Go to Vanipedia | Go to Vanisource | Go to Vanimedia


Vaniquotes - the compiled essence of Vedic knowledge


Calendar

Srimad-Bhagavatam

SB Preface and Introduction

SB Introduction:

Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, the great apostle of love of God and the father of the congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord, advented Himself at Śrīdhāma Māyāpura, a quarter in the city of Navadvīpa in Bengal, on the Phālgunī Pūrṇimā evening in the year 1407 Śakābda (corresponding to February 1486 by the Christian calendar).

SB Canto 1

The cycle of the four yugas, namely Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara and Kali, rotates like the calendar months.
SB 1.3.25, Purport:

The cycle of the four yugas, namely Satya, Tretā, Dvāpara and Kali, rotates like the calendar months. The present Kali-yuga lasts 432,000 years, out of which we have passed only 5,000 years after the Battle of Kurukṣetra and the end of the regime of King Parīkṣit. So there are 427,000 years balance yet to be finished.

SB Canto 2

The four yugas are calculated in terms of the heavenly calendars and accordingly are twelve thousand years in terms of the heavenly planets.
SB 2.10.46, Purport:

In the upper planetary system the duration of one complete day and night is equal to one complete year of this earth. This is accepted even by the modern scientist and attested by the astronauts. Similarly, in the region of still higher planetary systems the duration of day and night is still greater than in the heavenly planets. The four yugas are calculated in terms of the heavenly calendars and accordingly are twelve thousand years in terms of the heavenly planets. This is called a divya-yuga, and one thousand divya-yugas make one day of Brahmā. The creation during the day of Brahmā is called kalpa, and the creation of Brahmā is called vikalpa. When vikalpas are made possible by the breathing of Mahā-Viṣṇu, this is called a mahā-kalpa. There are regular and systematic cycles of these mahā-kalpas, vikalpas and kalpas.

SB Canto 3

SB 3.11.12, Translation:

Two solar movements make one day and night of the demigods, and that combination of day and night is one complete calendar year for the human being. The human being has a duration of life of one hundred years.

Two pakṣas comprise one month, and twelve months comprise one calendar year, or one full orbit of the sun.
SB 3.11.14, Translation and Purport:

There are five different names for the orbits of the sun, moon, stars and luminaries in the firmament, and they each have their own saṁvatsara.

The subject matters of physics, chemistry, mathematics, astronomy, time and space dealt with in the above verses of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam are certainly very interesting to students of the particular subject, but as far as we are concerned, we cannot explain them very thoroughly in terms of technical knowledge. The subject is summarized by the statement that above all the different branches of knowledge is the supreme control of kāla, the plenary representation of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Nothing exists without Him, and therefore everything, however wonderful it may appear to our meager knowledge, is but the work of the magical wand of the Supreme Lord. As far as time is concerned, we beg to subjoin herewith a table of timings in terms of the modern clock.

One truṭi - 8/13,500 second
One vedha - 8/135 second
One lava - 8/45 second
One nimeṣa - 8/15 second
One kṣaṇa - 8/5 second
One kāṣṭhā - 8 seconds
One laghu - 2 minutes
One daṇḍa - 30 minutes
One prahara - 3 hours
One day - 12 hours
One night - 12 hours
One pakṣa - 15 days

Two pakṣas comprise one month, and twelve months comprise one calendar year, or one full orbit of the sun. A human being is expected to live up to one hundred years. That is the way of the controlling measure of eternal time.

SB Canto 4

According to the Vaiṣṇava calendar, there are many fasts, such as Ekādaśī and the appearance and disappearance days of God and His devotees.
SB 4.28.35-36, Purport:

According to the Vaiṣṇava calendar, there are many fasts, such as Ekādaśī and the appearance and disappearance days of God and His devotees. All of these are meant to decrease the fat within the body so that one will not sleep more than desired and will not become inactive and lazy. Overindulgence in food will cause a man to sleep more than required. This human form of life is meant for austerity, and austerity means controlling sex, food intake, etc. In this way time can be saved for spiritual activity, and one can purify himself both externally and internally. Thus both body and mind can be cleansed.

