Author: Purushottam Nitai Das

Sri Gaura Arati

(1)
(kiba) jaya jaya gorācāńder āratiko śobhā
jāhnavī-taṭa-vane jaga-mana-lobhā
jaga-jana-mana-lobhā

(Refrain 1)
(gaurāńger ārotik śobhā jaga-janer-mana-lobhā)

(2)
dakhiṇe nitāicāńd, bāme gadādhara
nikaṭe advaita, śrīnivāsa chatra-dhara

(3)
bosiyāche gorācāńd ratna-siḿhāsane
ārati koren brahmā-ādi deva-gaṇe

(4)
narahari-ādi kori’ cāmara dhulāya
sañjaya-mukunda-bāsu-ghoṣ-ādi gāya

(5)
śańkha bāje ghaṇṭā bāje bāje karatāla
madhura mṛdańga bāje parama rasāla

(Refrain 2)
(śankha bāje ghaṇṭā bāje madhur madhur madhur bāje)

(6)
bahu-koṭi candra jini’ vadana ujjvala
gala-deśe bana-mālā kore jhalamala

(7)
śiva-śuka-nārada preme gada-gada
bhakativinoda dekhe gorāra sampada

TRANSLATION

1) All glories, all glories to the beautiful arati ceremony of Lord Caitanya. This Gaura-arati is taking place in a grove on the banks of the Jahnavi (Ganges) and is attracting the minds of all living entities in the universe.

(Refrain 1): The splendor of Lord Gauranga’s (Caitanya) arati attracts the minds of all living entities of the universe!

2) On Lord Caitanya’s right side is Lord Nityananda and on His left is Sri Gadadhara. Nearby stands Sri Advaita, and Srivasa Thakura is holding an umbrella over Lord Caitanya’s head.

3) Lord Caitanya has sat down on a jeweled throne, and the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma, perform the arati ceremony

4) Narahari Sarakara and other associates of Lord Caitanya fan Him with camaras, and devotees headed by Sanjaya Pandita, Mukunda Datta, and Vasu Ghosa sing sweet kirtana.

5) Conchshells, bells, and karatalas resound, and the mrdangas play very sweetly. This kirtana music is supremely sweet and relish able to hear.

(Refrain 2): Conchsells resound! bell resound! Sweetness, sweetness, and sweetness resounds!

6) The brilliance of Lord Caitanya’s face conquers millions upon millions of moons, and the garland of forest flowers around His neck shines.

7) Lord Siva, Sukadeva Gosvami, and Narada Muni are all there, and their voices are choked with the ecstasy of transcendental love. Thus Thakura Bhaktivinoda envisions the glory of Lord Sri Caitanya.

Source: http://kksongs.org/songs/j/jayajayagoracander.html

Yasomati Nandana

(1)
yaśomatī-nandana, braja-baro-nāgara,
gokula-rañjana kāna
gopī-parāṇa-dhana, madana-manohara,
kāliya-damana-vidhāna

(2)
amala harinām amiya-vilāsā
vipina-purandara, navīna nāgara-bora,
baṁśī-badana suvāsā

(3)
braja-jana-pālana, asura-kula-nāśana
nanda-godhana-rākhowālā
govinda mādhava, navanīta-taskara,
sundara nanda-gopālā

(4)
yāmuna-taṭa-cara, gopī-basana-hara,
rāsa-rasika, kṛpāmoya
śrī-rādhā-vallabha, bṛndābana-naṭabara,
bhakativinod-āśraya

TRANSLATION       

1) Lord Krsna is the beloved son of mother Yasoda; the transcendental lover in the land of Vraja; the delight of Gokula; Kana [a nickname of Krsna]; the wealth of the lives of the gopis. He steals the mind of even Cupid and punishes the Kaliya serpent.

2) These pure, holy names of Lord Hari are full of sweet, nectarean pastimes. Krsna is the Lord of the twelve forests of Vraja, He is ever-youthful and is the best of lovers. He is always playing on a flute, and He is an excellent dresser.

