Waterful Nasik!

Waterful Nasik!
September 19-21, 2008.

I had no idea about the holiness of Nasik until recently. And until I went there, I had no idea about just how holy it is. And its only after coming back from there that I am beginning to realize just how fortunate I was to visit the holy dham of Nasik. Krishna willing, it will not be long before I visit it again, this time with a more proper consciousness, that of reverence, that comes along with more knowledge about the dham. That Lord Sri Gaura Sunder Himself visited all those places is more than enough for a Gaudia Vaishnava to visit them again and again.

Around 21 devotees, most of us counselees of H. G. Jai Narsimha Prabhu and H. G. Yashoda Rani Mataji, started off in a 25-seater at around 1800 from the Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari Temple, Pune. It was raining quite a bit and incessantly for most of the journey. Along the way we got quite a few phone calls warning us that Nasik is under water! The news channels were flashing “Maha-pur (literally - huge flood) in Nasik!” along with graphic pictures. But a few devotees told me that they were quite unconcerned despite such usually disturbing news. Sometimes people tend to think that the bad things of life will not happen to them. In this ignorance, such people proclaim their fearlessness by doing dare-devil acts. However, sooner or later, typically after the youth has fled away, the false sense of fearlessness and invincibility evaporates, replaced by a nagging fear of death and misfortunes. On the other hand, the devotees are never under the illusion that this material world is safe. However, still, because of taking shelter of the Supreme Lord Krishna, the devotees experience true fearlessness. More than personal safety, devotees were praying that they get darshan of the various holy places.

Sri Sri Radha Gopinath and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai of Nasik Temple

We reached Nasik at around 0100 at night and checked into a hotel that we had booked before hand. At least there was no flooding in that area of Nasik. However, all night it was raining. A few of us attended the Mangal Arati in the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple (ISKCON) which was a 5 minute walk from the hotel. It was still raining during the whole morning program. The ISKCON temple is almost a replica of the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple of Chowpatty. The devotees are very simple and humble and they won over my heart. The deities, Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, are most beautiful, reminding one of their namesakes in Chowpatty. And so are the Sri Sri Gaur Nitai deities. The local Nasik devotees told us that it will be impossible for us to visit some of the holy places. But H. G. Jai Narsimha Prabhu and other devotees had a strong desire to be able to visit all the places. As if miraculously, the rain had stopped completely at the end of the morning program at around 0900. We all honored prasadam at 1000 and around 1100 we were off! Rohit Prabhu, a resident devotee of the Nasik temple, kindly accompanied us to guide us.

Raam Kunda, over flooded!

First of all we visited Raam Kunda. Its on the banks of the sacred Godavari River. I will not go into the details of all the many pastimes associated with that place. Actually the whole area in and around Nasik is the well-known Dandakaranya forest area where Lord Sri Ramachandra spent so much if His time while in exile. In fact, this place got its name Nasik because Lord Lakshman had cut off Shurpanakha’s nose (called nasika in Sanskrit) at this place. The previous day the Godavari had flooded over and its water level rose 10-15 feet above the road level! All the dwellings on the banks were deluged and quite a lot of property was damaged. I heard that around 10 people lost their lives too. Fortunately for us the water level had reduced and we could relatively safely take the darshan of the Ganges of the South, the Godavari, and bathe in its strong current. One could definitely feel the spiritual vibrations in that place even though the Raam Kunda, and the accompanying Lakshmana Kunda and Sita Kunda are all very much in the middle of the city. Due to the over flooded Godavari, all these Kundas and the river had become just one big body of water. We visited the nearby Kapaleshwar Lord Siva temple too and saw from outside (couldn’t go in due to the aftermath of the flooding) the Lord Balaji Temple which Lord Chaitanya Himself had paid a visit. Srila Prabhupada had also visited this place.

Nearby is the Sita Gufa (Sita Cave) where Lord Ramachandra had hid Mother Sita while He single handedly fought and destroyed 14,000 rakshasas. There are 5 banyan trees around there which are said to be existing since Lord Raam’s time, and which give this place the name Panchavati. Then, our bus took us to Tapowan whose strong spiritual vibrations were unmistakable. There is a temple of Lord Lakshman in that place, the only temple in the world where He is presiding without Lord Ramachandra being present. Nearby was the confluence of the Godavari and the Kapila Ganga, which we visited. On the way back to the hotel, we paid a running visit to the Sunder Narayan Temple which is on the bridge that runs over and across the Godavari. From that vantage point we were met with a sight that touched our hearts and filled it with love and affection for the Lord. We could see that the ghat on which we had bathed just a few hours ago was once again under 2-3feet of water. The first thought that struck us was that this was surely the mercy of the Lord! It was as if He had arranged that when we came to the river bank, the water level was low enough for us to have a proper bath, and as soon as we were done, the water level started rising again, so much so that it over flooded the ghats once again.

That evening we were invited by a glorious Krishna Conscious family, that of H. G. Jugal Kishore Prabhu. It was in his house that Krishna Consciousness took roots in Nasik. For the last 10 years, he and his family host a weekly program. Their deities are one of most gorgeous house deities I have ever seen. They resemble Sri Sri Radha Madhava of Mayapur, and to some they also resembled Sri Sri Radha Gopinath of Chowpatty. The next day morning a few of us attended the Mangal Arati in the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple. After the morning program, we honored delicious prasadam. All our meals in the Nasik temple were sumptuous and delicious. Nasik devotees told us that none of them is an actual cook, but from the prasadam, it was not at all apparent.

Trayambakeshwar

Around 35kms from Nasik is a gorgeous temple of Lord Siva – Trayambakeshwar. It is one of the Jyotirlingas. Lord Chiatanya had visited this temple. Nestled amidst beautiful hills, with a huge courtyard, the temple is a pleasing sight to behold. We were standing in the queue for Darshan for about an hour and all the time we worshipped Lord Siva by loudly singing Hari Naam Sankirtan. Surely Lord Siva was pleased. A lot of other visitors were joining in the kirtans! We also managed to distribute 9 books. Nearby is the small pond which is the source of the Godavari. I will not go into the detailed pastime. After packing our luggage and checking out from the hotel, we visited Taket on the way back to Pune. This is the place where Lord Jatayu, the great devotee of Lord Raam, had given up his life fighting Ravana trying to release Mother Sita from the demon’s clutches. Lord Raam had performed his last rites personally at this place. Unfortunately, around 1 km from the actual temple, the road was submerged in 2-3 feet deep flowing water that flowed across the road. We decided not to cross it. Thus, we will have to visit this temple in our next trip. We heard that it’s a must-see temple! Apart from this temple, we could not visit the Brahmagiri hill, which also Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had personally visited, and we also could not visit the place where Lord Kapila, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, instructed His mother Devahuti in the devotional Sankhya philosophy. I did not know before going to Nasik that it is such a holy place. Next time, I will go with a better consciousness and try to soak in the dham as much as possible.

Pond which is the source of the Godavari

näsike tryambaka dekhi’ gelä brahmagiri

kushävarte äilä yähän janmilä godävari

Sri Caitanya Mahäprabhu then visited Näsika, where He saw the deity of Tryambaka [Lord Siva]. He then went to Brahma-giri and then to Kushävarta, the source of the river Godävari.

CC Madhya lila 9:317

Sunset at Taket

On the way back to Pune, in the bus, just like the journey from Pune to Nasik, we engaged ourselves in a lot of Krishna Conscious games. The devotees are so wonderful and sweet that despite being so senior they are eager to serve every other devotee. This is the proof of their advanced Krishna Consciousness. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to associate with such gems. Actually, I do not have any doubt that our Nasik trip was a success despite the heavy floods only because of the strong desires of the Vaishnavas. And I, just by the dint of being with them, obtained the same good fortune. This is the effect of Vaishnava association. I pray to Srila Prabhupada, Sri Sri Radha Gopinath, and Sri Sri Gaur Nitai that they always keep me in such exalted association so that one day even I may attain that supreme destination, Krishna Prem.

Your servant,
Abhijit.

The Ahobilam Adventure!

(On top of the Ugra Stambha!)

The Ahobilam Adventure
August 13-17, 2008

aho veeryam aho shouryam aho bahu parakrame
naarsimhah param devam ahobilam ahobalam

Let me first offer my obeisances unto Srila Prabhupada and all the Vaishnavas, by whose mercy I am presently following the sublime process of Krishna Consciousness. Let me also beg forgiveness from all the devotees who came along for this Ahobilam trip for all the offences I would have committed against them because of all my shortcomings. I also pray to Lord Narasimha Dev for His blessings before starting this article.

Contents

0. How to reach Ahobilam, Places to visit, Where to Stay, Contact Numbers, and Itinerary
1. Prelude
2. Glorifying the Organizers in Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan Movement
3. Day One-Two : The journey to Ahobilam, and Four temples
3.1. Bhargava Narasimha Swamy
3.2. Chatravata Narasimha Swamy
3.3. Yogananda Narasimha Swamy
3.4. HG Purushottam Murali Prabhu
3.5. Prahlad-Varada Narasimha Swamy
4. Day Three : Adventure Day! Five temples, Prahlad’s School, Ugra-Stambha!
4.1. The Morning Japa
4.2. Varaaha (or Krodha) Narasimha Swamy
4.3. Jwaalaa Narasimha Swamy
4.4. The Ugra-Stambha!
4.5. Malola Narasimha Swamy
4.6. Prahlad’s School and Cave
4.7. Ahobila Narasimha Swamy
4.8. Karanja Narasimha Swamy
4.9. HG Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu
5. Day Four : The Paavana Experience!
5.1. Paavana Narasimha Swamy
5.2. Mahanandi
5.3. Back to Cuddappah and Pune
6. Epilogue


0. How to reach Ahobilam, Places to visit, Where to stay, Contacts, and Itinerary

Nearest Railway station coming from Pune is Cuddappah in Andhra Pradesh. Its 125 Kms from Ahobilam. 3 hour car drive.

