Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

What does it mean to live in Vrindavan?

Devotees of Krishna always want to live in Vrindavan. But what does it mean to live in Vrindavan? Also can anyone live in Vrindavan?

Living in Vrindavan does not mean just being physically present there.  If someone is physically staying in Vrindavan but is not practicing devotional life and is engaged in sinful activities, then he is not actually living in Vrindavan. But if someone is physically not in Vrindavan but is always chanting the names of Krishna and is always engaged in various Krishna Conscious activities then he is actually living in Vrindavan.

Srila Prabhupada says that “a pure devotee can live anywhere and create the atmosphere of Vrindavan by his devotional service.”  Here Prabhupada want to emphasize the importance of devotional service.  If we are constantly engaged in devotional activities, then we are actually living in Vrindavan dham.

Living in Vrindavan means remembering Krishna, serving Krishna, loving Krishna. By these activities we can easily attain Krishna. Krishna confirms this in Bhagavad Gita 8.14 “For one who always remembers Me without deviation, I am easy to obtain, O son of Pṛthā, because of his constant engagement in devotional service.”

Pure devotee creates Vrindavan atmosphere everywhere

A pure devotee of Krishna does not want anything for himself. He has no self-interest. He does everything to please the Lord and he is always absorbed in “thinking about Krishna without deviation and without considering the time or place.” Bhagavad Gita 8.14 purport.

Srila Prabhupada explains how a pure devotee is able to create Vrindavan atmosphere in any part of the world, “He should be able to carry out his service anywhere and at any time. Some say that the devotee should remain in holy places like Vṛndāvana or some holy town where the Lord lived, but a pure devotee can live anywhere and create the atmosphere of Vṛndāvana by his devotional service.” Bhagavad Gita 8.14 purport.

Lord Chaitanya is Lord Krishna but has a mood of a devotee of Krishna. He came to teach us how to practice devotion to Krishna. By his personal examples he showed that how a devotee should be engaged 24 hours in a day in chanting and hearing about Krishna. Śrī Advaita who was a contemporary of Lord Chaitanya would say, “Wherever You are, O Lord – there is Vṛndāvana.”

If we practice pure devotion then we are already in spiritual world

The purpose of human life is to return back to the spiritual world. In the spiritual world there is no misery, there is no death. There is only happiness. So, devotees are eager to go back to the spiritual world after leaving this world.

Once a devotee who seemed to be very desperate to go back to the spiritual world asked HH Jayadvaita Swami swami Maharaj, a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, “What are the symptoms by which we can understand that we will be returning back to Godhead in this lifetime only?”

HH Jayadvaita Swami is a very senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada and is respected as a great Vedic scholar.  

Maharaj replied, “If we are sincerely chanting the holy names of Krishna, hearing about Krishna, reading about Krishna, following four regulative principles, not indulging in sense gratification, not doing any sinful activities then we are actually living in the spiritual world right now.”

It means if you and I are not experiencing the spiritual happiness now, it means we are not sincere devotees. Pure devotees like Prabhupada is always blissful and fearless even in this world because every moment they experience spiritual bliss.

Srila Prabhupada carried Vrindavan in his heart

By his personal example, Srila Prabhupada taught “what does it mean to live in Vrindavan?”

Before establishing worldwide Krishna Consciousness movement, Srila Prabhupada was physically living in Vrindavan in Radha Damodara temple. But his guru, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswat Thakura, had asked him to spread Krishna Consciousness movement. So he was eager to go out of Vrindavan to spread the teachings of Lord Krishna. So, he left Vrindavan to fulfill the mission of his guru.  

Although Prabhupada left Vrindavan physically, but his purpose was to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world. And wherever he went he always remained absorbed in Krishna. So, it is said that wherever Prabhupada went, he carried Vrindavan in his heart.  He taught us how to create Vrindavan atmosphere in any part of the world.

Devotional life is not much about changing our externals, but it is about purifying our internal consciousness.

Prabhupada wanted that everyone in this world become a devotee of Krishna. But he also knew that it is not possible for everyone to leave their homes and come to Vrindavan. 

Srila Prabhupada established temples which are non-different than Vrindavan

This is why he established temples in different parts of the world. In temples he installed the deities of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani. And made sure that They are worshipped as per Pāñcarātrika-vidhi.

He gave spiritual programs to follow in the temple – everyone should chant at least 16 rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra, do Mangala arati, Narasimha arati, Tulasi arati, Guru puja, attend Srimad Bhagavatam class, do Gaur arati in the evening, celebrate different festivals and be always engaged in spreading the teachings of Krishna.  If these spiritual activities happen in temples daily, then those temples are non-different from Vrindavan.

Srila Prabhupada also asked grihasta (householders) to make their home a temple by keeping Krishna in the center. Also, the grihasta devotees should follow the same program which is followed in the temple. If it happens then our home is also like a temple and non-different than Vrindavan.

Wherever Krishna is worshipped that place is Vrindavan

HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaj was a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He was a very prominent leader and played important role in spreading Krishna Consciousness movement. Unfortunately, he got cancer.  The doctors said that he will leave his body soon.  Maharaj had every opportunity to go to Vrindavan and leave body. But he decided to leave his body in Gita Nagari which is in Pennsylvania, USA.  

Maharaj established Krishna community in Gita Nagari as per the desire of Srila Prabhupada. He wanted to show to the world that Gita Nagari is non – different than Vrindavan. It is because in Gita Nagari everyone is always engaged in loving devotional service to Krishna. Maharaj wanted to declare it boldly that wherever Krishna’s name is chanted and wherever Krishna is worshipped that place is Vrindavan.

We can always live in Vrindavan

Srila Prabhupada was a visionary, a great spiritual leader. He taught us how to always remain absorbed in Krishna. He also taught us to convert our home into Vrindavan and how to carry Vrindavan in our hearts.  

If we live as per the guidelines of Prabhupada we will transform our living place into Vrindavan. And we will then always live in Vrindavan.

How to apply teachings of Catuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita in personal life?

The four verses of Bhagavad Gita – BG 10.8, BG 10.9, BG 10.10, BG 10.11 – are called catuh – sloki – Bhagavad Gita.  Catuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita is called the essence of Bhagavad Gita. Because in these four verses Krishna shares the topmost knowledge and also reveals his heart.

Krishna through these verses establishes that:

1. He is the Supreme Lord
2. His pure devotees are always absorbed in his meditation.
3. He shows special mercy to his pure devotees.
4. His pure devotees attain him by his mercy.

Taking shelter of Krishna always

In the first verse ofCatuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita Krishna says,

“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in My devotional service and worship Me with all their hearts.” Bhagavad Gita 10.8.

