ISKCON FOUNDER ACHARYA:

HIS DIVINE GRACE

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Prabhupada

∗ IMPORTANT DATES:

27th Jan 2014 . Sat-Tila

Ekadusi

28th Jan: Breakfast from

06.40 am to 10.43am

10th Feb: Baimi Ekadusi

11th February: Varaha

Dvadasi :- Appearance of

Lord Varahadeva

12th February: Nit-

yananda Trayodasi:- Ap-

pearance of Sri Nit-

yananda Prabhu (Fasting

till noon)

20th February: Appear-

ance of Srila Bhak-

tisiddhanta Sarasvati

Thakura (Fasting till

noon)

LATEST NEWS

FROM ISKCON MOMBASA

The Bansuri THE ISKCON MOMBASA ETHE ISKCON MOMBASA ETHE ISKCON MOMBASA ETHE ISKCON MOMBASA E----MAGAZINEMAGAZINEMAGAZINEMAGAZINE

THE POWER OF FAITHTHE POWER OF FAITHTHE POWER OF FAITHTHE POWER OF FAITH

The religious seminar hosted by ISKCON Mombasa was from 2nd to 7th January

was a huge success with multitudes of devotees attending from all parts of the

world. Besides discussions and debates there was a spiritual quiz contest held at

Butterfly park in Bamburi with teams named Pandavas, Kaurovas, Brindavan etc

comprising of 4/5 each participating in written and oral quizzes. There was also a

trip to Malindi hosted at the Swaminarayan temple at the premises of Crystalline

Salt Ltd where a very humorous lecture on the Bhagawad Gita was given by Shri

Gudakesh Prabhu. All the visiting devotees expressed their joy and satisfaction of

being in the Mombasa seminar and left with huge smiling faces. A big thank you to

Shri Ananad Das, the Iskcon Mombasa Chairman on a job well done

ISKCON Mombasa, takes

opportunity to wish all devo-

tees a very happy and pros-

perous 2014. We hope Shri

Krishna fills your year with

all that you seek to make

this year a wonderful one for

you. Remember to chant the

Hare Krisha Mahamantra

every day in order to en-

richen your life that much

more. Hare Krishna

A long time ago, there was a severe draught in certain parts of India. One village in particular was caught up right in the middle of this draught belt. The economy of this village was entirely dependent on agricultural produce. Without rains, the villag-ers faced a bleak future, indeed. The extreme heat of the sun had dried up the rivers and the lakes. There was hardly any water left in the wells. The people were really desperate for water. The villagers approached the village pundit (priest) and asked him to organise a prayer-for- rain meeting in the temple. The whole village turned out at this prayer meeting. One man was among the last group of people who ar-rived at the temple and every body with strange quizzical looks on their faces, was looking at this one man. This man was carrying an umbrella and he was the only man who brought his umbrella to this prayer meeting. No villager was ever seen car-rying an umbrella outside of the rainy seasons. To the villagers, it was as strange as seeing a housewife going everyday to the vegetable market dressed in a bride’s costume! For it seemed unconventional to carry an umbrella when there was not one rain cloud in the sky.The prayer meeting commenced and at the end of all the rituals and ceremonies, when people were about to leave the temple, they could not hold back their curiosity about the man and his umbrella.‘Why was he carrying the umbrella?’ the people asked.Upon being questioned, the man with the umbrella re-plied:"The Lord will provide. He gives and He takes away. The Lord will surely an-swer our prayers for rain and I will need the umbrella for the rains".The villagers laughed him off. Not one of the villagers could appreciate the absolute and sincere faith of the man with the umbrella. The scorching heat of the sun outside the temple was still fresh in their minds. And then……..Behold, a miracle took place. As the people were streaming out of the temple door and putting on their shoes, rain clouds appeared in the sky, the gentle breeze gave way to gusting winds, the pallor of the sky darkened and thunder and lightning heralded the coming of the rains. And a sudden downpour opened the eyes of the villagers. Their ridicule of the man with the umbrella changed to amazement, disbelief, and they now understood the intense faith of this man. All the villagers agreed that it was the sincere prayer of

this one man with his total faith and devotion that the Lord simply had to answer

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: Yogurt Crunch Pudding

When we are willing to make sacrifices of our own attachments in this world and our own personal interests and com-forts, at that time Janamashtami will take place within our hearts. Krishna will appear.

