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“The Land Down Under” – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Indradyumna_Swami

“The Land Down Under” – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami is now in Australia, visiting the beautiful New Govardhana temple community there.

To describe the visit so far, Indradyumna Swami wrote in a Facebook post:

I am visiting one of ISKCON’s most successful projects, New Govardhan, a rural community of devotees in New South Wales, Australia. Established in 1979 and set on 850 acres of land, the project is home to 1,000 devotees. Next weekend they will host the famous Sacred Sounds Kirtan Retreat.

He gave a Srimad-Bhagavatam class and he will also be leading kirtan during the upcoming kirtan retreat there. He is traveling with his beloved Giriraja, Nrsimha, and Siva lingam, which has been worshipped since the year 1635:

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For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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“We have to die before we die” – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

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“We have to die before we die” – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami went to the original Chir Ghat last week, on the shore of the Yamuna River, and offered obeisances at the tree where Krishna hung up the clothes of the Gopis. While there, Indradyumna Swami spoke on how there is nothing material in the relationship between Krishna and the Gopis. The Gopis have completely transcendental bodies, as does the Lord. Indradyumna Swami reminded us about how Srila Prabhupada says lust is like iron and love is like gold. The pastimes of Krishna with His devotees are completely pure and indicate very deep loving exchanges.

Interestingly, there is a Chir Ghat in Vrindavan town also, but Indradyumna Swami noted that Srila Jiva Goswami says that this place is the original Chir Ghat/tree. He also noted that Srila Jiva Goswami writes that we must give up all material identity and all material attachments, any attraction to this world. We have to come before the Lord with a pure spiritual desire to serve Krishna. He quoted His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Maharaja saying, “We have to die before we die,” which means we have to give up our material identity completely to awaken our spiritual identity.

To encapsulate this visit, Indradyumna Swami wrote in a Facebook post:

Today we were blessed to visit the original Chir Ghat, where Lord Krsna stole the clothes of the gopis. There we embraced the same tree that Krsna sat in 5,000 years ago. Nearby we took darshan of the goddess Katyayani, whom the gopis prayed to get Krsna as their husband. The whole experience was very deep and mystical and was enhanced by the extraordinary beauty of the Vrindavan countryside.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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Pick Yourself up Nine Times – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Pick Yourself up Nine Times – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami went to several holy places in Vrindavan connected to the pastimes of Lord Brahma. While at Brahma Kunda in Vrindavan, he mentioned that Lord Brahma is important in our sampradaya, because he is the original guru in our sampradaya, having been enlightened by Krishna (who is, of course, the actual original Guru). Indradyumna Swami went on to mention that Lord Brahma’s prayers, the Bramha-samhita are essential for understanding Krishna Consciousness. In fact, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta recommended that we read or sing them every day. Everything is contained in them.

He said that these prayers of the Brahma-samhita were composed after Lord Bramha realized his mistake in stealing Krsna’s cowherd boyfriends, cows, and calves. Brahma came to this particular spot and cried in remorse here and his tears filled the kunda. While it’s dry in the warmer seasons, in the monsoon season, the kunda fills up with water.

Indradyumna Swami explained that sometimes devotees make mistakes. Sometimes due to conditioning or weakness, devotees fall down but our philosophy is that they are to be forgiven. An acquaintance of his who is an imam in the Muslim tradition said that it’s understood in their religion that if you fall down eight times, you pick yourself up nine times. Of course, you must want to rectify yourself and want to be situated properly on the path of Krishna Consciousness. So remorse is the first step. Then, comes asking for forgiveness from the Lord, the Vaisnavas, and Guru and being committed to not making the mistake again.

To encapsulate this and other travels, Indradyumna Swami wrote in a Facebook post:

Today we visited a number of places related to the Brahma Vimohana Lila in which Lord Brahma steals Krsna’s cowherd boyfriends and cows. We took darshan of an ancient tree the boys took prasadam under, the exact place where Brahma stole the boys and cows, the cave he hid them in and the kunda where his tears of remorse filled up as a lake. Quite an adventure for one day!

