Divine Song

Hare Krishna Devotees, Friends and Well-wishers,

Many of you are already on holiday. As the year draws to a close and the "silly season" gripes, reserve some time to take stock of your past year and the new year just around the corner.

Insurance is an interesting concept. It is considered unintelligent to not have some sort of cover for your house, car, life, salary, jewellery, retirement, etc. Insurances for the limited body, which among other things, is a hol-lard-of fat….what we get out-of-insurance…doing things my-way or thinking 1st for the body…

So, we say consider soul-surance, that tiny life-giving spark of consciousness-we will not be without it. Some of the thoughtful will already be considering their new year hopes and aspirations. With this in mind, think what soul action will you do?

On Sunday, 23 December, Ekadasi, we celebrate Gita Jayanti, the day that Sri Krishna articulated His sublime song. When Arjuna saw that he must fight his beloved relatives, he was overcome with despair. Krishna feeling compassion for Arjuna spoke the eternal philosophy of the soul and divine truth. Bhagavad-gita is like a sharp sword. It is not about belief but truth: about the subtle body's binding action to this world, the Supreme Soul, the marginal soul, and their eternal relationship.

There will be Bhagavad-gita recitals at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple on Sunday, 23 December:

12.30pm with Raghava Pandit Das
4pm with His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami

There is also a special on Bhagavad-gitas available on that day only at the temple.

We wish you happy holidays and safe travelling. 

May this find you in the best Krishna conscious spirits.

Your friends at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: +27(0)31 4033328

Lord Jagannath at Rydalvale Grounds

New Jagannath Puri Temple hosts their
17th Annual Festival of Chariots
15-17 December
Rydalvale Grounds
Phoenix

The festival promises superb entertainment with both local and international guests and artists. Do not let the rain deter you, as the entire festival is under a spectacular dome marquee, so you will be well protected from any rain. See you there...

May Lord Jagannath smile at you...

Dearest Devotees, Friends and Well-wishers,

Hare Krishna! All glories to Srila Prabhupada, who introduced the Festival of Chariots to the Western world. All glories to our magnificent Lord Jagannath.

This week there are two major events not to be missed:

1. The Launch of the 2013 Festival of Chariots 

Wednesday, 12 December 2012, 6.30pm

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple 

2013 being the 25th anniversary of the Festival of Chariots, ISKCON’s foremost festival in South Africa, ISKCON's foremost leader in preaching through attractive and all-inclusive festivals, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami, has agreed to oversee the festival. After months of strategizing, Maharaj and his team are ready to launch the concept, highlights and services available. 

Also attending and enhancing the launch program further will be His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami and His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami.

You can be part of this "never-before-experienced" festival by attending the launch and signing up to render devotion. As His Holiness Devamrita Swami writes in his book, Bhakti Bhava, "Whatever our motive for coming to Krishna, we have to move on to a dynamic heart investment."  So, we appeal to you to invest your time, energy and heart in the Festival of Chariots.

2. Healthy Milky Treats

Friday, 14 December 2012, 7pm

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple host a special Healthy Milky Treats program.

With summer arriving (soon, we hope) these preparation are sure to cool you off and nourish both the body and soul.

3. Phoenix Ratha-yatra Festival

15-17 December

Rydalvale Grounds, Phoenix

Be sure to catch a glimpse of Lord Jagannath's crimson smile, and the association of many senior devotees, including His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami, His Holiness Bhakti Brnga Govinda Swami, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami, His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, and His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami.

Book scores thus far: 12 000 books, this excludes sponsored books. You can still sponsor books by contacting the book office between 12pm-5pm daily. 

Finally, there will be no Sunday Love Feast on Sunday, 16 December, at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple.

We hope this meets you in the best festive spirits and may you all be blessed with Lord Jagannath's glance.

You friends at

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: (031) 4033328

Once in a Centuary

Your Personal Invite to Durban Festival of Chariots Launch!

 

Were you at the Sunday love feast?  Did you catch His Holiness Indradyumna Swami's personal invite to the launch of the silver jubilee Festival of Chariots? If not, here's a sneak peak...

 

"This is going to be the 25^th anniversary, a great milestone . And we’re going to have a special presentation on Wednesday. I’d like you all to come, I’d like all the devotees to come. Anyone who is connected directly, indirectly, (or) indirectly indirectly. Everyone should come because this is a combined effort. It’s like our family. It’s  like the pride of our family actually, that we’re able to put together this festival every year." 

