Tag: Srila Prabhupada

Why We Should Regularly Read Srila Prabhupada’s Books and Hear His Lectures| HG Radheshyam Prabhu|Iskcon Newtown Kolkata

HG Radheshyam Prabhu gave today’s, 7th June 2026, Srimad Bhagavatam class at ISKCON Newtown Temple. Prabhuji started the class by reciting the verse SB 1.8.36.

“O Kṛṣṇa, those who continuously hear, chant, and repeat Your transcendental activities, or take pleasure in others’ doing so, certainly see Your lotus feet, which alone can stop the repetition of birth and death.”

In the class, Prabhuji spoke about the importance of reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and hearing his lectures.

Below are a few important points from the class:

Srila Prabhupada’s books and lectures keep us spiritually healthy

Hearing Srila Prabhupada for 15 minutes is equal to hearing others for 2–3 hours.

One person wanted to call me for a program which was going on for 2 years, but no one had even started chanting. Many preachers fear that if we give Srila Prabhupada’s books or beads to others, then what others will think.

We are just like postmen. We have to take Prabhupada’s books and give them to others.

Devotees should that they are conditioned souls under the influence of the 3 modes of material nature. So, they cannot do what Prabhupada did. Prabhupada He went to the Western world, established so many temples, and wrote books. If we do not have appreciation for Prabhupada, we will not give Prabhupada’s books to others.

If we just want to impress people, then they will not become devotees.

Generally, people hear from unauthorized persons who may be learned. In Coimbatore, South India, a lady of around 55 years is a famous speaker. She appears on TV too. My sister told me to hear her lecture. I heard her speaking for about 15 minutes. She was speaking powerfully, and people were clapping. I thought it would be nice if she became a devotee. But later I came to know that she glorifies anyone; she does not know the difference between the demigods and Krishna.

One professor in the West did a doctorate on Gita Govindam and a PhD on Jiva Goswami. HH Satswarupa Das Goswami Maharaj went to meet him. As soon as he saw him, Maharaja said, “Haribol.” The professor could not understand anything. Although he was an expert on the subject, he was not a devotee.

We want to become devotees and not scholars. A devotee becoming a scholar is not a problem.

It is required that devotees present philosophy expertly.

Without reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, realization becomes weak.

Masses of people are misled by Mayavadis. If you are hearing from an unauthorized person, then time is wasted and it will kill the propensity for seva.

Most important is hearing Srila Prabhupada’s lectures. Recently, I started hearing Prabhupada’s lecture on Prahlada’s prayers. I was thrilled by it. We should hear Prabhupada’s lectures and make notes. It will benefit you and others too.

We have contamination of karma, jnana, and yoga. When the hearing process is perfect and complete, then practice becomes perfect.

First, we should hear Kurukshetra lila of Krishna to know the greatness of Krishna, and then we can hear the playful pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavan.

Many people just want to talk about Krishna dancing with the gopis.

There are 3 types of sound — transcendental sound, mundane sound, and seemingly transcendental sound.

Prabhupada says, “If you want to know me, read my books.”

Without reading, realization becomes weak.

For devotees, leadership without deep study is dangerous.

Without studying Prabhupada’s books, they start facing problems and they start blaming everyone.

When we are weak in spiritual life, material demands increase.

People start focusing on cars, houses, finances, and going to different places for vacation.

A spiritually satisfied person is satisfied even eating a little khichdi.

One devotee may use Krishna for name and fame, while another may want to be conducted by Krishna and His internal potency.

If we have to manage others, then first let Krishna manage our heart.

Reading Prabhupada’s books is not personal bhakti but leadership management. To guide others, first we should be properly guided.

Reading Srila Prabhupada’s books purifies us

By daily hearing, the heart is purified, which is now muddy with material desires. When the heart is impure, one may think, “Why are others praised and not me?”

When you are spiritually healthy, you manage yourself and others also.

It is our responsibility to keep ourselves spiritually healthy.

If we read and hear regularly, then we can preach fluently.

A doctor cannot treat patients without studying medicine. In the USA, it takes 14 years to become a surgeon.

Similarly, a preacher cannot nourish others without regularly hearing and reading sastras.

Most people read books while going to give class. Sometimes people even read from WhatsApp and preach.

If we read, then we can remember Krishna; otherwise, worldly attraction will revisit us.

We should read and hear to develop attachment for Krishna. The more we hear, the more affection we develop for Krishna. By daily reading about Krishna, the heart becomes attached to Krishna.

Read & Hear Srila Prabhupada to stay spiritually alive

Feeding Krishna Consciousness to a new person is like feeding medicine to a horse.

If we hear more, our taste for Krishna gradually increases.

We should see things through sastra caksu.

Without scriptures, we judge situations emotionally. Through sastra caksu, we begin seeing life the way Krishna wants us to see it.

A doctor may give sweet tonic and injections to a patient depending on the need. Both are for the patient’s benefit. Similarly, Krishna knows what is good for us. He may give us something sweet or something bitter.

We should read and hear regularly to stay spiritually alive. Just as we charge our mobile daily, similarly we should charge ourselves daily by reading Prabhupada’s books and hearing his lectures.

If a devotee is not reading Prabhupada’s books, then he faces the following symptoms:

• Irritation increases
• Inspiration decreases
• Offense increases
• Politics increases
• Compassion decreases

The root cause of all problems is not reading Prabhupada’s books and hearing his lectures.

We should read Prabhupada’s books deeply; casual reading gives information, but focused reading gives realization.

Praying to Srila Prabhupada for his mercy on his 129th Vyasa Puja

Today we are celebrating 129^th Vyasa Puja of Srila Prabhupada. On this auspicious day, let us pray to Srila Prabhupada for his mercy so that we get strength to resist the temptation of this material world and get determination to consistently practice devotion to Krishna.

If we do not become serious in our spiritual life, then we will remain stuck in this material world. Material world means suffering and we have suffered enough here. Now we should try our best to free ourselves from this never-ending suffering.

For this to become a reality, we need grace of Srila Prabhupada. Without his mercy getting the mercy of Krishna is not possible.

Material nature is extremely powerful. She is not going to leave us easily. On our own we won’t be able to free ourselves from its grip. Krishna himself says this. Only those who take shelter of Krishna can become free from the control of this material world.

“This divine energy of Mine, consisting of the three modes of material nature, is difficult to overcome. But those who have surrendered unto Me can easily cross beyond it.” Bhagavad Gita 7.14

Our condition is akin to Gajendra who was helpless when he entered into water and got caught by a crocodile. Gajendra tried his best to get out of its grip but failed.

