Parividha

Home

2010-03-17T17:03:00.017+01:00

Most of my productions were recorded in England with the help of many friends

All of the musicals and dramas are about pastimes of the Lord or His devotees
In the comedies I have tried to get one or more philosophical points across
Most of the productions have been recorded with the staging in mind.
You may freely use them as a soundtrack for a performance
They are ideal to be used in a big venue or tent
They are available on CD and mp3
Hare Krishna

Info: parividha.acbsp@pamho.net

Comedy Slideshow

2010-03-17T17:02:00.017+01:00

Drama Slideshow

2010-03-10T09:26:00.014+01:00

Musical Slideshow

2009-09-09T16:56:00.075+02:00

Reviews Soul Time Perf.

2009-07-16T16:37:00.126+02:00

Mahaprabhu das (Organizer ISKCON Communications Seminar 2011)
Thank you very much for coming to Radhadesh to put up your quality presentations. All those, who saw the performances, very much appreciated your dedication, devotional attitude and professionalism.

Bhakta das (Organizer Melbourne Rathayatra 2011)
Parividha Prabhu's performance was so entertaining and the diverse audience of both young and old truly loved his act. He had the crowd in fits of laughter as he sang his unique interpretive songs. He performed his complete musical show also for our congregation at the temples theater and at a program held at the Shiva Ashram, where again he showed his skill as an entertainer by winning over the audience with his superb presentation of song, dance and comedy.

Dinadayal das (Secretary Euro GBC)
Your presentations at the European Leaders Meeting 2010 in Prabhupadesh were swimmingly building mosaic of Krishna consciousness, clearly showing the way how devotional theater and cabaret could be look like. Thank you so much for the art you are creating.

Brahma Muhurta das (Organizer Janmastami/Vyasapuja Festival 2009 Korsnasgard Sweden)
Musicals and Broadway are the antipodes of what I like in art and culture. I have no taste for Liza, cats, phantoms, or fiddlers on a roof, so when Parividha came to Sweden to perform his adaptations, I expected little. Then came the surprise. Here was something genuine and sober. Deep emotions, beautifully expressed, as if painted in movement and sound. Especially the sad songs, those sad, sad stories. About the sannyasi who had failed and was about to drown himself. About the devotee who had ended up in prison. About the father who just had lost his son. I felt the anguish and the pain of every single one of them. I was there at the Triveni, the prison, and the death bed. Once again it's proven that everything, even Broadway, can be engaged in Krishna's service, if done with love, devotion, sensibility, and expertise. Parividha's got it all. Highly recommended.

Rajadharma das (Organizer Lord Balarama's Festival 2009 New Mayapur France)
Parividha prabhu is a great stage performer, who brought color, animation and great fun to our festival. Although the circumstances were very difficult, with the CD player not functioning properly and with no stage, he performed impeccably, endowed with immense self control. He's a treasure house of humor, poetry and tolerance and can so nicely entertain an audience. Parividha prabhu and his team: A performance not to be missed!

Baladeva Keilman (Organizer Kulimela Radhadesh 2008)
I was very happy to see that the Kulimela crowd of primarily vaishnava / ISKCON youth was captivated by your performance. I noticed my father was laughing furiously for one. Thank you for everything.

Ravin Ganatra (Organizer Janmastami/Vyasapuja Festival 2008 at the Manor)
Just a quick note to say Thank You for your participation. I have had much good feedback.

Vedanta-krit das (Organizer Nrsimha Caturdasi Festival 2008 at Simhacalam, Germany)
We're very thankful for enriching our festival with the sophisticated and entertaining art of your one-man theater. Judging from the cheerful faces and roaring applause of the five hundred devotees, they loved it. Amongst your expertise is to combine Krishna conscious lyrics with well-known music and glorify Srila Prabhupada and the Lord with it as well.

Param Gati Swami (Organizer Lord Balarama's Festival at New Mayapur France 2008)
I'd like to express my deep gratitude to your work. The lyrics are profound, filled with Krishna Consciousness and a good sense of humor. Your professional performance here in New Mayapur, which was free of flaws, magnetized the audience and kept us all eager to hear more.

Visvambara das (Organizer UK Sankirtan Festival 2007)
Thank you so much for entertaining the devotees at the Manor. It was the cream of the Xmas marathon festival.

Malati dasi (Organizer Radhadesh Congregation Festival 2007)
Thanks to you our Christmas dinner here in Radhadesh for the congregation was a memorable success. From the thunderous applause and the very positive reactions of our guests it was obvious how everybody enjoyed your live performance of your Soul Time CD's.

Sivarama Swami: I thought your songs at the sankirtan festival were excellent.

Lokanath Swami: Your presentation on Srila Prabhupada's disapp. day was quite outstanding.

Mangalananda das (BBS): Culture is a very valuable asset in our society and as time progresses we become more conscious of it. Parividha Prabhu, as a marvelous and expert advocate, combined the different elements of cabaret, comedy and theater into vaishnava context. Without the adding of Krishna by a genuine vaishnava, all the culture in this world are just like pieces of broken glass. Through his matchless gift we were able to enjoy during the Euro GBC meetings the real gem of entertainment, which was delightful and a feast for the soul.

Praghosha das (SDG): Your performance at the 2007 UK Sankirtan Festival at the Bhaktivedanta Manor was both unique, committed, heartfelt and well delivered.

Candramauli Swami: Creative, innovative, serious and very funny with the ability to absorb one in various moods of devotional sentiment, replete with an interesting selection of KC themes.

Bhakti Caitanya Swami: Your mood brought a serious focus to the message of the songs, which was very serious. I thoroughly enjoyed it as a Krishna conscious musical experience.

Janananda Goswami: You really give yourself, sharing the essence of communication, your heart. Thank you. Prabhupada so much wanted a cultural revolution. You are certainly offering your part to the full in what I saw and heard. Play your part and touch the heart.

Prahladananda Swami: I appreciated the lyrics and your performance.

Bhakti Vrajendranandana Swami: A real good performance of singing, acting and dancing.

Kadamba Kanana Swami: Parividha took us beyond a stage performance. He gave us a glimpse into his own deep thoughts and realizations of what it means to live as a vaisnava. His lyrics had various themes full of dilemma and sincerity. It is a valuable contribution of spiritual importance that gives us deep insight in what it means to be a devotee.

Mahadyuti das (ACBSP): I thought the performance was EXCELLENT! - I especially liked the snappy, danceable songs. Stage presence, music, voice, humorous intros. Everything was great.

Vaidyanath das (ACBSP): Devotees are a special brand. From your long experience in our midst you know the ups and downs we can go through in our attempts to lead a Vedic life. By putting all this into the context of comedy and art, your performance helped us smile about our little entanglements. and was an essential asset to our celebration of Lord Nrsimhadeva's app. day.

Visuddha-sattva das (ACBSP): In the charming environment of the MVT gardens with the sweet breezes of the Kartik season, I enjoyed, in the association of many devotees, your very nice and inspiring performance. Your delicious voice shows how it is possible to give Krsna consciousness through the human voice, transferring the essence of music to the higher spiritual level. I pray to Srila Prabhupada to give you more artistic inspiration to please the devotees and suffering jivas.

Tattvavit das (ACBSP): Trained in acting and singing, Parividha capured and held my attention with his technical skills. I listened knowing that Krishna gave the song writers their ability.

Jaya Bhadra dasi (ACBSP): Humor, nostalgia, intense enthusiasm, great hope and inspiration.
It's all there in this lively, well-sequenced performance. Don't miss it! It's a must!

Yaduvendu das (ACBSP): Just wanted to say that you were great. Loved it and loved you.
You were born to be a song and dance man in a dhoti.

Marutvati dasi (ACBSP): Though I've seen most of Parividha's work, of which I am very fond of, he surprised me again by dressing successful musical songs into a Krishna conscious coat.
It was nectar to the ears to hear those beautiful melodies with lyrics that actually make sense.

Gopaswami das (ACBSP): In an original one-man show, he is boldly expressing himself as an individual, gifted with artistic professionalism, heart moving feelings and devotional realizations.
I felt proud of him.

Kripamoya das (ACBSP): Many years ago the great grandfather of our movement, Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur, used to take the popular songs of the day and substitute devotional lyrics. By linking music that was already popular with glorification of Krishna, he succeeded in introducing pure sankirtan to many thousands of souls. Knowing that the mission of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would ultimately reach every town and village in the entire world, he predicted that in the future Vaishnavas of many countries would praise Krishna in their own unique words and musical style. Parividha prabhu's singing combines both Bhaktivinode Thakura's songwriting tactic and his prediction and is therefore not only authorized as pure sankirtan but a fulfillment of our acarya's prophecy. While singing in the English language may be regarded as a curious novelty by some devotees - and a dangerous challenge to the linguistic purity of our sampradaya to others - it should be remembered that to get people singing about Krishna is our entire business. (Srila Prabhupada seemed to be most encouraging to George Harrison in this regard). In the songs he succeeds in the same way as he succeeds in his musical dramas. He's always faithful to Srila Prabhupada's words and intentions He succeeds in capturing the teachings, moods and sentiments of the pure Vaishnavas, while at the same time preserving the popular music and style. Parividha das is always a consummate Vaishnava in his dealings with others and a professional showman when on stage. He acts and sings as if it were his divine service offering to Krishna, as sacred as his puja on the altar, which indeed it is. His live renditions of these songs conveys such depth of feeling that audiences have been moved to tears with one song, and collapsed with laughter during another. Whether you know these songs or not, try to get hold of the CD and try to see a live performance if you can.

Vyswambhara das (ACBSP): Your performance was professional and inspiring. Lord Krsna has obviously given you great acting talent and I can only hope that you will continue your efforts to present Krsna consciousness trough this medium, and also train others to do the same. The entertainment industry is a huge business in the world at this time, but only devotees can factually educate while entertaining. May the blessings of Srila Prabhupada be upon your efforts.

Saringa Thakur das (ACBSP): Your performance in Alachua was very liberating.
Genuine like traveling through our emotional/devotional lives with a guide/friend

Mrdani dasi (ACBSP): I'm very grateful to have witnessed your creative presentation and very individual performance of the essence of our spiritual life's journey in a humorous and clever way.

Krsna-ksetra das (ACBSP): He expertly and sensitively brings us a fresh and enlivening dimension of Krsna conscious 'cultural conquest'. Everyone with a sense for the devotional sublime interpretation of 'West Side Story, Les Misérables and even Cabaret', will relish the mix.

Kanta dasi (ACBSP): Your professionalism is a joy to watch and very entertaining!

Amoghavirya das (ACBSP): Professional and very sweet. Parividha can "speak" with a shrug of his shoulders or a light twist of his hips and his eyebrows sing songs of their own!

Aditi dasi (ACBSP): I very much enjoyed the range of emotions expressed in your songs.

Syamasundari dasi (ACBSP): Thank you so much for your wonderful presentation and great service. It was very professional. Very humorous and very sad at times. You are very talented.

Nrsimhananda das (ACBSP): Your sincerity and charm, poise and skill, voice and expressions were most endearing. I enjoyed it immensely. An unusual manifestation of yukta vairaigya.

Arcana-siddhi dasi (ACBSP): Your are a very talented singer and actor with a penetrating presence. I felt much sincerity in your performance here at Prabhupada's village.

Gurubhakta dasi (ACBSP): Your performance in Hillsborough touched me deeply. I had listened to your Soul Time CD before. The lyrics are wonderful and spiritually enlivening. Seeing you putting your heart and soul into singing the songs in such a pure devotional way was amazing.

Gokulananda das (ACBSP): Krsna-ized tunes with heart-felt, often inspiring sentiments.

Pavitra dasi (ACBSP): You brought some culture to Alachua.

Batu Gopal das (ACBSP): Thanks very much for coming to Hillsborough and performing for us. It was just great! I pray to Lord Caitanya that many devotees will get the opportunity to see it.

Aparva das (ACBSP): Thank you for the experience of joy, sadness, inspiration, forgiveness and love, all on the transcendental platform. An awesome experience.

Kamalini dasi (ACBSP): Spell-bounding! I found myself evoked to laughter, joy, sorrow and tears.

Madhuha das (ACBSP): Your lyrics conveyed so many real life situations. In Prabhupada's village you captured these feelings and emotions that most of us experience or have experienced and you were able to express them in such an artistic way.

Puskar das (ACBSP): A very professional, entertaining, unique method of presenting KC.

Satyahit das (ACBSP): Your performance was heart felt and heart given.

Pancharatna das (ACBSP): Thank you for your wonderful presentation in Vrindavan.

Atmanananda das (ACBSP): When you "performed" your two songs at Srila Prabhupada's disappearance day in Vrindavan, I was highly impressed and moved.

Gauri das (TKG) UK: Your songs were joyful, entertaining and moving. You have captured the simplicity and essential joys of our movement, while at the same time graphically portrays the sadness and challenges that a mature practitioner may encounter.

Jaya Rama das (HDG): You wowed the congregation in Miami with your flawless performance. We can't wait to have you back again!

Puspa Gopal dasi (Spain): The lyrics, composed with such sensitivity, really touched my heart.

Sita Rama das (SRS) England: Fun! Entertaining! A 'Master of Ceremonies'!

Bhagavati dasi (KKS): I watched and was transfixed. The beautiful lyrics cover a wide range of vaishnava emotions, which perfectly matched all the music, as if written for this sole purpose.

Dayavira das USA: We were very surprised and pleased with your unique and wonderful performance, with which you created a blissful atmosphere.

Caitanya Candra das: Because it tends to bring the consciousness back to "those" days, I don't like songs being Krsna-ized, but because he's such a good actor/singer I enjoyed it very much.

Tarunyamrita dasi Belgium: Your presentation was really touching.

Sri Phralada das (HDG)i: The performance had a winning combination of feeling and pracakragofessionalism. As a trained actor, dancer and singer, Parividha Prabhu's vocal range and tone precision were impressive, and his body movements full of expression and coordination The lyrics were clever, touching on a range of topics. The audience experienced it as a festival of swinging devotional moods such as laughter, sadness, grief, wonder, excitement and celebration.

Ekacakragram das (LOK): I was spell bound by his sublime presentation. Straight from the heart, full of varied emotions, presented in a professional way. It gave me goose bumps several times.

Guru Charan das (TKG) Italy: I liked his artistic skills, his sensitivity and especially his devotion.

Hara Prana dasi (RNS): To see him perform with so much empathy was for me another confirmation of his professionalism. His lyrics, beautiful and deep, full of emotion and devotion, sometimes make you laugh, while other times you find yourself crying.

Raja Vidya das Holland: You don't have to be a musical fan to be able to appreciate the songs. Especially the way they have been transformed into little journeys, traveling through experiences one can relate to in a wonderful and magical way. I was touched by a variety of emotions. Tears and laughter, smiles and shivers. Only a gifted actor can turn you from one emotion into the other, knowing exactly when to use subtlety or not If I could capture it in one word or expression it would be similar to this one dish we all know: SIMPLY WONDERFUL...!!

Maha Laxmi dasi Spain: It was great! Because of his dedication, seriousness, jolly mood, beautiful voice and his desire of pleasing the devotees I enjoyed it from the beginning to the end.

Gopisvari dasi (RNS): You get serious messages across in a very creative and fun way! It's great to see a devotee using his unique talent in service to Krsna. This inspires others to develop and use their particular talents too, which I think is important for a happy society of devotees.

Laksmi Rupa dasi (JPS) Denmark: I loved it! I felt alive, exited, inspired and filled with emotions. A little shy and maybe embarrassed because you so bravely shared your deepest and innermost feeings in a very beautiful graceful and confident professional way. As a member of the audience, I was also swept trough happiness, longing, gratitude, sorrow, love and hope. Laughing, crying and gaping. I sucked in everything as a dry sponge. I wondered after wards why it had touched me so strongly, and I think the reason is that in ISKCON we are lacking the dramatic arts, whereby we can identify ourselves with the actor or singer. Thank you for enthusing us all in living an emotional Krishna Conscious life with the help of your dramatic singing.

Janmastami das (LOK): It was more than some real nice transcendental entertainment as it gave an opportunity to understand the feelings of devotees, who go through certain trials.
It is a contribution in our attempts to deal with our feelings, rather than to ignore or deny them.

Gandharvika dasi (BCS): You literally moved me to tears. First of laughter then to sadness. Churning the whole range of emotions in me. You are expert at plucking at one's heartstrings.

Anubhava das Italy: What I appreciated the most in his performance was his ability in keeping the audience "float" on the waves produced by the different variety of emotions of his lyrics.
A very professional contribution to the development of the cultural identity of our movement.

Dina Bandhu das ((BKG) Belgium: Parividha Prabhu is a very powerful performer blessed with great mimics, who can make you smile and make you cry.

Vasudeva das (KKS): Parividha Prabhu's performance was astounding. Highly professional, original and entertaining. It touched my heart. I experienced the songs as an ode to life as a devotee in ISKCON, with all its beauty and ugliness, hopes and horrors, sorrows and ecstasies.

Audio Samples

2009-07-16T15:47:00.093+02:00

Click on the button below to listen to a song of SUDAMA VIPRA

Click on the button below to listen to a song of GOVARDHANA

Click on the button below to listen to a song of KRISHNA JANMA

Click on the button below to listen to a song of PRINCESS RUKMINI

Click on the button below to listen to two songs of DHRUVA MAHARAJA

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of SAKSHI GOPALA

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE CHESS MATCH

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE MARRIAGE OF SAMBA

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE SYAMANTAKA JEWEL

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE TEST OF BHRIGU MUNI

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of CAFE CONCOCTIONE

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE COBBLER & THE BRAHMANA

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE BOATMAN & THE SCHOLAR

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE DROWNING MAN

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE GENIE IN THE LAMP

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE WRONG BANK ACCOUNT

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of TRANSYLVANIA TRANSCENDED

Click on the button below to listen to a scene of THE BIRD IN THE CAGE

Parividha das

2009-07-07T00:48:00.059+02:00

Parividha das was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1973

He performed with the Vaikuntha Players in New York in 1977

He was with the Bhaktivedanta Players in England from 1978 till 1985
He has appeared in the following musicals
John the Baptist & Judas in "Godspell"
Mr. Lyons in "Blood Brothers"
Pharaoh & Jacob in "Joseph And His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"
Lead singer in "Jeans"
Master of Ceremonies in "Cabaret"
Dom Anselmus & Dr. Simiak in "Crusade In Jeans"

Soul Time 2

2009-07-01T19:38:00.131+02:00

The lyrics of these covers were inspired by the original lyrics or by the music.
They don't necessarily reflect my own feelings or experience.

01. Lord Balarama
02. Maha Mantra
03. Sankirtan Man
04. What Happened
05. Three Holy Rivers
06. My Supersoul
07. I'm a Pretender

08. Humiliation
09. Don't Tell Mata
10. What To Do
11. Cradle Song
12. Too Late
13. Maha Mantra
14. My Prayer

BACKING VOCALS

Caitanya Caran das - Dido Mirck - Hara Prana dasi
Jahnavi Harrison - Jagannatha Suta das - Jerry van der Horst
Krishnadas Bosch - Lilavati dasi - Madhva Anderson
Radha Acyuta das - Radhapremi dasi

Rasalila Grant - Rasarani Keilman - Rati Manjari dasi

Sakhyarasa Prema das - Sukadeva das - Allan Saheblal

Please contact me if you would like one of these songs for free as an mp3 file

LYRICS LORD BALARAMA

O Lord Balarama, I long to see you again
Your servant am I and beg to remain
On bended knees I pray
that during Kartik I may
offer You a light every night

O Lord Balarama, permit me in the dhama
to go on parikram around Govardhana
On bended knees I pray
that during Kartik I may
attend Prabhupada’s mangala arati
in his Samadhi

O Lord Balarama, I long to see you again
Your servant am I and beg to remain
On bended knees I pray
I may chant everyday
Damodarastakam. Namam Isvaram

SANKIRTAN MAN

I put on my tilak, fill up my book bag and get out of the van
Chorus: He is bhakta Ben, He’s a traveling sankirtan man
I'm going out to give the mercy to all the conditioned souls
For all of them are deep in maya and need to be saved you know
I'm going out as often as I can
Chorus: That's why we call him the sankirtan man
Prabhu, have you read that note on the notice board
Next month there will be a sankirtan meeting
right here in New York
Everyone is going to be there, who goes out.
It's great! Can't wait! It’s so far out
The kirtans will be so loud
Chorus: He is Bhakta Ben. He’s a fixed up sankirtan man
Me and bhakta Dan, we just love sankirtan
Chorus: He’s going out to give the mercy to all the conditioned souls
For all of them are deep in maya and need to be saved you know
I’m going out as often as I can
Chorus: That's why we call him the sankirtan man

WHAT HAPPENED

When I was young I thought it would be easy
to become a pure devotee in this life
Now I know. It’s not as easy as it seemed
Then I was so surrendered
Woke up way before four
How I long to feel the way I used to feel
with only devotion for You

Then I was inspired. Never felt tired
Living a life of austerity
Humbly following my authority
O Krishna, what happened to me

When I joined I thought it would be easy
to become a pure devotee in one life
Now I know. It’s not as easy as it seemed
to only have devotion for You

Now I’m uninspired. Always tired
Living a life of luxury
Gone are the days of austerity
O Krishna, what happened to me

THREE HOLY RIVERS

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare

At Prayag in the north of India
is a confluence of three holy rivers
Mother Ganga, Sarasvati and the Yamuna

In this holy place, known as Triveni
a sannyasi, who couldn’t keep his vows
once went there to enter their waters in despair
Hopeful to give up his worldly life
he left home, children and wife
After failing in his strife
he went there to end his life

He was tired. So tired of failing
Tired of living and afraid of dying
Did Triveni gave mercy to his soul

SUPERSOUL

All glories to my Super soul
Being fully in control,
He very lovingly allowed me
to try to be in control

Never leaves me on my own
Wants me to come back home
Guides me from within to return to Him
All glories to
Chorus: All glories to
All: All glories to
My Supersoul. Haribol

Never leaves me on my own
Chorus: On my own
Wants me to come back home
Chorus: Back home
Guides me from within to return to Him
All glories to
Chorus: All glories to
All: All glories to my Supersoul

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
Chorus: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
All: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare
All glories to
All: All glories to
my Super duper soul

