Krishna-ISKCON Namahatta in Turku

20/07/2025

Ekadasi on Monday!

Fasting for Kamika Ekadasi on 21/07/2025. Dates for Mayapur.
"Whosoever hears these glories of the Kamika Ekadasi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Godhead - Vishnu-loka, Vaikuntha."

The saintly king Yudhisthira maharaj said, "Oh Supreme Lord, I have heard from You the glories of fasting on Deva-sayani Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha.
Now I would like to hear from You the glories of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Shravana (July -August).
Oh Govindadeva, please be merciful to me and explain its glories.
Oh Supreme Vasudeva, I offer my most humble obeisances unto You.

The Supreme Lord, Shri Krishna, replied, "Oh King, please listen attentively as I describe the auspicious influence of this Holy fast (vrata) day, which removes all sins.
Narada Muni once asked Lord Brahma about this same topic.
'Oh regent of all beings,' said Naradji, 'Oh you who sit upon a water born lotus throne, please tell me the name of the Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the sacred month of Shravana.
Please also tell me which Deity is to be worshipped on that Holy day, the process one must follow to observe it, and the merit it awards.'

Lord Brahma replied, 'My dear son Narada, for the benefit of all humanity I shall happily tell you everything you wish to know, for just hearing the glories of the Kamika Ekadasi bestows merit equal to that obtained by one who performs a horse sacrifice.
Certainly, great merit is attained by one who worships, and who also meditates on the lotus feet of the four-armed Lord Gadadhara, who holds conchshell, disc, club and lotus in His hands and who is also known as Shridhara, Hari, Vishnu, Madhava, and Madhusudana.
And the blessings achieved by such a person / devotee, who worships Lord Vishnu exclusively are far greater than those achieved by one who takes a sacred bath in the Ganges at Kashi (Varanasi), in the forest of Naimisharanya, or at Pushkara, which is the only place on the planet where I am formally worshipped.
But one who observes this Kamika Ekadasi and also worships Lord Shri Krishna achieves greater merit than one who has darshan of Lord Kedaranatha in the Himalayas, or one who bathes at Kurukshetra during a solar eclipse, or one who donates the whole Earth in charity, including its forests and oceans, or one who bathes in the Gandaki River (where the sacred Shaligrams are found) or the Godavari River on a full moon (purnima) day that falls on a Monday when Leo (Simha) and Jupiter (Guru) are conjoined (conjunct).

'Observing Kamika Ekadasi bestows the same merit as donating a milk-cow and her auspicious calf, along with their feed.
On this all auspicious day, whosoever worships Lord Sri Shridhara-deva, Vishnu, is glorified by all the devas, Gandharvas, Pannagas, and Nagas.
'Those who are afraid of their past sins and completely immersed in sinful materialistic life should at least observe this best of Ekadasis according to their ability and thus attain liberation.
This Ekadasi is the purest of all days and the most powerful for removing sins of the native.
Oh Narad ji, Lord Shri Hari Himself once said about this Ekadasi, "One who fasts on Kamika Ekadasi attains much more merit than one who studies all the spiritual literatures.
'Anyone who fasts on this particular day remains awake throughout the night will never experience the anger of Yamaraja, the king of death personified.
It has been seen that whoever observes Kamika Ekadasi will not have to suffer future births, and in the past too, many Yogis of devotion who fasted on this day went to the spiritual world.

One should therefore follow in their auspicious footsteps and strictly observe a fast on this most auspicious of Ekadasis.
'Whosoever worships Lord Shri Hari with Tulsi leaves is freed from all implication of sin.
Indeed, he lives untouched by sin, as the lotus leaf, although in the water, is untouched by it.
Whosoever offers Lord Shri Hari but a single leaf from the sacred Tulsi tree (occillium basilcum sanctum) attains as much merit as one who gives away in charity two hundred grams of gold and eight hundred grams of silver.
The Supreme Personality of Godhead is more pleased by one who offers Him a single Tulsi leaf than by one who worships Him with pearls, rubies, topaz, diamonds, lapis lazuli, sapphires, gomeda stones (gomaz), cat's eye gems, and coral.
One who offers Lord Keshava newly grown manjari buds from the Tulsi plant gets rid of all the sins he has committed during this or any other lifetime.
Indeed, mere darshana of Tulsi on Kamika Ekadasi removes all sins, and merely touching her and praying to her removes all kinds of disease.
One who waters Tulsi devi need never fear the Lord of death, Yamaraja.
One who plants or transplants Tulsi on this days will eventually reside with Lord Shri Krishna in His own abode.
To Srimati Tulsi devi, who awards liberation in devotional service, one should therefore daily offer one's full obeisances.

