Friday 25 August 2023

Week Ahead 25-31 August 2023

Dear Friends

The Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, is the fountainhead of all incarnations. Lord Balaram is His second body. They are both one and the same identity. They differ only in form. Lord Balaram is Krishna’s older brother. Together Krishna and Balaram enact many pastimes as cowherd boys in the land of Vrindavan.

Lord Balaram exemplifies the service attitude to Krishna. His only mission is to please Krishna by rendering service to Him, whether it is in the creation of the material world, maintaining the spiritual world or as His personal paraphernalia.

Lord Balaram is the eternal companion of Sri Krishna. He came as Laksman with Rama and, later, Sri Nityananda Prabhu with Lord Caitanya. He is the original spiritual master, and anyone desiring to make spiritual progress must first get the mercy of Lord Balaram.

Gita Week Katha – Torchlight of Knowledge
1, 4, 5 & 6 September • 6:30pm – 8pm
2 & 3 September • 2pm – 5pm
Facilitated by His Grace Nrsimhananda Das & Her Grace Madri Dasi
Unlock the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Explore the timeless principles that guide humanity toward success, fulfillment and a deeper understanding of the self. Free meals will be served before the katha. A certificate will be awarded for a minimum of 80% attendance. Register here. Queries: Balaram Das 0828770753

Volunteer with Purpose @Krishna Janmashtami
Offer your assistance during the festival, WhatsApp 065 549 5690.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Maha Abhishek
Your opportunity to assist the pujaris of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath to bathe the Deities on the holy occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. Book here or contact Bhakti Katha 061 464 5327 (WhatsApp only) or psdgbhakti@gmail.com for queries. Sponsorship is R1500. 

Week Ahead

Friday 25 August
2-hr Kirtan Mela @6:30pm

Krishna Janmashtami Kendra Festival @7pm
hosted by the Kendra Nama-hatta
Guest Speaker: Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Kendra Hall, 5 John Zikhali Rd, Greyville
Queries: Shravan Bhana 083 453 3026

Saturday 26 August
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am

By His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

End-of-Life Seminar @9am

Tongaat Harinam Sankirtan @10:30am
Starting outside Tongaat Town SAPS

Krishna Janmashtami Unit 9/11 Festival @3pm
Hosted by the Unti 9/11 Nama-hatta
Guest Speaker: Smita Krishna Das
Seetha Ram Mandhir
27 Coleus Road, Crossmoor
Queries: Priya Radhika Devi Dasi 084 264 0868

Krishna Janmashtami Westville Festival @4pm
hosted by the Westville Nama-hatta
Guest Speaker: His Grace Swarup Damodar Das
UKZN Hindu Centre
Westville Campus
Queries: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi 084 623 9164

Sunday 27 August
Ekadasi
 – Fast from all grains, beans & legumes.
Jhulana Yatra begins

Krishna Book Class @7:30am
By His Grace Raghava Caitanya Das

Love Feast @11am
Devotional Service

with His Grace Prabhanu Das
Jhulana Yatra @1pm

Monday 28 August
Ekadasi break fast 06:10 – 10:03

Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Queries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Jhulana Yatra @7:25pm

Tuesday 29 August
Jhulana Yatra @7:25pm

Wednesday 30 August
Jhulana Yatra @7:25pm

Thursday 31 August
Sri Balaram Purnima

Fast until midday.
Morning Festival
4:30am Mangal arati
7:15am Srila Prabhupada’s Guru-puja
7:30am Darshan of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath in Their new outfit
7:40am Class by His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Midday Festival
11:30am Kirtan & Class on the Glories of Lord Balaram by His Grace Nrsimhanandana Das Das
12:30pm Raj Bhoga Arati & Kirtan
1:00pm Jhulana Yatra
1:30pm Prasad Feast

Evening Festival
5:30pm Prasad Feast
6:00pm Jhulana Yatra. Note: This is the last opportunity to swing Sri Sri Radha Radhanath
6:30pm Bhajans
7:00pm Arati & Kirtan
7:30pm Class on the Glories of Lord Balaram
by Her Grace Rukmini Devi Dasi

Saturday 2 September
Lotus Park Janmashtami Festival @5pm

Guest Speaker: His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Venue: Lotus Park Community Hall, 4 Araucaria Place
Queries: Dayal Caitanya Das 083 557 1062

Sunday 3 September
Janmashtami Lotus Market 10am-4pm
Krishna Kids Birthday Party 2pm-5pm

Save the Date 

ISKCON Disciples Course
with His Grace Swarup Damodar Das
Rose Heights Primary School
10, 16, 25, 30 Sep & 1 Oct
Queries Alanath Das 083 775 2760
Register here

Reminders

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
Note: Govinda’s is now open on Wednesdays.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Friday 18 August 2023

Week Ahead 18-24 August 2023

Dear Friends

Janmashtami News

We officially kick off the Janmashtami festivities this Saturday with the Pinetown Janmashtami Festival, which promises a joyous celebration of Lord Sri Krishna.

