Today, here in Mayapur, we celebrated the 1st Disappearance Anniversary of H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
It feels like it was only yesterday that we were struck by the news of Maharaj's departure — a moment we weren’t prepared for. Yet, isn't it so remarkable how Krishna has His perfect timing in calling back His dear devotees?
Maharaj’s life is a shining example of how a true Vaishnava should live. Anyone who visited Mayapur would often see Maharaj attending Mangal Arati — whether at the Sri Narasimhadeva altar, Pancha Tattva, or Sri Sri Radha Madhava's altar — regardless of the challenges Maharaj faced with his health.
During major festivals, especially Gaura Purnima, Maharaj would always make the effort to be present among us, embodying the true spirit of a Vaishnava by his humble and devoted lifestyle.
This year’s Gaura Purnima felt very different without Maharaj physically present. Yet, deep in our hearts, we know he is still keeping an eye on all of us, guiding us silently. We pray that we can genuinely imbibe his glorious example in our own lives.
The Art of Dying
Srila Prabhupada taught us the sacred Art of Dying, and H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj is the perfect living example of it.
In Kartik 2023, Maharaj personally visited the Vaishnava Samadhi area at ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Gaushala, Sri Vrindavan Dham, to humbly select the location for his own Samadhi. After entering his Nitya Lila, Maharaj was placed exactly where he had desired — amidst the Samadhis of other great Vaishnavas and Vaishnavis.
For ordinary people, the thought of death brings fear. But pure devotees live in such a way that even in their passing, they become shining examples for the whole world.
Srila Prabhupada explained it beautifully:
The kitten feels pleasure: “Oh, my mother is carrying me.”
The deer feels terror: “Oh, now I’m going to die.”
Though both devotees and non-devotees leave their bodies, the feeling is worlds apart.
Today's Celebration Schedule in Mayapur:
Venue: TOVP Pujari Floor
Date: 25th April 2025 (Friday)
Schedule:
10:30 am – 10:45 am: Vaishnava Songs & Kirtan
10:45 am – 11:00 am: Video lecture by H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Glorifications by Srila Prabhupada’s Disciples, Senior Leaders & Devotees
Special glorification video by Prabhupada disciples
1:00 pm: Bhoga Offering & Life Journey Video of H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj
1:30 pm: Pushpanjali & Arati
2:00 pm: Sumptuous Lunch Prasadam
Maharaj, we miss you dearly. We pray to carry forward your legacy of service, humility, and unwavering devotion.
Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi
As narrated by Lord Krishna in the Padma Purana to Maharaja Yudhishthira
Maharaja Yudhishthira once humbly inquired from Lord Krishna:
"O Janardana, please describe to me the merits of the Ekadashi that falls in the dark fortnight of the month of Vaishakha (April–May). What is its name, and what benefits does one receive by observing it?"
Lord Sri Krishna replied:
O King! Varuthini Ekadashi is extremely auspicious, rare, and purifying. Fasting on this day destroys all sins, grants fortune, protects from evil influences, and paves the way to liberation.
The Story of Kind Mandata
There once was a great and noble king named Mandhata, renowned for his piety and adherence to dharma. Although he ruled his kingdom wisely, he desired liberation from material existence. On the advice of learned sages, he strictly observed Varuthini Ekadashi.
By doing so with complete devotion—engaging in fasting, prayer, and remembrance of Lord Vishnu—he was released from all his sins and ultimately attained liberation (moksha), going back to the eternal abode of Lord Hari.
The Redemption of King Dhundhumara
Another glorious example is that of King Dhundhumara, a member of the prestigious Ikshvaku dynasty. He was once cursed by Lord Shiva due to an offense and was afflicted with leprosy as a result.
Struck by intense suffering and shame, he wandered helplessly until he encountered saintly sages who advised him to observe Varuthini Ekadashi with sincerity and strictness.
King Dhundhumara fasted and stayed awake all night glorifying Lord Vishnu. Through the power of that one sacred observance, the king was miraculously freed from his curse, regained his health, and his kingdom, and attained the mercy of the Lord.
Merits of Observing Varuthini Ekadashi
• Equal to ten thousand years of austere penance.
• Greater than giving gold in charity during a solar eclipse.
• More beneficial than donating land, elephants, sesame, gold, or food grains.
• All such merits are easily attained by observing Varuthini Ekadashi with devotion.
Even one who hears or reads these glories receives the merit of donating one thousand cows, and is assured of reaching the Vaikuntha planets, the eternal spiritual realm.
The foundation stone has been laid for a historic new temple in Birnagar, the birthplace of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur!
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, born Kedarnath Datta, was a revered saint, scholar, and pioneer of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. A distinguished High Court judge in Jagannath Puri, he was also a deep devotee whose life was dedicated to reviving and spreading the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Among his many contributions, he was the first to present the profound philosophy of Gaudiya Vaishnavism to the English-speaking world, thus planting the seeds of Krishna consciousness far beyond the borders of India.
