2012 Photo Gallery :: Seva Ashram News of the Vaishnava Seva Society

Archive for 2012 Photo Gallery – Page 2

Santa Cruz Nagarsankirtan with Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

April 25, 2012

Brajamohini Didi called this wonderful afternoon nagarsankirtan outing in Santa Cruz “The icing on the cake.” This whole week was wonderful; everyone was inspired to have Srila Ashram Maharaj’s good association and blessings at the Sunday Feast, pizza party, bhakti yoga club, and other programs. Now on his last day fifteen people from our community in Santa Cruz and San Jose joined Srila Ashram Maharaj on Pacific Avenue to chant “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare.”

The group wound its way through the weekly farmer’s market and came out of it with five happy guests. They followed our group for the next hour, chanting and dancing all the way.

Photos by James:

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Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj at the Sunday Feast

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, May 9th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

These are a few pictures from the Sunday Feast on April 22, 2012. Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj was visiting and Sripad Bhakti Chandan Parvat Maharaj had just returned from India.

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The Sunday program starts with arotik (kirtan and worship) of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridharijiu

and Srimati Tulsi Devi

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj led the chanting

and everyone happily followed his lead

Kalachandji, Murali Mohan and Sarvabhavana Prabhus listen to the discourse

Swarnangii Devi Dasi and Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

Laksmipriya Devi Dasi makes fresh flower garlands

Some of Srila Govinda Maharaj's dear disciples

From the left: Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu, Sripad Bhakti Chandan Parvat Maharaj...

Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharam, our guest of honor

and Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, our affectionate leader here at the Soquel Seva Ashram

Many of the honorable ladies in our community

The program ends with lovely kirtan led by Srila Ashram Maharaj

Finally everyone leaves the temple to honor prasadam

Jairam Prabhu speaks for a moment with Srila Ashram Maharaj

and his children Lavanika and Nabh present drawings to Srila Janardan Maharaj

and Srila Ashram Maharaj

Tim, who described himself as "the new recruit" was very happy to receive the holy literature Srimad Bhagavad-gita

James, now Jivan Krishna Das and Varsabhanavi Devi Dasi visiting from the East Coast

arrived that day to have the association of Srila Ashram Maharaj

Some devotees gathered informally outside the temple after the feast

Brajanath Krishna Prabhu’s Initiation Ceremony

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, April 29th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Friday, April 20, 2012

All glories to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari!
All glories to Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj!
All glories to Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj!
All glories to Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya
Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On the auspicious occasion of Srila Ashram Maharaj’s visit to the Seva Ashram, Srila Janardan Maharaj gave Harinam initiation to Bud, now Brajanath Krishna Das. Srila Ashram Maharaj led the morning class on Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita, reading about Lord Chaitanya’s travels through the Jarikanda forest. Immediately after class we all sang “Hari haraye nama Krishna” then the initiation ceremony began. Many devotees were at the Ashram that morning and everyone felt it was a very special and beautiful ceremony. For months now Brajanath Krishna Prabhu has been coming to Srila Janardan Maharaj’s morning classes, Sarvabhavana Prabhu’s evening classes and helping Hasyapriya Prabhu with maintaining the Ashram property on weekends. He is a very gentle and kind person and we are very happy to welcome him into our family.

Photos by Krishnapriya Devi and prepared by Jatindra Mohan Prabhu…

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The morning started with a beautiful Chaitanya Charitamrita class led by Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj

The room filled up and everybody was enlivened to hear about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's pastimes in the Jarikanda forest

Sarvabhavana Prabhu and Srila Ashram Maharaj

Sarvabhavana Prabhu puts neckbeads on Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

Srila Janardan Maharaj chants on Sri Japa Mala

and gives some instructions to Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

The exchange was very sweet and affectionate

Brajanath Krishna Prabhu receives his Japa Mala from Srila Janardan Maharaj

Under the affectionate glance of Srila Govinda Maharaj

Ratan Krishna Prabhu leads Brajanath Krishna Prabhu in offering flowers

Srila Janardan Maharaj accepts a basket of fruit, flowers and incense

and warmly embraces Brajanath Krishna Prabhu

(left to right) Srila Ashram Maharaj, Srila Janardan Maharaj, Brajanath Krishna Prabhu, Sripad Parvat Maharaj and Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj ki jay! Brajanath Krishna Prabhu ki jay!

Srila Ashram Maharaj at the Cabrillo College Bhakti Yoga Club

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

April 24, 2012

All glories to Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj!

Srila Ashram Maharaj has filled his days here in Soquel with preaching programs. Tuesday he attened the Cabrillo College Bhakti Yoga Club meeting. The devotees were very inspired by his association and several very fortunate new guests attended the program.

