Festivals for May 2008

NARSINGH BHAGWAN

India is a land abounding in Saints and sages. Humbly we bow to God. His vibhutis alone can bless our life, wisdom and intellect. Many birthdays in the May Calendar of 2008 prove this fact. The important dates of this month are listed below.


a) Sri Vallabhacharya Jayanti is on 2nd May, Friday. He established the Sri Nathji tradition and Pushtimarg. Famous poets Soordassji and Nanddassji were His disciples popularly known as "ASHTA CHHAP " poets from the Bhakti-period of Hindi literature. On this day we have Varuthini ekadasi also.
At 6 am we have stuti of Sri Nathji. One can also enjoy ancient Acharya Vallabhachryaji on GITAJI and at holy feet of Mahaprabhu Vallabhacharyaji.


b) Akshay Teej is on 8th May, Thursday. It is the only occasion when Lord Bankey Bihariji gives His charan-darshan once in a year, with millions of people thronging the temple.
It's Sri Parshuram Jayanti also . ....sharing Saint Ushaji's special moments at Yamunaji. Some are celebrating Akshay Teej on 7th May, a Wednesday.

c) Sri Shankaracharya Jayanti is on 10th May, Saturday.

• The person who revived Sanatan Dharma since ritualistic frauds and imposters were misguiding innocent folk and the general public.
• He wrote the most beautiful commentaries 'Teeka' on Gitaji, Srimad Bhagwatam and also inked many Strotas in praise of the Lord and Goddess.

On 10th May is also Sri Soordass Jayanti who was one of the Asht-chhap poets during the Srinathji or Vallabharcharyaji era.


d) The very next day is Sri Ramanujacharya Jayanti on 11th May. He is hailed as one of the four main Acharyas of Sanatan Dharma.


e) On 13th May, Tuesday is Sri Sitanaumi. Recently read verses 200-250 of the 'Baalkand' where dhanush yagna is going on and Saint Tulsidassji explains the beauty of Sita mata....-- Lord Rama , Bharat-Shatrughan-Laxmanji - Lord Hanumaan -- sage Yagvalkyaji and Goswami Tulsidassji .....after listening to Sunderkand at CHITRAKOOT

f) On 15th May, Thursday is Sri Hitharivanshji Jayanti. He established the Sri Radhavallabh temple and Sampraday at VBN.
Same day is Mohini Ekadasi too. The day Lord Vishnu incarnated Himself as Mohini Bhagwan to snatch nectar from the demons .

g) On 18th May we have Sri Narsingh Jayanti, when Lord Vishnu became Narsingh Bhagwan to kill Hiranyakashipu and save Bhakta Prahaladji.

Sri Narsingh Bhagwan is the family-deity of Saint Manoharji and thus He keeps a fast to celebrate His Deity's appearance day or Narsingh Jayanti. He along with all devotees also visit Sri Narsingh Temple in Vrindavan, located near Sri Banke Bihariji or Radharamanji temple.

h) 19th May, Monday is not only sage Narad Jayanti and Lord Budha's birthday but also the appearance day of Lord Radharamanji in the Chaitanya Mahaprabu tradition at Vrindavan.

i) 24th May is Maa Anandmayi Jayanti as well as Golok-gaman day of 20th Century's Lord Chaitanya, Sri Maharajji. Thus poojya Manoharji shall reach Lalji's home for the Utsav.
As per the Hindu calendar, Maharajji's Utsav at Vrindavan is on 31st May.


Thus May 2008 which starts with Sri Vallabhacharya Jayanti ends with Maharajji's utsav! We have festivals galore in a single month this time round .

Pearl 18

Sudama, a poor Brahmin friend of Lord Krishna visits him

Embedded in this pearl is the famous Lord Krishna -Sudama story presenting a true to life sketch right from theory to practice.

Chapter 80, verses 18-45: The overly popular Lord Krishna- Sudama relationship reminds us that in practice too, Lord Krishna behaves precisely in the same manner which He preached earlier in pearl no 8 and 11. All of us are aware that Sudamaji was a poor Brahmin and Lord Krishna’s classmate at the Guru Sandipani Ashram of Ujjain. Hence when Sudamaji came to meet King Krishna, the Lord welcomed him with open arms and great reverence. “At that time Lord Acyuta was seated on His consort's bed. Spotting the brahmana at some distance, the Lord immediately stood up, went forward to meet him and with great pleasure embraced him.”

Verse 19: “The lotus-eyed Supreme Lord felt intense ecstasy upon touching the body of His dear friend, the wise brahmana and thus He shed tears of love.’

Verses 20-22: “Lord Krishna seated His friend Sudama upon the bed. Then the Lord, who purifies the whole world, personally offered him various tokens of respect and washed his feet, O King, after which He sprinkled the water on His own head. He anointed him with divinely fragrant sandalwood, aguru and kumkuma pastes and happily worshipped him with aromatic incense and arrays of lamps. After finally offering him betel nut and the gift of a cow, He welcomed him with pleasing words."

Verse 23: By fanning him with her camara, the divine goddess of fortune personally served that poor brahmana, whose clothing was torn and dirty and who was so thin that veins were visible all over his body.

Verse 24: The people in the royal palace were astonished to see Krishna, the Lord of spotless glory, so lovingly honor this shabbily dressed brahmana.

Verses 25-26: [The residents of the palace said:] what a pious act has this unkempt, impoverished brahmana performed? People regard him as lowly and contemptible, yet the spiritual master of the three worlds, the abode of Goddess Sri, is serving him reverently. Leaving the goddess of fortune sitting on her bed, the Lord has embraced this brahmana as if he were an older brother.

In fact the entire 80^th chapter is so beautifully written that in verse 1:- King Parikshit eagerly asks for the Lord Krishna-Sudama story and this leads to narrator Shukdevji excitedly recounting Lord Krishna' deep love for Samadhi (5). Before this incidence Parikshitji affirms:

• Actual speech is that which describes the qualities of the Lord Krishna, singing His Glories
• Real hands are those that work for Him, being employed in Lord Krishna’s service.
• A true mind is that which always remembers Him dwelling within everything moving iand non-moving, concentrates on His Leelas.
• Actual ears are those that listen to sanctifying topics about Him.
• An actual head is one that bows down to the Lord in His manifestations among the moving and non-moving creatures.
• Real eyes are those that see only the Lord.
• Actual limbs are those which regularly honour the water that has bathed the Lord’s feet or those of His devotees.
  

