The Puranas explain why the Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna appears in Puri Dham as Dharu-brahma. King Indradyumna once found three logs of wood in the ocean. Lord Krishna personally came to Indradyumna disguised as Viswakarma in order to carve the deities from the logs. He instructed the king to leave Him alone for twenty-one days inside the room. Viswakarma warned that if anyone opened the door before twenty-one days, the deities carving would remain incomplete.

Fifteen days passed and no sounds of carving could be heard from the room. Queen Gundicha suspected that the old carpenter was dead inside due to want of food. She asked the king to open the door and investigate. The king objected to this proposal, wanting to follow the instruction of the carpenter, but being forced by the queen he opened the door. He was shocked to discover that the carpenter had disappeared. To the king’s sadness, the deities construction was unfinished.

Then one unseen sound vibration was heard. “Do not worry,” the voice said. “Because you opened the door before twenty-one days and did not keep your promise, the deities will remain in this form. You can start worshiping these deities. Bring Lord Brahma from Brahma-loka to install Them.”

From this description it seems that these deities are unfinished or incomplete forms of the Lord. People give many different purports to explain this form of the Lord. Some say that Parabrahma is formless, and that this “incomplete” form of Jagannath proves it. Others say this is the form of the Buddha. Still others claim this form to be Bhairava. To some this form looks very ghastly. Yet many people glorify His lovely features, especially His smiling face. All of these claims are true because He is everything.

There is a very secret and esoteric reason to confirm why Their forms are like this. In fact, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra are not deformed or incomplete forms. Rather, They are eternal forms—super complete forms of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. This form did not manifest just because the queen forced King Indradyumna to open the door prematurely. Actually, the Lord had previously manifested this most beautiful form to His devotees. Choka-dola Lord Jagannath mercifully gives His darshan to everyone in order to deliver the whole universe. The Vaishnavas understand and appreciate this loving reciprocation between the Lord and His devotees, and they relish the following pastime describing the real reason the Lord appears as Jagannath.

After leaving Mathura, Lord Krishna resided in Dwaraka along with His 16,108 wives. All of them were very beautiful and served the Lord with extreme love and care. Though the queens engaged in intense service to satisfy their divine husband, still Lord Krishna always meditated on Sri Vrindavan. He constantly remembered the residents of Vraj, especially the gopas and gopis, and He longingly recalled the pastimes he shared with them. Feeling separation from Vrindavan, sometimes Lord Krishna would seem indifferent to everything. This disturbed His wives immensely. The queens of Dwaraka thought, “What is happening? Even if we serve the Lord so nicely, why does He always talk about and remember Vrindavan?” The Lord frequently cried out in His sleep, “Radhe, Radhe! Gopi, Gopi!”

The queens became curious to know about the Lord’s pastimes in Vrindavan. What happened there so that Lord could not forget? “But who can tell us the childhood pastimes of our beloved husband when he was a child living in Vrindavan?” They came to know that Mother Rohini had witnessed the Vrindavan pastimes of the Lord, and that to their great fortune, she was staying in Dwaraka. One day, all of the queens anxiously approached Rohini mata and requested her to kindly tell them about the Lord’s youth in Vrindavan.

Mother Rohini understood that the queens were eager to hear about the Lord’s Vraja lila. She said, “Indeed, the Vrindavan pastimes of Krishna are very special—so special that Krishna also gets attracted by hearing their glories. I can describe those wonderful activities to you, but on one condition: Krishna and Balaram should not hear when I describe these pastimes. If they hear, it will be a big problem.”

One day, when Krishna and Balaram had gone to attend a meeting in Sudharma meeting hall, all of the queens eagerly took the opportunity of Their absence. They all gathered in one big hall and requested Rohini Mata to narrate Krishna’s childhood pastimes. To make sure that the brothers could not listen, Mother Rohini instructed Subhadra to serve as the door keeper. Subhadra would signal to Mother Rohini if Krishna and Balaram arrived on the scene.