 

This wednesday (12/12/12) at Sri Sri Radha-Radhanatha Temple with Indradyumna Swami, Bhakti Caitanya Swami and Kadamba Kanana Swami. Don't miss it! A once in a century event!

A good holiday read...

Dear Friends,

Please accept our best wishes.

The year is drawing to a close. Everywhere is filled with red and green

decorations and specials to tantalise that ever elusive quest for contentment.

Don't we work all year to reap the reward of that much awaited year-end bonus

and holiday?  Only for it to be gone instantaneously. Time is fleeting. Sri

Krishna says in Bhagavad-gita 10.30, "…among subduers I am time."

So, it is vital how we choose to spend our hard earned time. As you are aware,

we are in the midst of the Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon and in the spirit of

utilising time properly, we encourage that you please be a part of it, either

buy distributing books or buying/sponsoring books. Choosing to be a part of the

Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon is time well spent as it is an action of/for the

soul. The benefit is not fleeting but will be carried through eternally. The

devotees from the temple are extremely inspired and have already visited

Pietermaritzburg and Port Shepstone, and tomorrow are going to Richards Bay and

on Monday the mid-South Coast.

We welcome His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami on Monday, 10 December 2012.

Maharaj has long been the commander of the book distributors and he is a

treasure trove of inspiration. If you would like to meet Maharaj or invite him

to your home for more inspiration on sharing Srila Prabhupada’s books, you can

contact Saci Kumar Das on 0826298167.

You can view book scores on our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna and you are invited to share your stores

too.

We offer you with pleasure the November/December Hare Krishna News. Simply go

to our website www.iskcondurban.net. 

You will notice that there are some changes, we are in the process of upgrading

our site. You can look forward to more information and updates, including daily

darshan, on the site.

Please note carefully the following attractions:

Sunday, 9 December

Ekadasi

Sunday Love Feast with His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami at 4pm.

Wednesday, 12 December 

Launch program for the 2013 Festival of Chariots with His Holiness Indradyumna

Swami, His Holiness Bhakti Caitanya Swami and His Holiness Kadamba Kanana

Swami. The 2013 Festival of Chariots is the 25th anniversary of the Ratha Yatra

festival. Devotees are going all-out to make this a spectacular event. You will

be briefed as to what is planned and how you can get involved. Do not miss this

important and ecstatic festival update. 

Saturday-Monday 15-17 December

The Phoenix Ratha Yatra will be hosted at the Rydalvale Grounds and attending

will be HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami, HH Indradyumna Swami, HH BB Govinda Swami, HH

Kadamba Kanana Swami, and HH BB Bhagavat Swami and many international

kirtaneers. With so much association and excitement, it must be in your

December holiday plans.

We trust that this finds you in the best Krishna conscious spirits.

Your friends at

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: (031) 4033328

Benefitting Humanity

Book distribution is our real business...if they receive one of our books and read even one page, they get eternally benefited.” (Srila Prabhupada letter to Ajita Dasa, 6th January, 1975)

Book Scores for 3 December 2012

Maithili Devi Dasi 34 small books, 1 big book, 4 maha-big books
Bhakta Rivage 4 small books
Bhakta Spamandla 11 small books, i maha-big book
Bilvamangal Das 5 small books, 2 big books
Krishna Caitanya Das 11 small books, 1 maha-big book
Rama Priya Das 15 small books
Agni Dev Das 17 small books
Vibhu Caitanya Das 15 medium books
Bhaktin Priyanka and Rukmini Dasi 15 small books, i big book
Ananta Das 7 small books

You are invited to share your books scores if you distribute books in Durban and surrounding areas.

Also, note the sweet program scheduled for tomorrow night, 5 December 2012

Morning with Mahavishnu Swami

His Holiness Mahavishnu Swami is arriving in Durban this evening at 6.20pm and will be giving the morning class at Sri  Sri Radha Radhanath Temple on Tuesday at 7.30am.

Speaking to the Heart

Dear Devotees, Friends and Well Wishers,

Please accept out best wishes. 

It is the end of Kartik. The month seems to have gone by in a flash. We hope that your Kartik has been spiritually uplifting and rejuvenating. We invite you to share your realisations with us.

We are entering the holidays soon. People look forward to this time of year with hope of filling their hearts. In the pursuit of happiness we desire by direct perception: a branded item, the newest gadget, the must-have summer fashion, etc., leaving many hankering and lamenting. While these things may fill one, it only does so for a short time, and then the emptiness returns. Ancient philosophy presents one essential truth about desire and money, "Our desire will always outweigh our income." The wanting, the desire, is never truly fulfilled by things but by love of the Supreme Lord. The great mind who is Srila Prabhupada understood this and painstakingly provided the balm for the craving heart. 

