HH  Niranjana Swami visiting Boston from Wed Oct 4 - Mon Nov 4

Tentative Schedule at Temple:

Wed Oct 30 : Feast Lecture at 6:15pm at temple hall
Fri Nov 1 : Norwood Community program
Sat Nov 2 : SB class at 8:15am in temple hall
Sat Nov 2 : Evening Student program
Sun Nov 3 : Sunday SB class at 8:15am in temple hall
Sun Nov 3 : Sunday Feast at 5pm in temple hall

After reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and seriously practicing the path of devotional service, Niranjana Swami took initiation from him in 1974, in Boston, USA. In 1986, he took sannyasa vows in Mayapur, India, and then proceeded to travel extensively throughout North America, the former Soviet Union, and India, lecturing on the teachings found within the books of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. Devoted to assisting others on this path, Niranjana Swami is also an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON. His home base is Kiev, Ukraine.

The management and spiritual leadership experience Niranjana Swami gained during his tenure as president of ISKCON Boston from 1979 to 1983, and his service as regional secretary of New England in 1984, readied him for his GBC appointment in 1987. As a GBC member, Niranjana Swami’s zonal assignments include Moldova, New England, and North American Festival of India. He also serves as co-zonal secretary for Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, as well as three regions of Russia: Central Region, Moscow, and Kaliningrad. Currently Niranjana Swami assists the Parallel Lines of Authority Committee, which is part of the Strategic Plan for the GBC, by contributing his vision and experience.

His heartfelt kirtans, insightful classes, and his selfless and caring personality inspire and nurture many ISKCON devotees in their spiritual lives. He consistently trains, supports, and empowers others to manage in a way that makes ISKCON members feel needed and protected, and creates systems of counseling to help spread this ethos further.

One of Niranjana Swami’s achievements is the annual Ukrainian Bhakti-sangama festival that he originally conceived and developed over the last ten years. Well organized and lauded for its devotional atmosphere, Bhakti-sangama hosts thousands of devotees from the CIS and all over the world, uniting them around hari-nama, krsna-katha, and vaisnava-seva.

Niranjana Swami puts ‘devotee care’ as a top priority. His thoughts on this topic have been recorded in a book Taking Care of Krishna’s Devotees, which has inspired many to find ways of improving dealings in devotee communities. His other publications include compilations of his letters to disciples and counselees, and transcribed lectures and interviews in book format.

For further information and access to blog entries, recorded lectures, bhajan CDs and books, check out: http://www.niranjanaswami.net/

Karthik Masa or Damodar month is beginning from 13 Oct. Please read the glories of this month and take time to offer lamp to Krishna in this auspicious month. We will be offering lamps to the lord every evening from 7 pm to 7:30 pm everyday till Nov 12, which is the last day of the Damodar month.

The Padma Purana describes the month of Kartik as Krishna’s favorite month. Devotional activities performed during this holy month are rewarded with greater spiritual results than usual so devotees often take vows to increase their spiritual practices or to simplify their material needs for the entire month. It is a way that they can remember Krishna more and increase their service to Him.

The Padma Purana further recommends the daily offering of a ghee lamp to Krishna during Kartik so in ISKCON temples around the world devotees offer ghee lamps to Krishna either in the morning or evening while singing the Damodaraska prayers. These beautiful verses taught to the devotees by Srila Prabhupada glorify the Damodar pastimes of Krishna, which occurred during the Kartik month.

Many festivals related to Krishna’s or His devotees pastimes occur during this month: Diwali, Govardhana Puja and the disappearance festival of Prabhupada.

Immerse yourself in

• Lively kirtan.
• A sumptuous Vegetarian Feast.
• Thought-provoking keynotes by eminent Bhakti Yogis.
• Engaging children’s activities.

Sunday Love Feast

The Sunday ‘Love Feasts’ go back to the very beginning of Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON period, which began in the mid-1960’s. He introduced this weekly festival as part of his overall preaching program.

The Founder Acarya of the Hare Krishna Movement, Srila Prabhupada started the “Sunday Love Feast” in 1966. He would personally invite guests, cook entire meal. He would serve the devotees a variety of tasty Indian-vegetarian preparations. Along with the vegetarian feast, Srila Prabhupada would sing the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra with the guests, dance and give a lecture on Bhagavad-gita.

Since then, this weekly Sunday Love Feast Festival is celebrated in all the Hare Krishna Temples around the world. It has evolved as an integrated celebration of Lord Krishna’s pastimes: chanting, hearing spiritual knowledge, dancing, eating, fellowship and generally sharing the bliss of God’s presence. Anyone can come regardless of beliefs as we welcome all into an experience of Love.