Here Krishna is clearly saying “ahaṁ sarvasya prabhavo,” i.e. “I am the source of all material and spiritual worlds.” This verse makes it clear that Krishna is the Supreme Lord, no one is superior to him. It implies that all the demigods including Lord Shiva and Lord Brahma derive their power from Krishna.  

So, in all situations and circumstances we should take shelter of Krishna and not the shelter of demigods.  We should have firm faith that if Krishna is pleased then automatically all the demigods will be pleased. So, there is no need for me to separately worship any demigods.

Focusing on śravaṇaṁ, kīrtanaṁ and smaraṇam

In the second verse ofCatuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita Krishna says,

“The thoughts of My pure devotees dwell in Me, their lives are fully devoted to My service, and they derive great satisfaction and bliss from always enlightening one another and conversing about Me.” Bhagavad Gita 10.9

Here Krishna is glorifying his devotees. The Lord says that his devotees mind (mat–cittāḥ) are always engaged in him. And their lives (mat–gata–prāṇāḥ) are devoted to him.  His devotees derive great pleasure and satisfaction in talking (kathayantaḥ) about him and preaching (bodhayantaḥ) about him.  

Everyone wants to be happy in this world. But unfortunately, we look for pleasure in the outside material world. The so-called pleasure which we experience in this world is never going to satiate our hearts. In fact, it always results in frustration. In this verse Krishna is telling us how we can experience unlimited happiness and satisfaction in our life. 

So, we should not waste time and energy in searching for happiness in this mortal material world. But we should utilize each and every moment of our life in practicing devotion to Krishna. This is the elixir for all our miseries.

For bliss in our life,

• We should completely absorb ourselves in hearing (śravaṇaṁ) about Krishna
• Chanting (kīrtanaṁ) his holy names and glories
• And should always try to remember (smaraṇam) his wonderful pastimes.

Applying teachings of Bhagavad Gita 10.9

To apply the teachings of Bhagavad Gita 10.9, we should take following practical steps:

• Hearing at least one hour of Krishna conscious lecture daily. We can hear lectures of either Srila Prabhupada, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj or other senior sannyasis and devotees of Iskcon
• Reading one hour of Srila Prabhupada’s books daily like Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
• Memorizing slokas and vaisnava songs so that we can keep on reciting it whenever possible.
• Hearing kirtan or Vaisnav songs while doing office work or household work if the work is not too mentally engaging.
• Preaching the message of Krishna proactively. We should try our best to spread Krishna Conscious movement.
• If possible, writing Krishna Conscious articles regularly. We can try to publish the articles in Iskcon’s official magazine – Back to Godhead. Or we can try to publish it on Iskcon authorized websites like Iskcon News and Dandavats. We can also have our personal blogs where we can post the articles. We can allocate sometime to write the articles. It can be 15 minutes or 30 minutes daily.

Whatever we hear or read or speak, we mostly contemplate upon those subject matters. So if we are properly engaged in śravaṇaṁ and kīrtanaṁ then smaraṇam i.e. remembrance of Krishna will also be taken care.

Our focus should be to deepen our relationship with Krishna by constantly engaging in devotional service.

Endeavoring to attain Krishna’s special mercy

Krishna is our supreme father and more than us, he is eager that we return back to him.

So, in BG 10.10, Krishna says that if someone is constantly devoted (satata–yuktānām) in serving Him then he gives them understanding (buddhi–yogam) to come to him.

“To those who are constantly devoted to serving Me with love, I give the understanding by which they can come to Me.” Bhagavad Gita 10.10.

And in the next verse, BG 10.11, Krishna says that he shows special mercy (anukampā–artham) to his devotees by completely destroying (dispel) devotees’ ignorance with the shining lamp of knowledge (jnana) which is the cause of suffering.

“To show them special mercy, I, dwelling in their hearts, destroy with the shining lamp of knowledge the darkness born of ignorance.” Bhagavad Gita 10.11

We suffer in this world because of ignorance.  And in ignorance we take decisions which becomes the cause of more suffering. Lust, greed and anger contaminates our intelligence and knowledge. And under the influence of these anarthas(vices) we take decisions. Such decisions instead of bringing bliss in our life makes us more miserable.

Suffice to say in our conditioned state we do not know what is right and what is wrong for us.

But if we are devoted to Krishna then the Supreme Lord who is our supreme father guides us towards the right path. That path is the path of peace and joy. This helps us to live happily in this world. And Krishna even gives us intelligence by which we can ultimately attain him. This is Krishna’s special mercy.

Applying teachings of Bhagavad Gita 10.10 & 10.11

If we want to attain Krishna’s mercy, then we should apply the teachings of BG 10.10 and BG 10.11 in our personal lives in following ways:

• We should be more sincere in our devotional life and get actively engaged in Krishna conscious activities.
• We should understand that our knowledge & intelligence is currently impure. So before taking any decision we should pray to Krishna for right guidance.
• Along with that we should also see that the decisions which we are taking is in line with guru, sadhu and sastra.
• Also before taking any decision, we should discuss with senior devotees. This will always help us to make right decisions which will be pleasing to Krishna.

These are the practical ways to apply the teachings of Catuh – Sloki – Bhagavad Gita. If we succeed in doing so, we will attain the mercy of Krishna.

Why Chandan Yatra is celebrated?

Chandan Yatra starts from the day of Akshaya Tritiya. During Chandan Yatra, Chandan(sandalwood) paste is applied to the deity of Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath. In Vrindavan, Jagannath Puri and Mayapur, this festival is celebrated in a grand way

Chandan Yatra Duration

Chandan Yatra is celebrated for 21 days in Vrindavan and Mayapur. But in Jagannath Puri, it is celebrated for 42 days.  For 21 days as Bahara(ouster) Chandan Yatra. And for another 21 days as Bhitara (inner) Chandan Yatra.

Chandan provides comfort to Krishna in hot summer

Month of May/June (Vaisakha/Jyestha) is very hot in India.  In this month temperature reaches its peak and the heat becomes unbearable. Devotees become very concerned about the Lord’s comfort. So, they decide to apply chandan (sandalwood paste) to Lord. Sandalwood paste has a cooling effect, and it also smells nice.

Chandan is applied artistically and not clumsily. It enhances the beauty of the beautiful Lord. Chandan is applied on the entire body including face, hands, legs and torso of Lord Krishna, Lord Jagannath and Lord Baladeva. The creamy paste is also put on Srimati RadhaRani and Subhdra Devi’s face especially on forehead.

Chandan Yatra history

Purushottama Kshetra Mahatmya tells that Lord Jagannath personally told king Indradumnya to celebrate the Chandan Yatra festival.

For the followers of Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya (Brahmā-Madhva-Gauḍīya-sampradāya) there is a beautiful story associated with Chandan Yatra festival. Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya Lila Chapter 4) describes it in detail.

