BOOK DISTRIBUTION IN PURI DHAMA

Book Distribution in Puri Dhama
Report written by: Sulata dasi

On the morning of the Ratha Yatra, we all set out in the blistering heat towards the main road that joins the Jagannatha Mandira to the Gundica Mandira. Today, that same road, which is usually filled with locals going about their daily duties, would be host to millions of pilgrims from all over India and a handful from other areas of the world, all eagerly awaiting darsana of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra on their journey back to Vrndavana, Gundica.

In his morning class, Premananda Prabhu emphasized the importance of having the right mood throughout this special day. He said that we should fully give up all mundane talk and only do sankirtana, just like Mahaprabhu and His parikaras. He explained that by this sankirtana, we can attract Lord Jagannatha and that in our present condition we have no qualification to pull Him back to Vrndavana. Pulling the ropes of the cart will not purify our hearts, but sankirtana will.That day was particularly humid and the ocean breeze that Puri is famous for was notably absent, but the excitement and anticipation of receiving the sweet and merciful darsana of Patita Pavana Sri Jagannathdeva, helped us to forget the austere weather conditions.

We decided that the devotees who had not previously attended the Ratha Yatra should watch Jagannatha ascend the cart and that the others should pay their pranamas, have darsana, and make their way to the book stall.

AA few days before we arrived, Vamsi Vadana Prabhu, temple president of Srila Gurudeva’s Puri Matha, and Janardan Prabhu, a local devotee, had worked hard to arrange two stalls, one next to the Gundica Mandira and the other strategically placed on the main road. In the morning, Vamsi Vadana Prabhu and other brahmacaris, took hundreds of books to each location ready for distribution, and Premamanda Prabhu arranged for kitchari prasada for the thousands of pilgrims. .

By the time we arrived at the stall, the main road was already full of pilgrims. We grabbed an armful of books, put on our hats to protect us from the sun’s powerful rays, and plunged into the sea of pilgrims. We were immediately mobbed by eager devotees. It was really quite remarkable, as Orrisa is a very poor state and has one of the highest rates of illiteracy in India. The books seemed to fly out of our hands, sending us running back to the stall, for more books full of transcendental knowledge. The crowd was so dense and the weather was so extremely hot and humid that we had to retreat to the side of the road every half hour for some air and a drink of water.

All the pilgrims were very pleasant, and even though they only spoke scant English and Hindi, somehow we managed to communicate with them. It was an incredible feeling to be part of Mahaprabhu’s movement, under the guidance of Srila Gurudeva, carrying His message in our arms to thousands of devotees on the day that Krsna makes His way back home to His beloved Vrajavasis.At about 2 p.m. Baladeva Prabhu’s cart rapidly approached our stall and we had to quickly pack everything away. In a matter of minutes, the space we had occupied would be filled with thousands of devotes pulling the ropes of Jagannatha’s cart.After packing our books away, we joined Srila Gurudeva’s kirtana party, who were singing and dancing for the pleasure of Baladeva Prabhu. For the next few hours we were all absorbed in singing the holy names. No picture or video can capture the wonder of this festival and no words can describe how it felt to perform sankirtana on such an occasion.

At one point, Srila Gurudeva’s kirtana party were sandwiched between ISKCON and Caitanya Sarasvata Matha. Held high in the air above the heads of the dancing devotees were pictures of Srila Svami Maharaja, Srila Gurudeva, and Srila Sridhara Maharaja, all eternal devotees of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu who were carrying Krsna back home to Vrndavana, on the chariot of their hearts. For me, this was the highlight of the whole festival. I felt proud and fortunate to be sheltered by such a matchless Guru-parampara and happy to witness that by the arrangement of Mahaprabhu, all the kirtana parties came together as one family.When Jagannatha finally arrived, the skies opened up and rain began to fall. Jaya Jagannatha!The next day we all went back to area of the Gundica Mandira and spent the whole afternoon, evening, and night (until 12 a.m.) distributing books from the stall and within the crowd. Even the Mathura-vasi girls, who had never previously distributed books, fearlessly penetrated the crowd carrying the message of eternal happiness under their arm. On that day, even rickshaw, and pan wallas bought books from us. One rickshaw walla was so happy with the book that he said to me, “If you serve Jagannatha like this, you will always be happy.” Then he kissed the book and touched it to his forehead.

