Utpanna Ekadasi

[Hari-katha inspired by the Guruvarga] Today is Utpanna Ekadasi. In twelve months, there are twenty-four Ekadasis. Today is the first Ekadasi of the year. Why? After Catusmasya, the calendar year ends. People follow the New Year at different times, such as—the 1^st of January, after Gaura Purnima, after Dipavali; but mostly, the end of Catusmasya marks the beginning of the new year. A new schedule is followed. After Vrata, and Sankalpa, the Raganuga devotees attain Siddhi, perfection, and they enter Vraja-mandala, Vraja-dhama. After Caturmasya, the Rsis and Maharsis are also present. We heard how Krishna played the flute and called out the names of all the gopis during Saradiya Rasa Purnima. During this time, the nitya siddhas and sadhana siddhas went to the Rasa-lila. On the day of the full moon, Rasa Purnima, Krishna calls all the gopis to the Rasa-arena. Even small children who were two or three years of age became uncontrolled on hearing Krishna’s flute. They could not control themselves? Why? Early in the morning, without any prior cause or invitation, Krishna would go to the houses of the gopis where the Sruticaris, Municaris, Rsicaris, Upanisadcaris, Mantracaris, Candogya, and all the perfected sadhakas took birth. Many of the sadhakas were from Treta Yuga. They chanted the Gopal-mantra and attained bhava-siddhi. Being Bhava-anukula, they took birth in Vraja-mandala by Gopal-mantra’s mercy. But, Gopal-mantra is not everything. In Brihad Bhagavatamrta, Srila Sanatana Gosvami has written:

