On Tuesday April 16th, we will celebrate the Appearance Day of Lord Ramachandra. The festival will feature Arati and Kirtan, Abhishek of Sri Sri Sri Sita-Rama, Lakshman and Hanuman, Drama, 56 Offerings, Discourse, and Prasadam Feast.

The Appearance Day of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu (Gaura Purnima) has arrived. 

Lord Caitanya appeared in 1486, on the full moon  night of March to give the world the most sublime and direct way to awaken our dormant love for Krishna. Although non-different than Krishna, the Original Supreme Person, Lord Caitanya appeared as Krishna's devotee to teach us how to love God by His personal example.

Fast is observed until moonrise.  Gaura Purnima celebrations start 5 P.M. with Arati, Kirtan, Abhishek, 56 Bhoga Offerings, Drama, Discourse, Prasadam. The Abhishek will begin at 5:30 P.M.  

Sponsorship Opportunities:  
Deity Outfit:  $3,501
Flower Decorations: $501
Gaura Purnima Feast: $501
Flower Garland for Deities: $251
Abhishek: $108

If you are interested in volunteering or would like to make a donation please contact Sita Devi dasi at 267.968.6825.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura -- Appearance
(Fast till noon)

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was the spiritual master of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura powerfully spread the teachings of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in the early twentieth century. He preached strongly against the deep-rooted influences of caste-ism and impersonalism. Meeting with scholars, educators, and other leaders and writing over 108 essays and books, he strove to present Krishna consciousness as a science to be highly esteemed. He established 64 temples, known as Gaudiya Maths, inside and outside of India.

Join us on the Appearance Day of Lord Nityananda for Kirtan, Arati, Pushpa Abhishek (Flower Offering), Discourse, and Prasadam. 

Devotees observe a fast until noon on this day.  

Lord Nityananda is none other than Lord Balarama appearing in the Age of Kali Yuga along with Lord Caitanya who is non-different than the Lord Krishna.  

Lord Nityananda is glorified as the savior of the most fallen because he distributed love for Krishna without discrimination. Srila Bhaktivinode Thakur has described Lord Nityananda has opened up a market place of the holy where he distributes love for Krishna for price of only ones faith. Lord Nityananda's lotus feet are compared to millions of moons that give the shelter of soothing moonlight.  If we want real peace we should take shelter of Lord Nityananda. Unless one takes shelter of Lord Nityananda, it is nearly impossible to approach Sri Sri Radha Krishna. Therefore Lord Nityananda provides the mercy and clears the path for us to develop our dormant love for Krishna.

If you are interested in donating for the Festival Feast, Garlands, and Flower Decorations call or text 267.968.6825 or click the link below. 

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was the spiritual master of Srila Prabhupada. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura powerfully spread the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in the early twentieth century.

This is the annirversary day commemorating the day that Srimad Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Sri Krishna to His dearmost devotee Arjuna at the place now known as Jyotisar Tirtha amid the waring families of the Kurus and the Pandavas at Kurukshetra. If one wishes one can still go and visit that place and see the monument erected there with Krishna as Parthasarati (the chariot driver) and Arjuna the warrior on their chariot. It is claimed by the ashram who maintain the shrine that the tree that is next to Them is a continum growth of the original tree witness that was there at the actual day of speaking. Traditionally devotees come to Kurukshetra (Dharmakshetra) and recite Bhagavad Gita from early morning until the next morning, perform arati to Bhagavad Gita and to Krishna and Arjuna upon the chariot, offer lamps 'deep daan' at Brahma Sarovar, shloka recitals, shobha yatras and seminars on the significance of the Gita today. Devotees who cannot get to Jyotisar Tirtha remember the blessed event by reciting Bhagavad Gita, performing Bhagavad Gita ahuti of each verse or selected chapters into the sacred fire, and discussing the subject matter of Bhagavad Gita in the association of devotees. Distribution of Bhagavad Gitas' on this day is also a very auspicious activity to perform.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

The disappearance day of Srila Prabhupada is observed by his followers by offering prayers to him and feeling his separation. Simultaneously, heartfelt gratitude is also expressed to please his divine grace and seek his blessings.

Govardhana Puja is celebrated in the month of Kartika (October – November) to commemorate the pastime of Lord Sri Krishna lifting the Govardhana Hill to protect the residents of Vrindavana from the wrath of Indra. When the Supreme Lord Sri Krishna saw the residents of Vrindavana preparing for Indra-yajna, He suggested that they should forgo the worship of Indra and instead worship the Govardhana Hill. On coming to know of this, Indra became angry and sent a devastating rainfall over Vrindavana. Krishna picked up the Govardhana Hill with His little finger and it gave shelter to all the inhabitants of Vrindavana. Indra became conscious of his offense and begged for forgiveness from Krishna. Thus the Supreme Lord established that a devotee who is surrendered to the Supreme Lord and engaged in devotional service is free from all obligations and need not worship any demigods for material favor. This pastime is known as Govardhana Lila and is described in the tenth canto of Srimad Bhagavatam.

Diwali is a five-day festival widely known as the Hindu New Year, and comes from the Sanskrit word dipavali (dipa-- lights, vali-- numerous). The festival is commonly observed by illuminating candles or other lights in homes, temples and public spaces, and by offering opulent preparations of food to the deity.

In ancient times, Diwali was first observed by the citizens of Ayodhya to celebrate the joyful return of King Rama, an incarnation of Krishna. In another era, this was also the day when Lord Krishna performed His Damodara childhood pastime of breaking the pots of yogurt and letting Himself be bound by Mother Yashoda. Devotees remember these pastimes during this auspicious month known as Karttika.

