Bhisma Panchaka in Mayapur! || How to observe Bhishma Panchaka

The last 5 days of the month of Karttika are traditionally known as the Bhishma Panchaka or the Vishnu Panchaka. Grandfather Bhisma fasted for these five days, preparing to give up his life. In the Hari BhaktiVilasa, it is said that if one is capable, one should observe fasting from certain foodstuffs on the Bhishma-panchaka for the pleasure of the Lord. This is optional. “The fast should begin by remembering Bhismadeva on the Ekadasi day and should end on Purnima [the full moon]. The Padma Purana say that one pleases the Lord and makes spiritual advancement by such austerities.

Various Levels of fasting:

Type 1

One can eat products of the cow for each day:

First day: Cow dung (Gomaya)

Second day: Cow urine (Go-mutra)

Third day: Cow milk (Kshiira)

Fourth day: Cow yoghurt (Dahi)

Fifth day: All products of the cow mixed (Pancha-gavya)

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Type 2

If one can’t follow level 1 then please take fruits and roots.

Fruits with lots of seeds should be avoided like guava, pomegranate, cucumber etc. Boiled potatoes, raw banana and sweet potato can be taken. We can use sea salt for taste. Cashewnuts (PLAIN) raisins, dates can be taken. Milk products to be avoided.

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Type 3

If one can’t follow level 2, one can take “Havishya.”

References: Padma Puraana, Brahma-khanda, Chapter 23; Skanda Puraana, Vishnu Khanda, Kaartika Maahaatmya section, Chapter 32; Garuda Puraana, Puurva Khanda, Chapter 123.

Ingredients for Havishya as mentioned in Sri Hari-bhakti-vilasa (13.10-13)

The following are ingredients that can be used in making Havishya, which is

like a khichari made with these items.

Aatap rice

Unadulterated Ghee from cow

Saindhava salt (sea salt)

Milk from cow

Milk with cream

Ripe Banana

Kaala-Shaaka

Wheat

Fruits (Skanda Puraana, Naagara Khanda says they must be with a small seed

or with few seeds only)

Mango

Jackfruit

Labali fruit

Roots except kesa grass root

Pippalii

Haritakii

Naagaranga

Ikshu-dravya or sugarcane derivatives (other than gur or mollasses)

No oil in any form

The following ingredients though part of Havishya need to be avoided in the month of Kartika:

Mung dal, Til oil, Beta-shaaka, Shashtikaa-shaaka, Radish, Jeeraa, Tamarind

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Special Offerings to the Lord during these days

Following flowers to be offered to the Deities during the Bhishma Panchaka days as per Garuda Purana.

First day: one must offer padma (lotus) flowers to the feet of the Lord.

Second day: one must offer bilva (wood-apple) leaves of the thigh of the Lord.

Third day: one must offer gandha (scents) to the navel of the Lord.

Fourth day: one must offer java flower to the shoulders of the Lord.

Fifth day: one must offer malati flower to the head (siro-desa) of the Lordship.

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Ideally, one should take bath in Ganges or the other holy rivers every day and offer tarpana 3 times for Bhismadeva by saying the following mantra:

Tarpana

om vaiyaghra padya gotraya

samkrti pravaraya ca

aputraya dadamyetat

salilam bhismavarmane

Arghya

vasunamavataraya

santanoratmajaya ca

arghyam dadami bhismaya

ajanma brahmacarine

Pranam

om bhismah santanavo birah

satyavadi jitendriyah

abhiradbhiravapnatu

putrapautrocitam kriyam

Sri Mayapur Dham, the spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), recently witnessed a heart-touching and memorable celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day — a day that evokes both gratitude and reverence in the hearts of devotees worldwide.

A Morning of Love and Remembrance

The day began early at 7:00 a.m., as hundreds of devotees gathered to participate in a beautiful Harinam procession, carrying Srila Prabhupada’s murti on a gorgeously decorated palanquin. The procession gracefully made its way to the Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, accompanied by joyful chanting of the holy names, kartals, and mridangas that filled the air with transcendental vibration.

Devotees, godbrothers, disciples, well-wishers, and senior Vaisnavas walked together — each step offered in love and gratitude. The atmosphere was surcharged with devotion as flower petals showered the palanquin, honoring the great soul who brought Krishna consciousness to every corner of the world.

Remembering the Acharya Who Transformed the World

Throughout the celebration, everyone was reminded of the incredible contribution Srila Prabhupada made — not only to ISKCON, but to all of humanity. His compassion, courage, and dedication awakened spiritual consciousness globally, fulfilling Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy that “in every town and village, the holy name of Krishna will be heard.”

Many senior devotees, disciples, well-wishers, and godbrothers shared heartfelt memories and realizations about Srila Prabhupada — each one a living testimony to his ongoing spiritual presence and the transformative power of his mission.

A Glimpse Into His Life Through Drama

In the afternoon session, the Mayapur Youth presented a captivating drama depicting the life of Srila Prabhupada — from his early years in Calcutta to his extraordinary journey across the seas and the establishment of ISKCON worldwide. The performance beautifully portrayed his faith, struggles, and surrender to Krishna, leaving everyone deeply inspired.

Honoring the Next Generation

A special highlight of the celebration was the award ceremony for Mayapur school children, recognizing their creativity, enthusiasm, and devotion. These competitions and activities were inspired and encouraged by HG Jamāshtami Prabhu, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who has been consistently guiding and urging that the children be actively engaged and carried along in such meaningful ways.

Under his inspiration, many children participated in art competitions, essay writing, reading sessions from Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, and other devotional presentations, all centered on learning and nurturing seeds of devotion that will continue to blossom as they grow.

Evening of Devotion

As the sun began to set, the celebrations resumed at 5:00 p.m. with soulful kirtans, enlightening kathas, and a heartfelt offering of lamps. The temple courtyard glowed with hundreds of diyas, symbolizing the light of bhakti that Srila Prabhupada kindled in millions of hearts around the world.

His Eternal Presence in Mayapur

Though Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence departed this world in 1977, his spiritual presence continues to illuminate Mayapur and the hearts of devotees everywhere. His teachings, his books, and his example live forever, guiding generations on the path of bhakti.

“He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him.”

As the day concluded with the chanting of the holy names and the sweet remembrance of Srila Prabhupada, it was clear that he was truly there — smiling upon his spiritual family, pleased to see the mission of Lord Caitanya flourishing with such love and unity.

All Glories to Srila Prabhupada

All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who gave the world the holy name, the light of divine knowledge, and the eternal hope of returning home, back to Godhead.

We humbly invite all ISKCON devotees worldwide to join the 21st Sri Kshetra Parikrama — a sacred journey around the holy land of Sri Jagannath Puri Dham, personally walked by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself.

This special Parikrama is a wonderful opportunity to remember the divine glories of Lord Jagannath and experience the mercy of Lord Gauranga amidst inspiring kirtans, enlightening talks, and the loving association of devotees.

For registerations, please contact your preferred group below!

Contact Details:
Bangla Group – ISKCON Mayapur: 9434140178 / Mayapur Namahatta: 6295353278
skpbanglagroup@gmail.com

Hindi Group – 9593648074
skphindigroup@gmail.com

Odia Group – 9437264454
hemaharipada.jps@gmail.com

South Indian Group – 9232253602
skpsouthindiangroup@gmail.com

We look forward to your blessed participation in this beautiful offering of devotion.

“Of the many objects of favored delight and of all the lovable damsels of Vraja, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most cherished object of Krishna’s love. And, in every respect, Her divine Kunda is described by great sages as equally dear to Him. Indeed, Radha-kunda is rarely attained even by the great devotees; therefore, it is even more difficult for ordinary devotees to achieve. If one simply bathes once in these sacred waters, pure love for Krishna is awakened within the heart.”
— The Nectar of Instruction, Verse 11

Sri Radha-kunda manifested on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. This sacred day is observed by bathing in the holy waters at midnight — the very time when Radha-kunda appeared. On this night, thousands of devotees gather on the banks of Radha-kunda in Vrindavan to celebrate. They offer not only gifts like water, milk, fruits, sweets, garlands, lamps, and donations, but also their minds, bodies, and souls in loving devotion. United in prayer, they glorify Sri Radha-kunda, who is non-different from Srimati Radhika Herself.

In his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam (10.36.16), Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura beautifully describes the divine pastime of the appearance of Radha-kunda.

The appearance of Radha-kunda is also known as Bahulastami, named after the sacred pastime of the cow Bahula who took shelter of Lord Krishna. Near Krishna-kunda in Vrindavan, one can see the deities of a cow and her calf, a brahmana, a tiger, and Lord Krishna — commemorating this beautiful story.

Once, while the cow Bahula was peacefully grazing, a tiger suddenly attacked her. Bahula humbly requested the tiger to allow her to return to her calf, feed it, and bid farewell before surrendering herself. Moved by her sincerity, the tiger agreed. Bahula went to her master, a brahmana, and her calf, explaining what had happened. Out of compassion, both the brahmana and the calf offered to go in her place as the tiger’s meal. Despite their pleas, Bahula refused, but ultimately, all three — the cow, calf, and brahmana — went together to the tiger, ready to sacrifice themselves.

As the tiger pondered which to eat first, Lord Krishna, the protector of Dharma and all the residents of Vraja, appeared before them, holding His chakra. He blessed the tiger, assuring him of eternal fame if he spared the innocent cow and her kin. The tiger released Bahula, and all were overjoyed by Krishna’s merciful intervention.

Pleased with Bahula’s truthfulness and purity, Krishna named that forest Bahulavan and blessed her to become His consort. In her next life, Bahula indeed became one of Krishna’s wives. Thus, this sacred day came to be known as Bahulastami.

Bahulavan is considered by many Vaisnavas to be the most sacred of all forests, for within it lies the holiest place — Sri Radha-kunda. Srila Rupa Goswami, in Sri Upadesamrta, confirms the supreme position of Radha-kunda with the following verse:

“The holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathura is the transcendental forest of Vrindavan, the site of Krishna’s rasa-lila pastimes. Higher still is Govardhana Hill, raised by Krishna’s divine hand and witness to His loving exchanges. Yet, above all, the super-excellent Sri Radha-kunda stands supreme, overflowing with the ambrosial nectar of Sri Krishna’s prema.”

In Sri Navadvipa-dhama, Sri Radha-kunda has manifested Herself in two locations — on the islands of Rtudvipa and Antardvipa.

In Navadvipa-bhava-taranga, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura describes Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mood as He visited Rtudvipa:

ritudvipam tato gatva
drishtva sobham vanasya ca
radha-kundadikam smritva
ruroda saci-nandanah

“Upon arriving in Rtudvipa and seeing the beauty of the forest, Saci-nandana (Sri Chaitanya) began to cry, remembering Radha-kunda and other sacred places.”

In Antardvipa, within the home of Chandrasekhar Acharya, Mahaprabhu’s maternal uncle, stands Sri Chaitanya Math — the headquarters of the Gaudiya Math established by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Following his guidance, disciples brought sacred waters from Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, Giriraja silas from Govardhana Hill, and Tamala and Keli Kadamba trees from Vrindavan. Through his deep meditation and devotion, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura perceived these sacred places as being fully manifested within the Math.

All glories to the divine appearance of Sri Radha-kunda — the holiest of all holy places!

References:
Sri Upadesamrta, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36.16 (purport), Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya (Pramana-khanda 4.44), Nava Vraja Mahimamrta, Vol. 2 by Sivarama Swami, and Vedabase.

Recently, in Śrīdhāma Mayapur joyfully we celebrated the auspicious festival of Śrī Rāmacandra Vijayotsava — commemorating Lord Rāmacandra’s glorious victory over Rāvaṇa, symbolizing the eternal triumph of dharma over adharma, and light over darkness. 

As part of the celebration, the Mayapur community children presented a heart-touching drama depicting the divine pastimes of Lord Rāmacandra. With adorable costumes and sweet devotion, they beautifully enacted scenes from the Rāmāyaṇa — from Lord Rāma’s battle with Rāvaṇa, to the moment Lakṣmaṇa was struck by Indrajit’s weapon, and how Hanumān heroically flew to the Gandhamādana mountain to bring the Sañjīvanī herb, reviving him. 

The performance, held in the Mayapur Theater near Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Samādhi, was live-streamed on Mayapur TV, allowing devotees across the world to relish the sweetness of this offering. The children’s innocent expressions and heartfelt devotion reminded everyone of the timeless beauty of Lord Rāma’s story and His divine qualities of compassion, righteousness, and unwavering love. 

Adding to the festive joy, there was a beautiful procession within the Mayapur campus, where the deities of Lord Rāmacandra, Lakṣmaṇa, Sītā, and Hanumān were taken on parikrama amidst Harinām saṅkīrtana, melodious chanting, and joyful glorifications. The air was filled with the holy names and the sound of kartāls and mṛdaṅgas as devotees danced in bliss. 

This annual ritual is a cherished tradition in Mayapur, where, on each Appearance Day, the deities are lovingly taken around the campus — a sight that fills every heart with devotion and joy. This year’s Rāmacandra Vijayotsava was no exception — a truly uplifting and blissful day, uniting everyone in the spirit of love, service, and remembrance of Lord Rāma’s divine victory. 

May Lord Rāmacandra bless us all with strength, virtue, and devotion to always walk on the path of dharma. 

Step into the sacred land of Mahaprabhu’s Sannyas 

Akai Hata – Kala Krishna Das Samadhi
Nupur Kund – Raghunandan Das Thakur Lila Sthan
Madhai Tala – Jagadananda & Madhavananda (Jagai-Madhai) Bhajan Kutir
Jajigram – Sripat of Srinivas Acharya, Narottam Das Thakur & Ram Chandra Kaviraj
Breakfast and lunch prasad.
 

15th October 2025 – Saints’ Abodes
Receive the mercy of great Vaishnava acharyas 
Shantipur – Advaita Acharya Residence
Phulia – Haridas Thakur Bhajan Kutir
Birnagar – Bhaktivinod Thakur Birthplace
Breakfast and lunch prasad.
 

17th October 2025 – Ekachakra Yatra
DAY 1
Pastimes of Lord Nityananda Prabhu 
Bargacchi – Nitai Vivaha Adivas Sthan
Balasa – Miniketan Ramdas Sripat
Ekachakra – Night Stay

Day 2
Mangaldighi – Panuya Gopala Sripat
Jalundi – Dhananjay Pandit Sripat
2 Breakfast, 2lunch, dinner prasad and accommodation
 

19th October 2025 – Kulai Tour
Discover the birthplace of the three Ghosh brothers 
Madhava Ghosh, Vasudeva Ghosh & Govinda Ghosh
Kesava Bharati residence & Sonarundi Palace
Uddharana Thakur’s worshippable Gaura-Nitai deities

CC Ādi 11.18-19
“Śrī Mādhava Ghoṣa was a principal performer of kīrtana. While he sang, Nityānanda Prabhu danced. When Vāsudeva Ghoṣa sang, even wood and stone would melt upon hearing it.” 
Breakfast and lunch prasad.
 

31st October 2025 – Panihati Yatra
Day 1
Raghav Bhavan
Ganga Ghat
Night Stay at Panihati

Day 2
Ariadaha – Dasa Gadadara Sripat
Barahanagar – Sri Raghunatha Bhagavata
Vallabhapura – Radhavallabha Vigraha
Khardaha – Darshan of original deities established by Vir Chandra Prabhu
2 Breakfast, 2lunch, dinner prasad and accommodation

Limited seats available – Book now! 
WhatsApp: 7063573959

The youngest of the aṣṭa-sakhīs, Chitra is gentle, graceful, and deeply artistic. With her hands she paints, with her eyes she smiles, and with her heart she surrenders. She silently serves Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī by capturing divine beauty in art and color, reminding us that devotion can be quiet — yet powerful.

Yesterday, as we celebrated her appearance day here in Śrī Dhāma Māyāpura, it marked not just her own festival but also the closing of this year’s month-long Aṣṭa-sakhī celebrations. From August through September, we journeyed through the appearance days of each of these eight principal sakhīs, learning of their personalities, their services, and their eternal roles in Rādhārāṇī’s intimate circle.

The celebration of Chitra Sakhi’s appearance was nothing short of blissful. The temple echoed with kīrtans and bhajans, little children came forward with their heartfelt offerings, and the atmosphere was alive with joy. Devotees offered their talents—through music, dance, and drumming—as a humble service to Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava and Their beloved sakhīs. It was as if the entire community came together to honour the silent, gentle service of Chitra by offering their own creative gifts in devotion.

And so, with her festival, the curtains gently closed on this year’s Aṣṭa-sakhī season. It has been a period of great enlightenment, sweetness, and spiritual nourishment. Through these festivals, we not only learned about the sakhīs but also felt invited to serve them with our own hearts. We pray that, wherever you may have joined from—whether in person or from afar—something of this celebration touched your soul.

As we look ahead, may Chitra Sakhi inspire us to find beauty in service, to embrace the quiet strength of devotion, and to keep our hearts open for another year of seva and celebration.
 

Śrī Chitra Sakhi ki JAI! 

On the occasion of the Vyasa Puja Mahotsava of H.D.G. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda, the newly formed Śrīla Prabhupāda Connection–Mayapur Team (website to be launched soon), in collaboration with the Bhaktivedanta National School (BVNS), Mayapur, organized a special competition for children on August 14, 2025.

Here is a relevant reference for this initiative:
sunanda-nandāv ūcatuḥ
bho bho rājan subhadraṁ te
vācaṁ no ’vahitaḥ śṛṇu
yaḥ pañca-varṣas tapasā
bhavān devam atītṛpat

Translation
Nanda and Sunanda, the two confidential associates of Lord Viṣṇu, said: Dear King, let there be all good fortune unto you. Please attentively hear what we shall say. When you were only five years old, you underwent severe austerities, and you thereby greatly satisfied the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

Purport
What was possible for Dhruva Mahārāja is possible for anyone. Any five-year-old child can be trained, and within a very short time his life will become successful by realization of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Unfortunately, this training is lacking all over the world. It is necessary for the leaders of the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement to start educational institutions in different parts of the world to train children, starting at the age of five years. Thus, such children will not become hippies or spoiled children of society; rather, they can all become devotees of the Lord. The face of the world will then change automatically. ŚB 4.12.23

As a tribute to our beloved Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, H.D.G. A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Śrīla Prabhupāda, this event was organised for our young devotees to deepen their love and appreciation for His Divine Grace.

Children from four Mayapur schools participated in this competition:
1. Bhaktivedanta National School, Mayapur
2. Sri Mayapur International School
3. Bhaktivedanta National School, Swarupganj
4. Bhaktivedanta Academy Gurukul
Our team mounted banners announcing the competition throughout the ISKCON Mayapur campus and nearby areas to generate enthusiasm within the Mayapur community, particularly among the children. The children became very enlivened, resulting in 779 participating in competitions.
The event had two categories:
• Outline Colouring Competition – for children aged 5 to 9 years
• Written Quiz Competition – for children aged 10 to 15 years, based on Chapter 3: “Only He Could Lead Them” from Prabhupāda: Messenger of the Supreme Lord, the abridged version of the Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta.

Chapter 3 was enlivening for the children, as it dealt with Śrīla Prabhupāda’s interactions with American youth, especially the hippies, and how his affection for everyone influenced them to become Krishna conscious, to the extent that many became dedicated disciples and helped organize the first Ratha-yātrā outside India.
Here are the main points of the chapter that inspired the children:
• This chapter recounts Śrīla Prabhupāda’s first trip from New York to San Francisco—a city then at the heart of the hippie movement. With fearless resolve, Śrīla Prabhupāda entered this countercultural hub and began transforming lives.
• In a historic moment, he took part in the famous Avalon Ballroom Rock Concert—a venue no traditional sannyāsī would typically enter. There, before thousands of young seekers, he inspired incredibly enthusiastic chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra.
• Through his compassionate and creative approach—serving hot prasādam breakfasts to hungry hippies, offering personal guidance, and sharing spiritual wisdom—Śrīla Prabhupāda became a healing presence for a restless generation. His efforts and demeanour earned him respect from local authorities, who recognized the positive influence he was making in the city.
• Śrīla Prabhupāda, with the enthusiastic help of these youth, established the ISKCON San Francisco temple, marked by the miraculous arrival of Lord Jagannātha. This divine event signalled the start of a new spiritual movement on the West Coast—one that only Śrīla Prabhupāda could have led. Soon after, San Francisco hosted the world’s first Jagannātha Ratha-yātrā outside India, celebrated with immense joy, setting the stage for an annual tradition that would spread worldwide.

The response to the event was encouraging:
• 484 children participated in the outline colouring competition
• 295 children took part in the written quiz.
This heartfelt participation reflects the deep devotion and enthusiasm of the young devotees of Mayapur in glorifying Srila Prabhupada. May the enthusiasm of these young Vaisnavas and Vaisnavis bring immense joy to Śrīla Prabhupāda!

We wholeheartedly congratulate all the children who prepared for and participated in the competitions. We believe that every participant is a true winner. At the same time, it is essential to recognize and celebrate those who excelled.

We would be delighted to assist any ISKCON temple or school wishing to organize a children’s competition dedicated to Srila Prabhupada. For guidance and support, please get in touch with the Srila Prabhupada Connection Team - Mayapur at +91 99204 16465, srilaprabhupadaconnectionm@gmail.com

In Śrī Māyāpura-dhāma, Vāmana Mahādvādaśī is more than just a festival — it is an experience. It is a day when the eternal pastime of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Vāmanadeva, is brought to life in the hearts of all who participate.

Our desire is that everyone — whether present here in Śrī Māyāpura or watching live on Mayapur TV — can feel that Lord Vāmanadeva is truly here, right before us, showering His causeless mercy.

To deepen this meditation, one of the little Gurukula boys sweetly takes the role of Lord Vāmanadeva, dressed with His deer-skin belt, sacred thread, waterpot, and umbrella. He is cared for and honored as the Lord Himself, reminding us of that glorious moment when the Supreme Lord appeared as a dwarf brāhmaṇa to deliver Bali Mahārāja and reclaim the three worlds.

This pastime is one of the most instructive in the Bhāgavatam — showing how the Lord’s plan is always for everyone’s ultimate good. Though Bali Mahārāja was externally deprived of his kingdom, he was blessed with the Lord’s personal association and became one of the great Mahājanas, eternal authorities in devotional service.

By observing this pastime, we are invited to reflect on Bali Mahārāja’s mood of complete surrender — offering everything to the Lord, even himself. Though we cannot imitate the Lord’s pastimes, we can glorify them and let them awaken devotion in our hearts.

Thus, in Śrī Māyāpura, Vāmana Mahādvādaśī is not merely a festival — it is an opportunity to feel that the Lord is present among us and to rejoice in the nectar of His transcendental activities.

Hare Krishna!
Please accept our humble obeisances.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!

We are happy to share that, for the ease and convenience of all devotees and pilgrims, Eastern Railway has announced a new AC EMU train service between Sealdah Krishnanagar.

Please find the official announcement letter attached. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zBMi_6uPrBRI8FV7dVrj8NTbHuNv1Ogr/view?usp=sharing

We humbly request all devotees to kindly spread this news so everyone can take advantage of this wonderful facility.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Your servants,
ISKCON Mayapur Management