Who can protect us as wonderfully as Śrī Kṛṣṇa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead?
tasmān mac-charaṇaṁ goṣṭhaṁ
man-nāthaṁ mat-parigraham
gopāye svātma-yogena
so ’yaṁ me vrata āhitaḥ
I must therefore protect the cowherd community by My transcendental potency, for I am their shelter, I am their master, and indeed they are My own family. After all, I have taken a vow to protect My devotees.
When Indra sent torrential rains upon Vṛndāvana, Kṛṣṇa lifted Govardhana Hill with His little finger, giving shelter to the residents of Vraja. For seven days, they remained safely beneath the hill, experiencing the Lord’s loving protection.
“When it was needed to protect the inhabitants of Vṛndāvana, He lifted a big hill, and since then His name is Giri-vara-dhārī.”
On this auspicious day, let us come together to worship Giri-Govardhana, remember Kṛṣṇa’s loving protection, and offer our gratitude through service.
Govardhana Puja Programme
4:30 AM — Maṅgala Ārati
7:00 AM — Darśana Ārati
11:00 AM — Mahā Abhiṣeka
11:40 AM — Bhoga Ārati, followed by Annakūṭa
1:00 PM — Prasādam Distribution
Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Class
By HG Rāmeśvara Prabhu
Devotees who feel inspired to contribute towards the offerings and arrangements are warmly invited to participate in this seva, according to their desire and capacity, for the pleasure of the Lord.
May we all find shelter at the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa, Giri-Govardhana-dhārī!
DONATE: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Govardhan
Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Celebrating the Return of Lord Rāmacandra and the Glories of Offering Lamps to the Supreme Lord
Dīpāvalī, popularly known as the festival of lights, is one of the most auspicious celebrations in the Vedic tradition. The word Dīpāvalī means a row of lamps. Celebrated during the sacred month of Kārtika, this festival commemorates the glorious return of Lord Śrī Rāmacandra to Ayodhyā after fourteen years of exile and His victory over the demon king Rāvaṇa.
Dīpāvalī carries a profound spiritual significance, reminding us of the victory of righteousness over evil and the importance of welcoming the Supreme Lord into our hearts through devotion. Its observance during Kārtika makes it even more special, as this entire month is considered exceptionally dear to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
The Glorious Return of Lord Rāmacandra
The pastime of Dīpāvalī is connected with the transcendental pastimes of Lord Rāmacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Following the instructions of His father, Mahārāja Daśaratha, Lord Rāmacandra accepted fourteen years of exile in the forest. Accompanied by Mother Sītā and His devoted younger brother Lakṣmaṇa, the Lord spent these years demonstrating the highest ideals of truthfulness, sacrifice, compassion and righteousness.
During this period, the demon king Rāvaṇa abducted Mother Sītā and carried Her to Laṅkā. To rescue Her and establish the principles of dharma, Lord Rāmacandra received the devoted assistance of Hanumān, Sugrīva and the vāṇara army. After a great battle, the Lord defeated Rāvaṇa and rescued Mother Sītā, demonstrating the ultimate victory of divine power over material arrogance.
Upon completing His fourteen years of exile, Lord Rāmacandra returned to Ayodhyā with Mother Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa and His associates. The residents of Ayodhyā were overwhelmed with joy at the return of their beloved Lord. They decorated their homes and illuminated the streets with countless oil lamps, transforming the entire kingdom into a radiant celebration of love and devotion.
This joyful homecoming is remembered through the celebration of Dīpāvalī.
Dīpāvalī and the Sacred Month of Kārtika
Dīpāvalī is celebrated during Kārtika Māsa, also known as the month of Dāmodara. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, Kārtika is regarded as one of the most spiritually beneficial months of the year and is especially dear to Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
This month is particularly associated with the beautiful pastime of Mother Yaśodā binding little Kṛṣṇa with ropes around His waist. Although the Supreme Lord is unlimited and beyond the reach of material understanding, He willingly allowed Himself to be bound by the pure love of His mother. This wonderful pastime reveals that the Supreme Lord is conquered not by wealth, power or knowledge, but by sincere and unconditional love.
