Author Archives: New Vrindaban

The 2015 New Vrindaban calendar is here. You can download it with this link.

Janmastami Special Programs :

At New Vrindaban Krishnas Birthday  or Janmastami is celebrated in with the following events. Krishna likes to be bathed on His birthday and everyone has a chance to bathe the Lord by offering an abishek in a gold plated kalash. The details are below.

Program Events :

Kalash Abishekam with Gold plated Kalashas
Special New Dressing of their Lordhships
Swan Boat Festival
Sudarshana Mahayajnam
Go-Puja
Jhulan Yathra
Fireworks.

Funds collected from Janmashtami are specifically used to render service to Lord Krishna, His devotees and the cows during winter months.

Dates for Janmashtami 2015:

Sept 5^th : Actual Janmashtami Midnight Celebration

August 23: Fire Yagna and Janmashtami Celebration

MAHA KALASH ABHISHEK $1501

• Complimentary accommodation for up to 4 family members,
   (2 nights in the newly renovated Palace Lodge or 1 night in the cabin)
• Your entire family can participate in Kalash Abhishek of the Lord
• Special gold-plated Kalash and Harinam chaddar
• Special Edition Radha Krishna Murthy
• Participation in Maha Yagna and Go-puja
• Special Janmashtami maha-prasadam package
• Complimentary Janmashtami Banquet prasadam for up to four family members

KALASH ABHISHEK $751

• Complimentary accommodation for up to 4 family members,
   (one night in the newly renovated, Palace Lodge)
• Your entire family can participate in Kalash Abhishek of the Lord
• Special gold-plated Kalash and Harinam chadda
• Special edition Radha-Krishna Murthy
• Participation in Maha Yagna and Go-puja
• Special Janmashtami Maha-Prasadam package
• Complimentary Janmashtami Banquet Prasadam for up to four family members

SPONSORSHIPS JANMASHTAMI

Festival Annadanam – $11,111
Deity Dress – $8001
Festival Decorations – $5001
Janmastami Rajbhoga – $2501
Swan Boat – $1008
Fireworks – $501
Janmashtami Maha Yagna – $351
Go-Puja on Janmastami anmastami – $108

Reserve Now! Kalash Sponsorship is Limited.

	Gaurnatraj Das   Cell : 304 312 6539 Gaurnatraj@gmail.com Temple office : 304 843 1600 ext 118
	Krishna Baladev Das Cell : 304 312 7110 krsnabaladevdas@yahoo.co.in 304 8431600 Ext 108
	Venkata Chalapati Das Cell : 304 312 7666 Vcdas.7hills@gmail.com 304 312 1600 ext 107

Join us for a seminar to increase
Child Protection Awareness
in our community

When: Thursday May 28th  10am – 1:00pm

Where: The New Vrindavan Lodge

Cost: Free 

 “The protection of children gives the human form of life its best chance to prepare the way of liberty from material bondage. “

Srimad Bhagavatam 1.8.5 Purport
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.

Child abuse & neglect have far reaching effects. 
Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms, and how YOU make a difference. 

“Please also take care of the children. They are our future hopes…”  Srila Prabhupada letter 11/7/69

Presented by Lilasuka dasi with 
The ISKCON Child Protection Office of North America
www.SafeTemple.org / 352-575-0780
 Working together to stop child abuse

NITYANANDA’S LOTUS FEET FROM MAYAPUR DHAM COMING TO NEW VRINDAVAN WEDNESDAY MAY 27th, 2015!

Dear Brajavasis, 

Don’t miss this once in a lifetime opportunity!

For the first time in history, we are so pleased to welcome Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s dear eternal pujari, His Grace Jananivas Prabhu, and also His Grace Radha Jivan Prabhu to New Vrindaban Dham this next Wednesday May 27th, 2015. They bring with them the mercy of Sri Mayapur Dham, Lord Nityananda’s Paduka (shoes) and Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Satori (helmet)! 

In the beginning of March, this team began a nationwide tour gifting the darshan of Lord Nityananda’s Paduka and Nrsimhadeva’s Satori, to the fortunate devotees of North America. Now the tour has arrived here in New Vrindaban! We will have the rare opportunity to offer an abhiseka to the lotus shoes of Lord Nityananda. Jananivas and Radha Jivan Prabhus will also be reporting the latest news and progress on the The Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) project. 

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to have the darshan of these transcendental relics and receive the mercy of Lord Nityananda. Please come to hear about TVOP, and have the association of these advanced Vaisnavas! 

