Arcana's topics - tribe.net

Deity Crowns (Mukuts) and Jewelry

2009-11-04T13:03:26Z

Haribolo Prabhus,

I just joined this tribe after searching all over the web for Deity resources. All the Deity pictures are amazing.
I am looking for any websites or contact info for Deity crowns and jewelry makers. I remember seeing a mataji offering her services online via her website. I think she lives in Alachua.

Does anyone know of any design resources for making your own Deity crowns or effulgences?
We have 8 inch tall Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra Deities that are very merciful. They are from Ekachakra - Lord Nityananda's birthplace.
I have never seen outfits or ornaments for Them in catalogs, temple giftshops or online. :( So, I make them myself. Making outfits for Them is a pleasure but since Im not expert in making crowns or jewelry I would like to purchase or get instructions to make their ornaments for upcoming Janmastami. I can make turbans but would like to also have some more crowns for Them.
We purchased some nice ones for Them while we were in Vrindavan but did not get the prabhu's contact information.
I like the embroidered and jeweled style crowns.

I put some photos of our beloved Lordships in my profile.

Thanks for your help :)

Yours in the service of Srila Prabhupada,
bhaktin cristina

posted in Arcana - 19 replies

Teloc Symbol worn by devotees

2009-10-15T16:39:25Z

Hello all,

My question is regarding the Teloc/Tiloc symbol that devotees wear on their forehead. I would like to get some more information on what this symbol specifically means and any other associations with it. I am considering getting a tattoo of this symbol but I want to be clear on it's meanings. Any information is helpful.

In love and light,
- B.E.

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Halas and Horn Shaped Bugles

2009-10-07T19:54:43Z

Halas and Horn Shaped Bugles
I have 12" Krishna Balaram Deities and am looking for a Hala and horn shaped bugles for Their Lordships. Seeing as my next trip to India a long way off, I am wondering if anyone out there knows of a supplier that I can order these items from. Also, the wigs from India are not very nice, anyone know of a supplier of nice wigs that can nicely fit over top knots? Thanks
Hari Bol!

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Deity wigs and painting marble Deities

2009-10-05T11:26:16Z

Haribol Souls

I have some 12" Gaur Nitai made in marble, for some strange reason when they arrived they only seem to be polished / glazed on the front . Also the painting of Their undergarments is not complete on the back. I would like to know the following please:-

1)Is model enamel paint good to paint marble Deities?
2)Would clear gloss model paint help shine the backs?
3)Where can i get nice hair for my Deities please?

Thanks
Haribol

Dave

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

My Home Altar

2009-09-03T01:03:24Z

Is anyone of you on Facebook? If yes, please join the group "New Seva Kunja". It is on my home temple. It also got pics of my deities wearing the peacock feather outfit I made for them.

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Naming Krishna

2009-09-02T07:19:45Z

hare Krishna

Does anyone have name suggestions for Radha Krishna Deities. their pics are on arcavigraha.blogspot.com.

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

Offering rotten flowers

2009-09-01T22:36:21Z

Srila Prabhupada Memories Tape 37-Umapati Swami: "In Vrindavan Prabhupada complained,"You are offering the Dieties rotten flowers." The flowers looked okay to us but Prabhupada said,"If you offer the Dieties rotten flowers, They will not say anything but you life would be spoiled." He talked about this many times. Once a devotee tried to give Prabhupada a garland that was bigger than Krishna's garland and Prabhupada made him exchange it. He said,"You cannot give me a garland that is bigger than the garland on Krishna."

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

Marble changing color

2009-08-29T21:04:21Z

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Is there a way to prevent marble Deities changing color over time? The marble tends to go yellowish green. Our Deities are about 30 years old.

Thank you.

Your servant,
Madri dasi

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

ornamental birds etc. on altar

2009-08-29T15:50:38Z

Dear Pujari's,

Many ornamental birds and butterflies etc that are made with real feathers should not be on altars in my humble opinion. I feel that since these feathers are made of dead cells they fall in the catergory of being unclean, like real hair. Peacock feathers are ofcourse an exception to the rule.

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

Pot plants can be muchi!!!

2009-08-29T15:36:57Z

Haribol,

I just wanted to share with you my findings that, almost all commercially produced pot plants have bone meal in the fertiliser. Hence it may not be suci to use them for altar decor. Floral arrangements are the best in my humble opinion.

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Trying to make a dress for Radha Krishna

2009-08-29T15:30:44Z

Haribol,

I wanted to know if anyone can give me any advice about making dresses for Radha and Krishna. I am trying it for the first time and Krishna's dhoti seems to always get messed up.

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

Flute Palcement

2009-08-29T15:23:36Z

I have noticed that some temples keep Krishna's flute so that it's only in his right hand so its on a slant like the pic i posted of the ISKCON Vrindavan utsav deities, in all the pics of them i have seen it placed like this, is there any significance for this placement? Here's a pic from a devotee's blog with the same placement http://bp0.blogger.com/_aqoLKZ7lu7M/RrtuWGN3qHI/AAAAAAAAAZM/x_nv64mG8iU/s1600-h/DSCF1014.JPG
Also Radha Raman and Bankie Bihari don't have thier flutes in thier hands , instead it is leaned next to him is there a reason for this or is it because these deities don't have openings in thier hands for the flutes.

posted in Arcana - 5 replies

Color of eyes of deities

2009-08-29T15:17:40Z

Hare Krishna everyone!
PAMHO! AGTSP!
I was wondering if there is any scriptural reference to the color of eyes of Krishna, Radharani, Gauranga and nityananda...
I am just painting my deities and have painted Gauranga's eyes blue. I have seen quite a few home deities of Gaura Nitai where Gauranga's eyes were painted blue. I was just wondering if there is any scriptural reference to that.....

Thank You,
Haribol!
Ys,
Anuradha Keshavi DD

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

Ekadasi outfits

2009-08-29T14:22:52Z

Haribol!

I was wondering if anyone knew why deities wear only red and/or pink, and silver outfits on Ekadasi. I think this is the standard in ISKCON, and I don't even think other temples in Vrindavan follow this, nor is this a tradition from any other part of India (as far as I know). Doeas anyone have any idea about this?

My guess is that gold is an abode for Kali purusha, but why no gold for the deities (but devotees continue to wear gold?). Anyways, I look forward to other devotees' thoughts on this...

Hare Krsna!

SriRKd

posted in Arcana - 16 replies

Gaura Nitai marble /wood please help

2009-08-29T13:29:00Z

Haribol Friends. I want to get some Gaura Nitai deities in either marble or wood preferably under 10 " - can you help? Thanks Lena

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

offering Jagannath - a Flute

2009-08-29T13:19:59Z

Hare Krishna,
I was wondering if anyone knows/has some reference on offering/not offering a flute to Jagannath? Will it be considered as rasabhas if a flute is offered?

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

1978 Archana-Padati

2009-08-27T20:16:23Z

Following is an excerpt from an old letter from a Srila Prabhupada disciple on the subject of Deity worship. Does anyone have a copy of the 1978 Archana-padati?

thanks,
J.

“Deity worship… developed in a fairly haphazard way in ISKCON with different standards in different temples. Prabhupada wanted someone to come up with a simple Archana-Padati but no one did while he was physically present. The first real standard for Deity worship in ISKCON was the Archana-Padati published by the BBT in 1978.

... As for the Deity worship you should have at least 3 aroti's per day as well as three offerings of prasadam. Before each artok you should prepare a tray which should contain the following:

- Incense
- A water archman cup
- A blowing conch shell
- A single ghee-lamp with camphor
- A five ghee-wick lamp
- A small conch shell with water
- A handkerchief
- A few fresh flowers
- A Peacock fan
- A Yak-tail fan

You must blow the conch shell three times before you begin the arotik and three times after the arotik. You can blow up all the demons in the building!! All the demons will be terrified...

In addition you should offer mangal-aroti sweets in the morning with water at least. At lunch there must be at absolute minimum some rice with ghee on it. And if possible also dhal, vegetables, chapatis, sweets, etc.

posted in Arcana - 13 replies

Jagannatha Deity -Painting Advice

2009-04-16T05:29:04Z

Hare Krishna...I have JBS deities made of very very light wood...last time during snana yatra the paint on the deities came off (which is why i performed a VERY VERY elaborate abhishek in first place..so i could paint the deities again)..i painted my deities last year...though it has come out well..i m concerned because a few cracks have devolped near the hands...i saw this article about saptabharana ( http://deityworship.tribe.net/thread/682eba63-4946-454c-97a1-c2a8a414716a#6f2bcb85-615a-4b87-9ec9-d4267dc77ff1 )....and am wondering if anyone knows how to do this and can give me step by step instructions on how to do this...so i can do this myself at home....if not saptabharana, someway to make my deities stronger and get a more polished look....

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Jagannath Deites

2009-04-14T04:04:06Z

Is it me, or are all Jagganath deities very very special. Even the Jagannath deities in Mayapur have some amazing pastimes. The old mayapur site had them all online to read, but the new one seems to have overlooked them. Read the article, such amazing pastimes at Purushotam Kstera Sri Jagannath Puri Dham...

Nov 29, PURI, ORISSA (SUN) — Following our recent article on the various divine personalities who come to visit Lord Jagannath, today we hear some of the most mysterious phenomena reported from time to time by the people of Puri. These experiences are especially had by the worshippers (Sevakas) of Jagannath Temple.

Not only do people from all over the world come to see Lord Jagannath, but so do gods and goddesses. It is believed that these devas are most fond of seeing the last ceremony of the day known as Pahuda, in which Jagannath retires to bed. This occurs some time after midnight. Three beautiful beds made of ivory and decorated with the sweetest-smelling flowers, especially white jasmine, are brought before the deities. Flowers are scattered all over the beds to the sound of devotional music, and three miniature golden forms representing Jagannath, Subhadra and Balabhadra are laid down on the beds to sleep. Then arati-the offering of a lamp is done, the flowers are scattered all around overhead to be collected by the gods and goddesses as a token of Lord Jagannath's blessing. So it is also the duty of all the gods and goddesses to be present at the time of this ceremony every night.

One day goddess Charchika of the distant village of Banki arrived late to the function. She was excused by Jagannath, who excuses all mistakes, but Balabhadra did not excuse her. "Mother, do you think that the rituals of this temple should take place according to your convenience? You have become too proud these last few days. Get out! You cannot come to see the Pahuda Ceremony any more."

Charchika was not prepared to take this insult from Balabhadra and in anger she replied. "I am not the proud one. You are the one who is ostentatious, being gorgeously dressed, bedecked with royal robes, golden ornaments, and sweet-smelling flowers. I have eight hands, but you with no hands think you are doing everything. Who is the proud one? You please let me enter so that I may meet my Lord. Why are you ostracizing me for such a little offence? After that Balabhadra became even angrier and lost his temper. "Your misbehaviour to Bitarachha Mohapatra, the chief priest is of grave concern. I am ordered by him to prevent you from entering the temple any more. How can you do and protect your area Banki, even with your eight hands with weapons, if you have no discipline?"

Charchika replied, "Oh, then please go and ask him to forgive me! I will not have any peace if I am deprived of the Lord's vision. I will be happy again only when I am redeemed."