krsnasya nana virakirtaneso, tan nama sankirtanam tanavaiya mukhyam…

Srila Sanatana Gosvami says, “By the potency of the Gopala-mantra, you will be sent to Goloka Vrindavana. But, you will not be able to attain bhava-siddhi. Without Nama sankirtan, it is not possible to attain bhava-siddhi.” Many sadhakas took birth in the houses of the gopis. When Krishna would come to their houses every morning since they were very small children. He would steal butter, but what would He really do? He would go near them; glance over them, talk, and tease them. He would even pinch them. Before these little gopis raised a hue and cry, Krishna would quickly run away. Sometimes, Krishna would feed His sakhas butter and He would also give the gopis butter. Although they were little children who would play with Krishna, their love and affection for Krishna was unparalleled. The very Gopala they meditated on while chanting the Gopala-mantra now appeared before them. After performing austerities for many thousands of years, they received His darsana. On the Saradiya Rasa Purnima, when Krishna played on His flute, the sadhana-siddhas also heard Him; but they were unable to do anything. Why? Because they were little children. Although by age, they were little children, the desire they had in their hearts were youthful. Drinking the nectar of Krishna’s beauty, they became restless. They didn’t know what to do. How could they tell anyone of their heart’s longing? They were impatient to tolerate this longing. Ordinary people and animals become crazy and intoxicated by their youth. But the little gopis would continuously drink the nectar of Krishna’s name, form, qualities, and pastimes. How were they able to? They were connected to the Gopala-mantra; they would never forget to chant the Gopala-mantra. Everybody knows that the Gopala-mantra has three parts—Kling Krsnaya, Kling Govindaya, and Kling Gopijana-vallabhaya. Some would chant, “Kling Krsnaya svaha,” while others would chant, “Kling Govindaya Svaha,” and the rest would chant, “Kling Gopijanavallabhaya svaha.” During the previous ages, the Gopala mantra did not consist of Kling Krsnaya and Kling Govindaya. Krishna is not Gopala, Govinda is not Gopala; only Gopijanavallabha is Gopala. Everyone would chant the mantra consisting only of the name, “Gopijanavallabha.” During Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s time, Sri Madhavendra Puri and Sri Isvara Puri would also chant this short form of the Gopala-mantra. They would not chant, “Kling Krsnaya and Kling Govindaya.” Krishnaya Vasudevaya Harai paramatmane, pranata klesaya nasaya Govindaya namo namah. This mantra is a mantra that is incomplete. Anybody who chants mantra will have the mantra-devata appear before him. After taking the darsana of The Lord, the devotee cannot tolerate being separated from the Lord. He will say, “Ara na lage bhalo kono sampati,” nothing in this world will be tasteful for the devotee. Krishna told the Rishis and Maharsis, “Come to Vraja-mandala and take birth from the womb of gopis. You must chant the mantra and My name.” Krishna would come back and forth from His house to the devotees houses at three thirty or four o’clock. He would give His darsana to everyone and make them restless. He would meet everyone. The little gopis who were sadhakas in their previous life were also waiting for Krishna. They were preoccupied with the thought, “When is Gopala coming? When is Gopijanavallabha coming? When is our Vallabha and Prananatha, Gopinatha coming?” They would wait for Krishna anxiously. By chanting this mantra, the statement, “Chodata purusa abhimana,” will be realized. All false ego and conceptions will be removed. One will have a clean heart. Ceto darpana marjanama will also be realized. Then you will continuously chant harinama. “Parama vijayate sri Krishna sankirtanam,” Krishna sankirtana conquers Krishna. Uninvited, Krishna would visit the houses of many Vrajavas. He would steal house-to-house and take many things. He didn’t come to steal only butter; He would come to cheat and conquer everyone’s hearts. By becoming friends with the little gopis, He would steal their hearts. During the Saradiya Rasa Purnima, Krishna called the nitya-siddha and sadhana-siddha gopis together. On being called by His flute, their hearts would immediately be burnt by the fire of anticipating their meeting with Him. Now, Caturmasya is finished. The Vrata finishes after Rasa Purnima. The gopis could not tolerate staying at their houses; they were not patient. They would bitterly weep. They would go to the corner of a room, forest, cowshed, here and there, and on finding an undisturbed spot, they would compose themselves. Thinking intently on their beloved, they would chant, “Gopala, Gopijanavallabha.” They would chant without cessation, and on feeling intense pangs of separation from their beloved Gopala, they would sometimes come to the banks of the Yamuna. They would pray to Yamuna, “He Yamune! He Bhagavati! He Surya-putri!” Dayananda suno saccidananda bhano… He kalindi tanaye devi paramananda vardhini… Entreating Yamuna-devi, the gopis would say, “He Kalinda nandhini! He Surya putri! Please help us!” Thus, the gopis would only cry and pray. Then Surya-putri Yamuna called Vrinda-devi. Vrinda-devi came and told the young gopis, “I eternally stay in this forest. I am Vanadevi. I know how your heart is afflicted by pain. You have all been suffering. Don’t be worried anymore; I will give you all a siddha-mantra. Then you will never suffer. You only need a month to achieve perfection. This mantra is a siddha mantra. I will give the mantra to you all and you must all duly chant it. You must worship the deity of Katyayani-devi on the bank of Yamuna, where Yamuna-devi herself will bear witness to your worship. Then your beloved Krishna will come, meet, and accept you. Thus, nobody will share, contaminate, steal, or divide you. No one will torture you and your mind will not be restless. You will be one pointed in the service of your beloved. And all of you will be very happy and sweet. The mood on how to continuously please Krishna will come in your hearts. Your service tendency will blossom. The nitya-siddha gopis will help and accept you all. This mantra is only meant to manifest a relationship between the nitya-siddha Vraja-devis and yourselves.” The gopis pray, “Nanda gopa-sutam devi—how can I get a relationship with Srimati Radharani and the Vraja-devis? He Nanda-nandana! I have been chanting Your mantra for a long time, but still, a relationship between your family and ourselves has not manifested. We have no relation with Your personal associates and friends. How can we be related to your nearest and dearest Devi, Srimati Radharani? When will She accept and teach us? When will She bless us?” Therefore, Vrinda-devi blessed the gopis to receive Srimati Radharani’s mercy. Vrinda-devi and Yogamaya Paurnamasi-devi also blessed Siva Thakura. Siva Thakura obtained a gopi-svarupa; but he wasn’t accepted by the gopis. After Paurnamasi came and requested the Vraja-devis, they forgave and excused Siva Thakura and blessed him. They gave him permission, but not the service tendency. But the gopis received siddha mantra from Vrinda-devi and they desired the darsana of Krishna. Siddhi is achieved by chanting the siddha mantra, but what kind of siddhi? Vak siddhi? Prema siddhi? Vastu siddhi? No, the mantra was only chanted to obtain the shelter of the nitya-siddha Vraja-devis. The gopis only thought on how they could be surrendered to the nitya-siddha gopis and how they could realize their relationship with them. Otherwise, everything is zero.

One may think, “I am engaged in the service of Gurudeva and God.” But if he has no relationship with Gurudeva’s servants, then who will help and teach him? How will he understand the nature of his service to Gurudeva and God? By chanting the mantra, how can one develop a sweet relationship with God? By being related to God’s family, everything will come in your heart.

