May 27, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

Varahamihara died in 589 A.D. The door of the Hindu society of those days was open to foreigners. Huns, Gujars, and Ye-tas _[1] (Yets or Gats) who poured into the north-western parts of India in the fifth century A.D. were absorbed by the Hindus. So Alberuni's statement that the aversion of the Hindus for westerners dates from the time of the Zoroastrian revival in Persia is not quite correct. But Alberuni himself offers the best explanation of this great change in the Hindu attitude towards foreigners in what he says after his reference to the expulsion of the Buddhists from the Persian kingdom. He writes:

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 25, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

The proselytizing activities of the Brahmans were not confined to alien invaders and immigrants only, but found a wider field in the islands of the Indian archipelago and in the adjoining parts of the Indo-Chinese Peninsula. Two rather puzzling questions which suggest themselves in this connexion are, how was the admission of aliens to the orthodox Brahmanic fold possible then, and why is it not possible now?

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Just Fill Your Lips
with Hari-Nama

BY: VRINDAVAN DAS

May 25, SRIDHAM MAYAPUR (SUN) —

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: The Incarnation of The Supreme Personality of Godhead Lord Sri Krishna Who appeared in West Bengal, India during the 15th century to inaugurate the Sri Krishna Sankirtan Movement, the congregational chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra, considered by Vedic Acharyas to be the authorized method of God realization for this present age of Kali Yuga.

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

In the last segment of this series, author Ramaprasad Chanda began arguing against a line of academic conclusion that essentially supplants Lord Krsna's place in early Vaisnava historical antecedent with the personality of Shiva. In this instance, the debate focuses on the source of the Greek Herakles, who Chanda argues is most likely Sri Krsna, not Shiva.

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Apara Ekadasi

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — Apara Ekadasi, observed on May 23rd in LA and Mayapur, from the Brahmanda Purana.

Sri Yudhishthira Maharaj said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasii that occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the month of Jyeshtha (May-June)? I wish to hear from You the glories of this sacred day of Hari. Please narrate everything to me."

Lord Sri Krishna said, "Oh king, your inquiry is wonderful because the answer will benefit the whole human society. This Ekadasii is so sublime and meritorious that even the greatest sins can be erased by its purity.

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Sri Manah-siksa: Instructions to the Mind

BY: SUN STAFF

May 18, CANADA (SUN) — By Srila Raghunath das Goswami, translated by Sriman Kushakratha dasa.

TEXT 1

gurau goshthe goshthalayishu sujane bhusura-gane
sva-mantre shri-namni vraja-nava-yuva-dvandva-sharane
sada dambham hitva kuru ratim apurvam atitaram
aye svantardhatash catubhir abhiyace dhrita-padah

O mind, I grasp your feet and beg you with sweet words: Please cast away all hypocrisy and develop intense, unprecedented love for my spiritual master, Vrajabhumi, the people of Vraja, the Vaishnavas, the brahmanas, the Gayatri mantra, the holy name, and the transcendental shelter that is the fresh young couple of Vraja, Radha and Krishna.

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition,
Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

May 18, CANADA (SUN) — From a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

The Garuda pillars of Besnagar not only indicate that Vasudeva was already identified with Vishnu as conceived in the Mahabharata, but they also bear witness to the existence of one if not two temples of Vishnu at Vidisa at the time of their erection. In the inscription on the fragment of our second pillar it is distinctly called "the Garudadhvaja of the excellent temple (prasadotama) of the Bhagavat (Vishnu)." A temple of Vishnu must have contained an image or some form of concrete representation of Vishnu within it. The Garuda columns were of course surmounted by images of Garuda. The making of the image of Garuda, the vahana or carrier of Vishnu, presupposes the making of the image of Vishnu.

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Archaeology and Vaishnava Tradition

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — Part One of a monograph by Ramaprasad Chanda, published by the Archaeological Survey of India, 1998.