Charchika was left standing there at the bottom of Baishipabachha, the twenty-two steps leading to the temple. The whole night was passing and her heart becomes very agitated. It was almost morning. The sevakas were coming out from the temple. Devas from all corners of the world had come that night, as was the custom every night to consult with Jagannath, the Lord of the Universe. Now they were going out to execute his will. Only Charchika was left standing at the gate. If a deva neglects his duty, he may cause harm to others and must be replaced.

The sin of too much pride is almost irremediable. Just as Charchika was remembering this, Balabhadra came back with the sad news not to allow her inside. Balabhadra delivered the message of Lord Jagannath. "A proud deva should not be admitted. If you wish to redeem yourself, render service in the home of Bitarachha Mahapatra, the head priest to whose function you came late, and not to me. Bitarachha Mahapatra alone can exonerate you, if he so desires and is pleased with your service." Balabhadra explained, "By the practice of virtuous deeds an ordinary man ascends upwards and may eventually attain the status of a demigod. Such a good soul may be regarded as equal to god himself, but only because of his goodness, not his high position. Do you know this, Mother?" Charchika replied, "Yes, I have done wrong. I myself will take on the task of serving this man Bitarachha Mahapatra, even though I am a goddess of the highest order.

It is the right punishment for a degraded goddess. I will be serving a man who is himself a servant of Lord Jagannath. Let me leave this place before others come out."

Disguising herself as a young widow in a white saree, Charchika left the temple for the house of Bitarachha Mahapatra. As she approached, she saw the old man sitting on the front steps. So she quickly covered her face with a sari piece and respectfully stood at some distance. The old man looked up and thought, "who is this lady? I can see only half of her face, but she looks so young and radiant! I have never seen her in this area before. "Thinking like this, he called to her. "Mother, have you come to our house or are you looking for someone in this neighbourhood." The soft motherly appearance of Charchika made Bitarachha Mohapatra regard her as a mother.

Charchika pleaded, "I pray that you accept me in your house as a servant, as I have no other means of survival, father. As I lay flat on the ground before Lord Jagannath, he himself ordered me to serve here in your house."

The old man was astonished and with tears in his eyes, he answered." This is your own home, you are so like my own mother. A son can never be reluctant to provide shelter to his mother." Thus Charchika become the maidservant of the head priest Bitarachha Mahapatra. Gradually she became accustomed to the household affairs of the family and took full charge of the puja room herself, cleaning the brass puja articles, changing the dress of the deities daily and lighting the lamps. So perfectly did she act out the role of mother that Bitarachha Mohapatra hardly thought of his own mother, who had just recently died. Time passed. Bitarachha's wife was old and ailing and so she was very pleased with Charchika's help and good manners.

Sometimes people wondered about Charchika, "who is she? Where did she come from?" Sometimes Charchika would be overcome with feeling when there was talk of Lord Jagannath, what was the reason for this?

They would ask her, "Why did not you go to the temple and have darshan of Lord Jagannath?" When so many people come from distant places to see Him, you are living nearby and do not go? "Charchika said sadly," It is a matter of luck, sometimes one is not destined to meet him. I will visit the Lord whenever he showers his mercy on me."

One day a huge storm hit Puri with heavy rain. The whole town was enveloped in darkness. Bitarachha Mahapatra struggled to find his way home and finally reached the door, knocking loudly. Charchika responded anxiously. "Oh, what a treacherous night to be out! When it fell dark I lit a candle and sat waiting, expecting you at any moment. That candle has just now gone out."

The head priest had come from the temple and was completely rain drenched. He handed over the Mahaprasad to Charchika and went to change his dress. But there were no matches to light the candle in his room. Neither did he bring a candle from the temple, as it was raining too heavily.

With surprise he asked "How did you light that candle, when there were no matches and all the neighbours had already gone to bed? Can you light another one?" Charchika replied, "Yes there is a way. Allow me to light the room." She immediately assumed her original form. She stretched one of her hands to the top of the temple where a lamp was burning and with it she lit the priest's candle.

On seeing this divine vision, Mahapatra almost felt senseless. He could not believe his eyes. How could this maid servant assume such a divine miraculous form? And so vast and glorious it was. The whole town of Puri could be accommodated within the space between her feet. A deep sense of awe and wonder overcame him. Charchika came back to her normal form in a moment's time, and the room was lighted. Mahapatra felt as if his eyes had betrayed him and he was going mad. "Do not worry, father," Charchika said.

Bitarachha Mahapatra told her, pleading, "Oh Mother! Please reveal your real identity. I will not leave your feet until you do so." Such rare display of God's divine grace thrilled the priest through and through. His body became numb. So Charchika disclosed everything to him, especially the reasons why she was cast out of the temple.

Mahapatra exclaimed, "Oh Mother, please go back to your original abode. I will obtain due permission from the Lord for your reinstatement." With such assurance of Mahapatra, Charchika disappeared from Bitarachha's house. It was after midnight and the rain had stopped. It was as if everything had occurred in accordance with God's plan. Charchika once again approached the main gate of the temple and Balabhadra offered her a welcome smile. Because of this, Charchika realised that one can not retain even his position as a demigod if he does not fulfill his assigned duties and commitments for the upliftment of the world, for these are the duties of the demigods. Lord Jagannath ordered, "I am now very happy with you. I will assign you an additional responsibility, that of caring for my own car during Ratha Yatra, the great Festival of Chariots. Even though the regular Sevakas are there to look after Nandighosa, you will be its deva."

Charchika was silent and only nodded her head affectionately, then left. It was already morning and Bitarachha Mahapatra appeared before the deities to offer his regular service. This event occurred in the year 1368. Before Goddess Charchika left the house of the head priest, Bitarachha Mahapatra, she asked him what he wanted. He answered that he had no demand for any worldly things, but only wanted to see her again. She said, "Go to your puja room," and then vanished. He went there and saw emerging from the floor a framed stone image of the devi herself.

Even today, some six centuries later, this holy image is there and puja is still being done to it daily by the descendants of Bitarachha Mohapatra, the head priest of Jagannath Temple.

Experienced by head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatra, in the year 1810:

Vibhisana was one of the brothers of the demon king Ravana in Lanka during Tretaya Yuga. Yet he took shelter at the feet of Lord Rama. After the death of Ravana, he was made king of Lanka. He always felt that Rama was the Supreme Lord, and it is believed by the people of Puri that he comes every day to Lord Jagannath, feeling that He is Sri Rama Himself. Like all the devas, Vibhisana comes to see and enjoy the last ritual at midnight, known as Pahuda Arati.

It was in the year 1810, when there was no electricity and the town was dark at night. When returning home through the horse gate of the temple, head priest Pattajoshi Mahapatra felt somebody walking beside him. The person was not visible owing to the darkness, but he was so huge, it seemed his head was touching the sky. Pattajoshi Mahapatra was totally overwhelmed. Out of fear, he questioned, "Who are you, Sir?" The answer was, "I am Vibhisana from outer space. I come here daily to see the last ritual of Lord Jagannath."

Still the head priest doubted him. He asked again, "Please give me some proof that you are from the outer space!" So Vibhisana gave him the huge golden armlet he was wearing and vanished. Even now, almost 200 years later, this ornament given by Vibhisana of Devaloka is worshipped in the residence of Pattajoshi Mahapatra's family. It may be seen and verified. The ornament is the size of a wheel of a bullock cart. It could never have been used by a human being.

By a Mekap worshipper in the temple, in the year 1890:

The Mekap worshipper in Jagannath Temple is in charge of the deities' dresses and the store room known as Ratna Bhandar. Inside this sealed room are kept costly pearls, diamonds, emeralds, golden necklaces and many other precious ornaments used to decorate the deities during Suna Vesha or Golden Decoration. The deity in charge of this store room is Loknath, who is a form of Lord Shiva Himself. It is told that anyone who is greedy and tries to steal any ornaments from here will one day suffer from leprosy and everybody in his family will also die.

This actually happened once, in 1890. One Biswanath Mekap stole from the store room some ornaments, thinking nothing would happen. In his dream that night, two cobras entered his bedroom and he was bitten. His wife heard someone saying in a loud voice, " We have been sent from Nagaloka by Lokanath Shiva to punish him." Biswanath Mekap died of snake bite and all his family members died prematurely and he was left heirless.

By Padmanav Khuntia, a worshipper of Jagannath Temple, in the year 1902:

Padmanav Khuntia was a very humble sincere worshipper of Lord Jagannath. He used to return to his house at 2 A.M. after attending the last Pahuda Ceremony of the temple. It was his daily habit to bring from the temple used flowers and garlands. These he would later offer to local deities such as Mothers Dakshinakali, Shyamakali and Baseli. On his way home, he would throw petal to the smaller temples as he passed by.

However, one night he forgot to offer any to Shani Temple, the temple of planet Saturn. Suddenly he felt someone following him in the darkness. Dogs also barked and sensing the presence of some being Khuntia looked back. He saw only the head of someone, but not clearly visible. As if in a humble way, the voice requested, "Just a leaf of the garland used by Him, I am Shani! (the god of planet Saturn).

He vanished at high speed when only a leaf from the garland was presented to him. Khuntia stood dead still and speechless. Later on when he told his friends of this event, they said, "Khuntia, you are saved! He would have caused you many difficulties had he not been obliged. He is the planet Shani, who comes to Lord Jagannath, but usually in the disguise of a lame man or a one-eyed person or someone with a deformed body. You were lucky to meet him, but still we hope you will not meet him again!"

By a decoit (thief) from Bihar State, in the year 1910:

A thief from the state of Bihar wanted to steal the costly Chitta, which Lord Jagannath wears everyday over his third eye. The present value of this rare gold ornament studded with priceless gems would be millions of rupees. This thief was known as Bihari Daku. He went to the temple daily to learn every detail about the timings of the rituals, as the deities were guarded closely. Finally he came to know that after Pahuda, the last ritual of the day, nobody is allowed inside the temple. So he made a plan. Wearing a black cloth, he hide himself inside the temple one night, just behind the sealed doors of the inner sanctum. He was with the divine trinity, but with evil motive. After all left, he stealthily climbed the altar where Lord Jagannath is worshipped. When he was about to take off the divine Chitta from the forehead of Lord Jagannath, he felt as if bitten by a thousand snakes!

The next morning worshippers and many other pilgrims saw Bihari Daku lying dead on the temple floor, surrounded by five cobras, who were also dead. The most aged worshipper present there said, "From Patala or Naga Loka devas come up as snakes to guard the deities while asleep.

By Hazuri Balabhadra, grandson of the great hero and worshipper of Lord Jagannath, Chakhi Khuntia, in the year 1940:

"I was standing on the roof of my house where the temple is more visible," reports Hazuri Balabhadra. It was 5 A.M. I have forgotten the date, but the month was July. I saw strange rays of light coming from the Chakra on top of the temple, like a clear line of brilliant light leaving the temple at high speed. This lasted for more than 10 minutes. Out of great curiosity, I asked my father, He replied, 'You are very lucky. Only you saw the vehicle of some other devas coming to Lord Jagannath.' "I am thrilled even now when I tell you this!" This story was told to the father of this writer in the year 1940.

