The latest updates from the ISKCON community featured on Dandavats offer a rich blend of spiritual inspiration, personal reflection, and community celebration. Highlights from the life and dedication of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, honoring his unwavering service to the Krishna consciousness movement. The ISKCON temple in Chowpatty was also featured as a vibrant center of devotion and outreach, showcasing the ongoing efforts of the community in spreading spiritual wisdom and service.

When people think of ISKCON’s presence on the global stage—its respectful media representation, its interfaith outreach, its dignified dialogue with the world—there’s often one devotee quietly behind the scenes: His Grace Anuttama Prabhu. A longtime disciple of Srila Prabhupada, GBC member, and the Minister of ISKCON Communications, Anuttama Prabhu has dedicated nearly five decades to helping ISKCON not only grow—but shine. His journey is one of conviction, compassion, and powerful communication, all rooted in his deep love for Krishna and Srila Prabhupada’s mission.

Across digital platforms, joyous echoes from London resonated through Harinama Sankirtan and Jayadeva's transcendent melodies, underscoring the universal appeal of bhakti yoga. Notably, from Mumbai's ISKCON Juhu to the bustling streets of London and live sessions from ISKCON Punjabi Bagh, devotees worldwide converged in devotion, marking Sri Rama Navami with fervent enthusiasm..

Srimati Radharani, the tenderhearted, feminine counterpart of Godhead, is that one person in all of existence who knows best how to express love for Krsna. She is the supreme container of love for Him, and, as such, She is known as the asraya category. Moreover, it is She who, like a mother, nurtures us in our devotional service. Krsna, the object of Her love, comes once in a day of Brahma to display and enjoy His pastime mellows. Afterward, however, Krsna was left ...

Lord Caitanya then inquired: What is the most profitable thing in the world, the essence of all auspicious events? Ramananda Raya replied that there is nothing as profitable as the association of pure devotees.” (Teachings of Lord Caitanya, Page 341) When did I meet Srila Prabhupada? The year Srila Prabhupada arrived in Butler, Pa. (Sept. 1965). Is it possible I was visiting my Grandparents in Butler? Did I happen to catch a glimpse of Srila Prabhupada? Or the following summer, at the age of 13, did I happen to walk downtown Butler where His Divine Grace had pr...

From the grand celebrations marking ISKCON Vrindavan's 50th Anniversary to the heartwarming efforts of Ukraine Food for Life in Kyiv, these stories resonate with compassion and dedication. Delve into enlightening discourses on Lord Ramachandra's glories by H.G. Vaisesika Dasa and immerse yourself in the soul-stirring 'Ayodhya Vasi' musical video by Visvambhar Sheth. Witness the restoration of historical sites like 26 2nd Avenue and the uplifting tales from Western Europe shared by Pandava Sakha Prabhu. Each piece, whether through video, article, or report, invites us deeper into the ...

One of HH Janananda das Goswami’s most impactful contributions has been his role in breathing new life into book printing and distribution efforts in France. Recognizing the foundational importance of Srila Prabhupada’s books in spreading Krishna consciousness, he worked with great determination to reestablish this vital aspect of ISKCON’s mission in France. His work at New Mayapur goes beyond management-he's been instrumental in breathing new life into this historic property, making sure it continues to serve as a spiritual haven for future generations. One of his most cheris...

Rama Navami Celebrations: Devotees were inspired by a spiritually enriching morning class delivered by HG Bhurijana Prabhu on April 6, 2025, in honor of Lord Rama's appearance day. ISKCON Vrindavan's 50th Anniversary: A grand celebration continued with powerful evening sessions, reflecting on decades of devotion and service in the holy land of Vrindavan. Exciting Book Distribution Updates: The March edition of Good News About Books (GNAB) highlighted the tireless efforts of Sankirtan devotees around the world. Congratulations to all for spreading the transcendental message of Krishna...

ISKCON communities worldwide joyfully celebrated Rama Navami, the divine appearance day of Lord Sri Ramachandra. Temples were adorned with beautiful decorations, devotees engaged in melodious kirtans, dramatic plays, and inspiring discourses. The celebrations reflected deep devotion, honoring Lord Rama’s virtues of righteousness, compassion, and divine leadership.

