By Ananta Gopal Das | Head Pujari (Priest) at Bhaktivedanta Manor

Thousands of pilgrims have visited Bhaktivedanta Manor during the past three weeks of Kartik month. Over twenty thousand lamps were distributed to the devotees for offering to Lord Damodara.

Saints teach us that any spiritual activity performed in Kartik Month is multiplied by a thousand. If you offer one lamp to Lord Damodar, He blesses you as if you have offered a thousand lamps. Imagine the benefit of offering a lamp each day of the Kartik month!

The Lord is offering us even more blessings as we prepare to enter the last week of the Kartik month.

The last five days of the month of Kartik are traditionally known as Bhishma Panchaka or Vishnu Panchaka. Those who fail to observe four months of Caturmasya fasting receive the same benefit by fasting on these last five days.

Rūpa Gosvāmī has stated in the Nectar of Devotion that although any devotional service offered to the Lord is extremely powerful, five are especially potent;

1- Residing in the holy place

2- Worshipping the Deity of the Lord

3- Reciting Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam

4- Serving a devotee

5- Chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra

At the temple, we automatically engage in all five potent activities. Bhaktivedanta Manor is a holy place because Radha Gokulananda are residing there. Attending the arati ceremony involves worshipping the deity and chanting the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra. Associating with the devotees at the temple allows us to offer service and hear Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam from them.

Visit Bhaktivedanta Manor temple and engage in the five potent activities during the powerful five days of the most auspicious month of Kartik.

Talk by Srila Prabhupada on Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.8.44, May 6, 1973, Los Angeles – If Kṛṣṇa is pleased and smiles little, then the whole universe will be pleased.