10,000 fluent speakers of Sanskrit in the United States!
New York: With a long red “tilak” on his forehead, lighter skin and rare name, Bhima-Karma Saragrahi was a cynosure of many eyes at a recent Sanskrit residential camp-cum-convention held in Parsippany, New Jersey. Though it was his first time at such an event, the 40-year-old felt at ease because of his familiarity with the ancient language.
After studying up to the 10th grade and undergoing a course on the Bhagavad-Gita, he left the US for India at age 21. Saragrahi believes that the “esoteric and deep culture” of Hinduism required the study of Sanskrit. He spent several years in India learning Hindi and further improving his Sanskrit.
Based in Boston, he makes a living working in real estate. He is good with Indian musical instruments, including “mridangam” which he played at the convention last month. During his spare time, he offers music lessons.
His parents converted to Hinduism through ISKCON founder Swami Prabhupada when they were teenagers. “I am the second-generation follower of the Sanatana Dharma,” Saragrahi says
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10,000 fluent speakers of Sanskrit in the United States! New…
Dear devotees, friends, and well-wishers,
Here is the latest…
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Dear devotees, friends, and well-wishers,
Here is the latest update on Agnideva Prabhu:
Several days ago he was moved from...
Dayavira asks about balancing spiritual life and sense gratification and Jayadeva Kavi about Ekadasi
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Another gift to humanity by Srila Prabhupada’s…
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Another gift to humanity by Srila Prabhupada’s arrival.
The story was told by one Russian devotee, whose uncle was a Soviet Army officer. In 1965 there was a cold war between the USA and the Soviet Union. At some point it was going to become a real war. Ballistic Missiles were ready from both sides to attack. Everything was set up - which missile flies to which part of the US. For each missile a separate red button. This devotee’s uncle said they had been told that the war would start 99,99%. They were ready, sitting at the control, not sleeping for 24 hours. His hair got white that night. Finally, they got an order - the missiles launch canceled. It was a great relief!!! Later his nephew became a devotee and gave him Prabhupada Book. He started reading it and at one moment called his devotee nephew in great excitement. He said he remembered that day at the missiles controls very vividly. And just now in Prabhupada book he read that the very day missiles launch was canceled - it was the day Srila Prabhupada first stepped on the land of the US!!
UK marathon news (Album with photos)
Our new MEDITATE Bookstand…
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UK marathon news (Album with photos)
Our new MEDITATE Bookstand proving to be a Huge Success! Sutapa prabhu distributed 81 Maha...
New Raman Reti’s first Community Development Conference
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Along with the recently completed Community Survey, the objective of this conference was to create a platform that allows the community’s voice to be heard, deepen our relationships, and build a shared vision for New Raman Reti going into the future. This exciting event took place at the Alachua Woman's Club, Sunday, December 3, 2017, from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. and followed by sumptuous lunch Prasadam. The overall Vision of the Community Development Initiative (CDI) is a loving and well connected family of Krishna devotees, spiritual aspirants, and friends fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s Mission. Both senior and second generation devotee speakers facilitated the conference with presentations on New Raman Reti’s history and the survey results. They also invited further feedback from the audience on how to enrich our already amazing NRR Community. An important community event. Continue reading "New Raman Reti’s first Community Development Conference
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Sant Tukaram’s Dehu Dhama and Pune Yatra
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Sant Tukarama (AD 1609-1650) was a saint-poet of towering stature. Tukarama was among the most prominent saints to have come out of the holy land of Maharashtra. He hailed from the village of Dehu, near Pune, and was born in the Warkari community who are devotees of Lord Vitthala (or Panduranga). Srila Prabhupada occasionally referred to this great saint, “The great saint of Maharashtra known as Saint Tukarama was also initiated by the Lord Caitanya. Saint Tukarama, after initiation by the Lord, over-flooded the whole of the Maharashtra Province with the sankirtana movement and the transcendental flow is still rolling on in the southwestern part of the great Indian peninsula.” (Srimad-Bhagavatam - Introduction) Continue reading "Sant Tukaram’s Dehu Dhama and Pune Yatra
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From Aligarh to ‘Hari’garh!
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From West Virginia to New Vrindavan; Lord Krishna has spread His causeless mercy through Srila Prabhupada in every part of His creation. Now, it was time for Aligarh to become Harigarh. Lord Sri Hari sent His representative, HH Kratu Das ji Das Ji Maharaj to carry out this most auspicious task and materialize or better so spiritualise the words of Lord Chaitanya and Srila Prabhupada who prophesied the existence of Krishna’s temple with the echoes of Harinaam in every town and village of the world. Continue reading "From Aligarh to ‘Hari’garh!
