W e cannot even begin to describe what a wonderful experience we had on the1st Kartik Navadwipa Mandal Parikrama with the Mayapur Chandra’s. It was one of the most ecstatic, enlivening experiences we have had.
What we really appreciated about the parikrama, was the thoughtfulness of the Mayapur Chandra’s in lovingly facilitating those devotees who are normally not physically able to participate in parikramas. Because we mostly travelled by car, we were able to spend more time at each holy place and really meditate on their pastimes and glories. Also, since we traveled in a small group, it allowed us to associate more intimately with one another – like a family.
It was really heartwarming to see how the Mayapur Chandra’s took such good care of all of the devotees, ensuring our comfort in every detailed aspect. This helped us to absorb ourselves more, as we felt little fatigue and hunger. Don’t get me wrong, the prasadam was very palatable; every mouth -watering preparation was scrumptiously fulfilling and satisfying. The soulful kirtans led by their graces Naru Gopal prabhu and Srihari Kanta prabhu, strengthened our connection and helped us to dive deeper into the nectarean mellows of the Lord’s holy names, forms, pastimes and glories. We especially relished the song Gopinath, by Bhaktivinoda Thakura, as it allowed us to catch a glimpse of the mood of our previous acaryas, thus increasing our appreciation for the Holy Dhama.
As residents of Mayapur we sometimes take the Dhama for granted and think it to be an ordinary place. This parikrama enabled us to actually appreciate the Holy Dhama and remind us of how fortunate we are, by the grace of Srila Prabhupada, to live in the Holy Dhama of Lord Gauranga.
A place that augmented our appreciation and gratitude for Srila Prabhupada, and our personal favorite, was Arkatila. In the presence of Their Graces Jananivasa prabhu, Pankajangari prabhu, Mahatma prabhu and Her grace Tulasi mataji, we could feel a transformation of heart as words of Prabhupada Nectar flowed out of their mouths. We were enraptured, completely engrossed in every pastime they related. Usually, on a regular [non-parikrama] day, when we’re extremely exhausted, we’d count down the hours and minutes until prasadam time. But on this specific day, hunger and sleep were out of the question; our minds were captivated by their memories and deep realizations. The atmosphere was surcharged with spiritual energy and fraught with love for Srila Prabhupada. We wanted them to go on forever! After all, this is really what Krsna Consciousness is about… Every step is a dance, every word is a song and everyday is a festival…
We owe our gratitude to Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, for rediscovering the holy places; to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur, for formally establishing the Navadwip Mandal Parikrama; to Srila Prabhupada, for introducing us to Sri Dhama Mayapur and finally to the Mayapur Chandra’s, for giving us the life-changing experience of Navadwip Mandal Parikrama.
We strongly encourage everyone to join us on parikrama next Kartik with the Mayapur Chandra’s. Come experience this extraordinary event in Sri Navadwipa Dhama!
Here are some of the realizations from devotees from all over the world who participated:
“With this Parikrama I felt closer to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupad. I felt like in a family in a group with other devotees.”
– Kunti devi dasi
“Such professionalism and service attitude should be organized in all our ISKCON programs, parikramas.”
– Tirthakara das
“Haribol! Thanks to Mayapur chandra’s for six days they took us to Golaka.”
– Bhadra devi dasi
“I would like to go on Navadwipmandal parikrama with Mayapur chandra’s again and again and again.”
– Guru Prasad dasa
“Thank you very much for the new experience I had on this Parikrama. For many years of living in Mayapur I never saw such a beautiful place and I realized that I know nothing about this holy place.”
– Rukmavati devi dasi
“Because it was such a sublime experience having sadhu sanga there, I am looking forward to the next Parikrama in 2014.”
– Alexander Lanz
“The atmosphere in the Yatra was very devotional, the Prasadam was very nice and the management was too good. Like to join the yatra again and again, I am greatly thankful the members of Mayapur Chandra’s.
– Sarveswari Radhika devi dasi
“Millions of prostrations to Mayapur Chandra’s for organizing such a wonderful Parikrama and your service attitude.”
– Purushottam Prasad das
“The Navadwip Mandal Parikama organized by Mayapur Chandra’s was excellent nice and superb.”
– Kothubha mani das
“ It is inspiring see all the youth organizing, serving, managing, caring for all the devotees with lots of love. Srila Prabhupada and Lord Chaitanya will be definitely pleased.”
– Bhagavati Kripa d.d.
“Now I love Navadwip more and more… thank you very much!”
– Rasa-lila dasi
“Prasadam was so tasty I found it difficult to stop honoring it. It was a mind blowing experience. I manage to appreciate the Holy Dham of Navadwip like never before, with gratitude, love, and affection.”
– Guntis Lans
“I have been waiting for thirteen years, to get an opportunity to visit Sri Dham Mayapur, especially for Parikrama. After the tickets were booked, we came to know that, for the first time ever, Kartik Parikrama has been organized. There was ecstasy among us!”
– Vrindavan Tulasi devi dasi
“Mayapur Chandra’s I will be missing your association and this wonderful experience. Like a charged battery I can run for at least one year till the next year to join your program again.”
– Nimai Sundar das (Sri Lanka)
To view the photos from this year’s parikram, and for updates on upcoming pilgrimages and kirtans please visit www.facebook.com/mayapur.chandras.
Your servants,
Radha-Rasa-Sudha-Nidhi dd
Gourangi Gandharvika dd
Divya Jyoti dd
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