Author Archive for Sushila Devi Dasi

Sri Nityananda Trayodasi

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, February 1st, 2023 in Events

Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s Divine Appearance
Friday, February 3, 2023 at 6 pm

Please join us at the Soquel Seva Ashram this Friday evening at 6 pm for the Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. Join in the kirtan, hear the glories of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, and partake of a sumptuous vegetarian feast. There will be planned activities for children.

sri-krsna-premanama parama-sukhamayah ko 'pyachintyah padartho
yad gandhat sajjanaugha nigama-bahumatam moksam apy aksipanti
kaivalyaisvaryya-seva-pradagana iti yasyangatah premadatuh
sri-nityananda-chandram bhaja bhaja satatam gaura-krsna-pradam tam

My dear heart, please eternally worship that gracious giver of Gaura-Krishna—Sri Nityanandachandra. It is He who bestows upon us pure unalloyed divine love for the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna (Sri-Krishna-prema) composed of the most supreme and intense ecstasy. The love that He distributes carries an inconceivable import—it is of such ecstasy that the sadhus who may experience only a hint of its fragrance, hatefully cast away all thought of liberation in the ‘One’ as propounded in the Vedas. Furthermore, His Avataras, who bestow the divine love of service in the transcendental majesty of Vaikuntha, are but expansions of His expansion.

Sriman Nityananda Dvadasakam
By Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Srila Janardan Maharaj’s Vyasapuja

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, January 11th, 2023 in Events, Guardians

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj
Vyasapuja Celebration

Wednesday, January 25th
10 am – 2 pm

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

I pray for your good association tomorrow at the Soquel Seva Ashram for a morning program celebrating the appearance of our acharya, Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj. He is always steady in his service to Srila Govinda Maharaj and very affectionate to the devotees and friends of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math the world over.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Open to guests

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, April 3rd, 2022 in Events

Dear devotees and friends of the Ashram, we are open and look forward to seeing you, your family and friends. We have public programs every Sunday from 11-2 and on all the Vaishnava holidays. We offer evening classes Saturdays and Wednesdays. Call the Ashram for the latest schedule at (831) 462-4712.

Tune in on social media:

Live broadcasts of lectures and kirtans on Facebook

Daily readings of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita on Youtube

Darshan photos of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari on Instagram

Stay current with the latest updates on Instagram

Four Miracles of Saint Govinda!

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, December 20th, 2021 in Guardians

On the occasion of the 93rd anniversary day of the Divine appearance of Srila Govinda Maharaj, we would like to present these wonderful stories about the miraculous events that sometimes occurred around him.

Four Miracles of Saint Govinda!

Hasyapriya On the occasion of the 85th anniversary day of the Divine appearance of Srila Govinda Maharaj, we would like to present these wonderful stories about the miraculous events that sometimes occurred around him. Read Story…

Srila Govinda Maharaj’s Miracles in Brazil

Srila Bhakti Vijay Trivikram Maharaj Srila Trivikram Maharaj tells the most wonderful story of the many miracles that happened during Srila Govinda Maharaj’s trip to the Krishna Shakti Ashram in Brazil in 1998 when a dead boy miraculously came back to life. Read Story…

The Miracle of the Dead Phone Speaking!

Madhusudan Maharaj 60x60 Sripad Madhusudan Maharaj tells the miraculous story when the dead phone spoke, giving Srila Govinda Maharaj the news about acquiring the land in Vrindavan adjacent to the Sri Sri Radha Damodar Temple. Read Story…

The Miracle of Lord Shiva’s Medicine for Srila Sridhar Maharaj

Srila Govinda Maharaj tells the miraculous story of when Lord Shiva gave him the medicine to cure Srila Sridhar Maharaj who, due to ill health, was on the verge of departing from this world. Read Story…

The Divine Manifestation of Sri Anu Giriraj

At the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Govardhan, when they started plowing the gardens with a big tractor suddenly a very large Giriraj Shila came out of the land! Read Story…

Who are the Real Owners of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math?

Gandharva-Govindasundar-Thumb

In 1967 the land of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math was being threatened by the communist government in West Bengal. Here is the story of how Srila Govinda Maharaj had to prove in court who were the real owners of the Math’s land to protect it from the threat of government seizure. Read Story…

Grand 93rd appearance day celebration of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s Sevaite-President-Acharya, Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, December 20th, 2021 in Events

Srila Govinda Maharaj on Srila Sridhar Maharaj's veranda at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math — His Divine Grace Srila Govinda Maharaj at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Navadwip Dham

10:30 am – 1:30 pm

Tuesday, December 21st

Please join us for this most auspicious celebration of the Divine Vyasa-Puja Appearance Day of our dear most friend and guardian Sri Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. The program will be led by one Srila Gurudev’s most dedicated servitors, Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj.

You can watch from home on our Facebook page. You do not need a Facebook account to watch.

Pranam-mantra:

gurvvabhista-supurakam guru-ganair asisa-sambhusitam
chintyachintya-samasta-veda-nipunam sri-rupa-panthanugam
govindabhidham ujjvalam vara-tanum bhakty anvitam-sundaram
vande visva-gurun cha divya-bhagavat-premno hi bija-pradam

“I offer my obeisance unto he who perfectly fulfils his Gurudev’s most cherished desires; who is fully adorned with the blessings of his Gurudev’s associates; who is expert in all aspects of Vedic knowledge, both conceivable and inconceivable; who is the pre-eminent follower of Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhu’s line; who is known as ‘Govinda’—Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj; whose beautiful, effulgent, exalted form is infused with pure devotion; who is the Guru of the entire universe; and who is the giver of the seed of divine love for the Supreme Lord.”

Audio, video and texts in glorification of Srila Gurudev:

The following posts are from the archives of scsmath.com:

Audio: Glories of Srila Govinda Maharaj. Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj tells several stories in praise of Srila Govinda Maharaj including his impressive lecture at the opening of the Chandradoya Mandir, Mayapur; the story of the miser from Rarhadesh who gave Srila Gurudev a cartload of rice saying that he had filled his heart with joy; the medicine he gave to Srila Sridhar Maharaj when he was very sick which, in the words of Srila Guru Maharaj, “gave me new life”; among others. Srila Sridhar Maharaj confirms “He has got something from his previous life… he has got some siddhi”.
A talk given on the occasion of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s Vyasa Puja, a day after Srila Govinda Maharaj’s sannyas ceremony. Nabadwip, 7 November 1985:
16+ minutes, 3.8 MB mp3 audio

