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ISKCON Connection Newsletter, Issue 28, September 22, 2019
 
Prabhupada Nectar
We have to invoke our love for Krsna. Then our loving propensities will be actually satisfied. Otherwise we'll be frustrated

The Nectar of Devotion -- Bombay, January 1, 1973:

Prabhupāda: Whatever we appreciate or experience by the material senses, that is not love; that is lust. Motive. There is some motive. One is friend of another person, very intimate friends, both of them have got some motive. As soon as the motive is frustrated, they separate. These things we find. Even husband and wife, as soon as the sense gratification is disturbed, immediately there is divorce between husband and wife. So . . .

(aside) Where is this? Outside?

Śyāmasundara: Outside . . . next door . . .

Prabhupāda: That's all right. No. Doesn't matter.

Śyāmasundara: Shut these doors.

Prabhupāda: Therefore we have to invoke our love for Kṛṣṇa. Then our loving propensities will be actually satisfied. Otherwise we'll be frustrated. Otherwise, we'll be frustrate . . . that is going on. We may admit or not admit, but this frustration of love affair is going on. So if we . . . that same thing we repose in Kṛṣṇa . . . if I want to love my son, if I accept Kṛṣṇa as my son . . . just like Yaśodāmayī accepted. Kṛṣṇa is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, but by devotional service, He agrees to become a son. Just like Yaśodāmayī and Nanda Mahārāja, in their previous lives they underwent severe austerities, and their aim was that "We shall have a son like God, like Kṛṣṇa." So after their performance of austerities for many thousands of years, when Kṛṣṇa appeared before them, "What benediction you want?" so they proposed that "We want a son like You. Then we enter into family life. Otherwise not."

So Kṛṣṇa said that, "Why shall I get a son like Me? I shall become your son." This is the fact. Therefore, although Kṛṣṇa took His birth as the son and . . . son of Devakī and Vasudeva, immediately ordered Vasudeva to transfer Him to Vṛndāvana to Yaśodā. So the pleasure of having son was enjoyed by Yaśodā and Nanda Mahārāja, not Devakī and Vasudeva, although they really gave birth to. And when Kṛṣṇa was grown up, then went to His real father, Vasudeva, and Devakī. So actually Kṛṣṇa's crawling, Kṛṣṇa's disturbing the mother, Kṛṣṇa's stealing the butter, and so many things, as child does, reciprocates with the father and mother, parent, these līlā was demonstrated in Vṛndāvana, although Mother Yaśodā and Vasudeva, er, I mean to say Nanda Mahārāja, they were foster father and mother.

 

 

 

 

ISKCON News

Courtesy of iskconnews.org

A Dream Fulfilled: Srila Prabhupada’s Murti Installed at ISKCON Valsad
A Dream Fulfilled: Srila Prabhupada’s Murti Installed at ISKCON Valsad

ISKCON Valsad, situated in Gujarat, India, celebrated the installation of Srila Prabhupada’s murti on December 21st, 2024. This milestone is not just a symbol of the temple’s expansion but a manifestation of the deep love and dedication of the local devotees, who have worked very hard to bring Srila Prabhupada’s presence to their community.

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Bhaktivedanta Players Celebrate 40 Years of Dramatic Devotion
Bhaktivedanta Players Celebrate 40 Years of Dramatic Devotion

This year, Manor celebrates a momentous occasion: the 40th anniversary of the Bhaktivedanta Players, one of its longest-serving departments. Drama has always been an integral part of Bhaktivedanta Manor’s services for its pilgrims. Closely intertwined with the Manor’s vibrant festivals – Janmashtami, Diwali, Gaura Purnima, Ramanavami, and many more – the Bhaktivedanta Players consistently deliver spectacular performances that entertain, educate, and captivate audiences of all ages.

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BOOK REVIEW – Vedic Mathematics and the Nature of Time: Three Essays by Vasyl Semenov
BOOK REVIEW – Vedic Mathematics and the Nature of Time: Three Essays by Vasyl Semenov

Many people today, whether they are part of ISKCON or not, believe that while the Vedic tradition is full of spiritual knowledge, technical material knowledge is either absent or inaccessible to the modern person. In his essay collection, Vedic Mathematics and the Nature of Time, Vasyl Semenov (Dvija Govinda Das) systematically takes us through mathematical aspects of the Vedic tradition that are equivalent to the techniques in the Western World, and in some cases predate them by centuries.