His books is the salve for the soul. We begin the Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon on Wednesday, 28 November as an act of gratitude, and as a act of compassion. As Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura elegantly says, "The softness of the heart towards Krishna is bhakti, and the softness of the heart towards other living entities is compassion." This book marathon is our time to practice both bhakti and compassion.

All energies will be spent in distributing Srila Prabhupada's books and the temple morning program will be adjusted. Everyone is invited to take part. 

And if you are going on pilgrimage, holiday, working, suffer from poor health, or any other reason that you may not be able to go out on book distribution, then we ask a small gesture from you: The BBT Africa have recently published 3 isiZulu books and they cost just R6 each. We appeal to each and everyone to sponsor minimum 5 of these books for the cost of R30. We host programmes in Umlazi and KwaMashu, the heart of the Zulu people, in Durban. Our roll out plan is to distribute those books in these areas.

Vibhu Caitanya Das writes in the Nov/Dec Hare Krishna News, "Nelson Mandela once said that if you speak to a man in a language he understands, it will go to his head but if you speak to a man in his own language, it will go to his heart. It is for this reason that we are attempting to reach people in their mother tongue, to connect to their hearts."

This simple gesture that does not even require you to leave your desk can cause a spiritual shift, enter the heart and transform the consciousness. The devotees from the book office have made it easy for you to purchase or sponsor books during the marathon with extended hours. The timings are:

Mondays to Friday:  12pm - 7pm

Weekends: 9am - 7pm

Please make prior arrangements for requests/purchases required during other than the times listed above. You may contact:

Prasuti Dasi: 084 919 4090

Aradya-murti Dasi: 083 652 1525

Vrajanath Das: 083 974 8314

Krishna Baladev Das: 082 551 8047

Sad Goswami Das: 084 621 8904

Rajiv: 073 422 8709

Cunerl: 083 373 5313

This festival will be broadcast live. Please go to www.mayapur.tv 

Last Day of Kartik Programme:

Wednesday, 28 November 

5.30pm Prasadam feast

7.00pm Arati

7.30pm Class by His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami

8.15pm Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon Launch

8.30pm Offering clay lamps to Lord Damodar

Sunday, 2 December 

11.00am Snana-yatra at New Jagannath Puri Temple

3.30pm ISKCON Durban's Child Protection Team (CPT) has planned the following activities:

1. 4 to 9 year olds Fun-filled activities to empower children in this age group to prevent them from being victims of abuse.  Self-esteem building skills will be included in this programme.

2. 10 to 16 year old Dealing with peer-pressure, developing positive self-image and bully-proofing yourself.
The above activities will run concurrently in the temple grounds.
3. A 15 minute talk will be presented to the adults in the temple at the end of the Sunday class.  

Topic for discussion: What is abuse and how to effectively discipline a child without losing your cool. 

There will be give-aways for the children.

4.00pm Sunday Love Feast

We hope this meets you in the best of spirits

Your friends and well wishers at 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.netFacebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishnaTwitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishnaEmail: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.netTelephone: +27 (0)31 4033328Fax: +27 (0)31 4034429

You and your friends are invited to a

Young Hearts Night of Fun with His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple, 24 November at 4pm.

Amazing Grace

Hare Krishna Friends,

As we enter the last week of Kartik let us meditate on the words of His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami, "The transcendental flute player, Krishna, is now present in His holy name and I have the good fortune that I am allowed to chant." 

Bhisma Pancaka begins on Saturday, 24 November. It is like a sale within a sale-this is the amazing grace of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. While many of you may be feeling inundated with one festival after the other, remember it is like buying diamonds at the price of plastic stones. 

You are encouraged to come to the temple not because you are expected to, or even due to promises, but as an answer to your soul's yearning. Take this opportunity to fill your heart with Srimati Radharani's mercy and dive deep into the ocean of bhakti. There are only a few days left to offer a lamp to Lord Damodara, bring someone new to the temple with you. In the mood of Sri Krishna's topmost devotee, Srimati Radharani, bring as many people as you can to Lord Damodara. 

If you cannot come to the temple everyday, we post pictures of the Deities on our Facebook page, ISKCONDurban, or you can follow us on twitter (@DurbanKrishna) for periodic Deity darshan pictures.

