Author Archive

1)
kadacit kalindi-tata-vipina-sangitaka-ravo
mudabhiri-nari-vadana-kamalasvada-madhupah
rama-sambhu-brahmamara-pati-ganesarcita-pado
jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

With songs and sweet music, strolling gaily through groves, by the Kalindi.
A bee seeking nectar from the lotus-like faces of the gopis.
Praising him are Shiva, Brahma, Indra, Ganesh and Goddess Lakshmi.
Jagannatha Swami, Lord of all beings, be visible to me.

2)
bhuje savye venum sirasi sikhi-puccham kati-tate
dukulam netrante sahacara-kataksam vidadhate
sada srimad-vrndavana-vasati-lila-paricayo
jagannathah svami nayana-patha-gami bhavatu me

Sporting fine silken cloth, peacock plumes on his head, a flute in his hand.
Sending sidelong glances at his dear devotees, who around him stand,
Most pleased with these pastimes performed in Vrindavan dhama eternally.
Jagannatha

VASANTA RASA
By Srila Narottama das Thakur

1.
Vrndavana ramya-sthana dibya-cintamani-dhama
ratana-mandira manohara
abrta kalindi-nire raja-hamsa keli kore
tahe sobhe kanaka-kamala

Vrindavan, resplendent abode, of transcendental touchstone,
Jewelled temples divine, enchanting the mind
Yamuna with gentle waves flows, where swans swim within shaded groves.
A lotus of gold on that water shines.

2.
tara madhye hema-pitha asta-dale bestita
asta-dale pradhana nayika
tara madhye ratnasane bosi achen dui-jane
syama-sange sundari radkhika

Golden altar within its whorl, where eight bright petals unfurl,
where stand the sakhis led by Lalita.
Sitting in the centre of them, on a throne of brilliant gems,
are the radiant Shyama and Radhika.

3.
o-rupa-labanya-rasi amiya poriche khasi
hasya-pariasa-sambhasane
narottama-dasa koy

Prayers are of course a personal affair. Praying is a time for the soul to connect with God, offer him heartfelt praises and seek his mercy. Whilst this is certainly beneficial, in Vaishnavism it is also recommended that one offer the prayers composed by great saints. Such prayers always express appropriate sentiments, whereas in our conditioned state it is possible that material desires and sentiments will creep into our offerings. The Lord is pleased by pure devotion and therefore by offering the pure words of self-realised souls we can please