SB Canto 5

According to solar astronomical calculations, each year extends six days beyond the calendar year, and according to lunar calculations, each year is six days shorter.
SB 5.22.7, Translation and Purport:

The sun-god has three speeds—slow, fast and moderate. The time he takes to travel entirely around the spheres of heaven, earth and space at these three speeds is referred to, by learned scholars, by the five names Saṁvatsara, Parivatsara, Iḍāvatsara, Anuvatsara and Vatsara.

According to solar astronomical calculations, each year extends six days beyond the calendar year, and according to lunar calculations, each year is six days shorter. Therefore, because of the movements of the sun and moon, there is a difference of twelve days between the solar and lunar years. As the Saṁvatsara, Parivatsara, Iḍāvatsara, Anuvatsara and Vatsara pass by, two extra months are added within each five years. This makes a sixth saṁvatsara, but because that saṁvatsara is extra, the solar system is calculated according to the above five names.

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta

CC Madhya-lila

The person in charge of writing is also called deula-karaṇa-pada-prāpta karmacārī. He is employed especially to write a calendar called Mātalā-pāṅji.
CC Madhya 10.42, Translation and Purport:

Sārvabhauma Bhaṭṭācārya continued, “This is Kṛṣṇadāsa, who carries a golden cane, and here is Śikhi Māhiti, who is in charge of writing.

The person in charge of writing is also called deula-karaṇa-pada-prāpta karmacārī. He is employed especially to write a calendar called Mātalā-pāṅji.

Other Books by Srila Prabhupada

Teachings of Lord Caitanya

The Vaiṣṇava almanac begins with the month of Mārgaśīrsa, which is equivalent to late October and early November.
Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Chapter 7:

According to the Vaiṣṇava almanac, the twelve months of the year are named according to the twelve Vaikuṇṭha forms of Lord Kṛṣṇa, and these forms are known as the predominating Deities for the twelve months. This calendar begins with the month of Mārgaśīrsa, which is equivalent to late October and early November. The remainder of November is known by Vaiṣṇavas as Keśava. December is called Nārāyaṇa, January is called Mādhava, February is Govinda, March is Viṣṇu, April Śrī Madhusūdana, May Trivikrama, June Vāmana, July Śrīdhara, August Hṛṣīkeśa, September Padmanābha, and early October is known as Dāmodara. (The name Dāmodara was given to Kṛṣṇa when He was bound by ropes by His mother, but the Dāmodara form in the month of October is a different manifestation)

Krsna, The Supreme Personality of Godhead

The houses were all illuminated by hundreds and thousands of lamps placed in different corners of the cornices, walls, columns, bases and architraves, and from far away the rays of the lamps appeared to be celebrating the festival of Dīpāvalī (a particular festival observed on the New Year's Day of the Hindu calendar).
Krsna Book 71:

The roads, streets and lanes of Hastināpura were all sprinkled with fragrant water through the trunks of intoxicated elephants. In different places of the city there were colorful festoons and flags decorating the houses and streets. At important crossroads there were gates with golden decorations, and at the two sides of the gates there were golden water jugs. These beautiful decorations glorified the opulence of the city. Participating in this great ceremony, all the citizens gathered here and there, dressed in colorful new clothing and decorated with ornaments, flower garlands and fragrant scents. The houses were all illuminated by hundreds and thousands of lamps placed in different corners of the cornices, walls, columns, bases and architraves, and from far away the rays of the lamps appeared to be celebrating the festival of Dīpāvalī (a particular festival observed on the New Year's Day of the Hindu calendar). Within the walls of the houses, fragrant incense was burning, and smoke rose through the windows, making the entire atmosphere very pleasing. On the top of every house, flags were flapping, and the golden waterpots kept on the roofs shone brilliantly.