Date: Wednesday the 27th
Time: 5:00 PM 
Place: New Vrindavan Dham

Event Schedule

5:00 PM- Abhiseka and kirtan
6:00 PM- TOVP Presentation with Jananivas Prabhu
7:00 PM-  Gaura Aarti 
7:30 PM-  Prasadam

Hare Krishna ,

Dear Devotees,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila PRabhupada.

As all of you know already we are the oldest cow protection program in North America. We care for our cows in the best possible way.

Our dear cow mother Anjani became sick due to a nerve disorder and stopped eating. Because she stopped eating in the next two days she could not move anymore and was lying down on the ground. 

Anjali lying down on the ground.

Devotees tried their best to comfort mother Anjani and pray for her. The doctor came in and diagnosed it as metal ingestion and said that this is life threatening. So devotees started praying fervently for mother Anjani.

Devotees praying for Anjani

All the devotees became so concerned that finally devotees got together and in freezing rain on the 22^nd of April managed to lift her and load her on to a trailer to be carried to the hospital.

Anjani being carried into the trailer.

After taking her to the hospital the hospital said that she was given IV and she is being treated now. The doctors are trying their best to save her. But the chances are slim. However we are trying our best.

Anjani in the hospital

To keep her in the hospital everyday is costing us atleast 400$/day. So we are appealing to everyone to help us cover the costs of Anjanis medical expense. “Gavo Rakshati Rakshitah”. IF we protect mother cow then mother cow will protect us. So we are appealing to all our well-wishers and Go-Bhaktas to please help us save mother Anjani by contributing generously.

Our total expenses are about 12,000 – 15,000 for hospitalization and treatment and we need to raise this amount in a weeks time. So our request to you is please contribute as mush as you can and as early as you can.

Because of this issue with mother Anjani the devotees want to ensure none of the other cows have any little symptoms of any other health care. Hence we have decided to have a complete medical check up of each of our cows calves and bulls. Hence we are requesting you to please help us get this done ASAP so that we can save our cows from such happenings in the future.

Donation options

Sahasra Anjani seva  : 1001$
Transporation and miscellaneous – $2500
Cover hospitalization costs 3500$
Complete medical checkup of one cow 751$
Adopt a cow (45 cows in total)  – 1500$
Anjani Cikitsa seva – 501
Anjani mula seva – 251
Anjani seva – 108

We invite you to celebrate Sri Narasimha Chaturdashi on May 2^nd 2015.

Millions of years ago to please his dear devotee Prahlada and to kill the wicked demon Hiranyakashipu, Lord Nrsimhadeva appearred from a pillar. 

The great protector appeared with lions face and claws and the human torso. He is ferocious and terrifying for those who do not believe in Him but fiercely protects His devotees from any obstacles and harm that come their way. Unmatched and supreme He is present on earth and heaven and everywhere in between.

ISKCON New Vrindaban has the largest life size Narasimha in all of North America and He was carved in New Vrindaban. Lord Narasimha is worshipped in all ISKCON temples for He is knows to protect His devotees form all dangers. This Narasimha Chaturdashi we will have a

“Narasimha Kavacha Mahayajnam” 

For the protection of your family. Worshipping Lord Narasimha protects us in every way. It protects our Health, mind, intelligence, children, family, protection, prosperity, Education, Job, Business etc and in every way. Lord Narasimha has come to protect His devotees. Please come and take advantage of Lord Narasimha’s and Prahlada Maharaj’s special mercy. Get the special

“Narasimha Kavacha”

Give your family Spiritual well being , Good health, Prosperity, Education for Children. 

Donate Here:

The 2015 New Vrindaban calendar is here. You can download it with this link.
 

Are you frustrated and feeling stuck? Are you ready to be free?

Are you tired of feeling broken and ready to go beyond?

Come join us for:  

       The Hero’s Journey               April 3, 4 and 5, 2015 (Easter Weekend)

       New Vrindaban Dhama          Moundsville, WV  26041

•        Discover what prevents you from being your radiant self
•        Connect with your hidden gifts and re-invent your life
•        Reconcile and lay the past to rest

What would it take to reveal your hero within?

This Easter weekend workshop is for you if you:

•       Struggle with feelings of guilt and shame and are dealing with low self-esteem.
•       Feel angry and resentful and find it hard to forgive.
•       Have difficulty creating healthy boundaries and expressing yourself under pressure.

What would it take to reveal your diamond inside?