Places to visit

1. Nine self-manifest Narasimha deities (nava-Narasimha)
1.1. Bhargava Narasimha (Ahobilam)
1.2. Chatravata Narasimha (Ahobilam)
1.3. Yogananda Narasimha (Ahobilam)
1.4. Karanja Narasimha (Ahobilam)
1.5. Ahobila Narasimha (Lower Ahobilam)
1.6. Varaaha (Krodha) Narasimha (Lower Ahobilam)
1.7. Jwaalaa Narasimha (Upper Ahobilam, Vedadri hills)
1.8. Malola Narasimha (Upper Ahobilam, Vedadri hills)
1.9. Paavana Narasimha (Upper Ahobilam, Garudadri hills)
2. Prahlad’s school and cave (Upper Ahobilam, near Malola Narasimha)
3. Ugra-Stambha (Upper Ahobilam, Vedadri hills, via Jwaalaa Narasimha)
4. Prahlada-Varada Temple (Ahobilam)
5. Sri Ahobila Math (Ahobilam)



Place to stay and contact numbers

1. Sri Ahobila Math
1.1. 9490515284
1.2. 08519 252045

Itinerary

All the places can be visited in two days. But best is to give three days so that one can take darshan nicely and spend sufficient time at the various places. Roughly:
Half day for all places in Ahobilam
One day for all places on Vedadri hills
Half day for Paavana Narasimha (Garudadri hills)


1. Prelude

Ever since I heard that the pillar from which Lord Narasimha, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, had burst out exists on the surface of the earth, I was fascinated. HG Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu (whom I will henceforth refer to as SKCP in this writeup) first told me about that place. “Have you been to Ahobilam?” he asked. “Ahobilam? What’s that? Never even heard of it” I said. “What! You have not heard of Ahobilam? What are you doing?” He was quite shocked that I did not know about Ahobilam. But when I heard about it from SKCP, I had no doubt in my mind that I must go there. I repeatedly started expressing my desire to SKCP and he was so kind to me that he decided to gift me an Ahobilam trip! Thank you very much Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu. I will be ever grateful.

2. Glorifying the Organizers in Lord Chaitanya’s Sankirtan Movement

(Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu)

And so it began. One of the most memorable and unique experiences in my life. SKCP organized the whole trip from the very beginning. I was more of a spokesman. We reached out to about 40 devotees through email. But soon the whole of Pune congregation knew about it. We booked most of the tickets two and a half months in advance. As the trip grew closer, we had to finalize more and more things. Lodging, Prasadam (meals and snacks), road transport in and around Ahobilam, medical equipment, etc. I am mentioning this especially to bring out the point that even for arranging a 3-day trip for 20-odd devotees takes a lot of planning and efforts. When I experienced this for the first time in my life (typically I stay away from administrative tasks), I realized how much trouble the devotees of Lord Chaitanya take to propagate His mission. One can clearly see that organization is one of the most important limbs of Lord Gauranga’s mission and to organize things day-in-and-day-out surely puts a lot of strain on the body and mind. Suddenly I realized how important is this skill of organizing in Lord Chaitanya’s movement, and that therefore I should also try to become decently good at it in order to serve Srila Prabhupada effectively. Organizing, it seems to me, is not only one of the most challenging services, but since not all might know how tough it is, it is also one of the most thankless. I therefore pay my heartfelt obeisances to all devotees who serve the movement in the role of organizers. And SKCP is a brilliant organizer!

3. Day One-Two : The journey to Ahobilam, and Four temples

We started from Pune on the evening of August 13, and reached Cuddappah (Andhra Pradesh) around 1230 on the 14th. In the train we recited all the Mangal Arati prayers and kirtans. HG RamKrishna Prabhu then gave a short Bhagavatam class. In Cuppappah, four sumos were already waiting for us to take us to Ahobilam. We reached the holy dham of Ahobilam at around 1500. The lodging had already been arranged for us in the Sri Ahobila Math. After a quick shower and a quick lunch, all of us were ready for what we had come for! Darshan of the Lord! Ahobilam is the place where Lord Narasimha Dev has exhibited (and keeps exhibiting even to the day) numerous pastimes. The most famous of them is of course the protection of the pure devotee Prahlad by the destruction of the demon Hiranyakashipu. There are nine different self-manifest (svayambhu, or svayama-vyakta) deities of Lord Narasimha amidst the hills of the Ahobila Kshetra. Aho-bilam literally means “wonderful cave” referring to the caves in which some of the nine self-manifest deities appeared and/or stay. Ahobilam is also referred to as Aho-balam, referring to the wonderful strength of Lord Narasimhadev. These nine deities together form one Divya-Desham. There are 108 such Divya-Deshams all over India. All of these are temples of Lord Vishnu in His various forms. Apart from these nine deities there are other temples and spots which are all transcendental. Hold your breath, and read on, as I take you through all of them one-by-one.

3.1. Bhargava Narasimha Swamy

I have always liked to be in the middle of nature. And I love to travel too. Therefore, I reminded myself again and again, before and after reaching Ahobilam, that I am not here for a trekking picnic to have a nice time, but that I am here for the sacred task of taking the darshan of Lord Narasimha in His special abode. Ahobilam has three parts. Ahobilam, Lower Ahobilam, and Upper Ahobilam. That day we visited four temples in Ahobilam. This dham is considered next only to Tirupathi by the devotees of the glorious Sri Sampradaya.

We climbed into four four-wheel drive jeeps and started for Bhargava Narasimha. We took off from the main tarmac road onto a dirt road made slushy and uneven in a lot of places by the recent rains. Quite a roller-coaster experience. SKCP was in my jeep and was very excited. We sang the Narasimha Pranam while we jostled around in the jeep barely holding onto something so as not to fall off or hurt ourselves. It was quite an exciting experience. The jeeps reached a spot on the hills in the jungle from where we had to walk for 5 minutes or so to the stairs that led up to the temple of Bhargava Narasimha. I and SKCP were without any footwear and either the stones were pricking us now and then, or we were kicking the stones unintentionally now and then. The sole and the front part of the thumbs were most exposed to injury. But, with the knowledge that any trouble or pain one undergoes in the dham purifies one’s past sins, the occasional bursts of pain were blissful because they reminded me of Lord Narasimha even more intensely. We climbed up the stairs amidst lush green foliage. The kids were having a ball. I was just too happy to speak much. I was trying to immerse my consciousness into the dham. Just to take it all in as much as possible so that I can later meditate on it when I am actually out of the dham.

Bhargava Muni wanted to see the Lord in His form when He was just about to kill Hiranyakashipu. He performed tapasya here and pleased the Lord who appeared in front of him in the form where His two hands are just about to enter Hiranyakashipu’s belly. Both the Lord and Hiranyakashipu are looking in the direction of Bhargava Muni. Hence the name Bhargava Narasimha!

3.2. Chatravata Narasimha Swamy

(Chatravata Narasimha Swamy)

Still barefoot, I, along with the other devotees, walked back to the jeeps. After another roller-coaster ride, we were on the tarmac road once again. “Thank God” someone said, “Oh no!” I said. I was actually enjoying the ride. We swapped the jeeps with the sumos and now headed towards Chatravata Narasimha. The sumos stopped on the road far way from any visible temple. But I soon realized that this was because the road that led off to our right towards the temple was blocked by a fallen tree! Just part of the eternal Narasimha Lila! Lord Narasimha is not easily attained nor is He to be taken for granted. I and SKCP (and perhaps most others) were enjoying every moment of it. The plot thickened a bit though when we found that not only was the tree fallen, it was also on fire! Presumably the fire was due to a broken electric wire. Now I had to be really careful without my footwear. Dodging the smoldering embers, we crossed that hurdle without casualty. Some devotees took a little detour, and instead of coming through the blazing maze of the broken tree, they had to contend with a 5-6 feet deep ravine to cross. This way or that, Lord Narasimha was making sure that our remembrance of Him intensifies. This was His causeless mercy.

Chatravata Narasimha is smiling widely in this temple. He was very pleased to hear the musical performances of two Gandharvas, Haahaa and Hoohoo, and therefore personally appeared here to give them audience. While doing so, he started counting the musical beats on His left thigh with His left hand. It’s a beautiful deity and one is amazed how such a deity can be self-manifest. Laxmiji is seated on the right side of His chest on a lotus flower. The deity is the very emblem of peace and tranquility.

Just outside the temple we encountered saffron clad renunciates. Later I heard a devotee mention that these renunciates cant be bogus because Ahobilam is not really a commercial place. I immediately instructed my mind to be as non-judgmental as possible in the dham.

3.3. Yogananda Narasimha Swamy

We encountered the same obstacles while going back to our sumos. By Lord Narasimha’s mercy, no one was injured (as far as I know). Next we went to visit Yogananda Narasimha. Here is where the Lord taught Yoga to His most beloved Prahlad. The Lord Himself is sitting in a particular Yoga-asana which is impossible for anyone except Him to perform. There is also a Yoga belt around his knees. One time, somehow this deity got damaged and the then Jeeyar got very much disturbed. (Jeeyar is the term used to refer to the spiritual master of the Ahobilam Math.) His health went down, and so on. Therefore a new deity was installed in the same temple on a raised platform just behind the original self-manifest one. Thus, today there are two Yoganada Narasimha Swamy deities in that temple, the original self-manifest one, and the later installed one. Of course, Vaishnavas understand that both deities are as bona fide as the other.

