Responding swiftly to Gajendra’s fervent plea, Lord Vishnu, mounted atop his Vahana Garuda, hastened to the scene. Witnessing the divine approach, Gajendra, in an act of profound devotion, raised a lotus with his trunk. Pleased by this heartfelt gesture, Lord Vishnu wielded his Sudarshana Chakra, severing the crocodile’s head and liberating Gajendra from mortal peril.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116415

By Atma Tattva Das

Across continents and cultures, from Russia to Vietnam, Greece to India, crowds have stopped mid-stride to watch a river of color glide through their streets. Women in coordinated saris dance in rhythmic unity, cymbals shimmering as Krishna’s holy names rise through the air. This joyful vision, both elegant and devotional, is a model to many of how Harinam Sankirtan can be presented to the public.

At its center stands Nilachala Devi Dasi, sankirtan leader of Nitya Harinam, a collective of Hare Krishna devotees from across Russia who unite to create a harmonious, aesthetically radiant presentation of the holy name. With more than 1.4 million followers across social platforms, Nilachala’s service has inspired similar initiatives worldwide, bridging sacred art and public outreach, and reminding the world that beauty itself can preach. 

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/grace-in-motion-vaishnavi-inspires-harinam-sankritan-worldwide/

On September 15-16, 2025, Georgetown University convened religious leaders and scholars for a major two-day conference commemorating the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian religions.

The event, titled “Nostra Aetate at 60: Legacy and Challenges for Reconciliation and Interreligious Understanding,” was co-sponsored by Georgetown’s Office of the President, the Berkley Center for Religion, Peace, and World Affairs, and the American Jewish Committee (AJC).

The gathering provided a timely reflection on Nostra Aetate’s enduring legacy of dialogue and reconciliation — and how its principles can be applied in today’s increasingly divided and uncertain global climate.

The first day focused on the Church’s relationship with the Jewish people, while the second day broadened the discussion to include Islam and what the organizers termed “the Dharmic religions.” Archbishop Felix Machado, a bishop-member of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Anuttama Dasa, Global Minister of Communications for the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), opened day two by tracing Nostra Aetate’s evolving influence in interreligious relations. To watch his presentation, click here.

“It is significant that in 1965, the same year that His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada landed in the West to launch his international mission, the Catholic Church was closing Vatican Council II and released this important document Nostra Aetate,” said Anuttama Dasa. “It represents the first time the Catholic Church officially recognized the value of other religious traditions and teachings and opened the door for an era of interfaith dialogue and cooperation.”

“So, it was important that representatives of Srila Prabhupada and the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition were invited to this conference at Georgetown University, the first Jesuit university in America. We shared reflections on the document’s significance and how it helped open the door to interfaith dialogue between the Catholic Church and major world religions such as Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism.”

It is stated in the Kārttika-māhātmya section of the Padma Purāṇa:

śuklāṣṭamī kārttike tu

smṛtā gopāṣṭamī budhaiḥ

tad-dinād vāsudevo ‘bhūd

gopaḥ pūrvaṁ tu vatsapaḥ

“The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kārttika is known by authorities as Gopāṣṭamī. From that day, Lord Vāsudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.”

The word padaiḥ indicates that Lord Kṛṣṇa blessed the earth by walking on her surface with His lotus feet. The Lord wore no shoes or other footgear but walked barefoot in the forest, giving great anxiety to the girls of Vṛndāvana, who feared that His soft lotus feet would be injured.

Krsna said at that time that the cows are worshiped even by the demigods, and He practically demonstrated how to protect the cows. At least people who are in Krsna consciousness should follow in His footsteps and give all protection to the cows.

Cows are worshiped not only by the demigods. Krsna Himself worshiped the cows on several occasions, especially on the days of Gopastami and Govardhana-puja.