Bring your curiosity and joy and join us on the adventure of a lifetime.

Gurukulis and 2^nd Gens: please contact Sukhavaha dasi at eternallove108@yahoo.com to receive a discount code, then use the following button to reserve your 90% off seat ($25 total cost).

All others use the next button to register for the Early Bird discount of $175 (until February 20^th).

After that the price is $225. All prices include the weekend package of fun and exploration, lodging and prasadam. For any questions, please contact Sukhavaha dasi at eternallove108@yahoo.com.

Facilitated by Krsna Lila devi who has M.A. Ed in Counseling Psych. from Columbia U. She is the Central Coord. for Professional Staff Development at the NYC Board of Education. She also serves as Senior Trainer and the Crisis Intervention Specialist for counseling professionals. She has been working as a school counselor since 1971.

During the past 10 years, Krsna Lila d has been training school counselors in NYC Public Schools in mediation, crisis response, character education, group counseling, grief counseling and conflict resolution. In addition, she is presently an adjunct professor at NYU and East Stroudsburg U and is often called to speak and conduct workshops by various schools and colleges. She also maintains a private practice with an emphasis on integrative therapy and trauma healing. For more info: www.cristinacasanova.net.

The problem is difficult (to bear). . . . . .  The solution is easy (to begin).

Protecting cows is one of the most important activities of the New Vrindaban Community The Vedas, Saints and Sadhus, and the Lord Krishna Himself proclaim that service and protection of Mother Cow is the greatest solution for mankind’s suffering, the path to real peace.

Since 1967, the New Vrindaban community has been protecting and serving her resident cows and oxens with a similar standard to what Lord Krishna Himself practiced five thousand years ago. Radhanath Swami was one of the pioneers of that program. This is a divine and harmonious relationship.As the cow is the mother so the bull is the father of society. The bull represents Dharma (Religion).

New Vrindaban had the good fortune of getting 10 bull calves born over the last 18 months. We took it as a sign of Lord Krsna to start an significant ox program. When the oxen plow the field mother earth becomes completely happy and satisfied and provides all that we need. Hence the society at large becomes happy when the oxen work. In today’s world cows are disrespected and bulls are no longer used, hence society and family structures are falling apart. By Krishna’s desire this wonderful act of protecting the oxen by building this ox barn is taking place so that mother earth becomes happy again. This is your chance to be a part of this wonderful opportunity and spiritual history in North America. You can secure your  own’s family welfare by giving these oxen a home to stay and work. They are counting on you! Every donation is welcome.

For a donation of $251 or more a team of miniature oxen with a bullock kart will be offered to the Deities of Radha Vrindaban Chandra and come to your home altar as prasadam.

Please refer a friend! Like this you can give everyone an opportunity to please Lord Krishna very much.

Our total budget for this ox barn construction is $250,000. We need to ahev this amount by the end of February so that we have the barn built by the end of march.

Please open your heart and donate to protect the oxen and secure our future.

Download a pdf copy of the brochure here.

Kartika-masa, also known as Damodar-masa, in accordance with Vaishnava calendars, is described in the scriptures as the best among months, for performing austerities for spiritual advancement.

Lord Sri Krishna says, “Of all plants, the sacred Tulasi is most dear to Me, of all months, Kartika is most dear, of all places of pilgrimage, My beloved Dwarka is most dear, and of all days, Ekadasi is most dear.

(Padma Purana, Uttara Khanda 112.3)

The following activities may be observed throughout the entire month of Kartika.

• Japa – Chanting the Holy names of the Lord
• Worship Lord Damodara by offering ghee lamp (diyas), flowers, incense and food etc. and sing the Damodarashtakam.
• Practice Brahmacharya (celibacy)
• Daily worship of Tulasi devi by offering lamp
• Give charity
• Perform austerities
• Eat only Krishna prasadam

In the month of Kartika, one should worship Lord Damodara and recite the prayer known as Damodarashtakam, which has been spoken by the sage Satyavrata and which attracts Damodara. (Sri Hari Bhakti Vilasa 2.16.198)

Virtues of Offering Deepa (Deepa-Dana)

Please hear the glories of offering a lamp/deepa during the month of Kartika, an offering that is very pleasing to Lord Krishna. O’ King of brahmanas, a person who offers a lamp in this way will not take birth again in this world.

(Text 100, Kartika-mahatmya, Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa)

Even one who never performs religious rituals or even the worst sinner will surely be purified by this offering. O’ Narada in the three worlds there is no sin that can stand before this Kartika Deepa. In fact, by presenting this deepa before Lord Krishna, the eternal abode can be reached without obstruction.