'Even Chitragupta, Yamaraja's secretary, cannot calculate the merit obtained by one who offers Shrimati Tulsi-devi a perpetually burning ghee lamp.
So dear is this sacred Ekadasi to the Supreme Personality of Godhead that all the forefathers of one who offers a bright ghee lamp to Lord Shri Krishna on this day ascend to the heavenly planets and drink the celestial nectar there.
Whoever offers a ghee or sesame oil lamp to Shri Krishna on this day is freed from all his sins and enters the abode of Surya, the Sun-god, with a body as bright as ten million lamps.
This Ekadasi is so powerful that if one who is unable to fast simply follows the practices as mentioned herein, s/he is elevated to the heavenly planets, along with all their forefathers.

'Oh Maharaj Yudhisthira,Lord Shri Krishna concluded, "...these were the words of prajapathi Brahma to his son Narad Muni concerning the incalculable glories of this Kamika Ekadasi, which removes all sins.
This sacred day nullifies even the sin of killing a brahmana or the sin of killing an unborn child in the womb, and it promotes one to the spiritual world by making one supremely meritorious.
One who kills the innocent, i.e., a brahmin (brahmana), a child in the womb, a pious and spotless woman, etc., and then later hears about the glories of Kamika Ekadasi will be relieved of the reaction to one's sins.
However, one should NOT think beforehand that one can kill a Brahmin or other innocent folk and then go unpunished simply by hearing of this Ekadasi.
Such knowing commission of sin is an abomination.

Whosoever hears these glories of the Kamika Ekadasi with faith becomes free of all sins and returns home, back to Godhead - Vishnu-loka, Vaikuntha.
Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Shravana-krshna Ekadasi, or Kamika Ekadasi, from the Brahma-Vaivarta Purana.

05/07/2025

Fasting for Sayana Ekadasi on Sunday. Fasting from grains, rice, beans and peas.

Fasting for Sayana Ekadasi on 06/07/2015, dates for Mayapur.

“Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all ones desires. Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell.”

The saintly king Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Keshava, what is the name of that Ekadasii that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June - July)?
Who is the worshipable Deity for the auspicious day, and what is the process for observing this event?
Lord Sri Krishna replied, "Oh caretaker of this Earthly planet, I shall gladly tell you a wonderful historical event that the deva lord Brahma once narrated to his son Narad Muni.
"One day Narad Muni asked his father, 'What is the name of the Ekadasii that comes during the light part of the month of Ashadha', much as you did?
Kindly tell me how I should observe this Ekadasi and thus please the Supreme Lord, Sri Vishnu.'
"Lord Brahma replied, 'Oh great saintly orator, O best of all sages, Oh purest devotee of Lord Vishnu, your question is as usual excellent for all mankind.
There is nothing better than Ekadasi, the day of Lord Sri Hari, in this or any other world.
It nullifies even the worst sins if observed properly.
For this reason I shall tell you about this Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi.

'Fasting on this Ekadasi purifies one of all sins and fulfills all ones desires.
Therefore, whoever neglects to observe this sacred fast day is a good candidate for entering into hell. Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi is also famous as Padma Ekadasi.
Just to please the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, one should fast on this day.
Listen carefully, Oh Narad, as I relate to you a wonderful historical event that was recorded in the scriptures regarding this Ekadasi.
Just hearing this account destroys all kinds of sins, along with all obstacles on the path to spiritual perfection.