Audio: Sri Vyasa Puja, 1989. Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj is glorified by Sripad Janardan and Sripad Ashram Maharaj, then Srila Govinda Maharaj speaks to the devotees in English and in Bengali. “Now Guru Maharaj is not in form of human body in front of us, but I know that his divine direction is always guiding us… We shall try to maintain our devotional life with the service of Guru, Vaishnava, Bhagavan. This is my birthday and I am very happy that all the Vaishnavas are very merciful and blessful to me. I am giving my full dandavats to all the Vaishnavas, Gurudevas and well-wishers. They do not take my offences, I know. My prayer is that, until death, if i can serve the Deities, devotees and the Math I shall be very happy.”
Informal discourse by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, introduced by Sripad B.P. Janardan Maharaj and Sripad B.K. Ashram Maharaj. Nabadwip, 14 December 1989:
33 minutes, 7+ MB mp3 audio

Audio: Srila Govinda Maharaj speaking two days before his Sri Vyasa-Puja in 1999. “I am expecting so many devotees to come to my birthday festival and they will bring so many gifts to me, but what shall I give to them? … I think I can give some relief to them if they will follow me. … What is necessary to remove the obstacles in the path of devotion? Obstacle is asat-sanga, bad association. How much it can do wrong, we cannot conceive it.”
22 December 1999:
11+ minutes, 2 MB mp3 audio

Audio: Srila Govinda Maharaj speaking two days before his Sri Vyasa-Puja in 1999. “I am expecting so many devotees to come to my birthday festival and they will bring so many gifts to me, but what shall I give to them? … I think I can give some relief to them if they will follow me. … What is necessary to remove the obstacles in the path of devotion? Obstacle is asat-sanga, bad association. How much it can do wrong, we cannot conceive it.”
22 December 1999:
11+ minutes, 2 MB mp3 audio

Video slides. Sri Vyasa Puja festival of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj celebrated in Nabadwip on 4th December 2009, with soundtrack of ‘Sri Guru Arati’. Srila Gurudev graced the devotees with his divine presence in the nat mandir on this historic occasion.
8 minutes, 14 MB ‘wmv’ video slide-show
(Download, or stream if you have the speed. View with VLC, Windows Media Player, etc. Mac users can also view with QuickTime Player after installing the free Flip4Mac.)

Srila Gurudev visits Sripat Bamunpara, the village of his holy appearance, and Nadanghat from where he came to Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in 1947. Much to the delight of the devotees His Divine Grace Srila Govinda Maharaj personally attended these festivities continuing the celebrations of Sri Vyasa-Puja. Five web-pages including pictures, synopsis of events and interviews with devotees about the significance of Bamunpara.

Talk by Pujyapada Satprasangananda Prabhu (later to become Sri Nayanananda Das Babaji Maharaj) in glorification of Srila Govinda Maharaj in Nabadwip in 1986.
“Our Govinda Maharaj is now the chief inspiration behind that [Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s] preaching … He was an expert in kirtan and playing the mrdanga; his kirtan was always ecstatic. From the time of his coming here to Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, the Transcendental Service of the Deities Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharva Govindasundar became manifest more and more beautifully and gloriously. This gave us much joy. For this, Srila Sridhar Maharaj delegated all service responsibility of his Math, preaching and devotees to Govinda Maharaj…”

Vaishnava Thakur. Excerpt from Dignity of the Divine Servitor. Glorification of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj from a lecture given by Sripad B.S. Goswami Maharaj on the Appearance Day of Srila Govinda Maharaj in San Mateo, California, 1990. (2.2 MB pdf file.)

Audio:Preparing for Sri Vyasa-Puja. Morning class by Srila B.N. Acharya Maharaj two days before the grand 82nd Appearance Festival of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.
Nabadwip, 21 December 2010:
30 minutes, 5+ MB mp3 audio

Audio: Sri Vyasa Puja discourses by Sripad B.B. Avadhut Maharaj and Sripad Mahananda Prabhu with translation to Bengali by Sripad B.P. Tirtha Maharaj, on Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s 84th Appearance Festival. In addition Srila B.N. Acharya Maharaj, Sripad B.P. Tirtha Maharaj and Sripad B.K. Tyagi Maharaj all spoke extensively, mainly in Bengali, chanting Srila Gurudev’s glories.
Nabadwip, 30 December 2012:
31+ minutes, 7+ MB mp3 audio

Audio: Three additional recordings of Srila Gurudev Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj posted on AbsoluteSweetness.org along with photos, notes and subscribe-able podcast link to the audio.
Spoken 28 March 2007 in Nabadwip, 30 minutes
Spoken 30 March 2007 in Nabadwip, 39 minutes
Spoken 1 April 2007 in Nabadwip, 50 minutes

Appearance festival of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Acharya and Sevaite Ananta-sri-vibhusita Om Visnupad Paramahamsa-kula-chudamani Visva-varenya Sri Srimad Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, October 5th, 2021 in Events

Thursday October 7th at 10:30 am

Please join Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj in the temple at 10:30 am on Thursday, October 7th celebrate the Vyasapuja of Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj.

The following selections are posted on scsmathinternational.com

His Divine Grace’s Sri Vyasa Puja Festival in 2013:

Sri Vyasa Puja Day: My Mood and Request
“Every day is a service day for me, but today is the day when I must serve devotees more. I do not know how much I can surrender, but Gurudev made me his dog, and that is why I am serving as his dog—I am still serving and protecting the temple as a dog…”
• Download / listen to the audio (1.5 Mb, 5 min)

Sri Vyasa Puja Day: Appreciating Mercy
“You have already got it from Gurudev. We have lost our address and Krishna sent Gurudev to take us to our address. So, we already understand what is our real home. Always be successful in your spiritual life, always proceed in your spiritual life.”
• Download / listen to the audio (1.1 Mb, 3 min)

Sri Vyasa Puja Day: My Only Prayer
“I am very happy to see you all. You are celebrating this festival, but actually for me this day is not a day to take puja from others, but today is the day when I must give puja to all the devotees…”
• Download / listen to the audio (1 Mb, 3 min)

Chaste and Selfless
“If you have attachment to service for your own happiness, not for the happiness of your Guru—if your own happiness means more to you than the happiness of your Guru—then it is a problem.”
• Download / listen to the audio (4.2 Mb, 13 min; English and Bengali)

Vishakha Devi Dasi’s American Tour

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Saturday, August 7th, 2021 in Events

Dear devotees,

We are happy to announce the upcoming arrival of dear Vishakha Devi Dasi. She will be staying in America for a month, which gives us a wonderful opportunity for Vaishnava association. This is her schedule:

August

16^th-19^th— SCS Seva Ashram, San Jose, CA

18^th — Namahatta at the 497 N. 17^th Street Ashram, San Jose, CA

19^th — Outdoor kirtan concert with Jayadeva das at SCS Seva Ashram, San Jose, CA

(Please RSVP with Kumkum Didi if you plan on attending this event. This is a CDC-compliant program. Masks will be required indoors. https://covid19.sccgov.org/public-health-orders)