We would like to invite you to our weekly Sunday ‘Love Feast’. Every Sunday evening, spiritual-seekers gather for a culturally rich and vibrant experience of traditional spiritual culture which provides a flavour of Bhakti yoga – the yoga of love!

Festivities kick off with kirtan (musical mantra mediation) and continue with more chanting, drumming, a spiritual discourse and a free vegetarian feast served to all attendees!

When: Every Sunday at 4:30 pm
Where: 72 Commonwealth Ave, Boston
Cost: FREE though donations are welcome
What to wear: Nice but casual

Gita Jayanti is the auspicious day of the advent of Srimad Bhagavad-gita. This is the day on which Lord Krishna imparted the essence of Vedic knowledge to Arjuna over 5000 years ago and enlightened him about the ultimate goal of life.

As stated in the Gita-mahatmya, if one properly follows the instructions of Bhagavad-gita, one can be freed from all miseries and anxieties in this life, and one’s next life will be spiritual.

Bhagavad-gita literally means the song of the Supreme Lord. It is the most widely known Vedic literature in the world.

Come join us in Bhagvad Gita reading from 3:30pm-6:30pm followed by Maha Kirtan from 7pm-9pm on Dec 7th in the temple hall.

Please join us for a wonderful festival of Sri Jagannatha Ratha yatra on Saturday, June 27, starting with the procession at 11:30 am from 1 Cambria St (intersection of Boylston St and Mass Ave please see the map) to Boston Common and post parade cultural festival at Boston Common from 2 pm.

Special Guests : 

Stay Tuned for more updates.

An enlivening procession with esctatic music, chanting and dancing. A beautiful scene of devotees walking and dancing their way to the Boston Common for a site celebration. The Boston Common Site will have stage performances, chanting, drama, food, exhibits, spritual literature, meditation tent and more!!!

Every year in the summer, one of the world’s largest and oldest festivals happens in India - the Ratha Yatra. A Sanskrit phrase, “Ratha Yatra” literally translates into English as “chariot procession.” As such,three richly decorated chariots, resembling temple structures, are pulled through the streets of the small coastal town of Puri in Eastern India.

Boston chapter of International Society of Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) located on 72 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA had been celebrating this festival for three decades now. On Sunday June 27th a large chariot carrying the deities will make its way down Boylston Street, starting from Massachusetts Avenue and culminating at the Boston Common Park, where a cultural festival near Park Street T station will follow.The mood created will be no different to that in Puri India. The procession will be accompanied with an assortment of thunderous instruments, chanting, and dancing by Krishna devotees from all over New England.

Kids Activities
Family-Friendly Attractions for Children 

• Tadpole Playground with splash water (adjacent to the festival tent)
• Frog pond (adjacent to the festival tent)
• Ride on a Carousel (adjacent to the festival tent)
• Play Frisbee on the Common (adjacent to the festival tent)
• Visit the Ducklings in the Public Garden (5 mins walk from the festival tent)
• Ride on Boston's Swan Boats (5 mins walk from the festival tent)

Schedule: 
11:30-2:00 pm Ratha Yatra Parade from 1 Cambria St (intersection of Boylston St and Mass Ave.) to Boston Common Park

Parade Kirtan Schedule
11:30 - 12:00 TBD
12:00 - 12:30 TBD
12:30 - 01:00 TBD
01:00 - 01:15 TBD
01:15 - 01:30 TBD
01:30 - 02:00 TBD

Stage Schedule:
02:00-2:15 pm Jagannatha arrival kirtan - FOI
02:15-2:45 pm Kirtan and talk  
02:45-3:00 pm Kirtan  
03:00-3:30 pm Dance  
03:30-3:45 pm Suchita Rao
03:45-4:00 pm TBD
04:00-4:30 pm TBD
04:30-4:45 pm Talk  
04:45-5:00 pm Dance  
5:00-5:15 pm Dance  
5:15-5:30 pm Kirtan  
5:30-6:00 pm Kirtan  
Delicious food will be served from 2 pm onwards.

Sponsorship Opportunities:
Tents, Stage, FOI 15,700.00
Permits and Administration 3,200.00
Decorations & Flowers 3,000.00
Water Bottles & Beverages 1,500.00
Prasadam (Free Food) 14,800.00
Sound & Auxiliary System 1,000.00
Deity Worship 2,800.00
Snacks 1,650.00
Security Services 1400.00
Advertisement 4,600.00
Miscellaneous 7,000.00

(partial or any small donation is acceptable)
For online donations click http://www.iskconboston.org/contribute
Please specify Ratha Yatra donations in the comments section.

