NST Artcile:Blessings abound with lamps

Damodara Month ~Festival of Lights 2008~ Launch 1

Damodara Month ~Festival of Lights 2008~ Launch 2

Damodar Month: Special Message From HH Jayapataka Swami

By Jayapataka Swami

My Dear Devotees,

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada. All Please accept my blessings.

Now we are approaching that time of the year where we need to prepare for the Damodar Vrata Month.  Once I asked Prabhupada whether we needed to do something special in this month. And he was saying that the month is specially to attract the new devotees, non-devotees. How? Because the regular devotees, they are doing all the devotional services in all the months, therefore they get all the benefit.
I have been thinking  about this and for the past many years we have been trying to give this opportunity to the non-devotees, to the new devotees to take advantage of the month of Damodar. In this way we can also reap many different blessings ourselves. Of course I was a Sannyasi living in Mayapur dham, so I was getting the benefit of living in Vrindavan in the month of Damodar but others may not have this same opportunity, so we are giving them the opportunity to chant Damodarashtakam.  So in this way one can attract Krishna even if you don’t perform other rituals, similarly, by simply offering a lamp to Damodar we are giving the people an opportunity to get the mercy of the Lord.
So, like this the month of Damodar is described in the Padma Purana as being one hundred times more than the normal days, but, any activity offered on this month will bring a hundred times benefit.  But that’s nothing compared to what some of the mercy one gets by performing the specific activities meant to satisfy Lord Damodara.
Lord Damodar unconquerable, but he was conquered by the love of His mother. This is the message that comes loud and clear from the Damodara month, that mother Yashoda tried to tie Lord Damodar thinking that He was her son. She didn’t realize that He is the unlimited Lord. And so she tried again and again to tie Him, but every time the rope was two fingers too short. So what did these two fingers mean? So one is the desire of a pure devotee and the second is the causeless mercy of the Supreme Lord. That Yashoda had a pure desire and when Krishna agreed He could be tied. That without Krishna’s assent, no one can tie Him. So He was conquered by love of His mother. That’s the message we get.
So this is an opportunity for people to get the mercy of the Lord. It is mentioned in the Hari Bhakti Vilas and  Bhakti Rasamrta Sindu and many other places about the importance of following the Damodar month; offering a lamp, offering your prayers, offering your offerings to the Lord. these are some of the normal things we do.
Now what we’ve done is, we’ve marketed in such a way that we give pictures of Lord  Damodar to the houses and get them to offer arati to Damodar during the Damodar month. We get them to give some prayers to Lord Damodar. In this way they are getting unlimited mercy; they may not realize it. So Krishna says in the Bhagavad Gita that those who are getting the people to involve, to engage in His devotional service, they are the most dear of all the devotees. So this is the way we can become very dear to Krishna; engaging everyone into devotional service in this month of Damodar.
I remember one time we were in a city hall in Guayaquil of Equador and we had about three/four hundred people there for the program. So it was during the month of Damodar. So we had the picture of Damodar, we had a plate with sand in it and many candles. Of course we couldn’t offer a ghee lamp or sesame lamp, but anyway, we could light candles. So when we asked the people to offer their lamps to Damodar, although these people were basically from another religious background and they had no experience with the offering arati to Lord Damodar, but they lined up and one by one they all offered a lamp to Damodar and they were feeling so blissful by having done this service. So I had a personal experience how this service gives extreme bliss to the participants.
Of course in Mayapur, apart from the devotees, the visitors are all requested to come and thousands of visitors storm in that month and they also offer lamps, ghee wicks to the different deities, and to the picture of Radha and Yashoda and Damodar.
So this Damodar month is an unparalleled opportunity to get people to engage in devotional service in such a way they’ll never forget and they will never be forgotten by Krishna. So I hope that the devotees would take this up with full enthusiasm.
Our Uttama Caitanya Das from Kuala Lumpur, ISKCON in Malaysia, he had gradually built up this program; he collected many quotations from the different scriptures which tell how wonderful the month of Damodar is. So unfortunately for us, that he had to go back to Godhead very suddenly and, so we just hope now that in memory of his commitment to this Damodar month, we can also make it bigger and a more glorious affair, every year and think of new ways to engage the people in Krishna’s service. If we take the contacts from the different people who are engaged in the Damodar month, then it’s easy for us later to follow up and get them to be part of the congregation.
So in this way we are doing an out-reach program which is very simple, sublime and is very effective. So we do hope that everyone takes this up very seriously.

