बल्कि भारत और दुनिया के विभिन्न स्थानों से भी थे।

इस शुभ अवसर पर परम पूज्य राधानाथ स्वामी महाराज ने भक्तों को संबोधित किया और इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन में गौर निताई विग्रह की स्थापना के महत्व पर बात की।

इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन कोलकाता में गौर निताई विग्रह की स्थापना पर परम पूज्य राधानाथ स्वामी

आज ए. सी. भक्तिवेदांत स्वामी श्रील प्रभुपाद, इस्कॉन के संस्थापक आचार्य, और ब्रह्म माधव गौड़ीय संप्रदाय के सभी परम प्रिय आचार्यों की दिव्य कृपा से निताई गौरांग की प्राणप्रतिष्ठा मनाई जा रही है।

कोलकाता पूरे बंगाल राज्य के लिए गतिविधियों का मुख्य केंद्र है। श्रील प्रभुपाद कोलकाता को नवद्वीप मायापुर धाम का प्रवेश द्वार मानते थे। भगवान चैतन्य इस संसार में मायापुर धाम में प्रकट हुए। हरिनाम संकीर्तन आंदोलन के उद्घाटन में उनकी सहायता के लिए दुनिया भर से भक्त वहां एकत्रित हुए।

भगवान चैतन्य भगवान श्रीकृष्ण हैं।वे इस दुनिया में आते हैं उस प्रेम का अनुभव करने के लिए जो श्रीमती राधारानी का कृष्ण के प्रति है। कृष्ण ने महाभाव का हृदय धारण किया, राधा का परमानंद प्रेम और गौरांग के रूप में प्रकट हुए। भगवान गौरांग ने मायापुर धाम में अपने सहयोगियों के साथ वृंदावन के भाव में भगवान के परम प्रेम का वितरण किया।

उन्होंने इसका स्वाद चखा और इस पर विचार किए बिना कि कौन योग्य है और कौन अयोग्य है, इसे वितरित कर दिया।

गौर निताई मिलन

बंगाल के एक अन्य क्षेत्र में, श्री नित्यानंद प्रभु इस दुनिया में प्रकट हुए – ब्रजेंद्र-नंदन जेइ, शचि-सुता होइलो सेई, बलराम होइलो निताई। एकचक्र में बलराम, भगवान नित्यानंद के रूप में प्रकट हुए। उन्होंने बचपन में खूबसूरत लीलाएं कीं, 12 वर्षों से अधिक समय तक भारत के पवित्र स्थानों की यात्रा की। वृंदावन में जब उन्हें पता चला कि भगवान गौरांग ने अपना संकीर्तन आंदोलन शुरू कर दिया है, भगवान नित्यानंद गंगा मां के तट पर स्थित नवद्वीप में आए। दोनों भाई मिले। गौर निताई के रूप में कृष्ण और बलराम पहली बार इस विशेष अवतार में एकजुट हुए।

परम करुणा, पहि दुई जन निताई गौरचंद्र – भगवान चैतन्य और भगवान नित्यानंद परम दयालु हैं, उनकी करुणा भगवान के अन्य सभी अवतारों में श्रेष्ठ है। श्री राधा और कृष्ण ने वृंदावन की लीलाओं को बहुत करीबी, चुने हुए, ईमानदार भक्तों के सामने प्रकट किया। लेकिन भगवान चैतन्य और भगवान नित्यानंद वृंदावन की लीलाएं लेकर आए और इसे सभी के लिए सुलभ बना दिया।

हम पवित्र नामों का जाप करके, श्रीमद्भागवतम को सुनकर और भक्तों की सेवा करके उस लीला में प्रवेश कर सकते हैं। हमारे प्रसिद्ध गुरु महाराज, श्रील प्रभुपाद ने भगवान चैतन्य और भगवान नित्यानंद दोनों की भविष्यवाणी को पूरा किया कि संकीर्तन आंदोलन दुनिया भर के हर शहर और गांव में पहुंचेगा।

एक स्वप्न, एक भविष्यवाणी जो हमारे प्रिय आचार्यों के हृदय में विराजमान रही, श्रील प्रभुपाद ने पूरी की।

