By Radhika Kripa Mataji

Gurugram, earlier known as Gur-goan, carries a sacred place in India’s ancient history. The name itself means “the village of the Guru”, referring to Guru Dronacharya, the revered teacher of the Pandavas and Kauravas in the Mahabharata. According to tradition, this land was offered to Guru Dronacharya by King Dhritarashtra as a token of respect for his wisdom and guidance.

Over time, “Gur goan” evolved into “Gurugram”, yet the spiritual essence of the name remained. Though the city has grown into a modern economic powerhouse—home to technology, innovation, and global enterprises—it continues to be rooted in its ancient identity. Underneath the skyscrapers lies a legacy of learning, discipline, devotion, and the timeless bond between teacher and student.

Today, as a temple rises in this historic city, it reconnects Gurugram to its original spirit—honouring the guru, celebrating dharma, and offering a sanctuary for spiritual growth. Gurugram is the modern “city of growth” attracting thousands to reside here.

It is in this inspiring environment of growth and grace that the new temple opens—offering residents a sacred space for peace, upliftment, and spiritual rejuvenation.

Gurugram – “The City of the Guru.”

The newly inaugurated ISKCON Temple in Sector 45, Gurugram—the second ISKCON temple in the city—stands as a breathtaking example of Rajasthani architectural grandeur blended with Vaishnava spiritual vibrance. The exterior façade draws immediate attention with its intricately carved sandstone-inspired patterns, graceful jharokha-style balconies, and traditional chhatris crowning the upper levels, evoking the regal aesthetics of Jaipur and Jodhpur palaces.

The temple’s warm, earthy color palette reflects the golden glow of Rajasthan’s desert palette, creating a sense of timeless beauty. Delicate stone-work motifs, lotus carvings, and symmetrical arches lend the structure a divine elegance, while the tall shikharas rising above the sanctum add a majestic verticality that announces the temple’s sacred presence from afar.

With its fusion of devotional artistry and royal Rajasthani charm, the Sector 45 temple stands as a beacon of culture and spirituality—a proud addition to Gurugram’s growing ISKCON family, following the first temple established in Badshahpur. The new temple’s exterior already radiates the promise of becoming an iconic landmark, offering both architectural inspiration and transcendental upliftment to all who approach it.

Every brick, every carving and every detail of the temple reflects the love, service and sacrifice of the vaisnavas who served selflessly under the guidance and blessings of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami.

From the initial planning to the final finishing touches, devotees contributed in diverse ways—some through physical service, some through expert skills, some through financial assistance, and many through heartfelt prayers. Teams worked day and night, often in challenging circumstances, united by one single desire: to please Guru Maharaja and Srila Prabhupada and offer a beautiful temple that stands as a testament to their vision.

This temple is not merely a structure of stone and artistry—it is a monument of collective devotion, built on the sincere determination of the devotees who never gave up, even when obstacles appeared. Their consistent efforts echo the spirit taught by Srila Prabhupada: “Working together in harmony for Krishna’s pleasure is the essence of devotional life.”

In the year 2014 after a prolonged and persisitent effort HG Acyuta Hari das and his wife HG Anirudha devi dasi were finally able to obtain the land from HUDA. They endured many challenges and finally secured the land paving the way for this sacred project.

The groundbreaking ceremony happened that same year in the presence of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami ji and many esteemed guests.

The project was initiated though moved forward only at snail’ pace. The construction commenced yet the progress was extremely slow. Under the direction and mercy of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja ,HG Veda Vyas Prabhu and HG Rasapriya prabhu joined the project’s service. With a history of successful service in Bahadurgarh , Badshahpur and Rohini their team added great strength to the project. Rasapriya Prabhu’s exquisite taste in art reflects beautifully in the temple’s exteriors and interiors. The interiors radiate a sublime taste of art.

The altar is an exquisite marble shrine adorned with 24-carat gold leafing, creating a divine and regal atmosphere around the Deities. It is crafted from pure white marble, giving it a serene, luminous base .The marble surface is polished to a high shine, reflecting light beautifully and creating a pristine, sacred environment.