We have been also trying to free ourselves from the clutches of maya, but we are seeing that it is very difficult. Only Krishna and his pure devotees have the power to save us. Krishna saved Gajendra and Srila Prabhupada too saved millions of people by helping them to get connected to Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada came to give us Krishna

It is amazing that how so many people were able to surrender their life to Krishna at the call of Srila Prabhupada. They were able to shun material life so easily and were able to quickly take to spiritual life.  

Not just that those who sincere followed Srila Prabhupada’s guidelines were able to give up all bad habits. They were able to free their heart from the evils of lust, anger, greed, pride, envy, illusion and false ego.

Srila Prabhupada was chosen by Krishna to give Krishna to the suffering masses. He came to this world to teach us how to take shelter of Krishna. He convinced you and me to give up this abominable material attachment which causes us always pain. Srila Prabhupada always asked us to become serious in our spiritual life and enjoy a life of peace, bliss and prosperity.

On this auspicious day of his 129^th Vyasa Puja, I pray at the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada to give me intelligence to understand his divine message.

I beg him to give me determination so that I give up material desires and material attachments and develop spiritual desires and attachment to Krishna.

Dear Srila Prabhupada, please bless me so that I always serve you, your followers and Sri Sri Radha Govinda & Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga for eternity.  

Three Reflections

• Without the mercy of Srila Prabhupada getting the mercy of Krishna is not possible.
• He was chosen by Krishna to give Krishna to the suffering masses.
• Srila Prabhupada always asked us to become serious in our spiritual life and enjoy a life of peace, bliss and prosperity.

Ask Yourself

• Have you prayed and thanked Srila Prabhupada for the gift of Krishna Consciousness on his 129^th Vyasa Puja?

Action Item

Reflect on Srila Prabhupada’s contribution in your life and write a personal prayer of about 300 words to him.

How a devotee of Krishna tries his best to make this world a better place to live

A devotee of Krishna always medidate upon how to make this world a better place to live, so that everyone can become happy.

Unlike ordinary souls, he is not bogged down by a problem. With right attutude, he is able to find solution to all the problems.

Let’s try to understand.

The big stone story and the lesson we learn

Once, a king wanted to test the attitude of his citizens during a crisis. One night he placed a big stone in the middle of the road, and he hid himself.  As the day began people began their chores. The moment they saw the big stone which was causing disturbance they started cursing the stone and the person who had placed the stone in the middle of the road. 

The entire day passed, and no one took the trouble to remove it. Finally, one sane man took the initiative and removed the stone.  

Most of us are like passersby who often curse the problem and go ahead but never take the trouble to solve the problem. We curse the system, society, our family, our destiny and in fact everyone and everything for any problem which we face in this world. But we do nothing to change our own perspective or we do nothing to effect a change.  Be the change what you want to see in others.

People whom we eulogize today never simply sat on a problem and cursed their destiny. In fact through their grit and determination they have shown us as what should be our attitude when we are in difficulties. Srila prabhupada, one of the most celebrated Vaisnava saints of the modern time, is one such example.

Prabhupada’s determination was like Bhisma‘s determination

Srila Prabhupada had been given a monumental task of preaching Krishna consciousness to the western world by his spiritual master, Sri Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura. The mission seemed impossible. He had no money, he did not get help from any quarters and lots of obstacles glared. But he never fretted or regretted.  

Prabhupada had firm faith in the orders of his spiritual master. He took up the challenge with a positive spirit. His determination was like Bhisma’s determination and his attitude was always positive.

His firm faith in Krishna and his hard work paid rich dividends. Prabhupada was successfully able to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world. During his lifetime he opened 108 temples, wrote more than 80 books which included the translation of several volumes of spiritual literatures.

He was not just a preacher who used flowery languages to impress the audience. He did not just quote Sanskrit verses to get applause from the audience. Prabhupada practically showed the world how to practice genuine devotion to Krishna by his own personal example. 

His life inspired thousands of people all over the world to take up Krishna consciousness and is still inspiring millions of people.

Try to make this world Krishna Conscious

Krishna sees the endeavour which we are putting in. But endeavour should be in the right direction. This will please Krishna. Prabhupada is teaching us that a devotee of Krishna should put in his best efforts to make this world a better place to live. This will benefit us and the whole society.

Today we see chaos everywhere. People’s hearts are full of hatred. This is why there is so much violence and suffering. But scriptures teach us that instead of complaining or fretting, we should do something to make this world a better place.

Following the footsteps of Prabhupada, we should try to make this world Krishna Conscious. This will please Krishna and his pure devotees like Prabhupada.

Three Reflections

• People whom we eulogize today never sat on a problem and cursed their destiny.
• Srila Prabhupada was given a monumental task of preaching Krishna consciousness to the western world by his spiritual master.
• Instead of complaining or fretting, we should do something to make this world a better place.

Ask Yourself?

• What do I do when I face a problem? Do I cry or try to solve it?

Action Item?

• Identify one problem of your life and from now onwards start working hard to solve it.
• But remember not to forget Krishna while doing so!

Purpose of life is to cultivate Krishna Consciousness| Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Prabhavishnu Prabhu| Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.38

In his Srimad Bhagavatam Class at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata, HG Prabhavishnu Prabhu said, “The purpose of life is to cultivate Krishna Consciousness.” Prabhuji who is a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada and has served as Governing Body Commission (GBC) visited Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 28^th March 2025.

He has been preaching Krishna Consciousness in different parts of the world for last several decades.

He gave class on Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.38.

avidyamāno ’py avabhāti hi dvayo
dhyātur dhiyā svapna-manorathau yathā
tat karma-saṅkalpa-vikalpakaṁ mano
budho nirundhyād abhayaṁ tataḥ syāt

“Although the duality of the material world does not ultimately exist, the conditioned soul experiences it as real under the influence of his own conditioned intelligence. This imaginary experience of a world separate from Kṛṣṇa can be compared to the acts of dreaming and desiring. When the conditioned soul dreams at night of something desirable or horrible, or when he daydreams of what he would like to have or avoid, he creates a reality that has no existence beyond his own imagination. The tendency of the mind is to accept and reject various activities based on sense gratification. Therefore an intelligent person should control the mind, restricting it from the illusion of seeing things separate from Kṛṣṇa, and when the mind is thus controlled he will experience actual fearlessness.” Srimad Bhagavatam 11.2.38

During his class prabhuji shared many pastimes of Srila Prabhupada and also how he came to Krishna Consciousness.

Below is what prabhuji said during the Srimad Bhagavatam Class  

Focus should be on Krishna

In this verse, Kavi Mahara is responding to the question of Nimi Maharaj.

This is the essential topic of Srimad Bhagavatam. Devotional service is eternal bhakti. Somehow or other we have fallen in the ocean of birth and death.

And because of forgetting Krishna, we are prone to sinful life and we turn our attention to dangerous material objects.