Now everything was ready. All of the queens gathered in great excitement. Subhadra stood at the gate and stretched her hands so that no one could enter inside, specifically Krishna and Balaram. Mother Rohini joyfully told the childhood pastimes of Krishna in Vrindavan. Rohini’s descriptions were so pleasing and ecstatic. The queens heard with rapt attention. They were so absorbed in drinking the amṛta coming from the lips of Mother Rohini that all of them lost their external senses.

Subhadra, although officially engaged in guarding the gate, could not miss the opportunity to hear Lord Krishna’s pastimes. Like the Dwarka queens, she lost her external senses. Although Krishna and Balaram were busy attending a meeting, They could understand that Mother Rohini was describing Their Vrindavan lilas. In overwhelming greed to hear the kotha, the brothers suddenly left the assembly hall and ran to the place where Rohini Devi and the queens were gathered.

When they reached the door, They found Subhadra standing at the gate on security duty. Krishna and Balaram stood on both sides of Subhadra and instantly became absorbed in Mother Rohini’s descriptions. Since Subhadra was fully engrossed in hearing and had lost her external senses, she did not perceive the presence of the Lords. As the three became enraptured by hearing the pastimes, great transformations started to appear in Their bodies. “Oh, such nice pastimes! The Vrindavan pastimes tell of the love and affection of the Vraj basis!” Lost in a state of wonder, Their eyes became big and dilated, and Their hands and legs disappeared inside Their bodies. Their hands and legs shrunken so, Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra looked just like tortoises.

At this time, Narada Muni came to that spot. From a far distance he could see the three forms of Krishna, Balaram and Subhadra. As he approached Them, Krishna, along with His brother and sister came to Their external senses. Their bodies manifested Their normal forms. They wound up that maha-bhava which had manifested Their special forms. Narada Muni danced with his arms raised in great bliss. “I have seen it! I have seen it! You are trying to hide from me. My dear Lord, I have seen so many of Your amazing, transcendental forms. But I have never seen this beautiful form! I humbly pray that You manifest this most auspicious form somewhere so that everyone can take darshan of your most special maha-bhava prakash rupa.”

To fulfill the desire of His devotee, Narada Muni, Lord Krishna manifested this form and eternally resides in Sri Kshetra, Purusottama Dham.

Please visit: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Ratha-Yatra for Ratha Yatra Seva to Lord Jagannatha!

Count Down: Day 11 To Ratha Yatra! || Festival Event: June 26th 2025

Before the Ratha Yatra festival in Jagannath Puri, there is a very meaningful event that takes place—Gundicha Marjana. It is the day when Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu personally cleaned the Gundicha temple, the place where Lord Jagannath would later reside during His stay away from the main temple.

On this day, Mahaprabhu gathered all His devotees and went with them to the Gundicha temple, carrying brooms, water pots, and great joy in their hearts. The Lord Himself began sweeping, collecting all the dust, straw, and dirt into piles. The devotees were amazed—the Supreme Lord was cleaning with His own hands, and He was doing it with so much love and care.

Everyone followed Him, working together, fully engaged in the service. The Lord then brought water to wash the temple. The walls, floors, ceilings—everything was washed clean. Mahaprabhu even used His own cloth to wipe areas that needed more attention. He would gently correct anyone who missed a spot, not with pride, but with deep affection, teaching everyone the mood of true service.

By the end of the day, the temple was completely clean, cool, and bright. But it wasn’t just the temple that had been cleansed. In truth, everyone’s hearts were being cleaned, too.

This whole event is deeply connected to the verse from Śrī Śikṣāṣṭakam:

ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam

“Cleansing the mirror of the heart…”

Just as the temple was cleansed to receive Lord Jagannath, our hearts must also be cleansed so that the Lord may reside there. The dust in the temple represents the many unwanted things in our hearts—false pride, selfishness, envy. Mahaprabhu showed us that cleaning with our hands can lead to cleaning within, and that even the most ordinary task becomes sacred when done with love and sincerity.

Gundicha Marjana is not just a festival of cleaning—it is a festival of purification, of learning humility through service. And the most beautiful part is that the Lord Himself showed us how to do it.