But what is preventing us from this pure un-motivating, uninterrupted loving service that was exhibited by Vasudev and Devaki? There are six enemies which are born out of the mind which are prohibiting us from making our hearts a pure and proper place for Krishna to manifest Himself to us. Those six enemies are lust, anger, greed, pride, envy and illusion and until these six enemies are killed, Krishna will not appear within our hearts. And Visvanath Chakravarty explains that originally these six sons in previous births were the sons of Marici and they committed an offense to Lord Brahma and therefore they were cursed to be the grandsons of Hiranyakashipu in form of demons and then next birth they came into the womb of Devaki. Marici was born of the mind of Brahma and he symbolizes the mind. The six anarthas are symbol-ized by these six children. And until they are cast out of the womb of our heart, and until they are killed Krishna will not take birth. Devaki's womb represents bhakti. When our bhakti is pure, free from the six enemies of material attachments, then as Krishna explains in the Gita, One who has control over the mind, for one who has a pure mind, the Super soul has already reached. Krishna is there.

ceto-darpana-marjanam bhava-maha davagni-nirvapanam

sreyah-kairava-candrika-vitaranam vidya-vadhu-jivanam

anandambudhi-vardhanam prati-padam purnamrtasvadanam

sarvatma-snapanam param vijayate sri-krsna-sankirtanam

That the mind is like a mirror. The mind is meant to reflect the light and the glory of the eternal soul which is part of Krishna. When the mirror of the mind is pure and clean, the beauty of the paramatma reflects not only for our own eternal joy but for the enlightenment of the whole world.

So this cleanser of our mind, this destroyer of the attachment of our mind, is the purpose of Sanatana Dharma. It is the purpose of all religion. Krishna says in the Gita, (18.55)

bhaktya mam abhijanati

yavan yas casmi tattvatah

tato mam attvato jnatva

visate tad-anantaram

That only when we have unalloyed devotion will Krishna reveal to us as He is. And Brahma Samhita also explains that when our eyes are decorated with the salve of pure love, then we perceive the 3-fold bending form of Syamsundara. So the

real internal significance of Janamashtami is when Krishna makes His appearance within our hearts and within

our lives. Krishna appeared in this world for one purpose only - to teach us the process by which we can

experience the love and the mercy of Krishna, the presence of Krishna 24 hours a day for all eternity.

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JANMASTAMITHE SIGNIFICANCE OF JANMASTAMITHE SIGNIFICANCE OF JANMASTAMITHE SIGNIFICANCE OF JANMASTAMI

RECIPE OF THE MONTH: OREO POPS

For the pops:

30 oreo cookies

25 gm melted dark chocolate (minimum 60%)

100 gm cream cheese

For dipping:

100 gm chocolate for dipping (You can use milk / white / dark chocolate

Method:Crush the cookies till you get a fine powder-keep the creamy filling it gives a better

depth in the flavor.

Cool the melted chocolate before adding to the cookies.

Mash the cookies powder along with the melted chocolate and cream cheese.

The mixture should have a smooth dough consistency.

If the mixture does not come together add a little bit more of cream cheese.

Roll and shape in balls of about 1.5" diameter.

Leave to rest in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Using plastic lollypop sticks/wooden satay sticks dip one end in the melted chocolate and then push into your oreo ball. Leave to

rest.

Once set, offer it to Shri Krishna as prashadum and enjoy these delicious treats

INSKCON INTERNATION NEWS : NELSON MANDELA: THE UNTOLD STORY:

SHRILA PRABHUPADA CORNER: CHANTING

Religious teachers may talk about God or meditation, but Prabhupada chants, he actually

sings -- a guru who sings the Lord's holy names. Within the first moments of my meeting him, I

saw and heard him chant. He walked into the storefront where we were waiting, sat down on

the same level as us, and spoke a few words. He handed out the karatalas and told us the

rhythm, "One, two, three; one, two, three." Then he began to sing, "Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna ...”

