Madhvacarya appeared in a place known as Madhyegeha, his father’s name was
Narayan Bhatta, and his mother’s name was Vedanti (or Vedavidhya). Earlier,
Narayan Bhatta and Vedanti had two children who died prematurely, leaving them
both sad. They did tapasya to get a child and survived on milk for many years
because their only desire was to get a son who would not die.
Madhvacarya’s father, Narayan Bhatta, named him Vasudeva in his childhood.
Vasudeva had the qualities of a Vaishnava from the beginning and used to
recite and enact the Lord’s pastimes, which left his friends astonished. In a
short span of time, he finished his primary education and at the age of five,
he had his Brahminical thread ceremony. He was a genius of the Vedas and he
learned Vedic literature by heart.
Sri Baladeva Vidhyabhushana mentions that the Siddhantas set by Madhvacarya
are:
Lord Vishnu alone is the supreme absolute truth.
Lord Vishnu is the object of all Vedic knowledge.
The material world is real
The living entities are separate from Lord Vishnu
The living entities are servants of Lord Hari’s lotus feet
The living entities are of two kinds – liberated living entities and
condition living entities
Attainment of Lord Vishnu’s lotus feet alone gives liberation to the
conditioned soul
Pure worship of Lord Vishnu is the highest perfection for the conditioned
soul
The truth is known by Pratyaksha (Direct perception), Anuman (Logic), Sabda
(Vedic Authority)
Bhaktivedanta Manor’s ISKCON Educational Services (IES) welcomed a delegation of Church of England vicars-in-training from the Eastern Region Ministry Course. The visit proved so enjoyable that the group expressed a wish to make it an annual programme.
During their time at the Manor, the visitors enjoyed a guided tour of the grounds, received copies of books introducing them to Krishna consciousness, and joined the midday arati ceremony with great enthusiasm. They also shared lunch and had the opportunity for a brief conversation with Krsna Ksetra Swami in Srila Prabhupada’s room.
The Eastern Region Ministry Course organiser, a former lecturer in Hinduism at the University of Cambridge, has a longstanding admiration for the Manor community. Whenever she visits, she speaks warmly of what has been built there, particularly the welcoming atmosphere and the friendliness of the devotees.
Visits such as these provide a valuable opportunity for people of different faith traditions to learn from one another, deepen their understanding and build lasting friendships. The group’s wish to return each year is a wonderful reflection of the spirit of hospitality and interfaith dialogue fostered at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Hans News Service: Prof. T. Kishen Kumar Reddy, Vice-Chancellor, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University Hyderabad (JNTUH), delivered a special lecture on “The Supreme Absolute Truth (SAT) Diagram,” presenting a Block Schematic Energy Diagram that seeks to capture the essence of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita (BG) through the lens of engineering and physics. Faculty members, research scholars, UG Students, and university staff attended the lecture.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor, an engineer by training, explained that the SAT diagram proposes the existence of five entities described in the Bhagavad Gita — Almighty God (GOD), all the Souls in creation, Material Nature (MN), Time, and Karma (Activity). He noted that these entities, originally described in verse form by Srila Swami Prabhupada, founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), have been reinterpreted and placed on a Block Schematic Energy Diagram, with a vertical energy axis representing the relative grade and level of energy.
The Vice-Chancellor elaborated that GOD, representing Inexhaustible and Infinite Energy, is depicted at Infinity as the highest and most subtle grade of energy — the Complete Supreme Brahman, Eashwara, or Krishna, the Supreme Controller. The remaining four entities—Souls, Material Nature, Time, and Karma—are His separated, finite subsets, collectively representing the Impersonal Brahman, and are placed at relatively lower energy levels on the same construct. He explained that three unidirectional arrows emanating from GOD in the diagram suggest the flow of energy from GOD to the three eternal entities, under whose direction the entire cosmic manifestation functions.
Speaking on the relationship between an individual Soul and Material Nature, Prof. Kishen Kumar Reddy explained the concept of the Living Entity (LE) — a combination of the Soul and the higher, subtle constituents of Material Nature, namely the body, mind, intelligence, and false ego. He described how, in Thermodynamics parlance, a Living Entity operating through the Birth-Life-Death (BLD) cycle and identifying falsely with the material body — termed “false ego” or the “Masculine/Yang” mode — functions analogous to a Heat Engine, with GOD serving as the Infinite Source reservoir. The individual’s accumulated Karma serves as the finite Sink. This mode, he noted, increases entropy, consistent with the Second Law of Thermodynamics, and is the default mode of operation for nearly all living species other than humans.