So every time we pick up a broom, every time we clean something in the Lord’s service, let us remember this sweet pastime—when the Lord became a sweeper and showed the world the glory of simple, heartfelt service.

To serve on this day please visit: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Gundica-Marjana

Yesterday we celebrated the ever-merciful Snana Yatra of Lord Jagannatha, and what an outpouring of love it was! Truly, the Lord is Bhavagrahi Janardana — the One who accepts the devotion in our hearts far more than any external offering. Who could be more merciful, more reciprocal, more captivating than Him? Just after the glorious Darshan Arati, Lord Jagannatha, along with His dear brother Baladeva and sister Subhadra Devi, ascended Their Snana Mandap — the bathing platform — where They received an unending Abhishek from thousands of longing, love-filled hearts. For over 5 hours, devotees poured water, love, and prayers upon the Supreme Lord who stood there gracefully, accepting all offerings without discrimination.  Jagannatha’s mercy knows no boundaries.

The Skanda Purana proclaims: — "I do not consider one’s sin or piety, family or birth. Whoever worships Me with love is very dear to Me." Just look around — villagers, pilgrims, children, elders, near and far — they all came together, united by the sheer pull of the Lord of the Universe. He draws the soul, not by force, but with those huge lotus eyes, reminding us that we are never too unqualified to approach Him.  The Abhishek ceremony isn’t just a ritual — it is an act of surrender. Bathing the Lord on this day is said to wash away lifetimes of sins, open the heart, and awaken dormant love for Krishna. It is said that the Snana Yatra is the only time the Lord accepts such public bathing, allowing each of us to come face-to-face with His humility and compassion.

 Alongside, prasadam flowed endlessly — lovingly cooked and distributed to tens of thousands of devotees, visitors, and guests who gathered to honor our dearest Lord on this auspicious day of His appearance in this majestic form. And now, having accepted all our offerings and sins, Lord Jagannatha will rest for 15 days — this period is known as Anavasara. During this time, the Lord enters a private chamber to "recover", but really, He is entering our hearts, preparing them to receive a spark of pure love for Him.  But don’t worry — He’s coming back! And not quietly! The grandest parade — Ratha Yatra — will begin soon from 27th June to 5th July! Jagannatha will once again come out in His chariot to bless the world.  

If you missed the chance to serve during Snana Yatra, this is your golden opportunity! Come join the service of the Lord of the Universe as He takes to the streets with His siblings. There are many sevas waiting, and every little effort is seen and loved by the Lord.  

Come pull the chariot of your heart closer to Him. Come serve Jagannatha, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi in Their divine journey!  
Sponsor a Seva: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Ratha-Yatra

Once upon a time, a renowned and devout worshipper of Lord Ganesha made a visit to Puri. This devotee was known for his unwavering devotion—he worshipped no one but Sri Ganesha and considered Him the Supreme.

When he arrived in Puri, the king warmly welcomed him and invited him to have darshan of Lord Jagannath in the grand temple. However, the devotee politely declined.

He explained, "My heart belongs solely to Lord Ganesha. I do not visit any other deity’s temple."

The king, being a great devotee of Lord Jagannath and also well-versed in the scriptures, gently reasoned with him, saying, “But dear sir, Lord Jagannath is none other than Lord Vishnu Himself—He is the source of all the demigods, including your beloved Ganesha.”

Still hesitant, the devotee eventually agreed, out of respect for the king, to accompany him to the temple—though his mind remained fixed on Lord Ganesha.

It happened to be the sacred day of Snana Yatra, the grand public bathing ceremony of Lord Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra Devi. The atmosphere was festive and divine. As the devotee stood before the altar and beheld the enormous deities adorned with flower garlands and sandalwood paste, he folded his hands and prayed silently:

“O Lord, if You truly are the Supreme, and if all demigods indeed reside within You, then please reveal to me the form of my Lord Ganesha.”

Just then, something miraculous happened.