3) Krsna is the protector of the inhabitants of Vraja; the destroyer of various demoniac dynasties; the keeper and tender of Nanda Maharaja’s cows; the giver of pleasure to the cows, land, and spiritual senses; the husband of the goddess of fortune; the butter thief; and the beautiful cowherd boy of Nanda Maharaja.

4) Krsna wanders along the banks of the River Yamuna. He stole the garments of the young damsels of Vraja who were bathing there. He delights in the mellows of the rasa dance; He is very merciful; the lover and beloved of Srimati Radharani; the great dancer of Vrndavana; and the shelter and only refuge of Thakura Bhaktivinoda.

Source: http://kksongs.org/songs/y/yasomatinandana.html

Sri Guru Vandana

(1)
śrī-guru-caraṇa-padma, kevala-bhakati-sadma,
bando muñi sāvadhāna mate
jāhāra prasāde bhāi, e bhava toriyā jāi,
kṛṣṇa-prāpti hoy jāhā ha’te

(2)
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koribo aikya,
ār nā koriho mane āśā
śrī-guru-caraṇe rati, ei se uttama-gati,
je prasāde pūre sarva āśā

(3)
cakṣu-dān dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei,
divya jñān hṛde prokāśito
prema-bhakti jāhā hoite, avidyā vināśa jāte,
vede gāy jāhāra carito

(4)
śrī-guru karuṇā-sindhu, adhama janāra bandhu,
lokanāth lokera jīvana
hā hā prabhu koro doyā, deho more pada-chāyā,
ebe jaśa ghuṣuk tribhuvana

TRANSLATION

1) The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence. By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Krsna.

2) My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words emanating from his lotus mouth. Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.

3) He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth. From him ecstatic prema emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.

4) Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the devotees. O Lokanatha Goswami! O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds.

Source: http://kksongs.org/songs/s/srigurucaranapadma.html

Sri Tulasi Arati

Sri Tulasi Pranama

vrindayai tulasi-devyai
priyayai keshavasya cha
krishna-bhakti-prade devi
satyavatyai namo namaha

Translation

I offer my repeated obeisances unto Vrnda, Srimati Tulasi Devi, who is very dear to Lord Kesava. O goddess, you bestow devotional service to Lord Krsna and possess the highest truth.

Sri Tulasi Kirtan

(1)
namo namah tulasi krishna-preyasi namo namah
radha-krishna-seva pabo ei abilashi

(2)
ye tomara sarana loy, tara vancha purna hoy
kripa kori’ koro tare vrindavana-vasi

(3)
mora ei abhilasha, vilasa kunje dio vasa
nayana heribo sada yugala-rupa-rasi

(4)
ei nivedana dhara, sakhira anugata koro
seva-adhikara diye koro nija dasi

(5)
dina krishna-dase koy, ei yena mora hoy
sri-radha-govinda-preme sada yena bhasi

Translation:

(1) O Tulasi, beloved of Krishna, I bow before you again and again. My desire is to obtain the service of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna.

(2) Whoever takes shelter of you has his wishes fulfilled. Bestowing your mercy on him, you make him a resident of Vrindavana.

(3) My desire is that you will also give me a residence in the pleasure groves of Sri Vrindavana-dhama. Thus within my vision I will always behold the beautiful pastimes of Radha and Krishna.

(4) I beg you to make me a follower of the cowherd damsels of Vraja. Please give me the privilege of devotional service and make me your own maidservant.

(5) This very fallen and lowly servant of Krsna prays, “May I always swim in the love of Sri Radha and Govinda.

