Gopala Bhatta Goswami was a young lad of seven years when he met Mahaprabhu in Sri Rangam. Mahaprabhu travelled for two years in South India, and during his trip he visited Sri Rangam.

While visiting Sri Rangam, Mahaprabhu was invited to stay in the house of Venkata Bhatta. Venkata was the head priest of the Sri Rangam temple, which is the headquarters of the Sri sampradaya of Ramanujacarya. 

During His stay in Sri Rangam, Mahaprabhu converted the entire family of Venkata Bhatta from Sri Vaisnavism to Gaudiya Vaisnavism. The young Gopala Bhatta accepted initiation from Venkata’s brother, Prabodhananda Saraswati. 

At this time Gopala Bhatta Goswami was just a young lad. He had a dream in which he saw a vision of the Navadvipa pastimes of Mahaprabhu and realized that the pastimes of Navadvipa are nondifferent from Vrindavana. He saw this, and the fact that Mahaprabhu is not only svayam bhagavan, but svayam sakti as well—Radha-Krishna.

Mahaprabhu then instructed him: “You stay here with your parents until they expire, and then go to Vrindavana. But in the course of going there, first go to the Himalayas, to Gandaki, and bring Salagramas from there for worship.” So through Gopala Bhatta, Mahaprabhu introduced the worship of Salagrama-sila, a vaidhi-marga Deity, into his raga-marga sampradaya.

Gopala Bhatta Goswami became very prominent in Vrindavana, yet he remained very humble, so much so that he asked Krishnadasa Kaviraja Goswami not to mention his name in his treatise Caitanya-caritamrta.

It is said in Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika that Gopala Bhatta Goswami is an incarnation of Ananga manjari. Gopala Bhatta is also a sastra-guru of our bhakti sastra. In Hari-bhakti-vilasa and Sat-kriya Sara Dipika he has given all the behavioral codes and ritualistic procedures for our sampradaya.

Although he is most well known for these works, he was also a principal contributor to Jiva Goswami’s Sat-sandarbha. In each of the six sandarbhas, Sri Jiva offers his respect to Gopala Bhatta Goswami, noting that his own work on the sandarbhas is merely what he considered a rearranging of notes gathered by Gopala Bhatta Goswami.

Perhaps Gopala Bhatta Goswami is best known for having established the Radha-Ramana Deity and temple in Vrindavana. This event is connected to the story of his collecting Salagramas at Mahaprabhu’s request. After arriving in Vrindavana, he worshipped the Salagramas, keeping them around his neck or hanging them from a tree in a basket.

When Gopala Bhatta received the offering of ornaments and clothing from one wealthy patron, he placed it before his Salagramas and lamented. He could not use the ornaments for the Salagramas, as they were suitable for a Deity. 

When he awoke, he noticed that the lid of the basket hanging from the tree was half open. He thought that perhaps a snake had gotten inside, so he tried to push the lid down, but it would not go down. When he opened it up, there was Radha-Ramana! The Damodara-salagram had manifested as an eleven and one half inch Deity of Krishna in a pose playing the flute.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/gopala-bhatta-goswami-appearance/

Shri Ramachandra Kaviraja was the disciple of Shrinivasa Acharya Prabhu and the very intimate friend of Narottama dasa Thakura. His father was Chiranjiva Sena and Mother Shri Sunanda. Chiranjiva was originally an inhabitant of Kumara nagar but after marrying the daughter of Shri Damodara Kavi he moved to Shri Khanda.

“Chiranjiva Sena was a pure Devotee very much loved by Narahari Sarkar and the other residents of Shri Khanda. He was extremely learned in all matters and his wife was very chaste and gentle. Her activities were completely transcendental.” [C.C Mad. 11/92]

Chiranjiva was from a family of physicians. His two jewel-like sons were Ramachandra and Govinda. Later they both became disciples of Acharya Prabhu and came to reside at Teliya Bhudari-gram in Murshidabad.

“Ramachandara Kaviraja was especially earnest, beautiful, intelligent, energetic, and enthusiastic,” said one biographer. Although married, Ramachandra and his wife, Ratanala, had no material attachments. They stayed fully engaged in the loving service of Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They had no children. With steadfast devotion he served his spiritual master, Shrinivasa Acharya. In Vrindavana, Shri Jiva Goswami gave him the title, kaviraja, “king of poets.” He wrote the following beautiful verse:

prakasila mahaprabhu hare krishna mantra

premera vadara kari barila samsara

andha avadhi yata kare parsa

bindhu na padila mukhe ramacandra dasa

“Shriman Mahaprabhu is so kind that He manifests the nectar of the Hare Krishna mantra. The Holy Name will free all souls from the cycle of birth and death, from lower planets, from hell. The Holy Name will give one a taste of divine love for Radha-Madhava.

“Whether blind or dumb, anyone can drown in this flood of prema. In this way, Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has filled everyone with love of God. But Ramachandra Dasa is so unfortunate that he couldn’t even taste a drop of that nectar.”

