Oct 2006

Damodara Darshan A newsletter for and by Young Vaisnavas of ISKCON

Oct 2006

Damodar is Conquered Only By Love Nimai Agarwal, Age 7 One day mother Yashoda was churning butter. As she was churning , she was affectionately singing Krishna’s glories and her bracelets were jingling, keeping rhythm. Mean while, Krishna woke up. He felt hungry for his mother’s milk and approached her, thus stopping her from churning. Yashoda understood His desire and nursed Him. Suddenly she heard the milk boiling on the stove. She became anxious and ran to the kitchen, placing Krishna on the ground. Krishna got angry, and broke His mother’s butter pot in fury. Then He ran to an isolated place and started to eat the butter. When Yashoda came back from the kitchen, she saw butter scattered all over the floor. She wondered who had done this, then she understood. It must be Krishna! So she went looking for Him, tracing His footprints made of butter and finally she found Him anxiously sitting on a grinding mortar feeding the monkeys. She picked up a stick and went chasing after Him. As she was desperately running the flowers that were decorating her hair started falling. Each flower had its own mellow of love. Some thought, we’re not supposed to be decorating her hair; we’re supposed to be decorating her lotus feet. Some others thought, this is a wonderful pastime; Yashoda is going to capture Krishna! I think we are too heavy for her ? As Yashoda was running she was perspiring. Seeing this ,Krishna got conquered by her love and allowed himself to get caught . He pleaded for her mercy by promising never to steal butter ever again. Painting by Nimai Yashoda thought about it, while I am away, he may do more naughty things or may get in trouble, so I should bind Him to the mortar. So she got the rope used for churning. When she tried to bind him, she found it to be two fingers too short! She tied another rope to it, but still two fingers too short! Again she tied the rope to the others, but still two fingers too short!! Finally, she used all the ropes of Vraja bhumi, but Krishna was not to be bound. The amazing part is Krishna’s belly didn’t increase at all. Mother Yashoda was amazed yet fatigued and her body was covered with perspiration. Seeing this Krishna agreed to be bound by Yashoda’s love. There were two huge strong Arjuna trees that in their previous lives were Nalakuvera and Manigriva, the sons of Kuvera. One day they were bathing with naked damsels. Narada muni passed by, chanting the glories of Krishna, but they didn’t offer respects. Seeing this Narada muni cursed them that you will become trees. To deliver them, Krishna started crawling so then the mortar got stuck and with one tug, the trees fell down and, Nalakuvera and Manigriva emerged out offered prayers and returned to there heavenly abodes.

Oct 2006

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Five Auspicious Days of Diwali Dhruva Adawal, Age 12 Diwali is also called Deepawali, which literally means “row of lights.” It is a major Hindu festival that is widely celebrated all over the world. Diwali was first celebrated millions of years ago when the residents of the city of Ayodhaya decorated their house and lit thousands of lamps to welcome the return of their king, Lord Rama after fourteen years of exile. Diwali represents the victory of good over evil, since Lord Rama returned after killing the evil Ravana to rescue His wife Sita devi. Lord Rama is an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Sita Devi is His eternal consort, Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of good fortune. Diwali is celebrated in on the new moon day of the auspicious month of Kartika. It comes right in between a period of five very auspicious days. The first day is called Dhan-trayodashi or Dhan Teras. On this day during the churning of the ocean, emerged a plenary portion of Krishna called Dhanvantri, holding a pot of amrita, or nectar of immortality. People purchase new vessels and offer their cooking to the Lord and accept it back as amrita. The second day is called Naraka Chaturdashi and on this day Krishna and His wife Satyabhama killed the great demon Narakasura. This is also celebrated as “Chotti Diwali,” since on this day Hanuman informed Bharata of the imminent arrival of Lord Rama and there were celebrations in Ayodhaya. The third day, when the moon completely wanes and total darkness sets in the night sky, is the actual day of Diwali. The 4th day is the Govardhana Puja when Krishna picked up the Govardhan Hill and crushed the pride of Indra. Vaishnavas worship Govardhana Hill on this day. This day is also called “Annakuta,” and represents the end of harvesting season for most of India. The fifth and last day is Bhaiya-dooj. On this day Yamaraja, the superintendent of death, gave his sister Yamuna (the personification of the river Yamuna) the benediction that any one who takes bath in the river with love and devotion for Krishna will be liberated. On this day brothers and sisters meet to express their love and affection for each other. Diwali also marks the beginning of the New Year for the merchants who on this day close their annual accounts, present them to Goddess Lakshmi and pray for a prosperous year. They also pray to Lord Ganesha to remove all material impediments in the upcoming year. Diwali also marks the beginning of the New Year for Jains. In its original true spirit, Diwali welcomes the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the Goddess of Fortune into one’s home with auspicious lights. It is a resolve to welcome the Lord in one’s life and become Krishna conscious.