Source: https://iskcondesiretree.com/page/tulasi-aarti

Narasimha Arati

namas te narasimhaya
prahladahlada-dayine
hiranyakasipor vakshahsila- tanka-nakhalaye

I offer my obeisances to Lord Narasimha who gives joy to Prahlada Maharaja and whose nails are like chisels on the stonelike chest of the demon Hiranyakasipu.

ito nrisimhah parato nrisimho
yato yato yami tato nrisimhah
bahir nrisimho hridaye nrisimho
nrisimham adim saranam prapadye

Lord Nrisimha is here and also there. Wherever I go Lord Nrisimha is there. He is in the heart and is outside as well. I surrender to Lord Nrisimha, the origin of all things and the supreme refuge.

tava kara-kamala-vare nakham adbhuta-sringam
dalita-hiranyakasipu-tanu-bhringam
kesava dhrita-narahari-rupa jaya jagadisa hare

O Kesava! O Lord of the universe! O Lord Hari, who have assumed the form of half-man, half-lion! All glories to You! Just as one can easily crush a wasp between one’s fingernails, so in the same way the body of the wasp like demon Hiranyakasipu has been ripped apart by the wonderful pointed nails on Your beautiful lotus hands.

Source: https://iskcondesiretree.com/page/narasimha-arati

Mangala Arati

saḿsāra-dāvānala-līḍha-loka-
trāṇāya kāruṇya-ghanāghanatvam
prāptasya kalyāṇa-guṇārṇavasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

mahāprabhoḥ kīrtana-nṛtya-gīta-
vāditra-mādyan-manaso rasena
romāñca -kampāśru-tarańga-bhājo
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

śrī-vigrahārādhana-nitya-nānā-
śṛńgāra-tan-mandira-mārjanādau
yuktasya bhaktāḿś ca niyuñjato ‘pi
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

catur-vidha-śrī-bhagavat-prasāda-
svādv-anna-tṛptān hari-bhakta-sańghān
kṛtvaiva tṛptiḿ bhajataḥ sadaiva
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

śrī-rādhikā-mādhavayor apāra-
mādhurya-līlā guṇa-rūpa-nāmnām
prati-kṣaṇāsvādana-lolupasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

nikuñja-yūno rati-keli-siddhyai
yā yālibhir yuktir apekṣaṇīyā
tatrāti-dākṣyād ati-vallabhasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

sākṣād-dharitvena samasta-śāstrair
uktas tathā bhāvyata eva sadbhiḥ
kintu prabhor yaḥ priya eva tasya
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo
yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ‘pi
dhyāyan stuvaḿs tasya yaśas tri-sandhyaḿ
vande guroḥ śrī-caraṇāravindam

Translation

1) The spiritual master is receiving benediction from the ocean of mercy. Just as a cloud pours water on a forest fire to extinguish it, so the spiritual master delivers the materially afflicted world by extinguishing the blazing fire of material existence. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is an ocean of auspicious qualities.

2) Chanting the holy name, dancing in ecstasy, singing, and playing musical instruments, the spiritual master is always gladdened by the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Because he is relishing the mellows of pure devotion within his mind, sometimes his hair stands on end, he feels quivering in his body, and tears flow from his eyes like waves. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

3) The spiritual master is always engaged in the temple worship of Sri Sri Radha and Krsna. He also engages his disciples in such worship. They dress the Deities in beautiful clothes and ornaments, clean Their temple, and perform other similar worship of the Lord. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

4) The spiritual master is always offering Krsna four kinds of delicious food [analyzed as that which is licked, chewed, drunk, and sucked]. When the spiritual master sees that the devotees are satisfied by eating bhagavat-prasada, he is satisfied. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

5) The spiritual master is always eager to hear and chant about the unlimited conjugal pastimes of Radhika and Madhava, and Their qualities, names, and forms. The spiritual master aspires to relish these at every moment. I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

6) The spiritual master is very dear, because he is expert in assisting the gopis, who at different times make different tasteful arrangements for the perfection of Radha and Krishna’s conjugal loving affairs within the groves of Vrindavan. I offer my most humble obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master.

7) The spiritual master is to be honored as much as the Supreme Lord, because he is the most confidential servitor of the Lord. This is acknowledged in all revealed scriptures and followed by all authorities. Therefore, I offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of such a spiritual master, who is a bonafide representative of Sri Hari [Krsna].

8) By the mercy of the spiritual master one receives the benediction of Krsna. Without the grace of the spiritual master, one cannot make any advancement. Therefore, I should always remember and praise the spiritual master. At least three times a day I should offer my respectful obeisances unto the lotus feet of my spiritual master.

