Observe Ekadashi-vrata to Please the Supreme Lord Only

Srila Gurudev narrates the benefits of observing Ekadashi and adds that observing Ekadashi-vrata in Dhama or in the association of devotees gives the highest benefit. He reasons that in scriptures materialistic benefits are mentioned for observing Ekadashi-vrata, is only to attract general class of people who are attached to worldly things to somehow or the other observe Ekadashi-vrata and attain real eternal benefit which is to get the loving service of Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Later, Srila Gurudev sings the Kirtan, ‘ātmā nivedana tuwā pade kari’, of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and explains its meaning.

Nirjala Ekadashi

Veda Vyasa Muni told Bhima that if you follow Ekadashi-vrata then you will achieve heavenly planets and if not you will have to go to hell. Such temptations are given in the scriptures to attract ordinary people to follow these vows. Veda Vyasa Muni knows everything. Can he give impetus for getting temporary benefits?

Glories of Yogini Ekadashi

In this harikatha, Srila Gurudev narrates the glories of Yogini Ekadashi. ‘Yogini’ means ‘tapaswini’. Like male ascetics (yogis) there are also female ascetics called yoginis or tapaswinis. It refers to the friend of Durga Devi. Observing ‘Ekadashi-vrata’ is the prominent limb of devotion amongst the sixty-four limbs. Yudhisthira Maharaj once asked Lord Krishna about the glories of this Ekadashi which falls in the month of Ashadha (June-July) to which the Lord replied that the glories of this Ekadashi are incomparable. All sorts of sinful activities committed by a person get destroyed by following this Ekadashi and he gets deliverance from the ocean of material existence. Here, also by narrating the conversation between Yudhisthira Maharaj and Yaksha, Gurudev enlightens sadhakas with valuable teachings.

Kamika Ekadashi

This harikatha was recorded on 31st July, 2005 at Kolkata Math wherein Srila Gurudev emphasizes on the real objective of observing Ekadashi-vrata. ‘Upavas’ means refraining from any sinful activity and staying near to the Lord by abandoning all sorts of material sense pleasures and material thoughts. Ekadashi removes all sorts of attachment for material perishable objects.

Jhulan-yatra Harikatha Day 1 (English)

Srila Gurudev speaks about Harismaran Mahotsava (the Mahotsava one-pointedly dedicated for remembering the Supreme Lord Sri Hari) introduced by Srila Paramgurudev. It is a one-month festival starting from the first day of Jhulan-yatra. Srila Gurudev speaks about the mood with which our Guruvarga have advised us to perform Jhulan-yatra. He elaborates about Raghava Goswami’s vision of Vraja-dhama and the swinging pastimes. Sad-goswami-astakam is also explained elaborately.

Glories of Annada Ekadashi

Srila Gurudeva narrates the life of King Harishchandra while describing the glories of Annada Ekadashi. It is explained how this Ekadashi eradicates sinful activities and bestows worldly happiness. Then he emphasizes the mood with which we should observe Ekadashi—the sole objective should be to satisfy the Supreme Lord only and nothing else. He also mentions the pastime of Durvasha Muni, highlighting the glories of Ambarish Maharaj.

Glories of Kamada Ekadashi

This harikatha was spoken on 9th April, 2006 at Kolkata Math wherein Srila Gurudev emphasizes on the real objective of observing Ekadashi-vrat. ‘Upavas’ means refraining from any sinful activity and staying near to the Lord by abandoning all sorts of material sense pleasures and material thoughts. Ekadashi removes all sorts of attachment for material perishable objects and so it is enjoined to observe this vow by abstaining from indulging in any sort of material sensual pleasures and solely focus the mind on the Lord.

On the occasion of Parshva Ekadashi (Vaman Ekadashi)

This harikatha was spoken on the day of Parshva Ekadashi also known as Vaman Ekadashi, a day prior to the advent day of Lord Vaman Deva. In the first half Srila Gurudev emphasizes on the actual purpose of observing Ekadashi-vrata. And then he narrates the advent pastime of Lord Vaman Deva in detail.

Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi (Hindi)

If one engages in devotional practices (bhajana) on the day of Ekādaśī even being at home, he will get a hundred times more spiritual benefits than any other day. And if this tithi is observed at any dhāma (Vṛndāvana, Māyāpura, Mathurā, etc.) or at the place where a pure devotee has manifested his worshipable object then one will obtain immeasurable spiritual rewards.