Dussehra Om Shahi, Age 9 Dussehra is the tenth day of Navaratri. It can also be interpreted as “Dasa-Hara”, which means cutting of the 10 heads of Ravana. This day marks the victory of Lord Rama over Asura (demon) Ravana which signifies the victory of good over evil. That is why Dussehra is also known as Vijaya Dashami. On this day Lord Rama killed Ravana who had kidnapped Rama’s wife Sita to his kingdom of Lanka. Rama, along with Lakshmana, dedicated servant Hanuman and an army of monkeys fought a great battle. The war against Ravana lasted for ten days. Devotees celebrate it as the homecoming of Lord Rama after he rescued his wife Sita devi from the clutches of Ravana by worshipping the weapons. In modern days weapons have been replaced with the tools of the trade like those used to earn daily livelihood. So people worship computers, machines, automobiles, utensils, books to show the divinity in these objects which Lord has created to meet our needs. We can also view this victory as winning over one’s mundane senses. Forever we wish to be victorious over worldly pleasures and even this creation. Mundane enjoyment leads to extravagance which destroys the consciousness. Therefore scriptures advise us to practice control over mind. Where There is God There is Dharma, Where There is Dharma, There is Victory. 2

Oct 2006

Krishna Crushes Indra’s Pride Nimai Agarwal, Age 7 One day the Vrajavasis of Vrindavana Dham were performing Indra puja and had already prepared the ingredients when Krishna, who was playing the part of a human, asked, “Oh father, what are you doing, what’s going on?” Nanda, who was His father, hesitated and replied, “Dear son, you are too young, you will not understand.” Krishna insisted. Finally Nanda agreed. He said, “We have been performing this ritual in worship of Indra for generations because when we please him, in reciprocation, he will give us rain that will water the grass, then the cows will graze and with the milk they produce, we make such products as butter and yogurt.”

