Websites from the ISKCON Universe
I would like to start by offering my respectful obeisance unto all those who love or respect Srila Prabhupada and desire to see his mission succeed, regardless of their level of practice, philosophical persuasions, and institutional affiliations. I am a neophyte on the devotional path, but I hope you will accept any truth you perceive […]
The post A Sugesstion for Resolving Our Conflicts appeared first on ISKCON News.
Remember, once upon a time, there used to be a festival called the Sadhu Sanga ?! By the mercy of Lord Nityananda Ram, the Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat is happening again this year during the Memorial Day Weekend: May 27-30, 2022! As we are just beginning to get out of the pandemic, this year will […]
The post Late Breasking News: Sadhu Sanga 2022 @ Spanish Fork, Utah! appeared first on ISKCON News.
A new devotee children’s book, ‘Nimai’s Adventures’ based on the childhood pastimes of Lord Caitanya, written by Mandakini Devi Dasi is set to release March 2022. The 200-page book with more than 70 beautifully illustrated pictures is based upon the scriptures, Chaitanya Bhagavat and Chaitanya Charitamrita. It is written in a narrative style revolving around […]
The post New Devotional Kids Book: Nimai’s Adventures appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Jagannatha and Srila Prabhupada Bless 2022 Gasparilla Parade Saturday, January 29, 2022, over 60 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Florida participated in the annual Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate parade in Tampa, Florida. This is the 6th year authorities are approving the participation of the Hare Krishna devotees in the parade. This is […]
The post First Florida Ratha Yatra of 2022 appeared first on ISKCON News.
How do we harness the intoxicating power of falling in love to create the happiness that endures even after the initial flame dies away? Philosophers began pondering this topic during Vedic times during the great revival of bhakti yoga, or the path of divine love and service in the 15th century and beyond. Thus came […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi and St Valentine appeared first on ISKCON News.
How do we harness the intoxicating power of falling in love to create the happiness that endures even after the initial flame dies away? Philosophers began pondering this topic during Vedic times during the great revival of bhakti yoga, or the path of divine love and service in the 15th century and beyond. Thus came […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi and St Valentine appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Jagannatha and Srila Prabhupada Bless 2022 Gasparilla Parade Saturday, January 29, 2022, over 60 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Florida participated in the annual Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate parade in Tampa, Florida. This is the 6th year authorities are approving the participation of the Hare Krishna devotees in the parade. This is […]
The post First Florida Ratha Yatra of 2022 appeared first on ISKCON News.
A new devotee children’s book, ‘Nimai’s Adventures’ based on the childhood pastimes of Lord Caitanya, written by Mandakini Devi Dasi is set to release March 2022. The 200-page book with more than 70 beautifully illustrated pictures is based upon the scriptures, Chaitanya Bhagavat and Chaitanya Charitamrita. It is written in a narrative style revolving around […]
The post New Devotional Kids Book: Nimai’s Adventures appeared first on ISKCON News.
Remember, once upon a time, there used to be a festival called the Sadhu Sanga ?! By the mercy of Lord Nityananda Ram, the Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat is happening again this year during the Memorial Day Weekend: May 27-30, 2022! As we are just beginning to get out of the pandemic, this year will […]
The post Late Breasking News: Sadhu Sanga 2022 @ Spanish Fork, Utah! appeared first on ISKCON News.
I would like to start by offering my respectful obeisance unto all those who love or respect Srila Prabhupada and desire to see his mission succeed, regardless of their level of practice, philosophical persuasions, and institutional affiliations. I am a neophyte on the devotional path, but I hope you will accept any truth you perceive […]
The post A Sugesstion for Resolving Our Conflicts appeared first on ISKCON News.
What is known as the ‘bhajan kutir’ in ISKCON Mayapur is the first structure built on the property. It was also the original ‘temple’, functioning as chota Radha Madhava’s first place of worship when They arrived in Mayapur in 1972. An entire day is dedicated to this ‘temple’ during the Radha Madhava Golden Jubilee Festival […]
The post Srila Prabhupada’s Mayapur Bhajan Kutir: A Brief History appeared first on ISKCON News.