कोलकाता का आध्यात्मिक महत्व

श्रील प्रभुपाद इस दुनिया में आध्यात्मिक दुनिया से कोलकाता शहर में प्रकट हुए। श्रील भक्तिविनोद ठाकुर की प्रचार गतिविधियाँ और उनकी पुस्तकों का प्रकाशन और वितरण कोलकाता में हुआ। श्रील भक्तिसिद्धांत सरस्वती ठाकुर का जन्म जगन्नाथ पुरी में हुआ था लेकिन उनकी सारी शिक्षा कोलकाता में हुई ।

और श्री नवद्वीप धाम से श्रील भक्तिसिद्धांत सरस्वती ठाकुर कॄष्ण भक्ति का प्रचार प्रसार करने के लिए कोलकाता आए। उल्टाडांगा रोड पर ही श्रील भक्तिसिद्धांत सरस्वती ठाकुर ने पहले गौड़ीय मठ की स्थापना की थी। 1922 में यानी 100 साल पहले हमारे श्रील प्रभुपाद गौड़ीय मठ की छत पर अपने गुरु, श्रील भक्तिसिद्धांत सरस्वती ठाकुर से मिले थे।

कोलकाता में ही उन्हें वह आदेश मिला जो उनके जीवन का उद्देश्य और बाद में हमारे जीवन का उद्देश्य बन गया। संदेश दुनिया भर में अंग्रेजी भाषा में भगवान चैतन्य की शिक्षाओं को ले जाना था।

वृंदावन से, श्रील प्रभुपाद कोलकाता आए। कोलकाता से वह मालवाहक जहाज में पश्चिम की यात्रा के लिए रवाना हुए, कुछ ऐसा करने के लिए जो इतिहास में किसी ने सफलतापूर्वक नहीं किया था – दुनिया भर में संकीर्तन फैलाना। श्रील प्रभुपाद अमेरिका गए।

परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी महाराज का महान योगदान

मुझे आज अपने हृदय में अत्यंत प्रसन्नता का अनुभव हो रहा है कि परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी के साथ हम भी गौर निताई की स्थापना उत्सव में भाग ले रहे हैं। परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी का जन्म और पालन-पोषण मध्य-पश्चिम अमेरिका में हुआ था। जब वे एक किशोर थे, तो वे श्रील प्रभुपाद के प्रति प्रेमपूर्ण समर्पण में अमेरिका छोड़ कर बंगाल, भारत आ गए।

जब कोई साधन नहीं था, कोई सुविधा नहीं थी, वे बंगाल में उपदेश दे रहे थे। उन्होंने बंगाली भाषा में उपदेश देना सीखा। 1970 के दशक में वे स्थानीय भाषा में सत्संग कर रहे थे जिसमें बंगाल के हजारों लोग भाग ले रहे थे।

श्रील प्रभुपाद ने एक समय में परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी को कोलकाता मंदिर का अध्यक्ष बनाया था। कोलकाता में अल्बर्ट रोड पर स्थित राधा गोविंदा मंदिर भारत में पहला इस्कॉन मंदिर है जिसे श्रील प्रभुपाद ने स्थापित किया।

इसके अलावा, परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी हमारे आंदोलन के सबसे पुराने सबसे वरिष्ठ संन्यासियों में से एक हैं जो दशकों से मायापुर धाम का विकास कर रहे हैं और दुनिया भर में भगवान चैतन्य के संदेश का प्रचार कर रहे हैं। हम वास्तव में सम्मानित महसूस कर रहे हैं कि परम पूज्य जयपताका स्वामी इस शुभ अवसर के लिए यहां हैं।

महाप्रभु की लीलाओं से जुड़े स्थानों के लिए कोलकाता प्रवेश द्वार

राधा गोविंद का अल्बर्ट रोड मंदिर एक किराए के फ्लैट में था। हाल के दिनों में इमारत का विस्तार और नवीनीकरण किया गया है।

श्रील प्रभुपाद मायापुर नवद्वीप धाम के प्रवेश द्वार के रूप में कोलकाता में एक शानदार मंदिर चाहते थे। वह इस दुनिया में अपने जन्म के शहर में और जहां वह पहली बार अपने गुरु महाराज से मिले थे एक शानदार मंदिर चाहते थे।

