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Welcome

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Temple Preside

Dear devotees and friends of Lord 2012, Hertsmere Council in their


Krishna,
own planning brief approved
the construction of a multiThis year we are celebrating
purpose cultural hall, the Haveli,
40 years of service and devotion
at Bhaktivedanta Manor. This
at Bhaktivedanta Manor. In 1973,
wonderful development will help
with the kind help of George
us serve the many visitors we
Harrison, Srila Prabhupada and
receive on a weekly basis.
a handful of dedicated disciples
transformed this historic Mock
The Manor has come a long
Tudor mansion into a beautiful
way. We give thanks to all of you
temple. They were humble
who have been our friends and
beginnings. Four decades
supporters, and those of you who
later, the Manor is thriving and
have prayed and sacrificed for
has become a sacred place
the success of Srila Prabhupadas
of pilgrimage for thousands of
home and mission here in the UK.
people every year.
I hope and pray that we can enter
the next 40 years together, as a
The contribution of
united community in the spirit of
Bhaktivedanta Manor grows with
cooperation and harmony.
every calendar year: from free
food distribution to theological
Srila Prabhupada famously
courses, from cruelty-free milk
remarked: The Manor is
to state funded schools, from
wonderful and when the
elaborate Deity worship to
sun shines there is no place
cultural arts and drama. The
better. Let us pray that the
Manor school and preschool
sun will always shine here at
have excelled over 35 years of
Bhaktivedanta Manor, so that
dedication. The list is endless.
even when the weather is
overcast, damp or snowy, the
The Annual review will give
shining beacon of pure devotion
you a glimpse into the wonderful
will brilliantly illuminate the Home
service that is rendered here
of Lord Krishna.
on a daily basis. As we look
to expand the activities of the
I remain yours in the service
Manor we have some good news of Lord Krishna and Srila
to share with you. In December
Prabhupada.

The College
of Vedic Studies

The course offering at The


College of Vedic Studies has
been expanded significantly
over the past year, with new
introductory courses being
established such as Explore
and Gita Life. These give a
basic introduction to some
of the philosophical and
practical aspects of Krishna
consciousness, as well as an
overview of the seminal Vedic
text, the Bhagavad-gita.
These courses form a precursor
to the long-standing Bhakti
Shastri course, which continues
to run strongly. This year-long
course provides an in-depth look
into the Bhagavad-gita, as well as
three other core texts, and ends
in a scriptural degree, the Bhakti
Shastri.
We are also proud to announce
that for the first time ever at
Bhaktivedanta Manor, we have
launched the much sought-after
Bhakti Vaibhava course. This
involves an in-depth study of the
core text Srimad-Bhagavatam,
and is for those who have
successfully obtained the Bhakti
Shastri degree.
These four courses - Explore,
Gita Life, Bhakti Shastri and
Bhakti Vaibhava - together form
the backbone of the Colleges
offering, and give students a
progressively deeper and richer
understanding of the ever fresh
and applicable philosophy of
Krishna Consciousness.
Alongside these fundamental
scriptural courses, the college

Our courses give a basic introduction to some of


the philosophical and practical aspects of Krishna
consciousness, as well as an overview of the
seminal Vedic text, the Bhagavad-gita.

organises a number of additional


courses, aimed at enriching and
fortifying the spiritual lives of
those we serve.
Some highlights included
Rediscovering Bhagavatam
with Krishna-Kshetra das and
Priti-Laksanam the art of
loving dealings with Bhuta
Bhavana das. Furthermore, there
was a special series of lectures
by Garuda das (Prof Graham
Schweig Ph.D.) from a more
scholarly angle, as well as a
thought-provoking and humorous
session on the Lessons from
the Mahabharata by Gaur Gopal
das.
In addition, in July 2013, the
College held the Teachers
Training Course, a professional
certificate aimed at training new
teachers and upskilling those we
already have. This forms part of
the Colleges effort to provide a
high quality and varied learning
experience to those who attend
our courses.
Over the coming year, the
College hopes to continue with
the same trend of increasing
our course offering. There are
also various exciting new links
emerging with the Bhaktivedanta
College in Radhadesh, as well
as other external organisations.
These will hopefully contribute
towards taking the College into a
new realm and allow it to offer a
wider range of courses.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The College of Vedic Studies offers


a range of educational, spiritual
and practical courses based on the
ancient teachings of the Vedas.

TEAM
Staff
Ananda Caitanya das
Bhakta Pradeep

Regular Teachers
Navadvip Chandra das
Janakinath das
Jiva Doya das
Sundar Madhava das
Bhakta Ravindra
Ghanasyam Priya das

HIGHLIGHTS

New courses include:


Explore and Gita Life (exploring
Bhagavad-gita)
Bhakti Vaibhava (exploring
Srimad-Bhagavatam)
Teacher Training
Special guest speakers included:
Krishna-Kshetra das
Garuda das (Prof Graham
Schweig)
Gaur Gopal das

CONTACT

cvs@krishnatemple.com

The Mens
Ashram

In the Vedic tradition, the youthful


brahmacarya stage is dedicated
to learning. Discipline, guidance
and purity are important factors
during this period. Students
immerse themselves in spiritual
training in the ashram (school)
of their teacher. They lead a
regulated life of scriptural study,
spiritual practice and practical
devotional service. Students
grow into strong individuals and
develop the necessary spiritual
vision and morality to contribute

ashram also go on a spiritual


retreat twice a year. Previous
destinations have included
ISKCON temples around the UK
and other European countries.
Every morning, the temple
residents gather before sunrise
to have a series of morning
services, designed to bring the
practitioner closer to God, and
Gods devotees. The program
runs between 4.30am and
8.30am, and consists of musical

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Mens Ashram offers men the


opportunity of full time immersion in
Krishna Consciousness. It provides
training and education so they can
excel in their sadhana, service and
relationships. It helps them develop
a spiritual foundation that will
sustain them throughout their lives.

TEAM

Brahmacari Council
35 full-time devotees
significantly to society.
Perhaps one of the most
important lessons they learn
is that true satisfaction and
happiness lies within, and is
developed through humble
service to the Lord and His
devotees.
Brahmacari literally means one
who is fixed in the spiritual
pursuit. As a celibate student,
the brahmacari has committed to
engaging his full time energies in
spiritual development. Currently
there are thirty-five brahmacharis
residing at Bhaktivedanta
Manor. They come from various
backgrounds and countries,
but all have the same purpose
in mind to come to a deeper
realisation of God and their
relationship with Him. Since
the order of brahmacarya is
essentially a time of training,
various programs are offered to
residents to ensure their ongoing
development. Members of the

chanting (with instruments),


personal mantra meditation as
well as worship of the forms
of God and the guru. There is
also a philosophical class every
morning.
The devotees work tirelessly
to introduce the books of
Srila Prabhupada in cities
across the UK, as well as in
schools, colleges, universities,
hospitals, and libraries. The
brahmacaris take an active role
in serving and advising the youth
congregation who have taken
up the spiritual practices in their
lives. Brahmacaris typically give
seminars, but also guide and
nurture the youth to ensure their
spiritual foundation is kept strong.
The monks also spend significant
time in the wider congregation. In
addition, on various days of the
week, brahmacaris visit homes
and businesses to encourage
and support the congregation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Ashram devotees are now


participating in all aspects
of the temple including
management (temple council),
cleaning, maintenance, pujari
service, youth preaching, book
distribution, congregational
development, sanga groups and
outreach
More training and education
being provided for residents
Manor is becoming a central
training place for European
centres

ABOUT

ashram@krishnatemple.com

The Ladies
Ashram

Bhaktivedanta Manor is well


known for its ladies ashram
facility and the huge contribution
that is made by its members.
Although ladies ashrams are
not common in India, when
forming ISKCON in the Western
countries Srila Prabhupada
recognised the difference in the
social and cultural climate. As
early as 1968 he called it a great
necessity and took note of the
advancement and sincerity of
his female disciples who wanted
to serve the movement and its
mission in a full-time capacity.

bhajans and talks about Krishna


consciousness. They were aimed
at ladies, but men were also
welcome. Essentially it was an
opportunity for ashram ladies
to get together and mix with
members of the community and
wider congregation. It was all
followed by prasad and one week
we even had a small drama!

This year seven new ladies


experienced ashram life, with
three attending the Ladies
Introductory Program. We have
also had ashram guests who are
here to work on the Manor farm.
Although some have stayed in
Those same individuals have
the ladies ashram a considerable been also attending classes and
time, for most it is a period of
courses.
training before stepping into a
career and family life. Either way, Hema Haladini, part of the ladies
to live the life of a nun or monk
ashram community, is a full-time
, whether for 6 months or for
book distributor and has been
6 years, is an invaluable, lifeencouraging and helping others
changing experience.
take part and appreciate this very
important activity.
Ramadevi was one of the first
to stay in an ISKCON ashram in
The ladies ashram also makes
Britain, when the only temple was considerable contributions to
in Bury Place, central London.
the deity department. Alongside
The main benefit of ashram life
teams of volunteers, ashram
is that you can fully focus your
residents regularly make flower
life on serving Krishna, she
garlands for the deities. Guru
explained. Ashram life gives
Seva dasi and Radha Shakti
one the opportunity to fully
dasi are full-time pujaris. Mother
surrender and learn humility and
Kulangana is now 81 years
tolerance. You learn how to fit
old, making her by far the most
your life around service. Those
senior member of the ashram
staying in the temple learn a lot
community. After so many years
about the high standards of Deity she is still making mangal-arati
worship too and that is extremely sweets, which are famous
important for maintaining longthroughout the ISKCON world.
term standards.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Ladies Ashram offers ladies the


opportunity to become immersed
in Krishna consciousness and to
provide training and education so
they can develop their sadhana
and service and build a spiritual
foundation that will sustain them
throughout their lives.

TEAM

Guru Carana Padma dasi


Lalita Sakhi dasi
Jagat Priya dasi
Vraja-vasini dasi
Manasa Chandra dasi

HIGHLIGHTS

Bhajan Mellow group


Bhakti Vaibhava course
Visited several local towns
doing kirtan, prasad distribution,
and setting up book tables

Jagat Priya dasi explains some


of the new developments in the
ashram: We have developed a
new ashram project which runs
mainly in warmer weather, in
spring and summer. We have
been going out in groups visiting
local town high streets to perform
kirtan, distribute a little prasad,
and we also set up a book table.
Last autumn and winter we
ran a Bhajan Mellows group
on Thursday afternoons in
Srila Prabhupadas darshan
room. These sessions included

Residential
Training

Testimonials
I liked most the Mangal arati,
the lectures, the association,
the Manor itself, the Sunday
Gaura Arati and following
kirtan, and needless to say,
the prasadam!

There was a nice balance


between practical devotional
service and study. I also liked
getting involved in dramas
and nice opportunities for
extra service, and the variety
of it all.

My wife and I would like


to thank all the devotees
for looking after our son so
nicely. We are delighted to
see him doing well in Krishna
Consciousness - he has a
bright future ahead of him and
his few months at the Temple
have been a great start.

