By Radha Mohan Das
Every Sunday at 7:00am sharp, devotees and friends gather outside Stanmore
Station to begin a 5.5-mile walk to Bhaktivedanta Manor. Taking around 1
hour and 30 minutes for most participants, the walk is quickly growing in
popularity.
The driving force behind this inspiring initiative is Yashu Shah, who
shared:
“I’ve been walking every morning for an hour for the past 15 years, mainly
for health reasons. Then, at the start of spring in March, just four of us
began walking this route together. By last week, that number had grown to
18.
It’s more than just a walk—it’s a pilgrimage. It’s an opportunity to have
darshan first thing in the morning, and then engage in service.”
Other participants shared their motivations:
“I am motivated by my attraction to Lord Krishna, as well as the health
benefits. It’s a beautiful way to start the morning. On the way to
Bhaktivedanta Manor, we chant—something we don’t always get the opportunity
to do in our busy lives.
By the time I reach the Manor, I don’t even feel like I’ve walked over five
miles. Sometimes I chant out loud, sometimes in my head. That’s why I’ve
become a regular. When the colder months come, I hope Lord Krishna will give
us the strength to continue!”
— Rita
“A joy to walk with Krishna’s devotees and share their association.”
—
Shalien
“It keeps you physically and spiritually fit. You can chant all the way
there and truly enjoy the journey. You get to visit the temple, have
darshan, and take prasad—it’s a complete experience.”
—
Bipin Gor
“I join Yasu on his regular morning walks throughout the week. One day he
invited me to take part in a padayatra—a sacred walk—from Stanmore Station
to the Hare Krishna temple. I thought, what better way to spend my walking
days? My hobby suddenly felt more purposeful.”
—
B. S. Shah
“I joined because a good friend invited me. I thought it would be a great
way to keep fit and meet people. It’s also a wonderful way to break free
from the shackles of everyday pressures.”
—
Mehul Shah
Yashu offered these final words as an open invitation:
“Everyone is welcome to join—people of all ages. It’s a chance to get fit,
bring your family, and share in the knowledge and experience of the temple.
Parking is easy around Stanmore on a Sunday morning, and you can join us at
any point along the route. If you prefer a shorter walk, you can park on
Wood Lane, off Stanmore Hill near the hospital.”