'Oh son, there was once a saintly king in the Surya Vamsha (Sun dynasty) whose name was Mandhata.
Because he always stood up for the truth, he was appointed emperor.
He took care of his subjects as though they were his very own family members and children.
On account of his piety and great religiosity, there was no pestilence, drought, or disease of any kind in his entire kingdom.
All his subjects were not only free of all kinds of disturbances but also were very wealthy.
The king's own treasury was free of any ill-gotten moneys, and thus he ruled happily for many years.

'Once, however, because of some sin in his kingdom, there was a drought for three years.
The subjects found themselves beset by famine also.
The lack of food grains made it impossible for them to perform the prescribed Vedic sacrifices, offer oblations of grita (ghee) to their forefathers and to the devas, engage in any ritualistic worship, or even study the Vedic literatures.
Finally, they all came before their beloved king in a great assembly and addressed him thus, 'Oh king, you always see to our welfare, so we humbly beg your assistance now.
Everyone and everything in this world needs water.
Without water, almost everything is rendered useless or dead.
The Vedas call water nara, and because the Supreme Personality of Godhead sleeps upon water, His another name is Narayana.
God makes His own abode on water and takes His rest there.

It is said that three things cannot exist without water; pearls, human beings, and flour.
The essential quality of a pearl is its luster, and that is due to water.
The essence of a man is his semen, whose main constituent is water.
And without water, flour cannot be made into dough and then be cooked into various forms of bread, offered and eaten.
Sometimes water is called jala-narayaaa, the Supreme Lord in the form of this life sustaining substance - water.

In His form as the clouds, the Supreme Lord is present throughout the sky and pours forth rains, from which grow the grains that maintain every living entity.
' "Oh king, the severe drought has caused a great lack of valuable grains; thus we are all miserable, and the population is decreasing as people die off or leave your kingdom.
Oh best ruler on Earth, please find some solutions to this problem and bring us to peace and prosperity once again.

'The king replied, "You speak the truth, for grains are like Brahman, the Absolute Truth, who lives within grains and thereby sustains all beings.
Indeed, it is because of grains that the entire world lives.
Now, why is there a terrible drought in our kingdom?
The Holy Scriptures discuss this subject very thoroughly.
If a king (or head of the country) is irreligious, both he and his subjects suffer.
I have meditated upon the cause of our problem for a long time, but after searching my past and present character I can honestly say that I find no sin.
Still, for the good of all you subjects, I shall try to remedy the situation.
Thinking in this way, King Mandhata assembled his army and entourage.
Paid his obeisances to me, and then entered the forest.
He wandered here and there, seeking great sages in their Ashrams and inquiring about how to resolve the crisis in his kingdom.
At last he came upon the ashram of one of my other sons, Angira Muni, whose effulgence lit up all directions.
Seated in his hermitage, Angira looked like a second Brahma.
King Mandhata was very pleased to see that exalted sages, whose senses were completely under control. The king immediately dismounted his horse and offered his respectful obeisances at the lotus feet of Angira Muni.
Then the king joined his palms and prayed for the Muni's blessings.
That saintly person reciprocated by blessing the king with sacred mantras; then he asked him about the welfare of the seven limbs of his kingdom.
The seven limbs of a king's domain are
1. the king himself;
2. the ministers;
3. his treasury;
4. his military forces;
5. his allies;
6. the brahmins;
7. the sacrificial performances performed in the kingdom and the needs of the subjects under his care.

'After telling the sage how the seven limbs of his kingdom were situated, King Mandhata asked the sage about his own situation, and if he was happy.
Then Angira Muni asked the king why he had undertaken such a difficult journey into the forest, and the king told him of the affliction his kingdom was suffering.
The king said, "Oh great sage, I am ruling and maintaining my kingdom while following the Vedic injunctions, and thus I do not know the reason for the drought.
To solve this mystery, I have approached you for help.
Please help me relieve the suffering of my subjects.

'Angira Rishi said to the king, 'The present age, Satya yuga, is the best of all ages, for in this age Dharma stands on all four legs (Truthfulness, Austerity, Mercy, and Cleanliness).
In this age everyone respects Brahmins as the topmost members of society.
Also, everyone fulfills his occupational duties, and only twice-born Brahmins are allowed to perform Vedic austerities and penances.
Although this is a standard, Oh lion among kings, there is one shudra (uninitiated, untrained person) who is unlawfully performing the rites of austerity and penance in your kingdom.
This is why there is no rain in your land.
You should therefore punish this laborer with death, for by so doing you will remove the contamination inflicted by his actions and restore peace to your subjects.