The gopis chanted the mantra, and worshiped Katyayani-devi. The gopis chanted “Nanda-gopa sutam devim,” to receive Srimati Radharani’s and the Vraja-devis’ mercy. They didn’t say, “Nanda-suta patim me kurute namah,” they didn’t chant and pray, “Nanda-nandana, You should be our husband.” Rather, they chanted, “Nanda-gopa suta devim pathi me kurute nama.” Speaking on the glories of Srimati Radharani, they said, “This Devi will be our palana-karta, our maintainer, guardian, authority and everything and not You Krishna.” “Nanda-nandana, we chanted Your Gopala-mantra for a long time. We would meet You every day and You would also come every day. But it was not possible to determine if You accepted our service and if You were pleased and accepted our service. Where will the tendency and mood to serve and please Your beloved come from? Therefore, He Devi! You are the nearest and dearest of Nanda-nandana; Nanda-gopa suta devi.” They requested and prayed that Devi will be their pati. Kurute nama—everyone surrendered and took shelter of Srimati Radharani. They requested, worshiped, and prayed to Srimati Radharani to bestow Her mercy on them. All the confidential meanings of the mantra were present near them. The first day of this vrata is called prati-pada. The moon is present in his entire manifestation on this day. Today, is the eleventh manifestation of the moon. Today, is Utpanna Ekadasi. The gopis were engaged in performing rigid austerities. They would not eat any grains throughout the entire day. They would sometimes drink milk and water and they would eat a few pieces of fruit. Their parents asked them, “Why are you engaging yourself in such strong austerities? Why are you not telling us the reason? You look dry and skinny. You don’t comb your hair and don’t change your dress. You sleep on the ground. What is the nature of this vrata? Who has taught you this vrata? Who gave you the mantra? Who has helped you? Why are you going to the Yamuna in the early morning?” But, the gopis would never answer. Their parents asked for some days and stopped. Why? Because Srimati Radharani gave a solution to all their questions. Now, the gopis decided to follow the vrata, but their bodies were gunamaya. Although they took birth in Vrindavana in the house of the gopis and gopas, they could not forget the austerities they performed in their past lives. They could not forget the Gopala-mantra. They were also a little proud. They had not yet realized the mood of Man-mana-bhava bakto, mad yaji, and mam namaskuru. This was one problem. It is very easy to follow the statement, “Sarvadharman parityajna mam ekam saranam vraja.” But, it is not so easy to follow, “Krishna saranam Vraja and Radhe saranam Vraja.” Without surrendering to Srimati Radharani, your surrender to Krishna and residence in Vraja is incomplete. Krishna is Dvarakadisa, He is Golokapati and not Gokulapati. Gokulapati is Gopijanavallabha, Gopinatha. Without surrender to Srimati Radharani, nothing is achieved. The gopis deeply thought on how they would be qualified to achieve the shelter of Srimati Radharani. They chanted the mantra given to them by Paurnamasi-devi. By the mercy and shelter of their Guru, they followed Ekadasi today. Ekadasi-devi first appeared on the bank of the Yamuna in Vrindavana. Ekadasi is the embodiment of Krishna’s svarupa. She is also the embodiment of Ekadasa-bhava. The topmost moods of service like Sneha, Maan, Pranaya, Raga, Anuraga, Bhava, Mahabhava, Rudha-Adhiruda, Modan-Madan are present for the service of Krishna. The Vraja-devis possess these most exalted moods of love for Krishna. Utpanna Ekadasi, the reservoir and deity of Krishna’s mercy, the personification of Krishna’s karuna-sakti and kripa-murti appeared today. After she appeared, she prayed to Krishna, “What is my duty? What am I to do?” Krishna replied, “On the bank of the Yamuna, there are many children. They don’t know anything; they lack knowledge and intelligence. They are only engaged in chanting mantra, doing tapa, and engaging in deity worship. They offer bhoga and with all the paraphernalia of