Archive for Events – Page 2

Sri Gaura Purnima Festival

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2020 in Events
Sri Gauranga Sundar in San Jose, California

Sri Gauranga Sundarjiu
worshipped at the San Jose Seva Ashram

Sri Gaura Purnima
Divine Appearance of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu

Monday, March 9th
6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose

Anandotsav Feast of
Sri Jagannath Mishra
Tuesday 12:30-1:30 pm in Santa Cruz

Virtual parikramas hosted by
Srila Janardan Maharaj
from the Santa Cruz Seva Ashram
(watch online!)
Thursday-Saturday 7-8:30 pm
Sunday 10:30 am-1 pm

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please join us for Sri Gaura Purnima. Bring your friends and family for the most auspicious celebration of the divine advent of the Golden Avatar Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, who appeared in this age of quarrel to distribute Divine Love to all the fallen souls and initiate the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mahamantra as the yuga-dharma.

There will be virtual parikramas of Sri Nabadwip Dham led by Srila Janardan Maharaj at the Soquel Seva Ashram every evening Thursday-Saturday from 7-8:30 pm and Sunday 10:30 am -1 pm.

You can watch all the virtual parikramas and Monday’s festival on our Facebook page.

On Tuesday there will be a feast after the 12:30 pm arotik for Anandotsav of Sri Jagannath Mishra.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Srila Madhusudan Maharaj’s visit and special events in January

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, January 6th, 2020 in Events

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please accept my humble obeisances. Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj will be visiting the Seva Ashram soon and there will be several opportunities to have his inspiring association.

Srila Madhusudan Maharaj is always engaged in selfless service to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga and was the longtime secretary of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math under the loving direction of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

All over the world he is affectionately remembered by anyone who traveled to Sri Navadwip Dham, as he kindly and diligently accommodated everyone who stayed at the Math for 27 years. Please take advantage of the opportunity to serve and hear from Srila Madhusudan Maharaj on his upcoming visit.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Schedule of events


Wednesday, January 15th
6 pm arotik followed by a class by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj in the Santa Cruz temple.

Friday, January 17th
Namahatta at the home of Bilwa Mangal Prabhu and Vaidehi Devi Dasi with guests of honor: Srila Janardan Maharaj and Srila Madhusudan Maharaj

Saturday, January 18th
Daytime hike/harinam. Call for details (831) 462-4712. Evening program at the San Jose Seva Ashram starting with 6 pm arotik.

Sunday, January 19th
Sunday feast in Santa Cruz 10:30 am – 1 pm followed by a hike on new trails and kirtan to the top of the hill.

Wednesday, January 22nd
6 pm arotik followed by a class by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj in the Santa Cruz temple.

Looking ahead, please note that at the end of the month there will be a festival:

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj


January 29th
Appearance Day Celebration
Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj 

Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj

His Holiness Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj is one of the foremost preachers in Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math and head of the Math’s ashram in Sri Vrindavan Dham, the holy place of Lord Krishna’s Pastimes.

Srila His spiritual quest led him first to the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, and then to lotus feet of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, the founder-acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

In the early 80s he became an initiated disciple of Srila Sridhar Maharaj, was given the name Mahananda Das and began to lead a monastic life serving Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in India and Malaysia.

His valuable service to the community of devotees was acknowledged by Srila Sridhar Maharaj who gave him the title “Bhakti Ranjan,” “pleasing the Lord’s devotees.”

For many years Sripad Mahananda Bhakti Ranjan Prabhu was the secretary of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in service to Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. In that capacity he produced the Math’s website, published books, recorded many audio books, and organized so many things in the background. Perhaps he is most famous for lovingly and diligently caring for thousands of pilgrims from around the world when they stayed in Sri Navadwip Dham.

In his last will, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj wrote: “Sripad Mahananda Bhakti Ranjan Prabhu will be head in respect to spiritual matters of the devotees. He will be respected as the Chief Secretary of Srila Guru Maharaj and as my faithful friend. Specially the foreign devotees will respect and obey him and not cross over him.”

In 2013 Sripad Mahananda Prabhu took sannyas (monkhood) from Srila Bhakti Sudhir Goswami Maharaj and received the name “Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan.”

Currently Srila Madhusudan Maharaj preaches around the world and serves as the head of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s temple in Vrindavan, in Northern India.

Relevant links

Lectures by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj posted by Infiniti Media on Youtube

Lectures by Srila Madhusudan Maharaj posted by Bhakti Connect on Youtube

Vaishnava calendar

Click the links below to view or download wall calendars for the rest of the year.

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-January-2020

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-February-2020

Seva-Ashram-wall-calendar-March-2020

Sri Govinda Mela 2019

Videos of lectures and events on our Facebook page
Photos from day 1
Photos from day 2
Photos from day 3
Photos from day 4
Photos from day 5

The grand 91st appearance day celebration of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s Sevaite-President-Acharya, Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, December 10th, 2019 in Events
Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Saturday, December 14th
10:30 am in Santa Cruz
6 pm in San Jose

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please accept my humble obeisance at your feet. On behalf of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, we wish to extend an invitation to join our Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in the devotional program in honor of the appearance of our most worshippable and beloved Gurudev, Om Vishnupad  Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj which manifests on Saturday, December 14th this year.

I kindly invite you to participate in the special program of glorification, worship, kirtan, prasad distribution, and other devotional activities to be held on this auspicious day. We shall feel blessed to have your association and presence at either our Santa Cruz or San Jose Seva Ashrams.   Yours in the Lord’s service,

Sushila devi dasi

gurvvabhista-supurakam
guru-ganair asisa-sambhusitam
chintyachintya-samasta-veda-nipunam
sri-rupa-panthanugam
govindabhidham ujjvalam
vara-tanum bhakty anvitam-sundaram
vande visva-gurun cha
divya-bhagavat-premno hi bija-pradam

     I offer my obeisance unto he who perfectly fulfils his Gurudev’s most cherished desires; who is fully adorned with the blessings of his Gurudev’s associates; who is expert in all aspects of Vedic knowledge, both conceivable and inconceivable; who is the pre-eminent follower of Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhu’s line; who is known as ‘Govinda’—Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj; whose beautiful, effulgent, exalted form is infused with pure devotion; who is the Guru of the entire universe; and who is the giver of the seed of divine love for the Supreme Lord.