In one sense, the science of archaeology may be said to owe its advancement to a desire to test the authenticity of the sacred traditions. The results of explorations in Bible lands have partially justified expectations, and archaeology has proved a useful mediator between the Holy Writ and the natural sciences. Texts unearthed from the mounds of the Euphrates valley have revealed the fact that even the Biblical stories of the creation and the deluge are not the deliberate inventions of priests, but are based on hoary traditions not without rational basis.

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Parishads: Sri Ramananda Raya

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — The Disappearance day of Sri Ramananda Raya is observed on May 17th.

There are two Arjunas in Krishna lila: one is a priya-narma-sakha in Vraja, the other is one of the Pandavas. These two combined to become Ramananda Raya, the dear companion of Mahaprabhu. He was very knowledgeable in the teachings of loving devotion to Radha and Krishna, which he described to Gauracandra on a daily basis.

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Deogarh, a
Vaisnava Jewel

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — Deogarh is a small farming village near the town of Lalitpur in Lalitpur district, in the state of Uttar Pradesh, India. Located at the border with the former princely state of Gwalior, which is now part of Madhya Pradesh, Deogarh is known for its Gupta monuments, located on or near the Betwa River. The name "Deogarh" derives from the Sanskrit deo, 'god', and garh, 'fort' -- 'fort of the Gods', or 'house of the Gods'.

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Vanquish the Great Enemy of Deceit

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — From Sri Manah-siksa by Srila Raghunatha das Goswami.

Verse 6

My dear mind, you have embraced the path of self realization, yet you foolishly think that you are cleansing yourself by bathing in the pretentiously fierce qualities of deceit and fault-finding, which are compared to impure donkey urine. Factually, you are incinerating yourself and dragging an infinitesimal spirit soul like me into the conflagration. Stop this suicidal course! Dive into the immortal ocean of sublime ambrosia that awaits you in loving devotional service at the lotus feet of Sri-Sri Radha and Krsna. Resuscitate my very being and thus give both of us endless happiness.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 8

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a series on transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

Padma Vesha of Lord Jagannath

The perfection of transcendental embodiment in a flower is most surely the Lotus. Employed in every conceivable facet of spiritual life, the glories of the Lotus are divinely demonstrated in the Padma Vesha ritual of Lord Jagannath at Puri Dham. This Lotus ornamentation of the Lord's is described by Pitambara Pradhani, who explains the iconography of the opulent, lotus-drenched costumery of Lord Jagannath known as Padma Vesha.

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Discourse on the Absolute Truth (Tattva-vicara)

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada's conversation with V. Venkanta Subbaya of Angul. Shorthanded by Anil Kanta Ganguli, B.A. This article was originally published in "The Harmonist Magazine" on the 5th August, 1935.

"Krishna-prema-rasa should be our desired end"

We require solution for the various problems of our life. But we are liable to be interrupted and troubled by foreign relations by polemical discussions and also to meet different contending ideas and thoughts from outside. So we require Divine instruction for our purpose. We are assured by the song of the Supreme Lord Sree Krishna, "Sarvadharman parityajya Mamekam sharanam vraja, Aham twam sarva papebhyoh mokshyeeshyamee na suchah, i.e. Depend on Me. You will not have to repent for such submission. Whatever you have acquired up to this time, leave aside and come up to Me, I will dictate to you what course you should adopt".

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Jagannath Worship
in Manipur

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — Historical artifacts establish the early presence of Jagannath worship in Manipur state, by Dr. B. Tripathy.

The North-Eastern region of India, consisting of the states of Assam, Manipur, Tripura and a number of tribal pockets before 1947, assumes much importance for the study of diverse culture and traditions that prevailed in the region throughout the ages. Besides the indigenous tribal religion, as practised by various tribes in the plains and the hills, the area has witnessed flourishing Saivism, Vaishnavism, Saktism, Surya cult, Tantricism and Buddhism in the early and medieval period of her history.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 7

BY: SUN STAFF

May 09, CANADA (SUN) — One of the divine flowers mentioned most often in sastra is the Madhavi-lata, a beautiful creeper bearing fragrant flowers. Madhavi-lata (Hiptage benghalensis) has a strong, fruity perfume, narrow leaves that slope downward, and blooms that range from pinkish to white to yellow. The edges of the flowers are fluffy and toothed, reminiscent of a parrot's head, and the climbing shrubs bear abundant clusters. Stories about the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha Krsna in Vrindavana are replete with mention of the Madhavi-lata creeper, which serves as forest arbor, garland and ornament.