So, as soon as you came into his presence, you were hearing a singing Swami. Of course, Srila

Prabhupada also talked of Krsna, but he gave equal attention to singing the Lord's holy

names. It is not that he was mainly a philosopher who sang on a rare occasion. He was a min-

strel on behalf of Krsna, always singing Hare Krsna, Hare Krsna, Krsna Krsna, Hare Hare...

You would ask him, "Swamiji, is there some system of meditation you teach?" He would reply,

"Chanting. We chant the holy names."

"But aside from the chanting?"

"Just the chanting," Srila Prabhupada said, "that's all. You cannot do any other meditation.

You are not capable of yoga or anything like Vedanta. Just chant."

He even said that studying philosophy was not necessary. One could make full advancement in

love of God simply by chanting the transcendental vibration.

Srila Prabhupada said that our kirtanas with him were special, even in comparison to others'

kirtanas. One time he invited us to accompany him to a yogi's asrama in upstate New York. He

told us that they also chanted Hare Krsna sometimes, "But ours is heart and soul."

This is the untold side of Nelson Mandela. He came several times to ISKCON's Ratha Yatra in South Africa while he

was president of the nation. The first time Bhakti Tirtha Swami met him, in the course of their conversation, Maha-

raja quoted a Gita verse. Half-way thru the verse, Mandela quoted the rest of it. BT Swami was surprised. He asked

"You know the Gita?" Mandela said "Try me." Every Gita verse Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja knew, Nelson knew as well.

Naturally, BT Swami asked "How is this?"

Nelson Mandela explained that he was imprisoned on Robbins Island along with some of his fellow leaders of their

political party, the ANC. One of them was an Indian-bodied lawyer. The South African government tried to break

them by giving them mindless labor and routine. Realizing that they needed to keep their minds actively engaged,

the Indian lawyer taught Nelson Mandela Gita verses which they quoted and discussed back and forth to transcend

their daily drudgery. Nelson Mandela told Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja that learning the Gita helped keep him sane and

did much to infuse his view of the world and his strategies for bringing independence and a better future for the

South African people. Bhakti Chaitanya Maharaja, the GBC for South Africa adds: "When Mr. Mandela visited our

temple the first time (he came several times thereafter as well) he, with dignity and humility bowed before Srila

Prabhupada, and then asked (me) "How did he do it?", meaning how did Srila Prabhupada spread Krishna conscious-

ness all over the world. We then had a brief discussion about how Srila Prabhupada gave Krishna consciousness to

all nationalities and types of people, without discrimination, and Mr Mandela was deeply struck by this, and was

very appreciative of Srila Prabhupada.

Devotees listening to Shri Gudakesh Prabhu’s pravachan at the Swaminarayan temple in Malidi. The temple is in

the premises of M/s Crystalline Salt ltd. Over 60 devotees attending the seminar traveled to Malinidi for the trip

which they enjoyed thoroughly

ISKCON devotes from all over the world attending the January seminar seen participating in a spiritual quiz con-

test at the Butterfly Park in Bamburi. Participants divided themselves into teams of 4/5 pax per team in this

fiercely fought contest. There was also a lot of fun and frolic as visitors enjoyed their day out. .

VIRTUAL TIRAT YARTA: VIRTUAL TIRAT YARTA: VIRTUAL TIRAT YARTA: VIRTUAL TIRAT YARTA: SRI NAGESHWARA JYOTIRLINGA TEM-

PLE

.

Gomati River is one of the important holy rivers of India. Sri Dwarka Dhama is located on the

bank of Gomati River. Gomati is a tidal river with its water reaching the nearby Arabian sea.

The river forks just before reaching the sea, producing a small island on which sits a temple of

Laksmi Narayana. The site is ancient, although the present temple is not very old. The temple

of Samudra Narayana sits where the Gomati River reaches the sea in Dwarka. Samudra Nara-

yana is Krishna's expansion as Lord Narayana lying on the Garbhodaka Ocean. This old temple

is the only temple of Samudra Narayana anywhere.