Events to note this week:

Bhakti Yoga Society (BYS) Retreat 

21-24 November (Wed-Sat) 

Students from all campuses in and around Durban are attending. 

Go to our Facebook page over the next few days for photos of this event. 

We welcome His Holiness Kadamba Kanana Swami for a much needed rest and recuperation, and on Thursday, His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami.

Wednesday, 21 November

1. Gopastami

2. Srinivas Acarya's Disappearance Day

Thursday, 22 November

Arrival of His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami

Saturday, 24 November

1. Ekadasi (Fast from all grains and beans)

You are also invited to spend time reading and chanting at the temple.

2. Srila Gaura Kisora Das Babaji Maharaja's Disappearance Day (fast till noon)

3. First Day of Bhisma Pancaka.

4. Padayatra starting at 9.30 am from Laksmi Narayana Hall in Mobeni Heights to Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple. 

Srila Prabhupada will lead the procession on a palanquin.

Join us for chanting, dancing, prasada and book distribution. 

Lunch will be served to all participating devotees at the temple. 

5. Srimad Bhagavatam Morning Class by His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami. 

Sunday, 25 November

1. Chanting in the Park at 10am. Please view attached flyer for details. 

2. Sunday Love Feast at New Jagannath Puri Temple with His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 11am.

3. Sunday Love Feast at Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple at 3pm with His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami.

4. Govardhan Puja Festival hosted by the Pietermaritzburg Nama-hatta at 1.30pm.

Monday, 26 November

Morning Class by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at 7.45am.

Tuesday, 27 November

Lotus Park Nama-hatta with His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 6.30pm.

Wednesday, 28 November

Last Day of Kartik

Special Evening program with His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavat Swami at 7pm.

Srila Prabhupada Book Marathon Launch.

As always, we look forward to seeing you.

Your friends at 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Blog: http://durbankrishna.blogspot.com (For Program Updates)

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: (031) 4033328

Srila Prabhupada's Festival

Dear Devotees,

Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to our Founder Acarya His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.

We celebrate Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day festival tomorrow, Saturday, 17 November 2012. We are blessed with the opportunity to freely serve and worship Srila Prabhupada tomorrow. You are welcome to bring bhoga offerings, flowers and flower garlands for Srila Prabhupada.

We are especially decorating Sri Sri Radha Radhanath's altar for Srila Prabhupada's pleasure.

You are invited to help by sponsoring the following:

Mangal arati garlands: R608

Day garlands: R1008

Srila Prabhupada's abhisek: R508

Altar decorations: R3008

Raj bhoga offering: R1008

Srila Prabhupada's vyasasana: SPONSORED

Devotee Feast: PARTLY SPONSORED

Contact the Book Table (031 4033328) for a sponsorship.

Note that the Sunday programme during Kartik begins at 3pm.

We look forward to honouring Srila Prabhupada with you tomorrow.

Your friends at 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: (031) 4033328

Celebrating the Best Devotees

Dear Friends

We celebrate Srila Prabhupada's disappearance festival this week. It seems contradictory that the passing of a Vaisanava is a festival. But in Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura's words, "He reasons ill who tells that Vaisnavas die. When thou are living still in sound! The Vaisnavas die to live, and living try to spread the holy name around!"

Srila Prabhupada is never lost to the faithful follower and on Saturday, 17 November 2012, we have the opportunity to worship him, remember him and give thanks to him. His books-his sound-is our guiding light and will continue to guide us for many years.

Our week ahead is filled with the much loved Govardhan Festival and we also get to worship one of our mothers, the cow.

Wednesday, 14 November

Govardhan Puja and Go Puja

4.30am: Mangal Arati and kirtan

5.00am:  Tulasi Puja, Japa, and Srila Prabhupada’s Guru Puja

7.10am:  Srimad Bhagavatam Class

8.00am:  Greeting Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Radhanath (in Their new outfit)

10.00am:  Kirtan

10.30am:  Go-Puja

11.00pm: Abhisek (bathing ceremony) for Sri Giriraj

11.30pm: Class

12.30pm: Raj Bhoga Arati and Govardhan Parikram 

1.30pm:  Prasadam Feast

7.00pm:  Arati and Kirtan

7.30pm:  Offering of lamps and Damodarastakam bhajan

8.00pm:  Milk drink prasadam

NOTE: Govardhan Puja Festival at New Jagannatha Puri, Phoenix, starts at 6.30pm with Giriraj personally present.