Klaus Mulvad

Ben den Ouden

Medvi das

Since October 2012 there have


been three courses. From the
last two courses, three members
have stayed on at Bhaktivedanta
Manor and are now contributing
towards the Congregational
Development, farm and
Manor Training and Education
departments. Two members
are planning further studies in
Mayapur in India, one is currently
serving at another ISKCON
centre, and another is serving in
Dublin.
So far, altogether there have
been 9 Introductory Courses in
the current format, and 47 men
have taken part. During the
Introductory Course the men
perform 20 hours of service a
week in all of the Manors varied
departments.
Since the beginning of the
present Introductory Program
format, 15 individuals went on to
complete a Sabbatical Course.
Six are presently living in the
Manors ashram, five in the
ashrams of other temples, and
nine are aspiring to be, or are
already initiated. Three of these

are brahmin (second) initiated


and out of all those starting the
Introductory Program, 39 are
in regular contact with full-time
ashram devotees.
The Sabbatical, which follows
the Introductory Course, is a 6
month residential course which
gives young devotees a chance
to take time out of their busy
lives and immerse themselves
wholeheartedly in their experience
of Krishna Consciousness.
Three months of the Sabbatical
include a sacred pilgrimage to
India, where young men go on
pilgrimage to Vrindavan, Mayapur
and Jagannath Puri. Along the
way they also attend festivals and
classes by senior devotees.
The three months spent at
the Manor include University
outreach, Sanga programs,
Deity worship, farm work and
the Bhakti Shastri course (study
of the Bhagavad gita and other
literatures). The sabbatical is
now in its 10th year and over
that time over 70 devotees have
participated in the full 6 months
since its inception.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Residential Training at
Bhaktivedanta Manor introduces
the basic practices of Krishna
Consciousness, with the focus
on internal development and
application, setting the foundation
for the Sabbatical programme and
brahmacari ashram, or, later, the
grhastha (married) ashram.

TEAM

Bhakta Pravin
Sundar Madhava das

HIGHLIGHTS

Three introductory courses


offered during the past year
6 month sabbatical course

Bhaktivedanta
Manor School

In the 2012/13 academic year,


the children participated in an
interfaith week whereby the
upper school visited a Buddhist
temple in Hemel Hempstead,
which was very uplifting for
them. The Key Stage One
children spent a whole day
of learning and activity at the
local St. Albans Cathedral. In
addition, the children were
visited by their pen pals at

St. Christophers School in


Letchworth. They participated
in various activities together and
continue to correspond with
the children by writing letters. In
the summer term the children
paid a return visit to their pen
pals in St. Christophers and
did garba together and shared
their experience of learning
Bhagavad-gita.

Furthermore, Bhaktivedanta
Manor school children of Year
6 contributed once again to
the Hertsmere Forum of Faiths
in Borehamwood. This was a
multi-faith event and the children
performed a short skit, led kirtan
and helped with face painting.
Many of the children answered
questions from other children
and adults at our table.

This year the School participated


in a project to understand and
enhance the hedgerows at
Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Along with our Head Gardener
Uddhava and Donato, the
hedgelayer, the children made
a study of trees, the need for
hedges, and willow weaving.
The children planted over 100
fruit and flowering trees along
the drive and kept a diary of the
development of the hedgerow.
This formed the basis for
entering a national environmental
competition.
An annual event is visiting local
retirement homes. The children
sing, perform dramas and
distribute prasad to the residents
at Christmas time. Late last

year they visited the Manors


neighbours at Delrow House as
well as the Sunrise Retirement
Home in Elstree.
The most recent Ofsted report
for the School (February 2012)
stated:
The school provides a good
quality of education and
continues to meet its aims
effectively. The quality of
relationships and the focus
on individuals within a strong
community ensure pupils
outstanding spiritual, moral,
social and cultural development
and behaviour. Arrangements for
the welfare and safeguarding of
pupils of all ages are given a high
priority.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Bhaktivedanta Manor School is


a unique independent primary
school which aims to develop a
childs full potential spiritually,
morally and academically. It
believes in delivering a high
standard of education and preparing
pupils to become individuals of
good character, behaviour and
competence.

TEAM

Main teachers:
Guru Carana Padma dasi
Moksha Laxmi dasi
Padma Malini dasi
Gomatti dasi
Narayani dasi
Dantasya dasi
Vrajasundari dasi
Teachers assistants:
Saraswati dasi
Lokabandhu das
Sridevi dasi

HIGHLIGHTS

Interfaith Week
Enhancing the hedgerows
Formed a new Governing Body
Chairman: Kamlesh Krishna das

ONLINE

bhaktivedantamanorschool.co.uk

11

The Manor
Pre-school

OFSTED said the overall


quality of the provision is
outstanding.
The manager is extremely
experienced and is an
excellent role model. She
and her staff are totally
committed to creating the
best possible outcomes for

The Manor Pre-school has


had some wonderful festivals
over the last year: Childrens
Rathayatra, Gaura Purnima and
Govardhan Puja to name a few.
These festivals are devotional
events designed to involve all the
children as much as possible.
The children help cook with their
parents, buy fruit and flowers
at the shops, dress up very
beautifully in devotional dress
with tilak and gopi dots. They
come together with the Gurukula
children and sing devotional
songs, participate in dramas and
make offerings to the Deities.

the children. Each child is


fully included and they know
individual children extremely
well. There are extremely
effective procedures in place
to ensure childrens physical
and emotional security.
A strong partnership with
parents and other settings
ensures consistency of care

animals the gurukula children


have decorated it with!
Dramas in particular have been
prominent with the children
this year - performing the
pastimes of Lord Krishna and
His associates in Vrndavan. Lord
Rama rescuing Sita, Madhu
Mangal and Yasoda-Damodar
were delightful performances and
the children learned a lot and
also gained in confidence. The
children also enjoyed The Nativity
Play and The Chinese New Year.
The children have had a lot of fun
gardening planting, growing,
picking and offering potatoes,
tomatoes, strawberries, mint etc
to Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha
Gokulananda.

On Rathayatra Day the children


helped pull the cart with Lord
Jagannatha on it round the
Temple and down to the Goshalla
while playng musical instruments It is always a pleasure working
and singing very beautifully!
with the children they are
so enthusiastic to learn be
On Gaura Purnima Day, the
it phonics, numbers, colours,
children participated in the
shapes, songs, poems, dancing,
bathing of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai and or sport!
chanted prayers.

and so that children achieve


their full potential. Her selfevaluation is thorough and
enables her to continually
improve the provision, such
as the development of the
outdoor area, parents views
are included.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

To educate and encourage children


aged 3-5 years old in their
Krishna consciousness, general
development and academic ability.

TEAM

Jagaddhatri dasi
Radhika dasi
Michaela

HIGHLIGHTS

Planting, growing and


cultivating vegetables
Gaura Purnima festival
Trip to Woburn Safari Park

ONLINE

themanorpreschool.org.uk

Govardhan Puja is a favourite,


worshiping the hill and seeing
all the wonderful sweets and

13

ISKCON
Educational Services

14

Most schools come to IES to


learn about Hinduism. Since
ISKCON is an educational
organisation, not merely
religious, we therefore begin our
presentations by unpacking
the term Hinduism. This
leads us into the concept of
Sanatana Dharma. When
we teach Hinduism with this
understanding, we make it clear
that our teachings apply to all
aspects of life. Our process of
teaching is not only firmly rooted
in tradition; it is also relevant and
accessible. It is about now and
is great fun!
By studying the first aim of
ISKCON we have noted how
it reflects the three aspects of
learning: subject knowledge,
skills and values. We do not
present knowledge blindly. At
the same time we are not vague
or obtuse. By being creative
our team directly present the
deeply philosophical truths of the
scriptures in a clear, appropriate
and connected manner. We
demonstrate how the simple
truths of life inform our attitudes,
choices and actions at a very
real, tangible, human level - at
the level understandable to all
our students, whether they are
nursery children, sixth formers,
those with special needs or high
achievers.
Bullock cart rides, role playing,
dressing up, prasadam lunch,
face painting, darshan and kirtan,
question and answer sessions,
and a souvenir shop make for a
day, and lessons on life, never to
be forgotten.

Three years ago IES hosted


120 trainee teachers from The
School of Education, University
of Hertfordshire for a day out
at Bhaktivedanta Manor. Last
year this increased to two days:
this year we received students
for three days! The subject
was Creative Learning, and
according to a Senior Lecturer
in the School of Education,
feedback has been 100%
positive.
Indriyesha das attended the 2013
Annual Education Conference
at Bhaktivedanta College,
Radhadesha. IES are happy
to work in partnership with
the college and other ISKCON
educational initiatives in order
to further our goals in providing
spiritual insight coupled with
educational excellence to our
clients, and sustainable career
opportunities for our devotees.
Quotes from students letters:
I learnt that Hindus are really
friendly to animals and so am I.
Leon, Year 3
I think karma is awesome.
Alex, Year 8
I really liked learning about
Hinduism and Krishna. I was in a
very jolly mood.
Ben, Year 4
The children were engaged
throughout and have had an
amazing experience. Certainly
one of the best school trips I have
done.
Sian, Year 2 class teacher

INSIGHT
ABOUT

To lead the way in fulfilling both


the purposes of ISKCON and the
aims of UK Religious Education by
continuously improving as the most
authentic, credible and nationallyaccessible supplier of educational
resources on Hinduism.

TEAM

Teachers:
Indriyesha Das, Premalata dasi,
Dhira Lalita dasi, Krsnavesa
dasi, Karunesvari Vishnu Priya
dasi
Teaching Assistants:
Yogamaya dasi, Saranagati dasi,
Daya dasi, Gopi Prema dasi

HIGHLIGHTS

Hosted trainee teachers from


University of Hertfordshire over
a three week period
Indriyesha attended the 2013
Annual Education Conference
at Bhaktivedanta College,
Radhadesha.
Karunesvari Vishnu Priya has
taken on the post of Operations
Manager, and is leading the
largest and best team in the
history of IES. We are on target
to break our own record with
216 school visits this academic
year.

ONLINE

ies.iskcon.org

15

Avanti Trust
Schools

In 2012 Her Majesty The Queen


spent an afternoon at the Krishna
Avanti School in Edgware. Later
in the year Prime Minister David
Cameron commended the Trust
on its work. In March 2013,
Krishna Avanti Primary School in
Leicester held its official opening.
The Rt Hon Michael Gove MP,
Secretary of State for Education
cut a ribbon outside Evington Hall
and unveiled a special plaque.

In May 2013, Avanti Schools


Trust announced the forming of
a unique partnership between
the University of Cambridge and
the Avanti Schools Trust. The
CAMAST team plans to create,
develop and research a family
of schools across the globe
which are designed to enhance
the educational experiences of
students within the school and
their wider communities.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Avanti Schools Trust is a family of


state-funded schools that draw
on the teachings of Sri Krishna
Chaitanya. The schools promote
three core ideals of educational
excellence, character formation
and spiritual insight. An inclusive
approach to spirituality means that
at all Avanti Schools, students of any
faith or none are welcome.

TEAM
The Minister was impressed with
the school site and especially
the ethos and said, youve got
parents that are very keen to get
their children in here, its oversubscribed, thats a reflection of
the quality of the school.
The visit was attended by many
community leaders, including
the Bishop of Leicester, The
Lord Mayor, representatives of
the City and County Council and
many friends from the business
community.
It was an opportunity to show
off the school site and the
completed renovations, as well
as thank all those who helped
bring the school together.
The Trust opened two new
schools in September 2012 Avanti Court Primary School
(Redbridge) and Avanti House
School (Harrow).

Both partners are well-respected


in the field of education and
bring complementary skills
and knowledge to this project:
world-class teacher training and
development programmes, a
wealth of academic research, an
international network of school
communities and extensive
international school development
and operating experience.

Chairman: John Simpson


Chief Executive: Nitesh Gor
Director of Education: Janet
Dolan
Finance Director: Kirit Patel
Project Manager: Brij Vadhvania
Brand Manager: Matthew
Whitlock

HIGHLIGHTS

Her Majesty the Queen spent


an afternoon at Krishna Avanti
School Edgware
New schools: Avanti House and
Avanti Court
CAMAST - Avanti Schools Trust
partnership with University of
Cambridge.