Gopala(Krishna) comes in Madhavendra Puri’s dream

Madhavendra Puri. was a great devotee of Lord Krishna. He was residing in Vrindavan near Govardhan Hill. He would do Govardhan parikrama and spend his day and night chanting the names of Krishna and meditating on beautiful pastimes of Krishna.

Once he was absorbed in his bhajan (devotion) near Govind kunda. A cowherd boy came to him with a pot of milk. The boy said, “In Vrindavan no one goes hungry. Some ladies who had come here to fetch water saw that you only do bhajan and do not eat anything. They asked me to give you this pot of milk. So, please take it.”

The boy’s sweet words gave joy to Madhvendra Puri. He looked so beautiful. Madhavendra Puri felt deep attraction for him. He drank the milk and experienced great satisfaction.

In the same night he saw a dream. In the dream the same boy appeared. Holding Madhavendra Puri’s hands, the boy took him to nearby bush in the forest. He said, “I reside here and because of this I suffer from severe cold, rain, hot weather and storms. My name is Gopala, and I am the lifter of Goverdhan hill. Take me out from here and place me nicely on top of the hill. After this wash me with huge quantities of cold water.”

Madhavendra Puri builds a temple of Gopala(Krishna) on top of Govardhan hill

Madhavendra Puri got up. He felt great pleasure. But he also lamented that he was not able to recognize Krishna when he came with a pot of milk. In the morning Madhavendra Puri gathered the villagers and went inside the forest to search the deity. They found the deity of Gopal covered with dust. The deity was heavy.

All the villagers carried the deity and nicely placed him on top of the hill. The deity was then bathed with huge quantity of water as per the desire of Gopala. Water was brought from Govinda Kunda. There was a big celebration. Everyone in the village participated in the festival. Even devotees from nearby villages came for the celebration.

Huge quantities of prasadam were prepared and offered to the Gopala deity. After that everyone took prasad. Madhevendra Puri felt great joy. Now daily the deity of Gopala was worshipped gorgeously under the direction of Madhevendra Puri.

Krishna asks Madhavendra Puri to go to Jagannath Puri to bring sandalwood

After two years Gopal again appeared in Madhevendra Puri’s dream and said, “My bodily temperature still has not decreased. Please bring sandalwood from the Malaya province and smear the pulp over My body to cool Me. Bring sandalwood pulp from Jagannātha Purī. Kindly go quickly. Since no one else can do it, you must.” Chaitanya Charitamrita (Text 106 – 107).

Madhavendra Puri immediately decided to go to Jagannath Puri to bring sandalwood for Gopal. Before leaving he made all arrangements so that service to Gopal continues nicely even in his absence.

Madhavendra Puri comes to Remuna where Gopinath steals ksira(sweet rice) for him

On the way to Jagannath Puri, Madhavendra Puri came to Remuna. There he took darshan of Gopinath. In Remuna a beautiful pastime of Lord Gopinath took place. The Supreme Lord showed his mercy upon Madhavendra Puri by stealing ksira (sweet rice) for him.  Because of this the deity is now called Kṣīra-corā (the thief who stole the sweet rice) Gopinath.

Madhavendra Puri collects sandalwood & camphor from Jagannath Puri

From Remuna Madhavendra Puri went to Jagannath Puri. He took darshan (divine vision) of Lord Jagannath and felt great joy. The story that Gopinath had stolen ksira(sweet rice) for Madhavendra Puri in Remuna had also reached Jagannath Puri. Devotees of the temple town felt blessed to see Madhavendra Puri. Scores of people would come to see him and to offer respects to him. Madhavendra Puri thought that this would hinder his devotional service.

He told the devotees of Puri the purpose for which he was there. Everyone was eager and happy to help him. They arranged sandalwood and camphor for him. Two devotees also accompanied him to help him carry sandalwood and camphor.

In Remuna Gopala Deity asks him to apply Sandalwood paste to Gopinath Deity

While on his way to Vrindavan from Jagannath Puri, Madhavendra Puri again came to Remuna. The priest of Gopinath was so happy to receive him. He welcomed him and offered the ksira(sweet rice) which was offered to Gopinath.  Madhavendra Puri was happy to honour the prasad of Gopinath.

He decided to take rest that night in the temple only. He again saw a dream. In the dream Gopala came. Gopala said to Madhavendra Puri that he has already got the sandalwood and camphor. Now grind all the sandalwood and camphor and apply the pulp to Gopinath deity because he and Gopinath are same.

“There is no difference between My body and Gopīnātha’s body. They are one and the same. Therefore if you smear the sandalwood pulp on the body of Gopīnātha, you will naturally also smear it on My body. Thus the temperature of My body will be reduced.” Chaitanya Charitamrita (Madhya Lila, Chapter 4, Text 160)

Madahavedra Puri woke up. He narrated the dream to the servants of Gopinath. The servants were so happy to hear the instructions of Gopala. They grinded sandalwood and camphor and applied the pulp to the deity of Gopinath. 

Devotees throughout the world following the footsteps of Madhavendra Puri apply sandalwood paste to the deity of Krishna and Jagannath and celebrate it as Chandan Yatra.

To serve Krishna devotees do not care for their comfort

When we like and love a person then we are ready to do anything to please him/her. No difficulties ever deter us or decrease our desire to serve him. For e.g. a mother is ready to do everything to please her child. She tirelessly takes care of her baby without any complaint. She enjoys every moment she spends with her child and shudder at the thought of separation.

A devotee is similarly eager to serve God. A devotee is a mortal being who gives his life and heart completely to God. He thinks nothing but only about Lord, he does nothing which does not please Lord and he does everything to make sure that God is always happy, has all the comforts. Great devotees of Krishna like Madhavendra Puri teaches us by his personal example that how we should be eager to serve the Lord without caring for our personal comforts.

Iskcon devotees all over the world celebrate Chandan Yatra

Devotees of Krishna all over the world celebrate this festival. Iskcon devotees too celebrate Chandan Yatra. Everyone participates.  Monks (resident brahmacharis) and congregation devotees come together to celebrate the festival.  

Batan (Sil – Batta) is used to prepare sandalwood paste. The sandalwood is rubbed against the batan with some water.  The batan is kept in the temple hall and anyone irrespective of caste, creed, race, sex, colour, nationality can participate in this service of preparing sandalwood paste.

The beauty of devotional life is that every individual tries to serve the Lord and simultaneously also want to engage others in serving the Lord. The only requirement is that one should have love for Krishna.

With Chandan on his face, Lord Krishna & Lord Jagannath looks stunning. During Chandan Yatra every lover of Krishna compulsorily comes to see the Lord. They also enthusiastically participate in preparing sandalwood paste with their own hands; the paste is later applied to the Lord.  

Why Lord Krishna is called Lord Jagannath?

