Discovering the Lord Caitanya’s Birthplace
Convinced that Navadvipa was not the actual birthplace of Lord Caitanya, Srila Bhaktivinoda became curious to locate the authentic spot. He set out to discover the yoga-pitha (birthplace).
The Nectarean Teachings of Sri Caitanya (Part 2)
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (1838-1914) was a pioneer in the distribution of Krishna consciousness in English. He dedicated much of his life to this effort. His mission has been continued and greatly expanded by his son’s disciple, Srila Prabhupada.
The Glories of the Golden Avatar
Since the beginning of time, avatars have descended from the spiritual world to impart transcendental knowledge. But none have ever distributed knowledge or love of God as freely as the golden avatar—Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. (Taken from “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts,” a short work by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura first published in 1896.) In […]
From Sadist to Saint
He enjoyed half-killing animals and watching them writhe in pain. But before long he wouldn’t harm and ant… All because of meeting a great sadhu.
The Kidnapping of Princess Rukmini
Rukmini’s brother Rukmi arranged for her to be married to Sisupala, a determined enemy of Krishna. When the black-eyed, beautiful Rukmini heard of this settlement, she became very morose.
The Special Kindness of Lord Caitanya
The Buddhists began to chant the holy names of Krishna, Rama and Hari in unison. Soon the Buddhist scholar regained consciousness and also began to chant the holy name of Lord Hari, much to the astonishment of the onlookers.
The Appearance of Lord Caitanya
The incarnation for Kali-yuga is Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who is also called Gauranga or Gaurasundara because of His golden hue. His complexion is golden, and His activities engage everyone in chanting Hare Krishna.
Lord Caitanya’s Benediction for Humanity
An excerpt from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, A new translation, with purports, by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Sakshi Gopal: The Deity Who Was Called as a Witness
Coming before Gopala, the elderly brahmana said, “My dear Lord, please witness that I have given my daughter to this boy.” In India the custom is to honor any promise made before the Deity. Such a promise cannot be canceled.
The Heroes of Vrindavan Forest
Accompanied by the cowherd boys and Balarama, Krishna brought forward the cows and played on His flute throughout the forest of Vrindavan, which was full of flowers, vegetables, and pasturing grass.
The Gopis Enchanted by the Flute
Krishna was very expert in playing the flute, and the gopis were captivated by the sound vibration, which was not only attractive to them, but to all living creatures who heard it.
The Killing of Putana Witch
After consulting with his demoniac ministers, Kamsa instructed a witch named Putana, who knew the black art of killing small children by ghastly, sinful methods, to kill all kinds of children in the cities, villages and pasturing grounds.
Turning Our Love Toward Krishna
We have forgotten how to love Krishna. Consequently we rush to and fro in this material world trying to love this and that-wife, country, society, cats, dogs. Thus we are always frustrated. Why?
Krishna’s Universal Form
The universal form is the form of the Supreme Lord in which one can see everything in the universe, all at once. In the universal form, one can see past, present and future. One can see all the demigods of the material creation, and all other living beings.
Krishna’s Sixteen Thousand Wives
We should not be surprised if Krishna had married sixteen million wives, for Krishna, as the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is unlimited. Indeed, we may note with wonder that Krishna married only 16,108 wives.
The Killing of Kamsa
Kamsa heard the cries of the newborn child as his death knell, and he rushed in to kill him. But the baby flew up into the air and assumed the form of the demigoddess Maya. “You rascal,” she said to Kamsa. “The child who will kill you has already been born elsewhere. You cannot kill Him.”
Who is that Girl with Krishna?
When people see a picture like the one you see here, they often ask, “Who is that girl with Krishna?” The answer is that She is Srimati Radharani, Krishna’s pleasure potency.
The Reality of Krishna’s Appearance
Krishna’s pastimes go on as a kind of road show, visiting one planet after another. Not only does Krishna travel; He brings with Him His mother, His father, His cowherd friends, the gopis, the cows and the land of Vrndavana.
The Birth of Lord Krishna
Lord Visnu, who is residing within the heart of every living entity, appeared in the darkness of night as the Supreme Personality of Godhead before Devaki, who also appeared as one of the demigoddesses. The appearance of Lord Visnu at that time could be compared with the full moon in the sky as it rises on the eastern horizon.
Krishna’s Supreme Glory
Although the greatest person, He likes to enjoy a little sport, some friends, a bit of affection. Krishna is not different from us in this respect; He is the Supreme Great, but this does not mean He cannot enjoy relationships with His pure devotees