Source: https://ramaiswami.com/gopastami-4/

By Parsada dasi

During kartik last year, a very dear friend of mine, Padma visted Sri Vrindavan Dham, and a sincere devotee for many years. She arrived a day after the much celebrated Gopastami festival. As we made our way to the ISKCON goshala that afternoon, I described to her our Gopastami festival, where our Srimati Radharani is dressed as the cowherd boy Subal and at this time Her devotees relish the sweet darshan of Her lotus feet, the only time in the year except Radhastami. On this wonderful day also Their Lordships Krsna and Balaram visits Their cows at the gosala, riding on a palanquin lead by the vibrant chanting and dancing of the devotees. You can’t help but notice Their appreciative smiles as They examine Their calves, bulls and cows.
The whole day devotees are plunged into an ecstasy of dramas, lectures, exotic prasadam and go-seva.

She was really sorry for having missed the festival.

I asked her what she thought about the Supreme Personality of Godhead appearing as a cowherd boy in Vraja.
“Come to think about it, it never struck me as something important, I just took it for granted, you know, it’s in all of Prabhupada’s lectures, books and purports. Its there, and something I accepted without much thought.”

What she said next shocked me.

“What to speak of realizing Krsna as a cowherd boy, I have never touched a cow in my life! I have been to Vrindavan a few times but between my kids, the husband, their getting sick, the morning program, parikramas, loi bazaar and the MVT restaurant, there was no time for the cows. We often saw the stray cows but my kids were too scared to go anywhere near them. I know I should have spared some time to visit the goshala, for them to get used to the cows but we never had enough time. Today will be my first visit and without my family, I should feel guilty but somehow don’t. My mom is taking good care of them. Thank you very much for bringing me.” she said.

“Its only fair then that I should introduce you to the bliss of serving Krsna’s cows and have an inkling of why the Supreme Personality of Godhead appeared as a cowherd boy”
“I am the humble servant of Krsna’s cows, please lead the way!” she said laughingly.

As were entered our ISKCON goshala, the smell of cow dung, cow urine and freshly copped grass filled the air. A few cowherd women were busy picking up cow-dung in a metal pan; a few young boys were washing the cowsheds with buckets of water and else were the cowherd men were leading the bulls out of the sheds into the sunshine. Over the loudspeakers, Prabhupada’s sweet bhajans played in the background.

I watched the happy look on my friends face and gave her, her first assignment, “Please take that pan from this mataji and you go to that part of the barn and fill it up with cow-dung.”
With an amazed look her face, she turned to me, “You can’t be serious!” she said. After giving her a practical demonstration, she went down on her knees and picked up her first handful of cow-dung. And in no time she had the pan filled up. She was having so much fun; she then carried it on her head and took it to the area where it would be made into cow-dung cakes. Sitting among the ladies who were already making them, she made over a dozen cow-dung cakes!

Next we got buckets and filled them with fresh sweet water and she carried them to every cow in the shed, it was tiring for she is not one to do menial labor. “Keeping a maid has made me lazy”, she quipped as she placed the bucket next to Jamuna a beautiful white cow who gave birth a week ago, her udders full, Jamuna drank up all the water and mooed for more.
Giving her back a massage, she panted, “Could I take a break now?” “Sure” I replied. We went over to where the baby calves were kept, there were about five of them sitting huddled together enjoying the sunshine. That did it, she crouched down picked up Jamuna’s baby, placed him on her lap and began caressing and kissing him. Every time he jolted back, she held him tighter. “You are sooooooooo beautiful, eh, sooooooooo beautiful!” And beautiful he was, white as snow except for his forehead and the tip of his tail, which has a sprinkling of brown. She looked at me, “He is mine! I want to take him home, my boys will love him”

“Of course you can take him home, in your heart, and photos should suffice for your boys, till you bring them to Vrindavan.” I said.
“Can’t believe the fun I am having, it’s like another world”
“It is another world,” I said.

After much hesitation she put the calf down. “Give him a name” I said. She looked up at me surprised, “Gosh! I can name him too! ok, I will call him Jamuna Priya, I will never forget him.”
“Alright, its time to feed the cows laddus,” I said. “Oh! Wonderful! Let’s get those laddus.” After we got a basket full of laddus, she wanted to know what they were made of, “jaggery and coarse wheat,” I said. “They smell yummy, are they good for human consumption?” she asked jokingly.