HUMILIATION

You came. I was alone
I should have known
you were temptation

You smiled, luring me on
My heart was gone
Too much temptation

No Haridas Thakur. That's for sure
If that could only be. Pity me

You were like an addiction
For you I gave up my mission
Just see my fallen condition
Not even a week had passed by
and you left me for another guy
and all I can do is cry

Temptation. Humiliation
Temptation. Humiliation

PRETENDER

I am such a pretender
Chorus: Hare Krishna
Pretending I’m so renounced
Chorus: Hare Krishna
If only they know that it's all a show
I’m not even chanting my rounds

I’m such a pretender
Chorus: Hare Krishna
I love being adored by my fans
Chorus: Hare Krishna

Besides their adoration, I love their donations
while pretending I’m so advanced

Chorus: So real is this feeling of make believe
that he himself starts to believe

I’m such a pretender
Chorus: Hare Krishna
Pretending I’m doing so well
Chorus: Hare Krishna
The Vedas foretell that if I don't change my ways
I might end up in hell
Chorus: Ah
and drags with me my followers as well
Chorus: Hare Krishna

DON’T TELL MATA

My parents think that I’m in London
studying law and English. Little do they know
My parents don’t have inkling
I joined the Hare Krishna’s three months ago

So, please sir, if you run into my parents
Don’t reveal my situation. Have mercy on me
Please hush up. Don’t tell mata
Shush up. Don’t tell pita
Don’t tell them, whatever you do

If you had a secret, you bet I would keep it
I would never tell on you
I’m breaking every promise that I gave them
So won’t you kindly do me a great big favour

So hush up, don’t tell mata
Shush up, don’t tell pita
Don’t tell them, whatever you do
If they knew you saw me in the street
dancing in a pair of sheets
O my God! They might kill them selves

Chorus: So please sir, if you run into his parents
don’t tell them you saw him
Please Have mercy on me
And hush up. Don’t tell mata
Shush up and don’t tell pita
Chorus: Don’t tell them, whatever you do
If you had a secret, you bet he would keep it
He would never tell on you
I’m breaking every promise that I gave them
Chorus: So won’t you kindly, give him a break then
Please hush up, don’t tell mata. Hush up, don’t tell pita
Don’t tell them, whatever you do
You can tell my auntie here and now
for she does puja anyhow
Chorus: But don’t tell his mother what you know
You can tell my uncle Vishnupad
as he loves kirtan and Prasad
Chorus: But don’t tell his father what you know
If they knew you saw him in the street
dancing in a pair of sheets
So please don’t tell my mata. Please don’t tell my pita
All: Please don’t tell them what you know

WHAT TO DO

I don’t know what to do prabhu
I just have too much to do
There’s only so much that I can do
So I do what I do
when I'm through, then I'm through
and I'm through. What to do

What can I do prabhu? I'm sorry too
I guess, I'm not that surrendered
And though I used to care, I need the open air
You're better off without me, prabhu

It's not a lie, prabhu. You wonder why, prabhu
You always say that I am in maya
You mustn't knit your brow
You should have known by now
You've ev'ry cause to doubt me, prabhu

Chorus: We are invited by Radhe Shyam prabhu
to come to the Holy dham prabhu
I think that's what I'm going to do.
Chorus: First we go on parikram round Govardhan
then we'll go on Harinam in Vrindavan dham

What can I do prabhu
Chorus: He had too much to do
I guess, I'm not so surrendered
Chorus: And though he used to care, he needs the open air
You're better off without me prabhu

Chorus: It's not a lie, prabhu. You wonder why, prabhu
You always said that he was in maya
Please, don’t knit your brow
Chorus: You should have known by now
You've every cause to doubt me! What can I do
Chorus: Too much to do
What to do?
Chorus: Tell him the truth
Well, I just have had enough of….. you

TOO LATE

A few years ago he noticed a mole
on one of his knees
He never had seen it previously
and didn't take it seriously

A few months passed by
when he noticed how much the mole had grown
Go and see the doctor requested his wife
He didn't follow her advice

One morning, half awake
he unconsciously scratched the mole on his knee
When he saw the blood in his bed
he went to his doctor who said

Doctor: I'm so sorry Mr. Fate
Why have you come this late
If only you would have listened to the advice
of your good wife we could have still saved your life
Now unfortunately Mr. Fate, it’s too late

He
Chorus: Gave most of his life
is dying
Chorus: Sacrificed most of his life
Lord
Chorus: Please bless his soul
All: He's leaving us after serving us for so many years
Lord take him home
Chorus: Back home

I PRAY

When the time arrives of my death
Let only Your Names be in my head
I hope it will be peacefully, spiritually

I pray I’ll be lying in a bed
somewhere in Vrindavan dham
Surrounded by well wishers
while Prabhupada chants Your Holy Names
Hare Krishna, Hare Rama

O how I dread my coming death
Not the dying, looking forward to that
No, it is pain that might lie ahead
Pain, that's what I dread
and will I be sane to remember You
or chant Your Holy name

I pray that at the time of my death
only Your sweet names will go through my head
Let it please be in the Holy dham
of Radha Shyamasundar and Krishna and Balaram
while I hear Prabhupada chant
Especially when I can't

REVIEW

Pratima Patel (London UK): I love your Soul Time 2 CD. Can't stop listening to it!

Felix Bell (Manchester UK): My mum and dad and I loved your Soul Time 2 CD. It was amazing, amusing, instructive and beautiful. The song Sankirtan Man I find a great inspiration. I also found it a revelation to hear chanting to all those different music styles. I look forward to hear Soul Time 3.

Soul Time

2009-07-01T18:52:00.093+02:00

The lyrics of these covers were inspired by the original lyrics or by the music.
They don't necessarily reflect my own feelings or experience.

01. Hare Krishna
02. Three Things I Pray
03. Give It A Chance
04. Never Alone
05. Take Him Home
06. Have Mercy
07. Thank You

08. Last Night
09. If I Succeed
10. I Dreamed
11. Pain of Seperation
12. Let's Go On Harinam
13. Maha Mantra
14. Prabhupada

BACKING VOCALS

Caitanya Caran das - Dido Mirck - Hara Prana dasi - Jagi Bibanovic
Parividha das - Radha Acyuta das - Siromani dasi - Paula van der Wal

Please contact me if you would like one of these songs for free as an mp3 file

LYRICS HARE KRISHNA

The most wonderful sound I ever heard
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

All the splendor of the world in these sacred words
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna I just learned to chant Hare Krishna
Forever and a day these names will always stay with me
Hare Krishna When I started to chant Hare Krishna
I finally had found how wonderful a sound could be

Hare Krishna. Chant it loud and there’s music playing
Chant it soft and it’s my way of praying
Hare Krishna. I’ll never stop chanting Hare Krishna

Hare Krishna, forever and a day
these names will always stay with me
Hare Krishna. When I started to chant Hare Krishna
I finally had found how wonderful a sound could be

Hare Krishna. Chant it loud and there’s music playing
Chant it soft and it’s the essence of praying
Hare Krishna. I’ll never stop chanting Hare Krishna

The most glorious sound I ever heard. Hare Krishna

THREE THINGS I PRAY

Day by day. Day by day, Prabhupada three things I pray
Listen to your clearly
Follow you sincerely
Try to serve you dearly. Day by day

Day by day. Prabhupada three things I pray
To be more sincere. More austere
and to persevere. Day by day

Day by day. Day by day, Prabhupada three things I pray
Listen to your clearly
Follow you sincerely
Try to serve you dearly. Day by day

Day by day. Prabhupada three things I pray
Listen to your clearly. Day by day
Follow you sincerely. Day by day
Try to serve you dearly. Day by day
Listen to your clearly. Day by day
Follow you sincerely. Day by day
Try to serve you dearly. Day by day
Listen to your clearly. Day by day
Follow you sincerely. Day by day
Love you more dearly. Day by day
Day by day, by day, by day

GIVE IT A CHANCE

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
I know what you’re thinking
You wonder what I’m doing
chanting with the Krishna’s in the streets

That’s just a first impression
What good’s a first impression
If you knew them like I do
It would change your point of view

If you could see them through my eyes
You wouldn’t wonder at all
If you could see them through my eyes
I guarantee you would fall like I did

When we’re in public together
I hear society moan
but if they could see them through my eyes
maybe they’d leave us alone

How can I speak of their virtues
Don’t know where to begin
They’re pure. They’re smart and so funny
They don’t smoke or drink, like you do

Yet, when we’re chanting Hare Krishna
They sneer when they see us all dance
But if they could see them through my eyes
I’m certain they’d understand

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Please chant Hare Krishna
Why don’t you give it a chance
At least read the Bhagavad Gita
and you’re always welcome to dance

NEVER ALONE

Close every door to me. Hide all the world from me
Bar all the windows and shut out the light
Do what you want with me. Hate me and laugh at me
Darken the daytime and torture my night
If my life were precious I would ask “Will I live or die?”
But I know the answers lie far from this world

Close every door to me. Keep those I love from me
Devotees of Krishna are never alone
for they know they will find true peace of mind
by chanting the Holy Names of the Lord

Just give me numbers instead of my name
Forget all about me and let me decay
I’m not this body. It’s OK
to destroy it completely, then throw it away
If my life were precious I would ask “Will I live or die?”
But I know the answers lie far from this world

Close every door to me.Keep those I love from me
Devotees of Krishna are never alone
for we know how to find true peace of mind
and we have been promised to go back home

TAKE HIM HOME

My dear Lord, hear my prayer
In my need you have always been there
He was so young and afraid
Should I assume You test my faith
Then if so, you may know that I miss him so

What have I done that was so wrong
for my son to die so young
You can take, You can give
so take my life and let him live
What have I done that was so wrong

Bring him peace. Bring him joy
He was so young, he was only a boy
And I know, of course I know
he's not really my son, but a spirit soul
Though that's true, I do miss him so

Take him home. Please take him home. Take him home

HAVE MERCY

Here out in the darkness, I am living
fallen from grace, fallen from grace
The Lord is my witness, Who'll never yield
'til we come face to face. 'til we come face to face

I knows my way in the dark
and the way of the Lord
Those, who follow His will shall have their reward
and those who fall in maya, pain and shame

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

I knows my way in the dark
and the way of the Lord
Those, who follow His will shall have their reward
and those who fall in maya, pain and shame

As it’s written in all the scriptures the need of sacrifice
That those who falter, and those who fall must pay the price
Lord hear my plea, have mercy. Have mercy
Please have mercy on me

THANK YOU

We thank you Srila Prabhupada. At your guru’s request
you so kindly brought love of Krishna
to deliver us in the West
Chant sixteen rounds daily, follow the four regulations
and distribute my books. That was your request

That was your perfect formula
To always chant Hare Krishna
And if we could, and if we would
You promised that if we’re sincere
Love of God would appear

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Thank you

ONE NIGHT

One night I woke up with a sigh. Amazed and wide awake
That night You were so kind to appear in a dream. What to say
Without a trace of pure devotion, I never had a notion
You’d appear this way, but there You were
Beyond my wildest hopes did occur that night

That night my heart was full of light
Remembering that wonderful sigh
Overnight, to my delight, life felt so right
Never I had set my heart on for You to give Your darshan
to this fallen soul, but there You were
Beyond my wildest hopes did occur that night

That night I woke up with a sigh
Thrilled, fulfilled, amazed and wide awake
When I glanced at my watch it was around one thirty
so I lay down again and closed my eyes
still in a daze
I was too blissful to go to sleep again
so I decided to rise and chant my rounds
I had a shower and chanted sixteen rounds
well before mangala arati

O my Lord, let me never forget You
Let me always embrace that dream
The way You looked. The way You
My dear Lord, what I thought could never ever happen to me
by Your Grace took place that night

IF I SUCCEED

Maybe this time I’ll be lucky. Maybe this time I will stay
Maybe this time for the first time, Maya won’t lure me away
To be steady, at last. O if this time I could last
Not fall in Maya anymore, like the last time and the times before

Everybody likes a winner, so nobody likes me
To be peaceful. To be blissful. That’s what I long to be
When all the odds are in my favor. No more falling down
If indeed I’ll succeed, my life would be complete

Everybody loves a devotee, so nobody loves me
Fired up and fixed up. That’s what I long to be
When all the odds are in my favor. No more falling down
If indeed I’ll succeed, my life would be finally complete

A DREAM

I dreamed a dream of times gone by
when hope was high and life excited
When you were there to certify
That ISKCON thrived and stayed united

Saints and sinners lived with us
to learn to be Krishna conscious
With you there as the fountainhead
who would bring us all back home to Godhead

There were those when you did leave us
by Kali’s sway became ambitious
who for fortune, name and fame tore our hopes apart
slowly turning our dreams to shame

I dreamed a dream of times gone by
when we were young and life excited
We dreamed of how in every town and village
there would be a temple, all united

I still hope it will come to be
that I will see it happen sometime
but, there are dreams that will never be
and dreams that are once in a lifetime

I never thought that it would be
so different from the way it had been
So unlike of how it could be
but, Kali can't kill this dream I dreamed

PAIN OF SEPARATION

There‘s a grief that can’t be spoken, and despair goes on and on
It’s the pain of separation now all of you have gone
How we sang with joy in kirtan. How we danced on Harinam

How by hook or crook we tried to distribute a book
How we rose before sunrise. How we took a bath outside
with a bucket of icy water in the middle of winter
Now all of you have gone

O my dear prabhus, it’s wrong that I live though you are gone
How it hurts that you have left me on my own to carry on
Who do I ask now for advice? It’s such a sacrifice
What to do? Where to go? O prabhus, I miss you so

O brothers and sisters: Where are you
Have you all made it back home
Are you in your siddha deha
Or are you preaching with Prabhupada once more

LET'S GO ON HARINAM

What good is sitting all alone in your room
Hear the mridangas play
Let’s go on Harinam prabhus. Let’s chant the Holy Name
Put down your bead bag
your book and the broom
Time for the Holy Name
Let's join the Harinam prabhus
We'll chant the Holy Names

Please do not hide. Let's go outside
Hear the conch shells blowing
Hurry up! The party’s going
What good is sitting all alone in your room
Hear the mridangas play
Let’s go on Harinam prabhus.
Let’s chant the Holy Name

I once knew a bhakta called Andy
who joined in the seventies in Miami
He really was quite lazy, always tired
As a matter of fact you'd call him uninspired

One day, after the sundar arati
we both went with the Harinam party
At the end when bhakta Andy was asked to lead
we were all dancing and chanting in ecstasy

I remember how Andy from that very day
He would burst into our rooms and he would say
What good is sitting all alone in your room
Hear the mridangas play
Let’s go on Harinam prabhus
Let’s chant the Holy Name

Put down your bead bag,
your book and the broom
Time for the Holy Name
Let's join the Harinam, prabhus
We'll chant the Holy Names

And as for me, as for me
I pray one day I’ll be like Andy
How he burst into our rooms in Miami
If I could only be just like him
the way he used to sing
Let’s go on Harinam prabhu
Let’s go on Harinam prabhus
and let’s chant the Holy Name

REVIEWS

Malati Priya dasi Ireland: Your Soul Time CD is deep. I thought it was more appealing to adults, but then found that my children of 14 and 10 were listening regularly to it. You could open a fan club! They saw you on stage a few times, and find you a great actor. Because they know you in this way, they have also find entry into the deep meaning of your songs, or so is appears to me. Thank you for sharing your realizations. Where I live association is quite scarce, and I find your message very helpful original, dynamic and unique. We can't wait for more.

Bharat Santani India: Both the CD's I got in Vrindavan are just mind blowing. The lyrics are very, very good, and once you sit to listen to it, how times flies. I cannot decide which track of the Soul Time CD is my favorite, since I like them all. I'm so grateful that I had an opportunity to meet you and that I had the chance to get the CD's.

Arjuna das (SRS) UK: Parividhaji, these ingeniously Krsna-ized musical hits on your Soul Time CD are unique and so you! Beautifully sung, poignantly phrased and irresistible!

Bhagavati dasi (KKS): I am sitting at work listening to your Soul Time CD and just wanted to tell you how incredibly inspiring this is.The devotional emotions in the songs are very 'contagious'. They make me feel so eager to just grab my Bhagavad-Gita and sit and read. It is so hard to keep inspired while working with non-devotees, doing completely inconsequential work for eight hours a day or more, and this really makes the difference.

Havi das (ACBSP) Florida USA: I love your Soul Time CD! Your recordings are of a very good production that requires work and talent.

Julia Burroughs UK: Just wanted to say that we love your Soul Time CD!

Gandharvika das (SRS) UK: I seriously think you should advertise your Soul Time CD as a new anti-depressant....... with no bad side effects!!! I love it and thank you so much for making it.

Lalita-sakhi dasi Dallas USA: We so much liked your song about Harinama sankirtana on your Soul Time CD -- so much that we are joining the Harinam party at our local temple.

The Bird in the Cage

2009-06-28T17:56:00.122+02:00

Poem by Sakshi Gopala das By clicking on the button below you can listen to a scene of this recording

CAST
Narrator Woman Bird Salesman Mrs. Balderdash Vicar	Arjuna das Bhogini dasi Parividha das Dwijamani das Moksha Laksmi dasi Murari Gopala das

Engineered and mastered by Dwijamani das
Directed and produced by Parividha das © 2000

Exquisitely the cage was wrought with pillars carved in jade.
And perches made of ivory, all beautiful inlaid
With semi-precious stones and pearl that glistered in the light
Reflected off the marble floor—a truly royal sight.

She saw it through the doorway as she passed by on the street.
standing in the corner of the shop that sold antiques.
She went inside and said: My man, that cage is very nice,
But tell me, where’s it come from? And I want to know the price.

The Queen of Sheba owned it once! The man replied with haste.
A very rare and fine antique for people who’ve got taste.
A bit of polish here and there will bring it up a treat.
But don’t forget the bird inside, he also needs to eat!

She took it home that very day and placed it in the hall,
beside the walnut writing desk that stood against the wall.
It sparkled as the evening sun shone through the open door
for she’d washed it down and polished it until her arms were sore.

Feed me, feed me,sang the bird. Feed me please! he cried.
but the lady only saw the cage, and not the bird inside.

That night when she retired to bed, she dreamt of royal cages,
The kind enjoyed by kings and queens and princes through the ages.
She dreamt of Chinese Mandarins, of Rajahs and of Sheiks,
but no-one had a cage to match her newly found antique.

When at last the sun arose, she woke up from her sleep,
and ‘though she wasn’t washed or dressed, she ran to take a peep
and stood there in the hallway gazing at her new possession.
But didn’t hear the plaintive call, so great was her obsession.

Feed me, Feed me! called the bird. Feed me please, he cried,
but the lady only saw the cage and not the bird inside.

She thought, A party would be nice, in honor of the cage.
So going through her address book, she went from page to page,
inviting all the people whom she wanted to impress,
to come for tea on Saturday in formal evening dress.

She hardly could contain herself while sending out the cards,
for thinking curtains would be nice, so purchased several yards
of silk brocade to make the cage more beautiful than ever---
and stayed up sewing all night long, so great was her endeavor.

Feed me, Feed me! begged the bird. Feed me please, he cried,
but the lady only saw the cage, and not the bird inside.

On Thursday night she started making all the preparations.
From currant bums to angel cakes, in great anticipation
of all the guests who said they’d come to see the new antique.
The Vicar, Mrs. Balderdash and all her social clique.

She cleaned the stage on Friday ‘til it sparkled like a pin,
but never saw the bird who begged for food within.
And then, forgotten far too long, he tumbled from his perch,
yet managed, with his dying breath, a final, feeble chirp.

Feed me please! Implored the bird. Feed me please! He cried
and then, without another word, he breathed his last and died.

On Saturday she cleaned the cage and polished it with pride,
quite unaware the bird was dead and lying there inside.
But by the time the doorbell rang the smell was growing strong.
She thought Although I’ve cleaned the stage, there’s something very wrong.

In two’s and three’s the guests arrived and gathered in the hall,
around the polished birdcage where it stood against the wall.
Until an unknown guest arrived without an invitation.
His shaven head and flowing robes a cause of consternation.

A lady dropped her sandwiches, the vicar spilled his tea,
but then the guest began to speak with utmost gravity
and one by one they all agreed it really was absurd,
for only one devoid of sense could fail to see the bird.

Shocked at her shortsightedness they asked why she’d never
thought to give the bird some food, inquiring:
Is it clever to only see the cage and not the bird who lives within?
You’ve killed it with your negligence. It really is a sin.

The cage, my dear, is very nice, as anyone can see,
and shouldn’t be neglected by the likes of you and me.
But what a dreadful thing you’ve done---so foolish and absurd
to think the cage is everything, and never feed the bird!

So great was her embarrassment she tried to run and hide,
but slipped upon the Persian rug and fell upon her side—
into the antique birdcage which then toppled to the floor
and broke into a thousand pieces, some say even more.

Exquisitely the cage was wrought with pillars carved in jade
and perches made of ivory, all beautiful inlaid
with semi-precious stones and pearl that glittered in the light,
until it smashed upon the floor. No more a royal sight.

For those who haven’t understood, we’ll leave you with a clue;
The pampered cage is flesh and bone, It’s owner really you
who think this body all in all, who starve the soul inside,
and waste the chance of human life. Misled by foolish pride.

REVIEW

Giridhari das (SRS) Nairobi Kenya: Thank you for the theatrical soundtracks. They have a clear quality. Very professional. We found them a great asset on our festival tour in East and Central Africa. We were confident that the wide variety of people in our audiences, Africans, Asians, students and villagers alike, were able to follow the meanings and messages.

Sudama Vipra

2009-06-28T17:55:00.410+02:00

MUSIC
Parividha das – Dwarakadisa das – Giriraja das - Aprameya das

LYRICS
Parividha das - Giriraja das

Based on chapters of KRSNA "The Supreme Personality of Godhead“
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Click on the button below to listen to a song


CAST
Sudama Vipra Lord Krishna Queen Rukmini Sudama's wife Narrator Guard Guard Maidservant Maidservant Maidservant Sandipani Muni	Parividha das Jayadeva das Gaurangi dasi Suvrata dasi Lilavati dasi Arjuna das Dwarakadisa das Gandharvika dasi Gaurangi dasi Suvrata dasi Sakshi Gopala das

CHORUS
Gandharvika dasi - Gopisvari dasi - Suvrata dasi
Sakhyarasa Prema das - Syamasundar das - Thakur Bhaktivinoda das
Balarama - Jaggi - Nayika - Vishnupriya

Keyboards by Dwarakadisa das
Acoustic guitar played by Aprameya das

Engineered and mastered by Dwarakadisa das
Directed and produced by Parividha das © 1996

SCRIPT & LYRICS

Narrator: Once in the land of India five thousand years ago,
the world was full of plenty and the people free from woe.
To benefit all godly souls and deliver them from fear,
the blessed Lord Sri Krishna had upon this earth appeared.
‘t was in fair Dwaraka city that the Lord passed many a day
He lived just like a good prince, His sweet pastimes to display.
And as the sun shines always and just seems to rise and set,
the Lord is transcendental to this world of birth and death.
At that time there lived one brahmana, very pious amongst men.
Sudama Vipra was his name. He was Krishna’s childhood friend.
And he was always happy, though he lived in poverty,
He was not bound by worldly chains, being satisfied spiritually.
He was not bound by worldly chains, being satisfied spiritually.