Parking Information :  ISKCON offers discounted parking rates at Boston Common Garage ($10) . Please pick up validation tickets at Guest Reception Tent.
Street parking is free on the weekends. There is a plenty of street parking available in the downtown, around the Boston Common and Boston Public garden.  

Subway train stations closest to the post parade cultural festival at Boston Common:
Park Street station - Serves MBTA's Red and Green lines (all branches) . You can walk right into the festival area of the park as you exit the station.

Subway Stations closest to the start point of Ratha Yatra Procession:
Green Line - Hynes convention center (1-2 minutes walking)
Green Line - Prudential or Symphony (4-5 minutes)
Orange Line - Massachusetts ave (10 minutes)
Orange line - Back Bay (12-15 minutes)

For any queries/information : Vanamali Pandit Dasa:  857-445-1112  or vanamali@iskconboston.org
For Seva/Volunteer:  Niskinchana Nitai Prabhu : 617-838-8903  or  nandkishore.sawant@gmail.com

Pleasee see the promotional video of last year below 
https://youtu.be/V94NlUo0xnk

Image may be NSFW.
Clik here to view.

Previous Ratha Yatra Festivals - 2017 (video playlist), 1998 (photo album)

ISKCON Boston Calendar for the year 2020 is now available in the temple's gift shop for $5. This calendar has the information about all the auspicious dates like temple festival celebrations, ekadashi (dates and fast breaking time in Boston time zone),  appearance and disappearance of acharyas etc. with beautiful pictures of deities of  ISKCON Boston temple.

Gaura Purnima is a Gaudiya Vaishnava festival that celebrates the appearance of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Navadvipa, India. Gaura Purnima means “Golden Full Moon”. The name signifies that Lord Caitanya took birth at the time of full moon and He blesses everyone with the moonlike rays of His teachings.

Lord Caitanya is non-different than Sri Krishna, appearing as His own devotee. He spread the congregational chanting of the Holy Names and taught that one can attain enlightenment by chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare / Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Schedule:

6:00 pm - Kirtan (Call & response singing)
6:30 pm - Abhishek (Ceremonial bathing of the Deities)
7:30 pm - Lecture by HG Vanamali Pandit Prabhu
8:15 pm - Announcements & Prasadam (Vegetarian feast)

Sponsorship Opportunities:

Feast - $201.00
Altar Decorations - $151.00
Abhishek - $201.00
Garlands - $101.00 
Jewelry - $151.00

For volunteering opportunities. please contact Giridharan prabhu @ +1 (734) 355-7278

We will be honored to have His Holiness Romapada Swami for our Wednesday feast program on March 4th. Maharaj will be giving the Wednesday feast talk from 6:30pm - 7pm.

Bio-

Romapada Swami‘s first encounter with Krishna consciousness came in Buffalo, in the shape of a lecture at the State University of New York in 1969. The lecturer was His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. The following year, Romapada Swami joined the movement in Boston and was initiated in 1971. Despite being admitted as a pre-med student, he decided to follow his spiritual path 100% and never looked back. He took sannyasa in 1983 and became an initiating spiritual master in 1985. In 1992 he began serving as a member of the GBC.

His devotional career began with book distribution, college outreach and temple leadership for over a decade. His first role as president came at the TP of the Manhattan temple (1977-78), then as regional secretary for New England (1979-82), and then again as president of the Brooklyn temple (1982-83). From 1996 up to 2008, he served continuously as the chairman of the North American Executive Committee (NA EC), and he was the chairman of the GBC EC in 2009-2010. Currently, Romapada Swami is GBC for the Freeport Temple.

The health and well-being of our temple residents and community is our top priority.

Given the uncertain and contagious nature of the COVID-19 virus, we believe that the prudent course of action is to minimize the risk of exposure by temporarily closing the temple for all darshan and arati timings and cancelling all public programs, including Sunday and Wednesday feast programs. Effective immediately, the temple will be closed for the next three weeks. We encourage devotees to take darshan of our deities through the Deity Darshan whatsapp group.

Devotees who have temple services may continue to come to the temple. Please note, however, if you are not feeling well and/or have flu-like symptoms, you are requested to stay at home per our prior communication. Rest assured, services will continue without interruption.