3.4. HG Purushottam Murali Prabhu

(HG Purushottam Murali Prabhu on top of the Ugra Stambha)

With hearts full of deep satisfaction, we returned back in our sumos to the Sri Ahobila Math where we were staying. SKCP, UgraNarasimha Prabhu, and others were busy chalking out the next day’s plans. But I was still trying to get into the mood of the dham. I was trying to fix my consciousness on the significance of a dham. The dham is non-different from Vaikuntha, and I was trying to comprehend just how fortunate I was to be there, amongst devotees. While I was lost thus in my thoughts, I heard a booming “Hare Krishna Prahbu!” from SKCP. I was jolted out of my thoughts and it took me some moments to realize what was going on. Who is he to whom SKCP is calling out “Hare Krishna!” so happily and excitedly in Ahobilam? Must be an ISKCON devotee, and must be someone whom SKCP knows. And in another few moments even I wanted to start dancing of joy! I did not actually do so, but I remember telling one devotee that I really wanted to dance in happiness! Because we had just met HG Purushottam Murali Prabhu! A saffron-clad brahmachari (celibate) disciple of HH Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami Maharaj.

So many thoughts erupted in my mind. But the essence of all of those was that just how much mercy were we getting! Because of Srila Prabhupada and his followers, its only a matter of time before Lord Chaitanya’s movement spreads in every town and village on the face of the earth. And those who are instrumental in this mission are glorious beyond description. HG Purushottam Murali Prabhu told us some things about himself. He has an engineering degree. After marrying off his sisters, he decided to dedicate his life fully to the service of the Lord. He told that he was always spiritually inclined and had decided to be a lifelong celibate even while he was in the 9th standard in school. He used to study a lot of Sri Sampradaya literature as well as Srila Prabhupada books. But finally he decided to join ISKCON, one of the main reasons being that Srila Prabhupada emphasizes clearly the process to be followed in this age of Kali. He has managed to acquire a 10acre land in Allacata (100 Kms from Ahobilam) and a 1acre land in Ahobilam. Soon Krishna Conscious centers will be developed on these lands. College preaching will also start soon in that region of India. Sometime later this year he will be presenting a paper in an international conference related to spirituality.

For us, his arrival was god-sent, literally. It was quite clear to us that Lord Narasimha had arranged this for us, His own children. Throughout our next two days’ excursions and adventures, PMP was with us as a loving and caring spiritual guide and inspiration. We did not have time to hear long lectures from him, but with his behavior he taught us the sublime Vaishnava qualities like humility and service attitude. With him around, we were feeling safe and secure and quite at home in the daunting hills of Ahobilam.

I will refer to Purushottam Murali Prabhu as PMP henceforth in this article.

3.5. Prahlad-Varada Narasimha Swamy

The Prahlad-Varada Narasimha Swamy Temple is just a one-two minute walking distance away from the Sri Ahobila Math. My heart swells in joy as I remember it. It is not one of the nava-Narasimhas (nine Narasimhas) and if PMP had not been with us, we would not have given too much attention to it. But PMP took us there. It’s a gorgeous temple, built by the famous king Krishna Dev Raya. All the sculptured pillars are carved out of single pieces of rock. The main deity is that of Sri Prahlad Varada Narasimha (It’s a Laxmi Narasimha Deity). Just outside the main temple hall, before taking darshan of the Lord, PMP narrated to us a most fascinating pastime. This deity was installed by none other than, hold your breath… none other than Lord Balaji! I was stunned. Lord Balaji married Padmavati, and for Padmavati Lord Balaji installed this deity of Lord Narasimha here. The pastimes of the Lord are sweeter than nectar. How can words capture the feelings of joy that I was experiencing that time, and even now, as I remember those golden moments from the unforgettable Ahobilam Yatra.

(Group photo on the steps of Balaji Temple in the Prahlad-Varada Temple complex)

The temple also has a deity of Amrutavalli Taayar. Taayar means Laxmiji. Just like Sri Radha has a special position in the Gaudiya Vaishnava Sampradaya, Taayar has similar significance in the Sri Samprdaya. There is also a temple of Lord Balaji in the temple premises along with other structures in the honor of the various acharyas. There is also a hall in which all nine Narasimha deities of the nava-Narasimhas are sculptured on pillars. Some of them have been partially broken by the Islamic invaders, but most of them are fine.

This temple is a classic Sri Sampradaya Temple and I was very much impressed. One can feel the strong vibrations of devotion all around and also sense the mood of joyfulness as well as seriousness in all the dealings of the Sri Vaishnavas. The guru-shishya disciplic succession is one of the most pleasing systems of the Vedic culture. The respect for the predecessor acharyas acts like a unifying bond and a soothing balm for the entangled souls of this world which is so prone to quarrel and disunity. The culture and lifestyle of the Vaishnava residents of Ahobilam reminds one of the Vedic times where the temple of the Lord was the center of all activities.

Just before entering the main temple, to the left, is a pond, typical of many old South Indian Temples. Every year, the festival of Brahmotsava is celebrated in South India. An important deity travels to all the major Sri Sampradaya temples and that journey ends at Ahobilam. At this end of the journey, the Sudarshan Chakra of the Lord bathes in this pond.

4. Day Three : Adventure Day! Five temples, Prahlad’s School, Ugra-Stambha!

Without PMP, we would have had to rely on the guide while trekking up and down the various places we had to visit. Not only that, the guide is definitely not the best person to hear Hari Katha from. But now, with PMP with us, I was bubbling with anticipation for the next day. We still took the guide with us, and he did prove to be very useful and helpful, but we now could hear the various pastimes of the Lord from the mouth of His devotee, and that was just too good. Before leaving for the trip, I had this one concern that we will not have association of a senior devotee who knows a lot about Ahobilam. But the presence of PMP solved all that. PMP and SKCP then finalized the plans for the next day and then we all slept, but not before a few managerial tasks for SKCP and me. Amongst them was the task of distributing snacks (which we had got along from Pune) to all devotees who would carry them with them while trekking the next day.

4.1. The Morning Japa

Piyush Prabhu, Manish Prabhu, SKCP, and I got up early in the morning at around 0300. At around 0400 we were all at the Prahlada-Varada Narasimha Temple. We found a nice spot facing the magnificent gopuram of the temple and sat there to chant. It was one of the best chanting I had ever done. The brahma muhurta hours, the strong spiritual vibrations of Ahobilam, the fresh morning air, and the seriously chanting devotees… all of it combined to form one of the best chanting spots one could dream of. When my mind wandered and I opened my eyes, I could see Piyush Prabhu chanting intensely. This inspired me to chant intensely as well. Time and again I was amazed at my great good fortune that I have landed up in this place, a place which was unheard of for me only a few months ago. I understood that the Lord does fulfill all desires of His devotees, and I was touched by these thoughts.

4.2. Varaaha (or Krodha) Narasimha Swamy

Almost all devotees were ready to go by 0630. Most of them jumped into three of the Sumos and started off for Lower Ahobilam, from where our trek would commence. SKCP and I stayed back for PMP to arrive. We gave ourselves the deadline of 0700 after which even we would have left off without PMP. Perhaps somehow he has got caught up in some work, perhaps he has forgotten, perhaps this, perhaps that… SKCP told me that each time he sets himself such deadlines, the expected event always occurs before it. It was time to see if that trend continues… Haribol! Sure enough, at the strike of the hour, PMP came marching along and SKCP looked at me and with a huge smile and his booming voice exclaimed, “I told you so! You see? He’s here just in time! Its 0700!”.

Lord Narasimha was bestowing His mercy in different ways. Putting us in little anxieties, and then taking us out of them as well. This way He was increasing our remembrance of Himself in His own abode. This is mercy! Fortunately, we reached Lower Ahobilam just a few minutes after the other Sumos. At Lower Ahobilam is another one of the nava-Narasimhas, but we decided to visit Him while returning. We collected a stick for each of us (for trekking) and started off. Soon we entered the jungle and the uphill climb started. We were walking along the Bhavanaashini River. It was a small but forceful stream with ponds in various places. The water was sparklingly clean and nectar to drink. Later in the trip we were fearlessly filling in our water bottles with the water from the flowing Bhavanashini river. It evaporated our fatigue and rejuvenated us for the trek ahead. Just the sight of it was soothing.

There are three hills in Ahobilam. Vedadri, Garudadri, and Achalachalam (need to confirm this name though). The personified Vedas had performed austerities to please the Lord on the Vedadri, and Garuda had done the same on the Garudadri. That day we were going to visit the temples on the Vedadri. The first temple we came across was the Varaaha Narasimha Swamy Temple. Just like all other deities of the nava-Narasimhas, this deity is also self manifest, and it resides in a cave. Lord Varaaha is facing upwards towards His left, and Laxmiji is sitting on His left shoulder holding one of His tusks. A beautiful deity and it evoked emotions of love and affection in my heart for the Lord. How beautiful, elegant, and magnificent is the Lord in everything He does.

4.3. Jwaalaa Narasimha Swamy

After about at least an hour of trekking we arrived at the cave temple of Jwaalaa Narasimha. The cave has a 3-4 deities. One of them is of Lord Narasimha coming out of the pillar. One of them is Lord Narasimha chasing after and catching Hiranyakashipu just before killing him. There is also a deity of the Lord holding Hiranyakashipu on His lap, two hands holding Hiranyakashipu down, and two hands just about to rip him apart! Surely awesome! It reminded me of the utter helplessness of every living entity in front of the might of the Lord. And yet, the Lord is so merciful that He lovingly takes care of us even though we are rebellious. Of course, Hiranyakashipu committed grave Vaishnava Aparadhs, and therefore the Lord gave a different kind of treatment to him. Jwaalaa Narasimha is the place where the Lord finally killed Hiranyakashipu.