Composed by Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj

Relevant links from Seva Ashram Post

Biography of Srila Govinda Maharaj

Biography of Srila Govinda Maharaj “I worship the holy lotus feet of he who perfectly fulfills the most cherished wish of his divine master–who is adorned resplendently with the blessings of his guru varga…”

The Disappearance of the Spiritual Master

 Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu quotes Srila Sridhar Maharaj, “The safest and most fearless position is vipralambha. If we can stand firm and retain the memory of Gurudev in his separation, then we will have passed the highest test.”

Reservoir of Love and Affection ~ Remembering His Divine Grace Om Vishnupada Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Jagamohini Devi Dasi writes, “Srila Govinda Maharaj’s qualifications and glories are immeasurable. We have heard how at the tender age of seventeen he left his family and sought the shelter and spiritual guidance of Srila Guru Maharaj…”

The Divine Manifestation of Sri Anu Giriraj

At the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Govardhan, when they started plowing the gardens with a big tractor suddenly a very large Giriraj Shila came out of the land!

Who are the Real Owners of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math?

In 1967 the land of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math was being threatened by the communist government in West Bengal. Here is the story of how Srila Govinda Maharaj had to prove in court who were the real owners of the Math’s land to protect it from the threat of government seizure.

Four Miracles of Saint Govinda!

On the occasion of the 85th anniversary day of the Divine appearance of Srila Govinda Maharaj, we would like to present these wonderful stories about the miraculous events that sometimes occurred around him.

The Miracle of Lord Shiva’s Medicine for Srila Sridhar Maharaj

 Srila Govinda Maharaj tells the miraculous story of when Lord Shiva gave him the medicine to cure Srila Sridhar Maharaj who, due to ill health, was on the verge of departing from this world.

Srila Govinda Maharaj’s Miracles in Brazil

 Srila Trivikram Maharaj tells the most wonderful story of the many miracles that happened during Srila Govinda Maharaj’s trip to the Krishna Shakti Ashram in Brazil in 1998 when a dead boy miraculously came back to life.

The Miracle of the Dead Phone Speaking!

Sripad Madhusudan Maharaj tells the miraculous story when the dead phone spoke, giving Srila Govinda Maharaj the news about acquiring the land in Vrindavan adjacent to the Sri Sri Radha Damodar Temple.

The Miracle when Mother Ganges Gave Back the Ornament to Srila Govinda Maharaj

The amazing story of when Govinda Maharaj lost his ornament in the Ganges and after praying to Mother Ganges, the ornament was returned to him. “Still I cannot believe what happened and which way it happened.”

Srila Gurudev’s Pranam Mantra -Excerpt from Revealed Truth

The following is an excerpt from Revealed Truth, the latest book published by Sripad Tyagi Maharaj on Srila Govinda Maharaj’s lectures.

My Master’s Voice

Vrinda Devi Dasi: All those who came in contact with Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev Goswami Maharaj, across the world or at home in India, could clearly see his magnanimity, beauty and kindness. To try and describe his charm and affection feels like…a dwarf trying to touch the moon…

The Momentous Hour of Need

Sripad Vaishnav Maharaj gave a wonderful talk on Srila Govinda Maharaj’s Divine Appearance day in 2007. Here are some excerpts from that inspiring talk: “Everything transcendental is coming to us through Gurudev. He is…the center of our spiritual life, so everything has to be judged according to that.”

Divine Service, Bhakti-yoga

Srila Govinda Maharaj says, “Karmma and seva, action and divine service, are identical from the external perspective. Bhakti-yoga and karmma-yoga are the same apart from one thing—and that is the inner mood of the practitioner. The inner intention is the all-important, differentiating factor.”

Sri Gadadhar Pandit

Srila Govinda Maharaj describes how Sri Gadadhar Pandit was like Mahaprabhu’s shadow. He was always with Him. During their childhood they were students together, when Mahaprabhu took sannyas Gadadhar Pandit also took sannyas, and when Mahaprabhu decided to stay in Puri Dham, he also stayed.

Vaishnava calendar

Link to: Seva Ashram wall calendar December 2019


December 7 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 8 – Paran 7:14-10:24 (break fast)
December 14 – Appearance of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
December 16 – Disappearance of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur
December 21 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 22 – Paran 7:37-10:32 (break fast)

Sri Govardhan Puja Festival

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Friday, October 25th, 2019 in Events
anugiriraj deity in govardhan
Sri Sri Anugiriraj at Srila Sridhar Swami Seva Ashram in
Sri Govardhan

Sri Govardhan Puja Festival

10:30 am special offerings, kirtan and hari katha
at Sri Giriraj Raja Mandira on top of the hill
Santa Cruz

6 pm main festival program in the temple
Santa Cruz and San Jose

Dear *|MERGE3|*,

On behalf of Srila Janardan Maharaj I cordially invite you to attend next Tuesday’s festival celebrating Sri Govardhan Puja. Please bring your friends and family. The program will start with arotik at 6 pm, include kirtan, a lecture, and a sumptuous vegetarian feast.

Did you hear about the festival that was held for Sri Giriraj on top of the hill at our Santa Cruz Seva Ashram this summer? There are photos to check out as well as a video of the whole event. This Tuesday the main festival in Santa Cruz will be held in the evening in the temple, but during the day there will be a kirtan procession to the top of the hill where special offerings will be made for Sri Giriraj and there will be kirtan and krishna katha. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Photos of the Sri Giriraja Raja Mandira Inauguration

Video of the inauguration festival on Facebook

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila devi dasi

Offering abhishek to Sri Giriraj at His new hilltop mandir
Sri Giriraj’s altar at Sri Giriraja Raja Mandira
A grand assembly of devotees from around the world celebrated the manifestation of Srila Govinda Maharaj’s desire for a place to worship Sri Giriraj atop the hill. Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu and Sripad Bhakti Kamal Tyagi Maharaj made the dream a reality this summer.

Relevant links

Video: Sri Govardhan Parikrama. Clip beginning at Srila Govinda Maharaj’s samadhi mandir.By Srila Bhakti Sudhir Goswami Maharaj. Posted on Beauty Over Power.
Watch on Youtube

Video: Sri Govardhan Puja Lecture by Srila Govinda Maharaj. His Divine Grace’s lecture in Soquel California on the celebration of Sri Govardhan Puja. He shares a little about the exalted position of Sri Govardhan, as well as a description of the wealth of Krishna consciousness. (2008). Posted on Vimeo.