Take part in this historic inauguration of the reborn Bhaktivinode Asana at #1 Ultadanga Road in Kolkata. 100 years ago this year, on the roof of the building, the seed of ISKCON was planted in the heart of Srila Prabhupada by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. ISKCON Kolkata acquired this historic property and has completely restored […]
The post A Revolution is Born appeared first on ISKCON News.
Narottama Dasa Thakura was a leading acharya in the Gaudiya Vaisnava line. He was the only disciple of Srila Lokanatha Gosvami. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura helped bring the books of the Goswami’s from Vrndavana to Bengal and Orissa. Appearing as the son of a king, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura (Shri Thakura Mahasaya) showed all the […]
The post The Appearance Day of Narottama Dasa Thakura appeared first on ISKCON News.
ISKCON News is proud to announce a new and inspiring interview series, a new look into the world of living the Bhakti Yoga life. In this interview series, we talk to the devotees of New Vrindaban, West Virginia to ask them how they feel living fully immersed in devotional life. Today we introduce you to […]
The post The Residents of New Vrindaban: Divyangi Devi Dasi appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Nityananda was born in Ekachakra, a small village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, around the year 1474. He was born to Hadai Ojha and his mother Padmavati. Nityananda Prabhu was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of Magha month. As a child, Nitai would love to enact the […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi – Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Nityananda was born in Ekachakra, a small village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, around the year 1474. He was born to Hadai Ojha and his mother Padmavati. Nityananda Prabhu was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of Magha month. As a child, Nitai would love to enact the […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi – Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda appeared first on ISKCON News.
ISKCON News is proud to announce a new and inspiring interview series, a new look into the world of living the Bhakti Yoga life. In this interview series, we talk to the devotees of New Vrindaban, West Virginia to ask them how they feel living fully immersed in devotional life. Today we introduce you to […]
The post The Residents of New Vrindaban: Divyangi Devi Dasi appeared first on ISKCON News.
Narottama Dasa Thakura was a leading acharya in the Gaudiya Vaisnava line. He was the only disciple of Srila Lokanatha Gosvami. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura helped bring the books of the Goswami’s from Vrndavana to Bengal and Orissa. Appearing as the son of a king, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura (Shri Thakura Mahasaya) showed all the […]
The post The Appearance Day of Narottama Dasa Thakura appeared first on ISKCON News.
Take part in this historic inauguration of the reborn Bhaktivinode Asana at #1 Ultadanga Road in Kolkata. 100 years ago this year, on the roof of the building, the seed of ISKCON was planted in the heart of Srila Prabhupada by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. ISKCON Kolkata acquired this historic property and has completely restored […]
The post A Revolution is Born appeared first on ISKCON News.
What is known as the ‘bhajan kutir’ in ISKCON Mayapur is the first structure built on the property. It was also the original ‘temple’, functioning as chota Radha Madhava’s first place of worship when They arrived in Mayapur in 1972. An entire day is dedicated to this ‘temple’ during the Radha Madhava Golden Jubilee Festival […]
The post Srila Prabhupada’s Mayapur Bhajan Kutir: A Brief History appeared first on ISKCON News.
I would like to start by offering my respectful obeisance unto all those who love or respect Srila Prabhupada and desire to see his mission succeed, regardless of their level of practice, philosophical persuasions, and institutional affiliations. I am a neophyte on the devotional path, but I hope you will accept any truth you perceive […]
The post A Sugesstion for Resolving Our Conflicts appeared first on ISKCON News.
Remember, once upon a time, there used to be a festival called the Sadhu Sanga ?! By the mercy of Lord Nityananda Ram, the Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat is happening again this year during the Memorial Day Weekend: May 27-30, 2022! As we are just beginning to get out of the pandemic, this year will […]
The post Late Breasking News: Sadhu Sanga 2022 @ Spanish Fork, Utah! appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Jagannatha and Srila Prabhupada Bless 2022 Gasparilla Parade Saturday, January 29, 2022, over 60 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Florida participated in the annual Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate parade in Tampa, Florida. This is the 6th year authorities are approving the participation of the Hare Krishna devotees in the parade. This is […]
The post First Florida Ratha Yatra of 2022 appeared first on ISKCON News.