We see that so much energy is spent in making arrangement for comfortable living in this world. We accumulate assets, money, property, furniture and many other paraphernalia. In this way our attachment becomes strong to our house and things of this world.  

Then we have offsprings and offsprings of offsprings and we get attached to them. But in Krishna Consciousness focus is on Krishna – in chanting his names like the Hare Krishna Mahamantra and hearing his glories. Our purpose of life is to cultivate and develop bhakti.

Using opulence in the service of Krishna

One can use wealth in the service of Krisna. Even a poor person can be Krishna Conscious and if he is Krishna Conscious then even if he is poor, he is not troubled.

When we were in Kheturi Dham, the birthplace of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura, we saw people living a simple life. They were walking around barefoot. They were simple farmers leading a simple life. We are not able to do so. We travel in airplanes, motorcars, live in airconditioned rooms and so on.

Srila Prabhupada when he got opulence he used it in the service of Krishna. When he was living in Radha Damodar temple in Vrindavan, he lived a very simple life. Srila Prabhupada would say that I had only Rs 40 but now Krishna has given by Rs 40 crores.

When Srila Prabhupada first came to Bhaktivedanta Manor (an Iskcon Temple) in United Kingdom then he came by helicopter which was arranged by Shyamsundar Prabhu. Referring to his disciples, he would say that I have so many sons and daughters around the world. Prabhupada’s disciples would take care of him very nicely.

Prabhuji shared how Beatles helped in spreading Krishna Consciousness

Beatles made album on Hare Krishna Mahamantra which became a hit. They also made album on the vaisnav song bhajahū re mana śrī-nanda-nandana/
abhaya-caraṇāravinda rehe re man and govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami. govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami song sung by Yamuna Mataji is daily played in the morning in all the Iskcon temples around the world.

Because of these albums devotees got famous and they were invited for kirtan and different programs.  They were invited on TV shows. In one of the TV shows in United Kingdom, devotees were invited to perform kirtan. But as per the format of the TV show when the songs were to be performed some young ladies dressed in mini skirt would come and dance.

But when devotees came to know about this they refused to perform. When the organizers learnt about this, they immediately brought some clothes, and these ladies wrapped it around their body like saris. And then the devotees performed the song.

Srila Prabhupada always encouraged devotees to do something big. If you do not succeed, then no problem but if you succeed then it will be great.

Prabhuji shared few pastimes of Srila Prabhupada

Once Srila Prabhupada was walking in a park in UK. He asked one of his disciples to pluck a twig from a tree. Prabhupada would use twig to clean his teeth. When the devotee went to pluck the twig, one British came and said you cannot take the twig from the tree. Prabhupada commented that these British has taken so much from India but are not allowing us to even take a twig.

Once while on a morning walk devotees were chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. One person sleeping on the footpath got up and shouted at the devotees. Prabhupada looked at him calmy and greeted him. The person who was very angry immediately calmed down and greeted Prabhupada and the devotees. Srila Prabhupada had peaceful and pleasing personality.

In UK, Prabhupada would be speaking to many influential people like political leaders, scientists, historians, sportsperson but with whoever he spoke he was always preaching Krishna Consciousness and injecting Krishna Consciousness in them.

Krishna’s devotees love Krishna katha not gramya katha (mundane gossip)

Subject matter about Krishna is Krishna katha and any other topic which is not related to Krishna is gramya katha.  Devotees of Krishna love Krishna katha not gramya katha.

Today we were listening to Srila Prabhupada’s lecture in the temple (Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata) and this is what Srila Prabhupada was explaining.

In the lecture Srila Prabhupada was saying emphatically that we all waste so much time in reading newspapers. This lecture was given by Srila Prabhupada in 1972 and today we are in 2025. In 1972 there was only print newspapers but now we have so many options. There is 24 hours TV and then we have internet from where we consume so much news. And we all have the experience that how much time we spend reading news.

Yes, it is true that we should be aware of what is going around us and for that at the most I think 15 – 20 minutes of news is sufficient. Most of the time, it is the same news which is repeated again and again and we just to kill our time keep hearing it or reading it again and again.

Just pick one week old newspaper and compare it with today’s news. You will hardly find much has changed. Some of the characters of the news may change but the news almost remains the same.

Many times, we also get obsessed with Bollywood news or news about movie actors, TV actors, singers, sports person and so on. We start taking interest in their personal lives like with whom he or she is meeting, dating, marrying and so on.  What are we going to get by reading such news?  It is just a wastage of time.

Develop taste in Krishna Katha

Instead of that we should take out time in reading those literatures which will help us to uplift our life.  We will benefit a lot if we read spiritual subject matters. Great personalities, like Ved Vyasa, Valmiki Muni, Srila Prabhupada has written volumes of literatures for you and me, so that we can absorb ourselves in reading these transcendental literatures.

When we read these holy books then we connect to the Supreme Lord. And this helps us to cleanse our hearts of impurities which becomes the cause of our great misfortune.

These words of God compiled by the devotees of God helps us to develop intelligence by which we can free ourselves from all the sufferings. When we read the pastimes of the Lord given in these books then it brings joy to our heart. But when we read about politicians lives or movie actors or actresses life then it agitates our heart and we do not feel any happiness also.

Srila Prabhupada says, “Fortunately, in our Society there is no newspaper…But you’ll find that these boys, these Americans boys who have come to Kṛṣṇa consciousness, they have kicked out newspaper. No more newspaper. Because there is no kṛṣṇa-kathā, they don’t like to read it.” Srila Prabhupada, Lecture: Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 3.25.12, Nov. 12, 1974, Bombay

Once we develop taste in Krishna katha, we will automatically lose taste in reading subject matters which are not related to Krishna. Just like if one gets fresh natural mango juice to drink daily then why will he drink any carbonated drink which is harmful for health?

How my appreciation for Srila Prabhupada increased after meeting one of the prominent religious leaders of India?

Recently I got an opportunity to meet one of the prominent religious leaders of India and after meeting him my appreciation for Srila Prabhupada increased. 

When I was invited to meet him then I was little tensed thinking that he is such a great figure so I should carry myself properly.

I prepared myself to meet him

I thought that when I will meet him then he will discuss spiritual subject matters. He may ask some questions also. So, I thought that let me prepare myself properly. For that, I read a few pages from Srimad Bhagavatam and one Back to Godhead (BTG) article of Srila Prabhupada.

I was thinking that I should not look like someone who is from Iskcon but is not conversant with spiritual subject matters.

For gift, I took Bhagavad Gita, Lord Narasimhadeva Dev lamination and New Year Calendar which had many pictures of Krishna. Since he is an Indian religious leader, so I took Hindi Bhagavad Gita.

