Jaya Govinda was generous to take me to Saranagati, the Vaishnava Village set in the mountains in Venables Valley. We had a jolly and holy time in Burnaby, at the temple, to honour the birthday of Balarama. This famous brother of Krishna is remembered with pomp and circumstance, and lucky for Jaya and I, we were set to celebrate a second time in the evening in the Valley.
Google was telling us to avoid the main highway and take to the number 7. That proved nostalgic for me because it
is set to host a transformative 10-Day ISKCON Deity Worship Training, a program that has already elevated worship standards in temples around the world. The initiative aims to strengthen and inspire Deity worship practices across North America by making world-class training accessible to as many devotees as possible.
To encourage broad participation, New Vrindaban is offering free accommodations and three prasadam meals daily to all registered participants. The only expense for attendees is t
In a remarkable display of collaboration and devotion, ISKCON Seattle devotees are creating a detailed 3D model of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) as a seva offering to Ambarish Dasa and to share the TOVP’s inspiring vision with the broader community. The model was featured at their Ananda Mela festival.
The project has attracted support from devotees both within and outside Washington State. Each team member has taken on a specific role to ensure the model reflects the beauty and p
I just returned from watching Mahavatar Narasimha, and I’m still trembling, not from the surround-sound bass or the action sequences (though those were jaw-dropping), but from the sheer force of devotion that this film unleashed in my heart.
This wasn’t “just another movie.” This was śravaṇam and kīrtanam served on a silver screen with the highest cinematic artistry. From the opening frame to the final credits, the film exuded a level of sincerity and spiritual depth that is almost unheard of
We read from Srimad-Bhagavatam, Canto Ten, Chapter Two: “Prayers by the Demigods for Lord Krsna in the Womb.”
TEXT 18
tato jagan-mangalam acyutamsam
samahitam sura-sutena devi
dadhara sarvatmakam atma-bhutam
kastha yathananda-karam manastah
SYNONYMS
tatah—thereafter; jagat-mangalam—auspiciousness for all living entities in all the universes of the creation; acyuta-amsam—the Supreme Personality of Godhead, who is never bereft of the six opulences, all of which are present in all His plenary
Food bloggers Alfonso and Jessica recently paid an unexpected visit to the Radha Kalachandji Temple in Dallas to explore its history, art, and spiritual significance. They also enjoyed a delicious vegetarian meal at Kalachani’s Palace, the city’s oldest vegetarian eatery.
In a moment of serendipity, the couple met ISKCON devotee Nityananda Chandra Dasa, who gave them a spontaneous tour of the temple, explaining the Deities, Srila Prabhupada’s journey to the West, and the philosophy of Krishna
Karuna Care Association (KCA) —an organization endorsed by ISKCON—has announced the launch of a transformative online course titled “Escaping the Drama Triangle.” Designed for individuals of faith and those seeking deeper emotional awareness, this structured six-week program offers participants the tools to recognize and break free from unconscious relational roles that often perpetuate conflict and hinder personal growth. Through weekly live sessions and the support of a virtual community, th
As ISKCON expands its reach across the globe, presenting the philosophy of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu in a way that is both conducive to sāstra and accessible to sincere seekers has become increasingly essential. Among these seekers is a niche yet significant audience: Sanskrit speakers. This group includes university students, traditional scholars, and spiritually inclined individuals—many of whom are deeply familiar with the language of the Vedas but unfamiliar with the theology of Gauḍīya Vai
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
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