Verse 9:-Lord Krishna can be likened to Kalpataru or the wish-yielding tree to His Devotees, the refuge of all and great devotee of Brahmins. “That greatest of Yādavas, the Supreme Lord Krịsḥṇa, is compassionate to brāhmaṇas and very willing to grant them His shelter.”

Verses 33-34:-Lord Krishna ascertains that I am the Guru or preceptor of the entire Universe .Thus those disciples who humbly submit to genuine Human Gurus on earth definitely worship Me. “Certainly, O brāhmaṇa, of all the followers of the varṇāśrama system, those who take advantage of the words I speak in My form as the spiritual master and thus easily cross over the ocean of material existence best understand their own true welfare. I, the Soul of all beings, am not as satisfied by ritual worship, brahminical initiation, penances or self-discipline as I am by faithful service rendered to one's spiritual master.”

verse 45: Lord Krishna went to Guru Sandipani's ashram at Ujjain just for pleasure-sake, after all He is the refuge of all Vedas, virtues & God of gods ! "O almighty Lord, Your body comprises the Absolute Truth in the form of the Vedas and is thus the source of all auspicious goals of life. That You took up residence at the school of a spiritual master is simply one of Your pastimes in which You play the role of a human being."

Pearl 17

Lord Balarâma Slays Balvala and Visits the Holy Places

After Lord Balrama struck Balvala, the immense demon resembling a mass of black carbon - a harasser of Brahmins, the Lord proceeds on a holy pilgrimage. This pearl is a detailed description of Lord Balramji's visits to holy shrines including Balaji and Rameswaram in the south!

We need not get startled. When Lord Krishna was preaching the ‘Bhagwad Gita’ to Arjuna during the famous Mahabharata war, His elder brother Balramji was engrossed in all India pilgrimage, being in favour of a compromise, not the Kurukshetra battle.

A convincing account rendered by Mahatma Shukdevji refers at length to the pilgrimage sites visited by Balramji:

Chapter 79, verse 9-18: Balramji coupled with a contingent of Brahmins visits the Sarayu River, on the outskirts of Ajodhya, where Lord Rama was incarnated. He proceeds to the holy Prayag -sangam at Allahabad where he bathed and performed rituals to propitiate the demigods and other living beings. Going on to Gaya for worshipping His forefathers and the mouth of the Ganges to perform purifying ablutions. At Mount Mahendra He saw Lord Parasurama and prayed to Him. In the southern provinces known as Dravida-desa the Supreme Lord saw the sacred Venkata Hill where Lord Vishnu residess,( Tirupati Balaji) proceeding to the most holy Sri Ranga where Lord Krishna manifested Himself, the site is considered highly auspicious with Lord Vishnu eternally residing here. Onto Rsabha Mountain where Lord Krishna also lives. Later on He came to Setubandha ( Rameswaram) where the most grievous sins are destroyed. Here He gave Brahmins ten thousand cows in charity, thus showing the importance of Lord Gopala as their saviour and protector. He then visited the Malaya Mountains and found Agastya Rishi in meditation. After praying to the sage He received His blessings. Later on “He proceeded to the shore of the southern ocean, where He saw goddess Durga in her form of Kanya-kumari.”

Chapter 79, verse 18: Next He went to Phalguna-tirtha and bathed in the sacred Pañcāpsarā Lake, where Lord Vishnu had directly manifested Himself. At this place He gave away another ten thousand cows.

Chapter 79, verse 19-21: The Supreme Lord then travelled through the kingdoms of Kerala and Trigarta, visiting Lord Shiva’s sacred city of Gokarna where Lord Dhūrjaṭi (Shiva) directly manifests himself in addition to visiting Goddess Parvati who dwells on an island.

Pearl 16

SALVA PRAYING AS A BOY TO SHIVA

Lord Shiva is portrayed as the most easily pleased deity. Shukhdevji claims that lord Balarama is a religious performer of Vedic sacrifices.

Chapter 76, verse 5: Lord Shiva is the most liberal Deity and gets propiated very soon. “The great Lord Umapati is known as ‘He who is quickly pleased’, yet only at the end of a year did he gratify Salva who had approached him for shelter, by offering him a choice of benedictions.”

Chaoter 76, verse 32: The role of a charioteer and a warrior is mutual; they should save each others lives. “The driver replied: O long-lived one, I have done this knowing full well my prescribed duty. O my Lord, the chariot driver must protect the master of the chariot when he is in danger and the master must also protect his driver.” In his role as a charioteer Balramji can be likened to Laxmanji in the epic ‘Ramayana.” The charioteer pacifies a dismayed Pradyumna, son of Lord Krishna whom he has saved from the battle field.

Chapter 79, Verse 30: All Yagnas are depicted as a true quotient of Lord Balramji Himself. “Later Lord Balarama returned to Naimiṣāraṇya, where the sages joyfully engaged Him, the embodiment of all sacrifice, in performing various kinds of Vedic sacrifice. Lord Balarama was now retired from warfare.”

Chapter 79, verses 33-34: Mahatma Shukdevji is ecstatic, he declares, "Parikshit, almighty Bhagwan Sri Balramji is the Infinite Lord Himself. His nature is incomprehensible. He had assumed a human semblance simply out of sport (LEELA). His exploits are indeed innumerable. He, who contemplates on the wonderful deeds of the Infinite , all -pervading Balramji, both morning and evening , becomes the most beloved of Lord Sri Krishna. Countless other such pastimes were performed by mighty Balarama the unlimited and immeasurable Supreme Lord, whose mystic Yogamaya power makes Him appear to be a human being.”

Summing up the glories of Lord Balrama, Shikdevji affirms that anyone who religiously remembers His activities at dawn and dusk will surely become very dear to Lord Vishnu, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Pearl 15

BEWILDERED BY MAYA, DURYODHAN FALLS INTO WATER THINKING IT TO BE SOLID FLOOR

This account refers at large to the underlying reason which led to the Mahabharata war.

Chapter 75, verse 32: Many of us believe that Draupadi is the main cause of the Mahabharata war since She antagonised Duryodhana, the son of blind Dhritrashtra. But in this verse Shukdevji reveals that the actual reason behind the battle of Kurukshetra was Duryodhana’s infatuation with Draupadi! Precisely like Ravana's obsession for Sitaji, Lord Rama’s wife, resulted in the Lanka war. On the other hand Bali’s fascination for younger brother Sugriv's wife was the basis of his being killed.

