Coordinates	28°36′36″N77°13′48″N
Native name	Vrindavan | type city | latd 27.58 | longd 77.7
Locator position	right | state_name Uttar Pradesh
District	Mathura
Altitude	170
Population as of	2001
Population total	56618| population_density
Area magnitude	sq. km
Footnotes	}}

Vrindavan ()() (alternatively spelled Vrindaban, Brindavan, Brindavana, or Brundavan) also known as Vraj (as it lies in the Braj region) is a town in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, India. It is the site of an ancient forest which is the region where Lord Krishna spent his childhood days.

The town is about 15 km away from Mathura, the city of Lord Krishna's birthplace, near the Agra-Delhi highway. The town hosts hundreds of temples dedicated to the worship of Radha and Krishna and is considered sacred by a number of religious traditions such as Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Vaishnavism, and Hinduism in general.

Etymology

The ancient name of the city, Brindavana, comes from its groves of 'Brinda' ''Ocimum tenuiflorum'' (Holy Basil or ''tulsi'') with ''vana'' (Sanskrit: वन) meaning a grove or a forest. Two small groves still exist at Nidhivan and Seva Kunj

History

Vrindavan has an ancient past, associated with Hindu history, and is an important Hindu pilgrimage site. One of its oldest surviving temples is the Govinda Deo temple, built in 1590, with the town founded earlier in the same century.

It is believed that the essence of Vrindavan was lost over time until the 16th century, when it was rediscovered by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. In the year 1515, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Vrindavana, with purpose of locating the lost holy places associated with Lord Sri Krishna's transcendent pastimes. Chaitanya wandered through the different sacred forests of Vrindavana in a spiritual trance of divine love. By His divine spiritual power, He was able locate all the important places of Krishna's pastimes in and around Vrindavana.

In the last 250 years, the extensive forests of Vrindavan have been subjected to urbanization, first by local Rajas and in recent decades by apartment developers. The forest cover has been whittled away to only a few remaining spots, and the local wildlife, including peacocks, cows, monkeys and a variety of bird species has been eliminated or are close to it. A few peacocks and monkeys can be seen found but cows are now only found in the goshalas of the Major Ashrams of Vrindavan.

Religious heritage

Vrindavan is considered to be a holy place by all traditions of Hinduism. The major tradition followed in the area is Vaisnavism, and it is a center of learning with many Vrindavan Ashrams operating. Its a center of Krishna worship and the area includes places like Govardhana and Gokul that are associated with Krishna. Many millions of ''bhaktas'' or devotees of Radha Krishna visit these places of pilgrimage every year and participate in a number of festivals that relate to the scenes from Krishna's life on Earth.

According to tradition and recorded evidence (please site a source), Krishna was raised in the cowherding village of Gokul by his foster parents Nanda Maharaj and Yasoda. The Bhagavata Purana describes Krishna's early childhood pastimes in the Vrindavan forest where he, his brother Balarama, and his cowherd friends stole butter, engaged in childhood pranks and fought with demons. Along with these activities, Krishna is also described as meeting and dancing with the local girls of Vrindavan village, especially Radharani, who were known as gopis. These pastimes were the source of inspiration for the famous Sanskrit poem, Gita Govinda, by the Sanskrit poet, Jayadeva (c. 1200 AD).

The most popular temples include:

Madan Mohan Temple located near the Kali Ghat was built by Kapur Ram Das of Multan. This is the oldest temple in Vrindavan. The temple is closely associated with the saint Chaitanya Mahaprabhu . The original image of Lord Madan Gopal was shifted from the shrine to Karauli in Rajasthan for safe keeping during Aurangzeb's rule. Today, a replica of the image is worshiped at the temple.

Banke Bihari Temple, built in 1862 is the most popular shrine at Vrindavan. The image of Banke-Bihari was discovered in Nidhi Vana by Swami Haridas, the great Krishna devotee, belonging to the Nimbarka sampradaya.

Radha Vallabh Temple, set up by the Radha-Vallabh sampradaya, through Sri Hith Harivansh Mahaprabhu, has the crown of Radharani placed next to the Shri Krishna image in the sanctum.