worship, they continuously sing My pastimes. You should help them; you should give them this mood. You should give them all specialties of love. Help them this way. They should make their eleven senses transcendental. Their love and affection for Me must not be temporary and fleeting; it must be permanent. Their love and affection for Me must always increase and never wane. It must be eternal. Therefore, you must help them.” Ekadasi-devi was very pleased on having these services conferred to her. Ganga-devi has three svarupas. In one svarupa she is the wife of Santanu Maharaja and the mother of Bhisma. In her second svarupa, she is Bhagirathi, Bhagavati, and Mandakini. In her third svarupa, she is Krishna-priya Ganga and the water that has washed Krishna’s lotus feet, His caranamrta. Bahiranga-antaranga-presta, she is known by her internal and external manifestations. Similarly, according to the estimation of ordinary people, the birthday of Ekadasi is today—Utpanna. Where was she born? It is said that there was a demon named Mura who attacked Siva. On being attacked, Siva and the demigods became disturbed. They then prayed to Visnu. There was an incessant battle between Visnu and the demon. When Visnu rested, the demon ran forward to kill Visnu. As a result, from Visnu’s eleven senses, Ekadasi-devi manifested. She fought and killed this demon Mura. Then Krishna became known as Murari. When Ekadasi-devi requested Krishna that she would like to help the jivas, He said, “Yes. You should help the jivas. You should defeat their anarthas and purify their hearts. You should give them liberation and make them free of all misgivings. Consequently, they will seek shelter and surrender to Me. After surrendering to Me, their lives will be successful. This is one history behind Ekadasi-devi’s appearance. This history is especially meant for ordinary people who are stricken with anarthas, sins, and offenses. Ekadasi-devi helps these conditioned souls in this manifestation of hers. In Aprakarta Vraja-bhumi, the Vrajavasis headed by Nanda Baba also follow Ekadasi. In Srimad Bhagavatham, Sukadeva Gosvami has extensively glorified Ekadasi-devi to Pariksita Maharaja. Without following Ekadasi, your senses will never be trained. Who will train your senses and help you? Who will help the souls realize what lies in their best interest? Parents give birth to children, take care of them, and after some years, they send them to schools and colleges. As years pass, even the schools and colleges don’t provide permanent shelter, they will kick the students out with a notice that states, “Now school is finished. The course is finished. Now you go near your wife and children.” After some time, the children kick the parents out of their homes. They will say, “Get out! Go to the old folks home. After going there, you may go into the fire when you die. Otherwise, you may go inside the graveyard.” Nobody takes care of the conditioned souls. They repeatedly move about in this cycle of birth and death. If anyone follows the sastras, sadhus, Guru and Vaisnavas; albeit even a little, then they will be sent near Ekadasi-devi. Ekadasi-devi transforms the senses and changes the moods of the conditioned souls. She gives them special power and energy. This is called suddha-sattva. She inspires the jivas and tells them, “Go for Guru-seva. Go for Vaisnava-seva.” Otherwise, the senses are very strong; they are stronger than the strongest of elephants and horses. If they are not used for Bhakti, and Sri Hari, Guru-Vaisnavas; then the senses will be completely uncontrolled. Ekadasi-devi gives the mood of service to Krishna. Then the jivas will not be plagued by anarthas anymore. They will inherit paramartha. She gives the senses willpower and makes them strong. Then the jivas will never forget Krishna. Therefore, Ambarisa Maharaja received much strength from Ekadasi-devi. Durvasa Rsi could not defeat Ambarisa Maharaja; it was not possible. Instead, Durvasa Rsi was defeated. Could any illusory form or act of maya defeat Ambarisa Maharaja? No. Because his mind was never restless.