Gita Week Katha – Torchlight of Knowledge
1, 4, 5 & 6 September • 6:30pm – 8pm
2 & 3 September • 2pm – 5pm
Facilitated by His Grace Nrsimhananda Das & Her Grace Madri Dasi
Unlock the profound wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Explore the timeless principles that guide humanity toward success, fulfilment and a deeper understanding of the self. Free meals will be served before the katha. A certificate will be awarded for a minimum of 80% attendance. Register here. Queries: Balaram Das 0828770753

Help spread the word!
You can help spread the word by popping a festival flyer into mailboxes on your street/area and asking your local store to place a poster in their storefront window. Collect flyers and storefront posters from the festival organisers on Sunday in the prasad marquee after the Love Feast. Flyers will also be available at the book table during the week. To offer your assistance during the festival, WhatsApp 065 549 5690.

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Maha Abhishek
Your opportunity to assist the pujaris of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath to bathe the Deities on the holy occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. Book here or contact Bhakti Katha 061 464 5327 (WhatsApp only) or psdgbhakti@gmail.com for queries. Sponsorship is R1500. 

Janmashtami Lotus Market – Call for Vendors
Sunday 3 September 10:00am – 4:00pm
Would you like to be a vendor at the Janmashtami Lotus Market?
Contact:
Doyal Caitanya 083 557 1062
Namamrita 084 500 410
Nerson 084 401 0119
Paramatma 076 549 5474
Ts&Cs apply • lotusmarket108@gmail.com

July/August 2023 Hare Krishna News
Read/download the latest edition of Hare Krishna News, with the complete guide to the Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival here

Week Ahead

Friday 18 August
Hillary Nama-hatta @7pm

Venue: 38 4th Street, Hillary
Queries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Saturday 19 August
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am

By His Grace Virabhadra Das

Sankirtan Stories with His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami @11am
Prasad Marquee

Bhakti Sastri Module 1 – Bhagavad Gita (Chapters 1-5)
1st of Five Modules.
Starts: Saturday • 17 August • 6:00pm-8:00pm
Venue: Sri Sri Radhanath Temple College Room.
The course fee is R100, payable at the first session. You require the book, Bhagavad Gita As It Is.
Course Facilitator: Lilavatar Gaura Das 084 410 6769

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Pinetown Festival @5pm
hosted by the Sarnia/Pinetown Nama-hatta
Venue: Pinetown Civic Hall, Kings Road
Guest Speaker: His Grace Smita Krishna Das
Queries: Prataparudra Das 076 762 9070

Sunday 20 August
Westville Nama-hatta Japa Beach Walk @7:00am

The walk begins at Suncoast and ends with breakfast at the Japanese Gardens.
RSVP: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi 084 623 9164

Krishna Book Class @7:30am
By Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Love Feast @11am
Fasting, Vows & Offering Prayers on Holy Days

Monday 21 August
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm

Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Queries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Friday 25 August 
Kirtan Durban invites you to a
2-hr Kirtan Mela 
6:30pm-8:30pm
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
Register here

Krishna Janmashtami Kendra Festival @7pm
hosted by the Kendra Nama-hatta
Guest Speaker: Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Kendra Hall, 5 John Zikhali Rd, Greyville
Queries: Shravan Bhana 083 453 3026

Saturday 26 August
The Ministry of Devotee Care South Africa presents
End-of-Life Care Seminar
9am to 4pm
Course presenters are Sukanti Radha Dasi (UK), Dr Vaishnava Pran Das (SA) and Jayananda Das (SA).
The registration fee is R150 per person, which includes all course materials and lunch prasada. Register here.
Queries: Balaram Das 0828770753

Krishna Janmashtami Unit 9/11 Festival @3pm
Hosted by the Unti 9/11 Nama-hatta
Guest Speaker: Smita Krishna Das
Seetha Ram Mandhir
27 Coleus Road, Crossmoor
Queries: Priya Radhika Devi Dasi 084 264 0868

