ISKCON Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Srila Prabhupada Uvaca

Krsnadasa Kaviraja Gosvami, born around the beginning of the sixteenth century, was a disciple of Raghunatha dasa Gosvami, a confidential follower of Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s. Krsnadasa Kaviraja was an inhabitant of Vrindavana and a great devotee. He had been living with his family in Katwa, a small town in the district of Burdwan, in Bengal.

He worshiped Radha-Krishna with his family, and once when there was some misunderstanding among his family members about devotional service, he was advised by Nityananda Prabhu in a dream to leave home and go to Vrindavana. Although he was very old, he started out that very night and went to live in Vrindavana.

While he was there, he met some of the Goswamis, principal disciples of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He was requested to write the Caitanya-caritamrta by the devotees of Vrindavana. Raghunatha Dasa Goswami endowed him with a full comprehension of the transcendental life of Sri Caitanya.

Although he began this work at a very old age and in failing health, by the grace of Lord Caitanya he finished it. Today it remains the most authoritative book on Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s philosophy and life.

As he vividly describes in the text itself: “I have now become too old and disturbed by invalidity. While writing, my hands tremble. I cannot remember anything, nor can I see or hear properly. Still I write, and this is a great wonder.”

Sources: Introduction and Foreword, Caitanya-caritamrta

Gates to the Spiritual World

By Syamala Gopa Kishori dasi

The beautifully ornate gates in the templeroom have been protecting the Deities since Their installation in 1979. They were built by Janamejaya dasa and feature various auspicious symbols, including lotus flowers, transcendental weapons and peacocks.

They were recently taken down for the first time and powder coated, which includes painting and then baking them in a special oven. This process ensures the luminous mother of pearl paint is long lasting.

We hope the refurbishment is pleasing to the Deities and the devotees taking darshan.

If you would like to donate towards the cost of the temple gate refurbishment, please contact Ganga devi dasi at the temple treasury.

All hands on deck as the refurbished gates are erected back into position.

Transcendental Tradesman

By Suvarna Rupa dasi

For the past few weeks our resident professional painter, Padmalocan dasa, has been steadily repainting the temple ceiling, including above the altar. The new, warm white shade brings a fresh and light ambience to the temple while the darker hue above the altar has the effect of complementing the vibrancy of the Deities.

It has been a great endevour and we are most grateful for Padmalocan’s enthusiasm and expertise. He has also repainted the roof outside the paraphernalia room and rearranged the bhoga room so that it is neat and easy for devotees to navigate.

Padmalocan is always working behind the scenes to improve all aspects of the temple, to make it more special for the Deities, devotees and guests.

Janmastami Drama

Courtesy of Bhaktivedanta Gurukula

New Govardhana’s Janmastami celebrations were enhanced this year with an amazing drama performed by the Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula students, Grades Three to Six. The play celebrated and honoured the birthday of Lord Sri Krishna by depicting the story of His transcendental appearance.

In the play, Mother Earth, appearing in the form of a cow, approached four-headed Lord Brahma concerned about the disturbing evil forces traversing the earth. Along with other children dressed as demigods, they went to the Ocean of Milk to pray to Lord Vishnu. The Lord told them that He would soon descend to Earth to destroy the demoniac forces and uplift the devotees.

The children wonderfully depicted the pastime of Lord Vishnu’s appearance in Kamsa’s jail cell and subsequent journey to Gokula. Another highlight of the play was the enchanting dance scene with Radha and Krishna in the groves of Vrindavana.

Bhaktivedanta Gurukula students presented a very polished and exciting play for the pleasure of Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari on Janmastami.

The little actors all looked the part in their costumes, and the music and set created a dramatic atmosphere. With expert acting, singing and dancing as well as the exciting fight scenes, the students captured the audience with beautiful impressions of Sri Krishna’s pastimes.