During Kārtika, devotees especially worship Lord Dāmodara by offering lamps, singing the Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭaka prayers and remembering His childhood pastimes. The offering of a lamp is a simple yet deeply meaningful expression of devotion, and devotees throughout the world take this opportunity to offer lamps to the Lord throughout the month.
Thus, Dīpāvalī becomes a particularly auspicious occasion within Kārtika, connecting the celebration of Lord Rāmacandra's glorious return with the special observance of offering lamps to Lord Dāmodara.
The Special Glories of Offering Lamps in Kārtika
The offering of lamps during Kārtika is described in Vaiṣṇava scriptures as an exceptionally auspicious devotional activity. The Skanda Purāṇa describes the special spiritual benefits of offering a lamp to Lord Keśava during this sacred month.
The Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭaka, traditionally recited during Kārtika, glorifies the Lord who was bound by Mother Yaśodā's love. In its final verse, Śrīla Satyavrata Muni prays to offer his loving obeisances to Lord Dāmodara by offering a lamp.
The significance of this offering is not merely in the light produced by the flame, but in the devotion and loving intention with which it is offered. Even a small lamp, when offered with a sincere heart, becomes a beautiful expression of surrender to the Supreme Lord.
Some of the spiritual benefits of observing Kārtika include:
Purification of the heart: Devotional activities performed during Kārtika help purify the heart and deepen one's attachment to the Supreme Lord.
Growth in devotion: Hearing the Lord's pastimes, chanting His holy names and offering lamps encourage sincere remembrance and loving service.
Receiving the Lord's mercy: The offering of lamps is an expression of love and devotion through which devotees seek the mercy of Lord Dāmodara.
Spiritual advancement: Observing the vows and devotional practices of Kārtika provides an opportunity to strengthen one's spiritual life.
Developing loving remembrance: Remembering the Lord's intimate childhood pastimes helps devotees appreciate His sweetness and personal nature.
How Can We Observe Dīpāvalī During Kārtika?
Devotees can make this occasion spiritually meaningful through simple devotional activities:
Offer ghee lamps to Lord Dāmodara and sing the Śrī Dāmodarāṣṭaka prayers.
Chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra and participate in congregational kīrtana.
Hear and read the transcendental pastimes of Lord Rāmacandra and Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
Offer prayers to Lord Rāma, Sītā Devī, Lakṣmaṇa and Hanumān.
Distribute prasādam and share the Lord's mercy with others.
Continue the daily observances and devotional vows of the sacred month of Kārtika.
Let the Light of Devotion Illuminate Our Hearts
Dīpāvalī reminds us of the joy experienced by the residents of Ayodhyā when their beloved Lord returned home. Kārtika, meanwhile, reminds us of the extraordinary sweetness of Lord Dāmodara, who willingly became bound by the pure love of Mother Yaśodā.
Both pastimes reveal the same eternal truth: the Supreme Lord is pleased by sincere love and devotion.
As we celebrate Dīpāvalī during this sacred month, let us illuminate our homes with lamps and, more importantly, illuminate our hearts with the light of bhakti. Let us take advantage of this auspicious period to increase our chanting, hearing, service and remembrance of the Supreme Lord.
May Lord Dāmodara and Lord Śrī Rāmacandra bless us with the opportunity to deepen our devotion and engage eternally in Their loving service.
Śrī Dāmodara Bhagavān ki jaya!
Śrī Sītā-Rāma ki jaya!
Śrī Kārtika Māsa ki jaya!
Remembering the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON
The disappearance day of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada is a sacred occasion for devotees throughout the world to remember his extraordinary life, teachings, and boundless compassion. Though he is no longer physically present among us, his divine instructions, books, and loving service continue to guide millions on the path of Krishna consciousness.
Born as Abhay Charan De on 1 September 1896 in Calcutta, Srila Prabhupada was destined to fulfil the divine mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In 1922, he first met his spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who instructed him to preach the message of Lord Chaitanya in the English-speaking world. Srila Prabhupada accepted this instruction as the mission of his life.
