Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

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.”

What is the destination of Killer of the Soul – Isopanisad Mantra 3

Isopanisad Mantra 3 describes the destination of the killer of the soul. Watch the video to know more.

Can a Sudra become a Brahmana? Definitely Yes.

Vedic literatures clearly say that our birth does not decide our caste or varna, but our activities decide it. A Sudra can become a Brahmana and a Brahmana can become a Shudra. But unfortunately, some people born in a Brahmin family did not have Brahminical qualities misinterpreted the sacred Vedas. They propagated that birth decides our varna or caste.

Many great spiritual leaders have argued that caste or varna by birth is against the spirit of the Vedas. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura one of the foremost scholars on Vedas and founder of Gaudiya Math strongly opposed this understanding.  And because of this he faced strong opposition from caste Brahmanas.  

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura faced opposition from caste Brahmanas

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and his scores of disciples found the doors of seven main temples closed when they arrived in Vrindavan. Even the shopkeepers had closed their shops and some people threw stones at the parikrama party. The local pandits and the orthodox brahmana were upset because Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had awarded brahmana thread and even sannyas to many who were not just non brahmanas but also belonged to so called lower castes. 

When the local pandits had come to meet Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati for a discussion regarding this then he had strongly argued and defeated them by emphasizing that caste by birth is not Vedic injunctions, but it is its distortion. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura gave reference of various scriptures and proved that one should be considered a brahmana not by birth but by qualities. 

He quoted verses from Srimad Bhagavatam wherein sage Narada tells Yudhisthira that even if one is born in the family of a sudra but acts like a brahmana he should be accepted as a brahmana and if one is born in the family of a brahmana but acts like a sudra then he should be considered a sudra. 

“If one shows the symptoms of being a brāhmaṇa, kṣatriya, vaiśya or śūdra, as described above, even if he has appeared in a different class, he should be accepted according to those symptoms of classification.” Srimad Bhagavatam 7.11.35.

Vedas say that anyone can become a Brahmana

In India it is very common to see that sometimes a person born in a brahmana family declare that they are the only ones who have complete understanding of the Vedic knowledge. They claim to have direct access to the mercy of the Supreme Lord possessing the ability to deliver the mankind.  Many a times the gullible masses without verifying the character and qualities of such people surrender their life unto them and ruin their spiritual life. 

The holy Vedas, the holy sages and Krishna in Gita never said that birth determines a person’s caste or varna. Krishna in Gita clearly state that the four divisions of human society have been created according to the three different modes acquired by the living entities and the type of work they perform. Bhagavad Gita 4.13. This division is scientific, logical and makes lots of sense if implemented in letter and spirit.

Just think, can anyone be a born as an engineer or a judge or a pilot or a musician or a painter? A kid may show some characteristics and symptoms which can give an idea of his future profession. Some may show taste for music, some may like art, some may enjoy dance, some may be found of books and some may have liking for money. But everyone has to be trained to become successful in their fields.

One does not become a doctor just by taking birth in the family where parents are doctors. To become a doctor one has to first get admitted to an authorized medical college, there he has to study under the guidance of learned medical scholars, clear various exams and then only he is awarded the degree of a doctor.

Who is a Brahmana according to Vedas?

Mahabharat, Vana – parva, Chapter 180 tells about the conversation which Maharaj Yudhisthira had with Nahusha, the serpent, in the forest.  

Nahusha inquired, “O King please tell me who is a brahmana?”

Maharaj Yudhisthira said, “A person who possesses truthfulness, charity, forgiveness, sobriety, gentleness, austerity, and lack of hatred is called a brahmana.”

The serpent again said, “Sudras also possess truthfulness, charity, freedom from anger, nonviolence, nonenviousness, and lack of hatred.”

Yudhisthira then replied, “If such symptoms are found in a sudra he should never be called a sudra, just as a brahmana is not a brahmana if he does not possess these qualities.”

Chandogya Upanisad tells the story of Satyakama Jabala

Chandogya Upanisad tells the story of Satyakama who was accepted as a brahmana not because of his birth but because of characteristics. Satyakama had a desire to live as a brahmachari, a celibate monk.

He expressed his feeling to his mother, Jabala, and asked, “My dear mother please tell me which dynasty I belong to.”

Jabala replied, “My dear son, it is difficult for me to say which dynasty you belong to because in my youth I worked as a maidservant at various places and had relationships with many men.” 

Satyakama Jabala approached Haridrumata Gautam’s hermitage and said, “I wish to live in your ashrama as a brahmachari.”