20^th-25^th — SCS Seva Ashram, Soquel, CA

20^th — Pleasure Point Yoga, Santa Cruz, CA 7:30 pm

26^th-31^st — Austin, Texas

27^th — Casa De Luz, Synergy Room, Austin, TX 6:30 pm

28^th — Open House at Sridhar Govinda Seva Sanctuary, Dripping Springs, TX 11:30-3 pm

September

1^st-6^th — Salt Lake City, UT

7^th-11^th — Programs in Santa Barbara, CA

11^th — Namahatta in Dana Point, CA 3:30-7:30 pm

12^th-14^th — Tijuana, Mexico

15^th-17^th — Ojai, CA

16^th — Kirtan and pool party at the Ananda Verandah, Ojai, CA

18^th — Namahatta at the house of Krishnashraya Prabhu, Berkeley, CA

19^th-20^th — SCS Seva Ashram, Soquel, CA

For any questions, please contact Cinmoy Dev das: (831) 239-0235

Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Saturday, August 7th, 2021 in Events

Join us at the Seva Ashram at 10:30 am on Sunday, August 8th to honor His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. The program will be broadcast on Facebook as well.

Read the biography of Srila Sridhar Maharaj Click here…

For a library of Srila Guru Maharaj’s downloadable books Click here…

devam divya-tanum suchanda-vadanam balarka-chelanchitam
sandrananda-puram sad-eka-varanam vairagya-vidyambudhim
sri-siddhanta-nidhim subhakti-lasitam sarasvatanam varam
vande tam subhadam mad-eka-saranam nyasisvaram sridharam

I offer my obeisance unto my lord, Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, whose speech is most pleasing; whose divine form is adorned with garments the colour of the newly-risen sun; who is an abode of intense, ecstatic devotion; who is the sadhus’ sole choice; who is an ocean of renunciation and knowledge; who is a treasure-house of perfect conclusions; who is resplendent with pure devotion; who is the best of Srila Saraswati Thakur’s followers; who is the giver of all good; who is the leading general of the tridandi-sannyasis; and who is my sole shelter.

kanaka-suruchirangam sundram saumya-murtih
vibudhakula-varenyam sri-gurum siddhipurtim
taruna-tapanabasam bhaktidan-chid-vilasam
bhaja bhaja tu manore! sridharam samvidhanam

I am always worshipping with great joy within my heart Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, whose limbs are of the radiant golden colour and form is beautiful and moon-like gentle; Sri Guru who excels among the most learned and who is filled with all perfections; who is adorned by the garments the colour of the rising sun and who is engaged in the joyful Pastimes of bestowing bhakti, devotion.

Disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyya-varyya Astottara-sata Sri Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, July 20th, 2020 in Events

Disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyya-varyya Astottara-sata
Sri Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Monday, July 20th
Virtual festival at 11 am

Dear friend of the Ashram,

Please tune in to join Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj at the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram this Monday at 11 am to honor the Divine Disappearance festival of our most worshippable Param Guru Maharaj, Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

The program will be broadcast on our Facebook page (no login required).

Many beautiful resources are linked on SCSMath.com for today.

“The destination has been settled, but how shall I reach it? When shall I reach it? Those who come to my aid to take me there–they are my masters, my Gurus: Siksa-gurus and Diksa-guru. Whoever helps me to go there is my Guru. He is my guide who will help me to reach my located destination, the station of my innermost hankering….

He has helped me to locate my destination; he has educated me how and what to aspire after, and how to reach that highest aspired shelter. I have attained all these things through him. He is my all-in-all in life, the master of my life. There is a boat, and he is the helmsman (guru-karna-dharam). I have surrendered unto him, I have accepted him. I have boarded his boat and he is taking me towards the goal of my life.”

-Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami

Divine Disappearance Day of Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Thursday, April 2nd, 2020 in Events

Sunday, April 5th Virtual program at 11 am ~ observe at home

If you would like to write an offering email it to Krsnapriya DD: krsnapriya@sevaashram.net

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Due to the current shelter-in-place order the Santa Cruz Seva Ashram is closed. Temple residents need to be protected as well as anyone else so please refrain from visiting.
The Divine Disappearance Day of our dear Divine Master and Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj will be April 5th. Please observe this important day at home and tune in to the program on Facebook. If you would like to write an offering emails can be sent to krsnapriyadd@sevaashram.net.

Videos are on our Facebook page
(no login required)

The new vaishnava calendar is linked below.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Vaishnava calendar:

Booklet format calendar for 2020-2021 version 2

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-April-2020

Bookmark the calendar webpage

Public programs on hold

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, March 15th, 2020 in Events

Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari

Public programs are on hold for now at the temple. There will be no Sunday program today. However, Janardan Maharaj will broadcast a class that you can watch from the comfort of your own home. Please continue to tune in online for all your favorite programs.

Videos are on our Facebook page
(no login required)

New vaishnava calendar:

Booklet format calendar for 2020-2021 version 2

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-March-2020

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-April-2020

Bookmark the calendar webpage

2020-2021 Gaudiya Vaishnava Calendar for Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, March 13th, 2020 in Events

Please navigate to our calendar page to see the 2020-2021 Gaudiya Vaishnava Calendar for Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

2020-2021 Seva Ashram Events and Vaishnava Calendar

Sri Gaura Purnima Festival

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 in Events

Sri Gauranga Sundar in San Jose, California

Sri Gauranga Sundarjiu
worshipped at the San Jose Seva Ashram

Sri Gaura Purnima
Divine Appearance of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu

Monday, March 9th
6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose

Anandotsav Feast of
Sri Jagannath Mishra
Tuesday 12:30-1:30 pm in Santa Cruz

Virtual parikramas hosted by
Srila Janardan Maharaj
from the Santa Cruz Seva Ashram
(watch online!)
Thursday-Saturday 7-8:30 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-1 pm

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please join us for Sri Gaura Purnima. Bring your friends and family for the most auspicious celebration of the divine advent of the Golden Avatar Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, who appeared in this age of quarrel to distribute Divine Love to all the fallen souls and initiate the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra as the yuga-dharma.

There will be virtual parikramas of Sri Nabadwip Dham led by Srila Janardan Maharaj at the Soquel Seva Ashram every evening Thursday-Saturday from 7-8:30 pm and Sunday 10:30 am -1 pm.

You can watch all the virtual parikramas and Monday’s festival on our Facebook page.