He was the father of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakur, who later became the founder of the Gaudiya Math and the spiritual master of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.
Bhaktivinoda Thakur boldly envisioned a future where devotees from around the world—regardless of birth or background—would chant the holy names in unity. Srila Prabhupada took this vision to heart and fulfilled it by carrying the Sankirtan movement across continents, establishing Krishna consciousness in every major city of the world.
In deep connection to this legacy, Srila Prabhupada expressed a strong desire to see a beautiful temple rise at the very birthplace of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. He once said:
"I wish that a nice temple be constructed there [in Birnagar] and a well-equipped library and Bhaktivinoda Memorial Hall be established."
— Srila Prabhupada, Letter to Bhavananda, 14 August 1976
This dream is now beginning to manifest.
From the 12th to the 13th of April, thousands of devotees joined in a grand procession to Birnagar. On the 13th, a sacred Bhumi Puja ceremony was held to invoke auspiciousness and seek blessings for the successful completion of this cherished project.
By Krishna’s mercy and the blessings of our acharyas, a new temple will now be built—one that will glorify the life and teachings of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and fulfill the heartfelt desire of Srila Prabhupada.
Feeling inspired to support this project, please visit our general donation page! https://www.mayapur.com/donations/donationform/general kindly mention the purpose of your donation to enable us keep track of it!
Jaya Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur!
Jaya Srila Prabhupada!
On this most auspicious day of Sri Ram Navami, the appearance day of Lord Ramachandra, we send you our heartfelt blessings and warm greetings from Sri Mayapur Dham.
Here in Mayapur, the celebration began early with a blissful Darshan Arati of Lord Ramachandra, where devotees beheld His divine form, beautifully decorated and glowing with love. During Srimad Bhagavatam class, we heard about His glorious leelas, including the story of how He crossed the ocean to rescue Mother Sita – a perfect example of divine love, courage, and dharma.
After the bhoga offering, lovingly prepared by our Mayapur community devotees, we had flower puspanjali and kirtans that echoed the glories of Lord Rama. The temple filled with the sound of "Jaya Sita Rama!" as we offered our prayers and songs.
Later today, the celebration continues with a vibrant procession of Lord Ramachandra, accompanied by Harinama Sankirtan throughout the ISKCON campus, spreading divine joy and blessings to all.
Here is a small pastime from the Srimad-Bhagavatam, beautifully describing Lord Ramachandra's character:
“Although Lord Ramacandra knew that Ravana was the very form of lust, He still kept His promise and behaved just like an ordinary human being. He could have killed Ravana in an instant, but instead, He chose to follow the codes of chivalry and righteousness. Thus, He taught by His own example that one should uphold dharma even in the face of difficulty.”
(SB 9.10.20, Purport)
Read More from Srimad Bhagavatam
We wish you a blissful Ramanavami!
Vyasa Puja Update – HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj!
It’s truly from mercy to mercy here in Mayapur, as we now prepare for the grand celebration of the 76th Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj – a living inspiration to thousands of devotees around the world.
The festivities will commence tomorrow with the Adhivas Ceremony being the 7th of April!
Maharaj has just returned from his annual South India Safari – a spiritual tour that takes place every year just after Gaura Purnima. This year, Maharaj and the devotees visited several districts across South India, igniting hearts with kirtan, teachings, and devotion. Now, he is back in Sri Dham Mayapur, ready to bless us all during this most cherished celebration.
Upcoming Festivals to Look Forward To
Mark your calendars for the coming celebrations this Spring Season:
April 12
Sri Balarama Rasayatra
Sri Krishna Vasanta Rasa
Appearance of Radha Kunda & Snana Dana
Sri Vamsivadana Thakura – Appearance
Sri Syamananda Prabhu – Appearance
April 14 - Sri Tulasi Jala Dan Begins
April 27 - Appearance Day of Sri Gadadhara Pandita
April 30 - Akshaya Tritiya and the beginning of Candan Yatra (21 days of fragrant service to the Lord!)
SAVE THE DATE: LORD NARASIMHA CATURDASHI
11th May 2025
Please join us for one of the most cherished festivals in the year – Lord Narasimhadeva’s Appearance Day. Known as the fierce protector of His devotees, Lord Narasimhadeva appeared to uphold truth and shield Prahlada Maharaj from danger. His love is bold, protective, and infinite.
Let’s come together to honor Him with devotional offerings, Abhishek, kirtans, and seva, right here in the holy land of Mayapur.
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Narasimha-Caturdasi
We are so grateful for your continued support and prayers. It is through your generosity and connection that these divine festivals can be celebrated with grandeur and love.
Wishing you a blessed Sri Rama Navami filled with the strength, compassion, and shelter of Lord Ramachandra. May His glories always reside in your heart.
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