Episode Playlist
Episode 38 - Chapter 16 Subdoing Kaliya Page 142-Page 145( 0:28:3)
Episode Information
In this short talk, Jagdish continues Chapter 16, Subduing Kāliya, from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead by Śrīla Prabhupāda. The reading focuses on Krishna’s victory over the serpent Kāliya, the prayers of the Nāga‑patnīs, and reflections on divine mercy, punishment as purification, and the rare fortune of contact with the Lord’s lotus feet. The episode concludes with devotional insights into surrender, time, and Krishna’s universal form.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 26/03/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Episode 37 - Chapter 16 Subdoing Kaliya Page 139-Page 142( 0:27:51)
Episode Information
In this episode, Jagdish continues reading from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, beginning Chapter 16 on Krishna subduing Kaliya. The talk recounts how Kaliya’s poison devastated the Yamuna, the fear felt by the residents of Vrindavan, and Krishna’s eventual freeing of himself from the serpent’s coils before subduing Kaliya through divine strength and grace.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 19/03/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Episode 36 - Chapter 16 The Killing of Dhenukasura Page 136-Page 140( 0:27:46)
Episode Information
Jagdish continues reading from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, completing the chapter on the killing of Dhenuka Sura and beginning the next chapter on Krishna subduing Kaliya. The talk describes Krishna and Balarama’s actions in the Talavana forest, the defeat of Dhenuka Sura and his companions, and Krishna’s protection of the cowherd boys. It then introduces the story of Kaliya poisoning the Yamuna and Krishna’s decision to confront the serpent.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 12/03/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Episode 35 - Chapter 15 The Killing of Dhenukasura Page 133-Page 136( 0:27:57)
Episode Information
In this episode, Jagdish presents Talk 35 from Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The reading continues Chapter 15, describing Krishna and Balarama’s early pastimes in Vrindavan, their interactions with the natural world, and the lead‑up to the encounter with the demon Dhenukasura.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air
Published: 5/03/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short Talk 34 - Chapter 14 Prayers offered by Lord Brahma to Lord Krishna Page 130- Page 134 Chapter 14 ends( 0:27:12)
Episode Information
Krishna’s return to Vrajabhumi, the love of the cowherd boys and gopis, and Sukadeva Goswami’s explanation of devotion and spiritual vision. The reading concludes Chapter 14, Prayers Offered by Lord Brahma, before beginning Chapter 15, The Killing of Dhenukasura, describing Krishna and Balarama entering the forests of Vrindavan and the natural world’s joyful response to their presence.
Produced by Manawatū People’s Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 26/02/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short Talk 33 - Chapter 14, Prayers offered by Lord Brahma to Lord Krishna, pages 127-130( 0:29:39)
Episode Information
In this episode, Jagdish shares Lord Brahma’s heartfelt prayers to Lord Krishna. He chats about devotion, the pure love of the residents of Vrindavan, and Krishna’s transcendental presence—wrapping it all up with reflections on humility, service, and the mystery of divine energies.
Produced by Manawatu People's Radio with support from New Zealand On Air.
Published: 19/02/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 32 - Chapter 14, Prayers offered by Lord Brahma to Lord Krishna, page 124-127( 0:29:26)
Episode Information
This episode continues with Brahma’s prayers, where he reflects on Krishna’s spiritual nature and explains that the Lord’s pastimes are completely transcendental and untouched by material qualities. He describes how simply understanding Krishna’s true position frees one from material fear—just as recognising a rope is not a snake removes anxiety. Those who meditate on Krishna’s original form easily cross material illusion, while those who search elsewhere cannot reach him without devotion. Brahma contrasts speculative knowledge with the clarity gained through even a small amount of devotional service, noting that the residents of Vṛndāvana attain an intimacy with Krishna that exceeds the achievements of great sages or performers of sacrifice. He expresses admiration for the cowherd boys, gopīs, cows, and parents who constantly serve and associate with Krishna through ordinary daily activities, and he prays for the fortune of being born among them in any future life.
Podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 12/02/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 31 - Chapter 14, Prayers offered by Lord Brahma to Lord Krishna, pages 117-120( 0:27:46)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 14 with Brahma offering further prayers after witnessing Krishna’s unlimited power. He reflects on how, despite being the creator within his universe, he is insignificant before Krishna’s transcendental potency and unable to fully grasp the Lord’s qualities. Brahma describes how speculative knowledge and yogic discipline cannot reveal the Absolute Truth, emphasising instead that devotion alone allows one to understand Krishna, whose spiritual attributes are immeasurable and ever‑increasing. He humbly acknowledges his previous pride, recognising that even his great mystic abilities vanish in Krishna’s presence, just as small lights fade before the sun. Comparing all created beings—including himself—to children sheltered within the Lord’s energy, Brahma prays for forgiveness and reaffirms Krishna as the supreme source and protector, setting the stage for the next portion of his prayers in the following talk.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 5/02/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 30 - Chapter 13, The Stealing of the Boys and Calves by Brahma, pages 113-117, Chapter 13 ends and Chapter 14 begins( 0:28:48)
Episode Information
This episode continues the moment when Brahma witnesses Krishna’s display of limitless divine power. Unable to comprehend how the boys and calves became countless fully‑manifested forms of Vishnu, Brahma becomes humbled and astonished. Krishna then removes the veil of illusion and shows him the true, spiritual nature of Vṛndāvana, where even fierce animals live peacefully and everything is touched by transcendence. Brahma sees Krishna as a small boy holding a morsel of food, and overwhelmed with devotion he descends, offers full prostrated obeisances, washes Krishna’s feet with his tears, and begins offering prayers. The episode closes as Brahma praises Krishna’s inconceivable form and potency, expressing that even he cannot measure the Lord’s spiritual nature, and affirming that true understanding comes only through devotion rather than speculation.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 29/01/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 29 - Chapter 13, The Stealing of the Boys and Calves by Brahma, pages 109-113( 0:27:47)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 13, where Balarama notices an extraordinary increase in affection between the cows and calves, and between parents and children, far beyond what he had ever seen before. Observing that this love mirrors the devotion normally felt only for Krishna, he realises something divine is occurring and asks Krishna to explain. Krishna then reveals how Brahma stole the original boys and calves, and how he expanded himself into identical forms to keep the village undisturbed. When Brahma returns—after what is only a moment for him but a full year on earth—he is confused to find the children playing exactly as before, despite having left them magically asleep elsewhere. To dispel Brahma’s doubt, Krishna manifests each boy and calf as a fully divine form, displaying countless identical Vishnu forms, each radiant and four‑armed, adorned with ornaments, weapons, garlands, and markings. Brahma witnesses every element of creation and every living being reflected within these forms, overwhelming him and revealing the vastness of Krishna’s power.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 22/01/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 28 - Chapter 13, The Stealing of the Boys and Calves by Brahma, pages 105-109( 0:27:59)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 13, where Sukadeva Goswami explains why the boys did not speak of Aghasura’s death for a year. The story resumes with Krishna and the cowherd boys settling by the Yamuna to enjoy lunch together, arranging themselves in a circle around him while their cows graze nearby. When the herd wanders off into the forest, the boys call out to Krishna in fear, but he reassures them and goes to search alone. Brahma, witnessing these events and desiring to test Krishna further, steals both the boys and the calves, hiding them elsewhere. Krishna immediately understands what has happened and expands himself into perfect replicas of every boy and calf—each behaving, sounding, and appearing exactly as before—so that no one in the village notices their absence. Returning to Vṛndāvan in these forms, he allows daily life to continue unchanged, and for a full year the mothers and cows experience an even deeper affection for their children and calves, unknowingly responding to Krishna himself. The episode concludes as the narrative reaches the moment when the visiting cows on Govardhana hill rush down with great love toward the calves below, showing the mysterious bond that has developed during this hidden year.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 15/01/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 27 - Chapter 12, The Killing of the Aghasura Demon, page 102-104( 0:17:1)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 12 with Krishna expanding himself inside the serpent Aghasura, causing the demon to suffocate until his life force bursts free, after which Krishna revives the boys and calves and leads them safely out. The demon’s spirit then merges into Krishna’s presence in full view of the observing demigods, who celebrate with flowers, music, and prayers as Brahma arrives, astonished by what he witnesses. The serpent’s vast body remains as a landmark for some time, and the narration explains that although Aghasura was considered exceptionally sinful, he still attained a unique spiritual benefit due to Krishna entering his body. The episode then shifts back to the conversation between Pariksit and Sukadeva, as Pariksit inquires further about how this event came to be remembered only after a year, prompting Sukadeva to continue recounting the unfolding pastimes in the next chapter.