Second Anniversary of Prem Mandir

On 25th Februrary, 2014

SHRI DHAM VRINDHAVAN WILL CELEBRATE

"THE SECOND ANNIVERSARY OF

PREM MANDIR"

Supporting the Cows

Some touching glimpses of the cows at the Goshala at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, the birth place of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj. During a talk on Gopastami 2013, Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj emphasized the importance of supporting the goshala because from the Vedas to Tulsidas Ramayan, it has been stated that the most noble thing a human being can do is to support the cows. Lets take the initiative and support the cows and the Goshala every and any way we can serve.

Cows at the Goshala at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, the birth place of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Cows at the Goshala at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, the birth place of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

Cows at the Goshala at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh, the birth place of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

Happy Jagadguru Diwas 2014, New Lectures Series & Launch of Instagram

Happy Jagadguru Diwas 2014 and Makar Sankranti to Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj

“As a flush to sizzle out the sinful earth

As droplets of water to a thirsty sailor

As a shower to the very desert

As guideline & pathway to hopeless travelers

As a drop of love to harsh hearts 

GURU landed as the angel of lord!

Happy Jagadguru Diwas ” - Poem by Aaprisha Sharma from Nepal

In cities in India and around the world, the celebrations for Jagadguru Diwas 2014 and Makar Sankranti 2014 are huge. On this day, thousands of devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges and other holy streams. People offer thousands of their colorful oblations to the Sun in the form of beautiful kites. The act stands as a metaphor for reaching to their beloved God. In the ashrams of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, we mark this occasion in a joyous and colorful way; even more-so because it is the day when Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, our Guru, was ordained as "Jagadguru" in 1957.

On Sunday, beautiful kites filled the skyline of Radha Madhav Dham USA and Radha Govind Dham New York and devotees of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj offered their respects to the lotus feet of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

As the Jagadguru Diwas kites rise up towards the sun, the soul eternally seeks God

A kite flies over Radha Govind Dham New York

In other news, Swami Nikhilanand Ji, senior preacher of Radha Krishna and sanyasi disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj delivered a profound series of lectures on the significance of the life of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. The 6-part series was delivered to devotees at Radha Madhav Dham. All speeches are available for viewing at Radha Madhav Dham's youtube channel www.youtube.com/RadhaMadhavDham or Swami Ji's blog.

Devotees commemorate Shree Maharajji with procession and flower offerings at Radha Madhav Dham

On December 29th, America commemorated Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj, with flower offerings and shobha yatra at Radha Madhav Dham, Austin. Thousands of spiritual seekers who have been inspired by Shree Maharajji joined the special functions.

Bhakti in the age of Instagram

Bhakti in the age of Social Media: Several new social media channels have been launched to connect devotees and promote the path of Radha Krishna devotion in America. Most significantly, Radha Madhav Dham, which is the official center of Radha Krishna devotion in the west, has gone virtual with the introduction of Radha Madhav Dham Official facebook page and Radha Madhav Dham Official twitter page.

Radha Govind Dham New York has just launched on instagram, one of the most popular apps today, in addition to facebook and other social media. The instagram page contains regular inspirations by art extraordinaire, Bina. Instagram id is RGDNY. We would like all our readers to get active in Radha Madhav Dham and Radha Govind Dham New York social media. Download the app for instagram and get more inspired and connected with devotion for great life.

New Year Kirtan at Radha Madhav Dham

Devotees of Shree Maharajji in America gathered at Radha Madhav Dham for 24 hour kirtan. Here is a clip of the climax of the long kirtan session for New Year 2014, where devotees expressed their love for Shree Maharajji and Radha Krishna through chanting and dancing.

Last rights of Shree Maharaj Ji at Rameshwaram, Nasik & Dwarka

Last rights of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu in January 2014

 The last rites program (Pushpa Visarjan) of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj continued at Rameshwaram, Tamil Nadu on January 16th, Someshwar Ghat, Nasik, Maharashtra on January 18th and Gomti Ghat, Dwarka, Gujarat on January 20th 2014. Check out JKP Official facebook for full size pictures here.

Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj's sacred ashes were immersed at these holy places amid Vedic rituals and congregational chanting  the Holy Names of God by devotees and family of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. In addition, senior disciple of Shree Maharaj Ji, Swami Mukundananda, delivered a Sadhana Shivir at Sri Rameshwaram Dham.

Please check out the commemorative newsletter of Shree Kripalu Kunj Ashram, Houston, for a description of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj's ascension by Sushree Braj Banchary Didi.

Last rights of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Nasik, Maharashtra in January 2014

Last rights of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Dwarka, Gujarat

Braj Saints pay their last respects to Kripalu ji Maharaj in Vrindavan

Akhand Sankirtan and Offering of Flowers by the Saints of Braj to 
Shree Maharajji at Shyama Shyam Dham Vrindavan

All of the Saints of Braj and many other places came to the Shyama Shyam Dham ashram in Vrindavan during the Akhand Sankirtan held on 30th November 2013, to pay their respects to Shri Maharaj Ji, Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj. They offered their flower tributes to Jagadguru Shree Kripalu ji Maharaj during a ceremony. There was also 24-hour continuous kirtan at Shyama Shyam Dham and a parikrama of Shree Maharajji throughout Vrindavan. On December 2nd, there was Brahman Bhoj held at Prem Mandir, Vrindavan for Vishisht Sadhus of Braj; the following day Sadhu bhoj was held at Prem Mandir where around 7000 sadhus were given a feast, money and gift bags. The next day, all of Vrindavan’s 5000 widows were given a grand feast, money, lavish gift bags and medical assistance. After Vrindavan, the commemorative ceremonies are currently being held at the nearby holy town of Barsana Dham. Read more and view pictures at The Vrindavan Times for details.

All latest news, information and pictures on Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat and Shree Maharaj Ji is available by liking Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat Official facebook page. 

Offering a Shraddhasuman Pushpanjali to Shree Maharajji at Radha Madhav Dham, USA

On Sunday, December 29, 2013, Radha Madhav Dham invites all spiritual aspirants to join in a shobha yatra (ceremonial procession) to offer their shraddhasuman pushpanjali (respects) to Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj.

India – the sacred land of the Vedas, the Himalayas, and the Ganga, the spiritual center of the world and the birthplace of great thinkers, Saints & Acharyas grieved the departure of a great rasik Saint who was the embodiment of the sacred knowledge of the Vedic scriptures. Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj, the fifth original Jagadguru in the last 5,000 years, left for the Divine Abode of Shree Radha Krishna on November 15, 2013.

Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, Shree Maharajji as he was lovingly called by devotees all over the world, tirelessly worked for the spiritual advancement of souls for 91 years, inspiring millions around the world to realize the importance of their precious human birth and utilize it for God realization.

Exhibiting mastery over the most advanced subjects at a very young age, Shree Maharaj Ji completed his education by the age of 16. By the mid-1950s, fame of his unparalleled knowledge spread far and wide across India and even inspired Kashi Vidvat Parishat, an exclusive body of 500 most revered Vedic scholars, to unanimously proclaim him as Jagadguruttam – the supreme Jagadguru of this age.

After Jagadguru Shree Shankaracharya, Ramanujacharya, Nimbarkacharya and Madhavacharya, Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj was the fifth original Jagadguru.

Through countless lectures, Shree Maharaj Ji explained the most complex teachings of Hindu scriptures in a simple, practical manner. He also provided a vast spectrum of devotional materials, including Prem Ras Siddhant, a masterpiece that establishes Bhakti as the easiest and the surest path to God; 1,008 original pads (devotional songs) and thousands of other Radha Krishna bhajans and kirtans that can be understood by people of all ages and backgrounds. He emphasized roopdhyan (actively engaging the mind while meditating on the form, virtues and Divine actions of God) to be the most important part of Bhakti for God realization.