The entire structure—columns, arches, borders, and panel carvings—is richly decorated with 24-carat gold leafing. The gold work is not just applied but intricately patterned, enhancing every carved detail.

The pillars glow with a warm golden radiance, elevating the spiritual aura of the temple room.

The combination of marble purity, gold opulence, and devotional artistry makes this altar an extraordinary example of temple craftsmanship. It radiates grandeur, devotion, and meticulous attention to detail—perfectly befitting the worship of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath with beautiful Lalita and Vishakha.

The wooden carved doors welcome every visitor with their intricate craftsmanship, setting a tone of traditional beauty right from the entrance. A graceful fountain outside the temple adds serenity to the surroundings, creating a peaceful ambiance for all who approach.

Inside, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s āsan stands as a stunning masterpiece, intricately carved in the form of a majestic peacock, symbolizing devotion, purity, and divine artistry.

Perhaps the most beautiful highlight of the entire complex is the Book Shop—The Matchless Gift Shop. Its charm is elevated by stunning stained-glass panels depicting Śrīla Prabhupāda, Bhagavad-gītā, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,Krishna book and Back to Godhead magazine with the picture of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, making it a spiritual treasure house for seekers and devotees alike. The Book Shop’s intricately hand carved wooden walls glow with stained glass depictions of divine images creating a sacred serene atmosphere.

Illuminated stained glass brings to life the serene images of cow,parrot ,peacock adding a sacred vibrancy to the space.

The inaugration of the temple took place on the 4 th and 5 th November 2025 graced by the presence of esteemed GBC members and several senior devotees. HH Guru Prasad Maharaja ji (GBC Chairman) and HG Mahaman (Zonal secretary) presided the ceremonies ,lending his spiritual guidance to the auspicious events. The celebrations began on the 4 th with auspicious “Netro Milan” followed by ’Shayan Adivas.” Words fail to capture the unmatched beauty of the Deities ,radiating divine love and bliss. Their beauty is unparalleled.

During the auspicious Deity installation ceremony atmosphere became spiritually surcharged by the divine kirtan of His Holiness B B Govinda Swami . His ecstatic, heart-melting kirtan uplifted everyone present and transformed the entire ceremony into a transcendental celebration of the Lord’s arrival.

Devotees felt immense grace as Maharaj’s chanting invoked deep devotion, unity, and joy. The holy names resounded throughout the temple, creating a sacred ambience.

Deities new residence resplendent with devotion and magnificence welcomes all.

Rasapriya prabhu’s hard work and unwavering dedication brought the temple project to fruition. His divine designing imbued the temple with a transcendent beauty. Through his inspired design work, the temple was transformed into a sacred ‘Masterpiece.” His meticulous designing reflects both devotion and artistic excellence.

I vividly remember my promise to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja ji (Guru Maharaja ji) in the month of March 2024. He was discussing this particular project with my husband (Rasapriya prabhu) and expressed his concerns and worries. Just like Srila Prabhupada Guru Maharaja ji too desired the temples to be extraordinarily beautiful like palaces for the Supreme Lord. I repeatedly assured him that this would turn out to be very beautiful and he will be amazed when it would be ready.

On the 4th and 5th November my question to all the senior devotees and sanyasis those who all visited the temple on it’s inaugration was “How they found the Temple?”

They lovingly said “Beautiful,” “Magnificent,” “Exquisite,” “Mesmerising,” and it felt as though Guru Maharaja ji’s heart was smiling.

With heartfelt gratitude, I can say that my promise has been kept.

At the Lotus Feet of Guru Maharaj ji, I humbly declare : my promise kept.