In contrast, the Vice-Chancellor explained, when a Living Entity makes a concerted effort to look inward — ascending the energy ladder from the individual Karma reservoir toward the Infinite Reservoir, GOD — it operates in the “Refrigerator” or “Religion/Feminine/Yin” mode. He described this inward path, achieved through Yoga or Religion (from the Latin re ligare, “to bind back”), as the means by which an individual’s accumulated Karma can be redeemed, allowing the Living Entity to attain total communion with GOD, independent of Space, Time, and the laws of Causation — a state referred to as Nirvana or Enlightenment.
The lecture also touched upon the correspondence between the SAT diagram and established postulates of modern Physics, including Newton’s Third Law of Motion and the laws of Classical Thermodynamics. The Vice-Chancellor observed that the realms of Religion and Science can both be delineated on the SAT diagram — with the interactions of Material Nature and Time representing the domain of Science, and the connectivity between the Souls and GOD representing the domain of Religion — the two being linked through what he termed the Physics-Psychology-Parapsychology (PPP) bridge, drawn from Bhagavad Gita verse 3.42.
Prof. Kishen Kumar Reddy noted that while Modern Science, confined to the interactions of Material Nature and Time alone, has enabled considerable advancement, it represents, in his assessment, only a Partial Truth, as it does not account for the linkages with GOD, the Souls, and Karma. He observed that the energy of the Complete Whole, of Infinite and Inexhaustible origin, appears to stand in contrast to the classical thermodynamic postulate that the energy of the material universe is constant. The ultimate message of the Bhagavad Gita, he concluded, is that a Living Entity should look inward through Yoga or Religion to redeem its individual Karma, transcend Material Nature and Time, and attain Nirvana — which he described as the true essence of the Bhagavad Gita.
The audience received the lecture well. It was followed by an interactive discussion in which faculty members, scholars and students engaged with the Vice-Chancellor on the interface between traditional philosophical thought and modern scientific principles.
Source: https://www.thehansindia.com/hans/young-hans/where-engineering-meets-iks-jntuh-vice-chancellor-delivers-lecture-on-the-supreme-absolute-truth-diagram-1132171
NEW VRINDABAN – Rain forced the “Festival of Colors” at the Palace of Gold to run inside the community center on the compound on Sunday, and the expected weather also led the festival to become a two-day event.
Because of the rain expected on Sunday, the festival opened a day early on Saturday for a day of fun.
It continued on Sunday, but with none of the outdoor vendors at their booths. Yoga and dance took place inside the community center, and food was being served in the area.
The “Festival of Colors” is inspired by Holi, the ancient Indian traditions of the “Festival of Colors” and the “Festival of Love.”
During the events there is dance and music, and participants throw brightly colored organic powders into the air and at each other until all are covered from head to toe with the powder.
After successfully dodging raindrops on Saturday, the festival was set to run from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. But by 1:30 p.m., there still was no powder being thrown.
Those attending were instead inside enjoying yoga and dance inside the community center.
It was expected that if the weather cleared, all would go outside to throw powder later in the day, according to Vrindavani, a staffer for the event.
“Yesterday, we got a really good opportunity to change the festival from a one-day event into a two-day event,” she explained. “The nice thing about yesterday was that the weather was cooperating and we were able to do color throws. There were quite a few children running around having the time of their lives.
“There were a lot of adults dancing and participating in the yoga classes. We also had a lot of food vendors out yesterday.”
Vrindavani acknowledged Sunday was “more low key” because of the weather.
“We’re just waiting to see what Krishna does with the weather,” she continued.
Vrindavani explained the meaning behind the “Festival of Colors.”
“It is actually called Holi in Indian, and is held in the spring,” she said. “It’s a celebration of life and color, and the beauty of blending together.”
“It’s part of the reason why I came to Krishna: consciousness.”