Source: https://iskcondesiretree.com/page/mangala-aarti

Damodar Lila:Pure love binds Krishna, and nothing else

Damodar Lila: Why Balaram could not untie Krishna

Balaram was furious. Someone informed him that Krishna has been bound by ropes to a grinding mortar.

“How dare can anyone tie Krishna by ropes? Who has the audacity to even think of punishing Krishna? I will first free Krishna and then will punish that person.”

On the day when Krishna was bound by mother Yashoda to the wooden mortar Balram along with his mother Rohini had gone in the morning to meet the elder brother of Nanda Maharaj. 

So he was not there when Krishna was being punished.  When he returned, he came to know that Krishna has been bound by ropes to a grinding mortar.

Balaram was extremely angry. But someone softly uttered in Balaram’s ears, “Mother Yashoda has punished Krishna.”

Balaram immediately became quiet. He was now fearful too, “Hope mother Yashoda did not hear what I said else I will also be punished.”

Meanwhile Krishna was in tears. He was looking everywhere for help.

Nanda Maharaj was not around. Krishna’s cowherd friends wanted to help but were helpless. He knew the elder gopis from whose house he stole butter daily will not go against Yashoda. And to his agony the younger gopis were silently smiling.

But as soon as he saw Balaram he became hopeful. With tearful eyes he looked at Balaram and said, “Mother has punished me. Please free me.”

Balaram said, “Upon hearing your plight I rushed in to help you. You know if there would have been any demon I could have crushed him within seconds.

Krishna was disheartened. “You are my brother. You should help me. You are my first expansion. If you won’t help me then who will help me. I beg you.”

Balaram too became sad seeing Krishna’s suffering. He said, “Ok. Let me try again.”

Balaram went to mother Yashoda to convince her that she should free Krishna.

Meanwhile Yashoda had got busy in her household duties after tying Krishna to the mortar. Balaram went to her and told,

You know to whom you have tied by ropes. If I tell you about the glories of Krishna you will be astonished!

Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is the source of all the material and spiritual worlds. Just by his desire the sun shines, the wind blows, the waves rise in the ocean. From the pores of his body millions of universes emanate.  

Sages and yogis do penance for thousands of years just to have a glimpse of him. You are so fortunate that he is born to you and he plays in your courtyard.

And you have bound him by ropes!

Its a great offense to the Supreme Lord Krishna. You should immediately untie him.”

When Krishna heard his brother speaking so eloquently, he was overjoyed. “My elder brother is so intelligent and smart. He is logically pleading my case. I think he will be able to convince mother now.”

Meanwhile Yashoda who had to do many household works was getting irritated. She said to Balaram, “So Krishna is the Supreme Lord. And what about you?”

“Seems she has understood about Krishna’s greatness so now let me reveal to her about my glories,” thought Balaram.

He confidently began extolling his virtuous qualities,

“I am the first expansion of Krishna. As Ananta Sesa I hold the entire universe on my millions of hoods. The wish of the Lord is my command.

If he desires, then I can immediately destroy any demons.

When my Lord Krishna had performed his pastime as Lord Rama then I was his younger brother Lakshman. As Lakshman I killed so many demons. 

Wherever Krishna performs his pastimes I accompany him. I am the…”

Now Yashoda had become really irritated.

She picked up a stick and said, “So all the Gods have no other work but to appear in my house. Just go away from here.”

“You are committing a big mistake.” Balaram warned.

Yashoda now sternly told Balaram, “Just let me do my work else you will also meet the same fate. Krishna will remain tied to the mortar. And if you don’t go now will tie you too.”

Balaram immediately ran away from there and said to Krishna, the supreme Lord, “I cannot do anything, and I don’t want to be punished because of you.”

Krishna, the Supreme Lord, was so sad. He was wondering, “Who will free me now?”