Verse 36-37: Duryodhana, afflicted with anger and arrogance, is humiliated because of this very weakness. “Proud Duryodhana, holding a sword in his hand and wearing a crown and necklace angrily went into the palace in the company of his brothers, O King, insulting the doorkeepers as he entered. Bewildered by the illusions created through Maya Danava’s magic, Duryodhana mistook the solid floor for water and lifted the end of his garment. And elsewhere he fell into the water, mistaking it for the solid floor.” Powerful kings like Ravana, Duryodhana and Bali were disgraced because of being smitten by somebody else’s wives, leave alone us humans in such a situation.

Continuing our journey of spotting fresh pearls from chapter 75, Xth canto, we come across:

Verse 5: Lord Krishna took upon Himself the duty of washing the guests’ feet during the Rajsuya Yagna. Most of us consider it a demeaning job but Lord Krishna willingly opted for it!

Verse 14-15:- Milk and butter flowed freely by the residents of Indraprastha, in celebration of Lord Krishna’s presence in the famous Rajsuya yagna. “Men and women, all adorned with sandalwood paste, flower garlands, jewellery and fine clothing, sported by smearing and sprinkling one another with various liquids. The men smeared the courtesans with plentiful oil, yogurt, perfumed water, turmeric and kunkuma powder, and the courtesans playfully smeared the men with the same substances.” The scenario emphasises the importance of milk and its products in the Holy Scripture.

Verse 19-21:-King Yudhistir takes a bath in the Holy Ganges which absolves Him of all sins since the river flows directly from the feet of Lord Vishnu. The priests led the King through the execution of the final rituals. “Then they had him and Queen Draupadi sip water for purification and bathe in the Ganges. The kettledrums of the gods resounded, along with those of human beings. Demigods, sages, forefathers and humans all poured down showers of flowers.” All the citizens then bathed in that place, “where even the most grievous sinner can immediately be freed from all sinful reactions.”

Verse 30:- In class with other Kings, Maharaj Yudhistir also had certain desires and ambitions but due to the grace of Lord Krishna, attained satisfaction, the greatest wealth of all. This is a virtue of every Devotee who akin to Arjuna, seeks refuge solely in Lord Krishna. “Thus King Yudhistir, the son of Dharma, was at last relieved of his burning ambition, having by the grace of Lord Krishna successfully crossed the vast and formidable ocean of his desires.”

Pearl 14

LORD KRISHNA BLESSES THE LIBERATED KINGS

Famous Mantra depicting the beauty of Lord Krishna in the‘Srimad Bhagwatam’.The chanting of this verse frees 20800 kings from the bondage of Jarasandha.

Chapter 73, verse 16: These are Lord Vishnu’s four famous salvations. If you have ever heard the Bhagwat Katha by Dongreji, Sudhanshuji, Murari Bapu, Saint Asaramji, or other priests, you would have noted that they often recite a verse from the ‘Bhagavatam’.

Krishnaay Vaasudevay Harye Parmatmane ,
Pranatkleshnashay Govinday namoh namah

“It means, O, Lord Krishna, You destroy the sins of those who worship You and bring them deliverance. You eliminate the sufferings of those who bow before You. O, son of King Vasudev, You are the protector of cows and we offer our obeisance to You.” The verse was actually recited by 20800 sorrow-stricken kings arrested by Jarasandha in combat and imprisoned. The chanting of this verse freed them from bondage. The incident reflects the immense power of this shloka in placating the Lord.

During childhood, I happened to visit Poojya Gayaprasad Panditji of Goverdhan. He would inevitably ask each parent to memorise the above mentioned draft.

Chapter73, verses 3-4: Before this occurrence these kings also behold the beauty of Lord Krishna thus, “His complexion was dark blue like the color of a cloud, and He wore a yellow silk garment. He was distinguished by the Śrīvatsa mark on His chest, His four mighty arms, the pinkish hue of His eyes, which resembled the whorl of a lotus, His lovely, cheerful face, His gleaming makara earrings and the lotus, club, conchshell and disc in His hands. A helmet, a jeweled necklace, a golden belt, and golden bracelets and armlets decorated His form, and on His neck He wore both the brilliant, precious Kaustubha gem and a garland of forest flowers.” They seem to drink His beauty with their eyes, their past sins now eradicated.

Chapter74, verse 54: Thus Mahatma Shukdevji is so pleased with this description that He blesses us affirming that whoever shall sing the glories of Lord Krishna’s killing of demons Shishupal, Jarasandh and the salvation of kings arrested by Him and His Divine worship in the famous Rajasuya yagna of Yudhistir will expiate of all his sins. It may be added that this most famous yagna or sacrifice of the universe was blessed by as many as thirty renowned Acharyas of the world, including Vedvyasaji the writer of ‘Shrimad Bhagwatam’, Bhardwaaj Muni, sages like Vasistha , Parshuram , Chayavan , Kashyap and so on ( verses 7 to 9 ) .

Pearl 13

WELCOMING NARADA

A revealing account of Lord Krishna's Sudharma Sabha at Dwarka and Lord Krishna' s great respect for Naradji.

Pearl no. 13 from Srimad Bhagavatam in continuation of Chapter 71, verse 9 where Lord Krishna's beloved devotee Udhavji remembers four salvation acts of the Lord:

• The gopis of Vrindavan are saved from the demon Shankhchoor.
• Salvation of elephant king Gajendra when the Lord kills his enemy in Srimad Bhagwatam:
• Saving Sitaji from the clutches of Ravana in the Lord’s Ram incarnation.
• Protection of the residents of Mathura from the demon Kansa.

Udhavaji assures Lord Krishna that the killing of Jarasandha which is certainly a reaction of his past sins will bring immense benefit. It will make possible the Rajasuya Yagna which the lord so desires. Being convinced, Lord Krishna proceeds to Indraprastha where the Pandavas reside. Yudhishtara is delighted to hear that the Lord had arrived and came out to meet Him.

Before this in chapter 70, following pearls can also be spotted:

Chapter 70, verse 17: Whenever Lord Vishnu is incarnated as Lord Krishna, His glory also accompanies Him. Just like Vaikuntha, the abode of Lord Vishnu, is devoid of all vices, so is Lord Krishna's divine Sudharma Sabha at Dwarka. “The Lord, attended by all the Vrsnis, would enter the Sudharmā assembly hall, which protects those who enter it from the six waves of material life, dear King.”