Man: Excuse me Sudama.
Sudama: Yes?
Man: Can I ask you a question please
Sudama: Of course. Go ahead.
Man: Life is so confusing. What can we do?
Sudama: Well, if you want to be free of confusion,
you just have to hear and chant the glories of the Lord,
Your eternal knowledge and bliss will then be restored
and all you have to do is hear and chant. Maha mantra. Easy isn’t it?
All: Maha mantra
Sudama: Please try to make this your aim:
To always fill your lips with the Holy Name.
Some never question why that any time they can die.
A life like that is so insane. A life like that is so insane.
So start your morning with the Holy Name
and finish your day in the very same way.
All: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Sudama: Very good
All: Krishna Krishna etc. Maha mantra
Sudama: Maha mantra
All: Maha mantra
Sudama: Now try this: Maha mantra
All Maha mantra
Sudama: So please try to make this your aim in life:
To always fill your lips with the holy Name. You understand?
All: Always fill your lips with the holy Name.
Sudama: Yes
Man: The truth is so simple isn’t it?
Sudama's wife: My dear husband you know the Lord is kind
to those, who control their senses and mind,
but seeing you so thin and so poorly dressed
makes me very anxious and distressed.
Sudama: My dear wife, I do understand
that your only wish is to please your husband,
but I am a Brahmin and I shouldn’t waste my time
trying to get on in material life.
Sudama's wife: O please, I beg you, go and see the Lord.
Krishna who’s the shelter and friend of the poor.
He’s the husband of the goddess, the goddess of fortune
and will surely benedict you with a boon.
Sudama: I understand but,
we can’t enjoy more happiness then destiny affords.
Our position: It’s the mercy of the Lord
and you know that a devotee must depend on Lord Hari,
who cuts the binding ropes of misery.

Narrator: Now the good wife of Sudama wasn’t anxious for her self,

She didn’t care for saris, fine jewellery or wealth.
But to see her husband look so poor and thin gave her distress,

So she humbly went before him and submitted her request.
Sudama's wife: O husband, you’re a selfless devotee,
as Lord Sri Krishna is your only sanctuary.
I know you don’t care for opulence and wealth,
but at least you must maintain good health!
Sudama (sighs): O devi, why do you go on so insistently?
Why can’t you just accept our poverty?
And yet my heart is softened by your humble plea,
so I’ll go just to put your mind at ease.
Sudama's wife: I’m so glad that you’re going to see your friend
Sudama: Please get me something that I can present Him.
Ah! How wonderful after all these years to see my friend and Lord.
Sudama's wife: Krishna, who’s the shelter and friend of the poor
Both: He’s the husband of the goddess of fortune
Sudama's wife: Surely, He’ll benedict you with a boon!
We didn’t have anything except...
Sudama: Yes?
Sudama's wife: A few palmfuls of chipped rice I begged from the neighbors.
Sudama: Devi! How can I offer chipped rice to the Supreme Lord?
Sudama's wife: Krishna is very merciful. He’ll understand.
Sudama: (sighs) It is so embarrassing!
Sudama's wife: But what else can we do?
Sudama: Nothing I suppose. T. Well I’ll be on my way then. Jaya Sri Krishna!
Sudama's wife: Jaya Sri Krishna!

Narrator: After Sudama bid farewell to home and wife,

he set off on his journey with the bundle of chipped rice.
And as he went, he thought always of Krishna’s lotus feet,
knowing when he sees his Lord, his life would become complete.
Woman 1: O where do you wander my dear saintly Brahmin
and why do you smile with that look in your eyes?
Woman 2: Is it sunshine?
Both: Or springtime that makes you so happy?
Woman 2: Or the thought of a loved one that so satisfies?
Sudama: No! I’m heading for Dvaraka.
There lives someone, whose luster is brighter then millions of suns.
Who out of all seasons is flower bearing springtime.
I think of Lord Krishna, who’s here yet so far.
Krishna is the all-attractive Lord of your heart. He is all kind and all wise.
He is so fair, yet He is dark like a monsoon cloud.
He has all-riches, all-freedom and all-fame
and He dances in our hearts, when we sing His sweet Name. Maha mantra
Kids: Hare Krishna Hare Krishna
Sudama: Very good!
Kids: Krishna Krishna etc.
Men: Please tell us the cause of your pleasure?
How can one live without worries or care?
Have you found your very life, your vision or treasure.
Man: Seeing someone so happy is for us very rare!
Sudama: Sri Krishna is the source of my pleasure,
who makes the lame dance and the blind see the stars in the sky.
He is the life of our lives and the rarest of treasures.
Chant His name and be happy. Please give it a try.
Man: Krishna?
Child: Krishna is the all-attractive Lord of your heart.
He is all kind and all wise.
Woman 1: He is so fair yet He is
Child: Dark like a monsoon cloud!
Woman 1: He has all-riches all-freedom and all-fame and he
Both: dances in our heart when we sing His sweet name.
Children: Maha mantra
All: Maha mantra
Child: Pita, pita! You try!
Man 2: Maha mantra
All: Maha mantra
Man 1: Maha mantra
All: Maha mantra
Guard 1: Left! Right! Left! Right! He! Hoo!
Both: We are the guards of Dvaraka.
We stand here all day long.
Guard 2: We make sure that nothing.
Guard 1: Nothing will go wrong!
Both: We watch the gate and regulate the citizens that pass along.
Guard 1: Are you friend or foe?
Guard 2: We have to know!
Guard 1: Before we let you carry on!
Both: But if you’re a Brahmin or a devotee,
you can enter any time as freely as can be.
These orders come from Krishna
and of this we are quite sure,
that He is only pleased to see those,
whose hearts are clean and pure.
Guard 2: So just to be a prince or wealthy
won’t get you through Krishna’s door.
Guard 1: You must be freed from lust and greed.
Both: to enter the kingdom of the Lord (Guard One continues singing)
Guard 1: (embarrassed) Sorry!
Both: We are the guards of Dvaraka.
We stand here all day long.
We love to serve Lord Krishna
as we sing this happy song
Maha mantra. Maha mantra
Guard 1: He he he hee! Where do you think you’re going? Don’t you realize where you are?
Guard 2: You see, Not just anyone can enter the city of
Both: Dvaraka
Guard 1: Are you friend or foe?
Guard 2: We have to know you know.(Opens box) Ah! Nice spices for the Lord!
Guard 1: O! Ahum! T. Enter friend!(Sees Sudama) Good Lord! What’s that?
Guard 2: Be careful what you say! He’s a Brahmin!
Guard 1: O! All glories Ahum All glories
Both to Lord Sri Krsna and His beloved devotees.
Welcome to Dvaraka!
Now we like you all to kindly chant along: Maha mantra. Maha mantra. Maha mantra.
Guard 1: Left! Right! Left! Right! He! Hoo! Maha mantra Maha mantra
Narrator: After passing through the gates into that citadel,
Sudama was astonished by the wonders He beheld,
for Dvaraka was so gorgeous, so majestic and so fair
that the opulence of paradise could not even compare.
Sudama: Amazing! What I heard is true! Thousands of palaces!
And the walls are made ah of touchstone?
Jade! Sapphire! Pearls! Emeralds!
Oh! Out of all of them this one is the most supreme! (Thinks)
Then it must be the palace of Rukmini!
The palace of Rukmini, Lord Krishna’s favorite queen!
Queen Rukmini: My dear lotus eyed husband: Being self-satisfied,
You do not care in the slightest whether I’m beautiful or qualified.
Therefore I wouldn’t be astonished if You were unattached to me,
for you cannot be bound by a woman, however exalted she may be.
The material mode of passion is also made by You,
so Your passionate glance upon me I consider my great fortune,
But whether or not You need me, my desire is to be
always engaged in service at Your lotus feet. At Your lotus feet.
Sri Krishna: My most beautiful princess,
You are so chaste and true.
I don’t think that any of my consorts loves me more then you.
I’m so pleased to understand
how much love you have for me, so whatever you may desire,
I’m at your service eternally.
If any of my devotees, who are completely depended upon me
might happen to ask me for something.
Such desires cause them to be free.
Dear Rukmini: By you I’ve been purchased.
I’m ever under Your control.
To repay you is not in My power,
for your love remains within My soul. (Enter Sudama)
Sudama! What a pleasant surprise!
Sudama: O Lord please, don’t embrace me!
I’m just a poor lowly Brahmin and You are the Lord!
Sri Krishna: Sudama, you’ve always been my very dear friend ever since our childhood.
It is so nice to see you again!
Sudama: And You!
Sri Krishna: Now please sit down.
Sudama: Ah….. My Lord?
Sri Krishna: O Brahmin: Please sit down for you are our honored guest!
Devi, please bring the articles for worship.
My dear friend: It is our great fortune that you have come here today.
Sudama: Lord Sri Krishna brought his friend all kinds of fruit to eat,
then the Lord Himself did bath that humble Brahmin’s feet.
Such a good example the Lord wanted to set
that He even sprinkled water from Sudama’s feet upon His head.
After burning incense to create a fragrant scent
the Lord continued His puja with gee lamps to His friend,
while her maids looked on in wonder for they could not understand.
Maid 1: Do you see how Lord Krishna is worshiping that poor Brahmin?
Maid 2+3: Yes I can hardly believe my eyes!
Maid 1: Although he is poorly dressed,
the Lord embraced him to His chest!
Maid 2+3: Yes I really wonder why?
Maid 1+2: And he is even sitting on the bed of His majesty.
Maid 3: Being personally fanned
Maid 2+3: by the hand of Queen Rukmini!
All: Their Lordships are so kind!
Maid 1: He obviously must be a great devotee!
Maid 3: Who has performed many pious activities!
All: Yes! That must be the reason why!
Sri Krishna: Dear Sudama: Seeing you remind Me of those days we spent together.
My friend: Do you remember when we were children at the home of our spiritual master?
Sudama: Sandipani Muni, who enlightened us with knowledge of the shastra.
Sri Krishna: One day we were requested by the wife of our teacher
Sudama: O yes!
Sri Krishna: to go and fetch wood for the fire,
Sudama: and while we roamed the forest, we left the path
and couldn’t find our way amidst the bracken and the brier.
Both: Then a fearsome dust storm blew and lightning filled the sky!
The sound of thunder filled our ears and we were terrified!
Sri Krishna: Then sunset brought the jungle’s dark nightgown.
Sudama: And devastating rain flooded the ground!
Both: Wet, cold and bewildered, we then took each other’s hand
And passed the whole night vainly searching for our guru’s ashram!
Sudama: Next day as morning was breaking, we heard footsteps approaching.
Sri Krishna: Then we saw our beloved guru coming!
Sudama: We both became so happy!
Sri Krishna: And the other children too!
Child: Look! Look! Krishna and Sudama!
All: Jaya!
Both: We began laughing and crying!
Sudama: Smiling Sandipani Muni spoke with great compassion:
Sandipani Muni: My dear boys: You have done something wonderful!
You are so faithful to your guru that without thought of your own comfort,
you have take so much trouble for me.
That is the only way for a bonafide disciple to be free from his debt to his guru.
I’m so pleased by your service that I bless you that your desires will come true!
Sri Krishna + Sandipani Muni: May the understanding of the Vedas which you learned from me
always continue to remain within your memory,
Sudama +Sandipani Muni: So that at any time you can remember and quote their instruction without fail!
Sri Krishna: By getting the grace and blessing of our gurudev, we were able to fulfil the purpose of this human life.
Sudama: My lord: You may remember when we were children we had so many adventures
Sri Krishna: And we were always happy under the guidance of
Both: Our spiritual master Sandipani Muni.
Sri Krishna: My dear friend: Has not your wife given you some nice eatable for Me?
I’m not in need of anything, but if offered with devotion and love.
However insignificant, I’ll accept it with pleasure! But on the other hand, if one is not my devotee
even though he may offer valuable things to Me, I do not like to accept them, for devotion is all I need
Sudama: (thinks) I know it’s devotion that counts in an offering but chipped rice! I’m so embarrassed!
Sri Krishna: (thinks) He has not come to ask Me for anything, but being obliged by his wife he has come to see Me just to please her, therefore I shall offer this pure hear-ted Brahmin more opulence then could be imagined even by the King of Heaven. (grabs the bundle of chipped rice and opens it.)
Aha! What is this? Chipped rice! O How thoughtful of you! (put it in His mouth.)
Hmm! Hmmmm!This chipped rice will not just satisfy Me, but the whole creation! (Takes another hand and wants to eat it when Rukmini takes His arm and takes the bit of chipped rice from his hand.)
Queen Rukmini My dear Lord: This one morsel of chipped rice will bring great riches in his life
and I foretell that these riches continue in his next life as well. (Queen Rukmini then takes the bag from Lord Krishna.)
Sri Krishna
Narrator: After Sudama Brahmana spent the day as Krishna’s guest,
he bid farewell to the Lord and homewards he progressed.
And as he went he thought always of Krishna’s kindliness.
He thus became fully absorbed in transcendental bliss.
Sudama: Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Chorus: Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Sudama: How great a love Krishna has for the brahmanas.
He is the Supreme Brahman Himself, yet He embraced me to His chest
which is the place of the Goddess of Fortune. Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya (chorus)
When I was tired Rukmini Herself began to fan me with Her own hand,
although She is the Goddess of Fortune. Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Chorus: Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Sudama: O how fortunate I am to have Krishna as my friend. I’m so glad He didn’t give me anything,
for if I became wealthy I will probably become proud and mad after material opulence.
Yes and in this way I will surely forget Him! Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Chorus: Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Sudama: How great a love Krishna has for the brahmanas.
Palaces of gems? Beautiful gardens? Lakes full of lotus flowers and lilies?
What are these wonders that I see? Could this place belong to me?
From the day that I was born I’ve been so poor. What could be the cause of these riches?
Hmmm! I cannot find any other reason.
Of course this is all due to the all-merciful glance of my wonderful dark friend Lord Krishna
All: Yes it is all due to the all-merciful glance of your wonderful dark friend Lord Krishna
Sudama: (gasps) O Look at you all! Devi!
Sudama's wife: Krishna is the Lord of the Goddess of Fortune, thus He is the owner of all riches.
As the Lord knows His devotees mind, He perfectly fulfills all of his desires.
If you give to Him with love a little thing, He takes it as a gift of great value
Women: Some chipped rice was all that you have given.
All: And now we’re richer than the King of Heaven!
Sudama's wife: This is all due to the all-merciful glance of your wonderful dark friend Lord Krishna!
Sudama: I pray to have Your friendship my dear Lord. To always be engaged in Your service
Please may I remain eternally in the service of Your lotus feet.
I only long to be in the company of Your beloved pure devotees.
Oh Lord I did not ask for such a fortune, so please let me use all these riches in Your service
Listen everyone! Let us prepare a wonderful feast in the honor of our friend
All: Lord Krishna!
Sudama: Maha mantra
All: Maha mantra
Sudama: So please try to make this your aim in life, to always fill your lips with the Holy Name.
You understand?
All: Always fill your lips with the Holy Name.
Guards: Now we like to ask you all to kindly chant along Maha mantra (3X)
Left Right Left Right He Ho!
All: Maha mantra
Man: Maha mantra
All: Maha mantra

REVIEWS

Rudradeva das (ACBSP): The recording of your Sudama CD is so well-done. First-quality audio, and all the singing & performances are equally 1st-class, as I've come to expect from you. What's so nice about your singing is that when you listen carefully, one can notice how you're particularly careful about every note, every slight fluctuation in volume or pitch to help make the scene perfect and believable. Sometimes just a minute detail can make a big difference in the way an audience receives something (as you well know, obviously). You really did a nice job. Thanks!

Bharat Santani Mumbai: Both the CD's I bought in Vrindavan are just mind blowing. The CD of Sudama Vipra is brilliant. The words are so sweet. It's a beauty! I love the tracks "We Are The Guards of Dwarka", the songs of Rukmini and Krishna, and Sudama and his wife. The maha mantras on the CD are just toooooo amazing! It feels sooo good. It makes your heart melt, and makes you feel that separation from the Supreme Lord Krishna. Thank you so much.

Vrajanath das (JPS) Mayapur: Prabhuji today I got the CD's. They are wonderful, and we are so thankful to you and the devotees who have contributed to the making of these musicals.

Aksh Sharma New Jersey USA: These CD's are phenomenal in the quality of recording and content. Being involved in similar projects, I can imagine how much effort went into this work. A must-have for theater groups wishing to perform fresh and exciting dramas and musicals.

The Kidnapping of Princess Rukmini

2009-06-28T17:55:00.409+02:00

Music by Parividha das, Dwarakadisa das & Aprameya das Lyrics by Parividha das
Based on chapters of KRSNA "The Supreme Personality of Godhead“ by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Click on the button below to listen to a song

CAST
Princess Rukmini Sri Krishna Sri Balarama Narrator King Jarasandha Prince Rukmi The Brahmana	Gaurangi dasi Kripamoya das Jayadeva das Arjuna das Dwarakadisa das Parividha das Thakur Bhaktivinoda das

CHORUS

Gandharvika dasi - Suvrata dasi
Michael Carless - Parividha das - Thakur Bhaktivinoda das

Keyboards by Dwarakadisa das and Aprameya das
Engineered by Dwarakadisa das
Mastered by David Raine
Directed and produced by Parividha das © 2003