Along with spiritual upliftment, Shree Maharaj Ji through his worldwide religious and charitable organization, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, undertook significant charitable and educational projects to improve the quality of life for the impoverished and underprivileged segments of the Indian society. Three hospitals, in Mangarh, Vrindavan and Barsana, today provide 100% free medical care and medicine to thousands of severely impoverished people. A world-class K-12 school and a college offers free education for poor women and children who would never get the chance for academic education. In addition, special clinics provide cataract surgery for the poor, specially designed vehicles are made for the handicapped; and essential clothing, blankets and household items are given to widows, lepers, blind and homeless people with regularl frequency to sustain them.

For the spiritual benefit of souls, he also established divine monuments like Prem Mandir in Vrindavan, and Bhakti Mandir in his birthplace Mangarh.

Established in 1990, Radha Madhav Dham, Shree Maharaj Ji’s ashram in Austin, Texas, is today one of the largest Hindu temples in the U.S. where visitors experience the same devotional environment that prevailed in ancient ashrams and spiritual centers of rasik Saints 500 years ago. The ashram measuring over 200 acres is a reminiscent of the holy land of Braj in India.

Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj's divya asthi (sacred ashes) have been brought to Radha Madhav Dham to be permanently established at a monument that will be dedicated to him at Radha Madhav Dham in Austin, Texas. It is a great fortune for spiritual aspirants in the West who will continue to draw inspiration from this monument for years to come.

For more information, you may call Radha Madhav Dham Temple at 512-288-7180 or email to info@radhamadhavdham.org.

Radha Govind Dham New York postpones Deity Establishment Ceremony; Grieves for Shree Kripaluji Maharaj

www.RGDNY.org
Dear Devotees and Friends of Radha Govind Dham New York

With profound grief, we inform you that Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj who was the fifth original Jagadguru in the last 5000 years, brought His visible pastimes on this earth to a close and left for the Divine Abode of Shree Radha Krishna, on November 15th, 2013.

Shree Maharajji as He was lovingly called by devotees all over the world was the embodiment of Radha Krishna bhakti and spent His entire life great teaching and guiding souls to engage in selfless devotion to Radha Krishna. 

As we grieve the physical departure of Shree Maharajji, the foremost authority of bhakti at the present time, Radha Govind Dham has decided to postpone the Diety Establishment Ceremony we previously announced for December 7 2013. Keeping in mind Shree Maharajji's emphasis on the importance of satsang and kirtan, Radha Govind Dham New York will open its doors to public for the first time on that day and will remain open to serve as a center for Radha Krishna bhakti (devotion) as explained by the great Saints of Vrindavan and further expounded by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj. 

The opening program for Radha Govind Dham New York on December 7, 2013 has been changed to the following: 

    11 am- 1 pm : Kirtan and live discourse by Swami Nikhilanand Ji
    1 pm - 2 pm : Lunch Mahaprasad 
    2 pm - 3 pm : Introduction to the mission and vision of Radha Govind Dham New York

Swami Nikhilanand Ji will also give live discourse on the Significance of Radha Krishna Devotion in Kaliyug from December 8-22, 2014. The discourse will be held daily from 7 pm - 9 pm followed by dinner prasad.

Rohit Sharma 
Secretary/Treasurer 
Radha Govind Dham New York

Divine Satsang with Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj in Mangarh, India

Divine Satsang with Jagadguru Kripaluji Maharaj in Mangarh, India :

• The retreat will be in the presence and guidance of Shree Maharajji. Swamiji will be there to help, advise, and inspire us.
• Meals and accommodations will be provided.
• Devotees can join retreat on any day and welcome to participate for any number of days.

Date: Dec 26th to Jan 1st

For additional details/registrations:

India Devotees:  Anand Rao 98100 23793
USA Devotees:   Shreya Bhat  972-527-6195 or shreya@jkyog.org

www.jkyog.org

Guru Poornima 2013 Celebration Images

Cutting-edge devotional E-Newsletter launched at Radha Madhav Dham USA

Radha Madhav Dham USA has launched the very first issue of a cutting-edge multi-media, interactive e-Newsletter. According to Radha Madhav Dham, the e-Newsletter has been created to provide an experiential platform for ongoing communication and interaction between the temple-ashram community and the supporters and devotees of Radha Madhav Dham so they always feel updated, engaged, inspired and close to the Dham, no matter where they are.