sa vai manah krsna-padaravindayor vacamsi vaikuntha-gunanavarnane karau harer mandira-marjanadisu srutim cakaracyuta-sat-kathodaye

mukunda-lingalaya-darsane drsau tad-bhrtya-gatra-sparse'nga-sangamam ghranam ca tat-pada-saroja-saurabhe srimat-tulasyā rasanam tad-arpite

pādau hareḥ kṣetra-padānusarpaṇe siro hrsikesa-padābhivandane kāmaṁ ca dāsye na tu kama-kamyaya yathottamasloka-janasraya ratih

Srimad Bhagavatam 9.4.18-20

King Ambarisa fixed his mind on the lotus feet of Lord Krishna, engaged his words in describing the abode of the Lord, his hands in cleansing the temple of the Lord, his ears in hearing the pastimes of the Lord, his eyes in seeing the form of the Lord, his body in touching the body of the devotee, his nostrils in smelling the flavor of the flowers offered to the lotus feet of the Lord, his tongue in tasting the tulasi leaves offered to Him, his legs in traveling to the holy place where His temple is situated, his head in offering obeisances unto the Lord, and his desires in fulfilling the desires of the Lord ... and all these qualifications made him fit to become a mat-parah devotee of the Lord.

Ambarisa Maharaja used all of his senses in the service of Krishna. Man-mana-bhavo; Krishna is only present in the manasa-mandira, the mind sanctified by devotional service. But, who gives this mood and inspiration? Can the jivas attain everything by the strength of his own austerities? Who gives them the energy to go near Vaisnavas and duly respect them? Who gives them the energy to continuously serve Sri Hari, Guru and Vaisnavas? Harikatha and harikirtana may be arranged, but who will inspire the jivas to attend the class and kirtana? The jivas may go to class and kirtana for one day by their own strength; but on the next day they show complete indifference in attending harikatha and kirtana. The conditioned souls or jivas think, “My senses are my friends. They will not allow me to attend harikatha and kirtana. They tell me, ‘Hey! Now is the time to sleep. Now is Brahma-muhurta, it is a very good time to sleep. Why are you disturbing this tasteful sleep? Also don’t give up on eating these tasteful preparations!” But, the followers of Ekadasi-devi tell their minds, “No! Brahma-muhurta is reserved for God’s service. This time is not meant for your choice and happiness.” One who lacks this will power will find himself failing in trying to perform devotional services. They will always lie down on their beds. But, if I tell this to anyone, they will say, “Oh he is insulting me!” I need not say what will follow their misconception of thinking that they have been chastised. Anyhow, Ekadasi-devi always helps her followers. The little gopis followed Ekadasi for one month; they only ate fruits and roots. In the early morning, by the inspiration of Vrinda-devi and Yamuna-devi, they would not take any acamana also. They would bathe, but they wouldn’t take acamana. They would offer everything to Katyayani-devi. She didn’t give darsana, but a deity was made from sand. The deity was effulgent. Today, after their puja, they started to sing and dance. They were infused with much strength and happiness, for in their hearts, Ekadasi-devi had appeared. She had made the little gopis man-mana-bhava. Their minds were no longer restless and disturbed. They were very serious. They felt empowered. Acharyapada, and our Guruvarga tell the sadhaka on how to follow the rules and regulations, which are favorable to attain bhava-siddhi. God arranges everything. Today, on Utpanna Ekadasi, Ekadasi-devi appeared on the bank of the Yamuna. She enlivened the senses of all the Vrajavasis. What do the devotees do? They listen to harikatha and honor Mahaprasadam. Just by being involved in these services, they become very strong. They dance and sing for hours. They are not defeated by maya and the senses. They are connected to the powerhouse of divinity and thus being empowered, they engage themselves in continuous kirtana. What kirtana?

sri hari-vasera hari-kirtana-vidhana nrtya arambhila prabhu jagatera prana

Mahaprabhu started sankirtana in Srivasa-angana at Navadvipa dhama. On the day of Ekadasi, hari-vasera, He would start kirtana from the early morning.

krsnotkirtana-gana-nartana-parau premamrtambho-nidhi dhiradhira-jana-priyau priya-karau nirmatsarau pujitau sri-caitanya-krpa-bharau bhuvi bhuvo bharavahantarakau vande rupa-sanatanau raghu-yugau sri-jiva-gopalakau

Sri Sadgosvamyastakam 1

I offer my respectful obeisances unto the six Gosvamis, namely Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, who are always engaged in chanting the holy name of Krishna and dancing. They are just like the ocean of love of God, and they are popular both with the gentle and with the ruffians, because they are not envious of anyone. Whatever they do, they are all-pleasing to everyone, and they are fully blessed by Lord Caitanya. Thus they are engaged in missionary activities meant to deliver all the conditioned souls in the material universe.