Glories of Indira Ekadashi

In the initial part of the harikatha, Srila Gurudev narrates about the appearance of the first Ekadashi which is named as Utpanna Ekadashi. Then he sings the glories of Indira Ekadashi and emphasizes on the point that even if a person worships the Supreme Lord with the desire of acquiring material object, if he has taken shelter of a pure devotee then the Supreme Lord will not deprive him from the real benefits of His worship. He gives the example of King Indrasen and Dhruva Maharaj to substantiate the above statement. Then he narrates the glories of Ambarish Maharaj’s devotion to the Lord.

Glories of Varuthini Ekadashi (Harikatha in Bangla)

The day of Ekadasi, also known as Harivasara Tithi, holds a profound significance. This day is very dear to the Supreme Lord. One may perform devotional activities like hearing, chanting, etc may bear fruit on any other day, their observance of Ekadasi yields considerably greater results.

Harikatha on Pashankusha Ekadashi Tithi

Srila Gurudev first emphasizes on the real purpose of observing Ekadashi-vrat. He then narrates on the utmost necessity of performing haribhajan giving the understanding that our gross and subtle bodies and we, ourselves, belong to Sri Krishna and as the potency should be utilized for the service of the processor of the potency so our only duty is to serve the Supreme Lord. He then narrates on who all will have inclination in the topics of ‘Bhajan Rahashya’ and who will not. He concludes by giving us teachings from the last instructions of Srila Prabhupad.

Glories of Sri Rama Ekadashi

Srila Gurudev narrating the material benefits obtained by observing Rama Ekadashi explained the reason for such descriptions in the scripture. He then emphasized on the vaishnava view point for such observances.

Glories of Mokshada Ekadashi, 2006

In the initial part of the harikatha, Srila Gurudev narrates about the appearance of the first Ekadashi which is named as Utpanna Ekadashi. Then he sings the glories of Mokshada Ekadashi and emphasizes on observing Ekadashi-vrata for eternal benefits only. In the concluding part, Srila Gurudev narrates the glories of Ambarish Maharaj and his devotion to the Lord.

Utthan Ekadashi Harikatha 2004 (Hindi)

Srila Gurudev says, “The evidence that our Gurudeva had real love for Srila Prabhupad is that he had so much reverence and love for his god-brothers.” Srila Gurudev, citing Srila Param Gurudev’s affection for his god-brothers, teaches us to have that special reverence and affection for all our god-brothers. He then remembers the hymn of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur, 'emon durmati..' and relates its significance in his life.

Glories of Saphala Ekadashi

Srila Gurudev narrates the benefits of observing Ekadashi. He mentions that observing Ekadashi-vrata in Dhama or the association of devotees gives the highest benefit. He explains why, in scriptures, materialistic benefits are mentioned for observing Ekadashi-vrata. It is to attract a general class of people who are attached to worldly things. But the real purpose of observing Ekadashi-vrata is to get the loving service of Supreme Lord Sri Krishna. Srila Gurudev sings the Kirtan, ‘ātma-nivedana, tuwā pade kari’, written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur and explains the meaning of it.

Glories of Utpanna Ekadashi

According to Indian calendar, Agrahayan month is the first month of the year. It is also called Margshirsha because in this month mustard crop is grown. The personified deity of Ekadashi Tithi, the divine potency of the Supreme Lord, appeared on the eleventh day of the dark fortnight of this month and that particular day is named as Utpanna Ekadashi. Srila Gurudev sings the glories of Utpanna Ekadashi and gives important teachings pertaining to the observance of Ekadashi-vrata.

Glories of Apara Ekadashi (Bengali)

Srila Gurudev emphasizes the real purpose of observing Ekadashi-vrata. He remembers one incident in which Srila Param Gurudev instructs one person on what Bhajan is and elaborates on his teachings. He then sings the glories of the Holy Names and narrates the important teachings from the life of Ajamila.

Harikatha Delivered on Shat-tila Ekadashi (Hindi)

Srila Gurudev first narrates the benefit of observing Ekadashi-vrat mentioned in karma-kand scriptures and also the reasons for mentioning of such temporary benefits which is to attract conditioned souls to observe Ekadashi-vrat somehow or the other. Further explains that the real purpose of observing such vows is to attain pure devotion to the Lord. Also, he elaborates on the instructions of Sukadev Goswami to Parikshit Maharaj on how to eradicate the propensity of performing sinful activities from the heart.

Harikatha Delivered on Shat-tila Ekadashi (Bangla)

Harikatha on Vijaya Ekadashi (2004)

Srila Gurudev first emphasizes on the benefits of performing Ekadashi-vrata in the association of devotees. He then narrates the pastimes of Lord Ramachandra in relation to performing this particular Ekadashi-vrata.

