{"id":4360,"date":"2017-11-01T08:21:46","date_gmt":"2017-11-01T08:21:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/?p=4360"},"modified":"2022-07-05T15:05:00","modified_gmt":"2022-07-05T09:35:00","slug":"sri-sri-gaura-radha-madhava-the-temple-of-misunderstanding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/writings\/krishna-talk-articles\/srila-bhakti-gaurava-narasingha-maharaja\/sri-sri-gaura-radha-madhava-the-temple-of-misunderstanding\/","title":{"rendered":"\u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava & the Temple of Misunderstanding"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n
\n
\n

The main drift of this article is to recall to memory the establishing of the Deities of \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava at M\u0101y\u0101pura by His Divine Grace \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da during his manifest l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>, and to draw attention to how the present institution of ISCON has unfortunately gone astray from the proper Gau\u1e0d\u012bya conception. But before addressing that, we would first like to present some of the historical and \u015b\u0101strika<\/em> evidences concerning Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava Deity worship in general and Gau\u1e0d\u012bya samprad\u0101ya<\/em> Deity worship specifically.<\/p>\n

Deity worship has long been a part of Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava and Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava tradition dating back thousands of years. Possibly the oldest \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> detailing arcana (Deity worship) in any Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava library is the pa\u00f1car\u0101tra<\/em>. Pa\u00f1car\u0101tra<\/em> contains the instructions of N\u0101r\u0101ya\u1e47a \u1e5a\u1e63i to His disciples at Badar\u012bn\u0101tha during Satya-yuga. Pa\u00f1car\u0101tra<\/em> gives many details on Deity worship and for observing Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava festivals. These instructions mainly concern the worship of Vi\u1e63\u1e47u avat\u0101ras<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Other more contemporary writings on Deity worship for the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas are such \u015b\u0101stras<\/em> as Hari-bhakti-vil\u0101sa<\/em> by San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b, Gaura-govind\u0101rcana-paddhati<\/em> by Gop\u0101la-guru Gosv\u0101m\u012b, Gaura-govind\u0101rcana-smara\u1e47a paddhati<\/em> by Dhy\u0101nacandra Gosv\u0101m\u012b and \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta\u2019s Archana-paddhati<\/em>, that forms the basis of all contemporary Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava Deity worship in the line of \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura.<\/p>\n

Concerning the Deities of the Vi\u1e63\u1e47u avat\u0101ras<\/em>, many of which date back five millennia and before, there are many, especially in, but not exclusively in, South India such as; Padman\u0101bha, \u0100di Ke\u015bava and Janardana in Kerala; Ra\u1e45gan\u0101tha in Tamil Nadu; Narasi\u1e41hadeva at Narasi\u1e41hapalli in West Bengal; U\u1e0dup\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in Karnataka; B\u0101l\u0101j\u012b in Tirupati and Narasi\u1e41ha at Si\u1e41h\u0101calam, Ma\u1e45galagiri and Ahobilam in Andhra Pradesh, to name a few.<\/p>\n

The Deities of Jagann\u0101tha, Subhadr\u0101 and Baladeva in Pur\u012b, Dv\u0101rak\u0101d\u012b\u015ba in Dv\u0101rak\u0101, Badari-N\u0101r\u0101ya\u1e47a at Badar\u012bn\u0101tha and \u015a\u0101l\u0101gr\u0101ma in the Ga\u1e47\u1e0dak\u012b Valley of upper Nepal are counted amongst the oldest, most original Deities of the Personality of Godhead on this planet. The ancient Deities mentioned above are worshiped by many Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava samprad\u0101yas<\/em> and also by Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas.<\/p>\n

However, there are Deities that are worshiped exclusively by Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas \u2013\u00a0the Deities of Govinda and Gopin\u0101tha (now in Jaipur), Madana-mohana (now in Karauli), \u015a\u0101k\u1e63\u012b-Gop\u0101la (now in Orissa) and others are also from a period approximately 5000 years ago, having being established by Vajran\u0101bha (the king of Mathur\u0101) and Uttara, the mother of Parik\u1e63it Mah\u0101r\u0101ja.\u00a0 Also among the ancient deities worshipped in Vraja are Harideva at Govardhana, Ke\u015bava at Mathur\u0101, Dauj\u012b at Baldeo, V\u1e5bnd\u0101-dev\u012b at K\u0101myavana, Yogam\u0101y\u0101 in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana and the four \u015biva<\/em>\u2013li\u1e45gams<\/em> of Vraja \u2013 Gope\u015bvara, Cakle\u015bvara, Bh\u016bte\u015bvara and K\u0101me\u015bvara.<\/p>\n