Mahaprabhu started nitya kirtana and gana. Mahaprabhu started a wondrous dance and a surcharged sankirtana. The gopis on the bank of Yamuna in Vrindavana, forgot to finish their puja. They started to joyously dance and they decided to do parikrama. After the sun arose, they offered pranama. Performing kirtana, did they go to their homes? No. They went to a garden and started to remember Krishna-lila. Anywhere they saw Krishna’s footprints, they offered pranama. They would sit together and cry. Today, they would neither eat, drink, or sleep. For the complete day and night, they were completely immersed in the bliss of Krishna-kirtana. Thus, Ekadasi-devi appeared in everyone’s hearts. She will make anyone who likes Krishna, strong and able. After one month the gopis completely offered themselves to Krishna. How did they offer themselves? Yesterday, Krishna looked at the gopis and made their bodies more beautiful than any of the precious metals like diamond, gold, and silver. He made their bodies more effulgent and superior than any of the precious metals. Why? Yesterday, we gave an example. When Duhsasana wanted to disrobe Draupadi, she called out to Krishna. Krishna appeared and protected her chastity with an endless supply of cloth. When Duryodhana’s mother called him, he went to her naked as his mother wanted. But Krishna said, “Oh why don’t you cover yourself with a little cloth?” But, the gopis were completely naked. Not an inch of cloth covered their bodies. Krishna looked and accepted them, which meant that all were protected by Him. Now, none could see their beauty. If one would look directly at the sun, his eyes will be burnt. Hence, if any demon, gandharva, yaksha, rakshasa, and ghosts, would look at the Vraja-devis and think of them in an inappropriate way, then they would be burnt to ashes. Krishna Himself protects the Vraja-devis. If any demoniac being would look at the Vraja-devis, he would be finished. Sankhacuda tried to steal the gopis, but Baladeva Prabhu killed him with His bare hands. Anybody who thinks of the gopis in an inappropriate manner will be destroyed. Krishna made these little gopis strong and ensured their protection.

madhava-tithi, bhakti-janani, jatane palana kari krsna-vasati, vasati boli, parama-adare bari

Very carefully I observe Madhava’s holy days like Ekadashi and Janmashtami for they are the mother of devotion. Krishna stays in these tithis, so by honoring them we can easily achieve Him. By deeply respecting Krishna’s lila-sthalis (pastime places), I will receive their blessings.