Thank you very much.

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE.
 
Dasanudas,
Tridandi Bhikshu,
Jayapataka Swami

Deepavali Damodara Launch

By Srivas Caitanya Das

DEEPAVALI DAMODARA 2009 OFFICIAL LAUNCH

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA

The launch of the 2009 Deepavali Damodara Festival in Malaysia was highly anticipated by the devotees of Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur (SJMKL) for two reasons. One was that the venue of the launch was to be at the temple premises itself, unlike previous years when it was held in the Kuala Lumpur city centre. The other major reason for the excitement and joy was that this year’s launch was to be graced by the presence of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja. HH is very dear to the devotees of the Malaysian yatra, most being his disciples.

A popular local political figure, YB Datuk Saravanan, Deputy Minister of the Federal Territory and Vice President of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) was also invited to grace the launch of the Deepavali Damodara Festival. The launch took place on the 4^th of October 2009, a day before the commencement of the Damodara Masa. The evening event commenced with a speech by the organizing chairman, HG Srivas Caitanya Dasa, who is also the Congregational Development (CD) Minister at SJMKL. HH Jayapataka Swami then shared his views with the congregation where he expressed joy and happiness at SJMKL devotees making the special effort during the month of Damodhar to spread KC amongst more people in Malaysia. Maharaj’s speech was followed by a multimedia video presentation, wherein on the success and organizational mechanics of the Damodara program, as handled by the Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) of Sri Jagannatha Mandir over the past years was outlined. Thereafter, a theatrical performance of the Damodara Lila was presented by the TASK Team of SJMKL.

The evening’s highlight was the entourage to usher the arrival of the Deputy Minister. The grand welcoming procession was made up of a cow and calf; to usher in auspiciousness and this party was also made up of a procession of drummers, trumpeters and traditionally dressed “gopis and gopas”.

After the launch was initiated by YB Datuk Saravanan, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja offered a ghee lamp to officially commemorate the launch. HH’s gesture opened the avenue for the assembled devotees to offer ghee lamps individually to His Lordship.

For the next 45 days, the whole of the Malaysian yatra will be busy going from home to home, making it possible for the general public to offer ghee lamps to His Lordship seeking his causeless mercy.

As part of an international sharing effort, the CDM of SJMKL has provided various other yatras in Australia, Philippines, Bombay, Pune, Delhi, Chennai, South Africa, Fiji and Mauritius with the updated Damodara kit. The 2009 kit comprises an altar calendar for offering the ghee lamps and a booklet explaining the Damodara Program.

With the bleesings of Lord Sri Damodara, Their Lordships Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subadra Maiya and Sri Sri Nitai Gaurasunder, we pray that the Damodara Program will bring inspiration to other ISKCON Centres and facilitate the spreading of Krishna Consciousness, fulfilling the aspirations of HDG Swami Srila Prabupada.

A soft copy of the alter-calendar and the booklet is available here
http://rghost.net/513715

A soft copy of the alter-calendar and the booklet is attached herein. For pictures on the event, click http://picasaweb.google.com/dr.srivas/DeepavaliDamodara2009OfficialLaunch?feat=directlink

VOICE Boys with HH Jayapataka Swami

By Bhakta Hemalann Nambiyar

VOICE BOYS: Malaysian Youth Boys Gathering

with HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja

The arrival of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia was intentionally for treatment and recuperation; nonetheless, the very presence of this pure Vaishnava meant more opportunity for association amongst the devotees of Kuala Lumpur, and to a greater extent, Malaysia.

The Vedic Oasis for Inspiration, Culture and Education, Kuala Lumpur (VOICE-KL), Boys Section, had decided, after much inspiration, that a youth gathering should be held with HH, as such opportune moment is hard to come by. It was the Eid holiday’s here in Malaysia, and we choose to hold the gathering on the very last day of Eid, the 22nd of September 2009, in HH recuperation bungalow here in Petaling Jaya, KL.

