iskcon pune today - Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra … Pune Today | March 2014 ISKCON PUNE TODAY / March 2014 Page 3 Article Pune, January 19, 2014 Over 1500 enthusiastic children

Page 1ISKCON PUNE TODAY / March 2014

iskcon pune todayNewsletter Vol 12 / Issue: 3 (Monthly) / March 2014 / Price: ` 1/-

23 Feb 2014

ISKCON Pune Today | March 2014

Page 2 ISKCON PUNE TODAY / March 2014

Over 8000 people attended the first anniversary celebrations of the ISKCON NVCC temple on 23rd February, 2014 in Pune.

�e celebrations started on 22nd February, 2014 with a flag hoisting or dhvajarohan ceremony, followed by adivas where the presiding Deities of the temples

were offered 27 items of paraphernalia. Devotees had decorated the entire temple complex with flags, flowers and multi-coloured lights.

Festivities on the next day, which marked the first anniver-sary of the inauguration of the temple, included a yajna or a fire sacrifice, an abhisheka ceremony, a grand rangoli display depicting the pastimes of Lord Krishna, and lectures by His Grace Govinda Das, one of the four Presidents of ISKCON Chowpathy and His Grace Radheshyam Das, President of ISKCON Pune.

�e elaborate decoration and worship of the Deities was led by His Grace Rupa Goswami Das, the head Pujari of the temple, and his team. Heads of the Deity department, Jivadaya or book distribu-tion department, Public

Relations and Patrons Care, Personality Development Course (which trains brahmachari monks) and Lotus Voice made presenta-tions on the preaching activi-ties at the ISKCON NVCC

temple in the last year.

Several devotees including His Grace Vrindavan Das a former President of ISKCON Pune, His Grace Jaideva Das, a senior congregation leader, His Grace Shwetadvipa Das, active member of the Patrons Care department, His Grace Srigurucharan Das, Vice President of the temple who oversaw the fund-raising and construction of the temple shared memories and realisations of how the temple project was conceived, envisioned

and built. �e

afternoon festival concluded with chhapan-bhog where 56 food preparations were offered to the Deities and a maha-arati ceremony with kirtan and dancing.

“It is incredible how much and how soon the temple has established itself as one of Pune’s most popular landmark temples in such a short time,” said Radheshyam Das. “We have over 5000 visitors every

weekend and several more during festival

times. �e temple has become an oasis for attracting children, students, youth, house-holder, business

persons

and community leaders to the real Vedic way of life that helps keep Krishna in the centre of everything we do.”

In the evening, the utsava-murtis or the small Deities of Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra and Sri Sri Gaura Nitai were taken on a procession around the temple. �is was followed by the inauguration of Vrinda Devi centre at a new hexagonal building in front of the temple lawns. �e centre will act as a one-stop-shop for all visitors to the temple. �e grand finale was a cultural programme with dance, music and drama that left the thousands of viewers spellbound

“When the President of India inaugurated the temple last year, he said that ISKCON was making a valuable contribution to the world by building social infrastructure,” concluded His Grace Srigurucharan Das. “He also said that Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, was the true spiritual ambassador of India. At Pune, the ISKCON NVCC temple continues this legacy of Srila Prabhupada and we hope to transform the lives of Puneites by touching their hearts with India’s true Vedic culture.”

Over 8000 people attend first anniversary of ISKCON NVCC



ArticlePune, January 19, 2014

Over 1500 enthusiastic children trooped into ISKCON’s NVCC temple on Katraj Kondhwa Road early morning, braving the winter chill, to appear for ISKCON’s Gita annual contest. 3500 other children appeared for the same exam at schools all over Maharashtra, making this the single largest Gita examination series in the world.

�e children sat in neat rows inside a sprawling and ornate temple roomtastefully decorated with massive domes and artefacts, and answeredquestions set to a course that had been designed and taught in localschools all over the state by ISKCON monks. After answering the questions, they joined enthusiastically in singing kirtan and dancing with other devotees. All the children were then

treated to lunch prasadam, and later played games in the large landscaped gardens at the ISKCON temple.

“Many children have a fear of exams, but here you find the exact opposite.�ese children turned up eagerly to participate in the exams, and have had a memorable experience. �e exam aims at attracting young children to the moral values and ethics that are an integral part of India’s ancient Vedic culture,” explained Sundar Shyam Das, who organizes the event every year.“Children are the future leaders of India. It is important to *educate them in value based living and leadership, *based on the universal teachings of Bhagavad Gita.”

ISKCON has successfully conducted similar exams in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Ahmednagar, Nanded, Jalgaon

and in Andhra Pradesh. In year 2012, around 11,000 children participated from several schools in Pune and in 2013, around 30,000 children from Pune, Nanded, Nagar and Jalgaon. �is is the largest series of examinations on Bhagavad-gita in the world, as it attracts a record number of children every year. �e results will be announced on 9th February and *prizes worth* Rs. 5000/-, Rs3000/-, Rs 2000/- will be distributed to the top students with several individual prizes for very school.