By Jayaram Singhari, a worshipper of Jagannath Temple, in the year 1963:

Jayaram Singhari was considered one of the most learned men in the society of worshippers in the present day. He did not have any educational degrees or diplomas but he had profound knowledge of the ancient epics of India. Many people coming from different parts of India revered him as their spiritual guide. He only ate Mahaprasad, the rice meal offered to Lord Jagannath. One day for some reason his sons did not bring it from the temple. Even though he had not taken any food all day, he never revealed his hunger. Only his wife knew. As she looked sad, Singhari consoled her, "He will give, He will send!" But at midnight who would give? All slept, his wife also.

After sometime there was a soft knock at the door. On opening the door, the old man found a banana leaf in which there were seven types of temple cakes! Nobody was there. The next morning when he narrated this happening, nobody believed him. All day long this miracle of Lord Jagannath was very much in mind. The next night a voice told Singhari in a dream, "Did you eat everything that was given?"

By Harihar Guru, who was one of the greatest worshippers of Jagannath Temple. He was called Prakruta Panda, a real worshipper; for the help he rendered to all. This event occured in 1969:

Harihar Guru lived in recent times but he was one of the most honest, simple and sincere worshipper ever to serve Lord Jagannath. In spite of his limited income, it was his habit to help poor people. In fact, he became poor himself, helping others. He used to come daily to the temple at 4 A.M. by the west gate, known as Byaghradwar or "Tiger's Gate". One morning he saw three beautiful ladies also going through the same gate. They had a divine fragrance around them and were nicely dressed, decorated with flowers but no ornaments. Their faces were veiled. It was raining heavily at that moment, but Guru could not see them wet, even though he was completely drenched and shivering from the cold. The three ladies seemed to be going inside as if there were no downpour. Their saris were dry and there was no sign of their foot prints on the earth. Seeing all of this, Guru approached them to ask who they were. They simply vanished! Only the sound of soft laughter was heard. When he narrated this episode to his friends, he was told that the ladies were divine beings from Kinnara Loka.

By Krishna Chandra Ray; an Oriya man from Khurda District, in the year 1969:

Koili Vaikuntha is the place where old deities are buried during Nabakalebara Yatra, or the great festival of Metamorphosis in which the deities are changed and new ones made. This occurs only after a gap of at least twelve years. Dayitapatis, who are considered to be the kith and kins of Lord Jagannath, carry the old deities out, just like dead bodies. Nobody except them can see this procession. It is said that if anyone else sees this event, he will die immediately.

Krishna Chandra Ray from Khurda district considered this to be an act of blind belief, a silly superstition. So on this special day he hide himself inside the temple at midnight. When the Dayitas carried the old deities to Koili Vaikuntha, he saw it all from the branch of a tree. The Dayitas returned after burying the deities. The whole atmosphere was dark and frightening. Ray heard the sobbing of ladies. He saw rays of different colours, but nobody was there. It had been told that beings of other Lokas come in the most sorrowful mood. As the master of the universe leaves His body, all cry, out of deep sadness.

In the early morning hours of the next day, people found the dead body of Ray. This happened in the year 1969. The notes he had written of what he had seen was found beside the body.

By worshipper Harihar Khuntia, the father of the writer, in the year 1970:

Harihar Khuntia lived to the robust old age of 97. He was the spiritual teacher of pilgrims coming from Calcutta (Kolkata). When at Puri he would spent most of his time inside the temple, sometimes sixteen hours a day. When in Calcutta, he would spend most of his time discussing how Lord Jagannath is worshipped by all, even by the gods and goddesses. He was answering to all their queries. One day there was a very skeptical man sitting next to him. He putting all sort of odd questions to him.

One doubtful man from Bolpur questioned him, 'Is our Kali of Kalighat Lord Jagannath?' The reply was spontaneous, "You take these flowers I have taken from Lord Jagannath and give it to the goddess Kali! You will see Him in Her. Actually it was done and the next morning he came running and shouting, "I have seen Him, I have seen Him!"

By worshipperJairam Singhari, in the year 1972:

After Pahuda, the last ceremony of the day, no one is allowed to be inside the temple. Many divine beings come to attend the Lord at this hour. In the year 1972, Jairam Singhari, a worshipper, who was decorating the deity daily, narrated about this occurrence. He saw two ladies mysteriously entering the west gate of the temple after the doors were sealed in the night. They were quietly talking to each other. From their talk, Singhari overheard that the name of one was Manjujosha. Later he read in a reference book called Amar Kosha that she is one of the eight dancing girls of Kinnara Loka, a space beyond this earth.

By worshipper Laxman Mudali in the year 1985:

On the alter of Ratna Singhasana of the temple, seven gods and goddesses are worshipped. They all come from spheres beyond this world:

1. Lord Jagannath - Vishnu Loka or Golaka, the abode of Sri Krishna.
2. Lord Balabhadra - Shiva Loka, where Lord Shiva resides.
3. Lord Sudarshan - Swarga Loka or Heaven, the abodes of divine beings.
4. Lord Neela - Kinnara Loka, or abode of Madhava divine dancers. According to the palm leaf script, Indira Nilamani Tattwa, Neela Madhava is a dancing deity.
5. Goddess Subhadra - Sura Loka; all Suras derive strength from Divine Mother.
6. Goddess Lakshmi - Deva Loka -the abode of divine beings with only divine qualities.
7. Goddess Saraswati - Bhu Loka, or the Earth. (Or Bhudevi) One of the names of Saraswati is Bhudevi, as she is made of clay for Saraswati Puja every year.

The worshippers known as Puja Pandas perform puja to them daily. These are Puja Pandas, one for Lord Balabhadra, one for Goddess Subhadra, and one for Lord Jagannath and the other four deities. If there is any mistake in the recitation of slokas or in the text, the worshipper will be reprimanded by the deities themselves. Some sign of disapproval or some bad things must happen. The priests who are the direct worshippers of the deities do not feel that the images are lifeless wood. Rather they are much more vibrant with life force than man, as they (the deities) do not belong to this world, but other higher spheres where energy is stronger.

Once a worshipper forgot to do puja to Neela Madhava when he was serving the five deities. When he returned home, he came to know that his wife has gone mad. She was found repeating only the name "Neela Madhava, Neela Madhava," over and over again. After three days the worshipper realised the fault he had committed. As ordered in a dream, he held a yagna or holy fire ceremony. Only after that was performed his wife was cured of madness. As soon as she regained her senses, she asked, "Did you forget Neela Madhava on that day I went mad?

By Ganesh Mishra, in his book "Santha Mala", about a happening in the 18th century:

There was a very poor Brahmin whose habit was to recite the Bhagavat Geeta to the people who would be interested to listen to it. His wife was very much annoyed as she was without meals often. The husband would say, "I have Lord Jagannath to help" But where is He? One day she was totally upset. Her husband was away teaching the essence of Geeta to the people. In fact his wife was dying of hunger.

She saw a black man carrying rice, vegetables and milk shouting, "Where is Geeta Panda's house?" The wife, as her name was Geeta Panda, came out trembling. The young man told her, "Kindly accept all these offered by one of your friends."

"No please stay a little longer, you can eat. My husband will be coming now." "No, I have many works, I cannot stay." When the brahmin was told about all these by his wife, he became almost senseless. With weak voice, he said "You, poor lady, you saw Him, you are so lucky' Oh Lord Jagannath!"

By Ganesh Mishra, in his book "Santha Mala", about a happening on July 7, 1902:

Dasia Bauri from Dandamukundapur, in the district of Puri, Orissa took a coconut to be offered to Lord Jagannath through the priests of the temple. But they out of mockery did not accept the fruit. Dasia was extremely sad, cursing the heritage of the worshippers. Out of pure devotion he stretched his hands and prayed, "Oh Lord, kindly accept this coconut". He was standing outside at the Lion's Gate of the temple. People saw two hands emerge from within the temple to take the coconut from Dasia. It was He who blessed Dasia in the presence of many.

Recorded in Madala Panji, the temple record book in 1818:

This is another true story of a devotee named Bandhu Mohanty of Jajpur to prove how Lord Jagannath descends from His throne to help His devotees.

Bandhu Mohanty was very poor and as such he had no support to maintain his family, consisting of his wife and two sons. His wife asked him out of agony one day that why he was not going to his rich friend of whom he was so proud. The friend about whom Bandhu Mohanty mentioned was Lord Jagannath, but his wife did not realise the essence of what her husband was saying all the time. So his wife compelled him to go to the house of the friend whosoever he was. He under took his journey to Puri. It was night already. Their two little sons were crying for food. They came just near the temple. Bandhu Mohanty consoled his wife saying. "My friend's palace is too big. He is very rich but it is not right to enter his house now as it is night. We will go tomorrow." All slept, being weak, hungry, tired and sad. But his wife did not sleep.

Suddenly, on a golden tray many kinds of food were brought by a robust man whose colour was very black. He left the place very quickly. She fed her sons and when Bandhu Mohanty was awake from his sleep, he was thunder-struck, hearing everything from his wife.

But the golden plate was missing from the temple and found with them. This made a great noise in the small town. The police arrested all the family members and they were produced in the court before the king for severe punishment the next day.

The king dreamt that very night of Lord Jagannath. As if giving order, the Lord said to him, "Oh King! When guests come to you, do you not entertain them? So release Bandhu Mohanty at once; he is my devotee." It was done, and he was given service as a cook in the temple.

Even now, descendents of Bandhu Mohanty are the main cooks in the kitchen of the temple and they daily offer food to Lord Jagannath on a golden Tray.

By Godavari Pujapanda on April 2, 1890:

A Puja Panda worshipper is one who does puja and offers food to the deity. While doing so, in the course of offering, he hold water in his palm. A priest cannot sanctify the offering unless the deity is reflected in the water which he holds.

Once it happened that no reflection was seen for some unknown reason. This disturbed all. Nobody, not even the king knew why the deities were angry. Was the Puja Panda insincere? Was the food not cooked with purity? Not knowing what to do the worshippers remained sitting on the altar where Lord Jagannath is seated. The king was determined not to touch water until he could know the cause. He dreamt as if Lord Jagannath was telling him, 'Oh king, I was not in the temple. I went to eat food prepared by Vedamata with love and loyalty. How can there be any reflection if I am away from my devotee. Now I am in the temple, so offer the food."

Immediately, the Puja Panda was informed about the dream of the king, and everything went well again.

Somanath Khuntia lives at Manikarnika Sahi, Hazari Lane, Puri.

posted in Arcana - 11 replies

Sharing beading patterns

2009-03-08T08:07:41Z

Hare Krishna,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

Here are some beading patterns from my humble attempts to bead.

http://august-assembly.blogspot.com/

Your servant,
Madri dasi

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Deity Worship Blog

2009-02-03T18:39:57Z

Haribol, recently I started a Deity Worship Blog
Arcanam: Worship of the Deity... http://arcanam.blogspot.com/

One of the main resons I started this blog was to share tips and techniques of making deity jewelry, so far I've had posts about
storing deity jewelery and instructions for making deity jewelery (bracelets and necklaces).

Please check out the blog , and feel free to suggest additional content, I soon will begin adding posts about making more styles deity necklaces and belts...