We would like to acknowledge the hard work of all the children who practised and learned their roles so well, and the directors who trained them: Candramukhi dasi, Mangala Gopi dasi, Akhileshvari dasi and Vinod Bihari dasa. A big thank you goes to the dance directors: Mohini dasi and Vrinda Gleeson. We would also like to acknowledge the music and set arrangements put together by Vinod Bihari dasa, Gopa Patni dasi, Vrinda, Radha Madhava dasa and Allan Ng, as well as the high school students.

In addition we would like to thank the parents who dressed the children so beautifully. We look forward to more performances by the Gurukula in the future.

Yoga of birth

By Sri Gandharvika devi dasi

I recently attended the ‘Yoga of Birth’ course held at the Krishna Village. The course aimed to train yoga teachers to guide, help and support women during their pregnancies.

The teacher, Katie Manitsas, is not only a yoga teacher, but also an author of many books, a qualified douala (birthing companion), a student of Ayurveda, and a mother of four healthy boys, just to name some of her many achievements. She also has a wealth of experience teaching pregnant women yoga and working as a doula, where she supports women through their labour and the time after the baby comes.

Manjula Rati devi dasi and myself were fortunate to be invited to attend. The course was divided into different sessions covering subjects from preparation for conception, to how best to nurture yourself and your baby while pregnant.

Katie shared her own personal experiences throughout the course, guiding us through the process of dealing with the different scenarios that can happen during labour, the sacred time after birth and the importance of rest and recovery.

As we went through these various stages, she presented different tools such as Ayurveda, yoga, chanting, and meditation to utilise during the process of having a baby. She especially emphasised the importance of having a lot of support during this period. Katie also touched on the different medical interventions and the medical system here in Australia, its benefits and difficulties.

I found the course to be extremely powerful, as a mother to be, to share with other mothers and expectant mothers in a safe environment with respect for individual differences. I felt very encouraged, confident and hopeful as well as more prepared to let go of expectations and accept whatever may come in my journey of motherhood.

Mothers-to-be absorbed at the Yoga of Birth course held at Krishna Village.

Shelter for the Oldies

By Karunamayi dasi

Gita Govinda devi dasi is one of the long-standing residents of New Govardhana and has faithfully served the cows with love and devotion. She cares for the retired cows, who are divided into three herds: the cows, the bullocks and the ‘oldies’.

The oldies are the cows and bullocks approaching the end of their lives who are no longer able to keep up with the younger cows. Every day Gita Govinda feeds and medicates them to keep them as healthy and happy as possible.

Previously, during bad weather, the oldies had to take shelter under trees, but Gita Govinda felt they needed better facility. She and Maha Mantra dasa designed a new shelter, which Maha Mantra and his team built. Maha Mantra and Dhyan dug the dirt and levelled the site, took all the timber and tin from the old cowshed and set it out for Sharpy (employed fencer) to erect the fence. Loi, who used to be a WWOOFER, did the roof along with other volunteers, including Mick, who oversees them.

The new sanctuary is large and comfortable, so that all the cows can be well-protected from the elements and have their own personal space. The oldies seem very contented with their new facility, and can often be found happily hanging out in their new shaded pad.

Gita Govinda’s dedication to Krishna’s cows is most appreciated and her service has been inspirational to the community.

The older cows’ and bullocks’ new shelter.

Garlands Galore

By Kisori devi dasi

Our beautiful Deities at New Govardhana are offered fresh garlands daily. Over winter it can be challenging finding sufficient flowers, though. Despite the lack of flowers, everyone seemed to appreciate the creativity and dedication of the garland makers in using leaves and wildflowers in variegated styles throughout winter.

Jhulan dasi expertly managed the garland roster for some time, and now the reins have been handed over to Bhaktine Hyesun.

It is quite a demanding role ensuring that Their Lordships receive lovely garlands daily, but a very satisfying one, as Krishna loves flowers.

Krishnarupa devi dasi lovingly recalls one pastime in Mayapur, where Srila Prabhupada saw her from his verandah picking flowers in the field and commented, “Every flower she picks, is one step closer to Krishna.”

