By his mercy, Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu appeared.
By his mercy, the flood of nāma-saṅkīrtana began.
By his mercy, even the most fallen souls were granted access to love of Kṛṣṇa.
Śrī Advaita Ācārya is the combined incarnation of Mahā-Viṣṇu and Sadāśiva, yet he appeared in this world as a humble devotee, solely to awaken devotion to the Supreme Lord. He appeared in Śrīhaṭṭa (present-day Sylhet, Bangladesh), in Lāuḍa-grāma, on the banks of a sacred river. Later, he resided in Śāntipura and Navadvīpa, becoming the foremost Vaiṣṇava of Navadvīpa-dhāma.
Seeing the people of Kali-yuga deeply absorbed in material life, Advaita Ācārya longed to bestow prema-bhakti, pure love of Kṛṣṇa. Liberation was easy for him to grant—but love of Kṛṣṇa is not cheap. Only Kṛṣṇa Himself can give it.
Understanding this truth, Advaita Gosāñi undertook an extraordinary act of devotion. With intense eagerness, he worshipped Śālagrāma-śilā with Gaṅgā water and Tulasī mañjarīs, fasting and loudly chanting the Holy Names. Through thunderous kīrtana and heartfelt tapasya, he declared:
“If my name is Advaita—non-different—then I will bring the Supreme Lord down.”
His cries of devotion pierced the coverings of the universe, resounded throughout Vaikuṇṭha, and reached the ears of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Himself. At the same time, in Kuliyā, Haridāsa Ṭhākura was also chanting intensely, praying for the Lord’s descent. Thus, by the combined devotion of His pure servants, the Lord confirmed His advent—as Śrī Gaurāṅga, the most merciful incarnation.
On the adhivāsa day of Lord Gaurāṅga, during the sacred fire sacrifices, devotees remembered how Advaita Ācārya’s powerful kīrtana and worship invoked the appearance of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
Although Advaita Ācārya is ontologically superior—being an expansion of the Lord—Mahāprabhu always offered him great respect, considering him senior due to disciplic considerations. Yet Advaita Gosāñi knew the truth in his heart:
“He is the Original Personality of Godhead; I am but an expansion of His expansion.”
In a well-known pastime, simply to taste the joy of being corrected by the Lord, Advaita Ācārya once spoke Patañjali yoga mixed with Māyāvāda philosophy. Hearing this, Mahāprabhu chased him with a stick, warning him never to speak such ideas again. Advaita Gosāñi was overwhelmed with bliss, for being chastised by the Lord was the highest mercy.
On this sacred day—the seventh day of the bright fortnight of Māgha—the great ocean of ecstasy swelled as Advaita Ācārya appeared from the womb of Śrī Nabhā Devī, radiant like the autumn moon. His father, Śrī Kuvera Paṇḍita, distributed abundant charity in joy. The residents of Nabagrāma marveled at the child’s extraordinary beauty, saying they had never seen such a divine infant. He was named Maṅgala, also known as Kamalākṣa.
Advaita Ācārya’s two consorts, Sītā Devī and Śrī Devī, are manifestations of Yoga-māyā. In one divine moment, Advaita Ācārya saw all the demigods gathered—not before him—but at the lotus feet of Lord Caitanya. Raising his arms in ecstasy, he declared that his life had finally become perfect, for he had directly seen the Lord whom the Vedas glorify yet cannot fully attain.
Mahāprabhu then requested Advaita Ācārya to worship Him. With tears flowing, Advaita washed the Lord’s lotus feet, offered Tulasī, sandalwood, lamps, incense, foodstuffs, and heartfelt prayers, glorifying Him as the most munificent incarnation and the revealer of the Hare Kṛṣṇa Mahā-mantra.
When Mahāprabhu asked him to ask for a benediction, Advaita Ācārya prayed only:
“May You distribute love of Kṛṣṇa even to women, laborers, and the most ignorant.”
This prayer reveals the heart of Advaita Gosāñi—mercy without discrimination.
Even today, the Nṛsiṁha-śilā and Deities worshipped by Advaita Ācārya remain in Śāntipura, and the sacred place on the banks of the Gaṅgā where he called out to the Lord is known as Bāblā, where a temple now stands in remembrance of his divine pastimes.
