Back in 1972 I was a 17 year-old sea cadet. My ship had docked in Bombay and I stepped onto that exotic shore in search of reasonably priced souvenirs. Under the intense encouragement of a shopkeeper I came close to purchasing a fine ivory chess set costing most of my week’s wages before I spotted a little figurine of Krishna. He exerted a strange attraction over me and after handing over my hard-earned rupees I left with him in my pocket. The god of love, I thought. I could do with a bit of lov
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On August 8, 2025, Vaisesika Dasa delivered a compelling talk titled “Krishna-Balarama: Same Same But Different” at ISV, exploring the transcendental nature of the Divine Brothers and the unique roles they play in spiritual life.
He emphasized that Balarama is Krishna’s first expansion, serving as both His eternal companion and His foremost servant. Balarama facilitates Krishna’s pastimes, protects conditioned souls, and guides them back to Krishna through the Guru Parampara. His service mood
A newly released book, Śrī Ekacakrā-dhāma: Nitai’s Eternal Abode, offers a spiritually rich exploration of the divine birthplace of Lord Nityānanda Prabhu. Authored by Vakreśvari Devī Dāsī, this inspiring volume presents the first comprehensive, full-color guide to Ekacakrā for the global Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava community, combining scriptural insights, vivid descriptions of sacred sites, and heartfelt reflections on the transcendental personality and glorious mission of Lord Nityānanda. Now a candid
On the 10th of August, we had the rare and blessed fortune of welcoming Haṁsavāhana Śiva to Śrī Māyāpur Dham. The day was filled with devotion, color, and transcendental joy.
The Deity of Lord Śiva was brought from His temple in a beautiful and unique procession. Upon arrival, Haṁsavāhana Śiva took darśana of all the Deities of Māyāpur, received mahā-garlands, and then a grand abhiṣeka was offered in the Pañca-tattva courtyard.
As told by HH Jayapataka Swami - “As told by HH Jayapataka Swami
By Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)
(An Excerpt from “Advancements of Ancient India’s Vedic Culture”)
As devotees and followers of the Vedic path, we already accept the premise that Lord Krishna appeared 5,000 years ago and spoke the Bhagavad-gita in the Mahabharata war. But it is always nice when scholars, other researchers and science can add support to what we already propose. So let’s take a look at this.
One aspect that can show us the early nature of Vedic society, and with a little
ISKCON Mayapur is delighted to announce its 13th annual six-day Kartik Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama, organized by the Mayapur Chandra’s, during the most auspicious month of Kartik. The parikrama will be held on October 26, 27, 28, 29, 31, and November 1, 2025, with a one-day break on October 30. The Adivas ceremony will take place on October 25 at 5 p.m.
This year’s parikrama will once again be conducted as a daily event without overnight stays. Each day, devotees will depart from the ISKCON May
On July 19th, 2025, the Yogapeeth Center, operating as a branch of ISKCON Silicon Valley under the ISKCON Tri-Central Valley designation, commemorated its inaugural year of operation. The anniversary celebration was marked by a program emphasizing devotional practice and spiritual discourse, distinguished by the presence of Vaisesika Das, President of ISKCON Silicon Valley and an internationally recognized speaker within the ISKCON community. His address provided a source of spiritual guidance
ISKCON Leaders and Ambassador of Culture and Wellness officially launch the ISKCON Creators Summit.
The ISKCON India Youth Council (North Wing) hosted a spirited and inspiring launch event to unveil the ISKCON Creators Summit, scheduled for 2nd September 2025 at Zora Convention Centre, Delhi, as part of the grand youth festival UDGAAR 2025. The event in ISKCON Delhi was graced by senior ISKCON leaders, including Yudhistir Govinda Das, the Trustee & Country Director of Communications, ISKCON In
From Back to Godhead
By Janakinatha Dasa
Every December, the book marathon promises to be an exciting event. While travelling from door to door, village to village, through remote parts of India, we invariably meet someone who has been miraculously touched by Krishna’s mercy. One such person was Chandu, whom we met in Srirampur, Maharashtra. His tall posture and heavy built contrasted with his soft, humble demeanor. Curious to know his background, I requested him to narrate his story of choosin
On July 19th, 2025, the Yogapeeth Center, operating as a branch of ISKCON Silicon Valley under the ISKCON Tri-Central Valley designation, commemorated its inaugural year of operation. The anniversary celebration was marked by a program emphasizing devotional practice and spiritual discourse, distinguished by the presence of Vaisesika Das, President of ISKCON Silicon Valley and an internationally recognized speaker within the ISKCON community. His address provided a source of spiritual guidance
ISKCON Leaders and Ambassador of Culture and Wellness officially launch the ISKCON Creators Summit.