On Tuesday there will be a feast after the 12:30 pm arotik for Anandotsav of Sri Jagannath Mishra.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Grand Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, February 5th, 2020 in Uncategorized

Divine Appearance of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Thursday, January 23rd, 2020 in Uncategorized

Divine Appearance of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Sevaite-Acharya of the
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

Wednesday, January 29th
6 pm at the Soquel Seva Ashram

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

On Wednesday, January 29th at 6 pm please come out to celebrate our dear spiritual guide Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, acharya of this Ashram and long time leader and inspiration to so many practitioners of bhakti yoga in the mission of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

This event is a joyful opportunity to give due honor to Srila Janardan Maharaj and cherish our good fortune to have his spiritual guidance and leadership in our lives. There will of course, be a delicious feast afterwards.

I pray for your good association and that everyone will join together affectionately on this very happy and important day for our community.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Watch the video of last year’s festival on Facebook. Click here…

Jivana Devi Dasi said on this occasion a few years ago:

“We have had the supreme good fortune of knowing Janardan Maharaj for so many years in ISKCON and even beyond. Not to embarrass Janardan Maharaj, but his depth of humility is so astonishing and so deep and so inspiring. Even when he was in ISKCON he was very well known and he had temples and money and all kinds of devotees at his disposal, but when Srila Prabhupad departed and he heard about Srila Guru Maharaj, he wanted to come to Srila Guru Maharaj. He felt something in his heart so strong for Srila Guru Maharaj and he very easily just left everything behind him to come to Srila Guru Maharaj….

He has so much affection for Srila Gurudev and Srila Gurduev loved Janardan Maharaj so much. He would always say so many beautiful things about him and just considered him one of his dear-most friends as well as a very qualified person for our mission. We are very fortunate for that. Srila Gurudev would sometimes comment how Janardan Maharaj at one point turned everybody over to Srila Gurudev with no hesitation, with great happiness, and Srila Gurudev was always very astonished at his beautiful humble mood and his genuine affection for him. I can’t say enough wonderful things about Janardan Maharaj, how much love and affection he’s given us, how much guidance he’s given us. He’s stuck through so many things, through thick and thin–never caring that we give him the proper respect or not. So many times we are always joking with him in so many ways, but deep in our hearts we are very grateful for Janardan Maharaj….”

About Srila Janardan Maharaj:

Have you ever listened to Janardan Maharaj’s daily reading of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami? Here’s the first chapter of this incredible scripture:

120724 Adi 1a The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (64 minutes, 44.6 MB)*
120725 Adi 1b The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (48 minutes, 33.3 MB)

The first chapter begins with fourteen Sanskrit verses giving ontology so that we can understand the pastimes and what is going to be presented in the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. The first six verses describe Mahaprabhu, then the next five describe Nityananda Prabhu. The next two verses describe the truth of Adwaita Prabhu and the following verse describes the Pancha-tattva.

Listen to hundreds of lectures on our website. Click here…

Biography of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj Click here…

An excerpt: “Srila Janardan Maharaj continued to travel and preach on behalf of Srila Govinda Maharaj and his relationship with him developed more and more and became deeper and deeper as the years went by. Srila Janardan Maharaj would visit India regularly and personally collected donations on behalf of the central Math. He would also participate in the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Nabadwip Dham Parikrama in a glorious way bringing so much inspiration to the devotees and much joy to Srila Govinda Maharaj’s heart.

Finally, before leaving this world, Srila Govinda Maharaj declared in his Last Will and Testament “And in America Sripad Janardan Maharaj is a perfect personality. He is a perfect gentlemen. He will be Acharya. He is Acharya already but has given all the respect to me; I am giving in return to him. Sripad Janardan Maharaj will become the Acharya and Sevaite of the Soquel Math.” So, under Srila Govinda Maharaj’s instruction, Srila Janardan Maharaj has continued to care for and serve his divine mission.”

Srila Madhusudan Maharaj’s visit and special events in January

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, January 6th, 2020 in Events

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please accept my humble obeisances. Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj will be visiting the Seva Ashram soon and there will be several opportunities to have his inspiring association.

Srila Madhusudan Maharaj is always engaged in selfless service to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga and was the longtime secretary of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math under the loving direction of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

All over the world he is affectionately remembered by anyone who traveled to Sri Navadwip Dham, as he kindly and diligently accommodated everyone who stayed at the Math for 27 years. Please take advantage of the opportunity to serve and hear from Srila Madhusudan Maharaj on his upcoming visit.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Schedule of events

Wednesday, January 15th
6 pm arotik followed by a class by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj in the Santa Cruz temple.

Friday, January 17th
Namahatta at the home of Bilwa Mangal Prabhu and Vaidehi Devi Dasi with guests of honor: Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Madhusudan Maharaj

Saturday, January 18th
Daytime hike/harinam. Call for details (831) 462-4712. Evening program at the San Jose Seva Ashram starting with 6 pm arotik.

Sunday, January 19th
Sunday feast in Santa Cruz 10:30 am – 1 pm followed by a hike on new trails and kirtan to the top of the hill.

Wednesday, January 22nd
6 pm arotik followed by a class by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj in the Santa Cruz temple.

Looking ahead, please note that at the end of the month there will be a festival:

January 29th
Appearance Day Celebration
Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj

His Holiness Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj is one of the foremost preachers in Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math and head of the Math’s ashram in Sri Vrindavan Dham, the holy place of Lord Krishna’s Pastimes.

Srila His spiritual quest led him first to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and then to lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, the founder-acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

In the early 80s he became an initiated disciple of Srila Sridhar Maharaj, was given the name Mahananda Das and began to lead a monastic life serving Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in India and Malaysia.

His valuable service to the community of devotees was acknowledged by Srila Sridhar Maharaj who gave him the title “Bhakti Ranjan,” “pleasing the Lord’s devotees.”

For many years Sripad Mahananda Bhakti Ranjan Prabhu was the secretary of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in service to Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. In that capacity he produced the Math’s website, published books, recorded many audio books, and organized so many things in the background. Perhaps he is most famous for lovingly and diligently caring for thousands of pilgrims from around the world when they stayed in Sri Navadwip Dham.

In his last will, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj wrote: “Sripad Mahananda Bhakti Ranjan Prabhu will be head in respect to spiritual matters of the devotees. He will be respected as the Chief Secretary of Srila Guru Maharaj and as my faithful friend. Specially the foreign devotees will respect and obey him and not cross over him.”

In 2013 Sripad Mahananda Prabhu took sannyas (monkhood) from Srila Bhakti Sudhir Goswami Maharaj and received the name “Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan.”

Currently Srila Madhusudan Maharaj preaches around the world and serves as the head of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s temple in Vrindavan, in Northern India.

Relevant links

Lectures by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj posted by Infiniti Media on Youtube

Lectures by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj posted by Bhakti Connect on Youtube

Vaishnava calendar

Click the links below to view or download wall calendars for the rest of the year.