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Worship of Lord Narasimha in Maharastra and Goa, Part 6

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a serial presentation of West Indian temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

Today we visit another abode of Lord Nrsimhadeva in Pune, Maharashtra. The Sri Laxmi Narasimha Temple at Sadashiv Peth was built in 1774 A.D., and is one of the city's oldest temples. It is also Pune's only Nrsimhadeva temple. Situated near the Grahak Peth shopping area, this temple is inconspicuous enough to be missed by those who don't know it exists, and it's therefore less crowded than most of the big Pune temples.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 6

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — Transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

"Although the Lord is by nature very beautiful due to the perfect figure of His transcendental body, still He would dress Himself in yellow colored garments and put on His necklace of Kaustubha jewels. He would wear flower garlands, smear His body with the pulp of sandalwood and decorate Himself with other similar cosmetics and ornaments. It is said that the ornaments themselves became beautiful upon being placed on the transcendental body of the Lord. After decorating Himself in this way, the Lord would then look at marble statues of the cow and calf and visit temples of God or demigods like Lord Siva. There were many brahmanas who would come daily to see the Supreme Lord before taking their breakfast; they were anxious to see Him, and He welcomed them."

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Mohini Ekadasi

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — The observance of Mohini Ekadasi is on May 7th in Los Angeles, 8th in Mayapur.

Sri Yudhisthira Maharaja said, "Oh Janardana, what is the name of the Ekadasa that occurs during the light fortnight (sukla paksha) of the month of Vaisakha (April-May)? What is the process for observing it properly? Kindly narrate all of these details to me."

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Parishads: Srimati Jahnava Devi

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — The Appearance day of Srimati Jahnava Devi is observed on May 5th.

Balaram's wives Varuni and Revati became Vasudha and Jahnavi, the two wives of Nityananda Prabhu, in Chaitanya-lila. Both of them were the daughters of Surya Das, who was as effulgent as the sun. He was Kakudman, the father of Revati, in his previous birth. According to another opinion, Jahnava was the incarnation of Ananga Mjari. Both these opinions are possible, as we have shown that more than one identity can be joined in associates of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. (Gaura-ganoddesha-dipika 65-6)

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Worship of Lord Narasimha in Maharastra and Goa, Part 5

BY: SUN STAFF

May 03, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of West Indian temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

Today we'll explore another ancient temple devoted to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva in Maharashtra -- the Nira Narsingpur Temple at Indapur taluk. The village of Nira Narsingpur is situated about 3 kilometers from the confluence of the rivers Bhima and Nira, in the far southeastern corner of Pune district. Lord Nira (Neera) Narasimha was installed here in the Satya-yuga by Sri Prahlada Maharaja.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 5

BY: SUN STAFF

May 03, CANADA (SUN) — Transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

The Flower-like Glories of Srimati Radharani

Among the most beautiful of all sastric references to flowers are the glorifications of Srimati Radharani, whose super-excellent qualities are often compared to the finest flowers. Sri Radha's physical traits, Her paraphernalia, Her activities and Her gopi associates are all described in terms of flowers.

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Worship of Lord Narasimha in Maharastra and Goa, Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 01, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of West Indian temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

Today we are visiting the Sri Jwala Nrsimha temple at Kole Narasimhapur, in the Walva tahlak, Sangli district of Maharashtra. Situated on the banks of the holy Krishna River, this is the abode of an amazingly beautiful swayambhu Deity of the Lord, said to have self-manifested some 7,500 years ago in the presence of Sage Parashar (Vyas Muni's father), who was in deep meditation.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 01, CANADA (SUN) — Transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

There are numerous pastimes in which the Lord appears to save the Vedas from the ocean of nescience, and from the demons who sought to destroy the Absolute Truth. Srimad Bhagavatam describes pastimes wherein the Lord, manifesting as Matsya Avatara or Lord Hayagriva, comes to kill a demon who has stolen the Veda. Both Matsya and Hayagriva Avatars are described as killing the demon Ajnana. But in another pastime, the demon himself was named Hayagriva, and he was slain by Matsya.