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Damodar lila – Controlling the controller with the ropes of love

• Damodar Lila:When Yashoda punishes Krishna, the Supreme Lord
• 11 reasons why Kartik month is the holiest month
• Damodarastakam

Damodar Lila: Why Yashoda punishes Krishna, the Supreme Lord

What is Damodar Lila? Why Yashoda punishes Krishna in Damodar Lila? Why Krishna came to be known as Damodar? Why did mother Yashoda tie Krishna to a grinding mortar? What mischievous activity had Krishna done?

These are the questions which all the devotees have in their mind. In fact, many who know this Damodar pastime of Krishna also love to read it again and again. And they also speak about it again and again because it gives unlimited joy to the heart.

Let us pause for few minutes and travel to Vrindavan and with our own eyes see this beautiful Damodar pastime of the Lord.

Yashoda decides to make best butter for Krishna

“What best should I do for my Krishna today?” Mother Yashoda always contemplated on this most important topic. Like a responsible mother she wanted to give best to her child. For example, Nanda Maharaj had 9 lakh cows. But Yashoda had chosen few cows among those 9 lakhs cows. And the milk of these cows where used to prepare various items for Krishna.  These cows were so fortunate. They were serving Krishna. These cows were given flavoured grass and their milk too carried the flavour.

One day when her little Krishna was deep asleep and other ladies in the house were occupied in different activities she immediately decided to prepare butter and yogurt which Krishna liked a lot. She used to get many complains from the gopis in Vrindavan that Krishna steals butter from their house. It disturbed her a lot. 

How can a mother tolerate her son eating at others house? In fact, he was not eating at others house but was stealing butter from others house. It was a serious issue and was unacceptable for a responsible mother like Yashoda.

“Today I will prepare the best butter which cannot be found anywhere in the entire universe. And when Krishna will taste it he will like it so much that he won’t then even think of touching butter at other gopis’ house.”

Meanwhile other gopis in Vrindavan were also preparing butter and were desperately waiting for Krishna to come and steal butter from their houses. “What if Krishna does not come today?”  The mere thought disturbed them too much. “And what if Krishna comes and there is no butter?” The thought made them anxious and they hurriedly began churning the milk.

Yashoda – the lyricist, the music director and the singer

But mother Yashoda had a different plan today. She was determined to implement it.  Putting aside all her work she began to churn the milk of the best of the cows. She was confident that her plan would succeed.  While churning she started remembering Krishna, thinking about Krishna’s pastimes she began smiling and singing.

Everyday she used to compose many songs based on many pastimes of Krishna in the land of vraja. She was the lyricist, music director and singer. This was one of the best ways to be absorbed in Krishna for her when Krishna was away playing or was occupied somewhere else.  

A song on how Krishna played in the courtyard of her house, how in fear he used to come and embrace her, how in hunger he cried for food, how sometimes he used to become angry when his demands were not met, how he played with his friends, how he danced to give joy to everyone, how he slept, how the uncouth demons like Putana, Aghasura, Sakaṭasura, Tṛṇavarta who came to harm Krishna got killed.  

When she sang her bangles, earrings and ankle bells moved rhythmically, the churning rod too made melodious sound. Dressed in yellow sari she was joyfully singing giving pleasure to everyone. 

Mother Yashoda is teaching us how to always remember Krishna even while engaged in many works.  Life’s purpose is to always remember Krishna and never forget Krishna.

Krishna demands milk

Meanwhile the Supreme Lord who was sleeping in the other room immediately got up. As Yashoda cannot be separated from Krishna similarly Krishna cannot live without Yashoda.

Krishna got up from the bed and ran towards her mother and embraced her.  He held the churning rod and demanded his mother’s complete attention. “I am hungry I need milk” was his demand. The words of little Krishna filled Yashoda’s heart with love.

She immediately left churning the milk, took him on her lap and began feeding him her milk. Krishna was satisfied, mother Yashoda was so pleased.

Milk decides to commit suicide

But someone in the corner of the house was devastated. There was a pot of milk which was put on the fire for boiling. The milk was so excited thinking that Krishna will drink it. The milk was waiting desperately for that momentous moment when it will get an opportunity to serve Krishna.