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

diety outfits and accesories

2009-01-22T16:13:47Z

hare krishna

to all devotess

i just wanted to make people aware that i have a small business in the UK selling diety outfits and accesories, this includes gopal, gaur nitai, radha krishna outfits aswell as flutes, paduka mukuts

i stock jardosi aswell as stone mukuts and a lot of range

we also give our customers to choose the designs for heavier outfits via email or in person however we have most sizes readily available. Most if not all outfits are very much osckon style with heavy work aswell as stocking lighter dialy outfits

you can contact me on lakshyagifts@hotmail.co.uk or 0044 7912 261 530

Amit

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Installing Krsna Balarama

2008-12-31T22:24:35Z

PAMHO. AGTSP

Happy New Year!!

I would really appreciate all the quotes, transcription etc from HDG Srila Prabhupada regarding the installation and worship standards of Krsna Balaram deities. Also, any other material available on the same subject matter would be greatly appreciated...

ys
Apurva Gopala das

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Native India Hearth Cultic Activity...

2008-08-23T04:18:58Z

Hey guys, I am presently engaged in some rather heavy-duty research for a book I'm writing--a chapter about hearth-deities and their Indo-European expression of belief. Now, of those IE expressions, I have heard about the following, and would love to locate any substantive sources, if anyone could help me):

* The senior woman of a home tends the hearth.
* When establishing a new home for one'self, it is customary to take coals or a token flame from their family's hearth to kindle or establish the hearth in their new dwelling. And...
* The bride circles the eharth three times.

Of course, in the course of my research, I have found the following themes, too, which are prevailent not only in IE societies, but throughout Asia and even Mongolia! So, if I can find further substanmtive evidence for the following throughout India and it's Hindu faiths, all the better for my argument and thesis! *G*

The rites of the hearth-deity are frequently attended to by the senior female of the home, or otherwise attended to by a virginal young woman; when one moves to a new home, or founds a new settlement, embers or a token flame from their family's (or tribal civil-hearth) hearth is taken to establish and re-kindle a new hearth; the hearth is often doused one a year (usually for more than 1 day), and then ritually re-kindled during might be considered early Spring or the month of February (often with two sticks of an especially chosen type of wood that form a solar-cross or swastika motif, both of which symbolize the fire drill); water is often associated with hearth-deities; the flame of the hearth is often associated primarily with purity (which seems a near-universal theme!), fertility, marriage ceremonies, family, one's ancestors and geneological continuity/progeny; the hearth-deity routinely guards the family, the hearth, and protects the home; salt is frequently used as an offering to the deity, as well as the first portion of each meal; the hearth-deity is often the premiere deity invoked; and, the hearth is frequently, functionally, an axis mundi where the deity delivers messages from the parishioners to the other gods, or that the hearth flame is somehow associated with the underworld, or even the ancestral-dead (in both Mongolia and Greece the hearth was deemed as the very center of the universe), etc.

So, I am becoming more and more convinced that there exists a common hearth-deity/hearth-worship-type of antecedant, perhaps in the Indo-European expansion of the kurgon cultural onslaught of Neolithic "Old Europe"; the latter being very near to Mongolia, and other Asiatic nations. Heck, I think (if I remember correctly) that the Indo-Europeans of India were "created" from invaders from Asia.

More importantly, many cultures have virginal attendees of the hearth, including Asiatic areas! So, this got me thinking... Now, the simplest explanation might be, according to certain IE goddesses (such as Hestia and Vesta), to claim that it's a ritualized instituion ment to reflect her self-imposed chastity. But, it occurs to me that in the pretty much ALL of these cultures, the hearth-flame is associated with purity, the family, fecundity, the establishment of society, and even tribal geneology (as well as its continuation). So, I now wonder if the real origins of this belief and practice might ultimately stem from a belief in geneological continuation and tribal homogeneity? After all, virginal young women are, by their very nature, the as-of-yet untapped potential womb that would ensure the future generations of tribal life.

However, if I can find similar establishment of beliefs throughout North America, and even Africa, (which is thought to be the "home-land" of the first modern humans, according to the "Out of Africa" theory, perhaps these similarities are a surviving expression of those remotely ancient times from deep in the human past and consciousness--the tribes from Africa were thought to migrate into Europe, then Asia, and across the land-bridge into N. America). But, until I can prove that, it will remain a personal hypothesis. :o)

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Sri Balarama's favorite foods

2008-08-15T15:56:17Z

Any ideas of what are His favorites? Any good varuni recipes?

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Deity Dessecration?!

2008-06-29T01:29:16Z

Hey guys, I just found the following link (with a photo) that brought to mind a question or two of interest to me and my research: http://www.mediabharti.com/ENG7.HTM

Now, forgetting for a moment that these deities may have been ceromoniously placed here, is there a tradition or a practice contained with Hindu scripture dealing with any dessecratrion of the deities (ie. their physical or corporeal substance in the form of a gorgious statue or image*)?! What is done to the dessecrated deity? Is there soem ritual to appease the god or goddess? How--if at all--is the lovely statue disposed of, in place of a new one? And, of course, any substantive literature to hunt down on this subject would be greatly appreciated! :o) Now, I am rather loosely defining "dessecration"--it could be intentional OR accidental. Within some cultures, such as Egypt, it is believed that by destroying the statue of a deity, the god or goddess in question is banished from the image or their temple, or even their house. I would like to see if Hindus have a similar believe contained within their own scriptures (I can't see that they WOULDN'T if their believe, as many cultures do, that the deity inhabits their image and becomes a living god/dess!) Moreover, I have HEARD that the Muslims sacked India and destroyed their temples and preasious idols during the Middle Ages, but I haven't found any substantive evidence to support this. But, of course, I am NO Historian of India, I'm afraid. Though, I wouldn't put it past 'em, because many earlier temples from other cultures were eventually turned into Mosques, such as a Temple to Anahita and Isis, respectively. It's a shame what monotheistic religions have done to the world when they attempted to shape it in their religious zeal. <sigh>

Now, I would also love to investigate a practice that I sometimes see on television in India: at certain festivals some deity-statues are sometimes lead, via procession, to a river (the Ganges?) where they are placed into the water and let to drift along its currents. This has always arroused my curriousity! And, of course, any known, specific, Hindu scripture describing such specific acts is also of interest to me. ;o)

Of course, this photo also brings another question to mind: Why would worshippers abandon a deity, only to allow them to rot (if that is what they were actually doing in this photo, or if ANY Hindu would actually do such a thing at all).

* Hmmm...I mustn't forget, also, that some Hindus employ a framed photograph of a deity as they burn incense to him or her, as I once observed of the Hijras in a documentary a few years ago (I wish I had taped it, darn it, 'cause it was fascinating). Oh, I also have to remember to investigate the "milk miracle" of Ganesha, too, for my article! Ugh...I sware, the gods haven't made enough sticky notes! LOL!

Take Care,
Wade

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Researching so-called "Idol-Worship".

2008-06-23T06:29:21Z

Good afternoon. I am presently researching (as a Pagan and polytheist) the subject of idol-worship around the world, so...I was wondering if anyone might be aware of any primary source material (perhaps from Hindu scripture), or even from ethnographic studies that speak about the Hindu belief and practices associated with idols--anything at all! However, many fascets I have found associated with idol-worship/installation that are common are (particularly in the first two!): the inhabitation of the deity into the statue for his or her worshippers; some sort oif "activation" rites, such as the "mouth opening" ceremony from Mesopotamia and Egypt (withouyt these the deity cannot hear the prayers, or smell the incense and other offerings, etc.); but I have also found the belief in Mesopoitamia where sculpture's that carve the idols usually disassociate themselves from the creation of the image, preferring to view it instead, rather, as the creation of the deity, than of mankind. Now, while I would love nothing more than to interview a Priest for my research, I'm afraid (due to the often extremist and atypical level of skepticism among my peers) I would only be able to do so if I had some scriptire or ethnographic studies to employ as a foundation, and then I could rely on an interview as further substantive documentation.

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Arcana - 8 replies

Flowers/Herbs Dedicated to Lakshmi?

2008-06-18T23:11:52Z

Hey, I was wondering if anyone could advise me about any Hindu scripture that contains writings where various flowers are considered to be dedicated to Lakshmi, or are associated with her in some way. I know that lotuses are famously associated with her (I adore making incense and oils, but I do not personally like the fragence of lotus oil). And, I have *heard* that honeysuckle and jasmine is dedicated to her, but I have not been able to substantiate this allegation through any research (so far!). Now, by "dedicated", I would say, for example, that sandalwood is *dedicated* to Ganesha because it was from a sandalwood paste that Parvati formed the god; while I would also say that roses were dedicated to Aphrodite, not *only* because they were sometimes offered to her on her altar, but that roses were believed to have sprung from her tears after Adonis was goared by a boar (although, sometimes it was thought to have been poppies).

Thanks a lot! She is a goddess whom I greatly admire, and I adore making ritual anointing oils and incense devoted to many beautiful deities!

Take Care,
Wade MacMorrighan

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Deity Installation for the temple

2008-06-11T10:37:49Z

Haribol Everyone!

Our congregation in Orlando finally has a temple and we are installing our Gaura-Nitai on Gaura Purnima! However, none of us really know how to do an installation. Does anyone have any information? It would be greatly appreciated.

yours in service,
-bhaktin Praveen

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

pancharatrica .deity instalation

2008-06-11T10:29:35Z

iam a pancharatrika initiated devotee.any one intrested to install deities in home or temple may contact me....i dont ask money for it.but they must bear my travel expenses.

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Asking advice regarding friend's deities.

2008-05-18T13:30:11Z

Hare Krishna,

I have a friend who has taken up worshiping marble Radha Krishna deities. She only has harinama iniatiation, and I can understand her reasoning to some extent as the closest temple is 300 miles away one way. But I worry about her making offenses as her husband eats meats and she has cats. I have offered to find a home if she felt overwhelmed and explained my concerns about possilble offenses. What more can I do? I just pray that the Lord will overlook the offenses.

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara

2008-04-22T20:58:00Z

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sxs7L9MIoI&feature=related
A really sweet video on Sri Sri Radha Londonishvara..
Haribol!!

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Rama Navami 2008

2008-04-14T19:44:33Z

Bhaktivedanta Manor UK Darshan here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/deitydarshan

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Deity worship class by Narasimha Kavaca Prabhu

2008-03-31T12:56:00Z

Haribol..

i was just listening to Narasimha Kavaca Prabhu's class on deity worship from ISKCON Alachua's podcast directory and found it really informative..I'm posting the link here for those who would like to listen to it.
http://www.podcastdirectory.com/podcasts/5427
you'll have to stroll down a bit to get to it.
nitya navina dasi..

posted in Arcana - 10 replies

Paints to use on marble deities?

2008-03-22T12:15:28Z

Haribol,

I read the earlier treatment of this issue but it didn't cover marble deities and which paints(enamel or water based) to use just which ones to use on brass deities. Anyone have any ideas?

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Festival for the Eyes 2008

2008-03-12T04:19:50Z

Would you like to participate in creating a beautiful experience? This Gaura Purnima ISKCON News is putting together a 'Festival for the Eyes' that you're invited to help us put together.

On Gaura Purnima Day 2008 we're going to unveil a multimedia presentation featuring Gaura-Nitai deities worshiped in devotees' homes around the world.

We've set a goal to compile 108 photos so if you'd like to give our current readership of more than 3,500 weekly visitors a glimpse of the Gaura-Nitai deities who live in your home then dress them gorgeously, get the lighting just right and snap us a digital photo. (Try to avoid using a flash please.)