SCRIPT & LYRICS

Narrator: The king of Vidarbha, Maharaj Bhismaka had five sons and one daughter. His eldest son was called Rukmi and his daughters name was Rukmini. She was very beautiful, intelligent, liberal minded and chaste. From the many saintly persons and sages like Narada Muni, who visited her father’s palace, the young princess came to know about Sri Krishna and simply by hearing about Him, she desired to surrender herself to the Lord’s lotus feet and become His wife. All of her family members and relatives also agreed that Rukmini should be given in marriage to Krishna. All but one - her eldest brother Rukmi. Despite the desire of all the other family members, he arranged for her marriage with his friend Sisupala. When Rukmini discovered this, she became very morose. She knew she had only one cause of action. She decided to send a message to Krishna and so that she might not be deceived, she selected a qualified brahmana as her emissary.
Princess Rukmini: O best of the brahmanas, could you please do this for me?
Brahmana:My dear Rukmini, I feel very fortunate to convey your message to Lord Sri Krishna.
Of course I’ll go.
Princess Rukmini: O thank you.
Narrator: Without delay the brahmana left for Dvaraka city. Having reached the gate of Dvaraka, the brahmana was led by the doorkeeper to the room, where Lord Sri Krishna was residing. There he saw Him, seated on a golden throne. The Lord immediately got up and offered His throne to the brahmana, after which He worshiped the brahmana exactly in the manner in which the demigods worship Him. He thus showed that to worship the devotee of the Lord is more valuable, then to worship the Lord Himself. In due time the brahmana took his bath, accepted his meal and went to rest. As he was resting Lord Sri Krishna silently approached his bedside. Putting the brahmana’s leg on His lap he began to massage them.
Sri Krishna: Best of the brahmanas, are you resting peacefully?
Are your religious practices proceeding without too much difficulty?
When a brahmana is satisfied, come what may and does not fall way from his duties
then he’s qualified and can acquire the fulfillment of his desire.
One, who’s not satisfied, he wonders restlessly, whatever he may be,
even as Indra he’ll see only difficulty.
I offer my obeisance’s to the brahmanas and vaisnavas, because brahmanas are
always self-satisfied and vaisnavas are always engaged in actual welfare activities.
Therefore they are the best friends of the people in general, as they are both free
from false egoism and are always in a peaceful condition of mind.
Tell Me, are all the citizens of your kingdom satisfied?
Brahmana: Yes, my Lord.
Sri Krishna: Then your king must be well qualified. Now if you have no objection please speak about your mission.
Brahmana: My Lord, I have come from Vidarbha, which is ruled by our dear King Bhismaka, whose only daughter Rukmini is to be married to Sisupala. Although all the family members and relatives wanted her to be given in marriage to Your Lordship, her eldest brother Rukmi arranged her marriage to his friend Sisupala.
Sri Krishna: Hmmm.
Brahmana: Princess Rukmini requested me to deliver you this message.
Princess Rukmini: O infallible and most beautiful one,
those who hear about You,
absorb through their ears Your name and fame
fixing Your form in their heart, all their suffering departs.
I may be shameless in expresshose who see,
You have taken my heart, thus captivating me.
If that, which is meant for the lion to eat, is taken away by the jackal as a treat.
Won’t that be a most ludicrous affair? Therefore lion amongst men please come here.
Hurry, please hurry, before Sisupala will dare.
Hurry, please hurry! He intends to run off with that which is Your share.
My dear Lord, if in my previous life I have done public welfare work or pious activities.
If Lord Narayana is pleased by these activities
I pray that You will take my hand instead of Sisupala and friends.
I want You to be my husband and I dedicate my life
and if You will be my husband, I’ll be Your eternal servant and wife.
As my marriage is already settled, the only way for me is to be Your wife is that You come here and rescue me. The best time for this would be when I’m going from the palace to the temple or when I’m returning home. To obtain Your favor is not as easy, as even Lord Shiva has to purify himself for this purpose, therefore if it’s not possible in this lifetime, I will observe severe austerities and penance’s life after life.
I want You to be my husband and I dedicate my life.
O if You would be my husband, I’ll be Your eternal servant and wife.
Brahmana: Ahum!
Sri Krishna: Thank you, thank you very much for delivering this message to me. I’m indebted to you for the trouble you have taken.
Brahmana: My Lord, please carefully consider, what to do,
but if you want to help in this connection, there is not much time left for action.
Sri Krishna: My dear Brahmana, I’m so exited that Rukmini has invited me to kidnap her.
I’m so glad she has sent you as I’m eager for her too!
Also my mind has been absorbed, thinking of her, longing for us to unite.
And because of my constant thinking of her I can’t even sleep at night!
It’s so obvious that her brother Rukmi, out of enmity towards Me,
has promised Rukmini to Sisupala, hah of all people, Sisupala! How typical!
As fire is extracted from wood I’ll take Rukmini away
from the midst of all those princes, who are up to no good
and those, who protest I’ll slay!
Vali! Tell Daruka to harness the horses! I want to leave immediately!
Narrator: Upon receiving the order Krishna’s charioteer Daruka brought Krishna’s chariot and four special horses. The first one Saivya was green, the second Sugriva was greyish like ice, the third, Meghapuspa was the color of a new cloud and the last Balahaka was of ashen colour. With the chariot ready to leave Krishna helped the brahmana up and gave him a seat by His side.
Sri Krishna: Please, hold on tight!
Narrator: The horses were so fast that they covered the distance between Dvaraka city and Kundina, which was of not less than one thousand miles in only twelve hours. Meanwhile in Kundina, King Bhismaka was not very enthusiastic about handing his daughter over to Sisupala, but he was obliged to accept the marriage settlement, due to his affection for his eldest son, who had arranged it. As a matter of duty, King Bhismaka was acting in great earnestness to make the celebration as successful as possible. The roads of the city were sprinkled with water and were decorated with colored flags and flower garlands. Several archways were constructed and incense was burning everywhere. The priests and brahmins were engaged in chanting Vedic hymns to counteract any inauspicious conjunctions of the stars. They were all given wealth and cows in charity by King Bhismaka Outside the city there were many gardens, where the guests were welcomed. Guest houses were constructed for their stay. There King Bhismaka welcomed King Damagosh, the father of Sisupala and his party, prominent Kings and princes such as Jarasandha, Dantavraka Paundraka and Viduratha. In the meantime Sri Balarama received the news that His younger brother Krishna had left for Kundina, accompanied only by a brahmana. He also heard that in Kundina, Sisupala was there with a large number of soldiers. Suspecting that they would attack His brother, Balarama immediately left for Kundina, taking with Him strong military divisions of chariots, infantry, horses and elephants. In the royal palace at Kundina, Rukmini was expecting Krishna to arrive, but when neither He nor the brahmana appeared she became full of anxiety.
Princess Rukmini: Where are they?
There’s only one night before my wedding day.
O where is Krishna? Where’s the brahmana? Where are they?
O how unfortunate I am! What could be the reason them?
Maybe Krishna has rejected my plan?
O where is Krishna? Where’s the brahmana? Where are they?
Maybe Lord Brahma or Lord Shiva are displeased with me
for worshiping them improperly?
Are they therefore trying to frustrate my plan?
Or is it Durga, who’s behind it all?
She’s the Himalayas daughter after all!
She is very cold and hard!
But at least there is some time left, there’s still some time left.
I’m fooling myself! I’m hoping against hope!
O where is Krishna? O where’s the brahmana? Where are they?
Narrator: When her tears became more and more forceful. Rukmini closed her eyes in helplessness. While thus being absorbed in her sorrow auspicious symptoms appeared in different parts of her body. Trembling in her left eye lid, and in her arm and thighs. Just then Rukmini saw the brahmana. She could then understand the auspicious signs in her body and she became overjoyed.
Princess Rukmini: My dear brahmana, I’m so glad to see you.
Has Krishna come with you? Has He?
Brahmana: Dear Princess, I’m glad to inform you that Lord Sri Krishna has indeed arrived? He requested me to tell you that He promises to fulfill your desire without fail.
Narrator: Rukmini was so elated that she wanted to give everything she possessed to the brahmana. She looked around to find something suitable. Finding nothing adequate she simply offered him her respectful obeisances. When King Bhismaka heard that Krishna and Balarama had arrived he personally invited Them to see the marriage ceremony of his daughter Out of curiosity and eagerness the citizens of Kundina assembled before Krishna and Balarama and began to drink the nectar of Their beauty.
Citizens: If you Lord of Lords with our pious deeds,
then please show us Your mercy by marrying Rukmini.
Narrator: In the mean time Princess Rukmini, very nicely dressed and protected by guards came our of the palace to visit the temple of Ambika. As Rukmini proceeded towards the temple, she was very silent and grave. Within her heart she was thinking of the lotus feet of her Lord Sri Krishna. Princess Rukmini was accompanied by her mother her maidservants and by the wife of the priest. As the procession continued musician began to play. Rukmini was offered flower garlands, sandalwood pulp and coloured garments. to assist her in the worship of Lord Shiva and the goddess Durga. Having arrived in the temple the elder ladies led the prayers for Durga. Ordinary people pray to the goddess Durga for material wealth, fame, strength and so on, but nor Rukmini.
Princess Rukmini: O mother Ambika, unto you as well as your children I offer my obeisances again and again. Please, please accept this offering and bless me that Lord Krsna will be my husband. I beg you.
Narrator: While Rukmini was praying the offerings were presented to the Deity. When the ceremony was finished, Rukmini was offered the remnants as prasad, and she accepted them with great respect. Then catching the hand of one of her girlfriends she left the temple followed by the others.. All the princes and visitors, who had come to Kundina for the marriage were all assembled outside the temple to see Rukmini. Some were on horses, some were on elephants, while others were on chariots. They all gazed upon her beautiful features, comparing their own beauty with hers. Rukmini however was either proud nor interested in any of them. As she expected Krishna to come and carry her away at any moment, she proceeded very slowly towards her home. Her eyes moved restlessly and when she smiled her teeth appeared just like lotus buds. Her legs moved, just like a full grown swan and her ankle bells tinkled very mildly. As she was adjusting the ring on her left finger, she happened to look upon the princes and suddenly saw Krishna was present amongst them. All though she had never seen Him before Rukmini was always thinking of Him, and thus she had no difficulty in recognizing Her Lord.
Princess Rukmini: Krishna! He’s here! Calm down.
Narrator: Seeing His moment, Lord Krishna swiftly took the opportunity to lift Rukmini onto His chariot. Without fear He slowly proceeded towards the city gates. Meanwhile Lord Balarama appeared on the scene with soldiers of the Yadu dynasty. Stuck by Rukmini’s beauty several princes had fallen from the backs of their horses and elephants. They began to stand up and properly arm themselves.
Princes What’s this? Should we all loose our reputation? Or are we waiting for an invitation?
Prince: Do we let this Krishna kidnap her without any opposition
I mean look, we are all chivalrous fighters! T. Just just look at our condition!
Princes: And look, just look! Just look how he is flying! It’s like a jackal stealing booty from a lion!
Narrator: Picking up their weapons Jarasandha and the princes began to chase Lord Krishna. Rukmi however, seeing the seriousness of the situation decided to go and get his personal army, while Sisupala wasn’t capable of anything. He had lost all his energy and all the lustre of his body had disappeared In order to check the progress of Jarasandha and the princes, the soldiers of the Yadu dynasty faced them and terrible fighting between the two belligerent groups began. Determined to recapture Rukmini and defeat Krishna, Jarasandha and the princes fought with great passion. Seated by the side of Krishna, Rukmini looked upon the face of her Lord with fearful eyes.
Princess Rukmini: O Krishna!
Sri Krishna: When they realised they were being defeated and that Sisupala was incompetent to fight with Krishna, Jarasandha and the other princes thought it unwise to risk losing for his sake, therefore they ceased fighting and dispersed. Some of them as a matter of etiquette went to appeal to the floundering Sisupala, whose face was dried up in anguish. In order to cheer him up they spoke as follows.
King Jarasandha: I myself lost seventeen times to Him and only once did I win,
but I never never lamented my friend or rejoiced,
because I know this world is driven by time and fate.
They have now conquered us because time favors them,
but be assured Sisupala my friend,
we shall be victorious when time favors us,
as you know this world is driven by time and fate.
Princes: Sisupala, you belong to the royal order.
Don’t be discouraged. Take courage!
King Jarasandha: Yes!
Princes: Amongst fighters you are by far the best.
King Jarasandha: Hmm, For you where’s the question of happiness or distress?
Princes: So take courage. Take courage.
King Jarasandha: Sisupala, there’s no use in your lamenting. Nothing in this world is everlasting.
We’re just like puppets on a string. We’re dancing by the will of the Supreme, so,
Princes: Take courage. Take courage!
King Jarasandha: Sometimes we enjoy happiness, and sometimes we suffer and are full of distress.
Princes: So take courage. Take courage!
King Jarasandha: So, come on Sisupala.
Narrator: Now accompanied by his military forces, with great speed Rukmi began to give chase.
Rukmi: My friends, although none of you could intervene to stop Krsna kidnapping Rukmini,
that however doesn’t mean, that I’ll let her go so freely!
I’m not afraid to attack and unless I bring my sister back and kill that upstart Krishna, I’ll never come back to Kundina!
That cowherd has become over proud as my relative He thinks he’ll be allowed,
but with my arrows I’ll have my sister freed and have him bleed for his impudent deed!
Narrator: Thus Rukmi, ignorant of the strength of the Supreme Lord
Rukmi: Go faster!
Narrator: caught up with the chariot of Lord Krishna.
Rukmi: O defiler of the Yadu dynasty, Stop and fight with me!
Let her go free! Let her go free!
You are carrying away Rukmini, just like a crow stealing the gee,
meant for use in a sacrifice. Stop! Fight with me!
I shall relieve you of your prestige as I pin you to the ground with my arrows!
You fool! You deceiver! You cheater!
Narrator: Hearing these harsh words Lord Krishna fired an arrow, severing the string of Rukmi’s bow. Rukmi took another bow and Krishna disarmed him Krishna kept on disarming him in the same name way and finally killed Rukmi’s charioteer and horses. In desperation Rukmi took up his trident, lance and shield, but Krishna disarmed him again with his arrows. With nothing left but his sword Rukmi ran wildly at Krishna, but before he had reached Him, the sword too was cut to pieces. When Krishna then took up his own sword to kill Rukmi, Princess Rukmini pleaded with Krishna
Princess Rukmini: O Yogesvara, Jagadpati, O God of Gods, Please don’t kill him!
Please excuse him at this time just before our wedding.
Narrator: While Rukmini was thus praying to Lord Krishna, her whole body was trembling. Her face was paled, her throat choked and due to the trembling, the ornaments on her body loosened and fell scattered on the ground. Lord Krishna immediately became compassionate with her.
Sri Krishna : It’s all right devi, I won’t kill him.
At the same time Lord Krishna wanted to punish Rukmi in some way. Binding his hand with a strong cloth, He shaved off Rukmi’s moustache, beard and hair, leaving small patches here and there. While this was going on, the soldiers of the Yadu dynasty, commanded by Lord Balarama, had broken the whole strength of Rukmi’s army. When the commanders of the Yadu dynasty came to see Krishna, they were surprised to see the condition of Rukmi.
Commanders: Ah look! Oh!
Narrator: Lord Balarama became compassionate on Rukmini and to please her He personally untied Rukmi and spoke sternly to His younger brother.
Sri Balarama: Krishna! This goes against our family traditions!
Whatever he might be, he’s now part of the family
and he shouldn’t have been put in this condition!
To shave his mustache, beard and hair is really quite unfair.
Why, it’s almost the same as killing him!
O saintly Rukmini, please don’t be aggrieved,
each one of us receives the result of his own deeds
For land, wealth women or pride, ksatriyas easily have a fight,
And you should be gentle, but not sentimental!
And Krishna you should know, that even though
one’s kith and kin commits the greatest sin.
It is one’s duty to pardon him. It is one’s duty to pardon him!
O dear Rukmini, please don’t be aggrieved,
by lack of knowledge unhappiness is guaranteed
and it disappears as soon as one hears philosophy.
Narrator: Hearing Lord Balarama’s words of wisdom, Rukmini became pacified and composed. As far as her brother Rukmi was concerned, He had neither fulfilled his boasting promises nor succeeded in his mission. In his frustration he decided never to return to his father’s capital and resided for the rest of his life in the small village of Bhojakata.
Lord Sri Krishna brought princess Rukmini to Dvaraka city, where He married her accordingly.
Citizen: Sri Sri Rukmini Dwarakadisa ki
Citizens: Jaya!
Narrator: On this auspicious occasion all the houses, mansions and palaces were decorated with flags, flowers and garlands. Each and every one of them had a gate especially prepared for the wedding celebration, with big water jugs, filled with water on both sides. The whole city was flavored by the burning of sweet smelling incense and at night time thousands of lamps, illuminated the sky. Rukmini’s father, king Bhismaka, being approached by Lord Balarama and also persuaded by many saintly persons also participated in the marriage ceremony along with the Pandavas, king Dhritarastra, king Drupada, and from Vrindavan, Nanda Maharaja and some of Krishna’s cowherd friends. When the Supreme Personality of Godhead and the goddess of fortune were at last united together, all the people felt extremely blissful and their love for Lord Krishna and His queen Rukmini increased unlimitedly.

REVIEWS

Amrita Gaurangi dasi: When I heard your Princess Rukmini musical for the first time it touched my heart. Your plays are just so real. As I am a visual person, I am seeing it all in my mind. It makes me closer to Krishna, as if I am there. Thank you.

Sacinandana Swami: Our Krishna consciousness movement needs a cultural basis, because it's the human condition that it requires culture in order to grow and blossom. I'm very thankful to those who supply such cultural basis in their many endeavors. Especially I welcome your talent of presenting ancient Krishna consciousness through western musicals. I think that in times to come your productions will serve as a bridge, over which many sincere souls will walk into the blissful land of Krishna consciousness. This CD is no exception of your musical and Krishna conscious genius.

Nrsimhananda das (ACBSP) ITV Productions: I have dreams of producing movies of your musicals. The work is professional, and the messages inspiring. You have taken Srila Prabhupada's instructions to heart and dovetailed your producing and composing abilities in Krishna's service. The music is bold. The voices are celestial. You have created an admirable body of work, and have set the stage for ambitious productions. I hope to work with you.

Sravaniya dasi (ACBSP): Your musicals are delightful and imaginative! Not only is your work entertaining, but you have taken the care to keep it rigorously correct in scriptural details. The scenarios in the stories that amplify the themes are all properly portrayed. The only spin here is the tale. These CD's make great gifts for parents and their kids, - I mean knock-your-socks-off great. They are a real Trojan horse as far as getting the message across to a broader audience. Bravo!

Govardhana

2009-06-28T17:54:00.311+02:00

MUSIC Parividha das - Giriraja das – Dwarakadisa das – Aprameya das LYRICS Giriraja das - Parividha das Based on KRSNA "The Supreme Personality of Godhead“ by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Click on the button below to listen to a song

CAST
Sri Krishna Nanda Maharaja Lord Indra Samvartaka Mother Yasoda Narrator	Gaurangi dasi Jayadeva das Parividha das Dwarakadisa das Suvrata dasi Arjuna das

CHORUS
Gandharvika dasi - Gopisvari dasi - Lilavati dasi - Suvrata dasi
Dwarakadisa das - Parividha das - Sakhyarasa Prema das
Dharmistha - Krishnamayi - Nayika

Acoustic guitar played by Sakhyarasa Prema das
Flute played by Andrea Wilder
Keyboards by Dwarakadisa das

Engineered and mastered by Dwarakadisa das
Directed and produced by Parividha das © 1996

SCRIPT & LYRICS

Nanda Maharaja: The moon and stars are rightly placed. It is a perfect day to perform the sacrifice for Lord Indra, for unless we please this demigod, who controls the rainfall,
drought will surely come and our crops will not be spared!
Bring the ghee and firewood, clay pots and coconuts.
Sent for the brahmanas, who will chant the Vedic hymns.
Get incense and mango leaves, sesame and barley grains.
One hundred pots of water, filled right up to their rims.
All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Brijabasis: All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Nanda Maharaja: Please accept our offerings and bless us with some rain,
for then by your mercy, we will have abundant grain.
Brijabasis: Please accept our offerings and bless us with some rain,
for then by your mercy, we will have abundant grain.
Nanda Maharaja: Decorate one hundred cows with golden jewellery
to give in charity to the brahmanas and their wives.
Fetch five kinds of fruits, vegetables and spices,
for all these things are necessary for the sacrifice.
All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Brijabasis: All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Nanda Maharaja: Please accept our offerings and bless us with some rain,
for then by your mercy, we will have abundant grain.
Brijabasis: Please accept our offerings and bless us with some rain,
for then by your mercy, we will have abundant grain.
Nanda Maharaja: All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Brijabasis: All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Nanda Maharaja: All glories to you! All glories to you, King of the Heavens!
Brijabasis: All glories to you O Lord, who rides the mighty elephant
All glories to you Lord Indra, King of the Heavens
Nanda Maharaja: All glories to you! All glories to you, King of the Heavens!
Sri Krishna: Father!
Nanda Maharaja: Just one second.
Sri Krishna: Father I want to ask you something!
Nanda Maharaja: One second Krishna! Can’t you see I’m busy with the sacrifice?
Sri Krishna: My dear father, what is the use for a sacrifice? Please explain it to me?
It is described in the Vedas or a popular ceremony?
Nanda Maharaja: My dear son, this function is traditional.
We have to thank Lord Indra for kindly sending rainfall.
We cannot live without the rain for farming and producing grains.
Sri Krishna: My dear father, why worship Indra? We’ve other duties to perform! Rain is coming anyway and not by worshiping him! Rain is falling on the ocean and on the land as well.
What’s important is our relationship with the brahmanas and Govardhana Hill!
Sri Balarama: We are satisfied living in the forest of Vrindavan.
Children: Yes, we are satisfied living in the forest of Vrindavan.
Sri Krishna: So please, let’s take the grain and ghee, collected for the sacrifice,
to satisfy our Govardhana and never mind Lord Indra.
Nanda Maharaja: You know what Krishna? I shall arrange a special sacrifice for the local brahmanas and Govardhana Hill, but first I must finish this one!
Sri Krishna: But father, that will take so much time! Why don’t we use all these things to worship Govardhana? Please? Please?
Nanda Maharaja: All right then!
All: Jaya!
Gopa: But what shall we do now Nanda?
Nanda Maharaja: Well?
Sri Krishna: Very easy! Just prepare: Rice, dal, halava, cream cakes and sweet rice,
puris and pakoras and do give in charity to all the brahmanas.
Let us go to Govardhana, bringing all the food we can. Decorate the cows and feed them well!
Keeping them in front, circumanbelate the Hill. Govardhana Puja.
Children: Govardhana Puja!
Sri Balarama: Lots of prasadam for all the devotees!
Brijabasis: Jaya!
Sri Balarama: Govardhana Puja!
Brijabasis: Govardhana Puja!
Sri Krishna: Those who neglect Govardhana worship, all will be killed by the snakes of the Hill!
Children: Ssssssssss!
Sri Balarama: All you people of Vrindavan, for your good fortune,
Sri Balarama + Sri Krishna: and the fortune of your cows as well. Worship Govardhana Hill!
Brijabasis: Let we people of Vrindavan for our good fortune, and the fortune of our cows as well, worship Govardhana Hill!
Krishna: Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana
Brijabasis: Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana
Sri Krishna: Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana
Brijabasis: Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana
Sri Krishna: Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana
Brijabasis: Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana Jaya Govardhana
Indra: Hmm! What is this? What are they doing there?
And who is this boy? This Krishna? How does he dare to stop my sacrifice!
They are only dwellers of the forest, but they have decided to turn their back on me!
Lord Indra! King of the Heavens! Without me where would they be!
And instead, they’re worshiping a hill! Hah!
But we shall see, who is more important than me! Samvartaka! Samvartaka!
Samvartaka: Your majesty? May I be of service?
Indra: In Vrindavan they have neglected me
Samvartaka: What?
Indra: On the advice of a talkative boy, known as Krishna! Who’s only seven years old!
Samvartaka: That’s very bold for a seven year old.
Indra: And by believing this boy (inhales) they have insulted me! They must be punished! They, they must be destroyed! Go there right away and flood the whole area. Destroy them all!
Samvartaka: All?
Indra: All of them! Do you hear me? Even their cows!
Samvartaka: But, but your majesty
Indra: Go!
Brijabasis: Krishna, hear our prayer. You are all-powerful and always fair.
Please protect us from the rain, sent by angry Indra to destroy us all.
Gopas: It falls like sharpened arrows.
Gopis: Along with heavy wind.
Gopas: Thunder and lightning!
Child: Ice is falling too!
Brijabasis: We are all in danger! What can we do?
Krishna save us! Please save us! Krishna save us!
Sri Krishna: Indra, who thinks himself supreme, has shown his great power,
but I shall teach him something he won’t forget!
To disrupt his plan, I will lift with my hand beautiful Govardhana Hill.
As my devotees, I’ll give you all protection for you have completely taken shelter of Me.
So do not worry for I will protect you. All of you.
Child: All of us?
Krishna: All of you. (plays flute and then lifts up Govardhana)
Brijabasis: Jaya (clap hands)
Sri Krishna: My devotees of Vrindavan, now I’ve lifted Govardhana Hil.l
Brijabasis: It protects us like a big umbrella.
Child: But Krishna, I’m afraid, afraid it might fall!
Child: Me too!
Krishna: Don’t be afraid. I promise it won’t fall. Be happy together.
Gopis: We’re not hungry. We’re not thirsty. We don’t even want to sleep.
Krishna lifted up the Hill and then we entered underneath.
Children: We’re not hungry. We’re not thirsty. We don’t even want to sleep.
Krishna lifted up the Hill and then we entered underneath.
Gopas: We’re not hungry. We’re not thirsty. We don’t even want to sleep.
We just wonder how has Krishna held the Hill for one whole week?
Children: Maha mantra
Brijabasis: Maha mantra
Gopis: Maha mantra
Brijabasis: Maha mantra
Gopas: Maha mantra
Brijabasis: Maha mantra
Samvartaka: Eh your majesty!
Indra: Samvartaka! And?
Samvartaka: Your majesty.
Indra: Well? How did it go?
Samvartaka: Well eh.
Indra: Speak up!
Samvartaka: Please come and see.
Indra: O yes! What took you so long? Seven days!
Samvartaka: Actually, the plan hasn’t worked.
Indra: What do you mean?
Samvartaka: The Hill! The Boy!
Indra: What do you mean?
Samvartaka: The Hill! Please? Come and see for yourself!
Indra: Ohh!
Samvartaka: You see! It’s not my fault!
Indra: He must be!! Clouds! Clouds! Stop your work! Clouds! Clouds! Stop your work!
Brijabasis: Jaya! Maha mantra
Sri Krishna: Now leave and take your wives, children, cows and valuables,
for as you can see, the water has gone down.
Gopi: My dear friend, I wonder how it’s possible that a seven year old child can lift up a Hill?
Gopas: My dear Nanda Maharaja, we have now the greatest doubt.
We think that your son Krishna must be a demigod,
for he is not at all like an ordinary boy.
Maybe He’s the Lord of Lords! Sri Vishnu Himself!
Nanda Maharaja: I try to remember the predictions of that astrologer..
Mother Yasoda: He said this boy descends at different times.
Mother Yasoda + Nanda Maharaja: In different colors and that he has many names according to his pastimes. Indeed he is exactly like Lord Hari.
Brijabasis: Maha mantra. Maha mantra
Indra: O my Lord, blinded as the King of Heaven.
O my Lord all I saw was a boy of seven!
Therefore I mistook Your superior position.
I was overcome by envy and ambition.
O my Lord, kindly excuse me.
O my Lord, for I am fool number one!
O my Lord. O my Lord. Jaya Sri Krishna!
Sri Krishna: My dear Indra, I have stopped your sacrifice,
just in order to show you My mercy, to revive your memory,
that I am the Lord of Lords and that I will always be.
I can show My favor to anyone I choose or even chastise,
for no-one is superior to Me.
If I find some-one overpowered by false pride,
in order to show him My mercy I withdraw his opulence.
Now return to your heavenly Kingdom, but be careful of your false prestige
and know you are always subordinate to the Supreme Personality
Indra: Maha mantra. My dear Lord, You are so kind to me that You have bestowed Your mercy upon me by destroying all my false pride. I therefore take shelter unto Your lotus feet. All glories to You! All glories to Lord Sri Krishna! And all glories to Govardhana Hill! Maha mantra.