Govardhan Puja Festival and Go-puja at 27 Evans Road, off Tensing Road, Umkomaas at 6.30pm. Call Haridev Das on 039 978 3000 for more details. 

Saturday, 17 November 2012

Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day

4.30am:  Mangal Arati and kirtan

5.00am:  Tulasi Puja and Japa

7.00am:  Greeting of the Deities, followed by Srila Prabhupada’s Guru Puja

7.10am: Class

7.30am:  Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

10.30am:  Kirtan

11.00pm: Abhisek (bathing ceremony) for HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

11.30pm: Talks by Senior Devotees

12.30pm: Raj Bhoga Arati and kirtan

1.00pm:  Puspa Puja and Guru Puja to HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

1.30pm:  Prasadam Feast

5.30pm:  Offering of lamps and Damodarastakam bhajan

7.00pm:  Arati and Kirtan

7.15pm:  Guru Puja to HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhuapda

7.30pm:  Remembering Srila Prabhupada

9.00pm:  Light prasadam

Sunday, 18 November Love Feast with class by Prabhanu Das at 4pm

Monday, 19 November Morning class by His Divine Grave A. C. Bhaktivendanta Swami at 7.45am

You are invited to bring bhoga offerings on both Govardhan Puja and Srila Prabhupada's disappearance day and you can make a garland for Srila Prabhupada on Saturday.

Your friends at 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

50 Bhaktivendanta Swami Circle

Unit 5, Chatsworth

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: (031) 4033328

Happy Diwali

May the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Ramacandra reside in your heart.

Giving the gift of Karik this Friday, 9 November

Sweet Festivals

Dear Friends

The rain does not seem to be letting up and it reminds one of the seven-day devastating rainfall in Vrindavan, when Indra thought he could teach Krishna a lesson. In remembrance of this pastime we can also take shelter of Krishna and make our way to the temple and not be deterred by the rain. The residents of Vrindavana left their palatial homes, made their way under Govardhana and simply took shelter of Krishna's beautiful smiling face.
We can welcome Lord Ramacandra into our homes on Tuesday, 13 November. 


Srila Prabhupada says about the Diwali celebration:
"Diwali ceremony can be observed in the temple by illuminating 100's of candles in different parts of the temple, and offering a special prasad to the Deity. This ceremony was observed by the inhabitants of Ayodhya, the Kingdom of Lord Ramachandra, while Lord Ramachandra was out of His Kingdom due to His 14 years banishment by the order of His father. His younger step-brother Bharat, took charge of the Kingdom and the day on which Lord Ramachandra took back the charge again from His brother, and seated on the throne, this is observed as Diwali, and Deepavali. Deepavali means the same thing - Deepa means candles, and vali means numerous. When numerous candles are lighted, it is called Deepavali"


Also, Mother Yasoda bound Sri Krishna on Diwali day…so we can meditate on how Krishna can become bound by the love of His devotee.


There is an exciting week ahead:


Wednesday, 7 November Sri Bahulastami (the appearance of Sri Radha Kunda) Special class by Jasacinandana Das at 7pm Shallcross Nama-hatta's Diwali Celebration Shallcross Community Hall at 5.30pmThursday, 8 November Virabadra Goswami appearance (Lord Nityananda's son)Friday, 9 November ISKCON VRF hosting special evening "Unwrapping the Gift of Kartik" class by Jaisacinandana Das at 7pmSaturday, 10 November Ekadasi You are invited to spend the day hearing and chanting at they temple. Look out for our float on the Durban Diwali Parade Prade starts at 10am on Prince Edward StreetMonday, 12 November Morning class by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami PrabhuapdaTuesday, 13 November Diwali Mother Yasoda binds KrishnaWednesday, 14 November Govardhana Puja Go Puja Greeting Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Radhanath in Their new outfit at 8am Sri Sri Radha Radhanath program starts at 10am. Devotees may bring offerings no later than 11am. Govardhana Parikrama at 12.30pm New Jagannath Puri programme starts at 6.30pm


We wish you a blessed week ahead.


Your friends at Sri Sri Radha Radhannath Temple
Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.netFacebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishnaTwitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishnaEmail: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.netTelephone: (031) 4033328

Liquid Love

Celebrating Sri Krishna's best devotee's liquid love

Delicious Diwali Sweets

For the most delicious traditional Diwali Sweets come to the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple in Chatsworth. Call Govinda's Restaurant: 031-4034600

How to Offer a Lamp...