(Text 113, Kartika-mahatmya, Hari-Bhakti-Vilasa)

Here is your chance to offer a Lamp to the lord

• $51 – Sponsor a lamp on Diwali day (in family name)
• $51 – Kartika Deepa-Dana for a day
• $351 – Kartika Deepa-Dana for entire Kartika month
• $5001 – Sahasra Deepa-Alankar on Diwali day (lighting 1008 lamps/diyas)
• $108 – Fire sacrifice on Govardhan puja day (in family name)
• $551 – Fire Sacrifice Diwlai Night
• $1251 – Govardhana Parikarama with path tree planting
• $108 – Go-Puja on Go-puja day
• $ 216 – Feed a cow for a month in the holy month of Kartika (oct 8 – Nov 5 ) 

The world’s happiest event is just around the corner!  On Sat. Sept. 13 2014, the Palace of Gold will host its 3^rd annual Festival of Colors.  Come and join the fun with hundreds of other lively color-throwing participants. The festival is an exuberant gathering of people united in the desire to celebrate life, where everyone is invited to join in!

Festivities include eight hours of continuous music and jamming, with hourly color throwings. Last year one guest appreciated that “those people at the Festival of Colors sure know how to throw a party!”

The event is perfect for all ages, as witnessed by one father, who confirmed, “My family and I had a great time, and look forward to coming back year after year to ‘celebrate life’ in this special way.”

So mark the date – Saturday, September 13^th, 2014 – and invite your friends to come ‘Color your life and throw your worries to the wind!’

More info @ www.festivalofcolors.us

Labor Day Weekend Temple Program
Sat. Aug. 30, 2014
5:00 am       Mangala Arati
5:45 am       Japa session-Introduction class
7:00 am       Milking the cows (at the Goshala)
7:30 am       Sringar Darshan
7:40 am       Guru Puja
8:00 am       Srimad Bhagavatam Class by Ramesvara Prabhu
10:00 am      Govardhana Parikrama
12:30 pm      Rajbhoga Arati Kirtan by Parampara Prabhu
1:00  pm      Bhagavad-Gita Class by Ramesvara  Prabhu
1:30  pm     LUNCH PRASADAM
2:30  pm      Janmastami Katha by Sankirtan Prabhu
3.30  pm      Kirtan by Sacidevi

4:30 pm       Sudarshana Maha Yajna
5:30 pm       Sankalpa For Kalash Donors
6:00 pm       Go-Puja in the Cow Barn
6:30 pm       Krishna Katha by Sankirtan Prabhu
7:00 pm       Gaura Arati and Narasimha Arati by Parampara 
7:45 pm       Rap Show 
8:00 pm       Kalash Abishek and Kirtan
10:30 pm      Swan Boat festival

continued below..

<<<>>>

Janmashtami Temple Program
Sunday Aug.31, 2014
5:00 am       Mangala Arati
5:45 am       Japa session-Introduction class
7:00 am       Milking the cows (at the Goshala)
7:30 am       Sringar Darshan
7:40 am       Guru Puja
8:00 am       Srimad Bhagavatam Class by Gaura Natraj Prabhu
10:00 am      Govardhana Parikrama
11:00 am      Dahi Handi Celebration – Breaking of Pots

1:00 pm       Rajbhoga Arati Kirtan
1:30 pm       Sunday Feast Lecture By Ramesvara Prabhu
2:00 pm     LUNCH PRASADAM
2:30 pm       Krishna Katha by Sankirtan Prabhu
3.30 pm       Kirtan by Sacidevi

6:15 pm       Go-Puja in the Cow Barn
7:00 pm       Gaura Arati and Narasimha Arati by Parampara Prabhu
7:45 pm       Kirtan by sacidevi
8:30 pm       Shayan Darshan with Sacidevi
8:45 pm       Swan Boat

10:00 pm     Garbha Dance and Kirtan

<<<>>>

Any guest to the school will agree that it’s always a treat to visit Gopal’s Garden Home School Co-op, and see the refreshing faces of the talented students and their dedicated teacher.

Read Gopal’s Garden Newsletter here.

janma karma ca me divyam
evaḿ yo vetti tattvataḥ
tyaktvā dehaḿ punar janma
naiti mām eti so ‘rjuna

One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving the body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is 4.9

Janmastami is the Vaisnavas’ most important and significant festival of the year. It is held in celebration of the birthday of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Krishna, Himself.