A new devotee children’s book, ‘Nimai’s Adventures’ based on the childhood pastimes of Lord Caitanya, written by Mandakini Devi Dasi is set to release March 2022. The 200-page book with more than 70 beautifully illustrated pictures is based upon the scriptures, Chaitanya Bhagavat and Chaitanya Charitamrita. It is written in a narrative style revolving around […]
The post New Devotional Kids Book: Nimai’s Adventures appeared first on ISKCON News.
How do we harness the intoxicating power of falling in love to create the happiness that endures even after the initial flame dies away? Philosophers began pondering this topic during Vedic times during the great revival of bhakti yoga, or the path of divine love and service in the 15th century and beyond. Thus came […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi and St Valentine appeared first on ISKCON News.
How do we harness the intoxicating power of falling in love to create the happiness that endures even after the initial flame dies away? Philosophers began pondering this topic during Vedic times during the great revival of bhakti yoga, or the path of divine love and service in the 15th century and beyond. Thus came […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi and St Valentine appeared first on ISKCON News.
A new devotee children’s book, ‘Nimai’s Adventures’ based on the childhood pastimes of Lord Caitanya, written by Mandakini Devi Dasi is set to release March 2022. The 200-page book with more than 70 beautifully illustrated pictures is based upon the scriptures, Chaitanya Bhagavat and Chaitanya Charitamrita. It is written in a narrative style revolving around […]
The post New Devotional Kids Book: Nimai’s Adventures appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Jagannatha and Srila Prabhupada Bless 2022 Gasparilla Parade Saturday, January 29, 2022, over 60 Hare Krishna devotees from all over Florida participated in the annual Seminole Hard Rock Gasparilla Pirate parade in Tampa, Florida. This is the 6th year authorities are approving the participation of the Hare Krishna devotees in the parade. This is […]
The post First Florida Ratha Yatra of 2022 appeared first on ISKCON News.
Remember, once upon a time, there used to be a festival called the Sadhu Sanga ?! By the mercy of Lord Nityananda Ram, the Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat is happening again this year during the Memorial Day Weekend: May 27-30, 2022! As we are just beginning to get out of the pandemic, this year will […]
The post Late Breasking News: Sadhu Sanga 2022 @ Spanish Fork, Utah! appeared first on ISKCON News.
I would like to start by offering my respectful obeisance unto all those who love or respect Srila Prabhupada and desire to see his mission succeed, regardless of their level of practice, philosophical persuasions, and institutional affiliations. I am a neophyte on the devotional path, but I hope you will accept any truth you perceive […]
The post A Sugesstion for Resolving Our Conflicts appeared first on ISKCON News.
What is known as the ‘bhajan kutir’ in ISKCON Mayapur is the first structure built on the property. It was also the original ‘temple’, functioning as chota Radha Madhava’s first place of worship when They arrived in Mayapur in 1972. An entire day is dedicated to this ‘temple’ during the Radha Madhava Golden Jubilee Festival […]
The post Srila Prabhupada’s Mayapur Bhajan Kutir: A Brief History appeared first on ISKCON News.
Take part in this historic inauguration of the reborn Bhaktivinode Asana at #1 Ultadanga Road in Kolkata. 100 years ago this year, on the roof of the building, the seed of ISKCON was planted in the heart of Srila Prabhupada by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. ISKCON Kolkata acquired this historic property and has completely restored […]
The post A Revolution is Born appeared first on ISKCON News.
Narottama Dasa Thakura was a leading acharya in the Gaudiya Vaisnava line. He was the only disciple of Srila Lokanatha Gosvami. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura helped bring the books of the Goswami’s from Vrndavana to Bengal and Orissa. Appearing as the son of a king, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura (Shri Thakura Mahasaya) showed all the […]
The post The Appearance Day of Narottama Dasa Thakura appeared first on ISKCON News.
ISKCON News is proud to announce a new and inspiring interview series, a new look into the world of living the Bhakti Yoga life. In this interview series, we talk to the devotees of New Vrindaban, West Virginia to ask them how they feel living fully immersed in devotional life. Today we introduce you to […]
The post The Residents of New Vrindaban: Divyangi Devi Dasi appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Nityananda was born in Ekachakra, a small village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, around the year 1474. He was born to Hadai Ojha and his mother Padmavati. Nityananda Prabhu was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of Magha month. As a child, Nitai would love to enact the […]
The post Nityananda Trayodasi – Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda appeared first on ISKCON News.