Ramachandra Kaviraja was one of the eight kavirajas, famous poet disciples of Shrinivasa Acharya. Ramachandra wrote Smarana Darpana, Smarana Chamatkara, Siddhanta Chandrika. He preached widely and initiated many disciples. Narottama Dasa Thakura and Ramachandra lived together as best friends. Narottama Dasa wrote, doya kore shri acharya prabhu shrinivasa; ramachandra sanga mage Narottama Dasa, “0 Shrinivasa Acharya Prabhu, please give me your mercy. Narottama Dasa always prays for the association of Ramachandra Kaviraja.”

In the form of Karna manjari, he serves Shrimati Radharani in Vraja lila. His samadhi is in Dhira Samira Kunja next to Shrinivasa Acharya.

Ramachandra wrote several books, including Smarana-chamatkara, Smarana-darpana, Siddhanta-chandrika, and Shrinivasa Acharyera Jivana-charita.

Ramachandra’s disappearance day is the Krishna triya in the month of Magh. He passed away in Vrindavan after the disappearance of Shrinivas Acharya.

For Vaishnava Activities click!

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/2021/sri-ramachandra-kaviraj-disappearance-day/

For Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s appearance day I thought to read a verse and purport about him from Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Adi-lila, Chapter Ten, “The Branches of the Caitanya Tree”:

TEXT 105

sri gopala bhatta eka sakha sarvottama
rupa-sanatana-sange yanra prema-alapana

TRANSLATION

Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, the forty-seventh branch, was one of the great and exalted branches of the tree. He always engaged in discourses about love of Godhead in the company of Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami.

PURPORT by Srila Prabhupada

Sri Gopala Gosvami was the son of Venkata Bhatta, a resident of Sri Rangam. Gopala Bhatta formerly belonged to the disciplic succession of the Ramanuja-sampradaya but later became part of the Gaudiya-sampradaya. In the year 1433 Sakabda (A.D. 1511), when Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu was touring South India, He stayed for four months during the period of Caturmasya at the house of Venkata Bhatta, who then got the opportunity to serve the Lord to his heart’s content. Gopala Bhatta also got the opportunity to serve the Lord at this time. Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami was later initiated by his uncle, the great sannyasi Prabodhananda Sarasvati. Both the father and the mother of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami were extremely fortunate, for they dedicated their entire lives to the service of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. They allowed Gopala Bhatta Gosvami to go to Vrndavana, and they gave up their lives thinking of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. When Lord Caitanya was later informed that Gopala Bhatta Gosvami had gone to Vrndavana and met Sri Rupa and Sanatana Gosvami, He was very pleased, and He advised Sri Rupa and Sanatana to accept Gopala Bhatta Gosvami as their younger brother and take care of him. Sri Sanatana Gosvami, out of his great affection for Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, compiled the Vaisnava smrti named Hari-bhakti-vilasa and published it under his name. Under the instruction of Srila Rupa and Sanatana, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami installed one of the seven principal deities of Vrndavana, the Radha-ramana deity. The sevaits (priests) of the Radha-ramana temple belong to the Gaudiya-sampradaya.

COMMENT

Actually, one of the families entrusted with the Deity service at the Radha-ramana Mandir has a history of relations with the line of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. Visvambhara Gosvami’s father or grandfather had relations with Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, the family maintained relations with Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and then Visvambhara Gosvami had very friendly relations with Srila Prabhupada. And he spoke very nicely about Srila Prabhupada. Now Visvambhara Gosvami’s son Padmanabha Gosvami is also very favorable to ISKCON. In fact, ISKCON devotees often honor prasada at his home at the Radha-ramana Mandir. I also took prasada there with His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami, and Padmanabha Gosvami showed us a letter that Srila Prabhupada had written to his father, Visvambhara Gosvami, about how all Vaishnavas should cooperate. So, not only does the Radha-ramana temple belong to the Gaudiya-sampradaya, but at least some of the sevaits have had close relations with the line of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

PURPORT (concluded)

When Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami took permission from all the Vaisnavas before writing Sri Caitanya-caritamrta, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami also gave him his blessings, but he requested him not to mention his name in the book. Therefore Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami has mentioned Gopala Bhatta Gosvami only very cautiously in one or two passages of the Caitanya-caritamrta. Srila Jiva Gosvami has written in the beginning of his Tattva-sandarbha, “A devotee from southern India who was born of a brahmana family and was a very intimate friend of Rupa Gosvami and Sanatana Gosvami has written a book that he has not compiled chronologically. Therefore I, a tiny living entity known as jiva, am trying to assort the events of the book chronologically, consulting the direction of great personalities like Madhvacarya, Sridhara Svami, Ramanujacarya, and other senior Vaisnavas in the disciplic succession.” In the beginning of the Bhagavat-sandarbha there are similar statements by Srila Jiva Gosvami. Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami compiled a book called Sat-kriya-sara-dipika, edited the Hari-bhakti-vilasa, wrote a foreword to the Sat-sandarbha and a commentary on the Krsna-karnamrta, and installed the Radharamana Deity in Vrndavana. In the Gaura-ganoddesa-dipika (184) it is mentioned that his previous name in the pastimes of Lord Krsna was Ananga-manjari. Sometimes he is also said to have been an incarnation of Guna-manjari. Srinivasa Acarya and Gopinatha Pujari were two of his disciples.