She went around feeding the cows and big calves laddus and at one time she let out a scream, “They have teeth! One just bit me!”

I examined her fingers, “You got the mercy, and I said, millions of your sinful activities have been destroyed, you will be ok.” “Oh, really, and how does that work?” she questioned.
“You see, the 33 million demigods live in the body of these cows, especially these ones with the silky soft skin folds at the neck, lotus eyes and the huge hump on the back. Also residing in their bodies are the nine planets. Remember that time when you sent me an email saying me that your husband was in his saturn period?”

“Yes, I never knew this, so instead of doing this and all the other things, my mother-in-law insisted I do the Shiva puja, Durga puja and read the Hanuman Chalisa, we could have just worshipped Go-mata, why didn’t you tell me?”
“At that time I was also not aware of the importance of worshipping Krsna’s cows. Its only by their causeless mercy, I can render some service to them. Its getting closer to milking time, we have a few minutes left, lets go brush Luxman, my favorite bull, he sometimes bring Krsna Balaram’s milk to the temple.” I said.

We went over to Luxman lying with the other bulls under the pipal trees, as soon as he saw us he got up and held up his head high, a huge copper red bull. I pulled out from my bag a special brush, with firm bristles to brush Luxman. “Krishna! He is such a big bull, you sure he will not toss me back to my hellish country,” she retorted staying a little distance away. “Not at all, He is the gentlest and sweetest of all the bulls in the goshala” I said as I began brushing Luxman under the neck, on his back, the hump, between his horns, his head. He loved it.
Seeing how much he was enjoying the brushing, my friend grabbed the brush from my hands saying “Come on, give me the brush, you are too slow, Luxman wants a full body brush, I am expert in these things, having a husband and two sons, you know!!”

I laughed as she got into the swing of brushing Luxman, he loved it so much so, that he practically fell asleep while standing up and after some time he sat done and dozed off, not before she put a couple of laddus in his enormous mouth.
Hugging me as we went to the milking pen, my friend with tears in her eyes said, “Thank you, I never knew cows can be such lovable, sweet and gentle animals, no wonder Krsna loved them so much, I cannot in my wildest dreams ever think, I would ever feel so much happiness and closer to Krsna.”
“It’s not over yet, you have to milk at least one cow and then we will together relish the chanting of the Lords holy name amongst the cows” I said.
As we entered the milking pen, the cowherd men had the milking cows back legs tied with ropes and into a silver pail fell thick, creamy white milk as they gently pressed the udders between their thumbs and forefingers, continuous streams of frothy milk fell into the pails.

My friend could contain herself no longer; she squatted besides Shyam the cowherd boy. He gave her a crimson smile and taught her how to milk Kalindi, at first Kalindi protested, after repeated attempts my friend finally milked her first cow! It was a historical moment. She was jubilant; she danced, gave me repeated hugs, kissed Kalindi and hugged Shyam as well!

As the milking went on, we sat under the kadamba tree, surrounded by Krsna’s beloved cows and with our minds fixed on the Lords holy name, chanted five rounds.
“This is the best japa, I ever did, and everything seems so mystical and pure. It seems as if I am in another time zone, actually it seems as if I am closer to Krsna, a truly unbelievable experience, something to relish, cherish and keep locked away in the heart. We lead such hectic lives, twenty four seven, its about work, money, keeping house, seeing to the kids, pleasing the in-laws, my husband just a promotion and we hardly see him, I make it to the temple on Sunday’s but its not enough, I want to do more, what can I do, please tell me what I can do for the cows?” She said looking at me.

I smiled, gave her a hug and told her to share her experience with others, just as the holy names are non-different from Krsna, He can never be separated from His beloved cows in Vraja. “Also promote go-seva amongst your friends and family members and support this project according to your means.”