Lord Nityananda was born in Ekachakra, a small village in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, around the year 1474. He was born to Hadai Ojha and his mother Padmavati. Nityananda Prabhu was born on the auspicious thirteenth day of the bright fortnight of Magha month. As a child, Nitai would love to enact the different pastimes of the Lord. So much so that the entire village would be immersed in the love of Godhead. Once while he played the part of Lakshman and remained unconscious as long the child who was playing the part of Hanuman did not bring the medicine as had happened during the original pastime during Lord Rama’s time.
He spent the first 12 years of His life in Ekachakra. In the 13th year, a traveling sannyasi, famous Lakshmipati Tirtha, requested Nitai from his parents, as a traveling companion. His father, although could not refuse the request, was devastated by the separation with Nitai, and soon gave up his life. Nitai traveled with Lakshmipati Tirtha for about 20 years, during which He visited all the holy places in the country.
Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta
Adi 14.3
vrajendra-nandana yei, śacī-suta haila sei,
balarāma haila nitāi.
Lord Nityananda is non different from Lord Balaram. To fight with the onslaught of this material energy, we need spiritual strength and therefore it is advisable to seek the shelter of Lord Nityananda which not only provides us strength but also is more soothing than a million moons. nitāi-pada-kamala koṭi-candra-suśītala. The material nature is unceasingly tossing us, the only shelter is Lord Nityananda’s lotus feet. In this world full of anxieties, His lotus feet are the only hope for peace.
Lord Nityananda is guru-tattva, the original spiritual master. A bona fide spiritual master is the representative of Lord Nityananda. By following the instructions of a bona fide spiritual master, one pleases Lord Nityananda and thereby receives His blessings to make advancement on the path of pure devotional service to Lord Gauranga.
Lord Nityananda is an embodiment of compassion. Thus having been hit by Madhai, He was considering how to deliver them with pure love of Godhead. Lord Nityananda was instructed by Lord Caitanya to come back to Bengal and preach Krishna consciousness. He lived in Khardah, a place near Panihati, with his two wives Vasudha and Jahnava, the daughters of Gauri Das Pandit. In the famous Panihati Cida dahi mahotsav, Lord Nityananda could feel and see the presence of Lord Caitanya wearing South Indian garlands. Lord Nityananda could not tolerate Lord Caitanya’s taking sanyasa and living like a mendicant, that once He broke the sannyasa danda of Lord Caitanya.
Lord Nityananda himself distributes the holy name in the market of holy name based on a person’s faith.
Nagara-kīrtana
Nāma-7
(nitāi) nām eneche, nāmer hāṭe,
śraddhā-mūlye nām diteche re.
Only by the mercy of Lord Nityananda does one receive the favor of Radha Krishna. heno nitāi bine bhāi, rādhā-kṛṣṇa pāite nāi. Nitāiyer koruṇā habe, braje rādhā-kṛṣṇa pabe, dharo nitāi-caraṇa du’khāni. If one takes shelter at the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda, one can get the mercy of Radha Krishna in Vraj. It is only by His mercy that our material attachment will be vanquished. Nitāi caraṇa satya, tāhāra sevaka nitya. Lord Nityananda’s lotus feet are eternal and therefore one who takes shelter at His lotus feet becomes eternal. Nitya means eternal and Ananda means happiness. Thus by taking His shelter all one’s distress is vanquished. ha ha prabhu nityananda, premananda sukhi
kripabalokana koro ami boro dukhi.
On this auspicious occasion of Lord Nityananda’s appearance, we may seek His blessings so that empowers us with spiritual strength, compassion, and enthusiasm to relish and distribute the holy name.
The post Nityananda Trayodasi – Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda appeared first on ISKCON News.
The post Nityananda Trayodasi – Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda appeared first on ISKCON News.
ISKCON News is proud to announce a new and inspiring interview series, a new look into the world of living the Bhakti Yoga life. In this interview series, we talk to the devotees of New Vrindaban, West Virginia to ask them how they feel living fully immersed in devotional life.