If possible offer a lamp daily during Kartik, either in the temple or before your altar at home. 

You can sing or play a recording of the Sri Damodarasataka prayers while offering lamps. These prayers are found in the

 Padma Purana. Sri Hari bhakti-vilasa (2.16.198) states, “In the month of Kartik one should worship Lord Damodar and daily recite the prayers known as Damodarastaka…which attracts Lord Damodar.”

You can download an audio of the song from our website:www.iskcondurban.net. Go to the “downloads” tab and make your selection.

Generally in our temples we use clay lamps, each one having a single ghee wick. Brass lamps may also be used which should washed before reusing. A viable alternative is to use small birthday candles. The candles may be placed in a small bowl of sand after offering.

Offering Your Lamp

Remove your shoes and socks and wash your hands.
Light a lamp and sprinkle it lightly with water to purify the lamp before the offering.
Present it before the picture of Srila Prabhupada, and then follow this process:
1. Offer the lamp to Lord Damodar by circling seven times,
2. Then offer the lamp to Mother Yasoda by circling seven times,
3. And finally offer to Srila Prabhupada by circling his face three times.
Thereafter place the lamp before your altar. You can then bow down before your altar and offer your personal prayers.

Today's Programmes

 Taralika arranged this programme at the Umhlatuzana Community Hall for senior citizens. Our seniors were treated to a morning of spiritual upliftment and a delicious vegetarian lunch.

 Pravina arranged this programme at the Durban Coastal Health Clinic. Devotee chanted and danced with the patients.

The maintenance crew at the temple came up to the temple to offer there lamps to Radha-Damodara.

You are invited to join us for any/all our programmes. We hope this has inspired you in your devotion.

Sharing the gift of Krishna Consciousness

Dear Friends,

We trust that your Kartik has enthusiastically started. The initiative of getting as many people to offer lamps either in their homes or at the temple has exceeded our expectations with five thousand Kartik packs already distributed. This special Kartik pack includes a fold out altar, a song book, CD with the Damodarastakam and other prayers, and lamps. We appeal to you all to visit people, offer them these free Kartik packs and encourage them to offer lamps to Lord Damodar during this special month. This is a wonderful way to share the gift of Krishna consciousness.

The Caitanya-caritamrita course has embarked on an empowerment project. The idea behind this is to get as many people exposed to the chanting of the holy name and Srila Prabhupada's teachings. In light of this three devotees are pioneering three innovative projects. Taralika Dasi is hosting senior citizens in her area and treating them to a lunch-time program of chanting, discussion and prasadam. Pravina's heart goes out to the mentally challenged and is hosting a similar program at the Coastal Mental Health while Rangadevi  Dasi is conducting a program in Radhe Shyam Das' home in Welbedacht every Monday. We congratulate all these devotees and wish them well in their endeavours. 

Please note the detailed listing of programs for this week:

Wed, 31 Oct: Temple maintenance crew program by Prahladananda Das at 10.30am

Senior citizens’ program at the Umhlatuzana Community Hall at 11.30am

Coastal Mental Health (71 Sparks Road, Overport) program at 12pm

Sat, 3 Nov: Harinam and Book Distribution in Bangladesh and Fragrant Street Markets leaving the temple at 9.30am. Kartik lamp packs will be distributed.

Sun, 4 Nov: Srila Narottam Das Thakur's Disappearance Day. You can read about him in the Sep/Oct issue of the Hare Krishna News.

Sunday Love Feast at 3pm with His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami

Mon, 5 Nov: Morning Class by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at 7.45am

Welbedacht East Program in Radhe Shyam Das's home (House no. 4620) at 5.30pm

Wed, 7 Nov: The appearance of Radha Kund. Hear about the significance, glories and mercy of Srimati Radharani's lake from Jaisacinandan Das at 7pm.

Shallcross Nama-hatta are hosting a Diwali Festival at the Shallcross Community Hall at 5.30pm. You can expect cultural dances, a discourse about Diwali, bathing the Deity, offering lamps and prasadam.

BBT Africa has launched yet another four local language books: Three in Zulu and a Sotho title. Please help sponsor these books for subsidised or free distribution. 

May Lord Damodar and Srimati Radharani bless you in your spiritual endeavours, especially in bringing more and more people to Their lotus feet.

Your friends at 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Temple Website: www.iskcondurban.net

Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/DurbanKrishna

Twitter: http://twitter.com/DurbanKrishna

Email: ISKCON.KZN@pamho.net

Telephone: (031) 4033328