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The club meets 11-1 on Tuesdays in front of the Library

Ashram Maharaj led kirtan and gave a nice talk

Lila Madhuri and Varsa Devi Dasis, Ratan Krishna and Dinabandhu Prabhus, James and some guests attended the program

Srila Ashram Maharaj reported later that "time flew by" and it was a very good program

Disappearance Day of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Hasyapriya Das on Wednesday, April 18th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (1)

The devotees gathered at the Pushpa Samadhi of Srila Govinda Maharaj in Soquel California on the second anniversary of the disappearance of Srila Govinda Maharaj. Srila Janardan Maharaj returned from India to lead the program and his beautiful words helped soothe the hearts of everyone. Here are some photographs taken by Jatindra Mohan Prabhu.

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Srila Govinda Maharaj's Pushpa Samadhi at the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Soquel, California

Beautiful flower garlands of roses and plumeria flowers adorn Gurudev’s Samadhi Mandir

Srila Janardan Maharaj speaks about the wonderful pastimes of Srila Govinda Maharaj

Srila Janardan Maharaj expresses how happy he is remembering how the whole community of devotees joined together to build this beautiful Pushpa Samadhi Mandir

The winter rains stopped just in time and it is a beautiful sunny day

On the hillside and under the majestic oak trees, Gurudev’s Samadhi is located in the most beautiful setting at the Seva Ashram

Bimala Devi, Ajita Krishna Prabhu, Krishna Kanti Devi & Sushila Devi (in the foreground)

Devotees sit and listen to the speakers and remember so many sweet memories of Srila Gurudev

(back left to right) Dina Dayal Prabhu, Dina Bandhu Prabhu. (middle) Jaya Ram Prabhu, Vaidehi Devi, Krishendrani Devi, Anupama Devi. (front) Ajita Krishna Prabhu, Krishna Kanti Devi

Diksavati Devi

Garlands decorate the lions from Thailand who stand guard over Gurudev’s Samadhi Mandir

(left to right) Bhakta Swarup Prabhu, Devaki Devi and Mallika Devi

(left to right) Chaitanya Prabhu, Daru Brahma Devi and guest Hale

(left to right) A guest, Braja Mohini Devi, Ramananda Prabhu, Kalindi Devi and Harindu Prabhu’s relative Carlos

Srila Janardan Maharaj and Sarvabhavana Prabhu

Hasyapriya Prabhu

(left to right) Dinatahara Prabhu, Madhumati Devi, Krishna Madhuri Devi, and Damodar Krishna Prabhu, making flower garlands the night before the program

Narayani Devi and Laskmi Priya Devi stayed up late the previous night to decorate the Pushpa Samadhi Mandir

Ramai Prabhu begins the arotik to Srila Gurudev

Srila Janardan Maharaj leads the kirtan

Even the sounds of the conch shell are especially beautiful today!

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, the super excellent cooks including Shatrugna Prabhu are hard at work

Rajani Devi, the head cook for the Soquel Seva Ashram

Neela Mani Prabhu

Sanatani Devi, one of the pillars of the Seva Ashram community

Damodar Prabhu

(foreground left to right) Sureshwari Devi, Dinatahara Prabhu, Vrinda Devi, Radhika Devi, (background) Neela Mani Prabhu and Harindu Prabhu

Srila Janardan Maharaj ki jaya!

Ajita Krishna Prabhu

Ratan Krishna Prabhu

Anxiously awaiting the Lord’s mercy! Prasadam ki jaya!

Nabadwip Prabhu and Tilak Devi (left)

Mallika Devi & Jahnava

Sarvabhavana Prabhu

Dinatahara Prabhu

Dina Bandhu Prabhu

Damodar Prabhu

Bimala Devi

Hasyapriya Prabhu, Swarnangii Devi & Diksavati Devi taking prasadam

Vaidehi Devi (Ekala Prabhu in the back left)

Dinatahara Prabhu

Sushila Devi

Dwaitananda Prabhu

Madhu Krishna

Remembering Srila Govinda Maharaj – Photos from Sanatani Devi’s Collection

Posted by Hasyapriya Das on Sunday, April 8th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Srila Govinda Maharaj came to California 10 times between 1992 and 2007. He would describe his trips as coming to visit with his friends and their families. However, for us it was so much more than that. His association changed our lives and revitalized Krishna Consciousness for thousands of devotees around the world.

In 1992 he requested that we purchase a center, since previously we had been renting the building at 17th Street in San Jose, where Jayanta Krishna Prabhu and Braja Mohini Devi now live. Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram organized the collections to fulfill Gurudev’s request and in September 1993 on the auspicious day of Sri Radhastami, we received the deed to the property that would become the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Soquel, California. Here is a selection of photographs from Sanatani Devi’s vast collection from those early years.

Hasyapriya das

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(right to left) Srila Govinda Maharaj, Hasyapriya, Pitambar Prabhu, Sarvabhavana Prabhu, Ashram Maharaj, Sagar Maharaj. Standing in the carport, where we will later build the prasadam hall. (1993)

(left to right) Srila Govinda Maharaj, Sagar Maharaj, Giri Maharaj & Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram, touring the buildings at the Soquel Seva Ashram. (1993)

Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram meets with Srila Govinda Maharaj. Gurudev stayed at Rsabdev Prabhu & Kumkum Devi's house in 1992 & 1993 before we purchased the Soquel Ashram.

Srila Govinda Maharaj with Janardan Maharaj & Sagar Maharaj in the newly renovated temple room at the Soquel Seva Ashram. (1993)

With Sarvabhavana Prabhu driving, Srila Govinda Maharaj visits Srutasrava Prabhu & Sanatani Devi's house. Every time Gurudev came here, he always visited their home. (1992)

(left with red turban) Mohan Ananda Prabhu, who organized Srila Govinda Maharaj's very first world tour in 1992.

Srila Govinda Maharaj leads the devotees in kirtan in the new temple room at the Soquel Seva Ashram. (1993)

Srila Govinda Maharaj supervises the installation of Sriman Gauranga Sundar as the presiding Deity in Soquel. (1993)

Srila Govinda Maharaj with the devotees outside the temple building at the Soquel Seva Ashram. Diksavata Devi, Hasyapriya to his left, Kumkum Devi to his right. (1993)

(left to right) Yudhamanyu Prabhu Seva Vikram, Srila Govinda Maharaj & Siddhanti Maharaj (known then as Chitananda Prabhu).

Srila Govinda Maharaj casts his auspicious glance over the Soquel Seva Ashram. (1993)

Srila Govinda Maharaj inspects the building that was partially constructed when we purchased the Soquel Seva Ashram. Later it is finished as Gurudev's quarters and guest house. (1993)

Srila Govinda Maharaj gives a lecture at the Louden Nelson Auditorium in Santa Cruz, California. (1992)

Srila Govinda Maharaj surrounded by all the devotees at the San Francisco airport before he left California. (1993)

Srila Govinda Maharaj at Hasyapriya & Swaranagii Devi's house. (1992)

Srila Govinda Maharaj in the temple room at the Soquel Seva Ashram. (1993)

Srila Govinda Maharaj & Sripad Janardan Maharaj arrving at the airport. Jaya Gurudev!

Srila Govinda Maharaj visiting Sarvabhavana Prabhu & Diksavati Devi's home in Scotts Valley. (1993)

Srila Janardan Maharaj ki jaya!

Srila Govinda Maharaj gives darshan to the devotees outside at the Soquel Seva Ashram. (circa 1995)

Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, April 6th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery, Videos | Comments (0)

In February 2012 we celebrated the Divine Appearance of Om Vishnupad Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur. Here are some photographs of the festival held at the Soquel Seva Ashram along with some short (3 minute) video clips of Srila Janardan Maharaj’s talk. Scroll all the way to the bottom of this page to view or download a pdf of a biography of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur prepared by Parama Bhakti Devi Dasi for Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

sri siddhanta-sarasvatiti viditau gaudiya-gurv-anvaye
bhato bhanur iva prabhata-gagane yo gaura-sankirtanaih
mayavada-timingilodara-gatan uddhrtya jivaniman
krsna-prema-sudhabdhi gahana sukham pradat prabhum tam bhaje

“In the great Gaudiya Vaishnava teachers’ line, as Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati he is renowned. Like the radiant sun in the morning sky, he appeared to rescue all souls swallowed by the all-devouring impersonal philosophy. By spreading the teaching of Lord Gauranga to sing the holy name of Lord Krishna, he gave all the chance to dive in the ocean of love for Sri Krishna, the Supreme Person. Srila Bhakti Siddhanta, my lord, divine master, at his feet do I pray to serve him forever.”

Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj

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Kids Class at the Seva Ashram

Posted by Braja Mohini Devi Dasi on Friday, March 30th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery, Events | Comments (0)

: Cover of the Golden Volcano of Divine Love by Srila Sridhar Maharaj

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga!

By the grace of Srila Gurudeva and after a long wait we have at last been able to inaugurate a regular kids class in Soquel and San Jose. Following the success of our 2011 summer camp, the affectionate push to begin a regular kids class came by the desire of Rasangi Didi, mother of Murali Mohan Prabhu, and grandmother of Anjali and Gopal. Because of her concern and hopes for her grand kids and their friends to have a greater opportunity to hear the teachings of Srila Gurudeva and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, we are now seeing this beautiful kids program begin to bloom.

The first class was given by Srila B.P. Janardan Maharaj and the temple room was full of kids. He began by reading and discussing The Golden Volcano of Divine Love. Subsequent classes have been given by Jairam Prabhu, father of Lavanika and Nabh, and by Murali Mohan Prabhu. These classes have been going on twice a month now since October, alternating every two weeks between Soquel and San Jose.

Beginning in April, weather permitting, we are looking forward to offering the kids class every Sunday concurrent with the temple program, beginning after arotik. It will be held outside in front of Srila Gurudeva’s Pushpa Samadhi Mandir, under the trees.

Srila Gurudeva has always shown us His love and affection for all the children, and he often expressed His hopes for them to grow happily in Krishna Consciousness. We pray to offer these activities to His Lotus Feet, that He may be pleased, and that we may always remember Him and be instruments for His Divine Service.

Jaya Gurudeva!

Scroll to the bottom of the photos to view or download a pdf of The Golden Volcano of Divine Love by Srila B.R. Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

You may appreciate the following recording of Sripad Janardan Maharaj reading to the kids from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita at last year’s summer camp:

110724 Jarikanda Forest Kids Camp.mp3 (43 minutes, 29.2 MB)

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Kids occupy the temple room

Janardan Maharaj leads the class

Anjali and Shyama Mohini honor special "kids menu" prasadam together...

with Madhura Priya and Para Didis, Nabh, Radhadasi, and Anjana

Lavanika, Sita, Sage, Devon, and Preston

beautiful Sita

Shivani with excellent tilak

Preston loves to serve prasadam every time he comes to the temple

Jairam Prabhu leading a kids class at Braja Mohini Didi's house in San Jose

Jairam manages to involve all the children by rewarding them for answering questions

The kids are learning about Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu...

and have been overheard discussing the Lord's pastimes among themselves even while they play

Everyone happily honors prasadam...

with their friends and family

Jairam has captured everyone's interest...

as he reads from The Golden Volcano of Divine Love by Srila Sridhar Maharaj

Abha and Vimala Didis

Devaki Didi and her nephew Ajita Krishna

Shayma Mohini

Gopal

Brajalalana, Anuradha, and Sita

This time the class is at the temple again

Murali Mohan Prabhu is the teacher

Jananivas

Brajalalana

Sita

A happy, dancing kirtan is the perfect way to end class

Rasangi Didi is happy to join in

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Monday Evening Classes with Vidura Krishna

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Thursday, March 29th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery, Events | Comments (0)

: The beautiful cover of Sri Sri Prapanna Jivanamritam by Srila Sridhar Maharaj

March 19, 2012

For many years Vidura Krishna Prabhu led a popular weekly youth class. Now he has resumed leading one of the evening programs; however, the new class it is not only for young people. It has a new theme. Every week he covers a chapter of Sri Sri Prapanna Jivanamritam, which is a very special book full of scriptural quotations about the six limbs of surrender. Everyone in the class is memorizing the six limbs of surrender (acceptance of the favorable, rejection of the unfavorable, full confidence in the Lord’s protection, embracing the Lord’s guardianship, full self-surrender and surrender in humility) and takes turns reading some verses. Vidura Krishna Prabhu shares insightful comments that he has heard from our guru varga about the verses and their themes. After this book is finished he says the class will read Sri Sikshastakam (Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s eight prayers) and then the ten offenses to the Holy Name. His goal is to review the basics of Krishna Consciousness philosophy so that we can apply them in our daily practicing lives.

Scroll to the bottom of the photos to view or download a pdf of the whole book Sri Sri Prapanna Jivanamritam.

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Bilwamangal Prabhu kindly poses with Sri Sri Prapanna Jivanamrita and one of the nice photocopies Vidura prepares each week of one chapter at a time

Devaki, Vaidehi, and Vaishnavi Didis contemplate the beautiful verses contained in this special book

Bilwamangal Prabhu again, who extended his stay at the Ashram by two days just so that he could attend this class

Sakhi and Vidura Krishna Prabhus

Devaki and Priya Didis follow the class in the temple room

while Naveen Prabhu washes all the dishes from the evening offering

Vaidehi Didi prepares to serve the delicious prasadam which Ratan Krishna Prabhu cooked

Neelamani Prabhu comes every Monday night to serve as Their Lordship's pujari. Jatindra Mohan Prabhu was sweeping the floors as he always does in the evening. They were happy to pose for this picture so that I could document just how many people participate in in the Monday evening class in behind the scenes capacities

Priya and Devaki Didis participate in Vidura Prabhu's class every week.

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Kirtan for Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj at the Lighthouse

Posted by Swarnangii Devi Dasi on Wednesday, March 28th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

January 13, 2012

On January 9th our dear friend Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj left this world. On January 13th, his appearance day, his friends and family gathered to scatter his ashes in the Monterey Bay near our Ashram. While many boarded a boat, others gathered on shore at the lighthouse performing Harinam Sankirtan. He touched the hearts of many and will be remembered for his dynamic preaching and dedication to our beloved Srila Gurudev.

You can also view photos of Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj’s memorial service at the temple: View photos…

We have posted a few of Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj’s lectures. Browse the recordings…

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The Soquel Seva Ashram Garden in Winter

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, March 21st, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

March 5, 2012

Recent photos of the Soquel Seva Ashram garden:

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Namahatta in Corralitos at Chinmoyananda’s

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, March 20th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

March 2, 2012

Just before Sri Gaura Purnima, Chinmoyananda Prabhu invited the devotees to his house in Corralitos for kirtan, krishna katha and prasadam. Sarvabhavana Prabhu related some of the points he heard from Srila Govinda Maharaj over the years about the glories of the holy name, the ten offenses to the holy name, and how to avoid those offenses. Here are a few points that were mentioned:

“We don’t need a dictionary definition of humility. We just have to look at the vaishnavas like Ramai Prabhu and Janardan Maharaj…

Ego robs us of all happiness in spiritual life; for example, when we miss out on so much love and affection because we think we were right about a small point and won’t let go of it…

Giving honor is a gift to us because it makes us feel so uplifted–good qualities come to us if we look for them…dwelling in faults we get dragged down and the faults come to us…”

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Everyone mercifully posed so I could photograph the whole group

Chinmoyananda, Sarvabhavana and Ratan Krishna Prabhus chanting

Ratan Krishna Prabhu playing mridanga nicely

Jatindra Prabhu and Rasangi didi

Enthusiastically singing lovely vaishnava songs...

reading their English translations...

and playing karatals

Damodar Prabhu with Tulsi and Sureshwari didis...

who sing happily

Sarvabhavana Prabhu is very inspired

"We do not know anybody’s position so we must be tolerant and we have to find a way to praise everybody."

"We are in a boat with all the devotees. Srila Acharya Maharaj and Srila Janardan Maharaj are helping us and Srila Govinda Maharaj is the captain."

Sarvabhavana Prabhu also sings very nicely

"Hari haraye nama krishna..."

"...jaya jaya gurudev!"

Chinmoyananda Prabhu in a contemplative mood

Tulsi didi is happy to have kirtan in the company of devotees

Damodar Prabhu as well

Sureshwari didi serves the generous feast prepared by Ratan Krishna Prabhu

Rasangi and Tulsi didis line up as Sureshwari didi serves the kichuri, puris and more

Everyone gets ready to strike a pose before it's time to leave

All glories to Chinmoyanada Prabhu!

Paradevi’s Namahatta in Berkeley

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, March 19th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Winter 2011-2012

Paradevi mercifully organizes monthly namahatta programs at her home in Berkeley for devotees who live in the East Bay. Here are photos from her two most recent namahattas. Bhakti Lalita Devi was the guest of honor at one and Vimala didi at the other. There are quite a few devotees from our community who live in the East Bay. If you are interested in meeting them write to info@SevaAshram.org. The next namahatta in Berkeley is scheduled for the last week of March.

Photos by Braja Mohini didi:

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Bhakti Lalita Didi reads to a happy audience including Annapurna and Lilasundari didis

Mahalakshmi didi listens attentively

The book is Srila Sridhar Maharaj's Loving Search for the Lost Servant

Yogeshwar and Jayanta Krishna Prabhus on the couch

Paradevi and Bhakti Lalita didis

Kumaris Radhadasi and Shyamamohini...

...with kumaris Sita and Anjana

More recently Vimala didi was the guest of honor

Mahalakshmi didi, Ekala, and Nowla Kishor Prabhus join Vimala didi in kirtan

Anupama didi, Madhavindra and Jayanta Krishna Prabhus

Vimala didi shares Srila Gurudev's message of divine love

Yogeshwar Prabhu is also at the program

The other Mahalakshmi didi and a nice view of Paradevi's altar

Vimala didi is always praying to be an instrument of Srila Gurudev's mercy

Although initially shy to speak in front of the devotees...

she becomes very animated

The devotees listen peacefully

And chant the glories of the Lord and His devotees

Now everyone is happy

All glories to Om Vishnupad Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj!