Verse 21: “Some brāhmaṇas sitting in that assembly hall would fluently chant Vedic mantras, while others recounted stories of past kings of pious renown.”

Verse 33 : Though sage Naradji is a great devotee of Lord Krishna but in his human incarnation, Lord Krishna greatly respects him and bows before him, “As soon as He saw that Nārada Muni had arrived, He joyfully stood up along with His ministers and secretaries to receive the great sage and offer His respectful obeisance by bowing His head.”

Verses 42-44 Naradji is all praises for His Lord Krishna, pointing out that His Glory purifies the entire Universe, “Your are the symbol of everything auspicious”. He affirms that the Lord’s name and fame can be likened to a, “canopy all over the universe including the higher, middle and lower planetary systems.” Just like the water of His lotus feet, called the Ganges is rejuvenating the earth, Naradji confirms, “The transcendental water that washes Your lotus feet is known in the higher planetary systems as the Mandākinī River, in the lower planetary systems as the Bhagavatī and in this earthly planetary system as the Ganges. This sacred, transcendental water flows throughout the entire universe, purifying wherever it goes.”

Pearl 12

KRISHNA, ARJUNA AND BHIMA DRESSED AS BRAHMINS GO TO GIRIVAJA WHERE JARASANDHA RESIDED

Udhavji pleads to the Lord for putting an end to Jarasandha so that Lord Krishna can perform the Rajasuya sacrifice and protect the kings.

Chapter 71,verse 9 : Embedded in this verse is the glorification of Lord Krishna by his devotees whom he has helped at the time of need, “ In their homes, the godly wives of the imprisoned kings sing of Your noble deeds — about how You will kill their husbands' enemy and deliver them. The gopīs also sing Your glories — how You killed the enemy of the elephant king, Gajendra; the enemy of Sīta, daughter of Janaka; and the enemies of Your own parents as well. So also do the sages who have obtained Your shelter glorify You, as do we ourselves.”

Chapter 71, verse 10: Udhavji pleads to the Lord for putting an end to Jarasandha who has the might of ten thousand elephants and only Bhima can be equated to him in strength. With this feat Lord Krishna can perform the Rajasuya sacrifice and protect the kings who are begging Him for shelter. “O Krishna, the killing of Jarāsandha, which is certainly a reaction of his past sins, will bring immense benefit. Indeed, it will make possible the sacrificial ceremony You desire.”

Pearl 11

GOVINDA CUDDLING HIS SMALL CHILDREN

Chapter 70: The segment bequeaths to us a nostalgic collage of the daily regime of Lord Krishna. More often than not everyone upholds the view that Lord Rama is Maryada Purushotam.

However if we scan the quotients of its true to life spectrum we find that Lord Krishna’s is an ideal household too:-

Chapter 70,verse 4 : Lord Krishna gets up early in the morning, “ Lord Mādhava would rise during the brahma-muhūrta period and touch water. With a clear mind He would then meditate upon Himself, the single, self-luminous, unequalled and infallible Supreme Truth, known as Brahman,” just as any other human being.

Verse 6: After having a bath, Lord Krishna chants the Gayatri Mantra daily. Soon after performing the entire sequence of prescribed rituals, beginning with worship at dawn, offering oblation into the sacred fire, “Lord Krishna silently chanted the Gayatri mantra.”

Verse7-9: Each day the Lord is shown as worshipping the rising sun and propitiating demigods, sages and forefathers. He would then carefully worship His elders and the Brahmins, offering them peaceful cows with gold-plated horns and pearl necklaces. The Lord diligently gave herds of 13084 cows to learned Brahmins along with linen, deerskin and sesame seeds every day.

Verse12: "He would then look at ghee, a mirror, the cows and bulls, the brāhmaṇas and the demigods and see to it that the members of all the social classes living in the palace and throughout the city were satisfied with gifts. After this He would greet His ministers, gratifying them by fulfilling all their desires."

Verse 13: After first distributing flower garlands, and sandalwood paste to the brāhmaṇas, He would give these gifts to His friends, ministers and wives, and finally He would partake of them Himself. Lord Krishna initially offers everything the Brahmins and devotees and in case anything is left over He uses it individually. He always has a pleasing persona,;His smiling face captivating their minds.

Lord Krishna’s house is symbolic of an ideal household and He cites His own example to sketch a true to life picture of a perfect family wherein one follows the auspicious principles laid down by tradition, with the mind firmly concentrating on the Supreme Lord.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 10

LORD BALARAMA IN VRINDAVAN

PAUNDRAKA & SON CONSUMDED BY FIRE

A detailed record of Varanasi and Hastinapur is portrayed herein.

Chapter 65, verse 16:, Lord Balrama, attractor of all, consoles the Gopis or cowherd girls by relaying to them the confidential messages Lord Krishna has sent with Him. The information deeply touch the Gopis’ hearts. Udhavji had done the same deed in the earlier 47th chapter.

Chapter 66, verse 40-41: The episode in this chapter ascertains that any negative force is nullified by the doer’s evil intent as happened in the case of Sudaksina when he wanted to harm Lord Krishna. Sudaksina, son of Paundraka,( who claimed he was the Supreme Lord) wanted to avenge his father’s slayer, Lord Krishna. Praying to Lord Shiva, he created a fiery demon by performing the abhicara ritual. Attacked by Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshan Chakra the demon retreated but created for violence, it returned to Varanasi. Surrounding the city, it burned Sudaksina and his priests to death even though Sudaksina was his creator.

Shukdevji describes the ancient city of Varanasi, where Lord Shiva resides. “Lord Vishnu’s disc also entered Varanasi in pursuit of the fiery demon, and proceeded to burn the city to the ground, including all its assembly halls and residential palaces with raised porches, its numerous marketplaces, gateways, watchtowers, warehouses and treasuries, and all the buildings housing elephants, horses, chariots and grains.”

Chapter 69, verse 54: As of today Hastinapur is visibly elevated on its southern side along the Ganges, thus showing the signs of Lord Balrama’s prowess, claims Shukdevji.