New Delhi, 4th August 2025 – The ISKCON India Youth Council (North Wing) hosted a spirited and inspiring launch event to unveil the ISKCON Creators Summit, scheduled for 2nd September 2025 at Zora Convention Centre, Delhi, as part of the grand youth festival UDGAAR 2025. The event in ISKCON Delhi was graced by senior ISKCON leaders, including Yudhistir Govinda Das, the Trustee & Country Director
It is our great pleasure to announce ISKCON MAYAPUR's 13th annual six-day Kartik Navadwip Mandal Parikrama during the most auspicious month of Kartik (organized by the Mayapur Chandra's). The Parikrama dates are 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th, 31st October & 1st November, 2025.
There will be one day break on 30th of October.
Adivas will be on 25th October at 5pm.
For this year also, the parikrama will not stay overnight; we will leave each day from the ISKCON Mayapur campus at 5 AM and return by 5PM
Because of Srila Prabhupada, our lives are filled with festivals – Janmashtami, Radhastami, Gaura Purnima, and so many more days that bring us closer to Krishna. He gave the whole world Krishna’s name, Krishna’s teachings, and a spiritual family to celebrate with.
And this year, right after we celebrate Sri Krishna Janmashtami, the very next day – 17th August 2025 – we get to celebrate the appearance of Srila Prabhupada himself.
It’s only by his mercy that we even have the good fortune to cele
Rains came all night – a good sign. I spent the night at Chemainus, Vancouver Island, in a lovely and quaint 10 x 10 AirBnB, washroom of the same dimension right next door, and with a brief boardwalk two doors down is a gorgeous temple of Jagannath. The exterior and interior geniuses behind this heavenly arrangement are Gadadhar and Manoharini, crafts-persons, hosts, and above all, good devotees of Krishna.
After the night rainfall, a perfectly coordinated sun came out. I stuck to my
Pain is a Stronger Motivator Than Pleasure
In the seminar I give on prayer, devotees look at their obstacles to bhakti and consider why it is important to overcome them. Then I ask devotees to focus on the pain they feel when they allow these obstacles to impede their spiritual progress. I ask this because if we do not associate significant pain to our anarthas, we may not be motivated to give them up. It is said that people don’t change when they see the light; they change when they feel the h
Sometimes people ask who is Lord Balarama? And the answer is that He is the brother of Lord Krishna. However, He does many things besides that.
How we understand this is to first recognize that, according to Vedic scripture such as the Srimad Bhagavata Purana, it is described that Lord Krishna is the primeval Lord, the original Personality of Godhead, so He can expand Himself into unlimited forms with all potencies. They are no different from Him, but may exhibit differences in form and function
Have you ever wanted to introduce your friends, family, or colleagues to the Gita? Do you want to get involved in the outreach mission? Or maybe you just appreciate Srila Prabhupada’s books so much that you’re naturally looking to connect others to them.
As more people turn to the internet in search of answers, comfort, and clarity, the Think Gita initiative, based in the UK, is meeting them where they are—online. With its latest free course, Fight Your Fears, launching on August 6th, Think Gi
Meet the family behind Bhakti Lifestyle (left to right): Kalin, Srinivas Acharya Das, Gauranga Priya Devi Dasi, and Sashin serving up compassion, one handcrafted meal at a time.
When the COVID-19 pandemic upended global industries in 2020, Srinivas Acharya Das found himself among thousands retrenched from long-standing corporate roles. But what began as a personal economic crisis gave birth to something far more meaningful: Bhakti Lifestyle, a family-run, Krishna-conscious vegetarian and vegan
Ferns are in great grown on the Fir Crest Trail where I trekked solo. With Tony and Nitai Priya we ambled along Rebecca Spit, a peninsula with so much driftwood on both sides. The Spit was the popular one for pedestrians and runners. Both trails offer peace, tranquility. During these two strolls, clouds were teasing, at least where we roamed. That left us in doubt. Will the badly needed rains come? Canada turns dry in the summer like never before according to those of us who have been
It is with heavy hearts that we share the sorrowful news regarding the Divan family, who were scheduled to arrive at New Vrindaban’s Palace Lodge on Tuesday, July 29, 2025. The family of four elderly pilgrims—Dr. Kishore Divan (89), Mrs. Asha Divan (85), Mr. Shailesh Divan (86), and Mrs. Gita Divan (84)—began their road trip from Buffalo, NY, with plans to visit Pittsburgh and then New Vrindaban.
The Divans did not show up on Tuesday night at the lodge. The family was later reported missing, a