The path leading to the Jwaalaa Narasimha goes under an overhanging rock. At the same time, the Bhavanashini river falls down from somewhere above this rock in the form of a waterfall. All of us had nice quick refreshing shower under this waterfall both while going towards and going away from the Jwaalaa Narasimha. And we also filled our water bottles with that water. We had to be careful though. Just beyond the not-so-tall railing was a deep vertical drop. In fact, the place we were standing at was a narrow ledge on the face of a vertical rock. Its quite amazing that we were all quite relaxed all this while. Near the temple, towards the right of the path (the left of the path was the vertical drop), is a small pond where Lord Narasimha washed the blood off His hands after killing the demon. Even today, the rocks around that pond are tinged with red. The water itself is crystal clear and nectarean.

4.4. The Ugra-Stambha!

All this while, I was sub-consciously aware of the Ugra-Stambha. I had heard from devotees that it was deadly dangerous to scale it, especially in the rains. Fortunately, the rains had stayed away apart from the occasional very light drizzle. But still, the general notion was that scaling the Ugra Stambha is something almost impossible. With these thoughts in mind, I was preparing my mind for an extremely dangerous experience. I had past experiences that I could imagine this one to be like. I remember once I was climbing down a vertical cliff without any cliff-hanging gear. It was an experience I will not forget for a long time. Death was one mistake away. I was thinking perhaps the Ugra Stambha would be something of that sort. In fact, not until we heard encouraging words from PMP were we certain about scaling the Stambha. But with PMP with us, encouraging, most of us were prepared to undertake that mission.

We had the first glimpse of the Ugra Stambha on the way to the Jwaalaa Narasimha. It was a majestic site. And from where we were, scaling it was seeming quite impossible. From there we could also see that what is left of the Ugra Stambha resembles the head of Garuda who is looking ahead majestically. There is one slot each on the two faces of the Ugra Stambha which resemble the eyes of Garuda. And the vertical walls of the hills on both sides of the Stambha resemble the wings of Garuda. Thus, we beheld the form of Garuda flying majestically! It was one of most magnificent sights I had ever seen in my life.

With so much uncertainty around the trek up the Ugra Stambha, everyone was praying to Lord Narasimha for protection. 3-4 elderly devotees had decided to stay back at the Jwaalaa Narasimha temple. It was a wise decision. The climb up was steep, but not unmanageable for young people. However, it was the first time in my life I was trekking with a dhoti instead of standard trekking gear. The idea of doing so had sounded quite ridiculous to me initially, but SKCP insisted that in the dham we should look like dham-vaasis. I was still unsure for some time, but eventually decided to go ahead with the dhoti plan. Hopefully SKCP was pleased with this decision of mine too.

We were climbing up the Stambha from the side opposite to what we had seen from below. On the way the guide pointed to me a grave of a person who fell from the top of the Ugra Stambha and died. I did not announce this to the rest, and asked the guide to also not mention these things right now. As HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami Maharaja (Spiritual Master of SKCP) says, “The mind is very powerful. Better not think of death or accidents especially while driving etc.” Without much difficulty we reached the very top. But that was not the final destination. The trickiest part came now. First, we had to cross over a small bridge-like natural structure. It was just 3-4 feet wide, and on both sides were steep drops. The left side drop was no so dangerous (at least that’s what it seemed to me), but the right side drop was sure-shot death. We removed our footwear so that we get a better grip. We crossed the bridge sitting down on the bridge. We couldn’t afford a slip. But after some time, the tension eased and everyone crossed eventlessly.

But again, there was more to come! We were at the highest point in that area. In all directions we could see deep valleys. There was no shelter but Lord Narasimhadev. After this point, we had to climb down at a very steep angle. While looking down, one could see the deep valley, and one wrong step would lead one to certain death. The climb down itself was not necessarily tough, but the margin for error was too small. Those with fear of heights were shivering. Just before starting this climb down, there was dead silence. It was as if no one else was there but you and Lord Narasimha. That time I took shelter of Lord Narasimha Dev by remembering Him intensely. I had no doubt that whether I come back or not is totally in His hands. One devotee decided to stay up there and not proceed.

After 10-15 minutes of tricky steep ups and downs, one reached the final destination. At that place, which is perhaps a rough circle of diameter 5-6 feet, are the lotus foot prints of Lord Narasimhadev. Everyone circumambulated those while SKCP and Manish Prabhu loudly recited the Narasimha Prayers for the others. SKCP and Manish Prabhu were also expertly helping other devotees come up to the final destination. When PMP found out that one devotee had not come, he personally went and got him. Mercy!!

The devotees then came back. The way back was tricky too but we all came back safely. Many devotees expressed later that at some point or the other they did think that Lord Narasimha was their only shelter. I was more relaxed while coming down. Looking at it objectively, I think the trek was not difficult for regular trekkers. But then, Ahobilam is a dham and therefore it is inconceivable and absolutely anything can happen here. I would say that the trek seemed easy to me for the sole reason that Lord Narasimha was merciful upon me. I have had enough experiences in my short Krishna Conscious life to know for certain that without the Lord’s mercy, I cannot do anything. I cant even chant my 16 rounds without His mercy, then what to speak of climbing up and down the Ugra Stambha safely.

4.5. Malola Narasimha Swamy

After safely negotiating the Ugra Stambha, which was possible only by Lord Narasimhadev’s mercy, the rest of the trek was relatively simple. The kids, Mumjal and Chaitali, were having a ball! It was Chaitali’s birthday that day, and climbing the Ugra Stambha was her birthday gift! On the way back and towards our next destination, we looked back at the Ugra Stambha again and again. It struck me that I had just been to places which I keep hearing about all the time! It took some time for the fact to sink in that I had just returned from the very pillar from where Lord Narasimha emerged! Perhaps my hair was standing at that time…

After about half an hour or so, we reached the temple of Malola Narasimha Swamy. “Ma” refers to Laxmiji, “Lola” means “dear to”. The Lord who is very dear to Laxmiji – Malola. Narasimhadev married Chenchu Laxmi, a tribal girl, and this angered Laxmiji. In this Malola Narasimha Temple, the Lord is trying to pacify Laxmiji. For me, and perhaps for all present, who are used to hearing about the destruction of Hiranyakashipu, these other sweet pastimes of Lord Narasimhadev are very very heart warming. That same Lord who was angry beyond description because His devotee was troubled, in this pastime is trying to pacify His another devotee Laxmiji. Not for nothing is the Lord known as Bhakta Vatsala. The Malola Narasimha deity is one of the sweetest deities I have ever seen. My heart is still stirred as I remember that awesome man-lion trying to somehow pacify Laxmiji who has become annoyed with Him. Oh, what a pastime!

PMP told us that this is one of the most powerful places and one can clearly feel the strong vibrations there. He also told us that each of the nava-Grahas (9 planets considered in astrological calculations) has one of these nava-Narasimhas as its Adhipati. Thus, anyone who takes darshan of these nine Narasimhas wont be affected by the bad effects of the nava grahas. He also explained that Vaishnavas are anyways exempt for any such planetary effects. But then, I cannot claim myself to be a Vaishnava, and therefore, at least because of taking the darshan of the nava-Narasimhas, I will be saved from the bad effects of the nava grahas.

4.6. Prahlad’s School and Cave

(Prahlad's School)

Around a 15 minute walk from the Malola Narasimha Temple is a mystic place, in the sense that once you go there, you wont feel like coming back. At least that was my experience. It’s the school where Prahlad studied. It’s a wide open space in the middle of all the rocky hills. Nowhere else did I see such open space in the Ahobilam hills. The surface of that open space is also made of rocks, but its more like a rock flooring than a rocky uneven surface. Not only that, the whole surface is checker-boarded with horizontal and vertical lines carved in that stone. One can also find some kind of script etched on that stone surface. But even without all this, the moment I saw that place, my heart was captured. How wonderful will it be to just be there and read and hear the Bhagavatam amongst exalted devotees? We chanted 1-2 rounds there. At the far end of the flat surface is a small cave where Lord Narasimha gives Yoga practical classes to Prahlad. The theory classes are held at the Yogananda Narasimha Temple which we visited the previous day. I did not want to leave that place, but of course I had to. PMP told us that many senior ISKCON devotees including HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja comes to this spot to chant. No wonder. Even an insignificant neophyte like me could experience the potency of the place, then what to speak of pure devotees.

4.7. Ahobila Narasimha Swamy

A 20minute walk took us back to Lower Ahobilam where we visited the Temple of Ahobila Narasimha Swamy. Fearing the invaders, the 6th Jeeyar of the Ahobila Math (the current Jeeyar is the 45th) hid the golden utsav deities of the Lord someplace in the temple and sealed that place. Its said that the 6th Jeeyar is still worshipping those deities in that sealed place. Few years ago the Chief Minister of the state started a project to unearth those golden deities. The contractor, his family, and the main engineer, all died. The project was scrapped. The deity in that temple is that of Ugra Narasimha. The cave also has in it a cot for the Lord, most probably for the times when He comes out of the temple for processions etc.

4.8. Karanja Narasimha Swamy

We returned the sticks, sat in our Sumos, and started off for Karanja Narasimha Swamy Temple, which is on the way back to the Sri Ahobila Math where we were put up. Lord Hanuman did a lot of tapasya in this place. Lord Narasimha appeared, but Hanuman refused to accept Him as his Lord. He longed for Lord Ramachandra. Lord Narasimha told Hanuman that He was indeed non-different from Lord Ramachandra. Still Hanuman did not accept. Then, the Lord showed Hanuman His form as Lord Ramachandra. Only then was Hanuman satisfied and started worshipping Him with folded palms. Due to this pastime, the Lord holds a bow in His left hand, like Lord Ramachandra, in this temple. The Lord appeared near a Karanja tree and hence the name Karanja Narasimha Swamy.