“�e format of the exam is very simple,” continued Sundar Shyam Das. “It isbased on 50 of the most important verses of the Bhagavad-gita, and hasobjective multiple-choice questions and answers. �e questions aim toprovoke children to think about

ethics and morals in everyday life, including respect, simplicity, virtue and a sense of duty. �e Bhagavad-gita is the foundational book for the entire Vedic culture and is based on two core principles: respect and compassion for all living entities, and love for God.”

While students were appearing for the Gita exam, parents who accompaniedthem attended a seminar on the ‘Art of Parenting’.

ISKCON NVCC Temple, which is located in Kondhwa, had earlier beeninaugurated by President Pranab Mukherjee on 24 February 2014. It hasbecome the largest Vedic cultural centre in Pune and a landmark attraction visited by over 5000 people every weekend.

*For more details please contact **Ramesh Kallidai on

09765407700*

Brahmotsavam celebrations of Lord Balaji (8 to12th Feb)

Lord Sri Venkateswara enjoys festivals (utsavams), and therefore, every moment is considered a festive occasion. �e most important festival is the Brahmotsavam. Here at ISKCON Pune we celebrated Brahmotsavam with great festivity and joy from 8 to 12th Feb. Everyday we had different festivals. Here is a brief report.

Aalaya SuddhiBefore the commencement of Brahmotsavam, the temple of Lord Sri Venkateswara is cleaned according to the guidelines given in the religious texts. �e temple premises and its surroundings are decorated with flowers and mango leaves. �is process is called Aalaya Suddhi and Alankaram (decoration).

MritsangrahanamMritsangrahanam (the process of collecting earth) is carried out on the day prior to the first day of Brahmotsavam. �e temple officials pray to deities like Vishvaksena, Anantha, Sudarshana and Garuda. �ey also pray to Mother Earth and collect a small quantity of earth, with which the Ankurarpanam ritual is conducted, by which the earth is spread in a room and nine kinds of cereals are sown in it.

AdivasamOn the previous evening of the beginning of the festival Adivasam is performed. Twenty seven auspicious items are offered to Lord for his pleasure to invoke auspiciousness.

Dwajarohanam and Devatavanam

Dwajarohanam (hoisting the flag or garudadhwaja) signals the start of the Brahmotsavam. It is carried out at the Dwajasthambham. �e temple

officials hoist the flag (with a picture of Garuda on it) to the chanting of Vedic mantras by the priests.

It is believed that Garuda goes to Devalokam to invite Gods like Brahma, Indra, Yama, Agni, Kubera and Vayudeva and sages like Vasistha and Vishwamitra.

Vahana Seva�e Lord is taken in a procession around the streets of temple on different vahanas (vehicles). Each vahana has its own significance, and conveys the Lord’s message in its own way.

Srivari KoluvuDuring Brahmotsavam, the Lord holds court in the main temple, after being taken around in a procession. �e priests perform Naivedyam during this time.

SnapanamSnapanam is the process of bathing the Lord with herbal water after the procession. It is believed to relieve the strain the Lord has undergone during the procession.

ChoornabhishekamChoornabhishekam involves bathing the lord and his consorts after anointing them with sandalwood powder. �e Lord is then taken in a procession around the streets of temple. �e priets distribute the sandalwood powder used for the Lord to devotees. It is believed that the sandalwood powder has the power of clearing obstacles from one's path in devotional service.

Chakrasnanam�e Chakrasnanam ritual is akin to the bathing ritual after the performance of a yagna. On the morning of the last day of

Brahmotsavam, the Lord, his consorts and Sri Sudarshanachakram are bathed in the Swami Pushkarini.

Devotees can also bathe in the Swami Pushkarini, along with Sri Sudarshanachakram. It is considered to be a very sacred ritual, and devotees participate in this ritual, irrespective of religion, caste or creed.

Nitya Homam and Maha Purna Ahuti

Everyday in the morning and evening homam is performed for the pleasure of Lord Sri Venkatesh. And on the last day maha purna ahuti is performed by the priests.

Kalyana utsav

Lord Sri Venkateswara Swami gets marred to Sri Devi and Bhu Devi. He gives an opportunity for his dear devotees to perform his own marriage. Priests do Kanyadan to Lord and offer their love and devotion.

DevatodwasanamOn the last day of Brahmotsavam, the ritual of seeing off the rishis and Gods to Devalokam is called Devatodwasanam. It is performed after the daily archana. Lord Brahma is praised for organising the utsavam, and He is honoured by the priests and officials.

Maha abhishekamAbhishek to Mulamurti and Utsavamurti is performed with milk, ghee, sugar water, honey, curd. and juices from natural items like fruits and coconuts. �is maha abhisek is followed by Homam and Kalash Puja.

Procession of lord�is is main attraction of the festival. On the last day Lord Srinivas with his consorts go out in the streets and gives darshan and mercy to all the people. With different Vadyam and musical instruments Lord is taken 12 times around the temple and in the streets.

Asirwacanam, Pandita Sanmanam ( Felicitation of priests).

On the last day the main priest blesses the participants and devotes who came and participated the festival. And in turn the temple management felicitates all the priests.

DwajavarohanamDwajavarohanam or lowering the flag (hoisted on the first day of Brahmotsavam) is carried out on the evening of the last day of Brahmotsavam.

Cultural activitiesDuring the festival dramas, songs, natyam, which depict the pastimes and teachings of Lord Sri Venkatesh are performed in the utsava mantapam.

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Sudama HallOn 1st floor of 1800 sq ft • Capacity for 100 people • 12x8 ft Stage • Buffet Table • 50 Chairs • 6 + 4 items in Menu • Package for 60 people -Rs. 20000/- • For 100 people - Rs. 27500 /- • (Decoration not Included)

Balaji HallBelow Balaji Temple • 3000 sq ft • 200 people • 12x8 ft stage • 100 chairs • Buffet Tables • 9+4 Items in Menu • 2 Changing Rooms • Package: 100 people - 40000/- 150 people -50000/-, 200 people – 60000/- • (Decoration not Included)

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Eminent personalities visit ISKCON NVCC

Rahul Bajaj - Prominent IndustrialistPranab Mukherjee at the Inauguration Ceremonyof ISKCON NVCC

Madhuri Misal - MLA Chanchala Tai Kodre - Mayor Pune

Jain Sadhavis visit ISKCON NVCC Ajay Atul - Famous Musical Duo

Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil - Member of Parliament

Babasaheb Purandare - Historian and Writer

Mahadev Babar - MLA

Sudhanshuji Maharaj - Founder of Vishwajagriti Mission

Sindhutai Sapkal - Social Worker & Writer Hema Malini - Renowned Actress and Dancer




ISKCON Dindi

15,000 Students participate in Bhagvad Gita Contest

5 lakhs people served Khichadi prasad Pune devotees participate in Barsana Eye Camp, near Vrindavan, UP

Cultural Activity Jau Devachiya Gava Mega Drama GYST.....Celebration of Joy and Inspiration Corporate Seminars

Celebrating World Holy Name Festival75,000 Bhagvad Gita Distributed during Gita Marathon,15,000 Bhagvad Gita Distributed to children at discount

Summer Camp

Serving the society

iskcon pune todayRNI Res. No. 72522/2000 No. L/RNP/PNCE/M-136/2012-2014Published on 2nd March, 2014

From:Editor,

ISKCON PUNE TODAY4, TARAPORE ROAD, CAMP, PUNE - 411001 (MS)Phone: 020-41033222, 41033234

Registered NewspaperISKCON PUNE TODAYPosted at GPO, PuneOn 5th, 6th & 7th of every monthTo,


4, Tarapore Rd, Next to Dastur Boys School, Camp, Pune | Phone: 020-41033210 / 22 Mobile: 9225545984 | Email: [email protected] | www.iskconpune.in

International Society for Krishna ConsciousnessFounder Acharya : His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

“ISKCON PUNE TODAY” monthly magazine is printed and published by Radheshyam Das for the owner ISKCON-Pune Br. Printed at Yashraj Printers, 5 - Gulmohar Manor, Nagar Road, Pune 6 & Published at 4, Tarapore Road, Camp, Pune 411001. Editor - Mr. Kiran Shinde

Shri Rakesh Ranchhoddas RathiDirector, Trans Oilfield Chemicals Pvt. Ltd.

“I can express my gratitude by serving the Deities. In turn it gives me a feeling that

although I am an insignificant soul in this material creation, but Lord has given me the facility to reciprocate by allowing me to serve him. The sense of satisfaction & bliss in serving the Deities is immeasurable”.

It’s mentioned in the scriptures, that one should give at least 10 % of his income as charity in order to purify the wealth & self. I feel it is a very great opportunity for all to be involved in this “Direct Service” of the Lord & be blessed.”

Sri Radha -Krishna Vigraha Seva

Lord Krishna speaks to Uddav: “One who offers the Deity gifts of land, markets, cities and villages so that the regular daily worship and special festivals of the Deity may go on continually will achieve

opulence equal to My own.” (SB 11.27.51)

Obtain the blessed opportunity of direct service to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha-Vrindavanchandra and Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari.

Regular expenditure for Deities at ISKCON temples in Kondhwa and Camp include:

• Flowers, fruits, milk, ghee, grocery & vegetables @ Rs. 5 Lacs monthly

• 8 Festival dresses and jewelery @ Rs. 5 lacs per festival

Contributors will be blessed as Sri Radha-Krishna Vigraha Sevak of the year.

Sri Radha -Krishna Vigraha SevakDecember 2013 - Chander MoryaniMD Saraswati Samadhan llp

January 2014 - Sunil VanarseMD Reshmika Minerals & Chemicals Ltd.

February 2014 - Ashok Kumar JindalMD, Jindal-SVI Group

Add: ISKCON NVCC, S. No. 50, Katraj Kondhwa bypass, Pune

Documents

iskcon pune today - Sri Sri Radha Vrindavanchandra … Pune Today | March 2014 ISKCON PUNE TODAY / March 2014 Page 3 Article Pune, January 19, 2014 Over 1500 enthusiastic children