San Jose Nagarsankirtan

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, March 18th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

March 3, 2012

In anticipation of the Sri Gaura Purnima festival, Braja Mohini didi inspired a group of devotees to go out and chant the holy name in downtown San Jose.

Photos by Braja Mohini didi:

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The devotees gather together in front of the San Jose Ashram

It is a lovely day to walk and chant with family and friends...

so everyone gets going

Kids lead the way

The group heads to the heart of downtown San Jose

Here they pass San Jose city hall

And continue into the light

"hare krishna, hare krishna, krishna krishna, hare hare, hare rama, hare rama, rama rama, hare hare"

Kumaris Anuradha and Shyamamohini

Shyamamohini gives out an invitation to the upcoming festival

Kumari Anjali was also part of the group

All the girls spontaneously pose for the camera

Anandotsav of Sri Jagannath Misra

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Saturday, March 17th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

March 9, 2012

In honor of the grand festival Sri Jagannath Misra held after Mahaprabhu’s appearance, Sarvabhavana Prabhu read from Sri Chaitanya Bhagavat about the Lord’s childhood water-sporting lila. After the class and arotik for Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari in the temple, everyone walked outside to the Pushpa Samadhi Mandir of Srila Govinda Maharaj. Ramai Prabhu offered the beautiful feast prepared by Rajani didi and the other dedicated cooks to Srila Govinda Maharaj as the devotees chanted the Mahamantra. Afterward he offered arotik and everyone sang His Divine Grace’s arotik song: Jaya Jaya Gurudever Aroti Ujjvala…

Photos by Murali Mohan Prabhu and Swarnangii didi.

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All glories to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari (and Sri Giriraj)!

Their Lordship's offering prepared by the dedicated cooks

Prem Narayan Prabhu visiting from Mendocino and Vidyasundar Prabhu visiting from Vancouver with his son Jagannath

Sarvabhavana Prabhu reads the amusing childhood water-sporting pastimes of Sriman Mahaprabhu

Ramananda Prabhu

Adi Keshava Prabhu–showing good health and happiness to be back at the temple

Laksmipriya didi decorated the temple room with help from Damodar Prabhu and others

Swarnangii didi

Laksmipriya and Sushila didis

Vimala didi

Arotik of Their Lordships

Chinmoyananda Prabhu in good spirits

Dikshavati didi

Krishnendrani and Narayani didis

Jatindra Mohan Prabhu

Naveen Prabhu

Kalindi didi

Rasangi didi

Ajita Krishna Prabhu

Rasangi and her daughter Nadia didis

Nadia didi and her friend

The devotees walk to the Pushpa Samadhi of Srila Govinda Maharaj

The altar of Srila Govinda Maharaj

Special kirtan at the Pushpa Samadhi

Rajani didi carries the offering

Ramai Prabhu Archa Niketana prepares to offer arotik to Srila Govinda Maharaj

Enjoying the lovely day

Vaishnavi didi plays karatals

Prem Narayan Prabhu, Alex, Ratan Krishna, Vidyasundar, and Sarvabhavana Prabhus

Ramai blows the conch

Almost time for the feast

All glories to all the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

Sri Gaura Purnima

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, March 16th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

This year Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu led the Sri Gaura Purnima festivities. After singing many vaishnava songs all together in the temple room, while the kitchen crew worked hard and the children prepared their costumes, he summarized Lord Chaitanya’s pastimes very nicely and then read from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita about the Lord’s appearance lila.

Many old friends and several new guests joined us for this happy festival. Now that it has come and gone we still feel invigorated and inspired to go on chanting and dive a little deeper into spiritual life.

Photos by Swarnangii didi with captions by Jatindra Mohan Prabhu:

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Their Most Beautiful Lordships Sri Sri Guru-Gauranga Gandharvika-Giridhari on the appearance day of Mahaprabhu

The room is illuminated by the confidential effulgence from the altar of Their Lordships

The anxious joyous anticipation abounds!

Sarvabhavana Prabhu gives a summary of Sriman Mahaprabhu's pastimes and then reads from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita

Jay Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Asottara Sata Sri Srimad Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda-Dev Goswami Maharaj ki jai!

Sarvabhavana Prabhu leads a joyous kirtan for Their Lordship's pleasure

Dinatihara Prabhu with Bilwamangala and Ajita Krishna Prabhus, both visiting from Mendocino

Their Lordship's expert cooks: Sureshwari, Rajani, and Radhika didis

Sureshwari and Vaishnavi didis

The never-tiring Vidura Krishna Prabhu, helping to prepare the divine birthday feast for Sriman Mahaprabhu

Krishnendrani didi with Dinatihara Prabhu

Kumaris Radhadasi and Sita

Prema Prabhu and his niece Jahnava

Ekadasi prasadam

Amiya Kanti didi traveled from Vancouver to observe the festivities. Here she is making garlands

Krishna Priya didi making garlands

Krishna Priya directed the children's plays this year

There were three plays and each one was very good

The kids worked hard for months to prepare for this

Sangita didi taught several of the girls a dance which they performed before the plays

All glories to the Divine Appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu!