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-January-2020

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-February-2020

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-March-2020

Sri Govinda Mela 2019

Videos of lectures and events on our Facebook page
Photos from day 1
Photos from day 2
Photos from day 3
Photos from day 4
Photos from day 5

The grand 91st appearance day celebration of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s Sevaite-President-Acharya, Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 in Events

Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Saturday, December 14th
10:30 am in Santa Cruz
6 pm in San Jose

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please accept my humble obeisance at your feet. On behalf of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, we wish to extend an invitation to join our Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in the devotional program in honor of the appearance of our most worshippable and beloved Gurudev, Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj which manifests on Saturday, December 14th this year.

I kindly invite you to participate in the special program of glorification, worship, kirtan, prasad distribution, and other devotional activities to be held on this auspicious day. We shall feel blessed to have your association and presence at either our Santa Cruz or San Jose Seva Ashrams. Yours in the Lord’s service,

Sushila devi dasi

gurvvabhista-supurakam
guru-ganair asisa-sambhusitam
chintyachintya-samasta-veda-nipunam
sri-rupa-panthanugam
govindabhidham ujjvalam
vara-tanum bhakty anvitam-sundaram
vande visva-gurun cha
divya-bhagavat-premno hi bija-pradam

I offer my obeisance unto he who perfectly fulfils his Gurudev’s most cherished desires; who is fully adorned with the blessings of his Gurudev’s associates; who is expert in all aspects of Vedic knowledge, both conceivable and inconceivable; who is the pre-eminent follower of Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhu’s line; who is known as ‘Govinda’—Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj; whose beautiful, effulgent, exalted form is infused with pure devotion; who is the Guru of the entire universe; and who is the giver of the seed of divine love for the Supreme Lord.

Composed by Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj

Relevant links from Seva Ashram Post

Biography of Srila Govinda Maharaj

Biography of Srila Govinda Maharaj “I worship the holy lotus feet of he who perfectly fulfills the most cherished wish of his divine master–who is adorned resplendently with the blessings of his guru varga…”

The Disappearance of the Spiritual Master

Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu quotes Srila Sridhar Maharaj, “The safest and most fearless position is vipralambha. If we can stand firm and retain the memory of Gurudev in his separation, then we will have passed the highest test.”

Reservoir of Love and Affection ~ Remembering His Divine Grace Om Vishnupada Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Jagamohini Devi Dasi writes, “Srila Govinda Maharaj’s qualifications and glories are immeasurable. We have heard how at the tender age of seventeen he left his family and sought the shelter and spiritual guidance of Srila Guru Maharaj…”

The Divine Manifestation of Sri Anu Giriraj

At the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Govardhan, when they started plowing the gardens with a big tractor suddenly a very large Giriraj Shila came out of the land!

Who are the Real Owners of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math?

Four Miracles of Saint Govinda!

On the occasion of the 85th anniversary day of the Divine appearance of Srila Govinda Maharaj, we would like to present these wonderful stories about the miraculous events that sometimes occurred around him.

The Miracle of Lord Shiva’s Medicine for Srila Sridhar Maharaj

Srila Govinda Maharaj tells the miraculous story of when Lord Shiva gave him the medicine to cure Srila Sridhar Maharaj who, due to ill health, was on the verge of departing from this world.

Srila Govinda Maharaj’s Miracles in Brazil

Srila Trivikram Maharaj tells the most wonderful story of the many miracles that happened during Srila Govinda Maharaj’s trip to the Krishna Shakti Ashram in Brazil in 1998 when a dead boy miraculously came back to life.

The Miracle of the Dead Phone Speaking!

Sripad Madhusudan Maharaj tells the miraculous story when the dead phone spoke, giving Srila Govinda Maharaj the news about acquiring the land in Vrindavan adjacent to the Sri Sri Radha Damodar Temple.

The Miracle when Mother Ganges Gave Back the Ornament to Srila Govinda Maharaj

The amazing story of when Govinda Maharaj lost his ornament in the Ganges and after praying to Mother Ganges, the ornament was returned to him. “Still I cannot believe what happened and which way it happened.”

Srila Gurudev’s Pranam Mantra -Excerpt from Revealed Truth

The following is an excerpt from Revealed Truth, the latest book published by Sripad Tyagi Maharaj on Srila Govinda Maharaj’s lectures.

My Master’s Voice

Vrinda Devi Dasi: All those who came in contact with Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev Goswami Maharaj, across the world or at home in India, could clearly see his magnanimity, beauty and kindness. To try and describe his charm and affection feels like…a dwarf trying to touch the moon…

The Momentous Hour of Need

Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj gave a wonderful talk on Srila Govinda Maharaj’s Divine Appearance day in 2007. Here are some excerpts from that inspiring talk: “Everything transcendental is coming to us through Gurudev. He is…the center of our spiritual life, so everything has to be judged according to that.”

Divine Service, Bhakti-yoga

Srila Govinda Maharaj says, “Karmma and seva, action and divine service, are identical from the external perspective. Bhakti-yoga and karmma-yoga are the same apart from one thing—and that is the inner mood of the practitioner. The inner intention is the all-important, differentiating factor.”

Sri Gadadhar Pandit

Srila Govinda Maharaj describes how Sri Gadadhar Pandit was like Mahaprabhu’s shadow. He was always with Him. During their childhood they were students together, when Mahaprabhu took sannyas Gadadhar Pandit also took sannyas, and when Mahaprabhu decided to stay in Puri Dham, he also stayed.

Vaishnava calendar

Link to: Seva Ashram wall calendar December 2019

December 7 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 8 – Paran 7:14-10:24 (break fast)
December 14 – Appearance of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
December 16 – Disappearance of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur
December 21 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 22 – Paran 7:37-10:32 (break fast)

Sri Govardhan Puja Festival

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, October 25th, 2019 in Events

Sri Govardhan Puja Festival

10:30 am special offerings, kirtan and hari katha
at Sri Giriraj Raja Mandira on top of the hill
Santa Cruz

6 pm main festival program in the temple
Santa Cruz and San Jose

Dear *|MERGE3|*,

On behalf of Srila Janardan Maharaj I cordially invite you to attend next Tuesday’s festival celebrating Sri Govardhan Puja. Please bring your friends and family. The program will start with arotik at 6 pm, include kirtan, a lecture, and a sumptuous vegetarian feast.

Did you hear about the festival that was held for Sri Giriraj on top of the hill at our Santa Cruz Seva Ashram this summer? There are photos to check out as well as a video of the whole event. This Tuesday the main festival in Santa Cruz will be held in the evening in the temple, but during the day there will be a kirtan procession to the top of the hill where special offerings will be made for Sri Giriraj and there will be kirtan and krishna katha. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Photos of the Sri Giriraja Raja Mandira Inauguration

Video of the inauguration festival on Facebook

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila devi dasi

Offering abhishek to Sri Giriraj at His new hilltop mandir

Sri Giriraj’s altar at Sri Giriraja Raja Mandira

A grand assembly of devotees from around the world celebrated the manifestation of Srila Govinda Maharaj’s desire for a place to worship Sri Giriraj atop the hill. Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu and Sripad Bhakti Kamal Tyagi Maharaj made the dream a reality this summer.