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ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 10/29/2017
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ECO-Vrindaban Board Meeting Minutes 10/29/2017
Mission Statement: ECO-Vrindaban promotes simple living, cow protection, engaging oxen, local agriculture, and above all, loving Krishna, as envisioned by Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON New Vrindaban.
Participating Directors: Chaitanya Mangala (chair), Kripamaya, Ranaka, and Vraja.
Participating Advisors: Bhima, Jamuna Jivani (secretary), Jaya Krsna, Kalakantha, Makara, and Olivia.
1. Ranaka’s Monthly Report
- Ananda Vidya is milking six cows. Milk production is approximately 19 gallons per day.
- The veterinarian checked Malati and now estimates her due date between November and December. Sriya and Anjali are both due in February.
- There are three heifers residing at the Temple Barn: two-month-old Lalita, 10-month-old Vamsika, and 19-month-old Jaya Radhe. Subhadra has been moved to Nandagram for breeding with Madhu.
- Ananda Vidya continues to produce 10-12 lbs. of butter, 15 gallons of yogurt, and 1/2 gallon of ghee on a weekly basis, and delivers them to the temple. He purchased a small cheese press and has been experimenting with making colby cheese. This may be one way to process excess milk during the winter months.
- The children from Gopal’s Garden came to the Temple Barn on Govardhan Puja to decorate the cows and feed them molasses balls, and drank warm milk.
- During the farm conference, six or seven participants came over to the barn to assist with morning milking and become familiar with the cows.
- The 2017 North American Farm conference was held at New Vrindaban on the weekend of October 13-15. We had a good turnout with approximately 40 people over the three days. Everyone seemed quite satisfied, as old relationships were rekindled and new acquaintances were made.
- The potato harvest, washing, and storage is complete for the year, although with a disappointing approximate yield of only 1,000 lbs. due to an exceptionally wet spring.
- Ray completed replacing of the underground electric line to the Nandagram pasture cabin and now the electricity has been restored. Also, he has made progress on Dharma the Bull’s outside pen expansion project at the Valley Barn, as well as on pressure washing and painting the valley board fences, when the weather has allowed. Spreading manure, chisel plowing, and disking areas in the Temple Garden still need to be done and will be pursued if the ground is dry enough. Otherwise, they will have to wait until spring.
- Nila Gopala and his family departed for Hungary last Friday, leaving on good terms. He had completed about 80% of the work on Madhu the Bull’s shed and pen project at Nandagram. Caitanya Bhagavat (and Ray, if needed) will finish the project.
- Caitanya Bhagavat and Balabhadra prabhu gave a ox training demonstration at Nandagram during the recent farm conference. Hari Chand showed he had been well-trained and well-cared for.
- Caitanya Bhagavat continues to work with the ox, Hari Chand, for 1.5 hours every morning, along with Nandagram herd care, fence maintenance, and completing Madhu’s pen and shed.
- Robert and Ranaka, along with input from Suchandra and Lila, have been working on compiling the end of the year flower and vegetable harvest totals, as well as pricing for the 2017 INV billing. The figures should be ready by the next monthly board meeting.
- Robert has expressed an interest to learn how to operate farm equipment along with general building and fence maintenance, etc. Currently, he is assisting Ray with Dharma’s outside fence expansion project at the Valley Barn. Also, he is receiving training on operating farm equipment, and on milking.
- Suchandra and Vidya will be giving a presentation at the upcoming joint board meeting
2. New Board Candidates
Currently, the Board has two open seats. In January, the Board will vote on the seats of the directors whose terms are expiring and review candidates for available seats. Individuals interested in getting involved with ECO-V can contact Ranaka.
3. Employee Manual
Vraja proposed an employee manual which will provide job descriptions for the various positions and outline company policies. She will work on a draft, to which others are invited to contribute and offer feedback.
4. Improving Community Culture
The Board discussed concerns over devotees, including those involved in ECO-V, leaving the New Vrindaban community due in part to considerable negativity within its culture. Several ideas were offered on how we can help to create a more positive atmosphere, both as an organization and as individuals.
5. ECO-V Website
Previously, Jamuna Jivani collected and wrote content for the website. Also, Sukhayanti contributed photos and text. Jaya Krsna and Makara are contributing photos to use.