Lectures

Sri Caitanya-caritamrta Lectures

Just like your calendar month is called January, February, March, April, May, June, and in India the calendar months are named as Vaiśākha, Jyaiṣṭha, Āṣāḍha, Śrāvaṇa, Bhādra, Āśvina.
Lecture on CC Madhya-lila 20.172 -- New York, December 14, 1966:

Now these prābhava-vilāsa forms, four-handed, They are also divided into different names according to the different months. Just like your calendar month is called January, February, March, April, May, June, and in India the calendar months are named as Vaiśākha, Jyaiṣṭha, Āṣāḍha, Śrāvaṇa, Bhādra, Āśvina, similarly, according to the Vaiṣṇava smṛti, there are the spiritual... These names, calendar months, they are according to the situation of the sun. Similarly, in the spiritual world the twelve months are named according to the different features of the Lord. And they are described here:

cakrādi-dhāraṇa-bhede nāma-bheda saba
vāsudevera mūrti-keśava, nārāyaṇa, mādhava

Vāsudeva, according to the symbolic representation of the hands, They are differently named. Vāsudeva is divided into three: Keśava, Nārāyaṇa, Mādhava. Similarly, Saṅkarṣaṇa is divided into three: Govinda, Viṣṇu, Śrī Madhusūdana. Similarly, Pradyumna is divided into three: Trivikrama, Vāmana, Śrīdhara. Similarly, Aniruddha is divided into three: Hṛṣīkeśa, Padmanābha, Dāmodara. So all these, three into four, twelve, They are named in different months.

Festival Lectures

From 15th February to 14th March is the month of Phālguna according to Bengali calendar.
Lecture-Day after Sri Gaura-Purnima -- Hawaii, March 5, 1969:

Today is the second day of Lord Caitanya's birth ceremony. The Lord has appeared yesterday, 4th March. Not exactly 4th March. It is called, according to Vedic calendar, Gaura pūrṇimā, the full moon day of the month of Phālguna. Phālguna means up to 15th March. From 15th February to 14th March is the month of Phālguna according to Bengali calendar. And on the month of Phālguna, the full moon day, the full moon night is the appearance, or tithi, or occasion, for Lord Caitanya. Lord Caitanya appeared on the phālguni pūrṇimā. Pūrṇimā means full moon, and phālguni means the month which is called Phālguna, which is calculated from 15th February to 14th March.

Conversations and Morning Walks

1968 Conversations and Morning Walks

We have got books, magazines, calendar, and other literatures. So it is a very scientific movement.
Interview -- February 1, 1968, Los Angeles:

Prabhupāda: We have got books, magazines, calendar, and other literatures. So it is a very scientific movement. It is not a sentiment, bogus hoax. Anyone who wants to understand this movement philosophically, scientifically, they will be very much satisfied with this. The idea is that any religious movement without philosophical basis, it is simply sentiment or fanaticism. And philosophy without idea of God is simply mental speculation. Therefore religious principles combined with philosophy, that is perfect.

1972 Conversations and Morning Walks

Ekādaśi according to calendar, Ekādaśi was to be observed.
Room Conversation Vaisnava Calendar Description -- March 11, 1972, Vrndavana:

Prabhupāda: ...Rādhāṣṭami, and birth, birthday of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī. This day the function is observed by fasting up to twelve noon, and then, uh, offer prasādam to the Deity, and generally in the evening we should hold meeting discussing the Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa pastimes, especially the glories of Rādhārāṇī. Amongst the gopīs, her super-excellence..., that is the way of observing. Rādhārāṇī's... Fasting is up to twelve noon and after that you can take prasādam, feasting.

The next important day is on the 26th, no, 12th September, 12th September, 1970, the advent day of Śrī Jīva Gosvāmī Prabhu. (pause) On that day there are three functions. First of all, Ekādaśi, a special Ekādaśi called Pārśvaika Ekādaśi. Then on that day, actually, Ekādaśi according to calendar, Ekādaśi was to be observed on the 11th September, but because the next day is Vāmana Dvādaśī.... Vāmana Dvādaśī means the advent of Lord Vāmanadeva. Therefore we have fast.

1976 Conversations and Morning Walks

They do not know who he is, and he's philosophize. Calendar..., calendar? Is criticizing ladle?
Morning Walk -- May 27, 1976, Honolulu:

Prabhupāda: "Everyone says that I am very learned man, but I am so learned that I do not even know what I am. I'm so learned." (Bengali) This is admission of foolishness.