However, it was not until the period of the Six Gosv\u0101m\u012bs and their successors that the Deities of R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b and Lalit\u0101-dev\u012b manifest and came to be at the side of many of the original K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Deities in Vraja. From that time on it became the standard of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas not to worship the Deity of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a alone, but always accompanied by \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101, His internal pleasure potency, the hl\u0101din\u012b-\u015bakti<\/em>.<\/p>\n

Even more exclusively worshiped by contemporary Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas are the Deities of Gaura-Nit\u0101i, first established by Gaur\u012bd\u0101sa Pa\u1e47\u1e0dita at Kalna; Gaura-Gad\u0101dhara, first established by Va\u1e47\u012bn\u0101tha Vipra at Campaha\u1e6d\u1e6di; the Pa\u00f1ca-tattva, first established by Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura at \u015ar\u012bvas\u0101\u1e45gana and Yogap\u012b\u1e6dha; Dh\u0101me\u015bvara Mah\u0101prabhu, first established by Vi\u1e63\u1e47upriya at Navadv\u012bpa; Mah\u0101prabhu, Vi\u1e63\u1e47upriy\u0101 and Lak\u1e63m\u012bpriy\u0101, first established by Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura and Bhaktivinoda at Yogap\u012b\u1e6dha; Adhok\u1e63aja Vi\u1e63\u1e47u (found during construction at Yogap\u012b\u1e6dha); K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-Balar\u0101ma, worshiped in the house of Jagann\u0101tha Mi\u015bra and \u015aac\u012b M\u0101t\u0101 in M\u0101y\u0101pura, and \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava, first established by Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura at Yogap\u012b\u1e6dha. This then brings us to the main focus of our article \u2013 the worship of \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and Their ontological importance.<\/p>\n

The Deities of Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava are the special contribution of \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura to the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya samprad\u0101ya<\/em> that represents the highest theological conclusion ever revealed to humanity;<\/p>\n

tabe h\u0101si t\u0101\u1e45re prabhu dekh\u0101ila svar\u016bpa
\n<\/em>rasa-r\u0101ja mah\u0101bh\u0101va-dui eka r\u016bpa<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLord \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a is the reservoir of all pleasure, and \u015ar\u012bmati R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b is the personification of ecstatic love of Godhead. These two forms have combined as one in \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu. This being the case, Lord \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu revealed His real form to R\u0101m\u0101nanda R\u0101ya. (Cc. Madhya-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 8.282)<\/p>\n

mah\u0101prabhu \u015br\u012b caitanya, r\u0101dh\u0101-k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a nahe anya
\n<\/em>r\u016bp\u0101nuga janera j\u012bvana<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201c\u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu is non-different from \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and is the very life of those Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas who follow \u015ar\u012b R\u016bpa Gosv\u0101m\u012b.\u201d (Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura, \u2018\u015ar\u012b Guru Parampar\u0101\u2019<\/em>)<\/p>\n

We include here a statement in this regard by \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Deva Gosv\u0101m\u012b Mah\u0101r\u0101ja:<\/p>\n

\u201cOur Guru Mah\u0101r\u0101ja (Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta) installed almost everywhere this Mah\u0101prabhu and R\u0101dh\u0101-Govinda, meaning that Mah\u0101prabhu is combined R\u0101dh\u0101-Govinda. Mah\u0101prabhu means R\u0101dh\u0101-Govinda. Svar\u016bpa-d\u0101modara has given us a \u015bloka<\/em> about the ontological nature of Mah\u0101prabhu:<\/p>\n

r\u0101dh\u0101 k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-pra\u1e47aya-vik\u1e5btir hl\u0101din\u012b \u015baktir asm\u0101d
\nek\u0101tm\u0101n\u0101v api bhuvi pur\u0101 deha-bheda\u1e41 gatau tau
\ncaitany\u0101khya\u1e41 praka\u1e6dam adhun\u0101 tad-dvaya\u1e41 caikyam \u0101pta\u1e41
\nr\u0101dh\u0101-bh\u0101va-dyuti-suvalita\u1e41 naumi k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-svar\u016bpam<\/em><\/p>\n