COMMENT

Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami ki jaya!

One story about Gopala Bhatta Gosvami is that on the eve of Nrsimha-caturdasi all the other Gosvamis and Vaishnavas in Vrindavan were preparing to worship their Deities and hold festivals. Gopala Bhatta Gosvami had only a salagrama-sila; he didn’t have a Deity with arms and legs and a body that he could dress and decorate. So, he was feeling deprived of the opportunity to serve like the other devotees who had Deities they could serve in these ways. And out of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s strong desire, a salagrama-sila became manifest in the form of Radha-ramana. Radha-ramana is considered the most beautiful Deity of Krishna. He is the one original Deity of the Gosvamis that has remained in Vrindavan, while the others had to be taken elsewhere for fear of the Muslim invaders. And near the temple of Radha-ramana in Vrindavan is the samadhi of Sri Gopala Bhatta Gosvami.

Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s uncle and siksa-guru was Prabodhananda Sarasvati. His samadhi is also located in Vrindavan, just off the parikrama path near Kaliya-ghata, which is quite near our Krishna-Balaram Mandir. So, often when we go on parikrama down the path near the Yamuna, we visit Prabodhananda Sarasvati’s samadhi and bhajana-kutira. And then we proceed to Srila Sanatana Gosvami’s samadhi. Srila Sanatana Gosvami was the most senior of the Gosvamis and was also a close associate and instructor of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. In fact, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami worked with Sanatana Gosvami to produce the great treatise Hari-bhakti-vilasa.

I feel that Gopala Bhatta Gosvami has been especially merciful to me on two occasions. On one, I visited his bhajana-kutira at Sanketa, a place between Nandagrama and Varsana where Radha and Krishna used to meet and sometimes perform rasa-lila. Gopala Bhatta would sit and chant underground in a deep cavern, accessible only through a long, narrow passage. At the end of the passage was a somewhat roomier place where Gopala Bhatta used to chant, now marked as his bhajana-sthala. I remember going there with Tamal Krishna Goswami and others on a very hot day and struggling to crawl through the passage to the bhajana-sthala. It was very difficult, but when I finally reached there, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami was very merciful. He allowed me to chant with a glimpse of taste. And after all the devotees emerged from the cavern, I stole back in. I crawled back to Gopala Bhatta’s lotus feet, and I sat there chanting. I will never forget his mercy to me there, and I pray that he will enable me to chant with relish and love.

On the other occasion, the last time I visited Vrindavan, in Kartik of 1999, shortly before my surgery, I visited Gopala Bhatta’s samadhi near the Radha-ramana Mandir. We arrived just after raja-bhoga–arati,and the pujari was closing the doors to the samadhi-mandira. But he was kind enough to open the doors for us, to allow us darshan of Gopala Bhatta Gosvami. He gave us some flowers and caranamrta, and invited us to stay for prasada. Thus our small party, along with some local sadhus, honored Gopala Bhatta Prabhu’s maha–maha-prasadam with great relish, and we even stayed to take a little rest before, filled with bliss, we continued on our way. So, Gopal Bhatta Gosvami is very kind.

Years later, when some of my disciples from Bombay went to Vrindavan on pilgrimage, they visited the samadhi. They told the pujaris about me, how my health no longer allowed me to visit Vraja, and asked for some prasada for me. And one of the pujaris kindly gave them a piece of cloth from the samadhi. It is very special. Now, twice a year, once on his appearance day and once on his disappearance day, we bring it out and touch it. So now we shall pass it around and touch it to our heads and to our hearts—and pray to Gopala Bhatta Gosvami for his sublime mercy.

Thank you.

Hare Krishna.

[A talk on Srila Gopala Bhatta Gosvami’s appearance day, July 31, 2002, Carpinteria, California]

Source: https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=18507

By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,

On November 24–26, 2025, more than 2,000 devotees from across Myanmar gathered in Myitkyina to witness the historic inauguration, marking a momentous chapter in the nation’s Krishna consciousness movement. This first ISKCON temple in Kachin State marks a spiritually historic moment, as it is located in the region where Krishna Consciousness first began to flourish in Myanmar.

The celebration brought together senior spiritual leaders, government dignitaries, and devotees. The auspicious occasion was graced by Bhakti Ashraya Vaishnava Swami, Regional Secretary of ISKCON Myanmar, and Lokanath Swami, with distinguished guests including Indian Ambassador to Myanmar HE Abhay Thakur and the Chief Minister of Kachin State, whose presence highlighted the temple’s significance not only to the devotee community but also to the broader cultural and diplomatic landscape of the region.

Exquisitely crafted from Burmese teak, the temple emanates a sacred warmth that envelops all who enter. Its interior walls are adorned with vibrant paintings depicting the divine pastimes of Sri Krishna, the teachings and life of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, and the transcendental lilas of Lord Jagannath.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/iskcon-myanmar-celebrates-grand-opening-of-first-jagannath-temple-in-myitkyina/

By Venu Madhav Das,

On December 1, 2025, ISKCON Kurukshetra observed Gita Jayanti with a large gathering of 2,000 devotees and visitors, commemorating fifty years since His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s historic visit to Kurukshetra on December 1, 1975. The annual celebration became an occasion to reflect on Srila Prabhupada’s enduring desire to see Kurukshetra emerge as a global center for the study and practice of the Bhagavad-gita.

The Gita Jayanti program began with the auspicious blowing of a conch by Shambhu, a Guinness World Record holder for the longest sustained conch-shell blow, setting a devotional atmosphere for the day. The festival was sanctified by the presence of Guru Prasad Swami (ACBSP), Mahaman Das (ACBSP), and Bhakti Ashraya Vaishnava Swami, who spoke on the timeless relevance of the Bhagavad-gita and the spiritual significance of Kurukshetra.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/celebrating-50th-anniversary-of-srila-prabhupadas-arrival-in-kurukshetra/
 

A recently released report from the AI & Religion Multi-Faith Forum, held in Washington, DC, has raised important ethical, spiritual, and cultural questions that should be explored by many ISKCON leaders and communities worldwide.

The forum brought together more than 80 faith leaders, educators, technologists, and ethicists from diverse religious traditions to reflect on how artificial intelligence is already reshaping daily life, education, relationships, and moral decision-making.

A central conclusion of the report is that AI should not be viewed merely as a technical tool, but as a formative force that is powerfully influencing how people think, relate, and find meaning.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/interfaith-ai-report-raises-key-questions-for-iskcon-communities/

Puṣya Abhiṣeka is not merely a festival of flowers; it is a festival of love, born from the tender desire of the gopīs to lovingly care for and decorate their beloved Krishna. In Vṛndāvana, Krishna was never seen as the Supreme Lord alone—He was the darling of the gopīs, a playful child, a mischievous boy, lovingly handled, dressed, and adored by those whose hearts existed only for His pleasure.

It is said that Krishna was just like a toy in the hands of the gopīs. Overflowing with affection, they once decided, “Let us decorate Krishna beautifully—again and again—so that He may feel our love.” From this simple yet profound desire arose the pastime of Puṣya Abhiṣeka, where Krishna is decorated profusely with flowers, ornaments, and garments, followed by joyous celebration so that all may behold His beauty.

In Śrīdhāma Māyāpur, this festival has become one of the most majestic and heart-touching celebrations of the year—and fittingly, it is the very first grand festival that welcomes the new year. It sets the tone for the months to come: devotion first, beauty in service, and love at the center.

On this auspicious Pūrṇimā day, Their Lordships were entirely draped and garlanded in flower petals of every variety—not merely wearing flower dresses, but embodying a labor of pure love. Each petal was placed by devoted hands, each garland strung with care, patience, and prayer. The result was not just beauty, but devotion made visible.

The day began even before the sun rose, with kathā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja, who spoke on the profound pastime of Devahūti and Kardama Muni—touching upon marriage in devotional life, service in the dhāma, and the deeper purpose of relationships when centered around Krishna. These reflections prepared the hearts of devotees to enter the festival mood with depth and sincerity.

As the day unfolded, devotees were blessed to behold Their Lordships adorned in magnificent white flower dresses, intricately designed with countless delicate petals arranged with care and devotion. Each detail reflected the loving effort of the devotees, and in the midst of this radiant floral setting, Śrī Mādhava shone brilliantly like a black jewel, His beauty standing out strikingly against the pristine white flowers, leaving everyone deeply absorbed in the sweetness of the darśana.

Then, at 7:00 PM, the festival reached its crescendo. The temple resounded with melodious kīrtans as ārati was offered to the Divine Couple. In that moment, it felt as though time stood still. The atmosphere was saturated with devotion, music, fragrance, and joy—transporting everyone present into what felt like a glimpse of the spiritual world.

What makes Puṣya Abhiṣeka in Mayapur especially extraordinary is that not only Chota Rādhā Mādhava receive this flower bath, but the full-sized Deities—Śrī Rādhā Mādhava, Śrī Pañca-tattva, Śrī Prahlāda Nṛsiṁhadeva, and Śrīla Prabhupāda—are all bathed in flowers. And just as importantly, every devotee present is bathed in mercy.

The celebrations continue late into the night, with hearts overflowing, faces glowing, and spirits uplifted. One leaves not tired, but fulfilled—carrying the fragrance of flowers and devotion within.

As the festival gently concludes, it leaves behind something lasting: a mood for the entire year. Puṣya Abhiṣeka opens the door to a series of divine celebrations—Vasanta Pañcamī, Śrī Advaita Ācārya’s Appearance, Śrī Nityānanda Trayodaśī, and the grand Gaura Pūrṇimā festivities—all following one after another, like beads strung on the garland of devotion.

Until next year, Puṣya Abhiṣeka reminds us of a simple truth taught by the gopīs themselves:
Krishna is conquered not by opulence, but by love—and love is best expressed through heartfelt service.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/puya-abhieka-in-mayapur-a-festival-draped-in-love

Srila Narottama dasa Thakura has sung: “daya koro sri acarya prabhu srinivasa, ramacandra sanga mage narottama dasa—O Srinivasa acarya Prabhu, kindly have mercy upon me; Narottama dasa always prays for the association of  Ramacandra Kaviraja.”

Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja was one of the internal associates of Narottama Thakura. The two of them were practically inseparable. Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja had obtained the full mercy and blessings of Srinivasa acarya. Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja’s father’s name was Ciranjiva Sena—his mother’s name was Sri Sunanda.  

At first Sri Ciranjiva Sen lived in Kumara Nagara. After he married the daughter of the poet Sri Damodara Kavi, he moved to the village of Sri Khanda. Ciranjiva Sen was a Mahabhagavata, a topmost devotee of the Lord. The devotees of Sri Khanda, headed by Narahari Sarakara Thakura all had great affection and respect for Ciranjiva. 

One day, Ramacandra Kaviraja was on the road to Yajigrama, on his way home from his wedding. At that time, Srinivasa acarya was passing on the road, accompanied by his followers.

Later, Shrinivasa Acharaya was in Yajigrama at his own house, where many devotees had gathered to hear him lecture on Shrimad-Bhagavatam. At that time, passing by the house of Shrinivasa Acharya was Ramachandra Kaviraja the son of Chiranjiva Sen (one of Mahaprabhu’s eternal associates).  He had just been married, and he and his new bride were on their way back from the wedding. 

From a long way off, Shrinivasa Acharya saw Ramachandra Kaviraja, and Ramachandra Kaviraja also saw Shrinvasa Acharya from a distance. Upon seeing each other from a distance a deep mood of friendship arose within the hearts of those two eternally perfect devotees of Shri Gauranga. 

After seeing each other they were eager to meet one another.  Shrinivasa Acharya inquired about Ramachandra Kaviraja from the local people.  They told him that he was a great pandita named Ramacandra—a learned poet and expert doctor from a family of doctors and scholars. Hear all this, Srinivasa acarya smiled, for he was greatly pleased. 

Ramachandra Kaviraja had heard about Shrinivasa Acharya and was eager to have his darsana.  In this way, he finally went to the house of  Srinivasa acarya along with his new bride and were introduced by some of the local people.  The day passed quickly in discussion of Hari-katha. They spent the night where they had been staying since coming to Yajigrama, at a brahmana’s house near the home of Shrinvasa Acharaya, and the following morning went to Shrinivasa Acharya and fell before his feet offering prostrated obeisances. 

The Acharya bade Ramachandra Kaviraja to get up from the ground, and heartily embraced him saying, “Life after life you have been my friend.  Providence has brought us together again today by arranging our meeting.” Both of them felt great happiness as a result of their having met.  

Seeing that Ramchandra had an acute and  deeply learned transcendental intelligence, Shrinivasa was very happy.  He began to make him hear the Goswami scriptures. Ramacandra’s pure behavior  which was always in accordance with the scriptures very much pleased Srinivasa acarya, and after a few days the Acharya initiated him in the divine Radha-Krishna mantra.

Sri Ramacandra Kaviraja delivered many sinners and nonbelievers to a life of auspiciousness as a result of his mercy. At the festival in Kheturi-grama, he was one of the leaders. On the order of Narottama dasa Thakura and Srinivasa acarya he went to Vrndavana. 

When he arrived there, he found that almost all the Goswamis had passed away. When he found that so many great souls had passed away, his heart was deeply pained.  

After some days in Vrndavana, feeling the pain of separation in this way, while deeply meditating upon the lotus feet of Sri Radha and Govinda, he entered into their eternal Vrndavana pastimes.  His disappearance day is on the third day of the dark moon in the month of Pausa.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/ramacandra-kaviraja-disappearance/

We are pleased to provide the free online TOVP 2026 calendar as a viewable, downloadable and shareable flipbook. This year’s theme is, The TOVP Story 1971-2025, From Kutir to Mandir.

Monthly images showcase the progress of the TOVP from its initial inspiration by Srila Prabhupada into the heart of H.G. Ambarisa prabhu in 1976 to the recent Grand Opening of the A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Legacy Museum in February 2025. In 2026, we will reach another milestone with the Grand Opening of the TOVP Yajna Shala in the TOVP Gardens on February 11. You can read more about that HERE.

The journey to the manifestation of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium continues as we approach the temple Grand Opening, a three-month celebration beginning on Srila Prabhupada’s 50th Disappearance Anniversary on November 1, 2027, followed by three months of celebrations while our beloved Mayapur deities are relocated into Their new home.

We are pleased to provide the free online TOVP 2026 calendar as a viewable, downloadable and shareable flipbook. This year’s theme is, The TOVP Story

TOVP 2026 Calendar Now Available Online – Temple of the Vedic Planetarium

By Radha Mohan Das

At the Gurukula Hare Krishna Primary School, children receive a holistic, Krishna conscious education that nurtures their individual talents and guides them toward engaging those gifts in the loving service of Lord Krishna. Alongside academic learning, great importance is placed on cultural training, helping students grow in confidence, creativity, and devotion to the Supreme Lord.

An expression of this training was recently seen when many Gurukula pupils participated in the New Year’s Eve programme at Bhaktivedanta Manor. The children had the auspicious opportunity to open the evening by melodiously singing Worship Hari, the English rendition of the well-known Vaiṣṇava bhajan Bhaja hu re mana, setting a devotional mood for the programme that followed.

This was followed by the Manor’s Got Talent show, which featured a variety of performances by both children and adults. Gurukula students are trained in singing, dancing, music, and drama as offerings to Krishna, and their performances beautifully reflected this mood of service. The acts included comedy, a Bharatanatyam dance depicting Krishna’s divine pastimes, a Hindi song glorifying Lord Rama (from the 1963 film Luv Kush), Rubik’s Cube magic, and a live band performance.

Remarkably, despite competing alongside adults and secondary-school students, the top two finalists were Gurukula pupils. Dhriti and Nanda Priya presented a graceful Bharatanatyam dance illustrating various pastimes of Lord Krishna, while a group of Year 6 boys formed a band called Mahaprabhu’s Mission. They wrote and performed an original rap glorifying Śrīla Prabhupāda and the mission of spreading the holy name throughout the world.

The judges were highly impressed by the children’s talent, confidence, and devotional spirit—a sentiment shared by many guests in attendance. Such programmes vividly demonstrate how, through proper guidance and spiritual culture, children can joyfully develop their abilities in Krishna’s service and become bright representatives of our Vaiṣṇava tradition

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116976

By Radha Mohan Das

The School of Bhakti department hosted a wonderful New Year’s Eve celebration in the Haveli, bringing many people together in a warm and devotional atmosphere. The event provided a meaningful and uplifting way for devotees to welcome the New Year in style. Attendees came from a wide range of backgrounds, including people of different faiths and cultures, adding to the inclusive spirit of the evening.

The Haveli kīrtan hall was filled to capacity as the programme opened with a charming play performed by the Junior Bhaktivedanta Players, Sanatan Goswami and the Touchstone. The young performers captivated the audience with their enthusiasm and engaging storytelling, conveying uplifting spiritual messages and receiving heartfelt appreciation from everyone present.

The celebration continued with a lively community talent show, where both children and adults had the opportunity to showcase their abilities. This segment featured a rich variety of performances, including cultural presentations, poetry, magic, Bharatanatyam dance, stand-up comedy, and even rap. Throughout the programme, judges, participants, and audience members alike encouraged and supported one another, creating a joyful and supportive atmosphere.

The evening concluded with an ecstatic kīrtan led by Radhika Dās and his team, which continued well past midnight. United in chanting, devotees joyfully welcomed the New Year together, filling the Haveli with the sound of the Holy Names. It was a memorable and uplifting celebration, offering the community a beautiful opportunity to begin the year feeling connected, inspired, and together.

By SyamaMohini Devi Dasi  

From November 25 to December 10, 2025, the ISKCON Vaishnavi Ministry held its annual “Safe Families, Strong Communities” campaign. We now reflect on the activities undertaken, the support received, and the spirit of compassion and unity that emerged throughout this period. 

During these campaigns, we regularly hear from individuals, particularly Vaishnavis, who find comfort, encouragement, or the confidence to speak about challenges within their homes or communities. Many expressed their appreciation for the guidance shared through our YouTube channel, and this year was no exception. We are deeply grateful for every message received and for those who courageously shared their experiences related to digital or other forms of harm. Your voices remind us why this service is so vital.

This initiative seeks to raise awareness about behaviors and conditions that undermine family well-being and community harmony. While anyone may experience hardship or harm, evidence shows that women and girls are often affected at higher rates. Our vision is universal: homes rooted in respect, care, and spiritual consciousness, where every family member feels safe and valued.

Vaishnavis from around the world joined and supported the campaign in a variety of meaningful ways, including hosting special awareness programs, offering dedicated classes and discussions, sharing important information within their communities, creating displays, and amplifying the message through social media and personal outreach. Their collective efforts significantly broadened the reach and impact of this initiative.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/safe-families-stronger-communities-campaign-reflections-on-the-16-days-of-activism/

ISKCON Communications Europe just released the new ISKCON Communications Journal (ICJ) in a bookmarked, digital format. Click here to access the 2025 ICJ. Readers can also download a .pdf version here.

Mahaprabhu Dasa, the Director of ISKCON Communications Europe, said, “The 2025 ISKCON Communications Journal is the fifth volume to be published since the journal’s revival in 2021. Each successive volume has reaffirmed the journal’s role as a thoughtful forum for intellectual, spiritual, and institutional reflection about ISKCON and the wider Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition. As in previous volumes, this one reflects the journal’s commitment to reasoned analysis, scholarly rigor, and openness to diverse perspectives, while constructively addressing difficult questions and examining ISKCON’s teachings and practices with honesty and care.”

Source: https://iskconnews.org/explore-the-new-2025-iskcon-communications-journal-now-online/

“We are not preaching to Christian or Hindu or Muslim. We are preaching to human being. Every living being, his duty is to understand God.”
–Srila Prabhupada

Today in Leeds, Dr Ali Hayder approached me, and we had a beautiful discussion. He conveyed that he has read the Ramayan and holds deep love for Lord Rama. He shared how he sees common values between Lord Rama & Imam Husayn, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad. For him, studying religion through these shared principles truly inspires him.

He said that although he is a Muslim, he has always believed that wisdom is never owned by one tradition. He had read a digital version of the Bhagavad Gita and spoke about how the conversation between Krishna and Arjuna felt like a universal message meant for every human being.

What resonated with him most was the call to dharma, to take responsibility, to stand in our values and to act with clarity even when life becomes difficult. He expressed that this was not about religion but about learning. Dr Ali has found his dharma in being a Digital Marketing Consultant, lecturing students at Leeds University and studying religions and the common values they share.

He explained that in Islam, they are taught to seek knowledge even if it means travelling across oceans. So he believes that studying the Bhagavad Gita is simply an extension of that belief, through which he hopes to understand different perspectives, learn from different stories, and allow the wisdom to shape how we live & behave.

He said every tradition carries something meaningful, and limiting ourselves only narrows our growth. We all share the same struggles, the same questions and the same search for purpose and that this shared journey is the real beauty of diversity.

I was so humbled by our conversation, witnessing the sincerity of Dr Ali’s search for truth and his passion to share knowledge with others.

Srila Prabhupada arranges meetings far beyond anything we can imagine. When hearts are open, Krishna sends his wisdom through any path, any culture and any soul willing to receive it.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116834

The main theme of the class is the extraordinary compassion, humanity, and inclusiveness of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. Through many traditional narratives, the speaker illustrates how Lord Chaitanya welcomed everyone regardless of caste, race, background, or past sins. Examples include the deliverance of Jagai and Madhai, the healing of the leper Vasudeva, the loving protection of Haridas Thakur during persecution, the acceptance of Sanatana and Rupa Goswami despite social rejection, the mercy shown to animals (including a dog chanting Hare Krishna), and the guidance given to Raghunatha Dasa Goswami.

The speaker emphasizes that Lord Chaitanya’s mission was to freely distribute love of God through chanting the holy names, breaking down social and religious barriers. This mood is presented as the model for devotees today: to be broad-minded, non-judgmental, and deeply compassionate, both toward the wider world and within the devotee community itself.

The second half of the talk focuses on Srila Prabhupada as the modern embodiment of this compassion. Stories highlight his personal austerity, his willingness to endure hardship to spread Krishna consciousness worldwide, and his boundless love for people regardless of their faults or backgrounds. Prabhupada is portrayed as someone who saw the soul in everyone and who emphasized staying connected to Krishna consciousness over external labels or failures.

In the concluding reflections and questions, the speaker urges devotees to enter the new year with renewed commitment to kindness, humility, and mutual support, avoiding criticism of other devotees and actively caring for one another. True devotion, the speaker stresses, is shown not just through external practice, but through love, forgiveness, and compassionate behavior that reflects the heart of Lord Chaitanya’s mission.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116956

Translation
The mind is like an impetuous horse that even persons who have regulated their senses and breath cannot control. Those in this world who try to tame the uncontrolled mind, but who abandon the feet of their spiritual master, encounter hundreds of obstacles in their cultivation of various distressful practices. O unborn Lord, they are like merchants on a boat in the ocean who have failed to employ a helmsman.
Purport
To become qualified to attain love of Godhead, the mature fruit of liberation, one must first subdue the rebellious material mind. Though difficult, this can be achieved when a person replaces his addictions to sense gratification with a taste for the higher pleasures of spiritual life. But only by the favor of the representative of Godhead, the spiritual master, can one gain this higher taste.
The spiritual master opens the eyes of the disciple to the wonders of the transcendental realm, as indicated in the Gāyatrī prayers by the seed mantra of divine knowledge, aiṁ.
The Muṇḍaka Upaniṣad (1.2.12) states:
tad-vijñānārthaṁ sa gurum evābhigacchet
samit-pāṇiḥ śrotriyaṁ brahma-niṣṭham
“To understand these things properly, one must humbly approach, with firewood in hand, a spiritual master who is learned in the Vedas and firmly devoted to the Absolute Truth.” And the Kaṭha Upaniṣad (2.9) declares:
naiṣā tarkeṇa matir āpaneyā
proktānyenaiva su-jñānāya preṣṭha
“This realization, my dear boy, cannot be acquired by logic. It must be spoken by an exceptionally qualified spiritual master to a knowledgeable disciple.”
Non-Vaiṣṇavas often disregard the importance of surrendering to a spiritual master who stands in an authorized line of disciplic succession. Relying instead on their own abilities, proud yogīs and jñānīs exhibit their apparent success to impress the world, but their glory is but temporary:
yuñjānānām abhaktānāṁ
prāṇāyāmādibhir manaḥ
akṣīṇa-vāsanaṁ rājan
dṛśyate punar utthitam
“The minds of nondevotees who engage in such practices as prāṇāyāma are not fully cleansed of material desires. Thus, O King, material desires are again seen to arise in their minds.” (Bhāg. 10.51.60)
On the other hand a humble, steadfast devotee of Lord Viṣṇu and of the Vaiṣṇavas is assured of easy victory over the stubborn mind. He need not concern himself with performing the eightfold system of yoga or taking other such measures to keep his mind steady. Sarvaṁ caitad gurau bhaktyā puruṣo hy añjasā jayet: “A person can easily obtain all these goals simply by being devoted to his spiritual master.” Otherwise, a nondevotee may conquer his senses and vital air and still fail to tame his mind, which will continue to run wild like an unbroken horse. He will suffer unending anxiety over the troublesome execution of various spiritual practices, and in the end he will remain just as lost in the vast material ocean as he ever was. The analogy given here is very appropriate: A group of merchants who hastily enter upon a sea voyage with expectations of great profit, but who fail to hire a competent helmsman for their boat, will simply experience great difficulty.
The Bhāgavatam declares the importance of the bona fide spiritual master in many places such as this verse from the Eleventh Canto (20.17):
nṛ-deham ādyam su-labhaṁ su-durlabhaṁ
plavaṁ su-kalpaṁ guru-karṇa-dhāram
mayānukūlena nabhasvateritaṁ
pumān bhavābdhiṁ na taret sa ātma-hā
“The human body, which can award all benefit in life is automatically obtained by the laws of nature, although it is a very rare achievement. This human body can be compared to a perfectly constructed boat having the spiritual master as the captain and the instructions of the Personality of Godhead as favorable winds impelling it on its course. Considering all these advantages, a human being who does not utilize his human life to cross the ocean of material existence must be considered the killer of his own soul.” Therefore the first business of one who takes human life seriously is to find out a spiritual master who can guide him in Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
Śrīla Śrīdhara Svāmī prays:
yadā parānanda-guro bhavat-pade
padaṁ mano me bhagaval labheta
tadā nirastākhila-sādhana-śramaḥ
śrayeya saukhyaṁ bhavataḥ kṛpātaḥ
“O transcendentally blissful guru, when my mind finally achieves a place at your lotus feet, all the tiresome labor of my spiritual practices will be finished, and by your mercy I will experience the greatest happiness.”