Late that night Baladeva Prabhu, and Subhadra devi entered the Gundica Mandira. Then, at about 1.15 a.m. Jagannatha also disappeared into Gundica Mandira, leaving behind the smell of His flower crown and the trail of His lotus feet in the dust. I felt sad knowing that it would be another year before I would have His darsana again, but I was happy and grateful He had allowed me to speak and distribute His glories on that day.Jaya Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra!Jaya Srila Gurudeva, the greatest philanthropist, who is giving freely in charity, the gift of krsna-prema to those who are willing to accept it.

Jaya transcendental book distribution.

Jaya Jagannatha!

Last Sunday was Ratha-yatra in London in Trafalgar Square. Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subadra mercifully gave darsan to thousands of onlookers in busy London.

I went with the Gangamatas there with Srila Gurudeva's beautiful book, "The Origin of Ratha-yatra." We all met so many wonderful people who were so thrilled to receive this book from us, and to be able to learn about the different histories of Lord Jagannatha's descent.

One devotee we met said he had been looking for this book for so long and that we made his day. Here's a video of it:

When I was walking down the street alongside the parade, I was passing by this cafe. Two very elegant ladies were sitting outside drinking a glass of wine, and they stopped me and asked me what was going on. I explained a bit about Lord Jagannatha, and then they asked me what Hare means. I deliberately did not bring any little books with me (I usually always have a Way of Love with me). I had a Gopi-gita in my bag, and I took it out and showed them a picture of Radha and Krsna and explained how Hare is the devotional energy of the Lord. They loved the Gopi-gita and thought it was so beautiful. These women were very lovely and open-minded, so I told them they should get this book as it will transform their lives and their home. One lady went back into the pub, and came back out and gave me 10 pounds. It was really inspiring.

When we were about to leave, Sita and I saw this man very sad about the death of Michael Jackson. He was writing Michael's name and looked like he was crying. So, Sita went up to him and talked to him about it and gave him a Ratha-yatra book. He gave her one pound for it, which for him was a lot! He told me to take a picture of him giving a pound as it was a big thing for him to give someone money.

News reached Srila Gurudeva of the days activities and about how many wonderful people we met, and he sent his heartly blessings to us all and said he was happy to hear so many received these books.

Letter to Srila Gurudeva from Karol Bagh, Delhi sanga

Good news:
Our sankirtan party has split into two parties. First party is going on van regularly whereas the second party is now going on Rickshaw with KHICHARI Prasad loaded on rickshaw. This rickshaw party is going to big markets and feeds 300-400 people and simultaneously doing 3 jobs together. 2-3 boys carry books bag and distribute them. 2-3 boys doing kirten along with Distributing khicheri Prasad to 300-400 people daily. We are trying to spread the mercy of Caitanya mahaprabhu on your behalf. Many people are coming forward to sponsor the Khicheri Prasad. Rather than coming to the temple, for the kaliyuga jives Caitanya mahaprabhu showed this way by sending the sankirten parties to different directions.Nityanand prabhu and Haridas thakur did the same way and spread the mercy. We are also planning to distribute sweat water (sharbat) to the people along with kirten and books as it is very hot in Delhi (Temperature has touched around 45’ C- Half the boiling point). On 21st May we had a very big pandal programme at paharganj .Around 250-300 people were there from many nearby localities like Sadar bazaar, Nabhi Karim, and Pahar ganj. This is the real Ambulance for the soul suffering from millions of life times – The real Life (soul) saver . Gurudev, I understand that a saint like your Divine grace can inspire and bless us to do such programs. Even though some of our activities can be in the mode of goodness but it helps us to maintain better contact with the General public.