Over the next three weeks, we will continue to assess the situation. As additional information is released by Federal and State authorities, we will be in a better position to determine if we can reopen the temple to the public.

As devotees, it is our prime duty to take care of our health and the material bodies that Krishna has awarded to us. In the absence of good health, we cannot serve Him or each other as community members. It is also our responsibility to ensure that we do not put others at risk in the process of devotional service.

During this time we urge you to stay calm and safe and engage in chanting and praying. With that in mind, each member of our community remains in our thoughts and prayers.

Note: Public programs include Wednesday and Sunday Feasts, Saturday night kirtans, yoga classes, harinaam and book distribution, and all children’s programs (Sunday School, Vidya Ashram). 

In the wake of social distancing and isolation, ISKCON Boston is introducing virtual events to offer association to our members.

Please join us everyday for online Bhagavad Gita classes. Classes will be facilitated by HG Ramchanda Prabhu.

Timings :
Mon - Fri : 8:45-9:15 pm
Sat - Sun : 5:00-5:30 pm

Zoom details:
https://zoom.us/j/937588106?pwd=THFjSVBqTlZuZlcrQ1dhR2VYS0EyZz09

Meeting ID: 937 588 106

One tap mobile
+13126266799,,937588106# US (Chicago)
+16468769923,,937588106# US (New York)

Join the below WhatsApp group to get updates on the classes
https://chat.whatsapp.com/DywUDQUMi7YF9POlVXC5Id

Below are other online resources
- https://vedabase.io/en/
- https://prabhupadavani.org/audio/
- “Radha Gopivallabha Darshan” WhatsApp group - https://chat.whatsapp.com/GcsJCI87o9z9ly4MoCuE3v

This festival is one of remembrance of the Lord as the protector of His devotees and the remover of all obstacles and difficulties on the path of devotion to the Lord. Lord Nrsimhadeva, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, is known for His appearance in the world in order to save His devotee, a young child Prahlada. Lord Nrsimhadeva is prayed to daily at all ISKCON temples. This prayer is observed as a protection mantra.

6:30 PM - Lecture on Lord Nrsimha
7:00 PM - Arati
7:30 PM - Abhishek (Bathing of the Lord)

Sponsorship:
Abhisheka - $108.00

This festival is one of remembrance of the Lord as the protector of His devotees and the remover of all obstacles and difficulties on the path of devotion to the Lord. Lord Nrsimhadeva, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, is known for His appearance in the world in order to save His devotee, a young child Prahlada. Lord Nrsimhadeva is prayed to daily at all ISKCON temples. This prayer is observed as a protection mantra.

Saturday, May 6, from 6:30pm
6:30 PM - Lecture on Lord Nrsimha
7:00 PM - Arati
7:30 PM - Abhishek (Bathing of the Lord)

Sponsorship:
Abhisheka - $108.00
A rare chance to get blessings from Lord Narsimhadeva.  Sponsor the Abhishek ($108), your names will be read out to deities.  This way you also help temple.             
https://iskconboston.org/contribute 

At ISKCON Boston, we are coming up with an exciting 10 week course that presents the teachings of the world's ancient classical wisdom - Bhagavad Gita in a contemporary, universal and thought-provoking way. We will be diving into this ocean of timeless wisdom that has been inspiring thinkers from all over the world for ages. It will offer you with a wide variety of perspectives, thereby, helping you to make wise choices in life. The course would discuss the following topics with in-depth reasoning.

1) Orientation
2) Cracking the Karma
3) Panoramic view of the Galleria
4) Right Choice
5) Form of Divine Energy
6) Conclusion
 

The course would be held every Sunday starting from Sun Dec 22nd. All are welcome.

Timings: 7:30 - 8:30 pm

Before every session free food will be provided.

Course Completion: Certificate

Contact: info@iskconboston.org OR 857-445-1112

Course Facilitator: 

Vanamali Pandit das
President ISKCON Boston

ISKCON Boston is excited to introduce online YOGA sessions every Saturday 9-10 am starting tomorrow (05/09).

Amanda Aridi will be the yoga teacher, her brief bio is attached below.

Please join the whats app group to register :
https://chat.whatsapp.com/LvTzYCYM1fCD6HNboZNpnn

Hatha Yoga class description:
Hatha yoga is the foundational practice of asana (postures) and pranayama (breath control). Movement and breath are practiced in synchronicity while placing great emphasis on proper alignment of the body. Attention will be given to ensure that students have a strong understanding of how to properly enter into, hold, and safely exit from each posture. Practicing in this way helps to avoid injury and to reap the full physical and mental benefits of each asana. Through a Hatha yoga practice, we learn the power of discipline, drishti (focus), breathing, patience, and mindfulness, all while strengthening the body, gaining flexibility, increasing balance, enhancing the respiratory system, calming the mind, and connecting deeper with our Selves. All levels are welcomed.

