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Once, in a quiet town, there lived a kind and generous man who helped many people. He longed for a child, so he served a holy devotee with great love. The grateful devotee gave him a blessing and said, “You will have three sons. The first two will be ordinary, but your youngest will be very special, like the Lord Himself.” Years went by, and the man became the father of three sons. The youngest, Damodardasji, was born in the year 1473. The moment he was born, the whole house was filled with a soft, glowing light. There were special marks on the baby’s forehead and his arms were long. Everyone who saw him felt that something wonderful had happened. When Damodardasji was still a baby, an astrologer came and looked at his stars. He said, “This child’s blessings will help many souls find happiness and peace.” Damodardasji grew up with a bright and gentle heart. His face glowed, and his nature was always calm and loving. From the time he was very little, he always thought about Shri Mahapra...

Step-by-Step Meditation (Dhyāna) as per Srimad Bhagavatam

Step-by-Step Meditation (Dhyāna) as per Srimad Bhagavatam (with full detail and direct scriptural references) Here is a very detailed, step-by-step explanation of what to do with eyes closed during meditation, strictly as described in Srimad Bhagavatam —especially focusing on the practice of dhyāna (meditation) on Krishna or Vishnu’s form. All steps are based only on direct, cited verses and passages from Canto 2, Chapter 2 and Canto 3, Chapter 28 (Kapiladeva’s teachings to Devahuti). 1. Preparation Before Closing the Eyes Sit in a clean, quiet place in a comfortable, steady posture ( SB 2.1.40–41; 3.28.4, 9 ). Practice breath control and withdraw the senses from external objects ( SB 3.28.8 ). Firmly resolve to focus only on the Supreme Lord in your heart, with humility and devotion ( SB 3.28.4–5 ). 2. What is Meditation? (Srimad Bhagavatam's Definition) Meditation (Dhyāna) in the Bhagavatam means deeply focusing the mind on the Supreme Lord (primarily Lord Kris...

84 Vaishnav Story 02 Krishnadas Meghan

A long time ago, there lived a kind and gentle soul named Krishnadas Meghan. He listened and learned from his yogi guru and spent his days in deep prayer and meditation. One day, while his guru was meditating, he felt in his heart that Shri Krishna had come to earth, but he did not know where. When he told Krishnadas Meghan about this, Krishnadas Meghan felt a great desire to find the Lord himself. With his guru’s blessing, Krishnadas Meghan set out on a long journey, traveling far and wide to find Shri Krishna’s true form. After many years, he finally met Shri Mahaprabhuji. As soon as Krishnadas Meghan saw him, he felt a deep love in his heart and knew at once that this was the Lord he had been searching for. He bowed down, became his disciple, and followed Shri Mahaprabhuji everywhere. One day, while Shri Mahaprabhuji and his followers were walking in the mountains to visit the wise Shri Veda Vyasa, a huge rock came rolling down the hill. Krishnadas Meghan bravely jumped in front o...

The Divine Birth of Shri Vallabhacharyaji

The Divine Birth of Shri Vallabhacharyaji Adapted for StoryTimeLover.com – Nurturing Hindu Values at Bedtime A Special Promise in Andhra Pradesh Long ago, in the beautiful land of Andhra Pradesh, there lived a family of learned Brahmins called the Vellanadu or Vellanatiya. They loved Shri Vishnu and followed the wise teachings of Vishnu Swami. For generations, they performed many holy rituals called Somayagnas, offering their prayers and love to Bhagvan Shri Krishna. Among them was a very devoted man named Shri Yagnanarayana Bhattaji. He prayed deeply, and one day, Shri Krishna Himself appeared before him. The Lord promised, “After your family completes 100 Somayagnas, I will be born in your family.” Yagnanarayana Bhattaji and his children took this blessing to heart and continued their faithful worship. The Family Moves to Varanasi Years passed, and Yagnanarayana’s descendant, Lakshmana Bhattaji, was born. He grew up to be wise and kind, just like his ancestors. Lakshmana...

84 Vaishnav Story 06 Seth Purshottamdas

Long ago in the city of Benaras, there lived a kind and wealthy man named Seth Purushottamdas. One day, while Shri Mahaprabhuji was visiting the holy city, Seth Purushottamdas saw him by the river. He felt a deep love and respect for Shri Mahaprabhuji, so he came near, bowed his head, and asked to become his disciple. Shri Mahaprabhuji kindly accepted him, along with his son, Gopaldas, and his daughter, Rukmini. Seth Purushottamdas asked Shri Mahaprabhuji what he should do next. Shri Mahaprabhuji told him to begin serving Shri Krishna with devotion. Seth Purushottamdas used the money he had to start building a temple for Shri Krishna, whom he lovingly called Shri Madan Mohanji. While building, they found a beautiful statue of Shri Madan Mohanji and also discovered a hidden treasure. With happiness in his heart, Seth Purushottamdas started offering the best food, clothes, and jewels to Shri Madan Mohanji every day. Even though Seth Purushottamdas loved Shri Krishna very much, he alway...

