suddhabhakti

  Hiranyaksha was a powerful demon. At the time of his birth unlucky omens appeared everywhere. Violent winds uprooted trees, volcanoes erupted and inky clouds rained endlessly as lightening slashed the sky. Owls screeched fiercely, wolves howled at the moon and trembling cows gave blood instead of milk. Hiranyaksha grew to be as large as a mountain. His golden crown appeared to kiss the sky. The earth quaked as he walked. Greater than his height was his pride, but even greater was his greed. He mined so much gold from the Earth that the planet lost its balance, fell out of orbit and plunged into the ocean at the bottom of the Universe. The proud Hiranyaksha dived into the ocean, terrifying all the sea creatures as he whirled his golden club. He was eager to fight and looked for Varuna, the lord of the waters. Coming face-to-face with Varuna, he challenged him to combat. “I have stopped fighting now due to old age,” said Varuna. “However, you are so expert in fighting that the only...

Bhaimi Ekadasi (Jaya Ekadasi) It is said that if one observes upavasa on this day then one receives entrance to Visnu's abode, even though one has not performed the other vratas of the year. NOTE: The half day fast (vrata) for the appearance of Lord Varahadev is also observed on this Ekadasi day, and the utsav (festival celebration - pujas and feasting, etc.) is observed on the Dvadasi, which is when He appeared. Yudhisthira Maharaj said, "Oh Lord of the lords, Sri Krishna, all glories unto You! Oh Master of the universe, You alone are the source of the four types of living entities " those born from eggs, " those born from perspiration, " those born from seeds and " those born from embryos. You alone are the root cause of all, Oh Lord, and therefore You are the creator, maintainer and destroyer. "My Lord, You have so kindly explained to me the auspicious day known as Sat-tila Ekadasi, which occurs during the dark fortnight (krishna paksha) of the mont...