This completes the 10th pearl from the ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ ocean.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 9

SHISHUPAL KILLED BY LORD KRISHNA

Bequethed to us is a vast visual record of Lord Krishna's miraculous feats and an assurance that anyone who reveres these deeds will surely get His blessing.

Chapter 69, verse 45: Shukdevji confidently challenges that nobody can ever emulate Lord Krishna. Lord Hari is the ultimate cause of creation, maintenance and destruction. Anyone who chants, hears or simply appreciates the extraordinary activities He performed, which are impossible to imitate, will attain devotion for the Supreme Lord, the bestower of liberation.

How true is the statement? Can anyone dare to kill deadly Pootana at the tender age of six days, put an end to Shakat and Tranavart when merely three months old, destroy the demons Bakasur, Aghasur and Pralayambasur at six years of age; take the life of Sudarshan, Chandrachud, Arishatasur, Keshi and Vayomasur when He is a boy of ten years? Lord Krishna gave salvation to Yamlarjun trees when He was a toddler of eight months. He slaughtered Kaliyanaga, the poisonous serpent, when six years old and saved all the Brijvasis from davanal or wild-fire, got python Vidyadhar and His father Nandbaba from Varunlok in the same year. Can anyone dare to go ahead with such miraculous feats?

Lord Krishna imparted Divine knowledge to His parents Devakiji and Vasudevji as Lord Vishnu even before He took birth. When He was a year old child He disclosed this information to Yashoda Maiya, in His fifth year to Lord Brahma, in the seventh year to Lord Indra, in His tenth year to uncle, Akroorji, soon after He left Vrindavan for Mathura. The spectrum of His heroic acts defies description as always.

The killing of elephant Kuvalayapeer, mighty Mushtik,Chanur ,Shankhasur, Kansa, Jarasandh, Kalyavan ,Shambarasur, Bhaumasur,Paundrik and Kashiraj; demons Diwid,Shishupaal,Shalva,Dantravaktra,Vidurath, Balval, Vrikasur sum up some of his spectacular deeds.

Acquiring of chausath kalas or sixty-four arts, construction of the wondrous Dwarka city, salvation to Mucucunda, darshan to Jambavant (of the Ramji period who fought against Ravana) and loving care for poor friend Sudama, record some of His generosities.

Divine knowledge imparted to Lord Yama, King Yudishtir during Rajsuya Yagna, Lord Shiva during the defeat of Banasur, His parents before bringing back their six dead sons (Lord's own brothers!) and of course narrating the celebrated epic ‘Shrimad Bhagwad Gita’(during the Mahabharatha war) coupled with knowledge imparted to Udhavji in the 11th canto of ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ provide a synopsis of his great wonders.

Shukdevji wants us to confront these self-proclaimed gods swarming Kaliyuga with the above truth. Can they perform any of these heroic deeds blessed with a divine sanction? Leave aside all other acts performed by the Lord! And these imposters are totally responsible for cynicism afflicting the otherwise God-fearing Indians and NRIs. Will we ever raise our voice against such self-centred elements, the shameless frauds roosting in the new millennium? Just ponder over this point please.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 8

ON STEALING FROM A BRAHMIN: KING NRGA A CHAMELEON

I am not a Brahmin but my personal views on Brahminism have attracted certain views that need further explanation. Since these days I am posting pearls from ‘Srimad Bhagwatam’ and was going though this section I came across several verses which endorse that confiscating a Brahmin's money is highly sinful.

Chapter 64, verses 12: Donating a cow and that too to a Brahmin is a great virtue.

Chapter 64, verses 14-15: And this statement is uttered by none other than Lord Krishna Himself while He narrates King Nrga’s story to His clan. The king firmly believes in performing vedic sacrifices and undertaking various pious welfare activities as recommended by Rukmaniji and Satyaji. The king had offered, gold, houses, elephants, marriageable girls, silver, jewellery and many cows to Brahmins but unknowingly treated a Brahmin’s cow as his own and hence had to pay heavily for it. He was turned into a chameleon.

Chapter 64, verse 31: -- Nobody, not even the mighty Fire can impound the assets of a Brahmin, leave alone ordinary mortals namely Yadavs, Kings or other Kshatriyas who presume they are Lords.

Chapter 64, verse 32: – We have a cure for halahala or poison but there is no antidote for the deadliest poison which is stealing a Brahmin’s property. Truly speaking the first one merely kills a person but the second destroys his entire lineage. The same theme persists till verse 44. This further highlights the fact that Lord Krishna can be appeased only by His Grace and not by following any other route.

Chapter 63, verse 45: Before this occurrence Lord Shiva invokes the grace of Lord Krishna on Banasur, son of Vairocani, pleading that he hails from the family of Prahladji, a great devotee. Lord Krishna sincerely honours this commitment since He had already promised Prahaldji of not killing any demon who happened to be his descendant (47).

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 7

KILLING BHAUMASUR	16000 QUEENS
SHIVA AND VISHNU JVARAS

Chapter 58, verse 36: Lord Krishna can solely be appeased by His Own Grace and never by following any other course.

How to propitiate Lord Narayana by invoking Goddess Laxmiji or please Lord Krishna with an appeal to Rukmaniji has been discussed earlier. In a similar fashion, Satyaji, one of Lord Krishna’s queens, illustrates these divine traits. But soon enough in the very next 37^th verse corrects herself that Lord Krishna can be pacified only by His Grace and not by adopting any other route. The ultimate surrender of a devotee in this manner is expressed by Arjuna in Chapter 18 of the celebrated epic ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Gita’.

Chapter 58, verse 20: The holy river of Yamunaji was already an important quotient of the divine Gopi spectrum at Vrindavan during the Raaslila( Krishna’s dalliance and dance with the herd girls of Braj )and many such spectacles. In spite of this fact, during the course of Dwarkalila She pleads for Her status as the Maharani of King Krishna and the Lord happily giving His consent, marries Her.

Chapter 59, verse 1: A simple question asked by King Parikshit as to how Bhaumasura was killed by the Supreme Lord triggers off the entire story being narrated by Mahatma Shukdevji. The chapter deals with the miraculous feat of killing demon Bhaumasura who kidnapped so many women and details the Lord’s marriage with 16000 queens.

Chapter 61, verse 53: – Lord Krishna questions Rukmaniji, divine incarnate; on what is the point of being born in the topmost yoni of humans because even amongst the lowest species one can enjoy sensual pleasure? He affirms that its purpose is fulfilled only when a mortal worships Him, the Supreme Lord and humbly bows before Him. This is the utmost achievement of a devotee as attained by the Gopis and confirmed by none other than the Lord himself.