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 8/01/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 26 - Chapter 12, The Killing of the Aghasura Demon, pages 98-102( 0:27:59)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 12, beginning with Krishna and his friends setting out joyfully for the forest, playing games, sounding horns, and racing to reach him first. Their lively morning is interrupted by the arrival of Aghasura, the younger brother of two previously slain demons, who expands himself into an enormous serpent and waits on the path with the intention of destroying all the boys and cows. Unaware of the danger, the children admire the serpent’s appearance and walk directly into its open mouth, while Krishna, understanding the threat, pauses to consider how to save them. As the boys and calves enter one by one, the demon eagerly anticipates Krishna’s approach. The episode ends with the moment Krishna himself steps inside to rescue his companions, observed by watching demigods who react with alarm and anticipation.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 1/01/2026 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 25 - Chapter 11, Killing the Demons Vatsasura and Bakasura, pages 95-97( 0:20:10)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 11 with Krishna and Balarama now old enough to tend calves alongside the other children, enjoying playful games as they roam the pastures. While they are playing near the Yamuna, a demon disguised as a calf mingles with the herd, but Krishna recognises the intrusion and swiftly dispatches him. Later, another demon appears in the form of a massive heron and momentarily swallows Krishna before being overpowered and defeated, leaving the cowherd boys amazed and the villagers relieved and full of affection as they discuss the child’s many narrow escapes. Their constant gratitude for his safety draws them into deep contemplation of his extraordinary nature, and speaking about his deeds becomes a source of joy that lifts them above everyday concerns.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 25/12/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 24 - Chapter 11, Killing the Demons Vatsasura and Bakasura, pages 91-95( 0:27:56)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 11 with the aftermath of the fallen Arjuna trees, as the residents of Gokul gather in confusion while the children insist Krishna caused the event. Nanda frees him from the mortar, and the gopis delight in his playful behaviour as he carries planks, struggles with slippers, and charms his parents. A fruit vendor exchanges her goods for the few grains he offers, only to find her basket miraculously filled with jewels. The narrative then moves to Krishna and Balarama’s play by the Yamuna, where calls from Rohini and Yashoda draw them home only after learning Nanda is waiting to eat. Returning reluctantly, they are bathed, dressed, and their birthday charity is performed. Concerned by repeated dangers, the cowherd men meet and decide to leave Gokul for Vrindavan. The community packs their carts, gathers the cows, and travels together while the gopis sing Krishna’s pastimes. Yashoda and Rohini ride with the children, and the group settles in Vrindavan, where Krishna and Balarama take joy in the beauty of their new surroundings.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 18/12/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 23 - Chapter 10, The Deliverance of Nalakuvera and Manigriva, pages 86-90( 0:27:59)
Episode Information
This episode continues the deliverance of Nalakuvera and Manigriva, beginning with Narada’s compassionate decision to remove their pride and material intoxication by placing them in a condition that would free them from false prestige and sense indulgence. The reading explains how the two sons of Kubera became absorbed in pleasure and ignored the presence of the sage, prompting his corrective blessing so they could eventually see Krishna face to face. Transformed into twin Arjuna trees, they remained until the child, still bound to the mortar, moved toward them to fulfil Narada’s words. As he pulled the mortar between the trees, both fell, revealing the two purified beings who then offered prayers recognising his eternal nature, his presence as the indwelling witness, and his transcendental form. They expressed gratitude for the mercy shown through Narada and for the chance to see him directly. The episode concludes with Krishna granting them release from their condition and instructing them to continue their lives in devotion.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 11/12/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 22 - Chapter 9 ends, Chapter 10 begins, The Deliverance of Nalakuvera and Manigriva, pages 82-86( 0:27:59)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 9, where Yashoda attempts to bind the child to a wooden mortar, unaware of his limitless nature. Each rope she adds is mysteriously two inches too short, no matter how many pieces she ties together, until the child compassionately allows himself to be bound after seeing her tire and perspire from the effort. This section highlights the intimate bond between mother and child, showing how he willingly submits to her affection despite being beyond all control. Once tied, he reflects playfully on her earlier scolding and resolves to create new mischief, turning his attention toward a pair of nearby Arjuna trees connected with a past event involving two celestial brothers who were transformed due to a sage’s blessing.