Article: The Shelter of Sri Giriraj Govardhan. Srila Raghunath Das Goswami’s vision of Sriman Mahaprabhu’s mercy. Spoken on 18 February 2008 in Sri Vrndavan Dham by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Audio: of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s Sri Govardhan Puja discourse and chanting ‘Jaya Radha-Madhava….’ (3 November 2005) in our Kaikhali Temple, Kolkata, in mp3 audio format plus fifty-two pictures taken that day, posted on Jamuna Priya Dasi’s ‘VerandaViews’ web-log.

Audio: of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj’s Sri Govardhan Puja discourse and chanting ‘Jaya Radha-Madhava….’ (3 November 2005) in our Kaikhali Temple, Kolkata, in mp3 audio format.

Article: Both Lord and Servant: The worship of Sri Giriraj Govardhan in the line of Srila Raghunath Das Goswami. By Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

“This is one form of Govardhan: the form of a servitor. The other form of Govardhan is Krishna Himself. Krishna took form as Govardhan and with His hands took the food being offered to Him by the Vraja-vasis. Simultaneously, Krishna remained in His form as a boy and said to the Vraja-vasis: “You see, Govardhan is taking your offerings. Govardhan is your Lord, and He is taking everything you are offering Him.” Posted on GauidayDarshan.com.
Read online

Article: Morning darshan reflections: Sri Govardhan Puja. Morning darshan on 2 November 2005 with Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj, reported by Kumkum Dasi staying at that time with His Divine Grace at our Dum Dum Park Temple, Kolkata

Article: Residence in Sri Govardhan: The respectful and liberal mood of the Lord’s servants here. By Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

“Giriraj Govardhan is the very favourite abode of our Guru Maharaj. Radha Kunda is the highest, but our Guru-varga, our senior and superior guides, will be there, and we will stay a little far off. We should not encroach on the highest position. Rather, from Govardhan, we will come, serve them, and then go back.” Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Book: Loving Search for the Lost Servant: Lord of the Cows. Chapter from the book by Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

” From this verse of Srimad Bhagavatam, we can understand the position of the Lord’s Pastime at Govardhan. It is also described here that when the Vraja-vasis worshipped Him and engaged in sacrifice for His satisfaction, they saw Govardhan Hill as the Supreme Person, extending His hands, accepting the things offered to Him, and feeding Himself. ” Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Article: Ten prayers for a dwelling near Sri Govardhan by Srila Raghunath Das Goswami.

” You alone give happiness to the people, animals, and birds of Vraja, who are filled with the mood of friendship towards Radha, Krsna, and Their companions. You are immeasurably merciful. So, please accept me, a wearied soul, and give me a dwelling near you, O Govardhan! Although I am insincere and deceitful, I have been given to you by Your dear Sri Sachi Nandan, who is unconditionally merciful. So, please do not judge whether I am qualified or unqualified, and give me a dwelling near you, O Govardhan!” Posted on GaudiyaDarshan.com.
Read online

Article: Illustrated article for children: Sri Krishna lifts up Sri Govardhan Hill. 330 K PDF document prepared for this festival in 2005 by Parama Bhakti Devi Dasi of Holland.
Read online

Kartik month

Audio: This auspicious month of Karttik, Damodar. Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj giving a class at our Saint Petersburg Temple. English lecture with Russian translation by Kundalata Devi Dasi. 9 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (25 minutes, 4.3 MB mp3 audio).

Article: Month of Service — Life of Service. Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj discusses Kartik-vrata and niyom-seva. 13 October 2019: Read online

Article:Kartik Vrata. Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj concisely explains the observance of Kartik in Sri Chaitanya Sāraswat Maṭh.Translated from the Bengali editorial published in Sri Gaudiya Darshan, Issue 3, Volume 3, 14 October 1957:
Read online

Audio: Saradiya Rasa Purnima and the beginning of Karttik. Morning informal discourse by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj at our Saint Petersburg Temple, Russia.
7 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (4.2 MB mp3 audio).

Audio: Karttik Month begins. Class given by Srila Bhakti Sundar Dev-Goswami Maharaj in 1989 about the Holy Month of Karttik. “This month devotees are getting the chance to consciously follow higher Vaisnavism.”
14 October 1989, in Nabadwip.

Download, or listen online (22+ minutes, 5+ MB mp3 audio)

Audio:Karttik month. Narottam Das Thakur. Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj discusses in 1982 about the month of Karttik especially in relation to Srimati Radharani. His Divine Grace also extensively chants the glories of Srila Narottam Das Thakur in relation to his upcoming disappearance festival.

42+ minutes, 10 MB mp3 audio

Kartik kirtan

Audio: Karttik Evening Kirttans. Siksastakam related kirtans composed by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, chanted here at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip, recorded and posted on the web in response to enquiries asking the tune to which these are sung.

Listen online (mp3 playlist)
 or download (mp3 audio files):

Siksastakam Kirttans 1, 2 and 3 (9 minutes, 1.6 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 4, 5 and 6 (12 minutes, 2.1 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 7 and 8 (13+ minutes, 2.4 MB mp3 audio).

The Mahamantra chanted at the end (8+ minutes, 1.5 MB mp3 audio).

Additional Kirttans are chanted throughout Karttik at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math: six in the morning and a series of eight each evening. These are listed in The Daily Programme available here in pdf format (45 K), which refers to the Kirttan Guide book, available in full here in pdf format (650 K). The latest edition of the Kirtan Guide 7th edition is also available.

The following recordings were prepared informally by Sadhu Priya and Manasa Krishna Prabhus and are offered now only to assist newcomers in the temple in learning some of the kartik kirtans:

Please do not share them publicly.

Sri Sriman Mahaprabhu Sata-Nam
(nadiya nagare nitai nece nece gai re jagannath-suta mahaprabhu visvambhara) 10+ minutes
“In the towns and villages of Nadia, Lord Nityananda ecstatically dances and sings these names of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Lord Chaitanya is the beloved son of Jagannath Misra; He is Mahaprabhu, the great master, protector, and maintainer of the whole world….”

Sri Krsner Vimsottara-Sata-Nam-Sankirtana
(nagare nagare gora gay yasomati-stanya-payi sri-nanda-nandana) 9 minutes
“From village to village Lord Gaura sings these names of Sri Krishna: Krishna is the baby who feeds on the breast of Mother Yasoda. He is the son of Maharaj Nanda, dark blue like and indra-nila gem, and the life of the residents of Vraja.”