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GBC EC Releases Statement on Enhanced Approach for Child Protection
GBC EC Releases Statement on Enhanced Approach for Child Protection

After nearly a year of careful deliberation, the GBC has approved the Enhanced Child Protection Approach (the “Enhanced Approach”) and is confident that its implementation will best serve ISKCON’s children. This institutional redesign focuses on establishing an Oversight Committee, independent external investigations and expansion of the responsibilities of regional governing bodies.

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Bridging Faiths: ISKCON Minnesota’s Role in Promoting Peace and Interfaith Unity at World Religion Day
Bridging Faiths: ISKCON Minnesota’s Role in Promoting Peace and Interfaith Unity at World Religion Day

In 2024, ISKCON Minnesota joined the Minnesota Multifaith Network (MMN), and during a November meeting, Rama Kisora Dasa, a community Board Member, was able to create meaningful connections with other religious congregations in the Twin Cities. Rama Kisora met MMN’s Chairperson, Robert Pickering, and following a long and meaningful conversation, Pickering invited him to present at the upcoming World Religion Day event to be held on Sunday, January 19th. 

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Video Highlights ISKCON LA and Krishna Lunch So Cal Partnership to Feed Firefighters and Other First Responders
Video Highlights ISKCON LA and Krishna Lunch So Cal Partnership to Feed Firefighters and Other First Responders

Dhira-Lalita Dasa, a brahmachari at ISKCON New Dvaraka Temple, has produced an inspiring 25-minute video highlighting the partnership between the LA Temple and the Krishna Lunch So Cal food truck. Together they have distributed prasadam to many hundreds of first responders, especially firefighters who have been battling the devastating fires in LA county. Alongside police and national guard troops, they are now also beginning the difficult work of cleanup and restoring access, power, and other resources to home and business owners returning to their neighborhoods.

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“Abhay Charan” TV Series Premieres in Suriname in February 2025
“Abhay Charan” TV Series Premieres in Suriname in February 2025

The well-known Abhay Charan television series, based on Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami’s biography Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, will air for the first time on Suriname television in February 2025.

Suriname is a South American country bordered by Brazil, Guyana, and French Guiana, with a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Rich in cultural diversity, Suriname has an Indian population of about 27 percent.

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Gautam Adani Serves at Maha Kumbh Mela Prasadam Partnership Which is Feeding 100,000 Daily
Gautam Adani Serves at Maha Kumbh Mela Prasadam Partnership Which is Feeding 100,000 Daily

Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, offered seva alongside the successful prasadam distribution partnership with ISKCON at the Maha Kumbh Mela being held in Prayagraj, India. The collaboration combines ISKCON’s spiritual mission with the Adani Group’s logistical capabilities to distribute 100,000 meals daily during the 45-day festival. Using the famous Mega Kitchen, with its base at Govardhan Eco Village, 2,500 volunteers distribute the prasadam to dozens of locations throughout the religious gathering.

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New Devotee Care Department Office Inaugurated in Mayapur
New Devotee Care Department Office Inaugurated in Mayapur

On December 21, 2024, the Devotee Care Department office was inaugurated in Room 108 at the Chakra Building in Mayapur. This 24/7 department is dedicated to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of devotees, playing a crucial role in furthering the mission of ISKCON. Its establishment marks a significant step in ensuring the holistic care and nurturing of those who dedicate their lives to the service of the Lord.

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BBT 2024 Live to Give Campaign Seeks Feedback from Participants
BBT 2024 Live to Give Campaign Seeks Feedback from Participants

The BBT Marketing, Communications, and Innovations Team is extremely grateful to all the devotees who participated in the 2024 Live to Give campaign. Your efforts to distribute Bhagavad Gita made a positive impact on the planet and will definitely please Srila Prabhupada and our predecessor acharyas. In order to help serve you and assist you, we are requesting any devotee who participated in this campaign to fill out this quick, four question survey regarding your experiences during the campaign. Click here for survey. Thank You!

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ISKCON Ayodhya Serves 100,000+ Meals to Devotees Arriving from Maha Kumbh
ISKCON Ayodhya Serves 100,000+ Meals to Devotees Arriving from Maha Kumbh

Hundreds of thousands of pilgrims throng to Ayodhya Dham every day after taking a holy bath at the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers during the auspicious Maha Kumbh, which started in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, India.

Read More

GBC Update on Giriraja Swami
GBC Update on Giriraja Swami

During the Governing Body Commission’s (GBC) meeting on Monday, December 30th, the GBC formally accepted Giriraja Swami’s letter addressed to them, in which he announced that he would no longer be offering initiations. As stated in his letter, dated October 27, 2024: “It will not reasonably be possible for me to guide and care for new disciples as my condition continues to deteriorate.”

