The Appearance Day of Advaita Acarya was celebrated on Friday January 22nd at the ISKCON Laguna Beach temple. The devotees present had the honor of the association of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, who despite health challenges shared the pastimes of Advaita Acarya with the assembled devotees.

Sri Advaita Acarya appeared about 60 years before Lord Caitanya's own appearance. Advaita Acarya is the combined incarnation of Maha Vishnu and Sadasiva (who resides in Goloka). He was the first among the associates of Lord Caitanya to appear in the material world to deliver the conditioned souls. It was Advaita Acarya who, out of His causeless mercy and compassion for the materialistic human society, prayed fervently for the incarnation of the Lord and continually worshipped the Lord with Ganges water and Tulasi leaves.

The celebrations at the temple started with Bhajans followed by an enlightening class by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj. Jai Nimai Prabhu then led an ecstatic Kirtan along with many devotees, who joined him with cymbals and mridangas. Devotees were treated to some melodious Bhajans by Jagat Kirti Devi Dasi during Prasadam time. Apart from the sumptuous Prasadam Feast prepared by the temple cooks Rameshwar and Savita Mataji, many Congregation members made delicious offerings for the pleasure of the deities. This year there was a record, 200 preparations and the number is only bound to increase with the Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda and Lord Caitanya coming up.

Hari Bol !! Advaita Acarya ki Jai!!

By Bk. Paramesh Jayaram and Bktn. Harrini