84 Vaishnav Story 03 Damodardas Sambhalavare

Later, while taking another sacred bath at the river, Damodardasji found a little copper box in the water where the Yamuna and Ganga meet. That night, Shri Krishnaji came to Damodardasji in a dream and told him, “You must find the person who can read the words on this box. That person should be your guru.” The next day, Damodardasji showed his copper box to many holy people, but no one could read it. Then, he met Seth Purushottamdas, who told him that only Shri Mahaprabhuji could read the box and shared wonderful stories about his guru. Some time passed, and while Shri Mahaprabhuji was traveling through India, he stopped at a garden near Damodardasji’s town. Shri Mahaprabhuji asked Krishnadasji to fetch supplies from town, but to keep his arrival a secret. “Only those with true love will find me,” he said. On the main street, Damodardasji saw Krishnadasji and quickly guessed that Shri Mahaprabhuji must be close by. He sent his horse home and quietly followed Krishnadasji to the garde...

84 Vaishnav Story 04 Padmanabhadas

Padmanabhadas was a wise Brahmin who lived in Kannauja with his family. He spent his days sharing stories from holy books like the Shrimad Bhagavatam. One day, Shri Mahaprabhuji came to his town and spoke about Shri Krishnaji’s love. Padmanabhadas listened closely, and from that moment, his heart was touched. He felt sure that Shri Mahaprabhuji was a true saint and became his disciple. That same day, Shri Mahaprabhuji explained that holy scriptures should not be read just to earn money. Hearing this, Padmanabhadas promised never to use the sacred words for making a living again. Shri Mahaprabhuji heard his promise and gently asked, “You are a Brahmin. How will you feed your family?” Padmanabhadas first thought he could beg for food, but soon realized it did not feel right. Instead, he decided to collect wood to support his family, even though it was hard work. Later, Shri Mahaprabhuji blessed Padmanabhadas, his wife, and children, and told them, “Always do seva for Shri Krishna.” Padma...

The Birth and Wisdom of Sage Vyasa: The Great Compiler of the Vedas

The Story of Sage Vyasa: The Great Compiler of the Vedas From Canto 1: Creation (Adhikarana) — A Bedtime Story for Young Vaishnavs Once Upon a Time… Long, long ago, in the beautiful land of ancient India, lived a wise and powerful sage named Parashara. Parashara was the son of Sage Shakti and the grandson of the great Sage Vashishtha, who was one of the Saptarishis—the seven eternal sages. Parashara was known for his deep knowledge and powerful penance. One day, Parashara needed to cross the mighty river Yamuna. A gentle fisherwoman named Satyavati, who lived by the river, came to his aid. Satyavati was the daughter of a fisherman and was famous for her kindness and gentle nature. She helped travelers cross the river in her small boat. When Parashara met Satyavati, he sensed her purity and goodness. The sage asked Satyavati for a boon: he wished for a son who would be wise, learned, and would do great things for the world. Satyavati was surprised, but the sage explained that ...

84 Vaishnav Varta 1 - Damodardas Harsani

Now the first sevak of Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu was Damodardas, whom Shri Acharyaji called “Damala.” His discourse and its sentiment are spoken of here. Bhav Prakash (Revealing of the Sentiment): Shri Acharyaji Mahaprabhu called Damodardas “Damala.” From this, one may think that “Damala” means “Amala” (pure), removing impurity. But there may arise a doubt: if ordinary Vaishnavas are already free of impurity, then what is the purpose of calling Damodardas by a name that signifies impurity (Mala) being removed? It is said that in the path of devotion, when there is love for Shri Thakurji, then one is called “Amala” (pure). But when there is even greater love for Shri Acharyaji than for Shri Thakurji, then such a person is truly “Amala.” Damodardas had steadfast and unwavering love for Shri Acharyaji. Once, Shri Acharyaji was lying down with his head resting in Damodardas’s lap. At that time, Shri Govardhandhar himself manifested. Damodardas stopped him, saying: “Do not come near, Mahapr...

84 Vaishnav Story 23 Tripurdas Kayasth

Tripurdasji was a young boy whose father worked for a king. One day, Tripurdasji and his father traveled with the king to a big city named Agra to meet the emperor. On their way back, the group stopped at a very holy place called Govardhan Hill. This place is very special because Shri Krishna played there long ago. When Tripurdasji saw the beautiful form of Shri Nathji at Govardhan, he was filled with joy. He stayed there for three whole days, just looking at the Lord. His heart forgot everything else in the world. On the third day, the king wanted to return, but Tripurdasji was too sad to leave. He even got a high fever from the thought of going away. Seeing his deep love for Shri Krishna, his father allowed him to stay for two more months. With happiness, Tripurdasji said goodbye to his father and went back to Shri Nathji. Not long after, during another battle, the king’s group was attacked, and sadly, Tripurdasji’s father lost his life. When Tripurdasji heard this, he did not cry....

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