\u2018The loving affairs of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a are transcendental manifestations of the Lord\u2019s internal pleasure-giving potency. Although R\u0101dh\u0101 and K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a are one in Their identity, They separated Themselves eternally. Now, these two transcendental identities have again united in the form of \u015ar\u012b K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Caitanya. I offer my obeisances unto Him, who has manifested Himself with the sentiment and complexion of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101 although He is K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a Himself.\u2019 (CC. \u0100di-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 1.5)<\/p>\n

\u201cGuru Mah\u0101r\u0101ja wanted to show in this form of installation of the Deities, that the highest order of worship is here \u2013 that Mah\u0101prabhu combined, who is giving the rasa, and the R\u0101dh\u0101 Govinda with Their paraphernalia which They are tasting within Their own circle \u2013 that highest order of sweetness is being distributed by Mah\u0101prabhu Himself in His l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>. They are of the same level, layer, and the same dignity, and same highest position. To show, to represent this to the worldly intellect and devotion, Guru Mah\u0101r\u0101ja has taken this method in the worship, in arcana, as favourable for his preaching about R\u0101dh\u0101-Govinda in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana.\u201d (\u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja, transcript: April 23rd, 1982)<\/p>\n

A question arises, \u201cHow can you overlook the importance and position of the Deities of \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and still be conscious of the highest theological conception ever revealed to humanity? Overlooking this, how can one be considered a r\u016bp\u0101nuga<\/em>, a follower of \u015ar\u012bla Rupa Gosv\u0101m\u012b? The answer is, you can\u2019t!<\/p>\n

When establishing his centre in M\u0101y\u0101pura, the seat of the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya samprad\u0101ya<\/em>, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da was very attentive to this point and thus he established the Deities of \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava, thus demonstrating that he is a follower of Sarasvat\u012b \u1e6ch\u0101kura in the line of Bhaktivinoda and all r\u016bp\u0101nugas<\/em>. But what has happened since the departure of His Divine Grace is anything but attentive to the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya conception of Divinity \u2013\u00a0rather, the most sacred conceptions of Divinity at his M\u0101y\u0101pura centre have been lost. The Deities of R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs now overshadow Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and They are given little to no importance. Even Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s childhood Deities of R\u0101dh\u0101-Govinda have been stolen from the altar and the original Deity of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101, who was with M\u0101dhava, de-manifested when dacoits attacked the temple. Such happenings are truly unprecedented in our samprad\u0101ya<\/em>. The infamous Emperor Aurangzeb, with his entire army, could not touch a single Deity in Vraja when he attacked V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana \u2013 so how is it that a grungy group of Muslim dacoits snatched and mutilated the Deity of R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b from the altar at ISCON M\u0101y\u0101pura? However, it was \u2018M\u0101y\u0101-S\u012bt\u0101\u2019 that they snatched, not \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101, thus indicating that She had withdrawn Herself.<\/p>\n

The question of what caused \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s R\u0101dh\u0101-Govinda Deities to disappear from the altar and R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b to de-manifest has never been addressed by the leaders of ISCON. Such things can only happen due to offenses, apa<\/em>\u2013r\u0101dha<\/em> \u2013\u00a0that which is displeasing to \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101. In the early years of Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s preaching and establishing temples in the west, the Deity of Subhadr\u0101, standing between Lord Jagann\u0101tha and Baladeva in San Diego, California burned to a pile of ashes. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da commented at the time that Subhadra had de-manifested due to offenses being committed in the temple. The letter he wrote about this sensitive issue has long since disappeared from the archives\/folio.<\/p>\n

That offenses can bring about complete devastation is certainly nothing new in the history of Vai\u1e63\u1e47avism and can be the only acceptable answer to what has caused the numerous catastrophic events that have taken place in ISCON since the departure of His Divine Grace. There is an elephant in the room but no one cares to mention it \u2014business as usual.<\/p>\n