Damodarastakam
(namaisvaram sac-cid-ananda rupam) 8+ minutes
“To the Supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro, who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who is quickly running from the wooden grinding mortar in fear of Mother Yasoda, but who has been caught from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed—to that Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.”

Radhe Jaya Jaya Madhava-daite 5+ minutes
“All liberated devotees, the highly qualified mukta-purusa devotees such as Sanaka and Sanatan, always glorify the abode of Krishna with His devotees and particularly the Supreme Servitor of Krishna, Srimati Radharani. O merciful Srimati Radharani, please bestow You mercy on me.”

Vaishnava calendar

Repaired calendar links:
Seva Ashram wall calendar October 2019
Seva Ashram wall calendar November 2019
Seva Ashram wall calendar December 2019


October 29 – Sri Govardhan-puja
October 31 – Disappearance of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad
November 5 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 6 – Paran 6:42-10:08 (break fast), Disappearance of Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji
November 12 – Krishna Rasa Yatra, Arrival of Sri Gaurangasundar in San Jose Seva Ashram
November 22 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 23 – Paran 6:58-10:15 (break fast)
December 7 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 8 – Paran 7:14-10:24 (break fast)
December 14 – Appearance of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
December 16 – Disappearance of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur
December 21 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 22 – Paran 7:37-10:32 (break fast)

Sri Govinda Mela 2019
The following are links:

Videos of lectures and events on our Facebook page
Photos from day 1
Photos from day 2
Photos from day 3
Photos from day 4
Photos from day 5

Appearance of Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, October 22nd, 2019 in Events
Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Grand 125th
appearance day celebration of
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s
Founder-President-Acharya,
Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa
Parivrajakacharya-varya
Ashtottara-shata-sri
Srila Bhakti Rakshak
Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

6 pm Tuesday, October 22nd
in Santa Cruz and San Jose

devam divya-tanum suchanda-vadanam
balarka-celancitam
   sandrananda-puram sad-eka-varanam
vairagya-vidyambudhim
sri-siddhanta-nidhim subhakti-lasitam
sarasvatanam-varam
   vande tam subhadam mad-eka-saranam
nyasisvaram sridharam

“I fall at the feet of Srila Sridhar Dev, who with charming expression sings his songs of sweet nectar. Dressed in fine garments like the newly-risen sun, he is the true saint the devotees have chosen. His detachment and knowledge are just like an ocean, the treasure-house of complete, perfect conclusions. Radiant in pastimes of loving devotion, the abode of pure ecstasy, bestower of good fortune; foremost true follower of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta, foremost great general of the whole renounced order, my lord and my master, and my only shelter. I worship the lotus feet of Srila Sridhar Dev Goswami Maharaj.”

 -Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj

Dear *|MERGE3|*,

On behalf of Srila Janardan Maharaj I cordially invite you to attend this evening’s festival celebrating the Divine Appearance in this world of our worshippable divine guardian Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, the founder acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

Join us at 6 pm for worship of Their Lordships Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari in Santa Cruz or Sri Sri Guru Gaurangasundar in San Jose. There will be special Kartik kirtans, glorification of His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, and a sumptous prasadam feast.

6 pm on Tuesday, October 22nd
Santa Cruz and San Jose
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashrams

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila devi dasi

Relevant links

Video: Sri Guru: Our Object of Worship and Affection. An informal discourse at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Nabadwip Dham, West Bengali, India in February of 1982 by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.
Watch the video on Youtube
Read the transcript

Video: The Highest Harmony. An informal discourse at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Nabadwip Dham, West Bengali, India in February of 1982 by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.
Watch the video on Youtube
Read the transcript

Video: Our Loving Guardian, His Creation, and the Spirit of His Service. An informal discourse at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in Sri Nabadwip Dham on 17 February 1982 by Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Portions of this discourse were used to compile the books Loving Search For The Lost Servant and Subjective Evolution of Consciousness.
Watch the video on Youtube
Read the transcript

Video: The Divine Feet of Krishna. Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj discusses the importance of remembering the Lord’s guardianship and the Rupanuga-dhara.
Watch the lecture on Youtube

Video: The Jewel in Your Heart. Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj explains the importance of preserving the gift one receives from Sri Guru.
Watch the video on Youtube

Biography

The following is an excerpt from the biography of Srila Sridhar Maharaj:

“After the passing of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Goswami Prabhupad, Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s Godbrothers, associates, and the public, naturally revered him as the senior-most representative of the Sri Gaudiya Sampradaya, although Srila Sridhar Maharaj himself was more inclined to anonymity as a humble Vaishnava. Nonetheless, by the call of divine duty and divine inspiration, he established the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math at Sri Nabadwip Dham, hinting in a short Sanskrit poem that the Math — as a sanctuary where the holy message of his Gurudev, Sri Rupa, and Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was preached — would inevitably become renowned throughout the world amongst the sincere and pious seekers of Unalloyed Truth and Divinity.”

Link to biography on SCSMath.com

Disciplic succession

Among Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Prabhupad‘s exalted disciples, two are world-famous: Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj and Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad. Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad is the great inaugurator of Krishna consciousness in the Western world who spread the teachings of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu everywhere. Srila Sridhar Maharaj, the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, was appreciated by Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad for his high realizations and ability to present the most sublime conclusions of Krishna consciousness.

After Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s departure from this world in 1988, his disciple, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj represented the Gaudiya Vaishnava disciplic succession, and was the chosen successor and President Acharya [Divine Guardian] of Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s Mission, the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Srila Govinda Maharaj also traversed the globe on many World Tours to preach the message of Mahaprabhu extensively. His ability to purely represent the disciplic succession has distinguished Srila Govinda Maharaj as a jagat guru, or world teacher. Srila Govinda Maharaj established the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in Santa Cruz. When Srila Govinda Maharaj departed this world he established Srila Janardan Maharaj as the Seva Ashram’s acharya.

Link to read more on SCSMath.com

Kartik month

Audio: This auspicious month of Karttik, Damodar. Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj giving a class at our Saint Petersburg Temple. English lecture with Russian translation by Kundalata Devi Dasi. 9 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (25 minutes, 4.3 MB mp3 audio).

Article: Month of Service — Life of Service. Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj discusses Kartik-vrata and niyom-seva. 13 October 2019:

Read online

Article:Kartik Vrata. Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj concisely explains the observance of Kartik in Sri Chaitanya Sāraswat Maṭh.Translated from the Bengali editorial published in Sri Gaudiya Darshan, Issue 3, Volume 3, 14 October 1957:

Read online

Audio: Saradiya Rasa Purnima and the beginning of Karttik. Morning informal discourse by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj at our Saint Petersburg Temple, Russia.7 October 2006:

Download, or listen online (4.2 MB mp3 audio).