Schedule: Each festival can be the focus for a five-day week, with a concentration each day on one of the five most potent items of devotional service as related to that festival. This program is flexible and can be used in other ways. For example, it is entirely possible to take one item of devotional service and concentrate on it for more than one day, or even an entire week. And, some people might want to only spend one day on a festival.

The Lord’s descent from His transcendental abode is already explained in the 6th verse. One who can understand the truth of the appearance of the Personality of Godhead is already liberated from material bondage, and therefore he returns to the kingdom of God immediately after quitting this present material body. Such liberation of the living entity from material bondage is not at all easy. The impersonalists and the yogis attain liberation only after much trouble and many, many births. Even t...

GBC approved Sastric Advisory Committee's Paper on Rama-navami Fasting. In this paper, we present research on the length and type of fasting for Rāma-navamī from sādhu, śāstra and guru. We also examine related items such as the concept of completing one’s fasting vow, specific calendar considerations, a comparison with other viṣṇu-tattva appearance days and Ekādaśī, and practices in some ISKCON centers. We then make recommendations at the end of the paper of gen...

The childless Dasharatha was advised by his family priest Vashishtha to perform a fire sacrifice ceremony to seek the blessings of God for children. Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, decided to manifest himself as the eldest son of Dasharatha in order to kill Ravana. While performing the fire worship ceremony, a majestic figure rose from the sacrificial fire and handed to Dasharatha a bowl of rice pudding, saying, "God is pleased with you and has asked you ...

Dive into philosophical insights with morning classes by HG Bhurijana Prabhu and special sessions on Cyavana Muni's tale, illustrating profound teachings through engaging narratives. Celebrate the spiritual buildup to Ram Navami, where the stories of Lord Ram, Krishna, and Chaitanya are vividly shared, blending devotion and humor.

His Holiness Kavicandra Swami exemplifies devotion, leadership, and service within ISKCON. From managing temples to preaching Krishna consciousness across diverse regions and engaging with devotees through social media platforms, his life is a testament to his dedication to Srila Prabhupada's mission. By nurturing devotees and spreading the glories of Lord Krishna worldwide, Kavicandra Swami continues to inspire countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.

Explore a vibrant tapestry of devotion and celebration across Iskcon communities worldwide on Dandavats. Delve into the profound spirituality of Śivarāma Swami's "Praising Gaurāṅga" series and enrich your understanding with insightful articles on heritage and devotion. Witness the grandeur of ISKCON Vrindavan's 50th Anniversary, where history and culture converge in tribute to Srila Prabhupada's legacy. From spiritual dramas and cultural showcases to global engagements with leaders like PM Modi, every story resonates with deep reverence and the spirit of service. Join us in emb...

The name of King Kulasekhara Alvar is well known to the followers of Srila Prabhupada. His Divine Grace used to relish with great ecstasy the Mukunda Mala Stotra written by this great saintly king. This stotra is commonly known in ISKCON as the Prayers of King Kulasekhara. Though his name is well known, for most devotees, very little is known about Maharaja Kulasekhara. We shall now try to remedy this lacuna by presenting a concise synopsis of his life. But before we start we m...

Sri Caitanya Caritamrta Madha-lila chapter 9 verse 79 describes: Sri Ranga-ksetra (Srirangam) is a very famous place. It lies in the district of Tiruchchirapalli, about ten miles west of Kumbhakonam and near the city of Tiruchchirapalli, on an island in the Kaveri River. The Srirangam temple is the largest in India, and there are seven walls and seven roads surrounding it. The ancient names of these roads are the road of Dharma, the road of Rajamahendra, the road of Kulasekhara, the road of Alinadana, the road of Tiruvikrama, the Tirubi...

What if the soul is the body’s source of life and consciousness, as the sun is the universe’s source of heat and light? What if life doesn’t come from a perishable, chance combination of material elements? As a photojournalist exploring Mumbai, these musings coaxed me from blaring car horns and teeming streets to some curious transcendent possibility. The mythical, irrelevant idea of jivatma began delicately to undermine what had been for me a lifetime of hidden hopelessness: what’s t...