Advaita Gosāñi stands as the forerunner of the saṅkīrtana movement. Before the nāma-yajña, before the festivals, before the flood of mercy—he stands first.
With folded hands, devotees prayed:
doyā koro sītā-pati advaita gosāñi,
tava kṛpā-bale pāi caitanya-nitāi
Śrī Advaita Gosāñi kī jaya!
May devotion to Gaura and Nitāi forever awaken in our hearts—only by his mercy
Finally, the first whisper of spring arrived, and on 23rd January, Vasanta Panchami was celebrated in its full grandeur at Sri Mayapur Dham.
Vasanta Panchami marks the first day of spring in India, the season of renewal, blossoming life, and gentle warmth after winter’s stillness. In Sri Mayapur Dham, this sacred day is not merely observed—it is offered, with devotion overflowing in color, fragrance, and loving service to Sri Sri Radha Madhava.
On this auspicious occasion, the altar transformed into a golden vision of spring. Bunches and bundles of fresh flowers were lovingly gathered and arranged, culminating in a breathtaking marigold petal dress that shimmered like the bright spring sun itself. The golden-yellow hues radiated warmth, joy, and divine celebration.
For an entire day prior, the students of the Mayapur Institute and the devotee community came together as one heart and one effort—bringing magic to life through seva. Every petal was placed with intention, every detail infused with love, creating not just a dress, but a living offering of devotion.
Srimati Radharani, along with Her Ashta-sakhis, were adorned in a beautiful yellow tint, embodying the spirit of Vasanta. Yellow—Vasanti Vastra—symbolizes the blooming mustard fields of Vraja, the returning warmth of the sun, and the joy of divine love awakening once more.
As Lord Krishna declares in the Bhagavad-gita (10.35):
“ṛtūnāṁ kusumākaraḥ” —
“Of seasons, I am the flower-bearing spring.”
And truly, standing before the Deities, one could feel that verse come alive.
The mukut (crowns) were exquisitely crafted—ornate, radiant, and regal—adorned with floral artistry that framed Their lotus faces perfectly. Each crown shimmered with intricate detailing, enhancing the already supremely beautiful expressions of Sri Sri Radha Madhava. Even Chota Radha Madhava appeared exceptionally enchanting, Their youthful forms glowing with a sweetness that captured every heart.
The inspiration for this divine attire was drawn from Prabhudhananda Saraswati’s Sri Vrindavan Mahatmya, where the glories of Srimati Radharani are described so poetically. It is said that the black bumblebees are irresistibly drawn only to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, intoxicated by Her unmatched beauty and divine fragrance—just as every soul is naturally drawn to Her loving shelter.
On Vasanta Panchami, that truth felt visible.
The altar itself seemed to hum with life, like Vrindavan in spring—where devotion blooms effortlessly and love flows without restraint.
This was not just a festival.
It was spring offered at the lotus feet of the Divine Couple!
Along with the celebration of spring and the divine beauty of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Vasanta Panchami is also made even more auspicious by the appearances and remembrances of exalted Vaishnava personalities, whose lives embody devotion, renunciation, and pure love for Krishna.
• Srimati Vishnupriya Devi (Appearance)
The eternally devoted consort of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Srimati Vishnupriya Devi is worshiped for Her unparalleled chastity, patience, and absorption in the Holy Name. After Mahaprabhu accepted sannyasa, She spent Her life in deep separation, offering every moment in chanting and remembrance—showing the world the highest standard of quiet, unwavering devotion.
• Srila Raghunatha Dasa Goswami (Appearance)
One of the Six Goswamis of Vrindavan and the prayojana-acharya of our Gaudiya lineage. His life exemplifies the pinnacle of renunciation and internal service. Through his writings and example, he revealed the deepest moods of service to Srimati Radharani, guiding devotees toward the ultimate goal of pure love of God.
• Srila Raghunandana Thakura (Appearance)
A perfect example of childlike faith and simplicity. As a young boy, his loving devotion compelled his Deity of Sri Gopinatha to actually eat the offerings he prepared—demonstrating that Krishna is conquered not by ritual, but by pure love.
• Srila Pundarika Vidyanidhi (Appearance)
A most confidential associate of Lord Chaitanya and the spiritual master of Gadadhara Pandita. Mahaprabhu would lovingly address him as “Father” and would weep in remembrance of his deep devotion and refined spiritual ecstasy.
• Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura (Disappearance)
One of the most profound acharyas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. He gifted the world timeless works such as Gurvastakam, which devotees sing daily, and illuminating commentaries on the Srimad-Bhagavatam. His writings protect and clarify the pure teachings of bhakti.
• Goddess Saraswati (Worship on Vasanta Panchami)
On this day, Saraswati Devi, the goddess of learning and wisdom, is worshiped. In the Vaishnava understanding, she is recognized as a devotee of Krishna who bestows transcendental knowledge, enabling the soul to understand and glorify the Supreme Lord properly.
The air in Sridham Mayapur is changing. We are entering that sacred window of the year where the spiritual energy intensifies, beginning with the fragrant Sri Radha Madhava Pusya Abhishek and leading us into a season of unparalleled devotion.
Among these pearls of festivities, one shines with a particular mercy: Sri Nityananda Trayodasi.
In just a few weeks, we will celebrate the appearance of Lord Nityananda Rama. He is none other than Lord Balarama Himself—the original Guru, the embodiment of service, and the reservoir of spiritual strength. Without the mercy of Nitai, one cannot approach Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu or the groves of Vrindavan. He is the Adi-Guru, wandering the streets of Bengal with ankles bells jingling, begging everyone to chant the Holy Name.
Nityananda Avadhutendu, Vasuda-prana-vallabha Jahnavi-jivita-pati, Krsna-prema-pradayaka
"Lord Nityananda is the Moon of all Avadhutas, the dear life-breath of Vasuda (His wife). He is the Lord of the life of Jahnavi Devi and the bestower of ecstatic love for Krishna."
A Celebration of Two Dhams
In Mayapur, this festival is a grand symphony of splendor and soul. It unfolds simultaneously in two holiest of places:
1. Sri Ekachakra Dham: The birthplace of Lord Nitai, where the atmosphere is flooded with ecstatic Kirtan as devotees welcome the Lord back to His home.
2. Sri Mayapur Dham: Where the festivities begin with a soul-stirring Adhivas Kirtan, leading into the grand Abhishek and feast.
This year, the nectar flows from January 28th through January 31st, 2026.
As the festival approaches, we invite you to be more than a witness—we invite you to be a participant in the Lord’s pleasure. Whether it is donation towards feeding the thousands of pilgrims who journey to the Dham, Abhisheka sevas or pooja offerings. Every seva performed for Nitai returns a thousand-fold in spiritual bliss.
How to Contribute
If you feel the call of Lord Nityananda in your heart, please seize this moment to serve according to your means.
Donate Online: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Nityananda-Trayodasi
For more information on specific sevas or to confirm your donation, please contact Shyamagopika Devi Dasi at +91 95934 00192
Or write to us donorservices@mayapur.com
Let us come together to flood the world with the mercy of Nitai. We look forward to welcoming you to Mayapur this festival season!
Your Servant,
Gopijanavallabha Das
Festival Committee Team
Puṣya Abhiṣeka is not merely a festival of flowers; it is a festival of love, born from the tender desire of the gopīs to lovingly care for and decorate their beloved Krishna. In Vṛndāvana, Krishna was never seen as the Supreme Lord alone—He was the darling of the gopīs, a playful child, a mischievous boy, lovingly handled, dressed, and adored by those whose hearts existed only for His pleasure.
It is said that Krishna was just like a toy in the hands of the gopīs. Overflowing with affection, they once decided, “Let us decorate Krishna beautifully—again and again—so that He may feel our love.” From this simple yet profound desire arose the pastime of Puṣya Abhiṣeka, where Krishna is decorated profusely with flowers, ornaments, and garments, followed by joyous celebration so that all may behold His beauty.
In Śrīdhāma Māyāpur, this festival has become one of the most majestic and heart-touching celebrations of the year—and fittingly, it is the very first grand festival that welcomes the new year. It sets the tone for the months to come: devotion first, beauty in service, and love at the center.
On this auspicious Pūrṇimā day, Their Lordships were entirely draped and garlanded in flower petals of every variety—not merely wearing flower dresses, but embodying a labor of pure love. Each petal was placed by devoted hands, each garland strung with care, patience, and prayer. The result was not just beauty, but devotion made visible.