Click on the link below to view the first edition of e-Newsletter:

http://radhamadhavdhamnews.org/august2013

Chirag Patel, Ph.d., Managing member of Radha Madhav Dham, in his introduction of the Newsletter says:

Welcome to the first edition of Radha Madhav Dham E-Newsletter. Every day our Dham stands with its arms open, welcoming hundreds of individuals, regardless of their background, and hoping to inspire in them a spark selfless devotion to Radha Krishna.

This E-Newsletter is an attempt to inform you of our activities and the initiatives we are taking to share with the world the greatest spiritual wealth we have – the Divine knowledge of ageless Hindu scriptures elucidated by Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. You will read highlights of past events and synopses on upcoming celebrations. You will learn about exciting new developments at Radha Madhav Dham, and activities of like organizations around the world. And most importantly, you will stay connected to your Radha Madhav Dham and its ever-growing family. Thanks to the multimedia nature of our E-Newsletter, you will be able to play videos, hear sounds and visualize the beauty of our Dham as your flip through its pages.

I invite your to join us in our effort to inspire thousands more on this beautiful path to Radha Krishna and to share with others what we value the most ourselves. Whatever little you can do, from wherever you are, can go along way in making big difference in someone’s life. Please contact me about how you can help.

For a better first-time experience, Radha Madhav Dham recommends to review the quick tips below for navigating through the e-Newsletter:

• Chanting begins when the e-Newsletter opens. To pause the chanting, click on the arrow in the lower left-hand side.
• To zoom in closer, you can click anywhere on a page; to zoom out, you have to click again. Use the “zoom slider” at the center top of the page for more zoom control.
• To print a single page, simply check the box next to the page number.
• To print the whole e-Newsletter, click on “Select All”
• To download and view the e-Newsletter, offline, – click on the operating system you use; the e-Newsletter will download to wherever your downloaded files are stored. (After the download, a screen will appear asking you to “run” the software. Click on “Run” button at the bottom.)
• To customize your setting, feel free to experiment with the different zoom and page transition settings.
• For Help, use the “Help” button to show you how to navigate better.

Radha Madhav Dham hopes this experience will continue to inspire devotion to Radha Krishna.

Last month, Radha Madhav Dham also launched Shikhsa USA, a state-of-the-art Vedic educational community, which offers 14 traditional and modern subjects to students age 4 – 18. More than 70 students enrolled in the first semester and registration for second semester is to be announced soon. Shiksha is currently recruiting teachers of Classical dance and Indian semiclassical dance with prior teaching experience to give classes at Shiksha, which is based in Austin. Applications can be made at info@shikshausa.org. Shiksha is available on facebook at www.facebook.com/ShikshaUSA and Shiksha’s website is www.ShikshaUSA.org.

Projects Under Construction

Kirti Mandir - Radha Krishna Bhakti Yog Upasana Kendra - Barsana

The construction of Kirti Mandir is currently under progress in Barsana Dham, the birthplace of Shri Radha Rani. This temple will depict a monument of Radha Rani's Divine mother, Kirti Maiya, holding Shri Radha Rani in the form of a baby. Deities of the Astha Maha Sakhi (8 of Radha Rani's closest friends) will also be placed inside the temple. This temple will be a unique and priceless treasure for all devotees of Radha Krishna.

Bhakti Bhawan (Meditation Hall) - Mangarh

Every year there is an increasing number of devotees who come to Mangarh to attend spiritual camps and major festivals to deepen their knowledge and experience the sweetness of devotion to God. To meet the growing enthusiasm, the original Satsang Hall was replaced by a larger hall in 1996. That growth in the number of devotees has continued, and now an even larger hall named Bhakti Bhawan by Jagadguru Shri Kripalu ji Maharaj, is currently under construction to cater for the unprecedented numbers of devotees who flock to Mangarh Dham. More than 10,000 devotees will be able to engage in devotional practice in this hall at a time.