श्रील भक्ति चारु स्वामी महाराज भी कोलकाता में पले-बढ़े। यह ऐसी खास जगह है। यह बंगाल की राजधानी, बंगाल का सबसे महत्वपूर्ण शहर है।

कई मायनों में कोलकाता मायापुर धाम का सिर्फ प्रवेश द्वार नहीं है बल्कि एकचक्र, श्री राम केली, कटवा, अंबिका कालना और चैतन्य महाप्रभु की लीला से जुड़े सभी पवित्र स्थानों का प्रवेश द्वार है।

इस्कॉन न्यूटाउन कोलकाता में एक शानदार मंदिर

हम सभी की यही कामना और प्रार्थना है कि पूरे बंगाल के लिए और पूरे भारत के लिए और पूरे विश्व के लिए कोलकाता में एक गौरवशाली मंदिर और शिक्षा केंद्र खोला जाए।

श्रील प्रभुपाद की दया से, न्यूटाउन का वह क्षेत्र जहाँ आज श्री निताई गौरांग स्थापित किए जा रहे हैं, वह स्थान होगा जहाँ यह नया मंदिर प्रकट होगा। श्रील प्रभुपाद के जन्मस्थान की महिमा करने के लिए, हमारे पास वह भूमि है जहाँ श्रील प्रभुपाद ने कटहल के पेड़ के नीचे जन्म लिया था।

हम इसे एक सुंदर स्मारक के रूप में विकसित करने की कोशिश कर रहे हैं जहां लोग आकर ध्यान कर सकें और श्रील प्रभुपाद का आभार व्यक्त कर सकें।

हम उल्टाडांगा जंक्शन रोड विकसित कर रहे हैं जहां भक्त आकर श्रील भक्तिसिद्धांत सरस्वती ठाकुर के चरण कमलों की धूल ले सकते हैं और श्रील प्रभुपाद को मिली शिक्षा की सेवा कर सकते हैं।

और अगला चरण पश्चिम बंगाल की राजधानी कोलकाता में निताई गौरांग और श्री श्री राधा और कृष्ण का एक अद्भुत और सुंदर मंदिर है।

एक ऐसा स्थान जहाँ हम श्रील प्रभुपाद के प्रति अपना आभार प्रकट कर सकते हैं। और जहां हम पूरी दुनिया को भगवान चैतन्य और भगवान नित्यानंद की दया की ओर आकर्षित करने में श्रील प्रभुपाद की सहायता कर सकते हैं।

मैं कोलकाता के सभी भक्तों को उनकी अविश्वसनीय भक्ति, ईमानदारी, बाधाओं पर काबू पाने और श्रील प्रभुपाद के नक्शेकदम पर चलने के लिए धन्यवाद देता हूं। हमारी प्रार्थनाएं, हमारा प्यार, हमारा आभार आपके साथ है।

आपका बहुत बहुत धन्यवाद।

Gaur Nitai Deity Installation at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata: HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj speaks on the occasion

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj participated in the Gaur Nitai deity installation ceremony at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata. On this auspicious occasion Maharaj addressed the enthusiastic devotees at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata numbering in thousands who had come to be part of Gaur Nitai deity installation ceremony.

Below is what Maharaj said

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj on Gaur Nitai deity installation at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata

We are honoured that Sri Sri Gaur Nitai appeared here. Krishna said every yuga he comes – sambhavāmi yuge yuge, Bhagavad Gita 4.8. In this yuga, he came as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. He came with Lord Nityananda and other devotees. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu once went to Gaya to offer pinda to his father. He met his gurudev in Gaya. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu displayed asta-satvik vikar.

So, for the first time, this eight-fold manifestation of ecstatic love was shown by Lord Chaitanya in Bihar. Lord Chaitanya stayed 24 years in Navadvipa. After he got initiated, he started sankirtana movement. At the age of 24 years, he took sannyasa because people were not respecting him, so it was harmful for the people.