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Worship of Lord Narasimha in Maharastra and Goa, Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

Apr 27, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of West Indian temples dedicated to the worship of Lord Nrsimhadeva.

While the small state of Goa now has only a few temples dedicated to Lord Nrsimha's worship, there are quite a number in neighboring Maharashtra. Today we visit the temple of Sri Narasimha at Pokharni, in the Parbhani district of Maharashtra.

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Transcendental Flowers, Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

Apr 29, CANADA (SUN) — Transcendental flowers glorified throughout Vedic literature.

In our last segment we discussed the Campaka flower, which is one of the celestial flowers Kamadeva shoots from his bow. One of Kamadeva's names is Kusuma-shara, 'one with arrow of flowers). The five types of flower-arrows varies from list to list, but generally includes the Campaka, Lotus (blue and white), Mallika (jasmine), and Mango or Ashoka tree flowers. Kumkum and Damanaka flowers are also associated with Kama, due to their enticing scents.

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Sri Bahulasva said; O sage, O lord, what did they do when they saw the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, who is greater than the greatest? Please be kind and tell me.

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Prabhupada Padma-vakya

May 27, 1966, New York
Bhagavad-gita 3.17-20
"At the time of death, whatever you are thinking, that means you are preparing your next life like that. Therefore the whole life shall be so processed but at the same time, at the end of our life we can at least think of Krsna. Then sure and certain you go back to Krsna."

May 27, 1972, Los Angeles
Nrsimha-caturdasi Lord Nrsimhadeva's Appearance Day
"So the demons are always against this Krsna consciousness movement. That is the whole history. Just like Lord Jesus Christ, he was crucified. What was his fault? He was preaching God consciousness, that's all."

May 27, 1974, Rome
Srimad-Bhagavatam 1.2.3
"So the Vedic knowledge is so perfect, that anything you want, material or spiritual, you will get the knowledge perfect. That is Veda."

May 27, 1976, Honolulu
Srimad-Bhagavatam 6.1.27
"Just like aeroplane. If dozens of aeroplane is flying, but if one aeroplane is in danger, no other plane can give him any help. It will fall down and crash. Finished. So we have to take care of ourself."

Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.

Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 4

BY: SUN STAFF

May 25, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we continue our series on Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam, focusing first on his original Delhi Bhagwatams. Before coming to preach in the West, Srila Prabhupada chose to translate, purport and publish the first canto of Srimad Bhagwatam, in three volumes. While we can only speculate as to why he chose these volumes first and foremost, Srila Prabhupada's translations and purports on Srimad Bhagavatam will go down in history as one of his primary writing efforts.

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Sri Garga Samhita 2

BY: SUN STAFF

May 25, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter Two

Sri-Goloka-dhama-nivarnanam
Description of the Abode of Sri Goloka

Text 1

jihvam labdhvapi yah krishnam
kirtaniyam na kirtayet
labdhvapi moksha-nisrenim
sa narohati durmatih

A person who has a tongue but does not glorify glorious Sri Krishna is a fool. Even if he somehow approaches the staircase to liberation, he cannot climb it.

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Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Srila Prabhupada's Original Srimad Bhagwatams

In early December 2003, after years of searching for them, we discovered a set of Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatams on Ebay. The Bhagwatams were listed for auction by a woman in Bronx, New York, who had purchased them from another New York bookseller. She was kind enough to research and share the details of how these books had come available.