Audio: Karttik Month begins. Class given by Srila Bhakti Sundar Dev-Goswami Maharaj in 1989 about the Holy Month of Karttik. “This month devotees are getting the chance to consciously follow higher Vaisnavism.” 14 October 1989, in Nabadwip.

Download, or listen online (22+ minutes, 5+ MB mp3 audio)

Audio: Karttik month. Narottam Das Thakur. Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj discusses in 1982 about the month of Karttik especially in relation to Srimati Radharani. His Divine Grace also extensively chants the glories of Srila Narottam Das Thakur in relation to his upcoming disappearance festival.

42+ minutes, 10 MB mp3 audio

Kartik kirtan

Audio: Karttik Evening Kirttans. Siksastakam related kirtans composed by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur, chanted here at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip, recorded and posted on the web in response to enquiries asking the tune to which these are sung.

Listen online (mp3 playlist)
 or download (mp3 audio files):

Siksastakam Kirttans 1, 2 and 3 (9 minutes, 1.6 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 4, 5 and 6 (12 minutes, 2.1 MB mp3 audio).

Siksastakam Kirttans 7 and 8 (13+ minutes, 2.4 MB mp3 audio).

The Mahamantra chanted at the end (8+ minutes, 1.5 MB mp3 audio).

Additional Kirttans are chanted throughout Karttik at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math: six in the morning and a series of eight each evening. These are listed in The Daily Programme available here in pdf format (45 K), which refers to the Kirttan Guide book, available in full here in pdf format (650 K). The latest edition of the Kirtan Guide 7th edition is also available.

The following recordings were prepared informally by Sadhu Priya and Manasa Krishna Prabhus and are offered now only to assist newcomers in the temple in learning some of the kartik kirtans:

Please do not share them publicly.

Sri Sriman Mahaprabhu Sata-Nam
(nadiya nagare nitai nece nece gai re jagannath-suta mahaprabhu visvambhara) 10+ minutes
“In the towns and villages of Nadia, Lord Nityananda ecstatically dances and sings these names of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu: Lord Chaitanya is the beloved son of Jagannath Misra; He is Mahaprabhu, the great master, protector, and maintainer of the whole world….”

Sri Krsner Vimsottara-Sata-Nam-Sankirtana
(nagare nagare gora gay yasomati-stanya-payi sri-nanda-nandana) 9 minutes
“From village to village Lord Gaura sings these names of Sri Krishna: Krishna is the baby who feeds on the breast of Mother Yasoda. He is the son of Maharaj Nanda, dark blue like and indra-nila gem, and the life of the residents of Vraja.”

Damodarastakam
(namaisvaram sac-cid-ananda rupam) 8+ minutes
“To the Supreme Lord, whose form is the embodiment of eternal existence, knowledge, and bliss, whose shark-shaped earrings are swinging to and fro, who is beautifully shining in the divine realm of Gokula, who is quickly running from the wooden grinding mortar in fear of Mother Yasoda, but who has been caught from behind by her who ran after Him with greater speed—to that Supreme Lord, Sri Damodara, I offer my humble obeisances.”

Radhe Jaya Jaya Madhava-daite 5+ minutes
“All liberated devotees, the highly qualified mukta-purusa devotees such as Sanaka and Sanatan, always glorify the abode of Krishna with His devotees and particularly the Supreme Servitor of Krishna, Srimati Radharani. O merciful Srimati Radharani, please bestow You mercy on me.”

Vaishnava calendar

Upcoming festivals and ekadasi dates:
October 21 – Bahulastami, Sannyas day of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
October 22 – Appearance of Srila B.R. Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj and Virachandra Prabhu
October 24 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
October 25 – Paran 7:27-11:03 am (break fast), Sriman Mahaprabhu’s auspicious arrival in Panihati
October 28 – Dipavali: Offering and placing lamps at mandir
October 29 – Sri Govardhan-puja
October 31 – Disappearance of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad
November 5 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 6 – Paran 6:42-10:08 (break fast), Disappearance of Srila Gaura Kishor Das Babaji
November 12 – Krishna Rasa Yatra, Arrival of Sri Gaurangasundar in San Jose Seva Ashram
November 22 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
November 23 – Paran 6:58-10:15 (break fast)
December 7 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 8 – Paran 7:14-10:24 (break fast)
December 14 – Appearance of Srila B.S. Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj
December 16 – Disappearance of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur
December 21 – Ekadasi (fast from grains)
December 22 – Paran 7:37-10:32 (break fast)

Sri Govinda Mela 2019

Videos of lectures and events on our Facebook page
Photos from day 1
Photos from day 2
Photos from day 3
Photos from day 4
Photos from day 5

New time for the Sunday Feast starts September 22nd

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, September 29th, 2019 in Events

Beginning September 22nd the Sunday Feast in Soquel will be held a little earlier. Recently we have begun with arotik at 12:30. Now the sermon and class will begin at 10:30. Arotik will be offered at 12:30 and then the feast will be served directly afterwards. This schedule is more consistent with the daily program at the Ashram.

It is our hope that this change will be more convenient for the servitors and guests who like to attend.

Sunday Feast in Soquel

New schedule:

10:30-12:30 Sermon and class

12:30- 1 pm Arotik and worship of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari

1 pm Vegetarian feast

Sri Krishna Janmastami and Nandotsav Celebration

Posted by Srila B. P. Janardan Maharaj on Sunday, August 18th, 2019 in Events
BPJ at inaguration of Srila Govinda Maharaj's Pushpa Samadhi Mandir

Sri Krishna Janmastami

Friday, August 23rd
6 pm in San Jose
6:30 pm – 1 am in Santa Cruz
Grand arotik ceremony at midnight in Santa Cruz
(complete fast until midnight and then no grains)


Sri Nandotsav and the
Aupicious Appearance of
Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad

August 24th
11 am in San Jose
10:30 am in Santa Cruz

janma karma ca me divyam evam yo vetti tattvatah
tyaktva deham punar janma naiti mam eti so ‘rjuna

(Sri Bhagavad Gita 4.9)

Dear Godbrothers and Sisters, Devotees and friends,

 I would like to cordially invite you and your kind family and friends to join with us in celebrating the Anniversary of the Auspicious advent of our most beloved Lord Sri Krishna which will be observed this year on Friday, August 23rd, 2019 (Sri Krishna Janmastami) for the pleasure of Their Lordships Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari and the assembled Devotees.

