During the hot summer months in Sri Dham Mayapur, Sri Sri Radha Madhava enjoy many beautiful and refreshing water pastimes. One of the most special times for these pastimes is during the Candana-yatra season, when Their Lordships are lovingly covered with sandalwood paste to keep Them cool. Following this, another sweet festival takes place—the Salila Vihar Festival, which begins just after Narasimha Caturdashi. The purpose of this festival is to offer pleasure and comfort to the Divine Couple during the intense summer heat. Devotees lovingly arrange for Their Lordships to enjoy soothing water pastimes in a sacred and joyful atmosphere.
In the Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Antya-lila, Chapter 10, verses 41–52, Srila Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami gives a glimpse of such water pastimes experienced by Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His devotees: “When they met the Lord, they began to cry loudly in ecstatic love. Because of the pastimes in the water, there was great jubilation on the shore, with music, singing, chanting, and dancing creating a tumultuous sound. Indeed, the chanting and crying of the Gaudiya Vaishnavas mixed and created a tumultuous sound vibration that filled the entire universe. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu entered the water with His devotees and began His pastimes with them in great jubilation.” Inspired by these loving examples, the devotees of Mayapur arrange a beautiful setting for Sri Sri Radha Madhava to enjoy Their own Salila Vihar. A lotus-shaped pond is filled with hundreds of blooming lotuses, each containing sacred tulasi leaves, and in the center of this pond, Radha Madhava are seated on an elegant flower throne under a canopy made entirely of fragrant flowers. Gentle fountains sprinkle lotus- and tulasi-scented water to cool Their transcendental bodies.
As the evening unfolds, devotees gather around the pond, holding scented flowers and tulasi leaves. Each person is given a special name of Sri Radha from the Radhika-Ashtottara-sata-nama stotram or Sri Krishna from the Krishna-Ashtottara-sata-nama stotram—a total of 108 names for each. These names are offered lovingly to the Lord along with the flowers, as a deep and personal act of devotion. Once all 216 names are offered, Sri Sri Radha Madhava retire for the night, and devotees are invited to receive the maha-lotus flowers from the sacred pond. These lotuses, soaked in the cooling water of the Lord’s pastimes, are lovingly placed on the heads of the devotees, offering both physical relief and spiritual joy. In previous years, this service was often performed by His Grace Jananivas Prabhu, the head pujari of Mayapur, whose gentle and affectionate presence added to the sacredness of the moment. Whether by him or other dedicated pujaris, the experience remains deeply touching, as devotees leave blissfully drenched in mercy and cooled by divine love.
The festival concludes with the distribution of maha-fruits from Radha Madhava’s bhoga—mangoes, bananas, apples, and other sweet seasonal fruits are joyfully honored by all present. Every evening for one whole month, Sri Sri Radha Madhava continue to enjoy these cooling and joyful water pastimes, surrounded by Their loving devotees.
Let us pray to one day witness or serve these sweet pastimes, and remember that just hearing about them brings deep spiritual joy.
In just four days, it will be Narasimha Caturdashi! ugram viram maha-vishnum jvalantam sarvato mukham”!
As we prepare our hearts for the glorious appearance of Lord Narasimhadeva — the fiercest yet most compassionate incarnation of the Supreme Lord, who appeared solely to protect His pure devotee, Prahlada Maharaja.
His appearance reminds us of an eternal truth:
No matter how dark the times, how powerful the enemy, or how alone the devotee feels — the Lord will come. Even through a pillar, if He must.
To celebrate this sacred occasion of Narasimha Caturdashi, let’s meditate on the nine most powerful and divine forms of Lord Narasimha, revealed in the sacred forests of Ahobilam, each to a unique mood of protection.
1. Ahobila Narasimha
Residing in a cave, this is the main deity of Ahobilam. Here, the Lord appeared in His most ferocious form, just after slaying Hiranyakashipu. His name, “Ahobila,” comes from “Aho” (wonder!) and “bila” (cave).
2. Jwala Narasimha
Jwala Narasimha is the form where the Lord’s anger reaches its peak — eyes like fire, roaring like thunder, tearing apart adharma. This form is a reminder that no injustice goes unseen.
3. Malola Narasimha
After His wrath had subsided, Lord Narasimha sat down with Lakshmi Devi upon His lap. “Ma” refers to Lakshmi, and “Lola” means beloved. This is the most pleasing and approachable form — the Lord full of affection, smiling upon His devotees, ready to grant shelter and grace.