100% Free Hospital - Vrindavan

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) currently runs two completely free hospitals in rural villages of Mangarh and Barsana in Uttar Pradesh. A third 100% free charitable hospital is currently under construction in Vrindavan. This hospital will also provide all medical facilities free to all patients, including free medicines.

Vrindavan, once a small village, is now a densely populated town due to its continually increasing population. This holy town, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, is a centre of worship for several devotees. It is also home for a large number of poverty-stricken individuals. A combination of spirituality, charity and poverty brings many underprivileged and disadvantaged people to Vrindavan every year in search of the Lord and freedom from the socio-economic and psychological pressures of society.

Poverty in Vrindavan does not just mean hunger, lack of shelter, not being able to read or not having an income, but it is also being sick and not being able to afford even the most basic medical facilities.

Identifying the lack of medical facilities and proper health care services for the poverty-stricken and deprived communities of Vrindavan, JKP is constructing a 100% free charitable hospital. The 100-bedded hospital will be equipped with modern medical equipments and will be a multi-facility hospital which will provide free medical treatments, including Allopathic, Homoeopathic, Naturopathic, Physiotherapy and Ayurveda.

Construction is underway, but its continued progress is dependent on the contributions of supporters around the world.

Sadhna Bhawan (Meditation Hall) - Vrindavan

Shri Vrindavan Dham is where Lord Krishna descended on earth, and had many Divine and loveable pastimes. Through Shri Maharaj Ji's inspiration, JKP is constructing a massive Sadhna Bhawan in the Divine land of Vrindavan. This hall will be constructed next to Prem Mandir, and will be of a similar structure to Bhakti Bhawan at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh. Shri Maharaj Ji laid the foundation stone of Sadhna Bhawan on 28th February 2011.

SHARAT POORNIMA SADHANA SHIVIR 2013

SHARAT POORNIMA SADHANA SHIVIR 2013
At: Bhakti Dham,Mangarh
From : 13th Oct - 17th Oct, 2013.

FESTIVALS DURING SADHANA

         October                              November
13th  Dusshera                   1st     Dhan Teras
18th  Sharat Poornima        3rd    Diwali
22nd Karwa Chauth           4th    Govardhan
                                          5th    Bhaiya Dooj
                                          10th  Gopashtami
                                          13th  Kartik Ekadashi
                                          17th  Kartik Poornima










Prior Registration is compulsory for new participants in the Sadhana Shivir,
for Registration, Please call on +91 9759003000 or email at jkpmedia@jkp.org

Kripalu Gurudev

Our Guruvar, JAGADGURU SHRI KRIPALU JI MAHARAJ is grace and kindness personified; grace is all around him, both inside and out. This is how he truly is. The word 'kripalu' itself means "one who showers grace and kindness all around." One may come to him with good or bad intentions - he will impart his grace on all regardless. It seems that his whole existence is made only of grace. Every moment of his life, whether he is sleeping or awake, he is bestowing his grace on all living beings. The day we truly accept him one hundred percent as 'kripalu', the embodiment of grace, we will attain our ultimate goal.

As humble as he is great, Shri Maharaj Ji continues to make himself available to all sincere spiritual aspirants, irrespective of culture, age or spiritual persuasion. Every seeker is amazed to see how approachable he is, and enjoys the special privilege of individual attention from him. The combination of his tall, regal stature and childlike personality creates an indefinable attraction that draws all to him, be they young or old; man or woman. It is very easy to become a recipient because there is no giver like Shri Maharaj Ji. True to his name, Kripalu, he is the very embodiment of grace.

JKP Charitable Activities
The spiritual work undertaken by Shri Maharaj Ji is certainly his greatest contribution to society. However, his philosophy concentrates on creating a balance in life by taking care of the body as well as nurturing the soul. Recognising the need to take care of the physical body, Shri Maharaj Ji inspires devotees to engage in various humanitarian activities. Thus, under the divine guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) has been established.

