Author Archives: Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

Sat-tila Ekadasi is also known as Trisprisha Ekadasi. This Ekadasi occurs in the dark fortnight of the month of Magha (January/February). The glories of Sat-tila Ekadasi are narrated in the Bhavisyottara Purana in a conversation between the sage Dalbhya and Pulastya muni. This is the third Ekadasi of the year 2024. It is an auspicious

Sometimes we are asked why we are building the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. People say there are already so many temples in India, especially in ISKCON. What is the need for another? We have presented below twelve of the top reasons why we need to build this temple, and why every devotee and member

The TOVP Communications Department is pleased to provide a page on the TOVP website dedicated to the promotion of the ISKCON Mayapur City. Based on the Mayapur Master Plan brochure, Sri Chaitanya Cultural World Heritage Center, this page provides some insights into the current status and future plans of the World Headquarters of the Hare

Putrada Ekadasi falls on the 11th lunar day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Vedic month of Pausha (December/January). This day is also known as Pausha Putrada Ekadashi, to differentiate it from the other Putrada Ekadashi in the month of Shravana (July/August), which is also called Shravana Putrada Ekadasi. This is the

The TOVP Communications Department is pleased to present our newest online flipbook, Visions of the TOVP. This inspiring 88-page book is viewable, downloadable and shareable. The book is a collection of the best images of the TOVP from 2018 to date by five talented photographers, including Thakur Saranga das, the official TOVP photographer. We hope

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) management is extremely pleased to announce the most auspicious and historic Sri Nrsimha Vaibhavitsava three-day festival from February 29 – March 2, celebrating the official opening of the Nrsimhadeva Wing in the TOVP. We are excited to provide to all ISKCON devotees and members our festival announcement below

The TOVP Nrsimha Wing opening committee is pleased to announce the following exclusive sponsorships, only available for this historic event. This is truly a once-in-lifetime opportunity to directly sponsor elements of the Nrsimha Wing and altar, and attract the Lord’s attention to your service. Maha Nrsimha Yajna Yajamanas (sponsors) – only 21 available Vahanas (palanquins)

Saphala Ekadashi is one of the most pious and favorable fasting days. It takes place in the ‘Pausha’ month during the Krishna Paksha on the 11th day (waning phase of the Moon). The Saphala Ekadashi is also well known as ‘Pausha Krishna Ekadashi’ which usually falls in the months of January or December as per

History is about to take place once again at the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) with the three-day celebration of the opening of the Nrsimha Wing from February 29 – March 2. This is the largest Nrsimhadeva Temple in the world, and the event will invoke the protection of Lord Nrsimha for the Grand

The Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) in Mayapur, West Bengal, India’s Largest Modern Vedic Temple is poised to open in 2025. This flagship project of ISKCON will be the largest Vedic Mandir in modern history and is tagged to be a Future Wonder of the World and Temple of the Millennium, with the mission

The TOVP Communications Department is pleased to release our 2024 Visions of the TOVP Vaishnava calendar flipbooks for North America and India. These calendars are viewable online, downloadable and shareable, and highlight the best photographic images of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium by our official photographer, Thakur Saranga das and others. Click the links

The TOVP Team would like to wish all devotees an auspicious end of the year and a Happy Krishna conscious New Year. May the Lord bless you and your family members so that you may all advance in His service and dive deep into the ocean of Lord Caitanya’s merciful benediction of love of God,

Moksada Ekadasi, observed on the 11th day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) during the lunar month of Margashirsha, is a very special Ekadasi in two regards: it is the all-auspicious day on which Lord Sri Krishna spoke the Srimad Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra at the place

The TOVP Team is extremely pleased to announce that all devotees who help build the Nrsimha Wing in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will go to Vaikuntha!!! “O devoted one, one who builds a beautiful temple for Lord Nrsimhadeva will be freed from all sinful reactions and he will enter the Vaikuntha planets.” Nrsimha

The 11th day of the waning phase of the Moon (Krishna Paksha) in the month of Margashirsha (November–December) is observed as Utpanna Ekadasi. It is believed that fasting on this Ekadasi relieves one from the reactions to sins of past and present lives. This day is also known as Uttpatti Ekadasi. The narration below of