Today we introduce you to Divyangi devi dasi, a well-known New York Harinam book distributor who is now a New Vrindaban resident.
Where do you hail from originally?
Divyangi Devi Dasi: I am originally from Minsk, Belarus.
How long have you lived at New Vrindaban?
I’ve permanently moved here in September 2021.
Oh so fairly new, what is it like living at New Vrindaban?
In my experience, every day something amazing happens here in New Vrindaban, inwardly and outwardly. Living here is transformative, I always learn so many new things about myself and my relationships with devotees. I feel like for me personally, it is a good place to work on my boundaries and recognition of my bodily and mental limits. At the same time, this place uncovers many talents and it’s easy to get involved and enjoy something I’ve never done before.
What are some of your favorite things about staying at New Vrindaban?
There’s always something going on here, in the temple, or in devotees’ houses or outside. It’s kind of like in my childhood, wherever you go there’s adventure everywhere.
I like living in nature and have an opportunity to just take a walk to the forest when I feel like I need it. I also like that it’s quite remote and it feels nice to be able to come back to a peaceful place after Book Distribution in town, for example.
I also like how encouraging devotees are to start new initiatives and engage others in them.
Do you think living in New Vrindaban helps your bhakti?
It definitely helps my spiritual growth. This growth is not always pleasant and comfortable, but encountering all sorts of situations here, helps me to become more responsible and serious in my spiritual practice and my relationship with devotees.
What service do you do there? What are some of your favorite services?
I am a pujari, and love it so much!
It’s quite common to organize book/prasadam distribution events, which I enjoy so much too. Recently I started helping with social media. And I absolutely love gardening services; although it’s hard to find time to do everything here when this opportunity actually comes, I appreciate it a lot!
Are you involved in any special projects or initiatives there?
I would say so. Every devotional festival in the temple is a special project here, as a pujari I am involved in all of them. Also, I have started helping with social media projects.
Do you feel you learning any particular skills there?
I would say I’m constantly learning about Deity Seva and the art of relationships with devotees.
Thanks so much for sitting down and talking to us today, Is there anything else you would like to add?
I feel and see how New Vrindaban is a Holy Dham, which is sometimes is not easy to deal with, it brings up the highest joy, as well as the deepest anarthas in me. Like other temples is a very good place for purification, as we say, but it works better for a devotee who looks for such purification. And I do. Absolutely wonderful place to visit and see what your experience will be like!
Stay tuned for more Interviews with the residents of New Vrindaban every month exclusively on ISKCON News. To book a stay at New Vrindaban visit newvrindaban.com/lodge
The post The Residents of New Vrindaban: Divyangi Devi Dasi appeared first on ISKCON News.
The post The Residents of New Vrindaban: Divyangi Devi Dasi appeared first on ISKCON News.
Narottama Dasa Thakura was a leading acharya in the Gaudiya Vaisnava line. He was the only disciple of Srila Lokanatha Gosvami. Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura helped bring the books of the Goswami’s from Vrndavana to Bengal and Orissa.
Appearing as the son of a king, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura (Shri Thakura Mahasaya) showed all the bodily symptoms of a mahapurusha (an exalted divine person). He had long arms, a deep navel, golden-complexion, beautiful eyes shaped like the lotus petals. In school, he was a sruti dhara (able to memorize whatever he heard). Although he quickly mastered Sanskrit and the Vedas, he hankered to serve Krishna. He was a lifelong brahmachari. By the mercy of the Holy Name Gaura-Nitai, Narottama became detached, left his opulent family, and ran to Vrindavana. He took diksha from Sri Lokanatha Goswami and siksha in Gaudiya philosophy from Sri Jiva Goswami.
When he arrived in Navadwipa-dhama all the Devotees asked him about the health and activities of the Goswamis in Vrindavana. They were eager to hear the news from Vrindavana. After visiting all of Gauranga’s pastime places in Gaura Mandala, Narottama Dasa did the same in Shri Kshetra Dhama (Jagannatha Puri). Then he went to see the Devotees and Shri Chaitanya’s pastime spots in Shantipura, Shri Khanda, Kanthak Nagar, Ekachakra, and Kheturi Gram.