The day began even before the sun rose, with kathā and Śrīmad Bhāgavatam class by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja, who spoke on the profound pastime of Devahūti and Kardama Muni—touching upon marriage in devotional life, service in the dhāma, and the deeper purpose of relationships when centered around Krishna. These reflections prepared the hearts of devotees to enter the festival mood with depth and sincerity.
As the day unfolded, devotees were blessed to behold Their Lordships adorned in magnificent white flower dresses, intricately designed with countless delicate petals arranged with care and devotion. Each detail reflected the loving effort of the devotees, and in the midst of this radiant floral setting, Śrī Mādhava shone brilliantly like a black jewel, His beauty standing out strikingly against the pristine white flowers, leaving everyone deeply absorbed in the sweetness of the darśana.
Then, at 7:00 PM, the festival reached its crescendo. The temple resounded with melodious kīrtans as ārati was offered to the Divine Couple. In that moment, it felt as though time stood still. The atmosphere was saturated with devotion, music, fragrance, and joy—transporting everyone present into what felt like a glimpse of the spiritual world.
What makes Puṣya Abhiṣeka in Mayapur especially extraordinary is that not only Chota Rādhā Mādhava receive this flower bath, but the full-sized Deities—Śrī Rādhā Mādhava, Śrī Pañca-tattva, Śrī Prahlāda Nṛsiṁhadeva, and Śrīla Prabhupāda—are all bathed in flowers. And just as importantly, every devotee present is bathed in mercy.
The celebrations continue late into the night, with hearts overflowing, faces glowing, and spirits uplifted. One leaves not tired, but fulfilled—carrying the fragrance of flowers and devotion within.
As the festival gently concludes, it leaves behind something lasting: a mood for the entire year. Puṣya Abhiṣeka opens the door to a series of divine celebrations—Vasanta Pañcamī, Śrī Advaita Ācārya’s Appearance, Śrī Nityānanda Trayodaśī, and the grand Gaura Pūrṇimā festivities—all following one after another, like beads strung on the garland of devotion.
Until next year, Puṣya Abhiṣeka reminds us of a simple truth taught by the gopīs themselves:
Krishna is conquered not by opulence, but by love—and love is best expressed through heartfelt service.
Dear Beloved Devotee and Well-Wisher,
May Lord Śrī Krishna and Mother Ganga shower their blessings upon you.
Wishing you a blissful, auspicious, and prosperous New Year 2026.
At the divine confluence of the Bay of Bengal and Mother Ganga rests Gangasagar Dham—celebrated in the scriptures as a holy tīrtha that can wash away the accumulated sins of innumerable lifetimes.
During the annual Gangasagar Mela on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, millions of sādhus and tīrtha-yātris travel great distances—many walking for days, some sleeping beneath the open sky, others elderly, fragile, hungry, thirsty, or physically exhausted. Yet all of them come with one profound aspiration: purification of the heart, spiritual upliftment, and the hope of receiving the Lord’s mercy in this holy dhām.
Scriptures narrate how King Bhagirath brought Mother Ganga to earth and liberated his forefathers. Gangasagar, further sanctified by the intense tapasya of Lord Kapila Muni, is described in Vedic śāstra as a sacred place where bathing on Makar Sankranti bestows peace, prosperity, auspiciousness, and liberation from material suffering.
On this very day, the Sun enters Uttarāyaṇa—a supremely auspicious moment that even Bhīṣma Pitāmaha waited for before leaving his earthly body.
Across India, this festival is celebrated under many names—Poush Sankranti, Pongal, Lohri, Magh Bihu, Uttarayan, Khichdi, Pedda Panduga—yet everywhere its essence remains one: charity, compassion, purification, and devotion.
ISKCON Gangasagar Seva Camp
This year once again, ISKCON Gangasagar is setting up a devotional seva camp on the banks of Mother Ganga to lovingly serve thousands of pilgrims with:
Hot, nutritious prasādam
Shelter and resting facilities
Spiritual association
Medical care
Gītā-dāna and vastra-dāna
Drinking water and sanitation
Compassionate assistance
This divine mission can be accomplished only through the generous support of devotees and well-wishers like you.