4. Krodha Narasimha (Varaha Narasimha)
This rare and powerful form shows Lord Narasimha with features of Varaha, His boar incarnation. He represents the force that lifts the Earth and protects the Vedas, destroying pride and restoring balance in creation.
5. Karanja Narasimha
Located under a Karanja tree, this form is worshipped even by Hanuman Himself. Here, Lord Narasimha wields a bow, showing His Ramachandra-like valor. He is the protector of the humble and the upholder of dharma.
6. Bhargava Narasimha
Worshipped by Parashurama, the warrior-sage of the Bhargava lineage, this form is invoked to conquer pride and arrogance. A powerful guardian for those struggling with ego or injustice.
7. Yogananda Narasimha
After destroying the demon, Lord Narasimha taught the secrets of yoga and inner peace to Prahlada Maharaja. In this form, He sits serenely, embodying divine stillness, and inspires us toward spiritual discipline and surrender.
8. Chatravata Narasimha
Surrounded by a natural canopy of trees, this enchanting form is worshipped by the Gandharvas — celestial musicians. He is the Lord of melody and beauty, and bestows creativity, joy, and inspiration to all who sing His glories.
9. Pavana Narasimha
Deep within the forest lies Pavana Narasimha, the most peaceful and sanctifying form. “Pavana” means purifier. Even the most fallen souls, when they approach Him with humility, are uplifted and cleansed by His mercy.
Meditate, Celebrate, and Take Shelter
These forms are not just historical or mythological — they are eternally present, waiting for the devotee’s call. As Narasimha Caturdashi approaches, let us open our hearts, chant His names, and pray:
"O Lord Narasimhadeva, remover of all fear, please reside within my heart. Protect me from the demons of doubt, despair, and pride. Guide me toward truth, devotion, and fearlessness."
Jaya Jaya Sri Narasimhadeva!
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Narasimha-Caturdasi
Today is the seventh day of the Chandan Yatra, concluding the first special seven days of this divine summer festival, where each day, our beloved Lords are adorned in unique and exquisite vesas (outfits) as part of their cooling sandalwood pastimes.
Our beloved Madhava and Chota Madhava appeared today in the majestic Chakra Narayana Vesa, completely draped in blue — a vision reminiscent of Sri Krishna in Vrindavan Dham, immersed in the transcendental moods of the divine forest.
Alongside this, we reflect on a heartfelt prayer from Śrī Rūpa Gosvāmī (Padyāvalī):
“The elephant of my mind is drowning in the waters of material illusion. Strongly held by the ferocious crocodile of the threefold miseries, it anxiously cries with fear in its heart. O Lord Hari, please rescue it with Your glowing Sudarśana cakra, which cuts the sufferings of the demigods to pieces.”
Let us offer the struggles of our minds at the Lord’s feet and remember His Sudarśana, which can dispel all darkness and suffering.
Today is also the final day of the Boat Festival for Chota Radha Madhava, who have delighted us for seven nights with Their blissful boat pastimes. Their gentle swaying upon the sacred waters has touched the hearts of thousands.
But the celebrations continue! Very soon, we will welcome the Boat Festival of Lord Jagannatha, the Lord of the Universe!
Just yesterday, Lord Jagannatha was dressed in the stunning Govardhana Vesa, draped in blue — symbolizing His mighty pastime of lifting Govardhana Hill and sheltering the Vrajavasis.
May these first seven days of Chandan Yatra forever cool our hearts, purify our minds, and deepen our love for the Lord. The journey continues, and so does the joy!
Jaya Jagannatha! Jaya Radha Madhava!
Today, the Lords appear in Their Khat Doli Vesa, gracefully enjoying Their eternal swing pastimes beneath the lush groves of Vrindavan. As the golden swing sways gently from a flowering tree, Their transcendental beauty captivates the hearts of all who behold Them.
As described in Bhakti Ratnakara by Pundarika Vidyanidhi:
“Krishna is enjoying the beauty of Radha-kunda.
The kunda is full of pure water and lotuses.
Bumblebees hum amongst the lotuses, and the gentle wind causes small ripples in the water.
Aquatics move pleasurably through the water.
The banks of the kunda are decorated with different kinds of gems.
The covered terrace on the bank is decorated with painted pictures.
The abode of Cupid bows its head, feeling inferior.
The birds and peacocks sing and dance as Radha and Krishna swing on a golden gem-studded swing hanging from the tree.”
Today’s darshan invites us into this beautiful realm of Chota Radha Madhava — where the divine love swings to the rhythm of birdsong, and every breeze carries the scent of eternity.
Sri Radha Madhava Ki Jai!!!
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