Charitable institutions that serve the poor and needy are fully operational. Hospitals built by JKP in various towns and villages are maintained by devotees and provide free healthcare services to all.

When Shri Maharaj Ji visits one such institution his mere presence acts as a panacea, bringing both joy on the faces and serenity in the hearts of, all those being served. As he walks through the corridors, greeting all as he passes by, he will pause for a moment and go into one of the rooms where some patients are resting. Placing a caring hand on the shoulder of one, he will enquire into their medical condition; ask another how he is feeling and whether he needs anything more to be comfortable, all the while casting his soothing, beatific smile on all. After his visit, the spirits of all those in recovery is boosted beyond words.

Shri Maharaj Ji has ensured, through the work of JKP, that much needed assistance is given to those people in our community who are physically disadvantaged, be it due to disability or simply the natural process of aging. Much needed day-to-day necessities are distributed on mass to some of our country’s poorest – blankets, dining utensils, food, medicine, financial aid etc. – little things that make a big difference by making life a little easier in some of the poorer parts of India. In times of tragedy, JKP is a generous donor of financial assistance.

In responding to the needs of young people to have access to quality education in rural areas, JKP has established educational institutions, where socially disadvantaged families can send their children, free of cost.

Since 1968, when the first satsang hall was built in the small rural village of Mangarh, the birthplace of Shri Maharaj Ji, satsang halls have been established throughout India, providing venues for sincere spiritual aspirants to retreat from their worldly commitments and focus their minds on the sweet loving remembrance of Shri Radha Krishna, twenty-four hours a day. Today these ashrams have expanded to cater for the growing number of people coming to learn about and practice bhakti yoga, under the supreme guidance of Shri Maharaj Ji, from around the world. 

JKP wishes you all a Happy Sharat Poornima

Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) wishes you all a Happy Sharat Poornima and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our Shri Maharaj Ji ( Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj (5th Original Jagadguru)).

पुनि शरत-पूर्णिमा आ गई।

कौन प्रीत की रीत मीत की, बीत अरी वरषा गई।

नहिं आये नहिं हमहिं बुलाये, अस कुबरी मन भा गई।

जो किय पिय! अपमान सदा तव, सो फल हम भल पा गई।

दे दो क्षमादान अब हम कहँ, बानि क्षमा की का गई।

कह ‘कृपालु’ यह शरत-रास सुधि, औरहुँ आग लगा गई।।

Meaning:-

In separation from Shyamasundara, a maiden of Braj states, “Oh sakhi! Sharat Purnima has come again. Oh sakhi! The season of rains has also passed. What mode of the Beloved’s love this is that neither He came Himself nor called us. Has He become so deeply attached to Kubja? No, no, this is not the thing. Oh beloved Shyamasundara! We are certainly undergoing the punishment for having insulted You unknowingly time and time again. But even that punishment has reached its limit. Kindly do forgive us now. Have you abandoned Your eternal wont of forgiveness?” Jagadguru Shri Kripalu Ji says, “Oh sakhi! The memory of the maharasa on Sharat Purnima is adding fuel to this fire of separation.” Radhe-Radhe

Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj's Shobha Yatra at Radha Madhav Dham, USA

Message from JKP Radha Madhav Dham, the U.S. ashram of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj

Shobha Yatra of Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh. 

Dear Devotees and Supporters of Radha Madhav Dham,

Radhey Radhey.

The 13th day ceremony, signifying an end to a series of Vedic ceremonies has commenced for Shree Maharaj Ji at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh.

Shree Maharaj Ji's sacred ashes are being carried to Radha Madhav Dham to be permanently established at a monument that will be dedicated to him at Radha Madhav Dham.

On Sunday, December 29, 2013, Radha Madhav Dham will organize a shobha yatra (ceremonial procession) that will carry Shree Maharaj Ji's sacred ashes in a parikrama around Radha Madhav Dham in the same way Shree Maharaj Ji was carried around Bhakti Dham before His last rite to allow all the devotees and supporters in the West, especially the ones who were not able to attend the ceremonies in India, to pay their respects to Shree Maharaj Ji.