By the mercy of Sri Dwarkadhisa, the waters of Gomati River are crystal clear, unlike many

rivers around the world. When river waters are full, one can see clearly the river bed and

one’s reflection. Since Gomati is a tidal river, its waters at times recede and other times are

full. It is very auspicious to take bath at Gomati River.

Gomati Sangam Ghat is the sacred place where Gomati River flows. This ghat can be reached

by climbing down 56 steps from the Swarga Dwar of the Dwarkadhisa Temple. Gomati River

meets the sea at the Chakratirtha Ghat. The Chakratirtha Ghat is famous for a wheel with

white porous type stones, called as Dwarkashila or Chakrankitha. There are over 12 ghats sur-

rounding the Gomati River, which are venues of Samudra Narayana Temple, Gomatiji Temple,

the Panchanada and Chakra Narayana. The point where the Gomati River meets the ocean is

known as the Gomati Sangam. On the river banks of Gomati, there is a holy Gomati Kund,

where sage Durvasa Muni was served by Lord Krishna. At this Gomati Kund, the Gomati River

meets the Arabian Sea and it is considered sacred to take bath here. Gomati Ghat features

many temples small temples shrines of Lord Krishna and his friend Sudama. These temples

can be reached by hiring a boat that gives a beautiful view of the entire Dwarka town and

spectacular Sri Dwarkadhisa Temple.

Sukra, guru of asuras, lived in the capital of the asura kingdom of Vrishaparva, with hisdaughter Devayani. Kacha had joined their household as a student of Sukra. Devayani had fallen in love with Kacha. But her love was not reciprocated. Kacha left after he got the Mrithasanjivani secret from Sukra. Devayani soon dismissed Kacha from her mind. Time effaces unpleasant memories. .Sarmishta, daughter of king Vrishaparva, was Devayani’s friend. Sarmishta with her maids and friends went to bathe in a pool. Devayani was also with them in the group. They had kept their clothes on the bank. It so happened that a whirl-wind blew the clothes into a heap. As a result the clothes got mixed up. When they came out of the pool, princess Sarmishta picked up andput on Devayani’s clothes by mistake. Devayani was amused. She spoke in jest about the incongruity of Sarmishta, a disciple’s daughter, wearing clothes of Devayani, the guru’s daughter. This hurt the pride of Sarmishta. Provoked by this remark she said Your father bows to my father and is recipient of charity from him. I belong to the race which gives and you to a race which begs and takes. How dare you speak thus about me!” Her anger increased steadily to a climax. Finally she slapped Devayani on the cheek and then pushed her into a well. Devayani was left to her fate. The rest of them went home. In fact, they believed that she was dead. By a sheer coincidence, king Yayati, who was hunting in the forest felt thirsty and came that way in search of water. He was surprised to find a beautiful girl, in the not too deep well. He asked her who she was and how she fell into the well .She said: “I am Devayani, daughter of Sukracharya. He does not know I am here. I cannot come up by myself. Please lift me up”. Yayati seized her by the hand and pulled her out of the well. She was afraid to go home, in Vrishaparva’s kingdom, where Sarmishta might harm her. Knowing that her rescuer was king Yayati, Devayani fell in love with him. She said “You have held a maiden by her right hand and it is your privilege to marry her. Please accept me as your wife. You are noble, chival-rous and worthy to be my husband in all ways” Yayati was taken aback. But he was more practical . He said “Kshatriya cannot marry Brahmana maidens. Revered lady, return home to your father”. He then went back to his capital. Devayani sat there under a tree. It was getting dark and Devayani had not come home. Sukra sent a woman to look for her. She found her. Devayani told her “ I will not set foot on the land ofVrishaparva, as my life is in danger there” Devayani refused to go with the woman, who went and reported to Sukra, why she was not able to bring home Devayani. Sukra rushed to see his daughter. She was still sitting under the tree. No need to say that he was extremely sorry for his daughter’s predicament. She was weeping bitterly and her eyes were red. He tried his best to console her saying “ Sorrow and happiness are results of one’s own actions, bad or good. It is of no use to blame others’” But the girl was in no mood to listen. She asked him “Father, was it right for Sarmishta to say that you are a beggar earning livelihood by flattering and prais-ing the king?. Let alone the abuse. She also slapped me on my cheek and pushed me Into a well. She then walked away with her maids leaving me to my fate. I do not feel safe in her father’s territory” . Sukra said “You are no daughter of a minstrel singing praises and collecting doles. The whole world knows my powers. Even Indra knows my power. Vrishaparva is indebted to me. He dares not to offend me. But, it is not proper for me to speak of myself. You are a jewel among women and the pride of our clan. Have patience. Let us now go home”. Sukra gave his daughter some sound advice as follows : “One should never say or do anything in a fit of anger. One who controls anger conquers the whole world. One should be able to shed anger like a snake shedding its slough, without trace of attachment. A man who never gets angry ibis superior to others .An an-gry man is avoided by his family and friends. One should not take to heart any insult. One should not attach any importance to the outbursts of a young girl”. Devayani replied “I am a grown up girl, and I can certainly be benefited by your advice. But, how can I live with those who speak ill of our family and act without decency or decorum? Wounds caused by knife heal in time. But those inflicted by the words last much longer”. Unable to console his daughter Sukra went to the king and told him “You have done me many wrongs. Your atten-dants tried to kill my student Kacha three times. I did not react then. Now your daughter has abused my dear daughter and pushed her into a well. She cannot stay In your kingdom anymore as it will not be safe for her to stay here. So I too am going” The king was shocked. He said “Revered sir, you blame me for wrongs I have not committed. I am not aware of all these. If you decide to leave me, I shall end my life “ Sukra said “My daughter is dearer to me than my life. So, if you can appease her I shall stay” The King ran to Devayani and prostrated before her. Then Devayani said “If only Sarmishta agrees to be my handmaiden in the house into which I will be given in marriage, I can continue to stay here” What audacity! Having princess as maid! Sarmishta was called. She said “I will not allow my father to suffer due to my fault. So, I agree to Devayani’s demand for my being her maid. The complex issue was thus sorted out. Sukra and Devayani at last agreed