REVIEWS

Dhana: I found your Govardhana musical CD on my shelf, which my wife got from you and played it. It's a beautiful CD with great voices and catchy music. It was so good I landed up listening to it twice. It created the entire vision of Govardhana right in front of my eyes. I was so pleased that I wanted to write to you. I wasn't really feeling good this evening, but by listening to your CD I felt as if Krishna's entire village stood there in front of me in 3D. Congratulations. I have your entire collection and I am going to make time to listen to it all. Great work - So professional.

Sridevi dasi: Your musical presentations are extraordinary. They are quite innovative and creative. What a great way to present our philosophy. My 3 year old loves your Govardhana musical.

Lavanga Manjari dasi: About two years ago I received your set of CD's. They hung around a while before my children started listening to them. I'm writing you now to say that they have been played to breaking point. My sons listen to them every night when lights go out. They have played them over and over and over. They know every story backwards now. Now my youngest has to listen past the scratches and sticking! She is right now singing along one of the songs of your Govardhana musical. I think your productions have made deep neural pathways in my kids' brains! Thank you for the wonderful service. If I can't repair the CD's I will have to get more! The boys still want to have them at night and they are teens now!

Campakalata Fiorentino: Your stories are favorites in this house. Great for laughs and action and drama, and absorption in Krishna Lila! We love the Brahman and the Cobbler, and Dhruva, and the Chess Match, and the Kidnapping of Princess Rukmini, Saksi Gopal, Samba... gosh, I think we love all of them! Oh! And Govardhana!!!!

Vrajabhakti dasi: Your musical CD's are awesome and my six year old son really enjoy them so much and act them out as well. After I bought them he doesn't want to listen to anything else. I let the whole Community hear the Govardhana Musical CD and everybody enjoyed and loved it so much. Your CD's are really helping the whole family to be Krishna Conscious. We're really grateful to you for doing such an incredible service to the whole world. Thank you once again.

Krsna Janma

2009-06-28T17:54:00.310+02:00

MUSIC
Parividha das – Dwarakadisa das – Aprameya das

LYRICS
Parividha das - Dwarakadisa das - Citraketu das

Based on chapters of KRSNA "The Supreme Personality of Godhead“
by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Click on the button below to listen to a song

CAST
Vasudeva Kamsa Narrator / Washerman Devaki Bhumi / Yasoda Narada Muni Sri Krishna Lord Brahma Lord Vishnu Putana Durga Nanda Maharaja Minister / Canura Minister Minister Cowherdboy Weaver Sudama Kubja	Jayadeva das Janardana das Yaduraja das Lilavati dasi Suvrata dasi Parividha das Hari Kirtan das Kripamoya das Ranchor das Sarva Mangala dasi Sri Kama dasi Sukadeva das Dwarakadisa das Sakshi Gopala das Kaliyaphani das Thakur Bhaktivinode das Sakhyarasa Prema das Titiksava Karunika das Gandharvika dasi

CHORUS
Dhira Lalita dasi - Dwarakadisa das - Gandharvika dasi
Lilavati dasi - Parividha das - Sakhyarasa Prema das
Suvrata dasi - Syamasundar das - Thakur Bhaktivinoda das

Electric guitar by Titiksava Karunika das
Acoustic guitar by Aprameya das
Flute by Andrea Wilder
Keyboards by Dwarakadisa das

Engineered and mastered Dwarakadisa das
Directed and produced by Parividha das © 1999

SCRIPT & LYRICS

Bhumi: Lord Brahma, please hear my plea, demons are harassing me
I don’t know what to do, so I’ve come to you
to ask for your help if you can, to protect the world of man
as their suffering increases day by day
Lord Brahma: I’m shocked by what I hear, O Goddess please arise

First of all, let me say to you how much I sympathize
and although I do agree that we should act immediately
I need some time to think it through, what will be the best for you
Bhumi: But the whole world; land, sea and sky
is endangered, being covered by
The military force of all these demons fighting wars
I need some help right away to keep these savages at bay
For their evil force increases day by day
Brahma: Hmm. I’m baffled what to do. Yes what to do
The only one, who can help is God Himself, the Supreme Lord Vishnu
The all-powerful and wise, for the Lord will surely know someway out for you
No doubt the key He will provide, so let’s go to Him and pray for His advice
Both: I’m sure that the Lord will have a plan how to save the world of man
All: Narayanam maha jneyam visvatmanam parayanam
Lord Brahma: Lord please hear our prayer
All: The earth is in despair, the demons have conquered all directions
We wait your command
Bhumi: Please tell us what to do
All: To receive your instructions, we have humbly come to you
You are the Lord behind everything that be
yet You are peacefully sleeping on the vast milk sea.
We know You’re aware of the earth’s great despair
so we are begging You show that You are hearing our prayer
Lord Brahma: O mother earth; bid farewell to your fear
Bhumi: I feel save here
Lord Brahma: Be full of mirth, as the Lord will soon appear
Bhumi: Should we wait for Him here
All: Jaya
Lord Brahma: He wants all of you to take your birth amongst the Yadu dynasty to precipitate His victory
All: Jaya! All glories to All glories to Sri Vishnu
Bhumi: Sri Vishnu
All: All glories to All glories to Sri Vishnu
Narada Muni: Narayana
Omen: Kamsa! You are such a fool!
You are driving your sister’s chariot
But you do not know that from her womb
the eight born child will bring your doom
Kamsa: What? Then I will kill her
Vasudeva: No Kamsa, No
O brother-in-law; you are your family’s pride. A warrior worthy of praise
How can you kill your sister on this her happiest of days
Kamsa: Let me go! I must kill her!
This is a question of saving my life. Let me go
I have to kill her, although she’s my sister and also your wife
Vasudeva: My dear Kamsa, please hear
From your sister there should be no fear
The omen spoke of one of her sons
This is what could be done
Kamsa: I don’t wanna know! I don’t wanna know
Vasudeva: Listen to me! The one to fear is one of her sons
so this is what I’ll do. I’ll hand each child to you
Devaki: Vasudeva
Vasudeva: I promise you
Kamsa: Each and everyone
Vasudeva: I’ll give you my word
Kamsa: Hmm. I don’t know
Devaki: But Kamsa please. Vasudeva is famous for keeping his word
Kamsa: I know I know. All right All right. Let the procession continue
Vasudeva: My dear Kamsa, as I promised you
to bring you my son, my son first born.
Into your hands I now commit him, accordingly as I have sworn
Kamsa: Dear Vasudeva, I’m so glad to see
how you have kept your word to me
With no attempt this child to save
So honest you are dear Vasudeva
I know this child does not pose a treat
It’s from the eight I fear my death
After all, it was the eight born
of whom the prophecy did warn,
So take him back. Take him back to Devaki. I’ll let him live
Narada Muni: Narayana Narayan Narayana
Kamsa: Can it be Narada Muni
Narada Muni: Kamsa
Kamsa: I’m truly honoured. Please please be seated
Narada Muni: I have some news, which you should fear
Why have you become so compassionate
Why did you return their first born son
Kamsa: Well I thought
Narada Muni: How do you know, he’s not the one
The one prophecied to cause your doom
could be any child born of Devaki’s womb
Kamsa: True
Narada Muni: You should know that in a previous life your name was Kalenemi
You were a great and powerful king, but you were killed by your enemy, Sri Vishnu
Kamsa: Vishnu
Narada Muni: The same Lord Vishnu is destined to take His birth
From the womb of Devaki He will come to the earth
You should also know that many devas have taken their birth
Within the Yadu dynasty, they have all come to the earth
Kamsa: Thank you for this information Naradaji
Narada Muni: You’re welcome
Kamsa: Now may I take your leave? I have business to attend to
Narada Muni: Certainly
Kamsa: Kamal; Get my ministers. It seems the time has come to make my move
Naga; Arrest Vasydeva and Devaki. Shackle them in chains. I’ll deal with them later
Durya; Take my imperial guards, and have my father imprisoned along with his allies
Krama; Sent word to Jarasandha, Sisupala and Banasura
and tell them that I’m ready to formalize our union
Now I must deal with Devaki’s child
Vishnu: O all-auspicious Yogamaya
In the womb of Devaki is my expansion Ananta Sesa
Please transfer Him to the womb of Vasudeva’s other wife Rohini
He will be save there.
I Myself will take birth from the womb of Devaki
Dear Yogamaya; I want you also to grace the earth
Go to the beautiful village of Nanda and Yasoda, Gokula
and become their daughter
In time you’ll be known as Bhadra Kali, Maya, Durga and Vijaya
You’ll be worshiped by all mankind, to spirit's progress blind
Kamsa: What has happened to Devaki
Why she shimmers so effulgently
Is Vishnu in her womb
That means He will here very soon
I should kill her immediately
before this Vishnu can threaten me
But it would finish my reputation
O what an awkward situation
O what should I do with Devaki
She is carrying my enemy
She is pregnant and under my care
To kill her now would be most unfair
After I die I will certainly dwell eternally in hell
O what is to be done with Devaki
Surely Vishnu is in her womb
Am I doomed? Is it all finished
Ah, if I could just wait until he is born
Then I could do the needful. Yes ( Laughs)
Devas: Thou, who are true to His vow. The Supreme
True in three phases of time
The well spring of truth. The indweller of truth
The truth of all truth sublime
Thou, who are seen by the knowers of truth
as the root of all that be
Whose body and being are truth
O Lord, we surrender to Thee
Mother, all fortune to you in your womb
the Lord is appearing to save us from doom
Fear not for Kamsa is already undone
Sri Vishnu, our savior has come as your son
Lord Vishnu: My dear mother and father
In a previous life, you were ordered by Lord Brahma to create progeny
Fixing Me in your mind you endured rain, wind, scorching heat and severe cold.
You ate only the leafs fallen from the trees and practice the process of breath restraint.
After 12.000 celestial years I appeared before you in the same form as you now behold
When I asked your desire, you requested the benediction of having Me as your son
And so in due course of time I have fulfilled your wish
I know that you are very concerned that Kamsa will try to kill Me
Therefore once I have transformed Myself into a child
to relieve your anxiety, please take Me to Gokula
and exchange Me for the daughter
just born to Yasoda, the wife of Nanda Maharaja
Devaki: Vasudeva, at last the Lord has become our son
Vasudeva: What a beautiful child
Devaki: Ah my baby
Vasudeva: Devaki
Devaki: O Vaudeva, can this really be happening?
O how I longed
Vasudeva: O how I’ve prayed
Devaki: To be with you
Vasudeva: To have You as my son
Devaki: To finally hold You in my arms
Vasudeva: But to make sure He won’t be harmed, I have to take Him away
Devaki: No ! Please
Vasudeva: My beautiful child
Devaki: Beautiful child
Vasudeva: I’ve never felt such love
Devaki: Such love
Vasudeva: as I feel for you
Both: O how it breaks my heart, we have to part.
Will I see you again
Devaki: Goodbye my son. Will I see you again
Vasudeva: Devaki! The chains
Devaki: Ah
Vasudeva: I think it is time to leave
Guard 1: Wake up! Wake up
Guard 2: What
Guard 1: Listen
Guard 2: O the child is born
Guard 1: We must inform the king. Move! Your majesty
Kamsa: Eh, what
Guard 1: Your majesty, the child is born
Kamsa: Ah! The prophecy! He’s here. Give me. No, wait
I can’t delay. I have to kill him before night becomes day
I have to hurry. I have to be strong. Yes, he’ll be dead before long
Devaki: Kamsa
Kamsa: Give me the child
Devaki: O please no
Kamsa: Give me that boy Devaki
Devaki: It’s a girl! It’s a girl
Kamsa: What
Devaki: My dear brother, please don’t kill her. Let her live as my daughter
The omen spoke about a son, so please excuse this little one
She’s just a girl. What is she to you? You’re a king. What can she do
My dear brother; please let her live as my daughter
Kamsa: Give me the child
Devaki: Please no
Kamsa: I said give me the child
Devaki: No
Kamsa: Give it to me. Now
Durga: Kamsa! Why so cruel
You think you can kill me? Hah!You pathetic fool
I’m Vishnu’s sister Durga by name
Your plan to kill my brother is insane
Did you really think you could escape the prophecy
Yes tremble Kamsa, be filled with fear
for your death is very near
My brother, who will kill you, has already taken His birth
sometime before me, somewhere on this earth
therefore stop these atrocities to your poor sister
Do you hear me? You’re doomed
Kamsa: Devaki! Vasudeva! What have I done
I have killed your children. My nephews. How could I have done this
I don’t know what will be my fate? To undo what is done is too late now
Since the omen I heard appears untrue, killing your children was most undue
I’m so evil. Not at all like you. O Vasudeva and Devaki I’m so ashamed
Forgive me please. Forgive me. I beg you on my knees
Vasudeva: O Kamsa, not only yourself, but everyone is fooled
who considers the body the self
He is by false conceptions ruled
On the basis of this ignorance,
we create for ourselves a false situation
Friendship brings jubilation, enmity causes lamentation,
envy, greed, madness, anger and illusion
This is how the human being is fooled,
by false conceptions ruled
Kamsa: Your words are so true Vasudeva
I was under illusion, confused. My mind twisted
The prophecy wasn’t real. How could you ever forgive me
Brahmanas: om madhavo madhavo vachi, madhavo madhavo hridi
smaranti sadhaya sarve karyeshu madhavam
om svasti no govinda, svasti no’cyutananto
svasti no vasudevo vishnur dadhatu
svasti no narayano naro vai
svasti nah padmanabhah purusottamo dadhatu
svasti no visvakshenu visvesvarah
svasti no hrisikeso harir dadhato
svasti no vainateyu harih
Nanda Maharaja: Thank you. Thank you everyone. Thank you
I would like to thank you all for making this glorious occasion
even more special for Yasoda and myself
As you know I have to go to Mathura tomorrow to pay our taxes
But that is no reason for the celebrations to finish
I trust you can manage without me. Bring out the feast
All: Jaya
Kamsa: So this is what I’m going to do
Prophecy or no prophecy, If I am destined to be killed
then how can I escape my fate? Hmm? What do you think
Naga: Your majesty; are you sure this is the right thing to do
Durya: One moment please
Krama: This sounds very alarming
Durya: We have to change his mind
Naga: But how
Krama: Yes how
Durya: We can just kill all newborn babies
Krama: But how do we do that
Durya: Putana
Naga: Yes, that sounds perfect
Krama: Ahum! Your majesty
Naga: We have an idea
Kamsa: Really
Ministers: We can just kill all the children
who are born within the last ten days
Kamsa: How will you do that
Durya: We know a lady, who knows various ways
Kamsa: Very clever indeed, but the devas, won’t they intercede
Naga: You don’t have to worry about this foe
Krama: They are all afraid of the strength of your bow
Durya: Even if they did want to stop us
Ministers: They wouldn’t dare to do so
Kamsa: What about Lord Brahma
Naga: O, he’s to busy with meditating
Kamsa: Hmm. And Shiva
Krama: Hah! He is living as a hermit in a forest
Ministers: And Indra can’t compare with you
in neither name nor fame, so let’s kill all the children,
who are born within the last ten days
in villages, towns or pasturing grounds
Kamsa: I’m convinced. Go look for her
Krama: By the way, if we see a Brahmin, or a cow
Should we kill them too
Kamsa: A cow? A Brahmin? Why
Durya: You see your majesty, a cow gives milk
Naga: Milk is needed to make ghee
Krama: Ghee is used by the Brahmins in the worship of Vishnu
Durya: And by killing the Brahmins and cows
there will be no more sacrifice to Vishnu
Ministers: And Vishnu will die! (laughter)
Vasudeva: Nanda
Nanda Maharaja: Vasudeva, you have been released
How wonderful! My dear friend; how are you? And how is Devaki
Vasudeva: We both are fine now. Thank you
Dear Nanda, I’ve heard the good news that you finally have a son
Nanda Maharaja: O yes! You should see him. He is so beautiful
Vasudeva: My dear Nanda, seeing you again fills me with new life
Unfortunately, due to our karma
we are sometimes separated from our dear friends and relatives
Nanda Maharaja: Very true
Vasudeva: But tell me. How are things in Gokula
Is everything there peaceful
Nanda Maharaja: Since the birth of my son, thing couldn’t be more wonderful
Vasudeva: How is my son Balaram? Does he treat you as his father
Nanda Maharaja: Bala is fine and his mother too
Vasudeva: O very good
Nanda Maharaja: But how about you
You must be quite upset with the loss of all the sons you had
Vasudeva: It was a hard time
Nanda Maharaja: But my friend, don’t be aggrieved
try to see the hand of destiny
determining the end result of all of life’s activities
Knowing this philosophy frees one
Vasudeva: From anxiety (Both smile) Nanda. Nanda
Nanda Maharaja: Yes
Vasudeva: I have this strange feeling that there will be some disturbances in Gokula
Nanda Maharaja: Really? What sort
Vasudeva: I don’t know, but may I suggest you return home as soon as possible
Nanda Maharaja: Of course. I’ll go at once
Durya: Your majesty; this is Putana
Krama: She is very fond of children
Naga: And she loves babies
Kamsa: Are you as good as they say you are
Putana: Amongst witches I’m called Khecari
and this means, as you will see
that I can fly in the sky
on a branch of an uprooted tree
Putana is my name. Killing children brought me fame
Disguised as the fairest maid am I
The Goddess of Fortune to the untrained eye
They will think that Vishnu is my husband
For they will take me for His Laksmiji. Wouldn’t you
Putana is my name. Killing children is my aim
My breast is smeared with poison
to kill that Supreme Personality
Your majesty, tomorrow morning
you’ll hear the sound of mourning
Ministers: Putana Putana is her name
Putana: Putana is my name. Killing children is my game
Ministers: Putana Putana is her name. Killing children is her game
Putana: O yeah
Gopis: Govinda jaya jaya Gopala jaya jaya (4x)
Rohini: Look, look at that woman overt here
Yasoda: You mean the one with the lilies in her hair
Rohini: No no, the one coming through the door
Yasoda: I have never seen her face before, but what a beautiful woman is she
Rohini: The Goddess of Fortune she could be holding
Both: a lotus in her hand, she has come to grace our land
Putana: In my life I’ve killed many children
but this one looks different from the rest
Can’t wait. Can’t wait to give him my breast
I can see he is no ordinary boy
and this whole world he could easily destroy
But what have I Putana to fear
Come to mother my little dear
Come my darling. On my lap you may rest
O he looks a little hungry
Please take my breast
O! Ah! O child ah! O child leave me. Leeeeeeeeave me!
Narrator: When Putana failed to return, Kamsa continued sending assassins, but all of them perished under mysterious circumstances. In this way many years passed by. Then in order to hasten the fulfillment of the prophecy, Narada Muni decided to pay Kamsa another visit.
Narada Muni: Narayana.
Kamsa: Narada! I didn’t expect to see you again after your last advice.
Narada Muni: You mean about Devaki’s eight son?
Kamsa: Son?
Narada Muni: You didn’t know? A son was born to her, and then exchanged, right after his birth by Vasudeva.
Kamsa: No!
Narada Muni: Yes! The one prophesied to cause your doom
was certainly born of Devaki’s womb.
Kamsa: Vasudeva cheated me? I’ll kill him!
Narada Muni: But Kamsa, why are you so anxious to kill this Vasudeva?
If I were you I’d save my energy for the real treat, Sri Vishnu.
Kamsa: Where can I find him?
Narada Muni: He is now living as the son of Nanda Maharaja in Nandagram.
Though he plays like a boy, don’t be fooled by he and his brother Balarama.
Kamsa: He now must have reached the age of a youth. By what name is he known?
Narada Muni: It’s Krishna.
Nanda: Krishna.
Narada Muni: Yes.
Kamsa: (laughs) Thank you once again Naradaji
Narada Muni: My pleasure.
Kamsa: You truly are a friend. (Narada laughs) Now what to do?
Narada Muni: Why don’t you send someone those boys trust and have them lured here to Mathura? Nobody besides yourself can deal with Them.
Kamsa: I can see it is down to me. Thank you Narada. Thank you very much.
Narada Muni: Good fortune to you Kamsa.
Kamsa: Hmm. Now, what would entice two young boys to come to Mathura?
A festival. Yes! I’ll invite all the inhabitants of Nandagram. I will send their uncle Akrura to bring them here. Their death, it should look like an accident. I’ll have that ferocious elephant positioned at the entrance to the arena and have him crush my enemies. And if by chance this Krishna avoids his fate, then Canura can invite him for a friendly game of wrestling. Ha ha ha. Yes! Kamal, get my ministers.
Gopa: Have you seen those canons Krishna? They are huge.
Sri Krishna: Yes, and they are all around the city.
Gopa: Look over there! Ah! I’m sure those gates are made of solid gold!
Narrator: When the news spread that Krishna was in the city many ladies and girls went to the roofs of their houses to see Him. Seeing a washer man, who has been dying some clothes
Sri Krishna: Excuse me.
Narrator: Krishna approached him.
Sri Krishna: My dear sir, we would appreciate if you could kindly donate
some of those clothes to decorate ourselves, as we’re going to celebrate.
I promise you that if you do, you won’t regret it,
as you will find that from today, good fortune will come your way.
Washerman: Boy. How do you dare to ask for a thing,
which is meant for the pleasure of the king?
And I don’t like being molested.
Be off with you, or I have you all arrested!
I have experience of this fact.
I’ve seen in the past how men were tracked,
who unlawfully took royal property.
How they were punished and arrested!
I will count to five and if you’re still here.
I make sure you get punished! You hear? One! Two! Three! Four!
Gopa: He really deserved that. Krishna is amazing.
By only using the side of his hand, he cut of the head of that man.
Tailor: My Lordship, if you would kindly allow me to,
I would like to make some garments to offer You.
Sri Krishna: Thank you for these lovely garments.
I bless you with a fine memory and good health.
You’ll have influence and wealth and after your demise.
In a four armed form, my dearest devotee
you will live in Vaikuntha and there serve Me.
Narrator: When Their Lordships came upon the house of a garland maker, he at once bowed down, placing his head on the ground.
Sudama: My Lord, though You are equally disposed as friend of the living entity.
You reciprocate with Your devotees, pleased by their activities.
My Lord, please order me, whatever You wish me to do.
It would be a great blessing to me, if I could do service for You.
Narrator: Understanding Their intention, Sudama, please at heart, presented Them garlands of fresh fragrant flowers.
Sri Krishna: My dear Sudama, I’m very pleased with you,
therefore I grant you that whatever your heart may desire will all come true.
Sudama: I just wish to remain in a pure devotional mood,
and a friend to all your devotees (should be: living entities) if I could.
Sri Krishna: Not only this I grant you, my dear friend.
You will be famous and healthy, beautiful and wealthy.
Sudama: My Lord!
Sri Krishna: And have a long life too.
Sudama: Krishna, You’re too kind.
Gopa: Look at that girl everyone!
Gopa 2: Which one? Oh, the hunchback?
Gopas: Oh! Poor thing!
Gopa: But she has such a nice face.
Gopa 2: O yes.
Sri Krishna: O tall fair maiden what have you there?
Is that ointment for your skin so fair?
Kubja: It’s for the king, who is very pleased
with the sandalwood he receives.
Sri Krishna: Why don’t you give us some?
Kubja: Why?
Sri Krishna: You won’t regret it if you do
Kubja: Hmm?
Sri Krishna: As you will become very fortunate. That I promise you.
Kubja: Oh beautiful boy, no one could be better served
with this pulp of sandalwood, then the likes of you.
Narrator: Her mind was overwhelmed by Krishna’s beauty, charm, smiles, words and glances. She gave both Krishna and Balarama generous amounts of sandalwood.
Gopas: Hurray!
Narrator: Then Lord Krishna pressed with both feet down on her toe and placing one upward pointing finger of each hand under her chin, he straightened up her body.
All: Oh!
Kubja: My dear hero, don’t leave me know. Why don’t you come to my place?
A beautiful boy like you could offer a sweet embrace. (Laughter gopas)
Sri Krishna: No doubt your invitation could free a man’s mental agitation,
but first let me finish my business here, then I’ll come and see you my dear.
Narration: Their Lordships made Their way to the arena, where a bow sacrifice was about to begin. Once in the arena Krishna saw the bow, which was so large it resembled a magnificent rainbow. It was guarded by all sides by a large company of soldiers. Krishna pushed His way through. Despite their attempts to stop Him, Krishna easily picked up the bow with His left hand, and strung it in a fraction of a second. Then to everyone’s amazement he pulled the string and snapped the mighty bow in half.
Kamsa: What is that noise?
Kamal: My Lord, Krishna and Balarama have entered the city!
Kamsa: They’re here? Hm! (to himself It is time.) To the arena!
Guard: Maharaja Kamsa ki
All: Jaya!
Minister: My Lord, are you all right?
Kamsa: I’m all right!
Narrator: Krishna and Balarama entered the arena. Sprinkled with the blood of the elephant Kuvaliyapida, They triumphantly carried his tusks on their shoulders.
Kamsa: Hm. So this is Krishna. Canura. Canura!
Canura: Yes your majesty?
Kamsa: Make sure that this boy doesn’t leave here alive!
Canura: Ha ha ha! No problem my Lord.
Hey Krishna, His majesty has heard so much about you
He ‘s very eager to see if it’s true.
He has heard that you and your brother
tend your cows and wrestle with each other.
We can see that your arms are long,
But now we like to know, how strong.
Come on, let’s wrestle, then the king will be pleased.
Or are you afraid your clothes get creased?
Sri Krishna: It is true, we like to engage in wrestling,
but with boys the same age.
Can’t you see for yourself, Our bodies are not very coarse.
They’re not at all as strong as yours.
And besides it wouldn’t be good
for the audience to see
this unequal fight between you and me.
Canura: He Krishna, we all understand
You are neither boys nor young men.
By hand you’ve killed an elephant to day.
So this fight is surely fair play.
So come on, come on. Let’s wrestle!
Yeah! Come on, come on. Let’s wrestle!
Let’s have a good fight with each other.
You and me and my friend Mustika with your brother. Ha ha ha!
Kamsa: Enough talking! I wanna see some action. Now!
Canura: So Krishna?
Narrator: Seizing each others hand and locking their legs, the opponents struck fists against fists. Knees against knees. Head against head. Chest against chest. Forcefully lifting, carrying and pushing each other, or holding the opponent down, the fighters hurt even their own bodies in their great eagerness for victory.
Women: What we are witnessing is sickening!
And no one is doing a thing.
How even in front of the king
No one is doing a thing. Can’t believe it1
No one is doing a thing! Oh! Ah! Oh!
It isn’t right to watch this fight!
It isn’t right to watch this fight!
Kamsa: Canura! Canura!
Women: To watch this fight. It isn’t right to watch this fight!
Let’s pray that they will win this fight!
Kamsa: O no!
Women: Let’s pray they do.
Gopa: Canura is dead!
All: Hurray!
Kamsa: Mustika!
Gopa: Jaya Balarama!
Gopa 2: Musitika is dead!
Kamsa: No!
Women: They won the fight!
Kamsa: Stop this celebrating! I order that these two sons of Vasudeva be immediately driven out of Mathura. The cowherd boys, who have come with them should be plundered and all their riches taken away! Nanda Maharaja should be immediately arrested and killed for his cunning behaviour. That rascal Vasudeva should also be killed without delay.
Narrator: As Kamsa thus raged on. Lord Sri Krishna intensely angry quickly and easily jumped up upon the royal dais.
Kamsa: Also my father Ugrasena, who has always been against my will should also be killed. Kill them all!
Narrator: Kamsa instantly rosed form his seat and took up his sword and shield. Moving quickly from side to side. Krishna grabbed him by the hair, and knocking off his royal crown, dragged Kamsa to the wrestling dais. Krishna straddled Kamsa’s chest, and striking him over and over, again Kamsa finally lost his life.
Kamsa: Aaaah!
Devas: Thou, who are true to his vow. The Supreme.
True in three phases of time
The wellspring of truth. The indwellers’ of truth.
The truth of all truth sublime
True in three phases of time
Thou, who are seen by the knower’s of truth
as the root of all truths that be
The shelter, whose body and being are truth
O Lord, we surrender to Thee.
O Lord, all glories to Thee
Gopa: Sri Sri Krishna Balarama ki
All: Jaya!
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Vishnu
All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni: Narayana
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Bhumi: Sri Vishnu
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni: Narayana. Narayana. Narayana
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Bhumi: Sri Vishnu
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni: Narayana. Narayana
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Bhumi: Sri Vishnu
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni: Narayana. Narayana. Narayana
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Bhumi: Sri Vishnu
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni: Narayana
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Sri Krishna
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Balarama
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Sri Krishna
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Balarama
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Sri Krishna
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Balarama
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna
Narada Muni + Bhumi: Jaya Sri Krishna
Devas: All glories to. All glories to Sri Krishna