4.9. HG Sri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu

Needless to say, everyone was dead tired. We reached back to the Sri Ahobila Math at around 1630. Perfectly in time in order to get enough rest before the next day’s exertions start. I and Piyush Prabhu went with PMP to the place where he stays. It was a nice walk through the rural village of Ahobilam. PMP worships the deity of Sri Sri Radha Ahobileshwar in the place where he stays. I was barefoot again and was enjoying it. Sometime during this walk I think, one stone pierced my right foot near its base. After that walking barefoot was really some kind of austerity. But yet, I took it as mercy of the Lord.

Even as everyone was taking rest, SKCP was taking care of the organizational part of the trip. 6 new devotees had arrived from Hyderabad, and SKCP quickly arranged for their lodging, prasadam, guide, transport, etc. Without worrying about his own fatigue, he massaged the legs of the elderly devotees personally. Surely, he got a lot of blessings from all the devotees. Then we distributed the snacks to all devotees for the next day’s trek. Somewhere in between we also went out for a stroll. The weather was beautiful with a nice cool breeze. We had some lemon juice, bought some souvenirs, and so on. Then we settled most of the accounts with the Sri Ahobilam Math. And so many such things that kept us from going to bed. Finally, we slept at around 2300.

During the whole trip, there were so many organizational things to be done. That causes so much mental strain. But SKCP did all that without anyone else knowing anything about it. I was very impressed. SKCP is a great asset for Lord Chaitanya’s movement, and it was a privilege to assist him in serving the devotees.

Not only that, even while trekking, he kept encouraging everyone, especially the ones who were very tired. Someone told me that SKCP was the source of strength and inspiration for them. He was always jolly, always extending himself for helping out others, and always considering how to best serve the Vaishnavas. Hats off to SKCP! Three cheers for SKCP!!!

5. Day Four : The Paavana Experience!

After the hectic previous day, I did not wake up at 0300. But Piyush Prabhu did! Actually, at the end of the previous day’s exertions, Piyush Prabhu had developed severe pain in one of his knees. AvinashGovinda Prabhu (physiotherapist) told him that it was an internal ligament related pain and could get quite nasty. Despite all this, Piyush Prabhu still got up at 0300 and was ready by 0400 and set off to the Prahlada Varada Temple for chanting. I reached there at around 0530. I chanted most of my rounds before we left the Sri Ahobilam Math at around 0730. I also took quite a few snaps of the temple, and in particular of the magnificent gopuram.

5.1. Paavana Narasimha Swamy

It was Balaram Jayanti that day and most of the devotees were on a nirjal (without even water) fast till noon. The sumos took us to Lower Ahobilam. This time we trekked up the Garudadri. The previous day we had trekked up the Vedadri. The initial 1000-odd steps are followed by a 5km walk to the temple of Paavana Narasimha Swamy. Bharadwaj Muni had performed tapasya here to cleanse himself of all sins. Hence this deity is known as Paavana (purifying) Narasimha.

As soon as we started walking up the steps, we encountered the first signs of what was to follow. Blood! The Paavana Narasimha Swamy is associated with a most bewildering pastime. Lord Narasimha married a tribal girl Chenchu Laxmi (who appeared in the tribe called Chenchu) on the spot where the Paavana Narasimha Temple is situated. Now, these tribal people eat meat. In fact they sacrifice animals right in front of the temple and offer it to the Lord. Well, they don’t take the meat inside the temple, but they offer it to Him from outside. The temple is still a Sri Vaishnava Temple, and therefore, the pujaris wont allow any meat inside the temple.

As we climbed up, the surroundings became more and more pleasing. At one point, we could see the Malola Narasimha Temple as well as Prahlad’s school on the opposite hill. It was a beautiful sight. After the stairs finished, a beautiful slightly descending path weaved through the jungle as we steadily progressed to the Paavana Narasimha Temple. We offered some Prasadam to a person, but PMP warned us to not do so here. Who knows, these people could be naxalites too! I heard PMP chanting “Ugram Veeram, MahaVishnum, Jwalantam Sarvato Mukham; Narasimham Bheeshanam Bhadram, MrutyurMrutyu NamamiAham”. I also started chanting it.

On the way, at least 4 freshly sacrificed, freshly skinned, beheaded bodies of goats passed us. It was a gruesome sight. When we reached the temple after a one and a half hour walk, I was shocked even more. It was a Saturday, and PMP told me that the local tribesmen come here on Saturdays to sacrifice an animal whenever some of their material wishes get fulfilled. The place was full of tribesmen and tribeswomen. Though in saris, the women were shaven headed and reminded me of rakshasaas. The whole scene was more like a meat market than of a temple of Sri Vishnu. Dead cut-open carcasses hung upside down. Some people were even selling liquor. As we stood in line to take darshan of the Lord, we could see them skinning and cooking the heads of goats. All around were disturbing sights. I remember saying to Piyush Prabhu that this was as fearsome place.

But soon we got Darshan of the Lord and I relaxed a bit. Meanwhile, before standing in the line, PMP took a few of us to the house (cave) of Chenchu Laxmi. We climbed a small but steep hill barefoot. With some injury already to my foot, this was a challenge. But it was worth it. The cave has deities of Chenchu Laxmi, Hanuman, and Lord Narsimhadev. There also is a short tunnel through which we all went in order to perform a parikrama. It was frightening and exciting. The kids were jubilant! We spent quite some minutes up there. The stench of the dead meat below was repelling us and we preferred to be up here.

Soon we left the temple. On the way, the clock struck 12! There, right in the middle of the jungle, we all celebrated Balaram Jayanti! We placed small laminated photos of the Lord on the ground, resting against small rocks, and PMP led a kirtan. One of the most heart-touching moments of the trip, at least for me. This is the stuff the most cherished dreams are made of. After the kirtans we rested for 5-10 minutes, had some Prasadam and lots of water, and started walking again. In about an hour or so, we were back to Lower Ahobilam. Some devotees were really exhausted, but otherwise everyone was fine. We had our lunch Prasadam at the Math there (not the Sri Ahobila Math where we were put up). Nice and simple and soothing south Indian prasadam.

(SKCP and Me)

5.2. Mahanandi

After reaching back the Sri Ahobilam Math, we packed up quickly and left after paying obeisances to the holy dham of Ahobilam. The sumos then took us to a place called Mahanandi. It has a beautiful pond of crystal clear water whose source is unknown, and a temple of Lord Siva. Unfortunately, when we reached there, it was closed. We had our dinner Prasadam sitting on the earth there and then sat back in our sumos.

5.3. Back to Cuddappah and Pune

SKCP was with me in the sumo and we were very tired. PMP was also in the sumo as were Piyush Prabhu and his father. SKCP and I were having a nice time as if we had become kids once again. These are the moments I cherish most, and what’s more, these moments gives me a glimpse of what kind of joy awaits us in the spiritual world where we will be so close to Krishna. After about three hours, at around 2300, we reached the Cuddappah Railway Station. Everyone was very tired and very sticky with sweat. The waiting rooms of the station were very good and provided us good rest. Our hero, SKCP, boarded the 0030 train to Chennai, while the rest of us had to catch a morning train. We boarded the 0430 train. Quite some time we slept in the train. At other times, we talked about our trip very fondly. I spent a lot of time with AvinashGovind Prabhu and his wife, Piyush Prabhu and his father, and also Ugra Narasimha Prabhu, Nitin Prabhu and their wives. In the evening we had an hour or so of Bhajan Sandhya in which quite a few devotees sang various bhajans and kirtans. The whole atmosphere was surcharged with the holy name of Krishna! So many co-passengers would have surely benefited immensely. We reached Pune around 2330.


6. Epilogue

It was without question one of the most memorable experiences of my life. My heart was captured by the various places I visited and also by the inconceivable and sweet pastimes of the Lord. This is a long write-up, and yet I have surely missed so many things. But then, who has ever been able to capture the Lord? Days after I have returned from Ahobilam, some part of me still lingers on in Ahobilam, as if calling the rest of me back there again. Lord Narasimha was very merciful to all of us by letting us come to His abode and protecting us against all possible dangers. Devotees have been asking me for this article ever since I returned from Ahobilam. I hope that this article meets their expectations at least to some small degree. I pray that this article will inspire others to visit Ahobilam and get Lord Narasimha Dev’s mercy too.

aho veeryam aho shouryam aho bahu parakrame
naarsimhah param devam ahobilam ahobalam

Yours in the service of Krishna,
Abhijit.

The Children’s Ratha Yatra!

Jagannath-Baladev-Subhadra-Sudarshan on Their Ratha!

More snaps:

http://picasaweb.google.com/toleyabhijit/RathaYatraChildrensVoice_July2008

On July 19, 2008, on behalf of Children’s VOICE, enthusiastic devotees arranged for a grand Ratha Yatra Festival for the pleasure of Lord Jagannath! Lord Jagannath is so kind that every year once he comes out of His temple at Sri Jagannath Puri Dham to give darshan to millions of living entities all over the universe. But Srila Prabhupada, His pure devotee, is even more kind! He has brought the transcendental festival of the Ratha Yatra to the streets of all the major cities in the world! Srila Prabhupada’s mercy continues to increase day-by-day as his followers continue to strive hard to push ahead his movement.