I went to meet him in the late evening. As soon as I entered the room, I bowed down to him. There were few of his disciples and few other guests also in the room.

The person who had invited me to meet him asked me to sit in the front, but I decided to be at the back. I wanted to listen to him.

When I came, he was already speaking to few of the guests. But I was little surprised because what he was speaking was not spiritual subject matter, but it was politics. I thought maybe he might be answering someone’s query, so he is talking politics. 

But 10 minutes passed and still he was talking about politics. He was discussing what the previous leaders did, what the present leader is doing and not doing.

Only politics, no bhakti

I do not remember the exact question, but one of the guests asked him how to attain God. And he said God can be attained by bhakti. I was happy to hear it. I thought now he will speak something more on this. He did.

But what he spoke shattered me. He said that you can do anyone’s bhakti – Ram, Krishna, Kali and so on.

Not just that, he further said that someone even becomes chief minister without doing bhakti. I was surprised to hear this. What is the relationship between doing bhakti and becoming chief minister?

And most importantly what was the need of talking about chief minister when someone wants to know bhakti?

While saying this, he took the name of one of the chief ministers of India.

Most of the people like to discuss politics. So, people present there excitedly started talking about the chief minister – what the chief minister does, what he/she says eats, wears and so on.  And several minutes were spent discussing about the chief minister.

After that he quoted a verse from Bhagavad Gita 18.78

yatra yogeśvaraḥ kṛṣṇo

yatra pārtho dhanur-dharaḥ

tatra śrīr vijayo bhūtir

dhruvā nītir matir mama

In the translation of this verse, Srila Prabhupada gives the meaning of the word nītiḥ as morality.

But he said that nītiḥ means policies. So, according to him the government should make right policies for the citizens.

Although he spoke about Sanatana dharma, but he hardly spoke about dharma. His discussion was only related to politics.

I thought myself to be fortunate

In Iskcon, we have completely different experience. We only discuss Krishna Conscious philosophy, and all the discussions are centred around Krishna or Supreme Lord like Rama, Narasimhadeva. Devotees most of the time discuss Srimad Bhagavatam, Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Bhagavad Gita and other books which takes us closer to Krishna.

But everything was missing here. Without Krishna everything appeared dry.

May be these spiritual leaders want to establish Sanatana dharma, they may have good intention, but they have no interest in bhakti.

At that time, I was thinking that how fortunate we are that we got the shelter of Srila Prabhupada. My appreciation for Srila Prabhupada increased.

Prabhupada talked only bhakti, no politics

Prabhupada never talked politics. He was not interested in it. If ever he spoke about it he talked how politics should help people to become devotees of Krishna.

If we see any conversation of Srila Prabhupada, we never find that he is discussing politics with the guests or with his disciples.

Whether Srila Prabhupada met political leaders, philosophers, businessman, scientists, influential personalities, he only spoke about Krishna. He only speaks about bhakti. He always spoke how it is important to practice devotion to Krishna.

Srila Prabhupada taught us how to completely immerse ourselves in bhakti. Not just Srila Prabhupada but all the vaisnav acharyas have taught us the same.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had told to Prabhupada, that political leaders and political situations of the country will keep on changing. One will go other will come.

So, we should not be too much engrossed in it. The real problem is lack of Krishna Consciousness.  And this is what Prabhupada has given to us. And even Prabhupada’s disciples and many senior devotees of Iskcon are giving Krishna to the people all over the world.

He touched Prabhupada’s books, so his heart will change

I gifted him Bhagavad Gita, Lord Narasimhadeva lamination and New Year calendar which had beautiful pictures of Krishna. He took it.  While returning I was thinking I just wasted my time meeting him.

But I remembered that recently, HG Deena Bandhu Prabhu, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, had come to Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata, temple and in the Srimad Bhagavatam class he had said that even if anyone touches Prabhupada’s books he will be benefitted.

So, this religious leader of India touched Prabhupada’s books, touched Lord Narasimhadeva’s lotus feet and looked at the picture of Krishna, so definitely his heart will change.

He is in such a big position, if he understands the importance of dedicating his life in the service of Krishna then by his influence, he can transform the lives of so many people who look up to him and revere him.

Thanking Srila Prabhupada again and again

In the night, while on the bed again and again I was thinking that how much grateful we should be to Srila Prabhupada for giving us Krishna. After meeting this religious leader, my appreciation for Srila Prabhupada multiplied many times.

We should thank him again and again for the gift which he has given to us. It is because of Srila Prabhupada’s grace that today we understood the purpose of our life.

Although I am still miles away in following Prabhupada’s all guidelines but still theoretically, I am clear that the only purpose of life is to give this life to Krishna and to always serve Krishna every moment with mind, body and words.  And instead of thinking about our own happiness, we should always think how to give pleasure to Krishna.

Sri Jagannath Puri Dham Kartik Yatra 2023 Day 2: HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj glorifies Srila Prabhupada on his disappearance day

Disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada was celebrated on the 2nd day of Kartik Yatra and HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj glorified Srila Prabhupada by discussing about his extraordinary contribution in spreading Krishna Consciousness all over the world.  

Disappearance day celebration began from morning.  At 8 am there were wonderful bhajans. One of the bhajans was, “Yadi Prabhupada na hoito” which has been written by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj.

After bhajans there was a video class of Srila Prabhupada. Immediately after the class, there was offering by various senior devotees to Srila Prabhupada.

In the afternoon, puspanjali was offered to Srila Prabhupada followed by guru puja.

In the evening again there was offering to Srila Prabhupada by his disciples. There was also a presentation on TOVP in which devotees were encouraged to help build this wonderful project.  HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj also spoke and inspired devotees to contribute in TOVP project.

Maharaj spoke about important events which occurred in the life of Srila Prabhupada.

I am highlighting here 3 important points which Maharaj said on the occassion of disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada during the Kartik Yatra.  

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur introduces teachings of Lord Chaitanya to western world in 1896

Prabhupada appeared in this world in 1896 and this was the year when for the first time the western world was introduced to the teachings of Lord Chaitanya by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur wrote a book entitled “Chaitanya Mahaprabhu – His Life and Precepts.”  The book was written in English language so that the western world can come to know about the life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and also his teachings.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur sent this book to McGill University in Montreal, Canada and to the Royal Asiatic Society in London.

This cannot mere be a coincidence that the year when Srila Prabhupada was born, the great acharya, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, writes a book in English about Chaitanya Mahaprabhu for the western audience.

And later his son, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, instructs Srila Prabhupada to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya to the western world.