Last minute invitations were sent out, to all youth boys, to gather in Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur (SJMKL), unfortunately ,we were unable to secure the association of the northern or southern states devotees due to heavy traffic and public transportation unavailability. Nevertheless, some 40 youth gathered at the residence of His Holiness, the venue was purposely chosen such, so that HH would not have to travel to the temple to give us his association. Instead, we would go to him.

Bhajan’s were led continuously by HG Patitapavana Caitanya Prabhu (Sriman Prajindra Sankar), who captivated all with his melodious tunes and mastery of the harmonium. The boys were then shown a short presentation on Discovery Your Self, an amazing thought provoking book, based on the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita. After the presentation itself, 10 books were sold, and another 20 were ordered by the youth boys. His Holiness then began to take his dinner prasad at about 8pm. We were all requested to sit before his dining table and sing the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra for his pleasure; again we were led into frenzy by Patitapavana Caitanya Prabhu. At about 8.30pm, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, started to give the class entitled “East or West: KC is the Best”. HH spoke on the importance and significance of youth, brahmacarya, and practicing sadhana. Also discussed was the ideology of West compared to the East, and the sad truth of mimicry of Western culture by the East.

The class then ended with interesting questions by the youth boys, such as “Is it wrong to have a girlfriend; is it against the 4 regulative principles?” and “Why is the East following the West and how to protect the Vedic Culture?” Then a multimedia presentation of HH Vyasa Puja Dedication; a project given to SJMKL by the Congregational Development Ministy (CDM) Mayapur was shown to HH. Coincidentally, the creator of the presentation, Sriman Palani Muthu was also present, and HH called him, and personally thanked him. After which, sumptous prasadam was served.

Such a personal, close association with HH was indeed rare, and most of the boys felt thankful that they took their time and effort to make it for the program. The organizing committee also thanks the youth for participating actively and hopes that what we have gained from this gathering has enabled us to succeed further in our Krishna Consciousness. The VOICE Boys team wish to thank all participants, senior members of VOICE who helped with the organization, HG Srivas Caitanya Prabhu, our guiding force and ever well wisher, HG Kanai Thakur Prabhu, of ISKCON Pune, for inspiring us to hold this program. Lastly, we thank HH for giving us his mercy and blessings always.

With the blessing of their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krishna, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Laxmi Narasimhadev, and His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Srila Acharyapada, may we advance in our Krishna Consciousness always by the continuous association of Vaishnavas.

Param vijayate Sri Krishna sankirtanam !!!

P/S: Please click on the link below to view the pictures of the event. http://picasaweb.google.com/dr.srivas/MalaysianYouthBoysGathering?feat=directlink

HH Prabhavisnu Swami Vyasa Puja with HH Jayapataka Swami

By Sudarshan Das

Sunday the 13^th of September was indeed a red letter day in the memories of the congregation of Sri Jaganath Mandir Kuala Lumpur. It was a Sunday Feast that saw the celebration of the all auspicious Vyasa Puja ceremony of HH Prabhavishnu Swami, a co-GBC for Malaysia as well as initiating Guru of ISKCON. The bonus that made the day unforgettable was the much longed for association of HH Jayapataka Swami, yes in person!

We were told the day before that HH Jayapataka Swami will be attending the programme and the excitement it generated for everyone was contagious. This would be the first time we will be having his darshan in Malaysia, in person, after more than a year. Ever since his shocking illness and miraculous revival, Maharaj’s travel has been severely limited to allow for his recovery, being mostly confined in India. His disciples and the congregation here in Malaysia have only seen snippets of Maharaj from the internet and sorely missed his association in Malaysia. Moreover, many have been extremely worried for his health and the congregation have been constantly praying for his full recovery ever since the stroke. All of us here have been most anxious to see him, so one can imagine how the sudden news of his immanent arrival here in Malaysia was earnestly received.

The Sunday Feast began with the majestic Brahma samhita prayers sung in unison- resounding in the cintamani temple-hall of Sri Jaganath Mandir to greet our deities Sri Sri Jaganath Baladev Subathra mayi, Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Syamasunder and Sri Narasinghadev. They were tastefully adorned in shimmering white and translucent crystal jewellery amidst a background of sky blue tapestry inlaid with patterns of silvery rose. Together with the floral arrangements, the mood accentuated by the deity “alangkar” that Sunday was one of ethereal sweetness.