Read More

 

 

 

 

Dandavats

Courtesy of dandavats.com

Uniting Faiths, Spreading Love: ISKCON’s Global Impact, January 24
Uniting Faiths, Spreading Love: ISKCON’s Global Impact, January 24

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Servant Of Your Words. Bridging Faiths in Minnesota. The Issue of the Proto-Indo-European Language. Vaisnava Compassion in Global Crisis. Exploring Your Word of Honor. The Big Bang theory! Pure Devotion: Lessons from Kurukshetra's Sages. Krishna Consciousness Ends Material Bondage. ISKCON devotees gather at Maha Kumbh 2025. Vaishnava Etiquette Begins With Respect. Mega Gita-Based Value Education Contest. The sanctuary of Your lotus feet.

...

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Exploring Your Word of Honor
Exploring Your Word of Honor

By Mahatma Das

Imagine this scene. After millions of lifetimes you finally make it back to the spiritual world. As you approach the gates of Goloka you are asked to wait because Krsna wants to come and personally greet you. You are getting more excited at every moment. You can hardly believe you have finally made it back to your eternal home. In the distance you see a beautiful blue form coming towards you. Finally, after transmigrating through 8,400,000 specie...

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Vaisnava Compassion in Global Crisis
Vaisnava Compassion in Global Crisis

By Bhaktin Allegra

What is the appropriate response of a Vaisnava or person of faith during a time of national or global crisis? The examples of great souls and of scripture can help us understand what a Vaisnava response can look like. From a certain perspective, we are always in a time of crisis. In the material world, there is danger at every step. Although the material world is the wonderful creation of the Divine, it is not our home, and our material position is never secure. A large part of spiritual practice is meant to help us realize this, and to seek to connect wi...

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Spiritual Horizons: Wisdom, Service, and Transcendence Unveiled, January 23
Spiritual Horizons: Wisdom, Service, and Transcendence Unveiled, January 23

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Pastoral Counseling. Thinking of Krishna at Death. New Goloka Community Report for 2024. Partnership to Feed Firefighters. The Universe Chandelier at TOVP. Kardama Muni's Spiritual Triumph. The Lord is the object of the Vedic prayers. The nectar Kirtan at ISKCON London! ISKCON's state of the art mega kitchen in Kumbh. Srila Prabhupada's Example. Hare Krishna in popular culture .Prahlada Maharaja. Moving Forward in 2025

...

Read More

The Issue of the Proto-Indo-European Language
The Issue of the Proto-Indo-European Language

By Sri Nandanandana dasa

There has been an attempt to explain the origins of such languages as Sanskrit, Greek and Roman for many years. This is because there has been a recognition of many similarities between them, but the exact original language which they have derived from has never been identified. So they say that it is now extinct, but they call it the Proto-Indo-European Language (PIE). This has now given way to the groupings of many other languages that are now included in what has become the "family" of...

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A Concise Statement of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Siddhānta for the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness
A Concise Statement of Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇava Siddhānta for the International Society for Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

By HH Badrinarayan Swami

This is the official GBC policy paper: "Gaudiya Vaisnava Siddhanta for ISKCON-according to the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada". After several years in development and multiple review cycles, it was approved in December of 2025 by a unanimous vote of the international GBC. You will find the history of the development of this paper and the case for its importance, in the beginning of the paper. The author is His Holiness Bhakti-Vijnana Maharaja, with input from many senior devotees.

...

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Unity, Devotion, and Sustainability in ISKCON Today, January 22
Unity, Devotion, and Sustainability in ISKCON Today, January 22

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Lord Boar by HG Amogh Lila Das. The Story of Shaubhari Muni. United We Stand - Yuga Dharma. Finding Shelter in True Identity. New Devotee Care Department Office Inaugurated in Mayapur. Govardhan Eco Village: A Temple Town Building a Sustainable Future. Abhay Charan serial in Suriname. HH Bhaktimarga Swami - Home Program. Vaisnava Etiquette. Ratna Bhusana's doughnuts for the LAPD and more

...

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Hare Krishna in popular culture
Hare Krishna in popular culture

From Wikipedia

Contributions to popular culture involving direct reference to the Hare Krishna mantra, or the Hare Krishna movement include the following. 1 In music 1.1 Beatles influence 1.2 Music 1.3 Straight Edge subculture 2 In movies 3 In television 4 In fiction 5 In video games 6 In advertising 7 Other

...

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Finding Shelter in True Identity
Finding Shelter in True Identity

By Devika Rao

“One who has taken his birth as a human being in the land of India should make his life successful and work for the benefit of all other people.” (Sri Chaitanya-caritamrita, Adi-lila 9.41) Even though I wasn’t born in India, I’d like to take Lord Chaitanya’s instruction to heart. I’m an Indian-American in touch with Srila Prabhupada’s philosophy, so I feel well equipped with both cultures.