This year we invite you to come with your whole family and take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra. You will have the chance to offer a very special Kalash Abhishek. Then witness the Lord, beautifully dressed in His most opulent, attractive attire, as He rides majestically in His famous Swan Boat on the New Vrindaban lake. Enjoy the elaborate Fireworks. Finally, savor a wonderful Prasadam Dinner Banquet.

Lord Krishnaâ’s bathing ceremony called Abhishek is witnessed by all attendees while Kalash sponsors personally assist the temple pujaris by handing over the Pancha Dravya, the sacred bathing liquids.

Funds collected from Janmashtami are specifically used to render service to Lord Krishna, His devotees and the cows during winter months.

Dates for Janmashtami 2014:

August 16/17: Actual Janmashtami Midnight Celebration
August 23: Fire Yagna and Janmashtami Celebration
August 30 /31: Labor Day weekend, Janmashtami Celebration
August 31: Dahi Handi cum Garbha Dance Celebration

MAHA KALASH ABHISHEK $1501
• Complimentary accommodation for up to 4 family members,
(2 nights in the newly renovated Palace Lodge or 1 night in the cabin)
• Your entire family can participate in Kalash Abhishek of the Lord
• Special gold-plated Kalash and Harinam chaddar
• Foldable photo frame of Radha-Krishna
• Participation in Maha Yagna and Go-puja
• Special Janmashtami maha-prasadam package
• Complimentary Janmashtami Banquet prasadam for up
to four family members

KALASH ABHISHEK $751
• Complimentary accommodation for up to 4 family members,
(one night in the newly renovated, Palace Lodge)
• Your entire family can participate in Kalash Abhishek of the Lord
• Special gold-plated Kalash and Harinam chaddar
• Foldable photo frame of Radha-Krishna
• Participation in Maha Yagna and Go-puja
• Special Janmashtami Maha-Prasadam package
• Complimentary Janmashtami Banquet Prasadam for up
to four family members

SPONSORSHIPS JANMASHTAMI
Festival Annadanam – $11,111
Deity Dress – $8001
Festival Decorations – $5001
Janmastami Rajbhoga – $2501
Swan Boat – $1008
Fireworks – $501
Janmashtami Maha Yagna – $351
Go-Puja on Janmastami anmastami – $108

Reserve Now! Kalash Sponsorship is Limited.
Call 304-843-1600

Gaurnatraj Das              Parampara Das            Venkata Chalapati Das
Ext. 118                         Ext. 103                        Ext. 107

TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

Participate in the biggest event of the Year. Call now and book your sponsorships.

We will celebrate Janmashtami on three different evenings. Please choose the one most convenient for you to participate in.

We still have some accommodation available, please call 304-843-1600 ext. 129 or ext. 113 

May 9 – 11, 2014 (Mother’s day weekend)

Filled with inspiring lectures, seminars, workshops, entertainment, and dramas, the Festival of Inspiration has become the most spiritually inspirational and motivational event of the year. A uniquely wonderful opportunity to share chanting of the holy names in the association of vibrant and fascinating souls from all over the three worlds

Join in for three consecutive days of tumultuous world-class kirtans, bhajans, dancing and feasting in the Appalachian foothills during the delightful mid-spring season in West Virginia!

Invitation for Ramnavami Maha Kalash Abhishek

We cordially invite you and your family to come celebrate Ramnavami with us on Tuesday April 8^th and Saturday April 12^th. We will perform Maha-Abhishek, and Arti, followed by a special dinner, and then fireworks as Their Lordships Sita-Ram-Hanuman are taken for a boat ride on our famous swan lake.

After a harsh winter we invite you to come and recharge your spiritual batteries in the spring coated Holy Dhama. The peacocks are fanning their tails, flowers are carpeting whole areas of the forest floor, trees are in early bloom, the birds and fish are active again.  Relax you mind in this beautiful spiritual environment meditating about Lord Krishna, your life’s very destiny. Visit Srila Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold, the ponds, Radha Kunda and the swan boat festival. Clean out the winter mind and get ready for the year.

Let us celebrate Sri Lord Rama’s birthday together. One who serves the Lord on this auspicious occasion will be blessed infinitely together with his family. All your 2014 will be blissful.