'The king then replied, "How can I kill an offense-less performer of austerity and sacrifice?
Please give me some spiritual solution.
'The great sage Angira Muni then said, "Oh king, you should observe a fast on the Ekadasi that occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Ashadha.
This auspicious day is named Padma Ekadasi, and by its influence plentiful rains and thus grains and other foodstuffs will surely return to your kingdom.
This Ekadasi bestows perfection upon its faithful observers, removes all kinds of bad elements, and destroys all obstacles on the path to perfection.
Oh king, you, your relatives, and your subjects should all observe this sacred Ekadasi fast.
Then everything in your kingdom will undoubtedly return to normal.
Upon hearing these words, the king offered his obeisances and then returned to his palace.
When the Padma Ekadasi arrived, King Mandhata assembled all the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and shudras in his kingdom and instructed them to strictly observe this important fast day.
After they had observed it, the rains fell, just as the sage had predicted, and in due course of time there were abundant crops and a rich harvest of grain.
By the mercy of the Supreme Lord Hrishikesha, the master of the senses, all the subjects of King Mandhata became extremely happy and prosperous.

Therefore, Oh Narada, everyone should observe this Ekadasi fast very strictly, for it bestows all kinds of happiness, as well as ultimate liberation, upon the faithful devotee.'
Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "My dear Yudhishthira, Padma Ekadasi is so powerful that one who simply reads or hears its glories becomes completely sinless.
Oh Pandava, one who wishes to please Me should strictly observe this Ekadasi, which is also known as Deva-sayani Ekadasi.
Deva-sayani, or Vishnu-sayani, indicates the day when Lord Vishnu goes to sleep with all the devas (demigods).
It is said that after this day one should not perform any new auspicious ceremonies until Devotthani Ekadasi (Haribodhini (Probodhini) Devotthaani (Utthana) Ekadasi), which occurs during the month of Kartika (October - November), because the devas (demigods), being asleep, cannot be invited to the sacrificial arena and because the Sun is traveling along its Southern course (Dakshinayanam).
"Lord Sri Krishna continued, "Oh lion among kings, Yudhishthira Maharaj, whoever wants liberation should regularly observe a fast on this Ekadasi which is also the day when the Chaturmasya fast begins.

Thus ends the narration of the glories of the Ashadha-shukla Ekadasi - also known as PadmA Ekadasi or Deva-sayani Ekadasi - from the Bhavishya-uttara Purana.

28/06/2025

Welcome to a program with His Holiness Priti Vardhana Swami. See the poster for more information. If you have any questions please message us here on Facebook.

21/06/2025

Fasting for Yogini Ekadasi on 22/06/2025, dates for Mayapur

“Whatever merit one obtains by feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins is also obtained simply by observing a strict fast on Yogini Ekadasi. For one who fasts on this sacred Ekadasi, she (Ekadasi Devi), destroys heaps of past sinful reactions and makes him most pious.”

Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Supreme Lord, I have heard the glories of the Nirjala Ekadasi, which occurs during the light fortnight of the month of Jyeshtha (May - June).
Now I wish to hear from You about the suddha Ekadasi that occurs during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashadha (June - July).
Kindly describe to me all about it in detail, Oh killer of the Madhu demon (Madhusudana)."

The Supreme Lord, Sri Krishna, then replied, "Oh king, I shall indeed tell you about the best of all fasting days, the Ekadasi that comes during the dark part of the month of Ashadha.
Famous as Yogini Ekadasi, it removes all kinds of sinful reactions and awards supreme liberation.
"Oh best of kings, this Ekadasi delivers people who are drowning in the vast ocean of material existence and transports them to the shore of the spiritual world.
In all the three worlds, it is the chief of all sacred fasting days.
I shall now reveal this truth to you by narrating a history recounted in the Puranas.

