A fortnightly program (every Ekadashi) for one and all!
Over the past year, life has become filled with unexpected challenges. These challenges have come from all directions and affected our bodies, minds and lives in so many ways. When challenges come they test our wit, resilience, adaptability and beliefs. Some we are able to tackle and some we end up surrendering to. 2020 has definitely impacted our world. But there is always a silver lining to every cloud.
The scriptures say that a devotee always finds opportunities to connect with Krishna in every situation. With this in mind, Bhaktivedanta Manor is launching a new initiative called Bhakti-Janani – ‘Enlivening our devotion’.
Bhakti Janani seeks that silver lining in all circumstances. Whether it be challenging or enlivening situations, we welcome you to send in your prayers for every scenario. These can range from:
Remembering the departed
Seeking health and recovery
Celebrating an occasion like career achievements, birthdays, anniversaries, other landmark events
And of course general well-being
In the next approaching Ekadeshi (Putrada Ekadasi – Sunday 24th January), Bhakti Janani devotees will gather virtually and
Extol the Glories of Ekadashi
Perform sacred fire sacrifices
Chant Krishna’s holy names for the growth, protection and in honour of your cause and your loved ones.
This is a wonderful opportunity to receive incredible spiritual benedictions, protection and support from Krishna’s holy names for whatever situation we find ourselves in.
You are personally invited to recite the entire Bhagavad gita… in 5 hours! Refresh your soul in the company of His Grace Sutapa das, His Grace Radha Govinda das, His Grace Vaishnava Sarvabhauma Das. The entire 700 verses of the Gita will be recited, and chapter summaries will be presented. A fire yajna will be conducted throughout the recitation.
Gita Jayanti offers the opportunity to celebrate the appearance of Bhagavad Gita and to distribute this gem to many others. You are invited to sponsor Bhagavad Gitas and distribute them to your friends, family and colleagues. Alternatively the Temple on your behalf will place them in schools, universities, hospitals or prisons through its various programmes.
For every sponsorship made before 25th December, the name of the sponsor will be offered in the Yajna at Kurukshetra and for any sponsorships made on 25th Dec their names will be offered in the Yajna ceremony at Bhaktivedanta Manor on 25th December.
The Bhagavad-gita is not simply a philosophical treatise, but rather a call to action. We are meant to read it, learnt it and ultimately live it. The profound wisdom that Krishna imparts is something that everyone can experience as a tangible reality. However, this is only possible when we practically implement the teachings and spiritualise different aspects of our daily life. By incorporating four timeless spiritual practices into our lifestyle we can quickly become peaceful, happy and self-realised.
Calling all talented young people, we have an exciting competition for you to explore Bhagavad Gita. This is your chance to participate in either a drawing and / or a speech competition.
You can show off your best artistic skills by drawing something from Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita. In this chapter, Krishna talks about His opulences with Arjuna. Choose a verse or combination of verses and share with us your understanding and imagination.
Bhagavad-gita Audio Drama by Bhaktivedanta Players
The Bhaktivedanta Players have made their Bhagavad-gita Audio Drama available for everyone to hear during the this most auspicious month when Bhagavad-gita was spoken, and its also the time when whole of ISKCON focuses on the Gita. Enjoy!
To download right click on a track and save it to your device.
Live Gita
Thus I have explained to you knowledge still more confidential. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do. (Bhagavad-gita 18.63)
The Bhagavad-gita is not simply a philosophical treatise, but rather a call to action. We are meant to read it, learnt it and ultimately live it. The profound wisdom that Krishna imparts is something that everyone can experience as a tangible reality. However, this is only possible when we practically implement the teachings and spiritualise different aspects of our daily life. By incorporating four timeless spiritual practices into our lifestyle we can quickly become peaceful, happy and self-realised.
