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On Saturday, April 6th, more than three hundred people –political, religious, and other community leaders, along with leading congregational members of ISKCON of DC – gathered for the Temple Grand Opening Ceremony in Potomac, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, DC. The diversity of participants reflected the decades-long bonds the Hare Krishna community has cultivated in the region. Guests expressed their congratulations on the opening of the newly constructed temple building and gratitude for IS

April 12, 2024 – On April 10, during a meeting of the Mayapur Executive Board, or MEB, it was decided that for the safety of the devotees, staff, and pilgrims to Mayapur, the two elephants Vishnupriya and Laxmipriya will be permanently shifted out of Mayapur.

“The MEB was unanimous in its decision that the safety of the devotees, staff members, and visitors to Mayapur must come first,” said Tapan Misra prabhu, one of the five Co-Directors of Mayapur. “While we are all sad to see these two belov

By Srila Vyasadeva

SB 9.10: The Pastimes of the Supreme Lord, Rāmacandra

This Tenth Chapter describes how Lord Ramacandra appeared in the dynasty of Maharaja Khatvanga. It also describes the Lord’s activities, telling how He killed Ravana and returned to Ayodhya, the capital of His kingdom.

The son of Maharaja Khatvanga was Dirghabahu, and his son was Raghu. The son of Raghu was Aja, the son of Aja was Dasaratha, and the son of Dasaratha was Lord Ramacandra, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Sri Ramanujacarya’s Life History (By Sri Ubhaya Vedantha Anbil Ramaswamy)

Sri Ramanuja (1017 – 1137 CE), the most important philosopher-saint of Sri Vaishnavam and one of the most dynamic characters of Hinduism. He was a philosophical as well as a social reformer, displaying a catholicity that was nearly unparalleled in Hindu religious history before him. He revitalised Indian philosophy and popular religion so much that nearly every aspect of Hinduism has been influenced by his work. His life

By the mercy of Sri Guru and Gauranga, ISKCON Amravati has successfully organized its fifth annual Vaishnavi padayatra. Every year, they arrange a Vaishnavi padayatra to be on or around International Women’s Day, which is observed on March 8th. March is also a special month for devotees because Gaura-purnima mahamohotsava. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s advent occurred to spread the holy name, and padayatris also try to do the same.

Their Vaishnavi padayatra is the most-awaited event by temple Vais

In a recent article, Canada Immigration News (CIN) reported significant growth in the immigration of religious minorities to the country. While it focused on Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia, the phenomenon is true across Canada. “The proportion of Canada’s population that identifies as being Muslim, Hindu, or Sikh has more than doubled in 20 years.” ISKCON Temples across Canada are not only centers of worship and service but also provide meaningful connections for these new immigrants navig

There is a new sankirtan sensation in New Zealand that is creating a fire of enthusiasm and camaraderie in the community. It is called the “One Book A Day” challenge (OBAD) and was initiated by Bhakta Jordan from The Loft Outreach Centre in Auckland. 

Bhakta Jordan himself first came in contact with Krishna Consciousness through book distribution. His sister came home after meeting a sankirtan devotee in a car park and brought him back a Chant and Be Happy. After reading a few chapters, he star

From Back to Godhead

What is the effect of chanting Hare Krishna?

The names of the Lord in the maha-mantra Hare, Krishna, and rama are invested with His full potencies. Singing God’s names, therefore, is to contact Him through the medium of transcendental sound. Thus, the effect of chanting is the same as the effect of directly associating with the Lord. The following beautiful verse, written by Lord caitanya, describes the seven effects the Hare Krishna mantra has on chanters.

ceto-darpana-mar

Over Easter weekend, the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Temple in Spanish Fork, Utah, hosted thousands of guests for the 29th annual Festival of Colors. Many regard this annual celebration as the most iconic Holi celebration in the world, framed by the snow-capped Wasatch Range and the stunning Rajasthani-style temple.  

Holi Festivals, held around the world, are celebrations of new beginnings and the power of good over evil, drawn from several ancient Indian narratives. Appreciating the positivity and

By Sunanda Das 

A unique sponsorship opportunity is now available for devotees: The 31 Dresses Campaign – sponsor all the Deity dresses for one day during the 3-month long TOVP Grand Opening Festival, scheduled for early 2026. This includes Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Pancha Tattva, Sri Nrsimhadeva and the fifteen new sampradaya acharya murtis. A new set of outfits will be offered every third day of the festival allowing for only 31 sponsorships.