"The king of Alakapuri - Kuvera, the treasurer of the devas (demigods) - was a steadfast devotee of lord Shiva.
He employed a servant named Hemamali as his personal gardener.
Hemamali, a Yaksha like Kuvera, was very lustfully attracted to his gorgeous wife, Swarupavatii, who had large, enchanting eyes.
"Hemamali's daily duty was to visit Manasarovara Lake and bring back flowers for his master, Kuvera, with which he would use them in the puja offerings to lord Shiva.
One day, after picking the flowers, Hemamali went to his wife instead of returning directly to his master and fulfilling his duty by bringing the flowers for the puja.
Absorbed in loving affairs of a bodily nature with his wife, he forgot to return to the abode of Kuvera.
"Oh king, while Hemamali was enjoying with his wife, Kuvera had begun the worship of lord Shiva as normal in his palace and soon discovered that there were no flowers ready to be offered in the midday puja.
The lack of such an important item (upachara) angered the great Koshad-yaksha (treasurer of the devas) even more, and he asked a Yaksha messenger, 'Why has dirty-hearted Hemamali not come with the daily offering of flowers?
Go find out the exact reason and report back to me in person with your findings.'
The Yaksha returned and told Kuvera, 'Oh dear lord, Hemamali has become lost in freely enjoying coitus with his wife.'

"Kuvera became extremely angry when he heard this and at once summoned lowly Hemamali before him.
Knowing that he had been remiss and dawdling in his duty and exposed as meditating on his wife's body, Hemamali approached his master in great fear.
The gardener first paid his obeisances and then stood before his lord, whose eyes had become red with anger and whose lips trembled in rage.
So enraged, Kuvera cried out to Hemamali, 'Oh you sinful rascal! Oh destroyer of religious principles! You are a walking offense to the devas!
I therefore curse you to suffer from white leprosy and to become separated from your beloved wife! Only great suffering is deservedly yours!
Oh lowborn fool, leave this place immediately and betake yourself to the lower planets to suffer!'

"And so Hemamali fell at once from grace in Alakapuri and became ill with the terrible affliction of white leprosy.
He awoke in a dense and fearful forest, where there was nothing to eat or drink.
Thus he passed his days in misery, unable to sleep at night due to pain.
He suffered in both winter and summer season, but because he continued to worship lord Shiva himself with faith, his consciousness remained purely fixed and steady.
Although implicated by great sin and its attendant reactions, he remembered his past life because of his piety.

"After wandering for some time here and there, over mountains and across plains, Hemamali eventually came upon the vast expanse of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
There he had the wonderful good fortune to come in contact with the great saintly soul Markandeya Rishi, the best of ascetics, whose duration of life it is said, extends to seven of the days of Brahma.

"Markandeya Rishi was seated peacefully at his Ashrama, looking as effulgent as a second Brahma.
Hemamali, feeling very sinful, stood at a distance from the magnificent sage and offered his humble obeisances and choice prayers.
Always interested in the welfare of others, Markandeya Rishi saw the l***r and called him near, "Oh you, what sort of sinful deeds have you done to earn this dreadful affliction?'

"Hearing this, Hemamali painfully and ashamed replied, 'Dear sir, I am a Yaksha servant of lord Kuvera, and my name is Hemamali.
It was my daily service to pick the flowers from the Manasarovara lake for my master's worship of lord Shiva, but one day I was negligent and was late in returning with the offering because I had become overwhelmed with l***y passion for enjoying bodily pleasures with my wife.
When my master discovered why I was late, he cursed me in great anger to be as I am before you.
Thus I am now bereft of my home, my wife, and my service.
But fortunately I have come upon you, and now I hope to receive from you an auspicious benediction, for I know that devotees such as you are as merciful as the Supreme Lord (Bhakta Vatsala) and always carry the interest of others uppermost in their hearts.
That is their - your nature. Oh best of sages, please help me!'

"Softhearted Markandeya Rishi replied, 'Because you have told me the truth, I shall tell you about a fast day that will benefit you greatly.
If you fast on the Ekadasi that comes during the dark fortnight of the month of Ashadha, you will surely be freed of this terrible curse.'

Hemamali fell to the ground in complete gratitude and offered him his humble obeisances again and again.
But Markandeya Rishi stood there and lifted poor Hemamali to his feet, filling him with inexpressible happiness.

