INDIAN CONVERSION/RECONVERSION-LIST

1) 40 More Christian families Re - embrace Hinduism 28/02/2012 01:14:26 Agniveer - Press Release

In an Agniveer sponsored event, 40 Christian families in Western UP reverted back to Vedic Hindu Dharma yesterday jettisoning fanatic belief that those who do not believe in some son of God would go to eternal Hell.

Of these 40 families, one member from each family will receive training as Purohit from Agniveer so that they become respected Brahmins and are able to conduct religious and social rituals. Also they would be able to conduct Vedic induction ritual for others. This is our way of slapping the faces of casteism and blind evangelization.

Also you would be glad to know that the person conducting the Shuddhi ritual was an ex-father of church himself and several of those who came back to religion of Ram and Krishna were Christian missionaries themselves.

We are committed towards making a noble Brahmin out of every Dalit Christian.

Learn more about Agniveer at http://agniveer.com/

2) Odisha: 3000 reconverted to Hinduism24/02/2012 12:18:27 PTI

Rourkela: The VHP on Friday claimed that over 3,000 people of 658 families from three states were reconverted to Hinduism at a function held in Sundargarh district.

People from Odisha and neighbouring Jharkhand and Chhattishgarh congregated at Sundargarh town where the function, described by the VHP as "home coming", was held yesterday.

Several people, particularly poor and uneducated tribals and dalits had converted through allurement, international executive president of VHP Pravin Togadia said at the function demanding a strict law against conversion.

http://zeenews.india.com/news/odisha/odisha-3000-reconverted-to-hinduism_760349.html

3)

228 converted tribal families back to Hindu faith

Valsad, 28 February, 2012In a dharma jagaran function held at Valsad district’s Veri bhavada
village, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad welcomed 288 converted Christian
tribal families back to Hindu faith with religious ceremony.Large number of local tribal, sadhus and VHP leaders participated in this function.VHP has brought thousands of converted Christian tribal back to Hindu
faith in number of such functions in south Gujarat in recent past.
http://deshgujarat.com/2012/02/28/228-converted-tribal-families-back-to-hindu-faith-in-south-gujarat/

4)

228 converted tribal families back to Hindu faith

Valsad, 28 February, 2012In a dharma jagaran function held at Valsad district’s Veri bhavada
village, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad welcomed 288 converted Christian
tribal families back to Hindu faith with religious ceremony.Large number of local tribal, sadhus and VHP leaders participated in this function.VHP has brought thousands of converted Christian tribal back to Hindu
faith in number of such functions in south Gujarat in recent past.
http://deshgujarat.com/2012/02/28/228-converted-tribal-families-back-to-hindu-faith-in-south-gujarat/

5)
-15,000 MORE CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS WELCOMED BACK IN HINDU FOLD(3500 Christians in Chhatisgarh, Raipur , 1200 Christian families – 6636 members in Mandla, 750 muslim families – 3650 members in Agra and 1250 Muslims in Saharanpur)-thy fill very happy n send ths word-We Hindus in America are very happy and thankful to those who worked hard to bring our brothers back to Hindu fold. - Darshan Bhavaskar

6)

Highlights from the Shuddhi event held in Kolkata on Jan 29, 2012 where 75 enlightened souls embraced Vedic Dharma/ Hinduism and became Brahmins. The homecoming of our Muslim brothers and sisters was a seemingly impossible feat due to unfriendly political environment and law & order. But it was made possible to due relentless efforts of selfless volunteers. After all why should 'universal peace' bow down to any selfish or fanatic pressures?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CkjlAZ2qjHU

7)
By the grace of ShriKrushna,yesterday 50 muslim families accepted Hindu Vedic Sanathan dharma in Chhudani,Jhajjar Hariyana.

8)
http://www.vhpap.org/2012/04/11.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+vhpap+%28http%3A%2F%2Fvhpap.org+%7E+Vishwa+Hindhu+Parishad+-+Andhra+Pradesh%29

11 familes in medak of andhra pradesh

LIST OF FAMOUS CONVERTS TO SANATAN DHARMA

From Abrahamic religions
.
ISLAM
.
Bukka I - King of Vijayanagara empire who converted to Islam, then reconverted. The early life of Bukka as well as his brother Hakka (also known as Harihara I) are relatively unknown and most accounts of their early life are based on theories.
.
Nargis - noted Bollywood actress, politician, and social worker. Mother of actor Sanjay Dutt she converted to Hinduism and took the name of Nirmala Dutt on her marriage to actor Sunil Dutt
.
Annapurna Devi (born Roshanara Khan) - surbahar (bass sitar) player and music teacher in the North Indian classical tradition. She converted to Hinduism upon marriage.
.
Harilal Mohandas Gandhi - son of Mahatma Gandhi. Upon converting to Islam he adopted the name Abdullah Gandhi, but later again reverted back to Hinduism.
.
Asha Gawli - (born Ayesha) Wife of Arun Gawli, notorious gangster turned politician from Mumbai, India. She converted to Hinduism upon marriage.
.
Harihara I - King of Vijayanagara Empire who converted to Islam, then reconverted
.
Aashish Khan (born Ustad Aashish Khan Debsharma) - Indian musician
.
Hassan Palakkode - Malayali writer on Islam
.
Netaji Palkar - Maratha noble and commander-in-chief of the army of Shivaji, 19 June 1676

Sarmad - 17th century mystical poet and sufi saint, arrived from Persia to India, beheaded for assumed heresy by the Mughal emperor, Aurungzebe. Sarmad renounced Judaism, briefly converting to Islam and then Hinduism. He later denounced all religions and rejected belief in god.
.
Anwar Shaikh - British author.
.
Ifa Sudewi - Chief judge for the 2002 Bali bombing trials
.
Khushboo Sundar - Tamil movie actress. She converted to Hinduism upon marriage.
.
Haridas Thakura - Prominent Vaishnavite saint, instrumental in the early appearance and spread of Hare Krishna movement.
.
Zubeida - Hindi film actress, on whose life story the film Zubeidaa was based. She converted to Hinduism upon marriage.
.
Nalini Patel (born Nayyara Mirza) - Miss India finalist of 1967, was the first Muslim to participate in the pageant. She converted to Hinduism after marriage. She is settled in the USA
.
Sonam (born Bakhtawar Murad) - Wife of Bollywood director Rajiv Rai. She converted to Hinduism upon marriage. She is the niece of character actor Raza Murad and granddaughter of veteran character actor Murad. She is the cousin of actress Sanober Kabir.
.
.
CHRISTIANITY
.
George Harrison converted from Christianity to Hinduism
.
Julia Roberts converted from Christianity to Hinduism
.
Chantal Boulanger - French anthropologist who wrote widely on Tamil culture.
.
Russell Brand - British actor and comedian.