6. Communication Person for IMCPA
Kalakantha requested Jamuna Jivani act as a liaison between ECO-V and the ISKCON Ministry of Cow Protection and Agriculture. The Board agreed to this arrangement.
7. 2017 Farm Conference Recap
Jamuna Jivani reported on the North American ISKCON Farm Conference that took place in New Vrindaban earlier in the month. New Vrindaban created a very pleasant setting for the conference with incredible support and service, and a beautiful facility. The whole conference ran smoothly, and the interactions among the participants were inspired. There were approximately 40 participants from USA, Canada, and Guyana. From ECO-V, Ranaka gave a tour of the Valley Barn facilities and spoke about New Vrindaban’s history of cow protection. Makara gave an informative seminar on water bath canning. Both Lalita Gopi and Ranaka were panelists in the Ahimsa Dairy Equation panel discussion.
The plan for future years is to have a similar, but larger, biennial conference, with small organizing conferences in between. IMCPA is currently scouting locations for future events. ECO-V offered to host again in 2019, which will mark the 50th anniversary of cow protection in New Vrindaban.
8. Autumn 2017 Joint Board Meetings
The upcoming joint board meetings in New Vrindaban will be held the weekend of November 10-12.
For regular updates please visit and like the ECO-V Facebook page.
If devotees use certain statements to demean other bhakti traditions, what to do?
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Answer Podcast
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Thursday, November 30th, 2017
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Wednesday, November 29th, 2017
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Tuesday, November 28th, 2017
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Monday, November 27th, 2017
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Sunday, November 26th, 2017
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Saturday, November 25th, 2017
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Onde Drink Is One Too Many
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‘Discover India’ – USA Tour 2017
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Bhakti Yoga Culture in China
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A video by Monk in the Middle.
Little Nimai Illustrated Story – Navadvipa Before Nimai’s Advent
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Canadian Opera Singer to Make Pilgrimage to Sri Mayapur Dham
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A Day of Blessings in Celebration of 48 Glorious Years of Sri Sri Radha-Londonisvara
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Gita Jayanti in Budapest
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Ratha Yatra festival in Santiago de Chile (Album with…
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Ratha Yatra festival in Santiago de Chile (Album with photos)
Srila Prabhupada: Lord Krishna stresses the importance of remembering Him. One‘s memory of Krishna is revived by chanting the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna. By this practice of chanting and hearing the sound vibration of the Supreme Lord, one’s ear, tongue and mind are engaged. This mystic meditation is very easy to practice, and it helps one attain the Supreme Lord. (Bhagavad-Gita 8.8 Purport)
Find them here: https://goo.gl/sn19ut
Radhika Nagara asks about the virat-rupa
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Srimad Bhagavatam class by H.H. Krishna Kshetra Swami on 5th Nov…
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Srimad Bhagavatam class by H.H. Krishna Kshetra Swami on 5th Nov 2017 at ISKCON Juhu (video)
ISKCON Auckland NZ: 2017 (Album with photos)
Kalasamvara Das:…
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ISKCON Auckland NZ: 2017 (Album with photos)
Kalasamvara Das: Today we celebrated Rathyatra and Gita Jayanti!!
By giving out the mercy on this beautiful summers day by being part of the Xmas parades which are full of transcendental fun and are so easy to arrange.
One just has to turn up and take part the people are already there, (that’s hundreds and thousands) who turn up for there annual Xmas parade.
But the difference is that by the mercy of Srila Prabhupada who wanted this Rathyatra festival in all the cities around the world they get the opportunity to see the wonderful devotees dancing in ecstasy hear the holy names receive transcendental literature take prasadam and become liberated just by seeing the beautiful forms of Lord Jagannath, lady Subhudra and Baladev riding through the streets on there beautiful Rath cart.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/dga59W
The Secret Of Chanting With Bhakti.
Sacinandana Swami: It’s…
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The Secret Of Chanting With Bhakti.
Sacinandana Swami: It’s almost a paradox - only when you stop wanting to enjoy chanting for yourself will the chanting produce unlimited nectar. To understand this mystery we must ask: “What is bhakti? What is devotional chanting?”
It means you chant, not for yourself, but for Krishna. “In what way?” Anukulyena! You do it with a favorable mood – that of wanting to give pleasure to Krishna. In this way a kirtana leader can think: “I want the devotees to chant nicely and for Krishna to relish their call.” Thus, activity for Krishna is not done mindlessly.