In Kheturi, Shri Narottama Dasa Thakura arranged the famous Kheturi Mahotsava. This was the first “Gaura-Purnima” festival to honor the divine appearance day of Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. During the festival six Deities were installed: Shri Gauranga Deva, Shri Vallabhi Kanta, Shri Vraja Mohana, Shri Krishna, Shri Radha Kanta, Shri Radha Ramana.
With his sweet voice, Narottama Dasa began a wonderful kirtana. His chanting filled the heavens and brought down tears of prema from the eyes of the Devotees, who were all sporting in the ocean of ecstasy. “In the midst of their kirtana, the munificent Shri Chaitanya Himself and all His personal associates appeared and joined in the sankirtana. Like a flash of lightning in the midst of a mass of beautiful blue clouds, Shri Chaitanya Himself appeared in the crowd of Devotees through a divine manifestation.” (Bhakti-ratnakar)
“At that time, although Mahaprabhu had, left this world years before, many different devotees saw Mahaprabhu in different ways. Those of Sri Navadvipa dhama saw Him more intimately as Nimaicandra or Visvambhara, as they knew Him during His youth. Those devotees were attracted to Mahaprabhu in sakhya and vatsalya rasa. The followers of the six Gosvamis, who only knew Mahaprabhu as a sannyasi, related to Him in the mood of dasya rasa. And hundreds of devotees also worshiped Lord Caitanya in an aisvarya mood of awe and reverence.
Srila Narottama Dasa Thakur sang numerous songs. One which is most famous in Sri Mayapur Dham is Sri Krishna Caitanya Prabhu Doya Koro More.
The devotees of the Mayapur community happen to sing this song every day during Darshan Arati of Sri Pancha Tattva.
(1)
śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu doyā koro more
tomā binā ke doyālu jagat-saḿsāre
(2)
patita-pāvana-hetu tava avatāra
mo sama patita prabhu nā pāibe āra
(3)
hā hā prabhu nityānanda, premānanda sukhī
kṛpābalokana koro āmi boro duḥkhī
(4)
doyā koro sītā-pati adwaita gosāi
tava kṛpā-bale pāi caitanya-nitāi
(5)
gaura premamaya tanu paṇḍita gadādhara
srīnivāsa haridāsa doyāra sāgara
(6)
hā hā swarūp, sanātana, rūpa, raghunātha
bhaṭṭa-juga, śrī-jīva hā prabhu lokanātha
(7)
doyā koro śrī-ācārya prabhu śrīnivāsa
rāmacandra-sańga māge narottama-dāsa
Translation:
1) My dear Lord Caitanya, please be merciful to me, because who can be more merciful than Your Lordship within these three worlds?
2) Your incarnation is just to reclaim the conditioned, fallen souls, but I assure You that You will not find a greater fallen soul than me. Therefore, my claim is first.
3) My dear Lord Nityananda, You are always joyful in spiritual bliss. Since You always appear very happy, I have come to You because I am most unhappy. If You kindly put Your glance over me, then I may also become happy.
4) My dear Advaita Prabhu, husband of Sita, You are so kind. Please be merciful to me. If You are kind to me, naturally Lord Caitanya and Nityananda will also be kind to me.
5) Gaura’s love embodiment is shown by Gadadhara Pandita. Srinivasa Pandita and Haridasa Thakura are the ocean of mercy.
6) O Svarupa Damodara, personal secretary of Lord Caitanya, O six Gosvamis O Sri Rupa Gosvami, Sri Sanatana Gosvami, Sri Raghunatha Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, Sri Jiva Gosvami, and Sri Raghunatha dasa Gosvami! O Lokanatha Gosvami, my beloved spiritual master! Narottama dasa also prays for your mercy.
7) O Srinivasa Acarya, successor to the six Gosvamis! Please be merciful to me. Narottama dasa always desires the company of Ramacandra Cakravarti.
The post The Appearance Day of Narottama Dasa Thakura appeared first on ISKCON News.
The post The Appearance Day of Narottama Dasa Thakura appeared first on ISKCON News.
Take part in this historic inauguration of the reborn Bhaktivinode Asana at #1 Ultadanga Road in Kolkata.