Lord Krishna is also called Lord Jagannath. They both are non-different.   When Krishna developed mahabhava i.e transcendental emotions, he took the form of Lord Jagannath. So, Krishna and Lord Jagannath are same.

Lord Jagannath, his brother Lord Baladeva and sister Subhadra Devi look so different. Lord Jagannath has big eyes, large lips and a smiling face.  His hands are extended as if he is about to embrace someone and has no visible legs. In fact, no other deity has such a unique form.  Even Baladeva’s and Subhadra’s forms are similar to that of Jagannath.

But why Lord Jagannath’s form is so different? And why Krishna came to be known as Lord Jagannath.   There is a beautiful story behind Lord Jagannath’s unique form. The story goes back to the time when Lord Krishna was residing in Dwarka.

Krishna lived in Dwarka with 16,108 wives

Lord Krishna had left Vrindavan long back with a promise to the brajvasis, the residents of Vrindavan, that he will return soon. But several years had passed to that promise and he did not return to Vrindavan. 

In Dwarka he lived in a royal palace. He was the de facto king of Dwarka.  

He had married 16,108 beautiful women.  For all his 16,108 wives there were separate palaces. And Krishna had expanded himself into 16,108 forms and used to be simultaneously present with all his wives.

This can be possible only with Krishna and not with lesser mortals like us. You and I cannot expand into multiple forms and be simultaneously present with different people at the same time. No one has ever succeeded in doing so.

So, we should never try to imitate the pastimes of Krishna. Krishna took great care of all the queens. Each queen had their own palace. They had beautiful dress to wear, there were attendants to take care of them. And Krishna was always there for them. The queens of Dwarka were extremely happy at their great fortune. They also did their best to please Krishna.

Dwarka queens were eager to hear Krishna’s Vrindavan lilas(pastimes)

The queens were completely satisfied but still one thought would always puzzle them. They would often see that Krishna was always absorbed in the pastimes of Vrindavan. He would always remember mother Yashoda, father Nanda, gopas (coweherd boys), gopis (cowherd girls) and the cows. Most importantly Krishna would again and again take the name of Radha even in sleep.

“What so special happened in Vrindavan that Krishna remains completed immersed in his childhood pastimes?” the queens would often wonder.

They were eager to know Krishna’s Vrindavan pastimes. The queens wanted to know the truth. In Dwarka Rohini, Baladeva’s mother, was the only one who had the privilege to witness Krishna’s Vrindavan lilas(pastimes).

So, one day the queens approached mother Rohini. They requested Rohini to tell them about Krishna’s pastimes in Vrindavan.  But Rohini was hesitant. “I can tell you everything in detail. I can tell you about Yashoda, Nanda, gopas, gopis and about Radha. But if Krishna hears this and Balaram hears this, they will leave Dwarka and immediately go to Vrindavan.” 

No one wanted Krishna to leave Vrindavan. But still everyone wanted to know what so special happened in Vrindavan.

Rohini narrates Krishna’s Vrindava lila to Dwarka Queens

Rohini finally agreed to tell the Vrindavan story. It was decided that Subhadra, Krishna’s younger sister, would stand at the door of the hall when Rohini will be narrating the story. Subhadra will immediately inform Rohini and the queens if Krishna and Balaram comes there. Rohini will immediately stop.

Rohini started narrating the Vrindavan pastimes while Subhadra guarded the door.

The pastimes were so wonderful that all the queens and Subhadra, the doorkeeper, got completely absorbed.

Rohini spoke about Krishna’s pastimes with mother Yashoda and Nanda Maharaj, with cowherd boys and most importantly with Srimati Radharani and the gopis.

Krishna suddenly appears to hear his Vrindavan lila in Dwarka

Meanwhile Krishna and Balarama understood that there is something special going on in the palace. So, they immediately rushed towards that place.

Subhadra who was completely engrossed in hearing the pastimes did not notice the presence of Krishna and Balaram.

Both the brothers silently stood beside her – Krishna to her left & Baladeva to her right – and began listening.

The pastimes were so sweet and nectarean that Krishna, Balarama and  Subhadra started developing transcendental emotions.  Their eyes dilated, legs and hand shrunk in their bodies.  

Why Krishna is called Lord Jagannath?

There is no difference between Krishna and Krishna’s body. So, when Krishna experienced deep emotions hearing his Vrindavan pastimes then those emotions were even exhibited externally i.e. in his transcendental body. This divine emotion is called mahabhava-prakasha. 

Mahabhava means the “highest form of emotions” and prakash means “manifestation.” 

Because of the spiritual ecstasy Krishna’s eyes became too big and hands and legs got absorbed in his body.  This form of Krishna is called Jagannath.

So, Lord Krishna is called Lord Jagannath when Krishna manifests highest form of transcendental emotions.

Lord Jagannath’s unique form

When Krishna was exhibiting these emotions, Narada Muni arrived. He saw that unique form which was never seen before.

Upon seeing Narada Muni, all the three came to their normal form. But Narada Muni pleaded Lord Krishna that he should let others also see these extremely unique and rare forms.

Lord Krishna agreed and said that he along with brother and sister will appear as Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi in Jagannath Puri.

Lord Jagannath has big eyes, no apparent hands and legs

We see Lord Jagannath’s eyes are big and round. He has no visible legs. Also, Jagannath has no apparent hands, his hands have no fingers.  All this happened because Lord Jagannath developed deep spiritual emotions.

To many this form of the Lord may appear incomplete, but this is not so. Lord Jagannath is complete. All the limbs of the Lord are perfect and complete and can perform any function.

Śrī Īśopaniṣad describes “the Personality of Godhead as perfect and complete, oṁ pūrṇam.”

For example, the Supreme Lord not just sees with his eyes, but he can also eat, speak and hear with his eyes. Similarly, the Lord can see, hear and speak with his hands or torso. Our limbs are limited. It can perform only that function for which it is designed. The eyes can only see, ear can only hear, nose can only smell and so on. This is why the Supreme Lord is called perfect and complete. 

So, when we see the deity of Lord Jagannath then we should not think that he is incomplete. When King Indradyumna first saw the deity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi, after being carved, he thought the deities are incomplete.  He started lamenting. Then a celestial voice assured him that the deities are complete. The voice further said that Lord Krishna has decided to appear in this form as Lord Jagannath in Puri. King became happy upon hearing this.

So, the deity of Lord Jagannath we see is Lord Krishna exhibiting his supreme spiritual emotions.

Hathi Vesa of Lord Jagannath

Worshipping Lord Jagannath with love makes us pure & sinless

After installing the deity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi, king Indradyumna wanted to know what is the best way of worshipping Lord Jagannath. Purushottama Kshetra Mahatmya describes that Lord Brahma had come for the installation of the deity of Lord Jagannath in Puri upon the invitation of king Indradyumna. The pious king requested Lord Brahma for guidance.  