Chapter 63, verse 29: – Let us always remember the divine dialogue between Lord Krishna and Siva-jwara or constant fever because all embodied souls must suffer as long as they are bound to materialistic ambitions and averse to serving the Lord. Similarly, in verse 53, Mahatma Shukdevji confirms that whosoever rises early in the morning and religiously remembers Lord Krishna’s victory in His battle with Maheswara-jwara shall never suffer any illness, “and may whoever remembers our conversation here have no reason to fear you.”

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 6

Dredging up old memories, I remember an interesting episode.

In the environs of Vrindavan, Saint Ushaji, often asked me to bring betel or paan leaves coupled with areca-nut parings, catechu and cardamoms during the days of Holi for Thakurji's bhog .

One fine day, a relative questioned its significance. Consequently Saint Ushaji clarified that savouring betel-leaves or tambool, once a while was good for health and improved blood-circulation. Furthermore, they should be relished with a proper quotient of various ingredients for best results. In the celebrated epic ‘Ramayana’ there is a reference to betel leaves being offered to Dashrathji, the Gods and all those who attended Lord Rama and Sitaji’s marriage ceremony. The same scenario is replicated in the city of Dwarka when Rukmaniji's father offers tambool or paan to Lord Krishna and Balramji on the auspicious occasion of marriage in verse 48 of chapter 53, Xth canto of the ‘Bhagavatam.’

Now we shall talk about pearl no. 6 from ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ 10th canto:

Chapter 54, verse 56: On Lord Rama’s reaching Ayodhya, Diwali was celebrated with great fanfare. But this verse throws light on a different Diwali described by Mahatma Shukhdevji. “The city of the Vṛṣṇis appeared most beautiful: there were tall, festive columns, and also archways decorated with flower garlands, cloth banners and precious gems. Arrangements of auspicious, full waterpots, aguru-scented incense, and lamps graced every doorway,” to welcome Lord Krishna and Rukmaniji soon after their marriage.

Chapter 55, verse 7: – In the celebrated epic ‘Ramayana’, Goswami Tulsidassji reveals that when the incarnation of Lord Krishna shall take place in the Dwapar era, Rati, Cupid’s renowned wife, will get back her husband in the form of Krishna’s son Pradyumna. Shukdevji sincerely honours this commitment and narrates the story of their reunion. “Māyāvatī was in fact Cupid's renowned wife, Rati. While waiting for her husband to obtain a new body — his previous one having been burnt up — she had been assigned by Śambara to prepare vegetables and rice. Māyāvatī understood that this infant was actually Kāmadeva, and thus she began to feel love for Him."

This grand miracle throws light on the correlation between the divine scriptures of the ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Bhagavatam’,

Chapter 56, verse 32: Jambavan born in the Ramayan era is reborn during the course of the Dwapar period as he offers his daughter Jambavanti to Lord Krishna. In verses 27-28. Jambavan, the strongest of the strong, authenticates that Lord Krishna is the very same as Lord Vishnu or Lord Rama who crossed the sea to fight Ravana! Truly speaking the entire scenario is the outcome of a divine question put up by King Parikshit to Shukdevji earlier in verse 2 of the chapter, as to why did King Satrajit give his fair daughter, Satyabhama, to the Supreme Lord and divine questions inevitably lead to divine answers.

Chapter 57, verse 24: Shukdevji recollects Mithilapuri of Sitaji as Lord Balrama, the beloved descendant of Yadu, visits it to meet King Videha. He also affirms in verse 42 that whosoever sincerely reads or concentrates on chapters 56 to 58 of the Xth canto, replete with descriptions of Lord Vishnu’s prowess, gets rid of sinful reactions and bestows all auspiciousness, driving away his own infamy coupled with an expiation of his sins, and attains peace.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 5

KRISHNA KIDNAPS RUKMANI

Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya highly recommended that before stepping out in any vehicle, we should sincerely chant:

NARAYANA-NARAYANA-NARAYANA

three times without fail. Accordingly before embarking on any journey be it by plane, car, scooter or bus, we must respectfully invoke the Lord's holy name for our safe well being.

If in modern day times, drivers of cars are important, in the Dwapar era they were also held in high esteem as saarth or charioteer of the ratha or chariot. In the celebrated epic ‘Bhagwad Gita’ Lord Krishna Himself was the Charioteer of Arjuna. Daaruk is His saarthi, during the Dwarka period, driving four horses named Shaivya, Sugreev, Meghpushp and Balaahak(chapter 53,verse 5,Xthcanto’Bhagavatam’) Only after bowing to the Brahmin-God, Lord Krishna mounts the chariot, in class with Ramji as He got onto the rath sent by Lord Indra during the Ramayana war. After religiously paying obeisance to all gods, Brahmins, parents and elders He ventures ahead. During the course of Kaliyuga, the famous Rath-Yatra of Jagannath Puri attracts millions of tourists and pilgrims every year-in the month of July. The episode further illustrates the bonding between ‘Sri Ramcharitmanas’ and ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’.

Pearl no. 5 of Srimad Bhagavatam from theXth canto:

Chapter 53, verse 12: Before marrying off his daughter Rukmaniji to Lord Krishna, her father Bhismaka rewards the Brahmins with gold, silver, clothing, cows and sesame seed mixed with raw sugar. This reflects the King’s outstanding knowledge of regulative principles which signify the importance of offerings to Brahmins.

Verse 25: Elucidates the worship of Gauri Rudrani by Rukmaniji before her marriage to Lord Krishna. The scenario is very similar to Sitaji paying obeisance to Goddess Parvati, Lord Shiva’s wife, in the ‘Baalkand section’ of the epic ‘Ramayana’. In this case Rukmaniji bows humbly before Lord Shiva's divine companion for Her grace and blessings so that marriage with Lord Krishna becomes a possibility. Parvatiji’s son Ganeshji's blessings are invoked humbly to sanction the auspiciousness of the occasion.

Verse 33: The serving of madhu-parka or curd coupled with honey to Lord Krishna-and Balramaji as per standard rituals further underlines the significance of milk since ages.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 4

RUKMANI JI DREAMS OF LORD KRISHNA

Rukmaniji who is in reality Goddess Laxmi incarnate, enlightens us on how to attain the Supreme Lord in this segment of pearl 4.