100 years ago this year, on the roof of the building, the seed of ISKCON was planted in the heart of Srila Prabhupada by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur.
ISKCON Kolkata acquired this historic property and has completely restored it as it was then.
Join us for a live broadcast of the inauguration on February 21st and be inspired by the power of the humble start of what is now a global movement.
The old building at #1 Ultadanga Road is the same one where Om Vishnupada Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaj started his preaching movement and resided for 14 years (1918 to 1932) out of the total 18 years of his preaching mission.
And this is the historic place where His Divine Grace A.C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Prabhupada for the very first time and received the momentous instruction to spread Krishna consciousness in the West.
By the grace of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON has acquired the old property, which had become dilapidated and in danger of collapse, and fully restored it.
Now, as a fitting offering on the 148th Vyasa Puja ceremony of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Prabhupada, ISKCON Kolkata will inaugurate the newly restored building with a daylong event.
The entire day’s program will be broadcast live on GBCSPT YouTube and Facebook channels, starting at 9 a.m. IST.
Facebook: Inauguration of #1 Ultadanga Road
The post A Revolution is Born appeared first on ISKCON News.
The post A Revolution is Born appeared first on ISKCON News.
What is known as the ‘bhajan kutir’ in ISKCON Mayapur is the first structure built on the property. It was also the original ‘temple’, functioning as chota Radha Madhava’s first place of worship when They arrived in Mayapur in 1972. An entire day is dedicated to this ‘temple’ during the Radha Madhava Golden Jubilee Festival from March 2 – 5, the 50th Anniversary of that arrival.
The kutir was built by Acyutananda Swami in 1971 on the order of Srila Prabhupada, who personally instructed him about the materials to use and the manpower to hire. Acyutananda Swami oversaw the design, construction and finances. When Prabhupada arrived in Mayapur and saw the finished kutir he happily remarked, “It shall be called Acyutananda Cottage.”
Bhavananda das recalls a most prophetic and important event :
The story regarding the straw house or bhajan kutir, as it was later called, and the TOVP really requires to be seen as well as heard because of Prabhupada’s arm gesture. However, I will try to narrate as best I can. In June, 1973 Prabhupada was in Mayapur and was staying in the Lotus building. That building was erected at the backmost border of our ISKCON land. The bhajan kutir was at the front border of the land next to Bhaktisiddhant road. The empty land between consisted of many paddy or rice fields. It was all just empty flat fields where Prabhupada had planned for the main temple to be constructed. During a morning walk Prabhupada and I were standing in front of the straw house. I turned to him and said, “Should we demolish this since we don’t use it anymore?” Prabhupada was quiet for a moment and then he said, “No, let the people see – this is what we were”, and then with a grand swing of his right arm he pointed up to his right and said, “and this is what we have become”. And, of course, as we now know he was pointing directly to where the TOVP stands today.
From Prabhupada Lilamrta by Satsvarupa Goswami:
The monsoons came, and the Ganges spilled over her banks, flooding the entire ISKCON Mayapur property. Acyutananda Swami had built a straw and bamboo hut where Prabhupada was soon to stay, but the waters rose until Acyutananda Swami had to live in the bamboo rafters. He wrote Prabhupada that had it not been for Bhaktisiddhanta Road the damage would have been extensive. Prabhupada replied, “Yes, we were saved by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Road. We shall always expect to be saved by His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Maharaja Prabhupada. Always pray to His Lotus Feet. Whatever success we have had in preaching Lord Caitanya’s mission all over the world is only due to His mercy.”
This year also celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers book conversation between Srila Prabhupada and Brahmatirtha das (Bob Cohen) who, as a young Peace Corps worker in India at the time, met with Srila Prabhupada in the bhajan kutir for three consecutive days. Published in 1977, Srila Prabhupada personally gave the title of the book, and millions of copies have been distributed worldwide in over fifty languages since then.
More pictures are available on tovp.org
The post Srila Prabhupada’s Mayapur Bhajan Kutir: A Brief History appeared first on ISKCON News.
The post Srila Prabhupada’s Mayapur Bhajan Kutir: A Brief History appeared first on ISKCON News.