Class was given by HG Ajamila prabhu, a long-time disciple of Srila Prabhupada from the UK who’s currently residing here in KL. Topic discussed was regarding the nectar and glories of the chanting of the Hare Krsna maha mantra. This was in conjunction with the recently concluded World Holy Name Week. Prabhu also later also spoke about HH Prabhavishnu Swami in honour of his Vyasa Puja to be celebrated later on that day. It was of course unavoidable that he also spoke regarding HH Jayapataka Maharaj whom we were all eagerly expecting shortly.

After a short break for simple prasadam, (as an appetizer for the huge feast later…), the Vyasa Puja of HH Prabhavishnu Swami was begun with bhajans. This was shortly followed by homages given to HH Prabhavishnu Swami. HG Amogha prabhu (a senior Prabhupad disciple) started the ball rolling as he glorified His Holiness’s courage and boldness in preaching. Next in line was HG Ajamila prabhu who continued to extol his glories as he recounted his memories of his personal dealings with His Holiness. He specifically recalled His Holiness’s compassionate and mild nature. HG Vrndavan Chandra pr our Vice chairman of ISKCON Malaysia enthusiastically shared his memories of his first meeting with His Holiness. HG Vishnu Caitanya prabhu our Temple president then amongst others, pointed out how we can take example from Maharaj on how he was a bold preacher in serving the mission of his Gurumaharaj. HG Gaurachandra pr in his capacity as councillor board chairman was then called upon to share his glorification of Maharaj.

It was then the disciples turn to speak as HG Krsna Chandra pr renewed his initiation vows and conveyed his deep gratitude to Maharaj, followed by his 70 plus “young” mother, the ever enthusiastic and the ever unperturbed bubble of joy HG Radha Vinodhini mataji who thanked everyone for helping out in the Vyasa Puja preparations. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Maharaj for engaging her in Krishna Consciousness.

At this time, it was almost 11.30 am and HH Jayapataka Maharaj had finally arrived! He was greeted by a tumultuous kirtan party at the road in front of the temple as a Black Mercedes Benz made its way sedately into the temple. A human chain was erected along the pathway leading to the temple to the specially prepared divan like Vyasa San. The pathway was carpeted white and strewn with flower petals as His Holiness Jayapataka Swami was ushered into the temple hall in the presence of their Lordships Jaganath Baladev Subathra, Gaura Nitai and Radha Syamasunder.

The electrifying excitement of his presence soon gave way to shock as we were unprepared to see how much his illness had taken its toll on Maharaj’s body. Physically, I found him to be a shadow of his former self, where I still remembered how he would stride in the temple room majestically like a huge lion to be followed by his retainers in his wake. Thus it was heart wrenching to see this great general of our movement making his way slowly and haltingly, supported by his caregivers as he made his way to the temple room to gaze upon his beloved deities of Sri Jaganath Mandir KL. Many were moved to tears when he asked if we could understand his speech. His Holiness looked extremely weary but he was as ever enthusiastic to give us his mercy and association. His spirit was as large and indomitable as ever and completely unfettered by his body as was evident when he gave his class and begun to glorify his dear God brother His Holiness Prabhavishnu Swami. Amongst many points, in his own words, he mentioned how he was fortunate to confer Sanyas initiation to His Holiness Prabhavishnu Swami. Maharaj then later spoke of how he was here to take therapies to help his recovery but he fooled no one as we were all fully aware that the real reason he came here was to give his merciful association to us.

Pushpanjali was then offered to His Holiness Prabhavishnu Swami’s photo on a decorated vyasa san. However the temple was so packed as many devotees from all over Malaysia had come to meet His Holiness Jayapataka Swami that for the first time in Sri Jaganath Mandir (at least as far as I recall), pushpanjali was collectively offered by one person for everyone as there was simply no space. The programme then continued with Arathi for His Holiness Prabhavishnu Swami amidst Sri Guru Vandana prayers with joyous Hari Nama kirtan in its wake led by HG Vishnu Caitanya Pr. The feast that ensued was prepared by the Bengali or Gaudadesh devotees. It was an extremely sumptuous spread worthy of note especially for such a large crowd. His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaj left soon after to his temporary rest house in PJ, a bungalow rented for his exclusive stay with his caregivers for the next couple of weeks in Malaysia.

