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Praghosa Prabhu reflects on the universal role of the guru in Krishna consciousness, emphasizing that the soul is not defined by bodily distinctions such as gender. Citing multiple statements from Srila Prabhupada, he argues that spiritual qualification—not gender—is the true criterion for becoming a guru. Srila Prabhupada explicitly encouraged all his disciples, men and women alike, to become spiritual masters, even stating this on his own Vyasa Puja day.

The talk notes that the GBC acknowledge

Personal spiritual journey that began in a nominally Methodist upbringing, passed through a brief period in Mormonism, and eventually led to the practice of Krishna consciousness after meeting early Hare Krishna devotees in Ohio in the late 1960s. Inspired by vegetarianism, yoga, and spiritual philosophy, the speaker wrote to Srila Prabhupada and received a defining reply: one need not abandon one’s existing faith but should learn to love God through chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and associat

Yogesvara das: In February 1970, shortly after joining the London Hare Krishna devotees in their temple off Oxford Street, we were visited by a warlock, a male witch. London had an active community of occultists in those days (the Swedenborg Society, for example, named after an 18th century Swedish spirit-channeler, had its offices just next door), and the Krishna temple attracted hundreds of unusual visitors including yogis, sorcerers, and ecstatics who would pretend to fall into a trance and r

By Atma Tattva Das, 

Harita Madhavi Devi Dasi is a Krishna-conscious practitioner who uses rap as a contemporary medium for devotional preaching. Appearing on stage in full devotional attire, she delivers mantra-infused verses that introduce audiences to the core teachings of bhakti-yoga through rhythm and rhyme. Based in Mayapur, her work reflects a growing effort within ISKCON to engage younger generations through culturally familiar forms while remaining rooted in traditional practice.

Read

Early 70s, the Hare Krishna Movement
North America enjoyed a great recruitment
We were a growing, glowing family
A blessed bunch existing happily
Prabhupada’s “boys and girls” flourished
Under his mercy we were nourished
The temple room was a divided place
Both genders occupied equal space
Both dhotis and saris were there at prayer
And basically duties were a joyful share
From puja to cooking, chanting, books, fundraising
The focus was Krishna receiving the praising

Source: https://www.dandavat

By Giriraj Swami

Today is Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Prabhupada’s appearance day. We have heard about His Divine Grace already. Today is also the disappearance day of HH Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja. He left on Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura’s appearance day.

I remember the first time we celebrated Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s appearance day. I was a new devotee in Boston temple in early 1970, and Srila Prabhupada instructed us how to observe the appearance day of the spiritual

Dhruva Maharaja dasa: I put this slideshow/video together for a class on Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati’s Appearance day this Saturday at the Alachua Temple of Srila Prabhupada explaining his famous Vyasa-puja Offering poetry from 1936. I think devotees may appreciate Prabhupada explaining reasons for using various phrases in that offering.

Source: http://www.dandavats.com/?p=71884

1. We are put to test and trial in this world. Only those who attend the kirtana of the devotees can succeed.

2. Every spot on earth where discourses on God are held is a place of pilgrimage.

3. Possession of objects not related to Krsna is our main malady.

4. Let me not desire anything but the highest good for my worst enemies.

5. As dalliance with the body in luxury increases, so wanes the spirit of service of the Lord.

6. Those favored by God find their paths set by thorns.

7. There is no pe

1. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s instructions in Sikastakam, “param vijayate Sri-Krishna -Sankirtanam” is the only motto of the Gaudiya math.
2. The Supreme Personality of Godhead Sri Krishna is the only enjoyer. Everyone and everything else is the object of his enjoyment.
3. Anyone who does not serve Hari, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, is ignorant and a killer himself.
4. To learn to tolerate is one of the most important responsibilities of those living in the math.
5. Rupanuga devotees offe

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, the guru of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, appeared in Sri Ksetra Dhama.(Jagannatha Puri) on 6 February 1874 as the son of Srila Sacidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura.

In his childhood he quickly mastered the Vedas, memorised the Bhagavad-gita, and relished his father’s philosophical works. He became known as “The Living Encyclopaedia” for his vast knowledge.

He preached convincingly against casteism and philosophical deviations from Gaudiya Vais

Birthplace of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura

at Sri Jagannatha Puri Dhama

By Chandan Yatra Das

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was a foremost scholar and Lord Krishna’s devotee of his day. Born on 6 Feb 1874 at Jagannatha Puri, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura is the child that Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura prayed to Lord Jagannatha for, wanting an able assistant to preach Krishna Consciousness. His divinity was evident from birth. When he was born, his umbilical cord was wrapped

Sri Prahlada Dasa:

Today is the holy appearance day of our grandfather or great-grandfather spiritual master, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Gosvami Maharaja Prabhupada. On Giriraj Maharaja’s instruction, I will attempt to say something about Srila Bhaktisiddhanta’s history and share my realizations regarding his contribution and mood. I pray for the mercy of the Vaishnavas that this realization aligns with his authentic teachings.

The appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati is most sign

By Madhavananda Das
From chapter 15 of When Good Fortune Arises

“I MAY LEAVE”
.
Shortly after hearing his comments following the 1995 GBC meetings, a couple of disciples of Gour Govinda Maharaja approached their spiritual master: “Guru Maharaja, we don’t need these people. We can leave ISKCON and start our own society. You have so many disciples, it won’t be any problem.”
.
Hearing their suggestion, Gour Govinda Swami became very grave. Shaking his head no, he said, “The only way I will leave I

“The twenty-third and twenty-fourth prominent devotees of Nityananda Prabhu were Sadasiva Kaviraja and his son Purusottama dasa, who was the tenth gopala. Since birth, Purusottama dasa was merged in the service of the lotus feet of Lord Nityananda Prabhu, and he was always engaged in childish play with Lord Krsna.” [C.C. Adi 11.8-39]

“Sri Sadasiva Kaviraja was extremely fortunate. His son’s name was Sri Purusottama das. He was never externally conscious of his material body. Nityananda Candra e

By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi, 

The Mayapur Academy Library announced it has opened its doors to all devotees as a comprehensive resource center offering authentic knowledge on shastra, deity worship, and Vaishnava culture. Located on the second floor of Chaitanya Bhawan at ISKCON Mayapur, this welcoming space invites all devotees and seekers to explore and enrich their spiritual learning journey. The library is open Monday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM, and Nrsimha Kavaca Das, ISKCON’

By Kulavati Krishnapriya Devi Dasi,

ISKCON Dumdum inaugurated its newly constructed temple on January 3, 2026, during Pushya Abhishek celebrations, marking a significant milestone in spreading Krishna consciousness across North Kolkata. The temple houses the newly installed deities of Sri Sri Dayal Nitai Gaura Sundar and serves the rapidly growing Dumdum–Motijheel area.

The grand opening was blessed by the online presence of Jayapataka Swami and Radhanath Swami, who performed the Pran Pratishtha