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Sri Garga Samhita

BY: SUN STAFF

May 21, CANADA (SUN) — Chapter One

Sri-Krishna-mahatmya-varnana - Description of Sri-Krishna's Glories

Text 1

om narayanam namaskritya
naram caiva narottamam
devim sarasvatim vyasam
tato jayam udirayet

Before reciting this Garga-samhita, which is the very means of conquest, one should offer respectful obeisances unto the Personality of Godhead, Narayana, unto Nara-Narayana Rishi, the supermost human being, unto mother Sarasvati, the goddess of learning, and unto Srila Vyasadeva.*

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Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam, Part 2

BY: SUN STAFF

May 18, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Srila Prabhupada's Original Srimad Bhagwatams

In early December 2003, after years of searching for them, we discovered a set of Srila Prabhupada's original Srimad Bhagwatams on Ebay. The Bhagwatams were listed for auction by a woman in Bronx, New York, who had purchased them from another New York bookseller. She was kind enough to research and share the details of how these books had come available.

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 514

BY: SUN STAFF

May 20, CANADA (SUN) —

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Srila Prabhupada on Srimad Bhagavatam

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — Srila Prabhupada's preaching of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Today we begin this series at the beginning, with the Preface of Srila Prabhupada's original 1962 publication of Srimad Bhagwatam, 1st Canto, Volume I. This edition was printed in Delhi for The League of Devotees (Regd.), Vrindaban:Delhi. The book's dedication follows:

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 513

BY: SUN STAFF

May 16, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

Sítá is honourably received by the saint Válmíki himself, and the holy women of the hermitage are charged to entertain and serve her. In this calm retreat she gives birth to two boys who receive the names of Kuśa and Lava. They are carefully brought up and are taught by Válmíki himself to recite the Rámáyaṇ.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 15

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Srila Gaurakisora's Blessing

Once, Sripad Bhakti Pradipa Tirtha Maharaja in accord with the direction of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura went to visit Srila Bhaktivinoda in Godrumadvipa. Honoring the permission of Srila Bhaktivinoda, Sripada Tirtha Maharaja periodically approached Srila Gaurakisora on the opposite side of the Ganges. During this period Sripad Tirtha Maharaja was living in household life and uninitiated by Srila Bhaktivinoda.

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 512

BY: SUN STAFF

May 14, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

In the twenty-seventh section Rávaṇ goes "under the earth into Pátála the treasure-house of the waters inhabited by swarms of serpents and Daityas, and well defended by Varuṇ." He subdues Bhogavatí the city ruled by Vásuki and reduces the Nágas or serpents to subjection. He penetrates even to the imperial seat of Varuṇ. The God himself is absent, but his sons come forth and do battle with the invader. The giant is victorious and departs triumphant.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 14

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Imitating The Pure Devotee

One celibate student, brahmacari who was born in a brahmana family came to see Srila Gaurakisora pretending to be interested in bhajana. Shortly following this many persons came to offer respect to the celibate student. The brahamacari, after some time, decided he would also begin to live in the same way as Srila Gaurakisora. He secretly collected money which he used to build a small grass hut for his bhajana like Srila Gaurakisora's on the bank of the Ganges river.

FULL STORY

The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 511

BY: SUN STAFF

May 12, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

Rávaṇa marries (Sect. 12) Mandodarí the beautiful daughter of the Asur Maya whose name has several times occurred in the Rámáyan as that of an artist of wonderful skill. She bears a son Meghanáda or the Roaring Cloud who was afterwards named Indrajít from his victory over the sovereign of the skies. The conquest of Kuvera, and the acquisition of the magic self-moving chariot which has done much service in the Rámáyan, form the subject of sections XIII., XIV. and XV.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 13

BY: SUN STAFF

May 09, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Household Duties

A newly-wedded man, who was a wealthy and famous disciple of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, came to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura to understand how to correctly follow the process of devotional service in married life. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura made it very evident to the visitor that persons who are married face many different kinds of impediments in the execution of their devotional service. After hearing this explanation the married guest became unhappy.

FULL STORY

The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 510

BY: SUN STAFF

May 09, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda, Continued

The first Rákshasas kings were Heti and Praheti. Heti married a sister of Kála (Time). She bore him a son Vidyutkeśa, who in his turn took for his wife Lankatanka[t.]á, the daughter of Sandhyá (V. 21). She bore him a son Sukeśa, whom she abandoned, but he was seen by Śiva as he was passing by with his wife Párvatí, who made the child as old as his mother, and immortal, and gave him a celestial city.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 12

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Resolute Worship Of The Holy Name

There was an old Vaisnava in the vicinity of Srila Gaurakisora in Kuliya who began to engage himself in full-hearted Deity worship in place of harinama-bhajana. Srila Gaurakisora commented on this one day in the presence of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. "That old Vaisnava is spending his last days in worshipping the Deity!" Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati then said, "What? Are you trying to deceive me? It is impossible for this Vaisnava who lives in Kuliya to deviate in any way whatsoever?"