You are also most cordially invited to join the observance of Sri Nandotsav (Nanda Maharaj’s Celebration) which will be celebrated on the following morning (Saturday, August 24th at 10:30) which is also the Auspicious Appearance day of His Divine Grace, Om Vishnupad Sri Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad.

Please join us in the functions of worship, readings, discourses, kirtan, distribution of Mahaprasad and other devotional activities which are always conducive to pure devotion.

We will be pleased to have your company and participation in this grand ceremony.

 

Yours in the service of The Divine Master and Supreme Lord Sri Krishna,

Swami B.P. Janardan and the servitors of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

Festival in honor of the disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya-varya Ashtottara-shata-sri Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 in Events
Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Festival honoring the
Disappearance of Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj
Thursday, August 1st
6:30 pm in Santa Cruz
6 pm in San Jose​
 

Dear *|MERGE3|*,

Please join us in San Jose or Santa Cruz for the festival in honor of the disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya-varya Ashtottara-shata-sri Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

The program in Santa Cruz will begin with arati at 6:30 pm, will include kirtan, remembrance of His Divine Grace’s profound teachings and pastimes and a sumptuous vegetarian feast. Please call the San Jose Seva Ashram if you have any questions about their program.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Vaishnava calendar 
Click for full calendar…August 10: Ekadasi
August 11: Paran 6:31-10:56
August 15: Appearance of Sri Baladev (fast until noon)
August 23: Sri Krishna Janmastami (fast until midnight, then only grains)
August 24: Sri Nandotsav. Appearance of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad
August 26: Ekadasi
August 27: Paran 6:35-10:36

September 9: Ekadasi
September 10: Paran 6:47-10:59
September 11: Appearance of Srila Bhaktivinod Thakur
September 29: Appearance of Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj

Important links:

Welcome to Sri Govinda Mela

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Tuesday, July 16th, 2019 in Events

Welcome to Sri Govinda Mela 2019! 

On behalf of Srila Janardan Maharaj and the senior devotees in our community, thanks for coming to the second annual Sri Govinda Mela. We hope your spirit will be nourished. If you have any questions or needs please reach out for help. We want you to be very comfortable and happy. Please take some time to look around this site and read a few articles on the Seva Ashram Post. Many of your questions will be answered. Be sure to check out the official Sri Govinda Mela site and Prema Dharma as well.

-Sushila Devi Dasi

Donations

If you’re looking for the donation page, click here… Remember to type a note about what you’re donating for like “Govinda Mela registration” or “books.”

Schedule

 

To use the Google calendar above, click the small +Google Calendar icon in the bottom right corner. You need Gmail for full benefit. Use it to set reminders, invite guests, and access it from your mobile device. For the iCal format click here…

Sri Govinda Mela is just around the corner

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, July 10th, 2019 in Events

With the Bhakti Yoga Retreat this weekend and Sri Govinda Mela just around the corner the Seva Ashram is buzzing with activity.

Sripad Madhusudhan Maharaj, Sripad Nyasi Maharaj and Sri Vishakha Devi Dasi have arrived and are giving classes.

Something magnificent is manifesting on the hilltop after months of hard work on the part of Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu and a hardworking crew.

Check Facebook for more frequent updates. Click here…

Add our Google Calendar with a comprehensive schedule for the next two weeks. Click here…

Evening Classes this week: 7:00-8:30 pm
Wednesday, July 10th: Rajaram Prabhu
Thursday, July 11th: Vishakha didi
Friday, July 12th: Vishakha didi

Sri Govinda Mela and Bhakti Yoga Retreat Registration

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, May 19th, 2019 in Events

Bhakti Yoga Retreat July 12-14

Sri Govinda Mela July 17-21

Click on the links above to register or learn more about our upcoming retreats at the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram.

 

Festival for Sri Nrisimha Chaturdasi Saturday, May 18th

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Thursday, May 16th, 2019 in Events

Festival for Sri Nrisimha Chaturdasi
Appearance of Sri Nrisimhadev

Saturday, May 18th
6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose
The program in Soquel will be led by
Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj in Santa Cruz
Full fast until sunrise, then no grains

     Dear *|MERGE3|*,

Please accept my humble obeisances. On behalf of Srila Janardan Maharaj I affectionately invite you to join in the celebration of Sri Nrisimha Chaturdasi this Saturday. The program in Santa Cruz will start at 6 pm.

The program will begin with kirtan at 6 pm and will include arotik, a lecture, and a sumptuous vegetarian feast. Please bring your whole family and all your friends.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Relevant links:
Articles on SevaAshram.net Click here…
Audio and video on SCSMath.com Click here…
Articles and reports on GaudiyaDarshan.com Click here…
Sripad Tyagi Mahraj’s site Premadharma.org Click here…
Jamuna Priya DD’s site dedicated to Srila Govinda Maharaj AbsoluteSweetness.org Click here…

Calendar:

Registration is now open for
Sri Govinda Mela July 17-21

Download and print a wall calendar
for May and June

Click here to view the 2019-2020
Vaishnava calendar (corrected version)

About Srila Janardan Maharaj:Have you ever listened to Janardan Maharaj’s daily reading of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami? Here’s the first chapter of this incredible scripture:

120724 Adi 1a The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (64 minutes, 44.6 MB)*
120725 Adi 1b The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (48 minutes, 33.3 MB)

The first chapter begins with fourteen Sanskrit verses giving ontology so that we can understand the pastimes and what is going to be presented in the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. The first six verses describe Mahaprabhu, then the next five describe Nityananda Prabhu. The next two verses describe the truth of Adwaita Prabhu and the following verse describes the Pancha-tattva.

Listen to hundreds of lectures on our website. Click here…

Festival in honor of the disappearance of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Monday, April 15th, 2019 in Events, Guardians

 


Festival in honor of the disappearance of
Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya-varya
Ashtottara-shata-sri
Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

Tuesday, April 16th
6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose

The program will be led by
Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj in Santa Cruz
 

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please accept my humble obeisance at your feet. On behalf of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, we wish to extend an invitation to join our Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram in the devotional program in honor of the disappearance of our most worshippable and beloved Gurudev, Om Vishnupad  Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj which manifests on Tuesday, April 16th this year.