The Glory of Bengal
The Vedic Center for Culture & Education
International Society for Krishna Consciousness
Founder-Ācārya: His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda
Address:
Hare Krishna Land, Road No. 5, Near Helipad
Village, PO & PS: Gangasagar Coastal
24 Parganas (South), West Bengal – 743373
Contact:
iskcongs@gmail.com
97353 33511 / 98744 37164
www.iskcongangasagar.com
About the Pilgrims
During the Mela, pilgrims arrive weary—often elderly or ill, many having walked barefoot for miles. They seek:
Hari-kathā
Harinām-saṅkīrtan
Blessings and guidance
Prasādam and drinking water
Medical assistance
A moment of spiritual refuge
Your support offers nourishment, relief, dignity, and upliftment to thousands.
The scriptures declare:
“Tīrtha-kurvanti tīrthāni sādhavaḥ”
It is the saintly devotees who sanctify the holy places.
Serving pilgrims is therefore serving the Lord Himself. As Krishna assures in the Bhagavad Gītā (9.26):
“Patram puṣpam phalam toyaṁ…”—even a leaf offered with devotion is lovingly accepted by Him.
Seva Requirements for Gangasagar Mela 2026
To organize the ISKCON Gangasagar Mela 2026 Seva Camp, we humbly require ₹50 lakhs, covering:
Prasādam distribution
Accommodation and kitchen setup
Sanitation and drinking water
Vastra-dāna & Gītā-dāna
Medical assistance
Volunteer services
Prasādam Seva Goal
1,50,000 pilgrims
₹30 per prasādam plate
(Rice, dal, sabji, pickle/halwa)
Served from early morning till midnight
Special Donor Facilities (First Time Ever)
Sponsor 7,000 meals (₹2,10,000 and above):
AC Super Deluxe Guest House accommodation
Donor banner display
Opportunity to personally serve pilgrims
Sponsor 1,000 meals (₹30,000):
VIP Tent accommodation (common toilets)
Donor banner display
All donors receive:
Personalized appreciation letter
Sealed bottle of Holy Ganga water
Sanctified prasādam packet
A Humble Appeal
Imagine an elderly pilgrim who has walked for two days…
A mother shielding her child from icy winds…
A sadhu relying entirely on the Lord’s mercy…
When such pilgrims receive warm prasādam, shelter, water, or even a gentle smile—that moment becomes your seva. The Lord sees it, and Mother Ganga lovingly witnesses it.
With Gratitude
On behalf of ISKCON Gangasagar, we sincerely thank you for your trust and support. With folded hands, we invite you to join this sacred mission of compassion and devotion.
Please support according to your capacity.
For assistance:
Shri Sundar Govind Das – 97353 33511 / 98744 37164
iskcongs@gmail.com
May Lord Kapila Muni and Mother Ganga bless you and your family with devotion, protection, prosperity, and spiritual happiness in the New Year.
Your insignificant and ever-grateful sevak,
Shri Sundar Govind Das
Temple President
ISKCON Gangasagar International
Tax Benefit
All donations toward annadāna are eligible for 80G tax exemption (India).
http://www.iskcongangasagar.com/gs-mela-2026.html
As this year slowly comes to a close, many of us are quietly reflecting…on all that has passed, all that we have learned, and all that we are carrying forward. A new year is not just a change of date—it is a fresh step into the unknown. And in moments like these, it feels comforting to begin with the Lord—with prayer, gratitude, and surrender.
On 1st January, we will be offering a special puja to Lord Narasimhadev
with a simple yet heartfelt prayer: that He walks with us as we step into 2026, protecting, guiding, and blessing us—both spiritually and materially.
We may not know what the coming year holds… but when Krishna is placed at the beginning, the journey feels lighter, safer, and filled with hope. We lovingly invite devotees, friends, well-wishers, and donors from around the world to join us in this offering—to pray for ourselves, our families, our loved ones, and all those close to our hearts.
Click here to participate: https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/New-Year
Let your first expense of the year bring you all auspiciousness. Let it be an offering made with faith, humility, and love.
Start 2026 with Their Blessings
and allow Lord Narasimhadev to lead you through the year and the many years ahead. We welcome you to be part of this sacred beginning.
Any amount is most welcome and will be used in service for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha-Madhava!
Need any assistance in Mayapur, feel free to write to us at donorservices@mayapur.com or whatsapp to +91-9733578071.