We were truly blessed to have this rare opportunity to get his overflowing merciful association that day and for the next couple of weeks to come. It is our ardent prayer that His Holiness makes speedy recovery during his stay here in Malaysia and continues to benedict us with his association continuously. Hare Krsna.

Srila Prabhupada ki  Jai

His Holiness Jayapataka Swami ki Jai

His Holiness Prabhavishnu Swami ki Jai

Jayapataka Maharaj in SJMKL, 17thSep

By Bhakta Gautam

Sep 17^th, 2009

Sri Jagannatha Mandir, Kuala Lumpur.

All Glories All Glories to Sri Guru and Gouranga!!!!

Beating the mad rush of the upcoming Hari Raya festival in Kuala Lumpur the devotees gathered in Sri Jagannatha Mandir, Kuala Lumpur to witness the public darshan of HH Jayapataka Swami. All assembled devotees enthusiastically welcomed Maharaj in the temple and were inspired on one side and sad on other. After the stroke last year maharaj is physically not very well but his enthusiasm and motivation to preach is unparalleled. It’s so amazing to see Srila Prabupada’s very dear disciple still continuing to give his all for us to carry with our devotional service.

Maharaj started with his trademark kirtan and then sung Jaya Radha Madhava. Maharaj even though physically not fully fit showed how his consciousness is perfect and always alert in service of dear Lord Krishna. Maharaj touched on the topic of remembering Krishna at the time of death and pointed it is not that we will suddenly remember Krishna without practicing Krishna consciousness. Maharaj also eagerly answered all the questions and was very eager to make devotees ask questions for the welfare of all.

HG Amoga prabhu also graced the occasion with his auspicious presence. We also had leaders from different yatras in Malaysia also grace this auspicious event. HH Jayapataka Mahara in the end made a very pleasing announcement that they are planning to make Malaysia as the base and continue preaching program from here. All the devotees were very jubilant at the news and loudly confirmed there appreciation by showering 3 loud haribol’s.

After the class Maharaj distributed the most auspicious Jagannatha Maha prasad and thus allowed us to take his blessings and get his close association. We thank their lordships Sri Jagnnatha Baladeva and Subhadra mai for showering mercy in the form of Guru kripa and thus allowing us to draw inspiration and serve Maharaj. We also pray that Maharaj has a speedy recovery and whatever little association and service we can perform is truly his compassionate nature.

HH Jayapataka Maharaj Meeting with SJMKL Management

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj Meeting with SJMKL Management Team, 16th September 2009

The management team was fortunate to spend an evening in close association of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj on Wednesday, 16th September 2009 at His impermanent resident specially arranged for Maharaj’s comfort, treatment and therapies. About 40 devotees from various departments of SJMKL turned up to grab this extremely rare opportunity to receive the darshan and close spiritual vibration from Maharaj’s association.

The evening began with devotees chanting Narasimha Kavaca and Narasimgha Pranam for Maharaj’s well being. Maharaj then slowly made his entry to the dining room of the bungalow to honor Prasadam. We were made to experience a unique routine whereby a soft melodious Kirtan accompanies Maharaj all throughout his Prasadam time. We were told that this has been the practice for the past 10 months ever since Maharaj fell ill. Although it caused great pain to many devotees present that evening that they were in tears to see Maharaj struggling to feed himself, Maharaj had to somehow do it following medical experts advice i.e. use the right hand or loose it.

After Prasadam, Maharaj gave a talk for slightly less than an hour. Among the various aspects Maharaj touched on was the sadness that swept over him following the sudden departure of the late HG Uttama Caitanya Das Brahmacari. Maharaj then briefly shared his experience during the time of stroke and the most critical moments of his health condition and extended his utmost appreciation to the doctors and His Sannyasis Godbrothers for being very instrumental for His prompt recovery. Maharaj also touched on the importance in reviving the brahmahcari ashram for the benefit of the temple and congregation. On a happier note Maharaj expressed His felicity to see many grhastas in SJMKL coming forward taking up more active roles in the management of the temple.