A – ASSOCIATION
Try to visit a local ISKCON temple on a regular basis, and take advantage of the classes, festivals and various opportunities for devotional service. If you live far away from a temple, you can attend one of the Krishna groups
B – BOOKS
Read the books translated by Srila Prabhupada. Along with the well-known Bhagavad-gita there is also the Srimad Bhagavatam. Its 18,000 verses continue the philosophical teachings of the Gita, and also describe Krishna’s divine appearance and avatars. It’s best to read daily, either a certain number of pages or for a certain amount of time. We can make a thorough study, noting interesting or difficult passages, or we can simply read our way through, confident of our spiritual purification.
C – CHANTING
Recite the Hare Krishna mantra on a circle of 108 wooden beads. This is known as japa meditation. One time round the beads each day is for beginners, four times round as a daily minimum is for more committed practitioners, and sixteen ‘rounds’ are for those who have taken (or are planning to take) their lifetime vows. You can chant these holy names of the Lord anywhere and at any time, but the early morning hours are deemed ideal. While you’re chanting, simply fix your mind on hearing the sound of the mantra. When you talk, it’s natural for you to listen to your voice, and during meditation, direct this natural attentiveness to hearing the mantra. The quality of your meditation will depend on how well you do this.
D – DIET
One should offer all their food to Krishna before eating. From the purchasing, to the cooking, then the offering and finally the eating, every step can be an act of love which brings one closer to God. In preparing food, cleanliness, attention to detail and devotion are the main principles. After cooking, arrange portions of the food on special dinner-ware kept especially for Krishna. The easiest way to offer food is simply to pray, “My dear Lord Krishna, please accept this humble offering”. There are also special mantras which can be chanted to invoke a devotional consciousness. Then you can accept that sanctified food and share it with others!
Calling all talented young people, we have an exciting competition for you to explore Bhagavad Gita. This is your chance to participate in either a drawing and / or a speech competition.
You can show off your best artistic skills by drawing something from Chapter 10 of the Bhagavad Gita. In this chapter, Krishna talks about His opulences with Arjuna. Choose a verse or combination of verses and share with us your understanding and imagination.
Can you talk for a minute* on any of these 4 topics – Krishna, Journey of the soul, Devotional service or Karma. You will need to use your best voice and storytelling skills to share what Krishna has explained about these topics in the Bhagavad Gita
This competition is part of our Live to Give campaign that aims to inundate the world with the treasure house of Bhagavad Gita. The competition is designed for 3 Age groups – Bala Gopal (0 – 7), Nanda Gopal (8 – 12) and Nanda Kishore (13+).
Registration Fee: £5 (includes Bhagavad Gita per entrant)
Submission deadline: 15th December
Results announced: Gita Jayanti Day – 25th December
World Gita Day Competition : All entries will also be entered into this competition (https://worldgitaday.webflow.io/empowered-by-gita/creative-contest)
Due to Covid 19, we request you take a picture or scan the drawing and take a video of the speech for submission.
Competitor’s must supply full name and email details and comply with all rules to be eligible for the prizes. No responsibility is accepted for ineligible entries or entries made fraudulently.
Entrants must be UK residents.
There are 3 Age Categories for both Drawing and Speech competitions. These are Ages 0 – 7, 8 – 12 and 13+. A person can enter separately for drawing and for speech competitions.
Registration fee is requested to cover costs of prizes, promotion and administration.
Any surplus monies will go towards the Live To Give Campaign
Only one entry will be accepted per person for each of Drawing and Speech.
The winners will be decided by a panel of judges and their decisions are final.
The winners will be contacted personally after the closing date.
Prize winners must be prepared to take part in post-competition publicity.
The Promoter (Bhaktivedanta Manor – Sankirtan Team) does not accept any responsibility for late or lost entries.
Prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred.
There will be no cash alternatives.
The Promoter’s decision is final in every situation, including any not covered above, and no correspondence will be entered into.
The Promoter reserves the right, in the event of circumstances arising outside of its control which in its opinion makes it necessary, to cancel or change the competition at any stage.
Entrants will be deemed to have accepted these rules and to agree to be bound by them when entering this competition. This agreement is covered by the laws of England and Wales.
If there is any conflict between these rules and those specified on the competition page, those specified on the competition page take precedence.
