His Holiness Bhanu Swami stands as one of the most influential and respected spiritual leaders within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As a senior disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Bhanu Swami has dedicated over five decades to preserving and propagating Gaudiya Vaishnava traditions through scholarly work, leadership, and devoted service. His multifaceted contributions have significantly shaped ISKCON’s development and global reach, ma
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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.
Key themes in the class include:
The destructive nature of bad leadership and how demonic rulers disrupt religious practices
The importance of proper social organization (varnashrama dharma) ma
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.
In our portrayal of characters in our drama, Vamana, we take a hard look at spiritual figureheads like Sukracharya, and to some degree one of the very acknowledged gre
all glories to Param Pujya Loknath Swami Guru Maharaj .
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
Gopiparanadhana Dasa, Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) Sanskrit editor and translator for more than 25 years, addresses the difference between Western and Eastern approaches to textual authority. By examining texts from Srila Prabhupada’s commentaries he highlights the difference between Western ideas of plagiarism, and the primacy of originality, and Eastern notions of ensuring the safe passage of traditional thought. He also looks at how in Indian traditions the qualification for authorship is
On the first day of Chandan Yatra in Mayapur, Sri Sri Radha Madhava with Their Asta-sakhis are offered the Rasamandala Vesa, depicting the divine Rasa Lila pastime of Lord Krishna.
Thus hearing the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa, speaking to pacify them, the gopīs became very much pleased. They became completely relieved of the great suffering of separation, not only by hearing the words of the Supreme Personality of Godhead but also by touching His hands and legs. After this, the Supre
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
Srila Prabhupada visited New Vrindaban four times. One of the significant sites of his pastimes is the house in Madhavan where he resided during his last visit in 1976.
The house in Madhavan (where Sankirtan Prabhu now lives) is the site of the last darshan Srila Prabhupada gave to the New Vrindaban plow department. Darshans were scheduled according to department, and I was a member of the plow department. The last darshan is very exceptional because Srila Prabhupada was commenting spontaneous
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
Radhanath Swami and Professor Francis Clooney engaged in conversation at Harvard event.
The Bhakti Yoga Conference, titled “Grace in an Age of Distraction,” held from March 1 to April 11, 2025, in collaboration with Harvard Divinity School, welcomed thousands of participants from around the world. The series, featuring nearly 50 esteemed scholars, monks, yogis, and thought leaders, explored the transformative practice of Bhakti Yoga—the yoga of love and devotion.
“The feedback from all 48 spea
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
I chant on my meditation beads. I viewed a film, 1917. What a masterpiece of a movie! And watching history!
I contemplated my visits to Durban. Over the years, it has be
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