After ending the talk, Maharaj mercifully allowed us to perform a simple puspanjali and while He distributed Maha Maha Prasadam to all those participated. Ekadasi prasadham were served to the devotees, courtesy of HG Subal Mitra prabhu, HG Atmaram prabhu and HG Vaishnava Priya mataji. Maharaj then had a brief introduction with the temple’s president and the vice presidents and was happy to see the positive development that is taking shape in SJMKL and its congregation. While having His supper, there were further discussions on the various important factors of current management structure. Maharaj particularly pointed out his concerns on the devotee care aspect, especially the grhasta devotees. Maharaj insisted that there should be an active marriage counseling program and requested the management team to get as much as information from Chowpatty during their study tour there.

On behalf of SJMKL management, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to the organizer for compassionately allowing the rest of us to get drenched along in the overflowing mercy of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj on that evening. It was indeed a sweet and satisfying evening in the association of Maharaj.

HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj ki Jai!

HDG Srila Prabupad ki Jai!

Gaura Premanandhiiii….

Sri Radhastami 2009, SJMKL

By Baktin Satte

Every year Sri Sri Radhastami is celebrated very grandly at Sri Jagannath Mandir, KL. This year we celebrated Radhastami on the 28th August, 2009. One notable highlight for this year is the festival was organized by all matajis under the leadership of HG Mother Shanti Rupa DD. 
 
Srimati Radharani appeared on the eight day of the waxing moon of Hrisikesha [bhadra] masa, at noon. Among the gopis, Srimati Radhika is the foremost. She surpasses all in beauty, good qualities, good fortune and above all in love. Without the mercy of Srimati Radharani one can never attain Krsna. Therefore one must remember both Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani together as they are always nicely situated by each other’s side. Sri Krsna says “Oh Narada I tell you truly, again truly, truly again and again without the mercy of Srimati Radharani, one cannot attain my mercy. [Narada Puran]. 
 
Fasting on Radhastami is recommended as observing special vratas brings about multiple times more benefit than Ekadasi. One should pray unto her divine Lotus Feet and glorify her auspicious qualities and be immersed in the mood of Barsana during this time. 
 
On the day, the temple was transformed into Vrindavan Dham with beautiful chandeliers and colorful spotlights shinning on them. The altar appeared as a hanging garden with white orchids and green leaves hanging from the ceiling. The backdrop of the presiding deities has uniquely appeared with lots of leaves and crab crawl flowers decorations. It really made one feel that we were transported into another world altogether. 
 
To whom ever I spoke to said that there was some sort of magic or mystical spiritual vibration in the air on that day. Everyone was feeling happy and blissful with the feeling of floating in the air. I am sure that Srimati Radharani’s mercy 
was free flowing to put everyone in that kind of spirit on the day. 
 
A devotee who had recently suffered a great loss of her baby, said as she walked into the temple that day, she felt lifted and a blissful feeling came over her to relief her from her months long bereavement. The kitchen saw all assigned matajis turning up in full force and completed the service on time. Many commented that the prasad was delightfully delicious. 

Credit also go to the multimedia presentation team on wonderful and various images Radha Krishna deities around the world accompanied by the famous Radhe Naam song that brought smile to the lips and tears to the eyes feeling mesmerized in the beauty of Their Lordships and Their compassion for the fallen souls in this world.

 
After prasad all adjourned to the temple hall to chant the 108 names of Sri Sri Radharani.[Sri Sri Radhika Astottarasata Nama Stotram], followed by the singing of Radha Kirpa Kataksa and during this time the lights chose to go out. It happened twice and that put every one into great ecstasy, that they felt Srimati Radharani was engaging all in her lila. 
 
The stage performances lined up during that evening was the first ever on a Radhastami festival in SJMKL. We had bhajan and classical number rendered by the temple president and his team followed by a play on 3 pastimes of Radharani organized and performed by matajis. The highlight of the stage show was the dance item performed by the matajis of all age groups to the song titled Radhe Naam that took us on imaginary parikram in the holy Vrndavana Dham and Barsana, the appearance place of Srimati Radharani. This item has engaged everyone in great  jubilation. All were seen lapping and beaming with smiles and laughters as they immerse into great spirits and love for Radharani.. 

It is on this special day that Srimati Radharani decides to gently reveal her beautiful Lotus Feet  to whoever gets her mercy to see them. Her Lotus Feet were beautifully decorated with anglets and rings on her toes which were enhanced by the redness of the kumkum on the feet.