When you submit your entry you'll need to include the following details:

- What's your name? (Please make sure you spell this exactly how you'd like it to be presented.)

- Where do you live? (Include the name of the city and country.)

Send just one photo as an attachment to: editor AT iskconnews.com

Please try to keep the size of the file under 1 Megabyte. The best image resolution for our purposes is 800px by 600px.

Alternatively you could upload to a photo hosting site such as www.flickr.com and send us a link.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday the 18th of March 2008.

Only the first 108 photos will be presented so send them in today!

For more details please visit here: http://news.iskcon.com/node/931

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

storing your deities paraphernalia

2008-01-23T20:35:43Z

haribol, there has been a bit of discussion on this on one of the photos in my tribe gallery, I just thought I'd bring it out here.
reproduced below are comments from various members of this tribe, including me.

I just want to add: At the Manor, behind the singhasana's are cabinets with trays which store some of the deities jewellery, also behind the curtains on the side of the deity room are hooks from which strings of beads hang, Their Lordships outfits hang in suit bags (one for RG, one for SRLH in a room at the back, off to one side of the temple room (the door to the right of the painting of Prabhupada if you know where that is) and overflow in the sewing room, Radha Gokulananda have, I think, over 160 day outfits currently in their service.

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Colored Tilaks

2007-12-27T10:27:36Z

Hare Krsna,
PAMHO, AGtSP,

Just wondering if someone here happens to have some information regarding the colored tilaks that are used to do decorations on brass deities. I know they are available in vrindavan, but my concern is if they will stain the brass deities while we attempt to do sringar on Them.

I have heard that some temples use water colors mixed with gopi candan to decorate brass deities, while others use these colored tilaks...those in the manor--what do the pujaris use there? or pujaris in other temples? your expirence using somethings for doing color decorations on the deities?

I once used some type of color which left behind a faint stain on the deities and thus I'm concerned about using something new on Them now...

I'll soon post pics on my gallery with examples of what i mean by color decorations on brass deities.

Hope someone here can clear things up.

Haribol!
Thank you very much.
ys,
saahithya

posted in Arcana - 13 replies

Sandalwood Stone

2007-12-05T12:08:02Z

I wanted to know if anyone had any idea where to get a grinding stone and logs for sandalwood. I'm not going to India anytime soon nor is anyone that I know. Any ideas?

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

outfit for temple size murti of Srila Prabhupada

2007-11-24T21:24:34Z

Hare Krishna All.

I wanted to know if anyone on this list stitches/knows of someone who can sew clothes for a temple murti (large size) of Srila Prabhupada? Basically its the dhoti and shirt and a chaddar....
Looking forward to hearing from the group.

ys
Nitya navina dasi.

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

New Forums and Community section at Krishna.com

2007-11-23T16:43:35Z

Hare Krishna everybody.
So Krishna.com is just about to launch their new site which will include a forum and community section. I had suggested a deity worship forum like this one and they said that they would set it up. http://connect.krishna.com It should launch on Janmastami or perhaps later but very soon none the less. All of Krishna.com will be revamped. Hare Krishna
Your humble servant
Nityananda Chandra Das

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Janmastami 2007

2007-10-03T22:58:15Z

Haribol All!

Hope you all had a great Janmastami, I was in Northern Ireland ( Belfast with Radha Madhava) it was wonderful. Please post and let us all know what you got up to. Also if you have photos of local temple deities / home deities please post pics / links so we can all have darshan (thanks Yajiv Prabhu!).

I've posted a couple of my deities in their new peacock outfit with their new peacock and here's a link to the Manor for janmastami Darshan: http://flickr.com/photos/deitydarshan/sets/72157601866855675/

Chowpatty: http://www.deitydarshan.com/ddthumbs.php?thumbdate=4sep2007&calyear=2007&calq=q3

and I'll send you a link when I put up Radha Madhava's photos on flickr. - have fun now!

your servant,
Krish

posted in Arcana - 11 replies

Pancharatra Pradipa

2007-09-19T19:39:42Z

Haribol,
Just want to let devotees know that Pancharatra Pradipa is finally up for download infrom the salagram.net pages! Here;s the link:
http://www.salagram.net/sstp-upacharas.html
(right @ the bottom) or
http://www.salagram.net/5pradipa.zip
Ys,
Haribol!!

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

The perfection of Deity Worship

2007-09-17T19:02:18Z

I have found this book and related articles here

http://www.geocities.com/deityworship/

Your humble servant,
TB

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

108 members

2007-09-01T23:37:38Z

yay

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

My Deities

2007-09-01T07:53:01Z

Hari bol, I have just recieved my deities Srii,Sri Mayapura Chandra -Nitai. They belonged to a devotee who no longer practices. I cant tell you how excited I am to be sewing and providing service for them. I will post a photo when I have made some new outfits.
Ria

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Two questions

2007-08-18T19:07:52Z

Haribol!
Janmashtami is fast approaching and since I'm quite busy i thought I'd ask these questions while I have some time to all you excellent vaishnavs here! :o)
Anyway, since this is my second Janmashtami with my deities I was thinking about putting the sacred thread on Krsna, but I'm not sure how, what the prodecures are, or even if I myself can do such a thing. Anyone got any suggestions here, or have any of you put a sacred thread on your deities?
Never have done it in the past since it never really came to mind, and I thought it was something I personally couldn't do, but since it's their second year I would like to offer one, if its within the rules hehe :o)
Next is...fruit garlands!
With hard nuts like cashews and almonds I'm wondering how they make these garlands in the temple, they look way to hard to just stick a needle into, and even then, some have the tendecny to break apart (the nuts) into little peices...are the nuts soaked before they're threaded, or is there some other easier way prabhus? enlighten me!
Haribol! :o)

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

Nrsimha

2007-08-04T02:28:16Z

Does anyone have the devanagari for the "ugram viram maha visnu..." sloka, or know where i can find it? If you do have it would you please send it as an attached file to aisvarya@juno.com. Thanks a million.

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Why Vaisnavs Worship Cows?

2007-08-03T20:33:50Z

Why worship the cows?

To answer this question we have to state a principle. We worship someone due their nature and actions. Even God is worshiped because of nature and actions. Across all religions, God is described as very merciful, benevolent, kind etc. This is his nature. He is always acting for the benefit of all, he guides us through difficult times and misery, He provides protection and provides for everyone’s welfare. These are his actions.

Cows are pure by nature. They are completely satvik. How is this? We know that cow’s urine and dung are disinfectants. This is scientifically proven. If the excreta are so purifying, what to speak of the other products – milk, butter, ghee? Secondly, cows are very simple and never harm any body. They provide milk for entire mankind. These are some simple examples.

Then there is a deeper meaning. In Sanskrit, cows are called “GO”. In Vedic culture all knowledge begins with the word “Ga”. Guru and Gayatri are the beginnings of all knowledge. All auspiciousness activities also start with the cows. No sacrifice can be done without Ghee; sacrifices are considered auspicious and ghee is required. The “Ga” signifies cows, this is a secret meaning.

For Vaishnavs (people worshiping Lord Krishna in his personal form) there is a still deeper meaning. The meaning is within the words – Govinda, Gopi, Govardhana, Goloka Vrindavan. It is clear these are the greatest. Govinda is Lord Krishna, the protector of cows, Gopis are the highest devotees, Govardhana is the best servant, and Goloka Vrindavan (“go loka - the abode of the cows ”) is the highest destination . The meaning is obvious. There is nothing without the cows. They all serve cows. Cows are the dearest to Lord Krishna, they are His deities. This is the highest form of worship of Lord Krishna and available to only a very select few devotees. Even this knowledge is very rare – most people don’t understand the exalted position of cows, they see cows as animals. People who serve Krishna ’s cows are the most fortunate and achieve all results. This is the ultimate and simplest. Its how 'goloka vrindavan' is achieved while in the material world, in the material body.

Hare Krsna.
bbdasa@yahoo.com

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

Ghee

2007-08-02T07:24:09Z

Haribol,
For my ghee lamps i've use locally produced 'pure desi ghee' from indian stores as i've never had luck making ghee from butter but reading this article has made me want to try and make homemade ghee which also apparently burns better. I've always known the mass produced indian ghees like dalda and vanaspati were not real ghee and not suitable for use in worship.

Concerns Raised over the production of Ghee
http://iskconkl.wordpress.com/2007/07/25/concerns-raised-over-the-production-of-ghee/

Does everyone make thier own ghee?

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Garlands for small deities

2007-07-21T14:51:33Z

As i'm starting to plan my garden for the year, i want to plant some plants that make good garlands for samall deities. I've used marigolds alot, but they tend to be a bit too big, although one year i was able to get a special extra dwarf variety (orange boy) that worked quite well. Geranimums also work quite well either a petals or whole flowers. I prefer to use the flowers whole or whole petals as i find the folded petals tend to look too angular (i posted a coupple of my attempts in my gallery) I also posted some pics from ISKCON Boston's site that have really nice garlands on the utsav deities. Does anyone have any suggestions for plants that make good garlands for small deities. Also, i've noticed people using ribbon in thier garlands (ingluenced by New Vraj Dham), this looks like it would work well for small deities, i'll have to try it some time.

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Dressing Style

2007-07-18T23:54:02Z

Haribol, I was wondering what the standard was for dressing Shrimati Radharani does her hair have to be covered? when i dress radha sari style i don't cover her hair with the chundari but make sure she's wearing a larger crown that properly cover her head, and was wondering if this was acceptable. I've noticed at ISKCON bangalore they don't cover radha's hair but i think this more of a cultural thing as most traditional south indian temples don't cover the hair of female deities, also i think South Indian brides don't cover thier hair. I personally like the style the dress radha at ISKCON Bangalore with all the flowers in her hair (i just posted some pics)

posted in Arcana - 16 replies

Coconut arati for Ratha Yatra

2007-07-15T02:00:20Z

With our Rath Yatra only a few weks away i've started thinking about the Coconut arati performed before the procession begins. Here the procedure is that anyone who brings a coconut can offer arati. I'm wongering how to prepare the coconut based on the pictures on here the coconut is first dyed with tumeric and camphor is lit on the top. From what i've seen at past Rath Yatras the coconuts aren't dyed. My concern is that it might be a bit dangerous to use camphor as it could easily fall off, i have seen other pics where a cotton ghee wick was used instead. I tried making some wicks today and mixed some ground camphor into the ghee and it seemed to work okay i made it quite small so it only burned for about 5min i don't want it to last too long as to not hold up other devotees waiting to offer thier arati. Does anyone know how long this type of arati is supposed to last. The only problem i found was that the coconut husk caught fire quite easily when the wind blew the flames around, i'm guessing the tumeric will help reduce this. Also does anyone know the significance of this offering.

http://deityworship.tribe.net/photos/2ec97846-7cbc-4c7f-97e5-ccccfa34a640
http://deityworship.tribe.net/photos/80db5c53-ce37-435b-a02b-27e3dbe0eea7

posted in Arcana - 14 replies

Caranamrta on ekadasi

2007-07-05T17:04:06Z

Normally we add the madhupak and bathing water to make caranamrta. On ekadasi since madhupak has honey [which is not recommended for consumption on Ekadasi] what to do? What are your ideas on this?