Madhava-tithi is not an ordinary day. This day is not our tithi. Madhava Himself sends this day. But for whom? To those who faithfully follow this most auspicious of days. Therefore, Madhava has manifested this day today. This day is Bhakti-janani; this day is the mother of devotion. How can Bhakti appear in the heart? Bhakti means bhajadatu-sevayam. How can the tendency to serve and the most elevated mellows of loving devotion, Sva-bhakti sriyam dawn in the heart? Therefore, Ekadasi-devi appears and helps the jivas. Ekadasi-devi first appeared in Vrindavana on Utpanna-Ekadasi. The sadhana-siddha and bhava-siddha Vrajavasis can give Vraja-prema, Vraja-bhakti, Vraja-rasa, Vrajavasa, Vraja-seva, and Vraja-vilasa. How can we take shelter of the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani and the Vraja-devis? To teach us this process, Ekadasi-devi appeared today on the bank of the Yamuna. Ekadasi-devi is a follower of Vrinda-devi; she is a guru and Acharya. Anywhere Vrinda-devi sends Ekadasi-devi, she will go there. Do you know this kirtana? Tulasi dekhi, judaya prana, madhava-tosani jani. Anyone who worships and serves Tulasi-devi, will have Ekadasi-devi present in their midst. gaura amara, je-saba sthane, karalo bhramana range se-saba sthana, heribo ami, pranayi-bhakata-sange In the company of pranayi (intimate, beloved) devotees, I will go to all the places where Mahaprabhu joyfully wandered. Ekadasi-devi follows Caitanya Mahaprabhu to any place He goes. This is her condition. She doesn’t go everywhere! If someone invites her, will she go? No. Wherever Vrinda and her manifestation Tulasi is present, Ekadasi-devi will go there. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has further sung: Prasada-seva, korite haya, sakala prapanca-jaya—Ekadasi-devi will go to anyone who honors Mahaprasad. Those who don’t honor Mahaprasad will not have Ekadasi-devi appear among them. This is the condition. The foremost condition is: Suddha-bhakata-carana-renu, bhajana-anukula. Anyone who smears the dust from the lotus feet of pure devotees on their bodies, or who duly take and respect it, will have Ekadasi-devi always present among them. She is bhajana-anukula—she is most favorable for bhajana. Bhakata-seva, parama-siddhi, prema-latikara mula—those who serve bhaktas, Vaisnavas will be the first ones to be helped by Ekadasi-devi. This is her principle. Therefore, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has stated all the symptoms of properly following Ekadasi-devi. But, people don’t try to understand these symptoms. Hence, they lose everything. Our Guruvarga has reserved these teachings for us. By following Ekadasi, we are lucky; if we don’t follow, then it is our bad fortune. We will lose everything. We will never progress. Mrdanga-vadya, sunite mana, avasara sada jace—Ekadasi-devi will appear in that place, which resounds with the sound of the mrdanga and the singing of sankirtana. Je-dina grhe, bhajana dekhi, grhete Goloka bhaya—Ekadasi-devi will descend and transform that place where bhajana and sankirtana is being performed into Goloka Vrindavana and Vaikunta. She only descends to offer her unconditional and causeless help. In this kirtana, “Suddha-bhakata-carana-renu,” the conditions for proper observance of Ekadasi have been stated one by one. Ekadasi-devi speaks through this kirtana. She says, “I will appear where such and such devotional services are being performed.” Otherwise, Ekadasi-devi will not go to any place devoid of the proper observance of the limbs of Bhakti. Therefore, all are very lucky. We are supremely fortunate to be observing this holy month in Vrindavana. Utpanna Ekadasi is Ekadasi-devi’s appearance day. On her appearance day, all should pray and welcome her in their hearts. You should pray, “Ekadasi-devi please enter my heart and help me reform my senses. My senses are very weak. They are nonsense; they have been engaged in bad practices since time immemorial. They don’t follow my orders. Despite me telling explicitly them to do something, they do something else. They aimlessly wander and run to follow the evil mind’s dictates. Thus, while praying to his mind, Srila Raghunatha das Gosvami says, “Oh my dear mind! My dear brother! Catching hold of your feet, I request you to follow and help me.” Srila Raghunatha das Gosvami is an associate of Sri Radha-Krishna who instructs the conditioned souls on how to control their minds in his prayers called, “Manah-Siksha.” But the mind doesn’t follow what the conditioned soul has to say. Ambarisha Maharaja has said that the mind will only be controlled when it is used to fulfill God’s purpose. We will control our minds by following Ekadasi-devi. We will then always remember Krishna. Today, everyone must seriously try to follow Ekadasi-devi and pray to her lotus feet. How will she be pleased? Mahaprabhu has said that on Ekadasi, one must engage in, “Sri Hari-vasare hari-kirtana-vidhana.” There is no need for us to run here and there, especially on the day of Ekadasi. We should engage in Nama-sankirtana then Ekadasi-devi will be very pleased and happy. She will not be pleased if we don’t engage ourselves in the performance of Nama-sankirtana. The only paraphernalia by which she can be worshiped is the means of the performance of Nama-sankirtana. Therefore, today, on the day of Utpanna Ekadasi, many new people start to follow Ekadasi; they start from today. Uthanna Ekadasi is the last Ekadasi of the Vedic year. After Kartika, the gopis start Katyayani-vrata. The next Ekadasi is Moksada Ekadasi. This Ekadasi gives mukti. Then you will not be tensed anymore, for you would have achieved liberation. When Ekadasi-devi descends and helps you, there will be no more bandhana, you will not be bound or tied to any form of disturbance. You will achieve liberation. I will explain the results obtained by following the different Ekadasis on their gradual appearance in the Vedic year. But, don’t believe my words. Don’t follow my orders or classes. They are not bona fide; they haven’t come from the sastras. This is my own story, history, play-program, and cheating program. I am grabbing people and stealing all their money. Therefore, don’t follow my cheating program. This is very bad. You follow your mind, then you will realize how to fight with Maya-devi. You rather go to the asylum than following in the footsteps of the Vraja-devis. You consider the shelter of the Vraja-devis to be wrong and false. You also consider following Ekadasi and Katyayani-vrata false. Srila Jiva Gosvami Prabhu has explained these pastimes. Yesterday, I explained a little. Now, we have more time in our hands.