 
The night ended with everyone dancing, singing to the ecstatic kirtan while the swinging of the Lordships and showering of flowers went on. In nutshell, each and everyone had a spiritually wonderful day celebrating the glories of Srimati Radharani on her appearance day. Some commented that this was one of the best Radhastami they have ever had had.  

To end it all, heartfelt gratitude is extended to all matajis that came together with full cooperation harmoniously to put up a joyous and successful celebration with the blessing of Sri Sri Radharani. 

Srimati Radharani ki Jai, 

Srila Prabhupad ki Jai

How does a real devotee think?

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura

The Highest Vaisnava Sees Himself as the Lowest of All

Originally published in The Gaudiya, Volume 24, Issue 7

Those who are fit possess an abundant power of devotion. They are strong.

I should not apply myself to finding out the shortcomings of the Vaishnavas, condemning service to Lord Visnu or seeking to establish my own point of view by neglecting the method that may enable me to serve the Lord and His devotees.

No language can describe the havoc that is wrought in human life by such arrogance.

I make this submission with all humility: “Kindly refrain from merely imitating the conduct of the Vaishnavas and please always follow their line of thought.” There is no relationship for us other than with the devotees of Visnu. Relationship with other people can only aggravate the desire for sensuous gratification.

Many years have now passed over me one by one. I at last realise that there is no other help for me than the mercy of the holy feet of the Vaishnavas.

Every one of my acts is worthy of contempt. Yet I pray to those who look upon me from above that, if they consider it allowable for me to follow their conduct and teachings, they enable me to no longer have a contemptible attitude.

I pray to them to kindly impart to me the strength and fitness needed in order to communicate their power to those who are unintelligent, ignorant and devoid of all strength.

He who serves Lord Hari (another name for Lord Krishna) counts himself as the least of all entities. He is lifted to the highest order of the Vaishnavas when he can feel himself the last of all. He can then proclaim the message of the highest devotion to Lord Hari.

“The best of all people deems himself to be less than all others.” Such is the great dictum.

It is necessary for the best person to scrutinize his own ineligibility. Why should a person be anxious to pry into the defects of others when he does not seek to scrutinize his own conduct? Is this the disposition of a Vaishnava?

On the other hand, even those who are low in the scale of service may attain the higher level.

Let us remember the verse:

“What to speak of people who listen to and remember the instructions of the spiritual scriptures with care, even women, sudras (the working class), mountaineers, Siberians, and those who have attained the bodies of beasts and birds due to their sinful past lives can know God and prevail over His deluding power if they follow the conduct of the devoted servants of the Lord, who covers all the worlds by His wonderful strides.”

(Srimad-Bhagavatam 2.7.46).

“The acts and expressions of the Vaishnavas cannot be understood even by the wise.” The devotees are attached to the Lord, who pervades the worlds with His wonderful strides.

Let us not be misled by appearances. Many people have been liable to mistake the pebble for the pearl, the snake for the rope and evil for good by relying on appearances and thus falling victim to delusion.

It is only when a person allows himself to fall into the clutches of self-delusion that his senses show their eagerness to supply him with the cravings incidental to the phenomenal world because he supposes himself to be an inhabitant of the same.

We should carefully consider how we will be delivered from being exploited like this by the deluding energy.

Adopting the mentality of a lord in order to compensate for our present inadequacies will never bring us relief. Nor will it bring us relief to avoid what certain hasty observers have been pleased to dub “the slave mentality” of the devotees of God.

Such modes of thinking accelerate our march towards the inferno by plunging us into the course of sensuous indulgence.

Article taken from Dandavats: http://www.krishna.com/

Url to Article: http://www.krishna.com/en/node/2174

Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir Kartika Parikrama Schedule

By Deena Bandhu Dasa

Now that Janmastami and Radhastami Festivals have finished, naturally thoughts of Kartika begin to drift into the mind. The Puranas glorify the month of Kartika as very special for making spiritual advancement, and the best place to be in Kartika is Sri Braja Dham. In fact this month is known as Damodar since in the middle of this month, the Lord performed His very enchanting Damodar Lila. Kartika month also represents Radharani, and devotees perform special austerities to gain Her favor.