24 Hour Kirtan is dedicated to the propagation of hari-nama-sankirtan (the loud congregational chanting of the Holy Names of God). It is unequivocally affirmed in all authoritative scriptures that in Kali-yuga, this present age of quarrel and strife, the only viable method of attaining complete self-purification, self-realization, and self-satisfaction is nama-sankirtan. Nama-sankirtan is the highest practice of and, as well, the perfection of yoga, meditation, and personal sacrifice. It is the highest expression of love for all living beings and the best course for attaining the highest plane of love of Godhead (vraja-prema).

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

On the tenth day of the waxing moon of Padmanabha (Asvina) month, occurs Vijayotsava. Lord Ramacandra’s victory over the demon Ravana. A large effigy of Ravana is ceremoniously burned. In the pastimes of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu he absorbed Himself in the transcendental lila of Lord Ramacandra in the following manner as recorded by Srila Krishna dasa Kaviraj Goswami.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

Sri Sacidananda Bhaktivinoda Thakura appeared in 1838 in a wealthy family in the Nadia district, West Bengal. He revealed that he is an eternal associate of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu by his extraordinary preaching activities and prolific writing. Living as a, mahabhagavata Vaisnava, he stayed in the grhasta ashram until the last few years of his life. Then he renounced everything, accepted babaji, and entered samadhi, totally absorbed in the loving service of Gaura-Gadadhara and Radha-Madhava.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

Radhastami is celebrated by Krishna devotees as the appearance anniversary of Srimati Radharani, who is Krishna's greatest devotee, the feminine aspect of the Absolute Truth, and Krishna's energy Personified.

From the very beginning of His childhood life Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu introduced the system of observing a fast on the Ekadasi day. For many devotees, Ekadasi simply means a change of diet. Many hardly even notice Ekadasi coming and going. But Ekadsi observance means more than refraining from eating grains. The traditional system of following the Ekadsi vrata is to fast and stay awake all night chanting the Lord's glories. It is a three day austerity that entails taking only one simple meal before nightfall on Dasami (the day before Ekadasi), and a similar simple meal on Dvadasi (the day after Ekadasi). Although this strict observance may not be practicable for most devotees, everyone should try to take advantage of the auspicious time of Ekadasi to advance in Krsna consciousness. In the Brahma-vaivarta Purana it is said that one who observes fasting on Ekadasi day is freed from all kinds of reactions to sinful activities and advances in pious life. The basic principle is not just to fast, but to increase one's faith and love for Govinda, or Krishna.

Saturday August 20th, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

For members of ISKCON, the appearance day of Srila Prabhupada is the topmost day of the year. Without Srila Prabhupada's causeless mercy in spreading Krishna Consciousness around the world, we would not know Lord Krishna and the pathway back to His Lotus Feet. It's a day of gratitude to pay tribute to our Founder - Acarya Srila Prabhupada.

Starting at 10 a.m. we will hear homages from disciples and granddisciples of Srila Prabhupada, which would be followed by Srila Prabhupada's lunch offering, a flower offering to Srila Prabhupada (pushpanjali), and Guru Puja. Srila Prabhupada's prasadam feast will be sent out at 12:30 p.m.

Everyone is encouraged to write a homage, written offering of appreciation, even if it is only brief, to Srila Prabhupada. To observe the holy appearance of His Divine Grace we recommend that you fast until noon.
If you are interested in donating towards the festival, please use the link below.

This is a very special day for all ISKCON devotees as they joyfully glorify Srila Prabhupada, the Founder-Acharya of ISKCON, on the anniversary of his appearance in this world. Devotees honour him by reading aloud heartfelt appreciations and homages of his profound influence in their lives and pray for blessings from him. Devotees observe a fast till noon on this day, followed by a feast in his honour.

Important information for Janmastami

Evening Program is from 5:30 p.m. - Midnight 

• Kirtans and Krishna Katha in the Temple Room all night 

• Dance performance on outside stage at 8:30 p.m

• Maha Abhishek (Bathing Ceremony) at 9:30 p.m. 

• Drama at 10:30 p.m.  

• Prasadam stalls including Dosa, Samosa, and Pani Puri

• Maha Midnight Arati 

-Temple will be open for Mangala Arati at 5:00 a.m. 
-Temple will be open for darshan all day starting at 8:00 a.m.  
-Interested in service on Janmastami?  Come during the day or evening and there are plenty of ways to get involved. Call 267.968.6825 if interested.  
-For sponsorships and to participate in our Kalash Abhishek seva please see link below or call 267.968.6825
- Parking will be available at the Temple, street parking, the Univest Bank parking lot on Allens Lane, and the Lutheran Seminary on Germantown Ave.   Since parking space is limited we kindly ask that you carpool with friends and family members. 

Volunteer on Thursday Night

Join us the night before Janmastami starting at 5 p.m. to help prepare for the festival.  This is a yearly tradition and for those that take part, it makes the festival even more meaningful.  Cut vegetables, string garlands, hang lights, clean the Temple, and associate with devotees.  Dinner prasadam will be provided.

The celebrations at ISKCON revolve around the all-encompassing Lord Krishna, and Janmashtami is perhaps the biggest of them all. ISKCON Janmashtami celebration happens all across the world with great Devotion. Janmashtami refers to the day when the Appearance of Lord Krishna, the supreme Lord, is celebrated. The story of Janmashtami is the story of the Advent of Lord Krishna. It is celebrated each year on the eighth day of the Bhadrapada month. The Supreme Lord appeared in Mathura in a dungeon to Queen Devaki and King Vasudeva.