Krishna has many expansions; you can chant for Nrsimhadeva’s pleasure or for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara, etc.
In general, devotional service means that you must learn to absorb your consciousness in three things so that your activity becomes bhakti (bhakti yoga or devotional service in Krishna consciousness).
What are the secrets of bhakti?
anyābhilāṣitā-śūnyaṁ�
jñāna-karmādy-anāvṛtam�
ānukūlyena kṛṣṇānu-�
śīlanaṁ bhaktir uttamā
(Brs. 1.1.11)
Devotional service or bhakti means:
i. Activity
ii. For Krishna
iii. In a favorable mood
This you have to learn.
This is called bhakti. Such activities are not jnana (to gain knowledge), nor for our liberation, and they are also not karma (for our sense enjoyment). They are for Krishna.
When you do this, then your practice becomes very sweet, full of taste and you will be able to give up material sense enjoyment even though you may be surrounded by cars, mobile phones and computers.
It is important to perform our devotional practice in this way, for as Srila Prabhupada said:
“Only by drinking the nectar of chanting and hearing the pastimes of the Lord can one forget the intoxication of material existence.” (SB 3.21.17 pp):
Aligarh Mandir Opening (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: On…
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Aligarh Mandir Opening (Album with photos)
Deena Bandhu Das: On Gita Jayanti day for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada, my dear...
All India Padayatra (Album with photos)
Acharya Dasa: On 25 and…
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All India Padayatra (Album with photos)
Acharya Dasa: On 25 and 26 All India Padayatra was at Udupi. There were 3 days Religious Convention. Padayatris were invited by the organizers for the convention.
So three days All India Padayatris attended the program. Lakhs of people attended the program. When we entered the pandal we were welcomed by the chief of Pejawar Matha. Each one of us was offered a garland. He also performed Arti of our Lordships. Every day we performed Mangal Arti in the pandal and each day we got the chance to be on stage and perform kirtan. It was a wonderful gathering. Many of them also bought books from us. We had arranged a wonderful bookstall there.
For the pleasure of Sri Sri Nitai Guarsundar, Srila Prabhupada and Gurudev we would like to announce the book distribution score of All India Padayatra on 25 and 26 Nov 2017.
Mahabig Books - 1380
Big Books - 27
Small Books - 143
Total Books - 1550
Sri Sri Nitai Gaursundar ki jai…
Srila Prabhupada ki Jai…
Find them here: https://goo.gl/EPVfjz
“Has Society lost faith in faith? Does it have meaning in the modern world?”
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The debate started with Ken Follet defining the word faith and sharing his thought on why faith had no place in our society. Radhanath Swami spoke in opposition first, arguing that giving up artificial faith makes us eligible to find genuine faith. As the debate proceeded, it swung to become a debate on religion versus science, but a member of the audience, Jonathan, who studied Philosophy and Religion at Cambridge University brought it back. He mentioned that we must have faith in something. We can have faith in empirical science, but that is still faith. Therefore, we can never lose our inherent faith by definition. The debate was closed by Ajhan Brahma for the motion and Asad Dhunna who was against the motion. Continue reading "“Has Society lost faith in faith? Does it have meaning in the modern world?”
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Jananivas Prabhu Speaks About the Chakra Installation
- TOVP.org
The Grand Installation Ceremony of the two remaining Chakras onto the domes of Sri Sri Radha Madhava and Lord Nrsimhadeva is only 69 days away! This historic event will mark another milestone in the progress of the construction leading up to the Grand Opening in 2022.
In this recent interview His Grace Jananivas prabhu expresses the importance of the installation of the Chakras on par with the laying of the Ananta Sesa Deity during the cornerstone ceremony by Srila Prabhupada personally in 1972. It permanently establishes the temple and brings the blessings and protection of Sudarshana Chakra.
To make a donation and sponsor an abhisheka for Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s and/or Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Chakra during the installation ceremony on February 7th, please go here: https://tovp.org/donate/once-in-a-lifetime-chakra-abhisheka-seva-opportunity/
The post Jananivas Prabhu Speaks About the Chakra Installation appeared first on Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.