Yours in service
Gopijana Vallabha das
Division head -Mayapur Tourism
ISKCON Mayapur
Over 500 years ago, in the sacred land of Navadvīpa, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Śrī Krishna, appeared as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. Taking on the golden hue of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, He descended to distribute the yuga-dharma—the congregational chanting of the holy names. Through His boundless compassion, He transformed hearts through kīrtana, love, and devotion, opening the doors of bhakti to the entire world.
Śrīla Prabhupāda repeatedly expressed his heartfelt desire:
that all devotees gather every year in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma—especially during the time of Gaura Pūrṇimā—to receive mercy, recharge spiritually, and deepen their connection with the mission of Lord Caitanya.
Following in his footsteps, we extend a warm and loving invitation to you and your family to join us for:
GAURA PŪRṆIMĀ FESTIVAL 2026
31 January – 5 March · Śrī Māyāpur Candrodaya Mandir
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 31st January | Śrī Nityānanda Trayodaśī |
| 04th – 14th February | GBC Plenary, SGGS |
| 06th February | 152nd Appearance Day of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda |
| 08th February | Devotees Arrival |
| 09th February | Śrīla Prabhupāda Connect Day (English/Russian) |
| 10th – 12th February | Śravaṇa Utsav |
| 11th February | Yajña Shala Inauguration at TOVP |
| 13th February | Ekādaśī, Festival Inauguration (Garuda–Dhvajā) Flag Hoisting, Deity Report (Morning), GBC Istāgoṣṭhī & Kīrtana Melā Adhivāsa |
| 14th – 18th February | Kīrtana Melā |
| 14th February | SGGS & Māyāpur Saṅkīrtana Book Distribution Awards |
| 16th February | Śrī Śiva–rātri at ISKCON Rājāpur, Śrī Jagannātha Temple, World Saṅkīrtana Book Distribution Awards |
| 18th February | Navadvīpa Maṇḍala Parikramā Adhivāsa at YOGAPĪṬHA |
| 19th – 25th February | Navadvīpa Maṇḍala Parikramā |
| 26th February | Parikramā Mahāmilan |
| 26th February to 2nd March | Cultural Programs |
| 27th February | Ekādaśī, Śrīmad Bhāgavatam & Śrī Caitanya–caritāmṛta Yajña, Śrī Śrī Rādhā Mādhava Boat Festival |
| 28th February | Govinda Dvādaśī, Śāntipura Festival |
| 01st March | Gaṅgā Pūjā, Immersion of Ashes |
| 02nd March | Gaura Pūrṇimā Adhivāsa, Śrīla Prabhupāda Connect Day (Bengali) |
| 03rd March | Appearance Day of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Abhiṣeka & Ekādaśī Feast at Moonrise |
| 04th March | Jagannātha Miśra Festival Feast |
| 05th March | (Garuda–Dhvajā) Festival Flag Lowering Ceremony |
For guest House Booking
Rooms are filling quickly. Reserve early:
mghb108@gmail.com
For donations, sponsorships, and inquiries:
donorservices@mayapur.com
You may offer support for:
Prasādam distribution
Parikramā arrangements
Kīrtana Melā
Sravaṇa Utsav
Abhiṣeka & Festival Seva
General Gaura Pūrṇimā Festival support
Every contribution—large or small—is a direct service to Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and deeply appreciated.
Come and immerse yourself in the spiritual atmosphere of Lord Caitanya’s eternal home, together with thousands of devotees from all over the world. Deepen your bhakti, and be part of the most cherished festival of the year.
Your servants,
ISKCON Śrī Māyāpur
As we approach the sacred occasion of Gītā Jayanti on Mokṣadā Ekādaśī, our hearts naturally turn toward the divine moment when Lord Krishna personally spoke the Bhagavad-gītā to Arjuna. Srila Prabhupada reminds us:
“Because Bhagavad Gita is spoken by the Supreme Personality of Godhead, one need not read any other Vedic literature. One need only attentively and regularly hear and read Bhagavad Gita.”
For over 30 years—since 1994—the Bhaktivedanta Gita Academy (Mayapur) has been enriching countless lives through the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā As It Is. Their courses, including the Gita Study Course and others, are carefully designed to benefit everyone—whether a newcomer or a seasoned practitioner. These systematic studies help devotees deepen, mature, and strengthen their Krishna consciousness in a heartfelt way.