What were the offenses that turned the great ISKCON into the dismal institution it has become (ISCON)? Not just apa<\/em>\u2013r\u0101dha<\/em>, but Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava apar\u0101dha<\/em>. And to which Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas were these apar\u0101dhas<\/em> committed? First, offenses to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da by neglecting his instructions, and the \u2018Magnificant Eleven\u2019 trying to usurp his legacy. Then, offenses to many disciples and followers of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da who were abused and ousted from ISCON. Last but not least, offenses to \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s godbrothers \u2013\u00a0and most shamefully, offenses committed against \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s dearest friend and godbrother, \u015ar\u012bla B.R. \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja, whom \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da desired to guide Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s disciples philosophically. These numerous offenses have caused the spiritual decline of ISCON and the fall-down of countless GBCs, gurus, sanny\u0101s\u012bs<\/em> and devotees.<\/p>\n

Now at M\u0101y\u0101pura, ISCON is spending millions of dollars to build the grandest of temples which they insist on calling the Adbh\u016bta Mandira as envisioned by \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura. \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da did indeed wish to build a grand temple which he called the \u2018Planetarium\u2019\u2013 not the Adbh\u016bta Mandira. The Adbh\u016bta Mandira envisioned by Bhaktivinoda was envisioned at Yogap\u012b\u1e6dha and later constructed by \u015ar\u012bla Bhaktisiddh\u0101nta in 1933.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, as concerns the grand temple at M\u0101y\u0101pura, it was to be built under the direction of \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja.<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da:<\/strong> (speaking to \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja) That Planetarium also will be built under your direction. My idea is to combine the Indian culture and the American money\u2013the lame man and the blind man policy. I tell them also that this will be very beneficial for the world. (Excerpt of 1977 conversation at \u015ar\u012b Caitanya S\u0101rasvata Ma\u1e6dha, transcription by Bhakti C\u0101ru Swami)<\/p>\n

Historically speaking, the idea to build such a grand temple at M\u0101y\u0101pura came from \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja and was adopted by \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da.<\/p>\n

\u201cI asked Swami Mah\u0101r\u0101ja (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhup\u0101da) to construct a temple where the whole Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava philosophy will be demonstrated. I had a mind to construct such a temple here, but that was too ambitious and I could not do it. When I was told that he would build a temple there (in M\u0101y\u0101pura), I humbly put forward my desire. I wanted a temple to be built according to the B\u1e5bhat-Bh\u0101gavat\u0101m\u1e5bta<\/em> of \u015ar\u012bla San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b. The whole structure of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava philosophy will be represented there in that temple.\u201d (Taped discourse, 1981)<\/p>\n

Again, \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da confirms this while speaking with \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja,<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da:<\/strong> As you have suggested we are doing that temple. Goloka-n\u0101mni nija-dh\u0101mni tale ca tasya dev\u012b-mahe\u015ba-hari-dh\u0101ma<\/em>. That way I was explaining to them (my disciples) about our temple contemplation, it will be almost a skyscraper building. Skyscraper building in temple shape, with four divisions. Goloka-n\u0101mni nija-dh\u0101mni tale ca tasya dev\u012b-mahe\u015ba<\/em>\u2026so Mahe\u015ba-dh\u0101ma, how it will be depicted? P\u0101rvat\u012b\u2019s Mahe\u015ba?<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja:<\/strong> It has been already described by San\u0101tana Gosv\u0101m\u012b in B\u1e5bhat-Bh\u0101gavat\u0101m\u1e5bta<\/em>. (Bengali Conversation between \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da and \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja, June 6th, 1973)<\/p>\n

However, rather than follow \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja to show the progression of theology and the highest conception of Godhead as the combined form of R\u0101dh\u0101-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a in Mah\u0101prabhu, ISCON has chosen, thru their temple in M\u0101y\u0101pura, to prove to the world that the Earth is flat! In doing so, they have completely overlooked the concepts of Divinity in Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avism.<\/p>\n

It is debatable that \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da wanted to establish R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava with the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs at M\u0101y\u0101pura since he supposedly only revealed his desire to one devotee, Bh\u0101v\u0101nanda D\u0101sa. He only ever mentioned it to Bh\u0101v\u0101nanda D\u0101sa once \u2013\u00a0he never mentioned it in any letter, conversation or instruction of any kind to anyone else. But for the sake of argument, let\u2019s assume that it was indeed the desire and instruction of His Divine Grace \u2013\u00a0that still gives no cause to overshadow and neglect the conception of the original Deities of \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava.<\/p>\n