Relevant links

Video: Sri Govardhan Parikrama. Clip beginning at Srila Govinda Maharaj’s samadhi mandir.By Srila Bhakti Sudhir Goswami Maharaj. Posted on Beauty Over Power.
Watch on Youtube

Video: Sri Govardhan Puja Lecture by Srila Govinda Maharaj. His Divine Grace’s lecture in Soquel California on the celebration of Sri Govardhan Puja. He shares a little about the exalted position of Sri Govardhan, as well as a description of the wealth of Krishna consciousness. (2008). Posted on Vimeo.

Article: The Shelter of Sri Giriraj Govardhan. Srila Raghunath Das Goswami’s vision of Sriman Mahaprabhu’s mercy. Spoken on 18 February 2008 in Sri Vrndavan Dham by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Audio: of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s Sri Govardhan Puja discourse and chanting ‘Jaya Radha-Madhava….’ (3 November 2005) in our Kaikhali Temple, Kolkata, in mp3 audio format plus fifty-two pictures taken that day, posted on Jamuna Priya Dasi’s ‘VerandaViews’ web-log.

Article: Both Lord and Servant: The worship of Sri Giriraj Govardhan in the line of Srila Raghunath Das Goswami. By Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

“This is one form of Govardhan: the form of a servitor. The other form of Govardhan is Krishna Himself. Krishna took form as Govardhan and with His hands took the food being offered to Him by the Vraja-vasis. Simultaneously, Krishna remained in His form as a boy and said to the Vraja-vasis: “You see, Govardhan is taking your offerings. Govardhan is your Lord, and He is taking everything you are offering Him.” Posted on GauidayDarshan.com.
Read online

Article: Morning darshan reflections: Sri Govardhan Puja. Morning darshan on 2 November 2005 with Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, reported by Kumkum Dasi staying at that time with His Divine Grace at our Dum Dum Park Temple, Kolkata

Article: Residence in Sri Govardhan: The respectful and liberal mood of the Lord’s servants here. By Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

“Giriraj Govardhan is the very favourite abode of our Guru Maharaj. Radha Kunda is the highest, but our Guru-varga, our senior and superior guides, will be there, and we will stay a little far off. We should not encroach on the highest position. Rather, from Govardhan, we will come, serve them, and then go back.” Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Book: Loving Search for the Lost Servant: Lord of the Cows. Chapter from the book by Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

” From this verse of Srimad Bhagavatam, we can understand the position of the Lord’s Pastime at Govardhan. It is also described here that when the Vraja-vasis worshipped Him and engaged in sacrifice for His satisfaction, they saw Govardhan Hill as the Supreme Person, extending His hands, accepting the things offered to Him, and feeding Himself. ” Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Article: Ten prayers for a dwelling near Sri Govardhan by Srila Raghunath Das Goswami.

” You alone give happiness to the people, animals, and birds of Vraja, who are filled with the mood of friendship towards Radha, Krsna, and Their companions. You are immeasurably merciful. So, please accept me, a wearied soul, and give me a dwelling near you, O Govardhan! Although I am insincere and deceitful, I have been given to you by Your dear Sri Sachi Nandan, who is unconditionally merciful. So, please do not judge whether I am qualified or unqualified, and give me a dwelling near you, O Govardhan!” Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Article: Illustrated article for children: Sri Krishna lifts up Sri Govardhan Hill. 330 K PDF document prepared for this festival in 2005 by Parama Bhakti Devi Dasi of Holland.
Read online

Kartik month

Audio: This auspicious month of Karttik, Damodar. Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj giving a class at our Saint Petersburg Temple. English lecture with Russian translation by Kundalata Devi Dasi. 9 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (25 minutes, 4.3 MB mp3 audio).

Article: Month of Service — Life of Service. Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj discusses Kartik-vrata and niyom-seva. 13 October 2019: Read online

Article:Kartik Vrata. Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj concisely explains the observance of Kartik in Sri Chaitanya Sāraswat Maṭh.Translated from the Bengali editorial published in Sri Gaudiya Darshan, Issue 3, Volume 3, 14 October 1957:
Read online

Audio: Saradiya Rasa Purnima and the beginning of Karttik. Morning informal discourse by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj at our Saint Petersburg Temple, Russia.
7 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (4.2 MB mp3 audio).

Audio: Karttik Month begins. Class given by Srila Bhakti Sundar Dev-Goswami Maharaj in 1989 about the Holy Month of Karttik. “This month devotees are getting the chance to consciously follow higher Vaisnavism.”
14 October 1989, in Nabadwip.

Download, or listen online (22+ minutes, 5+ MB mp3 audio)

Audio:Karttik month. Narottam Das Thakur. Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj discusses in 1982 about the month of Karttik especially in relation to Srimati Radharani. His Divine Grace also extensively chants the glories of Srila Narottam Das Thakur in relation to his upcoming disappearance festival.

42+ minutes, 10 MB mp3 audio

Kartik kirtan

Audio: Karttik Evening Kirttans. Siksastakam related kirtans composed by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, chanted here at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip, recorded and posted on the web in response to enquiries asking the tune to which these are sung.

Listen online (mp3 playlist)
or download (mp3 audio files):

Siksastakam Kirttans 1, 2 and 3 (9 minutes, 1.6 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 4, 5 and 6 (12 minutes, 2.1 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 7 and 8 (13+ minutes, 2.4 MB mp3 audio).

The Mahamantra chanted at the end (8+ minutes, 1.5 MB mp3 audio).

Additional Kirttans are chanted throughout Karttik at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math: six in the morning and a series of eight each evening. These are listed in The Daily Programme available here in pdf format (45 K), which refers to the Kirttan Guide book, available in full here in pdf format (650 K). The latest edition of the Kirtan Guide 7th edition is also available.

The following recordings were prepared informally by Sadhu Priya and Manasa Krishna Prabhus and are offered now only to assist newcomers in the temple in learning some of the kartik kirtans:

Please do not share them publicly.

Sri Sriman Mahaprabhu Sata-Nam
(nadiya nagare nitai nece nece gai re jagannath-suta mahaprabhu visvambhara) 10+ minutes
“In the towns and villages of Nadia, Lord Nityananda ecstatically dances and sings these names of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Lord Chaitanya is the beloved son of Jagannath Misra; He is Mahaprabhu, the great master, protector, and maintainer of the whole world….”