REVIEWS

Vaishnavi dasi: I have your CD "KRSNA JANMA the musical", I got it for my son about a year ago, and was looking for more but Krishna.com wasn't carrying them anymore. Listening to it transformed my house into Vrindavan, we all felt as if we were present in the Lord's pastime. You are truly empowered by the Lord to help devotees realize the reality of the Lord's pastimes. My son was listening to it over and over and became completely absorbed in those pastimes.

Shyamasundar das (ACBSP) Vedic Astrologer: For the first time since 1987 I spent Janmastami alone. I hardly noticed the strains of fasting all day and standing up on my feet cooking a feast, as I was listening to the whole series of CD's that you did starting with your Krsna Janma musical. By the time it was over I was very elated. Your productions are very professionally done. My only complaint is that you only have eleven of them. You should consider making more.

Dhruva Maharaja

2009-06-28T17:53:00.164+02:00

Music by Parividha das & Alex ‘Jagi’ Bibanovic Lyrics by Parividha das
Based on chapters of Srila Vyasadeva’s SRIMAD BHAGAVATAM Translation His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Click on the button below to listen to two songs

CAST
Narrator Dhruva Maharaja / Queen Suniti Narada Muni / Sage Kuvera / Manu / Sage / Vishnu-dutas King Uttanapada Queen Suruci Lord Vishnu	Arjuna das Gaurangi dasi Parividha das Alex ‘Jagi’ Bibanovic Jayadeva das Haraprana dasi Kripamoya das

Keyboards and musical arrangements by Alex ‘Jagi’ Bibanovic
Acoustic guitar by ‘Dharma’ Dave Stuckey

Engineered by Alex ‘Jagi’ Bibanovic and Dwijamani das
Mastered by Alex ‘Jagi’ Bibanovic
Directed and produced by Parividha das © 2003

SCRIPT & LYRICS

Narrator: Svayambhuva Manu, who was born of Lord Brahma, had two sons, who were both very competent to rule the universe. His eldest son King Uttanapada had two queens, named Suniti and his favorite Suruci. Once, the King was playing with his youngest son Uttama, born of Suruci. While he was thus engaged, his eldest son Dhruva, who was born of Suniti, wanted to join in the fun and tried to climb on this fathers lap, but the King was reluctant to let him do so, due to the disapproving glance of his beloved queen Suruci.
Suruci: Child! His son you might be.
With that I don’t disagree,
but that doesn’t mean, you can sit on his knee!
You’re not qualified! Can’t you see?
Your attempt is doomed to fail!
Because you weren’t born from me!
Child! I don’t think it’s very wise,
to try to fulfill what you can’t realize
You are trying to instill a desire,
impossible to fulfill!
Only my offspring can please the King!
Whatever you do ha ha won’t change a thing!
So If you are still desiring
to sit on the throne or the lap of the King.
You have to forgo living in luxury
and undergo severe austerities to satisfy Lord Hari.
And then by His mercy take your next birth from me! Ha ha ha ha!
Narrator: The boy Dhruva, having been struck by the harsh words of his stepmother began to breathe very heavily, as does a snake when struck by a stick. When he saw that his father remained silent and did not protest, Dhruva immediately left the room and went crying to his mother, his lips trembling in anger.
Suniti: O my darling, what has happened? What is wrong Dhruva? Tell me?
Kanti: Suruci was very mean to him your majesty.
Suniti: What did she do to him Kanti?
Kanti: Well your majesty, when Dhruva wanted to climb on Maharaja’s lap. Suruci told him that he could only do
so, by first pleasing the Supreme Lord and then.
Suniti: Yes?
Kanti: And then to take birth from her.
Suniti: O Dhruva,
Don’t wish for anything inauspicious for others.
For anyone, who gives pain to others
will suffer himself that very same pain!
Whatever has been spoken by Suruci, however harsh is true and relevant,
as your father doesn’t consider me his wife or even his maidservant.
He became ashamed of me!
It’s a fact that you are born from the womb of an unfortunate woman
O my dear son. O Dhruva
If you desire to sit on the throne like your stepbrother,
you’ll have to follow the instructions of your stepmother
to worship the Lord. It’s true.
Worship the lotus feet of Sri Vishnu, for simply by his meditation,
Lord Brahma acquired the qualifications to create this universe
And your grandfather,
all his desires were fulfilled and then he gained liberation
Therefore take shelter of the Lord, Who is so kind
My darling, if you want to succeed
you shouldn’t forget that His lotus feet
are the shelter of those, who seek
sense gratification or liberation
from the cycle of birth and death.
Narrator: After deliberate consideration and fixed determination, Dhruva left his fathers palace.
Narada Muni: Narayana Narayana Narayana
Narrator: When the great sage Narada came to know about Dhruva’s activities he became surprised and decided to visit the young prince.
Narada Muni: Narayana Naryana Narayana.
How wonderful are the powerful ksatriyas. Even the slightest denigration of their character is intolerable for them. He’s only a child, yet harsh words from his stepmother proved unbearable to him.
Narrator: Narada touched the boy’s head with his all virtuous hand.
Narada Muni: My dear child, boys of your age like to engage
themselves in sports and play. Why this dismay?
One suffers or enjoys results of previous actions
So there is no need for dissatisfaction
You have decided to undertake the instructions of your mother to meditate
to achieve a reward from the Lord, but that can’t be done by just anyone.
Therefore why bother? Better go back to your mother.
In a few years from now you can take this vow.
To become qualified, you should try being satisfied.
See it all as a reward. The mercy of the Lord!
Either happiness or misery, failure or victory,
If you succeed I guarantee, You’ll cross the ocean of darkness very easily.
And be very pleased, whenever you meet someone in your life, who is more qualified.
And be compassionate, whenever you meet someone, you can guess is qualified less.
And when you meet someone equal to you, this is what you should do,
make friends with him and in this way, you’ll never have a reason to runaway!
Narayana Narayana Narayana.
Dhruva: O Naradaji, someone like me
who gets disturbed so easily,
What you so kindly have explained,
This kind of philosophy doesn’t appeal to me.
My dear Lord, I’m very impudent, but it’s not my fault
Born in a ksatriya family the words of Suruci have pierced me
Learned Brahmana, I want to occupy
The highest position in heavens sky.
More exalted than achieved even by my grandfather and great grandfather
O Naradaji, You are like the sun. For the benefit of everyone,
playing your veena, you traverse the entire universe.
Narada Muni: The advice given by your mother is very wise and just suitable for you. For fulfilling one’s wishes one should indeed worship the lotus feet of Lord Hari. My dear son, I wish all good fortune unto you. Go to the bank of the Yamuna river and absorb your mind in the Lord. Bathe three times daily in her waters, which are very auspicious, sacred and clear. On her banks, there’s a virtuous forest named Madhuvan, where one draws nearer to Lord Hari. There prepare yourself an asana and sit in a calm and quiet position and practice the three kinds of breathing exercises, thus gradually control the life air, the mind and the senses. Completely free yourself from all material contamination and with great patience begin to meditate on the Lord.
His face is very beautiful.
His eyes, His nose, His forehead are all very beautiful.
His form is ever youthful. His hue is blue.
Dhruva: Blue?
Narada Muni: Yes blue. His eyes and lips are reddish like the rising sun
He will always be the defender of those who surrender,
and those who have reached perfection
in seeing Him, feel complete satisfaction.
He is an ocean of mercy and the only one worthy to surrender to
On the lotus of one’s heart He is situated
On that four armed form should be meditated.
Dhruva: (softly) Four arms.
Narada Muni: The nails of His lotus feet shining and His lotus face always smiling.
One who meditates in this way will be freed from all contamination
as he’ll taste day by day love of God without cessation.
Now I shall teach you a mantra, which is very confidential. One who chants this mantra for seven nights can see the Siddhas flying in the sky. Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Dhruva: Om namo bhagavate vasudevaya
Narada Muni: Make a form of the Lord out of clay a Deity and while chanting worship Him by offering water and purified fruits, flowers, flower garlands or even newly grown grass, small buds of flowers or the barks of trees and the best of all tulasi leaves, which are very dear to Him. In this way absorb your mind in the Lord. In order to have full control over your self you should be very sober and peaceful and must be satisfied with whatever fruits and roots are available in the forest. Besides worshiping the murti and chanting the mantra three times a day, you should meditate on the Lord’s transcendental activities. Anyone who thus engages seriously and sincerely with his mind, words and body, aloof from all kinds of sense gratification, is blessed by the Lord according to his desire. Narayana Narayana Narayana.
Narrator: After Dhruva entered Madhuvan, Narada Muni went to see King Uttanapada, who received him respectfully.
Narada Muni: Narayana. Maharaja, Your face appears to have withered up.
You clearly have been thinking upon a troublesome matter.
Have you been obstructed from following your religious duties?
King Uttanapada: O best of the Brahmins: I’m so fallen.
Being too attached to my wife Suruci,
I haven’t been so mercyfull to my son of Suniti,
who is only five years old!
I don’t know what to do. How I was controlled!
Just see! Just see! How I was partial to Suruci. O just see my cruelty!
His face was like a lotus flower.
I worry about his precarious condition.
He is without protection!
Maybe he is very hungry!
He might be lying in the forest! Where wolves might have attacked him!
Just see! Just see! How I was partial to Suruci. Just see my cruelty!
Out of love and affection, he was climbing on my lap.
But no, I would not receive him? My own offspring!
Not even that. No not even that!
How I was partial to Suruci. Just see my cruelty!
Narada Muni: Maharaja, please there’s no need to grieve about your son.
He is well protected by the Lord of lords Himself.
By his great abilities he will perform austerities
unfeasible in this age by king or sage
Very soon your son will complete his undertaking
and on his own finds his way back home
His fame will spread all over the worlds
and your own good name will be known as well.
This I foretell Narayana.
Narrator: Having arrived at Madhuvana, Dhruva took his bath and observed fasting in the night. Then he engaged himself in worshiping the Lord. For the first month he ate only fruits and berries on every third day. In the second month Dhruva ate every six days dry grass and leaves. During the third month, he drank water only every nine days. Thus he remained completely in trance worshiping the Supreme Lord. In the fourth month, Dhruva became a complete master of the breathing exercise, inhaling only every twelfth day. In this way he became completely fixed. By the fifth month he had controlled his breathing so perfectly that he was able to stand on one leg, without moving, while fully concentrated on the Supreme Brahman. Completely in control of his senses, he fixed his mind upon the form of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in his heart. As he kept himself steady, the pressure of his big toe pushed down half the earth. With all the holes of his body closed Dhruva became practically one in heaviness with Lord Vishnu. The total universal breathing became choked up and all the leading Devas in all the planetary systems felt suffocated and thus took shelter of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Devas: Oh Lord of Lords: Every living entity seems to be suffocating,
gasping and choking. We never have experienced such a thing!
You are the sanctuary of every living thing, moving or non-moving
You take control of the surrendered soul.
Therefore O Supreme Arranger: Save us!
Save us from this danger. Save us from this danger! Save us from this danger. From this danger!
Lord Vishnu: My dear Devas, do not be perturbed. The universal breathing process has been obstructed on account of the boy Dhruva’s absorption in Me. I shall ask him to stop, so you can safely return to your abodes.
Narrator: Reassured by the Lord, the Devas were freed from all fears and after offering their obeisance’s they returned to their heavenly planets. Then Lord Vishnu climbed on the back of Garuda, who carried Him to the forest of Madhuvan. The form of the Lord, which was brilliant like lighting and in which Dhruva was fully absorbed in meditation, all of a sudden disappeared, thus breaking his meditation. Opening his eyes he saw that same brilliant Form standing before him, just as he had seen Him in his heart. Being greatly confused Dhruva fell flat before the Lord and in ecstasy looked upon Him, as if he were drinking the Lord with his eyes, embracing the Lord with his arms and kissing His lotus feet. With folded hands Dhruva stood before the Lord, desiring to offer suitable prayers, but he was inexperienced. The Lord, being situated in everyone’s heart, could understand Dhruva’s awkward position and out of His causeless mercy He touched His conch shell to the boy’s forehead by which Dhruva became perfectly aware of the Vedic conclusion and understood the Absolute Truth including the Lord’s relationship with all living entities.
Dhruva: My dear Lord: You are all-powerful.
After entering within me, You have enlightened all my senses.
Especially my power of speech
My obeisance’s unto You, the Absolute Truth.
How can one ever forget You?
If one desires elevation or liberation, You are the only shelter.
My dear Lord: One who worships You with material motivation
is covered by illusion, still I desire such benedictions,
Boons that are there, even for those who live in hellish conditions
So please bless me that I may be with Your devotees,
to transcend this material existence very easily.
Lord Vishnu: My dear prince Dhruva, you have executed pious vows. I know the desire within your heart and all though it is very ambitious and difficult to fulfill I shall favor you with its fulfillment. All good fortune unto you. I shall award you the glowing planet of the polestar, which will continue to exist even after the dissolution at the end of the millennium. No one has ever ruled this planet, which is surrounded by all the solar systems, planets and stars and which continues to exist even after the dissolution of all others. Having gone there you’ll never have to come back to this material world. After your father goes to the forest and awards you the rule of his kingdom, you will rule the entire world for thirty-six thousand years and all your senses will continue to be as strong as they are now. You will never become old. Sometime in the future your brother Uttama will go hunting in the forest and while absorbed in hunting he will be killed. Your stepmother Suruci, being maddened upon the death of her son, will go to search him out in the forest, where she will be devoured by a forest fire. My dear Dhruva you will worship me with great sacrifices and will give great charities. In this way you will be able to enjoy the blessings of material happiness in this life and at the time of death you will be able to remember Me.
Dhruva: Oh, what have I done? What have I done?
Just look at me! I saw the lotus feet of the Personality of Godhead,
who can stop the cycle of birth and death in a single breath
And I prayed for things, all perishable. Oh how lamentable!
Foolishly, covered by maya’s energy, I saw my baby brother as my enemy!
Huh! Little Uttama, my enemy? Oh how foolishly!
To pray for things, all perishable. Oh how lamentable!
The Lord offered His service to me, but all I wanted was prosperity!
Prosperity, name and fame! What a shame
And I prayed for things, all perishable. Oh how lamentable!
T. I’m just like that poor man, who satisfied the emperor, who wanted to give him anything he might ask for and who then asked him only for a few broken grains of husked rice! (sighs)
Oh how lamentable!
Narrator: When a messenger informed King Uttanapada that his son was on his way home, he couldn’t believe his good fortune, but remembering the words of Narada Muni, he became overwhelmed.
In great appreciation he offered the messenger a highly valuable necklace which he was wearing. Then immediately he left the city accompanied by both his wives, his son Uttama, learned Brahmins, elderly family members, officers, ministers and friends. Upon seeing Dhruva entering a nearby forest, the King hastily got down from his chariot.
King Uttanapada: O my son. I’m so glad. I’m so glad to see you.
Narrator: Warmly embraced his son. Dhruva was not the same as before, being completely sanctified due to having been touched by the lotus feet of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He offered his obeisances at the feet of his father, who honored him with various questions.
King Uttanapada: O I’m so proud of you. I heard from Narada Muni that you have performed greater austerities, then any ksatriya or rishi has ever performed.
Dhruva: I saw Lord Vishnu father.
King Uttanapada: You did?
Dhuva: He is so beautiful father.
King Uttanapada: O I’m sure he is. You are so fortunate. And I am so fortunate to have you as my son.
Narrator: He then bowed his head at the feet of Suniti as well as Suruci. Seeing that Dhruva had fallen at her feet, Suruci immediately picked him up. Embracing him and with tears of joy she blessed him.
Suruci: O my dear boy. Long may you live.
Narrator: The two brothers also embraced one another (crying) Overwhelmed by love and affection the hair on their bodies stood up. Then Queen Suniti embraced the tender body of her son, who was dearer to her then her own life and thus forgot all material grief. Her tears together with the milk flowing from her breasts, wet Dhruva entire body. While everyone was praising this son, King Uttanapada was overwhelmed with joy. He had the two brothers seated on the back of a she elephant and thus they all returned to the capital.
Man: Dhruva Maharaj ki!
All: Jaya!
Narrator: In honor of Dhruva’s return the city was decorated with columns of banana trees. Many gates were set up, which were structured to give the appearance of sharks. At each gate there were burning lamps and big water pots decorated with colored cloth, strings of pearls, flowers, garlands and hanging mango leaves. All the palaces, which were already very beautiful were decorated with golden ornaments. All the quadrangles, lanes and streets and the raised sitting places at the crossings, were thoroughly cleansed and sprinkled with sandalwood water. Rice, barley as well as flowers and fruits and many other auspicious presentations were scattered all over the city. As Dhruva passed by, all the gentle household ladies assembled to see him and offered their blessing, showering him with white mustard seed, barley, curd, water, newly grown grass, fruits and flowers. Then Dhruva entered his father’s grand palace, which had walls bedecked with valuable jewels. His affectionate father took particular care of him and he dwelled in that palace just as the Devas live in the higher planetary systems. The bedding in the palace was as white as the foam of milk and was very soft. The bedsteads were made of ivory with embellishments of gold and the chairs, benches and other furniture were all made of solid gold. The palace was surrounded by marble walls, which had many engravings of beautiful women with lamps in their hands made of sapphire and other valuable jewels. Surrounding the King’s residence were gardens with varieties of trees, brought from the heavenly planets. In those trees were pairs of sweetly singing birds and almost mad bumblebees, which were making a very sweet buzzing sound. There were emerald staircases, which led to lakes full of various colored lotus flowers and lilies and were swans, cranes and many other birds were visible. Many years later when the saintly King Uttanapada saw that his son Dhruva was mature enough to take charge of the kingdom and that his ministers were agreeable and the citizens were very fond of him, he enthroned. Dhruva as the emperor of the planet. After considering his advanced age and deliberating on the welfare of his spiritual self. King Uttanapada detached himself from worldy affairs and entered the forest. Thereafter Dhruva Married and had two sons named Kanlpa and Vatsara from his wife Brahmi and another son named Utkala and a very beautiful daughter from his other wife Ila. Once Dhruva Maharaja’s younger brother Uttama went hunting in the Himalayas and was killed by a Yaksha. His mother Suruci, as foretold went to look for him and was devoured in a forest fire. When Dhruva heard his brother was killed by a Yaksha, he became overwhelmed with lamentation and anger, he climbed on his chariot and went to the northern direction of the Himalayan range. In a valley he saw Alakapuri, a city full of ghostly persons. He blew his conch shell and the sound reverberated in every direction. The greatly powerful heroes of the Yaksas, unable to tolerate the resounding vibration of the conch shell, came forth from their city. Armed with different kinds of weapons they attacked Dhruva, who immediately began to kill them by simultaneously discharging arrows three at a time The Yakshas in return threw twice as many arrows along with swords, spears, lanes, pikes, tridents and iron bludgeons, which completely covered Dhruva Maharaj, just as a mountain is covered by incessant rainfall. From the sky the fight was witnessed by Siddhas. The Yaksas, being temporarily victorious, (Jay! ) proclaimed their victory, but just as the sun suddenly appears from within foggy mist, Dhruva’s chariot suddenly reappeared. His bow and arrows twanged and hissed, shattering all their different weapons, just as the blasting wind scatters the assembled clouds in the sky. They pierced the shields and bodies of the Yaksas.Those, who were not killed had their limbs cut to pieces. Thus they began to flee. Seeing not one of the opposing soldiers left standing with proper weapons, Dhruva Maharaj then desired to see Alakapuri.
Dhruva: Hmm, I had better not, no one knows what tricks these mystic Yaksas may get up to!
Narrator: In the mean time, while he was talking with his charioteer he heard a tremendous sound, as if the whole ocean were there and they found that from the sky a great dust storm was coming over them from all directions. Then a rainfall of blood, mucus, pus, stool, urine and marrow fell heavily before them along with trunks of bodies. Next a great mountain was visible in the sky and from all directions hailstorms fell along with lances, clubs, swords, iron bludgeons and great pieces of stone. They saw enormous serpents with angry eyes, vomiting forth fire, coming forward along with groups of mad elephants, lions and tigers. Then as if it were the time of the dissolution of the word, a fierce sea with foaming waves and great roaring sounds came forward before him. Great sages assembled to offer auspicious encouragement to Dhruva Maharaj, who was astonished by the illusory mystic tricks of the Yaksas.
Sages: May He, who relieves the distress of His devotees kill all your enemies.
The Holy Name of the Lord in Itself is as powerful as the Lord Himself!
Just by chanting and hearing His Holy Name,
the whole world can easily attain protection from death.
Narrator: Hearing their words Dhruva performed acaman and then took up his arrow made by Lord Narayana. As soon as he joined the narayanastra to his bow, the illusion created by the Yaksas was immediately vanquished, just as all material pains and pleasures are vanquished when one becomes fully cognizant of the self. Even as he fixed the weapon made by Narayana Rishi onto his bow, arrows with golden shafts and feathers like wings of a swan flew out of it. With a great hissing sound they entered the enemy soldiers. Those sharp arrows dismayed the enemy, who almost became unconsciousness. Various Yaksas somehow or other collected their weapons and in a rage attacked him. When Dhruva saw them coming forward he immediately took his arrows and cut them to pieces, separating their arms, legs, heads and bellies from their bodies.
Manu: My dear son: Your killing of so many Yaksas
is not approved by any authority, neither it befits our family.
Although you are greatly aggrieved by the death of your brother.
Just consider your punishment!
For one Yaksa’s offense, you have killed many others,
who were all innocent!
It is far from easy to reach the abode of Lord Sri Hari.
You are destined to go there, being His pure devotee.
Your life my son, is meant for exemplary behavior.
I am therefore, quite surprised to see,
how how you could have acted so abominably
By your action Dhruva you have upset Kuvera.
You should pacify him properly, before his rage effects our family.
Lord Vishnu is very pleased when His devotees treat others with patience, mercy and equality.
Control your animosity! As you should know,on the path of perfection anger is the foremost foe!
Narrator: When Lord Kuvera, the treasurer of the Devas, heard that Dhruva Maharaj had stopped killing the Yaksas, he appeared before Dhruva, while being worshipped by Yaksas, Kinnaras and Caranas.
Lord Kuvera: I’m very glad o Dhruva, o sinless son of a ksatriya
that by the instructions of your family, you have given up all of your enmity.
Our identification is the cause of reincarnation
Actually you haven’t killed the Yaksas , nor have they killed your brother.
For the ultimate cause of our behavior to each other
is the Lord’s eternal energy of time!
My dear Dhruva: Please, please come forward.
May you always be graced by the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Only He can free us from the repeated cycle of birth and death.
We have heard, you are constantly engaged in serving Sri Hari.
You are worthy to ask any boon from me.
Feel free to ask me whatever you want.
Narrator: In due course of time Dhruva Maharaj performed many great sacrifices in order to please the enjoyer of all sacrifices, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.He was very respectful to the Brahmins and very kind to the poor and innocent. He diminished the reactions of pious activities by enjoyment and by practicing austerities he diminished inauspicious reactions. Thereafter he handed over the charge of the royal throne to his son. After ruling this planet for 36.000 years he considered his body, his wives, his friends, his army, his treasury, his comfortable palaces and his pleasure grounds to be creation of the illusory energy. Thus he retired to the forest of Badarikashram. There his senses became completely purified because he bathed regularly in the crystal-clear purified water. He fixed his sitting position and controlled his breathing. In this way his senses were completely withdrawn. Thus he concentrated his mind on the arca-vigraha form of the Lord and meditating upon Him, entered into complete trance. Because of his transcendental bliss, incessant tears flowed from his eyes, his heart melted and there was shivering and standing of the hairs all over his body. Thus transformed, Dhruva Maharaj completely forgot his bodily existence and thus he immediately became liberated from material bondage. As soon as the symptoms of his liberation were manifest, he saw a very beautiful air plane coming down from the sky, as if the full moon were coming down, illuminating all ten directions. In the plane he saw two very beautiful personalities with four arms and a blackish luster. Realizing that they were servants of Lord Vishnu, Dhruva Maharaj immediately stood up. Being puzzled however, he forgot how to receive the visnudutas Nanda and Sunanda in the proper way. Therefore he very humbly offered obeisances and chanted the holy names of the Lord.
Dhruva: Om namo narayanaya namaha
Visnudutas: Dear Maharaj: Bhadram te. Please listen to what we’re about to say
When you were five years old, you pleased the Lord by your self control.
Therefore you’re worthy to aboard this vimana, sent by the Lord.
As Lord Sri Visnu’s representatives we have come to bring you back home with us.
Back to Vishnuloka as by your austerities you have earned for what great rishis and devas yearn.
Please come, you are welcome to live there eternally
Narrator: Dhruva Maharaj took his bath and performed his daily spiritual duties.and offered his obeisances to the sages and accepted their blessings. Before getting aboard, while cricumambulating the airplane and offering obeisances to the vishnudutas he became as brilliant and illuminating as molted gold. When attempting to get on the transcendental plane, he saw death personified approach him to offer him his obeisances. By placing his feet on the head of death he got up on the vimana. While kettledrums resounded in the sky and Gandharvas began to sing and demigods showered flowers like torrents of rain The vishnudutas could understand his mind and showed him that Suniti was going forward in another vimana. Passing through space Dhruva Maharaj saw all the planets of the solar system and on the way he saw all the demigods showering flowers upon him. After surpassing the planetary systems of the seven great sages, he achieved the transcendental situation of permanent life on the planet of Lord Vishnu, known as the Pole star, which is unceasingly circumambulated by all the luminaries within the universal sky.

