SpiritualMārkine bhāgavata-dharma is the second poem composed by Śrīla Prabhupāda in Bengali upon his arrival in America. Its main theme is a pondering of the prospects of his mission to spread Kṛṣṇa consciousness in the New World. The first poem, Prayer unto the Lotus Feet of Kṛṣṇa, written during the last days of his journey across the Atlantic Ocean, primarily glorifies his spiritual master, who was spreading the glories of the Lord throughout the world. In it, Prabhupāda humbly begs the Lord to empower him to fulfill the order of his guru. In the final verses, he laments his separation from the Lord and expresses the heartfelt desire to attain His personal association again. Both prayers, found in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Jaladuta Diary, are deeply personal expressions of devotion, not originally composed with the intention of being published for a wider audience. However, when his disciples latter requested permission to share them, he did not object. He wrote: “Yes, publish the Bengali poem which I am sending herewith. He then provided his own English translation, which can be found in Appendix I of this book. Mārkine bhāgavata-dharma is both a prayer and a poem that can be sung—either in the original Bengali or in a poetic English adaptation, which I am presenting here. The word mārkine is the Bengali rendering of “America,” and bhāgavata-dharma refers to— according to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s translations in various places—“Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s saṅkīrtana movement,” “the activities of the devotees,” “Kṛṣṇa consciousness,” or simply “bhakti, devotional service.” In 1976, Jayasacinandana Dāsa, one of Prabhupāda’s disciples serving in the BBT’s Sanskrit and Bengali department, translated this poem into English. When Prabhupāda received the translation, Mārkine bhāgavata-dharma vi he wrote back: “My dear Jayasacinandana, thank you very much for your nice translation of Mārkine bhāgavata-dharma. It is well appreciated. I think it can be included in the front of the new printing of the songbook, and it can be sung in kīrtana like the other songs of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura.” This letter also confirms that Prabhupāda did not mind that this poem was made public. Following in the footsteps of his predecessor ācāryas, he demonstrates through his example how to pray with a mood of utter humility and unconditional surrender. Vandanam, or offering prayers, is one of the nine processes of devotional service and can be combined with kīrtanam, or singing. Mārkine bhāgavata-dharma is one such poem that can be sung in kīrtana, like so many other compositions by our previous ācāryas. Generally, people write poems, offer prayers, and sing songs in their own language, which is why Śrīla Prabhupāda composed his poem in Bengali. Those who speak the language are undoubtedly fortunate, as they can effortlessly understand what they are singing. For others, the next best option is to memorize the English translation and, while singing in Bengali, reflect on its meaning. However, experience shows that this is easier said than done. During the time of Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, more than 150 years ago, the devotees in Odisha voiced their frustration that they could not understand the meaning of his songs because they did not speak Bengali. Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura proposed translating his songs into the local language as a solution. He also encouraged them to use their traditional instruments for accompaniment. Considering the universal appeal of music, I have taken the initiative to adapt Mārkine bhāgavata-dharma into an English song titled Make Me Dance, accompanied by a contemporary musical arrangement. This approach may appeal to those who do not speak Bengali and feel more comfortable singing in their own language, while also offering the benefit of understanding what they are singing.
Unlike most contemporary pop songs, Vaiṣṇava songs carry profound messages meant to connect us to the spiritual dimension of life. If this presentation helps deepen even one soul’s understanding of spiritual truths, I will consider my effort successful.
Bhakti Gauravani Goswami
Advaita Ācārya’s Appearance Day
4 February 2025
Śrīla Prabhupāda, shortly after his arrival in America, photographed by a reporter for the Butler Eagle in Pennsylvania, September 1965. He holds the first volume of the First Canto of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the revealed scripture that presents bhāgavata-kathā—words of and about Bhagavān, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. As he states in Verses 8 and 9 of his poem, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam is the Lord’s incarnation, and if a person repeatedly receives its message with a submissive attitude, the heart will be cleansed of all inauspicious things and the soul will be released from material bondage.