Everything happened by Lord Chaitanya’s plan. Lord Chaitanya had already said that my holy names will be chanted all over the world.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma

“In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard.” (Caitanya-bhāgavata, Antya 4.126)

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur Prediction

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur also had a desire that people from all over the world come to Mayapur to chant the glories of Lord Chaitanya. It was not just his desire but in fact he had also predicted that a day will come when people from different countries will come to Mayapur and will chant the names of Krishna and Chaitanya.

“Very soon the chanting of ‘Harinama sankirtana will be spread all over the world. Oh, when will that day come when people from America, England, France, Germany, Russia will take up karatals and mrdangas and chant Hare Krishna in their towns? When will that day come when the fair-skinned foreigners will come to Sri Mayapur-dhama and join with the Bengali Vaisnavas to chant, Jaya Sacinandana, Jaya Sacinandana. When will that day be?” Sajjana-tosani

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur was sure that this is going to happen because he knew that a great personality is being sent by Lord Chaitanya to accomplish this mission. Srila Prabhupada was that great personality who was personally sent by Lord Chaitanya to spread his names and glories in every nook and corner of the world.

First & Last instruction to Srila Prabhupada by Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur

When for the first time Srila Prabhupada as young Abhay Charan met his guru, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur, in 1922, the first word spoken to him by his guru was, “You are an educated intelligent young man. So, why don’t you spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya in English language to the western world.”

And the last instruction which Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur gave to Srila Prabhupada was the same – Spread the teachings of Lord Chaitanya in English language to the western world. This instruction was written by Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur in Jagannath Puri just two weeks before he departed from this world.

Srila Prabhupada dedicated his entire life in fulfilling the order of his spiritual master. Without caring for his own life, he made it his life’s mission statement. And in spite of so many difficulties, he carried on with the instruction of his spiritual master.

It was because of Srila Prabhupada’s determination that today we are having this opportunity to practice Krishna Consciousness.

Srila Prabhupada wanted everyone to participate in the construction of Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP):

HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj said, “One of the primary dreams of Srila Prabhupada was building Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP). Why? Because it’s a birthplace of Lord Chaitanya, birthplace of sankirtana movement. In Navadwip, Pancha Tattva came together to open storehouse of love of Krishna without considering who is fit or who is unfit.” 

Maharaj further said, “TOVP was dream of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur and Srila Prabhupada.  Their dream was that people of whole world understands Lord Chaitanya. TOVP is to attract people to come to the pilgrimage, to get educated and inspired by the life of Lord Chaitanya.”

HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj said that Srila Prabhupada has given everybody the responsibility of building this wonderful temple. Maharaj inspired devotees to help in TOVP project by giving the example of HG Jananivāsa Prabhu.

Maharaj said that HG Jananivāsa Prabhu had never left Mayapur for several decades because as a head pujari of Mayapur he was so absorbed in worshipping Sri Sri Radha Madhav.

But to inspire devotees to help in building TOVP, now HG Jananivāsa Prabhu is travelling all over the world. So, we can understand how important this project is for all the devotees. 

Maharaj while concluding his speech said, “On this auspicious day, I humbly request you to fulfill the dream of Srila Prabhupada.“

Program concludes with a Vaisnav bhajan of separation

At the end Maharaj soulfully sang,the vaisnav song, “Je Anilo Prema Dhana.” Devotees were absorbed in singing this beautiful song which has been composed by Srila Narottama Das Thakura.

It was followed by Damodarastakam and lamp offering to the deities.

It was a great way to celebrate the disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada during the Kartik Yatra as Sri Jagannath Puri Dham. Srila Prabhupada has transformed our lives, so we should always remember him and thank him for what he has give to us.

Vyasa Puja offering to Srila Prabhupada on his 127th Appearance Day

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

Please accept my humble obeisances at your transcendental lotus feet.

This year the entire world is celebrating your 127^th Vyasa Puja, dear Srila Prabhupada. And rightly so because you have made an extraordiary impact on every devotees life. In their 127th Vyasa Puja offering to you Srila Prabhupada Your disciples, sannyasis, senior devotees have spoken in detail about your transcendental qualities and how you have transformed the lives of so many people.

As a pure devotee of Krishna, you are full of transcendental qualities, and we can learn so many lessons from your life. 

Clarity about the goal

One of your greatest qualities, dear Srila Prabhupada, was that you had complete clarity about your life’s goal.  Your life’s mission was to fulfil the instructions of your spiritual master. His instruction to you was to flood the world with Krishna Consciousness and make every citizen of this world a devotee of Krishna.

And without worrying about success or failure, you dedicated your entire life in spreading Krishna Consciousness.

You worked hard enthusiastically and had complete faith in the orders of your guru. With patience and determination, you kept on pursuing your mission. And again and again you prayed to the Lord that he bestows his mercy on the suffering souls.

Also, you knew that only by the causeless mercy of Krishna, you will succeed in your mission of spreading the glories of Krishna all over the world.

“Only by Your causeless mercy will my words become pure. I am sure that when this transcendental message penetrates their hearts, they will certainly feel engladdened and thus become liberated from all unhappy conditions of life. I am just like a puppet in Your hands. So if You have brought me here to dance, then make me dance, make me dance, O Lord, make me dance as You like.” Mārkine Bhāgavata-dharma

The most important reason why you made this the mission of your life is because you had great compassion in your heart. Your heart could not tolerate seeing the plight of the suffering souls.

As Prahlada you wanted to deliver all the people of this world who are caught up in this repeated cycle of birth and death.  

In this world everyone suffers – some know about this, and some do not know about this.

Why we suffer here?

We suffer only because our consciousness is material, and we are convinced that by trying to enjoy this material world by our senses, we will experience happiness and will succeed in solving all our problems. 

Just like a drug addict believes that taking another dose of drug will give him a kick or relieve him from the pain which he is undergoing, similarly, we think that another dose of sense enjoyment will give us a kick and relief from different sufferings.

As long as we have this mindset, we will never experience happiness in our life.

But unfortunately, almost everyone is mad after sense enjoyment. It does not matter whether one believes in God or does not believe in God, everyone is looking for carnal pleasure.

An atheist tries to enjoy this world by keeping God aside. Whereas a theist tries to enjoy this world by seeking God’s help. So, we see people thronging temples to pray to the Lord to fulfill their wishes. They are ready to go anywhere where they think their material desires can be fulfilled.

They stand in front of different demigods requesting them to give in to their demands. Not just that if such people come to know about some baba who gives benedictions which works then they go there too.

But in spite of all this endeavor, we see that we continue to suffer. Sometimes we get temporary relief from suffering but soon some new suffering pops up. And our mind always remains in constant anxiety.

And honestly speaking no one knows how to get complete relief from all the sufferings.

But you gave us a process following which we can lead a life free from all sufferings.

Why we always remain disturbed?