At the advanced age of seventy, carrying little more than a few copies of his translated books and an unwavering faith in the holy name, Srila Prabhupada travelled to America aboard the cargo ship Jaladuta in 1965. After arriving in New York, he faced immense difficulties, but his determination never weakened. Through his tireless preaching, he established the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1966, giving people across the world the opportunity to experience the timeless teachings of Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Within just a few years, the Hare Krishna movement spread across continents. Srila Prabhupada established temples, farm communities, schools, and publishing centres, and inspired his disciples to distribute the holy names through congregational chanting. He travelled around the world fourteen times, wrote numerous books, and translated the essential scriptures of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition for the benefit of humanity.
Yet, beyond his extraordinary achievements, Srila Prabhupada's greatest gift was his unconditional compassion. He saw every living being as an eternal servant of Krishna and tirelessly worked to awaken their forgotten relationship with the Supreme Lord. Through his books, he made the deepest spiritual truths accessible to people from every background.
In 1972, Srila Prabhupada established the magnificent Sri Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir project in Sri Mayapur Dham, envisioning it as a spiritual centre that would attract people from all over the world. His vision continues to inspire devotees to serve the holy Dham and share the mercy of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
On 14 November 1977, Srila Prabhupada departed from this world in Sri Vrindavan Dham, surrounded by his loving disciples, while hearing the holy names of Krishna. His physical departure was not an end to his mission. Through his books, instructions, and the spiritual society he established, he remains eternally present to guide and inspire sincere seekers.
On this sacred disappearance day, let us remember Srila Prabhupada with gratitude and humility. The greatest offering we can make to him is to sincerely study his books, follow his instructions, chant the holy names, and share the message of Krishna consciousness with others.
Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!
Among the intimate associates of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Vasudeva Ghosh Thakur holds a very special place. He was renowned for his extraordinary musical talent, heartfelt devotional compositions, and deep love for Lord Gauranga. Along with his brothers, Sri Govinda Ghosh and Sri Madhava Ghosh, he became one of the foremost singers in the Sankirtana movement inaugurated by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
The three brothers were celebrated throughout Gauda-desha for their melodious kirtana. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was especially pleased to hear their singing, and their kirtana would fill the hearts of devotees with spiritual ecstasy. Sri Madhava Ghosh was particularly expert in singing, while Vasudeva Ghosh was celebrated for his devotional songs glorifying the Lord. Their combined service greatly enhanced the beauty of the Lord's Sankirtana pastimes.
Sri Vasudeva Ghosh was among the principal devotees who participated in the annual Ratha-yatra festival in Jagannatha Puri. During the festival, Lord Chaitanya would organize different Sankirtana groups, each filled with exalted devotees singing and dancing in great ecstasy. Vasudeva Ghosh and his associates participated in these transcendental kirtanas, giving great pleasure to the Lord.
His devotional compositions reveal the depth of his love for Sri Gauranga. One of his most celebrated songs begins:
“Yadi Gaura na hoito, tabe ki hoito…”
“If Lord Gauranga had not appeared, what would have become of us?”
In this heartfelt composition, Vasudeva Ghosh expresses that without the merciful appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the world would have remained deprived of the treasure of divine love. Lord Gauranga descended to distribute the highest gift of Krishna-prema through the chanting of the holy names, without considering one's qualification or background.
The Chaitanya-charitamrita glorifies Vasudeva Ghosh as a devotee whose kirtana possessed extraordinary spiritual potency. His singing was so deeply devotional that even the hardest hearts could be moved. His songs were not merely musical compositions but heartfelt offerings at the lotus feet of Sri Gauranga.
According to Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, Sri Vasudeva Ghosh spent his later years in Tamluk, West Bengal. His Sripat remains a sacred place associated with his life and devotional service, where devotees remember his contribution to the Sankirtana movement.
Sri Vasudeva Ghosh Thakur left behind a priceless legacy of devotional songs that continue to inspire Vaishnavas. His life teaches us that the highest perfection of music is to glorify the Supreme Lord and awaken devotion in the hearts of others.
On his disappearance day, let us remember this great associate of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and pray for his mercy, so that we too may develop a sincere desire to sing the glories of Sri Gauranga and participate in the congregational chanting of the holy names.