Mandy Aridi Yoga Bio-
Mandy is a multi-certified yoga and meditation teacher with a focus on traditional Hatha yoga, pranayama (controlled breathing), and meditation. Initially drawn to the discipline and calm of yoga, Mandy began her yoga practice over 12 years ago. As well as a Bhakti yoga practitioner, she is a four-time Yoga Alliance certified yoga teacher with over 1000 hours of training and teaching experience. She specializes as a yogasana teacher as well as a meditation and wellness guide, with an emphasis on sattvik diet & lifestyle and spirituality. She has taught in yoga studios, teacher trainings, workshops, hosted corporate wellness events, and developed community yoga outreach programs in India, Dubai, and the USA. Mandy has lived, taught, and practiced yoga in ashrams around the world, spending the most time in Govardhan Eco Village outside of Mumbai, India. She has developed a key teaching ethos based upon inclusivity—yoga is for everyone. After almost 10 years abroad, she has recently moved to the USA in hopes of further sharing the philosophy of a well-balanced lifestyle.

ISKCON Boston is pleased to inform that we have various esteemed guest speakers for our Sunday program. All the lectures will be conducted via zoom and will also be published on ISKCON Boston YouTube channel.

Upcoming Sunday Speakers:

May 17: HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhu (Please note the change in lecture time 6:30-7:30 pm)
May 24: HH Jayadvaita Swami
May 31: TBD 
June  7: HG Tukarama Prabhu
June 14: HG Anuttama Prabhu
June 21: HG BrajaMohan Prabhu

Sunday Program Schedule
5 pm - 6 pm Lecture
6 pm - 6:30 pm Kirtan and Darshan from temple

Zoom Meeting ID: 963 1325 0545
YouTube : https://www.youtube.com/user/IskconBoston

Stay tuned for updates.

Tentative Memorial Day Weekend Series

Saturday May 23rd
Morning SB (8:15am) : HG Gauranga Prabhu
Night Session (8:30 pm) : HG Shyamanda Prabhu

Sunday May 24th
Morning SB (8:15am) : HH BhaktiMarga Swami
Feast Class (8:30 pm) : HH Jayadvaita Swami

Monday May 25th
Morning SB (8:15am) : HG Malati Mataji

Absolutely not to miss. The best way to memorialize your weekend. All the lectures will be hosted virtually via zoom (meeting id 963 1325 0545) and live streamed on YouTube (ISKCON Boston channel)

Theme : Prayers of Prahlada Maharaj

Saturday May 23
7:15-8:30 am    HH Niranjana Swami  Japa & Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta
9:00-9:30am Prahlad Maharaj prayers singing by Jyotirmaya Mataji
9:30-10:30 am  HG Gauranga Prabhu  SB 7.9.9-10
6-8pm Online Saturday Night Kirtan
6:00 pm- 6:15 pm: HG Chatamayi dd
6:15 pm to 6:30 pm: Bh Subadra 
6:30 pm to 6:45 pm: HG Parama rupa das
6:45 pm to 7:00 pm: HG Bhima das
7:00 pm to 7:30 pm: HG Arjunananda das
7:30 pm to 7:45 pm: HG Jyotirmayi dd
7:45 pm to 8:00 pm: Bh Karuna
8-9 pm              HG Shyamananda Prabhu  SB 7.9.19

Sunday May 24
9-10 am             HG Ravindra Swarup Prabhu SB 7.9.17
10:30 -11:30am Yoga session 
5-6 pm               HH Jayadvaita Swami SB 7.9.40
6:30-7:30 pm     HH Bhakti Marga Swami SB 7.9.24

Monday May 25
7:15-8:30 am     HH Niranjana Swami  Japa & Sri Brhad Bhagavatamrta  (Due to the cyclone in Mayapur, internet service is disrupted, it is possible that we may not have this class)
9-10 am             HG Malati Mataji  SB 7.9.28
10:30-11:30 am HG Chaitanya Charan Prabhu  SB 7.9.39
1-2 pm               HG Caru Prabhu (Utah) SB 7.9.43-44
3-4:30 pm          HH Giriraj Swami   SB 7.9.28
6-7 pm               HH Romapada Swami SB 7.9.50