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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The Village of Fear – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Bhayagaon

The Village of Fear – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami has been continuing his search for new and different holy places in Vrindavan to take the devotees during the upcoming Kartik Parikrama 2019. He most recently visited the “Village of Fear.”

Today, he wrote in a Facebook post to commemorate visiting Bhayagaon:

Today we visited Bhayagaon, the village of fear. The fear refers to when Nanda Maharaja bathed too early one morning in the nearby Yamuna river and was arrested by the servants of Varuna. He became fearful but was soon saved by Krsna. Bhayagaon is also where Jiva Goswami, having once displeased Srila Rupa Goswami, was ostracized by Rupa and lived in a cave for sometime performing numerous austerities and chanting the holy names. Eventually, Rupa Goswami lovingly accepted him back. We spent a lot time in the cave meditating on the many instructions to be learned from the pastime.

Indradyumna Swami mentioned that we can learn a lot from the pastime that took place between Srila Rupa and Jiva Goswamis. If we make a mistake, he said, we should feel remorse, try to purify ourselves, ask for forgiveness and wait for that forgiveness to be bestowed upon us and then go on with our devotional service as Jiva Goswami did.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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Surprises at Kumbha Mela – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Srila Gurudeva

Surprises at Kumbha Mela – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

His Holiness Indradyumna Swami has been meeting and discussing Srila Prabhupada’s movement with various sadhus and spiritual leaders at the Kumbha Mela.

On Sunday, he wrote in a Facebook post:

Today the High Court Judge of Prayagraj came to Kumbha Mela. I met him along with Pundrik Goswami. Goswami spent much of the time telling him how our movement is spreading in Russia and China. The High Court judge was very impressed. Goswami concluded by telling him about Krsna’s Village of Peace at the Polish Woodstock. He went so far as to invite him for this summer’s Woodstock Festival on August 2 and 3. Who knows? Perhaps he’ll come. Lord Caitanya’s samkirtan movement is full of so many wonderful surprises.

Indradyumna Swami also met with Swami Avdheshanand and had a nice discussion about ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada with him. He wrote that he was touched to hear Srila Prabhupada praised by so many leaders at the Kumbha Mela. He wrote:

Swami Avdheshanand is the leader of one million renunciates called Naga Babas. The Naga Babas are given the privilege of being the first to bath in the Ganges at Kumbha Mela. But before they bath, their guru Swami Avdheshanand bathes. When we met yesterday he said, “Oh yes, I know you. We have met several times before. Your movement is spreading all over the world, creating a genuine spiritual revolution. It is most wonderful what your Prabhupada has done!” It is deeply satisfying to hear so many spiritual leaders speak highly of our spiritual master’s achievements.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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Auspicious Meetings at Kumbha Mela – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Indradyumna

Auspicious Meetings at Kumbha Mela – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

This past weekend, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami has been meeting various sadhus and spiritual leaders at the Kumbha Mela. He and Pundrik Goswami spent several hours with Swami Chidananda of Parmarth Niketan from Rsikesh the other day. Upon hearing the glories of Srila Prabhupada and of Vrindavan, Indradyumna Swami wrote that Swami Chidananda spontaneously offered his help in renovating several holy places in the dhama.

Indradyumna Swami and the devotees also went to take bath at the sangam. He explained in a Facebook post about how the confluence of three rivers in Prayag Raj is known as the Triveni Sangam. Tri means “three” and veni refers to a braid. Sangam means “union.” The dark blue and black Yamuna flows swiftly into the white and gray Ganges, and meanwhile, the sacred river Sarasvati flows underground.

He mentioned in his post, “Bathing in any of these sacred rivers is purifying but the purification is said to increase a hundred times where the rivers meet. The Varaha Purana states: ‘In Prayag there is the Triveni. By bathing there one goes to heaven and by dying there one gets liberation. It is the king of all tirthas [holy places of pilgrimage] and is dear to Lord Vishnu.'”