Today, as the Sector 45 temple opens its doors, it stands not only as the second ISKCON temple in Gurugram but also as a shining example of what devotees can achieve when inspired by the blessings of Guru Maharaja and united in the service of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116732%20imp

From Beckham to Bhagavad-gita: How a Tattoo Trend Turned Into Bhakti

There’s an old saying in the Hare Krishna movement: “Give someone one of Srila Prabhupada’s book, and you’re actually giving them Krishna.”
Not just a story about Krishna — not even a souvenir related to Krishna — but Krishna Himself, packed into every syllable like a divine USB drive. Srila Prabhupada would say that Krishna is fully present in every word of His books. Which means, by this logic, distributing a Bhagavad-gita is only slightly less intense than handing someone a deity for their altar!

And here is where our story begins.

Years ago, a young Brazilian man bought one of these books from a devotee. At the time, he probably thought it was exotic, mysterious, or at least stylish enough to impress someone. When he took it home, he didn’t read it. He didn’t even open it. He simply placed it on a shelf, where it sat patiently for a full decade — like a spiritual time bomb waiting to go off.

Now, if you know anything about Brazil, you know they take football seriously. Very seriously. It’s practically a scientific religion with its own high priests, one of whom (in the early 2000s) was David Beckham — known worldwide not only for his free kicks but also for the Sanskrit tattoo on his back.

Our Brazilian friend saw this tattoo and thought, “I want one too! Sanskrit looks amazing! And hey… don’t I have a book somewhere with those funny curly letters?”

A lesser man would have googled “cool Sanskrit tattoo.”
A wiser man would have consulted a Sanskrit scholar.
But our hero? He went to his bookshelf.

He dusted off the ten-year-old book, opened it — and instead of flipping straight to the index of Possible Tattoo Ideas, he began to read. The plan was simple: find a phrase that looked deep enough to put permanently on his skin. Something like:

“Fear no man.”

“Trust no one.”

Or the classic: “My mom says I’m special.”

But Krishna, as you know, has a sense of humor — and impeccable timing.

As he read, something happened. The words weren’t just words. Remember: Prabhupada said Krishna is present in every word of His books, which basically makes every page a theological surprise box. And the moment this man opened the book, it wasn’t simply Sanskrit letters anymore — it was Krishna’s mother speaking, because the scriptures are the Vedic mother who introduces us to Krishna.

So he read. Then he read some more.
And then… he didn’t want a tattoo anymore.

He wanted Krishna.

Within months, he became a devotee.
Within a short time after that, his whole family became devotees.
And today, more than ten years later, they are still living in the temple — all because a book distributed long ago finally decided to activate itself.

That is the power of Srila Prabhupada’s books.

As the old devotees used to say, especially in those incredible early days of preaching:
“Just give someone a book. Krishna will take care of the rest.”

And sometimes… He takes care of it in very unexpected, wonderfully humorous ways.

Like starting with a tattoo.

The video below shows Srutakirti Prabhu narrating this story:

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116792

Sixty years after Srila Prabhupada arrived in the West, it is really astonishing to see what he has achieved. Worldwide there are now people from all walks of life taking up the process of bhakti yoga. When travelling and visiting Vaishnava centres, we become more aware of the immensity of what Srila Prabhupada did. I filmed devotees in the London area some time ago but their stories and activities are still relevant today. The spiritual message is eternal.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116790

By Atma Tattva Das,

When Balram Thanki speaks about the mridanga, his voice settles into a steady rhythm of its own. The drum has shaped most of his life, and the memories tied to it come easily to mind when he talks. Personally, the mridanga is history, service, identity, and a teacher all at once for him. That connection sits at the heart of The Mridanga Circle, an online training and community platform that teaches devotees how to play the Mridanga with proper technique, heritage, and devotional understanding.

“It started off as a small project,” he said. “Somehow, a lot of devotees around the world have come to like the content we’re sharing. I’m very grateful for that.” The initiative now offers structured training, community spaces, and teachings grounded in lineages such as Narottam Dās Ṭhākur and other ācāryas who carried forward the tradition of praising the Holy names of Krishna through the revered beats of the Balaram drum.

The story stretches back to his early years, long before the idea of a website ever surfaced.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/the-mridanga-circle-awakens-devotional-rhythm-for-a-new-generation/

By Radha Mohan Dasa 

As part of outreach preaching efforts beyond the UK, Maha Prasad Govinda Das, who lived as a monk at Bhaktivedanta Manor from 1983 to 1990, recently traveled to three prestigious universities across India as a delegate to a Bhagavad Gita conference.

Entitled the “International Gita Mahotsav” conference in India, he, along with other BBT and ISKCON international devotees from Belarus, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Hungary, and China, spoke on topics relating to the Bhagavad-gita and the contributions of the Sanskrit Language to the Modern World.

The conference Venues included Kurukshetra University, Nalanda University in Bihar, and the Sanskrit University in Haridwar. The seminars were attended by university professors, PhDs, students, and other scholars from various international spiritual organisations.

For more about this initiative, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/a-campus-tour-of-gita-wisdom-across-india/

Greetings from the sacred forest of Vrindavan. I feel in my heart very strongly that Krishna keeps on calling everyone in many, many ways. The question is — do we respond to the call of the Lord, or do we allow ourselves to be held back by our fears?

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116786

Nowadays we have to tell people you don’t live to work, you work to live. So just begin with that understanding that your career is not the goal of life. Your career is important. Your career is something you have to put time and energy into. But your career should lead to opportunities to do something amazing in the world. And the most amazing thing as we know is to give spiritual um opportunity to other people. So I would say both of those are valid paths. Some people see their career as their service and by having that influence, by having that um position, they can do amazing things in the world. If you do decide to go on that route, just make sure that in the process of getting to the top of your corporate field, you don’t lose your Krishna consciousness. Sometimes you have to do 60, 70our weeks. And if you end up neglecting your spiritual practice, neglecting spending time with spiritual people, then you might find yourself at the top of your career but with uh not so much spirituality in the heart and then it’s kind of like the operation was successful but the patient died. Um so that’s a valid route but make sure you keep a good basic spiritual practice and there is also something to be said for just simplifying your life. We have so many amazing projects now, stuff you can do outside of your work. And so if you can get to the point where you work smart, so you don’t have to spend 60 or 70 hours in the office, but you can get it all done in 10 or 20 hours and then you can do direct um projects that you want to do or services or whatever.

Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Maharaja delivered a class titled ‘Life Dilemmas – What to Do’ in New York City, USA in July 2025.0:00:00 Pre-roll0:00:32 Class

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116783

Indradyumna Swami and organizers of the US Sadhu Sanga Kirtan Retreat have announced that the 2026 gathering will take place in New Orleans, Louisiana, over Memorial Day Weekend, May 22–25, 2026. The annual event, known for drawing thousands of devotees for immersive kirtan and fellowship, will be held at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans, a 4-star hotel on the banks of the Mississippi River.

The venue offers 1,200 onsite rooms and more than 75,000 square feet of hall space across three large rooms, providing a spacious setting for what is expected to be one of the largest ISKCON gatherings in North America. Organizers anticipate more than 5,000 attendees for the 2026 retreat.

Several leading kirtan leaders have already confirmed their participation, including Sacinandana Swami, Radhanath Swami, Badahari Das, Vaisesika Das, Mukunda Datta Das, Madhava Das, Sri Prahlada Das, and Indradyumna Swami. Additional invitations are pending confirmation from Jayapataka Swami, Sivarama Swami, BB Govinda Swami, Acyuta Gopi, and others. Over the four-day event, participants can look forward to more than 40 hours of kirtan along with prasadam served three times daily.

Organizers note that the 2026 retreat holds special significance, as it coincides with ISKCON’s 60th anniversary. The milestone offers devotees an opportunity to gather in large numbers to chant, dance, and honor the legacy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/sadhu-sanga-kirtan-retreat-announces-2026-location-and-registration-details/

By Yudhisthira Dasa

“The humble sages, by virtue of true knowledge, see with equal vision a learned and gentle brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater [outcaste]” (Bhagavad-gita 5.18).