I kindly invite you to participate in the special program of glorification, worship, kirtan, prasad distribution, and other devotional activities to be held on this auspicious day. We shall feel blessed to have your association and presence at either our Santa Cruz or San Jose Seva Ashrams.

The program will begin with arotik at 6:30 pm, but there are opportunities to engage in seva all day long. Just come early if you’d like to be engaged in devotional service.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Relevant links:
Articles on SevaAshram.net Click here…
Audio and video on SCSMath.com Click here…
Articles and reports on GaudiyaDarshan.com Click here…

gurvvabhista-supurakam
guru-ganair asisa-sambhusitam
chintyachintya-samasta-veda-nipunam
sri-rupa-panthanugam
govindabhidham ujjvalam
vara-tanum bhakty anvitam-sundaram
vande visva-gurun cha
divya-bhagavat-premno hi bija-pradam

     I offer my obeisance unto he who perfectly fulfils his Gurudev’s most cherished desires; who is fully adorned with the blessings of his Gurudev’s associates; who is expert in all aspects of Vedic knowledge, both conceivable and inconceivable; who is the pre-eminent follower of Srila Rupa Goswami Prabhu’s line; who is known as ‘Govinda’—Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj; whose beautiful, effulgent, exalted form is infused with pure devotion; who is the Guru of the entire universe; and who is the giver of the seed of divine love for the Supreme Lord.

Composed by Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Maharaj

Calendar:

Click here to view and download the 2019-2020
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math
Vaishnava calendar with local Ekadasi dates and paran times

Sripad Bhakti Kamal Tyagi Maharaj arrives April 23rd.

Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj will be here from April 24th to May 1st.

There will be a community meeting about Sri Govinda Mela on April 29th with Janardan Maharaj, Ashram Maharaj and Tyagi Maharaj. Sri Govinda Mela will be July 17-21st. Click here for details.
 

News about next year’s
Sri Govinda Mela July 17-21, 2019
Photos from Sri Govinda Mela 2018 on Flickr 

Have you ever listened to Janardan Maharaj’s daily reading of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami? Here’s the first chapter of this incredible scripture:
120724 Adi 1a The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (64 minutes, 44.6 MB)*
120725 Adi 1b The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (48 minutes, 33.3 MB)

The first chapter begins with fourteen Sanskrit verses giving ontology so that we can understand the pastimes and what is going to be presented in the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. The first six verses describe Mahaprabhu, then the next five describe Nityananda Prabhu. The next two verses describe the truth of Adwaita Prabhu and the following verse describes the Pancha-tattva.

Listen to hundreds of lectures on our website. Click here…

March-April, 2019 Vaishnava Calendar

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Sunday, March 31st, 2019 in Events

March 2019

VISHNU

22.   (Fri) Krishna Dvitiya. Sri Gaura Purnima paran between 05:46 and 09:45 a.m. Anandotsav of Sri Jagannath Mishra. Last gathering of the week-long yearly meeting at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math and yearly festival (today because the Pratipad tithi of previous day was short (kshaya)).Start of year 534 Gaurabda.

25.   (Mon) Krishna Panchami. Festival at the appearance place of Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, Sripat Hapaniya: grand appearance of the Holy Deities of Sripat Hapaniya, Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Radha Gopinath Jiu at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Ashram. Pancham Dol.

28.   (Thu) Krishna Ashtami. Appearance of Srila Srivas Pandit.

29.   (Fri) Krishna Navami. Disappearance of Tridandi Swami Srimad Bhakti Vigraha Bhiksu Goswami Maharaj.

31.   (Sun) Krishna Ekadashi. Papa Vimochani Ekadashi. Fast.

April 2019

1.   (Mon) Krishna Dvadashi. Paran between 07:01 and 11:09 a.m. Festival in honour of  Sriman Mahaprabhu’s auspicious arrival at Varaha Nagar.Disappearance of Srila Govinda Ghosh Thakur. Disappearance of Sripad Satyendrachandra Bhattacharya Mahoday.

2.   (Tue) Krishna Trayodashi (Krishna Dvadashi in Navadvip). Festival in honour of  Sriman Mahaprabhu’s auspicious arrival at Varaha Nagar.Disappearance of Srila Govinda Ghosh Thakur. Disappearance of Sripad Satyendrachandra Bhattacharya Mahoday.

10.   (Wed) Gaura Shashthi (Gaura Panchami in Navadvip). Appearance of Tridandi Swami Srimad Bhakti Sharan Shanta Maharaj. Appearance of Sripad Ramanuja Acharya. Appearance of Tridandi Swami Srimad Bhakti Hriday Bon Maharaj.

12.   (Fri) Gaura Ashtami (Gaura Saptami in Navadvip). Appearance of Tridandi Swami Srimad Bhakti Vilas Tirtha Maharaj.

14.   (Sun) Gaura Dashami (Gaura Navami in Navadvip). Sri Rama Navami. Fast until noon . Appearance at noon of Sri Ramachandra.

15.   (Mon) Gaura Ekadashi. Kamada Ekadashi. Fast.

16.   (Tue) Gaura Dvadashi. Paran between 06:39 and 10:33 a.m. Festival in honour of the disappearance of Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya-varya Ashtottara-shata-sri Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj.

Appearance Day of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Saturday, February 9th, 2019 in Events, Guardians, Videos
BPJ at inaguration of Srila Govinda Maharaj's Pushpa Samadhi Mandir

Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

Divine Appearance of
Srila Bhakti Pavan
Janardan Maharaj

Sevaite-Acharya of the
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Seva Ashram

11 am at the Soquel Seva Ashram
Saturday, February 9th

Watch the video on Facebook. Click here…
 

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

This Saturday please come out to celebrate our dear spiritual guide Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj, acharya of this Ashram and long time leader and inspiration to so many practitioners of bhakti yoga in the mission of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Vaidehi Normand is collecting short written offerings, so please send one her way if you’re inspired to. Reply to this email if you need her contact info.

This event is a joyful opportunity to give due honor to Srila Janardan Maharaj and cherish our good fortune to have his spiritual guidance and leadership in our lives. There will of course, be a delicious feast afterwards.

I pray for your good association and that everyone will join together affectionately on this very happy and important day for our community.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi

Jivana Devi Dasi said on this occasion a few years ago:

“We have had the supreme good fortune of knowing Janardan Maharaj for so many years in ISKCON and even beyond. Not to embarrass Janardan Maharaj, but his depth of humility is so astonishing and so deep and so inspiring. Even when he was in ISKCON he was very well known and he had temples and money and all kinds of devotees at his disposal, but when Srila Prabhupad departed and he heard about Srila Guru Maharaj, he wanted to come to Srila Guru Maharaj. He felt something in his heart so strong for Srila Guru Maharaj and he very easily just left everything behind him to come to Srila Guru Maharaj….