The 2026 Marathon is full-steam ahead. The Pujari

Recently, Revd Dr. Richard Sudworth OBE, Secretary for Inter Religious Affairs to the Archbishop of Canterbury and National Inter Religious Affairs Adviser for the Church of England, paid a visit to ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Manor. He was joined by Angeline Leung, the Executive Assistant for the Church of England’s Inter Religious Affairs & Ecumenical. Leung also serves on the Faith and Public Life team, based at Lambeth Palace, which hosted a historical interfaith event last November. 

“This visit

Recently, ISKCON devotees participated in the UK Women’s Faith Forum’s inaugural event, “Keeping Hatred Off Our Streets.” The February 28th gathering in Parliament included women from across five major faith groups who are working collectively to ensure that the experiences, skills, and dedication of women in faith communities are focused on today’s key issues.

“Representing Islam, Sikhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Judaism, the Women’s Faith Forum is motivated by the essence of our faith tra

By Atma Tattva Das

In the heart of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) community, a digital haven has emerged, providing a space for women to connect, share, and empower each other spiritually and personally. The Heart to Heart Vaishnavi Circle (HTHVC) stands as a testament to the vision and dedication of numerous women who have collectively fostered its growth and success.

Vrajalila Devi Dasi, a seasoned devotee deeply engaged in Vaishnava philosophy, spearheaded the H

The Executive Committee (EC) Chair, Revati Raman Dasa, shared a brief report of some assignments overseen by GBC EC in 2023-24. Some of these assignments include:
– Assisting Ukrainian devotees with challenges faced in the current situation
– Responding to many concerns about child protection matters
– Moving Forward with the Mayapur-Vrindavan Child Protection Office (CPO) Inquiry
– Media & Public Relations Issue
– Peru
– Bhaktivedanta Institute
– Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP) Exhibits

The

The International Temple President meeting, hosted by ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) on 27 February 2024 at Mayapur, commenced with a warm welcome extended by the GBC to the International Temple Presidents. The meeting, attended by more than 150 participants, both in person at ISKCON’s international headquarters in Mayapur and online, was proficiently facilitated by Tapana Misra Das, vice chairman of the GBC Executive Committee (EC). Each table was hosted by a GBC member, with Temple

On March 3rd, thousands of devotees who were gathered in Sri Mayapur Dham for the opening of the Nrsimhadeva Wing of the TOVP witnessed the Pancha Tattva Maha-Abhisheka, which occurs every five years.

This joyful event also marks the 20th anniversary of the Sri Sri Pancha Tattva installation in 2004. Senior leaders from around the world performed the abhisheka ceremony. “The Pancha Tattva have endeared themselves to the global community of ISKCON devotees who look forward to this rare Maha-Abh

Thousands of devotees gathered on day three of the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium’s Grand Opening of its Lord Nrsimhadeva Wing in Sri Mayapur Dham.

Describing the day, Anuttama Dasa, Global Minister of Communications, said, “It was an inspiring and auspicious event. Many of the speakers urged us to work cooperatively to raise the needed contributions so the temple may be completed within the next two to three years.”

He continued, “When Lord Nrsimhadeva’s Wing was inaugurated, it was beautifu

Thousands are in Sri Mayapur Dham to celebrate the opening of the TOVP Nrsimhadeva Wing following the 150th Vyasa-puja of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati. A schedule of the 150th Appearance Day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati and Nrsimhadeva Mohotsava can be found below. Click here for the entire schedule of the three days from February 29 – March 2 in an online flipbook that is downloadable and shareable. The entire program will also be broadcast live on Mayapur TV here.

Source: https://is

On February 25th, Mendoza, Argentina, held its annual “Blessing of the Fruits” festival, thanking God for a bountiful harvest. The cultural event, which has been going on since the 1930s, included religious leaders from different traditions who each contributed to the program. Baladeva Das, ISKCON’s Regional Director of Communications in Latin America, beautifully chanted the Panca-tattva and Hare Krsna mantras and blew a conch shell for the estimated 15,000 people who were gathered at the fest

By Atma Tattva Das

Madhumangala Das, a devoted adherent of the Hare Krishna movement in Japan, shares a compelling narrative of spiritual growth intricately woven with the cultural tapestry of the “Land of the Rising Sun.” Reflecting on his journey, Madhumangala’s insights offer a profound glimpse into the collective experience of the Japanese devotee community—a journey marked by resilience, cultural adaptation, and unwavering dedication to the service of Srila Prabhupada’s mission.

“In the be