A STRANGE CURSE (story from Mahabharata

to stay on in Vrishaparva. On another occasion when Devayani met king Yayati, she repeated her request to be taken as his wife. The king was not to be persuaded easily. He raised the same objections as before. It was not usual in those days for a woman to marry a man belonging to a lower caste. ow are they to over-come this insurmountable hurdle?. However, Devayani, daughter of the great preceptor, wanted to marry the famous king Yayati, a kshatriya, whom she chose as her husband. So, they both went to her father to get his consent .The doting father Sukra readily gave permission. They got married. Yayati and Devayani spent many years in happiness. Devayani was bathed in bliss. Sarmishta was with them as the handmaid

of Devayani as agreed to earlier. Sarmistha was in love with Yayati. After days of waiting Sarmishta met king Yayati in secret and requested him to accept her as his wife. The king liked her for her nobility and beauty. He could not ignore her request, and married her obviously without the knowledge of Devayani. When Devayani came to know about this she informed her father. Sukra could not control himself. He was angry with the king for betraying his daughter. In a fit of anger, he cursed the king with premature old age. The sage who advised others against acting in a fit of anger did forget his own advice! This was a curse hitherto unheard of. Old agetakes away beauty, health, and pleasures.To be burdened with old age when one is in the prime of youth is the worst curse. Is there a human being who has not desired to remain young for ever? For this, men and women are prepared to give anything, even their souls. The king sud-denly became old. It was a shock.It took a little time to realize its implications. He at once sought forgive-ness from the sage. Sukra remembered how his daughter was once rescued by Yayati from the well. Also he realized that if Yayati became old, it will be a tragedy in her daughter’s life .So, he relented. He said “The curse cannot be taken back.. But if you can persuade anyone to exchange his youth for your old age, it will take effect and you will become young again. This was a condition almost impossible to comply with. Yayati was in distress. Who on earth will make this sacrifice for him?