For those who plan to be at Radha Madhav Dham for the Thanksgiving devotional weekend, a special kalash darshan (of sacred ashes) will be organized at 11 am on Sunday, December 1, 2013. 

Those planning to attend the shobha yatra on December 29 and requiring overnight accommodation are requested to reserve their rooms as soon as possible (www.radhamadhavdham.org/accommodations) since room availability will be reduced due to Radha Madhav Dham winter family camp being conducted from December 26 to 31.


Jai Shree Radhey.

Chirag Patel, Ph.D.
Managing Member

Radha Madhav Dham

"Memory on Repeat": Tribute to Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj

When a breeze flutters in leafy trees, you'll hear his whispers.
You won't understand the language, but won't care.
You'll just be happy
to know it's his voice
& will get lost in that.

When the first spring flower pops
his head up, and your heart is in dance,
you'll remember how your face broke out in a smile the first
time you saw him after being away for a while...
the funny gesture he made, a teasing glance, a pat or a hug.

When lightening strikes,
you'll remember the flash of his Divine smile.
When thunder rumbles,
you'll feel the vibrations of his deep voice.

If a stranger
should ever hand you an apple,
you'll catch your breath and look twice at the giver.

Every song
will have one line
you'll want to listen to on repeat.
It's not the words,
it's the memory you're trying to put on repeat.

Diwali Celebration

Saturday, November 2, 2013

5:00 pm to 12:00 midnight

Celebrate the magnificent festival of Diwali 

at Radha Madhav Dham 

and enlighten your heart with the flame of devotion to God.

Come with your family and friends and celebrate Diwali at Radha Madhav Dham on Saturday, November 2, 2013.   The very special Diwali program will include Dinner Maha Prasad, Sita Ram abhishek, satsang and Diwali speech by Sushree Diwakari Devi, cultural dances of India, a leela of Ram's return to Ayodha & meeting with Bharat, fireworks, outdoor dandia garba danced to a live band, indoor continuous chanting until Midnight.  Bhagwan Ram's midnight Arti will conclude the 2013 Diwali celebration. 

Program Schedule:

5:00 pm  :    Dinner Maha Prasad
6:30 pm  :   Sita Ram Abhishek
7:00 pm  :   Speech by Sushree Diwakari Devi
7:45 pm  :   Cultural Program and Ram leela
9:20 pm  :   Magnificent fireworks display
9:30 pm  :   Dandia Garba (dancing) outdoors on Maha Raas Mandal
                        along with chanting inside the Prayer Hall
12:00 am :  Offer Arti to Bhagwan Ram

Diwali, also called Deepavali, is one of the most popular Hindu festivals. It is known as the festival of lights, which stems from its origin. Bhagwan Ram (Who is a more formal form of Shree Krishna) had been away in the forest for 14 years, and was now returning home to the city of Ayodhya. The happiness of the residents of Ayodhya knew no bounds as they cleaned every corner of their homes and decorated every building in the entire city with diyas (lights) in anticipation of Ram's return. They wanted to welcome Him back with all their hearts. When Ram was entering the city, all the citizens wished to meet Him first. Seeing their desire, Ram multiplied Himself into as many forms as there were people and met them all simultaneously. Each person thought that Ram had come to them first. This was the scene as Ram returned to Ayodhya, and it is to commemorate this event that we decorate with lights on Diwali.

The use of lights on Diwali also carries a deeper philosophical meaning. Within each person's heart, there lies the potential for both good and evil. These qualities are called sattva and tam in Sanskrit and they represent light and darkness, respectively. Developing the sattvic quality of one's mind through good thoughts and actions, and through devotion to God, is like lighting up your heart, which drives away the darkness of tam. You can learn more about the true meaning of Diwali by reading English translation of a Diwali message delivered by Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj (Light on the Occasion of Deepavali part 1 and part 2)

When Radha and Krishna were on the earth planet, They also celebrated Diwali in a special way. They went to Mansi Ganga (a large holy pond near Govardhan hill) and placed floating diyas on the water from opposite sides of the pond. Then They, along with all the Gopis and Gwalbals, created waves with their hands, causing the diyas to cover the entire pond.