Job Charnock - British trade agent who has been controversially described as the founder of Calcutta

Ilan Chester - Venezuelan singer, keyboardist, arranger and composer

Alice Coltrane (raised Baptist but became a follower of Satya Sai Baba) - American jazz pianist, organist, harpist, and composer

Michael Cremo - American creationist, author, and editor
Bhagavan Das (born Kermit Michael Riggs) - Western Yogi and former born again Christian

Roy Eugene Davis - American Kriya Yoga teacher

Krishna Dharma - British author and convert to Gaudiya Vaishnavism under ISKCON

David Frawley - author on Hinduism, Yoga and Ayurveda

Elizabeth Gilbert - author of Eat Pray Love

George Harrison - popular English musician, best known as a member of The Beatles who died chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra in the company of monks from ISKCON.[13] He is also known for donating Bhaktivedanta Manor, a Hindu temple to the Hare Krishna community in Britain.

Ilaiyaraaja - Tamil music director.

Christopher Isherwood - Anglo-American novelist

Jomol - Malayali actress

Swami Kriyananda (born J. Donald Walters) - direct disciple of the yogi Paramahansa Yogananda

Timothy Leary - Harvard professor and American writer and psychologist

Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami - one of the eleven senior Americans selected to become an initiating guru in ISKCON.

Savitri Devi Mukherji (born Maximiani Portas) - French woman who became enamoured with Hinduism and Nazism, trying to synthesise Hinduism with Nazi philosophy and racial ideology

Sister Nivedita (born Margaret Elizabeth Noble) - Anglo-Irish social worker, author, and teacher

Leelawathy Ramanathan - Australia-born Hindu writer and activist. Converted upon marrying Ponnambalam Ramanathan

John Levy - British philosopher who translated books on Advaita Vedanta

Joseph Ritson - English antiquarian and traveller

Julia Roberts - American Actress.

Han Snel - Dutch painter of Bali

Satyananda Stokes - Famous English farmer in Himachal Pradesh

Bhakti Tirtha Swami (born John E. Favors) - American Hindu leader and disciple of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Romapada Swami - Preacher of ISKCON

Kenneth R. Valpey - Gaudiya Vaishnava Theologian who studied at Oxford University, St. Cross College

Richard L. Thompson - American mathematician, academic, creationist, and author

Shaunaka Rishi Das (born Timothy Kiernan) - Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies


Judaism
.
Krishna Das (born Jeffrey Kagel) - singer who performs Indian chants called kirtans[citation needed]

Ram Dass (born Richard Alpert) - syncretist, and follower of the Hindu deity Hanuman. Professor of psychology at Harvard University

Hridayananda Goswami (born Howard J. Resnick) - American spiritual leader of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Tamal Krishna Goswami (born Thomas G. Herzig) - governing body commissioner of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness[citation needed]

Radhanath_Swami (born Richard Slavin) - is a Gaudiya Vaishnava guru and a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), author of The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami[citation needed]

.
From other Dharmic religions
.
Buddhism
.
Mihirakula - Huna ruler.

Rajasinghe I - Sri Lankan king who conquered Kandy

Rishabhadatta - Satrap viceroy

Rudradaman I - Satrap ruler and conqueror of the Satavahanas

Vasudeva I - Kushan king and numismatist

.
Jainism
.
Mahendravarman I - Pallava King and patron of the arts.

Vishnuvardhana - King of Hoysala empire and prominent temple-builder

Tirunavukkarasar - Saivite saint and one of the most prominent of the sixty-three Nayanars


Other
.
Other faiths and religions
.
Charairongba - Manipuri ruler.

Heliodorus - Greek minister to King Bhagabhadra

Pamheiba - Manipuri King
Suhungmung - Ahom kingdom ruler who extended Assam up to the Kamarupa Kingdom

Supangmung - Ahom kingdom ruler who recaptured Guwahati. Converted to Vaishnavism after a killing to make amends

Susenghphaa - Ahom king, during his rule the Ahom-Mughal conflicts began
.

From non-religious backgrounds
.
Annie Besant (former atheist) - Theosophist, orator and feminist

John Dobson (former atheist who became a believer in Vedanta) - astronomer and telescope designer

Sita Ram Goel (former atheist) - Indian commentator, writer and Hindu activist

.
Undetermined former religion
.
Agehananda Bharati (born Leopold Fischer) - academic Sanskritist, a prolific author about religious subjects, and a Hindu monk in the Dasanami Sannyasi order

Alain Daniélou (convert to Shaivism) - French historian, intellectual, musicologist, and Indologist

Ambarish Das (born Alfred Ford) - American businessman, great-grandson of Henry Ford, and a follower of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (the founder of ISKCON)

Urmila Devi Dasi (born Edith E. Best) - senior female ISKCON leader and educator

Geoffrey Giuliano - American biographer

Nina Hagen (follower of Haidakhan Babaji) - German singer

Aldous Huxley (disciple of Swami Prabhavananda) - English writer who emigrated to the United States, author of Brave New World

Joe Don Looney (follower of Swami Muktananda) - football player

J. Mascis - Lead vocalist, guitarist, and drummer for Dinosaur Jr.

John McLaughlin (became a disciple of Sri Chinmoy) - jazz fusion guitar player

Shaunaka Rishi Dasa (Irish convert and member of ISKCON) - founder of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Lex Hixon (syncretist and disciple of Swami Nikhilananda) - poet, philosopher, spiritual practitioner and teacher

Mathias Rust - German daredevil pilot

J. D. Salinger - American author best known for The Catcher in the Rye

Kelli Williams - American actress who played Lindsay Dole Donnell on the ABC legal drama The Practice.

Ricky Williams - Miami Dolphins football player

Crispian Mills - English rock singer named Krishna Kantha dasa. He wrote a foreword to a book by Bhaktivinoda Thakur titled Sri Siksastaka.