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116960

By Radha Mohan Das

The Bhaktivedanta Players concluded their 40th anniversary year on a powerful and joyful note with a spectacular production of The Lion King – Simha Rāja, presented with a thoughtful Kṛṣṇa conscious twist. This grand finale marked not only the end of a celebratory year, but also four decades of devotional drama, service, and outreach.

The production was staged across three sold-out performances at the Sri Kṛṣṇa Haveli, Bhaktivedanta Manor, featuring a vibrant cast of adults and children working together in the mood of service and family devotion. Each show was packed with eager audiences, reflecting the strong affection the congregation holds for the Bhaktivedanta Players.

–

The drama delighted all ages, offering lively songs, humour, and family entertainment, while also weaving in meaningful life lessons—some of them deeply spiritual. Through relatable characters and engaging storytelling, the audience was gently reminded of timeless values such as responsibility, humility, courage, and remembrance of one’s true identity.

–

Feedback from viewers was overwhelmingly positive:

“It was a phenomenal experience.”
“Bhaktivedanta Players at its best.”
“A real rollercoaster of emotional journey.”
“The Bhaktivedanta Players’ pantomimes always outdo themselves.”
One travelling devotee from the United States remarked,
“Bhaktivedanta Manor is so fortunate to have plays like The Lion King.”

Indeed, everyone went home on a high note, grateful for an evening of spiritually nourishing entertainment.

Highlights from 2025 for the Bhaktivedanta Players:

The Lion King finale crowned an eventful year for the Bhaktivedanta Players. Other notable highlights in 2025 included:

A grand drama celebration in May
A touring production in Mauritius
An outreach Diwali performance of the Rāmāyaṇa
As the curtain closes on the 40th anniversary year, the Bhaktivedanta Players continue to demonstrate how drama can be a powerful medium for preaching, outreach, and devotional inspiration.

 *Humble Prayer Request*
Dear Vaishnavas,
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
We humbly request all devotees to *offer their sincere prayers* for *His Grace Hari Sauri Prabhu, a senior disciple of Śrīla Prabhupāda and His long-standing personal servant*.
Hari Sauri Prabhu is currently *undergoing a heart surgery*, and at this crucial time, we request everyone to kindly pray to *Their Lordships Śrī Śrī Radha Kṛṣṇa, Lord Narasimha and Śrīla Prabhupāda* for his successful surgery, swift recovery, and continued good health.
May the Lord protect His dear devotee and allow him to continue inspiring generations with his service and memories of Srila Prabhupada.

 *Your prayers will be deeply appreciated.*
In service,
*On behalf of Team MVT*
 Hare Kṛṣṇa 

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116945

The Museum of Sacred Art Foundation (MOSA) and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)* have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to promote Indian Art across seven European countries from 2026 to 2028. The agreement was formalized on December 27, 2025, at the newly renovated Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center in Paris.

The MOU was signed by Mahaprabhu Dasa, Director of MOSA, and K. Nandini Singla, Director General of the ICCR under India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The signing ceremony was witnessed by His Excellency Mr. Sanjeev Singla, Ambassador of India to France, underscoring the cultural and diplomatic significance of the partnership.

Reflecting on the importance of the agreement, Mahaprabhu Dasa said, “This is a very important step in the development of MOSA, to be able to have the support of the Indian government to promote Indian art throughout Europe. We hope to bring the message of India’s spiritual heritage through the visual arts.”

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/mosa-and-iccr-sign-landmark-mou-to-promote-indian-sacred-art-across-europe/