Amrita Radhika dasi writes of her experience with garland-making here at New Govardhana:

“Since arriving in New Govardhana, I have been able to serve Krishna in many ways and one of my favourite services is to make garlands for the Deities. The morning walk to collect flowers is such a beautiful meditation in itself, as I know in advance which Deities I will be making garlands for that day. So the flowers I come across are always super fascinating, even in these winter months!”

She continues, “Making garlands is an art, and depending on who the garland is for it can change how you make it. I am starting to understand a little more of the mood of each of the Lord’s forms and how they are very slightly revealing themselves to me through garland making. Some mornings I just look at the altar, and say, ‘Okay, so what would You like me to make for You today?’ and then I let my hands go where they need to go.

“It has been a very wonderful preaching opportunity also. Recently, a very sweet young girl named Emily, who has special needs, came into the templeroom with her carer. Jhulan and I were both in the templeroom making garlands and she wanted us to sing. So we temporarily stopped our service and started a kirtana. A few volunteers from Krishna Village have also joined us in making garlands, which is a wonderful way for them to do some service and also connect with devotees.

“It’s such a beautiful service with so many aspects to it. Thank you Krishna for allowing me to do this service. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!”

An example of beautiful winter garlands on Gaura Nitai at New Govardhana.

New Odissi class for kids

By Sanatani Rombola

With the blessings of my teacher, I recently started a new dance class for children between the ages of five and twelve. The classes are held at Jyestha and Rupa Raghunatha’s home at Coral Fern Circuit every Tuesday from 3.45–4.45pm.

We start off with singing a short mantra for Lord Jagannatha. After that, we perform the ‘Salutation to Mother Earth’, asking permission to stamp our feet on her.

The class continues with nice warm-up exercises that prepare the students for the basics of Odissi dance. These warm-up exercises are created to improve their blood circulation, which also increases their concentration in general.

We then carry on to practise the basics of Odissi. I teach them how to stamp their feet rhythmically, as well as separate hand, feet, torso, eyes and neck movements. These movements improve the body/mind co-ordination, help keep the body’s proper alignment and promote good posture.

I also make sure they always remember the spiritual aspect of the dance and the importance of offering it to Lord Jagannatha.

Sanatani Rombola introducing the young to the ancient art of Odissi dancing.

Why I love New Govardhana

The healing bhakti of the community

By Daria Golub

Last month I sustained burns due to the back of my sari catching fire. I was standing very close to the wood fire heater in the templeroom at the time. Thanks to the devotees who put out the fire, serious burns were prevented. During the accident, I was helpless and for a few weeks afterwards I remained physically quite disabled.

It was during this time that I had the opportunity to experience the enormous power and strength of this community. Being in the country for only two weeks at the time of the accident, it was wonderful to receive so much support, well wishes, kind words and thoughts. This sincere, unmotivated, selfless help that was extended to me was truly touching. Every phone call, every thought, every message was extremely uplifting.

Now the pain has gone, the wounds will be healed soon, but the sweet nectar of this community’s bhakti has left a profound impact on my heart.

All respects and gratitude to the community for helping me successfully get through this experience.

Fire place now has a protective guard around.

Govardhana Puja

By Dhriti Gopi devi dasi

Govardhana Puja, the worship of Govardhana Hill, is a tradition begun by Krishna Himself and is a magnificent festival always celebrated with great jubilation here at New Govardhana.

This year, Govardhana Puja falls next month on Thursday, 8 November. Traditionally, we celebrate it on the closest Sunday so the entire community can participate in this wonderful festival. However, this year the Sunday before is Ekadasi and the following Sunday is Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day. So we have decided to celebrate Govardhana Puja, down at Govardhana Hill, on Saturday 3 November.

As residents of New Govardhana, this is your festival and all are welcome to help with the many preparations necessary.