Krishna Janmashtami Westville Festival @4pm
hosted by the Westville Nama-hatta
Guest Speaker: His Grace Swarup Damodar Das
UKZN Hindu Centre
Westville Campus
Queries: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi 084 623 9164

Save the Date 

ISKCON Disciples Course
with His Grace Swarup Damodar Das
Rose Heights Primary School
10, 16, 25, 30 Sep & 1 Oct
Inquiries Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Reminders

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
Note: Govinda’s is now open on Wednesdays.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Friday 11 August 2023

Week Ahead 11-17 August 2023

Dear Friends

Janmashtami News

Janmashtami Lotus Market
Sunday 3 September 10:00am – 4:00pm
Would you like to be a vendor at the Janmashtami Lotus Market?
Contact:
Doyal Caitanya 083 557 1062
Namamrita 084 500 410
Nerson 084 401 0119
Paramatma 076 549 5474
Ts&Cs apply • lotusmarket108@gmail.com

Sri Krishna Janmashtami Maha Abhishek
Your opportunity to assist the pujaris of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath to bathe the Deities on the holy occasion of Krishna Janmashtami. Book here or contact Bhakti Katha 061 464 5327 (WhatsApp only) or psdgbhakti@gmail.com for inquiries. Sponsorship is R1500.

Volunteer with Purpose @Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Reach out to us to find out how you can be involved in dynamic service over Janmashtami. Sign up to offer your assistance here or WhatsApp 065 549 5690.

Devotee Care SA invites you to a Couple’s Retreat (online)
The Seven Principles for Making Relationships Work
– A practical success guide based on over forty years of marriage research.
with His Grace Mahatma Das (ACBSP) and Her Grace Jahnava Devi Dasi
Saturday 12 August & Sunday 13 August • 1:00pm – 4:30pm
Whether you are engaged, a newlywed, have been married for decades, or are in a committed relationship, this workshop will teach you how to avoid the pitfalls of relationship disaster and give you tools to become a relationship master. You will learn insights and practical tools that will immediately improve your relationship and give you a fresh focus for creating a happy, fulfilling relationship. Register here.

Week Ahead

Friday 11 August
Ekadasi – Fast from grains, beans & legumes.
Kendra Nama-hatta @7pm
Happy Krishna, Happy Life! How to put Krishna in the centre of your life and cultivate a harmonious household.
with Her Grace Jalangi Dasi
Venue: Kendra Hall
RSVP via WhatsApp on 083 453 3026 (Shravan)

Hillary Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: 38 4th Street, Hillary
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Saturday 12 August
Ekadasi Break Fast 09:30 – 10:11
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am
By His Grace Medhavi Das (ACBSP)

Sri Vyasa-puja of His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Venue: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
Session 1
9:30am – 1:30pm
Session 2
3:30pm – 7:30pm

Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture present
Nectar of Instruction Overview – ONLINE
3-hour course
Saturday • 12 August • 1:00pm – 4:00pm
There are no pre-requisites for this course. The course fee is R20-00. You require the book, The Nectar of Instruction.
Course Facilitator: Vaisnavi-priya Devi Dasi 078 442 8080

Sunday 13 August
Krishna Book Class @7:30am

By His Grace Raghunath Bhatta Das

Love Feast @11am
Offerings to Their Lordships & Honouring Prasad

with His Grace Medhavi Das (ACBSP)

Monday 14 August
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm

Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Wednesday 16 August
Purushottama Adhik Maas ends.

Just a few days left to take advantage of the special offerings (aratis and pujas) available only during the month of Purushottam.
Book with Ishara via WhatsApp on 063 297 4398. All pujas and aratis are R108 each.

Thursday 17 August
Chaturmasya fast resumes.

(Continue to fast from green leafy vegetables.)

Save the Date
ISKCON Disciples Course

with His Grace Swarup Damodar Das
Rose Heights Primary School
10, 16, 25, 30 Sep & 1 Oct
Inquiries Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Reminders

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
Note: Govinda’s is now open on Wednesdays.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net

Friday 4 August 2023

Week Ahead 4-10 August 2023

Letter from His Grace Ramvijay Das

Dear friends, community of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Sri Radha Radhanath.

I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our special community for their continued support and engagement in the service of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath.