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 509

BY: SUN STAFF

May 05, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

APPENDIX - Uttarakánda

The Rámáyan ends, epically complete, with the triumphant return of Ráma and his rescued queen to Ayodhyá and his consecration and coronation in the capital of his forefathers. Even if the story were not complete, the conclusion of the last Canto of the sixth Book, evidently the work of a later hand than Válmíki's, which speaks of Ráma's glorious and happy reign and promises blessings to those who read and hear the Rámáyan, would be sufficient to show that, when these verses were added, the poem was considered to be finished.

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 11

BY: SUN STAFF

May 03, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati's Prayer For Initiation

Srila Gaurakisora and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura manifested one pastime which shows how unflinching devotional service to Lord Krsna is situated far above mundane morality and scholarship. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati was very pure in nature, a strict follower of Vaisnava principles, and very learned in all the scriptural conclusions. He was instructed by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura to take initiation from Srila Gaurakisora. He went to Srila Gaurakisora and prayed to him. Srila Gaurakisora, hearing his prayer, said to him, "I must first ask Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu whether or not I can be merciful unto you. Only then will I be able to give you my decision."

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 508

BY: SUN STAFF

May 03, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

Book VI - Canto CXXX - The Consecration

Then, reverent hand to hand applied,
Thus Bharat to his brother cried:
"Thy realm, O King, is now restored,
Uninjured to the rightful lord.
This feeble arm with toil and pain,
The weighty charge could scarce sustain.

FULL STORY

The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja,
Part 10

BY: SUN STAFF

May 01, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

The Offenses for Imitating a Vaisnava

We can understand from these different activities that describe the immortal character of Srila Gaurakisora, that persons who came to serve this maha-bhagavat with a cheating mentality received in return terrible reactions for their sinful activities. A person who disregards the instructions of a pure devotee of the Lord, but associates instead with show bottelists and deceitful persons dressed as Vaisnavas and renunciates can never have the real benefit of life. Rather their actions result in a fearsome and terrible state of ruination.

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 507

BY: SUN STAFF

May 01, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

Book VI - Canto CXXIX - The Meeting With Bharat

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The Biography of HDG Srila Gaurakisora Dasa Babaji Maharaja, Part 9

BY: SUN STAFF

Apr 29, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of the life and pastimes of our illustrious Sampradaya Acaraya.

Karma Bound

Once a young man, named Bala came to Srila Gaurakisora and told him that he wanted to worship the Supreme Lord. Upon hearing this, Srila Gaurakisora said, "If you want to perform real devotional service then you should give up the association of those Vaisnavas accepted by the ordinary people and the non-devotee section of society. Just live here in our association.

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The Ramayana of Valmiki, Part 506

BY: SUN STAFF

Apr 29, CANADA (SUN) — A serial presentation of 'The Epic Journey of Rama'.

Book VI - Canto CXXVIII - Hanumán's Story

"In doubt and fear long years have passed
And glorious tidings come at last.
True, true is now the ancient verse
Which men in time of bliss rehearse:
"Once only in a hundred years
Great joy to mortal men appears."
But now his woes and triumph tell,
And loss and gain as each befell."

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Three Cities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas, Part 3

BY: SUN STAFF

Apr 29, CANADA (SUN) — The last in a three-part adaptation of a summary of cities corresponding to the three gunas, from Anudinam.

Lanka

The City of lanka was planned and fashioned by Vishwakarma, the divine architect, and among all his creations this city was the most inspired. In Valmiki's words, Lanka was richer, lovelier and grander than even Ayodhya. But it was also less noble, less righteous, and less spiritual; in fact, the city was tamasic.

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