“I will” she said. As we made our way back to the temple she picked up a dried cow-dung patty and put it in her bag, looking at me, she said “ for memories and purifying my home and heart.”

suklastami karttike tu
smrta gopastami budhaih
tad-dinad vasudevo ‘bhud
gopah purvam tu vatsapah

“The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Kartik is known by authorities as Gopastami. From that day, Lord Vasudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.”
-Srimad Bhagavatam 10.15.1, translation

Many important pastimes take place on Gopastami. One pastime takes place on this day a few years after Krishna first started tending the cows. On this day, Jatila once forbade Srimati Radhika to perform her customary puja at the distant Surya Kunda, concerned that her daughter-in-law was spending too much time outside home. Being restricted to the confinement of her in-laws’ house, Sri Radha felt dejected and began to cry an ocean of tears– of what use was Her life if it was devoid of Her Prananath, Krishna?

Krishna was waiting nearby, waiting for His Prana-sakhi to come, but once He learned that She was confined and not allowed to come, His zeal turned to sorrow. Feeling intense separation, Sri Madhava tearfully exclaimed to His dear friend Subala, “O friend! I place My life in your hands. Bring Radha here one way or another.”

Subala looked at the other boys for help, and received nothing. He replied with deep empathy, “Friend! How can I bring Her here in broad daylight? Wait until nightfall. Then Your desire will be fulfilled.”

Krishna wasn’t content with this answer; He felt that with every passing moment, a millennium passed by, and surely within a few hours, He would meet His bitter end. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, Subala headed to the house of Abhimanyu.

Subala’s family is closely connected with Abhimanyu’s, so he was able to enter the house unsuspected and unannounced. As fate would have it, he was able to go all the way to Srimati Radharani’s quarters without being noticed. Knowing Subala to be a priya-narma-sakha, or extremely intimate friend of Sri Krishna, the gopis welcomed him in, and explained the entire situation. Seeing that his dear friend Krishna and Sri Radha suffered from the same disease, and would meet the same end, Subala devised a plan.

According to Sri Sri Radha Krishna Ganoddesa Dipika, Subala is a twelve-and-a-half year old gopa, whose luster, complexion and facial features are very similar to those of Srimati Radharani. In order to make his plan work, he and Sri Radha would have to trade clothes. Once they had dressed in each other’s clothes, a wandering calf looking for its mother passed by. On the orders of Subala, Lalita Devi quickly dispatched some girls who quickly returned, pushing and pulling the reluctant calf.

To reassure Radharani and Her friends that his scheme was foolproof, Subala boldly spoke the following words: “Friends! I will remain in the house and pretend to be a sick Radha. Meanwhile, She will leave to meet with Krishna dressed as me, carrying this calf to conceal the only visible difference between us.” They all laughed and applauded his quick thinking.

Without further delay, Srimati Radhika lifted the calf in Her arms and walked out of Her chambers, while Subala stayed inside. She went down the hall and out into the open courtyard. Unaware that Subala had previously entered, Jatila and Kutila, Srimati Radharani’s mother-in-law and sister-in-law, were surprised to see Subala leaving. Before they could say anything, clever Radha said in a perfect imitation of Subala’s voice, “This rowdy calf has run amok! Straying from the herd, it ran into your house. I will take it back and tie it up with its mother so it doesn’t run away, but I must hurry so that the herd of Nanda’s son can move on.”

At the mention of Krishna, Jatila’s attention shifted from “Subala’s” surprising presence to the dangers posed by Krishna’s being near her home and daughter-in-law. Raising her hand in blessing she said, “Quickly, take your calf to its mother and let the herd continue to the pastures. The further a certain black cowherd is from this house the more secure is the integrity of my family. Now go!”

Lowering Her head to hide Her irrepressible smile, Sri Radhika answered in Subala’s voice, “As you order, mother. As you order,” and walked right out. Subala’s plan had worked! Reunited at last, Sri Radha and Madhava enjoyed wonderful pastimes together.

On Gopastami day in Sri Mayapur Dham, Sri Sri Radha Madhava are offered a special, brand new outfit made by the combined efforts of the Mayapur community. This is the only day of the year on which the lotus feet of Srimati Radhika and the gopis are seen, because on this day Srimati Radharani and Her gopi friends go out to see Madhava herd the cows and They hold up Their skirts so that the skirts don’t get dirtied with mud and cow dung.