Yayati had three sons by Devayani and two sons by Sarmishta. Starting with the eldest, he asked each whether he would be willing to exchange his youth for his old age.The three sons of Devayani politely re-fused. The response of the elder son of second wife Sarmishta was no different. Hoping against hope he finally asked the youngest son, Puru. Wonder of wonders! Puru agreed. Yayati became young and Puru became old. Puru took over the burden of the kingdom freeing his father to enjoy life to the brim. Yayati spent many happy years with his wives. He even spent many years with an aspara maiden.Then he felt “Enough is enough” He came back and returned youth to Puru and himself accepted old age. To Puru, he said “Dear son, sensual pleasures are not satiated by more indulgence. It is like pouring ghee on blazing fire.Though I had heard this I realized it only now. Man can find happiness only from mental poise and by rising above his likes and dislikes”. Yayati gave the kingdom to Puru and went to the forest. After leading a life of penancefor many years he finally attained heaven. This story is unforgettable for the way it ad-dresses some crucial issues in life.

ABHIUMANYU AND VATSALA Abhimanyu’s marriage with Balarama’s daughter Sashirekha or Vatsala is a unique story. This story

is not to be found in the main Mahabharata narrative or in any Sanskrit literature or scriptures. It is

a folk-myth developed by oral tradition.

Balarama and Revati have a daughter – Shashirekha or Vatsala. Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna and

Subhadra falls in love with her. Elders agree that Vatsala and Abhimanyu would get married. The

beginning is thus very happy. There is romance in the air, and what’s more, it has also the sanction

of parents.

Then comes the jolt. Irony of fate changes things. The Pandavas lose their kingdom in the game of

dice and are exiled. The new ruler is Duryodhana and the future ruler is prince Lakshmana.

Balarama and Revati rethink. How can they give their daughter in marriage to a stateless prince,

even if he is a nephew? Balarama prioritizes his daughter’s happiness over his own promises and de-

cides to rescind his promises.

When Duryodhana, Balarama's favorite disciple, asks Balarama to give Shashirekha in marriage

to Lakshmankumara, Balarama agrees on Revati’s insistence.

Subhadra has been living in Dwarka with her son after the Pandavas left for exile. Now she is miser-

able at her own brother’s change in heart. She confides her sorrow in Krishna. Krishna advises

Balarama not to take any hasty decision, but Dau won’t listen.

When Abhimanyu comes to know of his mother’s grief, he is furious at the insult to his mother, father

and to himself. He is not ready to make any compromises with honor. He decides to leave Dwarka

and join the Pandavas in exile. Abhimanyu is learning the lessons of life. His days of innocence are

over. The idealism and romance of childhood love is inadequate in the face of an adult world. He is

learning the complexities of life. Without a state a prince is more ordinary than a commoner.

Perhaps he understands that his father’s loss of Kingdom and exile has lead to a fall in his social

status. His days of blissful security are over.

The world of ‘heart’ is pitted against the mighty world of ‘cold materialism.’ No hope for the heart, it

seems.

Subhadra and Abhimanyu leave Dwarka and in the course of their journey reach the state of Hidim-

bavana. Ghatothkacha is the king of Hidimbavana. His mother is Hidimba, Bhima's first wife. Sub-

hadra and Abhimanyu have no knowledge of this. As they set foot in Hidimbavana, Ghatothkacha

blocks their way.

Abhimanyu being Arjuna's son does not have the word ‘fear’ in his dictionary. A fight ensues. At first

Ghatothkacha, thinking Abhimanyu to be a kid, does not take him seriously. Subhadra shivers with

fear seeing the gigantic and fierce Ghatothkacha fighting his young boy.

Finally Abhimanyu’s showers of arrows enter Ghatothkacha’s body. Unable to bear the pain, Ghatot-

kacha cries aloud in agony, and falls down. Hearing his cry of pain Hidimba rushes to find her val-

iant son lying like dead. She takes his head on her lap. Calling him Bhima’s son she laments.

Subhadra and Abhimanyu are shocked. They are utterly bewildered. With tearful eyes, Hidimba nar-

rates the story of her love with Bhima. Subhadra and Abhimanyu are full of grief. Subhadra identi-

fies herself and her son, and consoles her. Abhimanyu brings water and revives Ghatotkacha.

As Ghatotkacha regains consciousness, Hirimba tells him everything. Ghatotkacha is delighted to

find his own younger brother! He takes Subhadra and Abhimanyu home and look after them with

great honor and affection.

