1 Sri Sri Radha Rasabihariji TEMPLE MONTHLY Founder - acharya of the international society for krishna consciousness August, 2011 newsletter of iskcon - juhu,Mumbai Vol. 1 Issue 3 Dedicated to his divine grace a.c. bhaktivedanta swami srila prabhupada “Krsna is everywhere. Simply you have to catch Him. And He’s also ready for being caught. Suppose you are a devotee, if you want to catch Him, He comes ten times than you desire. He’s so kind. Therefore, we have to simply receive Him.” - Srila Prabhupada From the publisher’s desk: Festivals: Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura was an exhaulted Vaishnava personality. The father of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati, spiritual master (guru) of Srila Prabhupada (founder of ISKCON), he was the pioneer of the program for benedicting the entire world of Krishna Consciousness by the instructions of Lord Caitanya. He was a highly respected magistrate by profession, who also preached Vaishnavism and was a prolific Vaishnava writer. He wrote several Vaishnava books and songs which are read and sung till date by Gaudiya Vaishnava devotees across the world. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura has set a great example for all. Although he had so many responsibilities as a magistrate, as the superintendent of the Jagannatha Temple, as a husband, as father of ten children still he expertly utilized his time in the service of Lord Krsna. He is credited with finding the exact birthplace of Lord Caitanya and is called the seventh Goswami as well. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura’s disappearance day was celebrated on 1st July 2011. Devotees gathered in the temple hall to offer pushpanjali and arati to the beautifully decorated picture of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura. They observed fast till noon and took inspiration from his life and teachings; to keep in their minds and heart his glorious example: that even in various positions and demanding situations, more and more can be done to serve Krsna. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura disappearance day celebrations Gundica Marjana: Enthusiastic cleaning at Sri Sri Radha Rasabihari temple! The observance of Gundica- marjana, the washing and cleansing of the Gundica temple(at Jagannatha Puri), takes place on the day before Ratha-yatra, in preparation for the arrival of the Lord. The activity of cleansing the Gundica temple is taken as not only a process for cleaning the temple complex, but also as a metaphor for how we should go about cleaning our own hearts. The temple was cleansed to make it a fit place for the Lord to reside. Similarly, each of us has to clean his or her heart to make it a fit place for the Lord. Came 2nd July 2011, and the temple shone like a pearl. Devotees and congregation members dusted, scrubbed, washed and mopped the temple till everything was glistening. While the ladies kept themselves to the ground level, the men showed a little more adventure and climbed up the dome and ladders to reach to the upper areas and arches. The pujaris cleaned the main altar and several other devotees scrubbed clean Prabhupada’s Vyasasana, the marble pillars, courtyard, stairways, floor and the parikrama path. Many department members also cleaned their respective offices. Thus, they all hoped to clean their heart of the material desires and attachments, and increase their love for Krsna. • Jhulan Yatra: come swing the Lord! 09th Aug- 15th Aug; 7:30 to 9 p.m. (Saturday, Sunday & 15th July : 6:30 to 9 p.m.) Temple courtyard. • Balarama Jayanti: Dhwaja arohan - 13th Aug 2011 at 4:30 p.m. • Sri Krishna Janmashtami : 21st & 22nd Aug 2011- fasting till midnight on 22nd • Sri Nandotsava: Srila Prabhupada Vyasa Puja: 23rd Aug 2011- fasting till noon Aug 2011 Upcoming Events During this festive month of August the temple will celebrate Jhulan Yatra, Balarama Jayanti, Janmashtami and Srila Prabhupada’s appearance day. In this issue, we will take peek at the preparations leading to the festivities and some behind the scene action. Devotees at the temple are making extensive arrangements to host all well-wishers of Lord Krishna during these blissful festivals. Be a part of the festivities and be blessed. Hare Krishna.