On this day, all the devotees head to the ISKCON Mayapur Goshala to worship, feed, brush and play with the cows. Some matajis and even prabhus dress up as gopas with dhotis and beautiful turbans to enter into the festive atmosphere. After all, it is the glorious day when Sri Madhava got promoted from herding calves to herding cows. There is wonderful katha by many esteemed senior devotees, talking about the glories of our mother the cow, and the pastime of Gopastami.

After a wonderful session, a beautiful yajna (fire sacrifice) takes place, which signifies Madhava reaching the age of pauganda (six to ten), and now being old enough to herd the cows. Once the yajna is completed, an arati is performed to Mother Cow, followed by bathing and cleaning the cows. Once they are nicely cleaned, the devotees feed the cows many treats, such as chapattis and gur, fresh green grass, and fruits and vegetables. To conclude the festival, a delicious feast is served to all the devotees who participated in the festival.

*resources: Srimad Bhagavatam; pastime adapted from HH Sivarama Swami’s Nava Vraja Mahimamrta; Vedabase

Today is Gopastami, the day on which Krishna and Balarama and other boys Their age, who previously had tended the calves, were given charge of the cows. This event is described in Srimad-Bhagavatam (10.15.1):

tatas ca pauganda-vayah-sritau vraje
  babhuvatus tau pasu-pala-sammatau
gas carayantau sakhibhih samam padair
  vrndavanam punyam ativa cakratuh

“When Lord Rama and Lord Krsna attained the age of pauganda [six to ten] while living in Vrndavana, the cowherd men allowed Them to take up the task of tending the cows. Engaging thus in the company of Their friends, the two boys rendered the land of Vrndavana most auspicious by imprinting upon it the marks of Their lotus feet.”

As stated in the purport, “Since Lord Krsna’s spiritual body had apparently grown slightly in age and strength, the senior men of Vrndavana, headed by Nanda Maharaja, decided to promote Krsna from the task of herding calves to the status of a regular cowherd boy. He would now take care of the full-grown cows, bulls, and oxen. Out of great affection, Nanda Maharaja had previously considered Krsna too small and immature to take care of full-grown cows and bulls. It is stated in the Karttika-mahatmya section of the Padma Purana:

suklastami karttike tu
  smrta gopastami budhaih
tad-dinad vasudevo ’bhud
  gopah purvam tu vatsapah

‘The eighth lunar day of the bright fortnight of the month of Karttika is known by authorities as Gopastami. From that day, Lord Vasudeva served as a cowherd, whereas previously He had tended the calves.’

“The word padaih indicates that Lord Krsna blessed the earth by walking on her surface with His lotus feet. The Lord wore no shoes or other footgear but walked barefoot in the forest, giving great anxiety to the girls of Vrndavana, who feared that His soft lotus feet would be injured.”

The celebration was meant for only the cowherd men and boys, but Srimati Radharani also wanted to enjoy the fun, and so, because of Her resemblance to Subala-sakha, she donned his dhoti and other garments and joined Krishna. Thus, on this occasion, in temples in Vrindavan and elsewhere, Srimati Radharani is dressed as a cowherd boy.

The Lord is very kindly disposed toward the cows and the brahmans (go-brahmana-hitaya), and whoever serves them becomes dear to Him, too. Knowing this, devotees observe a special festival on the Gopastami day, dedicated to the worship of cows. In Vrindavan especially, but also the world over, devotees begin the festival by brushing the cows, painting their horns and bodies with artistic designs, and hanging flower garlands around their necks. Then a cow and her calf are selected, and an arati is offered to them. During the arati, devotees sing the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, and then they feed the cow, her calf, and indeed the entire herd, bananas, balls of gur (jaggery), and fresh grasses. Some devotees also recite the following mantra (Hari-bhakti-vilasa 16.252):

agratah santu me gavo
  gavo me santu prsthatah
gavo me parsvatah santu
  gavam madhye vasamyaham

“May cows stay in front of me. May cows stay behind me. May cows stay on both sides of me. May I always reside in the midst of cows.”