One such example was this children’s Ratha Yatra. It was arranged very lovingly by Deepali Mataji, Jyothi Mataji, Madhuri Nidhi Mataji, and Anna Mataji and their friends under the wonderful and able guidance of H. G. Yashodarani Mataji. The venue was the house and society in which H. G. Sri Badarayani Prahbu resides.At around 4pm, the small kids started arriving at the venue with their parents. The Mataji devotee gang then started decorating the beautiful kids with tilak, gopi dots, etc. After they were so decorated, the excited kids sat bubbling with excitement in front of His Grace Gaura Krishna Prabhu! Sunil Rao Prbbhu was instrumental in inviting him for this occasion. H. G. Gaura Krishna Prabhu is a brahmachari disciple of H. H. Lokanath Swami Maharaj. He led an ecstatic kirtan to which the kids and their parents responded enthusiastically. He also passed around the mike to the kids so that they could each lead one Hare Krishna Mantra each! Varying the tempo of the kirtan between slow to medium to super fast, he enthralled everyone present. After the kirtan, he impressed upon the children that today they are supposed to take Krishna back from Kurukshetra to Vrindavan where all His relatives and friends are waiting desperately to meet Him.

The bubbling children were then given banners and flags. Some of the flags were small round pieces of paper with Lord Jagannath ‘s face painted on them. A beautiful red Ratha was already ready for carrying Lord Jagannath, Lord Baladev, Mother Subhadra, and the Sudarshan Chakra on their journey. Once the Ratha was properly positioned, Their Lordships arrived to sit on them. H. G. Gaura Krishna Prabhu performed an arati for the deities while Piyush Prabhu led a sweet kirtan. The kids were too excited already to wait any longer! And after the conch shell was blown, the children pulled the Ratha! Jai Jagannath!

Children pulling the Ratha

The Mataji devotees had made wonderful arrangements. The kids were well trained. Some of them were sweeping the path before the Lord’s Ratha. Others were showering flower petals before the path of the Lord’s Ratha. All the parents were full of smiles and some even actively took part in pulling the cart and other arrangements.

Meanwhile H. G. Gaura Krishna Prabhu and Piyush Prabhu were leading an ecstatic kirtan, simultaneously playing the bongo and the mridangam respectively. H. G. Sri Badarayani Prabhu and others played the kartals while Piyush Prabhu’s father and others carried on their shoulders the speaker. Everyone was blissful. Almost all the balconies in the surrounding buildings had people curiously looking at the amazing scenes below. Lord Jagannath was at His merciful best! The Ratha was pulled out on the streets! Traffic was stopped as the Lord of the Universe rode gallantly pulled lovingly by His devotees. Never before has such mercy been available to the people of the world. Lord Chaitanya’s devotees were singing and dancing on the street as if inviting everyone to join in the eternal pastimes of Lord Jagannath.

Along the way, quite a few people came out of their houses to offer their respect to Lords Jagannath-Baladev-Subhadra-Sudarshan. They offered Him incense, flowers, and even some bhoga. It was a touching scene as amidst rousing kirtans the Lord accepted the offerings of His children. For those who are too busy to pay Him a visit, the Supreme Lord Himself comes out to give darshan. What mercy! Jai jagannath! Jai Gaur-Nitai! Jai Srila Prabhupada!

The Ratha finally reached its final destination, back to Sri Badarayani Prabhu’s house. H. G. Gaura Krishna Prabhu and Piyush Prabhu, as if tireless, continued leading ecstatic kirtans as the kids danced with gay abandon. Prasad distribution followed and everyone honored the delicious Chinese preparations. Surely, a lot of kids and parents were touched and inspired by this event. Surely the efforts of all the devotees did not go in vain. Surely Lord Jagannath was pleased! Let us congratulate and thank H. G. Yashodarani Mataji, Deepali Mataji, Jyothi Mataji, Madhuri Nidhi Mataji, Anna Mataji, Sri Badarayani Prabhu, Sunil Rao Prabhu and their friends for their efforts. And let us thank H. G. Gaur Krishna Prabhu and Piyush Prabhu for their tireless enthusiasm and ecstatic kirtans. Let us also thank and congratulate everyone who participated in this most auspicious festival of the Ratha Yatra! Jai Jagannath! Jai Jaannath! Jai Jagannath!

Yours in the service of Krishna, Abhijit.

The Rediscovery of True Happiness

Hare Krishna!

Since this is a long article, here is a summary. Conditioned souls are under the illusion that what they are doing will give them happiness. All material activities are different ways of enjoying independently of Krishna. But true happiness lies only in serving Krishna. Therefore the Krishna Conscious movement of Srila Prabhupada, out of immense compassion, condemns all material activities, and dispels all illusions, so that people can get a chance to be truly happy by serving Krishna.

I had been struggling with my mind for the last few days. My not so old past came haunting back at me and captured my mind in its vice-like grip. I knew all the philosophy but still I struggled. I have fortunately come out of that struggle and I am so glad that it did not take me too long. Only a couple of days. In those pre-Krishna Conscious days I used to take shelter of my mentally concocted philosophy in such situations. But since that philosophy was not founded on the principles of the Bhagavad Gita, it did not really cure the root cause of all mental maladies -- the misidentification of the self with the material body.


This time also I took shelter of philosophy, the Krishna Conscious philosophy. And not surprisingly, it got me out of my struggle and pacified my mind. So what was my problem? Well, some might find it childish, but sports lovers will be able to identify with it quite easily. I was a huge sports fan. Even today, I appreciate the qualities of a good sportman, the unflinching focus on the goal, the one-pointed determination to achieve it, the courage to face defeat, the humility while accepting the trophy, and so on. What has changed is that I can philosophically understand the insignificance of sports, despite all the hoopla that tends to shroud it.

However, what still lingers on with me is the urge to achieve something grand. I can now clearly see how watching sports was my way of fulfilling those desires of mine. That’s why such sports and heroic movies are so famous and so are the real life heroes. Because by hearing about them or watching them one vicariously enjoys their glories. But unfortunately, one also suffers their failures! And this was the exact cause of my struggle. I have a special attraction towards a sportstar from my pre-Krishna Conscious days. He always used to win, and therefore I used to love him. I had given my heart away to him. But now he has started losing, and guess what, despite all the philosophy I know, I feel the pain when he loses! Well, not much, but enough to disturb me when I realize how I still misidentify so much with the material body, and that too of someone else! I definitely have a long way to go.

As is my wont, I started thinking deeply about exactly what about the situation was disturbing me. Was it just the fact that my former hero lost a match? Or was it something deeper? As a result of some deep introspection, I could experience the various truths of the Krishna Consciousness philosophy very strongly. Here is that same introspection in words.

As I said, I feel very strongly about accomplishing grand things. Now, how is that bad? Well, it takes you away from the service to Krishna. OK, that’s the correct answer. But then, what should I do in life? If I don’t do what I really like to do, will I not be miserable? That’s the question that was really bugging me. In fact, I identified this exact cause only a couple of days ago when I was thinking deeply about my struggle with my favourite sportsman losing a match. In fact, this question is what deters so many people from Krishna Consciousness initially. I know a few examples personally. It disturbed me too initially, but somehow by the Lord’s mercy, I could overcome it enough at that time to start following Krishna Consciousness. People attached to a particular material activity find it very difficult to accept that their favourite activity is actually harmful to them, and even more difficult to accept that they better give up that activity if it cannot be dovetailed in the Lord’s service in a significant way. Watching and playing sports is definitely one such activity. There are many more such activities, but lets focus on this activity as an example.

So, back to the question. If life is not lived in the pursuit of something grand, then what kind of a life is that? Or at least cant I just appreciate the grand things in this world? Why deny myself even that? Surely, appreciating the good in others is not bad. And so on…

One vicariously enjoys the grand accomplishments of others. If my favourite sportsman wins, I am on top of the world. But unfortunately, I feel depressed if that sportman loses. Why? Because I identify with him! Its one illusion to identify with one’s own material body, but an even greater one to identify with someone else’s material body!

In the midst of all these thoughts came another thought, why do I at all want to accomplish great things? Hmmm… sounds quite a stupid question at the first glance. Why not? But then I started thinking deeper. Why do I want to accomplish great things? Just like that. But that’s not a sound philosophical answer. Why do I want to accomplish great things? Why don’t all have similar aspirations? Why does someone else want some thing else? Why the difference? And why does someone else want what he does? Why? Then it struck me! Because by accomplishing what one wants, one will become happy! Yes, that’s the commonality between all kinds of desires. To be happy. Yes, anandamayo abhyasat. The spirit soul is full of bliss and is always looking for it. Nothing wrong in that! Things started falling into place.

All activities done by a living entity are with the sole purpose of getting happiness out of the activity. Now, selfless (considering the colloquial definition) people of this world might say that they are working for the happiness of others, but still, they are acting for someone’s happiness. They also accept that everyone should be happy and in that way they get their satisfaction or happiness. Since they are acting for others’ happiness, they acknowledge that happiness is ultimately what everyone is seeking. They can’t deny this.

So, does one want to be happy or does one want to be great? Obviously, ultimately one wants to be happy. No sane man will say that I want to be great but not happy. How to get that happiness? Different people try using different means. But the purpose is to get happiness. But over a period of time they get so much engrossed in the process that they forget to analyze whether their activities are actually giving them happiness or not. They get so much attached to the means that they forget the goal. For example, in the beginning I might think that to be happy I need to become a great sportsperson. But in trying to become a great sportsperson, I lose my happiness. I am shrouded by anxieties, envy, restlessness, mental strain, and so many other things. Till I become the world’s number 1, I work hard for it, and after I reach there, I work hard to remain number 1. But surely one day I will have to face the truth, as my body will gradually decline and I will no longer be able to remain number 1. It will hurt like anything. And this is the story even for the world number one, what to speak of others. Of course, the others will say that the journey itself is the reward, but still that does not reduce the miseries too much. But I will undergo all this suffering for what? Well, to try hard to be world number 1. Isnt that a nice thing? But did you start out with that aim? No. Your aim was to be happy. But instead of that you were always anxious to become or remain world number 1. This logic cannot be understood by one who has become too much attached to the world number one spot. For him, that becomes his only goal even though at a certain point it becomes very painful. But still he is so attached to the world number one spot now, that anyone who will suggest anything else will be considered a fool by him. Even if it hurts, he will not give up his quest for the world number 1 spot.