Jeffrey Armstrong - Canadian Author, Speaker, Poet

My Journey Into Sanātana Dharma

Introduction

	I want to become a Hinduism religious education teacher and teach the children the wonders on Hinduism. May the children be able to appreciate Hinduism for what it is. May they become strong and devoted in the amazing faith. Hare Krishna! Jai Ho!

NAMASTE...I honor the place in you where the entire universe resides. I honor the place in you, where lies your love, your light, your truth and your beauty. I honor the place in you, where...if you are in that place in you ... and I am in that place in me...then there is only one of us!"
I believe what it says is correct.

Anyways, This is my 1st post on my journey into my new religion (Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism). I am a former catholic, who is now practicing Hinduism. It was a little overwhelming at first, but I started researching about the religion and things started to get easier. I got books from my local library to read up and learn about things. Just two days ago, I got through a condensed version of the Gita. The pieces were starting to come together. I started praying to the Gods. I feel more connected to Lord Krishna and Lord Ganesha. I feel more at peace with my new religion, then I ever have (and ever would) with catholicism. The beginning of journey is so uplifting and inspiring to me...It feels so great!!!

Well I'm making another post to explain about how I got interested in Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). I met a wonderful Guy (He is now my boyfriend and we've been together for almost a year now) and he invited me over to his families house. At first things seemed strange at first. I saw: crosses, pictures of Krishna, Jesus and other various gods in their home. Little did I know about them at first, but it seemed like they were calling to me. I was curious to find out more about those images, so I went on a quest to find out.

One day I asked my boyfriend what religion he was and he said he was Christian. I also asked if his mom was Christian and he said "no, she is practicing Hinduism, and she goes to a temple for service." I wanted to know what Hinduism was, so I started research. Then one day, Just before I was to go to Catholic Church, I was online and had the urge to research some more and it hit me...The more information I found out about Hinduism, the more I felt connected with this religion, and less connected with Catholicism. I remember one night in particular, I had a dream, but it was no ordinary dream. In my dream it seemed like I was at some music concert. As I watched, I saw dancers dancing and chanting. As the dream went on there was sounds to it and people were chanting "Hail Krishna". I decided to find out more, so I started reading the Gita and instantly knew that Hinduism was the religion for me.

I didn't want to be Catholic anymore. I hated all the rules, that if you did even a tincy thing wrong it was considered a sin. I felt more comfortable with myself by practicing Hinduism. I understood the meaning that heart, mind, body, and soul should be at perfect balance in order to find God. I believed that In my past life I was a practicer of Hinduism. I found a connection to the name AAshna, when I was randomly bored and looked up Indian baby names. Aashna means: beloved, devoted to love. I like that and maybe it was my name in my past life. Who knows, it could a sign for the future. I hope to one day find peace with myself and create a great future for my future family (whenever that may be) and teach them the wonderful ways of Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma).





Today, I received shocking news from a friend who read my blog. My friend told me that even people who are devotees of Krishna can sometimes go their whole lives without a clear vision of him (awakenings). She said that I'm very special, because Krishna has chosen me as his own and put his love in my heart. She also said that I am like a angel, that I have the power to turn bad/negative situations into good/positive ones.

I want to one day, help children learn about the ways of Hinduism and teach them to have the love of Krishna/the gods in their hearts. Children like me for some reason and look up to me. They are the future and we should cherish them. It is very inspiring to see the reaction of your teachings in them, them doing good and having the love of Krishna/the gods in their hearts :D!

I want to also share something to you. My boyfriend said to me a few days ago...

"You need to learn on your own to fix your own habits, not rely on me or you will never learn from your mistakes."

That is so very true indeed!!!

You can not learn to fix things, if you rely on someone to do it for you. It makes you lazy. Put your life in motion, make it worth something. Krishna and the gods gave you a life so make the most of it.

One of my favorite personal quotes...

"May the Gods bless you. Thank the Gods for everyday is a blessing, a gift. Don't let your life go to waste. Celebrate your life and praise the Gods always, for they have created you. They gave you a life, a heart, and a soul. Be glad your alive. Always do good, never do bad (Karma)."

I strive to live it in my heart and share my knowledge and love for Krishna/the gods, with others. I hope to inspire people to do good, and have love for Krishna/the gods too!

Sorry I haven't blogged lately. I have been researching a lot about Hinduism. I came across a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, that I love reading. It is easy to understand and is annotated/explained. I am also reading Autobiography of a Yogi, By: Paramahansa Yogananda. I can't stop reading that book. I feel his heart and soul when I'm reading the book. It is as if he is actually with me telling me the story face-to-face.

Over the past few days, I have felt more myself and more devoted to my Gods. When I went to my Catholic church (I go because, I sing in the choir there), I imagined people (like priests) dressed in Middle Eastern/Indian outfits with red dots on their foreheads. While I was praying in church, I could hear the voice of Lord Shri Krishna speaking to me. I am still trying to understand the meaning of all this (If it was part of my past life or is my future...the path I should take). But, eventually this will all make sense in the end.

I had a dream last night and I would like to share it here. In my dream, I was talking to someone (looked like a woman). I saw kids coloring books...one with Jesus and Saints, and the other with Hindu Gods. I asked the person if they were raising their kids both religions (look like this person had kids). She said yes. I took a liking to a perticualar book the person had. It had to do with prayers to Lord Brahma. I told the person this was my favorite book (I don't know why or how it was my favorite book). Then I told the person that I want to raise my kids to practice Hinduism (Sanatana Dharma). I think the dream is my soul telling me that it recognizes the self-realization thing. That it is more then just flesh and bones. It has a past life. The balance perspective (heart, mind, body, and soul acting as one).

I have no clue why I had this dream, but I do remember before going to bed and having the dream, that I was doing something strange. I was sitting on the couch still (like a statue), and not moving or speaking. People have seen me get still and not move or say anything for a few minutes. They/I have no clue why I do this, But I think it is me in meditation mode. As I was still and quiet, I could hear the voice of Lord Shri Krishna speaking to me. I said if you are really Krishna, then show yourself to me. I wanted to see how strong of a connection I have with him. I still don't know why Krishna has personally chose or took a liking to me. But, I do believe that in due time the answer(s) will be reveled to me.