REVIEWS

Lokanath Swami: While listening to your Dhruva Maharaja musical, I remembered how it was one of the first stories I was told as a child. You have nicely packaged the dramatic narration with contemporary music. It's quite a unique presentation. I really liked it.

Bhawesh Shaz: I got the CD of Dhruva Maharaja at Bhaktivedanta Manor on Sunday. That night I listened to it in the car while taking my friends home. Me and my friends really enjoyed it. It made our journey very transcendental. Since then I have also listened to it at work, and the more I listen to it the more I love it. All those devotees involved have done a tremendous job of bringing the pastimes of Dhruva Maharaja to life. The music is ecstatic, and the voices are very befitting. I particularly like yours, Gaurangi's and Kripamoya's. Truly a work of art, which I'd like to see performed live on stage one day! I would like to order the rest of the set.

Hemanga das: On our way back home we were listening to the Dhruva Maharaja musical. After the first two parts I imagined myself how wonderful preaching tool you have produced and how nice it will open the hearts for our philosophy in the western world. Mixed with this vision and the feelings of leaving Radhadesh my hairs stood on end, and I wept literally tears almost the whole way up to Liege. My dear wife had to calm me down by massaging my arm all the way.

Sivarama Swami: Overall I think the Dhruva Maharaj musical is a wonderful production. It woves nicely. Arjuna's narration is seamless, professional and the music is pleasing.

Jaya Bhadra dasi: Regarding your Dhruva Maharaja musical: I especially like that you extract scripture which is so essential. Narada's first instructions could convince anyone, but you so wonderfully portrayed how it didn't persuade Dhruva. You did it again prabhu! --- Another masterpiece. ---

Rati Manjari dasi: I listened to Dhruva together with my son of seven. He listened attentively as I translated the words. When I told him that Dhruva Maharaja was about 5 when he went to the forest, I could see that this idea fascinated him. As boys amongst each other always like to compete, he asked me if he could also do such a thing? I told him that I did not know, as it was very extraordinary, but perhaps he could, if he really wanted to. Immediately the story took on a different dimension for him. I believe in the power and importance of exposing our children to stories like those of Dhruva, because these stories offer them a whole different type of heroes than the phoney cartoon characters on everyday TV. The adventures of these timeless role models will always add auspiciousness to our lives.

Vinode manjari dasi (SDG) Radhadesh Belgium: Your contribution to our KC movement through music and drama is wonderful, enlivening, relaxing and inspiring. I love the song you sang as Narada describing the beauty of the Lord. You must have sung it with full devotion from your heart, as you want to hear it again and again. Thank you.

Krsna-ksetra das (ACBSP): Your Dhruva musical is a pleasure to listen to. As a musical it renders the story in a dramatic and entertaining way, highlighting the determination of the child hero to have the Lord's darshan. It shows great promise as a way to render so much more of our tradition's narratives, making it more accessible to a much wider audience than would otherwise be attracted, and of course it will be especially attractive to children.

Cintamani Engelhardt USA: Your latest musical of Dhruva Maharaja was so nice. I liked the singers that you chose for the different parts. Everything was so professionally done. I felt as though I was actually there within the story of Dhruva. Please continue making more of these wonderful CD's so we can always fill our ears with the sound of Krishna's pastimes.

The Test of Bhrigu Muni

2009-06-28T17:52:00.258+02:00

Script by Parividha das and Radha Mohan das
Based on a chapter of KRSNA "The Supreme Personality of Godhead“
By His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

By clicking on the button below you can listen to a scene of this recording

CAST

Narrator
Lord Vishnu
Bhrigu Muni
Lord Shiva
Parvati
Lord Brahma

Arjuna das
Kripamoya das
Kesidamona das
Radha Mohan das
Sri Radha dasi
Panca Pandava das

SAGES

Damodara das - Murari Gopala das - Parividha das
Engineered and mastered by Dwijamani das
Produced and directed by Parividha das © 2000

SCRIPT

Narrator: In the former age of Satya Yuga there was once an assembly of great sages, who met on the banks of the river Sarasvati, to perform a great sacrifice of the name Satrayajna. In such assemblies, the sages usually discussed Vedic subject matters and philosophical topics in great depth.
Sage 1: The three predominating deities of this material world, Lord Brahma, Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, are directing all the affairs of the cosmos. They are all exalted personalities, but who among them is Supreme?
Sage 2: As Lord Brahma created this universe, I think He is Supreme.
Sage 3: I cannot agree with you. Surely Lord Shiva must be the Supreme. He is the only one powerful enough to destroy this entire universe.
Sage 4: To maintain this universe requires goodness, therefore I say: Lord Vishnu is the Supreme.
Sage 2: Who shall we depute to see who is the superior of the three?
Sage 4: Eh, Bhrigu Muni? He’s the son of Lord Brahma.
Sage 3: And brother of Lord Shiva.
Sage 1: Yes….a good choice.
Narrator: In the Srimad Bhagavatam, these great sages are described as brahma-vadinam. Brahma-vadinam means those who talk about the Absolute Truth, but who have not yet come to a conclusion as to who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. After much discussion on this subject matter, the great sage named Bhrigu, who is the son of Lord Brahma and the brother of Lord Shiva, was deputed to test all three predominating deities and report back to the assembly.
Bhrigu Muni: As you wish.
Narrator: Accepting this mission, Bhrigu Muni first travelled to his father's residence in the planet of Brahmaloka. The three deities are the controllers of the material qualities, namely the quality of goodness, passion and ignorance. The plan decided upon by the assembly of sages was for Bhrigu to identify which of the predominating deities possessed the quality of goodness in full. It is the duty of a son or a disciple to offer respects and recite suitable prayers when he visits his father or spiritual master.
Lord Brahma: Bhrigu!
Narrator: But Bhrigu Muni purposefully failed to observe such etiquette in order to see his fathers reaction to this negligence. Lord Brahma became very angry at his son's impudence.
Lord Brahma: (inhales) How dare you behave in this way! I should condemn you for this!
Narrator: However because Bhrigu was his son, Lord Brahma controlled his anger with his great intelligence. This means that although the quality of passion was prominent in Lord Brahma, he had the power to control it. His anger and his controlling of anger are likened to fire and water. Water is produced from fire, but at the same time, fire can be extinguished with water. After testing Lord Brahma, Bhrigu Muni went directly to the planet known as Kailash, the residence of Lord Shiva. Upon seeing his brother, Lord Shiva became very pleased.
Lord Shiva Bhrigu!
Narrator: Lord Shiva personally rose to his feet and approached him.
Lord Shiva: How nice to see you.
Narrator: But when he tried to embrace him.
Lord Shiva::Bhrigu!
Narrator: Bhrigu Muni refused and responded with insulting words.
Bhrigu Muni: Please! My dear brother, because you always smear your body with ashes you are not very clean, therefore, because of your impurity, I would rather you did not touch me.
Narrator: Naturally, Lord Shiva became very angry with him.
Lord Shiva:: How! How dare you!
Narrator Because the quality of ignorance is prominent in Lord Shiva, his eyes immediately became red with anger. With uncontrollable rage, he took up his trident and prepared to kill Bhrigu.
Lord Shiva: Aaahh!
Parvati: No! Pati! Don’t hurt him! Please! Please don’t kill him! Please don’t hurt him I beg you! Please! Please don’t hurt him! He is your brother! Please I beg you! Please! Please don’t hurt him. Please! I beg you!
Narrator: Fortunately for Bhrigu, Lord Shiva's wife Parvati, was present. Falling down at the feet of her husband she pleaded with him. In this way Parvati saved Bhrigu by evoking Lord Shiva's quality of goodness.
Lord Shiva: Very well.
Narrator: After being saved from the anger of Lord Shiva, Bhrigu Muni journeyed directly to Svetadvipa the abode of Lord Vishnu. There he saw the Lord lying on a bed of flowers, while His consort Laksmi was engaged in massaging His lotus feet. The offense committed to Lord Brahma was mental, the offense to Lord Shiva was vocal and now Bhrigu Muni was about to offend Lord Vishnu in a corporal way. He approached Lord Vishnu and kicked Him purposefully on the chest. Instead of showing anger towards Bhrigu Muni, Lord Vishnu immediately got up from His bed, followed by His wife.
Lord Vishnu My dear Brahmin, it is a great blessing for Me that you have come here. Please, please sit down on this cushion. I am very sorry that when you first entered I could not receive you properly. It was a great offense on My part, and I beg for your pardon. You are so pure that the water which washes your feet can purify even the places of pilgrimage on earth. I request you: Purify my Vaikuntha planet in which I reside with My associates. My dear father, O great sage, I know that your feet are very soft, like the petals of a lotus flower and that My chest is as hard as a thunderbolt. I am afraid you may have hurt yourself. Please allow Me to massage your feet to relieve the pain you must have suffered.
Narrator: Lord Vishnu then knelt down and began to massage the feet of Bhrigu Muni.
Lord Vishnu: Prabhu, My chest has now become sanctified because of the touch of your feet and I am now assured that Laksmi will be very glad to live there perpetually.
Narrator: Bhrigu Muni was struck with wonder at the behaviour of the Personality of Godhead.
Bhrigu Muni:I eh eh…
Narrator: His voice choked up and he was not able to reply to the words of the Lord. Tears glided from his eyes as he simply stood silently before Him. Lord Vishnu is all-merciful. He did not become angry at the activities of Bhrigu Muni because Bhrigu was a great Brahmin. A Brahmin is to be excused even if he sometimes commits an offense, and Lord Vishnu Himself sets the example. Yet it is said that from the time of this incident, Laksmi, the Goddess of Fortune, has not been favorably disposed towards the Brahmins, and therefore she withholds her benedictions. This is why the Brahmins are generally very poor. When Bhrigu Muni returned to the assembly of great sages on the bank of the Sarasvati and described his experience, they all listened with rapt attention.
Bhrigu Muni: And then He knelt down and began to massage my feet!
Sage 1: Of all the predominating deities, certainly Lord Vishnu is situated in the mode of goodness to the highest degree.
Sage 2: It’s quite clear that..
Sage 3: Yes I realize now
Sage 4: I’m quite amazed how Bhrigu Muni
Sage 1: If Lord Brahma and Lord Shiva could loose their peaceful disposition on account of such slight provocation, then how could they assure the peace and tranquility of their devotees?
Narrator: All of the sages thereafter engaged in devotional service to Lord Vishnu, and thus they achieved the transcendental result of going back to Godhead. It is stated in the Bhagavad Gita, that anyone who accepts Lord Vishnu or Krishna as the supreme friend attains the perfection of peace.

REVIEW

Radha Madhava dasi Malasya: I'm so glad to have your CD's. They are great! I love theater, therefore I am so happy you have presented Krishna stories in this way. They're fantastic! I love listening to them, and I can visualize the scenes on my mind. This is especially good for my future baby! My mind calms down, and I am absorbed by the stories. I love this feeling! I can also feel the hard work behind all the wonderful CD's. They are really helping people to know more about the beauty of the Lord. Thank you!