Hiking to the Hillcrest

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, March 14th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

March 4, 2012

Feeling inspired after the Sunday Feast, Ekala Prabhu snapped these wonderful shots of the Soquel Seva Ashram property as he walked from the driveway all the way to the top of the hill. After a refreshing rain storm during the week the weekend weather was very warm and clear.

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Divine Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

February 5th, 2012

This year we are fortunate that Srila Janardan Maharaj was here to lead our celebration honoring the Divine Appearance of Lord Nityananda. The program started at 11:30 am with arati of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari and continued with seated kirtan. Maharaj led many songs including: Gaurangera Duti Pada, Nitai Gunamani, Nitai Pada Kamala, Emona Durmati, and others. After the kirtan Srila Janardan Maharaj read from the fifth chapter of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami. This chapter explains the ontological position of Sri Nityananda Prabhu, who is non-different from Sri Baladev in Krishna’s lila. Lord Vishnu, Lord Narayan, Sankarshan, the Chatur-vyuha, and all other expansions of the Personality of Godhead are coming from Lord Nityananda’s Divine Personality. Srila Janardan Maharaj emphasized that Lord Nityananda is the “Supreme Personality of Servitor Godhead”. He is the first expansion from Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is wholesale dedicated to His divine service.

After the class Maharaj led a standing kirtan and everyone honored a prasadam feast.

(photos by Madhumati Didi)

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All glories to Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari

All glories to Lord Nityananda!

All glories to Srila Janardan Maharaj!

Bilwamangal Prabhu's father came to town for the festival

Ratan Krishna Prabhu and Bilwamangal Prabhu

Little Jahnava, Kumari Devaki, and Saki Prabhu

Madhav and Jahnava

Sureshwari, Krishna Kanti, and Rasangi Devis making samosas

Dikshavati and Divyashakti Devis taking a turn with the samosas

Dikshavati is quite a goofy person

Vrinda Devi preaching to Harindu Prabhu...

who seems quite interested

Rajani Devi and Dikshavati Devi

Bhagavat and Hasyapriya Prabhus with Narayani Devi catch up outside

Young Gopal and Jananivas Prabhus

Krishna Priya meets with the kids to plan the Gaura Purnima play

Nabh and his father Jai Ram Prabhu...

very happily honor prasadam together

Sangita Devi, who is going to teach the children an Indian dance

Ajita Krishna and Naveen Prabhus

Vaidehi Devi and Bilwamangal Prabhu

nitai-pada-kamala,     koti-chandra-sushitala,
ye chayaya jagata judaya
hena nitai bine bhai,     radha-krishna paite nai,
dridha kari dhara nitaira paya
                                                          (Prarthana: 37.1)

“The lotus feet of Nitai are cooling like ten million moons. Their shade soothes the world. O brothers! Without Nitai, one cannot reach Radha-Krishna. Firmly clasp the feet of Nitai!”

Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj speaks about Nityananda Prabhu

Without the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu no one will get Krsna-prem, without the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu one will not proceed even one inch in their spiritual life.

We are very fortunate souls because we heard the divine Name of Nityananda Prabhu and we are following, as possible by us, Nityananda Prabhu’s line. That is most clean and clear for the conditioned souls. We will get everything by the grace of Nityananda Prabhu and His associates. I must say to everyone: take shelter of the lotus feet of Nityananda Prabhu and you will have no fear from anywhere. We are all fallen souls and our only hope is the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu.

This quote is from GaudiyaDarshan.com.

**The following is a short and informal video clip (3 minutes) of Maharaj telling the pastime of Nityananda Prabhu breaking Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s sannyas staff:**

Appearance Day of Srila Janardan Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, February 3rd, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

January 27, 2012

This was the second annual Appearance Day Celebration honoring Srila Janardan Maharaj in Soquel and it was unbelievably sweet. For years Janardan Maharaj has traveled annually to Mexico around the time of his birthday. In Soquel we are always sad that Maharaj leaves and that we cannot join the celebration. Now the problem has been solved; we have started to celebrate his birthday according to the lunar calendar. After all, most vaishnava festivals are calculated according to the lunar calendar, including the appearance days of our guru parampara.