ONLINE

avanti.org.uk
camast.org

17

Krishna
Club

We had our very own Bhagavadgita yajna, conducted by their


graces Kripamoya das and Rupa
Goswami das in December
2012. The Temple was full with
children, parents and devotees
all reciting verses from Chapter
9 of Bhagavad-gita As It Is. Each
group presented a play about the
glories of preaching and reading
the Gita.
The Krishna group did a rendition
of Charles Dickens A Christmas
Kirtan, telling the importance
of preaching and caring for
others as Vaishnavas. The older
groups also took part in Srila
Prabhupadas book marathon.
On Govardhan Puja everyone
brought offerings to build
Sri Giriraja a magnificent hill,
adorned with sugar temples,
turtles, peacocks and milkshake
kundas. We had a fantastic
festival with kirtan led by many
devotees, interactive quiz with
the bramacharis, drama, songs
and poems performed by the
children. And of course Harikatha! (narrations about Krishna).
On Srila Prabhupadas
Disappearance Day all the
children, parents and teachers
came together to honour Srila
Prabhupada, and everyone
wrote personal offerings
or sang bhajans. To end a
special occasion, everyone got
the special blessing of Srila
Prabhupadas slippers on their
heads. This festival reminded
us of how grateful we are to
Srila Prabhupada for giving us

INSIGHT

Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda and


Bhaktivedanta Manor.
A new trip this year was our
Sankirtan Festival at Soho Street
with the London yatra devotees,
distributing Srila Prabhupadas
books on the streets of London.
Parents and children had a
brilliant time, singing Kirtan,
and distributing prasadam and
books. The Temple President
HG Jai Nitai Prabhu was very
encouraging and gave tokens of
appreciation.

ABOUT

On Mothers Day, the children


appreciated their mothers in
a very sweet exchange. They
offered prayers to all their Matas
with words of thanks and love,
and Kirti Mataji made the most
beautiful cookies to present to all
the Mothers. The children had the
pleasure of being part of making
ornaments for Their Lordships
40th Anniversary outfit. Mother
Rama devi gave a special
session, and lots of creativity
went into the designs.

We are also grateful to have


been part of the 10 hour Kirtan
in honour of the 40th Anniversary
year. With a 30 minute slot,
children were encouraged to
sing their hearts out to please
Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda. We
are grateful to all the parents,
children and teachers of Krishna
Club for their constant support
and encouragement, and we
look forward to another exciting
year of teaching, preaching and
learning.

Our motto is: Teach Krishna, Preach


Krishna, Reach Krishna.
We provide a balanced system
of Krishna Conscious education
for 6 -18 year olds in a fun and
informative way - the young ones
learn about Srila Prabhupadas
teachings and Vedic philosophy in a
caring and spiritual atmosphere.

TEAM

Vasana-harini devi dasi


Shyama-vallabha devi dasi
Yogendra Sahu
Subuddhi Chaitanya das
Manohara Gopika devi dasi
Aparna Agarwal
Rahul Shah
Govinda das

HIGHLIGHTS

Children distributed books


in London streets for the
Christmas Book Marathon
Special Bhagavad Gita Maha
Yajna & Srila Prabhupadas
Disappearance Day celebrations
Teacher training

CONTACT

krishnaclub@krishnatemple.com

19

ISKCON
Pandava Sena
Each year, Pandava Sena
takes 120 students and young
professionals to a different
ISKCON temple outside of the
UK (generally in Europe) for
about 2 weeks to gain an insight
into Krishna Consciousness.
Through kirtan, seminars,
workshops, activities, projects,
and of course prasadam, the
attendees get the opportunity
to immerse themselves in the

wonderful atmosphere of the rich


and vibrant culture of Krishna
Consciousness.
In the summer of 2012,
attendees who ranged from
15 to 30 years of age were
taken to the scenic and tranquil
surroundings of the Belgian
Ardennes, to a temple called
Radhadesh.

Mentorship Retreat:
For those who have taken their
spiritual lives to a deeper level,
Pandava Sena offers a yearly
retreat to Buckland Hall which
is situated in the stunning
rolling hills of Brecon Beacons,
Wales. Buckland Hall is a
countryside mansion with luxury
accommodation and wood fire lit
seminar rooms, which provides
the attendees with an ideal
atmosphere to deeply engage in
spiritual meditation, interactive
discussions and group music
sessions.
This long weekend has
traditionally been led by
His Holiness Sacinandana
Swami. Previous themes for
the retreat have included
the concept of the Tree of
Life and finding our Sacred
Space within. Sacinandana
Swami guided devotees who
have joined the Pandava Sena
Mentorship system into deeper
aspects of practising Krishna
Consciousness. Famous for
his japa and kirtan retreats,
Sacinandana Swami touched
his audience and left them with
extremely beneficial and practical
techniques to apply in daily life.
Jammin:
Ensuring college students have a
place to come together, socialise
and have honest, clean fun in,
is essential to creating a better
society. Jammin is a fortnightly
programme held in many places
throughout the UK including
Harrow, East London, Crawley,
Leicester and Birmingham.

These sessions provide an insight


into philosophy and spirituality,
which is especially made relevant
for students. The sessions are
facilitated by senior members of
Pandava Sena who specifically
align the sessions to help with
adolescent matters and character
development in a fun and
enthusiastic format.
Through live music, interactive
talks, food and providing a basis
to develop strong friendships,
Jammin is usually the first
interaction our members have
with Krishna Consciousness.
Often Jammin provides an ideal
platform for people to really take
to a Krishna Conscious lifestyle
and is a perfect opportunity to
learn skills that help students in
their university life.
This past year over 40 Jammin
sessions were held countrywide
with an average attendance of 50
in Harrow. Many of the attendees
have now become involved
with the organisation of such
events and regularly attend other
dynamic offerings which Pandava
Sena host.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Pandava Sena was formed in 1994


by a group of young professionals
and students who assisted the
campaign to Save The Manor.
Nearly 20 years on, PS makes
Krishna consciousness philosophy
accessible and relevant to the youth
through festivals, retreats, music,
dramas, and university societies.

TEAM

Sahil Agarwal
Vrindavan Bihari
Kishan Paun
Davina Rana
Madhvi Mulji
Meera Gajjar
Mohini Mistry
Ganesh Singh Bassera

HIGHLIGHTS

Senagetaway: annual 2 week


retreat to Europe - attended by
120 members in 2012
Mentorship Retreat in Wales
40 Jammins held over the
course of the year

ONLINE

psena.com

21

Mentorship
Spiritual Care

The leaders spent last year


helping our various congregations
to re-form into groups of friends
under the structure of our
Mentorship system.

Swami and two members of the


GBC Devotees Care Committee
- Sridama das and Kisori dasi.
These programmes have helped
to give the project shape and
direction.

Help and support has been


forthcoming from throughout
There are about 50 mentors, 160
the ISKCON world, with training
mentees and a dedicated section
sessions from international
on the Manor website.
speakers, and a launch in the
presence of HH Bhakti Rasamrita

Mentorship Retreat in the


Welsh Countryside
In April 2013 members of the
Mentorship system went on
a pastoral skills development
weekend at Buckland Hall in
Wales. The event was part of the
Manors ongoing commitment
to training and education at all
levels of community membership.
Many classes were derived
from the relationship values
found in the sacred Ramayana
and Mahabharata. All the lively
sessions throughout the three
days highlighted skills and values
important for spiritual progress
and particularly in guiding others.
Special guests from Mumbai,
India and Vancouver, Canada,
were Gaura Gopal das and
Visakha dasi respectively, who
both delighted their audiences
with stories and colourful
examples. Old hands Akhandadhi
das and Kripamoya das were
there for additional reflections on
Dharma and Decision-Making
and Developing the Attitude of
Gratitude.

Childrens activities gave parents


the opportunity to attend classes,
and as usual, the first-class
catering and accommodation
made everyone comfortable,
despite the wintry weather of the
Brecon Beacons. The weekend,
one of a series, was organised
by the Bhaktivedanta Manor
Mentorship Committee.
Looking for a mentor?
Email mentorship@krishnatemple.
com with your telephone number
and a member of our team will
contact you to help you find a
suitable mentor. Some of our
most experienced mentors
still have some spaces in their
mentee groups, so contact us
soon to take advantage of their
guidance. Let your spiritual life
reach new heights!

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Helping members of the Manor


congregation to form into groups
of friends which facilitates spiritual
guidance being offered by those
with more experience in Krishna
consciousnsness.

TEAM

Kanhaiya das
Sri Radhika dasi
Kripamoya das
Krishna Purna dasi
Hari Priya dasi
Sundarananda das

HIGHLIGHTS

Official launch of the Manor


Mentorship system
Weekend retreat to the rolling
hills of the Welsh countryside

CONTACT

mentorship@krishnatemple.com

23

Sangas
local gatherings

24

Sat-sanga literally means


association of Krishnas
devotees. Through such
association one acquires great
knowledge and finds fresh
inspiration in ones spirituality. It
is undoubtedly one of the most
important aspects of Krishna
Consciousness. There are over
25 regular sanga gatherings
in different locations across
London. They typically take
place at someones home on a
fixed day of the week and are
attended by 30-40 people of all
ages. Different aspects of Krishna
consciousness are discussed
in a relevant, practical and
interesting way. Each program is
accompanied by Kirtan, bhajans
and prasadam.
Some sangas have been nicely
going on for a long time and have
contributed significantly to the
temple for many years. Some
sangas meet once a week or
twice a month, and all meet at
least once a month with sanga
leaders and facilitators already in
place. There are also at least two
young adult groups.
In terms of sadhana (spiritual
practice) among sanga members
there are those who regularly
chant, read Srila Prabhupadas
books, regularly come to the
temple, do service and help
with festivals, and have mentors
(or are mentors). Some are
initiated. All regular attendees are
encouraged to chant 4 rounds
of the Hare Krishna mantra, read
Srila Prabhupadas books, take
part in temple activities and make
donations etc.

During the meetings members


learn the basics of the Bhagavadgita and have the opportunity
to ask questions and learn
the practical aspects of the
teachings. Importantly, they
are also taking and sharing
association with spiritually
minded individuals and making
new friends.
There are many sangas across
Greater London, but there
are community groups across
England, including:
Watford, Eastcote, Surrey,
Rickmansworth, St.Albans,
Northampton, Reading,
Cambridge, Norwich, Exeter,
Southampton, Bristol,
Maidenhead and Milton Keynes.
Association with those engaged
in a similar line of business is
very conducive to advancement
in that business. Consequently
materialistic persons form
various associations and clubs
to enhance their endeavors.
For example, in the business
world we find such institutions
as the stock exchange and
chamber of commerce. Similarly,
we have established the
International Society for Krishna
Consciousness to give people
an opportunity to associate with
those who have not forgotten
Krishna. - Srila Prabhupada

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Sanga Gathering Development


Committee (SGDC) tries to put
a few hours a week, on top of
other services, to execute sanga
development.

TEAM

Bhakta Pravin
Prasanatma das
Saurabh das
Guru das
Krishnapurna dasi
Madanamohan Govinda das
Prayagaraj das

HIGHLIGHTS

Sangas on Facebook - a Facebook


page was designed to inform
leaders of details of sangas taking
place on a particular week so that
they can visit them.

CONTACT

Krishna Purna devi dasi


krsnapurna@krishnatemple.com
Prasannatma das
prasannatma@krishnatemple.com

25

Sign Krishna
on
to
ISKCON Radha Krishna Deaf
People Association (RKDA) is
not just about deaf people as
you might think! We are open to
everyone, deaf or fully hearing.

issues through the wisdom of


the Vedas, thus helping people
to grow their faith and apply
Krishna consciousness in their
daily lives.