Hare Krishna.

Yours in service,
Giriraj Swami

Source: https://girirajswami.com/blog/?p=19437

In this thoughtful reflection for Religious News Service (RNS), Joshua M. Greene (Yogeshvara Dasa) recalls his memorable 90-minute conversation with Jane Goodall during the 2000 United Nations World Peace Summit. Though surrounded by religious dignitaries in robes and rituals, Goodall stood out by speaking of nature itself as sacred rather than relying on institutional affiliations.

Greene notes that Goodall’s legacy challenges believers of any faith to reconsider how we relate to the natural world: the truest test of faith, he argues, is whether we treat Earth and all its inhabitants with reverence and care.

To read or listen to the full article, click here.

Source: https://iskconnews.org/yogeshvara-dasa-reflects-on-jane-goodalls-sacred-vision-of-nature/

By Aseem Krishna Das 

A grand Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Shobha Yatra Festival was organized in the Karnal district of Haryana from 10th September to 5th October 2025. This year, the Shobha Yatra was held at three different locations across Karnal. The local congregation was fully engaged and absorbed throughout the entire month-long festival, spreading the holy names of the Lord and experiencing divine ecstasy.

The devotees organized a series of events leading up to the auspicious month of Kartik. Brahmacharis and Sankirtan devotees were invited from various parts of India, and around forty devotees gathered to take part in the celebrations. The atmosphere was surcharged with love and devotion as both local and visiting devotees filled the city and surrounding villages with the chanting of the holy names of the Lord. They also personally invited residents to participate in the grand Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Shobha Yatra, which took place at three different locations in the district. Moreover, the boys from Bhaktivedanta Gurukul, Karnal, performed yajñas at various sites throughout the city, invoking auspiciousness for everyone.

The beautiful deities of Lord Krishna and Lord Balaram, gorgeously decorated with fresh flowers, were seated on a magnificently adorned chariot and taken out in a joyous procession. The first procession was held in Gharaunda Tehsil, followed by Nilokheri Tehsil, and finally in Karnal city. Hundreds and thousands of people participated in these processions, joyfully pulling the divine chariot and inviting the Lord into their hearts with ropes of love. Abundant prasadam was distributed from the chariot, and thousands of people relished the love feast at the conclusion of each procession.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/month-long-krishna-balaram-shobha-yatra-enlivens-karnal-with-devotion/

Sri Mayapur Dham, the spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), recently witnessed a heart-touching and memorable celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day — a day that evokes both gratitude and reverence in the hearts of devotees worldwide.

A Morning of Love and Remembrance

The day began early at 7:00 a.m., as hundreds of devotees gathered to participate in a beautiful Harinam procession, carrying Srila Prabhupada’s murti on a gorgeously decorated palanquin. The procession gracefully made its way to the Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, accompanied by joyful chanting of the holy names, kartals, and mridangas that filled the air with transcendental vibration.

Devotees, godbrothers, disciples, well-wishers, and senior Vaisnavas walked together — each step offered in love and gratitude. The atmosphere was surcharged with devotion as flower petals showered the palanquin, honoring the great soul who brought Krishna consciousness to every corner of the world.

Remembering the Acharya Who Transformed the World

Throughout the celebration, everyone was reminded of the incredible contribution Srila Prabhupada made — not only to ISKCON, but to all of humanity. His compassion, courage, and dedication awakened spiritual consciousness globally, fulfilling Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy that “in every town and village, the holy name of Krishna will be heard.”

Many senior devotees, disciples, well-wishers, and godbrothers shared heartfelt memories and realizations about Srila Prabhupada — each one a living testimony to his ongoing spiritual presence and the transformative power of his mission.

A Glimpse Into His Life Through Drama

In the afternoon session, the Mayapur Youth presented a captivating drama depicting the life of Srila Prabhupada — from his early years in Calcutta to his extraordinary journey across the seas and the establishment of ISKCON worldwide. The performance beautifully portrayed his faith, struggles, and surrender to Krishna, leaving everyone deeply inspired.