The sage inquired, “Dear son, please tell me which dynasty you belong to.”

Satyakama Jabala without losing his composure replied, “When I inquired from my mother about my lineage then she said during her youth she worked as a maidservant at many places and had multiple relationships. So, I cannot with certainty tell who my father is.” 

Gautam Rishi smiled and said, “It does not matter who your father is, but it is for sure that you are a brahamana because you do not shy away from speaking truth which is the foremost quality of a brahmana. So, I accept you.”

Vedic literature refutes caste by birth theory

There are many references in Vedas which goes on to establish that caste or varna of a person is determined only by one’s quality and not by birth.

• “There are no real differences among varnas. When brahma first created the universe, it was inhabited only by brahmanas. Later on, as a result of their activities , people attained the designation of different varnas.” Mahabharata (Santi – parva, Moksa – dharma, Chapter 188)

• “O brahmana, if a person is born in the family of a sudra and possesses good qualities, he becomes a vaisya or a kshatriya. And if he possesses the quality of simplicity, he is a brahmana.”  Mahabharat , Vana Parva, Chapter 211.

• Mahabharata (Anusasana – parva 163.5,8,26,46,48,51,59) describes the conversation which Lord Shiva had with Parvati. Parvati inquired from Shiva, “How can the three castes – kshatriya, vaisyas, sudra – will attain through their own nature the platform of brahmanas.”  Lord Shiva explained, “If kshatriyas or vaisyas become situated in the behavior of brahmanas and spend their life in the occupations of brahmanas, then such persons can attain the position of brahmanas…..by the same process a sudra can become a brahmana and a vaisya can become a kshatriya.”  

• Varaha purana goes a step further and says that taking advantage of Kaliyuga many demons take birth in the family of brahmana – Rakṣasaḥ kalim asritya jayante brahma-yoniṣu (Varaha Puraṇa).

Krishna sees our heart not our caste

Brahmana, Kshatriya, Vaisya and sudra are all material designations which we should transcend.  The ultimate purpose of human life is to cleanse our hearts of all material contaminations. Chanting the holy names of Krishna is the ambrosia for all material miseries. Lord Chaitanya, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, confirms this. He asked all to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Subuddhi Raya was ostracized by orthodox Hindu community because a Muslim named Hussain Khan sprinkled water on him. The caste Brahmanas said, “You have lost your religion.” Subuddhi Raya was shattered.

He approached many brahmanas to know how he can again become a Hindu. One of the brahmanas suggested him to drink hot ghee. Although it will result in his death but according to the brahmana pure ghee will ensure him birth in a brahmana family in next life. But when Subuddhi Raya approached Lord Chaitanya then he gave him a simple process. “Take shelter of Krishna. Do not get misled by others. And do not worry about these superficial things.” The Lord just asked him to  chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra sincerely and serve the devotees selflessly in Vrindavan, this would give him the highest perfection.

Krishna does not care about our externals – like our caste, whether we are Hindus or non-Hindus, Indians or non-Indians, males or females, sannyasis or grihastas. He just looks into our heart to see if it longs for Him or not. He only looks for our love and nothing else.  

References: Brahmana and Vaisnava by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, Srila Prabhupada Lilamrta

Isopanisad & Brahma Samhita say God is personal

When I first read in Srila Prabhupada’s books that God is personal then I thought what is the need to mention it? Is it not obvious that God has a form? But slowly I came to know about certain school of thoughts which says that the Supreme Lord is impersonal i.e he does not have a form. And they strongly believe in it. According to them God is supreme so how can you confine him to a particular form. True, we cannot restrict God to a specif form, but still God has a form just like you and me have a form. We can also realize God as impersonal Brahman.

Vedic scriptures logically explain the dichotomy.

God is personal and has a form

The sacred texts of the holy Vedas say that God can take any form he likes. For example, he appears as Lord Narasimha – half man-half lion. He takes the form of a boar (Varaha incarnation) and also the form of a fish (Matsya incarnation). In Vaikuntha he has four handed form. As Krishna and as Lord Rama he is in his two-handed form. For different pastimes God has different forms. But the form which the devotees like the most is his two-handed form. When Krishna appeared in his four handed form to Devaki and Vasudeva in Mathura then they prayed to the Lord to appear in two handed form. When Krishna showed Arjuna his virat rupa (universal form) then Arjuna begged Krishna to come back to his two-handed form.

Look around yourself. Do you find any living being without a form?  You have a form. I have a form. Animals have form. Fish has a form. Trees have a form. Even a little insect has a form. So, how can the Supreme Lord who created us be formless.