In the grand temple at M\u0101y\u0101pura, the central Deities should be \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and since ISCON is making all their Deities very large, then Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava should also be increased to the appropriate size. \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Guru-Gauranga (Pa\u00f1ca-Tattva) should be on the first altar, \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava on the central altar and R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs on the third altar. This would be, for the most part, in keeping with Gau\u1e0d\u012bya theology.<\/p>\n

Pa\u00f1ca-Tattva manifests the sa\u1e45k\u012brtana<\/em> movement to uplift and save the fallen conditioned souls of this world. That is the secondary purpose of Mah\u0101prabhu\u2019s decent.<\/p>\n

satya ei hetu, kintu eho bahira\u1e45ga
\n<\/em>\u0101ra eka hetu, \u015buna, \u0101che antara\u1e45ga<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAlthough this is true, this is but the external reason for the Lord\u2019s incarnation. Please hear one other reason\u2014the confidential reason\u2014for the Lord\u2019s appearance.\u201d<\/p>\n

PURPORT
\n<\/strong>In the Third Chapter, fourth verse, it has been clearly said that Lord Caitanya appeared in order to distribute love of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and the chanting of His transcendental holy name, Hare K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a. That was the secondary purpose of Lord Caitanya\u2019s appearance. The real reason is different, as we shall see in this chapter. (Cc, \u0100di-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>,4.6).<\/p>\n

\u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava represents the highest conception of Divinity within Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avism and the real reason for Mah\u0101prabhu\u2019s appearance.<\/p>\n

\u015br\u012b-r\u0101dh\u0101y\u0101\u1e25 pra\u1e47aya-mahim\u0101 k\u012bd\u1e5b\u015bo v\u0101nayaiv\u0101-
\nsv\u0101dyo yen\u0101dbhuta-madhurim\u0101 k\u012bd\u1e5b\u015bo v\u0101 mad\u012bya\u1e25
\nsaukhya\u1e41 c\u0101sy\u0101 mad-anubhavata\u1e25 k\u012bd\u1e5b\u015ba\u1e41 veti lobh\u0101t
\ntad-bh\u0101v\u0101\u1e0dhya\u1e25 samajani \u015bac\u012b-garbha-sindhau har\u012bndu\u1e25<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cDesiring to understand the glory of R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b\u2019s love, the wonderful qualities in Him that She alone relishes through Her love, and the happiness She feels when She realises the sweetness of His love, the Supreme Lord Hari, richly endowed with Her emotions, appeared from the womb of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b \u015aac\u012b-dev\u012b, as the moon appeared from the ocean.\u201d (Cc. \u0100di<\/em>.1.6)<\/p>\n

r\u0101dhik\u0101ra bh\u0101va-k\u0101nti a\u1e45g\u012bk\u0101ra vine
\nsei tina sukha kabhu nahe \u0101sv\u0101dane
\n<\/em>r\u0101dh\u0101-bh\u0101va a\u1e45g\u012bkari\u2019 dhari\u2019 t\u0101ra var\u1e47a
\ntina-sukha \u0101sv\u0101dite haba avat\u012br\u1e47a<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, assuming R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b\u2019s sentiments and bodily complexion, I shall descend to fulfil these three desires. Unless I accept the luster of the ecstatic love of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dhik\u0101, these three desires cannot be fulfilled.\u201d (Cc. \u0100di-l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> 4.267 & 268)<\/p>\n

This conception and identity of Mah\u0101prabhu should be shown on the centre altar at the grand temple at M\u0101y\u0101pura with \u015ar\u012b \u015ar\u012b Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava, and the same should be preached from the pulpit \u2013 not preaching that the \u2018Earth is flat\u2019. B\u1e5bhat-bh\u0101gavat\u0101m\u1e5bta<\/em> does not concern itself with the dimensions and shape of Planet Earth. This book is exclusively concerned with progressive theological conceptions \u2013 not flat Earth, hollow Earth or any other relative nonsense that seems to have preoccupied the minds of ISCON\u2019s leading \u2018thinkers\u2019.<\/p>\n

Rather than preaching real Gau\u1e0d\u012bya conceptions according to \u015b\u0101stra<\/em> and the previous \u0101c\u0101ryas<\/em> from the vy\u0101s\u0101sana<\/em>, ISCON\u2019s main concerns are preaching how ISCON is exclusively the bedrock of the Gau\u1e0d\u012bya samprad\u0101ya<\/em>, so much so that some leaders state that those Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas outside ISCON will have to be born again within their institution in order to go back to Godhead. This is simply caste-consciousness in another form.<\/p>\n