Chapter 52, verse 40: How to propitiate Lord Narayana is a highly tricky question. And who is better qualified than Laxmiji to throw light on this subject, being the divine companion of the Lord Himself! She elucidates in Her Rukmani incarnation during the Dwapar era that the ways to worship God are:

• Through works of public-utility such as the digging of wells and tanks for the masses, construction of temples, laying out of gardens and distribution of food grains we can please the Lord.
• By following the course of sacrificial performances, charitable gifts, religious observances like a dip in holy waters, fasting, offerings to God, the Brahmins, elders and so on.

And what is the outcome? The Devotee will attain Lord Krishna just as Rukmaniji did! In verse 37, Rukmaniji has already confirmed that She is Goddess Laxmi incarnate, asserting that those who love God, will obtain not only Dharam but Arth, Kaam, Moksha or all the four fruits of life too.

Thus further pearl no. 4 from Srimad Bhagavatam, 10th canto can be mentioned as:

Chapter 52, Verse 2: During the course of Kaliyuga, every thing has a shorter life span and is of lesser value, as is the case with the size of humans, plants, animals and the rest.

Verse 15: Earlier in the IXth canto Leelas of Lord Balramji were discussed. As of now Shukdevji himself refers to this bonding between the two cantos that Lord Balramji was wedded to Rewatiji, daughter of Raiwatji.

Verse 31: Satisfied in whatever he has received has been touted as the greatest virtue of a Brahmin.

Verse 42: Sitaji worshipped Girija Devi along with Lord Shiva and Ganesha in the ‘Ramayana’. In a similar fashion Rukmaniji prays to Parvatiji before marriage. This further proves that Lord Shiva is the Guru of all Vaishnavas since time immemorial.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 3

The gopis or cowherdesses of Vrindavan have been acclaimed as the supreme devotees of Lord Krishna in this draft of pearl 3.

Chapter 47, Verse 61: Two verses of the ‘Bhagavatam’ are overly popular. One of them is BRAHAPEDAM NATWARVAP ( chapter 21,verse5) which transported Mahatma Shukdevji from the forest to his father Vedvyasji for listening to this katha or tale, wherein the gopis glorify the song of Krishna’s flute. The other one is AASAMAHO CHARANRENU ......MRIGYAM. Here Uddhavaji humbly pleads to Lord Krishna' hungering devotees, the gopis or the cowherd girls:

"Oh, let me be incarnated as anyone of the shrubs, creepers or herbs in the woodlands of Vrindabvn, catching the dust of feet of these blessed gopis who successfully trod the path of devotion leading to Lord Krishna -the path which is still to be strenuously sought for even by the Upanishads ......"

We analyse this prayer of Uddhavaji carefully:

• Initially Lord Sri Krishna endorsed gopis as being the highest of devotees, now Uddhavaji the best counsellor of Vrsni dynasty and the direct disciple of Lord Brhaspati (chapter 46,verse1) vouches for it.
• This means, Lord Krishna' appraisal of the gopis was not merely sentimental because In contemporary times even an intellectual Uddhavaji has seconded it.
• Later on when Lord Balramji, power incarnate and attractor of all, visits Vrindavan to console the gopis he exalts them on a similar pedestal (Chapter 65,verses15-16). In short the three basic elements of the heart namely; emotion intellect and strength propagate the gopis as supreme devotees.
  

Chapter 50, Verse 7-14: Lord Krishna repeats the ‘Gita’s’ famous words "Yada yada hi dharmasya ......" which means “To protect good people and annihilate demons, I do incarnate from time to time.” In verse 12 for the very first time, we find a reference to his Vishnu form, replete with four arms and resplendent with his famous divine arsenals. Verses 29-30 clarify that when the Lord plays pranks as a child, we narrate these playful dalliances enthusiastically. In the next 51stChapter, Lord Krishna's form adorned with four arms, eyes like lotuses, wearing a garland of forest flowers and extremely handsome, is consolidated when he appears before King Mucukunda (verse 1-2).

Chapter 51,Verse 38: Here Lord Krishna clarifies that the greatest Sages enumerate his births and activities which take place throughout the three phases of time but never do they reach the end of them. The non-devotees are ignorant about his millions of other names and leelas. The Lord therefore repeats similar words of Guru Gargacharyaji (In the ‘Gita’, too He proclaims Janmam Karmam Ch Me Divyam, 9/IV ........). reflecting the deep respect Lord Krishna has ........a unique quality of Prabhu or Bhagwan.

Chapter 51, Verse 41: Since earlier he was born to King Vasudevji of Yaduvansh dynasty, Lord Krishna will be addressed as ‘VASUDEV’ too.

Chapter 51, Verse 43: We very well know that Lord Krishna is BHAKTAVATSAL which means most graceful to his devotees. He vouches for this quality in the verse to King Mucukunda, “One who has satisfied Me need never lament again.” In verses 50-51 later on, the King is reminded of Lord Krishna's Gita-Gyan which ascertains that every man is mortal and after death, his degrees, kingdom, bravery and other assets are all futile.

Chapter 51, Verse 61: A quote from Lord Krishna verbatim to King Mucukanda:Yunjanam Bhaktaanaam Pranayam adibhimanah, Akshinvaasnam raajan drishyate punrutthita. The excerpt means that if one is not the Lord's devotee, just breath-control may not suffice to keep his mind away from vices, “Hence Kings worship Me”. During the course of Sata, Treta and Dwapar eras the demons Hiranyakashipu, Ravan and Kamsa were physically robust but morally very corrupt. Consequently the Lord had to incarnate himself as Narsingh Bhagwan, Lord Rama and Lord Krishna to put an end to their reign of terror

.

Chapter 51, Verse 62: Killing of living beings by King Mucukunda, a Kshatriya, is considered highly sinful, so he has to atone for these sins by penance and only then strive to become a Brahmin. The episode also endorses the fact that a Brahmin Yoni is very tough to attain and we must always revere it.

Since the Xth canto is a vast one composed of up to 90 chapters, we shall continue spotting pearls in the ocean of the ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 2

Raas-panchadhyaya is the title given to this compilation of five chapters 29-33 which reveal the search of the impassioned soul for union with Lord Krishna. Starting with the gopis' tryst with Lord Krishna for the raas, going on to their search for Krishna, followed by the songs of separation,coupled with the gopis reunion with Lord Krishna, culminating with the rapturous Raas Dance. Anyone who hears or describes the above sections will attain the Lord's dedicated devotion and conquer lust.