With great happiness in our hearts, we invite everyone to join in the auspicious Kartika Festival in Vrindavan. Since early next year there will be Purusottama extra month, so Kartika is quite early this year and the weather will not be so cold. We have organized a wonderful variety of parikramas to the Holy Places of Krishna’s pastimes in Braja for all of you. Almost daily, we will be going by bus leaving at 7 AM and returning in time for lunch around 2 PM, unless otherwise noted. Sometimes we will also join up with Lokanatha Swami’s Braja Mandala Parikrama and enjoy the association of the many devotees who will be wandering around Braja on foot. Tickets will be available from the newly renovated Information Center next to the temple, and all of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples and accompanied family member are free!

The 22nd of October is the Holy Disappearance Day Festival of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and we extend a warm invitation to all to come and commemorate this sacred occassion with us in Sri Vrindavan, where His Divine Grace is sitting in Samadhi. Leading up to this day, every evening, senior disciples will be relating their memories of Srila Prabhupada. One day before, we will take Srila Prabhupada in the very same palanquin from 1977 for a grand Sankirtan Procession past all the Goswami temples in Vrindavan.

Parikrama Schedule

October
4 8:00 PM Moonlit Parikrama of Govardhana

6 7:00 AM Vrindavan Temples

7 7:00 AM Madhuvan Talavan

8 7:00 AM Barsana

9 9:30 AM Narottama Das Disap. Radha Gokulananda Mandir

10 7:00 AM Mansarovar, Bandhirvan, Baelvan Return by Boat

11 8:00 PM Midnight Bath at Radha Kunda

13 7:00 AM Radha Kunda

14 5:00 AM Badrinatha

16 7:00 AM Vrinda Kunda Nandagram, Lunch at Vrinda Kunda

17 7:00 AM Raval and Gokula

18 Govardhan Puja

19 5:00 AM Giriraja Parikrama

21 7:00 AM Srila Prabhupada’s Procession to Goswami Temples

22 Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day

24 7:00 AM Javat – Ter Kadamba – Lunch at Vrinda Kunda

25 7:00 AM Rama Ghata – Chir Ghata

26 12:00 PM Gopastami Ter Kadamba

28 7:00 AM Lohavan

29 4:30 PM All night Kirtan in Vrinda Kunda

30 7:30 AM Vrinda Devi Festival in Vrinda Kunda

November

2 7:00 AM Tulasi Shaligram Vivah Vrinda Kunda

In service of Srimati Vrinda Devi, Deena Bandhu dasa

Srila Prabhupada Katha Week

By Srivas Caitanya Das

|| Hare Krishna ||

Srila Prabhupada Katha Week – Congregational Development Ministry, Kuala Lumpur

In conjunction with the appearance day of HDG A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, the Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) of Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur dedicated a week to the ‘saviour of the whole world’, Srila Prabhupada.

As part of this effort CDM subsidized the “Your Ever Well Wisher”, a biography of Srila Prabhupada, both in English and Tamil, which was made available to all devotees and well-wishers for RM 3 only, for an entire week. Many devotees opened up their homes to celebrate the Vyasa Puja (appearance day) of Srila Prabhupada a week after the original celebration date. A total of 10 homes partake in the simultaneous glorification of Srila Prabhupada by organising home programs.

Home programs are an efficient means of spreading the glories and pastimes of Srila Prabhupada. It was both beneficial to devotees as well as new comers to read and listen about the struggles of a 70 year old man, who suffered two heart attacks while crossing the ocean to go to the West to establish Krishna Consciousness, for the good of all humanity. Srila Prabhupada aimed for a revolution of consciousness, amidst the ongoing cultural and political revolutions.

The history of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness humble roots is truly inspirational. Srila Prabhupada has saved countless lives through his books, lectures and is still going on saving the fallen souls of this world thorough ISKCON and his bona fide disciples. The CD Ministry has successfully distributed 300 ‘Your Ever Well Wisher’ books during this Katha Week.

The CD Ministry wishes the continuous celebration of this program yearly, to inspire everyone to read more Srila Prabhupada books. Our humble efforts in propagating the pastimes of this great saint will surely benefit the society, as the Supreme Lord is pleased when his sincere pure devotee is glorified.

Srila Prabhupada ki Jai !

Your servant,

Srivas Caitanya Dasa,

Congregational Development Ministry,

Sri Jagannatha Mandir, ISKCON Kuala Lumpur.