How long can one enjoy in this world? And for those brief moments of joy, how much miseries one needs to undergo? Is it worth all the trouble? One attached to those brief moments will say “Yes!”. But the question is, do you want to be happy or do you want to be world number one? What is more important to you? In fact you earlier wanted to be happy, not world number one. But over a period of time your goals changed and you did not even know. You got caught up in the illusion that world number one is the only way to be happy and never thought twice about it. But actually, you don’t want to be world number one. You just want to be happy.

Therefore, when we see that someone is attached to something, we can understand that its only because that person thinks that that something will make him/her happy. But Krishna Conscious philosophy states that the only way you can be happy in the true sense (eternally) is by serving and loving Krishna (God). The materially attached person cannot accept this because he does not want to leave his own personal material attachments. He thinks that he will become unhappy if he does that. He cannot understand, because of the material attachment, that what he really wants is to be happy, and that his material attachments are not really giving him happiness.

The strongest material attachment is in the form of the false ego. Stronger than the mental and the intellectual attachments. When the material attachment becomes egoistic, enjoyment is derived from the satisfaction of the false ego. That I am great, I am powerful, I am the master, I am the best, I am the world number 1, and so on. The living entity rejoices so much in these illusory thoughts that its almost impossible to take him out of that illusion. He becomes completely attached to his egoistic thoughts. His happiness is derived from these thoughts. At that stage, any suggestions of surrendering to God sound ridiculous to him. And such men can develop atheistic tendencies and sometimes even can start thinking that they are God. This is the Mayavada philosophy, that I am God.

But soon enough their grand illusions are dispelled when they face various kinds of distresses in their life. But the attachment to the enjoyment of the false ego is so strong that even then such a conditioned soul does not accept that he is not happy in what he is doing. Even though he is looking for happiness, he will still be so attached to his egoistic ways, that he will continue carrying on those ways thinking that that is real happiness, even if it is hurting him. Just like (I read this in one of the lectures by HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj) in a mental asylum, a mad man bangs his head against a wall until blood starts pouring out and he still keeps banging. He actually thinks its very pleasurable. That’s why he is in the asylum. He is crazy and does not understand that this so-called pleasure is actually very harmful to him.

All conditioned souls are under the illusion that whatever they are doing will give them happiness. That’s why they are doing those activities. Who will work for unhappiness? Everyone works for happiness. The conditioned life started when the living entity residing in the spiritual world started thinking that there are ways of getting happiness other than serving Krishna. Even though they were still looking for happiness, they wanted it independent of the Lord. Thus using their minute independence, they chose to look for happiness somewhere else. And they are still trying to find it. Each and every material activity is just another way of finding happiness independent of Krishna. Some activities are obviously like that and some are more difficult to discern. But one way or other, all material activities, each and every one of them, is just another attempt at trying to enjoy separately from Krishna. But, the truth is that there is no true happiness independent of Krishna.

And thus, out of immense compassion, the Krishna Conscious movement of Srila Prabhupada condemns all material activities as useless and dangerous. It urges all who care to hear to gradually spiritualize their lives so that ultimately all of them can experience true happiness. Yes, it is difficult to let go of material attachments which are seemingly harmless, but then that’s the price to pay for eternal happiness. Surely, its not too much if you understand this.

People ask, why do you condemn the materialists when then don’t condemn you? The answer is that we are not coming down to the level of materialists and fighting against them. We are actually representing the all-merciful Krishna and trying to make as many people as possible truly happy. If we don’t condemn the materialistic activities, how will the materialists come out of the illusion that their activities will give them true happiness? If no one speaks the truth, how will anyone know about it? Therefore, out of their causeless mercy, the Lord’s pure representatives forcefully present the truth to all and urge all to come and experience true happiness.


Only a misinformed person can find fault in the activities of pure devotees of the Lord. Let us not be one of them, and let us continue steadily on the path chalked out for us by the great devotees of the Lord. Really grand things can only be spiritual in nature. Of the material, there is no longevity, and of the spiritual, there is no limit. Let me pray to Srila Prabhupada that my urge for the grand be effectively doevetailed into the service of the Supreme Personality of Godhead – Lord Gauranga.

Yours in the service of Krishna,
Abhijit.

Are we ready for the Challenge?

A lesson from a materialist

Hare Krishna!

Yesterday, I attended a social gathering on the occasion of the wedding of one of my acquaintances. He is part of an activist group (which I will not name for the sake of anonymity) which looks out for social problems and tries to activate the exploited to rise up and fight against the oppression. Even though the problems they try to solve are purely on the bodily plane, still their intention is noble, at least on the face of it. There are innumerable such organizations or activist groups. They have always been around and they will always be around in the future too. And of course, the problems they try to solve will also always be around. That is, they will never be solved, for the simple reason that the activists do not know the root cause of all the problems – lack of Krishna Consciousness. Lord Krishna confirms this in the Bhagavad Gita 17.28, “Anything done as sacrifice, charity or penance without faith in the Supreme, O son of Prtha, is impermanent. It is called asat and is useless both in this life and the next.”

But we will not go into that in this article. What I want to point out in this article is that even some of these people show a lot of dedication and determination to follow the way of life they believe is the best. This acquaintance of mine has married a spouse who is also a social worker. My acquaintance did not consider how physically attractive the spouse is, how educated, how much is the salary, and so on, but just considered that the two of them can together follow their chosen path. This was quite inspiring to me. We can learn so much from the lives of such determined people.

We, as Krishna Conscious people, have the highest goal in front of us. To become Krishna Conscious, and to make others Krishna Conscious. Do we know of a loftier ideal to follow in life? If not, then we must be prepared to sacrifice a lot of things in order to achieve our goal. We must be determined that no matter what, we will follow the path in the best possible way. This is what I learned yesterday from a materialist. Can we surrender ourselves to Krishna more than any materialist does to his/her ideal? Are we prepared to take on this challenge? Time will tell.

Your servant,
Abhijit.

A Prayer to Srila Prabhupada

A Prayer to His Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Wandering in this world of deception,
I was in search of Perfection,
Exactly what, I did not know,
But surely something, I believed so.

Inspiration I got from all that’s grand,
Mediocrity I couldn’t stand,
But no matter how hard I tried,
Perfection I was always denied.

There were times of infatuations,
I couldn’t resist their temptations,
This is it! my mind impelled,
But one-by-one, the illusions dispelled.

Broken and bruised, my heart so torn,
Had given up hope, I was forlorn,
In the depths of despair I was lost,
In the waves of misery, I was tossed.

While I was being tortured so,
Crushed and dismantled, my proud ego,
All the miseries and pains to erase,
Came into my life, His Divine Grace!

His disciples carry him in their hearts,
All of them are doing their parts,
By bringing his mercy to one and all,
By not letting his glorious mission stall.

Through his followers, he came to me,
His books are there for all to see,
I finally found it, it was here,
Perfection, which was to me so dear!

His Divine Grace, my lord and master,
His Divine Grace, saved me from disaster,
Oh! Srila Prabhupada, thanks a lot,
Oh! Srila Prabhupada, forget me not.

Let my life be a mission glorious,
Let me take on the task so serious,
Of spreading far and wide your glories,
In every town and village there is.

What can a fool like me can do?
I am insignificant, it is true,
But what’s impossible for you my Lord,
Kindly a drop of mercy award.

When will come to pass that day,
In which my every breath will say,
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare,
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

This degraded sinner prays to you,
Oh! Lord, Oh! Master, Oh! Jagat Guru!
May you always be guiding me,
Under your feet let my existence be.

Eternal Form of the Supreme

Hare Krishna!

The Srimad Bhagavatam explains that the Supreme has three aspects – the impersonal Brahman, the all pervasive localized Paramatma, and the Supreme Personality of Godhead Bhagavan, Krishna. The Bhagavan aspect is the most superior of the three because it’s the source of the other two.

Thus, impersonalism is not totally bogus. Just that its incomplete. Similarly, the realization of the Paramatma located within the heart of every living entity is also partial. But the realization of Krishna is the complete realization of God since by realizing Krishna the other two aspects are also realized. But by understanding the other two factors, Krishna is still not realized.

Now, coming to Mayavada. The problem with Mayavada is that it denies the Bhagavan aspect! It claims that the impersonal Brahman is the Supreme realization of the Absolute Truth. That sometimes the Supreme Brahman gets covered by ignorance and is then called as the Lord! And when the Brahman is covered by ignorance to a large degree, its called the jiva. I am not going into the exact specifics here, but the point I am making is that the Mayavadis say that there is no such thing as an eternal sat-chit-ananda form of the Supreme. Instead, they say, that “Lord” is the term that refers to the Supreme Brahman covered by ignorance. This “Lord”, they say, has a material body.

Vaishnavas do not deny the impersonal aspect of Krishna (Brahman is the bodily effulgence of Krishna) nor do they deny that there are similarities between the Lord and the jiva. They understand that there are a lot similarities but at the same time a lot of differences too. But the Mayavadis deny the sat-chit-ananda form of Krishna! This is the main flaw of the Mayavada philosophy. They are thus the greatest offenders unto the lotus feet of Krishna.

I want to emphasize that the main problem with Mayavada is the concept that the Supreme does not have a sat-chit-ananda form. The contention is not about what is the nature of the various forms of the Supreme. The contention is that the Supreme has an eternal sat-chit-ananda form. The Mayavadis deny it, but the Vaishnavas assert it. Vaishnavas understand that Krishna can take any form as he likes since He is the Supreme controller and all energies are His servants. Therefore, He might take on any form whether so-called material or spiritual, but in all circumstances He is the Supreme controller. He is not controlled. But the point is that the Supreme has an original sat-chit-ananda form (Mayavadis deny this). And Krishna is that Supreme. He may take any form He wishes, but His original form is the form of Krishna. And the form of Krishna is eternal.