The narrative then opens Chapter 10, recounting the earlier lives of Nalakuvara and Manigriva, privileged sons of Kubera whose material abundance led them into indulgence. Distracted in their enjoyment, they failed to honour the visiting sage Narada, who compassionately placed a curse upon them to remove their arrogance and grant them the opportunity to eventually encounter Krishna. Narada’s teaching emphasises how material opulence can lead to intoxication, false pride, violence, and forgetfulness of life’s true purpose, while poverty may sometimes preserve humility and empathy. The episode closes as the curse is being explained, setting the stage for how the brothers’ transformation ultimately becomes a path toward liberation.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 4/12/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 21 - Chapter 8, Vision of the Universal Form, pages 78-82, Chapter 8 ends and Chapter 9 begins( 0:27:59)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 8, where Yashoda asks the child to open his mouth, leading her to an overwhelming vision that includes the entire cosmic manifestation—elements, beings, time, nature, and even herself caring for the child. Confused and shaken, she wonders whether she is dreaming, enchanted, or witnessing a divine power, before instinctively offering respect to the Supreme and reflecting on how illusion makes her identify herself as mother and caretaker. The narrative then explains how Yashoda and the residents of Vraja experience these intimate pastimes due to a prior blessing, allowing them to enjoy a uniquely close relationship with the child in ways that even his birth parents were unable to.
The chapter concludes, and the story moves on to describe Yashoda’s daily life as she churns butter while singing about her son. When he becomes hungry, she stops to nurse him, but momentarily leaves to prevent milk on the stove from boiling over. Upset, the child engages in mischief, breaking a pot and feeding butter to monkeys. Yashoda sees him hiding and tries to catch him as he runs, trembling in playful fear. Despite her exhaustion, she finally reaches him, and the scene closes with her preparing to discipline him gently, setting up the next part of the narrative.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 27/11/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 20 - Chapter 8, Vision of the Universal Form, pages 74-78( 0:27:52)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 8 with Gargamuni secretly performing the name‑giving ceremony at Nanda’s request. He explains that the child has appeared in many forms before, has multiple names including Krishna and Vasudeva, and will bring joy, protection, and good fortune to the people and animals of Vraja. Gargamuni hints at the child’s extraordinary past deeds in defending the righteous, while keeping the ceremony discreet to avoid attracting the attention of Kamsa. The reading then shifts to scenes from early childhood, describing Krishna and Balarama’s playful behaviour—crawling through the village, getting covered in clay, grabbing calves’ tails, and prompting laughter and delight among Yashoda, Rohini, and the gopis, who find joy in every mischievous moment.
The community begins bringing complaints to Yashoda about the boys stealing yogurt and butter, entering homes uninvited, and cleverly avoiding blame with charming smiles. Even attempts to hide food in dark places fail, because the children’s natural radiance gives them away. As the gopis report their daily frustrations, their affection and amusement are evident beneath their mock scolding. The episode ends with the well‑known moment in which the elders insist that Krishna has eaten clay. Yashoda confronts him, Krishna denies it, and she demands that he open his mouth—leading directly into the next part of the narrative.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 20/11/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 19 - Chapter 8, Vision of the Universal Form, pages 66-70( 0:27:59)
Episode Information
This episode continues with the aftermath of Trinavarta’s attack. The whirlwind demon lifts the child high into the sky, plunging Vrindavan into darkness and alarming the residents, but the child suddenly becomes unbearably heavy, forcing the demon to fall and be destroyed. The community gathers in relief, reflecting that only someone protected by great piety could survive such danger. As Yashoda tends to him, she experiences a moment of wonder on seeing a vast vision within his mouth, reinforcing that his nature remains unchanged regardless of age or circumstance. The narrative then shifts to the arrival of Gargamuni, the family priest, at Nanda’s home. Nanda welcomes him with respect, acknowledging that saintly persons visit householders only to give spiritual guidance. Gargamuni explains that Vasudeva has asked him to perform the child’s purificatory rites, but also hints at the need for secrecy due to the dangers posed by Kamsa. Understanding the risk, Nanda requests that the ceremony be performed quietly and without public celebration, and Gargamuni prepares to carry out the naming rites discreetly.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 13/11/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 18, Chapter 7, The Salvation of Tranavarta, pages 66-70( 0:28:57)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 7 and opens with reflections on hearing about divine pastimes as a way to purify the heart and awaken spiritual awareness. The reading describes Krishna’s early development, including preparations for his first birthday celebration, where Vedic hymns are chanted, guests gather, and traditional rituals are performed. During the festivities, while Yashoda is occupied greeting visitors, the child becomes hungry, kicks his legs, and accidentally causes the hand‑driven cart he was placed beneath to collapse, surprising the assembled families. Although the cause seems mysterious to the adults, nearby children insist that Krishna’s movements were responsible.