Namaste To All,

Sorry I haven't posted for a while. I've been busy finding myself the past few days. I am so excited to say that I am on a wait list to take a yoga class at my local college. I went to go see my Boyfriend on the 20th of this month (It was our one year relationship anniversary). It was great, I didn't have to hide myself and the Gods gave me an opportunity to tell his mom about my new religious path. She understood about everything and I'm grateful to have her support in this amazing journey :) ! The Gods have blessed me so much the past few days and it is wonderful.

Here's a prayer I got for one of my great friends...

Lord I surrender everything to you, no matter what, I shall continue to love and worship thee, please increase your love in my heart with every breath and step I take

I resite this prayer every night before I go to bed. It has opened a lot of doors for me. I thanks the Gods every night for blessing me with, a wonderful boyfriend, and his mother, and for everything else that is wonderful in my life.



A big apology to all my readers,

It has been several months since I last posted. I got so caught up in my life, and never had time to post regularly on here. I am now back and I will try to be more up-to-date on my post. Thanks for understanding.

Now to my post...

It has been an amazing journey so far. The past few months have been great. I love the Hindu Temple I go to. The people there are so wonderful and all of them (even me) are so committed/devoted to the faith. I went to festivals at the temple throughout New Year's weekend and enjoyed it immensely. I had a few Indians (India, not Native American) come up to me. Two of the ladies said I should major in Hinduism in school, since I am so passionate about the faith and one lady in particular told me the most amazing comment ever. To quote...She said: "I wish my children were as devoted as you are!", it made me smile the biggest smile ever ( :D ) !!! I had so much fun and on New Year's weekend the latest I stayed out till was like 5:00AM (at the temple of course).

~I love being Hindu sooooo much and the experiences I have will last a lifetime. I want to teach my children (when the time comes) the wonders of Hinduism. In fact, I want to become a Hindu Religious Education Teacher, and teach the future generations (children) about the glorious wonders of Hinduism!!!~

This week at temple I had a very inspiring encounter with a Swamiji. Swami Mukundananda came to my temple to speak and do yoga/meditation. I loved his yogasans. They made me feel more flexible and brought me one step closer to better health. The meditations helped me become more focused and at peace. Clear mind & healthy mind = a healthy & fit body. After the yoga/meditation and lectures the people were given indian food. I was blessed to sit by Swamiji. He remembered my name from when i told him earlier in the week. He asked me how I got started in Hinduism. He seem very interested in what I was saying. He seem to like the part where I said I had dreams about Brahma and Krishna. He finished eating and left before he left I waved at him and he waved back. I went and handed him a paper I wrote on my spritual journey. He seemed very happy to recieve it from me. This is a week and a expirance I will never forget. -Jai Shree Guru-

SOURCE:-http://aashna-namaste.blogspot.in/2011/09/very-inspiring-encounter.html

Sage CHYAVANA

Sage Chyavana's story is told in Satapatha Brahmana and very briefly is in Rigveda. His story is told in Mahabharatha in detail. Sage Chyavana is the author of many Hymns in Rigveda. He was the grandson of Brahma. He was half brother to Sage Sukracharya.

1.1 Princess Sukanya pokes Sage Chyavanas’s eyes in play.

The version of this story as told in the Mahabharata and Puranas is as follows:-

Once Sage Chyavana was taKing a penance on the banks of the river Narmada. Chyavana was so absorbed in penance that white ants constructed their nests round his body and left only his eyes visible.

Sukanya, daughter of King Saryata, seeing two bright eyes in what seemed to be an anthill, poked them with a stick in child play and he became blind. The Sage visited King Saryata, and wanted the promise of the King to give him Sukanya in marriage for the offence made by her.

Since his daughter was at fault for the blindness the King was ready to give Sukanya to the Sage in marriage. Sukanya too accepted her folly and expressed readiness to marry the blind Sage in spite of Sage Chyavana looKing old and weak.

1.2 Sukanya and Aswini kumars

Princess Sukanya left the royal Palace and enjoyments and took a life with Sage Chyavana in his hermitage.

One day the Aswini Kumars (sons of Lord Soorya) came by the hermitage. They were attracted to the beauty of Sukanya.

Subsequently the Aswins, showing compassion for her union with so old and ugly a husband as Chyavana, tried to induce her to take one of them in his place as her husband. But Sukanya was such a woman who was very loyal and devoted and chaste.

When their persuasions failed, they told her they were the physicians of the Gods, and would restore her husband Sage Chyavana to youth and beauty by taKing a bath along with them, when she could make her choice between him and one of them. The idea of Aswins was that all the three will look identical after bath and she may get confused and one of them could get her.

1.3 Aswin kumars bathe with Sage Chyvana

Accordingly the three bathed in a pond and came forth of like celestial beauty. Each one asked her to be his bride, and she recognised and chose her own husband. I am told that there is no eye movement for Gods. Sukanya probably knew this.

1.4 Sage Chyavana expresses gratitude to Aswins

Chyavana, in gratitude, compelled Indra to admit the Aswins to a participation of the Soma ceremonial. Indra at first objected, because the Aswins who wandered among men were not to be admitted.

An argument started. Sage Chyavana stayed the arm of Indra when he was about to launch a thunderbolt, and Chyavana created a terrific demon. When the demon was on the point of devouring the King of the Gods Indra, he had no alternate and he submitted and then onwards Aswin kumars could partake in Soma ceremony.

1.5 Children of Sage Chyavana

According to the Mahabharatam, Chyavana was husband of Arushi or Sukanya and father of Sage Aurva. He is also considered to be the father of Sage Harita. We will have the stories about Sage Aurva and Sage Harita later.

1.6 Rig Vedic version of Sage Chyavana

In the Rig-Veda it is said that when "Chyavana had grown old and had been forsaken, the Aswins divested him of his decrepit body, prolonged his life, and restored him to youth, maKing him acceptable to his wife, and the husband of maidens."

1.7 Amplified version of Sukanya story in Satapatha Brahmana

The story of Sage Chyavana and Sukanya is amplified in the Satapatha Brahmana: - The Sage Chyavana assumed a shrivelled form and laid as if abandoned. The sons of Saryata, a descendant of Manu, found this body, and pelted it with clods. Chyavana was greatly incensed, and to appease him Saryata yoked his chariot, and taKing with him his daughter Sukanya, presented her to Chyavana.