Yours in the service of Krishna,
Abhijit.

Defending Deity Worship against Word-Jugglery

Understanding the greatness of God as a step towards understanding His personal form

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Resolving apparent contradictions and exposing the futility of word-jugglery

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Hare Krishna!

Last Saturday, on the Walking Plaza book stall, two young, nice, and learned Islamic gentlemen came and were curious about the Krishna Conscious philosophy. They were well-armed with their logic and arguments against the form of the Lord. They were trying to defend the Islamic position of “no idol worship”. They were very polite and it was a very gentlemanly discussion.

As is often the case, less informed people call us “Hindus”. On top of that, since the Vedic knowledge is so vast, there are innumerable different categories of Vedic followers. Therefore, no one really understands what they refer to as “Hindu”ism. However, one unfortunate by-product of the so-called “Hindu”ism is the atheistic philosophy of Mayavada, which says that the Supreme has no form and further that every living being is the same Supreme, without any difference at all. And this unfortunate by-product of so-called “Hindu”ism is quite popular amongst the unfortunate people of the Kali Yuga.

The Islam asserts that there is God and that not everyone is God. But they have difficulty in understanding the form of God. The Quran makes fleeting references to the form of God, but does not describe His form in any detail at all. On the contrary, the Quran says that the form of the Lord is not like this, not like that, not like this, not like that, and so on. This is not really any positive information about the form of the Lord. As a corollary, the Quran also strongly condemns worshipping material forms as God. And thus, the Islamic followers find it extremely difficult to accept deity worship, which is one of the most prominent features of the Vedic way of life. They cannot understand the difference between a deity and an idol. A deity is not a whimsical form of the Lord, but an authorized one. An idol, on the other hand, is a whimsical creation of sentimentalists, which is condemned even by knowledgeable deity worshippers.

Now, to defend their principle of “no idol worship” (which they equate with “no deity worship” for lack of understanding about the difference between the two), the two gentlemen I met that day used the following arguments. Let us analyze them closely.

(1)

They quoted a verse from some Vedic literature that emphasizes the impersonal aspect of the Supreme. As is generally the case, they, or their guides, have resorted to taking only that part of the Vedic knowledge that matches their preset conclusion of “no idol worship”. But the Upanishads (very much part of the Vedas) point to the Puranas and the Itihasas (histories like the Mahabharata and Ramayana) as the fifth Veda and therefore assert their authority. And the Puranas and Itihasas are full of detailed descriptions of the form and pastimes of the Lord.

In short, taking shelter of the Vedas cannot prove that the Lord’s form is un-knowable. It is not revealed in the Quran, but it is very much revealed in the Vedic literature.

(2)

They also told me that they know some “Arya Samaj” followers who claim that the Lord does not have a form, and that the Arya Samaj followers are the only true followers of the Vedic path! Quite an audacious statement. Anyways, as we have already noted, there are a lot of groups who come under the Vedic umbrella and who follow the Vedas to different extents. No one can deny that there are strong Vedic followers who accept the personal aspect of the Lord as the Supreme realization. Then, who is right? The Vedic literature talks about both the impersonal as well as the personal aspects of the Supreme and also states that the personal aspect is the highest realization of the Supreme. We will not go into that discussion in this article. For details, one can refer Srila Prabhupada’s books.

(3)

When I had responses for first two arguments, they now started using logic. “If the Lord is supremely powerful, why does He have to descend to this world? Cant He delegate someone else to execute His will?” The undertone of the question was, I thought, that the Lord cannot descend in this world in a human-like form. By saying that He comes in a human-like form, are we not limiting Him? How can the unlimited have a limited form? Well, this is the classic question by those who do not understand the inconceivable potencies of the Lord.

The Lord descends to this world, not as if forced, but of His own sweet will. He comes for the pleasure of His devotees and also to annihilate the miscreants. Sometimes He sends His representatives, and some times He Himself comes.

How the unlimited Lord can have a “seemingly” limited form can be understood when we understand how the Lord is unlimited in the first place. Why not try to understand this first and then argue that He can not have a form, or that even if He has, He cannot come down in a human-like form? Srila Prabhupada emphasizes in a lot of places that most people know that “God is Great” but very few know “how great?”. In other places Srila Prabhupada says that it is important to have a very solid conception of God to be able to love Him and serve Him. For example, the conception of God as great, not like this, not like that, unlimited, all-merciful, etc. is not as solid as the conception of God having a beautiful all-spiritual form holding a flute, crowned by a peacock feather, amidst His devotees on the banks of the Yamuna. But even the conception of the unlimited-ness and all-pervasive-ness of the Lord needs to be more refined to really understand the personal form of the Lord.

(Krishna expanded Himself into hundreds of Vishnu Forms when Lord Brahma stole His cowherd friends)

Srila Prabhupada explains in so many places with the analogy of the Sun and the sunlight how the Lord can be in one place and can still have His influence all over. In “Teachings of Pralhad Maharaja”, Srila Prabhupada explains that the Lord is all-pervasive and all-knowing due to His expansions and consciousness. A plenary (full in all respects) expansion of the Lord is residing inside each and every atom of the material creation. If this is so, is it any surprise at all that the Lord is all-pervasive and all-knowing? And clearly, taking a form smaller than an atom is not impossible for the Lord. In fact, that is one of inconceivable potencies. Thus, the Lord can be simultaneously present everywhere. So, what’s the big deal if He comes to the earth for enjoying pastimes with His devotees? In the same book, Srila Prabhupada also explains that just like the consciousness of the soul is pervading the whole body, similarly the consciousness of God is pervading all that exists. So, we have the example of our own body to understand how a localized soul can be conscious of a wider field of activities. If it is possible for the minute soul, then why not for the Supersoul – God?

Thus, the Lord can have a form and at the same time be unlimited by His expansions and consciousness. His coming to His material creation in a human-like form (or in any other form) is not really so difficult to understand.

(4)

Now coming to the word-jugglery. This is a trick that Mayavadis use a lot. But word jugglery does not alter the truth. Those two gentlemen showed me a couple of their tricks last Saturday. I told them in the answer to how God can come in a human like form that God can do anything He likes. By saying that He cannot do something means we are limiting Him. In response, they asked, “Can God lie? Can God do injustice?”. And they were taken aback when I said “Yes, He can lie!” They were shocked. They have no such information! H. G. Jai Narsimha Prabhu jumped in the conversation and said “Yes, God can lie and still do justice!” All this was quite visibly beyond their realms of understanding. They would have never dreamt that someone may say that the Lord can lie. Well, we know that the Lord can not only lie, but He can steal, He can run away from a battlefield, and He can perform so many other transcendental activities. And yet, His activities are always perfect, though sometimes quite inconceivable.

When this piece of word-jugglery backfired on them, they went on to another one. What I gleaned out of these attempts was that they first wanted to establish that though the Lord can do anything, there are still some activities that He cannot. And once that is established, they would have come to the point that coming to the earth in a human-like form was also one such activity. For them, God lying is a contradiction, and similarly the unlimited Lord coming in a human-like form is also a contradiction. And contradictions don’t exist. In this way, I thought, they wanted to lead me to the conclusion of “no idol worship”, or that we cannot know the form of the Lord and therefore we must not worship a form as God. Anyway, that God can lie was certainly a big blow to their logic sequence. Agreed that contradictions don’t exist, but just because someone thinks something is a contradiction doesn’t necessarily mean that it is indeed a contradiction. It can also mean the lack of correct understanding. We have already described how the unlimited Lord coming in a human like form is not a contradiction.

Their next trick question was “Can God die?” And pat came the reply from me “Yes!” And then they were even more shocked. Ofcourse, I added “His birth and activities are all transcendental”. But they were still a bit bewildered. Actually there is no meaning to the question “Can God die?” One can’t really expect a simple answer to such a question. But Krishna inspired me from within to say “Even we cannot die, then where is the question of God dying!”.

On this answer, they were still a bit flummoxed. They then went on to the question “Do you believe in heaven and hell?” I said “Yes”. The discussion went on for some time and then they left. But I was left with a deep stream of thoughts after this discussion. So far I had had to contend with Mayavadis, but this time I was contending with the Islamic conception of God, which according to the Vedic wisdom is not quite complete.

A little bit more about trick questions. “Can God die?” Ofcourse He can’t. But is that a limitation of God? Ofcourse not! That is part of the definition of God. But since God cannot die, does it mean that He cannot descend into His creation? If yes, then that is surely a limitation of God. But the Lord does not have any limitations. Thus, the word jugglery might sometimes be very catchy, but its nothing more than what it is – word jugglery. Another trick question is “Can God create something that He cannot lift?” Well, again, since the Lord has created something, He is in total control of His creation in all respects at all times. How does His not being not-in-control of His creation be a sign of His limitation? That is, how is His Supreme control over His creation a sign of limitation? No person with a little common-sense will fall for these childish tricks.

Ofcourse, Prabhupada, the genius that he is, replies even to trick questions like “Can God create something that He cannot lift?” affirmatively. And then he explains how the Lord in His childhood pastimes struggles to life the footware of His father Nanda, but then effortlessly lifts the Govardhan! I guess that’s why I replied to both questions “Can God lie?” and “Can God die?” affirmatively, just like Srila Prabhupada. Because our understanding is that God can do anything. Period. Word jugglery does not take away anything from the unlimited and inconceivable potency of the Supreme Personality of Godhead – Krishna.

Yours in the service of Krishna,
Abhijit.