Week Ahead 30 April – 6 May 2020

To all of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath's dedicated followers,

South Africa is still navigating uncertain times, and despite a slight easing in restrictions that will come into effect on 1 May, Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple will remained closed a little while longer. This includes Govinda’s Restaurant & Takeaway and Radhanath’s Gifts. Srila Prabhupada wanted us to always comply with the law of the land.

During this lockdown period, it has been great to see so many of you actively engaging in hearing and chanting by joining the online classes and japa available through our social media platforms. A big thank you to our senior devotees and tech team who are bringing sanga from our home to yours. Stay connected as we deliver more variety to your spiritual routines online. Please visit our social pages daily to see any updates and events that you may be interested in.
 

What’s New?
ZOOM into Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
Devotees and worshipers are the heart of the temple, and the resident devotees miss your association. In an effort to create interactive sanga, we will be launching ZOOM sessions for the various departments: nama-hattas, Kirtanuity, Women’s Forum, and others.
 

Handling of Goods
The temple residents have been strictly following the regulations advised by the World Health Organization. All goods procured and donated go through a sanitization process. In an effort to maintain the highest safety standards, the temple will no longer be accepting any flowers or cooked food.
 

If you are an essential worker or returning to work, we urge to be safe. Know that we are praying for your safety. For those of us who are still at home, please only go out for absolutely essential things and let us dive deeper into the ocean of transcendental bliss by chanting Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare in a humble and attentive state.
 

We miss you and can’t wait to welcome you back to the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple when we get the green light from the government.
 

Your servant
 

Vibhu Caitanya Das
OBO The SSRRT Management

 

ps. Please direct all queries via WhatsApp 062 526 3606 or temple@iskcondurban.net

 

Week Ahead 

 

Thursday 30 April

Jahnu Saptami

Day to worship and bathe in the Ganga

 

Saturday 2 May

Srimati Sita Devi Appearance Day

Srimati Jahnava Devi Appearance Day

 

Sunday 3 May

ZOOM Love Feast @11am
With His Grace Vibhu Caitanya Das
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89705534140
Meeting ID: 897 0553 4140

 

Monday 4 May

Ekadasi – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes.

 

Tuesday 5 May 

Ekadasi Break Fast 06:27 - 10:01
 

Wednesday 6 May
Nrsimha Chaturdasi – The Appearance of Lord Nrsimha

Fast until dusk. 

Please see out social media for online festival detials. 

 

Thursday 7 May

Sri Radha Ramanji Appearance Day

Sri Madhavendra Puri Appearance Anniversary

Sri Srinivasa Acharya Appearance Anniversary 

Message from His Grace Vibhu Caitanya Das

Dear Devotees and Friends,

Akshaya Tritiya, which falls on Sunday 26 April 2020, is considered auspicious for new beginnings—and particularly charity and fasting are recommended. It was on this day that Sudama, a poor brahmana, went to Dwaraka and met His childhood friend, Lord Krishna. Though Sudama never asked the Lord for any help, Lord Krishna blessed him with unlimited prosperity in return for his humble offering of chipped rice. In spite of possessing great riches, Sudama remained devoted to the Lord and never forgot Him till the end of his life. Consequently, he attained the supreme perfection. Thus Akshaya Tritiya is a festival of Lord Sri Krishna’s blessings for prosperity and devotion.

It is also day 27 of the lockdown, and one may ask what new beginning can we initiate while the world is cries–some people struggle with COVID-19 while others battle for survival. The pandemic brings into focus what is true under all circumstances–we are spiritual by nature and the goal of life is to love Krishna. During this time of confinement we can adjust our outlook on life. How can we become more dependent on the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna? Srila Prabhupada left the comfort of the holy dham, Sri Vrindavan, to bring the real peace formula to the world. We must remember our true purpose in life and thereby provide a solution for ultimate eternal happiness. Srila Prabhupada explains that by watering the root of the tree the entire tree is nourished, similarly by worshipping the Supreme Lord, the whole world becomes nourished.

The lockdown was reinforced in the hearts of the devotees living at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple that the temple is nothing without its devotees and well-wishers–they are the real life of the temple. Although the temple has strict financial and internal control systems, we are reminded how Srila Prabhupada didn’t waste one cent and in the same mood, we have systematically cut all non-essential expenditure.

I am grateful to each and every devotee and well-wisher who came forward to support the temple during the lockdown. On this auspicious Akshaya Tritiya day, I urge you to please continue to support the temple so that we may nicely maintain the worship of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath on your behalf. Our duty is to worship and serve the Deities and Their devotees, and with your kind contribution we may continue to do so.

You can now donate online here, this allows for credit/cheque card and instant EFT via Payfast, a safe and secure payment portal. Alternatively, you can do a direct EFT to:

ISKCON KZN
Nedbank Chatsworth
1322 059 578
Reference: SEVA FUND (your name)

Or subscribe to Back to Godhead magazine:
Send an email with to Nikunja Viharini or call/WhatsApp 083 726 1750

I thank you once again and pray to get your association soon. In the meantime, please continue to chant Hare Krishna sincerely and please stay safe by adhering to government regulations. Kindly send a WhatsApp message to 062 526 3606 if we can serve you in anyway.

May Sri Sri Radha Radhanath bless you and your family, in the same way They blessed Pandavas – with the akshaya patra (a pot of inexhaustible supply). 

Your servant,
Vibhu Caitanya Das