The Aswins endeavoured to seduce her, but she remained faithful to her shrivelled husband, and under the direction of Sage Chyavana she told them they are incomplete and imperfect.

Sukanya consented to tell Aswini kumars in what respect they were deficient, if they would make her husband young again.

They directed that he should bathe in a certain pond, and having done so, he came forth with the age that he desired. She then informed them that they were imperfect because they were excluded from a sacrifice the other Gods were performing. They departed and succeeded in getting admitted to join the other Gods.

1.8 Mahabharata version - Chyavana starts Yagya

According to the Maha-bharata, Chyavana sought Indra to allow the Aswins to partake of the libations of Soma. Indra replied that the other Gods might do as they pleased, but he would not consent.

Chyavana then commenced a sacrifice to the Aswins; the other Gods were subdued, but Indra, in a rage, rushed with a mountain in one hand and his thunderbolt in another to crush Chyavana. The Sage having sprinkled him with water, stopped him and "created a fearful open-mouthed monster called Mada, having teeth and grinders of portentous length, and jaws - one of which enclosed the earth, the other the sky - and the Gods, including Indra, are said to have been at the tip of his tongue like fishes in the mouth of a sea monster."

In this predicament, Indra granted the demand of Chyavana, who was thus the cause of the Aswins becoming drinkers of the Soma.

1.9 Chyavana creates palace for King Kusika

In another part of the Maha-bharata, Sage Chyavana is represented as exacting many offers from King Kusika and his wife. Later, he rewarded them by "creating a magical golden palace," and predicted the birth of "a grandson of great beauty and heroism – Sage Parasurama."

1.10 Birth story of Sage Chyavana

The Maha-bharata, interpreting his name as signifying `the fallen,’ accounts for it by a legend, which represents his mother, Puloma, wife of Bhrigu, as having been carried off by the demon Puloman. She was pregnant, and in her fright the child fell from her womb. The demon was softened, and let the mother depart with her infant.

1.11 Chyavana prasa Lehiam (Chyavanprash Legyam)

The Chyavana prasa Lehiam, an ayurvedic preparation made with a good percentage of Amla fruit, is said to bring youth, vigour and vitality immediately. Hence the Lehiam is named after Sage Chyvana who looked very old and became young by taKing bath in a pond as directed by Aswin kumars.

1.12 Chyavana – pravara Sage of Srivatsa Gothra

I am born in Srivatsa Gothra. Chyvana appeared as the 2<sup>nd Sage in the pravara of Srivatsa Gothra. The pravara Sages are as follows in Srivatsa Gothra: "Bhargava, Chyvana, Aplavana, Aurva, Jamadagniya-Pancharisheya….."

SUMMARY

Sage Chyavana was the son of Sage Brighu. His wife was Sukanya. His sons were Harita and Aurva. Sukracharya was his half brother. Chyavana was associated with King Kusika and created a magical golden palace for him. Sage Parasurama was King Kusika’s grandson.</sup>

Henri Le Saux and Fr Bede Griffith (christians with hindu faith)

Henri Le Saux [who later became Swami Abhishiktananda] and Fr Bede Griffith [later Swami Dayananda]. Both were Benedictine monks, ordained by Catholic church. Le Saux was from France while Bede Griffith was from England. Fr Bede studied at Oxford; C S Lewis was his tutor too.
Both were drawn to Hindu religious approaches and tradition keeping their Catholic faith intact.
Henri Le Saux [Swami Abhishiktananda]
Le Saux spent sometime with Bhagavan Ramana. After Bhagavan's passing , he meditated in a cave behind the Ashram in the sacred hill of Arunachala. He founded the ashram [Hindu style] called " Shantivanam" in Kulitalai , 35 kms from Trichy in a tropical garden, along with another monk. [Shanti-vanam means "Forest of Peace'][About 250 km from Chennai] After many years of service there,he went to Thirukoilur, studied Hindu scriptures and was ordained a monk by Swami Gnanananda; was given the name Abhishiktananda. He had one foot in Catholic faith and another in Hinduism. He faced stiff opposition from Christian groups.
Le Saux made a big change later. He left Shantivanam and went to Uttar Kashi [near Rishikesh] and built a small hermitage for himself to live like a Hindu hermit. He lived there in deep contemplation and died there. His chief disciple there was another Frenchman who became Swami Ajatananda. You find an ashrma in his name in Rishikesh. After following Swami Abhshiktananda, Swami Ajatananda left the ashram and disappeared into the Himalayas.
Meanwhile , Fr Bede Griffith who was in Kerala, moved over to Shantivanam to expand it further. Fr Bede remained at Shantivanam for the rest of his life. He did travel to the west to give lectures and initiate "Inter-faith dialogue"-- after the second Vatican Council which prompted such dialogues from Rome.

Fr. Bede Griffith with Wayne Teasdale
Wayne Teasdale, an American of protestant faith, was drawn to Fr. Bede, spent several years with him in Shantivanam. He later expanded the base of interfaith dialogue or interfaith spirituality as it is called now in the USA. By his work, Shantivanam became famous ,attracting lot of christian devotees to India. Several ashrams called "Shantivanam" have sprung up in the USA.

Sri Sita Thakurani

Sri Sita Thakurani is to be worshiped just as much as Sacidevi herself, as the mother of the universe. She is the eternal wife of Sri Advaita Acharya. She was the daughter of Sri Nrishinga Baduri. She was married to Sri Advaita Acharya in Phuliya Nagara.
After their wedding, Advaita Acharya went to Nadiya, to live in Shantipura. Sita Thakurani was always absorbed in vatsalya prema for Sri Gaurasundara Prabhu, and, out of parental concern used to instruct Jagannatha Mishra on how to care for the boy. Sri Krishna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami has described the birth celebration at the house of Jagannatha Mishra upon the advent of the Lord, giving special attention to the position of Sri Sita Thakurani. Advaita Acharya's wife, worshipable by all the three worlds was Sita Thakurani. Taking the Acharya's orders on her head, she had come to take a look at this new child, this jewel of jewels, and to offer him presents.
On the eve of his son's advent Sri Jagannatha Mishra, seeing the imminent signs of his child's arrival, sent word to Advaita Acharya in Shantipura that the long-awaited child was being born. Hearing news of the advent of this unprecedented child, Advaita Acharya floated in the waves of ecstasy. With Sri Haridasa Thakura, he went to bathe in the river, and, after much dancing and song, he sent his wife to go quickly to Mayapura in Navadwipa.
According to Gaura-Ganodesha-Dipika, Sri Sita Thakurani is Yogamaya. The Gaura-Parshada-Charitvali says that in Krishna Lila, she was Purnamasi, the mother of Sandipani Muni, grandmother of Madhumangal and Nandimukhi and a disciple of Narada Muni. (Gaura-Ganodesha-Dipika, however, says that Paurnamasi in Krishna-lila became Sri Govinda Acharya in Chaitanya lila.)
In Dvapara-yuga, during the celebration of Krishna's birth ceremony, she was present in the house of Nanda, and at that time gave Nanda and Yashoda many instructions on how to care for the child. The Caitanya-Caritamrita gives the following account of Sita Thakurani's visit to the house of Jagannatha Mishra after the birth of the Lord:
"One day, shortly after Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu was born, Advaita Acharya's wife, Sitadevi, who is worshipable by the whole world, taking permission of her husband, went to see that topmost child with all kinds of gifts and presents. She brought different kinds of golden ornaments, including bangles for the hand, armlets, neclaces, and anklets. There were also tiger nails set in gold, waist decorations of silk and lace, ornaments for the hands and legs, nicely printed silken saris and a child's garment, also made of silk. Many other riches, including gold and silver coinds, were also presented for the child.
Riding in a palanquin covered with cloth and accompanied by maidservants, Sita Thakurani came to the house of Jagannatha Mishra, bringing with her many auspicious articles such as fresh grass, paddy, gorocana, turmeric, kunkuma, and sandalwood. All these presentations filled a big basket. When Sita Thakurani came to the house of Sacidevi, bringing with her many kinds of eatables, dresses, and other gifts, she was astonished to see the newly born child, for she appreciated that except for a difference in color, the child was directly Krishna of Gokula Himself.
Seeing the transcendental bodily effulgence of the child, each of His nicely constructed limbs full of auspicious signs and resembling a form of gold, Sita Thakurani was very much pleased, and because of her maternal affection, she felt as if her heart were melting. She blessed the newly born child by placing fresh grass and paddy on His head and saying, "May You be blessed with a long duration of life." But being afraid of ghosts and witches, she gave the child the name Nimai. On the day that the mother and son took bath and left the maternity room, Sita Thakurani gave them all kinds of ornaments and garments, and then also honored Jagannatha Mishra. Then Sita Thakurani, being honored by mother Sacidevi and Jagannatha Mishra, was greatly happy within her mind, and thus she returned home."
From that day on, Sita Thakurani would often come to Mayapura from Shantipura, in order to teach Sacimata how to care for the new baby. She would give her many different instructions on how to raise children. And after helping with the child in this way, she would return to Shantipura. When it came time for the child's birthday ceremony, Jagannatha Mishra and Sacidevi let the worshipable Sita Thakurani be the first to offer the child his new clothes.
Advaita Acharya Prabhu also had a house in Navadwipa. There he would live from time to time and discuss Krishna-katha with the devotees headed by Srivasa, diving and surfacing in the waves of joy until the break of dawn. After Sri Gaurasundara's appearance, all the devotees prayed together with Sri Advaita Acharya and Sita Thakurani that the child might live long in Mayapura and have good fortune.
Sita Thakurani and Sacidevi were of one mind; the baby Nimai was their life and soul. Every day Sita Thakurani would go to the house of Sacidevi and help her with the care and nurturing of the boy. In the house of Jagannatha Mishra, the divine child increased the pleasure of the eyes and minds of all the devotees, just as the waxing moon gradually grows more brilliant with each passing day.
After several years, when Jagannatha Mishra's son Vishvarupa - Nimai's older brother - had grown up, he suddenly took sannyasa. The grief and agony of Jagannatha Mishra and Sacidevi upon their son's leaving was great. Gaurasundara was also dismayed and unhappy at his brother's separation. At that time Advaita Acharya and Sita Thakurani consoled Jagannatha Mishra and Sita Thakurani, and helped take care of Nimai.
Srivasa Pandit's wife Malini Devi also was always very affectionate towards the child, nurturing him and caring for him. She and Sacidevi were of one mind in doing this.
After exhibiting his childhood pastimes, Nimai gradually progressed into his Kishora-lila, or pastimes of youth. After some time, he went to Gaya and revealed his true form and real purpose. Having returned from Gaya he gathered all the devotees at the house of Srivasa Angan for the purpose of beginning kirtan. At that time, Advaita Acharya brought Sita Thakurani from Shantipura to Mayapura, and, having arrived there was the first to worship the lotus feet of Sri Caitanya.
Gradually Sri Gaurasundara began, in Navadwipa, to unfold his kirtan pastimes, wishing to deliver the fallen souls. As time went by he took sannyasa and turned his face towards Vrindavana, and ran off, half mad into the jungle in search for Sri Krishna. Upon hearing this, Sri Sita Thakurani spent four days with Sacidevi, who, plunged in the darkness of separation as if the sun had left the sky forever, lay fallen on the ground like one near death.
Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, being bound by the ropes of love, was unable to go to Vrindavana, but was drawn to return to Shantipura. When he arrived in Shantipura, Advaita Acharya and Sita Thakurani felt as if their life has returned. After having fasted for four days, Sri Gaurasundara accepted prasada cooked by the hand of Sita Thakurani.
Previous to taking sannyasa also, Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu along with Nityananda Prabhu would, from time to time go to the house of Advaita in Shantipura, where they would have a festival and perform Krishna-nama-lila-kirtan all day and all night. The beautiful nature of this subject has been described by Sri Parameshvari Dasa Thakura in his Sri Pada Kalpataru as follows:
One day the Lord laughed, having arrived in the temple of Sri Advaita and thus the son of Saci took his seat. Along with Nityananda, Advaita sat down, and the two of them began playfully assessing the idea of having a festival. Hearing all this, Sita Thakurani entered smiling. At that time, in sweet words which made the minds of those who heard them blissful, the son of Saci ruled that there must be a great festival. He said, "Listen Sita Thakurani: we shall extend invitations to all the different Vaishnavas who live nearby. Let whoever hears the sound of our song, resounding through the air, come and join us. We shall invite one and all."
Saying this, Sri Gaurachandra gave orders to the devotees saying,
"You, invite the Vaishnavas."
"You, ready the mridanga and karatalas."
"You, prepare sandalwood and aguru for distribution."
"Have everything ready at the ghat."
"Carrying out these assignments expertly, and after garlanding the devotees with flower garlands, the devotees shall gather together in a circle for an uproarious kirtan."
Hearing the words of Mahaprabhu, the devotees followed his orders with great affection, collecting garlands, sandalwood, betel, ghee, honey, and milk, and everything else essential for worhsiping the Lord. The different gifts and fragrant articles for the devotees and the Lord were then distributed in the proper ways. The kirtan began at midday. At that time everyone chanted "Hari! Hari!" and the mridanga made the whole kirtan auspicious. Thus swims Parameshavara Dasa in the rasik pastimes of the Lord.
After Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu took sannyasa and went to live in Jagannatha Puri, Sri Advaita Acharya and Sita Thakurani used to go and visit him each year, bringing their son Achyutananda with them. On one such occasion, Sita Thakurani prepared some of the Lord's favorite preparations for him and invited Him to their home to take lunch. Simply to increase their ecstasy, the Lord, who was always absorbed in Krishna Nama, honored their invitation and took lunch in the home of Advaita and Sita.
Sita Thakurani, being always overwhelmed with vatsalya-prema treated him as affectionately as if he were her own son. The Lord himself also treated her with the same kind of regard and affection that he had for Sacidevi herself. Sri Sita Thakurani bore three sons, Achyutananda, Krishna Mishra and Gopala Mishra, who were followers of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
According to Bhakti-Ratnakara, Sri Sita Thakurani's father was Sri Nrishimha Baduri. Sita Thakurani also had a sister, Sri. According to the Gaura-Ganoddesha-Dipika, Sita Thakurani, the wife of Sri Advaita Acharya, is Yogamaya, and her sister Sri is the prakasha, or manifestation, of Yogamaya. (yogamaya bhagavati, grihini tasya sampratam, sita rupenavatirna, "Sri" namni tat prakashatah)