Maha Mantra dasa and his crew will be gardening and preparing the festival site in the weeks leading up to the festival. Karunamayi dasi, Krishna Kirtan dasa and the goshalla crew will be preparing the cows to be worshipped. My team will be decorating the area. Please feel free to help these devotees where you can!

For many, the highlight of this festival is the offering of sweets. Numerous devotees engage themselves for several days before the festival preparing various delicious, beautifully presented and mouth-watering delicacies to decorate the hill. In this way, Giriraja Maharaja gives all the devotees an opportunity to serve Him and become the recipients of His mercy.

I have containers for bringing your offerings to the Lord, so please come and get your box from me. In honour of the actual day, a beautiful new outfit will be offered to Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari with a lavishly decorated altar on Thursday, 8th November.

Giriraja at Govardhana Puja 2017, expertly dressed by Dandakaranya dasa.

Paintstrokes of Spiritual Love

By Vaisnavi devi dasi

Rasamandali dasi (age 18 years) worked her magic with Krishna Balarama Deities and invoked Their presence with her love, as can be seen in the ‘after’ photo, above right.

Her mother, Syamamrita devi dasi, was amazed by Rasamandali’s focus and intense absorption in painting Krishna Balarama.

She says, “Rasamandali constantly had headphones on listening to Krishna-katha, and was oblivious to what was happening around her. She spent time researching Krishna Balarama Deities around the world. She painted Them both differently and she’s brought Their Personalities to life.

You can imagine the fine detailing required to paint such small Deities (only 14cm high). The painting was completed in less than two weeks, whereby Rasamandali worked around her school, sadhana and temple service to complete Krishna Balarama to go on the altar for Lord Balarama’s Appearance day.

She has painted pots for Panihati since she moved to New Govardhana with her family some years ago. However, this was the first time she had painted Deities. Under the guidance of Vilasa Manjari devi dasi, Rasamandali removed the conch eyes on the Deities, put a filler and finished the eyes.

Rasamandali is often seen absorbed in chanting and doing service at the temple. No doubt the Lord’s blessings infused her with the skills in invoking Their presence.

Krishna and Balarama before being repainted.

Krishna and Balarama after Rasamandali has skilfully painted Them.

EDITORIAL BOARD:
Krishnarupa devi dasi (ACBSP), Kisori devi dasi and Jhulan dasi.

LAYOUT AND GRAPHIC DESIGN:
Urvasi devi dasi and Jhulan devi dasi.

DIGITAL CONCH  TEAM:
HH Mukunda Goswami, Paul Bailey, Jhulan devi dasi and Visnujana dasa

FOR ENQUIRIES, COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS
Contact: info@conch.org.au

Gifts of love

By Kisori devi dasi

Appearance Day festivals are a great opportunity to give gifts to the Deities as it helps build a more personal relationship with Their Lordships. It is especially sweet to see the children give gifts and offer devotional performances to the Deities, as service performed for Their pleasure.

During this year’s Janmastami festival, our gurukula children, Years Pre-K, 1 and 2, sung a beautiful bhajana, taught by Premavati devi dasi, that stole everyone’s heart. (At the time of writing, the video of the bhajana had 26,000 views on Facebook.)

Some of the high school children made garlands and decorations for the Deities.

Gaurapriya, five years old, gave some crystals that she had found in the river, while Nimai Prasad 11 years old, baked a cake.

Shivani made a card with a beautiful picture of Krishna surrounded by lotuses.

Abhirama’s beautiful handcrafted card.

Rishabha and Anuradha spotted these butterflies and peacocks while visiting
their grandparents on the Sunshine Coast.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• His Holiness Bir Krishna Goswami

  03/10/2018 @ 7:30 am AEST

Harinama Sankirtana ki jaya!

Daily at various locations

Contact Garuda dasa for details
0423 170 267

Sunday Mornings

Northern NSW & Gold Coast
Visnujana dasa 0498 141 021