Sketch by Nimai

Krishna said, “Why don’t you worship Govardhana? It provides us water from its beautiful waterfalls, sweet fruits, grass for our cows, priceless gems and herbs. Take all the ingredients that were meant to worship Indra and use them for worshiping the brahmanas, cows and Govardhana.” By the charm of Krishna, they couldn’t refuse and agreed. Immediately, all the people arranged for Govardhana puja. They made huge quantities of foodstuff and offered it to Govardhana. Krishna to increase His devotees’ faith assumed Govardhana’s form and accepted all His devotees’ offerings. Every body was joyful, except Indra the controller of rain. He was furious and called for the Samvartaka clouds. They annihilate the universe at the end of Brahma’s life. He ordered them, “Drown the whole of Vrindavana. How dare this human child disturb my worship and induce them to worship a hill? I will come with you and help destroy Vrindavana.” The clouds were frightened at Indra’s mood. They immediately started to shower the harsh rains. In a matter of hours, the whole of Vrindavana was flooded. The Vrajavasis were helpless. To crush the pride of Indra, Krishna went and lifted Sri Govardhana on the pinky of His left hand and told them to let Govardhana serve as an umbrella. Krishna does not let His devotees have even a little pride because then knowingly or unknowingly one commits offences. The clouds were trying with all their power to blow Govardhana off Krishna’s pinky but they could not even bend one blade of grass or even blow a particle of dust. Krishna lifted Govardhana for seven days nonstop. Finally Indra realized who he was dealing with and became fearful. He gave up and went to the mother of the cows, Surabhi, and asked her if she could ask forgiveness on his behalf. After pacifying Krishna they started to bathe Him. Airvata, Indra’s elephant carried the water and Vasuki the king of the serpents decorated Krishna’s throne. After completing the bath they went back to their abodes. The gopas playfully started to worship Krishna with the paraphernalia demigods had left behind. Seeing gopas’ love the demigods became humbled. The elders came back and asked where they had gotten the heavenly paraphernalia. The gopas said you will not trust us. The elders insisted. Finally the gopas reported this person with a thousand eyes, a person with 4 heads and a person with snakes all over his body were worshiping Gopal. We still celebrate this wonder festival of Govardhana puja every year.

Oct 2006

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My Janamastami Experience Radhika Patel, Age 13 Every year on Janamastami my friends in Sunday school and I do a dance or something for Janamastami. This year we started preparing three weeks before Janamastami and everyone worked really hard including Nitixa Aunty (our teacher who choreographed the whole song). We only had five practices and everyone put there best effort into doing their best. When the day came to perform, everyone was trembling. We were all so nervous. As soon as I got on stage, I saw my whole family including all my cousins smiling at me and all my fears went away. We were so relieved when the dance was over. Then I stayed back to watch my cousin Arjuna’s play. After that all of my friends and I went to get food. I always love the french-fries and this year Sankirtana Yagya Prabhu also made delicious pizza. Later, I went off on my own to watch the next play. Then, I went to swing Krishna. When I found my cousin, we went to see the play that my mom participated in. After telling my mom all the parts that she messed up on, we ran over to the moon bounce and jumped till our feet fell off. Then I got in line to do the abhisheka. We got a really pretty kalash, a cheese cake (my favorite), a shawl, and a gift (Krishna with Cow). At midnight, the temple was packed with soooo many people trying to get darshana of Krishna. The lights were off and the kirtana was blasting really loud. The atmosphere was very festive and people were jumping with excitement. As we got out I was already looking forward to the next Janamastami.

QUIZ

The Supreme Lord

1. What are the reasons we celebrate Diwali?

Aksheetha Sridhar, Age 13

2. In which month does Diwali occur?

With Lotus-like eyes and a dark blue hue, there the Lord stands in the midst of the forest, playing a tune on his beloved bamboo flute. The lush forest awakens, with the sounds of the flute, All is calm and in harmony when Lord Krishna is around. He mesmerizes all with the transcendental melodies of his flute. Adorned with a fragrant flower garland and precious gems, with a pitamber dhoti and adorned with a gleaming crown, topped with a vivid peacock feather. To everyone He is the life and joy of Vrindavana. Doing His many pastimes throughout the land, but to many He is the Divine Lord, The Supreme Personality of Godhead, and unto him I pay my obeisance, as a humble devotee of the Lord.

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3. Why do we celebrate Govardhana Puja? 4. Why do we celebrate Dussehra? 5. Why Yashoda couldn’t tie Lord Krishna? 6. What does “Damodara” mean? 7. How did Lord Rama finally kill Ravana? 8. What is the significance of Dhan-Trayodashi? 9. Why did Indra decide to flood Vrindavana? 10. How did Krishna show His mercy on Indra?

Publication & Layout by: Lokadhyaksa dasa and Nimai Agarwal. ISKCON Potomac, MD, USA. [email protected]

Oct 2006

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna Krsna Krsna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare