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

4 September 2025 (Thursday) 
Suitable for fasting 

Break fast on 5 September 2025 (Friday)
Time: 05:19 (sunrise) – 09:29 (1/3 of daylight) LT
Please confirm with your local temple for exact breaking time.

Festival Events
Śrī Vāmana Dvādaśī – Appearance of Lord Vāmanadeva (Fast till noon, feast tomorrow)
Śrīla Jīva Gosvāmī – Appearance
Fast till noon for Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura (feast tomorrow)
5 Sep (Fri) – Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura Appearance (Feast observed today)

Pārśva Ekadashi falls in the bright fortnight (śukla pakṣa) of the month of Bhādrapada. It is said that this sacred vrata removes all sins and bestows the same spiritual merit as performing the Vājapeya sacrifice. 

Observing Ekadashi is not only about fasting but about immersing the mind and heart in service, chanting, and remembrance of the Lord. Even a small act of devotion performed on this day is multiplied in its benefit. 

For Ekadashi seva: https://www.mayapur.com/puja/nrsimhadev

Sri Indulekha Sakhi is a confidential and devoted friend of Sri Radha and Krishna, known for her beauty, skills, and dedication in serving Them. Named “Indulekha” meaning “moonbeam,” she leads gopis in making ornaments, clothes, and auspicious kavachas, protecting the Divine Couple’s treasury, and engaging in various arts like sewing, painting, gemology, palmistry, and snake-charming. Her kunja, Purnendu, is a radiant white sanctuary where Radha-Krishna enjoy Their pastimes.

Indulekha also plays a key role in Radha-Krishna’s lila, assisting in playful pastimes, including helping Radha disguise herself as Krishna to teach a loving lesson and orchestrating Their joyful reunions. She exemplifies devotion, leadership, and the art of serving Radha-Madhava with love and skill.

Today, September 3rd, we will be celebrating Sri Indulekha Devi's appearance day! Please join us at the temple on this special day for the program at 4 pm. We will have space blocked off for all the devotees so that everyone can gather comfortably and take part in the program.

We invite all devotees to personally read a short love message for the Sri Sri Radha-Madhava and to present a dress design for Their pleasure. Since one of Indulekha sakhi's main services is to string a variety of garlands from flowers, fruits and ribbons as well as jewellery from beads, please bring garlands to personally offer our Lords in honour of Indulekha Devi's garland seva. You will have the chance to personally offer to Radha-Madhava!

Devotees are also welcome to prepare bhoga to offer to Radha Madhava and the Ashta-sakhis.

Please join us to celebrate Indulekha Sakhi with your friends and families!

We hope to see you there!

Your servants,
Ashta-Sakhi celebration team

"If on the full moon day of the month of Bhadra one places Srimad-Bhagavatam on a golden throne and gives it as a gift, he will attain the supreme transcendental destination." Srimad Bhagavatam 12.13.13

This verse underscores the unparalleled merit of gifting the Bhagavatam on Bhadra Purnima, highlighting its power to elevate the soul to the highest spiritual realm .
 

Srila Prabhupada's Vision

Srila Prabhupada, emphasized the importance of distributing the Srimad Bhagavatam to enlighten humanity. He envisioned that every respectable person should have a full set of Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrta in their home.
 

How You Can Participate

This Bhadra Purnima, you have a unique opportunity to serve by gifting the Srimad Bhagavatam:

Purchase the Bhagavatam Set: Available in all major languages, you can acquire the set online, over the phone, or in person.

Gift to Loved Ones: Present the set to a friend, family member, or colleague. Even if you intend to keep it at home, gifting it ensures it is considered a proper offering and brings blessings to your household.

Sponsor a Set: If you wish to extend your service, consider sponsoring a set to be placed in schools, libraries, or care homes, spreading the wisdom of the Bhagavatam to those who may not afford it .
 

Global Bhadra Purnima Campaign

The Bhadra Purnima Campaign is a worldwide initiative to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam sets, inspired by Srila Prabhupada's instructions. The campaign aims to distribute 68,000 sets globally, with a special focus on Bhadra Purnima, to share the teachings of the Bhagavatam and transform lives .
 

Join the Movement

By participating in this campaign, you not only honor the teachings of Srila Prabhupada but also contribute to the spiritual upliftment of society. As Srila Prabhupada stated:

“Books are the basis, the center, and the essence of our movement.”
 

Embrace this divine opportunity to serve and share the eternal wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavatam this Bhadra Purnima.

Gift a Set: https://www.mayapur.com/donate/books

Śrī Tungavidyā is one of the eight principal sakhīs of Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī, known as the embodiment of wisdom and the mistress of arts. Her radiant beauty shines like camphor mixed with red kunkuma, and she wears yellow garments with jeweled ornaments. She is expert in all the sixty-four arts, especially music, dance, and drama, and directs the gopīs in offering these for the pleasure of Rādhā-Kṛṣṇa.

She is learned, witty, and affectionate—sometimes defeating Kṛṣṇa in debate, yet softening at His words. Kṛṣṇa Himself once accepted initiation from her in Śrī Rādhā’s mantra, showing her exalted position. In Gaura-līlā she appears as Vakreśvara Paṇḍita, famous for ecstatic kīrtana and dance. Forever, she offers her wisdom, music, and devotion in the service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava and the aṣṭa-sakhīs.

Please join us at the temple on this special day at 4 pm. A space will be set aside so all devotees can gather comfortably and participate. We will hear the glories of Tungavidyā-devī and present offerings of music and drama for the pleasure of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava and the aṣṭa-sakhīs.

Devotees are also welcome to prepare bhoga offerings. Bring your friends and family—let us celebrate Śrī Tungavidyā-devī together!

Dear Srila Prabhupada,

nama om visnu-padaya krsna-presthaya bhu-tale
srimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine
nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

On Vyasa-puja 2025, we want to offer you the milestones we have achieved in
fulfilling your desires. On behalf of the codirectors, His Holiness
Jayapataka Maharaja, His Grace Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu, and His Grace
Subheksana Prabhu, I am offering this to you at your lotus feet Srila
Prabhupada. Kindly continue to guide us.

As you have told His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja, “I am giving you the
kingdom of God, now take it and develop it.” We have inherited this kingdom
from you, Srila Prabhupada, and we are now in this beautiful phase of
development.

Here are the highlight achievements of 2024–2025, bringing us one step
closer to making your dream come true. All this is happening and possible
only by your mercy, Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada! We are working
tirelessly, making a great endeavor to develop Sridhama Mayapur,
as per your desire.

TOVP: We opened the first phase of the largest legacy museum in the world –
the Srila Prabhupada museum – dedicated to Your Divine Grace. For the next
ten thousand years, the devotees can come and see how you spread the message
of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu to every town and village. They will feel your
presence and have an encounter with Your Divine Grace that they will cherish
for the rest of their lives.

This museum has been made possible with the help of His Grace Ambarisa
Prabhu and Her Grace Svaha Mataji, who supported this. This first phase is
1,000 square feet; the second phase is another 1,000 square feet; and the
third phase will be more than 21,000 square feet. Srila Prabhupada, several
of your disciples came forward and gave artefacts, paraphernalia, books, and
magazines, and we will try to preserve these things for the generations to
come. I would also like to mention Her Grace Daivisakti Mataji and Her Grace
Srutirupa Mataji, who spent a lot of time curating this project.

Srila Prabhupada, we pray at your divine lotus feet that we can open the
TOVP for your pleasure in 2027. The construction work is progressing rapidly
to achieve the target. This can happen only by your mercy, Srila Prabhupada,
and we are very, very grateful that you have given us an opportunity to do
some seva during our lives for Your Divine Grace.

Also, Ambarisa Prabhu and Svaha Mataji are doing everything possible to
build this large Temple of the Vedic Planetarium by the due date of 2027.
Their sacrifice will set an example like generals who lay down their lives
to satisfy their commander. They are in your army, along with Jayapataka
Maharaja, and we would also like to mention the MEB members, who are making
sure that Mayapur is developed as per your instructions. Their contribution
in the development of Sridhama Mayapur, along with that of the codirectors,
is an example of unity in diversity – managing Mayapur together with good
intelligence and skill.

Deity: His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu, who created a standard famous all around
the world and who is making darshan possible for millions of pilgrims who
come to Sridhama Mayapur simply to take darshan of these Deities, He has
given more than fifty-three years of service, following your instructions,
as he will for the rest of his life. His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu, His Grace
Madhava Hari Prabhu, His Grace Krsna Caitanya Prabhu, and others on the
Deity team are not only facilitating darshan for pilgrims but have earmarked
250 calendar days for festivals. They are trying to fill in the rest of the
days in the calendar so that when the TOVP opens, we can have a festival
on each of the 365 days of the year in Mayapur. Every day will be a festival
here at Sridhama Mayapur, Srila Prabhupada. This will be the greatest
preaching, as you envisioned. This is the kingdom of God you wanted, the
kingdom of God we inherited from Your Divine Grace. We will make sure your
desires and instructions are fulfilled, Srila Prabhupada.

Our Gaura-Purnima festival is the largest gathering, like a Kumbha Mela,
Srila Prabhupada. We bathe Sri Sri Panca-tattva in an open pandal, and this
year more than two lakhs of people witnessed the appearance festival of
Gauranga Mahaprabhu. Every festival in Sridhama Mayapur is celebrated very,
very grandly, Srila Prabhupada, and in the future the leaders of our society
will come to Sridhama Mayapur and learn the standards, the festivals, the
culture – as you instructed.

His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu established the Mayapur Academy for this
purpose, and it has been running now for decades to teach devotees how to
worship the Deities. The Mayapur Academy is well known in ISKCON, and
thousands of devotees have been trained here under the leadership of
Jananivasa Prabhu and Nrsimha Kavaca Prabhu and the entire team of devotees.
The devotees and pujaris are trained in all aspects of worship, including
dressmaking, jewelery making, cooking, yajnas, mantras – the devotees are
trained to keep the bhakti culture alive in every temple of the world.
Mayapur is number one in training something foundational for the future of
ISKCON’s Deity worship culture.

Community Hospital: The next milestone we have achieved is the Mayapur
Community Hospital, where we have completed the superstructure, Srila
Prabhupada. We are trying to finish building a 110-bed hospital, under the
leadership of His Grace Harilila Prabhu, by 2026.

For the good work that is being done, we received CSR funding of more than
crores this year, Srila Prabhupada. We want your blessings so that this
hospital is completed soon and we are able to serve many Vaisnavas and
others who need medical support.

Govinda’s Prasadam and Govinda’s Express: These are the next milestone as
per your vision to make Mayapur the number-one pilgrimage destination. As
this is your international world headquarters and your place of worship, we
are trying to improve on each and every aspect of our operations, ambience,
environment, and culture. Therefore we renamed the Mahaprasadam booth
Govinda’s Prasadam, since we were not selling maha-prasadam there. We
created a separate Mahaprasadam booth in front of Radha-Madhava’s courtyard,
which will serve the maha-prasadam offered to Radha-Madhava, Panca-tattva,
Narasinghadeva, and Your Divine Grace.

So we have separated this Mahaprasadam and the other prasadam facilities.
We then renamed other prasadam outlets Govinda’s Prasadam, and the small
counters, Govinda’s Express. All this is being handled nicely under the
young leadership of His Grace Lalita Madhava Prabhu. We also would like to
thank the previous head of this area, His Grace Radha Vinoda Prabhu, for
holding the area well up until now.

We are also consolidating some of the kitchens so we can have operational
efficiency, better service, improved hospitality, less waiting time, and
with better controls on the inventory, point of sale, and standardized
recipes. There are a lot of improvements being planned; some are ongoing.
We also wanted to make the facility suitable for our devotee cooks, who can
cook the prasadam comfortably in a hygienic, safe environment and a more
devotional atmosphere.

Gauranga Supermart: We have renovated the CPD Gauranga Supermart and have
made it on par with other supermarkets. It is the largest shopping facility
for devotees, and we are making sure whatever groceries and other
necessities we carry are being sold within a devotional atmosphere,
giving a good shopping experience. This again is being led by a young and
promising devotee, His Grace Sadananda Vrajesvara Prabhu.

Guesthouses: Srila Prabhupada, about the hospitality and guesthouse we have,
as per your vision, under the leadership of His Grace Susakha Krsna Prabhu
and His Grace Sankirtana Nitaichand Prabhu and his team, created a pilgrim
shelter in front of Gada Bhavan and improved the ambience of the Gada Bhavan
overall with parks, gardens, fountains, and a rest area. We have renovated
the washing area in Gada Bhavan.

So that pilgrims can have a spiritual experience while honoring prasadam,
we’ve opened a new restaurant for the devotees staying at Ishodyan Bhavan.
Now they don’t have to stand in the queue and thereby save energy and time.
They can dine at the Ishodyan restaurant, an amazingly beautiful restaurant
with a seating capacity of over 100. At the moment it’s open on weekends,
but it will slowly be made available seven days a week. To attract various
ethnicities we’re serving a variety of cuisines.

We have also introduced a thali named after Your Divine Grace, the
Prabhupada thali, where the items you like most are served. Our whole life
is centered on you, Srila Prabhupada, and this is one of our offerings to
you. So, over the next 10,000 years, the Prabhupada thali will become
famous, and pilgrims from around the world will come to Mayapur to taste the
preparations on it – and by tasting, will become devotees. This is our
desire. You are our only hope.

Also, Srila Prabhupada, the temple now has an increasing number of pilgrims
day by day, year by year. You used to say, “Why they are not coming? Why
they are not coming? Why they are not coming?” Now, Srila Prabhupada, by
your mercy, we can’t even stand in the temple room today because millions of
visitors come each year. Our latest count is almost 11 million visitors who
came to have darshan of your Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Panca-tattva, and
Prahlada-Narasinghadeva, Srila Prabhupada.

His Grace Jananivasa Prabhu, is making this darshan the most famous in the
entire creation on your behalf. Beautiful darshan in the morning – an
amazing experience, a spiritually divine experience.

Srila Prabhupada, you said, “My idea is to attract the people of the whole
world to Sridhama Mayapur,” and it is happening, Srila Prabhupada – it is
happening by your mercy. We could not really visualize what you wanted, but
as we sincerely follow your instructions, we are able to see what you saw
manifest before our own eyes. This gives us a lot of faith and hope in the
process.

To accommodate the millions of pilgrims safely, we have added emergency
doors at the various sites, even in the temporary temple, as everybody
eagerly awaits to move to the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium.

Your biggest gift to the world, the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium will
protect sanatana-dharma, stand for the philosophy of the Bhagavad-gita,
Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Caitanya-caritamrta, giving hope to the misdirected
civilization, which is facing the greatest calamity of its existence.

Srila Prabhupada, you are providing the guiding principle for the next ten
thousand years. Therefore devotees are eagerly waiting for our move to the
finished temple. In the meantime, to facilitate the pilgrims and give them a
better devotional experience, we are trying to make the environment safe for
them. We are taking other measures besides the emergency doors.
We are trying our best, Srila Prabhupada, to fulfill your desires.

Book Distribution and preaching:

Srila Prabhupada, you will be proud to know that Mayapur stands number one
in book distribution, a service you said was your only solace. We are
expanding our book distribution on a massive scale.

Sankirtana: We also aimed at distributing 5,000 sets of the
Caitanya-caritamrta during Gaura- Purnima. We did not make our goal, but you
will be pleased to know that we distributed 3,243 sets. The sankirtana
devotees are putting their lives on the line to please you, Srila
Prabhupada.

You said you could be pleased by our distributing your books. Your pleasure
is the life and soul of the sankirtana devotees. Every second, every minute,
every hour they want to please you. And they also wanted Mayapur to be
number one in the book distribution marathon. By your mercy, His Holiness
Jayapataka Swami Maharaja has also taken book distribution as his life and
soul, and he inspires all the devotees to distribute books. Following in his
footsteps, His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaja and His Holiness
Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavata Swami Maharaja are taking book distribution to the
next level by distributing not only in every town and village but also in
the mountains, caves, and forests to the tribal people. They don’t consider
whether or not someone is qualified. Their aim is to distribute your books,
Srila Prabhupada.

His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaja wanted to establish 108
booths on the Mayapur campus and also establish 108 bus parties. Currently,
we have eleven buses, so everything is manifesting slowly.

His Holiness Bhakti Vijaya Bhagavata Swami Maharaja is spearheading book
distribution on a massive scale with his team of sankirtana devotees, like
Gour Dhama Prabhu and his team. His sankirtana army is making sure Mayapur
is always number one.

Namahatta preaching: This preaching effort is headed by His Holiness Bhakti
Gauranga Prema Swami Maharaja, His Holiness Gauracandra Maharaja, and His
Grace Padmanetra Prabhu, and others are making sure that Krsna consciousness
is spread through namahattas to every town and village. They have made
thousands and thousands of devotees, who now follow the process of
bhakti-yoga, following your instructions, Srila Prabhupada.

Today in Bengal, we are considered a very important organization. The
government officials take an interest in ISKCON, recognizing that ISKCON is
one of the major spiritual organizations spreading sanatana-dharma. That
credit goes to the namahatta devotees who preach in every village and who
are expanding their preaching year after year. The day will come, Srila
Prabhupada, when at least in Bengal and the neighboring state of Orissa,
every house will have at least one devotee, and they will definitely have
your books on their shelves. This is amazing, and it has been achieved under
the leadership of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja. The program
is making many villagers devotees.

ISKCON tribal preaching: After village preaching, His Holiness Bhakti
Purusottama Swami Maharaja, through his tribal initiative, preaches, opens
schools, distributes prasadam and books, and provides shelter to the tribals
in ten of India’s states. Prthivite ache yata nagaradi-grama sarvatra
pracara haibe mora nama – “My name will be spread in every town and
village.” This was the instruction of Caitanya Mahaprabhu, and that vision
was also your mission, Srila Prabhupada.

The tribal preaching fulfills your vision in spreading the holy name to all
the tribals in mountains, caves, and forest areas. This is a very
significant milestone in our preaching endeavors, Srila Prabhupada.

Mayapur master plan: Also, to facilitate the opening of the Temple of the
Vedic Planetarium, we need to pay attention to many facilities so that the
people of the whole world can come to Sridhama Mayapur. There are several
projects that have been approved and are awaiting development. The master
plan is headed by His Grace Hrdaya Caitanya Prabhu, with the assistance of
Nandana Prabhu and his team, who is putting his full life into developing
the plan according to your vision, Srila Prabhupada.

There are several projects we expect to develop in the next two or three
years. These are the Gada Bhavan extension, the Sulabh Kitchen, and the Gita
extension. Srila Prabhupada, you are the master of all plans for us. You
gave us the kingdom of God, and we have inherited it with all your plans.
You are the master, and we are sincerely endeavoring to fulfill your
desires.

Life Member guesthouse: Srila Prabhupada, as we are growing bigger, as you
desired for us, our true potential as the International World Headquarters
is manifesting day by day, every minute and second. Facilitating,
maintaining, and managing the pilgrims, visiting devotees, and the Life
Members and other donors takes a lot of management and coordination. His
Grace Subheksana Prabhu is making sure all these persons have a Hare Krsna
experience so that they can give their lives to your movement, Srila
Prabhupada.

The life-member cultivation begun by you was meant to enable these Life
Members to support ISKCON and also to give their lives to ISKCON. This
is also being taken care of by Subheksana Prabhu. He makes sure these
persons have a comfortable stay in Sridhama Mayapur. The Life Member
guesthouse is being led by His Grace Varuna Gopala Prabhu.

We also built the Srila Prabhupada Kitchen. We wanted all Life Members to
have the experience of honoring prasadam in your kitchen, Srila Prabhupada.

Gita Course preaching: We have Gita preaching being managed by His Grace
Laksmi Govinda Prabhu and his team. They’ve taken the teachings of the
Bhagavad-gita to every home in Bengal. We are developing a new facility to
expand their preaching, meant to cater to those who have been preached to by
the Gita team. The team wants to build a Gita University. This is Bhakti
Purusottama Maharaja’s vision.

Your Bhagavad-gita As It Is is being widely distributed, and also taught and
practiced, shared, and lived by the larger congregation, not only the Gita
devotees and the congregation they have developed, but also by whoever has
received your book. In general, the idea is that everyone who has read at
least one sentence or one page wants to live life according to the teachings
of the Bhagavad-gita. This can only happen by your divine grace.

Treasury: Srila Prabhupada, we have given the responsibility for the
treasury to His Grace Vraja Vinod Shyam Prabhu, who executes his duty
according to your instructions on dealing with money in the development of
Sridhama Mayapur. Also, the previous in-charge for the treasury, His Grace
Akshaya Ramachandra Prabhu, has now taken greater responsibility in the land
department.

He did a very good job in creating accountability, transparency, and
productivity in the treasury, and we are confident that he established an
accounting foundation that Vraja Vinod Shyam Prabhu can carry forward. Your
mercy and blessings are the guiding principle for these devotees, and we
pray you will shower your causeless mercy on them all.

Land: Currently ISKCON Mayapur holds 700 acres, but we are sure that one day
your desire will be fulfilled that we hold all the land in Sridhama Mayapur.
At least we have the opportunity to bear testimony to whatever land we have
already acquired has been done by the stalwart leadership and efforts of His
Grace Dayarama Prabhu and his team. Dayarama Prabhu has again taken
responsibility for the land department to ensure that ISKCON Mayapur is able
to hold all the land it needs to develop its master plan and, beyond, to
develop the whole Vedic city, as per your instructions and desire, Srila
Prabhupada.

Pushpa Samadhi: Srila Prabhupada, your Pushpa Samadhi has been excellently
taken care of by His Grace Bhaktajanapriya Prabhu. We are trying to improve
the footfall to your Pushpa Samadhi, Srila Prabhupada. And I am sure after
the temple of Vedic Planetarium is opened, we are very confident that the
footfall will be such that whoever comes to the temple to see the temple
first, they will go through the Pushpa Samadhi and visit and take darshan of
the temple. Because it will be integrated, Srila Prabhupada, the temple and
Pushpa Samadhi. And we will make sure either while entering or exiting, they
have to visit and pay respects to your Pushpa Samadhi so that their
life can be perfected. Only by your grace, Srila Prabhupada, is there any
hope in this Kali Yuga.

Sulabh Kitchen: Sulabh Kitchen is under the devotional organization of His
Grace Radha-dyuti Prabhu. This program facilitates very tasty prasadam at a
very affordable price for the pilgrims.

Sulabh Kitchen has been running for decades. Now Radha-dyuti Prabhu is
expanding the project to five stories to serve the needs of the growing
number of pilgrims. The design has been completed, with a capacity to serve
5,000. You mentioned that we should have a facility like Tirupati’s,
and so Sulabh’s Kitchen will have that same style of management and
facility. You wanted devotees to go to Tirupati to learn how things are
managed. This facility is our humble attempt to follow your instructions on
how to better facilitate the pilgrims.

Schools: The schools, under the leadership of Her Grace Racitambara Mataji
and His Grace Ramanipati Prabhu have been a great source of education for
our devotees’ children. As Navadvipa was once the center for learning, so
our schools, as per your instructions, are trying to educate children who
can stand for the times and recreate the center for learning. That was our
desire, but we are far from achieving that goal to make ISKCON Mayapur the
center of learning in Bengal. Still, we are trying our best, starting
children from a young age. We have faced many challenges and are learning
our lessons. We know we have a long way to go, but we know that one day, by
your blessings, we will please you with this endeavor.

We have appointed Racitambara Mataji the divisional head for gurukula in
Mayapur, and His Grace Radhika Nagara Prabhu administrative dean for SMIS.
They are doing a great job.

Mayapur Institute: The Mayapur Institute, under the leadership of His Grace
Padmanayana Prabhu, continues to play a vital role in preserving and
propagating your teachings. The Institute provides systematic education in
sastra, equipping devotees with a deep understanding of Krsna
consciousness. Recently, the Mayapur Institute celebrated its twenty-fifth
anniversary between February 14–16, 2025, marking two and a half decades of
dedicated service to your mission. This milestone is a testament to the
commitment of the devotees who tirelessly serve to uphold and expand your
vision for Mayapur as a center of spiritual learning.

Mayapur Community Services: Our community is growing, and currently we have
more than 7,000 devotees. We want to have 50,000 devotees in Sridhama
Mayapur. This creates a great challenge in terms of building a community
focused on your teachings. The co-directors have given the responsibility of
this to His Grace Nanda Krsna Prabhu and his team of sector leaders. They
are working to create a community focused on your teachings and instructions
and to solve the challenges in a devotional manner. But there are a lot of
challenges in this regard, Srila Prabhupada. We are trying our best to
create an atmosphere of unity with the commonality of following your
instructions in building the community.

Goshala: Srila Prabhupada, we currently have four hundred cows, bulls, and
bullocks grouped into four herds. They are well taken care of by His Grace
Dama Gopala Prabhu. We are trying to come up with a master plan for the
goshala. We want to practice cow protection as per your instructions, Srila
Prabhupada. Currently, all the milk that is produced is used to serve the
Deities in all the temples, including Rajapur Jagannatha. We are trying to
engage the bulls and bullocks.

This is an amazing experience for pilgrims and devotees alike who come to
Mayapur – doing go-puja and feeding the cows, cuddling the cows, and having
an experience with the cows is most pleasing for the pilgrims. It attracts
them to visit Mayapur again and again and to make Mayapur the number-one
pilgrim destination.

Tirtha: Srila Prabhupada, you gave us a tirtha, a place of pilgrimage, to
develop. Cows play a significant role in developing such a place, and we are
trying to remember that everything in Mayapur is preaching. We want to
preach through all aspects of our Mayapur facilities, and the protection of
the cows is one of our biggest preaching endeavors, because so many pilgrims
come to take darshan of the Deities and of the cows. We are improving our
facilities for the cows. By your mercy, Srila Prabhupada, we are sure that
we will make the goshala in Sridhama Mayapur wonderful.

We have also built a new goshala stall in front of the CPD, where we sell
goshala products. The stall has a good ambience and creates an awareness of
the cows and the goshala. We needed to promote our goshala for a long time,
but we are now slowly progressing in that direction.

Mayapur elephants: Srila Prabhupada, it is with great pain in our hearts
that we have to let our elephants go to Vantara in Gujarat. These elephants
have served Sri Sri Radha-Madhava, Sri Sri Panca-tattva, and Sri
Prahlada-Narasinghadeva for many decades. Lakshmi Priya and Vishnu Priya
were the greatest preachers at Sridhama Mayapur just by carrying Their
Lordships on a parikrama where millions of devotees and pilgrims took part.
So Lakshmi Priya and Vishnu Priya are now in a sanctuary, safely cared for
by the Vantara people. We are very, very grateful to Her Grace
Hrimati Mataji, for taking excellent care of the elephants and giving her
life in spreading the culture.

As you always say, Krsna consciousness is a cultural revolution, and Mataji
was instrumental in spreading the culture through the elephant procession.
By your mercy, Srila Prabhupada, we hope to bring two more elephants,
younger, smaller ones, 6–8 months or a year old, so that we can train them
not as sanctuary-based elephant but as temple-based elephants.

Tourism: Srila Prabhupada, His Grace Gopijana Vallabha Prabhu is putting a
lot of effort into coming up with more and more ideas to make Mayapur the
best destination in the creation. There are several packages designed for
pilgrims to visit the various holy places in and around Navadvipa to help
them understand the significance of Lord Caitanya’s movement and how it will
change the entire world.

And I again have to say that any of these milestones or achievements I’m
mentioning have only been possible by the stalwart leadership of His
Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaja. He is the force behind everyone’s
efforts and the inspiration for developing this land into the kingdom of
God, as per Your Divine Grace’s instructions. He has sacrificed everything
for your mission.

Divine Threads: We feel deeply grateful for the opportunity to offer new
outfits to the Deities in Mayapur, Srila Prabhupada – a service begun in
2024. Through this service, we pray to bring joy to you and your beloved
Lordships, and so feel blessed to continue this offering. Under the
leadership of Her Grace Anandalila Mataji, Mayapur Divine Threads has been
creating beautiful Deity outfits for temples across the world, adding many
new temples to the list from the USA, Europe, and Asia and spreading the
glories of Mayapur far and wide. We are dedicated to upholding your legacy
by providing high-quality, handcrafted outfits with devotion and care.

Mayapur Academy: This past year has also been a milestone for the Mayapur
Academy, which is expanding its spiritual education through onsite and
online courses apart from the regular diploma and short courses which have
benefited students across the globe. Programs like the online jewelry-making
course and the children’s Deity worship course reflect your vision for
practical devotional training, while courses such as the Gayatri and online
mantra course deepen understanding of Vedic traditions.

As we grow, we remain committed to making spiritual education accessible and
impactful, all in service to your mission. Her Grace Anandalila Mataji,
along with the cofounders His Grace Nrsimha Kavaca Prabhu and His Grace
Jananivas Prabhu, have put a lot of thought and effort into these programs,
trying to improve the courses, Srila Prabhupada. We hope and pray that you
will continue to bless this team.

Legal & Compliance: Under the able and intelligent leadership of His Grace
Akshay Ramachandra Prabhu, the legal and compliance department have also
achieved many things in the past year Srila Prabhupa – I am highlighting a
few here:

(1) We have ensured that our litigation is minimized by taking proactive
measures for compliance with tax and statutory obligations.
(2) We have ensured timely filing of processes/returns to avoid penalties.
(3) We have helped preaching departments focus on preaching activities while
we comply with taxation and property laws.

Central: Srila Prabhupada, His Grace Subheksana Prabhu is the co-director
who is taking care of the Central Division. He is well supported by the head
of the Central Division, His Grace Purananda Nitai Prabhu. Two managers,
Jagatguru Jayadeva Prabhu and Ashraya Govinda Prabhu, are heads of multiple
departments under Central. In this division, we have been able to create
many facilities that have benefited all the devotees and pilgrims, Srila
Prabhupada. This team supports all other divisions in Mayapur by taking care
of the utilities, like water, electricity, cleaning, temple upkeep, etc., in
addition to the scheduling for morning programs, coordinating the pujas to
be done, dealing with the internet, internal communication, etc. – the list
is long. It is only by your mercy, Srila Prabhupada, that we are able to do
many things in this division, and it is because of this team that all others
are able to do their seva well.

VIP: VIP cultivation is now under the guidance of Dayarama Prabhu. His Grace
Krsna Vijaya Prabhu has been leading our efforts in cultivating all the
VIPs, Srila Prabhupada. He has been helped by Santa Gauranga Prabhu and his
team. In the past year we have had seven to eight hundred groups of VIPs
visit and stay in Sridhama Mayapur. Our relationship with the government
and nongovernment VIPs is becoming stronger by the day, by your mercy, Srila
Prabhupada.

Mayapur TV: His Grace Antardvipa Prabhu and his team have worked very hard
and achieved many things this year, Srila Prabhupada. Starting by acquiring
two Canon DSLR cameras dedicated to live-broadcast work, they also helped
earn a good name at the Chennai Kirtan Mela, developed a dedicated team and
equipment for big festivals, improved the cable TV customer
base, to name a few.

The broadcast room and temple have also been undergoing a complete rewiring,
which began in December. The work is now halfway complete. Social media
keeps developing at a steady rate – the YouTube MayapurTV channel has
consistently grown by 100,000 subscribers per year over the past seven
years, and is now at 700,000 subscribers.

This year, we also added Hindi online preaching to the English, Bangla, and
Russian preaching going out from Sridhama Mayapur – the Hindi community has
been leading with organizing Hindi Srimad-Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita
classes on a daily basis. We also just started a daily online Tamil
Bhagavad-gita class.

Concluding remarks: Lastly, we humbly pray at your lotus feet, Your Divine
Grace, that we dedicate our lives more and more to serving your lotus feet.
Fulfilling your vision for Mayapur is our only goal in life, and this can
only happen by your unlimited mercy upon us, with you always guiding us and
working through us to get your vision fulfilled. We can’t express our
gratitude in words. By following your instructions, by your mercy, then we
can show real gratitude.

Thank you so very much, Srila Prabhupada!
On behalf of the Codirectors

Your humble servant,

Vraja Vilasa Dasa
 

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

As part of the CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama project, the Mayapur Master Plan Office launched “Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga: A Devotional Offering”—an ecological and spiritual initiative inviting devotees to rediscover their sacred bond with Mother Earth as an expression of bhakti. In 2025, this vision took root through a major plantation drive across the ISKCON Mayapur campus, with the goal of enhancing the dhama’s natural beauty and spiritual atmosphere. By combining hands-on tree planting, educational outreach in local schools, and the installation of QR codes that reveal Vedic wisdom, the initiative seeks to inspire a global community to recognize biodiversity and harmonious living as integral expressions of Vedic culture and Krishna consciousness.

Explore the Digital Gateway (Mobile-friendly): https://srimayapurdhama.com/biodiversity/

Watch the Podcast: https://youtu.be/mCCfmUubKZk

ISKCON Mayapur Campus Plantation Drive: A Devotional Service to the Dhama
As a living extension of this offering, a large-scale plantation drive was recently completed in collaboration with the ISKCON Mayapur Horticulture Department. Over 250 trees, 300 flowering bushes, and 75 creepers were lovingly planted as devotional offerings to the Lord—each one adding fragrance, shade, and spiritual beauty to the sacred pathways of Sri Mayapur-dhama. ISKCON Mayapur Co-Director Subheksana das, along with other managers, personally participated, turning the tree planting into a heartfelt act of devotion. Please see this photo album for glimpses of the Tree Plantation Day.