Hari-śauri: His first question was, "Tell... Please tell me who I am."

Prabhupāda: Yes. They do not know who he is, and he's philosophize. Calendar..., calendar? Is criticizing ladle?

Hari-śauri: Oh, colander.

Prabhupāda: Colander.

Devotee (3): Full of holes.

Prabhupāda: Yes.

Devotee (3): Hole is used for straining, so many holes....

Prabhupāda: So many holes, and he's criticizing me, "Oh, you have got a hole. (Bengali) These rascal, they do not know whether he's this body or something other than body, and they're philosopher. The basic principle of knowledge is lacking, and they're philosopher. Cheater.

Correspondence

1967 Correspondence

My joy has no bounds when I received your calendar so nicely imagined.
Letter to Rayarama -- San Francisco 31 December, 1967:

My Dear Rayarama,

Please accept my blessings. My joy has no bounds when I received your calendar so nicely imagined. Now I think Krishna has selected the right person for our propaganda department—Sriman Rayarama Brahmacari! A sincere worker is always recognized by Krishna. I do not know how shall I thank you, but I am confident of my future hopes in the sincere students like you, Brahmananda and others; & now if I die I will die blissful, the work will go on.

1968 Correspondence

I think Rayarama is doing work in that spirit and his recent publication of several booklets and Back to Godhead and a calendar are all first class proof of his sincerity of service.
Letter to Hayagriva -- Los Angeles 15 January, 1968:

It is clearly stated in the Upanisads that one who has implicit faith in God as well as in the Spiritual Master, to him only the import of Vedic literature is revealed. I think Rayarama is doing work in that spirit and his recent publication of several booklets and Back to Godhead and a calendar are all first class proof of his sincerity of service.

I think you can send for Rayarama's calendar which he has published.
Letter to Janardana -- Los Angeles 21 January, 1968:

Lord Caitanya's Birthdate is on the Phalguna Purnima between 15 of Feb. and 15th of March. The full moon day is Lord Caitanya's Birthday. I think you can send for Rayarama's calendar which he has published. The exact day is 14th March, Thursday, 1968. The procedure is that you should fast from morning to evening (about 7:00) after that there should be offering to Lord Caitanya and prasadam should be accepted just like on Ekadasi day, and next day, Friday, full love feasting may be provided to as many devotees as you can.

Letter to Rayarama -- Los Angeles 12 November, 1968:

My Dear Rayarama,

Please accept my blessings. Regarding your calendar dates, I have already written to the following Sannyasis to send you the calendar dates. If you have not received them, then please remind them.

1969 Correspondence

Letter to Candanacarya -- New Vrindaban 5 June, 1969:

I thank you for sending me wrist calendar.

1970 Correspondence

Letter to Yamuna -- Los Angeles 2 March, 1970:

Now I have sent you one copy of all celebrations in the current year of Caitanya Era 484. I hope you have received it through Syamasundara. by this time. It will be published in calendar form, but I have sent you one copy in advance.

Regarding your questions about the calendar-almanac.
Letter to Pradyumna -- Los Angeles 29 April, 1970:

Regarding your questions about the calendar-almanac:

1. Herapancami is correct (9 July 1970).

2. When there is an important Dvadasi, the Ekadasi fasting is transferred on the Dvadasi, and this is called Mahadvadasi. The 26th October, 1970, is actually Dvadasi, so the fasting is observed together, or Ekadasi fasting is disregarded, and the Dvadasi (Mahadvadasi) fasting is taken as important.

You were give this old Panjika just to consult the names and spelling only. The dates are different, so whatever date I have given, that is correct. Why you are searching Byanjali Dvadasi in this last year's Panjika? What I have given is from this year's Panjika, so everything will not collaborate.

3. The word is __. That is called Odana-Sasthi and the date is 14th December, 1970. That is correct even if you do not find it in the dictionary. The dictionary may not have every word.

5. 7th February, 1971—Varaha-Dvadasi, I have explained the position in regard to #2.