Yesterday evening, Indradyumna Swami met with Sri Ravi Shankar, and dedicated a Facebook post to the cordial meeting:

Yesterday evening we met with Sri Ravi Shankar, founder of The Art Of Living Foundation with centers in 156 countries. We spoke to him of ISKCON’s success in spreading Krsna consciousness in the United States and mentioned, in particular, our annual Sadhu Sanga Retreat which takes place in his large retreat center in Boone, North Carolina each spring. He was very impressed that over 2,000 devotees come together for 3 days of kirtan and katha during the event. In appreciation, he kindly gave me a gift of a beautiful silk chaddar. So nice to be sharing our movement’s accomplishments around the world with the spiritual leaders of India. It is all the mercy of Srila Prabhupada.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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The Festival of Flowers – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

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The Festival of Flowers – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

This past weekend, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami attended the huge and beautiful flower festival at ISKCON Chowpatty, the Sri Sri Radha Gopinatha Mandir. He led kirtan and so did others, like Jahnavi Jivana devi dasi. He also wrote in a Facebook post:

The Flower Festival at ISKCON Chowpatty was especially nice this year with the attendance of hundreds of yoga students who had just graduated from their Yoga Teacher Training courses at Govardhan Eco Village. The kirtan roared for hours as the deities and then the devotees were inundated with literally millions of flowers.

The Swami also gave a lecture on the occasion of the flower festival, entitled “Krishna You Are Mine”.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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The installation of Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Radha_madan_mohana

The installation of Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Last week, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami the glorious installation of Radha Madan Mohan deities at the Govardhan Eco Village outside of Mumbai. He created an album with many pictures from the installation ceremony and also revealed what the temple looks like from outside. Indradyumna Swami wrote in a Facebook post:

The large temple is an exact replica of the Madan Mohan Temple in Vrindavan. And the deity Himself is an exact replica of the original deity installed by Vrajanab, the great grandson of Krsna and later worshipped by Srila Sanatana Goswami. Radha Madan Mohan now reside in Karoli, Rajasthan.

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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The Amazing Eco-Village – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

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The Amazing Eco-Village – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In mid-January, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami traveled to ISKCON’s impressive Eco-Village near Mumbai, where he has been happy to have the association of his dear Godbrother, His Holiness Radhanath Swami. There, he will rest some for the next three months until his summer preaching tours kick off again in earnest. Even while at the Eco-village, however, there has been plenty of scope for preaching so far, with devotee programs and with many visitors. As an update on his travels, Indradyumna Swami wrote in a Facebook post:

Yesterday, on my way to ISKCON’s Eco-Village, just north of Mumbai, I made a short stop at our temple near Juhu beach. I sought the blessings Sri Sri Radha Rasabehari to spend 3 months at the Eco Village, starting today, to rest and recuperate from a long period of active preaching. I also plan to spend significant time reading and chanting. My first break in many years! While taking darsan of the deities I had the good fortune of meeting Gopal Krsna Maharaja. An auspicious start to a new adventure for me!

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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A Visit to Dubai – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

Indradyumna_Swami

A Visit to Dubai – Indradyumna Swami Nectar

In January, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami visited Dubai for several different programs, one of which involved a panel discussion in front of 500 of Dubai’s elite. In another sweet program, the devotees celebrated His Holiness BB Govinda Swami’s appearance day and Indradyumna Swami wrote him a sweet offering which he spoke at the program. To summarize the trip to Dubai, Indradyumna Swami wrote in a Facebook post:

During a 3-day visit to Dubai in the UAE, we participated in several events. First of all a hall program for the local devotees. Then a public program attended by the elite of the city. It was entitled: “Awakening The Soul.” Finally we celebrated my good friend, BB Govinda Maharaja’s, Vyasa Puja. An amazing 72 hours!Your servant, Indradyumna Swami

For more on Indradyumna Swami’s transcendental travels and lectures, please visit the Swami’s facebook page and his lecture site at Narottam. On Indradyumna Swami’s official Youtube Channel, you can find many kirtans and classes from the Sadhu Sanga Retreat, his recent Russian tour, etc.

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