Sri Krsner Vimsottara-Sata-Nam-Sankirtana
(nagare nagare gora gay yasomati-stanya-payi sri-nanda-nandana) 9 minutes
“From village to village Lord Gaura sings these names of Sri Krishna: Krishna is the baby who feeds on the breast of Mother Yasoda. He is the son of Maharaj Nanda, dark blue like and indra-nila gem, and the life of the residents of Vraja.”

Damodarastakam
(namaisvaram sac-cid-ananda rupam) 8+ minutes
“To the Supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro, who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who is quickly running from the wooden grinding mortar in fear of Mother Yasoda, but who has been caught from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed—to that Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.”

Radhe Jaya Jaya Madhava-daite 5+ minutes
“All liberated devotees, the highly qualified mukta-purusa devotees such as Sanaka and Sanatan, always glorify the abode of Krishna with His devotees and particularly the Supreme Servitor of Krishna, Srimati Radharani. O merciful Srimati Radharani, please bestow You mercy on me.”

Vaishnava calendar

Repaired calendar links:
Seva Ashram wall calendar October 2019
Seva Ashram wall calendar November 2019
Seva Ashram wall calendar December 2019

October 29 – Sri Govardhan-puja
October 31 – Disappearance of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad
November 5 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 6 – Paran 6:42-10:08 (break fast), Disappearance of Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji
November 12 – Krishna Rasa Yatra, Arrival of Sri Gaurangasundar in San Jose Seva Ashram
November 22 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 23 – Paran 6:58-10:15 (break fast)
December 7 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 8 – Paran 7:14-10:24 (break fast)
December 14 – Appearance of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
December 16 – Disappearance of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur
December 21 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 22 – Paran 7:37-10:32 (break fast)

Sri Govinda Mela 2019
The following are links:

Videos of lectures and events on our Facebook page
Photos from day 1
Photos from day 2
Photos from day 3
Photos from day 4
Photos from day 5

Appearance of Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 in Events

Grand 125th
appearance day celebration of
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s
Founder-President-Acharya,
Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa
Parivrajakacharya-varya
Ashtottara-shata-sri
Srila Bhakti Rakshak
Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

6 pm Tuesday, October 22nd
in Santa Cruz and San Jose

devam divya-tanum suchanda-vadanam
balarka-celancitam
sandrananda-puram sad-eka-varanam
vairagya-vidyambudhim
sri-siddhanta-nidhim subhakti-lasitam
sarasvatanam-varam
vande tam subhadam mad-eka-saranam
nyasisvaram sridharam

“I fall at the feet of Srila Sridhar Dev, who with charming expression sings his songs of sweet nectar. Dressed in fine garments like the newly-risen sun, he is the true saint the devotees have chosen. His detachment and knowledge are just like an ocean, the treasure-house of complete, perfect conclusions. Radiant in pastimes of loving devotion, the abode of pure ecstasy, bestower of good fortune; foremost true follower of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta, foremost great general of the whole renounced order, my lord and my master, and my only shelter. I worship the lotus feet of Srila Sridhar Dev Goswami Maharaj.”

-Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj

Dear *|MERGE3|*,

On behalf of Srila Janardan Maharaj I cordially invite you to attend this evening’s festival celebrating the Divine Appearance in this world of our worshippable divine guardian Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, the founder acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

Join us at 6 pm for worship of Their Lordships Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari in Santa Cruz or Sri Sri Guru Gaurangasundar in San Jose. There will be special Kartik kirtans, glorification of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, and a sumptous prasadam feast.

6 pm on Tuesday, October 22nd
Santa Cruz and San Jose
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashrams

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila devi dasi

Relevant links

Extensive selection of articles, audio and photos about Srila Sridhar Maharaj on SCSMath.com
Autobiography originally published in Centenary Anthology posted on SCSMathInternational.com
Collection of photos of Srila Sridhar Maharaj on SCSMathInternational.com

Video: Sri Guru: Our Object of Worship and Affection. An informal discourse at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Nabadwip Dham, West Bengali, India in February of 1982 by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.
Watch the video on Youtube
Read the transcript

Video: The Highest Harmony. An informal discourse at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Nabadwip Dham, West Bengali, India in February of 1982 by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.
Watch the video on Youtube
Read the transcript

Video: Our Loving Guardian, His Creation, and the Spirit of His Service. An informal discourse at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Nabadwip Dham on 17 February 1982 by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Portions of this discourse were used to compile the books Loving Search For The Lost Servant and Subjective Evolution of Consciousness.
Watch the video on Youtube
Read the transcript

Video: The Divine Feet of Krishna. Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj discusses the importance of remembering the Lord’s guardianship and the Rupanuga-dhara.
Watch the lecture on Youtube

Video: The Jewel in Your Heart. Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj explains the importance of preserving the gift one receives from Sri Guru.
Watch the video on Youtube

Biography

The following is an excerpt from the biography of Srila Sridhar Maharaj:

“After the passing of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Goswami Prabhupad, Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s Godbrothers, associates, and the public, naturally revered him as the senior-most representative of the Sri Gaudiya Sampradaya, although Srila Sridhar Maharaj himself was more inclined to anonymity as a humble Vaishnava. Nonetheless, by the call of divine duty and divine inspiration, he established the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math at Sri Nabadwip Dham, hinting in a short Sanskrit poem that the Math — as a sanctuary where the holy message of his Gurudev, Sri Rupa, and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was preached — would inevitably become renowned throughout the world amongst the sincere and pious seekers of Unalloyed Truth and Divinity.”

Link to biography on SCSMath.com

Disciplic succession

Among Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Prabhupad‘s exalted disciples, two are world-famous: Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj and Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad. Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad is the great inaugurator of Krishna consciousness in the Western world who spread the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu everywhere. Srila Sridhar Maharaj, the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, was appreciated by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad for his high realizations and ability to present the most sublime conclusions of Krishna consciousness.

After Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s departure from this world in 1988, his disciple, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj represented the Gaudiya Vaishnava disciplic succession, and was the chosen successor and President Acharya [Divine Guardian] of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s Mission, the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Srila Govinda Maharaj also traversed the globe on many World Tours to preach the message of Mahaprabhu extensively. His ability to purely represent the disciplic succession has distinguished Srila Govinda Maharaj as a jagat guru, or world teacher. Srila Govinda Maharaj established the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Santa Cruz. When Srila Govinda Maharaj departed this world he established Srila Janardan Maharaj as the Seva Ashram’s acharya.

Link to read more on SCSMath.com

Kartik month

Download, or listen online (25 minutes, 4.3 MB mp3 audio).

Article: Month of Service — Life of Service. Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj discusses Kartik-vrata and niyom-seva. 13 October 2019:

Read online

Audio: Saradiya Rasa Purnima and the beginning of Karttik. Morning informal discourse by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj at our Saint Petersburg Temple, Russia.7 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (4.2 MB mp3 audio).