God is personal, he has a form. And he like to have personal relationship with his devotees. If we fail to understand this, we won’t endeavour to develop relationship with him. How can we relate with someone who is formless or impersonal?

This is why Srila Prabhupada in his books and lectures have explained with scriptural references that God is personal. He emphasizes that the real purpose of human life is to re-establish relationship with God and return back to the spiritual world.

God can also be realized as impersonal Brahman

Vedic texts also say that God can be perceived as impersonal Brahman.  What is this impersonal Brahman? From the body of the Lord emanates transcendental rays which covers the spiritual world and is called brahma-jyotir.  This is the impersonal aspect of the Lord.

Many spiritual practitioners consider brahma – jyotir or God’s personal rays to be the ultimate reality. They are called as impersonalists. They desire to merge in these transcendental rays upon leaving the body. But these rays are coming from the Lord only. When these impersonalist gain more knowledge and get purified then they can penetrate the transcendental rays and enter into the spiritual planet where they are able to directly see and serve the Lord.

Realization of the Supreme Lord as impersonal Brahman is incomplete or partial realization of the Lord. But when we understand that God is personal and has a form then we can completely understand and realize him. Vedic texts give evidence to prove that God is personal. Let us go through those  references.   

5 evidence from Isopanisad and Brahma Samhita which proves God is personal

1. Brahma Samhita 5.1, explains that Supreme Lord is sac-cid-ānanda-vigraha.

Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.1

īśvaraḥ paramaḥ kṛṣṇaḥ
sac-cid-ānanda-vigrahaḥ
anādir ādir govindaḥ
sarva-kāraṇa-kāraṇam

“Krishna 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.”

• We can realize the Supreme Lord Krishna in three features.
• Realization of the Supreme Lord as impersonal Brahman is his sat feature i.e. his aspect of eternity. Impersonal Brahman realization means realization of his bodily effulgence.
• Realization of the Lord as Supersoul or Paramātmā in everyone’s heart is realization of his sat(eternity) and cit(knowledge) aspect.
• Bhagavan realization is realization of his complete personality of sat, cit and ananda i.e. the aspect of eternity, knowledge and bliss.

Lord is referred as vigraha in Brahma Samhita. Vigraha means beautiful transcendental form.

2. Isopanisad Mantra 4 says “Although fixed in His abode, the Personality of Godhead is swifter than the mind and can overcome all others running. The powerful demigods cannot approach Him. Although in one place, He controls those who supply the air and rain. He surpasses all in excellence.”

Here it is said that the Lord is swifter than mind and overcomes all others running.  Anyone who runs has form. A formless person cannot run.  So, the Lord who is the fastest runner has to be a person. 

3. Brahma – Samhita (5.40) explains that the brahma – jyotir which the impersonalist claim to be the ultimate reality is the personal rays of the Supreme Lord.

Śrī brahma-saṁhitā 5.40

yasya prabhā prabhavato jagad-aṇḍa-koṭi-
koṭiṣv aśeṣa-vasudhādi vibhūti-bhinnam
tad brahma niṣkalam anantam aśeṣa-bhūtaṁ
govindam ādi-puruṣaṁ tam ahaṁ bhajāmi

“I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, whose effulgence is the source of the non differentiated Brahman mentioned in the Upaniṣads, being differentiated from the infinity of glories of the mundane universe appears as the indivisible, infinite, limitless, truth.”

4. Isopanisad Mantra 15 says that devotees pray to Lord to remove the effulgent rays (hiraṇmaya-pātra, Isopanisad 15) so that they can see his beautiful face. You and I have face because we have forms. Similarly unless God is personal and have form how can he have a face? This verse establishes that Supreme Lord is personal.

hiraṇmayena pātreṇa
satyasyāpihitaṁ mukham
tat tvaṁ pūṣann apāvṛṇu
satya-dharmāya dṛṣṭaye

“O my Lord, sustainer of all that lives, Your real face is covered by Your dazzling effulgence. Kindly remove that covering and exhibit Yourself to Your pure devotee.”

5. Again in Isopanisad 16, prayer is offered to Lord to remove the transcendental rays (vyūha raśmīn samūha tejo), to see Lord’s most auspicious form full of bliss (yat te rūpaṁ kalyāṇa-tamaṁ tat te paśyāmi).

