56 The Nectar of Devotion

least one dozen very big and important temples which were started
by the Gosvamis and which should be visited.) 9) One must cir-
cumambulate the temple building at least three times. (In every
temple there is an arrangement to go around the temple at least
three times. Some devotees go around more than three times:
ten times, fifteen times—according to their vows. The Gosvamis
used to circumambulate Govardhan Hill.) 10) One should circumam-
bulate the whole Vrndavana area. 11) One must worship the Deity
in the temple according to the regulative principles. (Offering
aratrika, prasadam, decorating the Deity, etc.—these things must be
observed regularly.) 12) Rendering personal service to the Deities.
13) Singing. 14) Sankirtana. 15) Chanting. 16) Offering prayers.
17) Reciting notable prayers. 18) Tasting maha-prasadam (food from
the very plate offered before the Deities). 19) Drinking caranamrtam
(water from the bathing of the Deities which is offered to guests).
20) One must smell the incense and flowers offered to the Deity.
21) One must touch the lotus feet of the Deity. 22) One must see the
Deity with great devotion. 23) One must offer dratrika at different
times. 24) One must hear about the Lord and His pastimes from
Srimad-Bhagavatam, the Bhagavad-gita, and similar books. 25) One
must pray to the Deity for His mercy. 26) One should remember the
Deity. 27) One should meditate upon the Deity. 28) One should
render some voluntary service. 29) One should think of the Lord as
his friend. 30) One should offer everything to the Lord. 31) One
should offer a favorite article (as food or a garment). 32) One should
take all kinds of risks for Krsna’s benefit. 33) In every condition, be
a surrendered soul. 34) Pour water on the tulasi tree. 35) Regularly
hear Srimad-Bhagavatam and similar literature. 36) Live in a sacred
place like Mathura, Vrndavana or Dvaraka. 37) Offer service to
Vaisnavas (devotees). 38) Arrange your devotional service according
to your means. 39) In the month of Karttika (October and November),
make arrangements for special services. 40) During Janmdstami (the
time of Krsna’s appearance in this world) observe a special service.
41) Do whatever is done with great care and devotion for the Deity.
42) Relish the pleasure of Bhagavatam reading amongst devotees and
not amongst outsiders. 43) Associate with devotees who are con-
sidered more advanced. 44) Live in the jurisdiction of Mathura.