One of Srila Prabhupada’s most important steps in developing ISKCON was the creation of the Bhaktivedanta Institute, the scientific arm of his preaching strategy, which would present Vedic wisdom in the light of modern science, and defeat the prominence of mechanistic and atheistic concepts. At around the same time, the Intelligent Design movement, comprised of

“Godhead is Light. Nescience is darkness. Where there is Godhead there is no nescience.” These words were immortally etched on Srila Prabhupada’s original Back to Godhead magazines in the mid-1940s, and remain there today. They are forever true, and the Hare Krishna movement was founded with this underlying principle in mind. The Temple of the

The last 5 days of the month of Kartika are traditionally known as the Bhisma Panchaka or the Vishnu Panchaka. Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these five days, as arranged by Lord Sri Krishna, preparing to give up his life. In the Hari Bhakti Vilasa it is said that if one is capable, one should observe

This Ekadasi has four names: Utthana – Haribodhini – Prabodhini – Devotthani, and it is the second Ekadasi (Kartik Shukla, light fortnight) in the month of Kartik. It is said that Lord Vishnu goes to rest for four months during the period known as Chaturmasya. Starting from Sayana Ekadasi, which is the first Ekadasi that

Miracle in the Making is an awe-inspiring video shot by His Grace Prananatha Das depicting the rise of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) in Mayapur, West Bengal, India – Future Wonder of the World – and the opening of its Nrsimhadeva Hall, the largest Nrsimhadeva Temple in the world, from February 29 –

The 11th day of Krishna Paksha (Moon’s waning phase) in the month of Kartik (October – November) is celebrated as Rama Ekadasi, named after Lord Vishnu’s consort, Goddess Rama. The day is also known as Rambha Ekadasi or Kartik Krishna Ekadasi. It’s recommended to chant extra rounds and stay up all night chanting and hearing

The TOVP Fundraising Department would like to let all devotees know that we will soon be winding up the Nrsimha Brick Campaign. During the historic Grand Opening of the Nrsimhadeva Wing at the 2024 Gaura Purnima Festival, from February 29 – March 2, all the Nrsimha Bricks with engraved donor names will be placed under

Pasankusa or Papankusa Ekadasi is one of the most significant Vedic fasting days, and is observed in the Ashwin month on the eleventh day (Ekadasi) of Shukla Paksha. Therefore, the festival is also popular as ‘Ashwina-Shukla Ekadasi’. According to the Gregorian calendar, this festival is celebrated either in the month of October or September. Pasankusa

A Message from Ambarisa and Braja Vilasa Prabhus   Dear Worldwide ISKCON Devotees and Congregation, Please accept our obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. We would like to wish you a happy Kartik month full of divine service to Lord Damodar, and hope you and your family are well and in blissful Krishna conscious spirits.

Hare Krishna! The TOVP Tour is coming to your local UK temple with Lord Nrsimhadeva in the form of His Satari (helmet) and Lord Nityananda’s Paduka’s (shoes) to bless devotees and bring news of the Grand Opening of Lord Nrsimhadeva’s completed TOVP Temple from February 29 – March 2, 2024. Accompanying the Lord in His

Ekadasi is the 11th day of the lunar phase of the Moon. Indira Ekadasi is celebrated in the Krishna Paksha (waning Moon phase) in the month of Ashwin (September–October). Since this Ekadasi falls on the Pitru Paksha (15 days in the month of Ashwin dedicated to ancestors), it is also known as ‘Ekadasi Shraddh.’ This

Introducing, HARI:BOL Food for the Soul. Originally founded by two ISKCON brahmacaries from Chowpatty temple, the business was handed over to Yachneet Pushkarna (CSO – Chief Seva Officer), a seasoned businessman with an extensive F&B background. It has been further expanded by the family of the well-known (now deceased) Indian businessman and initiated disciple of

In July 1986, the Deities of Prahlad-Nrsimhadeava were completed in Chennai, India and installed in Sridham Mayapur during a three-day celebration from July 28-30. This year commemorates the 37th Anniversary of that historic occasion, upon which the TOVP has released the narration of that unique story in a free flipbook. The history leading to that