Jaipur Temple which was built by Sawai Madho Singh II, the Maharaja of Jaipur in 1917, is a richly embellished and opulent temple. The fine hand - carved sandstone is of unparalleled workmanship. The temple is dedicated to Shri Radha Madhava.

Sri Radha Raman Mandir, constructed at the request of Gopala Bhatta Goswami around 1542 is one most exquisitely crafted and revered temples of Vrindavan, especially by the Goswamis. It still houses the original saligram deity of Krishna, alongside Radharani.

Shahji Temple, another popular temple at Vrindavan, was designed and built in 1876 by a wealthy jeweller, Shah Kundan Lal of Lucknow. The deities (images) at the temple are popularly known as the Chhote Radha Raman. Noted for its magnificent architecture and beautiful marble sculpture, the temple has twelve spiral columns each 15 feet high. The `Basanti Kamra' - the darbar hall is famed for its Belgian glass chandeliers and fine paintings.

Rangaji Temple, built in 1851 is dedicated to Lord Ranganatha or Rangaji depicted as Lord Vishnu in his sheshashayi pose, resting on the coils of the sacred Sesha Naga. The temple built in the Dravidian style (as a replica of Srivilliputhur) has a tall gopuram (gateway), of six storeys and a gold - plated Dhwaja stambha, 50 feet high. A water tank and a picturesque garden lie within the temple enclosure. The annual festival of Jal Vihar of the presiding deity is performed with great pomp and splendour at the tank. The temple is also famous for its `Brahmotsdav' celebration in March–April, more popularly known as the `Rath ka Mela'. The ten day long celebrations are marked by the pulling of the rath (the chariot car) by the devotees from the temple to the adjoining gardens. The prayers within the temple are performed, following in the style of Andal, one of the twelve Vaishnava Saints of South India.

Govind Deo (Govindaji) Temple was once a magnificent seven storeyed structure built in the form of a Greek cross. It is said that the Emperor Akbar donated some of the red sandstone that had been brought for the Red Fort at Agra, for the construction of this temple. Built at the astronomical cost of one crore rupees in 1590 by his general Raja Man Singh, the temple combines western, Hindu and Muslim architectural elements in its structure. It was destroyed by Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.

Sri Krishna-Balarama Temple built by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in a location known as 'Raman-Reti', is one of the most beautiful temples in Vrindavan today. The principal deities of this temple are Krishna & Balaram, with Radha-Shyamasundar and Gaura-Nitai alongside. Adjoining the temple is the samadhi of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, built in pure white marble.

Radha Damodar Mandir Located at Seva Kunj, the Mandir was established in 1542 by Srila Jiva Goswami. The deities Sri Sri Radha Damodar are here. The bhajan kutir of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada is also situated at the Mandir.

Shri Maa Katyayani Mandir, the temple is situated in Radha Bagh, near Rangnath mandir. This is one of suddh Shakti Peetha of Shakti. http://www.katyayanipeeth.org.in/

Chintaharan Hanuman Mandir, temple of Lord Hanuman is situated near Atalvan.

Shree Radha Ras Bihari Ashta Sakhi Temple: In Vrindavan, the “Lila Sthan” (the place of the divine passion play) of Lord Krishna, lies the temple that is a must visit destination for devotees completing the 84 kosh Vraj Parikrama Yatra. The temple is centuries old and is the first Indian temple that is dedicated to the divine couple and their Ashta Sakhi’s - the eight “companions” of Radha who were intimately involved in her love play with the Lord Krishna. The Ashta Sakhis are mentioned in the ancient texts of Puranas and the Bhagavata Purana. The temple is called Shree Radha Ras Bihari Ashta Sakhi Mandir and it is home to the divine Rasa Lila of Lord Krishna and Radharani. It is located in close proximity to the Shri Banke Behari Mandir. Legend has it that the Shree Radha Rasa Behari Ashta Sakhi Mandir is one of the two places in Mathura, Vrindavan where the Lord Krishna actually indulges in the Rasa Lila with his beloved Radha and her sakhis. On these nights, devotees have reported hearing the sound of the anklets, beating in tune to a divine melody.