In addition to above , this week we organised a big Harinam sankirten in Karol Bagh market where we use to have our Rath Yatra.In this harinam there were around 300 persons. It started from our house and also terminated at my place. In between the procession many people of the market welcomed our procession and distributed water, juices, milk and prasadam etc. Now the police men and women also know us and welcome and escort our procession.In the procession we had a palenquine in which Lord Jagannath, Lord Baldev ,and Subhadra along with Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityanand prabhu were there. We also had Gurudev and Swamiji on the alter. After that we had big feast of 56 bhog ( 56 offerings) with bahjans and kirten. We got 2 buses from Paharganj and Sadar bazar.

Aspiring for the service of Sri Guru and vaisnavas. Rohini nandan das ( Karol bagh) Typed by : Ved- Vyas das

University Bhakti Yoga Club Houston

Watch this video of the devotees in Houston engaged in University preaching program.

Give them the holy names of Krishna

Hare Krishna to all dear devotees and especially warm wishes to all those out there on the streets, subways, airports or at their book tables distributing the sacred literatures of our holy masters.

I wanted to share this link with you all. Download the file here. By downloading the file you'll be able to print some very nice Maha-mantra flyers or calling cards in A7 format, which is half of a postcard, for free distribution to everyone you meet. It's a nice way for people to remember they met a devotee of Lord Krishna. more downloads here

Haribol and happy sharing!
ys Raghava Pandit das

Gigantic Harinam in London

All Glories to Sri Guru and Gouranga!

Dandavat Pranam,

Respected Vaisnavas and Vaisnavis, friends,

Gigantic Harinam in London has become a legend,
an institution, a household word in the Vaisnava World.

London has as one of the Metro poles in the world an ability to be a place of influence and anything that takes place in this huge city is broadcast to the rest of the world.

The Chanting of The Holy Names Hare Krishna and Rama are where ever they are uttered purifying those Jiva's who come in contact with them and when hundreds of devotees from all over the world come together to sing them joyfully, loudly in one of the largest cities in the world literally thousands of people come in contact with them.

They are waiting for them, trying so hard to maintain their facade of so-called material happiness, when the devotees turn up everyone joins in, they begin to turn and twist, smile and laugh, dance and sing, Hare Hare, Rama Rama, The bliss full mood of the devotees and the mercy of Sri Guru and Vaisnavas are transmitted to the core of their being.

They can never forget this, the impression lasts.

What a better opportunity to distribute the transcendental literature of the Guru Parampara.

Book you flower aeroplane, NOW!

and fly in to London to join the Singing, Dancing and Distribution of Love and Affection to all the Souls waiting.

Saturday 30th May 7pm
Meeting outside Covent Garden Tube Station:

Prepare your soul to dance...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EGAGGlpiiro&feature=channel_page

KUALA LUMPUR DISTRIBUTION

Written by Hemalata dasi

Dandavat Pranams
Please accept my humble obeisances
All Glories To Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga

By the time we left the temple on Saturday the 2nd of May, after the weekly Temple Programme it was already 11pm. Sripad Bhakti Vedanta Bhikshu Maharaj who was very enthusiastic in wanting to distribute books with us decided it was just too late for him as Mangal Arati would be running right on schedule in the morning. We loaded the car boot with various books, made a stock list and Vijay Krsna prabhu had set the price list on only 2 of the 8 titles we were going to distribute. The rest were "FREE but Donation based."

Led by our visiting Brahmachari from Vrindavan, Krsna Kanta prabhu who was very excited at the prospects of distributing books anywhere anytime, we all got the blessings of Maharaj and began the night.

Bangsar, which is just 20 minutes away from the temple was decided as a more exciting location to distribute books given that it is filled with party-goers on Saturday nights and the 3 main streets with almost 100 restaurants, pubs and diners is busy with the hip and happening. So why not try something new, after all no one said transcendental book distribution had to be in austere locations only. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

As we turned into Jalan Maarof from Jalan Travers and were about to pass the Ramalingeswara Temple on the left, traffic was slowing to almost a halt. Large groups of Indians amounting to about 200 people were seen all over the road. As we looked to the right of the road we noticed a huge chariot all lit up and making its way to our side of the road.