Chapter 23, verse 13: Lord Krishna advises his friends not be dismayed by failure, assuring them that constant efforts do yield results. Actually, in verses 15 to 24, chapter 25, his father, Nandbaba, remembers Guru Gargacharyaji 's blessings, that those who lovingly devoted to Lord Krishna need not fear enemies, either externally or within oneself.

This is in class with Mahatma Shukdevji 's blessings (IXth canto, chapter XXIV,verses61-67) that if we chant his name and leelas, we certainly attain the heights of elation and ecstacy. Since earlier he was born to Vasudev and Devaki, the Lord will be addressed as Vasudev. Non-devotees are unaware of his millions of other names and divine play. Lord Krishna himself vouches for these wordings of Guru Gargacharyaji in verse 38 of the 51st chapter. In the epic ‘Shrimad Bhagwad Gita’ he proclaims JANMAM KARMAM CH ME DIVYAM, 9/IV. This also reflects the great faith Nandbaba had in his guru, Gargacharyaji Maharaj, a true quality of a Vaishnava.

Chapter 28, verse 1: Nandbaba keeping a fast on Kartik, Shukla and Ekadasi is rescued from Varunlok by Lord Krishna. The incident endorses the importance of a Ekadasi fast along with the concept that we should not bathe in a river at night. Thus the Lord preaches to us by citing his father's example!

Chapter 34: The chapter elaborates upon the Shivratri fast, the worship of Lord Shivji and Parvatiji by Lord Krishna's parents, all Vrajvasis in Ambikavan as well as the salvation of serpent Sudarshan and yaksha Shankhchur.

Chapters 29-33: Hailed as Raas-panchadhyay or five chapters of the individuated soul’s and Lord Krishna’s union. Since each verse is highly significant, please read these chapters conscientiously along with a commentary of Gita-press by Bhai Hanuman Prasad Poddarji. If you go through them sincerely, all vices shall vanish, such is the conviction of Mahatma Shukdevji.

Chapter 32: Lord Krishna declares that the gopis or cowherdesses, steeped in his love, are his uppermost devotees.

If we carefully go through chapters 28 and 34 above, we find that chapter 29 preceding the Raaslila and chapter 33 succeeding Raaslila glorify sanctity in life by means of fasts coupled with the divinity of Lord Krishna going to Varunlok and killings demons. This is in continuation of the link between the 9th and 10th cantos of the 'Bhagavatam'.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Pearl 1

Devotees of Vrindavan are rasiks or folks moved by passionate religious devotion for Lord Krishna who resides in the ‘Srimad Bhagavatam’ Himself. Here we focus on spotting pearls of wisdom in the voluminous Holy Scripture, starting with the Xth canto.

Chapter 20, verse 8: Kaliyuga has many factions which are actually degrading as illustrated in the celebrated epic ‘Ramayana’ in its ‘Uttarkhand’ section. Even if one happens to be a Yogi or Saint he may get tarnished by vices if not fully devoted to the worship of Lord Krishna (verse14).

Thus in verse 34 Mahatma Shukdevji affirms that the Lord's devotion is essential for all the four ashrams comprised of Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vaanprastha and Sanyasa.

Chapter 21, verse 5: This is the most important verse of 'Bhagavatam', which transported Mahatma Shukdevji to the Vrindavana forests because his father, Vedvyasaji, wanted to impart the knowledge of the 'Srimad Bhagavatam' to him. The verse is barhapeedam natwarvapu karnaya ....geetkirti which means:

“Exhibiting (before their mental eyes) an exquisite form resembling that of an actor (on the stage ), adorned with a crest of peacock feathers, wearing karnikara blossoms on his ears, a wreath of flowers of five different hues and a golden cloth around his loins, and filling the holes of his flute with the nectar of his lips (as it were ), the Lord (they felt )entered Vrinadavana. Charming with his footprints found at every step and his glory being sung by herds of cowherd boys ". This scenario enchanted all beings and induced the gopis or cowherdesses to sing the famous Gopi-Geet in chapter 21.”

Chapter 22, verse 26: Lord Krishna himself vouches that once a person achieves the Lord, vices cannot tarnish his soul.

Srimad Bhagavatam: Introduction

We ought to be fully aware of the present day scenario of our social order which is no longer segregated by geographical boundaries to particular countries or communities. The spectrum of humanity is broader than in the Middle Ages and globally we are inclined towards one civilization at large. The ideals of ‘Shrimad Bhagavatam’ broadly underline the oneness of human society.

In the new millennium amidst unprecedented prosperity, we are no longer fumbling in the darkness of oblivion. But surely there is something missing, the mind is restive, our thoughts run riot. There is a gaping need to attain a sense of peace which is intrinsic for a sense of well being. Stilling our inner restlessness the ‘Shrimad Bhagavatam’ fits this niche perfectly, as we reach the heights of elation and ecstacy.

In the 'Shrimad Bhagwat Gita' Lord Krishna is portrayed as a statesman and philosopher at large, revealing the nature of time and duty to a dejected Arjuna on the field of Kurukshetra. The 'Shrimad Bhagavatam' deals with the divine play or leelas of Lord Krishna's enigmatic manifestation which distinguishes him from all other devtas; which is both real and illusionary which makes him both human and divine at the same time, becoming him most of all.

Its twelve cantos bequeath to us a vast visual record of his playful dalliance, as Vishnu Incarnate. Delighting in play, he endears himself and brings delight to all his bhaktas. We start with verses from the Xth canto which bring to light the transcendental glories of Lord Krishna. There is a dire need for the knowledge of moksha or redemption, which frees us from the cycle of birth and re-birth in modern day society to alleviate suffering. The all-enveloping serenity of 'Shrimad Bhagavatam' satiates the perennial quest of mankind for union with the divine.

Our confidence of a good response is based on the powerful Shrimad Bhagavatam statement:

“On the other hand that literature which is full with descriptions of the transcendental glories of the name, fame, form and pastimes of the unlimited Supreme Lord is a divine creation meant to bring out a revolution in the impious life of a misdirected civilization.. Such excellent literature even though irregularly composed is heard, sung and accepted by dedicated devotees who are thoroughly honest.”