The Ekadasi Tithi in the month of Bhadrapada, Shukla Paksha (bright phase of the Lunar cycle) is known as Parivartini Ekadasi or Parsva or Vamana Ekadasi. On this day, Lord Vishnu, who is in a state of yogic sleep (Yoga Nidra), changes his posture. Hence, it is referred to as Parivartini Ekadasi (which literally means

This article is being presented in honor of the divine appearance day of the original pioneer of the Krishna consciousness movement, His Divine Grace Sri Srimad Bhaktivinoda Thakur, Sept. 27 (U.S.)/ Sept. 28 (India), 2023. namo bhaktivinodaya sac-cid-ananda-namine gaura-shakti-svarupaya rupanuga-varaya te I offer my respectful obeisances unto Saccidananda Bhaktivinoda, who is transcendental energy of Caitanya

We are approaching the end of this year’s BBT Bhadra Purnima Marathon to distribute 55,000 sets of Srimad Bhagavatams by September 29. Book distribution rages worldwide to reach the goal and surpass last year’s accomplishment of distributing 45,000 Bhagavatam sets. The final goal is the ‘SURGE’ to 100,000 Bhagavatam sets in 2026. Another special feature

The glories of Sridhama Mayapur are unlimited and inconceivable, as it is the abode of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu and His associates wherein “the concluding portions of the pastimes of Gokula exist eternally as the pastimes of Navadvipa.” (Brahma-samhita 5.5). In this divine realm the Lord tastes love of Godhead Himself in the mood of Srimati

In this inspiring update about the Nrsimhadeva Wing construction, Braja Vilasa also announces that the dates of the Grand Opening of the Wing have been moved forward to Gaura Purnima time from February 29 – March 2, 2024. This 3-day celebration begins on the 150th Appearance Anniversary of Sri Srimad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada and includes

Annada Ekadasi, also known as Aja Ekadasi, is observed during the waning phase of moon (Krishna Paksha) in August/September. The importance of this Ekadasi was mentioned by Lord Krishna to Yudhisthira and is found in the Brahma Vaivarta Purana. It is believed that a person who observes this Ekadasi becomes free from the reactions of

The TOVP Management Team announces a change to the completion and opening dates of the Nrsimhadeva Wing in the TOVP. Originally scheduled for this October, the dates have been moved forward to February 29 – March 3 during the 2024 Gaura Purnima Festival. “In order to give more needed time for construction and allow for

Also known as Shravana Putrada or Pavitra Ekadasi, Pavitropana Ekadasi falls on the 11th lunar day of the fortnight of the waxing moon in the Vedic month of Shravana which in the Gregorian calendar falls in July or August. It’s recommended to chant extra rounds and stay up all night chanting and hearing the Lord’s

The Parama Ekadasi is one of the Adhik Mass or Mala Maas Ekadasi, which comes once in 3 years. This Adhik Maas Krishna Paksha Ekadasi is dear to Lord Vishnu, to whom all Ekadasi Vrat observance is dedicated. Observing Parama Shuddha Ekadasi Vrat alleviates poverty, brings prosperity and wealth. It dissolves past sins of the

The Padmini Ekadasi holds a special significance among the Vedic festivals due to its rarity and spiritual importance. Occurring once every 32 months, according to the Vedic calendar, this sacred day falls on the Ekadasi (11th day) of the Shukla Paksha (waxing phase of the moon) during the Adhik or Purushottama Maas (month). This year,

Kamika ekadasi is celebrated as Krishna Paksha ekadasi in the month of Shravan. Observing this ekadasi is considered as auspicious as performing an Ashwamedha Yajna. As Gaudiya Vaishnavas, our main aim during ekadasi is to decrease bodily demands so we can spend more time in seva, especially hearing and chanting about the Lord’s pastimes and

Sri Sugunendra Tirtha Svami, the Mathadhipati of the Puthige Math — one of the 8 Mathas established by Srila Madhvacarya in Udupi — visited Sridham Mayapur along with his entourage on his Tirtha Yatra. Under Sugunendra Svami’s leadership, the Sri Puthige Matha has flourished and expanded its influence across the world. He has played a