"Thus, as the sage had instructed him, Hemamali dutifully observed the Ekadasi fast, and by its influence he again became a handsome Yaksha.
Then he returned home, where he lived very happily with his wife."

Lord Sri Krishna concluded, "So, you can readily see, Oh Yudhishthira that fasting on Yogini Ekadasi is very powerful and auspicious.
Whatever merit one obtains by feeding eighty-eight thousand brahmins is also obtained simply by observing a strict fast on Yogini Ekadasi.
For one who fasts on this sacred Ekadasi, she (Ekadasi Devi), destroys heaps of past sinful reactions and makes him most pious.
Oh King, thus I have explained to you the purity of Yogini Ekadasi."

Thus ends the narration of the glories of Ashadha-krishna Ekadasii, or Yogini Ekadasi, from the Brahma-vaivarta Purana.

26/05/2025

In today's Bhagavad-gita lecture I was discussing the three energies of Lord Krishna and how they are related to Him and one another. We, the living entities are belonging to the Marginal energy of the Lord, and we can be under the control of the material energy, or serve the spiritual. Our free will is limited to those two choices. What is your choice? (You are welcome to subscribe to our channel).

Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 7.5: "Besides these, O mighty-armed Arjuna, there is another, superior energy of Mine, which comprises the living entities who are e...

21/03/2025

Please take one minute to subscribe to our channel and help us to spread the teachings of the Bhagavad-gita for the benefit of the world!

In this lecture we describe:
- how the reincarnated yogi/devotee restarts spiritual life in next life
- the hierarchical structure in the universe between Lord Krishna/Vishnu and the demigods
- no demigod can grant moksha (liberation), only Lord Krishna can
- the elevated position of a devotee who is chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra
- the three stages of meditating on the Hare Krishna maha mantra
- the ten offences which should be avoided when one is practicing mantra meditation on the Hare Krishna maha-mantra
- the intimate relationship between God and His pure devotee

Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 6.44: "By virtue of the divine consciousness of his previous life, he automatically becomes attracted to the yogic principles – even without seeking them. Such an inquisitive transcendentalist stands always above the ritualistic principles of the scriptures."

Bhagavad-gita 6.45: "And when the yogī engages himself with sincere endeavor in making further progress, being washed of all contaminations, then ultimately, achieving perfection after many, many births of practice, he attains the supreme goal."

Lecture on Bhagavad-gita 6.44: "By virtue of the divine consciousness of his previous life, he automatically becomes attracted to the yogic principles – even...

17/11/2024

There is certain behavior of true love and truthful speech. See below how Srila Prabhupada is explaining them:

“…the father is sending the son to the hell, and the son is also sending the father to the hell by materialistic activities. A father is teaching, "Eat, drink, be merry and enjoy. Eat meat and drink and associate with as many girls and . . . that is . . . this is enjoyment."

That means, indirectly, he is sending his son to the hell. You see? There is no love. Actually, this is no love. If I help you in the matter of . . . for your ruination, that is not love.

So Prahlāda Mahārāja did not flatter his father. This should be the attitude of devotee. They should straightly speak everything truth.

Prahlāda Mahārāja was asked by his father, "Oh, how you are so bold? You are a child. You are bold. You are talking before me so boldly. Where do you get such strength before me?"

Immediately, "My dear father, from the same source wherefrom you have got your strength, and you are so proud of your kingdom and material acquisition, I also got this from the same source.

But you are revolted, I am not revolted. But the source is the same. You cannot be so powerful without Kṛṣṇa."

https://vanisource.org/wiki/690309_-_Lecture_SB_07.09.08_-_Hawaii

11/11/2024

Bhishma Panchak fasting starts on Tuesday 12/11/2024. Read more below about the diet and everything you need to know to follow this wonderful fasting for the pleasure of the Lord.