Other sacred sites

Other places of interest include Seva Kunj, Kesi Ghat, Sriji Temple, Jugal Kishore Temple, Lal Babu Temple, Raj Ghat, Kusuma Sarovar, Meera-Bai Temple, Imli Tal, Kaliya Ghat, Raman Reti, Varaha Ghat and Chira Ghat, and across the river, a short boat-ride away is the samadhi shrine of Devraha Baba, a revered saint of the last century.

The Seva Kunj is where Lord Krishna once performed the Raaslila with Radha-Rani and the gopis and Nidhi Van where the divine couple rested. The samadhi of Swami Haridas, the guru of Tansen, is situated here. Every year, in his honour, Swami Haridas Sammelan is organized, in which all renowned musicians of India take part. After hundreds of year a historic effort to restore the ancient Seva Kunj is being carried out by The Braj Foundation, a NGO committed for the all-round development of Braj.

Another famous temple of Sri Vrindavan is Sri Kathia Baba Ka Sthan" at Gurukul Road, the mahanta of which is entitled as ''"brajobidehi mahanta"'' and the acharya of Swabhuram Dwara of Nimbarka sect, Sri Swami Rash Behari Das Kathia Babaji Maharaj.

Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple - was built by Mahamandaleshwar Mahant Sri Krsna Balaram Swamiji from Vrindavan. This newly constructed Radha Govinda Temple, completed in 2004 is based on a famous historic temple built about 500 years ago by Srila Rupa Goswami, a direct Sanyasi disciple of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Sri Vrindavan-Chandra Mandir

Sri Vrindavan-Chandra Mandir (HKM Vrindavan), located some ninety miles southeast of Delhi, is a replica of that supreme Goloka Vrindavana in the spiritual sky. The Sri Vrindavan-chandra Mandir was inaugurated in 2006 on the most auspicious day of Sri Rama Navami day. The temple is housed in an ultra modern geodesic structure with a traditional gopuram based on khajuraho style of architecture, greeting pilgrims at the entrance. The major festivals of the temple are Sri Krishna Janmashtami, Sri Radhashtami, Kartik Fest (7 day festival during Govardhan Puja time) and Gaura Purnima. Grand abhishekas are performed for Sri Sri Radha Vrindavan-chandra during festivals such as Radhashtami & Janmashtami. The abhisheka is performed against a special flower backdrop as several hundreds of devotees watch on and tumultuous kirtan goes on in the back ground. It’s a place of pilgrimage and a must visit.

Places of Interest

The Akshaya Patra Foundation

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a Bangalore based Not for Profit Organization which provides meals to 13 Lakh children everyday to Government School children in 8 states across India. In Vrindavan the Foundation started in 2003 and provides meals for 1,71,624 Government School Children every day in 1655 schools. (Study of Best Practices Adopted in Mid-Day-Meal Scheme In Uttar Pradesh Dr. Kausar Wizarat , Department of Higher and Professional Education National University of Educational Planning and Administration , January 2009) There are around 50 vans transporting the meal from the Akshaya Patra kitchen in Vrindavan every day. Uttar Pradesh was the second state in India to which Akshaya Patra expanded its operations. The kitchen in Vrindavan is ISO 22000 certified by DNV for Food Safety Management Stystems. The equipment used include a roti-making machine which can make 40,000 rotis/hour, steam generators for cooking rice and dal, vegetable cutting machines which can cut about 300kg of vegetables per hour, grain cleaning machines which can clean 3 tons of grains per hour etc.The children are fed with rotis (chapatis) and dal [lentil soup] with sabji [vegetable dishes] or with a rice item like palav [rice with vegetables] or fried rice with sabji or dal.

Geography

Vrindavan is located at . It has an average elevation of 170 metres (557 feet).

Demographics

India census, Vrindavan had a population of 56,618. Males constitute 56% of the population and females 44%. Vrindavan has an average literacy rate of 65%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 73%, and female literacy is 55%. In Vrindavan, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age. The number of females is 24,200 including 13% who are under 6 years of age.