Vrindavani explained she was originally from Cambridge, Ohio, but would frequently come to visit the festivals taking place at New Vrindaban.
“I was delighted by the color throws and all the fun dancing,” she said. “I came to the temple and I saw Krishna for the first time, and I was totally overwhelmed.”
“I just felt like I had found where I belonged, and I found a community here. It’s really close to my heart.”
Vrindavani said she started by living at the compounds on the weekends and going home during the week.
“But I found that wasn’t enough,” she said. “The vibe here is so welcoming and comforting. It just pulls you in.”
The West Bengal government has announced plans to develop Mayapur in Nadia district as an international-standard religious and tourist destination. The initiative will focus on the area around the headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which attracts pilgrims and visitors to the town. The proposed development is intended to give Mayapur a more modern and organised appearance.
According to the Urban Development Department, the project will cover around 2,100 bighas of land near the ISKCON temple. Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul recently visited the temple and held discussions with government officials and representatives of ISKCON. The meeting examined the development plan and the facilities required for the area.
The proposed infrastructure programme includes improvements to roads and public transport in and around Mayapur. It also includes better waste management and lighting, along with modern facilities for pilgrims and tourists. These measures are expected to address key requirements associated with movement, cleanliness, public amenities and visitor access at the religious centre.
The state government is also planning to bring Nabadwip under the Smart City project. The area is expected to be developed with modern urban infrastructure as part of the broader plan for the region. Together, the proposed initiatives would link improvements in Mayapur and Nabadwip with the government’s efforts to strengthen religious and tourist infrastructure in Nadia district. The plans place the ISKCON temple and its surrounding area at the centre of the Mayapur development programme.
Madhvacarya appeared in a place known as Madhyegeha, his father’s name was Narayan Bhatta, and his mother’s name was Vedanti (or Vedavidhya). Earlier, Narayan Bhatta and Vedanti had two children who died prematurely, leaving them both sad. They did tapasya to get a child and survived on milk for many years because their only desire was to get a son who would not die.
Madhvacarya’s father, Narayan Bhatta, named him Vasudeva in his childhood. Vasudeva had the qualities of a Vaishnava from the beginning and used to recite and enact the Lord’s pastimes, which left his friends astonished. In a short span of time, he finished his primary education and at the age of five, he had his Brahminical thread ceremony. He was a genius of the Vedas and he learned Vedic literature by heart.
Sri Baladeva Vidhyabhushana mentions that the Siddhantas set by Madhvacarya are:
Lord Vishnu alone is the supreme absolute truth.
Lord Vishnu is the object of all Vedic knowledge.
The material world is real
The living entities are separate from Lord Vishnu
The living entities are servants of Lord Hari’s lotus feet
The living entities are of two kinds – liberated living entities and condition living entities
Attainment of Lord Vishnu’s lotus feet alone gives liberation to the conditioned soul
Pure worship of Lord Vishnu is the highest perfection for the conditioned soul
The truth is known by Pratyaksha (Direct perception), Anuman (Logic), Sabda (Vedic Authority)
Durtakarma Dasa giving a Srimad Bhagavatam class in Los Angeles, 2010. His Grace Durtakarma Dasa, who led the charge in ISKCON against atheistic and materialistic science, has departed this world today, October 14th, 4:45 am PST, at the VA Hospital in Los Angeles, California. After deciding to be removed from life support and later from […]
Becoming Re-enchanted - Rukmini Walker (Rukmini Devi Dasi ACBSP) & Anuttama Dasa (ACBSP) spoke at a student program at Boston University on Thursday, September 24th 2026.
Bhagavatam Class 5.12 1-10 | Gadadhara Pandit Prabhu
Channel: Krishna House Gainesville
Bhagavatam Class 5.12 1-10 | Gadadhara Pandit Prabhu
King Rahūgaṇa asks Jaḍa Bharata to explain things more simply, and Jaḍa Bharata responds by challenging his deepest assumptions about identity. Verses 5–6 bring us face to fa …
more
Discover Your Spiritual Strength (Part 1) — HG Chaitanya Charan Das | ISKCON Birmingham
Channel: ISKCON Birmingham UK
Welcome to Part 1 of an inspiring Sunday Sanga class recorded live on October 11, 2026, at ISKCON Birmingham. In this session, HG Chaitanya Charan Das Prabhu delivers …
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No less that twenty brahmacharis and devotees from Bhaktivedana Manor ventured to Mauritius for two weeks of preaching, kirtan and association with the local devotees.