𝐁𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚 12-15/11/2024
Dates are for Mayapur. (If you intend to follow Ekadasi fasting during these four days, don't break the Ekadasi fasting on Dwadasi, break it on the 27th at the moon rise/sunset).
𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬
"By following these days of Bhishma Panchaka fasting one gets the benefit of all the four chaturmasya fasting if one had been unable to follow the same."
𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 5 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐤𝐚 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐧𝐮 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚
Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life. In the Hari BhaktiVilasa, it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Lord. This is optional. "The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. The Padma Purana say that one pleases the Lord and makes spiritual advancement by such austerities.
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬
A five-day worship period prescribed for the last 5 days of Kartika (Damodara) Month and it is known as “Bhishma Panchaka”. Lord Krishna becamse very pleased on Shrila Bhishma and He agreed to give His pure love to those fortunate souls who chant, sing, hear, read, worship and fast for these five days of Bhishmadeva.
“The last five days of Kartika month are known as Bhisma Panchaka. Grandfather Bhishma fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life. However one observes Kartika-vrata, he should intensify it for the last five days. The best way to observe the Kartika-vrata is to abstain from eating grains for the whole month, and to take only milk or water for the last five days. If one eats grains during the month, he should avoid them for the last five days. Also, one should only eat once a day. This is the proper procedure [for strict adherence].”
“This five day fast is difficult for those people who are not serious in Bhakti. If someone observes this fast, he is considered to have observed all other fasts, because it is greatly meritorious and frees one from great sins. Therefore, everyone should make a great endeavor to fast on these last five days of Bhismadeva.
“The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. One should eat only vegetables or fruits and should worship Lord GaurangaKrishna. If he needs to eat, he should do so only in the evening. A woman can also observe this fast by the suggestion of a twice-born, and if a widow observes this fast, she can also attain liberation and happiness.”
“Srila Suta Goswami says in the Padma Purana, Uttarakhanda, ‘This liberating fast is unknown even to the demigods. If one listens to what I have said and fasts on these five days, even if he had s*x his sister, daughter, mother, etc. he becomes free from that sin. Even if someone attentively listens to this narration, he also achieves happiness. I tell you the truth again and again that one should keep this fast secretively, and continue performing it unceasingly - such a person surely achieves liberation.”
“In the month of Kartika, which is very dear to Sri Hari, one who bathes early in the morning attains the merit of bathing in all places of pilgrimage. Anybody who offers a the Lord a ghee lamp in the month of Kartika, O brahmana, becomes free from all kinds of sins, such as killing a brahmana, and he goes to the abode of Lord Hari.” (Brahma khanda ).
Kartika vratinam vipra yathokta karinam naram
Yama dutah palayante simham drstva yatha gajah
Srestham visnu vipra tat tulya na satam makhah
Krtva fratum urje svargyam vaikuntham kartika vrati
(Padma Purana)
“Suta Goswami says, “If anyone fasts and observes the Kartika-vrata according to the rules and regulations, the Yamadutas, the messengers of Yamaraja, run away from him, just as an elephant runs away by seeing a lion. This dear fast [vrata] of Lord Visnu is even better than performing one hundred great sacrifices that would take him to heaven because the person who observes the Kartika-vrata goes to the spiritual world.”
Sulabha mathura bhumau praty abdam kartikas tatha
Tathapi samsarantiha nara mudha bhavambudhau
Yani sarvani tirthani nada nadyah saransi ca
Kartika nivasanty atra mathure sarva mandale
(Padma Purana)
“Although one can easily reach Mathura [Vraja Mandala] on this earth, and although Kartika month is easily observable, and although in the month of Kartika all of the places of pilgrimage, oceans, rivers, and lakes come to the Mathura area, still, those human beings who are foolish and suffering in the ocean of material existence do not take advantage of it.” [Note: Navadvipa Mandala and Kshetra Mandala Puri are non-different from Vraja Mandala and thus great Acharyas like Shri Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada have perfomed their Kartik Vrata in Puri and Navadvipa Dhaam.]
