The month of Bhadrapada is known for its special significance in our sacred scriptures. The word “Bhadra” literally means auspicious, so this is a month of auspiciousness. The month of Bhadrapada is the second month of the Chaturmasya. Due to its being in Chaturmasya, there are some restrictions which are recommended to be followed this month. For example, it is advised not to consume yogurt during this month. In addition to this, the month hosts numerous festivals like Shri Krishna Janmashtami, Shri Radhastami, Shri Vamana Dvadashi, and more. This month’s Purnima (full moon) holds particular significance, which will be discussed later in the blog. Bhadrapada spans the month of September this year, with September 29th marking the Purnima of Bhadrapada and September 14th as the Amavasya of Bhadrapada month.
Donating on Janmashtami & Its Relevance
On the eighth (Astami) day of the dark fortnight of the month of Bhadrapada (August-September), the birth of Lord Krishna is celebrated, and what would be a better occasion to indulge in good deeds than this holy month?
Donation and charity are ways to contribute towards the betterment of society and indulge in the service of Lord Krishna. The amount of charity does not hold as much significance as the intention with which you donate. Donating for the greater good of others in the auspicious month of Bhadrapada is of great eminence, as it pleases Lord Shri Krishna and His dear devotees.
In pursuit of pleasing Lord Krishna and serving society, we earnestly encourage everyone to participate in donating, regardless of the amount being big or small. Such contributions work towards making this world a better place.
Join ISKCON’s philanthropic cause of providing meals to people in need. Donate now.
Schedule of the Month of Bhadrapada
As mentioned earlier, the month of Bhadrapada stretches itself into September. This year, it will span from September 1st to September 29th. The Purnima (full moon) will be observed on September 29th, while the Amavasya is set for September 14th.
Here are some major festivals that will grace the month of Bhadrapada:-
- Shri Krishna Janmashtami – September 7th
- Nandotsava and the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada (the founder acharya of ISKCON) – September 8th
- Fasting for Annada Ekadashi – September 11th
- Radhastami – September 23rd
- Fasting for Parshva Ekadashi and Shri Vamana Dvadashi – September 26th
Significance of donating Srimad-Bhagavatam in the month of Bhadrapada
When we are talking about the month of Bhadrapada, it is quite not possible to be oblivious to the special connection it has with Srimad-Bhagavatam, the king of all literature.
It is stated in the Srimad-Bhagavatam that if, on the full moon day of the month of Bhadrapada, one places Srimad-Bhagavatam on a golden throne and presents it as a gift, he will surely attain the supreme transcendental destination. The verse goes as follows:
prauṣṭhapadyam paurṇamāsyāṁ hema-simha-samanvitam
dadāti yo bhagavatam sa yāti paramaṁ gatim
(SB 12.13.13)
On the full moon day of the month of Bhadrapada, the sun, compared to the king of literature, is in the constellation Leo and appears as if it’s raised on a royal throne. According to Vedic Astrology, the sun is said to be exalted in the Leo sign. Thus, one may unreservedly worship Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Now, let us explore the reasons behind the recommendation to revere Srimad-Bhagavatam and its exceptional relevance in the context of our contemporary society.
The Significance of Srimad-Bhagavatam for human society
kṛṣṇe sva-dhamopagate dharma-jñānādibhiḥ saha
kalau naṣṭa-dṛśam eşa puraṇārko ‘dhunoditaḥ
(SB 1.3.43)
“This Srimad-Bhagavatam is as brilliant as the sun, and it has risen just after the departure of Lord Kṛṣṇa to His own abode, accompanied by religion, knowledge, etc. People who have lost their path due to the darkness of ignorance in the Age of Kali shall get light from this Purāņa.”
Human society now transcends geographical boundaries and specific communities. It has now expanded in a much broader sense than in the Middle Ages, and the world tendency is over one state or one human society. According to the Srimad-Bhagavatam, the ideals of spiritualism are based on the oneness of the entire society.
The need is felt by great thinkers alike to make this a triumphant ideology. Srimad-Bhagavatam will fill this void in human society. It starts with Vedanta philosophy: ‘janmadya asa yatah’ (SB 1.1.1), to establish the ideal common cause.
All over the world, the entire Human Race has made rapid progress in the fields of material comfort, education, and economic development that transcends everything we knew before. The human race is not shrouded under the dark oblivion of the unknown. But there are loopholes in the social body at large, and thus, there are large-scale quarrels even over less important issues. There is a need for a guiding principle as to how humanity can become united in peace, friendship and prosperity under a common cause. Srimad-Bhagavatam will fill this need, for it is a cultural presentation of the re-spiritualisation of the entire human society.
Various scriptures and Puranas extol the virtues of reading and donating Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Especially in this auspicious month of Bhadrapada, whoever distributes or takes a step to donate this transcendental literature becomes the recipient of the Lord’s merciful glance and blessings. So, this month, we should come forward to make donations and charity in our own possible capacities.
Amavasya Significance for Bhadrapada Donations
This Bhadrapada Amavasya is also referred to as Kushotpatini or Kushagrahani Amavasya. On this day, it is vital to donate money for charity and chant the holy names of the Lord.
One should also donate food, clothing, gold, and cows on the day of Amavasya. Additionally, performing shradh of the ancestors, Brahmin cuisine, and engaging in mantra meditation hold special significance on this day.
For more insights into spirituality and devotion, continue exploring our content.
Hare Krishna!!