In Srila Prabhupada’s Purport, he states, “A Kṛiṣhṇa conscious person does not make any distinction between species or castes. The brāhmaṇa and the outcaste may be different from the social point of view, or a dog, a cow, and an elephant may be different from the point of view of species, but these differences of body are meaningless from the viewpoint of a learned transcendentalist. This is due to their relationship to the Supreme Lord; by His plenary portion as Paramātmā, He is present in everyone’s heart. Such an understanding of the Supreme is real knowledge. As far as the bodies are concerned in different castes or different species of life, the Lord is equally kind to everyone because He treats every living being as a friend, yet maintains Himself as Paramātmā regardless of the circumstances of the living entities. The Lord as Paramātmā is present both in the outcaste and in the brāhmaṇa, although the body of a brāhmaṇa and that of an outcaste are not the same.”

This is one of the most quoted verses in the Gita. Why? Because in many ways, this verse contains one of the most penetrating and ISKCON-helpful lessons of all. The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita are progressive and sequential from the first chapter through Chapter 18, where the Gita progresses towards the ultimate goal of existence, which Lord Krishna describes as bhakti (love of God).

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-32-seeing-with-equal-vision/

During his state visit to India, Russian President Vladimir Putin was presented with a copy of the Bhagavad‑gītā translated into Russian. In a post on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote: “The teachings of the Gita give inspiration to millions across the world.”

Source: https://iskconnews.org/pm-modi-gifts-russian-language-bhagavad-gita-to-president-putin-during-state-visit/

Clean-up By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi, 

Mayapur Clean and Green, the environmental initiative led by Murari Mohini Devi Dasi, is inspiring grassroots transformation beyond the borders of the dham. In the small village of Sardanga, located one kilometer from the Jagannath temple in Rajapur, residents are rallying together to turn their neighborhood into a model of cleanliness and beauty, demonstrating how the organization’s vision can spread through community participation.

Cintamani Devi Dasi, who is coordinating a small eco-project in Sardanga where devotees and visitors from Mayapur come to relax in nature, recognized that her neighborhood needed the same care and attention that Mayapur Clean and Green brings to the wider region. The village had become typical of rural Bengal, with weeds and random trees growing unchecked along pathways and residents throwing garbage onto unused land. For months, she looked at the neglected streets and imagined their potential, how simple efforts could create beauty and raise residents’ consciousness. She felt Lord Jagannath sent her the inspiration to begin transforming the area into a place that reflects genuine care.

Drawing directly from Mayapur Clean and Green’s approach, Cintamani Devi Dasi gathered neighbors to propose beautifying their community by cleaning up garbage, removing weeds, and planting flowering trees, bushes, and vines. The response was enthusiastic. Residents immediately embraced the idea and committed to helping. Now, a dedicated group gathers weekly to work together, not only improving their environment but also building relationships through shared effort.

Mayapur Clean and Green has provided crucial support for the initiative, including supplying garbage bins for proper waste disposal. The Sardanga project aims to become a model village that demonstrates how other communities in the surrounding area can adopt similar practices. “We thank Mayapur Clean and Green for their support, and I feel we are doing our part to help and spread awareness of their vision. If we succeed, Sardanga can become a model village that inspires other communities in the surrounding area to follow,” Cintamani Devi Dasi said, expressing how the project carries forward the organization’s mission of spreading environmental awareness and action.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/sardanga-village-embraces-mayapur-clean-and-green-vision-through-community-action/

By Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi

The Annual ISKCON Zone 1 Leaders Conference was held in Montreal with the theme “Feel, Heal, and Be Real.”  Jai Nitai Dasa and Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi were asked to serve as keynote speakers at the meetings, giving presentations on Devotee Care. They were also invited to attend all three days of the meetings and encouraged to contribute their input on the important matters discussed. 

“All the Temple and Centre representatives gave updates and shared best practices in their area,” said Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi, “The mood and way forward from the leaders was geared towards devotee care and ensuring the projects flourish with happy devotees serving within them.” Many of the more than 100 leaders at the event approached Jai Nitai Dasa for advice on setting up a Devotee Care Office in their communities and for a visit to discuss the matter further. “We were inspired that Zone 1 took up the Devotee Care initiative with full vigor and even set a goal for 2026 to establish Devotee Care Offices in every one of its 30-plus centers or Temples. Simply exceptional group of leaders,” said Jai Nitai Dasa.