As Ghatothkacha learns the reason of Subhadra-Abhimanyu’s quitting Dwarka, he is angry with

Balarama. He cannot accept that Balarama wants his daughter to marry the son of Duryodhana who

is responsible for the plight of the Pandavas.

Ghatothkacha decides to intervene and act against injustice. He makes it his mission to have Abhi-

manyu wedded to Vatsala. He takes Subhadra and Abhimanyu to Dwarka. After quite an adventure

he brings Shashirekha to Abhimanyu and Subhadra. Shashirekha and Abhimanyu are very happy.

In the meantime Duryodhana and Lakshmana come to Dwaraka. Ghatothkacha takes the guise of

Vatsala. With his magical power he frightens Lakshmana. Lakshmana cannot see Vatsala, but differ-

ent fearful shapes and runs away.

Thus Ghatothkacha’s tricks drive away Lakshmana. The end is the defeat and humiliation of the

‘mismatch-bridegroom’. The happy ending of the protagonists is intensified by the inglorious exit of

the opponents. Balarama finally agrees to Shashirekha’s marriage with Abhimanyu. It is a grand

wedding. And then there is Krishna, under whose auspices all have happened. He has the last smile

as usual over his elder brother

THE 108 NAMES OF SHRI KRISHNA AND THEIR MEANINGS THE 108 NAMES OF SHRI KRISHNA AND THEIR MEANINGS THE 108 NAMES OF SHRI KRISHNA AND THEIR MEANINGS THE 108 NAMES OF SHRI KRISHNA AND THEIR MEANINGS

NAME OF LORD KRISHNA MEANING

57.Madhughne Killer of demon Madhu 58.Kubja Krishtambharadharya One who applied ointment by Kubja the hunchbacked woman

59.Mayine Lord of maya

60.MushtikasuraChanura mallayudha-visharadaya One who is an expert wrestler, killed two demons Mushtikasura and Chanura

61.sawale colors of lord krishna 62.Sansara vaitine One who is enemy of sansara

63.Kamsaraye Enemy of king Kansa 64.Narakantakaya Destroyer of demon Naraka

65.Anadi Brahmacharine Beginning less absolute 66.Krishna Vyasana Karshakaya Remover of Draupadi's distress

67.Shishupala Shirascratte Remover of Shishupal's head 68.Duryodhana Kulantakaya Destroyer of Duryodhana's dynasty

69.Vidurakrura Varadaya Giver of boon to Vidur and Akrur 70.Vishwarupa Pradarshakaya Revealer of Vishwasrup (Universal form)

71.Satyavacha Speaker of truth 72.Satya sankalp Lord of true resolve

73.Satyabhama Rataya Lover of Satyabhama 74.Jayine The ever victorious Lord

75.Subhadra purvajaya Brother of Subhadra 76.Vishnava To Lord Vishnu

77.Bhishma mukti Pradayakaya One who bestowed salvation to Bhishma

78.Jagadguruve venunada visharad One expert in playing of flute music 79.Vrishabhasura vidhvamsine Destroyer of demon Vrishbasura

80.Yudhishthira pratishthatre One who established Yudhisthira as a king 81.Sarvagraha Rupine To all-formed one

82.Dayanidhaye One who is treasure of compassion 83.Sarvabhutat makaya Soul of elements

84.Jalakrida samashaka gopi vastra pararakaya Lord who hid gopi's clothes while they were playing in river Yamuna.

85. KESHAV ARJUNA FREND 86.Parabrahmane A supreme brahman

87.Barhi Barhavatamsakaye One who adorns peacock feathers 88.Pannagashana vahanaya Having serpent Adishesha as his seat

FOOTNOTES:

1. There were two chanting sessions held on 22nd and 23rd of January 2014 held at the residences of Shri

Paresh Morjaria and Shri Parmeshwaran. The much learned Shri Gudakesh Prabhu gave riveting religious

sermons in both the sessions. Anyone wanting to hold these monthly sessions at their residence may do

so by just informing Shri Anand Das. The vibrations in your home will change forever after just one ses-

sion and this is from personal experience.

2. A few activities are being planned for February on which you will be advised soon.

Chant: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,

Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

And be happy!