Sri Gopala Guru Goswami

Gopal Guru Goswami was born in an Orissan Brahmin family. His father’s name was Murari Pandit. His mother’s name is unknown. While still a child, he had the opportunity to serve Mahaprabhu through Govinda, the Lord’s servant. His original name was Makaradhvaja Pandit, but Mahaprabhu used to affectionately call him Gopal. His name is found in neither the Chaitanya Charitamrita nor the Chaitanya Bhagavat.
He was initiated by Vakresvara Pandit, one of the Lord’s close associates living in Jagannath Puri. ^{[FN. See vol. 1, chapter 16]} This is confirmed in the book Vakresvara-carita, where the following passage is found:
There are five branches in the lineage descending from Vakresvara Pandit--those coming from Chandrasekhara, Shankararanya Acharya, Govindananda, Devananda and Gopal Guru, whose qualities are beyond description.
From the book Guru-pranai, which is published by the Radhakanta Math, we learn that Gopal Guru Goswami’s identity in Vraja-lila was as the sakhi Maïjumedha.

How He Got the Name Gopal Guru

There is a legend surrounding the addition of the word guru to his name. There was once a devotee in Puri who was particularly attached to the chanting of the Holy Names. As a matter of fact, the chanting had become automatic for him, so that his tongue muttered the names incessantly. One day Gopal Guru saw this devotee on his way to the toilet, holding his tongue between his fingers because he did not wish to chant the Holy Name while engaged in an impure act. Gopal Guru was just a lad, but he was able to understand why the devotee was doing this and he said to him, “What are you doing? Don’t you know that there are no regulations governing the time and place for chanting the Holy Name? One should chant the Name in all times and circumstances, pure or impure. If you were not able to chant while defecating, how would you be able to have an auspicious death, should death suddenly come upon him at that time?” Mahaprabhu overheard Gopal sharing this wisdom with the Vaishnava and was very impressed and he announced to all his devotees that Gopal was doing the work of a guru. From that day on, the young Makaradhvaja Pandit was known as Gopal Guru. Because he both preached and practiced, he was factually acting as an acharya or guru.
It did not take long for his fame to spread through the Vaishnava world. Abhiram Thakur had the reputation of being able to verify whether a stone was a real Vishnushila or Shalagrama shila by paying his obeisances to it. If not real, it would crack or turn into dust. Only a pure Vaishnava would be able to tolerate his obeisances, otherwise they could prove fatal. When the Vaishnavas heard that Abhiram Thakur had come to Puri to test Gopal Guru, they were anxious for the boy due to their affection for him. Mahaprabhu realized that everyone was troubled and so he placed his foot on Gopal’s forehead, thus creating the distinctive tilaka marking which is used by those in Gopal Guru’s spiritual lineage. Gopal was still frightened and sat in the Lord’s lap for protection. Thus Abhiram’s obeisances did him no harm.