Kirtan In A Shanty Town (Album with photos) Indradyumna Swami:…
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Kirtan In A Shanty Town (Album with photos)
Indradyumna Swami: Yesterday we went on samkirtan in a Shanty Town just outside of Durban, South Africa. People there live well below the poverty line and were extremely happy to receive prasadam. As our kirtan party wove its way through the small lanes of the township people spontaneously joined in and chanted and danced with us in great happiness. Such is the great mercy of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
“The Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement is based on this principle: chant the Hare Kṛṣṇa mantra at every moment, as much as possible, both inside and outside of the temples, and, as far as possible, distribute prasāda. …. Simply by liberal distribution of prasāda and saṅkīrtana, the whole world can become peaceful and prosperous.”
[ SB 4.12.10 purport ]
Find them here: https://goo.gl/2WMEfX
Launch of Devotee Care Course in ISKCON NVCC Pune
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In the last 2 years, with the help of HG Rasamandala Prabhu, the committee has developed a Devotee Care Course. The course was officially launched in Pune in November, 2017 and will be conducted again in Pune in January, 2018. The Devotee Care Committee is a strategic planning team appointed by ISKCON GBC to embed the culture of care in ISKCON temple communities all over the world. The Devotee Care committee has been in action from past many years and comprises of devotees from all over the world. HG Revati Raman Prabhu is the Chairman and HG Gauranga Prabhu is the Divisional Director of the Devotee Care Committee. Continue reading "Launch of Devotee Care Course in ISKCON NVCC Pune
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Do we need only devotional principles to change our past’s influences – can other things help?
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Sun Love Feast – December 3rd, 2017 – Vedic discourse by His Grace Mahabhagavat prabhu
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His Grace Mahabhagavat Das: His Grace Mahabhagavat Das, is a disciple of His Grace Sriman Sankarshan Das Adhikari. Mahabhagavat Das along with his spouse are very senior well respected devotees in Toronto and are often associated along with the names of Vaisesika Prabhu for expanding the Sankirtan initiative across the GTA and South Western Ontario. Together as a family they have made preaching their life mission and will go beyond their limits to ensure that Srila Prabhupada’s books are being distributed.
Fasting.....................on Wed Dec 13,2017
Breakfast................ on Thu Dec 14 ,2017 b/w 7.35am-10.30am
Every fortnight, we observe Ekadasi, a day of prayer and meditation. On this day we fast (or simplify our meals and abstain from grains and beans), and spend extra time reading the scriptures and chanting the auspicious Hare Krishna mantra.By constantly ‘exercising’ our minds through regular japa we can train our senses to push the threshold of contentment.
Next date is to be announced shortly!
The chanting is a spiritual call for the Lord and His Energy to give protection to the conditioned soul.japa, when performed with focus and attention, can subdue the agitating effects of one’s mind and senses. The senses, of which the mind is also one, are constantly being stimulated by the external world - by gross and subtle matter.
If you have not chanted before, and would like to participate in this program, we will be very happy to show how you can do this.
All welcome. We’ll loan you a set of Beads!
Sunday School
Canadian Opera Singer and Trudeau Confidante to Make Pilgrimage to Sri Mayapur Dham
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Vancouver, BC - One of Canada's fasting rising young opera stars, Dustin Hiles, first met the devotees seven years ago in Winnipeg, MB, while campaigning as a candidate for the provincial Liberal Party of Canada. After his staff put together a list of temples and mandirs for him to visit, he eventually made it to 108 Chestnut Street where the devotees invited him, and his team, to hear about Krishna and take prasadam. This meeting had a profound effect on Dustin who, after a few weeks of sadhu sanga, susspended his campaign and joined the devotees on a cross country road trip to the Vancouver Ratha Yatra. Almost a decade on Dustin is now an aspiring disciple of HH. Gopal Krisna Goswami.
Continue reading "Canadian Opera Singer and Trudeau Confidante to Make Pilgrimage to Sri Mayapur Dham
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Hema Malini ji visits Sri Krishna Arjuna Iskcon Temple (Album…
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Hema Malini ji visits Sri Krishna Arjuna Iskcon Temple (Album with photos)
Known artist & Hon'ble Member of Parliament from Mathura, U.P. Smt. Hema Malini ji visits Sri Krishna Arjuna Temple on 1st December 2017.
After her performance at International Gita Mahotsava, Kurukshetra she decided to take darshans of upcoming Grand Sri Krishna Arjuna Temple, Jyotisar, Kurukshetra for the second time as she visited in 2016 also.
She was very happy with the rapid progress of the ongoing construction & spoke very pleasant words for Srila Prabhupada & ISKCON.
Find them here: https://goo.gl/sQSMrX
Gita-Jayanti Address (video)
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Daily Darshan: December 02, 2017
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