The RKDA provides a way by


which you can connect with
your self (the soul) based on
Srila Prabhupadas teachings
in Bhagavad-gita. We discuss
how to deal with practical life

We have weekly discussions and


study based on Bhagavad-gita
As It Is in sign language.
Last October we held an exciting
Diwali festival organised by

RKDA members for the deaf


community in Coventry. Special
guests included the Mayor of
Coventry, Mr Tom Sawdon, and
his wife Nicky, as well as the
temple president of ISKCON
Coventry. Prema Pradip das
said: Everyone enjoyed the
festival and the Mayor and his
wife were really pleased with the
presentation of the Ramayana
in simultaneous spoken English

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The ISKCON Radha Krishna Deaf


People Association (RKDA) is a
community of both deaf and fully
hearing devotees who wish to
help each other in their spiritual
lives through practical study of
Bhagavad-gita. We offer training to
anyone who wishes to communicate
in sign language.

TEAM

and British sign language by


the 7-year old son of one our
members, Rajeev.
This service to the community
is not restricted to the UK.
Last December, two members
of RKDA exhibited at India
Deaf Expo 2012 where they
met about a thousand deaf
people who were very receptive
and interested in Krishna
Consciousness. After a very
dynamic weekends preaching,
including distributing free
prasadam sweets and a special
DVD called Govinda Prayers in
sign language, RKDAs members
were ready for the next step: a
program at ISKCONs Chowpatty
temple in Mumbai. H.G. Radha
Gopinath Prabhu took time out
from his busy schedule to join us
and give a talk in sign language
in our temple program.
Dayal Gauranga das said: Our
preaching at the Deaf Expo was
based on teaching the chanting
of Hare Krishna with beads, and

a new challenge came when


I met a deaf and blind young
person and shared the mantra
with him - an unforgettable
experience.
We take inspiration from Srila
Prabhupada who wrote:
There are many examples in
history of persons who have
been very much disabled
physically, but still have executed
Krishna Consciousness. Still, up
to date in places like Vrndavana,
India, there are many persons
who are blind, crippled, lame,
deformed, etc., but they are
determined to practice Krishna
Consciousness to their best
ability. So, you should also do
like that. Simply be determined to
practice the process of Bhaktiyoga with whatever abilities
you may have. If you are really
sincere, then Krishna will give
you help. If you require any
medical help, you can take as
much as is needed.

Dayal Gauranga das


Geeta Tawakley
Nirmal and Shilpa Thakkar
Prema Pradip das
Manju Shah
Mayuri

HIGHLIGHTS

Deaf Expo 2012 (Bombay)


Diwali Party (Coventry)

ONLINE

rkdeaf.com

27

Readyto serve

If you ask any volunteer at


Bhaktivedanta Manor why they
do what they do and tirelessly
give so much, they will all tell
you the same thing: We do it for
Krishna!

festival of all festivals, Sri Krishna


Janmashtami (Lord Krishnas
birthday), over 850 volunteers
operate non-stop for twelve
hours on each of the two festival
days. So much dedication and
energy goes into serving the Lord
Most volunteers spring into action and His devotees.
for the largest festivals of the year
- Janmashtami, Diwali and Gaura Volunteers offer expert service
Purnima. Team leaders work
to the temple in a range of areas
with groups of volunteers and
such as law, finance, health and
take responsibility for particular
safety, medicine and therapeutic
areas of service.
care, media and marketing,
design & graphics, building work,
Krishnas volunteers are unique
architecture, managerial training,
and special because they offer
consultancy, gardens and
more than dedication; they
landscaping, events
offer their total devotion, doing
management and hospitality.
their activities for Lord Krishna
Volunteers even help us to obtain
without looking for anything in
the right vehicles so we can get
return. Each volunteer is like a
to events! In our organic farm,
soothing drop of water in a river
it takes forty-five volunteers just
of devotion that bathes the soft
two-and-a-half hours to plant an
feet of Radha and Krishna.
entire field with potatoes. Our
eager helpers work closely with
Usually about three volunteers
nature. They plant pumpkin,
sign up on the website each
courgette, marrow, cucumber,
week at www.manorvolunteering. okra, parsnip, beetroot, carrot
com and, remarkably, we now
and many other varieties of
have almost two thousand
vegetable.
volunteers. After much research,
we calculated that in an average Becoming a Hare Krishna
Volunteer means:
week we have almost five
hundred volunteers coming to
Invitations to special courses
serve for a total of 1800 hours.
Regular picnics and retreats
Everyone knows that at
Opportunities to serve during all
the Manor theres plenty of
the regular festivals
cooking going on; after all, the
Training in various aspects of
Hare Krishnas are known as
Krishna consciousness
practitioners of the kitchen
An opportunity to make new
religion. Associated with cooking
friends and be part of an
are various activities such as
extended community
serving, cleaning and manning
Satisfaction of giving your time
the till at Radharanis Bakery. For
and energy to a worthy cause
our most colourful and ambitious
Sharing Krishna with others

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Volunteer care team looks


after and coordinates the efforts of
around 2000 volunteers.

TEAM

Krsna Purna dasi


Shiv Kerai
Shital Mehta
Arti Patel
Nitin Patel
Darshak Mehta
Krishna Kripa das
Farish Lakhani

HIGHLIGHTS

Volunteers are gearing up to


help celebrate Sri Sri Radha
Gokulanandas 40th birthday!
Special Volunteers Day Seminar
in April - Balancing Lifes
priorities

ONLINE

manorvolunteering.com

29

DailyWorship
Public

30

At Bhaktivedanta Manor a full


programme of worship takes
place every day, beginning at
4.30am.

There are several services


throughout the day at
Bhaktivedanta Manor to which
everyone is welcome:

In the temple room, worship is


centered around the deities, Sri
Sri Radha Gokulananda, Sri Sri
Gaura Nitai and Sri Sri Sita Rama
Laxman Hanuman. Worship
consists of full arati ceremonies,
kirtan and discourse.

4.30-4.55am: Mangal Arati


This is the first temple ceremony
of the day and is considered
mangala (auspicious) for all who
participate.

Many new and experienced


members come to attend these
daily services. On special
occasions, according to the
Vaisanava calendar worship
takes additional forms. Each
festival brings a unique mood and
method of participation.
During the month of Damodara
(Kartik) everyone has the
opportunity to offer a ghee
lamp while the beautiful
Damodarastakam is sung.

4.55-5.15am: Tulasi-arati
Tulasi is a sacred plant which is
very dear to the Lord. Devotees
circumambulate Tulasi-devi and
offer her some water.
7.00-7.05am Deity Greeting
The Deities give Their darshana
(audience) to the devotees.
7.10am Guru-Puja
Devotees offer flower petals
at the lotus feet of Srila
Prabhupada.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Centred around the beautiful Deities


the daily worship programme
attracts thousands every week. It
is led by resident monks and senior
congregation members.

ONLINE

Certain elements of the worship


programme are broadcast live over
the internet. Tune in at:
krishnatemple.com/live

7.30am: Morning Class


A daily lecture on Srimad
Bhagavatam or Caitanya
Caritamrta

During the five days of Jhulan


Yatra pilgrims are able to gently
swing Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda
and offer Them flowers. At
other times special abhishek
ceremonies are conducted.
Visitors can observe these very
initimate occasions and receive
some mahaprasad items.

12.30-12.55pm Raj Bhoga Arati


A full arati ceremony

Arati ceremonies are very special


and worshippers can become
closer to the Lord by participating
in them.

9.00-9.10pm Shayan Arati


The final arati of the day allows
all the devotees to have a last
opportunity of the day to see the
Deities and offer their prayers.

4.20-4.30pm Dhupa Arati


7.00-7.25pm Sandya Arati
Devotees sing Sri Gaura-arati
glorifying Lord Chaitanya and His
associates.
7.30-8:30pm Bhagavad-Gita Class

31

DeityWorship
32

This is a year of special


celebration, marking 40 years
since Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda
were invited to Bhaktivedanta
Manor by Srila Prabhupada
in 1973. Sri Sri Sita, Rama,
Lakshmana and Hanuman have
been worshipped since 1981.
Regardless of their approach
to worshipping God, all visitors
express wonder and genuine
delight upon seeing the beauty of
the Deities on the main shrine.

High standards are expected of


the pujaris - those entrusted
with the Lords personal care.
Apart from a mood of love and
selfless service, punctuality and
cleanliness are the two most
important requirements. During
festivals, the Deities are lavishly
decorated with flower garlands
and intricately designed outfits,
and Their altar is also similarly
decorated. Gadadhara dasa,
head pujari, comments:

On a daily basis, every person


is engaged in serving another.
This inherent propensity to serve
is fully satisfied when directed
towards God. Deity worship
enables us to develop a loving
relationship with God whilst living
in this world. The standards for
Deity worship are described
in exact detail in the revealed
scriptures. When a Deity is
carved and worshipped exactly
according to those instructions,
God personally enters into the
Deity and reciprocates with those
who serve Him.

Bhaktivedanta Manor is unique


because a mock-Tudor house
has been transformed into a
home for the Supreme Lord,
Krishna, and His eternal consort,
Srimati Radharani. They have
kindly accepted residence here
thanks to the loving efforts of
all the devotees. What makes a
temple different from any other
building is that Krishna is fully
recognised as the proprietor and
thus the primary consideration in
any activity here is the desire and
pleasure of the Deities. Krishna is
thus truly the Lord of the Manor.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Deity department tries to


please Their Lordships following the
ancient yet simple techniques of
arcana.

TEAM

Gadadhara das
Dhama Sevana das
Nila Madhava das
Over 100 full and part-time
pujaris

HIGHLIGHTS

Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda


enjoyed a special boat festival
on the Manor lake
Renovation of the altar

33

34

Tulsi
Seva
In the spiritual world of Goloka
Vrindavan, Tulasi Devi is known
as Vrinda Devi, an intimate
associate and expansion of
Srimati Radharani. Her partial
expansion is in the form of the
Tulasi Devi plant. His Divine
Grace Srila Prabhupada states:
Tulasi Devi is a pure devotee
of Krishna, and she should be
treated with the same respect
given to all Krishnas pure
devotees. Simply by worshipping
her faithfully, a devotee can get
himself free from all material
miseries.
This is observed very nicely
at Bhaktivedanta Manor daily
by offering morning worship
to Vrinda Devi, which consists
of prayers, bathing, dressing,
offering fruits and arati. This
service is performed by dedicated
devotees, all volunteers headed
by the Tulasi pujari Lilavati dasi
who has been serving Tulasi Devi
at Bhaktivedanta Manor for 23
years. Vrinda Devi was installed
in 2004.
Under the care of Lilavati dasi,
the Tulasi department has grown
to encompass congregational
members including teachers,
students, dedicated mothers and
ISKCON school graduates, who
find time to offer their devotion.
The training Lilavati provides for
this service covers all aspects
of Vrinda Devis personal care.
This can range from dressing,
sewing and designing outfits and
wigs, caring for Tulasi during

all seasons, water spraying,


collecting leaves and manjaris,
making Tulasi garlands, collecting
seeds to distribute for mail outs,
and cleaning of both the inside
and outside of the Tulasi Devi
greenhouses.
Collecting Tulasi leaves for daily
offerings can range from 230 per
day to 1008; food preparations
are offered hourly during festivals.
Tulasi also provides the leaves
and manjaris for the many
traveling Sannyasis that pass
through the Manor.
The mature Tulasi trees allow the
devotees to harvest many leaves
on a regular basis. Currently there
are 75 Tulasi plants of all different
sizes ranging from 15 mature
trees, 14 medium, 15 small and
31 seedlings.
This year Lilavati dasi completed
her second book about Tulasi The Science of Growing Tulasi
Devi: A Practical Guide, which
contains 90 full colour pictures,
and covers many aspects
of growing Tulasi Devi. The
book will be published by the
Mayapura Academy.
In 2008 the Tulasi houses were
renovated to the beautiful shade
we see today, Lilavati dasi
reminisced. Special thanks to
the members of the community
that came to add their support,
including Prahlad Dainton,
Sangita dd, Sahara, Kishore das
and the Radha Krishna Deaf
Association.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Tulsi Seva devotees take care


of all the sacred Tulasi plants at
Bhaktivedanta Manor. Tulasi leaves
are supplied for the worship of Sri
Sri Radha Gokulananda. The team
also carries out the worship of
Vrinda Devi, the presiding Deity in
the greenhouses.

TEAM

Dressing team includes:


Lilavati dasi
Urjeshvari dasi
Apurva Shakti dasi
Radhika dasi
New to the team:
Sachi Mata dasi
Sangita dasi
Green house maintenance:
Prahlad Dainton
Madhan Mohan das

HIGHLIGHTS

Repainted the floors of both


greenhouses
Lilavati dasi completed her
second book about Tulasi - The
Science of Growing Tulasi Devi:
A Practical Guide.

35

Beautiful
Gardens
The sight of the gardens of
Bhaktivedanta Manor is the
first impression that visitors and
pilgrims receive upon entering the
grounds. With a view to fulfilling
Srila Prabhupadas vision of
developing the Manor into a replica
of Vrindavan, the garden team works
to create a beautiful atmosphere
that is enjoyed by everyone. Since
last year there have been a number
of new developments in the garden

department, explained Head


Gardener, Uddhava das. For a
start, there has been an increase in
the supply of compost from garden
waste. Compost is rich in nutrients.
It is used in gardens, landscaping,
horticulture, and agriculture.
The compost itself is beneficial for
the land in many ways, including as
a soil conditioner, a fertilizer, source
of vital humus and as a natural

pesticide for soil.


Now that the farm shop is
established, the Garden team have
also started to provide plants and
firewood to be sold there. We are
also planting hundreds of more
roses than previous years and have
taken on 7 new volunteers who
help out whenever they can. Late
last year we once again planted
thousands of hyacinths around

the Manor grounds: 8000 in


all with help from a number of
young volunteers. Hyacinths
are grown from bulbs, each
producing around four to six
linear leaves and a few stalks of
flowers. Hyacinths are especially
important as they are used during
the winter for the worship of
Radha Gokulananda, when other
flowers are in short supply. Other
recent activities have included
working with the Manor School
children to plant 100 fruit trees
along the access road.

floriferous, pansies, priscillas,


fuchsias and a large variety
of petunia species. We are
trying to bring out the best of
the English summer, explained
Dwarka Puri das, The beauty of
the flowers gives life, spirit and
joy to the devotees and guests.
This area is adorned with
exotic tropical plants, explained
Vrajanath das standing in the
square enclosure outside the
back of the temple room. This
area in the centre will be used for
summer yajnas.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The gardens team tries to keep


the grounds around Bhaktivedanta
Manor looking beautiful and clean
by gardening, planting flowers,
trimming and cutting.

TEAM

Uddhava das
Janakula das
Narahari Rupa das
Rasananda das
Bhakta Terry
Dwarka Puri das
Vrajanath das
Douglas
Niladri Krishna das

HIGHLIGHTS

Prabhupadas garden renovation


Increased flowers for the Deities
Opening of George Harrison
Garden
Meanwhile, Dwarka Puri das,
Vrajnath das and Douglas have
been beautifying the area at
the Bhaktivedanta Manor main
building reaching from the side
of the theatre, to the back of the
temple room and Cottage. Every
spring and summer guests are
greeted with an array of hanging
baskets, flower pouches and
troughs with a wide range of
flowers including geraniums,

As a 40th Anniversary project, a


team of professionals has been
improving Srila Prabhupadas
Garden. The paving stones have
been improved and levelled, and
the lawn levelled and re-laid. The
annual bedding areas will be
aligned symmetrically and the
Manor grounds team will plant a
lovely flower garden.

37

Bhaktivedanta
Players

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The drama troupe aims to entertain,


educate and inspire its audiences. It
brings scriptures to life and provides
a unique service to the community
and to the general public

TEAM

Its been another eventful year


in the exciting world of the
Bhaktivedanta Players, the
Manors principal drama group.
Following hours of dedicated
studio work by Kishore Murti das,
last Diwali they launched their
new production of Sita in Ashoka
Groves. There was a genuine
need for a new, revamped
version of the Ramayan -the
other version is great but we
had been performing it for two
decades, explained director
Jaya Krishna das. As the title
suggests, this new play centres
around Sitas point of view: from
the moment she is kidnapped
by Ravana, and it shows her
loyalty to Rama during her time in
Ashoka Groves. There are some
great songs in the play which
really carry the performance to a
new level.
For months the Players worked
on another new recording, this
one made especially to mark
Bhaktivedanta Manors 40th
Anniversary. Prabhupada comes

to London includes scenes


depicting Srila Prabhupadas
spiritual master, Bhaktisiddhanta
Sarasvati Thakur, and his desire
to bring Krishna consciousness
to London. As well as Srila
Prabhupada himself, of course,
the play also includes George
Harrison and John Lennon. It
portrays Georges very generous
and helpful mood, including his
donation of Bhaktivedanta Manor.
The play concludes in perhaps
the only way it could: with Srila
Prabhupada installing the deities
of Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda.
Following an emotional
performance of The Golden
Avatar during Gaura Purnima,
the Players began work on, and
continue to work on, a huge
project called The Mahabharat:
the plan of Lord Krishna. This
performance, scheduled to be
premiered at the Watford Palace
Theatre this November, promises
to be a roller-coaster ride of
action, adventure and emotion.

Dwaraka Puri das


Jaya Krishna das
Radha Mohan das

HIGHLIGHTS

New plays:
Sita in Ashoka Groves
Jaya Prabhupada performed in
London
Mahabharat The plan of Lord
Krishna

39

40

Radharanis
Bakery & Temple Shop
INSIGHT
ABOUT

The temple shop offers a wide


range of edible items and devotional
paraphernalia for visitors to the
temple

TEAM

A popular destination for visitors


to the temple, the shop provides
delicacies, hot and cold snacks,
fresh sweets and cakes. Many
visitors take advantage of the
shops catering service for their
special events.
The temple shop also provides
all sorts of devotional items
including murtis, posters, arati
paraphernalia, mrdangas,
kartalas, incense etc. Some
items of clothing (dhotis, kurtas,
T-shirts) are also available.

Items available include:


Freshly baked loaves of
bread, cookies, fried snacks
(chewda, bhusu, chakri,
mohantal etc)
Hot dishes - chilli paneer,
parathas, rolls, chips,
samosas and kacoris
Deserts - cheesecake,
carob sweets, carrot halva.
Cold drinks, tea bags, honey
And much more...

Acarya Sevaka das


Ajay Kumar
Raghuvaha das
Labhanga dasi
Ananda Vigraha dasi
Isha Malur
Smita Rao
All the Masis
Dwaraka Puri das

HIGHLIGHTS

We now have a new bakery


manager on board - Ajay Kumar

CONTACT

shop@krishnatemple.com

41

Weddings
at the Manor

42

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Weddings are one of the most


important religious rituals in ones
life. Bhaktivedanta Manor, with its
beautiful, spacious building and
grounds, is a perfect venue for this
auspicious ceremony.

TEAM



Nila Madhava das


Reena Patel
Tulsi Seva dasi
Brajalata dasi

ONLINE

manorweddings.com

43

Heartwarming
Festivals

44

INSIGHT
ABOUT

A special festival team has the


challenging task of creating
wonderful experiences for
thousands of pilgrims every year
- who come from far and wide
to see the Lord in His home. The
team plans, manages and delivers
five main festivals each year
(Gaura Purnima/Holi, Ramanavami,
Janmashtami, Dusshera, Diwali)
plus numerous smaller celebrations
from the Vaisnava calendar.

TEAM

Headed up by Ajay Kumar and


Dilip Patel

HIGHLIGHTS

40th anniversary celebrations


- a series of special events
throughout the year
Grand Adi Vaas Puja 500
attendees in March 2013
Opening of George Harrison
Garden

45

Bhaktivedanta
Kitchen
Players
Religion

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Kitchen provides healthy and


wholesome prasadam to residential
devotees and the wider community
alike. They contribute to Srila
Prabhupadas mission by actively
distributing as much prasadam as
possible.
At the end of March this year
Patanjali Muni das took over
from Lalita Sakhi dasi as Head
of the Bhaktivedanta Manor
kitchens. Lalita served tirelessly
for 10 years and her former team
members have expressed how
much they will miss her.
I feel ecstatic to be able to
serve the devotees and consider
it a privilege to be a humble
part of the kitchen team,
explained Patanjali Muni das.
We endeavour to cook a variety
of tasty prasad which is both
healthy for the body and healthy
spiritually too. That is what the
kitchen department is about.

Champakalata dasi joined the


kitchen team in November 2012.
Coming Monday to Friday,
Champakalata dasi has been
using her considerable skill and
experience to improve the quality
and taste of the prasadam,
explained Patanjali Muni das.
She has been a great inspiration
and guide to us all.

The kitchens have received


positive feedback from the
Environmental Health Officer from
Hertsmere Borough Council.
The Officer said, Further to
my inspections, I was very
pleased to see that significant
improvements had been made
to the overall cleanliness,
preparation arrangements
At present there is an internal
study being conducted, exploring and implementation of the
Food Safety management
ways how to make the prasad
system as well as the attitude
even more nutritious and
and engagement of key team
balanced. That might lead to
members on food safety
a slightly different menu in the
future, but lets wait and see.
matters.

TEAM

9 full-time members
Headed by Patanjali Muni das

HIGHLIGHTS

Patanjali Muni became head of


the kitchen in March 2013.
Champakalata dasi joined the
team as our newest member
Received positive feedback
from Environmental health
officer from Hertsmere Borough
Council.

47

Bhaktivedanta

Manor Foundation

Bhaktivedanta Manor Foundation


runs a number of programmes
that allow sincere individuals
to contribute to the success of
Bhaktivedanta Manor. Its principal
offering is the Patron Programme
this presents individuals and
businesses with the opportunity
to offer 108 per month to
support Bhaktivedanta Manors
activities and future.
Currently there are three hundred
patrons. In order to serve
Bhaktivedanta Manors ideal
budget, BMF invites many more
people to enrol as patrons. The
Foundation is monitored by the
Council of Patrons, which meets
the Temple President regularly.
2005 saw the launch of
Bhaktivedanta Manor Maha
Patrons - each Maha Patron
contributes 6000 annually
for the ongoing work at
Bhaktivedanta Manor.

In 2008 two more categories of


patron became available: New
Gokul Patrons and Krishna-Avanti
Patrons, designed to supply
funds for the two major projects
of the Manor, namely New Gokul
(Britains foremost centre for cow
protection) and Krishna Avanti,
the first state-funded Hindu
school in the country.
With plans in progress for a new
purpose built Haveli on the Manor
estate, a fundraising campaign
has been launched.
The Foundation invites everyone
to come forward and offer their
support for any of these vital
projects.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Bhaktivedanta Manor Foundation


(BMF) is the main fund-raising and
congregational care department
of Bhaktivedanta Manor. It was
established in 1988 with the aim of
providing a sound financial base for
Bhaktivedanta Manors projects and
activities.