Lord Jagannath explains king Indradyumna about his worship

Lord Brahma turned towards the deity and prayed, “O Lord Jagannath, please accept my humble obeisances. All glories unto you. Please be merciful unto this devoted king, Indradyumna.  Please instruct him how to perform various upacaras, yatras, and vratas for your pleasure.”

Lord Jagannath was pleased by the prayer of Brahma. He smiled and spoke to king Indradyumna. He gave elaborate instructions to king as how to worship him and please him. The Lord shared his likes and dislikes. The king was so happy to hear the transcendental words of the Supreme Lord. He made sure that Lord Jagannath is worshipped as per his desire in Puri.

Lord Jagannath is none other than Lord Krishna.  Along with his elder brother Baladeva and little sister Subhadra, he is worshipped in a grand way in Jagannath Puri.

Lord Jagannath’s deity and Lord Jagannath are non-different

The conversation between the king and the deity of Lord Jagannath proves that the deity of Lord Jagannath is non different from the Lord.

If we worship the deity with love, if we serve the deity with sincerity, if we offer him prayers with our hearts, then the deity will also reciprocate with us.  The pure devotees of the Lord are able to realize this. For them there is no difference between the deity and the Lord.

But people like you and me fail to experience the presence of the Lord when we see his deity because our consciousness is still not pure. Our heart is still afflicted with the disease of lust, greed and anger. But if we continue worshipping the deity of the Lord then our consciousness will gradually become pure.

With purified consciousness, we will be able to experience the presence of the Lord. We will be able to see him, talk to him and love him the way we see, talk and reciprocate love with our loved ones.

Srila Prabhupada installed deities of Lord Jagananth in Iskcon temples

Lord Jagannath appears in the deity form to give us an opportunity to serve him and purify ourselves. So, Srila Prabhupada installed the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi all over the world and taught the devotees how to take care of the deities and how to worship the deities.  He also explained that if we worship the Lord with love and devotion then you and I can perfect our life.  

Srila Prabhupada installed the first deity of Lord Jagannath outside India in San Fransisco, USA. He then renamed the city as New Jagannātha Purī. Prabhupada had a desire that all the residents of San Fransisco become devotees of Lord Jagannath. He wanted that when anyone thinks of San Fransisco, they should remember Lord Jagannath.

Lord Jagannath Mantra

After installing the deity of Lord Jagannath, Prabhupada chanted Lord Jagannath Mantra – jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu me. He said, “This is a mantra for Lord Jagannātha. Jagannātha means ‘Lord of the universe.’ ‘O Lord of the universe, kindly be visible unto me.’ It is very auspicious that He has chosen to appear here.”

This mantra is part of Shri Jagannath Ashtakam. Adi Sankracharya composed Shri Jagannath Ashtakam. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would recite this prayer in Jagannath Puri for the pleasure of the Lord.

Devotees also chant following mantra while offering prayers to Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi

Nilachala Nivasaya

Nityaya Paramatmane

Balabhadra Subhadrabhyam

Jagannathaya Te Namah.

“I offer my respectful obeisances to Lord Jagannath who is the Supreme Lord of the entire universe and who is residing in Nilachala (Puri) with his elder brother Lord Baladeva and younger sister Subhadra Devi.”

First Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath outside India

Prabhupada also explained how to organize different festivals of the Lord especially the Rath Yatra or the chariot festival. First Rath Yatra of Iskcon was celebrated in San Fransisco under the guidance of Prabhupada. In fact, it would be correct to say that the first Rath Yatra outside India was celebrated in San Fransisco in 1967.

In India the first Rath Yatra of Iskcon was organized in Kolkata. Thousands of people participated in this great festival. Prabhupada personally supervised it.

Today Iskcon temples celebrate Rath Yatra in all the major cities of the world including India in which millions of devotees of Lord participate.

How to celebrate Jagannath Rath Yatra at home?

Last year, 2020, because of Covid pandemic people were not able to participate in Jagannath Puri Rath Yatra. Only the temple priests participated in the festival.  Similarly, Iskcon temples too did not take out Rath Yatra procession last year.

This year (2021) too the situation is grim. Covid Second wave is killing hundreds of people daily especially in India. So, this year (2021) also people won’t be able to participate in Rath Yatra festival.

But even if Lord Jagannath chariots does not come on the road but still we can celebrate this great festival at our homes.  Srila Prabhupada has shown us the way. He celebrated Rath Yatra festival at his home when he was just a small child with his friends and family members.

If possible, you can make a small cart at your home.  Today most of the devotees might be having small deity of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. If the deities are not there, then you can also make the deity at home using chart paper or with other household items. If not, then you can use the pictures of the deities. Now pictures are readily available these days and you might be having it for sure.

You can beautifully decorate the cart and put the deities (or pictures) on the cart. Prepare nice food and offer it to the Lord. In your home only along with your family members you can pull the cart.

While pulling the cart you can sing Hare Krishna kirtan and chant Lord Jagannath mantra – jagannāthaḥ svāmī nayana-patha-gāmī bhavatu.

Worshipping Lord Jagannath, the Lord of the universe is easy and simple. The Supreme Lord wants nothing from us but love.  If we serve the Lord with love, devotion and proper attention then Lord becomes pleased. He frees us from all the sins and makes us pure. When Lord is happy with our service, our life becomes perfect.

How Chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra helps COVID patients to calm the mind?

One of the important advises which doctors give to Covid patients is not to panic. In this difficult situation chanting helps to calm the mind especially the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. Those suffering from COVID should try their best to have a peaceful mind.

Even the family members who are taking care of the COVID patients should not panic else it will be difficult for them to properly take care of their loved ones.

It is true that its a deadly disease. It is also true that daily hundreds of people are dying because of Covid. But it is also true that there are thousands of people who are recovering from this deadly virus. So do not lose hope. Do not become hopeless.

In this trying times it is important to have a peaceful and positive mind. Those who are peaceful, positive and cheerful are better equipped to fight the disease.

Since Coronavirus affects the lungs, so COVID patients are advised to maintain their oxygen level. But when one becomes tensed one’s oxygen requirement increases. We all have experienced that when in stress or in anxiety we start breathing heavily.

So, if the COVID patients start panicking they start breathing heavily and their oxygen requirement increases. This is very harmful for them. So, it is important that those suffering from COVID should remain calm.

What is the best way to calm the mind? How to free ourselves from all negativities?  

Chanting or Meditation plays a very important role in calming the mind. Mantra meditation i.e. the chanting the holy names of Krishna is very much helpful. 

Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra relieves us from all the stress, frees us from anxieties and calms our mind.

How a Covid patient should chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra?