Jai Nitai Dasa is currently serving as the North American Devotee Care representative and is available to meet with leaders to discuss how he and his wife, Bhava Bhakti Devi Dasi, can provide resources and support for devotee care. 

You can follow the Devotee Care ministry on their Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube pages.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/devotee-care-a-key-priority-for-iskcon-leaders-gathered-in-montreal/

On December 3rd, the Supreme Court of India accepted the review petition of ISKCON India (Reg. in 1971, Mumbai) and agreed to reconsider the decision that ISKCON Karnataka Society (Reg. in 1978) is the owner of the Bangalore Temple. The consequential decision was reached by a three-judge bench comprised of Justice M.M. Sundaresh, Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, and Justice Satish Chandra Sharma of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.

In a detailed press release from ISKCON’s National Communications Office, Yudhistir Govinda Das, Director of Communications for ISKCON India, said, “The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India’s decision to reopen this matter is a significant milestone in bringing out the truth of this case and for the protection of Srila Prabhupada’s global mission.”

To read the full press release, which includes a summary of the case and the evidence, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/indias-supreme-court-agrees-to-reopen-the-bangalore-case/

Over 500 years ago, in the sacred land of Navadvīpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krishna, appeared as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Taking on the golden hue of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, He descended to distribute the yuga-dharma—the congregational chanting of the holy names. Through His boundless compassion, He transformed hearts through kīrtana, love, and devotion, opening the doors of bhakti to the entire world.

Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly expressed his heartfelt desire:
that all devotees gather every year in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma—especially during the time of Gaura Pūrṇimā—to receive mercy, recharge spiritually, and deepen their connection with the mission of Lord Caitanya.

Read more: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/gaura-purnima-festival-schedule-2026
 

By Giriraj Swami

I will never forget the moment when I heard that George Harrison had passed away, shortly after Thanksgiving in 2001. The strength of my feelings of separation surprised me—and made me think how important and dear George must have been to Srila Prabhupada and Sri Krishna. And I remembered my own little experience with George in Bombay.

In 1974 George came to visit Srila Prabhupada at Hare Krishna Land, in Juhu. He was wearing a white kurta and white yogi pants and had a plain bead bag. I took him around the property, and he expressed his appreciation for our work and encouraged us in our efforts. When at twelve-thirty we heard the conch shell blow for raja-bhoga arati, we went to the temple shed, where George chose a pair of kartals and played and sang with the other devotees. Puri dasa, originally from Scotland, was doing the arati, and when he turned to offer the ghee lamp to the devotees and saw George, his hand started trembling so much that he thought he might drop the lamp.

After the arati, I arranged a full plate of maha-prasada for George and, after he ate, accompanied him to meet Prabhupada in his apartment. Prabhupada greeted him warmly, and I left them together and returned to my office.

“Prabhupada was behind his desk, with George in front of him,” Kishor das later described. “I barely remember what was said, but I remember the feeling of love that went back and forth between them. It was tangible. I didn’t really understand what this relationship was. I was young, and here was a big rock star, and a pure devotee of Krishna, and there was I somewhere. But I could just feel this feeling of love that went back and forth between Prabhupada and George.”

About two hours later, a pudgy twelve-year-old boy with glasses—the son of our friend and supporter Pranjivan G. Valia of the “Hare Krishna” house in the Juhu Vile Parle development—came to my small office at the back of the property. “I heard George Harrison is here,” he said.

“Yes,” I replied, “he is.”

“I want to see him,” he stated.

“Well, you can’t. He’s meeting with Srila Prabhupada.”

He looked me straight in the eye, sizing me up, and, concluding that he wasn’t going to get anywhere with me, turned, dashed to the stairs, and bolted down the steps.