Their main host was Nitya Gopal Prabhu, who very kindly allowed them to stay in his empty house and also helped arrange their transport. Mukund from Pure Veg generously took care of their prasadam, making the whole tour much easier for them.
They began with a huge Harinama in Port Louis, joined by many of the local devotees. The energy of the brahmacharis was infectious, and it was wonderful to see the local devotees responding enthusiastically to the kirtan.
That evening they performed the Boatman and Scholar drama at the Pancha Tattva Temple. The local devotees particularly appreciated the energetic kirtans of the brahmacharis, and the whole evening had a wonderful atmosphere.
At the Radha-Golokananda Temple, they performed a drama about Srila Prabhupada, which was very well received. They then continued their Harinama preaching in Rose Belle, a place especially significant because Srila Prabhupada himself had visited there during his time in Mauritius.
On their final day, they held the Sunday programme at the Krishna-Balaram Temple, built by Sriniketan das, one of Srila Prabhupada’s disciples. Srila Prabhupada had sent him to Mauritius because he could speak French.
There they performed Narada and the Cobbler, followed by a kirtan which brought the tour to a fitting conclusion.
As the devotees began leaving, something very touching happened. They were inundated with heartfelt messages from the local devotees. Many expressed how much they had appreciated the association, the kirtans and dramas.
One expression summed it up beautifully:
“You were like a mobile travelling temple.”
For the brahmacharis, it was certainly a tiring two weeks. The days were long, the travelling demanding and the preaching took plenty of energy. But alongside the exhaustion came something much more valuable — the experience of seeing how Krishna consciousness can bring devotees together across countries and cultures.
Hare Krishna Dear Devotees, Guests and Well-wishers,
All are welcome to offer deep daan (diya/candle) during this auspicious month of Damodar from 27th Oct until 24th Nov, everyday at 7:15am and 7:15pm at ISKCON Auckland's Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Temple. Located at 1229 Coatesville Riverhead Hwy in Kumeu.
Kartik or the festival of offering lamps to Lord Krishna, glorifies Lord Krishna’s pastime of being bound with ropes by Mother Yashoda.
*If you would like to host a home program with Damodarastakam & Diya (lamp) offering, please contact: Govinda Kinkar das or Krishnacandra das. Details are available in the poster.
Dussehra also known as Sri Rama Vijayotsava is the celebration of Lord Rama's triumphant victory over Ravana.
On this day, let us come together to reflect on the essence of this pastime and celebrate with kirtan, bhajan, arati, Sri Rama katha, prasadam stalls, performances and the burning of Ravana at ISKCON Auckland's Sri Sri Radha Giridhari temple.
Don't miss this opportunity to share the spiritual significance of this festival with your children, family and friends. All are welcome! Hare Krishna.
Vaishnavi Forum attendees gather at New Govardhana. Approximately 100 women gathered at New Govardhana Farm in New South Wales, Australia, on Sunday, September 27, 2026, for the Vaishnavi Health and Well-being Forum. Held under the auspices of Australia’s Vaishnavi Ministry, the one-day, in-person program drew attendees from the surrounding region, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, and […]
On Saturday 4th October, we came together to honour the volunteers and patrons who make everything possible at ISKCON Birmingham. To every volunteer who gives their time, energy and heart, and to every patron who stands behind this mission, thank you!
We were deeply graced by the presence of our UK GBC, His Grace Praghosa Prabhu, along with His Holiness Keshava Swami, His Grace Braja Vilas Prabhu (TOVP, Mayapur), His Grace Nila Madhava Prabhu (Bhaktivedanta Manor) and His Grace Pradyumna Prabhu (Temple President, ISKCON Leicester), whose team lovingly cooked the prasadam for the evening.
Thank you once again for your wonderful support and your pledges towards our new temple. Together, we are building a home for Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra in Birmingham.
Here are some moments from a truly special evening. Tag yourself and your friends!
Divine LIVE Mangal Āratī Darshan from Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, ISKCON Vrindavan 