Before the eyes of all present—and especially the astonished devotee—Lord Jagannath manifested Himself in a form with a large head and trunk, resembling Lord Ganesha! The devotee was overwhelmed with emotion. Tears flowed from his eyes. His heart overflowed with love, awe, and reverence. He realized in that moment the deeper truth: that the Supreme Lord takes on various forms to reciprocate with the love of His devotees.

This merciful pastime came to be remembered eternally, and since then, on the day of Snana Yatra, Lord Jagannath is decorated in an elephant-like costume, known as Gaja Vesha, to commemorate this beautiful exchange of love.

This pastime is lovingly recounted in H.G. Pankajanghri Prabhu’s book: “The Pastimes & History of Lord Jagannath in Rajapur.”

Offer a Seva this Snana Yatra, Just 6 Days to Go!!! https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Snana-Yatra 

ISKCON Mayapur joyfully presents “Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga”—a heartfelt visual and meditative offering designed to reconnect hearts with the sacred natural world of Sri Mayapur Dhama. Featuring over 500 breathtaking images of local flora and fauna, accompanied by spiritual insights from Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, this offering invites viewers to see nature through the lens of Krishna consciousness. As part of the ‘CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama’ project, it encourages us to perceive and remember the Lord in every aspect of creation—promoting mindful devotion, compassionate living, and a deep spiritual bond with Mother Earth as an expression of our bhakti.

To explore the mobile-friendly digital gateway, click here. https://srimayapurdhama.com/biodiversity/

As described in The Nectar of Devotion: “Every part of Kṛṣṇa’s body was so soft that even at the touch of newly grown leaves, the color of the touched part of His skin would change.” (NOD 26) Let us pray that every time we touch a new leaf, we remember Krishna and feel inspired to serve Him by caring for His sacred creation. May this awareness keep us grounded in loving devotion and forever sheltered at the lotus feet of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His eternal abode — Sri Mayapur Dhama.

https://online.flippingbook.com/view/555338030/ 

Support this Initiative

We warmly invite you to share your feedback and suggestions to help us enhance the “CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama” project by clicking here https://srimayapurdhama.com/follow-us/. We are grateful for your support in spreading this initiative among your friends, family, and congregation, creating a valuable opportunity for devotees worldwide to experience the mercy of Sri Mayapur-dhama. Your generosity and encouragement are essential to the success and growth of this project. If you feel inspired to contribute, please click the donate link here https://srimayapurdhama.com/donate-now/.

Mobile App - https://srimayapurdhama.com/app/ 

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@srimayapurdhama 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/srimayapurdhama 

WhatsApp Group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/CEycpWMJibyA636bxxb9kk 

Testimonials - https://srimayapurdhama.com/testimonials/ 

By Nandan Dasa, Mayapur Master Plan Office

After the beautiful Chandan Yatra festival, the devotees start preparing for a very important day—Snana Yatra, the Lord’s bathing ceremony. Around 21 days after Chandan Yatra is one of the most heartfelt festivals here.

On this day, devotees from all around come with great enthusiasm. They bring items like milk, yogurt, sugar candy, green coconut water, honey, turmeric water, flower garlands, and more. Everyone offers whatever they can, and it becomes a big, joyful service.

The Abhisheka, or bathing of the Lord, goes on for hours—sometimes from the morning until late evening. In the later part of the day, there are usually some cultural presentations and kirtans offered for the pleasure of Their Lordships, followed by prasadam distribution for everyone. The whole atmosphere feels like a big family gathering, with everyone coming together just to serve and please Lord Jagannatha.

But something interesting happens after this long bath.

The next day, the Lord falls sick.

Because He has received so many loving offerings and stayed in the open air for so long, it is said that He catches a cold. The Lord then rests and doesn’t give darshan for several days. This time is known as Anavasara—a period when He is cared for by His devotees and given herbal treatments and simple foods to help Him recover.

There’s a sweet pastime behind this.