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

Cleaning bathing conch

2007-07-05T10:51:49Z

Does anyone have any tips for cleaning bathing conches i wash mine daily after use with hot water and weekly soak it in boiling water. I'm sure the internal structure of the coch is a breeding ground for bacteria and was wondering if there's any way to properly clean it. Tumeric is supposed to have antibacterial properties but would probally stain the shank.

posted in Arcana - 8 replies

Gaura-Nitai's eye colors

2007-07-01T09:59:23Z

Hari bol! Does anyone know the colors of Lord Caitanya's and Lord Nityananda's eyes? Nitai-Gaurachandra have just come to us, and we're getting ready to paint Them. Thank-you in advance!
Ys, Rati Manjari dasi

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

Perfumed oils

2007-06-30T00:35:48Z

PAMHO AGTSP

How can I distinguish the difference between synthetic perfumed oils and natural perfumed oils when shopping for our Deities?

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

Strange Sight

2007-06-29T13:46:32Z

Hari Bol,

I had a strange site at a devotee's house this week. The central altar had Ganesh, Siva Nataraj, LInga and Murugan. And to my suprise had Radha Krishna off to the left very elaborately dressed in ISKCON style. So I asked what was up and he said that he could not worship Radha and Krishna so he worshiped Siva very opulently and prayed that Radha and Krishna would accept his service through Lord Siva. I didn't want to say any thing as this was a very elderly devotee who was a Prabhupada disciple, but I have to wonder if it was a mixing of rasas. Has anyone seen this before?

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

garlands on festival mangal aratis

2007-06-24T11:38:16Z

Haribol

PAMHO AGTSP

Is there any standard as to whether we should offer garlands to both Sri Nitai and Sri Gaura on festival mangal aratis? If it is Lord Balaram's or Lord Nitai's appearance day we offer to Lord Nityananda and on Lord Krsna's; Radha's, etc we offer to Lord Caitanya. Is this ok? Personaly I prefer that They both get garlands since They are nondifferent from each other. Please let me know what you do.

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

embroidery Deity outfits

2007-06-19T08:31:26Z

Haribol,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I have recently acquired a Futura Singer embroidery machine and am thoroughly facinated by the service oportunities it provides. Does anyone have digitised Krishna pictures for machine embroidery?

Has anyone used this to make Deity outfits? Please let me hear of your sucesses

Yours in service,
Madri dasi

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Devotional items

2007-06-06T04:27:15Z

Any types of Murti and everything for worship and other devotional items from Vrindavana and Mayapur
www.namosteindia.land.ru
Pls mail your order with details to namosteindia@yahoo.co.in

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

cotton tying kind of kurtas for Gaura-Nitai

2007-06-06T03:05:36Z

Haribol!
Finally i got some time to post this question on tribe...At last i am going to be able to go to Vrindavan and i am so excited about being able to have darshan of Radha Shyamasundar and all the wonderful deities there..Its going to be like a furnace but its an opportunity to go to Vrindavan.....I have been gearing up watching Bhakti Caitanya Maharaja's DVDs on Nandagram, Varsana and Govardhan and its simply great, covers all the pastimes...
i have posted some pictures of my deities dressed for Purushottama Masa in the album and though i have left Nimai-NItai without a shirt...
i wanted toknow if anyone here knows where i would find the cotton/ silk tying kind of kurtas, i think its called angarakhas for Gaura-nitai deities?? Any input would be much appreciated..please pray that i can appreciate the dham fully and make it through the Govardhan Parikrama...
ys
Nitya Navina Dasi...

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Outfits

2007-06-01T22:47:12Z

Haribol,
One small question; when making long sleeved outfits for Krsna, is it better to sow them in the shape Krsna wears them, or just to sow them like the short sleeved ones but just longer (eg. like t-shirts)...any advice would be appreciated asap! (",)
Haribol

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Indradyumna doing puja for his deities..

2007-05-15T20:47:40Z

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6FryNTuZfds
nice video, check it out
Haribol

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

offering camphor/kurpoor

2007-05-13T03:43:39Z

At Rajbhog arti camphor is usually offered before the normal ghee lamps, anthough i've noticed at the Toronto temple that just a normal ghee lamp with a large wick is used. The New York temple uses a normal gee lamp with a piece of camphor, i'm guessing this is so the camphor doesn't burn too quickly. What standaerd do most temples follow? I'm guessing they don't use real camphor at the toronto temple because the smoke tends to turn everything black and the altar is white, or maybee they're using camphor oil that just looks like a normal ghee lamp. Also is there a specific mantra for offering camphor?

posted in Arcana - 1 reply

Manor Darshan!

2007-05-10T19:19:11Z

Hari Bol All! - Just found this today - go to the Manor's website: www.krishnatemple.com and on the right side click on daily darshan - darshan of everyday from the end of January, including he appearance days of Garua nad Nitai - I must admit, the rigid conditions in the deity room certainly pay off! - Their Lordships look amazing!

(Tell me, in temples that you work in, does your head pujari stand behind you and direct all proceedings as you get Their Lordships dressed in the morning?)

Hari Bol!
Krish.

posted in Arcana - 25 replies

Shrinathji deity of Nathadvara

2007-05-09T22:53:32Z

Haribol!
I was trying to find more info on the deity of Shrinathji in Nathdvara and on the Pushti Marg but there does not seem to be a lot of literature online.
However, I did find the narration from Caitanya Caritamrta where Srila Madhavendra Puri discovers Lord Gopalji (srinathji) and installs him on Govardhan. However, Srila Prabhupada (?) said that the worship was entrusted to Vallabhacharya the founder of Pushti Marg and the deity was moved to Nathdvara. However, within the the Pushti marg the story goes that Vallabhacharya found the deity of Srinathji within Govardhan hill by a cow who was feeding the deity with her own milk. I am quite confused then, as there are two stories claiming to be true. Is this the same deity or is it that the deity got lost twice? Do you have any more info on the Srinathji deity or along that topic? I hear that the worship is veryyy opulent and that Prabhupada liked the standard of worship there and that he was our original deity!
Anyone have any more info as I find this subject very interesting and love the deity of Srinathji (esp the gujjis!) any info very welcome!
:D

posted in Arcana - 18 replies

Deities' Eyes

2007-05-09T17:28:43Z

Hare Krsna all,
PAMHO, AGtSP,
I wanted to post a question for the devotees here to find out if anyone knows how to replace the eyes in brass deities of gaura nitai. my nitai's eyes--only the pupil(black) part of it is almost gone--however, the white part of the eyes are still good. I have got new sets of eyes from vrindavan, but how do i replace them on the deity? while white part is still in tact on nitai, how do i take it out and put the new eye there? what do i use to glue it on Him? Please let me know if anyone has any suggestions.
Thank you very much.
your servant,
saahithya

posted in Arcana - 9 replies

i need everybody help!I need a set Gauranitai deity in my home.

2007-05-01T01:41:05Z

haribol everybody:
pamho
please forgive me that my english isn't good.
but i need your help.i want to buy a set beatiful and lovely Gauranitai deity,beacause i can't go to Sri Dhama.
i saw very very sweet Gauranitai deity in this web,i am very like them.
who can help me?
thank you sooooo much
hare krishna

posted in Arcana - 8 replies

Chandana Yatra

2007-04-27T11:20:41Z

Chandan Yatra begins on April 30th according to my calendar, and was wondering how others observed this festival in the past i have applied chandan to my personal deities, but do not know the proper procedure, any suggestions are appreciated. I bathe/dress my deities every week should the chandan be changed more frequently? As well, is scented chandan (powder) acceptable as that is all i can find at indian stores here. Thanks and Jai Shree Krishna

posted in Arcana - 13 replies

India Trip Photos

2007-04-27T03:12:29Z

I posted tons of photos from our India trip, wonderful deity photos, in the India tribe http://indialove.tribe.net I will post more there soon too. Hare Krishna
in your service,
Nityananda Ram Das

posted in Arcana - 5 replies

First Altar

2007-04-23T18:13:21Z

Hare Krishna!

Would you please share with me how you set up your first altar, and with what. Did you use actual deities, photos? To what extent did you begin giving devotional service to your deities? Is it best to start out at a certain stage and then to add more things as you become more regulated and understand more?

I wanted to purchase some Krishna/Radharani deities for my very own, but then read that it would be offensive to do this unless I knew exactly what I was doing and that I should start out w/ others that wouldn't be as offensive if I didn't do things correctly... can anyone tell me more about this? I do not wish to offend my lord. I just really want to start this practice in my home. Also, are there any ISKCON books that help clarify this type of service more?

Thank you in advance for any replies.

Your Humble Servant,
T

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

Approaching Nrsimha Caturdashi

2007-04-23T18:08:19Z

Amazing leelas of Mayapur Nrsinghadeva
http://vconline.biz/2006/06mayjun/nrsimha_stories.pdf

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

The Festival of the Chariots

2007-04-20T19:13:05Z

Dallas Hare Krishna Temple Celebrates Ratha Yatra
The Festival of the Chariots
Saturday, May 5th 2007
1:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Radha Kalachandji Hare Krishna Temple
5430 Gurley Avenue
Dallas, TX 75223

Come and dance through the streets of historical Old East Dallas with Their Lordships Sri Sri Sri Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra and Their Devotees!

Our program will include:

*Free vegetarian feast * Stage Entertainment * Cultural Displays * Children's entertainment*

1:00 p.m. Parade starts at Temple
3:30 p.m. Parade returns to Temple
3:30-10:00 p.m. Festival in Kalachandji's Park (next to Temple)

Our very special guest will be His Holiness Giriraja Swami. Don't miss out on this ecstatic event!!!

For more information, www.radhakalachandji.com, or email info@radhakalachandji.com

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

short Video -ISKCON Scotland deities (Karuna Bhavan)

2007-04-20T18:50:26Z

Sri Sri Khoda-Nitai Mayapura-sasha ki Jaya
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=3494407198959247437&q=ISKCON&hl=en

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Mayapur Yatra- seeking blessings

2007-04-18T19:56:16Z

Hare Krsna
PAMHO

Im finally done with the last exams of my course and im waiting to go
to mayapur now for Narasingha Chaturdashi... I would really appreciate
all the info i can get from all of you who have been to and heard about Sridham
Mayapur. I would even appreciate online links to pages about mayapur dham and
various lila places to be visited there.

Also, Manu Prabhu, since you have been there most recently, u would know
about the shopping there. Pls tell me what all can be bought there. Do they
have deity mukuts and other paraphernalia? What about the deity dress making
department in our temple... have u been there?
'
Pls bless me so that i have a nice yatra.. ive got "Appreciating Navadwip dham" by Mahanidhi Maharaj and will be reading that now.

I appreciate your responses..

your servant
Apurva Gopal das

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

New Vraja Dhama Deities

2007-04-11T23:22:16Z

Hare Krishna,
Here is a link to 500 and odd pictures of RadheSyama ,Gaura Nitai, Giriraja ...from ISKCON Hungary..
http://www.gauranga.org/nvd/slides/RS_nov1.html
The site http:www.gauranga.org in the gallery section also has some other amazing deity pictures like their own Gaura Nitai dressed very uniquely..

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

Controversy continued....