"Smile, open your eyes, and love" - Poem about Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj

"Smile, open your eyes, and love" - Poem about Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj by Bhavana, Architecture Student and satsangee  Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj, Delhi

"Smile, open your eyes, and love" - Poem about Jagadguru Kripalu Ji Maharaj

You can shed tears that he is gone.

or you can smile because he had lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back

or you can open your eyes and see all he has left.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday

or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

or you can do what he'd want: smile, open your eyes, and love.

Texas' first of a kind Ayurveda Workshop to be held at Radha Madhav Dham (Sept 20 - 22)

World renowned ayurvedic teacher, speaker and author Dr. Marc Halpern is to deliver an Ayurveda Workshop at the Ancient Yoga Center of Radha Madhav Dham ashram from Sept. 20 – 22, a first of it’s kind event for Texas. Dr. Halpern is the author of the critically acclaimed Healing your life, lessons on the path of Ayurveda and is respected as a powerful speaker who has devoted his life to applying Vedic knowledge for physical health.

The weekend ayurveda workshop will help participants learn how to integrate ayurveda in daily life and is particularly recommended for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, nutritionists and dietitians, holistic practitioners and healers, care givers and ayurvedic enthusiasts.                                                                            

Some of the benefits participants will receive from attending the weekend workshop include the chance to enjoy ayurvedic meals for all body types, attend ayurvedic “dosha pacifying” yoga classes, hear inspiring reflections from Dr. Halpern’s own healing journey, relax and learn in the picturesque, retreat-like ashram setting of Radha Madhav Dham, learn through stimulating discussions how to integrate ayurvedic principles into daily living, explore ayurveda and how to apply the science of ayurveda to the holistic practice of yoga and yoga therapy for humanity.

Dr. Marc Halpern, D.C.,C.A.S.,P.K.S., (Ayurvedacharya) is one of the pioneers of Ayurveda in the West and is considered to be a pre-eminent practitioner and teacher of Ayurveda in the United States. He is one of the few Westerners ever recognized in both the United States and in India as an authority on the subject of Ayurvedic Medicine and was awarded the All India Award for Best Ayurvedic Physician.

Fellow author and ayurvedic scholar David Frawley writes:

“Prepare yourself for an amazing journey, as Dr. Marc Halpern walks by your side as you walk the Ayurvedic path of healing.”

Online registration is now available, and anyone who signs up before Sept. 10th will avail of an early-bird reduction.

Free Secular Education

Kunda, situated in district Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, is one of the lowest ranking regions for literacy in India. With an overall population of around 194 million, the majority of families are in an enormous struggle merely to survive. To get a decent job to have a decent life and hope for a brighter future is something far beyond from their understanding and imagination. As a result, complete education for daughters is rarely, if ever considered by most families. Most young girls in this socio-economic group stay at home to help run the household or get married at an early age so that the family has one less person to feed. Investing in their daughter's education is almost nonexistent.

Keeping this in mind, Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (JKP) has established a charitable educational institution for girls, which provides 100% free education to all students. The institution offers quality secular education opportunities at 3-levels:

Kripalu Mahila Mahavidyalay, an undergraduate and postgraduate institution with approximately 700 students, and offering Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Education, Master of Arts and Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Applications;

Kripalu Balika Intermediate College, a middle and high school, operating from classes 6 to 12 with approximately 700 students and Kripalu Balika Primary School, operating from LKG to Class 5 with approximately 700 students.

JKP Education's objective of offering education for free has resulted in an institution which has become a guiding force for the educational upliftment of not only the underprivileged girls living in this region, but also the surrounding communities. In addition to receiving free education, students receive free transportation, including free distribution of bicycles to those students who travel long distances, along with free distribution of uniforms, school bags, and other school-related requirements,with the aim of removing any obstacle to the girl's education that is likely to be induced by poverty.