Janma karma ca me diyam / evam yo vetti tattvatah  / Tyaktva deham punar janma / naiti mam eti so ‘rjuna 

“One who knows the transcendental nature of My appearance and activities does not, upon leaving his body, take his birth again in this material world, but attains My eternal abode, O Arjuna.” (Bhagavat Gita 4.9) 

Sign up for the very special Kalash Abhishek ceremony and take home Sri Lord Rama’s paduka to put onto your altar. Wherever the Lord’s shoes are, He is also there. 

For more information please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you very much. 

Yours in service of Lord Krishna

New Vrindaban’s preaching team

Gaura Nataraj Dasa                   Parampara Dasa                                  Venkatachalapati Das

304-843-1600 xt.118                 304-843-1600 xt.103                              304-843-1600 xt.107

(Hindi, Kannada, Konkni, English)   (Hindi, Tulu, Kannada, Marathi, English)     (Telugu, Tamil and English)

PS: If you are unable to attend, our head priest will perform Abhishek on your behalf and the Paduka, the chadar and the prasadam will be mailed to you. Sign up now!

About Ramnavami and its celebration in ISKCON and at New Vrindaban

Ramnavami falls on the ninth day of the waxing fortnight of the month of Chaitra. In Treta-yuga, the Supreme Lord appeared as the son of King Dasharath –  Lord Ramachandra. Although he appeared as a man out of kindness to His devotees, along with His brother Lakshman, He is the Supreme Lord Himself.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder of ISKCON, had beautiful Deities of Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman installed at ISKCON temples all over the world to benefit the citizen by worshiping Lord Ramachandra.

We celebrate Ramnavami on the 8^th and 12^th of April 2014 with great pomp and gaiety. On Ramnavami, the functions at ISKCON New Vrindaban begin with mangala-arati at 5:00 am, followed by Sringar-darshan (where the Lord is decorated with new exquisite dresses). There is an elaborate noon arati, offering of sumptuous bhoga, swing festival, sacred story telling, sacred abhishek after dinner and a magnificent boat festival in the evening as part of which Their Lordships Sri Sri Sita Rama are taken for a boat ride on the swan lake which is situated in a beautiful natural setting. Everybody will receive the Lord with a tumultuous kirtan chanting collectively the Holy Names and carrying torches. The celebration will end with dazzling fireworks.

Temple Program:

4 p.m.               Sacred Story Telling about Ramnavami
5 p.m.              Fire Yagya
6 p.m.              Julan Yatra
7 p.m.               Sandhya Arati
7:30 p.m.          Rama Katha
8 p.m.               Maha Kalash Abishek  followed by Dinner
9 p.m.               Swan Boat Festival and Fireworks.

About the Ramnavami Maha Kalash Sponsorship of $351:

The Sri Sri Sita Ram Hanuman Maha Abhishek Kalash gives every family member the opportunity to perform Abhishek. You will get the Paduka, the Hari Nama Chadar and Maha Prasadam as Prasad to take home. Included in the sponsorship for $351 per family is a sumptuous Ramnavami Prasadam Dinner.

If you are unable to attend, our head priest will perform Abhishek on your behalf and the paduka, the chadar and the prasadam will be mailed to you.

Please book your cabin or lodge room separately (http://palacelodge.com/ or phone 304-843-1600 ext. 2 and leave a message with phone # and name, we will call you back).

Other available Sponsorships:

Ramnavami Feast for all Devotees:  $3’500
Deities Dress: $2’501
Flowers:  $1’500
Swan Boat Festival for Sri Sri Sita Rama Hanuman:  $55
Fireworks at End of the Swan Boat Festival:  $501

On the 14^th of January the Sun planet moves into Capricorn marking Uttarayana. This day is considered very auspicious by all spiritualists as this was the day chosen by Bhishma to go back to the spiritual world. On this day a big “Ganga Sagar mela” is held in Bengal where all the ancestors are given “tarpana” for their spiritual development. According to the Puranas, on this day Surya (Sun) visits the house of his son Shani (Saturn), who is the lord of the Makara rashi (Capricorn). Though the father and son duo did not get along well, the Surya made it a point to meet his son on this day. He, in fact, comes to his son’s house for a month. This day thus symbolises the importance of the special relationship between father and son. Hence it is all the more auspicious.

Glories of Makara Sankranti in Scriptures:

It was on this day when Lord Vishnu ended the ever increasing terror of the asuras (demons) by finishing them off and burying their heads under the Mandara Parvata. So this occasion also represents the end of ‘negativities’ and beginning of an era of righteous living.

