Followers

Story Of a Rat

Srila Prabhupada related the story of a rat who became liberated by offering service to Visnu. The rat was running on the altar of the Deity, just at a time when one of the ghee lamps was about to go out. The rat thought that the flame might be some foodstuffs, so he stuck his whiskers in it. The dying flame caught on the rat`s whiskers and the fire flared up, catching on the unused portion of the wick. In this way, by the foolish sacrifice, the flame on Visnu`s altar continued to burn nicely. And for his service to Krishna, the rat went to Vaikuntha. This is the potency of devotional service to Krishna, even performed unknowingly.

This history of the mouse is very famous in the Padma Purana, Kartika Mahatmya.

Brahmotsav in Hare Krishna Movement

On the first day of the Brahmotsava, all the important demigods like Lord Brahma, Indra, Shiva and so on are invited to participate in the festival. A flag bearing the picture of Garuda is hoisted (dhvaja arohana). This indicates the commencement of the festival. Every evening there is a gorgeous pallakki utsava. Everyday the utsava Deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishna Chandra are decorated in different alankaras. Each Pallakki has its respective carriers (vahanas), insignia carriers and the fan bearers. The Lord mounts thevahana and goes for a pleasure ride on His carrier, along with His eternal consort and other devotees just like a king goes out in his chariot along with his entourage. The Deities are carried in the particular vahanato suit the alankara He is wearing on that day. When He is adorned in the Suryanarayana alankara, Hisvahana is Suryaprabha vahana; and in His Seetharama Pattabhisheka alankara, His vahana is Hanumadvahana and so on.

Various performances of traditional dance styles, depicting the pastimes of Lord Krishna, are enacted in the evenings for the pleasure of the Lord. After the cultural performances, the Deities receive dolotsavaseva, during which the utsava vigrahas are swung on a decorated swing.

Apart from these festivities, Brahma Rathotsava, Kalyanotsava and Churanabhisheka are also performed as part of the eleven day festival. During the Brahma Rathotsava, the utsava vigrahas of Radha Krishna ride on a chariot or ratha. Churanabhisheka is the ceremonial bath during which They are bathed in turmeric paste and other auspicious items.

The festival concludes with the dhvaja avarohana - lowering of the flag of Garuda.

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