sahajaya patikirtita pramoh matradevam bhavaanusali krti gopi

Yesterday, we heard how all the Vraja-devis started sankirtana in the kunja-kutira. Vrinda-devi called Krishna and said, “The sound emanating from Your flute carries great poison! Drinking this poison, Srimati Radharani has become senseless. Now, She is unconscious. She is definitely not in this world. By Your touch, Her life will be restored.” Krishna replied, “I can’t touch any ladies! I don’t even look at them, what to speak of touching them? This is not possible. My life will be useless by touching ladies. I am Brahma’s follower; I am a brahmachari. The sastras don’t encourage looking and touching any ladies. This is not proper etiquette; I can’t touch and look!” In the Nikunja-kutira, the sakhis covered Srimati Radharani with lotus petals. They fanned Her, while anxiously waiting for Her to regain Her consciousness. Vrinda-devi, Paurnamasi, and Nandimukhi requested Krishna to placate Srimati Radharani. But, He said, “No. This is not possible.” What did they then do? They placed a mirror in front of Srimati Radharani and they placed another mirror outside, next to Krishna. Radharani’s figure reflected on the mirror outside and Krishna’s attention was entirely caught. Now, Krishna thought, “Who is this Devi?” Constantly thinking about Her, Krishna couldn’t control Himself. He could no longer maintain His composure; catching on to Madhumangala’s shoulders, He could barely stand still. Sitting down, He said, “Madhumangala, who is this Devi? Is She Ishvari, Vrajesvari, Kriyesvari, Makhesvari, Suresvari, Triveda-Bharatisvari, Pramana-Sasanesvari, Pranesvari, and Madisvari? Vrajesvari Vrajadhipe Sri Radhike namo ‘stu te—O mistress and empress of Vraja, O Srimati Radhika, I offer My pranama unto You. I yearn to have Her darsana; I must immediately go!” Vrinda-devi said, “Yes. You must come for the darsana of Radharani. I will arrange everything.” Looking at Srimati Radharani, Krishna lost all His strength. He repeatedly offered His pranama and prayers unto the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani. Except for Srimati Radharani’s face and feet, Her entire body was covered by lotus petals. Krishna stared at His beloved in wonder. Nectar emanated from Radharani’s effulgent figure; Krishna was defeated by this nectar. Therefore, Srila Rupa Gosvami has prayed:

ha devi! kaku-bhara-gadgadayadya vaca yace nipatya bhuvi dandavad udbhatartih asya prasadam abudhasya janasya kritva gandharvike! nija-gane gananam vidhehi

O Devi Gandharvika! I am suffering greatly, and therefore today I throw myself on the ground like a stick and humbly implore You with a choked voice to be merciful to this fool and please count me as one of Your own.

He prayed, “He Gandharvike! Please accept me! I am Yours! I am Yours!” Srila Raghunatha das Gosvami has also prayed:

tavaivasmi tavaivasmi / na jivami tvaya vina iti vijnaya devi tvam / naya mama caranantikam

I am Yours! I am Yours! I cannot live without You! O Devi Radhe, please understand this and bring me to Your lotus feet.

He also prayed, “He Radhe! I am Yours! I am Yours! Except for Your lotus feet, I know of no other treasure. I don’t know anything else.” Krishna intently desired for Srimati Radharani to regain Her consciousness. Krishna forgot Himself. The sakhis and manjaris observed Krishna’s mood and movements. To alleviate the separation felt between the Divine Couple, they started kirtana. Yesterday, this was described very nicely.

tam maraoyasi katham, visalaya sayana sayanama

They started the kirtana in the kunja. Krishna was surprised at what He saw. Krishna said, “Yes. I want to touch Srimati’s lotus feet once. I will take Her blessings and go away.” The sakhis and Vrinda-devi waited for Krishna to quickly act. As soon as He touched Srimati Radharani’s feet, She regained Her consciousness. Krishna’s touch coupled with Vrinda-devi’s prayers made Radharani conscious. Krishna told His beloved, “Oh Radhe! Please place Your lotus feet on My chest! Then My life will be successful and I will be pleased.” Radharani asked Krishna to place His feet on Her breast, but Krishna didn’t agree. In the Nikunja, Radharani awoke, but She was restless. On Vrinda-devi’s insistence and prayers, Krishna came for Radharani’s darsana. But despite awake, Radharani wouldn’t speak a word. Vraja-raja, Yuva-raja Krishna’s heart was inundated with prema; His heart was no longer hard and dry. He is now soft and sweet. Vrinda-devi told Krishna, “He Krishna! The queen of Vraja is waiting for You. You should soothe the pain of Her heart. You should speak to Her and accept Her.” Now, Krishna was impatient. He tried to speak, but it was impossible. He had no strength to do anything. He became hopeless. He thought, “Without the darsana of Srimati Radharani, I will no life in Me. By looking and touching Her lotus feet, My life will be successful.” Starting from that moment, Krishna carefully played on His flute. He seriously played on His flute, with no desire to attract the gopis. From that day, Krishna completely changed. Tomorrow, we will hear more. Gaura Premanande! Haribol!   Hari-katha spoken by Sripada Premananda Prabhu; rendition by Rasik Mohan Das. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.