Chanting is very ease to do. You can chant at home and even if you are in hospital. It is not that one has to take bath before chanting. Wherever you are, just chant the names of Krishna. If you have chanting beads, then chant on beads. If you do not have beads, then you can chant on your fingers. If possible, you can put a picture of Krishna in front of you while chanting. Or you can download the picture of Krishna on your mobile and chant.

Chant at least one round of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. It takes around 6-7 minutes. But if you can then try to chant three rounds of Hare Krishna Mahamantra daily. One round in the morning, one round in the afternoon and one round before going to sleep in the night.

Chanting not just helps to calm the mind, but it will also help you to get the blessings of Krishna.

Krishna will help you to fight this deadly disease. Krishna will cure you from this deadly disease. And Krishna will make you peaceful and blissful.

Why Lord Jagannath gets sick?

Do you know Lord Jagannath also gets sick? He needs medication, proper rest and lots of care when he is not well. And when he is sick, he is quarantined for fourteen days. Sounds familiar. During this corona pandemic we often hear the word quarantine. Any patient suffering from the virus is asked to remain in quarantine for 14 days. Similarly, Lord is also put in isolation for 14 days during his illness. Similarly, Lord is also put in isolation for 14 days during his illness. Except his personal servants no one else is allowed inside the room of the Lord. He is given special food mixed with herbs and medicines. But the moot question is why Lord Jagannath gets sick?

Lord Jagannath’s Snana Yatra

Month of May – June is too hot, especially in India. The heat is unbearable. So, during this period Lord Jagannath wants to take bath with cold water. He also does not want to remain in the inner sanctum of the Jagannath Puri temple. He wants fresh air and wants to relax under the sky.

Devotees are always eager to fulfill the desire of the Lord. So, they decide to bring the Lord in the temple courtyard and make arrangement to bathe him with cold water. Now anything done to please the Lord becomes a festival. Thousands of devotees congregate to participate in the bathing festival. The festival is celebrated as snana yatra. Shower festival is celebrated on the Purnima or full moon day of Vedic month of Jyeshtha.  This year, 2021, Snana Yatra is being celebrated on 24^th June 2021, Thursday.

With the beating of the drums, chanting of the mantras and blowing of the conch Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi travels in a procession from inside the temple to the Snana Mandap (bathing platform). The procession is called Pahandi. The bathing platform is high enough so that devotees can see the festival even from outside the temple.

Lord Jagannath is bathed from the water of suna kua(golden well)

Within the temple premise is golden well from where water is fetched to bathe the Lord. Devotees go in a procession to collect water from the ‘suna kua’ (golden well). They make sure their mouths are covered with clothes so that the water is not contaminated. Water is collected in 108 pots. Priests sanctify the water with turmeric(haldi), whole rice (java), sandal(chandan), flowers and perfumes.

After then the Lord is bathed with the purified water. Devotees sing, blow conc shells and recite sacred Vedic mantras.

In the sky under the sun, the Lord enjoys the holy bath. 

With pots of pots of water, fetched from the golden well, the Lord enjoys the royal bath.

It is said that one’s sins are washed away when one sees the Lord taking the sacred bath.

Lord Jagannath’s ‘Hati Besha’ or Gajavesha

In the evening Lord adorns a special elephant form called ‘Hati Besha” or Gajavesha.  He looks like Ganesha, the son of Lord Shiva. This form of the Lord reminds that the Supreme Lord is the source of origin of all the demigods like Ganesha. All the demigods derive their power and positions as per the will of the Supreme Lord. If we worship Lord Jagannath who is none other than Lord Krishna with love, then the demigods become happy. In fact, the best way to please the demigods is to worship the Supreme Lord.

Lord Jagannath’s worship spreads all over the world

Thousands of devotees of Lord Jagannath spread all over the world come to Puri for the festival. But there are scores of devotees who are not able to come to Puri for the festival.  Srila Prabhupada wanted to break this physical barrier. He wanted everyone to participate in Lord Jagannath’s festival. Jagannath is the Lord (nath) of the whole world (jagat). Everyone should get his mercy.

So, Prabhupada installed the deities of Jagannath as mentioned in the Vedic scriptures in almost all the temples of Iskcon all over the world. So today millions of devotees joyfully celebrate Lord Jagannath’s festival in different parts of the world.  Many Iskcon devotees even have deities of Lord Jagannath at homes.  Wherever the Lord resides that place becomes a dham. San Fransisco was the first city outside India where Srila Prabhupada installed the deities of Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi and called the city as New Jagannath Puri. Prabhupada wanted to drive down the point that wherever Lord Jagannath is worshipped with love and devotion that place is non different than Puri, the abode of the Lord Jagannath.  

Lord Jagannath gets sick after bathing festival

During the snana yatra day, Lord Jagannath stands in the sun throughout the day and also takes bath with cold water.  So, he gets sick. He catches fever. So, he is shifted to a sick room for treatment.

As he is sick, he is not given regular meals. Instead, he gets only fruits and water mixed with cheese and Dasamula (herbal) medicines. Other than his personal servants and Raj Vaidya (royal physician) no one can enter the sick room. He remains in quarantine for 14 days. This is called Anasara period.

Lord is now not on the altar. For 14 days devotees do not see the Lord. This is unbearable for them.   Chaitanya Charitamrita explains that Lord Chaitanya would daily visit the temple to see Lord Jagannath. But during Anasara period, he would feel great separation from the Lord. Not able to see the Lord, he would cry again and again and would leave Jagannath Puri and go to Alalanatha.

Netrotsava festival of Lord Jagannath

As Lord Jagannath is bathed with 108 pitchers of water, his colors fade out. So, he gets a fresh coating of colour.  Lord Baladeva and Subhadra Devi is also repainted. Proper medicines, healthy food and sufficient rest helps the Lord to regain his health.

 On 15^th day he completely recovers.  He is ready to appear in front of his devotees. It is celebrated as Netrotsava festival.

Devotees throng to the temple for the festival.  Two weeks of separation from the Lord makes them desperate to see the Lord.  New paint gives the Lord a youthful look, he has a broad smile on his face. His lotus like eyes captivates the heart of the devotees.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu along with his followers would spend hours seeing Lord Jagannath on Netrotsava day.  

Netrotsava festival is followed by the Rath Yatra festival which is famous all over the world.

Rath Yatra Festival

Three huge chariots stand in front of the gate of Jagannath Puri temple. The Lord is brought from inside the temple and placed on the chariot. Millions come to the temple town to participate in the chariot festival.

And those devotees who are not able to come to Puri today are also able to participate in this wonderful festival. Iskcon temples today organize Rath Yatra in different cities of the world.

Because of the visionary leadership of Srila Prabhupada today millions of people across the world get to celebrate the chariot festivals.

Lord Jagannath gets sick to increase our longing for him

Lord Jagannath is the Supreme Lord. He is none other than Lord Krishna. His transcendental sickness is to enhance the love of his devotees. He gets sick to increase our longing for him. Lord has feelings and emotions, and he loves to reciprocate his feelings and emotions with us.