...

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The Story of Shaubhari Muni
The Story of Shaubhari Muni

By Radhanath Swami

In Srimad Bhagavatam in ninth canto, there is a story of Shaubhari muni. He was a very powerful yogi. Millions of time more powerful than any materialist today in his ability to fulfill his material desires. He had attained very great mystic powers. And of course when one becomes very powerful spiritually or materially, the tendency is to become very proud and in pride, the greatest danger is that we can offend saintly persons. So Shaubhari Muni, as it is described, ...

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United We Stand – Yuga Dharma
United We Stand – Yuga Dharma

By Navasi Dasi

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura indicates that rather than trying to separate conditioned souls by materialistic distinctions, one should bring them together to chant the holy names of the Lord and propagate the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya. A nondevotee, or even an envious third-class devotee, is not interested in uniting people on the platform of love of Godhead. Instead he unnecessarily separates them by emphasizing material distinctions like “communi...

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Global Waves of Devotion, Transcendental Triumphs and Heartfelt Lessons on January 21
Global Waves of Devotion, Transcendental Triumphs and Heartfelt Lessons on January 21

By Dandavats Staff Writer

Harinaam Sankirtan: Path to Spiritual Bliss. Free Prasadam Distribution Across Ayodhya Dham. "Temple Worship" Unit at Mayapur Academy! K??? a's Devotee and Material Condition (Quote from Nectar of Instruction). Vaishnava Etiquette by HH Romapada Maharaj. French Bhagavatam Sells Like Hot Cakes A Spiritual Phenomenon in France. Why Israelis Are Becoming Krishna Devotees A Spiritual Shift in Israel. ISKCON LA Temple Distributes Food to Firefighters and Police Officers. Radha Krishna Prabhu (GBC) - Srimad Bhagavatam Class (Cyprus, Limassol). Quotes from Prabhupada Meditations, Volume ...

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Celebrating ISKCON’s Growth: Books, Festivals, and Centers on January 20
Celebrating ISKCON’s Growth: Books, Festivals, and Centers on January 20

By Dandavats Staff Writer

SB Class by HH Trivikram Swami in Iskcon Pune. The importance of reading. Introductory Handbook For Krsna Consciousness. Life and Afterlife: Does Modern Science Have it Right? SB Class by HG Narayani Mataji - Melbourne. PM Modi's Speech at the Inauguration of Sri Radha Madan Mohan Mandir. Boarding The Jaladuta - Kidderpore dock, Kolkata. London Harinama brings the world together! Govardhan EcoVillage welcomed 1 million visitors in 2024! January 2025 Sunday Festival at Hare Krishna Valley. The New Govardhana community thanks all the Book Distribution Marathon participants. Bhumi Puja ...

Read More

Life and Afterlife: Does Modern Science Have it Right?
Life and Afterlife: Does Modern Science Have it Right?

By Navina Syama Dasa

I recently read one of the latest books by Ian Stevenson, entitled European Cases of the Reincarnation Type. Dr. Stevenson is a research professor of psychiatry at the University of Virginia, and he has been doing research on the subject of reincarnation for more than thirty years. Over this period, he has accumulated several hundred accounts of young children who consciously remember details of past lives, exhibit birthmarks or phobias connected with a former person’s death, or even speak f...

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Festivals, Discourse Highlights, and Notable Visits at ISKCON on January 19
Festivals, Discourse Highlights, and Notable Visits at ISKCON on January 19

By Dandavats Staff Writer

SB by HH Guru Prasad Swami. Festival of Loving Exchanges in London. Marathon Prize Distribution Ceremony - Melbourne. Chant, Serve, and Discover Krishna's Eternal Abode. Honoring the Visit of Mr. Chris Martin and Ms. Dakota Johnson at ISKCON Chowpatty. H. G. Pancha Gauda Prabhu's SB Class. Srila Prabhupada's Vision for Global Devotion. Asia's 2nd Largest ISKCON Temple Inaugurated by PM Modi. Feelings of Separation: Path to Divine Love. The Krishna Cow Sanctuary - Tongaat. Feeding First Responders. MARATHON 2024 Felicitation Program - Juhu. Govardhan Eco Village - Highlights. Divine R...