Your message has totally revolutionized the thought process of the people. Before reading your books or hearing your lectures, we did not even know that we were suffering. And even if we knew we are suffering, we did not know the solution for our suffering.

You made us understand that things of this material world do not have the potential to give us lasting happiness.  Why? Because we are not material beings, but we are spiritual beings. We are spirit souls sitting within our material body or we can say that we are spirit souls bound within this material body.

True, this material body needs care. Just like the driver of a car takes care of the car but he is aware that he is not the car. Similarly, we the drivers of this material body should nicely take care of this body understanding that we are not this body.

As spiritual beings our needs, wants and desires are best taken care spiritually and not materially. But if we continue seeking pleasure from this world then we will always remain dissatisfied. All this wrong understanding which we have developed should be give up.

How anything material makes us miserable?

We are spirit souls and if we want to be happy then we should understand that this world is not going to give us any pleasure. Things are not going to give us pleasure. Material relationships are not going to give us any pleasure. Because they come and go.

People whom we love may leave us and go.  And we just helplessly watch. Sometimes death may take them away from us and sometimes they do not want to be with us anymore.

Parents spend most important period of their life in taking care of their children. But when the children grow, they leave the parents.

A husband may love his wife, but the wife may decide to leave the husband to be with someone else. Or vice versa.

People find solace in money. But they always remain in anxiety of losing the money. People who are rich or famous are always fearful of losing their fame. A person in a high position is always fearful of people around him because at any moment they may rebel and take away his position.

So, no matter how best we try, as long as we think that this world is going to give us pleasure we will remain in pain.

So, what is the solution?  The solution is to understand who we are and accordingly we should act. We need to redirect our life’s goal from material to spiritual. As souls, our needs are spiritual and not material.

How to be happy in this world too?

You taught us that as souls, we belong to Krishna.  When we water the roots of a tree then everything associated with the tree – leaves, flowers, fruits, twigs, stem – get nourished. Similarly, when we serve Krishna, the root of the entire creation, then we as the parts and parcels of Krishna also feel completely satisfied.

With all our senses and mind, we should continuously render service to Krishna. Our life should be so planned that everything we do should be centered around Krishna.

We should live for Krishna, work for Krishna and be ready to die for Krishna. Sorry, we actually never die. But we just change our bodies. And in this world based on our karma we are given different bodies.

Its not that we have to continue to be in this material world. We can even go back to the spiritual world and live with Krishna forever.  And if we completely dedicate our life to Krishna then even in this world we do not suffer. We can be happy here by constantly serving Krishna.

On your 127^th Vyasa Puja, I beg Srila Prabhupada for your mercy so that I can give up all material attachments and develop attachment to your lotus feet and your divine instructions.

Your eternal servant

Purushottam Nitai Das

How to save ourselves from the blazing fire of material existence?

The sufferings we go through in this world is compared to blazing fire of material existence. Why? Because just as a person bunt by fire always reels in pain, similarly in this world everyone constantly go through physical or mental pain.

We might have heard about devastating forest fire. In forest, fire occurs automatically. It is difficult to figure out how fire started. But soon it engulfs the entire forest devouring flora and fauna.

Similarly in this material world, we find ourselves in the midst of insurmountable trouble. And those sufferings come on its own. Why it happened and how it happened, we fail to figure out.

Problems come out of the blue

Sometimes our life will be going on smoothly and we may feel that everything is in control but suddenly there is turmoil in our life.  We may face severe financial crisis or health issues. Sometimes there might be marital dispute.

We may think that we are doing our marital duty in best possible way. And in fact, we may also be doing our best but still our partner will be dissatisfied with us. Nothing can please him or please her. We are emotionally torn apart.

We find ourselves utterly helpless.  All our plans go haywire. All our hopes of enjoyment are dashed. We cry in pain, but no one is there to wipe our tears.

People may be indifferent to our suffering, or some may even blame us for our situation. And who knows some may even enjoy seeing us suffering.

This is why the holy scriptures again and again say that it is utterly foolish to look for pleasure in this world. Everyone is suffering in this blazing fire of material existence. Searching for pleasure in this world is like looking for fresh cool water in a desert. 

Attitude during difficulties

So, in this difficult situation what should we do?  Should we continue suffering? Or should we do something to alleviate our suffering?

The choices we make in our life determines our destiny. So, if we make right choice during that difficult phase of our life then we will be able to overcome the difficult situation.

One of the best ways to figure out what choices to make is by reading the life story of great devotees of Lord. Just like a beacon light guides a ship in turbulent ocean, similarly life of saintly personalities guides us when we are struggling in the ocean of material existence.

I get very much inspiration from the life of Srila Prabhupada. If we read his life, we will see the difficulties he went through and most importantly his attitude during the difficult phase of his life.

Lesser mortals like us get torn apart during adverse situations and circumstances. In fact, during that difficult phase of life if we commit any blunder then our suffering will perpetuate and become more severe.

But great saintly personalities like Prabhupada knows what to do and what not to do if they are in unpleasant situations.

It could be possible that he may be criticized by all his near and dear ones for his actions, but he goes by the scripture. And the Lord seeing his determination and conviction eventually removes all inauspicious things from his life and bestows his choicest mercy upon him.

Srila Prabhupada’s life’s challenges

Srila Prabhupada’s life was not smooth. He got married to a woman with whom he did not get along nicely. Or we can also say that he married a woman who did not have much respect for his feelings. Once, he wanted to remarry but his father cautioned him against remarriage.

As a householder, he did his duties diligently. He never neglected any responsibility. He established a successful pharmaceutical business and took care of his wife and children in a nice way.

But Prabhupada also had interest in spiritual life especially after meeting his guru. He wanted to be a serious spiritual practitioner. But he did not want to do it alone. He also wanted his wife to participate.

The wife is called better half because she makes her husband complete. When they both cooperate with each other then married life is successful. But his wife was not interested in spiritual life.  Prabhupada would face difficulty in practicing spiritual life at home.

Family members did not cooperate

Along with his personal sadhana, he also wanted to preach the message of Bhagavad Gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. But his family members were disinterested, or we can say that were opposed to it. His father-in-law would criticize him telling him that he only talks about spiritual life and neglects his other responsibilities.

At home he faced difficulty in practicing devotional life and preaching the message of scriptures.

His wife once sold his favourite book, Srimad Bhagavatam, to buy tea biscuits. During those days getting a book was not easy because printing press were very limited. When Prabhupada asked her why she did so, she said casually that because she could not find anything to exchange for tea biscuit.

And once when Srila Prabhupada asked her that if she has to choose between him and tea then what will she choose? Without much hesitation, she said, tea.  

But Prabhupada continued with his Krishna Conscious life.