For example, in Vrindavan Lord Krishna gets hungry and if mother Yashoda fails to address his needs quickly then Krishna becomes angry. Lord does not need food, but he needs attention and love of his mother.

Similarly, Lord Jagannath does not fall sick. He cannot get sick. But he gets sick because he loves to enjoy personal care like you and me. He does not want to be only on the altar and bless us. But he wants us to love and reciprocate with him like we do with our family members.

When we start giving personal care and attention to the Lord, we develop love for him.  He becomes the most important part of our life. In serving him, we experience lots of joy and eventually attain complete perfection.

Why don’t we Surrender to Krishna?

If you and I surrender to Krishna, then all our miseries will immediately end. This is confirmed by Krishna himself in Bhagavad Gita 18.66, “Abandon all varieties of religion and just surrender unto Me. I shall deliver you from all sinful reactions. Do not fear.”

In spite of Krishna’s assurance, we refuse to completely surrender to Krishna. Why is it so? Either we do not have complete faith in Krishna’s words, or we are so foolish that we fail to understand the message of Krishna.

Words of Krishna, the Supreme Lord, should be taken seriously.

Krishna is not an ordinary person like you and me. He is the Supreme Lord. He is the creator and maintainer of the entire world. Scriptures confirm this. Brahma Samhita 5.1 says, “Kṛṣṇa who is known as Govinda is the Supreme Godhead. He has an eternal blissful spiritual body. He is the origin of all. He has no other origin and He is the prime cause of all causes.”

If Krishna is saying something, then it should be taken seriously. So, if Krishna is asking us to surrender then we should not just believe in his words but should also act on it.

But there is some force which does not allow us to surrender to Krishna. And that is our ignorance and impure consciousness.

Our consciousness is covered with material impurities

In this world we have lived for many lifetimes. And because of this our consciousness is covered by material impurities like lust, greed, pride, anger, envy and illusion.

Due to material contamination, we live in ignorance. In fact, we have forgotten our real identity. Our real identity is that we are spirit souls, parts and parcel of Krishna. But unfortunately, we fail to realize this fact. Instead, we identify ourselves with our material body, mind, and senses.

Since our consciousness is material, our senses crave for material pleasures. But these pleasures ultimately become the cause of suffering. “An intelligent person does not take part in the sources of misery, which are due to contact with the material senses. O son of Kuntī, such pleasures have a beginning and an end, and so the wise man does not delight in them.” Bhagavad Gita 5.22

As long as we seek worldly pleasures, we will suffer. As long as we surrender to the demands of our body, mind and senses we will suffer.

But as soon as we understand that we are eternally related to Krishna and decide to surrender to Krishna, our miseries will slowly disappear.  

Our suffering began when we decided to leave our spiritual homes

Srila Prabhupada explains that we once belonged to the spiritual world where we enjoyed our life with Krishna. But sadly, we decided to come to this material world because we wanted to enjoy an independent life. Away from Krishna, we are undergoing many sufferings. We have forgotten our spiritual homes, our spiritual families and most importantly the love of Krishna.

Our condition is like a child who decides to abandon his father and mother and runs away from the house. The adamant child thinks that an independent life will give him great joy. He does not realize that he is voluntarily inviting unlimited miseries.

Away from his sweet home, he struggles for each morsel of food. For want of shelter he wanders here and there. Sometimes the biting cold makes him shiver. Sometimes the heat waves give him unbearable pain. Feeling pity on him, sometimes people offer him torn clothes, he accepts it and quickly wears it. Someone gives him some food; he immediately grabs and gorges on it. Someone offers him shelter and he feels so grateful. He thinks this is what life is all about. He slowly forgets the love and warmth he got at his home. Whatever he gets in the outside world, he mistakes it as real love.

Just like an orphan child we are struggling in this material world which is not our real home. We have forgotten the love and warmth of our spiritual homes.

Although a child may abandon his parents, but the mother and father always want him to return home. They are always ready to forgive and forget all the mistakes of their child.

Krishna wants us to return back to our spiritual homes

Similarly, Krishna, the Supreme Father, is also eager to get re-united with us. He wants us to come back to Him.

He makes many arrangements to facilitate our return to the spiritual world. Many times, he comes personally and tell us to come back to him. He also sends his devotees who tries to reawaken our dormant love for him so that we become eager to go back to our spiritual homes.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu explains, “Vaisnavas or devotees are usually very compassionate upon conditioned souls. Without even being invited, a devotee will go from door to door to enlighten people and to bring them out of the darkness of nescience by injecting knowledge of the living entity’s constitutional position as a servant of Lord Krsna. Such devotees are empowered by the Lord to distribute devotional consciousness, or Krishna consciousness, to the people in general.”

The Lord and his devotees put in their best effort to rekindle our love for Krishna. But we have to also play our part. Lord cannot force us to love him. Devotees too cannot compel us to love Krishna. We have to voluntarily decide to love Krishna.

What happens when we surrender to Krishna?

We all will agree that we are suffering. Krishna, the Supreme Lord, is saying that he can free us from suffering. So, will it not be better for us to take shelter of Krishna. If we put aside our stubbornness and surrender to Krishna, then we will save ourselves from many unwanted calamities.

“Surrender to Krishna” means following the instructions of Krishna as given in the scriptures.

The best way to surrender to Krishna is by chanting the holy names of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna Mahamantra – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Chanting helps us to rekindle our love for Krishna.

Also, by associating with the devotees of Krishna and by hearing the pastimes of Krishna, we develop love for Krishna.

Chanting and hearing also cleanses our hearts of all material impurities which is the cause of our ignorance and which is keeping us away from Krishna.

Once our hearts start getting cleansed of material impurities, we start understanding that we are suffering because we have forgotten Krishna. And as we start moving closer to him our miseries start decreasing.

We start tasting the happiness which we have always been looking for. And once we get free from all material impurities, our miseries cease to exist.

When You and I surrender to Krishna, we become qualified to go back home ‘Back to Godhead’, our spiritual home. We get reunited with Krishna, with our spiritual families and enjoy an eternal blissful life. We attain complete perfection.

So, without wasting a moment, let us surrender to Krishna.

Why Prahlada prayed to Narasimhadeva to forgive Hiranyakasipu?

After Hiranyakasipu was annihilated by the Supreme Lord, Prahlada prayed to Narasimhadeva to forgive Hiranyakasipu. Hiranyakasipu , the cruel demon, had tried his best to torture and kill Prahlada who was just five years old. Prahlada was his son but still the demon despised him. But Prahlada whose heart was pure because he always meditated on the lotus feet of Lord Vshnu had no ill feelings towards him. He always wanted good for the demon. Prahlad knew that Hiranyakasipu has indulged in many sinful activities. He has committed severe atrocities against the devotees of the Lord and had also desired to kill the Lord. For this he will have to suffer terribly. Prahlada, a kind-hearted soul, felt great compassion for him. He did not want the atrocious emperor to rot in hell. And so Prahlada earnestly prayed to Narasimhadeva to forgive Hiranyakasipu.