He went to Jagananth Puri after sannyasa. He sent Lord Nityananda back to Bengal to preach. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu sent Tapan Misra and Chandrashekar Acharya to Varanasi. He sent Rupa Goswami and Sanatana Goswami to Vrindavan. He was sending devotees to different places.

Gaur Mandal bhumi is spread upto Remuna. Kolkata also comes in Gaur mandal bhumi.

Narottama Dasa Thakura has said that those who knows Gaur Mandala Bhumi can reside in Vrindavan Dham. Navadvipa Dham is like a lotus flower of eight petals and center is Antardvipa.

Lord Krishna’s mercy

Sri Krishna gives love when you surrender completely. Lord Chaitanya gives shelter without considering if you are qualified or unqualified. There is a pastime in Vrindavan. Krishna carried some rice in his hand. He was very small at that time. A fruit seller lady came there.  Lord Krishna filled her basket with jewels.

Difference: Lord Chaitanya’s mercy and Lord Krishna’s mercy

When Lord Chaitanya was going through Jharikhanda forest, his associates were coming from behind. On the way there was a boy, he was selling butter milk in a pot. Lord Chaitanya said, “I am thirsty, give me some.” The boy said, “Take whatever u want.”

Lord Chaitanya drank all butter milk and said thank you to the boy. Boy asked for money. Lord Chaitanya answered that my associates are coming behind, they will give. And then Lord Chaitanya went away while dancing.  His associates came and asked the boy that if he has seen any sannyasi this way. 

The boy said yes one sannyasi drank all my butter milk and told me to ask money from you all. Lord Chaitanya’s associates said we do not have money. The boy said, “Ok fine, what can be done.”

When you meet Lord Chaitanya tell him that I have given donation. But the pot was heavy when he was trying to lift. It was filled with gold, diamonds and other precious jewels.

He then ran after Lord Chaitanya. And the Lord was waiting for his associates on the same path. So, the butter milk selling boy touched lotus feet of Lord Chaitanya and paid his obeisances. His associates also arrived there.

Lord Chaitanya said, “Krishna has given you the boon.” The boy started dancing and chanting because he had Krishna prema. The associates when they saw the boy dancing, they became very happy. This is the difference between Sri Krishna Chaitanya and Sri Krishna Chandra. Both gave the jewels and gold. But Lord Chaitanya gave love of Krishna.

Material life forest fire

You all are fortunate that Nitai Gauranga is being installed here. They are especially merciful. How many of you need mercy? How many devotees need mercy? I am very happy that Lord Chaitanya has come. Srila Prabhupada brought message of Lord Chaitanya. Therefore, many people should take mercy of Lord Chaitanya.

This human life Krishna says is duḥkhālayam aśāśvatam, Bhagavad Gita 8.15. Just like we see different forest fire in the world today – Greece, Mexico, Turkey, USA. And if the rain does not come it will not extinguish the fire. There is a song in Sri Sri Gurvashtaka. In the song it is said, the mercy of guru puts down the forest fire. So, if we do some service to Lord Chaitanya then our life will become perfect.

The donor who came up here have children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. According to sastra, if one does seva to Lord Krishna then one goes back to the abode of Krishna and ones 14 generation will get delivered – the upcoming 7 generation and the past 7 generation.

This material world is like forest fire. And by the mercy of Lord Chaitanya and Lord Nityananda we get forest fire of this material world extinguished.  In the material world, people can be envious. If you are successful, they envy you. This is the defect of the material world. There are many defects. This is only one. We want you all to be happy and get the mercy of Lord Chaitanya.

Precious human life

Human life is an opportunity to take the shelter of Lord Krishna and Lord Chaitanya and go back home back to godhead. But if you do not take this opportunity then you will remain in this forest fire. You will have to take another birth in this material world. And you may not know which birth you may take. You may go to heaven or hell; you do not know. If you do seva, you get ticket to Back Home Back To Godhead.

Requesting Lord descend

We are going to request the Lord to descend down according to the procedure given by Brihaspati. Lord is Bhakta vatsala. All of you should pray in your heart to the Lord to come down. And Lord will listen to your prayers. We want the Lord to come so that we can serve him. Serving Lord is the secret to success.