Diwali & Annakuta Darshan will be available from Saturday 14th – Sunday 15th November 2020.
In adherence with National Lockdown, this year’s Diwali & Anakuta will be simpler, focusing on giving you the opportunity for individual Prayers (Darshan) of the Lord.
To ensure a safe darshan experience, we have a limited ticketed entry system for which you will need to prebook online for free. This system has been working well it has been hailed as being safe and effective, by local authorities and visitors alike. Please book your Diwali & annakuta darshan time and ensure you bring the confirmation with you.
Tickets for 14 & 15 are booked now, if anyone cancels they will become available again. Please note temple is open everyday so please select another day
If you need help with booking or are having issues or queries, contact us at info@krishnatemple.com or phone : 01923 851000 between 10am and 1pm.
KINDLY NOTE: YOU MUST HAVE A TICKET TO ENTER THE TEMPLE. PLEASE DO NOT COME TO THE TEMPLE WITHOUT A TICKET AND A MASK.
What to expect on arrival
In line with our risk assessment and COVID plan, you and your travelling party will need to:
Show your valid ticket – WITHOUT A VALID TICKET FOR ALL OF YOUR TRAVELLING PARTY YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ENTRY. Visitors are to arrive 15 minutes prior to their allocated slot so that checks. can be carried out.
Have your individual temperatures checked with a simple non-touch reader. If anyone in your party exceeds the normal temperature of >37.8c degrees, your party WILL NOT BE PERMITTED ACCESS. If you do not have symptoms and history of contact, you will then proceed to the car park.
For everyone’s safety, please strictly follow the instructions of the car parking team and the darshan queue team at all times. Once parked, please go to the darshan queue where you will be asked to sanitise your hands. We recommend that everyone wears a face mask throughout their visit.
Volunteers will guide you through the darshan queue. At this time we ask that you:
maintain social distancing i.e. a 2 meter gap – the markings on the floor will help you maintain the distance (families can stand together)
do not speak to others who have come / are leaving darshan
in line with government guidance, please refrain from singing
we ask that you do not pay your obeisances / dandavats to the Deities; rather, fold your hands in respect to Them. Please also avoid touching any surfaces
On your exit, you’ll be offered prasadam and will have an opportunity to donate to the temple. Please do this and then return to your car. Where required access to toilets will be made available.
Finally, please stay within the barrier system and do not attempt to visit other parts of the temple or speak to the residents.
COVID19 checklist
Please complete this checklist every time you visit the temple.
If you answer YES to any of the questions then please stay at home
If you answer NO to all the questions then please visit the temple.
Today or in the last 14 days…
Do you have/have you had a fever (>37.8c)? Yes / No
Do you have/have you had any of the following new symptoms: cough, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, aches and pains, flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea? Yes / No
Have you tested POSITIVE for COVID19? Yes / No
Has anyone in your household or your contacts had (or does anyone currently have) new : fever, cough, sore throat, loss of smell or taste, aches and pains, flu-like symptoms, diarrhoea? Yes / No
Has anyone in your household or your contacts been tested positive for COVID19? Yes / No
Other notes:
A seasonal message from Visakha Dasi, Bhaktivedanta Manor’s Temple President:
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YOU SHOULD ACCESS OUR FRONT GATE VIA THE A41 AND SANDY LANE. PLEASE AVOID DRIVING THROUGH THE LOCAL VILLAGES AND NOTE THAT THERE IS NO ACCESS TO OUR SITE THAT WAY
Please accept my best wishes and the blessings of Lord Shree Krishna. I hope you are well and coping with the second national lockdown, which has brought more challenges, especially for celebrating this year’s Diwali and Annakuta in the temple.
Normally at this time, lots of devotees would be happily working in our temple kitchens to prepare many different types of sweets and savouries to offer Shree Krishna for His Annakuta. With the second lockdown in place and in keeping with government guidelines ensuring everyone’s safety, we will have only a small crew of devotees to cook various offerings.
