Ladies’ Ashrama Update
By Anasuya dasi
The women’s ashrama at New Govardhana, Australia, has been full of activity of late, with new devotees Bhadra Yamuna (from the US), Bhaktine Cameron (from UK) and Bhaktine Jin Lou (from Hong Kong) arriving, inspired to serve Shri Shri Radha Govardhanadhari.
Ellie, who is from Germany and who has already been serving at the temple for some time, has moved into the ladies’ ashrama from the ‘Krishna Pad’. Krishna Pad is a stepping-stone between the Krishna Village and either the brahmachary or ladies’ ashrama.
Mandali-Kishori dasi continues as ashrama co-ordinator and keeps all the residents happily engaged. During Kartika, with many devotees away in India, Mandali-Kishori did a service marathon where she covered many services in addition to her regular cow and bullock seva.
Ashrama residents are spoiled each week with the senior association of Srila Prabhupada disciples, Ambika devi dasi and Krishnarupa devi dasi, who give kirtana sessions and Prabhupada Lilamrta readings, respectively.
Residents are also delighted to have Sitala devi dasi residing in the ashrama for a couple of months, whose devotional presence always enthuses. So there are no shortages of happenings in the ladies’ ashrama at the moment.
“The ladies’ ashrama at New Govardhana is one of the best in the world, with its beautiful outlook, tranquil gardens and very comfortable accommodation,” says Sitala.