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Leonard Cohen was an established artist who wrote the globally famous song, “Hallelujah.” Well, Leonard was a Montreal man, a Canadian, and he visited our Chariot Fest in that city, telling us that he used to see and hear our guru, Prabhupada, in New York in the ‘60s. That song was sung by our band, Wawa Baby, at the Bhakti Cloud tent today. Naturally, the song put my mind in connection with His Divine Grace. Nice singing, Shyama. Congrats to the band members.

I was scheduled there to speak at a

The discussion focuses on a section where various demigods and celestial beings are offering prayers to Lord Nishingadeva (Narasimha), who has just killed the demon king Hiranyakashipu. Each group of celestial beings describes how Hiranyakashipu had oppressed them and expresses gratitude for his death.

Radhika and her mother Mani-Karuna Devi Dasi perform alongside the Vraja Beats Rock Band.

Radhika Keshari, born into a Krishna-conscious family,  spontaneously absorbed devotional practices from a young age. The now 17-year-old remarked, “I’ve been surrounded by devotees all my life because my parents embraced Krishna consciousness before I was born.” Her early exposure to kirtan and bhajans laid a strong foundation for her creative service.

During an interview with ISKCON News, Radhika recall

With the recent “Hands Off” demonstrations in cities across the USA, I was reminded of the massive demonstrations of the 1960s against the Vietnam War abroad and the social injustices in the USA. Usually, people, including a good number of counterculture hippies, who opposed such things were also inclined to embrace some sort of spirituality, including Krishna Consciousness. Srila Prabhupada noted this. And devotees often appealed directly to this intended audience. 

The hippies rejected the s

The public sometimes questions the words and behaviour of founders of various faith groups, whether it be Saint Peter, Mohammed, Moses, John Smith, or Brahma. Would such behaviour fit into a standard etiquette of current protocol? We mean no disrespect by raising the issue, but people do ask how Henry the 8th could do what he did.

As Akshaya Tritiya approaches—a day celebrated for its auspiciousness and the promise of eternal spiritual benefits—ISKCON’s Congregational Development Ministry (CDM) invites devotees worldwide to embark on a journey of enduring service by joining the SEVA Movement. This initiative offers a structured pathway to deepen one’s commitment to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s mission through Support, Engagement, Volunteering, and Amplification.

The SEVA Movement is a call to action inspired by Lord Chait

Just a year ago, ISKCON Sacramento took a major leap forward by acquiring a commercial property with the vision of establishing a spiritual hub for its growing community. Over the past twelve months, steady and focused efforts have resulted in the successful acquisition of all required permits to use the space for religious gatherings. One of the most significant milestones has been the approval of a fully licensed commercial kitchen, a key feature that supports ISKCON’s hallmark hospitality t

Statement Regarding Unfounded Poison Allegations

ISKCON Communications
Anuttama Dasa, Minister
April 25, 2025

Summary

The recently resurfaced poison allegations regarding the disappearance of Srila Prabhupada rely on the same inconclusive sources cited over the past two decades: much-debated audio recordings and an analysis of hair samples.

These claims have already been extensively reviewed, with no conclusive findings to support the theory. In addition, the statements of Srila Prabhupada’s i

Monsoon season is upon us, or so it seems. Rain has been coming down with not much of a break. It certainly makes for cooler weather, easier to work with, especially relevant to the current practice I'm having with our drama crew. Nevertheless, for some of the roles played out, a good sweat is the outcome. It is a good workout.

Before we start rehearsal, we do some warmup exercises, but to take it easy this morning, I asked my sound man, Chaitanya, to play Holtz’s composition “Neptune: The Mysti

Srila Prabhupada’s Penetrating Vision

Nara Narayan: The minute I sincerely begged, his eyes floated around to the side and he looked at me. I froze. That moment seemed like an eternity. He neither beckoned nor rejected, just observed. My whole system collapsed from the inside out. I said, “Oh my God.” All sorts of confusing emotions ran through me. I thought, “I must straighten myself out and think things through. I am not ready to become his disciple yet.”

Harivilasa: Prabhupada looked at me f

ISKCON’s Govinda’s vegetarian restaurants form a unique blend of outreach and entrepreneurship, nourishing bodies and souls alike. Established at temple sites worldwide, these cafés serve sattvic (pure vegetarian) prasadam at fixed prices, with devotees and visitors encouraged to “eat to their heart’s content.” The profits from Govinda’s underwrite temple operations – from cow protection to educational programs – ensuring that Krishna conscious communities can flourish sustainably. Over the deca

April 24, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt compassion that members of ISKCON extend our sincerest condolences to the victims and families affected by the recent terrorist attack in India.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have suffered due to this senseless act of violence. As followers of the teachings of Lord Krishna, we believe in the sanctity of all life and the power of prayer, unity, and compassion to heal even the deepest wounds.

In moments like these, we are remi

On a warm December morning last year, around 11:00 a.m., as I sought the association of the magnificent Lord and prayed to His dear most devotee Prahlada, I found myself involved in one of His temple lilas (pastimes), much to my astonishment

After offering my obeisances to the captivating Prahlada, who stands next to his beloved Lord with his hands folded and his small body decorated with fresh fresh flowers and beautiful ornaments, I prayed, "My dear Prahlada, you are expert in receiving all

Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.

This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.

What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b

The ISKCON Environmental Initiative (IEI) marked Earth Day 2025 with an engaging webinar that highlighted devotee-led initiatives that underscored the importance of local action in driving global change.

The online gathering with devotees from around the world was part of the IEI Seminar Series: “Divinity and the Environment,” and spotlighted practical, faith-based solutions to environmental challenges, both within ISKCON communities and in their broader engagement with other organizations.

Th

Yesterday, we celebrated the appearance day of Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, and it truly felt like a day full of mercy.

From the very start, we were blessed to witness the abhishek of Their Lordships, surrounded by beautiful kīrtan and joyful faces everywhere. It was a moment of deep bliss.

Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita is none other than Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī Herself in Gaura-līlā. Just as Rādhārāṇī is always by Kṛṣṇa’s side, in Gauralīlā, She manifests as Gadādhara Paṇḍita to quietly support Mahāprabhu throug

This date is my wrap up day for Winnipeg. It has been good and blissful. Not only was there an inauguration of a new temple/ashram for us here in central Canada, but on the same weekend, devotees in the Maritimes on the far east coast, witnessed the opening of their place of meditation and worship. What a victory that is over the world of maya, illusion.

Everyone took such good care of me in this Prairie city. I was happy to see a great participation from the youth here. Meanwhile, it was hear

Manu Dasa, the pioneer of the Irish Yatra deeply absorbed in the Holy Name, Dublin 2024.

This spring, Dublin Kirtan Mela returns to continue a local tradition of non-stop kirtan, prasadam, and sanga. On Saturday, 31st May, devotees and guests from all over Ireland and beyond will gather at the Gospel Hall & Chapel of Ease, Irishtown, Dublin 4, to immerse themselves in the sound vibration of the Maha-mantra.

What began in 2017 as a humble response to a simple desire—to deepen our chanting and b

On April 16th, 2025, a historic cultural event took place in the Hall of Honor of the National Congress of Chile — one of the country’s most emblematic venues, where official state ceremonies, presidential addresses, and national commemorations are held.

The event featured a concert by Sri Bhakti Das, who performed Indian classical and devotional music using instruments such as the surbahar, sitar, and esraj, accompanied by Francisco San Miguel on the tabla. The program concluded with the cong