Download, or listen online (22+ minutes, 5+ MB mp3 audio)

Audio: Karttik month. Narottam Das Thakur. Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj discusses in 1982 about the month of Karttik especially in relation to Srimati Radharani. His Divine Grace also extensively chants the glories of Srila Narottam Das Thakur in relation to his upcoming disappearance festival.

42+ minutes, 10 MB mp3 audio

Kartik kirtan

Listen online (mp3 playlist)
or download (mp3 audio files):

Siksastakam Kirttans 1, 2 and 3 (9 minutes, 1.6 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 4, 5 and 6 (12 minutes, 2.1 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 7 and 8 (13+ minutes, 2.4 MB mp3 audio).

The Mahamantra chanted at the end (8+ minutes, 1.5 MB mp3 audio).

The following recordings were prepared informally by Sadhu Priya and Manasa Krishna Prabhus and are offered now only to assist newcomers in the temple in learning some of the kartik kirtans:

Please do not share them publicly.

Vaishnava calendar

Upcoming festivals and ekadasi dates:
October 21 – Bahulastami, Sannyas day of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
October 22 – Appearance of Srila B.R. Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj and Virachandra Prabhu
October 24 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
October 25 – Paran 7:27-11:03 am (break fast), Sriman Mahaprabhu’s auspicious arrival in Panihati
October 28 – Dipavali: Offering and placing lamps at mandir
October 29 – Sri Govardhan-puja
October 31 – Disappearance of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad
November 5 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 6 – Paran 6:42-10:08 (break fast), Disappearance of Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji
November 12 – Krishna Rasa Yatra, Arrival of Sri Gaurangasundar in San Jose Seva Ashram
November 22 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 23 – Paran 6:58-10:15 (break fast)
December 7 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 8 – Paran 7:14-10:24 (break fast)
December 14 – Appearance of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
December 16 – Disappearance of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur
December 21 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 22 – Paran 7:37-10:32 (break fast)

Sri Govinda Mela 2019

Videos of lectures and events on our Facebook page
Photos from day 1
Photos from day 2
Photos from day 3
Photos from day 4
Photos from day 5

New time for the Sunday Feast starts September 22nd

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 in Events

Beginning September 22nd the Sunday Feast in Soquel will be held a little earlier. Recently we have begun with arotik at 12:30. Now the sermon and class will begin at 10:30. Arotik will be offered at 12:30 and then the feast will be served directly afterwards. This schedule is more consistent with the daily program at the Ashram.

It is our hope that this change will be more convenient for the servitors and guests who like to attend.

Sunday Feast in Soquel

New schedule:

10:30-12:30 Sermon and class

12:30- 1 pm Arotik and worship of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari

1 pm Vegetarian feast

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare
Vaishnava Seva Society

Author Archive for Sushila Devi Dasi

Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s Divine AppearanceFriday, February 3, 2023 at 6 pm

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan MaharajVyasapuja Celebration

Wednesday, January 25th10 am – 2 pm

Audio, video and texts in glorification of Srila Gurudev:

Thursday October 7th at 10:30 am

The following selections are posted on scsmathinternational.com

Join us at the Seva Ashram at 10:30 am on Sunday, August 8th to honor His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. The program will be broadcast on Facebook as well.

Disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyya-varyya Astottara-sataSri Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Monday, July 20thVirtual festival at 11 am

Sunday, April 5th Virtual program at 11 am ~ observe at homeIf you would like to write an offering email it to Krsnapriya DD: krsnapriya@sevaashram.net

Vaishnava calendar:

New vaishnava calendar:

Sri Gaura PurnimaDivine Appearance of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu

Monday, March 9th6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose

Anandotsav Feast ofSri Jagannath MishraTuesday 12:30-1:30 pm in Santa CruzVirtual parikramas hosted bySrila Janardan Maharajfrom the Santa Cruz Seva Ashram(watch online!)Thursday-Saturday 7-8:30 pmSunday 10:30 am-1 pm

Divine Appearance of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Sevaite-Acharya of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

Wednesday, January 29th 6 pm at the Soquel Seva Ashram

Watch the video of last year’s festival on Facebook. Click here…

Jivana Devi Dasi said on this occasion a few years ago:

About Srila Janardan Maharaj:

Biography of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj Click here…

Schedule of events

Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj

Relevant links

Vaishnava calendar

Sri Govinda Mela 2019

Saturday, December 14th10:30 am in Santa Cruz 6 pm in San Jose

Relevant links from Seva Ashram Post

Vaishnava calendar

Sri Govardhan Puja Festival

10:30 am special offerings, kirtan and hari katha at Sri Giriraj Raja Mandira on top of the hill Santa Cruz 6 pm main festival program in the temple Santa Cruz and San Jose

Relevant links

Kartik month

Kartik kirtan

Vaishnava calendar

Grand 125thappearance day celebration ofSri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’sFounder-President-Acharya,Om Vishnupad ParamahamsaParivrajakacharya-varyaAshtottara-shata-sriSrila Bhakti RakshakSridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

6 pm Tuesday, October 22ndin Santa Cruz and San Jose

Relevant links

Biography

Disciplic succession

Kartik month

Kartik kirtan

Sri Govinda Mela 2019

Sunday Feast in Soquel

Sri Nityananda Prabhu’s Divine Appearance
Friday, February 3, 2023 at 6 pm

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj
Vyasapuja Celebration

Wednesday, January 25th
10 am – 2 pm

Disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharyya-varyya Astottara-sata
Sri Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Monday, July 20th
Virtual festival at 11 am

Sunday, April 5th Virtual program at 11 am ~ observe at home

If you would like to write an offering email it to Krsnapriya DD: krsnapriya@sevaashram.net

Sri Gaura Purnima
Divine Appearance of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu

Monday, March 9th
6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose

Anandotsav Feast of
Sri Jagannath Mishra
Tuesday 12:30-1:30 pm in Santa Cruz

Virtual parikramas hosted by
Srila Janardan Maharaj
from the Santa Cruz Seva Ashram
(watch online!)
Thursday-Saturday 7-8:30 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-1 pm

Sevaite-Acharya of the
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

Wednesday, January 29th
6 pm at the Soquel Seva Ashram

Saturday, December 14th
10:30 am in Santa Cruz
6 pm in San Jose

10:30 am special offerings, kirtan and hari katha
at Sri Giriraj Raja Mandira on top of the hill
Santa Cruz

6 pm main festival program in the temple
Santa Cruz and San Jose

Grand 125th
appearance day celebration of
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s
Founder-President-Acharya,
Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa
Parivrajakacharya-varya
Ashtottara-shata-sri
Srila Bhakti Rakshak
Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

6 pm Tuesday, October 22nd
in Santa Cruz and San Jose