Maharaja Bhagiratha, performed great penance to bring Ganga down to the earth for the redemption of 60,000 sons of Maharaja Sagara, who were burnt to ashes at the Kapil Muni Ashramam, near the present day Ganga Sagara. It was on this day that Bhagiratha finally did tarpanawith the Ganges water for his unfortunate ancestors and thereby liberated them from the curse. After visiting the Pataala (underworld) for the redemption of the curse of Bhagiratha’s ancestors the Ganges finally merged into the sea. A very big Ganga Sagara Mela is organised every year on this day at the confluence of River Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. Thousands of Hindus take a dip in the water and perform tarpanA for their ancestors

“Celebration in New Vrindaban on 14^th Jan:

In New Vrindaban we have decided to hold a special “Mahayajna” for our devotees and we invite you to be a part of it. We are performing this yajna for the spiritual development of your whole family and for your ancestors. You can sponsor a yajna in the name of your family for $151. We will pray for your family. Please provide us with the names of your family members nakshatra and gotra and your beloved elders whose name you would like to add as well. You will get Narasimha Kavacha and prasada.

Cow feeding :

This day is auspicious to feed the cow with Til and Jaggery. It is said all your sins will be eradicated by feeding the cow on this day. We will do it on your behalf and we will do a  cow puja as well for $108.

Brahmana Bhojana :

Brahmana Bhojana is also very important to serve the Brahmanas. Krishna eats through the brahmanas, so by sponsoring a brahamana feast on this day you will get the special blessings of all the brahmanas and  they will be elevated to higher lokas. Brahmana bhojana is $501.

On the donation form there is a place to put family member names. Please put your family member names there there.

Temple Program for Tuesday December 31th 2013
5:00 am       Mangala Aratika
5:45 am       Japa session
7:00 am       Milking the cows at the Goshala
7:30 am       Sringar Darshan
7:40 am       Guru Puja
8:00 am       Srimad Bhagavatam Class
12:30 pm     Rajbhog Aratika
12:30 pm     Gopi dots face painting and more for kids (Gopi Priya devi Dasi)
4:30 pm       Dhupa Aratika
5-6 pm         Sacred Stories told by resident story teller H. G. Sankirtan Prabhu
6 pm           Go Puja in the Goshalla (Venkat Prabhu)
7:00 pm       Gaura Artika
7:45 pm       Prasadam
8:30 pm       Shayan Darshan
9:00 pm       Fire Jagja to invoke auspiciousness for a Good New Year (Venkat Prabhu)
10:00 pm     Bhajan (Lilasuka Mataji)

Temple Program for Wednesday January 1st 2014
5:00 am       Mangala Aratika
5:45 am       Japa session
7:00 am       Milking the cows at the Goshala
7:30 am       Sringar Darshan
7:40 am       Guru Puja
8:00 am       Srimad Bhagavatam Class
12:30 pm     Rajbhog Aratika
13:30 pm     Prasadam
4:30 pm       Dhupa Aratika
7:00 pm       Gaura Artika
8:30 pm       Shayan Darshan

December 6, 2013

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) joins the world in mourning and paying tribute to the foremost human rights icon of current times, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. We offer our condolences to the Mandela family and to the entire South African nation.

In 1990 at the age of 72, after 27 years of being imprisoned by the apartheid government, he reached out to his oppressors and chartered a peaceful transformation to democracy in a country where the minority was gripped with fear for what the future might hold.  As a result of the forgiveness that he displayed and kindness that he extended, followers of the African National Congress (ANC) which he led, heeded his call for peace and reconciliation to prevail amongst all the people of South Africa.  From the impoverished townships to sport fields to religious communities to parliament, Madiba (as he affectionately became known) worked his own special Madiba magic across the nation.

ISKCON was privileged to have Mr. Mandela visit their temple in Chatsworth, South Africa, in 1992 and discuss the teachings of the ancient scripture, Bhagavad-Gita, over a meal at their Govinda’s restaurant.  During this visit Mr. Mandela with dignity but humility bowed before ISKCON Founder Acarya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, and then asked “How did he do it?”, meaning how did Srila Prabhupada spread Krishna consciousness all over the world. A discussion ensued about how Srila Prabhupada gave Krishna consciousness to all nationalities and types of people, without discrimination, and Mr. Mandela was deeply struck by this, and was very appreciative of Srila Prabhupada. He also very much appreciated the teachings of the Bhagavad-Gita which emphasises the equality of all living beings; as children of God we all deserve to share in God’s gifts and to be treated with respect and dignity.