However, it is a fact that in every case of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya siddh\u0101nta<\/em> \u2013 from j\u012bva<\/em>\u2013tattva<\/em>, to n\u0101ma<\/em>\u2013tattva<\/em>, to guru<\/em>\u2013tattva<\/em> and more \u2013 ISCON either has an incomplete understanding or a total misunderstanding. Yet there is little concern about this. Their main focus is proving the flat Earth theory, promoting K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a rock bands, pizzerias in the dh\u0101ma<\/em>, markets at M\u0101y\u0101pura selling Nike shoes, and novelties like \u2018K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a West.\u2019 In other words, deviation after deviation. But who\u2019s counting\u2026<\/p>\n

Again, assuming that \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da did desire to manifest the Deities of R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava with the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs, that Deity arrangement should be placed on the third altar. This is not a step towards the highest theological conclusions of Gau\u1e0d\u012bya Vai\u1e63\u1e47avism, but rather a grand display of K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a\u2019s opulence to attract the general public, as was the case in Mumbai where \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da established S\u012bt\u0101-R\u0101ma-Lak\u1e63ma\u1e47a-Hanum\u0101n on the third altar. One has to remember, people in India really, really like their \u2018eye candy\u2019!<\/p>\n

In the arena of r\u0101sa<\/em>\u2013l\u012bl\u0101<\/em>, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a was there with \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101, the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs and millions and millions of other gop\u012bs<\/em>. However, when R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b left the rasa dance, K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a could no long feel pleasure, even when dancing with the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs and a multitude of gop\u012bs<\/em>. K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a then left the r\u0101sa<\/em>\u2013l\u012bl\u0101<\/em> in search of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101. After being reunited, the Divine Couple sat together under a tree on the banks of the Yamuna and there, during Their loving embrace, Rasa-r\u0101ja K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a and Mah\u0101-bh\u0101va R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b became one. This place is known as Imlit\u0101l\u0101 and is described by \u015ar\u012bla \u015ar\u012bdhara Mah\u0101r\u0101ja as the appearance place of \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu as follows.<\/p>\n

tinti\u1e0d\u012b-talastha-y\u0101munormmi-bh\u0101van\u0101pluta\u1e41<\/em>
\nnirjanaika-r\u0101dhik\u0101tma-bh\u0101va-vaibhav\u0101v\u1e5btam<\/em>
\n\u015by\u0101ma-r\u0101dhik\u0101pta-gaura-tattva-bhittik\u0101kara\u1e41<\/em>
\nprema-dh\u0101ma-devam eva naumi gaura-sundaram<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAs the Lord was visiting various places in V\u1e5bnd\u0101vana where Lord K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a performed His Pastimes, He visited that famous tamarind tree that existed during the Dv\u0101para-yuga. Sitting beneath the tamarind tree, the Lord\u2019s memory of His confidential water-sporting Pastimes with the cowherd maidens was aroused when He saw the dancing gestures of the Yamun\u0101\u2019s waves. The Lord\u2019s entire being was captured by tasting the sweetness of \u015ar\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101 within the depths of His heart. Identifying with that self-same sweetness and emotion that possessed His entire self, the Lord\u2019s entire existence was stolen away. This place is indicated to be the place of origin of gaura<\/em>\u2013tattva<\/em>, for it was here that \u015ay\u0101masundara became greatly absorbed in the divine mood of \u015ar\u012bmat\u012b R\u0101dh\u0101r\u0101\u1e47\u012b. \u015ar\u012b Caitanya Mah\u0101prabhu, who is Himself the origin of all, eternally resides in this place. I offer my obeisances to that beautiful Golden Lord, Gaur\u0101\u1e45ga-sundara, the divine form of k\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a-prema<\/em>.\u201d (Prema-Dh\u0101ma-Deva Stotram<\/em>, verse 42)<\/p>\n

In the present arrangement, when the grand temple is completed, pilgrims will go in and out of the temple by the millions and few, if any, will even notice the Gaura R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava Deities standing at the feet, and just to the side of R\u0101dh\u0101-M\u0101dhava and the A\u1e63\u1e6da-sakh\u012bs. And if They are noticed, most will consider Them simply as utsava<\/em>\u2013m\u016brtis<\/em> to be bathed and occasionally taken out on procession. They will not be recognised as the representation of the highest form of Divinity to have ever manifested to human society. Pilgrims will leave the temple having missed the greatest boon ever offered to humanity \u2013\u00a0but they will walk with steadiness, having been assured that the Earth is flat and they need not worry about falling off\u2026<\/p>\n