Business collapsed

Along with the difficulties in family life, Prabhupada also had started facing difficulties in his pharmaceutical business. Though he tried his best, he suffered huge losses. His partners and workers betrayed him.

Once, one of his workers stole all money, medicine and valuables from his Allahabad pharmaceutical company and fled away.  He suffered great loss. It became impossible for him to continue with the business. 

When Prabhupada came to know about the theft then what did he do? Did he cry? Did he file police complaint? Did he lament on his fate? Not at all. He just laughed and recited a verse from Srimad Bhagavatam 10.88.8.

“The Personality of Godhead said: If I especially favour someone, I gradually deprive him of his wealth. Then the relatives and friends of such a poverty-stricken man abandon him. In this way he suffers one distress after another.”

Prabhupada has set an example for us

Prabhupada was not overwhelmed by blazing fire of material existence.  During his difficult phase of life, he remembered Krishna. Having firm faith in Krishna, he was convinced that Krishna can do nothing wrong.

From Prabhupada’s life, we can understand that irrespective of external situations and circumstances, we should never give the lotus feet of the Supreme Lord.  His life teaches us how a devotee of Krishna should act during trying circumstances. He has set an example for us. We just have to follow his footsteps.

Finding root cause of our suffering

Nothing happens by chance in our life. If we are going through difficult phase in our life then it can be due to our past karma or it can also be Krishna’s special arrangement to bring us closer to him. We don’t know the fact.

However, one thing which every serious and sincere devotee do is that he utilizes all the available opportunities to seriously practice devotion to Krishna.

Now most of the time when people face material problem, they try to find a material solution for it. That could be one approach. However, I think we should try to find the root cause of our suffering.  It could be possible that material solution can mitigate our current material problem. But the material world is such that after some time a new problem comes. 

So, we should try to think out of the box. We should look for a solution which is permanent and not temporary.

When Prabhupada’s business collapsed then he did not decide to establish a new business. He could have done it. But he knew that such types of material problems keep on occurring. Being a pure devotee of the Lord, he clearly understood that it is Krishna’s calling. So, he thought better to engage his time and energy in pursuing higher spiritual goals.

At home front too he did his best. But it is not always easy to change other person’s thought. Even one’s wife and children have free will and they like to act independently. So, Srila Prabhupada did his best and later took a bold and strong decision to renounce everything material and got totally involved in practicing and preaching Krishna Consciousness.

Attaining freedom from blazing fire of material existence

In the purport of Srimad Bhagavatam 7.9.25, Srila Prabhupada writes,

“As one cannot stop a blazing fire by constantly pouring ghee upon it, one cannot satisfy oneself by increasing plans for sense enjoyment. The blazing fire is bhava-mahā-dāvāgni, the forest fire of material existence. This forest fire occurs automatically, without endeavor.”

In this world troubles will keep on coming. Just like the stars are countless in the sky, similarly the problems are countless in material world. So, Krishna says that transmigrate from this world and go to the spiritual world which is free of all sufferings.

Srila Prabhupada has set an exemplary example for all of us. We need to look at any material problem with a spiritual prism. In this world there is no end to material sufferings and if we continue being caught up in this vicious cycle then we would remain bereft of spiritual pleasure.

Human life is very precious. It in in human life only, we can completely free ourselves from all the sufferings and perfect our life.

So, we need to be extremely cautious about the decisions we take in life. We have to decide if we want to burn in the blazing fire of material existence or we want to attain freedom from it.  Our actions and endeavours will either confine us to this material world or it will take us back to the spiritual world. Choice is ours!“

“The influence of material nature has covered the living entity, and thus it is as if the living entity were always in a blazing fire. But by the process of seriously discharging devotional service, this influence can be removed, just as wooden sticks which cause a fire are themselves consumed by it.” Srimad Bhagavatam 3.27.23

Seven important achievements of Srila Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada has many accomplishments but let us reflect upon his seven most important achievements.

But before discussing his achievements let us briefly discuss about his journey to the western world which changed the world for good.

Srila Prabhupada’s spiritual journey

At the age of 69 when most people retire and prefer a peaceful life, Srila Prabhupada decided to go on a voyage to a distant land where he had never gone before. His mission was very clear.

He wanted to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world, which was the desire of his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

Although he would have preferred to go long back but he had no money with him. At last, one kind lady, Sumati Morarjee, who was the owner of a Scindia Steam Navigation Company, allowed him to board her cargo ship, Jaladuta.

His meagre possession

Now he had a ticket and a seat in Jaladuta which would take him to the distant land, America. But he had almost no money with him. While boarding the ship his possessions were: a suitcase, an umbrella, supply of dry cereals, a Bengali copy of Caitanya –Caritamrta and Rs 40.

But his greatest possession two hundred three-volume sets of First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam, which he had translated and commented upon. These transcendental literatures were being carried in trunks.

This was the first time he would be travelling outside his beloved country Bharatvarsha.

While boarding the cargo ship at the Kolkata port he was not sure if he will ever return back alive. In fact, when he had revealed his heart to his near and dear ones about his mission, no one encouraged him. Everyone thought that he is treading on a wrong path. But he did not bother because he knew Lord Krishna is with him.

He boarded Jaladuta on 13th August 1965.His journey wasn’t smooth. On board he suffered 2 massive heart attacks. He would have left his body if the 3rd would have come.

Poem by Srila Prabhupada: Markine – Bhagavata – dharma

On board he composed a Bengali Poem ‘Markine – Bhagavata – dharma’ . Some of the verses are:

My dear Lord Krishna, you are so kind upon this useless soul, but I do not know why You have brought me here. Now You can do whatever You like with me ……

Somehow or other, O Lord, You have brought me here to speak about You. Now, my Lord, it is up to You to make me a success or failure, as You like…..

Only by Your causeless mercy will my words become pure. I am sure that when this transcendental message penetrates their hearts, they will certainly feel gladdened and thus become liberated from all unhappy conditions of life….

O Lord, I am just like a puppet in Your hands. So if You have brought me here to dance, then make me dance, make me dance, O Lord, make me dance as You like.

Prabhupada reaches USA and successfully establishes Krishna Consciousness

After 35 days of journey, Jaladuta arrived at Boston’s Commonwealth Pier at 5:30 am on September 17, 1965. Prabhupada was finally in America and his mission was to spread Krishna Consciousness all over the world. This was also what his beloved spiritual master Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati wanted. He had the mercy of his guru and the mercy of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna.

During his initial days in USA, he had to struggle a lot. However soon his hard work, his dedication, his determination, his supreme sacrifice started bearing fruits. And in a short span of 12 years, he changed the face of the world, the Hare Krishna movement reverberated in every nook and corner of the world.

