When: December 31st, 6:00 pm - Midnight
(Pictured above: Swami Nikhilanand, disciple of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj, in New York)
"The significance of Radha Krishna devotion in Kaliyug" by Sanyasi pracharak of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj at New York Hindu Temple
Inspiring discourses explaining the most important teachings of the Hindu Scriptures. Includes beautiful Radha Krishna bhajans.
Dates:
December 8 - 22, 2013
& January 2 - 31, 2014
7:00 - 9:00 pm Daily
Venue:
Radha Govind Dham New York
260-01 Hillside Avenue, Glen Oaks, New York 11040
Phone: 718-470-0698
Website: www.RGDNY.org
Email: info@rgdny.org
Swami Nikhilanand was first exposed to Hinduism at the age of 25. Since then, he has spent the last 15 years studying the philosophy of the Sanskrit scriptures and practicing bhakti under the guidance of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj. He resides at the largest Hindu ashram in the U.S., Radha Madhav Dham, in Austin, Texas.
New Mandir in Queens to Carry On Teachings of Jagadguru Shree KripaluJi Maharaj
he newest mandir in the landscape of the Indian community in Queens is Radha Govind Dham in Glen Oaks. Radha Govind Dham will open its doors to the public for the first time on Saturday, December 7th at 11:00 am. Radha Govind Dham is a center for Radha Krishna devotion, which has been founded based on the teachings of the great rasik Saints of Vrindavan, who have taught selfless devotion to Radha Krishna in an uninterrupted tradition of thousands of years.
ost recently, this tradition of rasik Saints was further glorified by the life of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, whose scriptural knowledge is so unparalleled that he was named as Jagadguru by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat in 1957. He was only the 5th original Jagadguru in the last 5,000 years. On November 15th, 2013, Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj left this material world. Shree Maharaj Ji, as he was lovingly called by devotees all over the world, was the embodiment of Radha Krishna bhakti (devotion) and spent his entire life teaching and guiding souls to engage in selfless devotion to Radha Krishna. The legacy he left behind will continue to guide and inspire both scholars and devotees for thousands of years to come.
Not only was Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj the first Jagadguru to reconcile the philosophies of all the scriptures and previous Jagadgurus, but he also left behind the essence of his explanations in the form of recorded lectures and published books in simple Hindi, so that they are easily understood by the general public. The series of 103 lectures called "Main Kaun Mera Kaun" has been airing on international television for several years. It is so comprehensive and replete with precise quotations from so many scriptures that it has become required listening for the serious students of Sanatan Dharm. Writings such as Prem Ras Siddhant (the complete philosophy of the Vedic scriptures encapsulated in only 200 pages) and Radha Govind Geet (11,111 couplets poetically describing the complete path of God realization) have already become classics in the field of devotional literature and are praised by scholars and devotees alike. The collection of 1008 pad kirtan called "Prem Ras Madira" is a devotional treasure which is being used for study in certain graduate literature programs and which develops selfless devotion in the hearts of those who sing its songs. Suffice it to say that the volume and quality of the literature left behind by Shree Kripaluji Maharaj rivals that of even great Saints like Surdas Ji and Goswami Tulsidas.Shree Maharaj Ji's Antim Sanskar and Next Steps
Message from Radha Madhav Dham
Dear Devotees and Supporters of Radha Madhav Dham,
Radhey Radhey.
The antim sanskar (last rite) of Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj has concluded at Bhakti Dham, Mangarh in what can be described as one of the most devotional and peaceful ceremonies.
The day began with Arti in Bhakti Bhavan (satsang hall at Bhakti Dham). Amidst the sounds of Vedic hymns, conches and chants of the Radhey name, Shree Maharaj Ji was prepared for His last journey. Carrying Him on their shoulders, devotees performed parikrama of Bhakti Bhavan and placed Him on a chariot for a massive procession that was attended by tens of thousands of devotees. Performing parikrama of Bhakti Dham, the procession entered the courtyard of Bhakti Mandir. Shree Maharaj Ji was again carried by devotees as they performed parikrama of Bhakti Mandir and agonizingly brought Him to the pyre.
In this moment of extreme grief, it is natural for us to feel helpless and hopeless. We must, however, remind ourselves what an embodiment of inspiration Shree Maharaj Ji was and how He spent His entire life teaching, prodding and guiding souls to engage in selfless devotion to Radha Krishna. Following His inspiration, we must not forget to steadfastly continue our devotion and follow the path shown to us by Him.
As for the feeling of helplessness or hopelessness is concerned, though it is understandable, there should be no place for either in the devotees of Shree Maharaj Ji. Shree Maharaj Ji has said in His speeches that once a soul surrenders to a Guru and continues to maintain faith in Him, the Guru never leaves the soul. As long as we remain committed to the path of raganuga bhakti that has been shown to us by Shree Maharaj Ji and maintain our faith in Him, He was, is and will remain our Guru, our Divine Guide and our Divine Protector for not only this life but until we reach our goal of attaining Radha Krishna. He will continue to grace, guide and help us just as He did, and as we have experienced, when He was still on the earth yet not physically present with us.
In the days, months and years to come, we will work hard to spread Shree Maharaj Ji's teachings as far and wide as possible. With increasing determination, we will strive to inspire others the way we've been inspired ourselves. We will continue to maintain and expand the vast charitable activities initiated by Shree Maharaj Ji and carried out by Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. Radha Madhav Dham will continue to celebrate all major Hindu festivals, organize devotional intensives, and family camps. We will continue to welcome thousands of visitors, regardless of their background, with a commitment and desire to inspire in them the spark of selfless devotion to Radha Krishna. Overall, we will spare no efforts in sharing with others the immense devotional treasure Shree Maharaj Ji has endowed us.
Our winter family camp will be held from December 26 to 31 followed by 24 hour New Year nam sankirtan that will conclude on January 1. Our annual sadhana shivir (devotional intensive), as announced by Shree Maharaj Ji Himself during this year's intensive, will be held every year for two weeks in the summer. The 2014 Radha Madhav Dham sadhana shivir will be held from June 28 to July 12. I hope to see you at one of our events soon.
As we all learn to live and perform the invaluable seva of carrying out Shree Maharaj Ji's mission without His physical presence, I humbly seek your help and support for the activities of Radha Madhav Dham.
Jai Shree Radhey.
Chirag Patel, Ph.D.
Managing Member
Radha Madhav Dham