2007-04-11T01:52:26Z

Hari bol Prabhus,

I've just found this (from here: http://www.vconline.biz/), and it certainly made for interesting reading, some of you may find this 'offensive' and perhaps a little brutal, but to me it certainly made me sit up and realise what material life is all about. A timely reminder.

Nityananda Ram Prahbu, if there are too many complaints on the frankness of the language, please feel free to remove this, I'll leave it to your discretion.

YS, K.

Bless This House
By: Jayadvaita Swami

Bless this house, O Lord, we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.

Bless our humble vestibule,
Bless the TV, bless the pool.

Bless our silly little notions.
Bless our week's supply of Trojans.

Bless, oh bless the internet.
Bless our liquor cabinet.

Bless our kitchen, for it features
Places where we roast Thy creatures,

Bake them, broil them, nuke them, fry them.
Blessed Lord, please sanctify them

While we're scarfing down their wings,
livers, legs, and other things-

Breasts and tongues and blood galore,
Bless them, Lord, forevermore.

Bless the toilets where we sit,
Bless the urine, bless the ___.

Bless our fish and parakeet.
Bless our dog, who fouls the street.

Bless our dull routine behavior.
Bless our envy of our neighbor.

Bless this house, O Lord, we pray.
Make it safe by night and day.

Bless the children, bless the wife.
Bless our empty mundane life.

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Pujaris

2007-04-09T18:23:58Z

Haribol,
awesome pujari gallery from Alachua..
http://picasaweb.google.com/mallikadasi/KrishnaSPujaris

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

my deities!

2007-04-09T18:23:07Z

yayyyyy they are the tribes main pic! thanx nityananda ram prabhu :)

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

Turbans?

2007-04-07T15:34:22Z

Haribol!
I just joined this group today and this is my first post! I was just wondering if anyone knew how to make a nice turban for my Deities. What I have been doing is making these fake turbans, which is just taking a strip of cloth and putting both ends over each other so that it sort of makes an x. Unfortunately these faux turbans do not hold ornaments very well. Can anyone help me? How do they do it in your temples or if anyone knows, how do they do it in Mayapur?

posted in Arcana - 5 replies

Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar ki jaya

2007-04-03T13:37:21Z

HK,
I found this on another list and thought i'd share it with you all.

Hare Krishna! All glories to Sri Guru and Gauranga!

Over the years devotees have looked forward to praise the photograph of Sri Sri Radha-Shyamsundar - deity manifested from the heart of Srimati Radharani. Since the photography in the temple is strictly prohibited they usually go back to their home towns sad and at the same time carrying the apple of the eyes in the hearts. For the first time in the world the photographs of the most beautiful Deity are available on the internet for anyone to browse through and have darshan of Their Lordships and be blessed on the official site of the temple. View the photos at http://www.radhashyamsundar. com/pictures .

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

Business

2007-03-26T19:12:15Z

Haribol!
I guess I should also post pictures of my deities, Sri-Sri Radha Madana-mohana, you can check it out in my album since I dont know how to post it in this actual post. Anyway, these are new dresses that I made and it was pretty simple, it only took a couple hours and I think they look really sweet. I make all their dresses and ornaments (except the crown). Its very very helpful now that I have a sewing machine.

Anyway, many devotees think I should start a Deity dressmaking business. Im not sure whether I should or not. I think its simple enough that anyone can do this wonderful service at home. Also, there are many dresses that you can get in India and they are so skillfully done! On the other hand, I pay a lot of attention to detail and it would be significantly cheaper for the buyer. Any thoughts?

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

My deity pictures..

2007-03-21T20:23:28Z

Hare Krishna.
Yesterday was Photo day for all the deities..Jagannatha Baladev and Subhadra are all dressed in their ponchos...waiting for spring season. I have put their pictures on slide.com. check this out.
http://2528135936.slide.com/p/3/untitled
Nitya Navina Dasi..

posted in Arcana - 5 replies

Sri Sri Radha Madhava -Mangal Arotik, Gaura Purnima 2007

2007-03-20T01:53:11Z

http://mayapur.com/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=19347

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

Gaura Purnima

2007-03-05T15:49:40Z

Haribol, wondering how everyone's Gauar Purnima went, i've posted pics of my deities in my first attempt at a homemade outfit in my gallery. I can't wait to see pics of everyone's celebrations, especially Manu's i really want to see the new outfit!

As well, does anyone know how they colour the water for the multicoloured abishek is it just the regular holi powders. I use chandan for yellow and gulal for pink but want to add more colours next year

posted in Arcana - 3 replies

Deity Dress colors

2007-02-24T03:56:12Z

Hare Krsna!

PAMHO

As of now, im working on the seva of preparing a monthly dress list for our temple... that is, a list of what outfit our deities will wear on what day of the month..
I recently got this deity worship manual from the Vrindavan temple, that had a list of the differnt colours that the deities are offered on differnt days.. monday-red, tuesday-blue, wednesday-yellow,thursday-green, friday-white/multicolor,saturday-black and sunday-bright colors/opulent outfits.. i have made the list for march 2007 based on this
I was just wondering if your temples follow this type of system? Do your temples have a dress list (i know that they have a monthly dress list in vrindavan)? In which other ways do you co-ordinate or arrange deity outfits so that they are not repeated too frequently?

Also, theres no posts of your festivities at Nityananda Trayodashi and plans for Gaur purnima... Our Nityananda trayodashi outfit was one that the matajis made out of real peacock feathers like they had in Vrindavan. Gaur Purnima.. we ordered an amazing super opulent outfit from Vrindavan 4 months ago, but it still hasnt reached (we dont have new jewelry either, and cant buy it unless we have the outfit with us) pls pray that the outfit gets here soon..

your servant
Apurva Gopal das

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

outfits

2007-02-11T16:41:26Z

so??? what do y"all think? the altar looks nice when there are huge fresh flowers between rk and ng and at their feet we put vases with flowers as well. but it will have to wait till payday :(

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

The reason I ask...

2007-02-02T00:33:43Z

Okay, so I had a difficult childhood. During my early years, my most prized possessions were the Ragedy Ann and Andy dolls my mother had given me. After she had passed away, I looked to the dolls for guidance. I played with them for hours, acting out all sorts of play between them. Sometimes they were king and queen and sometimes they were on a boat or having a picnic, but always I pretended that they were angels from heaven who were playing games together on earth. I was a little kid, and thats how I thought of them.
Looking back now it's almost as though they were sort of avataras to me, though I had no word for it at the time. Later when I became introduced to Krsna consciousness, I kept thinking of Andy when I'd see Lord Jagannathas big eyes and features. I almost feel as though Ragedy Ann and Andy are a representation of Radha and Krsna lila, how simple and sweet they are, but I know it's only because I had such a strong attachment to them back when i really needed a mother. They also gave me something to believe in because in our play they were always helping people, as angels. In a way, I could put these types of loose cotton clothing on Radha and Krsna, although I don't have dieties yet. I know it's silly but I still love Ragedy Ann and Andy.

posted in Arcana - 4 replies

deity parahernalia in mayapur?

2007-01-30T15:32:26Z

Can or does anyone know what the situation is there? i will be there in december and im wondering if they still have deity shops outside the temple, do they sell neem wood gaura nitai deities, big ones and well sculpted? prabhupada murtis in resin (temple quality) and mukut wallas etc? i wanna kno everything. if anoyone has been there recently and what the situation is.... or if u kno someone there can u ask them to find out for me?

what about the temple gift shop, do they have a nice selection? good quality things? or is it all junk? and if so, are there any addresses someone can recommend? every bit of info will be appreciated.

hare krsna
manu dasa

posted in Arcana - 29 replies

Archana worries

2007-01-26T07:36:43Z

Ok, this is going to seem strange, but do any of you worry about what will happen to your deities after you've gone?
I mean, I've only been with my deities a short while, but even then, my relationship has developed so much for them, and I have been tasting transcendental bliss whilst serving them every day. So much so that when I think about what would happen to them it really makes me quite sad actually to leave them behind. This raises the question that if you were to leave your body, if I was to take birth again as a human I would without a doubt want to come back to serve my deities. But then what happens when you return back to Godhead? You just leave them behind...of course there will be someone else to care for them, but it's not the sme as you doing it yourself instaed of someone else.
I know this is a bit of a touchy subject but I was just wondering if any of you had these thuoughts to about their most beloved thakurjis.
Haribol!

posted in Arcana - 6 replies

oh no!

2007-01-24T12:24:24Z

I just deleted the Chamara topic by accident! :|
I managed to get it back though, although it's not getting on the tribe again...ill paste it again tho..
Haribol
I was wondering, how often is it that you sevaks wash the chamara. It does get dirty quite easily, but I don't know the standard for washing it - I just wash it when it's dirty...anyone know how it's done @ the temple? Everyday I think is abit too much for home worship, but I like to keep it looking clean and white. Another thing tho, it does take ages to untangle it after I have washed it, to get all the hairs seperate so that it's nice and fluffly like before. Is there an easier way then sitting and seperating each hair one by one?
On that subject I was actually wondering if the peacock fans get washed as well, I mean they would get dirty too right, but beacuse it's so delicate I don't think you would wash it..anyone no how it's done in the temple again? Personally, I don't keep them anywhere except the altar for Krsna's use, (gujji superstition actually, they say it's bad luck to keep peacock feathers inside the house except for in the temple room - not that I follow that, hmm) but I reckon you could brush the dirt off rite?...any ideas?..
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One easy answer... Pert Plus shampoo & conditioner, and a bucket of warm water... I know that temples shampoo their chamaras. I did this to mine and it's white, shiny, and fluffy...

I hope this doesn't make devotees laugh!

Hare Krsna!

SriRKd
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hari bol, I do this too - I found it best to use a mild shampoo (maybe childrens, no tangle one) - conditioner helps in this regard aswell, but rinse it all out thoroughly and hang it to dry, and comb it when still wet, as it is easier to straighten at this point.

Your servant,
Krish.
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As far as untangling it, sometimes, just vigorously shaking it helps dry, fluff and untangle it simultaneously...surprizingly enough...

posted in Arcana - 5 replies

Sri Giri-raja's necklaces

2007-01-23T16:31:08Z

Hari Bol Prabhus! PAMHO.

I've just been wondering recently, I've often seen deities of Sri Giri-raja with garlands, of what look like red and white seeds, (please see photo in gallery) I was just wondering what these are, does anyone know? and also which deities can wear them?

Many Thanks,
Krish.

P.S. the photo comes from:
http://www.iskcon-london.org/temple/deities/index.html - check it out for daily Darshan of Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara, it now has a link to larger pnotos!

posted in Arcana - 10 replies

designing a singhasana

2007-01-17T21:08:36Z

Hari Bol Prabhujis,
Please accept my humble obeisances, All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!
I'm currently designing a singhasana for my ista devatas (Sri Sri Radha Puskareksana), and would like some input from tribe members:

-Do your ista devatas have a specially made singhasana?
-What would you consider the best material?
-The style of design?
-Any important features it should have?
-Can you reccommend anyone who could make it from my design?

Also, for those of you who live in or near temples, would it be possible to post some photos of the temple singhasanas (Nityananda-Rama Prabhu in particular this would be most appreciated!)

Hopefully, in the not too distant future, ill be posting my designs here for you all to critique!
Thanks in advance,
Your servant,
Krish.