Honoring the Next Generation

A special highlight of the celebration was the award ceremony for Mayapur school children, recognizing their creativity, enthusiasm, and devotion. These competitions and activities were inspired and encouraged by HG Jamāshtami Prabhu, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who has been consistently guiding and urging that the children be actively engaged and carried along in such meaningful ways.

Under his inspiration, many children participated in art competitions, essay writing, reading sessions from Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, and other devotional presentations, all centered on learning and nurturing seeds of devotion that will continue to blossom as they grow.

Evening of Devotion

As the sun began to set, the celebrations resumed at 5:00 p.m. with soulful kirtans, enlightening kathas, and a heartfelt offering of lamps. The temple courtyard glowed with hundreds of diyas, symbolizing the light of bhakti that Srila Prabhupada kindled in millions of hearts around the world.

His Eternal Presence in Mayapur

Though Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence departed this world in 1977, his spiritual presence continues to illuminate Mayapur and the hearts of devotees everywhere. His teachings, his books, and his example live forever, guiding generations on the path of bhakti.

“He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him.”

As the day concluded with the chanting of the holy names and the sweet remembrance of Srila Prabhupada, it was clear that he was truly there — smiling upon his spiritual family, pleased to see the mission of Lord Caitanya flourishing with such love and unity.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who gave the world the holy name, the light of divine knowledge, and the eternal hope of returning home, back to Godhead.

Source: https://www.mayapur.com/en/blog/the-glorious-legacy-of-our-eternal-founder-acharya

“The spirit of Govardhan Puja”, The deeper meaning and mood behind the celebration of Govardhan Puja, explained by Radhanath Swami himself. Kartik Yatra 2025: a devotional pilgrimage during the sacred Kartik month celebrated with deep spiritual practices like kirtan (chanting), kathas (spiritual discourses), and parikrama (holy walks).

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116340

When we sit in kirtan, we can shut out all the other lamps that light our path to the world—our fame, our money, our material attachments and desires, our plans, aspirations, inclinations, etc., and make this a time with Krishna.

One good practice that I always like to do is to imagine myself sitting before Krishna. It could be an altar, in a temple. It could be the spiritual world, as I have heard about it. And then I sing for Him and for Srimati Radharani, alone.

By spending this time alone with Krishna, in that consciousness, ‘I’m now with Them,’ so much benefit comes! So many good feelings melt the heart, so that the real desires, the real inclinations, and the real plans start to manifest automatically.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116387

Event Highlight: The post promotes the Kartik Nabadwip Mandal Parikrama 2025, a spiritual pilgrimage organized by ISKCON Mayapur.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116398

By Nitai Madhav Das  

The ICC Book Distribution Committee successfully organized the Bharat Sankirtan Leaders Sanga on the 23rd and 24th of September 2025 at ISKCON NVCC, Pune. Around 150 devotees — temple sankirtan leaders, senior book distributors, and preachers — gathered from all over India. The atmosphere was filled with devotion, enthusiasm, and gratitude as devotees came together with one purpose: to strengthen Śrīla Prabhupāda’s book distribution mission and keep the sankirtan spirit alive in every temple.

Many participants shared how much this sanga encouraged them. Over the years, as more focus shifted to congregation preaching, youth programs, and fundraising, many full-time sankirtan devotees had begun to feel left behind. This gathering gave them fresh hope and strength. They expressed deep gratitude to the organizers, saying they now felt reconnected and valued in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission once again.

A special highlight was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to Bhima Das (ACBSP) for his decades of selfless service in book distribution. His humility and lifelong dedication towards the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books moved everyone. Other senior devotees reminded all present how one devotee’s tireless effort can ignite the fire of sankirtan in countless others.