Vrindavan is also known as the City of Widows due to the large number of widows who move into the town and surrounding area after losing their husbands. According to some Hindu traditions, upper-caste widows may not remarry, so many of those abandoned by their families on the death of their husband make their way here. There are an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 widows living on the streets, many of whom have spent over 30 years there. In exchange for singing ''bhajan'' hymns for 7–8 hours in ''bhajanashrams'', women are given a cup of rice and a pittance of money (around Rs.10), which they try to supplement by begging on the streets. An organization called Guild of Service was formed to assist these deprived women and children. In 2000 the organization opened Amar Bari (My Home), a refuge for 120 Vrindavan widows, and a second shelter for 500 widows is expected to open.

Hare Krishna Movement,Vrindavan, is a charitable trust started by the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON Bangalore). It feeds 140 widow “mothers” in Mahila Ashraya Sadhan and 200 more in the Mira Shivagani Ashram in Vrindavan. Hare Krishna Movement, Vrindavan is providing a wholesome, nutritious, mid day meal to around 400 widows 365 days a year. The meal consists of rotis, rice, dal and sabzi.

Read More: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-features/tp-metroplus/article2344817.ece

Industries in Vrindavan

These days Vrindavan is becoming a major source of earnings for real estate companies. Many people from Delhi are purchasing houses in Vrindavan for its relative peace and quiet, and to live in a Holy place. As a result of this demand, many notable real estate and property development companies have launched many new housing projects in Vrindavan.

See also

Six Goswamis of Vrindavan

Hare Krishna

Govardhan hill

Gaura Kisora dasa Babaji

Svayam bhagavan

Radha Krishna

Brindaban Society

References

External links

Vrindavandham.com : Connect with the spirit of Braj

Sri Vrindavan-dham

Food for Life Vrindavan

Friends of Vrindavan

Mathura & Vrindavan

Guide tour to Vrindavan and its allied temples

Vrindavan map Also shows parikrama marg

Category:Krishna Category:Hindu holy cities Category:Ancient Indian cities Category:Cities and towns in Mathura district Category:Vaishnavism Category:Sacred groves Category:Shakti Peethas Category:Sanskrit words and phrases Category:Widowhood in India

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Coordinates	28°36′36″N77°13′48″N
background	#FFA500
name	Devraha Baba
religion	Siddha Yogi saint
birth date	Unknown, claimed as 1477
death date	June 19, 1990
resting place	Vrindavan,Uttar Pradesh]
resting place coordinates
reincarnation of	}}

Devraha Baba (?? - June 19, 1990) was an Indian Siddha Yogi saint who lived beside the Yamuna river in Mathura. He lived on a wooden platform and wore no clothes. A barricade of wooden planks hid his naked body from his devotees. He came down only to bathe in the river. His followers claimed that he was more than 250 years old when he died in 1990.

Devraha was described as a "fully God realized master" and "an ageless saint of legendary repute". One legend has it that Devraha blessed Tulsidas (1532–1623), which would make him over 500 years old. A rough estimate is that around the world, his devotees may number in hundreds of thousands to millions of people. Devraha Baba's birth date has been claimed as 1477; his death in 1990 would give a lifespan of 512 or 513 years, one of the longest modern longevity myths.

Description

According to Devraha, he wasn't born from a woman's womb, but emerged from water. According to legend, Devraha Baba never ate any food. He is described as a major attraction in the Kumbh Mela. The Baba used to bless his devotees by touching their heads with his foot.

The first President of India, Dr. Rajendra Prasad, stated that his father had sat at the feet of Devraha Baba as a child in the middle of the nineteenth century, and Devraha Baba was already elderly at that time. Another notable devotee was Indian prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Another attributed miracle was his ability to stay underwater for 30 minutes at a time, without resurfacing for air. He could also allegedly understand the language of animals, control wild animals, heal people by his look or word, and tell the future.

His samadhi shrine is located across the Yamuna River from the Hindu pilgrimage city of Vrindavan.