It is advised that it is better to carefully follow the scriptural injunctions to advance in spiritual life than to be lazy and think that it is not necessary.
Vaisnavo na sa mantavyah samprapte kartike mune
Yo na yacchati mudhatma dipam kesva sadmani
"O sage, that foolish person who does not offer a lamp in Lord Keshava’s temple during Kartika is not considered a Vaisnava."
The conclusion is, as Lord Brahma tells Narada in the Skanda Purna: ‘O son Narada, the month of Kartika is very dear to Lord Keshava. If anyone acts meritoriously in this month just to please Lord Visnu, he receives unlimited results.
Relections on Bhishma Panchaka - Ekadasi Period and Fasting etc. The last 5 days of the month of Kaarttika are traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vishnu Panchaka. In the Hari BhaktiVilasa, it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Lord. This is optional. The Padma Purana say that one pleases the Lord and makes spiritual advancement by such austerities.. The strictest way of doing this fast is to take only the five products of the cow (pancha gavya) on each of the five days(!). . or fast by restricting the eating like during ekadasis: no grains and beans. only fruits and roots.
𝐁𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐦𝐚 𝐏𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐅𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
The fasting started today on Ekadashi and will continues until the the Rasa Poornima day. (Some years year its a 4 day period) The fasting is broken at moon rise on Purnima day. It is recommended to do full fast on Ekadasi and then the following four days fruits and roots fasting or five day fruits and roots fasting.
𝐕𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠
Type-1
One can eat products of the cow for each day:
First day: Cow dung (Gomaya)
Second day: Cow urine (Go-mutra)
Third day: Cow milk (Kshiira)
Fourth day: Cow yoghurt (Dahi)
Fifth day: All products of the cow mixed (Pancha-gavya)
Type -2
If one can't follow type then please take take fruits and roots fruits with lots of seeds should be avoided like guava, pomegranate,cucumber etc. Boiled potatoes, raw banana and sweet potato can be taken. We can use sea salt for taste. Cashewnuts(PLAIN) raisins, dates can be taken. Milk products to be avoided.
Type 3
If one can't follow level 2, one can take "Havishya."
References: Padma Puraana, Brahma-khanda, Chapter 23; Skanda Puraana, Vishnu
Khanda, Kaartika Maahaatmya section, Chapter 32; Garuda Puraana, Puurva
Khanda, Chapter 123.
𝐈𝐧𝐠𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐇𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐲𝐚 𝐚𝐬 𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐫𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐢-𝐛𝐡𝐚𝐤𝐭𝐢-𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐚 (13.10-13)
The following are ingredients that can be used in making Havishya, which is
like a khichari made with these items.
Aatap rice
Unadulterated Ghee from cow
Saindhava salt (sea salt)
Milk from cow
Milk with cream
Ripe Banana
Kaala-Shaaka
Wheat
Fruits (Skanda Puraana, Naagara Khanda says they must be with a small seed
or with few seeds only)
Mango
Jackfruit
Labali fruit
Roots except kesa grass root
Pippalii
Haritakii
Naagaranga
Ikshu-dravya or sugarcane derivatives (other than gur or mollasses)
No oil in any form
The following ingredients though part of Havishya need to be avoided in the month of Kartika:
Mung dal
Til oil
Beta-shaaka
Shashtikaa-shaaka
Radish
Jeeraa
Tamarind
𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐋𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬
Following flowers to be offered to the Deities DURING THE BHISHMA PANCHAKA DAYS AS PER GARUDA PURANA.
On the first day, one must offer padma (lotus) flowers to the feet of the Lord.
On the second day, one must offer bilva (wood-apple) leaves of the thigh of the Lord.
On the third day, one must offer gandha (scents) to the navel of the Lord.
On the fourth day, one must offer java flower to the shoulders of the Lord.
On the fifth day, one must offer malati flower to the head (siro-desa) of the Lordship.
Ideally One should take bath in Ganges or the other holy rivers every day & offer tarpana 3 times for Bhismadeva by saying the following mantra:
Tarpana
om vaiyaghra padya gotraya
samkrti pravaraya ca
aputraya dadamyetat
salilam bhismavarmane
Arghya
vasunamavataraya
santanoratmajaya ca
arghyam dadami bhismaya
ajanma brahmacarine
Pranam
om bhismah santanavo birah
satyavadi jitendriyah
abhiradbhiravapnatu
putrapautrocitam kriyam
By following these days of Bhishma Panchaka fasting one gets the benefit of all the four chaturmasya fasting if one had been unable to follow the same.