For almost two years, I have been privileged and grateful to serve as the Temple co-President together with Swarup Damodar Prabhu. During this period, I was blessed to expand my association. My appreciation for all of you increased tremendously. While engaged in this spiritual leadership service, I came to better appreciate the wide range of services and skills required to execute this service. It also became clearer to me what services for Sri Sri Radha Radhanath are more suited to my abilities and inclination. I found myself unable to fulfil some of my responsibilities in terms of the spiritual leadership roles required of a Temple President due to practical constraints. Therefore, I feel I would better serve by focusing on my management role within the temple.

I am grateful that my appeal to Swarup Damodar Prabhu and the ISKCON South Africa leadership to adjust my service role at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple has been accepted. Going forward, I will now serve as the chairperson of the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple Management Committee along with the various responsibilities delegated to me by Swarup Damodar Prabhu, who will now serve as the sole Temple President. In essence, most of my services will remain, except that the focus will be on developing the management agenda of the temple.

I am very eager to progress my refreshed role as it will allow me more capacity to assist all of you in your service to the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath and Srila Prabhupada. I appeal to you all for your prayers and blessings.

Hare Krishna.

Your servant,
Ramvijay Das

Week Ahead

Friday 4 August
Kendra Nama-hatta @7pm

The Valour of the Vaishnavis – Transcendental Teachings from Exemplary Female Devotees in the Scripture
with Her Grace Gangamata Goswamini Dasi
Venue: Kendra Hall
RSVP via WhatsApp on 083 453 3026 (Shravan)

Hillary Nama-hatta @7pm
Venue: 38 4th Street, Hillary
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Saturday 5 August
Transcendental Diaries Class @7:30am

By Her Grace Gangamata Goswamini Dasi

Harinam Sankirtan in Durban CBD @10:00am
Starting at Victoria Street Market.
Contact: Virabhadra Das – 071 870 0588

Westville Nama-hatta Women’s Month Focus @2pm
Our celebration of Women’s Month includes activities to enhance your services to Krishna. This week, join us for an open discussion with the
Venue: UKZN Westville Hindu Centre

Westville Nama-hatta Book Club @3pm
The Science of Self-Realization Book Club
Come join us for interactive discussions and sharing of realizations
Venue: UKZN Westville Hindu Centre
Dinner prasada will be served at the conclusion of the programme
RSVP for both events via WhatsApp: Gaura Premi Devi Dasi 084 623 9164

Sunday 6 August
Krishna Book Class @7:30am

By His Grace Jaisacinandana Das

Love Feast @11am
Abhishek – Understanding the Lord’s Sacred Bathing Ceremony

With His Grace Swarup Damodar Das

Monday 7 August
Unit 6/7, Chatsworth Nama-hatta @7pm

Venue: Shantik Foundation, corner of roads 741 & 742
Inquiries: Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Wednesday 9 August
Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple’s Women’s Forum
invite ladies to the
Women’s Day High Tea @2pm
Book here

Janmashtami News

Lotus Market
Sunday 3 September 10:00am-4:00pm

Would you like to be a vendor at the Janmasthami Lotus Market?
Contact:
Doyal Caitanya 083 557 1062
Namamrita 084 500 410
Nerson 084 401 0119
Paramatma 076 549 5474
Ts&Cs apply • lotusmarket108@gmail.com

Volunteer with Purpose @Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Reach out to us to find out how you can be involved in this dynamic service. We’re looking for volunteers to help raise funds. Sign up to offer your assistance here or WhatsApp 065 549 5690.

Save the Date
Devotee Care – End of Life Care Seminar

Saturday 26 August
Venue: Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple
Register here

ISKCON Disciples Course
with His Grace Swarup Damodar Das
Rose Heights Primary School
10, 16, 25, 30 Sep & 1 Oct
Inquiries Alanath Das 083 775 2760

Reminders

Purushottama Maas
Ends Wednesday 16 August
Take advantage of the special offerings (aratis and pujas) available only during the month of Purushottam.
How to Book
WhatsApp Ishara on 063 297 4398. All pujas and aratis are R108 each. 

Volunteer with Purpose @Sri Krishna Janmashtami
Reach out to us to find out how you can be involved in this dynamic service. Sign up to offer your assistance using the link at the end of this email or WhatsApp 065 549 5690.

Govinda’s Restaurant & Radhanath’s Gifts
Monday – Saturday 9:30am-4pm
Sundays & Public Holidays 9:30am-3pm
Note: Govinda’s is now open on Wednesdays.

How to Connect to the Temple?
031 403 3328 • temple@iskcondurban.net • iskcondurban.net