Now let us discuss his seven most important achievements:

Achievements of Srila Prabhupada

1. Established Iskcon & opened 108 temples

He established ISKCON (International Society of Krishna Consciousness) on 13^th July 1966 in New York, United States.  He established more than 108 temples all over the world in a short span of 12 years, opened several gurukuls and established farm communities.

Today Iskcon has more than 700 temples all over the world and thousands of centres. There are millions of followers of Iskcon worldwide.

2. Founder of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust

Srila Prabhupada is the founder of Bhaktivedanta Book Trust which today has become the world’s largest publisher of Vaishnava philosophy. He has authored more than 80 books on Vaishanava philosophy.

Also, he was instrumental in introducing Vedic gurukul system of education in the western world.

He also started monthly Back to Godhead magazine which is today printed in almost all the languages of the world.  This was also the wish of Srila Prabhupada. He once commented, “Actually we want that BTG be printed in every major language and distributed all over the world so that there is no language barrier in taking to our movement.”

3. Established deity worship all over the world

He is instrumental in promoting deity worship all over the world. This is one of the most important achievements of Srila Prabhupada. He made us understand that deities are not just a carving of stone or metal, but they are actually Radha and Krishna. In this material world although we are not able to see Krishna directly with our eyes like Arjuna would see or the residents of Vrindavan and Mathura would see.

But today the same Krishna is present as arca-vigraha. If one is worshipping the deity as per Vedic standards and with all love and devotion then Krishna manifests.

Srila Prabhupada says Krishna looks weak

Once Srila Prabhupada went to a temple and took darshan of the deity. After paying his obeisances to the deity, he got up and looked towards the deity. He then said to the devotees who were there that Krishna is not being offered proper bhoga (food). He looks weak.

Later when the devotees inquired, they found that because of some mismanagement in the temple, proper bhoga was not being offered to Krishna on time.

So, the deity of Krishna is non-different from Krishna. Similarly, the deity of Srimati Radharani is non-different from Srimati Radharani.  When, we the conditioned souls render service to the deities then we get purified and develop loving devotional service for the Lord.

Today because of Srila Prabhupada’s efforts Krishna is being worshipped in his archa or deity form all over the world. And people are getting an opportunity to get the mercy of Krishna.

Archa Vigraha non different than Krishna

Srila Prabhupada explains about the arca-vigraha form of the Lord,

“The transcendental form of the Lord installed in a temple is not different from the Lord personally. Such a form of the Lord is called arca-vigraha, or arcā incarnation, and is expanded by the Lord by His internal potency just to facilitate the devotional service of His innumerable devotees who are in the material world. The material senses cannot perceive the spiritual nature of the Lord, and therefore the Lord accepts the arca-vigraha, which is apparently made of material elements like earth, wood and stone, but actually there is no material contamination. The Lord being kaivalya (one alone), there is no matter in Him. He is one without a second, and therefore the almighty Lord can appear in any form without being contaminated by the material conception.” Srimad Bhagavatam 1.11.24

4. Introduced Rath Yatra festival outside India

He introduced Rath Yatra festival outside India and also in different Indian cities. Today apart from the grand Rath Yatra festival in Puri, Orissa (India), this glorious event is celebrated in more than 100 major cities of the world such as Dublin, Belfast, Birmingham, London, Budapest, Melbourne, Montreal, Paris, New York, Singapore, Toronto, Antwerp, Kuala Lumpur, Venice, Dhamrai.

This is one of the other noteworthy achievements of Srila Prabhupada.

5. Introduced Vaisnava dress like Dhoti kurta & sari

Dhoti-kurta is a traditional Indian dress, but many Indians because of the influence of western culture feel awkward wearing it. But Srila Prabhupada was very strict. He ensured his disciples whether in west, east, north or south wear Vedic dress.

He was travelling all over the world to teach all how to lead a Vedic life. So, he made sure that his disciples adhere to the Vedic standards. He wanted men to wear dhoti, kurta and women saris. Also, it was important for all the devotees to put on Vaishnava tilak.

I remember the most difficult thing for me was to wear dhoti kurta in my college days. I would think that if my college mates will see then they will make fun of me. And I would feel embarrassed to wear it in front of my parents, brother and sisters. Of course, now there is no problem.

Srila Prabhupada never compromised with any principles. He expected that whatever is given in the scriptures should be followed as it is. Initially when an American devotee wanted that they should give up Vedic dress and wear American dress as it would make them look normal which will help in preaching then Srila Prabhupada disagreed. Srila Prabhupada would say, men with dhoti, kurta, tilak and shaven head and women with saris and tilak look like residents of Vaikuntha.  

6. Made Hare Krishna Mahamantra popular all over the world

How did Srila Prabhupada start preaching? Just by singing Hare Krishna Mahamantra. He would go to park and sing the Mahamantra. And young American boys and girls got attracted to Krishna. Krishna is all attractive, his name is all attractive and when his pure devotee chants his name then obviously anyone listening would get attracted to Krishna.

And today, we see that the chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra has taken the world by storm. Today almost everyone knows this Mahamantra. You Tube is flooded with this divine melody. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came here to teach all to chant the names of Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, his pure devotee, carried forward this divine chanting.

7. Addicted millions to Krishna Prasadam

Iskcon means prasadam. Today, you ask anyone to share their experience of visiting Iskcon and most probably the first thing they will share about Iskcon is its prasadam. In this material world, we have this habit of stuffing ourselves with filthy stuffs. It makes us physically and spiritually sick.

So better to always eat prasadam. Because prsasadam is pure, delicious and carries the mercy of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada was here to distribute mercy of Krishna and one of the best ways is to distribute prasadam as much as possible.

In Kolkata Rath Yatra, thousands of plates of khicdi are distributed free to all and everyone relishes it. At Iskcon Newtown temple in Kolkata, devotees are planning to distribute prasadam to many nearby villages.

When one of the lady devotee asked Prabhupada how to go back to godhead, Srila Prabhupada said, “You chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and eat nice kṛṣṇa-prasādam, you go back to home. Rest assured.”

As almost all of us enjoy Krishna prasadam, so it won’t be wrong to say that many of us would choose “prasadam” as one of the most important achievements of Srila Prabhupada.

Conclusion

Although here I have highlighted just seven achievements of Srila Prabhupada but there are many more which we can add.

He was a charismatic spiritual leader and a powerful Krishna Conscious preacher. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu had predicted that his mission will spread in every nook and corner of the world.

pṛthivīte āche yata nagarādi grāma
sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma

“In every town and village, the chanting of My name will be heard.” (Caitanya-bhāgavata, Antya 4.126)

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu empowered Srila Prabhupada to carry forward the mission of spreading Krishna Consciousness all over the world. Today by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, Hare Krishna movement is still growing and will continue to grow for thousands of years.