We will strive to make a very beautiful offering for Lord Krishna’s pleasure, but it will be smaller than normal. Your seva is appreciated, and as soon as lockdown conditions have been lifted, the temple will ensure that prasad thalis and your dedications are offered to Lord Krishna for His pleasure. Your donations will also be used for the darshan festival, including providing ready-packed prasad for all the pilgrims who attend.
Once the lockdown conditions have been lifted, we will post maha prasad to everyone who has sponsored thalis. Of course, I appreciate your seva in every way and if you have any queries, please email: bmf@krishnatemple.com
Even with the national lockdown, the temple remains open for individual prayers (darshan). Please book your visit at www.krishnatemple.com/tickets
Life has changed and may never be quite the same again, yet the peace, hope and strength we find from our spiritual connection with Krishna empowers us to face whatever may come. Shree Giri Govardhana ki jai!
We remain grateful to you for your continued support.
The auspicious month of Kartik begins – on the 31st of October. During this month, we honour Krishna’s extraordinary loving exchanges with His pure devotees. One such devotee, Yasodamata, forgets that Krishna is God and relates to Him as His mother. When Krishna steals butter and yoghurt, Yasodamata chases and then binds Him. This supremely charming pastime has been remembered, sung about, and honoured through the ages.
Any spiritual activity we do during Kartik is magnified, so it’s an ideal time for us to immerse ourselves in Krishna consciousness. By observing spiritual vows during Kartik we can get the shelter of Srimati Radhika, the Queen of Vrndavan. So we’re all encouraged to increase our chanting of Krishna’s holy names, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, associating with Krishna’s devotees, and worshipping His all-attractive form of Sri Damodar.
Due to the national lockdown from the 5th of November there will be no offering of candles at the temple. You are all encouraged to carry on offering lamps at home daily for the duration of Kartik.
The temple will still be open for individual prayer please book your visit to take advantage of this special opportunity, and feel your hearts solaced and spiritually nourished by this simple act of devotion.
Dusshera this year falls on Sunday 25th October. Festivities at Bhaktivedanta Manor were originally planned on this day, but due to government restrictions against the Coronavirus, this year the Ramayan drama by the Pandava Sena and the burning of Ravana’s effigy in the field will not be taking place.
However, we do encourage everyone to book online and come to take darshan of Their Lordships in the Temple room.
Sri Sri Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman at Bhaktivedanta Manor (Dusshera 2017)
Drama By Bhaktivedanta Players – Sita in the Ashoka Grove
We also ask that on this day devotees meditate on the meaning of this festival. When Lord Rama’s arrow destroys the demon Ravana, we remember to free ourselves from the vices represented by his ten heads:
The word ‘Dusshera’ is made up of the two ‘dus’ and ‘hara’, where “dus” means ten and ‘hara’ is annihilated. Therefore, if these two words are combined, ‘Dusshera’ stands for the day when the ten evil heads of Ravana were destroyed by Lord Rama. The festival, which symbolizes the victory of good over evil, it is one of the most public Indian festivals.
This Friday 18th September marks the first day of the holy month of Purushottama.
Purushottam Maas or Adhik Maas is an extra month that occurs once every three years.
It is said that when the personification of this extra month first entered the universe, as an outsider he appealed to the Lord for shelter. The Padma Purana recounts Lord Krishna’s response:
“I shall make this extra month just like Me in quality, fame, opulence, realization, success, and in giving benediction to the devotees. This month will become equally potent as Myself. I am bestowing all of My divine qualities into this month. Named after Me, this month will be famous throughout this world…Just by observing this month and becoming a devotee one can easily cross over this material ocean and return back to Godhead.”
Therefore during the Purushottama month devotees are encouraged to chant extra rounds, increase their study of Srila Prabhupada’s books and perform pious activities such as fasting or giving in charity. Visiting holy places is also an important feature, and you are encouraged to visit the temple:
If you need help with booking or are having issues or queries, contact us at darshan@krishnatemple.com or phone / Whatsapp: 07579 776 925 between 10am and 1pm.