The origins of the Snana Yatra are deeply rooted in the Skanda Purana, which narrates the story of King Indradyumna, who installed the wooden deities and initiated this sacred bathing festival. This festival commemorates the appearance of Lord Jagannath – the Lord of the Universe. It is said that when King Indradyumna arranged the bathing ceremony for the deities, he set a precedent for the celebration of Snana Yatra, making it an integral part of the Jagannath worship tradition.

The festival serves multiple purposes, including spiritual cleansing, where devotees believe that witnessing the deities during Snana Yatra absolves them of all sins, making the sight of the Lord being bathed highly auspicious and purifying.

During Anavasara, devotees feel the pain of separation. The temple feels quiet, and everyone waits eagerly to see the Lord again. It is in this waiting that our love for Him grows even deeper.

This simple festival reminds us how personal our relationship with Krishna is. He accepts our little offerings, our songs, our service—and sometimes, He even lets us take care of Him.

What a merciful Lord.

For Seva to Lord Jagannatha: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Snana-Yatra

Every year, the Vaishnava community around the world joyfully celebrates Panihati Chida-Dahi Mahotsav, the Festival of Chipped Rice and Yogurt, commemorating one of the most heartwarming pastimes of Lord Nityananda Prabhu and Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami. This transcendental event, rich in devotional spirit and divine reciprocation, took place on the banks of the sacred Ganges River in Panihati, a village just north of modern-day Kolkata (West Bengal, India).

The Origin of the Festival

The festival traces its origin to a beautiful pastime narrated in Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, wherein Raghunatha Dasa, eager to receive the mercy of Lord Nityananda, approached Him in Panihati. At that time, Lord Nityananda was seated beneath a tree on the Ganges’ bank, surrounded by His associates and kirtana performers. Upon seeing Raghunatha Dasa, the Lord affectionately called him a “thief” for trying to hide, and—placing His lotus feet on Raghunatha's head—ordered him to organize a grand feast of chipped rice and yogurt for all the devotees present.

Raghunatha Dasa joyfully accepted the order and immediately set out to arrange an opulent festival. He brought large quantities of chipped rice (chida), yogurt (dahi), milk, sugar, bananas, and other delightful ingredients. With heartfelt devotion, he prepared two varieties of dishes—chipped rice soaked in yogurt and bananas, and chipped rice soaked in condensed milk with sweet fruits and camphor. Earthen pots were filled and distributed among the assembled devotees.

A Feast for Thousands

As news of the festival spread, thousands of brahmanas, scholars, and villagers flocked to the site, eager to participate. With no space left on land, some even waded into the Ganges with their pots to relish the prasadam. The scene was extraordinary—devotees chanting "Hari Hari", laughing joyfully, and relishing the Lord’s mercy in the form of a simple, cooling feast that perfectly matched the intense summer heat of pre-monsoon Bengal.

Among the honored guests was Raghava Pandita, who, although having already offered bhoga to the Deities at home, was delighted to witness the spontaneous devotional picnic. Lord Nityananda assured him that He would dine again at night, and even made Raghava Pandita sit and relish the chipped rice on the spot.

A Divine Vision

In a deeply mystical moment, Lord Nityananda invoked the presence of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who appeared there spiritually to partake in the feast. Witnesses describe how Lord Nityananda jovially pushed handfuls of chipped rice into Mahaprabhu’s mouth in a playful mood of divine love. This ecstatic scene reminded the devotees of Krishna and Balarama’s playful pastimes with the cowherd boys on the banks of the Yamuna River. For a moment, Panihati transformed into Vrindavan.

The entire event resounded with the holy names of the Lord, echoing through the sky and hearts of all who were present. Those with deep spiritual vision could see Mahaprabhu Himself there, sitting beside Lord Nityananda and partaking in the chipped rice with boundless affection.

An Offering of Pure Devotion

At the conclusion of the feast, Lord Nityananda distributed garlands, sandalwood pulp, and betel nuts to all, personally serving the devotees with love. The remnants of food from the Lord’s own pots were distributed, and Raghunatha Dasa, overwhelmed with joy, accepted and honored the maha-prasadam. This event marked a turning point in his spiritual journey, deepening his surrender and dedication to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission.

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!