Īśopanisad 16

pūṣann ekarṣe yama sūrya prājāpatya
vyūha raśmīn samūha tejo
yat te rūpaṁ kalyāṇa-tamaṁ tat te paśyāmi
yo ’sāv asau puruṣaḥ so ’ham asmi

“O my Lord, O primeval philosopher, maintainer of the universe, O regulating principle, destination of the pure devotees, well-wisher of the progenitors of mankind, please remove the effulgence of Your transcendental rays so that I can see Your form of bliss. You are the eternal Supreme Personality of Godhead, like unto the sun, as am I.”

This verse explains that the form of the Lord is full of bliss. Devotees experience unlimited happiness when they see the beautiful form of the Lord. In Goloka Vrindavan, devotees are eager to always see the Lord. The gopis, the topmost devotee of the Lord, cursed the creator for creating eyelids because the eyelids would momentarily block the vision of Krishna.  Srimad Bhagavatam 10.82.39

God is personal so he enjoys many pastimes with devotees

Just like there is sun planet, the sun’s rays and the sun God. Similarly, there is spiritual planet, Goloka Vrindavan, brahma-jyotir, Lord’s effulgent rays, and Krishna, the Supreme Lord. If we have to see the sun God, we have to penetrate the rays of the sun and enter into the sun planet. Similarly, if we have to see the form of the Lord we have to penetrate brahma jyotir and enter into the spiritual planet.  

Krishna enjoys different pastimes with his devotees. He relishes different rasas (dasya, sakhya, vatsalya, madhurya and santa) in the spiritual world. He has his cowherd friends, parents, cows and above all gopis with whom he enjoys madhurya rasas. Unless the Lord has a form, he cannot enjoy these transcendental rasas.

Srila Prabhupada says that you and I can also participate in Lord’s pastimes. For that we have to purify ourselves by chanting the holy names of Lord and return back to the spiritual world. In the kingdom of God, we get a spiritual body and get an opportunity to associate with the Lord and his countless devotees. There everyone serves the Lord and enjoys with the Lord.

Such personal exchanges are possible only because God is personal, and he has a transcendental form full of bliss.

Who is most merciful – Lord Rama or Lord Krishna or Lord Chaitanya?

Who is the most merciful Lord – Lord Rama or Lord Krishna or Lord Chaitanya. Scriptures tell us that they are one and the same. They are the Supreme Lord. They appear in different ages (yuga) to enact different pastimes. But their mission is same – to destroy the demons and to deliver the saintly people.

This is confirmed in Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna.

Bhagavad Gita 4.8

परित्राणाय साधुनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् ।
धर्मसंस्थानार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ॥ ८ ॥

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge

“To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.”

When we study their activities on our earthly planet, we find they exhibited great compassion towards all the living entities. In all the three incarnations they bestowed mercy upon all.

But are all the three equally merciful?  Or one of them is more merciful than other?  Difficult to answer.

Before you and I arrive at any conclusion let us reflect on the below conversations which the Lord had with Sita and Radharani.

Lord Rama’s promise to Sita

When Lord Rama was in the forest with mother Sita, he always carried bow and arrow. Using it he killed many demons. Animals and birds would run away in fear seeing bow and arrow. So, mother Sita was not happy.

Once she said, “Why do you carry your bow and arrow all the time? And why you have to kill the demons? Is there no other way to deliver them?”

Lord Rama said, “Well, in this pastime this is what I am supposed to do. I am a kshatriya and my dharma is to protect the innocents and kill the miscreants.”

Sita did not like the word “kill.” Rama understood her heart.

He said, “Ok. In my next incarnation as Lord Krishna in Vrindavan, I will not carry bow and arrow.”

Mother Sita looked at him with suspicious eyes. “If not bow and arrow then what will you carry.” 

Rama said, “Not just bow and arrow, I won’t carry any weapon.”

Sita was happy. Rama was relieved. Finally, he was able to please her.

Radharani says to Krishna, “You broke your promise”

When the Supreme Lord appeared as Lord Krishna then he killed the demoness Putana when he was only 7 days old. He was in his pram only. And one after the other he killed so many demons –  Trnavarta. Vatsasura, Bakasura, Aghasura and many more It is said that everyday kamsa would send a demon and Krishna would kill him/her.

Radharani was unhappy. Radharani and Sita are same. Radharani expands as Sita when Krishna expands as Rama.

Radha was upset. “You broke your promise, Krishna.”

“Which promise?” Krishna asked.

“As Rama you had said that you won’t kill demons.”