But seeing that Krishna has already begun drinking the milk of his mother it felt so sad.  The milk thought, “The purpose of life is to serve Krishna but since I cannot serve Krishna now, so let me commit suicide. Let me jump out of the pot and burn myself in the fire.”

The milk started overflowing which caught Yashoda’s attention. She had no other choice but to attend the milk. Reluctantly she put Krishna aside and ran to save the life of the milk.

Krishna’s anger

And this angered Krishna. “How dare my mother leave me like this. Am I not enough valued in the house?” He was a pampered child and always wanted undivided attention of Yashoda.

I need to teach my mother a lesson. He was extremely angry. Feeling neglected his eyes were filled with tears, in anger he bit his red lips with his teeth. He could not hold himself any longer. He picked up a stone and broke the container of yogurt. As soon as the pot broke, he ran away from there.

He went to the other room. He climbed on the grinding motor which was upside down. Nearby was a pot filled with butter. He began eating butter and began feeding butter to the monkeys and the monkeys were enjoying the feast.  He was also constantly looking towards the door whether Yashoda is coming or not.  

The milk’s repentance

Meanwhile as soon as mother Yashoda came to attend the overflowing milk, the milk felt ashamed at its own action, “What have I done. Yashoda was so nicely serving my sweet Lord and my Lord was so happy. I interrupted the loving exchange between the supreme Lord and his supreme devotee.  I am an offender.” Thinking this it stopped overflowing.  

Meanwhile Yashoda hurried back to see Krishna. But Krishna was not there. There was a broken pot and a piece of stone and yogurt everywhere. She understood what has happened. “Krishna has become too mischievous. He needs to be corrected.” She thought.

Yashoda chasing Krishna

The butter smeared little footprints gave her the direction. And as soon as the monkeys sensed that Yashoda is about to enter the room they ran away from there. Sensing trouble the crows too ran away from the house.  And now Krishna was all alone.  

“My friends are so ungrateful,” he thought.  But he did not have much time. He jumped from the grinding mortar and ran away from there. Yashoda was in no mood to leave Krishna. She followed him.  She even picked up a stick. Seeing stick and the grit of Yashoda Krishna was so fearful.

He ran with all his might.  All the maidservants left their household work and came to see what was happening.  No one tried to stop Yashoda or catch Krishna. They did not want to align themselves either with Krishna or Yashoda, they were neutral.

The news spreads in Vrindavan

Meanwhile in entire Vrindavan the message had gone that Krishna is being punished by Yashoda. Whoever heard this left all their work – urgent or not urgent did not matter – and came to the house of Nanda Maharaj to see what is happening.

Krishna’s little friends wanted to help Krishna but were helpless. The elderly gopis were confused – whether to take side of Krishna or of Yashoda. Yashoda is their friend and Krishna is so dear to them. But later they thought that Yashoda is his mother and a mother knows what is best for her child. But Krishna is in difficulty, so they also wanted to help him.  However none of them took any action, they just stood to enjoy the fun.  

Will Yashoda be able to catch Krishna? And if caught what punishment is he going to get? Everyone had this question in their mind.

Meanwhile Yashoda was putting in her best efforts to catch Krishna.  While she was running her hair loosened and the malati flowers from her hair started falling.  Yashoda was getting tired and Krishna felt the pain of his mother and so he finally agreed to be caught by her. 

Srila Prabhupada explains, “Yogis, mystics, want to catch Krishna as Paramatma, and with great austerities and penances they try to approach Him, yet they cannot. Here we see, however, that Krishna is going to be caught by Yashoda and is running away in fear. This illustrates the difference between the bhakta and the yogi. Yogis cannot reach Kṛishna, but for pure devotees like mother Yashoda, Kṛishna is already caught.”

Srimad Bhagavatam 10.9.9 Purport

But when Krishna saw the stick in her mother’s hand, his eyes got filled with tears of fear. Yashoda did not want to frighten her child but wanted to correct him. Like all the parents she wanted her child to be disciplined, obedient and of impeccable character.