Oh my God, I thought. He’s going to try to find him. So I bounded down the stairs in hot pursuit.

I ran across to the next building, and when I reached the second landing, in front of Prabhupada’s flat, I found the door ajar. The boy stood just inside, and beyond him George sat cross-legged with his back erect, like a yogi—a perfect disciple listening attentively at the feet of his master.

With the boy’s abrupt appearance, Prabhupada and George ended their meeting, exchanging some final words. George was gracious and appreciative, Prabhupada affectionate and kind. I was upset that the boy had interrupted them, but they took it as a matter of course. Maybe it was time for the meeting to end; maybe they took it as Krishna’s arrangement.

Shyamasundar and I accompanied George back to the temple shed for darshan of the Deities. He paid full dandavats, lying completely flat on the floor before Them for a long time, and then left.

The next year, on a morning walk in Sanand, Gujarat, Prabhupada recalled the meeting: “He is very nice boy—George. I have studied. Very good boy. He showed me in Bombay. He came to see me in Bombay, last year. He is keeping Jagannatha within his bead bag and chanting.”

I and many thousands—perhaps millions—of people are thankful to George for all the service he rendered to Srila Prabhupada and the Krishna consciousness movement, for making the holy name of Lord Krishna—the Hare Krishna maha-mantra—and the principles of Krishna consciousness so accessible to people all over the world and for attracting so many souls to the all-attractive Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna.

Hare Krishna.

1. The Story of Durvasa Muni and King Ambarisha (SB 9)

Sri Sukadeva Goswami narrates how Durvasa Muni, after being completely satisfied and transformed by King Ambarisha’s humility and devotion, glorifies the king, takes permission, and travels through the spaceways to Brahmaloka.

Brahmaloka is described as a realm free from agnostics and dry philosophical speculation, where everyone is self-realized.

Durvasa travels without a spacecraft because great mystic yogis can move between planets by yogic perfection.

Some planets (like Siddhaloka) naturally possess such abilities.

Durvasa’s purpose in visiting Brahmaloka is to show how a devotee of Krishna surpasses yogis, jnanis, and all other beings.

2. Multi-Dimensional Universe

The universe has many dimensions beyond the three physical ones plus time.

Yogis can access higher realms just like different “channels” or frequencies—similar to how a phone or radio accesses many unseen signals.

Travel between planets uses cosmic routes, “slingshot” methods, or spiritual passages.

3. The Value of Hearing From the Bhagavatam

While most people fill their lives with mundane news, sports, money-making advice, or trivial entertainment, devotees are fortunate to hear from Sukadeva Goswami, who leads them out of the dark material world toward Godhead.

4. Dangers of Agnosticism and Mental Speculation

People often reject scripture because it’s “too simple” and leaves no room to speculate.

But this simplicity is clarity, not inferiority.

Speculators remain trapped in the lower material planets because even to reach higher heavenly realms one must follow Vedic dharma.

Dry agnostics remain entangled in the cycle of suffering symbolized by Durga’s trident (threefold miseries: other beings, material nature, and one’s own body/mind).

5. Why Devotees Are Dear to Krishna

According to Vishvanatha Chakravarti Thakura:

Krishna relishes bhakti through His devotees.

The duality of jiva and Paramatma allows relationship—love, service, exchange, rasa.

Krishna enjoys revealing His sweetness and opulence through interactions with devotees (e.g., saving them from demons, accepting service, reciprocating rasa).

Devotees allow Krishna to display His many moods—friendship, heroism, love, etc.

Devotees sacrifice everything to please Krishna, as shown by saints and by Srila Prabhupada coming to the West.

6. Importance of Not Offending Devotees

The speaker warns he will soon return to the topic of offenses to devotees:

Offending a devotee causes pain directly to Krishna’s heart, because Krishna lives in the devotee’s heart and the devotee lives in His.

Therefore, devotee-offense (vaishnava-aparadha) is extremely dangerous.

The lecture intends to explain:
A) Why it’s dangerous,
B) What to do if we commit such an offense.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116776