If ISCON continues at this point with their current plans for the Planetarium, then they will inadvertently be giving prominence to the wrong Deity arrangement, failing to establish the correct Gau\u1e0d\u012bya siddh\u0101nta<\/em>, misleading the public with their flat Earth theory and in summary be building the \u2018Temple of Misunderstanding\u2019, not the Planetarium that \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da desired, nor the Adbh\u016bta Mandira envisioned by Bhaktivinoda \u1e6ch\u0101kura.<\/p>\n

Epilogue<\/strong><\/p>\n

Can ISCON improve? Yes\u2026if they know what they have to improve. But it doesn\u2019t seem to be possible at the moment, especially with the present leadership. For change and improvement to take place, a full renaissance is required.<\/p>\n

Why bring all this up? Is it simply out of hatred and envy? We think not! The reason is twofold \u2013 firstly, if you don\u2019t know the truth of the past then your present reality is simply a deception. Secondly, you can\u2019t find what you don\u2019t know you\u2019ve lost. Living in the deception that everything is good and being unaware of what has been lost, the devotees will lack the incentive to Search for the Ultimate Goal of Life. This article has been written in the mood of \u2018sugar and spice\u2019 with the hope that somehow, they will correct themselves. Praemonitus<\/em>, praemunitus<\/em> \u2013\u00a0\u201cForetold is forewarned.\u201d<\/p>\n

Note from Swami Narasingha:<\/strong><\/p>\n

The last time I visited ISCON M\u0101y\u0101pura was the day before Gaura P\u016br\u1e47im\u0101 in 1996. I entered the temple room at the commencement of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s guru-p\u016bj\u0101<\/em>. Midway thru the \u0101ratika<\/em> and k\u012brtana<\/em>, I was astonished to see what I consider to be the most bizarre display of foolishness ever. Suddenly, Vipramukhya Swami, holding his hands to his head like horns, began to charge around the k\u012brtana<\/em> like a bull. Then Trivikrama Swami began to play the part of a matador, using his uttar\u012bya<\/em> as a matador\u2019s cape. The matador and the charging bull played this ridiculous game for several minutes amidst the raging k\u012brtana<\/em>. Their antics seemed to stimulate the assembled devotees. Then P\u1e5bthu D\u0101sa brought an end to this foolishness by grabbing Trivikrama\u2019s da\u1e47\u1e0da<\/em> like a matador\u2019s sword and stabbing the bull in the back. Vipramukhya then fell to the floor as dead and the crowd roared with approval.<\/p>\n

Had I just witnessed the bull of religiosity slain right in front of \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s m\u016brti<\/em> during guru-p\u016bj\u0101<\/em>? I had seen a lot of bizarre things in ISCON since the disappearance of His Divine Grace \u2013 papal foppery, drug dealing, money laundering, murder, illicit sex, child abuse, endless court cases, the selling of the Manhattan Temple, the splitting of the BBT, changing Prabhup\u0101da\u2019s original books, offenses to numerous Vai\u1e63\u1e47avas, etc, etc, but this was off the charts! I left, never to return.<\/p>\n

Sometimes devotees fault me for having left ISCON, but my reply is, \u201cKnowing what I know, and having seen what I have seen, I wonder how any sane person with even a little self-respect would ever agree to stay.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this article \u015ar\u012bla B.G. Narasi\u1e45gha Mah\u0101r\u0101ja gives a brief history of ancient Vai\u1e63\u1e47ava Deities, then explains the ontology of Gaura-R\u0101dh\u0101-K\u1e5b\u1e63\u1e47a, and goes on to explain how Iskcon has deviated from the original Deity concept that \u015ar\u012bla Prabhup\u0101da initially established in M\u0101y\u0101pura.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":4361,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[29],"tags":[175,169,170],"krishna_talk_article":[213],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4360"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4360"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4360\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4361"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4360"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4360"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4360"},{"taxonomy":"krishna_talk_article","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rupanugabhajanashram.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/krishna_talk_article?post=4360"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}