We know the Bhagavad-gītā is widely known, yet often misinterpreted. Srila Prabhupada emphasized that his purports are not his own speculation but express the essence given by our previous ācāryas. Around 1970 in Indore, at a grand Gita Jayanti gathering with many speakers, Srila Prabhupada’s clear and authoritative presentation exposed the flaws of the mental speculators present there.
He powerfully instructed us:
“Anyway, print books, distribute profusely, and that will be the best preaching work. What will your three minutes’ preaching do? But if they buy one book, it may turn their life… Make this your important task, to print our books… and distribute widely… our process is slow but sure.”
Here in Sri Mayapur, Gita Jayanti is celebrated joyfully for three days—pandals, bookstands across the campus, harinam, and (especially) book distribution. On the main day, a fire yajña is performed while devotees chant all 700 verses of the Bhagavad-gītā. Visitors, residents, and pilgrims spend the day immersed in transcendental bliss.
This year, if you are not able to personally go out for book distribution, you can still fully participate by sponsoring Bhagavad-gītās for distribution in places where Krishna’s teachings have still not reached strongly. Your sponsorship ensures the Gita goes to villages, schools, remote locations, and receptive hearts waiting for Krishna’s words.
Even one Gita can change a life.
If you feel inspired, you can contribute here:
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Gita-Jayanti
Thank you for your kind-hearted support. May Sri Krishna bless you on this sacred Mokṣadā Ekādaśī with wisdom, devotion, and the joy of sharing His message.
Hare Krishna dear devotees,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
We warmly invite you to join us in Rajapur on November 26th for the auspicious Odana Ṣaṣṭī Festival of Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi. On this sacred day, the Lords receive Their first winter garment, a beautiful tradition lovingly described in Sri Caitanya-caritāmṛta. Remembering how Pundarika Vidyanidhi received special mercy on this day, we pray that this festival brings deep blessings to all our hearts.
Festival Schedule:
8:00 – Bhagavatam Class by HH Subhag Swami Maharaj
9:00 – Darshan Arati
9:30 – Drama, Śloka Offerings & Dances
11:00 – Bhajans
11:45 – Offering of Bhoga brought by devotees
12:00 – Kirtan till 1 PM
If you feel inspired to serve Their Lordships personally, you may sponsor any of the festival sevas. You can explore the options here:
https://www.mayapur.com/festivals/Odana-Sasti
Your heartfelt contribution helps keep this beautiful service to Lord Jagannath alive.
Hope to see you in Rajapur!
Your servant,
Vijaya Yātrā Praṣṭhān 2025!
Yesterday was a very special day here in Śrīdhāma Māyāpur. The temple was filled with colourful rangolis, joy, emotion, and a deep sense of purpose as we gathered for the Vijaya Yātrā Praṣṭhān — the official send-off for this year’s Sankīrtan party. Instead of the usual Śrīmad Bhagavatam class, the community came together to offer prayers, blessings, and encouragement to the devotees preparing to go out and distribute Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books during the annual book marathon.
The program began with a yajña, where everyone joined in prayers for protection and success. After that, we all took darśana and joined in āratī, filling the temple with kīrtan and heartfelt devotion. Senior devotees then spoke words of wisdom and inspiration, reminding us that book distribution is not just an activity — it is an act of compassion, a way of sharing Krishna with the world.
Here in Māyāpur, distributing Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books is at the very heart of our mission. Some devotees will travel across India, meeting people from all walks of life, while others will continue distributing books right here within the campus — but the mood remains the same: to give everyone an opportunity to come closer to Krishna.
Śrīla Prabhupāda often emphasized that if someone simply sees or holds one of his books, they receive benefit — and if they read it, their life can transform. So every book given is like planting a seed of bhakti in someone’s heart.
As the Sankīrtan team begins their journey, we send them forward with our prayers and gratitude. May Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityānanda, and Śrīla Prabhupāda guide them, protect them, and allow them to touch many hearts.
We look forward to welcoming them home again around Gaura Pūrṇimā, filled with realizations, mercy, and stories of how Krishna worked through them.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
All glories to the Sankīrtan devotees.