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The importance of reading
The importance of reading

By Antaryami das

In the Dallas temple, before the devotees and the Deities in early 1983, H.H. Tamal Krsna Goswami read out a letter from Srila Prabhupada: "My dear Tamal, the temple is likened to a military training camp where persons come and are trained as soldiers. After being trained they are sent out into the field to live an ideal devotee life preaching and living by example, or they remain in the temples to serve in one of many varieties of service. Those who are not strong enough to live outside the temple maintaining sadhana they can remain in the...

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Introductory Handbook For Krsna Consciousness
Introductory Handbook For Krsna Consciousness

By Rohininandana das

This handbook and accompanying curriculum, which are to be used enjointly, have been compiled under the direct order of the Governing Body Commission of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness. Their contents are based wholely on the inspiration, guidance and wisdom of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami, the founder acarya of ISKCON. This humble attempt has been made in the service of any aspiring devotee and future disciple of the authorised ISKCON Acaryas. We pray to Srila Prabhupada, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta and Srila Rupa Gosvami that this work may be ...

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Surveying the Arcana Field From All Angles of Vision
Surveying the Arcana Field From All Angles of Vision

HH Krishna Kshetra Swami - 18.01.2025

Watch Now

 

 

 

 

 

TOVP News

Courtesy of tovp.org

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Legacy Museum Grand Opening - February 18
A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Legacy Museum Grand Opening - February 18

The Grand Opening of the A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada Legacy Museum in the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP), is scheduled for February 18, 2025. Watch this historic event live on Mayapur TV.

Read More

TOVP Grand Opening 2027: Current Progress
TOVP Grand Opening 2027: Current Progress

We are excited to share an update on the progress of the TOVP Grand Opening, which is now scheduled for 2027. We have recently completed the construction of Narasimha wing and are now beginning work on the main wing. The main work will also include the construction of the Prabhupada Vyas asana. We are confident that we will be able to open the temple on time, and we look forward to welcoming you all to this historic event.

Watch Now

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Mayapur Prediction
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s Mayapur Prediction

‘Gata-varsha’ (The Last Year) is an editorial written by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura for Sajjana Tosani, Vol.12, Issue 1 in 1900. The Thakura reviews the spiritual achievements made during the last year, and predicts that in the future, people from all nations will come to the birthplace of Mahaprabhu. He also mentions his son, Siddhanta Sarasvati in connection to the publication of Padma Puruna.

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TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present
TOVP & Vedic Science Channel Present

The Hieronimus Show - Mechanistic and Non-mechanistic Science 7/14/96

A radio interview with Dr. Richard L. Thompson (Sadaputa Dasa)

The focus of this Hieronimus interview is Sadaputa Dasa's (Dr. Richard L. Thompson’s) book “Mechanistic and Nonmechanistic Science”, published some 15 years prior. Thompson defines the soul (jivatma) as a “distinct quanta of consciousness”, and argues convincingly that this basic principle of life cannot logically arise from matter. Using as examples the sting mechanism of flatworms and the statocyst molting behavior of certain shrimp, he affirms the need for intelligence in some of nature’s more intricate designs.

Listen Now

 

 

 

 

Srila Prabhupada: 
founderacharya.com, vanipedia.org

The official ISKCON website: iskcon.org,

Find your nearest temple: centres.iskcon.org

ISKCON leadership: gbc.iskcon.org

Education such ar Bhakti-shastri, Bhaktivaibhava etc: Mayapur Institute, Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education, Bhaktivedanta College Europe

News: news.iskcon.org, dandavats.com,

BBT books: bbt.org, krishna.com, vanisource.org, vedabase.com, bbtmedia.com

World Sankirtan Newsletter: wsnl.net/wsnhome.htm

Temple of Vedic Planetarium: tovp.org

Deity Worship and courses: deityworship.com, Mayapur Academy 

Inspiration & Sadhana: 
mayapur.tv, iskcondesiretree.com

Vaishnava Calendars: 
ISKCON GBC Vaishnava Calendar Comitee, GCAL (Gaurabda Calendar, a program for calculation of the calendar for vaisnavas, according Gaudiya-Vaisnava tradition.)

These dates and timings are for Sri Mayapur Dhama. Find timings for your location at the Vaishnava Calendar links.

January 26, 2025 (Sunday)
Dvadasi – Break fast 06:18 (sunrise) – 09:58 (1/3 of daylight) Local Mlayapur Time

February 3, 2025 (Monday)
Sri Pundarika Vidyanidhi — Appearance
Sri Raghunandana Thakura — Appearance
Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura — Disappearance
Srimati Visnupriya Devi — Appearance
Vasanta Pancami

 

Address: ISKCON GBC Office
P.O. Sri Mayapur, Nadia, WB 741313, India

Email: office@iskconconnection.org

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