6. So far determining Ekadasi it is counted 11 days after the full moon and 11 days after the new moon, but sometimes it so happens as you have noted one day later. However, what I have given is correct.

The Panjika which I gave you is old Panjika, our calendar is for this new year.

Letter to Syamasundara -- Los Angeles 19 June, 1970:

Your good daughter's photograph catching my hand is published in our Handbook of Krsna Consciousness which is to be printed very shortly containing the calendar and important information of our activities.

1971 Correspondence

When I was in L.A. last time, I gave some instructions for the simple observation of the different kinds of holidays found in our Vaisnava calendar.
Letter to Karandhara -- Bombay 20 March, 1971:

When I was in L.A. last time, I gave some instructions for the simple observation of the different kinds of holidays found in our Vaisnava calendar. Srimati Silavati had a copy at that time. So you may ask her to make a copy and send it to Srimate Maithili Dasi who has inquired how we are to observe these auspicious days in Krsna consciousness. We are now making the list of holidays for the new year of 485 Caitanya Era and when I return I can give some further hints how to observe them.

I shall dictate the final part of the calendar in the very near future.
Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 11 April, 1971:

Regarding the new calendar, have you typed it yet and sent one copy to Boston? If not, it should be done immediately. And one copy should be sent here to me. The part dictated to Devananda Swami is already completed and I shall dictate the final part of the calendar in the very near future.

Letter to Jayapataka -- Bombay 24 April, 1971:

I am in due receipt of your letter dated 20th April, 1971 as well as the enclosed calendar. Thank you very much.

1972 Correspondence

Letter to Upendra -- Calcutta 19 February, 1972:

I am in due receipt of your letter of February 2, 1972, and I shall answer your questions as follows: (1) "Panjika" is a calendar.

Letter to Bhakta dasa -- Sydney 9 April, 1972:

You say you have no Vaisnava calendar, but Syamasundara tells me that he has sent our Vaisnava calendar up to end May to Karandhara some time ago, so I am wondering why he has not distributed that list to all the centers?

Letter to Unknown -- India Unknown Date:

(7) After three years of practical experience, if the Leasee....................... or the Leasor feels any inconvenience, then either of them will be at liberty to cancel this Lease Agreement by serving six month calendar clear notice:

1974 Correspondence

I have seen your letter dated November 12, 1974 addressed to Brahmananda with enclosed samples of the Christmas cards and the calendar.
Letter to Kirtiraja -- Bombay 21 November, 1974:

I have seen your letter dated November 12, 1974 addressed to Brahmananda with enclosed samples of the Christmas cards and the calendar. The pictures are very nice. This sort of painting was done during the Muslim Moghal period. But, we don't encourage Christmas greetings. They are nice pictures undoubtedly.

It is all right, but the general public will take Krishna as an ordinary man. This will deteriorate from the standard. Every picture is with the gopis. People are generally inclined to man and women connection, and by selling these pictures will affirm their sinful activities in the name of Krishna. These are not meant for the common man but for advanced devotees. If we would distribute them, they would misuse it. I hope you can understand this.

I thank you very much once again for your calendar and I hope to be seeing you in the near future.
Letter to Sri Agrawal -- Bombay 29 December, 1974:

Please accept my greetings. I thank you very much for your calendar presentation which I received Wednesday morning on the 18 of December. The pictures on your calendar are very beautiful and much appreciated by me. I am very sorry that I was not able to see you when you came. But I am hoping that you will be able to come again maybe between 5 and 7 p.m. and I will see you then. I will be in Bombay for about one more month and then I may go to Australia.

I thank you very much once again for your calendar and I hope to be seeing you in the near future. I hope this meets you in good health.

1976 Correspondence

Letter to Ranadhira -- Vrindaban 23 November, 1976:

Please accept my blessings. I am in due receipt of your letters accompanied by the fall quarterly newsletter and the BBT calendar. Thank you very much. They are very nice.

Page Title:Calendar
Compiler:Sahadeva
Created:08 of Dec, 2009
Totals by Section:BG=0, SB=7, CC=1, OB=2, Lec=2, Con=3, Let=17
No. of Quotes:32