ISKCON Niagara

03/01/2026

02/28/2026

February 28 - Disappearance of Sri Madhavendra Puri

Madhavendra Puri, a prominent figure in the Madhva-Gaudiya Sampradaya, played a crucial role in the devotional movement preceding Lord Chaitanya's appearance. He was initiated into the Madhvacharya tradition by Shri Lakshmipati Tirtha and was a spiritual leader to many, including key associates of Lord Chaitanya like Shri Advaita Acharya and Shri Ishvara Puri. Madhavendra Puri's life was marked by intense divine love and devotion, inspiring all Vaisnavas in Bengal and Kshetra mandala through his ecstatic expressions of love for Krishna.

He undertook a pilgrimage across India, focusing on Vrindavana and Orissa, and initiated the restoration of Vrindavana's sacred sites, a task that was continued by Shri Rupa and Sanatana Goswamis. One of his significant contributions was the discovery and installation of the Gopala Deity atop Govardhana Hill, leading to the inception of the Govardhana Puja, a major Vaishnava festival.

Madhavendra Puri introduced the concepts of madhurya bhava (conjugal love) and viraha bhava (love in separation) into the Madhvacharya lineage, enriching the devotional landscape with the deep, ecstatic love of God. His teachings and devotional practices laid the groundwork for Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's later expansion of prema bhakti (love and devotion). Madhavendra Puri's samadhi is located in Remuna, Orissa, near the Temple of Kshira-chora Gopinatha, serving as a site of pilgrimage and reverence within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

Significance

Madhavendra Puri's introduction of madhurya bhava into the Madhvacharya tradition was revolutionary. This concept became a cornerstone of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology, emphasizing a personal and intimate relationship with the divine, particularly with Lord Krishna.

Madhavendra Puri's role in the discovery and installation of the Gopala Deity and the establishment of the Govardhana Puja marks the beginning of one of the most celebrated Vaishnava festivals.

02/27/2026

February 27 - Amalaki Ekadashi

In the ancient, prosperous city of Vaidisa, where people lived in harmony and were deeply religious, there lived a righteous King named Caitraratha, who was loved for his wisdom, strength, and devotion. The city, vibrant with Vedic chants and devoid of sin, observed the Ekadasi vow with exceptional devotion, especially on a powerful Amalaki Ekadasi during Phalguna. On this day, King Caitraratha and his subjects offered prayers and gifts to Lord Parasurama and the sacred Amalaki tree at a temple beside the river, staying awake all night in worship.

A hunter, unfamiliar with such spiritual practices, happened upon the scene and, moved by the devotions, unknowingly participated. This act of unwitting devotion granted him liberation upon death, and in his next life, he was reborn as King Vasurath, a mighty and virtuous ruler.

One day, while lost and vulnerable in a forest, King Vasurath was protected from a band of attackers by a divine intervention attributed to Lord Kesava, affirming his faith and devotion. The King returned to his kingdom, ruling with even greater devotion and without obstacles, deeply aware of the divine protection over him and his people.

Significance

Anyone who observes this sacred vow of Amalaki Ekadasi undoubtedly achieves liberation and returns the abode of Lord Visnu.

Observing this great Ekadasi undoubtedly accumulates piety that destroys all sinful reactions and offers the same benefit as giving one thousand cows in charity.

02/26/2026

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu has taught us how to make advancement in Krishna consciousness; He has mentioned, "CHANT the HOLY NAMES and SERVE the DEVOTEES" - two very important instructions for us, which can happen in the association of devotees. By taking shelter of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His instructions, one can understand who Krishna is and can become a first-class devotee.

HH Rasamrita Swami Maharaj

02/24/2026

Hare Krishna devotees! 🙏

ISKCON Niagara invites you to our Sunday Feast program on March 1 at 5:00 p.m. The speaker for this week is HG RAJESHWARI DEVI DASI.

Please refer to the poster for more details. We look forward to welcoming you! Hare Krishna!

02/24/2026

Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu, He is very merciful. He never took offense from anyone, even if people responded in a negative sense, He would still want to deliver them. He knew that this was simply due to previous offenses they had committed, and a slight adjustment in their consciousness could again bring it around. Hate is the opposite side of love just like negative attachment, and with a slight adjustment it can again reverse and become love.

His Holiness Srila Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, 5th April 1986, Atlanta, Georgia

02/23/2026

Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu is directly KRISHNA of Vrindavana, descending with the complexion and the devotional mood of Srimati Radharani, to reveal Vrindavana and His pastimes and personality to us. He descended into this world simply for the purpose of freely distributing what no other incarnation had ever done and inaugurating the sankirtan movement in this age of Kali. His incarnation was meant for the very special purpose of delivering the most fallen people in Kali yuga.

HH Rasamrita Swami Maharaj

02/22/2026

The most munificent Supreme Personality of Godhead, known as Gaurakṛṣṇa, distributed to everyone — even the lowest of men — His own confidential treasury in the form of the nectar of love of Himself and the holy name. This was never given to the people at any time before. I therefore offer my respectful obeisances unto Him.

Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta Madhya 23.1

02/21/2026

February 20 - Appearance Day of Sri Purusottama Dasa Thakura

Sri Purusottama Dasa, son of Sri Sadashiva Kaviraja, constantly meditated on and served the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda. In the eleventh chapter of the Adi-lila of Chaitanya Charitamrita, Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami has listed Purusottama Das amongst the Devotees of Lord Nityananda.

“Sadashiva Kaviraj was very fortunate to have a son like Purusottama Das. Purusottama Das had no external consciousness of his body, for Nityananda Prabhu is constantly acting through him”. (Chaitanya Bhagavata 3.5.741-2)

His family, for four generations, were direct associates of Mahaprabhu, including Kamsari Sen, Sadashiva Kaviraja, Purusottama Thakura, and Kanu Thakura.

Kanu Thakura, his son, was such an exalted Devotee that Lord Krishna always lived in his body. When Kanu was five Ma Jahnava took him to Vrindavana. Upon seeing the great devotion of the boy, Jiva Goswami and the other Goswami's called him Kanai Thakura.

Significance

The four generations of Purusottama Dasa's family being direct associates of Mahaprabhu highlights the importance of spiritual heritage and lineage in the tradition. It illustrates how devotional qualities and spiritual realization are deeply valued and revered across generations.

Purusottama Dasa Thakura's service to Lord Balarama in Goloka Vrindavana as a cowherd boy, part of the dvadasha gopala, signifies the eternal nature of devotional service. It reflects the belief in an eternal, spiritual identity and service in the spiritual realm beyond the temporary material existence.