Due to his humility Janardan Maharaj only reluctantly agreed to allow this festival but what a wonderful festival it turned out to be! After singing many vaishnava songs all together in the temple room, several devotees were invited to glorify of Srila Janardan Maharaj. If there had not been some concern about finishing the program on time, perhaps many more devotees would have liked to speak. It was an evening program after all, and there was a feast to honor (the menu was selected by Maharaj himself and included his favorite preparations.) We were able to hear from Jivana Devi, Sanatani Devi, Vrinda Devi, Ramachandra Prabhu, Sarvabhavana Prabhu, Sureshwari Devi, Kalindi Devi, and Vimala Devi. Their short speeches were heartfelt and often humorous. The most common themes that arose were humility, humor, friendship and family. Maharaj himself was touched and happy with the devotee’s offerings.

He responded,
…as for hearing everyone I appreciate their kindness and the sweet things they are saying. What can I say? “I just pray I can live up to eveyone’s expectations…The one thing I never wanted to be is a role model of anyone.” I didn’t like being a guru in ISKCON. It is easier to serve someone else than to take responsibility for getting respect from others.

…We have so much we really can’t complain about anything…”We should be ok.”

With that everyone laughed and I believe everyone felt very comfortable and happy. Maharaj was explaining that Srila Govinda Maharaj has given us everything we need and we can have faith that he will continue to take good care of us all. Janardan Maharaj’s mood was that of a gentle and wise father although he expressed himself as a brother. He said he feels like Srila Govinda Maharaj’s disciples are all his brothers and sisters (only some of the children are nieces and nephews.) It was really very clear, even to someone without any spiritual vision such as myself, that Janardan Maharaj is in fact as humble as all the devotees had expressed, and that his whole purpose in life is only to please his spiritual masters.

Jivana related a conversation that Janardan Maharaj had when he left ISKCON (after Srila Prabhupad disappeared from the world) to join Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Someone asked how much of his heart was for Srila Prabhupad and how much for Srila Sridhar Maharaj. He had explained that all three gurus, Srila Prabhupad, Srila Sridhar Maharaj, and Srila Govinda Maharaj occupy a 100% of his heart. “When someone is in your heart you really can’t take them out.” How fortunate are we to have as our friendly guardian this wonderful personality who personally served all three of these great vaishnavas?

I hope you will listen to the recordings from this festival, especially if you feel like part of Janardan Maharaj’s family. Happiness and affection ring out from the expressions of all the devotees and Janardan Maharaj expresses himself very nicely.

Click to listen to lecture: 120127 BPJ Appearance Day.mp3 (52 minutes, 36.2 MB)

Photos were taken by Murali Mohan Prabhu.

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Srila Janardan Maharaj ki jay!

Arotik of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari

The rhythm section: Sarvabhavana Prabhu, Ramai Prabhu archa-niketan, and Janardan Maharaj

All glories to Srimati Tulasi Devi!

"Nitai Gaura Hari Bol Hari Bol Hari Bol Hari Bol"

Our honorable Sarvabhavana Prabhu

Janardan Maharaj takes a seat...

and leads many vaishnava songs

Seated kirtan continues with mridanga playing

and many happy devotees chanting the holy name

Sushila, Laksmipriya, Vimala and Vrinda Devis

Hale, Jayanta Krishna and Ratan Krishna Prabhus

Jayananda Prabhu is always enthusiastic for kirtan...

And so is everyone else

Sanatai Devi happily glorifies Srila Janardan Maharaj...

and tells some funny stories from the twenty years she has known him

Jivana Devi gave a lovely talk reminding everyone that Janardan Maharaj is very humble

Vrinda Devi tells a humorous story about Janardan Maharaj pretending to steal Srila Gurudev's mango...

and is clearly enlivened

What a smile!

Even Janardan Maharaj is happy to remember so many stories

This is an exciting class

Ramachandra Prabhu takes a turn

Sarvabhavana Prabhu as well

Jivana Devi and Ramachandra Prabhu

Some of lovely community

Kalindi was very moved to say some words about Maharaj...

especially about the good influence he has been in her own life

Vimala Devi also spoke about Janardan Maharaj's influence in her life...

and made him laugh

Kumari Shivani practices a dance

Memorial Service for Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, February 1st, 2012 in 2012 Photo Gallery | Comments (0)

Friday, January 20, 2012

On January 9th Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj left this world. On January 20th his friends and family gathered at the temple for a service in his honor. Srila Janardan Maharaj had recently returned from Mexico and led the program. Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj touched the hearts of many and will be remembered for his dynamic preaching and dedication to our beloved Srila Gurudev.

Please view his website, toshani.com, to read his memoirs.

Photos by Madhumati Didi:

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