Notes

References

- Total pages: 367 - Total pages: 434 - Total pages: 490 - Total pages: 336

External links

Website about Devraha Baba

Story about Devraha Baba

Category:1989 deaths Category:Hindu saints Category:Longevity traditions Category:People from Uttar Pradesh Category:Mathura

it:Devraha Baba pl:Dewaraha Baba

Coordinates	28°36′36″N77°13′48″N
background	#FFA07A
name	A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
sanskrit
religion	Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Hinduism
other name	Abhay Charanaravinda, Abhay Charan De
birth name	Abhay Charan De
birth date	September 01, 1896
birth place	Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta), West Bengal, India
death date	November 14, 1977
death place	Vrindavan, India
resting place	Prabhupada's Samadhi, Vrindavan
resting place coordinates
location	Vrindavan, India
title	Founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness
period	1966 - 1977
predecessor	Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura
successor	The Governing Body Commission
initiation	Diksa–1932, Sannyasa–1959
post	Guru, Sannyasi, Acharya
website	ISKCON Worldwide }}

Abhay Charanaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (, Sanskrit: , '''') (1 September 1896 – 14 November 1977) was a Gaudiya Vaishnava teacher and the founder-acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, commonly known as the "Hare Krishna Movement". His mission was to propagate Gaudiya Vaishnavism, a form of Hinduism that had been taught to him by his guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, throughout the world. Born Abhay Charan De in Kolkata, he was educated at the prestigious local Scottish Church College. Before adopting the life of a pious renunciant (vanaprastha) in 1950, he was married with children and owned a small pharmaceutical business. In 1959 he took a vow of renunciation (sannyasa) and started writing commentaries on Vaishnava scriptures. In his later years, as a traveling Vaishnava monk, he became an influential communicator of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology to India and specifically to the West through his leadership of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), founded in 1966. As the founder of ISKCON, he "emerged as a major figure of the Western counterculture, initiating thousands of young Americans." Despite attacks from anti-cult groups, he received a favorable welcome from many religious scholars, such as J. Stillson Judah, Harvey Cox, Larry Shinn and Thomas Hopkins, who praised Prabhupada's translations and defended the group against distorted media images and misinterpretations. In respect to his achievements, religious leaders from other Gaudiya Vaishnava movements have also given him credit.

He has been described as a charismatic leader, in the sense used by the sociologist Max Weber, as he was successful in acquiring followers in the United States, Europe, India and elsewhere. After his death in 1977, ISKCON, the society he founded based on a type of Hindu Krishnaism using the ''Bhagavata Purana'' as a central scripture, continued to grow and is respected in India, though there have been disputes about leadership among his followers.

Biography

Early life

Born on September 1, 1896, the day after Janmastami, one of the most important Vaishnava holidays, in a humble house in the Tollygunge suburb of Kolkata, he was named Abhay Charan, "''one who is fearless'', ''having taken shelter at Lord Krishna's feet''." Since he was born on the day of Nandotsava ("the celebration of Nanda," Krishna's father, a traditional festival in honor of Krishna's birth) he was also called Nandulal. His parents, Sriman Gour Mohan De and Srimati Rajani De, were devout Vaishnavas (devotees of Vishnu). In accordance with Bengali tradition, his mother had gone to the home of her parents for the delivery, and only a few days later Abhay returned with parents to his home at 151 Harrison Road in Kokata, where he was brought up and educated.

He received a European led education in the Scottish Church College, Kolkata. This school was well reputed among Bengalis; many Vaishnava families sent their sons there. The professors, most of whom were Europeans, were known as sober, moral men, and it is believed that the students received a good education. The college was located in north Kolkata, not far from Harrison Road where Abhay's family lived. During his years in the college, Prabhupada was a member of the English Society as well as that of the Sanskrit Society, and it has been suggested that his education provided him a foundation for his future leadership. He graduated in 1920 with majors in English, philosophy and economics. However he refused to accept his diploma, being a devout follower of Gandhi at the time. His refusal to accept the diploma he had earned was in protest of the British. He also wore the homespun cotton cloth the followers of Gandhi wore in protest of British clothes.