After becoming the country’s first democratically elected President in 1994, President Mandela,  once again visited the Hare Krishna temple.  It was from this venue that he addressed the 10,000  strong Hindu community, as well as the nation, on the occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights and New Year.  Diwali celebrates the return of the famed Lord Rama from fourteen years of exile and his coronation as King of Ayodhya.  The community recognised the significant similarities between Lord Rama’s struggle and His ultimate victory and that of President Mandela.

President Mandela gave particular attention to respecting the multitude of different languages, cultures and spiritual beliefs that prevailed throughout what became known as a “rainbow nation.”  And, the new Constitution ensured the rights of all South Africans to freedom of expression and religious freedom.

Based on this inspiration, in 1997, ISKCON’s Food For Life project planned and hosted the “Festival for the Children of the Rainbow Nation” with President Mandela as its Guest of Honour.  The event saw 50 000 school children with their teachers gather at Kings Park Soccer stadium. After delivering the key note address, President Mandela extended his stay at the event and spent more than five hours watching the various children’s performances.  He encouraged the children to excel in school, take advantage of the rights afforded to them, and instructed them to appreciate that the generations before them had fought for their freedom. The Mercury Newspaper reported that he stated this was “the happiest day” of his life.

Mr. Mandela was much more than a champion of human rights, State President or Nobel Peace Prize recipient.  He touched the lives of every single South African and made them feel safe and genuinely cared for. He was indeed the father of the nation, in the true sense of the term, genuinely striving for a better future for all his people.  He was a leader, teacher and example for the whole world. He is, and will continue to be, a symbol of hope, faith and forbearance.

May the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna bless this great soul.

Released by the International Society for Krishna Consiousness (ISKCON)

Ministry of Communications

Champakalata Dasi, Durban South Africa  (Champakalata@pamho.net)

Nanda Kishor Das, Johannesburg, South Africa (info@iskconza.com , +27 824992498)

“By the end of this week, we’ll be all finished putting up the hay bales in the barn for the season!” 

These are words that every farmer likes to be able to boast, before winter sets in. Down at New Vrindaban’s  farm and cow shelter, Ranaka was able to make this claim with great satisfaction, as another summer leaves New Vrindaban.  “We put up 800 to 1,000 bales this year.  It was a good year,” declares Ranaka.  This cowherd boy is especially happy because he is helping  to fulfill Srila Prabhupada’s vision for New Vrindaban, which includes the importance of cow protection.

In addition to the hay, the acre of potatoes that Ranaka plants organically every year have just been dug up for collection, which is another sign that the summer is coming to an end.  But Ranaka feels ahead of the game, in preparation for another beautiful, yet sometimes brutal, New Vrindaban winter.  Self-sufficiency is one of the other main points in Srila Prabhupada’s vision for New Vrindaban, and the potato crop and other vegetables are a big part of that.  As a matter of fact, Ranaka has lived through 36 winters in New Vrindaban, since 1977, and his devoted helper, Ray, has worked with him for most of those years. “Ray is a hard worker and a good guy!” declares Ranaka. 

The barns in New Vrindaban first opened almost 28 years ago, in 1985, and have been continually serving Sri Sri Radha Vrindaban Chandra’s cows since that time, following Srila Prabhupada’s mood for the community. This year, there will be some new residents at Krsna’s Goshalla in New Vrindaban, according to Ranaka Prabhu.

“We have three heifers old enough to breed, so we have built a strong pen for them and the bull. Then, in about nine months, the pregnant gomatas can be moved up to the milking barn across from the temple to give birth to their calves.”  And at the end of October, the 16 retired cows out to summer pasture in Bahulaban will be brought back down to their winter home at the farm and cow shelter.  There’s a lot of action at the Goshalla. 

The barn got a new coating on the roof this year!  Chaitanya Bhagavat Prabhu was instrumental in organizing this for the barn roof. Ranaka explains: “They rolled out a new coat of aluminum roof coating on the almost 50,000 square footage of roof, to keep the rust under control.  It was a hard job, but Chaitanya Bhagavat and some helpers worked hard until it was time for the contractor to come in and spray on the finish.”

 We’re happy with it.  We’ve been re-doing this barn roof every couple of years, but we’re hoping this new roofing to last longer.”

Ranaka is happy with the progress made at the Goshalla this year in hay, potatoes, cows, and roofs. He maintains that “Krsna has sent us some good people to work with and it’s very satisfying to see Krsna’s cow barn hopefully pleasing  Srila Prabhupada, and running as smoothly as possible.”