Why Hiranyakashipu wanted to kill Prahlada?

Hiranyakasipu wanted to kill Lord Vishnu and become God. For that he did severe austerities and got benediction from Brahma which made him an extremely powerful ruler in this universe. Foolishly, Hiranyakasipu started believing that he has become more powerful than Lord Vishnu. He forced people to worship him and not Vishnu. He was such a cruel king that out of fear everyone obeyed him. But his own son Prahlada refused to accept him as God. Instead, he said that Lord Vishnu is the Supreme Lord.

This infuriated the demon. “How can my own son disobey me? If my own son will refuse to accept me as God, then eventually my citizens will stop worshipping me as God. Either Prahlada has to accept me as God, or he should be killed.”

Prahlada refused to follow this ungodly order. And so, the king employed all means to kill Prahlada who was just five years old at that time. He subjected Prahlada to severe physical and mental torture. He tried to burn him alive with the help of his sister Holika, poisoned him, attacked him with lethal weapons, threw him from the top of the mountain.

But the powerful demon whom even the demigods feared failed to instil fear in the heart of the little child. Prahlad had firm faith that Lord Vishnu will protect him. The Supreme Lord always protects those who seeks his protection. The Supreme Lord never fails to give shelter to the surrendered souls. The Lord protected him from all the atrocities. Hiranyakasipu badly failed in his mission of becoming God. And eventually Lord Vishnu killed him in the form of Lord Narasimhadeva.

Prahlada pleads Narasimhadeva to free Hiranyakasipu of all the sins

Prahlada had all the reasons to hate his father. He should have danced in joy seeing the dead body of his father who wanted him dead. But Prahlada’s heart was free of all the vices. He did not abhor the demon – hate the sin, not the sinner. He knew that Hiranyakasipu had committed so many sins that he was destined to suffer in hell forever. He feared the fate of the demon. Prahlada knew the Lord is merciful, but he also knew the gravity of sin committed by his sinful father.

So, he decided to beg the Lord to forgive his father. With folded hands he stood in front of the most ferocious incarnation of the Supreme Lord and prayed, “O Supreme Lord, I know my father has committed unpardonable sins, but I beseech you to forgive him and free him from all the sins.”  Srimad Bhagavatam 7.10.15-17

Lord Narasimhadev purifies Hiranyakasipu 

Lord Narasimhadev had just ripped apart the chest of the vicious demon. In utter anger the Lord had pulled out Hiranyakasipu’s intestine and wore it as a garland.  He was now sitting on the same throne which once the demon thought belonged to him.

The half-man-half-lion Lord saw innocent Prahlada standing in front of him. He looked into the eyes of his little devotee. He smiled gently. Prahlada’s prayerful words gave joy to the Lord. He spoke lovingly, “My dear child, your father has already been purified just by the touch of My body at the time of his death.”  Śrimad Bhagavatam 7.10.22. Little Prahlada felt relieved.

Read: Why to always pray to Lord Narasimhadeva for protection?

Lord’s punishment is blessing in disguise. Just like the rays of the sun purifies a filthy place similarly Lord’s mere touch or glance burns all the sins of a great sinner. So, Śrī Īśopaniṣad describes the Supreme Lord as śuddham (antiseptic). Srila Prabhupada explains, “He [Supreme Lord] is antiseptic in the sense that even an impure thing can become purified just by touching Him.”  

Devotees of the Supreme Lord are most merciful

Devotees of the Lord show great compassion towards all living beings. They understand Lord’s heart – Lord does not want even a sinner to suffer.  Lord wants everyone to become pure and come back to him. So, the devotees always pray to the Lord to free everyone from their sins and forgive everyone for their mistakes.

Srila Prabhupada explains, “..the devotees of the Lord are more kind than the Lord because they understand the purpose of the Lord. Consequently, they undertake all kinds of risks, even to the point of approaching ignorant men to try to engage them in the acts of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, which are absolutely necessary for the human being.”  Bhagavad Gita 3.29 Purport

Devotees suffer when they see other’s suffering. They want everyone to reunite with God. In fact, they are ready to suffer for the sins of others. The supreme Lord had appeared to show mercy upon Prahlad. Prahlad would have prayed only for himself. He could have asked anything from the Lord. Lord owns, controls and maintains everything of this world. So, the Lord could have fulfilled any desire of Prahlada who was very dear to him.

But Prahlada wanted nothing for himself. He was satisfied. He was free from all the miseries of this miserable world. He did not fear hell, he did not long for heaven because in any situation he was always happy as he always meditated on Lord Vishnu. Srimad Bhagavatam 6.17.28 describes the characteristics of a pure devotee like Prahlada, “Devotees solely engaged in the devotional service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Nārāyaṇa, never fear any condition of life. For them the heavenly planets, liberation and the hellish planets are all the same, for such devotees are interested only in the service of the Lord.”

Pure devotees pray for everyone’s deliverance

However, the pure devotees of the Lord have one desire. And the desire is to see everyone happy. They want to deliver every suffering soul For this they are ready to take any risk.

Prahlada, the foremost devotee, expressed his heart’s desire to Lord Narasimhadeva.

“My dear Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva, I see that there are many saintly persons indeed, but they are interested only in their own deliverance. Not caring for the big cities and towns, they go to the Himālayas or the forest to meditate with vows of silence [mauna-vrata]. They are not interested in delivering others. As for me, however, I do not wish to be liberated alone, leaving aside all these poor fools and rascals. I know that without Kṛṣṇa consciousness, without taking shelter of Your lotus feet, one cannot be happy. Therefore I wish to bring them back to shelter at Your lotus feet.”

Prahlada not just prayed to Narasimhadeva to forgive Hiranyakasipu, the demon but he was praying for you and me too. We all are suffering because we have committed many sins knowingly and unknowingly. Pure devotees like Prahlad are so kind that they are begging Lord for our deliverance.

Chaitanya Charitamrita tells about Vasudeva Dutta who was compassionate like Prahlada. He was a great devotee of Lord Krishna and wanted no one to suffer.  He would always pray to Lord Chaitanya to free all the people of this material world from all the sins which is the cause of all the sufferings. In fact, Vasudev Datta Thakura was willing to suffer for the sinful activities of all the people of the world so that Lord Chaitanya forgives them and delivers them. Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta Adi 10.42.

Lord Chaitanya was so pleased with him. He embraced Vasudev Datta and said, “You are none other than Prahlada.”

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