Religious career

In 1922, when Prabhupada first met his spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, he was requested to spread the message of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the English language. Later in 1932 Prabhupada became a formally initiated disciple of Bhaktisiddhanta. In 1944, (from his front room at Sita Kanta Banerjee, Kolkata), Prabhupada started the publication called ''Back to Godhead'', for which he acted as designer, publisher, editor, copy editor and distributor. He personally designed the logo, an effulgent figure of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the upper left corner, with the motto: "''Godhead is Light, Nescience is darkness''" greeting the readers. In his first magazine he wrote:

In 1947, the Gaudiya Vaishnava Society recognised Prabhupada's scholarship with the title ''Bhaktivedanta,'' ('''') meaning "one who has realised that devotional service to the Supreme Lord is the end of all knowledge" (with the words Bhakti, indicating devotion and Vedanta indicating conclusive knowledge). His later well known name, '''', is a Sanskrit title, literally meaning "he who has taken the position of the Lord" where'' '' denotes "Lord", and '''' means "position." Also, "''at whose feet masters sit''". This name was used as a respectful form of address by his disciples from late 1967 early 1968 onwards. Previous to this, as with his early disciples, followers used to call him "Swamiji".

From 1950 onwards, Prabhupada lived at the medieval Radha-Damodar mandir in the holy town of Vrindavan, where he began his commentary and translation work of the Sanskrit work Bhagavata Purana. Of all notable Vrindavana's temples, the Radha-Damodara mandir had at the time the largest collection of various copies of the original writings of the Six Gosvamis and their followers - more than two thousand separate manuscripts, many of them three hundred, some even four hundred years old. His guru, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, had always encouraged Prabhupada that "If you ever get money, print books", referring to the need of literary presentation of the Vaishnava culture.

Renunciation

Keshavaji Gaudiya Matha was the place where Prabhupada used to live, he had written and studied in the library of this building, here he edited the '''' magazine and this is the place where he donated the murti of Lord Chaitanya who stands on the altar beside the Deities of Radha Krishna (named ''Śrī Śrī Rādhā Vinodavihārījī''). During his visit in September 1959 he entered the doors of this ''matha'' dressed in white, as Abhay Babu, but would be leaving dressed in saffron, a swami. In this ''matha'', in Mathura Vrindavana, Prabhupada took Vaishnava renunciate vows,''sannyasa'', from his friend and godbrother Bhakti Prajnana Keshava Maharaja , and following this he singlehandedly published the first three volumes covering seventeen chapters of the first book of Bhagavata Purana, filling three volumes of four hundred pages each with a detailed commentary. Introduction to the first volume was a biographical sketch of Chaitanya Mahāprabhu. He then left India, obtaining free passage on a freight ship called the ''Jaladuta'', with the aim and a hope of fulfilling his spiritual master's instruction to spread the message of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu around the world. In his possession were a suitcase, an umbrella, a supply of dry cereal, about eight dollars worth of Indian currency, and several boxes of books.

Mission to the West

Prabhupada sailed to the USA in 1965. His trip to the United States was not sponsored by any religious organization, nor was he met upon arrival by a group of loyal followers. As he neared his destination on the ship, the Indian freighter ''Jaladuta'', the enormity of his intended task weighed on him. On September 13 he wrote in his diary, "Today I have disclosed my mind to my companion, Lord Sri Krishna." On this occasion and on a number of others, Prabhupada, called on Krishna for help in his native Bengali. Examining these compositions, academics regard them as "intimate records of his prayerful preparation for what lay ahead" and a view on "how Bhaktivedanta Swami understood his own identity and mission." By journeying to America, he was attempting to fulfill the wish of his guru, possible only by the grace of "his dear Lord Krishna". It is in July 1966 "global missionary Vaishnavism" was brought to the West by Prabhupada, "the soul agent", founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in New York City. Prabhupada spent much of the last decade of his life setting up the institution of ISKCON. Since he was the Society's leader, his personality and management were responsible for much of ISKCON's growth and the reach of his mission.

When it was suggested to Bhaktivedanta Swami at the time of founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness in 1966 that a broader term "God Consciousness" would be preferable to "Krishna Consciousness" in the title, he rejected this recommendation, suggesting that name ''Krishna'' includes all other forms and concepts of God.

After a group of devotees and a temple had been established in New York another center was started in San Francisco in 1967. From here Prabhupada traveled throughout America with his disciples, popularizing the movement through street chanting (''sankirtana''), book distribution and public speeches.

Once ISKCON was more established in America a small number of devotees from the San Francisco temple were sent to London, England. After a short time of being in London they came into contact with The Beatles, of whom George Harrison took the greatest interest, spending a significant time speaking with Prabhupada and producing a record with members of the later London Radha Krsna Temple. Over the following years Prabhupada's continuing leadership role took him around the world some several times setting up temples and communities in all of the major continents. By the time of his death in Vrindavan eleven years later in 1977, ISKCON became a widely known expression of Vaishnavism on an international basis.

In the twelve years from his arrival in New York until his final days he: circled the globe fourteen times on lecture tours that took him to six continents initiated many disciples, awarding sannyasa and babaji initiations. introduced Vedic ''gurukul'' education to a Western audience directed the founding of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, which claims to be the world's largest publisher of ancient and classical Vaishnava religious texts founded the religious colony New Vrindavan in West Virginia, authored more than eighty books (with many available online) on Vedantic philosophy, religion, literature and culture (including four published originally in Bengali) introduced international celebrations in the capitals of the world like that of Jagannatha processions watched ISKCON grow to a confederation of more than 108 temples, various institutes and farm communities

In his discussion with a historian Arnold J. Toynbee in London, Prabhupada is quoted as saying: "I have started this Krishna Conscious Movement among the Indians and Americans and for the next ten thousand years it will increase."

Books and publishing

It is believed that Prabhupada's most significant contribution are his books. Within the final twenty years of his life Prabhupada translated over sixty volumes of classic Vedic scriptures (such as the ''Bhagavad Gita'' and the ''Srimad Bhagavatam'') into the English language. and his ''Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is'' was published by Macmillan Publishers, in 1968 and unabridged edition in 1972, and is now available in over sixty languages around the world and some other books by Prabhupada are available in over eighty different languages.

The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust was established in 1972 to publish his works, it has also published massively researched multivolume biography, ''Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta'', that in opinion of Larry Shinn will "certainly be one of the most complete records of the life and work of any modern religious figure". Prabhupada reminded his devotees before his disappearance that he would live forever in his books, and through them would remain present as a spiritual master or guru. Prabhupada had instilled in his followers an understanding of the importance of writing and publishing not only with regard to his works, but also their own initiatives. His early disciples felt Prabhupada had given them ''Back To Godhead'' for their own writings from the very start.

A prominent Gaudiya Vaishnava figure, Shrivatsa Goswami, who as a young man had met Prabhupada in 1972, affirmed the significance of book publishing and distribution in spreading the message of Chaitanya in an interview with Steven Gelberg: }}

Views on other religious traditions

Prabhupada considered Moses, Jesus, and Mohamed to be empowered representatives of God, describing them within his writings as pioneers of the same essential message of dedication to God with love and devotion.

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Other typical expression presents a different perspective, where Prabhupada would point out that "today I may be a Hindu, but tomorrow I may become a Christian or Muslim. In this way faiths can be changed, but dharma" is a natural sequence, a natural occupation or a connection and it can not be changed, because it is permanent, according to him. Prabhupada's approach to modern knowledge is also seen in sectarian Orthodox Judaism, where the skills and technical knowledge of modernity are encouraged, but the values rejected. Prabhupada stated "devotees should not be lazy, idle...we are not afraid to work. Whatever our engagement is, by offering the result to Krishna we become Krishna conscious". Some of his representations are believed to affect women adversely and are male-centred, others are tender and celebratory. Prabhupada himself taught a dualism of body and soul and that of the genders. Similar to many traditional religions he considered sexuality and spirituality as conflicting opposites. However among some liberal male followers there is a positive recognition of Prabhupada's own example in applying the spirit of the law according to time, place, person and circumstance, rather than literal tracing of the tradition.

In line with traditional Vaishnava theology, Prabhupada was critical of the monist philosophies of Hinduism representing the Gaudiya Vaishnava point of view and often insulting the orthodox Vedanta adherents of monism with 'cruel words'. In the view of some, the Gaudiya-Vaishnava philosophy he followed is neither fully dualistic nor monist (this is known as Achintya Bheda Abheda). As a school of thought, Gaudiya Vaishnavism has much more in common with the Dvaita, as opposed to the Advaita schools.

Within India

Initially, Srila Prabhupada began his public preaching mission in India. He founded the League of Devotees in Jhansi in 1953.