“Wait a minute. You had asked me to not carry bow and arrow. I had agreed. Later you said – no weapon. I agreed for that too. And as per my promise I am not carrying any weapon. Tell me with what weapon did I kill these miscreants. I killed Putana by drinking her poisonous milk. I killed all the demons with my hands and legs only. Since, I did not have any weapon, so I danced on the hoods of kaliya to remove all poison from his body. So much hard work I had to do because you took away all my weapons.“

Radha said, “When I said no weapons, it meant you won’t kill anyone. I never knew that you would use your hands and legs to kill them. It is word jugglery. I know these are extremely sinful beings but still I don’t like you killing them.”

“But you should have clarified with me then and there.”

Radharani understood no use in any further discussion.

Radharani – our eternal mother

Radharani is mother of all the living beings in the entire creation. She is Krishna’s eternal consort. A mother loves her child more than the father. She knew demons are so evil that they need to be punished but still she did not like them to be punished. She wanted Krishna to reform them without killing them. A mother’s heart cries when her child suffers. A child may be mischievous or a hardcore criminal, but a mother will bestow unconditional love upon him/her.  Radharani our eternal mother always wants good for us. Although our hearts are flooded with sinful desires and tendencies, but she still loves us.

Krishna says, “In Kaliyuga I will appear as Chaitanya.”

Now mother Radha wanted to know Krishna’s next move. With eyes full of compassion, she looked towards Krishna and asked, “So, what next. When are you going to appear again?”

“In Kaliyuga as Chaitanya”, Krishna said

Our eternal mother became very worried. “Kaliyuga means ocean of faults. A civilization based on quarrel and hypocrisy. Almost everyone commits sins and justifies it. What Krishna will do in Kaliyuga? Is he going to punish everyone? Let me ask his plan and make him promise that he won’t kill or punish anyone. He will forgive even the worst of the sinful person.”

But she was suspicious. Krishna will give his words. But again, he will find a loophole in the agreement and continue killing the miscreants. So, this time I will have to do something different. I will change his heart. For that I will enter his heart.

So, Radharani entered the heart of Lord Krishna. And that Krishna is called Lord Chaitanya.

The Supreme Lord with the heart of Srimati Radharani is Lord Chaitanya.

Lord Chaitanya kills the sin of the sinner with the holy names

As Lord Chaitanya he did not kill anyone.

As Rama and Krishna, the Supreme Lord established dharma by killing the miscreants. But as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu the Supreme Lord established dharma by propagating the chanting of the holy names of Krishna – the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.  This is the most potent and lethal weapon. The holy name does not kill the people, but it completely burns the sin of the sinner. And the sinner gets totally purified. This pleases Lord Chaitanya the most. Radharani becomes ecstatic.

In this age of Kaliyuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has made it so easy to attain perfection.  You and I have to just chant the holy names. And for chanting no qualification is required. Anyone can chant – men, women, children, Hindus, non- Hindus, Indians, non-Indians.

Chanting not only benefits us, but it benefits even the non-human beings like plants, trees, animals, birds etc. These lower species have almost no chance of deliverance but if they somehow hear the holy names then they also get purified.

Lord Chaitanya did not use any weapon to kill anyone. Only once he took his Sudarshan chakra to kill Jagai and Madhai because these two brothers had attacked Nityananda Prabhu. But Nityananda Prabhu immediately reminded him that in this incarnation he is not supposed to use any weapon and kill anyone. The Supreme Lord remembered his words. He got pacified, forgave the two brothers, and transformed their hearts.

Lord Chaitanya – the most merciful Lord

When Lord Chaitanya was present on earth, people were so demoniac. Vedic culture was almost forgotten. Muslims were eating cow flesh. Brahmanas were misinterpreting the scriptures.  He was completely justified to punish them.

But the Supreme Lord having a heart of Radharani, decided to kill the demons of the heart and not the demons. Lord Rama or Lord Krishna would have punished us for our sins and bad habits. But Lord Chaitanya is so tolerant. He has given us the medicine of the holy names which will help us to burn our sins and evil proclivities which is the root cause of all sufferings and evil tendencies.

Once our heart is free of all vices, we develop godly qualities. We become qualified to become Lord’s eternal associate in the spiritual world. So much mercy Lord Chaitanya is bestowing upon you and me.  

He is the most merciful Lord among the three incarnations.

Śrī Caitanya-Caritāmṛta Madhya 19.53

namo mahā-vadānyāya
kṛṣṇa-prema-pradāya te
kṛṣṇāya kṛṣṇa-caitanya-
nāmne gaura-tviṣe namaḥ

“O most munificent incarnation! You are Kṛṣṇa Himself appearing as Śrī Kṛṣṇa Caitanya Mahāprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, and You are widely distributing pure love of Kṛṣṇa. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You.”