Glories of Apara Ekadashi (Hindi)

Observing Ekadashi is one important limb of the 64 limbs of devotion. There is a scriptural prescript to do Upavasa on Ekadashi Tithi. Upavasa means to stay near Supreme Lord. For a conditioned soul it is possible by performing Hari Kirtana alone, which is the Yuga dharma for Kali-yuga and is the only way.

Glories Of Mohini Ekadashi

This Harikatha was delivered on Mohini Ekadashi in 2004 at Kolkata Math. Guru Maharaj is singing the glories of Ekadashi-vrata in Bangla language and explains in detail the real objective of performing the vrata. He narrates an incident in which a person was taken to Yamalaya (the kingdom of Yamaraja) and afterwards who was brought back to his body again. The importance of human birth is narrated and also the path to attain the highest auspiciousness is vividly explained.

Glories Of Jaya Ekadashi

This Harikatha was delivered on Jaya Ekadashi in 2006 at Kolkata Math. Guru Maharaj is singing the glories of Ekadashi-vrata in Bangla language and explains in detail the real objective of performing the vrata. The importance of human birth is narrated and also the path to attain the highest auspiciousness is vividly explained.

Glories Of Putrada Ekadashi

This Harikatha was delivered on Putrada Ekadashi in 2005 at Kolkata Math. Guru Maharaj is singing the glories of Ekadashi-vrata in Bangla language and explains in detail the real objective of performing the vrata. The teachings from the life of Sri Ambarish Maharaj are narrated.

Glories Of Papmochini Ekadashi

This Harikatha was delivered on Papmochini Ekadashi in 2005 at Kolkata Math. Guru Maharaj is singing the glories of Ekadashi-vrata in Bangla language and explains in detail the real objective of performing the vrata.

Harikatha On Nirjala Ekadashi(Bengali)

Srila Gurudev highlights the significance of observing the Ekadashi-vrata through bhajan, emphasizing its numerous benefits compared to bhajan on other days. He underscores the importance of observing Ekadashi in Bhagwat Dham. He recounts the story of Ambarish Maharaj, who observed Ekadashi for an entire year while residing in Mathura. He concludes by stating Mahaprabhu's teaching to perform Harinam Sankirtan and urging devotees to observe Ekadashi near the Supreme Lord, avoiding sins and material pleasures.

Glories of Mohini Ekadashi

Giving up all sins, and with all good qualities, one who remains near Kṛṣṇa, totally relinquishing all enjoyments, has actually observed the vow of Ekādaśī. Upāvṛttasya pāpebhyaḥ: We are to give up all sinful activity. We are to refrain, to desist from committing all sins. On Ekādaśī-tithi this is the very least we should do and, while exhibiting all good qualities, we should remain near the Supreme Lord Who is All-Good, All-Existence, All-Knowledge and All-Bliss.

One Should Observe Ekadashi Only for Krishna’s Satisfaction

This is the translation of initial part of Srila Gurudev’s harikatha spoken in 2007 in Bengali language on one of the Ekadashi tithi. He strongly emphasizes on observing Ekadashi tithi for the satisfaction of Sri Krishna only.

Staying Near the Lord

What is the real purpose of Ekadashi? Our smriti-grantha, or Vaishnava smriti book, is called Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa. In this, there are laws or rules stipulating how to properly perform all the vows that have devotion to the Supreme Lord as their goal. Those who are pure devotees like to act in accordance with the injunctions of the devotional literature, especially Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa.

Hari Vasare Hari Kirtan Vidhan

On Ekādaśī day, the instructions are to stay near the Supreme Lord always. But the difficulty is this. The Supreme Lord is in the transcendental realm and we are on the mundane plane, with this physical body. How, then, are we to remain near the Supreme Lord? This article gives the answer to this question.

The Curse of A Brahmaṇa Could Not Touch the King

The Lord says, “I have made a promise. Whoever serves Me, in return I shall serve him in the same way. When the pure devotees serve Me, I want to give them something. I say, ‘Take this,’ but they never want anything from Me. I tell them, ‘Take ownership of this brahmāṇḍa — ownership of this world, of the heavens and the netherworld.’ I offer them the eighteen kinds of attainment, including emancipation. But they do not want anything except to perform service to Me. So, I have become dependent and subjugated, as I am subdued by the devotion of My devotees.”

Jhulan-yatra

Traditionally, in the Jhulan-yatra (swinging festival), conditioned souls (ordinary aspirants) are not entitled to enter. Yet, our Guruvarga has introduced this. This is a type of worship of Supreme Lord. We can do this worship for 5 days as per Archan marg. So our guruvarga said you can do it through sankirtan, by praying for grace, for entering into the transcendental realm. But as long as there is material ego there is no possibility.