The Service of Radhakanta Deva

Maharaj Prataparudra’s father Purushottam Deva brought several deities back from Kaïci with him after defeating that city’s king. Among these deities was the murti of Radhakanta. This deity was first placed in a small temple on the northwestern corner of Jagannath’s Chatrabhoga temple, but later, Prataparudra’s guru Kashi Mishra asked to be given the deity for his personal service. Kashi Mishra had bequeathed everything he possessed to Mahaprabhu as he had no children of his own. Mahaprabhu then gave the service of Radhakanta, his temple and the surrounding gardens, etc., to Gopal Guru. His guru, Vakresvara Pandit, himself never sat on the gadi, i.e., never acted as acharya, at Radhakanta Math. Rather, he stayed absorbed in kirtan and dancing in the company of Mahaprabhu. The tithi marking Mahaprabhu’s bestowal of Radhakanta’s service on Gopal Guru is celebrated on the Shukla Dvadashi of Magh. On this day, he also gave him the post of first acharya of the Radhakanta Math and the occasion is marked annually by an abhishek of the present-day abbot of the Math.
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur has written the following about Gopal Guru Goswami: “Vakresvara Pandit’s disciple Gopal Guru Goswami is currently abbot of Mahaprabhu’s own math in the house of Kashi Mishra in Purushottam. He has completely memorized the teachings of Sri Svarupa Damodar Goswami.”
(Jaiva Dharma)
Svarupa Damodar’s method of worshiping in the madhura-rasa was spread through the world through two different lines: one through Raghunath Das Goswami which was carried through Krishna Das Kaviraj Goswami, the other through Vakresvara Pandit and Gopal Guru Goswami. Gopal Guru wrote two books on the subject, Smarana-krama-paddhati (“A guidebook to the steps to remembering”) or Seva-smarana-paddhati (“A guidebook to remembering and service”) and Gaura-govindarcana-paddhati (“A guidebook to Gaura-Govinda’s deity worship”).
From the time of Gopal Guru, Kashi Mishra’s house was known as Radhakanta Math. During Kashi Mishra’s lifetime, there was only a single deity of Krishna. From the time of Gopal Guru, a deity of Radha was placed at Radhakanta’s left side and a deity of Lalita on his right. Deities of Gauranga and Nityananda were also installed. The temple buildings were repaired and enlarged during this time, between 1538 and 1548 AD.
In the Orissan language a small separate room situated on temple grounds is given the name gambhira. Bhaktivinoda Thakur has written, “In the customary architecture of a temple in Orissa, the deity room itself has a verandah (alinda) facing it. Facing the verandah is a paved and covered area known as the dalana. A small room within this area is given the name gambhira.” The Gambhira at Kashi Mishra’s house marks the place where Mahaprabhu performed his meditation and where he slept. From the time of Gopal Guru, Mahaprabhu’s wooden shoes and a quilt which was made either by Svarupa Damodar Goswami or Jagadananda Pandit are kept and worshiped in the Gambhira. There is also a waterpot made of clay from the Vraja area which was formerly used by Mahaprabhu. There is also a wooden waterpot which was put there in later times.
From Bhakti-ratnakara we learn that Narottama Das Thakur met Gopal Guru when he visited Puri.
Narottama visited the house of Kashi Mishra where he met Gopal Guru... Gopal Guru became emotional and embraced Narottama Das.
(Bhakti-ratnakara 8.382, 389)

Miraculous Events at Gopal Guru’s Death

A few legends of miraculous events are told about Gopal Guru. When he started to grow old, he turned the responsibility for the Radhakanta Math over to his disciple Dhyanacandra. When Gopal Guru died not long after, his successor was overcome with grief. He took his guru’s body to the Svarga-dvara (“The gate to heaven”) on the seafront. In the meantime, some representatives of a government department blocked off the temple, claiming that the transferal had been done without ministerial sanction. When Dhyanacandra heard that this was going on, he fell at the lotus feet of his guru’s body, tears flowing from his eyes. Though Gopal Guru’s body was on the funeral pyre, the prayers of his dear disciple reached him and he was resuscitated, chanting the Holy Names in sankirtan. As soon as the government representatives heard of this event, they became fearful and abandoned their effort to take over the temple. Gopal Guru returned to the temple and make a properly legal transfer of ownership to his disciple and disappeared some time later on the Karttik Shukla Navami.

A year after Gopal Guru disappeared, when some devotees who had made the trip to Puri for the Rathayatra returned to Vraja, they were amazed to see Gopal Guru sitting chanting japa under a Pakuria tree in Vamshi-bata. They sent the message to Dhyanacandra in Puri and he immediately hurried to Vrindavan to see his guru. He fell down at his feet and begged to be allowed to stay in Vraja, even though Gopal Guru told him to go back to Puri and take care of his responsibilities. Finally Gopal told Dhyanacandra, “If you feel such separation from me that you are unable to tolerate it, then have an image of me made out of a neem tree and place it in front of the altar room of the temple and worship it.” This is what was done and the statue of Gopal Guru Goswami is worshiped at the Radhakanta Math to this day.

Gopal Guru Goswami’s Sucaka Kirtan

The following kirtan is sung on Gopal Guru’s disappearance day.

Verse 1
are mora gopala guru bhakati kalapa taru
makaradhvaja nama janhara
shri krishna caitanya janke gopala baliye dake
dekhi shishu caritra udara Verse 2
gaurangera seva-rase sadai anande bhase
gora binu nahi jane an
tileka na dekhi janre dhairaja dharite nare
gora jena gopalera pran
Verse 3
gopala shishura prati shiksa dila eka riti
prabhu premaveshe dhuli dhuli
kahe sabe are are aji haite gopalere
dakiba gopala guru bali
Verse 4
gopale karuna dekhi sabara sajala ankhi
sukhera samudra uchalila
sabe kahe anupama shri gopala guru nama
prabhu datta jagate vyapila
Verse 5
gopalera guru-bhakti kahite nahika shakti
sadai prasanna vakreshvara
mahamatta nija-gite nahika upama dite
sarva cittakarsha kalevara
Verse 6
dekhila sakala thani emana dayalu nai
keba na jagate yasha ghoshe
sabe kaila prema-patra haila vaïcita matra
narahari nija karma doshe

1. O Gopal Guru, you are my devotional desire tree. Your name was previously Makaradhvaja, but Sri Krishna Chaitanya called you Gopal because your behavior as a child reminded him of Gopal Krishna.
2. You were always absorbed in the joy of serving Gauranga; indeed you knew nothing other than him. You could not tolerate being separated from the Lord for even a moment; it was as if Gora was Gopal’s very life.
3. One day, Gopal taught some devotional practices to a child. The Lord was so ecstatic that he said to everyone, from today on, I will call Gopal, “guru”.
4. Tears filled the devotees’ eyes when they saw how merciful the Lord was to Gopal; it was as though the ocean of joy was overflowing. Everyone said that the name Gopal Guru was extraordinary, and as it was given by the Lord, it soon spread throughout the world.
5. I am incapable of describing Gopal’s devotion to his guru, Vakresvara, who was always satisfied with him. No one can compare to Gopal Guru who was always intoxicated in singing his own devotional songs and whose appearance was attractive to everyone.
6. Everyone recognized that there was no one as merciful as he. Who in the world did not sing his glories? He made everyone worthy of loving ecstasy, only I, Narahari, have been deprived because of my own misdeeds.
[Excerpted from "Sri Chaitanya: His Life & Associates" by Srila Bhakti Ballabh Tirtha Maharaj]