These flowering and fruit-bearing trees were thoughtfully selected to enrich the biodiversity of Sri Mayapur-dhama. Among the trees planted were Keli Kadamba and Swarna Champa, whose fragrant blossoms are associated with the golden complexion of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. To provide vibrant color and shade, seasonal bloomers like Krishnachura, Radhachura, and the Palasa tree were also included. To enrich the medicinal ecosystem of the dhama, Ayurvedic trees like Neem, Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Arjuna, and Parijata were planted. Additionally, fruit-bearing trees such as Jamrul (rose apple), Amra, Starfruit, Chikoo, and Papaya now add variety to a landscape already rich in Mango & Coconut.

Have you ever felt Krishna smiling at you? Srila Prabhupada beautifully encapsulated the sacredness of nature when he said:

“When you see a flower, you see Kṛṣṇa smiling… So specifically good fragrance of flower, Kṛṣṇa says that ‘I am that.’”
(750119 – Lecture SB 03.26.44 – Bombay)

To support Deity worship with freshly grown flowers, fragrant bushes were planted—Gandharaj, Campaka, Kamini, Tagar, Kunda, Jasmine, Night Queen, Rangan, and White Java—each chosen for its sacredness and suitability in garlands and offerings. In an effort to increase the number of flowering creepers across the campus, varieties such as Malati, Madhavi, Karnikara, Passiflora, and Sweet Autumn Clematis now gracefully adorn fences and borders. We hope that within a few months they will form natural groves, offering nectar to butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators—blending devotional beauty with ecological harmony.

To enhance natural filtration of grey water on campus, Canna Lilies have been planted along the open drains. These water-loving plants not only enhance the visual serenity of the surroundings, but also offer their silent service by naturally purifying the water—supporting a more sacred environment for all.

QR Codes Transform Trees into Living Scriptures
To help pilgrims deepen their understanding of the spiritual significance of nature, QR codes are being installed on many of the trees. A simple scan brings up Vedic references, stories, and pastimes associated with the tree—available in multiple languages via the official Mayapur App and website.

This unique initiative transforms a simple walk through the campus into a living pilgrimage, where each tree becomes a sacred portal into the scriptures.

“When I scanned the QR on the Keli Kadamba tree and read about Lord Krishna’s pastimes, I felt as if the tree was personally telling me a story. It changed the way I see trees forever.” — A visiting devotee

Nurturing Young Hearts: School Tree Plantation & Education
The Mayapur Master Plan Office has also partnered with Bhaktivedanta National School (BVNS) and Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS) to extend this vision to the next generation.

After reviewing the biodiversity on each campus, special plantation plans were created. Both schools will soon hold Tree Plantation Days, where students and teachers will plant and care for trees—offering their hands and hearts in service to Sri Mayapur-dhama.

Educational programs are also being introduced to instill ecological awareness and foster a spirit of interdependence and harmony with all life forms—so that children grow up seeing Krishna not only in the Deity form, but also in the forest and the flowers.

Your Chance to Serve the Dhama
“Srimati Radharani created a beautiful place, decorated with creepers and trees and filled with male and female bumble bees. Deer and buck were happily enjoying as they wandered about, and the whole area was filled with the fragrance of jasmine, mallikā, and mālatī flowers. That transcendental abode was adorned with tulasi forests and decorated with various groves.’”
(Sri Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya)

Devotees around the world are warmly invited to express their bhakti by planting trees, creepers, and sacred groves in their communities or homes as a heartfelt offering to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and Śrī Mayapur-dhāma. Let each tree be a living remembrance of the most merciful Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and a blessing for future generations. As we care for the trees, the trees in turn serve the Lord—offering shade to pilgrims, fruits and flowers for worship, and a home for Krishna’s creatures. This is not mere planting—it is seva: a sacred act of service born of love and gratitude.

All residents of Śrī Mayapur-dhāma are especially encouraged to join this initiative by planting trees & creepers in their homes or balconies, thus beautifying the holy dhāma. You may also grow saplings and donate them to ISKCON Mayapur for planting across the campus. To deepen the spiritual experience, devotees can help bring scriptures to life by installing QR codes across the nine islands of Śrī Navadvīpa-dhāma, revealing Vedic stories and pastimes associated with each sacred tree—available in multiple languages. Digital QR codes can be downloaded from the official album, and free laminated QR codes are also available by emailing ‘masterplan@mayapur.ngo’. Please offer your heartfelt prayers for these sacred trees, that they may serve the guests of Mahāprabhu and become living storytellers of the dhāma.

We also invite devotees worldwide to use their voice and creativity—by creating short videos or social media posts that highlight the connection between Bhakti-yoga and Biodiversity. Share your realizations as a humble offering to Lord Gaurāṅga—and inspire others to walk the path of devotion through sacred ecology.

your servant

Nandan das (Mayapur Master Plan office)

Full Article - https://srimayapurdhama.com/tree-plantation-2025/