The Sanga also featured an inspiring panel on “Making Book Distribution Central and Mainstream in Temples,” facilitated by Nitai Madhava Das, with Sahadeva Das, Mohanrupa Das, Baladeva Das, Sitaram Das, Sriram Das, Kalanath Caitanya Das, and others on the panel, giving solutions to challenges that devotees face in making sankirtan mainstream. They discussed how leadership by example, better training, and genuine care for distributors can revive the sankirtan spirit. Devotees were reminded that book distribution is not just about numbers — it is an act of devotion that pleases Śrīla Prabhupāda and transforms hearts.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/bharat-sankirtan-leaders-sanga-inspires-book-distribution-efforts-in-india/

By Atma Tattva Das,

The 12th Annual Bhaktivedanta Swami Lecture (BSL), hosted in partnership between the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Africa (BBTA) and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), marked a milestone in ISKCON’s academic engagement in South Africa. This year’s event took the shape of a full-scale academic conference, celebrating fifty years since His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s arrival in the country.

For the first time, devotees, scholars, and professionals shared a platform to discuss how Vedic wisdom can contribute to addressing the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/vedic-wisdom-meets-academia-at-bhaktivedanta-lecture/

By Prabhavati Gopi Devi Dasi 

The Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) in Vṛndāvana has announced new seva opportunities for devotees interested in contributing their professional and devotional skills. The institute seeks qualified candidates for various educational, administrative, and technical services, both onsite and online, to support its expanding educational mission.

The Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) has announced seva opportunities for devotees worldwide to dedicate their skills in the service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Govinda, Śrīla Prabhupāda, and the Vaiṣṇava community.

Established by disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda, the VIHE is a parā-vidyālaya—an institute dedicated to imparting transcendental knowledge and nurturing devotion through śāstra, sādhu-saṅga, and practical service. For nearly three decades, the VIHE has served thousands of devotees through Bhakti-śāstrī, Bhakti-vaibhava, and other devotional courses and retreats, both onsite in Vṛndāvana and online.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/join-the-vihe-mission-seva-opportunities-in-education-and-service/

Barsana – the divine abode of Srimati Radharani. Come, let’s walk together through the enchanting, winding paths of Barsana — a sacred wonderland where the divine mercy of Srimati Radharani showers unconditionally. Our journey takes us through the narrow pass of Sankari Khor, where Krishna playfully stopped the gopis, demanding butter as tax before letting them pass. After joyful harinam sankirtan through the famous village of Chiksauli, we pause at Krishna Kund to hear the delightful pastimes of Madhumangal. From there, we visit Mor Kutir, where Radha and Krishna dance as peacock and peahen. High on the hill, we’ll see Maan Mandir, the sacred place where Radharani, in a loving mood, became “angry” (maan) with Krishna.
Next, we enter the mysterious Gahvar Van, the delightful forest on Barsana Hill, and rest at Danbihari Mandir, where we’ll hear about the charity (dan) given by Krishna Himself! Our journey continues through the magnificent Jaipur Mandir, admired for its splendid architecture and intricate paintings. Our main stop will be the Sriji Temple, where we’ll behold the most precious darshan of Sri Sri Ladli Lal. Descending the stairway, we’ll arrive at Pili Pokhar, relishing the wonderful pastimes of the Yellow Kunda.

Our parikrama group spent several days in Kolkata, visiting the sacred and historic sites associated with Śrīla Prabhupāda. During our stay, we observed Śrīla Prabhupāda’s disappearance day at his birthplace. We also visited Ulta Danga where he first met his spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. The property is now owned by ISKCON, which has renovated it most beautifully. On our last day we visited the Baghbazar temple established by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati. The whole stay in Kolkata was a deeply inspiring and uplifting experience.

Source: https://www.dandavats.com/?p=116372

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By Yudhisthira Dasa

Honesty and mercy (grace) are foundational to our spiritual growth. When we cultivate these qualities, they can propel us forward on our spiritual journey; when they (kindness and compassion) are absent, our progress can be blocked indefinitely.

Yes, Krishna’s grace is always present, an ever-expanding gift of love, and this grace is available at every moment of our lives. However, to rely entirely on mercy to “save us” – even though God is perfectly capable of immediately propelling us “back home, back to Godhead” – is not God’s strategy.

Read more: https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-31-gods-positioning-system/