Dayal Nitai das (TKG) Taiwan: Your impressive productions reflect your personality, as I know that you're driven by an awesome sense of perfectionism. Besides being well directed, your productions are captivating, philosophically correct, and always inspiring to the heart. I've been moved to tears by some of them, and laughed at other parts, and still laugh remembering them. I have learned many things as well, and have pleased guests at our home by letting them listen.

Lilananda das (RNS) Rome Italy: The CD's sounded so professional. It seemed to me as if I was there. I hope someday I could stage them in one of the squares here in Rome. I also appreciated the fact that the stories are very close to the way they are described in the Bhagavatam.

The Syamantaka Jewel

2009-06-28T17:52:00.244+02:00

Script by Parividha das
Based on a chapter of KRSNA "The Supreme Personality of Godhead“
By His Divine Grace A C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

By clicking on the button below you can listen to a scene of this recording

CAST

Sri Krishna
Narrator
King Satrajit / Prasena / Maharaja Ugrasena
Jambavan /Brahmana
Nanny
Jambavati
Child

Kripamoya das
Arjuna das
Parividha das
Dwarakadisa das
Asta Sakhi dasi
Suvrata dasi
Jaggi

CITIZENS OF DVARAKA

Dwijamani das – Deepak Vohra – Dwarakadisa das
Gandharvika dasi - Ganga Yamuna dasi - Radha Govinda dasi - Suvrata dasi

Engineered and mastered by Dwarakadisa das
Directed and produced by Parividha das ©1997

SCRIPT

Sri Krishna: Haha check!
Friend: Hmm!
Servant: Excuse me my Lord, but two of the citizens would like to see you.
Sri Krishna: Show them in.
Friend: Check mate!
Sri Krishna: Ah!
Ketu: Eh, my dear Lord, we are so fortunate to be citizens of Dwaraka, for daily we are able to see Your lotus Feet, which are sought after by means of severe penance and austerities by the great mystics and yogis.
Attama: My dear Lord, In your form of Narayana You hold in Your hands different symbols. A conch shell, disc, club and lotus flower. Yet in spite of You’re being the Supreme Personality of Godhead, You descended in Vrindavan and acted as the child of mother Yasoda, who sometimes used to tie You up with ropes.
Ketu: Ha ha and although Your Lordship is living like an ordinary being here in Dwaraka all the demigods are descending from their heavenly abodes to have Your darshan.
Attama: We even saw the sun-god himself with his appealing bodily effulgence in the city.
Ketu: That’s why we came to inform You. We thought You might like to know. He is probably on his way to Your palace right now! Actually he should be hereby now, shouldn’t he?
Attama: Yes. We took a short cut, You see.
Sri Krishna: Ha ha ha ha Both of you, thank you very much for your thoughtfulness, but the person, whom you described as the sun-god is actually King Satrajit.
Both: Satrajit?
Sri Krishna: You see. The real sun-god has given this Satrajit the Syamantaka jewel and it is because of the effulgence of this gem that you did not recognize him.
Ketu: Ah, I see.
Attama: Amazing! Well eh eh sorry about the mix up my Lord.
Sri Krishna: That’s alright. Anyway, thank you for your visit. Hmm. I think I should go and see this Satrajit.
King Satrajit: My dear brahmana, just feast your eyes on the exquisite beauty of the Syamantaka jewel, which was given to me by the sun god himself! Ha ha ha ha. Surely there is nothing like it to be found anywhere on this earth. Just see. Oh, just see how the colors play so delicately within it, moving and dancing like like fire. Ah. Oh Ah and look! Look within its heart! All the colors and designs of the creation can be seen in there Ah!
Brahmana: I see what you mean my Lord.
King Satrajit: Hah, hour upon hour I can pass just gazing into this wonderful gem, marveling that such a jewel is actually mine. Oh!
Brahmana: Your majesty, it is indeed a most rare gift that you have been given by Suryaji.
King Satrajit: Rare? Rare? It is matchless! And that, that is why I want to install Syamantaka right here in the temple. I want it to be worshiped with full pomp and ceremony as is befitting! O o my most beloved Syamantaka, before I possessed you, what value was there to my life, but now, now that you are mine, all desires are fulfilled and my happiness is complete.
Brahmana: Your majesty. Eh Eh Ahum!
King Satrajit: Hmm? O o my dear Brahmin. Please take it as your life and soul t see that this most valuable gem is properly worshiped!
Brahmana: O noble Satrajit, You need have no fear. I can assure you that everything will be done completely in accordance with Vedic injunctions.
King Satrajit: (Enter Krishna) My dear Krishna! Surprise, surprise. How nice to see you. Please please come closer and have darshan of the Syamantaka jewel. A gift to me from the sun-god himself! I’m just arranging its installation here. Please please come closer.
Sri Krishna: Thank you. My dear king, I find it a a little strange to see that you are worshiping a jewel, which is after all nothing more then a product of the material energy.
King Satrajit: T. He is so uncultured.
Sri Krishna: Pardon?
King Satrajit: (embarrassed) Eh eh culture! Eh I was just telling the pujari that it is a sign of great culture to worship this jewel. As it belong to the sun-god it is as worship able as he is.
Sri Krishna: It is indeed a a most wonderful stone. I have a marvelous idea! As you are a subject of my grandfather King Ugrasena. Why don’t you, noble Satrajit offer him this wonderful jewel? A a true servant is always willing to offer that, which is most dear to him to his master and in this way he become glorified as a true follower of religious principles.
King Satrajit: Eh eh eh eh You are right of course eh eh but in this case I don’t think it’s such a good idea. No no I’m sure that it is much better to keep the jewel safely here in the temple. To transfer it all the way to the to Your grandfathers palace might involve some risk to the jewel and in this way to all the citizens of Dvaraka! Eh yes, I’m convinced that it is much better to keep the jewel safely here.
Sri Krishna: As you wish, but be careful, for they say that once greed has entered a man’s heart it becomes like a malignant decease and is very difficult to remove.
King Satrajit: T. What a preposterous suggestion! This Krsna has become a little over proud since he established Ugrasena as the ruler of Yadus. T. Still I will not allow myself to be disturbed by such a trivial incident. My dear brahmana, please ensure that the Syamantaka puja goes on uninterrupted. Naturally you will be rewarded for your services.
Brahmana: O noble jewel Satrajit. I will protect the jewel with my very life!
King Satrajit: That’s what I like to hear. Dedication. Very good! Ha ha ha ha. Who would not be willing to worship a jewel, which provides the worshiper with 170 pounds of gold daily! Ha ha ha. (Exit Satrajit)
Brahmana: Om keshava namah om narayana namah om madhavaya namaha ( hand gesture) idam asanam (rings bell for washing the feet) etat padyam (offer to the hands and put in throw out pot)idam argham (offer to the mouth and put in throw out pot) idam achmaniyam (offer to the mouth and put in bathing receptacle) esa madhuparkah (offer to the mouth and put in throw out pot) punar achmaniyam (bath with water from conch shell) idam snaniyam (dry with cloth) idam vastram (put on garland) idam malyam (ring bell and put on sandalwood) esa gandha (offer flower petals) etani puspani (offer incense in seven circles) esa dhupa (offer ghee lamp) esa dipa om hrimlam suraya namah O! I’ve forgotten the flowers! (exit)
Prasena: Hmm. So this is where my dear brother in keeping the jewel. What a beauty! O I’d love to put around my neck. I can see everyone’s face now, staring at me. Bowing their heads. Ha ha ha. O yes. I’m sure (enter brahmana) Satrajit won’t mind if I borrow it for an hour. Actually I’m sure he will, but who cares!
Brahmana: (The brahmana slaps Prasena's hand) Sir!
Prasena: Ah!
Brahmana: Sir! King Satrajit has given me implicit instructions about this jewel. It is to remain here for all time as an object of worship and so should not be removed .
Prasena: My dear brahmana. Let me refresh your memory as to who I am.
Brahmana: Well I’m well aware of.
Prasena: I am Prasena
Brahmana: Yes.
Prasena: King Satrajit’s younger brother.
Brahmana: Yes sir, I know but.
Prasena: And I’m sure that my brother won’t mind if I borrow his jewel for a little while.
Brahmana: But, but sir!
Prasena: After all we are family.
Brahmana: Yes, I understand that.
Prasena: Now if you know what is good for you, you will not try to frustrate my intentions! (draws his sword)
Brahmana: Eh but o!
Prasena: Kindly stand aside!
Brahmana: Sir!
Prasena: I said. Stand aside!
Brahmana: Yes yes yes I understand.
Prasena: That’s much better!
Brahmana: O dear.
Prasena: Thank you.
Brahmana: O no please. King Satrajit will be furious if he finds out. Please!
Prasena: If you don’t tell, he won’t know. Will he?
Brahmana: Ah!
Prasena: I’ll be back in an hour.
Brahmana: O no!

Scene 2

Prasena: Waauw! This jewel has the most wonderful effect. Simply by wearing it I feel twice the man I was before. O isn’t life wonderful! I feel so gorgeous that I could live forever. Hello birds. Hello trees. Those who say that this world is a place of misery are simply frustrated old men, who have never never tasted life’s true happiness. No for me, life is full of wonders, beauty and unexpected joy. Ah. Hello monkeys. Hello lion. Lion!
Jambavan: Hmm what’s this? Quite a pretty trinket. Just right for my little boy. But when I think of the radiant beauty of Sri Ramachandra, standing at the gates of Sri Lanka. Compared to that sight this shiny jewel looks like a mere pebble. Still it will be a pretty toy for my son.

Scene 3

Rupa: And that was still not enough. She wanted more!
Svati: More? She is outrageous.
Rupa: Exactly, so I told her to get.
Lila: Svati! Rupa! Have you heard the news?
Both: News?
Rupa: About the marriage of Ketu?
Svati: We know all about that.
Lila: No not that. I mean the news about the jewel.
Svati: Which jewel?
Lila: The Syamantaka jewel of king Satrajit. It is lost!
Svati: Really? How did it happened Lila? Please go on.
Lila: Well it appears that Prasena, you know Satrajit’s younger brother
Svati: Yes yes!
Lila: It appears that yesterday he has taken the jewel from the temple by force.
Svati: By force?
Rupa: Prasena?
Lila: Anyway, several people thought they saw the sun-god driving through the city and they have also seen him driving into the forest.
Svati: Has the sun-god stolen the jewel?
Lila: No! Listen! Prasena was wearing the jewel.
Svati: Yes?
Lila: Because of the effulgence of the stone, people mistook him for the sun-god.
Svati: O I see.
Lila: Anyway. Since then nothing has been heard of him, nor of the Syamantaka jewel.
Svati: O this is awful! Without the jewel present here, I’m sure we must prepare for harder ties. Isn’t it Rupa?
Rupa: Off course not Svati! The opulence of Dwaraka is due only to the presence of Lord Krishna.
Lila: Well, whatever the true cause is. The Syamantaka jewel is lost and I have heard.
Rupa: Go on!
Lila: I have heard that Satrajit (enter Krishna) is saying that it is Krishna (Krishna stops and listens) Who has taken the jewel from Prasena.
Svati: Krishna?
Rupa: What grounds does he have for such a claim?
Lila: Well listen to this. Just before Prasena took the jewel away Krishna met Satrajit in the temple and suggested he give the jewel to King Ugrasena. Satrajit however refused, but Krishna apparently was insistent. That’s why Satrajit not only thinks that Krishna stole the jewel, but that he probably has killed Prasena as well!
Svati: Really?
Lila: Yes! He is telling everyone that this is what has happened! (exit Krishna)
Rupa: I cannot believe this! Satrajit disgraces himself by spreading such rumors.
Svati: But the Syamantaka jewel is a most valuable gem! You can never know, can you Lila?
Rupa: I am amazed at you Svati. That you can even think that Lord Krishna would be capable of such an act?
Svati: Well, he used to steal when he was a child?
Rupa: That was butter Svati! Ah! I can’t believe this! I’ve had enough!
Lila: Me too.
Svati: But Lila! Rupa!

Scene 4

Maharaja Ugrasena: My dear Krishna: Any sane man will understand that these rumors are completely false.
Sri Krishna: Still, it isn't right grandfather that the people are suspicious of me grandfather . A ruler must be a man with a spotless character, who is completely above suspicion, for whatever standards he sets, surely the common people will follow.
Maharaja Ugrasena: Hmm. That's true.
Sri Krishna: Therefore I should find out exactly what has happened to Prasena and the jewel.
Ugrasena: You will need witnesses Krishna. Make sure to take some of the leading citizens with you.
Sri Krishna: Excellent idea grandfather.
Ugrasena: Eh Krishna. Be careful!
Sri Krishna: I will grandfather.

Scene 5

Sundari: Hello Svati.
Svati: Hello Sundari. How are you doing?
Sundari: Fine.
Svati: Have you heard the news?
Sundari: You mean about the Syamantaka jewel?
Svati: Yes.
Sundari: O that. Yes I have.
Svati: O. Have you heard about Ketu?
Sundari: No. What?
Svati: He’s going to marry Atita!
Sundari: Atita? Really? Anyway I’ve got to go now. I’m in a rush.
Svati: Wwwwait! And what do you think about Satrajit accusing Krishna of theft and murder?
Sundari: That is the most ridiculous story I ever heard. I’m sure Satrajit will get a heavy reaction for spreading such rumors.
Svati: Eh, do you get bad karma for spreading rumors?
Sundari: Of course, if they are not true! Better be careful Svati! Bye then.

Scene 6

Attama: Ah! Prasena’s horse. Dead! Over here!
Both: Ah!
Attama: And look ! Come! Over here. It is Prasena’s sword. Look here is its crest.
Ketu: Yes it is Prasena’s. Ah look over there!
Dwija: Is it?
Sri Krishna: Yes.
Dwija: Prasena. Is he dead?
Attama: T. what do you think?
Dwija: Ah this is awful. What happened to him?
Sri Krishna: It seems that he has been killed by a beast. Probably a lion.
Attama: How about the Syamantaka jewel my Lord?
Sri Krishna: Well, it’s not on his body. Let us look around, but we have to be careful, for it is possible that it’s killer is still close by. Look!
All: Huh!
Sri Krishna: Surely this must be the lion that killed Prasena. But in its turn it has also been slain. Phew! Whoever killed this lion did so without using any weapon.
Ketu: O my Lord. All the signs indicate that there is some creature of immeasurable strength lurking in these woods.
Dwija: O under the circumstances my Lord, do you not think that it would be better to return to Dwaraka and get the assistance of the army and then to continue the search?
Ketu: Yes, let’s do that!
Sri Krishna: Although it is quite clear that the slayer of this lion possesses great strength I don’t think that there is any cause for alarm.
Attama: Ah! my Lord. Look!
Krishna: Ah! Here is a tunnel leading in the earth. I’m sure we will find the Syamantaka jewel within. However I don’t think it is wise that you accompany me. I have no desire to put you in a dangerous situation.
Attama: My Lord, I beg you. Do not risk Your life in such a fearful mission.
Krishna: Dear Attama, don’t worry. Can’t you remember how I dealt with Kamsa and his demoniac friends?
Attama: Yes of course.
Sri Krishna: I’ll be back as soon as I’ve covered the jewel.
Attama: O my Lord!

Scene 7

Nurse: Isn’t it a beautiful jewel your father has given you? O look! Look at all those pretty colors. Now nanny is going to make your dinner and you can tell me which colors you see. All right my darling?
Boy: Eh eh Blue and eh green.
Nurse: Good. And what other colors?
Boy: Eh eh red, yellow and orange.
Nurse: Well done. You are going to play with it. I’m just going in the kitchen.
Boy: No! It’s mine! No!
Nurse: What’s wrong my baby? O intruders! Jambavan! Jambavan come quickly! Thieves! Help!
Jambavan: What! Do thieves dare to enter the residence of Jambavan! Prepare to die human!
Jambavati: Ah! Isn’t he beautiful?
Nurse: Jambavati what are you saying! He is fighting with your father! Get him Jambavan! Get him! O well done! Well done!

Scene 8

Dwija: It’s getting really dark now. Let’s go back to Dwaraka.
Attama: Nononono! Although the signs are not auspicious, I’m sure that Lord Krishna is fully in control
Ketu: Yes. Have you ever know him to perform any action imperfectly?
Attama: We just have to be patient Vijay.
Dwija: Look, it has been twelve days now. How much longer do you want to wait!
Ketu: I also think it is better to return to Dwaraka.
Dwija: We have to inform king Ugrasena.
Ketu: Yes. There is no point to us staying here any longer.
Attama: (hears lion) Alright let’s go.
Dwija: O I’m dying for a plate of hot samosas.
Ketu: O yes! O my back is killing me Ah!
Attama: All you two can think of is your bodies. Eh who is going to tell Ugrasena?
Dwija + Ketu: You?
Attama: T.

Scene 9

Jambavan: O o o. My dear Lord, I can now understand who You are. You are the Supreme Personality of
Godhead. Vishnu. The source of all strength, wealth, beauty, fame, knowledge and renunciation (breaths)
Ah it is You, who are the creator of the creators of the universal affairs, You are the same Supreme Personality of Godhead, whom I worshiped as Lord Ramachandra for no one else has such immeasurable strength as He (breaths) and no one else could defeat me in this way. (breaths)
Sri Krishna: My dear King Jambavan
Jambavan: Hmm?
Sri Krishna: Yes king. Because you and not the lion, whom you easily killed with your bare hands are the actual king of the forest.
Jambavan: O my Lord.
Sri Krishna: My dear Jambavan, the reason for my visit is the Syamantaka jewel. Since the disappearance of this gem, My name has been defamed. That’s why I would very much appreciate it, if you would return the jewel to me.
Jambavan: My Lord of course. One moment please. Here please take it, for everything I possess is Yours.
Sri Krishna: Thank you. Thank you very much Jambavan.
Jambavan: And besides this jewel I would like to offer you something else. Jambavati! Can you come here please.
Jambavati? Ah Here she comes! My dear Lord, I would consider it a great honor if you would accept my daughter as your wife.
Sri Krishna: This is your daughter?
Jambavan: Huh? O No no no. This is her nanny. Eh Where is Jambavati?
Nurse: She is coming. She is coming. She is just changing her saree again!
Jambavan: Haha O my Lord, please excuse us for one moment. Here she is my Lord, my daughter Jambavati. I would consider it a great honor if You would accept her as Your wife.
Sri Krishna: My dear king, how could I refuse such an offer? Thank you. Thank you very much.
Jambavan: No thank you.
Sri Krishna: Hahaha My dear Jambavan. You should have seen the expression on your face on the moment.
Jambavan: I was very confused for…….

Scene 10

Maharaja Ugrasena: More than two weeks have passed since you returned from the forest. It appears that the Lord must have completed His pastimes on this earth and has returned to His spiritual abode. Alas. Eh Alas. the only happiness of my life has been taken away from me. This Satrajit! It is all his fault!
Ketu: Indeed my Lord. Ever since Satajit brought the Syamantka jewel into the city it has been a source of great anxiety to to to all of us.
Vijay: It is because of his poisonous gossip that Krishna went to the forest to look for the jewel and Prasena.
Attama: Well at least everyone knows now that Lord Krishna had nothing to do with the jewel's disappearance and Prasena's death.
Maharaja Ugrasena: Indeed.
Ketu: True.
Vijay: Yes. (Enter Krishna)
Sri Krishna: Grandfather. (touches Ugrasena's feet)
Maharaja Ugrasena: Krishna! O Krishna, my dear boy. Eh who is eh?
Krishna: Grandfather, I would like you to meet my wife Jambavati.
Maharaja Ugrasena: Oh eh my dear Jambavati. Welcome to the Yadu dynasty. Krishna, where did you meet her? And why have you been away so long? We were all so worried. Did you find the jewel?
Sri Krishna: Well, as you know I went inside the tunnel. There I found the jewel. But in order to get it back I had to first have a little fight with my devotee Jambavan, who due to his anger did not recognize me. Jambavan was the one, who killed the lion, who killed Prasena. After 28 days of fighting, when he finally understood who I am, He offered me both these jewels.
Maharaja Ugrasena: Hah! Jaya! Hah. O I was so worried! I was just about to curse this Satrajit. Actually I don't want to ever hear his name again in this palace.
Servant: Eh. My lords. King Satrajit.
Maharaja Ugrasena: (He and Krishna laugh) Show him in. (Both continue laughing)
Sri Krishna: Satrajit. Here is the jewel, which you thought was taken by me. You should know for sure that your brother was killed by a lion and that I was in no way connected with his death. (exit Satrajit)
Maharaja Ugrasena: T. I'm amazed at this Satrajit. He could have at least offered you an apology for all the trouble he has caused you. But what can you expect from a materialist like that.
Sri Krishna: Material wealth. You know there is a lesson to be learned from this incident. If we become too attracted to material wealth, then that very wealth will drag us to the lowest position.
Servant: Ahum. My Lords, king Satrajit would like to see You again.
Sri Krishna: Again? Show him in.
King Satrajit: Eh. Your majesty. My dear Lord Krishna, Please please forgive my offenses against you. Surely I am the most foolish man in this world. A hum. I. I’m therefore not fit to keep such a wondrous gem. So please, please take it, for there is no one save yourself, who is fit to possess it and in addition I would like You to accept the hand of my daughter Satyabhama. You must know that many princes have sought her hand, but I consider You alone are fit to be her husband.
Sri Krishna: Thank you. thank you for these gifts, but while I certainly accept the hand of your beautiful daughter I think it is better that the Syamantaka jewel remains in the temple, for then, due to its presence, there will be no more famine, contagious diseases or excessive heat or cold in the city.
King Satrajit: If you insist.
Attama: Lord Sri Krishna ki!
All: Jaya!

REVIEWS

Urmila dasi (ACBSP): Your productions are professionally done and fascinating for both adults and children. Children who grow up listening to such dramatic renditions of Krishna's pastimes come to see Krishna consciousness as fun, and are far more likely to dedicate themselves to become devotees of Krishna than those who have not had such exposure. By absorption in Krishna's lila through these audio recordings, one comes to forget all material misery, and remember the true goal of life. One is fortunate if one can have the complete set.

Yadubara das (ACBSP): Thanks Parividha Prabhu. My daughter is enjoying your creations immensely. They are very professionally done. I would like to one day work with you on a film.

Kausalya dasi (LOK) Belgium: I know all your musicals and plays ALMOST by heart. I can hear them in my mind. I love them!!!