TEAM

Nila Madhava das


Saurabh
Sadanand
Navadvip Chandra das
Yogendra Sahu
Radha Premi Dasi
Kamal
Syamananda Pandit das

HIGHLIGHTS

2013 - the launch of fundraising


for the Manors Haveli project
40th Anniversary House of
Lords function
Altar Refurbishment

CONTACT

bmf@krishnatemple.com

49

Book
Distribution
With Srila Prabhupadas mission
in mind, a dedicated team of
fifteen devotees have committed
their time to travelling round the
UK, giving people a chance to
take up spiritual life.
Since last Janmashtami around
100,000 books have been
distributed on streets, in homes,
at university campuses and even
within hospitals and prisons. The
Manor has two book distribution

marathons each year - the


Summer and Winter Marathonswhere temple and congregation
devotees alike put aside other
services and distribute Srila
Prabhupadas books to as many
people as they can. Of particular
note this past year was the
Winter Marathon, which was a
huge success for Bhaktivedanta
Manor. Only around fifteen
devotees were out full time
from the Manor contingent,

but almost fifty others went


out over the three-and-a-half
week period to distribute Srila
Prabhupadas transcendental
literatures. Their efforts were
remarkable, especially given one
of the harshest winters in recent
years with temperatures in some
travelling areas dipping to near
-10 degrees Celsius. The solid
efforts of many, however, put
the Manor at the top of the UK
temples table, having distributed
a total of over 22,000 books - a
feat not achieved for many a year.
Furthermore, three devotees from
the top four in the country were
Manor-based. On a global level,
the marathon efforts took the
Manor to seventh position in the
large temples category!
Weekend Warriors is a
programme started in recent
years at the Manor, whereby
devotees are able to experience a
combination of book distribution
and Harinama within the relative
safety of a large group and with
experienced and senior devotees
present to provide guidance and
moral support. It is a great family
event to facilitate devotees old

and new in getting an experience


of sharing Krishna consciousness
with the masses. Over the past
year, there have been regular
fixtures, with visits to towns such
as Windsor, Slough, Reading
and Maidenhead. There has
also been a high incidence of
individuals meeting devotees at
such events and consequently
attending local programmes.
We must also applaud the
numerous householders who
regularly go out on the streets to
distribute books, often emptying
the Manor book room. Despite
busy lives and various family
commitments, some stalwart
devotees remain dedicated
to this wonderful service and
are determined to please Srila
Prabhupada.
We encourage anyone interested
in having a go to contact
the book distribution leader
for Bhaktivedanta Manor on
distributebooks@krishnatemple.
com. We would be happy to
facilitate you in any way we can.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

To distribute the books of Srila


Prabhupada in as many different
forums as possible, and to explore
ways in which members can offer
advice and support for those who
have received and are reading the
books.

TEAM

Sutapa das (head)


4 full and 6 part time members
20-30 regular congregational
distributors

HIGHLIGHTS

Sacred Street Parties have


been happening weekly a
team of devotees from the
temple join forces with
congregation members and visit
local towns such as Slough,
Harrow, Bracknell, Reading,
Maidenhead, Wood Green,
Edgware, St Albans and Hemel
Hempstead
Another amazing Christmas
marathon 35,000 books
distributed, over 300 devotees
participated
New methods of distribution
are evolving now smart boxes
in local shops, placing books
in prisons and hospitals, and
exploring opportunities to place
books in hotels

51

University Societies (KC


Soc) With societies in many
London Universities (including
LSE, UCL, Brunel, Imperial,
Kings, SOAS, Queen Marys, St
Georges, City and Roehampton),
as well as the Midlands
(Aston, Birmingham, Coventry,
Nottingham, Leicester) and
many other Universities (Cardiff,
Hertfordshire, Cambridge,
Oxford, Southampton, Plymouth
and Warwick).
Weekly Think Out Loud
sessions are extremely practical,
enjoyable and eye-opening,
and add a thought-provoking
aspect to the University life of any
student who wishes to deepen
their understanding of who they
are and how to maximize their
potential. With over 20 KC Socs
throughout the country and
over 300 events this year, each
KC Soc provides a fresh and
innovative outlook on life.
KC Soc Retreat: The midyear retreat is an opportunity

to experience spiritual life at


the heart of ISKCON UK Bhaktivedanta Manor which
is situated in the tranquil
countryside of Hertfordshire. In
a refreshingly nourishing day
of easily digestible spirituality,
attendees have the opportunity
to engage in agricultural
conservation work in our cow
protection farm, attend yoga
and mantra meditation sessions,
as well as vegetarian cooking

demontrations. The interactive


discussions led by residents
at the temple also provide an
opportunity for individuals to
experience what a monks life is
like in the urban age.
New Branding: With the ever
increasing medium of digital
marketing being almost second
nature to most of us nowadays,
we wanted to revamp KC Soc as
a brand. This creative challenge

Krishna
Societies
INSIGHT
ABOUT

KC Socs offers forums for


students to think deeper, give
direction in life and experience a
deeper level of insight by connecting
with like-minded people. Through
dynamic philosophical discussions,
and training in skills such as
meditation, students can learn the
art of leading successful, happy
lifestyles.

TEAM

Ghanashyam Priya das


Janakinath das
Nikhil Padhiar
Anand Dattani
Dipna Thakrar
Saakshi Kaushik
Roshni Devlukia
Pancali Hume

HIGHLIGHTS
was taken up by a team of
KC Soc presidents, students and
session presenters who were
able to effectively utilise their skill
sets in formulating new logos,
websites, flyers, merchandise
and various other channels of
promotional material. The result
is a cutting edge persona for the
societies with a professional look
and feel which has received good
feedback and led to increased
interest in the societies.

20 active KC Socieities around


the country
KC Soc Retreat
Rebranding of KC Socs

53

Mail
Order

INSIGHT
ABOUT

To supply devotional paraphernalia


and books far and wide to support
individuals and families in their
spiritual progress.

TEAM

With the availability of increased


storage space, the Mail Order
team is making available a wider
range of devotional items.
We are grateful to all our past
and future customers and look
forward to serving you.
The mail order service provides:

Acarya Sevaka das


Mahamantra das
Barry

HIGHLIGHTS

Increased warehouse space for


storage and improved service
speed.

ONLINE

krishnashopping.com

One of the largest collection


of books by Srila Prabhupada
in the world
Devotional books and
commentaries on scripture
Childrens books
Arati paraphernalia
Japa beads, neckbeads,
bead bags, counters etc
Murtis
Posters
CDs, DVDs
Basic devotional clothing

55

Public
Kirtan

The daytime harinam team visits


a local town every Saturday and
leads a chanting procession for
the pleasure of the townsfolk and
shoppers. The team distributes
Srila Prabhupadas books, and
gives out prasadam to passersby. The harinams generally last
around two hours and many
devotees join in every week.

ultimately provide a template


and an inspiration to groups in
other cities and towns in the UK
and further afield who would like
to share kirtan with a broader
audience.

We have been holding a special


6-Hour Kirtan four times per
year in Central London with
up to 250 attendees, as well a
For many years devotees from
monthly Mantra Lounge evening
Bhaktivedanta Manor and the
in Covent Garden. We have
congregation have been joining
also taken part in lots of smaller
devotees from the central London events sharing kirtan in homes
temple for the Saturday evening
and yoga studios, and at some
harinam. This is a regular fixture festivals, like the Mind Body
of the Saturday evening Oxford
Spirit at Earls Court, where we
Street scene! In the run up to
created a Pop Up Temple. We
Janmashtami, a special three
are currently planning creative
day street chanting marathon is
ways of sharing kirtan outdoors,
planned.
including Kirtan in the Park and
mantra meditation flash mobs.
Kirtan London was set up
approximately one year ago. It
Eventually we would love to
is an umbrella-brand for lots of
see small kirtan events being
different events with a common
regularly held in all of the London
focus to help nurture a diverse, boroughs. We will also be hosting
London-wide community of
workshops and retreats as the
kirtan lovers, with a focus on
project grows, to help support
creating relevant and accessible
deeper understanding of kirtan
experiences of kirtan. Our
practice and tradition.
hope is that our activities can

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Harinam and public kirtan events


allow everyone to experience the
pleasure of chanting Krishnas
names. They create awareness
of Hare Krishna devotees and
enourage members of the public
to visit local temples such as
the Manor. Participants also
feel a tangible sense of personal
fulfilment!

TEAM

Harinams: Ananta Purusottama


das, Sukhadeva das, Giovani,
Atmeswara das, Mangal Hari
das, Govinda das, Parasurama
das
Kirtan London: Jahnavi
Harrison, Krishna Kirtan das,
Bala Nimai das, Krishna Lila
das, Jai Murari dasi

HIGHLIGHTS

Kirtan London launched


Special harinams in Reading,
Milton Keynes
Especially good response from
locals in several new locations
- Hitchin, Hatfield, Chesham,
Welwyn Garden City.

57

Over the last year the cows at


New Gokul produced 30,000
litres of milk altogether, and the
oxen worked for over 3,000
hours in the fields pulling the
plough and harrow, spreading
compost and giving rides to
school children.

that it had been known that some


special cows can give milk even
without ever giving birth to a calf!
This is something most unusual
in commercial dairy farms, yet not
at ISKCON farms it seems!

Syamasundar das suggested


to the Simhacalam farm
ISKCONs miracle cows
management that if they tried
Syamasundar das attended a
milking the calf-less cow she
might eventually yield some milk.
festival in Germany at ISKCONs
Simhacalam farm project. Whilst To his pleasant surprise the next
there he noticed that one of the
time he visited Simhacalam he
observed that the same cow was
non-milking cows had a slightly
providing the community with 7
swollen udder. He had heard
testimonies from devotee sources litres of milk each day!

When German devotees first


carried out this experiment water
came out of the cows udder,
but after a short time the water
gradually turned into milk. This
was the first time that the Temple
had received milk from one of
their cows for a long time.
There have also been miracle
cows at Bhaktivedanta Manor
New Gokul. Syamasundars first
experience was a cow called
Kalindi who it was reported had
given 8 litres of milk for a full 10
years. Kalindi had never had a
calf but one day it was noticed

New Gokul
cow protection

INSIGHT
ABOUT

New Gokul provides milk for the


temple and its departments, trains
working oxen and ensures all the
cows are fully protected, and all
their needs are provided for.

TEAM

that she had a slight swelling in


her udder. She was milked, and
as in Germany, gradually the
water turned into milk. As time
passed Syamasundar das heard
that a number of our ISKCON
farms around Europe had similar
stories to tell.
In the last decade the Manor
farm, New Gokul, had a cow
called Draupadi who gave milk
for over 9 years since she had
her calf, and in her last year was
still giving about 15 litres of milk
each day. That is a huge amount!
At ISKCONs farm in Hungary,

Krishna Valley, it is now quite


common for a cow without a calf
to yield milk.
We can see that Krishna has
given us miracle cows because
they produce such an important
food in the form of milk, said
Syamasundar das. I am sure it is
because the cows feel loved and
protected in our farms. Perhaps
next time you are drinking some
milk you can reflect on how
wonderful the cow is, who has
a special relationship with Lord
Krishna and humankind.

Farm Activities
Syamasundara das
Jaya Krishna das
Kamlesh Krishna das
Nandagopala, Madana
Balimardana, Abhijan
Candrakant,
Taruna Krishna das
Rasaparayana das
Lidya
Karunesvari Visnupriya das,
Rabindra das,
Rasananda, Daya
Dairy
Lalitasakhi, Rati, Parat
Farm Shop
Lainey
Mathew (Matty)
Marrisa

HIGHLIGHTS

Syamasundara das and Kevin


attended pillars of sustainability
conference in Hungary funded
by Grundtvig European Grant.
Produced own Cow Dung
Patties for ceremonial and
havan purposes.
Developed the working of four
oxen in line.

ONLINE

krishnatemple.com/newgokul

59

60

Horticulture
working the land
INSIGHT
ABOUT

This year many new vegetables


are being grown, including five
different types of pumpkin, bottle
gourd (or long melon), dudhi
(or long pumpkin), coriander,
fenugreek and dill (Lao coriander).
Also, after a spell of absence,
Krishna Caitanya das is starting
to grow sweet corn, swede and
parsnip again.
Altogether that means on
the nine allocated acres at
Bhaktivedanta Manor there are
now 40 vegetables, herbs and
fruits being grown. That is more
than ever before!
But there have been challenges.
The wet weather and prolonged
winter meant that planting
was late this year. But Krishna
Caitanya das is receiving more
and more help too. Members
of the World Wide Organisation
of Organic Farms (WWOOF)
come five days a week. A Hindu
community group comes on
Sundays, Adult Education groups
from Watford and Borehamwood

come on Mondays and


Thursdays, and the Probation
group comes 3 days a week.
All the groups help in sowing,
potting, planting, weeding and
harvesting.
As you can imagine all these
people provide a great boost to
the project, explained Krishna
Caitanya das. It would be
impossible to grow so much
without them. Their hard work
and positive attitude towards
horticulture and the ethics behind
it is a great inspiration to me.
There is now a pipe connecting
the water borehole in New Gokul
to the base of the horticultural
project: Holland Farm. This is
a great new development for
us. We use this new supply of
water to wash the equipment
and working areas and especially
water the plants, said Krishna
Caitanya das.

To grow a wide variety of


vegetables, herbs and fruits to
provide for the Temples kitchens
and promote a more natural, rural
way of life.

TEAM

Krishna Caitanya das


Gerry Bishop
local adult education, community and probation groups
WWOOF volunteers

HIGHLIGHTS

New water supply from New


Gokul
More group volunteers and
manpower
Now growing 40 varieties of
vegetables

61

Ahimsa
Dairy Foundation

The modern food industry is


driven by a relentless search
for profit at the expense of the
environment, animals, farmers
and consumers. Soil quality is the
most critical element of our food
production, but the chemical
fertilisers sold to farmers by a
handful of agro-chemical giants
poison our soil and lock farmers
into an expensive cycle of
dependency.
In the UK there is now the
spectre of the mega-dairy, which
already exists in America. In this
thousands of cows are kept
inside for most of the year and
rarely allowed to do what cows
do naturally - go into the fields
to graze. They are forced into
constant pregnancy and male
calves are slaughtered as a
by-product. More than 100,000
meet this fate in the UK annually.
Food used to be seen as a gift
from nature. It is now regarded
as a commodity to be traded
along with the animals that help
us produce it. We want to see an

agricultural renaissance, which


enables small farmers to fight
back and produce food, locally
and sustainably with high welfare.
Fundraising efforts continue to
support the project. In June
2013, 10 year old Gopi Tanna
swam 2.5km for the Ahimsa
project (in collaboration with The
Lotus Trust). In July a small group
cycled from London to Oxford
led by 7 year old Jude from North
London.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Ahimsa Dairy Foundation


is a non-profit organisation that
produces and delivers entirely
slaughter-free and organic milk to
the London and Home Counties.
Cows are retired when they are too
old to give milk and male calves are
spared from being killed as most
are in a conventional dairy. We treat
all of our animals with dignity until
the end of their lives.

HIGHLIGHTS

November saw the purchase of


a new fridge van to enable milk
to be delivered within 24 hours.
April 2013 saw the installation
of a refurbished processing unit
May saw the launch of the
Ahimsa Basket with several
yoghurts and cheeses available
for mail order.

ONLINE

ahimsamilk.org

63

FoodFor All

64

Feed the 5000


Feed the 5000 is a project which
takes perfectly fresh fruits and
vegetables destined for landfills
and uses them to provide
people a free vegetarian lunch
in major cities, with the purpose
of highlighting the issue of food
waste by large supermarkets.
Food that is over produced, the
wrong size or shape or with
defective packaging is effectively
used to distribute copious
amounts of delicious Prasad.
Tristan Stuart, a friend of
Parasuram das, organises the
events which started in London
but are spreading to major cities
abroad. In November 2012 Feed
the 5000 reached Dublin, and a
van load of devotees made their
way to the Irish capital to help
with the cooking and distributing.
The Mayor of Dublin came to give
a hand, and as always the media
came out to record a piece of the
action.
Paris Feed the 5000 was
sponsored by the French TV
channel Canal Plus. Its managing
director helped to chop the
vegetables, and the channel
even organised a team of French
celebrities to serve!
Despite the heavy rain, 5500
locals and tourists took prasad
and 5 Television crews came
to interview the Food for All
devotees. The French media
were amazed at the size of the
pots and it gave the devotees
a great opportunity to speak

about vegetarianism, karma, food


economics and spiritual solutions.
During their weekend in Gay
Paris the devotees managed
to squeeze in a number of
harinamas (street processions)
which made the whole journey
even more worthwhile.
Food Glorious Food
Director Parasuram das entered
a nationwide cookery competition
aired on BBC2, with the Food
for Alls kitchari, entitled a Poor
Mans Feast fit for a King.
The BBC2 crew came to film at
the Manor four times, all day,
covering the morning program
and the cooking for 900 people
daily in the kitchens. In Kings
Cross they interviewed a
homeless person who raised
a few eyebrows when he said
on camera, It is essential that
people eat karma free food
that has been offered to Lord
Krishna.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

To distribute copious free, nutritious


sanctified vegetarian meals (prasad)
to the needy and other members of
the public.

TEAM

Parasuram das
Arjuna das
Akincha
Brahmasutra
Rakshana
Rasananda
Jenny

HIGHLIGHTS

Feed the 5000 projects in Paris


and Dublin
Appeared on BBC2s Food
Glorious Food cooking
competition.

So after Parasurams special


kitchori was selected to the final
rounds of the competition, he
was invited to Knebworth House
for the judging. There were 50
contestants and celebrity judge
Lloyd Grossman loved the
food and spent the interview
discussing spiritual life.

65

Lotus
Trust

The Lotus Trust has worked on


a number of projects since its
launch.

growing and harvesting an array


of fruits and vegetables. The
Care Farm initiative decided
to explore further with new
Notably, the Lotus Trust worked
organisations to attract more
with the UK Hindu Community
help and to create transformative
in assisting the disaster relief
experiences. This resulted in
efforts in Haiti. It partnered with
interest from Hertfordshire
Global Food for Life who coProbation Services in January
ordinated food and water relief
2011, which sent a group once
activities from the ISKCON centre a week. The Community Service
in neighbouring Santo Domingo, Volunteers (CSV) scheme often
where a dedicated Haiti Relief
had competent people who
base was set up. A number of
appreciated the work at the
ISKCON devotees travelled to
farm. With positive results, the
the area to assist with food relief Care Farm initiative then went on
efforts.
to work with the Hertfordshire
Constabulary to enable select
On Sunday 18th July 2010, the
individuals to work with oxen.
Lotus Trust hosted a charity walk
in Fryent Country Park, Kingsbury With specific focus and input
in order to raise money for some from Krishna Caitanya das, the
great causes, namely:
CSV programme has jumped
to another level over the past
Ahimsa (slaughter-free) milk
year. The volunteers started to
campaign
come twice a week with ever
Great Ormonds Street Hospital more positive feedback of their
(GOSH)
experiences on the farm. After
recent legislative changes in local
The Lotus Care Farm was initially government, the Hertfordshire
launched in February 2010. With Probation Services department
support from the Hertfordshire
has now requested to send
Community Foundation
several different groups over 6-7
Grassroots programme,
days a week. The farm has also
the initiative has worked in
been nominated for this years
partnership with Watford Day
Howard League for Penal Reform
Services and the Borehamwood
Awards. These are Annual
Multipurpose Day Centre to
Awards to celebrate best practice
facilitate adults with learning
in community sentencing and
difficulties in work experience and championing the cutting edge
training in horticultural and landof the Criminal Justice System
based skills at Bhaktivedanta
with work in the community that
Manors organic farm on the
challenges and changes people
far corner of the property. The
for the better.
farm was in constant need of
more hands to help with sowing,

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The Lotus Trust was established


in 2005 as an International charity
working in the UK and overseas
to alleviate poverty and distress.
It is an educational, relief and
development agency seeking to
transform lives and improve the
environment both in the UK and
overseas.

TEAM

Sita Rama das


Srutidharma das
Rameswara das
Gauri das

HIGHLIGHTS

Expansion of the Lotus Care


Farm initiative

67

Communications
68

Bhaktivedanta Manor
Communications is one of the
most dynamic departments of
its kind in the ISKCON world.
The team has recently welcomed
Devaki dasi as the Manager of
Communications to help string all
the activities together and make
sure all the practical duties are
carried out. Some of the most
significant events during the last
year have included:
Krishna Eco Farm Scotland
The Manor Communications
team flew up to bonny Scotland
and worked with the local
devotees to organise and
promote the grand opening of
Lesmahagows new Eco Farm.
Michael McCann, MP for
East Kilbride, Strathaven and
Lesmahagow, opened the
Farm and was guest of honour
at the event, which was also
attended by Margaret Morton
and Susan Haughey, Deputy Lord
Lieutenants of Lanarkshire and
many local and national guests.
Everyone saw demonstrations of
various sustainable technologies
including Solar Thermal Panels,
Air Source Heat Pumps, Wind
Turbines, and a Biomass Energy
Centre.
Faith and Leadership at
Lambeth Palace
Srutidharma das, Sita Rama das
and Radha Mohan das joined
a host of dignitaries including
the Archbishop of Canterbury
and Eric Pickles MP at Lambeth
Palace to celebrate an ongoing
series of courses aimed at young
people from a variety of faith
backgrounds.
Executive Event at HSBC
Radhanath Swami and Alfred
Ford (Ambarish das) were
Guests of Honour at an exclusive
Client and Executive Event
in St Jamess sponsored by
HSBC Private Bank, London.
Event organizer and host, Sri
Radha Raman das arranged for
Chairmen, corporate partners,
MPs, Lords and CEOs from
a variety of industries to hear
keynote speeches on the subject

of creating a culture towards


wealth management.
Save the River Yamuna
The Yamuna is one of the
most sacred rivers in India but
unfortunately these days south
of Delhi it flows with untreated
sewage and factory waste.
Last year Manor Communications
devotees, together with Hindu
community leaders across the
UK, delivered a letter of appeal
to the High Commissioner
His Excellency Dr J Bhagwati
insisting he take up the matter
with Indias Prime Minister.
The campaigning sadhu, Shri
Brajraj Sharan, brought his
solemn message to the Manors
Janmasthami festival, where he
collected thousands of signatures
for a petition that was delivered
to the Indian government.
Since then the Supreme Court
has asked a panel of experts
to suggest ways the Indian
government can close all the
drains leading into the river.
Diwali prayers at Number 10
The Prime Minister David
Cameron MP hosted his third
annual Diwali celebration at 10
Downing Street. That evening
the famous residence was
transformed into a temple,
with divas, rangoli patterns,
ornaments and a beautiful
framed picture of Sri Sri Radha
Gokulananda. To start the
evenings festivities, the Prime
Minister requested Srutidharma
das to perform Vedic prayers.
Religious Freedom promoted
at the House of Lords
Gauri das and Radha Mohan
das represented ISKCON at a
conference held at the House of
Lords entitled Religious Freedom
and Religious Equality in the 21st
Century. Chaired by Revd Peter
Owen-Jones, and attended by
25 different faiths and academic
and legal specialists, the purpose
of the event was to petition the
Interfaith Network UK to be
more receptive towards minority
religious groups.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Bhaktivedanta Manor
Communications works to create
and sustain favourable and honest
relations and environments so that
ISKCON as a whole may better
understand and be understood by
all parts of society as a growing and
diverse religious community.

TEAM

Vinay Tanna
Gauri das
Radha Mohan das
Srutidharma das
Devaki dasi
Alpesh Patel
Prashant Dewani

HIGHLIGHTS

Opening of Scottish Eco farm


40th Anniversary celebrated at
House of Lords
40th Anniversary Yajna

69

Hare Krishna Temple

2012

Bhaktivedanta Manor

Educa
tion

Bhaktivedanta Manor:

Festivals

Years of Devotion

e
rvic
Se

ty
Dei

Cow Protec

ti o n

ip
rsh
wo

It took thousands of people forty years to make Bhaktivedanta Manor the vibrant spiritual community it is
today; and every single one of them played a vital part.
It all began with the vision of a pure devotee of Lord Krishna, and it continues today through the good
work of those who are dedicated to him. The next forty years of the Manor will be in the hands of another
generation: those who are sufficiently inspired by what he created to protect it, and give it to the world.
In these few pages we present a glimpse of the history of the Manor through a selection of photographs
spanning four decades. Not every individual gets a personal mention, but we've included all the major events
that helped preserve the Manor from its early beginnings and through its many challenges. We look forward
to the next forty years and invite all our readers to join together in creating the future of the community.
Helpful Website
Main website of Bhaktivedanta Manor
Mail-order - books and other items
Recordings for download, live streaming
ISKCON Pandava Sena - Youth
Spirituality for beginners
ISKCON around the UK

www.
krishnatemple.com
krishnashopping.com
gokulananda.co.uk
psena.com
krishnawisdom.com
iskconuk.com

Contact Us
Bhaktivedanta Manor
Dharam Marg | Hilfield Lane
Aldenham | Herts | WD25 8EZ
For satnav use postcode WD25 8DT
01923 851000
info@krishnatemple.com

Life, Service and Celebration

at the Home of Lord Krishna

Visit www.krishnatemple.com for the latest news, upcoming events and festivals

2013 Bhaktivedanta Manor | International Society for Krishna Consciousness | Founder Acarya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA, KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE, HARE RAMA HARE RAMA, RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

1973-2013

Publications
18 Simple StepS to KriShna

SONG BOOK

Bhakti Life

HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE

in house
Bhagavad Gita
A Short Summary in Acronyms
Based on Bhagavad Gita As It Is by
His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Produces regular newsletters,


leaflets, posters, and larger volumes,
such as the annual Janmashtami
magazine (yes, this is it).

TEAM

International Society for Krishna Consciousness


Founder Acharya: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

Regular publications include:


Bhaktivedanta Manor
newsletter (approx monthly)
Janmashtami magazine
The Annual review
Numerous festival posters,
booklets and leaflets, etc
The publications team draws
upon the talent of a number of
photographers, writers, editors,
proofreaders and print specialists
and sees each item through from
start to finish.

Sunday 24th March 2013


Festival starts
from 2pm onwards

Srutidharma das
Kripamoya das
Navadvip Chandra das
Yogendra Sahu
Radha Mohan das
Deepak Vohra
Hitu Sanghani
Jagannath Sharan das
David Crick
Prasannatma das

HIGHLIGHTS
Hare Krishna Temple
Bhaktivedanta Manor, Dharam Marg,
Hilfield Lane,Watford, Herts
WD25 8DT (for SATNAV only)
Tel: 01923 851000
www.krishnatemple.com

www.facebook.com/bhaktivedantamanor

Special 40th anniversary


magazine
Janmashtami Souvenir bumper edition

twitter.com/ISKCON_Manor

Increasingly, the Manors print


productions are being made
available online. However, there
is nothing like the feel of a real
book or newsletter so we expect
print-based media to be around
for some time.

www.youtube.com/BhaktivedantaManor

71

Media
& Web services

The team manages a suite of


websites which help people
connect with Bhaktivedanta
Manor across the world.
Providing news, updates and
content through a variety of
media, such as print, audio,
video, images and blogs, the
department coordinates the
online presence of a number of
departments and projects based
at Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Live broadcasting has benefitted
from a boost during the last
year, with the installation of

high-definition cameras in the


temple room and an overhaul
of broadcast hardware and
software. Morning Deity darshan,
guru puja, morning class and
evening arati are now broadcast
live every day.
Two popular services have been
running for several years and
continue to be maintained. An
online internet radio service
(Shoutcast) broadcasts the
morning temple room lectures
and offers a selection of kirtans
throughout the day. An online

library of lectures and music,


recorded at Bhaktivedanta
Manor, is accessible at www.
gokulananda.co.uk, with video
content increasingly being made
available. The last couple of years
have seen a rapid expansion in
the temples use of social media
- Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds,
Youtube etc. Mobile apps and
website expansion are planned
for the coming year. This is a
rapidly growing area and relies on
dynamic individuals with creative
skills to deliver a rich experience.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

The department aims to make


Krishna Consciousness accessible
through a range of media, online
and offline, through videos, audio
and social media.

TEAM

Navadvip Chandra das


Yogendra Sahu
Krishna Kripa Das

HIGHLIGHTS

Overhaul and upgrade of


live broadcasting with HD
equipment
Daily morning and evening
broadcasts launched

ONLINE

krishnatemple.com
gokulananda.co.uk

73

Meetthe Team
Praghosa das

Rukmini das
Treasury

Srutidharma das

Indriyesh das
ISKCON Educational Services

Pranabandhu das

Guru Carana Padma devi dasi


& Moksa Laxmi devi dasi

Governing Body Commissioner

Temple President
srutidharma@krishnatemple.com

Finance, fundraising, bakery, maintenance

pranabandhu@krishnatemple.com

Gauri das

Education, development and communications

gauridas@krishnatemple.com

Kripamoya das

Policies, publications & congregation

kripamoya@krishnatemple.com

Trinadapi das

Temple administration, human resources, kitchens

trinadapi@krishnatemple.com

Syamsundara das

New Gokul (Goshalla), Horticulture, Gardens

syamasundara@krishnatemple.com

Nila Madhava das

Bhaktivedanta Manor Foundation, weddings

nilamadhava@krishnatemple.com

Bhaktivedanta Manor School


Jagaddhatri devi dasi
Bhaktivedanta Manor Pre-school

Jagat Priya devi dasi


Ladies Ashram

Krishna Purna devi dasi


Volunteering

Vasana Harini devi dasi &


Shyama Vallabha devi dasi
Krishna Club
Ananda Caitanya das
Manor Training and Education

Gadadhara das

Dayal Gauranga das


Radha Krishna Deaf Association

Kanhaiya das

Dilip Patel & Ajay Kumar


Festivals

Head Pujari
gadadhara@krishnatemple.com

Congregation development, devotee care, mentorship

kanhaiya@krishnatemple.com

Sutapa das

Book Distribution, Brahmachari Ashram

sutapa@krishnatemple.com

Dwaraka Puri das &


Jaya Krishna das
Theatre

Lilavati devi dasi


Tulsi Seva

Yogendra Sahu
Publications

Patanjali Muni das


Kitchen

Ananta Purusottama das


I.T. Support

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Reena Patel
Weddings

Navadvip Chandra das


Media & Web Services

Uddhava das
Gardens

Prayojana das
Temple Commander

Jay Krishna das


Goshalla

Santanu das
Maintenance

Administration at Bhaktivedanta
Manor encompasses a range of
background activities that keep
Bhaktivedanta Manor running.
These consist of the following:
Estate management
Human resources/personnel
Finance
Health & safety
Legal

Sita Rama das


Lotus Trust & Ahimsa Milk

Committees:
Patrons Council
Patrons Working Committee
Initiation Committee
Vision team
Community team
Pujari Committee

Acarya Sevak das


Radharanis Bakery
& Mail Order

They provide essential services


and management to support the
Manors core worship and outreach
activities.

Krishna Caitanya das


Horticulture

Sahil Agarwal
Pandava Sena & KC Socs

Vinay Tanna
Communications

Parasurama das
Food For All

Key:
ISKCON GBC
Temple President
Temple Council
Department/Area Heads

75

Site services

Maintenance

INSIGHT
ABOUT

To maintain the running, condition


and Health and Safety of the
buildings of Bhaktivedanta Manor
and its affiliated properties.Buildings
not maintained will cease to fulfill
their intended functions, and at
Bhaktivedanta Manor devotees
work hard to keep the buildings
as free as possible from wear
and tear. Individual components
of any building eventually fail,
in turn causing damage to other
components. Therefore everything
has to be repaired immediately
or a buildings ability to protect
against foul weather, to keep safe
equipment and furniture, etc. will
eventually be lost.

TEAM

Santanu das
Subash Patel
Bhakta Lee

76

A well maintained building is


usually a good environment likely
to enhance the atmosphere,
reflecting the quality of
devotional experience and the
impression of the institution. Also,
constant maintenance helps to
create conditions that are not
uncomfortable or directly harmful
to residents, visitors, pilgrims
and staff, something essential
for an efficient and satisfying
environment.
Maintaining Bhaktivedanta
Manor and its affiliated properties

is naturally a huge commitment


and it certainly keeps me busy
around the clock, explained
Santanu.
There is so much to do. The
work can be challenging but I feel
most blessed to be responsible
for helping to maintain the
Manors properties because
they belong to Sri Sri Radha
Gokulananda. That is my special
service to Their Lordships. It is an
honour to be able to help Lord
Caitanyas mission in this way.

IT
INSIGHT
ABOUT

Maintains the IT infrastructure


necessary for the temple to carry
out its activities.

TEAM

Ananta Purusottama das


Navadvip Chandra das
Yogendra Sahu

HIGHLIGHTS

Improvements to on-site
wireless facility and internet.

Is there room for a room full of geeks


in Krishna consciousness? We think
so. The utility of email, the web and
computers in general means that a
department is necessary to provide
basic essential information and
communication services for the staff of
Bhaktivedanta Manor.
Moving on from the days of Bulletin
Board based communication to
primitive email systems and now online
collaboration, computer networks
and internet facility have become
increasingly more important.

In recent years, the backbone network


of the temple has been upgraded
providing much needed capacity to
accomodate a rapid expansion of
users.
The team oversees computer
networks, telephones and audio and
video distribution across the premises.

77

Bhaktivedanta Manor
Letchmore Heath

Draft Planning Brief for Public Consultation


9 July to 10 September 2012

Hertsmere
Borough Council

78

Haveli facilities
enhanced
We all know how overcrowded
the Manor can be sometimes;
its not just on festival days
that facilities are insufficient. In
response to this overcrowding
and the fact that the temple
was submitting various planning
applications, Hertsmere Borough
Council requested a master-plan
of proposed developments for
the next ten to fifteen years.
In response to this, a thorough
assessment was made of the
needs of the temple. A team
of consultants worked with
the Councils Planners to form
what became the Councils
proposed Planning Brief for
Bhaktivedanta Manor. The
Planning Brief recognised the
overcrowding and the need for an
additional 2000m2 of community
facility. The Councils Executive
approved the Planning Brief on
12/12/2012.
The Planning Brief is not a
planning application, it simply
deals with the principles of
development rather than the

specifics; it sets a framework to


work within. The new building
project was given the name
Haveli, meaning a space for
religious activity. In the lead
up to the Executives decision,
the Council arranged a local
consultation from 9th July to 10th
September 2012, giving everyone
an opportunity to respond to
the Project Brief. A total of 483
responses were received with
only 15 respondents objecting.
The design of the Haveli will
be sensitive to its Green Belt
location and the character and
appearance of the Conservation
Area setting. It will be
predominantly single storey with
broken-down building volumes
to create the impression of a
smaller building. In line with our
respect for the environment, the
building will aim to reduce energy
demand, supply energy demand
efficiency and use renewable
energy sources. It is of primary
importance that in character and
materials it will be sustainable.

INSIGHT
ABOUT

Visitors are aware of the acute


shortage of space at Bhaktivedanta
Manor during all but the smallest
of functions. The Haveli project
aims to provide a purpose built hall
to meet the worship, cultural and
educational needs of Bhaktivedanta
Manors congregation.

HIGHLIGHTS

Draft planning brief approved


by Hertsmere Borough
Council recognising the need
for an additional 2000m2 of
community facility
Planning application expected
to be ready by December 2013

79

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