Yashoda thought, “Now is the right time to make him understand about the righteous and unrighteous behaviour. Let me tie him up. He will at least understand that if he commits any mistake he will be punished and so in future he won’t be mischievous. She also thought since he is in fear so he may run away from the house but if bound by rope he won’t flee.” 

She threw the stick and took a rope to tie Krishna.  

Yashoda punishes Krishna by binding him to a grinding mortar

Mother Yashoda meanwhile got a rope to tie Krishna, the Supreme Lord. But when she tried to bind Krishna she found that the rope was two fingers short. So she brought another rope, tied it to the first rope and began to tie Krishna. Again the rope was short by two fingers.

She brought another rope and tied it to the original rope. Again it was short by exactly two fingers. She instructed the maidservants to bring more rope and they all immediately collected all the ropes in the house and tied with each other.

Meanwhile all the vrajvasis who were enjoying everything began laughing at the plight of mother Yashoda. Mother Yashoda was increasing the length of the rope but was unable to tie little waist of Krishna. 

Whenever she tried the rope was short by two fingers. Yashoda was confused but refused to give it up.  She was getting tired too. Many gopis sympathised with Yashoda. They too ran to their houses to bring the ropes. In fact almost all the available ropes of vraja was used now but Krishna was still not bound. Yashoda was extremely tired. She was sweating and breathing heavily.

Krishna could not see his mother in this condition, his heart melted. Her devotion won Krishna’s heart.  And so he finally agreed to be bound by the ropes.   

The two fingers represent – our endeavour and Krishna’s mercy. 

We are limited beings, Krishna is unlimited. We are infinitesimal and Krishna is infinite. With our efforts we cannot catch Krishna. But our efforts attract Krishna’s attention. And when he sees that we are sincerely and selflessly putting in our best efforts then Krishna bestows his mercy upon us and then we attain Krishna’s love and Krishna becomes ours.  

Krishna is the Supreme Lord. He is creator, maintainer and destroyer of the entire universe. He is the source of everything.  No one can ever conquer him. But that Supreme Lord is conquered by mother Yashoda by her pure love. 

Sukhdev Goswami says in Srimad Bhagavatam 10.9.20, “Neither Lord Brahma, nor Lord Siva, nor even the goddess of fortune, who is always the better half of the Supreme Lord, can obtain from the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the deliverer from this material world, such mercy as received by mother Yashoda.”

While being tied to the mortar, Krishna also delivered the sons of Kuvera – Nalakuvara and Maṇigriva – who were cursed to become trees by the sage Narada.

“Those superexcellent pastimes of Lord Krishna’s babyhood drowned the inhabitants of Gokula in pools of ecstasy. To the devotees who are attracted only to His majestic aspect of Narayana in Vaikuntha, the Lord herein reveals: “I am conquered and overwhelmed by pure loving devotion.” To the Supreme Lord, Damodara, my obeisances hundreds and hundreds of times.”

Sri Damodarastaka Verse 3

Krishna got the name Damodar

The form of little Krishna tied by a cow rope to a wooden grinding mortar is called “Damodar”. “Dam” means rope and udar means belly. So “Damodar” means one who has a rope around his belly.

This Damodar pastime occurred on the day of Diwali.

This pastime is also called Ukhal Bandhan lila. Ukhal means grinding mortar and bandhan means to be bound. Ukhal Bandhan means Krishna was bound to Ukhal.

This pastime of Krishna is so pleasing to the heart. Great sages and saints meditate on this beautiful Damodara pastime of Krishna and experiences unlimited bliss.

This pastime occurred during the month of Kartik.  Devotees during this entire Kartik month offer ghee lamp to the beautiful Damodar deity of the Lord.

Scriptures tell us that if during the month of Kartik, we offer ghee lamp to Lord Damodar and sing Damodarastakam prayer then we will be able to attain great spiritual results. Our hearts will get cleansed of all the impurities and we will attain love of Krishna.

So, let us meditate on this sweet pastime of the Lord and worship him by offering lamp and by singing the Damodarastakam prayer.

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