To counter any inauspicious influence, Yashoda comforts the child while Brahmanas chant hymns from the Vedas, and Nanda performs ceremonial bathing and charitable giving, including gifts of ornamented cows. The reading notes the importance of qualified Brahmanas in traditional rituals and contrasts this with later teachings that emphasise chanting as the primary practice for the present age. Shortly afterward, as Yashoda tends to Krishna at home, she briefly sets him down when he becomes unexpectedly heavy. At that moment, a servant of Kamsa named Trinavarta arrives in the form of a whirlwind, lifts the child, and creates a powerful dust storm over Vrindavan.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 6/11/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 17, Chapter 6, Putana Killed, pages 62-65( 0:22:24)
Episode Information
This episode continues the account of the aftermath of Putana’s death, beginning with the protective rites chanted by Yashoda and Rohini for the child. The reading describes the traditional invocations used to safeguard each part of the body, along with the belief that ghosts, witches, and harmful spirits cannot remain where the holy name is recited. Yashoda relies fully on cows and the name of Vishnu for protection, reflecting long‑standing Vedic practice, while the elder gopis remain absorbed in caring for the child with deep affection. Once the rites are complete, the child nurses peacefully, and the cowherd men return from Mathura, astonished to see Putana’s enormous fallen form. Nanda recalls Vasudeva’s earlier warning and recognises its significance.
The residents then burn Putana’s body, noting the unexpected fragrance produced as a sign of purification due to the child’s presence. The reading emphasises that although she intended harm, her act of offering milk was accepted as maternal service, resulting in spiritual elevation—illustrating how even minimal contact with the divine can bring profound benefit. This principle is extended to others who offer milk, flowers, or service in devotion, and to the cows and gopis who care for the child with love. As the community absorbs the shock of the event, Nanda returns home, embraces the child, and feels deep relief. The episode concludes with the assurance that hearing this narration brings divine favour.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 30/10/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 16 - Chapter 6, Putana Killed, pages 58-62( 0:30:48)
Episode Information
This episode continues Chapter 6 with Nanda reflecting on warnings about danger in Gokul and instinctively taking shelter in divine protection. The narrative shifts to Kamsa sending the witch Putana, skilled in harmful occult practices, to kill infants throughout the region. Because such powers cannot operate where Krishna’s name is chanted, her threat does not disturb Vrindavan spiritually, though her arrival is still dramatic. Disguised with extraordinary beauty, she enters Nanda’s home unchecked and approaches the infant, immediately sensing his hidden power. Various devotional interpretations are given for Krishna closing his eyes as she lifts him, ranging from avoiding the sight of someone who has killed children to acknowledging her approach as a nurse, reflecting the tradition that anyone offering maternal service is treated as a mother.
Putana attempts to kill the child, but Krishna instead takes her actions as maternal service while simultaneously ending her harmful intentions, granting her liberation. Her true form manifests in a vast and terrifying shape that astonishes the residents of Vrindavan. Afterward, the gopis perform traditional protective rites for the child using substances connected to the cow—dung, urine, milk, and dust—highlighting the sacredness of cows and their protective role in family life. They then chant invocations for divine protection over each part of the child’s body, invoking various names and aspects of the Lord to safeguard him from harm.
A radio show/podcast produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 23/10/2025 11:00:00 a.m.
Short talk 15 - Chapter 5, The meeting of Nanda and Vasudeva Pages 54-57( 0:26:16)
Episode Information
This episode continues the meeting between Nanda and Vasudeva, beginning with reflections on the prosperity of the Vrindavan community, whose wealth comes from cow protection and agriculture. The reading highlights how generously Nanda distributes gifts during the birth celebrations and how Brahmanas, dependent on the cowherd community, are honored with charity. As the festivities continue, Rohini arrives beautifully adorned to congratulate the family, and Vrindavan’s abundance is described as reflecting the presence of divine fortune through the newborn child.
The narrative then shifts to Nanda’s journey to Mathura to pay taxes, where Vasudeva meets him with deep relief and affection. Their conversation reveals Vasudeva’s concern for the safety of both children and his indirect expression of longing and anxiety over separation. He offers reflections on how families are brought together and parted by destiny, using natural imagery to explain the impermanence of worldly associations. He inquires carefully about the well‑being of the children, the cows, and the conditions in Gokul, hinting at the dangers posed by Kamsa’s ongoing threats.
Nanda responds with reassurance shaped by philosophical acceptance of karma and the inevitability of life’s circumstances. Vasudeva advises him to return promptly to avoid possible disturbances and returns to his own home. The episode concludes as both families part ways and responsibilities return to normal, setting the stage for the events of the next chapter.
Produced by Manawatū People's Radio with the support of New Zealand on Air.
Published: 16/10/2025 11:00:00 a.m.