Following the establishment of temples and centres in the United States and Europe, Prabhupada returned to India in 1971, holding many public programs which were well attended. From 1971 onwards, the movement became increasingly popular and spread throughout the country, Prabhupada was particularly eager to see the progress at "the impressive temple project in" Mumbai which he and his disciples had fought very hard to establish, with large temples in Mayapur and Vrindavan to follow in mid 1970s.

In 1996, the Government of India recognized Prabhupada's accomplishments by issuing a commemorative stamp in his honour as a part of Prabhupada Centennial celebrations.

Speaking at the inauguration of ISKCON's cultural center in New Delhi on 5 April on occasion of Ramnavmi in 1998, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, then India's prime minister, said:

Monuments

A number of memorial samadhis or shrines to Prabhupada were constructed by the members of ISKCON in his remembrance. The largest of which are in Mayapur, Vrindavan and at the larger sized temples in America. Prabhupada's Palace of Gold was designed and constructed by devotees of the New Vrindavan community and dedicated on September 2, 1979. Back in 1972 it was intended to be simply a residence for Prabhupada, but over time the plans evolved into an ornate marble and gold palace which is now visited by thousands of Hindu pilgrims each year, visiting this centerpiece of the community strongly relying upon tourist trade.

Selected bibliography

Translations with commentary

''Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is'' (1968) ''Śrī Īśopanishad'' (1969) ''Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam'' (1972–77) (Vols.) ''Caitanya-caritāmrta'' (1974) (Vols.) ''The Nectar of Instruction'' (1975)

Summary studies

''Teachings of Lord Caitanya'' (1969) ''Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead'' (1970) ''The Nectar of Devotion'' (1970)

Other works published within Prabhupada's lifetime

''Beyond Illusion and Doubt (1967)''

''Search for Liberation (1969)''

''Easy Journey to Other Planets (1970)''

''Krishņa Consciousness: The Topmost Yoga System (1970)''

''Beyond Birth and Death (1972)''

''The Perfection of Yoga (1972)''

''On The Way to Krishņa (1973)''

''Rāja-vidyā: The King of Knowledge (1973)''

''Elevation to Krishņa Consciousness (1973)''

''Krishņa Consciousness: The Matchless Gift (1974)''

''Perfect Questions, Perfect Answers (1977)''

''Teachings of Lord Kapila, the Son of Devahūtī (1977)''

''The Science of Self-Realization (1977)''

''Back to Godhead'' magazine (founder)

Bengali writings

Geetār-gan

Vairāgya-vidyā

Buddhi-yoga

Bhakti-ratna-boli

Published posthumously

''Light of the Bhāgavata'' (1978)''

''Teachings of Queen Kuntī'' (1978) ''Life Comes From Life (1978)''

''Krishņa, The Reservoir of Pleasure'' (1972)''

''Chant and Be Happy'' (1982) ''Coming Back'' (1983?) ''Path of Perfection'' (1989) ''Nārada bhakti sūtra'' (1991) ''Mukunda-mālā-stotra'' (1989)

''A Second Chance'' (1991)''

''Journey of Self Discovery'' (1991)''

''Laws of Nature: An Infallible Justice'' (1991)

''Renunciation Through Wisdom'' (1992)''

''Quest for Enlightenment'' (1993)''

''The Path of Yoga'' (1995)''

''Message of Godhead'' (1996?)''

''Civilization and Transcendence'' (1998)

''Dharma: The Way of Transcendence'' (1998)''

''Introduction to Bhagavad-gītā'' (2005)''

See also

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

Bhagavad-Gītā As It Is

Krishna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead

Krishnaism

Gaudiya Vaishnavism

International Society for Krishna Consciousness

List of ISKCON members and patrons

Footnotes

References

External links

Category:Article Feedback Pilot Category:1896 births Category:1977 deaths Category:Hindu gurus Category:Hindu monks Category:International Society for Krishna Consciousness Category:Indian religious leaders Category:People from Kolkata Category:Gaudiya religious figures Category:Hindu revivalist writers Category:Krishnology Category:Krishna Category:Bengali people Category:Alumni of Scottish Church College, Calcutta Category:University of Calcutta alumni Category:Indian Hare Krishnas Category:Khol players

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