Quickly we decided this would be the perfect opportunity to distribute books and those lovely prashad cakes packed in little packets by our wonderful Carumukhi didi. We had to think fast. We passed the crowd and a short distance away quickly parked in front of a “no parking” spot of a closed lighting showroom that was just waiting for us. Everyone practically flew out of the car, pooped the booth and grabbed especially the Shiva Tattva books and prashad in little bags and went headlong into the crowd.
Chariot Procession in full force along Jalan Maarof in Bangsar
It was such a perfect opportunity. Little did we know that the Chariot was for Goddess DurgaiAmman from the nearby Nageshwari Amman temple as it was the yearly auspicious Chitra Pournami. Indeed she must have blessed us for our little endeavour for Lord Sri Krsna. (Ahhh! That’s why we had to leave the temple a little later)

People were already in a very devotional state having walked with the chariot some distance so when we were handing them books and prashad they were just to happy to receive with open arms. One family even came back and asked for more of those delicious prashad cakes. So we asked them to pose for a photo with us and they were just too happy to smile. That’s (L to R) Balaram prabhu, Ramesh prabhu, Jaya Govindha prabhu, Krsna Kanta prabhu (at the back) , the family and Hema didi (me)
After this photo was snapped we got into the car and proceeded towards the Telawi Streets in full anticipation but as we circled the area almost 3 times we realised the entire area was just dead. This is not the Bangsar we know. Then it made sense. Friday being May Day and a public holiday meant a 3 day weekend which allowed most people to simply getaway and leave town. So we decided we would attach Bangsar on another night and decided on the next nearest town which was actually scheduled for next weekend – Brickfields.

Once again, Brickfields which is like a Little India to those of us in Petaling Jaya although there is indeed another Little India further into KL, know that this little place has almost 12 Hindu temples, mosques, churches, the biggest Buddhist temple and various other temples. We approached Jalan Sambanthan along the Seethram shop stretch and once again found a parking spot waiting for us, which was quite amazing considering that busy road. Krsna Kanta prabhu was quick to fill his bags with books and prashad and made sure everyone’s had an ample supply too. As the car had nearly run out of petrol I had gone for a refill and brought chilled drinking water back for the team. Seen here are some patrons having supper on the pedestrian stretch of the road where tables and chairs are put up at night for customers.

Jaya Govindha prabhu impressing the girls with his Finnish charm and smile. Many people were very impressed, and sat up and took notice when Jaya Govindha prabhu even walked through the shops or stall with his book. In must be the pure white dhoti, tilak, kantimala and Gurudev’s mercy working through him. People would just donate RM10 notes for even free books, to him.

As we finished with this row and headed to the row shops in front of this, we were joined by Santana prabhu who is Ramesh prabhu’s friend and has come to listen to Gurudev’s lecture at our temple. One family in a shop upon speaking to Krsna Kanta prabhu asked him to invite all his friends and wanted to buy us any drink we wanted. Prabhu’s warm personality drew the attention of another family who wanted to know where our temple was. Krsna Kanta prabhu took their details and gave them all our details and asked them to inform him when they were coming so he would cook prashad for all of them.



After finishing this stretch of shops we got into the car and drove to an inner part of Brickfields where the Gopala’s restaurant is. Only 2 customers were there that night so we proceeded a little further up where the red light street actually begins. Being foreigners, Krsna Kanta prabhu and Jaya Govindha prabhu were told that this row would be a little rough but they remained completely enthusiastic. The people on this part of town were not at all rude or offensive to any member of our team. As Balaram prabhu pointed out, they were very receptive eventhough sometimes a little spaced out. It really didn’t matter, because after all they would have found Gurudev’s books in their hands once they sobered up. By and large most people were moved or appreciative that a small group of people were sacrificing their time in a worthy way. It was easy to see that they respected that.

Calling it a night, we made our way back to the temple and realised we spent about 2 and half hours and had distributed 108 books in that short time. It was a wonderful night indeed and we discussed the next book distribution which was going to be as much fun if not more.

Transcendental Book Distribution Ki Jaya !
Srila Gurudev Ki Jaya !