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

Gita by A.C BhaktiVedanta Swami Prabhupada

2007-01-10T02:03:12Z

Hello Fellow Bhakta's

Please visit the gita tribe for disscussions on the teachings in gita by A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prapbhupada
link is:

http://tribes.tribe.net/saarthi

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Daily Darshan from Vrindavan!!

2007-01-03T21:14:30Z

http://www.vrindavandarshan.com :D

posted in Arcana - 2 replies

face painting ?

2006-12-30T21:39:58Z

does any1 know what type of paints we can use on the Deities' body's, like to decorate Their eyes and so forth, could it be a mixture of chandan and then colour added to it ? any1 know for certain what the pujari's use to paint (decorate) the Deities with? specifically on marble Deities, what type of paint can be used without staining white marble? thank you... haribol

posted in Arcana - 7 replies

Deity worship of the Pushti Margis (of Sri Ladoo Gopal)

2006-12-29T21:11:02Z

Nitya krama Sevavidhi:
Nitya Karma: One should get up early in the morning about one and half hours before sun rise. While opening the eyes, look at the palm and chant the verse and observe both the hands. Before leaving bed and keeping feet on the floor ask for pardon of Mother Earth. Have a look at the Tulsi necklace of your neck. Wash legs, hands, and mouth and do gargling. Then facing North side, offer respect to Shri Acharyacharan, Lord Shri Krshna by naming them and stretching the body on the floor. Then offer respects to parents, elders and others according to status. Then finish toilet, teeth brushing, bathing etc. Keeping in the mind that a soul is the devotee of Lord Shri Krshna, paint twelve Tilaks, six impressions relating to our Lord and take Charanamrit. If one has sacred thread then one should perform the morning Sandhya rituals.
Manglaa:After obtaining the permission of Shri Yamunaji, Shri Acharyacharan, Shri Prabhucharan and recollect their grace by which one has got a chance to serve Lord in ones own house, the door of our Lords temple to be opened with chanting of Shri Vallabhastak. One should treat the temple as Akshar-Brahm, (the place for Lord Shri Krshna to reside), where our Thakorji also lives. Enter the temple and offer the respect by stretching the body on the ground. Thinking of ringing noise from the small necklace around the neck of cows of Vraja, one should ring the bells thrice and blow the Sankh. Then taking away Jhari, Banta outside, clean them and put them to their respective places. This time recite Sevaphalam. Perform brooming and mopping of the temple and also clean and keep ready Sinhasan, Gaadi, Takiya (Cushioned seat) etc where our Lord resides in the temple. Recite Antahkaranprabodh and Sidhaantrahasya this time. Keep ready dresses of our Lord as per season and calendar. Hymn poems (kirtans) one-one for Shri Acharyaji, Shri Gusainji, Shri Yamunaji, Shri Ganges and two kirtans of prevailing seasons schedule to be sung for waking Him up. Clean the hands/feet properly and request Shri Thakorji to wake up. Apply Uparana to Shri Thakorji. But during cold season, keep double thick sweater (Duhara angarakha) on the cushioned seat before waking Him up. Shri Thakorji is to be protected from cold by wrapping him in thick dress and put a small fire stove between the period from Prabodhini and Dolotsav. Palms to be warmed up before touching Lord in a winter season. Handkerchief, Flute are to be arranged on the chair of the Lord, offer morning breakfast (Mangal Bhog) as per ones own capacity. Milk-curd-butter-sugar candy are to be offered, keeping in mind that Lord Shri Krshna must have relished such breakfast in Vraj when he was there in person (Vraj-leela). Then cover the mouth of Jhariji with red wet cloth, but during winter season from Prabodhini to Dolotsav, that cloth should be dry one. Pour fresh drinking water in Jhariji and offer it to our Lord and recite Yamunastak and/or Navratna. Hymn kirtans of breakfast. The time duration for Morning breakfast is twelve minutes. During this time prepare bed of Lord nicely. When the time is up for Mangal bhog, speak loudly as to take permission before entering a temple. Then enter the temple, clean lips/hands of Shri Thakorji with Mukhvastra, offer two betel as mouthwash. Warm water is to be used in winter season to clean hands of Shri Thakorji. Have a look at Mangala mood of Shri Thakorji and offer Aarti with respective Kirtan.
Sringaar/Gwaal: Arrange Sringar chair and a big dish for Lords bath. Sringar food is to be offered by keeping it in front of Lord. Offer dresses/ornaments befitting prevailing season and/or festival. Always keep warm water for bath through out the year except in a winter season where it should be comfortably hot. Sing kirtans relating to Sringar. After finishing dressing and decoration with ornaments to Lord, offer flower necklace (Malaji), flute (Venuji) and show mirror image. Then fill up Jhariji. Take the bathed water (Charanamrit) after touching His Feet (Charansparsh). Offer Gopivallabh bhog of twenty four minutes. When time is over, remove take away bhog, offer Aachaman, Mukhvastra, betel. Announce Gwaal and offer cream of milk and milk to Lord as a Goudohan in Vraj-leela. After that have glimpse of Gwaalmood. Then revive the sentiment of self dedication (Brahmsabandh) and utter Samarpam gadya mantra, panchaakshar mantra by keeping Tulsi leaf in the palm. Thereafter offer the same lea f to Shri Thakorjis feet.
Raajbhog: Offer Dhoopdeep and then full lunch (Rajbhog) to Lord. Put one-one Tulsi leaf in each item. While speaking Panchaksharmantra, sprinkle water from Sankh in Rajbhog. Make a request to Lord (on behalf of Shri Acharyaji, Shri Gusainji) to relish Rajbhog and offer dandvat to Him and come out of the temple. Allow to lapse 48 minutes and offer 4 kirtans as per regular prevailing season. During the waiting period follow the Sravan-Kirtna-Smaran etc. After offering rajbhog, sing chak ke pad in hot season and bhojan bulayave ke pad in cold season. At the end of the period take permission of Lord for entering by speaking loudly before taking out rajbhog. Thereafter offer Aachman-Mukhvastra-Bida. Keep a Banta with 2 bida on royal chair (sihasan). Fill up Jariji by humming Shri Yamnunashtaka and keep it there. Then take away all bhog items. Arrange one khandpat near sihasan and decorate it with toys. Put ball-bat/stick. Put 2 cushions (gaadi) on a small table (paat) and keep a game of chess or Chopad in the middle. Show mirror to Shri Thakorji after arranging Maala-Venuvetra on him. Sing kirtans narrating Rajbhog glimpses. Offer rajbhog aarti, again show mirror, and take out flute-stick and maalaji. Read out Shri Krshnashraya stotram in front of Shri Thakorji. Arrange jariji and banta for retirement near bed. Put a carpet, linking paat and bed. Then after offering Dandvat lock the temple door.
Seva Anavsar: There after in absence of physical seva of Shri Thakorji in person, keep some of Mahaprasad separately for A Cow as Gua Grass and take Mahaprasrad for self after offering it to other devotees. Go through Bhagwat, Subodhniji and other books of Pushti margiya sect, study them. Alternatively go out for some earning, but keep your mind in Lord Shri Krshna.
Oothapan and Bhogaarti: Follow othapan procedure in the evening at 4 pm. After entering house temple, offer respect bodily. Take out jariji-banta and clean/wash them. Have glimpses of othapan. Put and filled up jairji. Offer fruit etc in othapan bhog. Sandhya bhog can be offered simultaneously. Keep it for 15 minutes. Sing bhog aaye ke kirtan. When the time is up, take away bhog. Offer Aaachman-Mukhvastra and Bida. Take away Khandpaat of rajbhog. Put flower necklace,flute,stick. Sing pad of bhogaarti and perform Sandhyaaarti.
Shayanbhog aarti: First shift flute/stick. Make Shri Thakorji sit on a seat (paat par padhrana) and slowly/softly remove the shringar. Offer milk bowl. Fill up jhariji. Take away Milk bhog and wipe off lips, offer Aachman and bida. Start preparing and arranging a dinner Shayanbhog as per ones own capacity. Then, Offer Dhupdeep. Sing kirtans pad indicating the readiness of Shayanbhog (Shayanbhog aaye ke pad) Allow 24 minutes time before removing Shayanbhog. Thereafter, offer Aachman-Mukhvastra and bida. Decorate him with flower necklace and flute. Have glimpses of this mood and sing befitting kirtans. Offer Shayanaarti and Dandvat-pranam. Remove Maala and Venuji. Make Shri Thakurji sleep in the bed. Sing pad of sleeping softly. Keep jhariji, banta of bida, banta of bhog, Aachmani trishti,maalaji etc everything near the bed.(Shaiyyaji) keep a small/soft lamp on. Offer Sashtang dandvat pranam and come out of temple.
· Seva Anavsar: Take mahaprasad (Dinner). Read/Listen stories of Lord-His divine qualities (Guna), His divine play (leela) in association with other true devotees (Satsang). Sing pad/poems narrating surrender/refuge sentiments (Dinta/aashray). Then go to sleep brooding God in mind .Giving indication of time duration for entire Seva, Shri AcharyaCharan says in NibandhEk kaalam dvikaalam va trikaalam vapi pujyet" One time, two times or morning-afternoon-evening three times a day, one can perform seva. Those who are required to go out for earning may follow rituals from Mangla to Rajbhog and then make Shri Thakurji retire to bed (Shayan). Like this one time (ek-kaal)/(tri-kaal) three times a day , one can engage himself in seva as per convenience as approved by Shri Mahaprabhuji. The utmost necessary factor in Krshna-Seva is to offer own body, money, family in our own house to our Lord with a sentiment of love and affection (total refuge and dedication in Lord Shri Krshna).

posted in Arcana - 0 replies

Question for all devotees

2006-12-21T20:43:44Z

Hari Bol!

I had a question to pose to all the devotees that has come into my life. As you all know I live in Baton Rouge and there are no ISKCON temples here. Well a person that I know of is leaving the movement and wants to sell their Radha Krishna deites. I would like to take them and give them a home but a couple of problems. 1. They are 4 feet tall white marble. 2. They are 3000 dollars to purchase which I don't have. I had the thought to open a University House here near LSU and have a temple room with them as the focal point.

I would like everyones input; good, bad or indefferent please let me know by email, open posting or PM let me know.

posted in Arcana - 19 replies

bhava = ecstatic transcendental emotions

2006-12-09T02:43:04Z

In the quote below Srila Prabhupada says " Why we are neglecting (bhava)? It is suicidal.

So this bhava, the ecstatic stage of devotional service, one has to reach. That is the perfection, or that, the priority stage of love of Godhead.

So these things are recommended. Krsna is personally explaining. Why should we not take advantage of these things? Why we are neglecting? It is suicidal. The Supreme Personality of Godhead is personally instructing how to become Krsna conscious, how to become perfect in Krsna consciousness, and then, tyaktva deham punar janma [Bg. 4.9], then you can go back to home, back to Godhead. Why we should not take advantage of this opportunity? This is not very good. We should take advantage. We have got this human form of body. We have got intelligence. And the statement and explanation is being given by the Supreme Personality of Godhead personally. Why we should not take advantage? This is suicidal policy. Thank you very much. Hare Krsna. (end)

>>> Ref. VedaBase => Bhagavad-gita 4.28 -- Bombay, April 17, 1974

posted in Arcana - 0 replies