He has so much affection for Srila Gurudev and Srila Gurduev loved Janardan Maharaj so much. He would always say so many beautiful things about him and just considered him one of his dear-most friends as well as a very qualified person for our mission. We are very fortunate for that. Srila Gurudev would sometimes comment how Janardan Maharaj at one point  turned everybody over to Srila Gurudev with no hesitation, with great happiness, and Srila Gurudev was always very astonished at his beautiful humble mood and his genuine affection for him. I can’t say enough wonderful things about  Janardan Maharaj, how much love and affection he’s given us, how much guidance he’s given us. He’s stuck through so many things,  through thick and thin–never caring that we give him the proper respect or not. So many times we are always joking with him in so many ways, but deep in our hearts we are very grateful for Janardan Maharaj….”

About Srila Janardan Maharaj:

Have you ever listened to Janardan Maharaj’s daily reading of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami? Here’s the first chapter of this incredible scripture:

120724 Adi 1a The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (64 minutes, 44.6 MB)*
120725 Adi 1b The Spiritual Masters.mp3 (48 minutes, 33.3 MB)

The first chapter begins with fourteen Sanskrit verses giving ontology so that we can understand the pastimes and what is going to be presented in the Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita. The first six verses describe Mahaprabhu, then the next five describe Nityananda Prabhu. The next two verses describe the truth of Adwaita Prabhu and the following verse describes the Pancha-tattva.

Listen to hundreds of lectures on our website. Click here…

Biography of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj Click here…

An excerpt: “Srila Janardan Maharaj continued to travel and preach on behalf of Srila Govinda Maharaj and his relationship with him developed more and more and became deeper and deeper as the years went by. Srila Janardan Maharaj would visit India regularly and personally collected donations on behalf of the central Math. He would also participate in the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Nabadwip Dham Parikrama in a glorious way bringing so much inspiration to the devotees and much joy to Srila Govinda Maharaj’s heart.

Finally, before leaving this world, Srila Govinda Maharaj declared in his Last Will and Testament “And in America Sripad Janardan Maharaj is a perfect personality. He is a perfect gentlemen. He will be Acharya. He is Acharya already but has given all the respect to me; I am giving in return to him. Sripad Janardan Maharaj will become the Acharya and Sevaite of the Soquel Math.” So, under Srila Govinda Maharaj’s instruction, Srila Janardan Maharaj has continued to care for and serve his divine mission.”

Mangal arotik on Sripad Ramai Prabhu’s birthday

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, January 30th, 2019 in Events
Ramai Prabhu Archan Niketan

 

Mangal arotik to celebrate the birthday of
Sripad Ramai Prabhu Archa Niketan

5:30 am at the Soquel Seva Ashram
Friday, February 1st
 

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please help us carry on the tradition of honoring Ramai Prabhu’s birthday by attending mangal arotik this Friday. It begins at 5:30 in the morning. After arotik the regular daily program involves singing the morning kirtans together, Srila Janardan Maharaj’s class on Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita at 8 am, and prasadam after that. Stay for as little or as long a time as you’re able and inspired to.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila Devi Dasi
 

Important dates:
Ekadasi dates are for California, USA
 
February 9th 
Appearance of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan MaharajVaidehi Normand is collecting short written offerings for Srila Janardan Maharaj. You can reply to this email and we’ll forward your message to her, or you can contact her directly.
February 12th: Appearance of Mahavishnu Avatar, Sri Advaita Acharya.February 15th: Bhaimi Ekadasi
February 16th: Appearance of Lord Varaha and Paran 7:06-10:39 after worship of Lord Varaha.February 17th: Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

February 24th: The 146th divine appearance festival of the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Math and worldwide Sri Gaudiya Maths, Bhagavan Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad.

March 2nd: Mahadvadasi. Fasting for Paksha-vardhini
March 3rd: Paran 6:47-10:31

March 17th: Fasting for Amalaki Ekadasi on Dvadashi
March 18th: Paran 7:25-11:21

March 21st: Sri Gaura Purnima. Divine appearance of Sri Gauranga. Total fast until moonrise, then no grains. Grand festival at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

Disappearance Day of Bhagavan Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, December 26th, 2018 in Events

Bhagavan Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur with garlands
Disappearance festival of the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Math and
worldwide Sri Gaudiya Maths,
Bhagavan Sri Srila
Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad

Wednesday, December 26th
6 pm in Soquel
6 pm in San Jose

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please join us for the divine disappearance festival of the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Math and worldwide Sri Gaudiya Maths, Bhagavan Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad. There will be programs in Santa Cruz and San Jose at 6 pm.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila devi dasi

Sri Vyasapuja of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Gowami Maharaj

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, December 19th, 2018 in Events, Guardians

Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj

The grand 90th appearance day
celebration of
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s Sevaite-President-Acharya,
Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya 

Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj 

Monday, December 24th
11 am in Soquel
6 pm in San Jose

Dear Friend of the Ashram,

Please join us for the grand celebration of the divine appearance of Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj on December 24th at 11 am in Santa Cruz or 6 pm in San Jose.

On Saturday the 22nd of December the temple will host its annual Christmas lunch with Santa at 133 Leibrandt Avenue in Santa Cruz. We will serve lunch at noon and Santa will offer presents to the children from 1 to 2:30.

On Wednesday the 26th of December there will be evening programs in both temples to honor the dissapearance festival of Bhagavan Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad.

Yours in the Lord’s service,
Sushila devi dasi

Bhagavan Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur with garlands

Disappearance festival of the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Math and
worldwide Sri Gaudiya Maths, 

Bhagavan Sri Srila
Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad

Wednesday, December 26th at
6 pm in Santa Cruz and San Jose

Important dates:
Ekadasi dates are for California, USA

December 22nd: Christmas dinner with Santa at the beach flats community center
12 pm lunch 1-2:30 presents from Santa

December 24th: The grand 90th appearance day celebration of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math’s Sevaite-President-Acharya, Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa Parivrajakacharya Sri Srimad Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj 

December 26th: Disappearance festival of the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Math and worldwide Sri Gaudiya Maths, Bhagavan Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad.

January 1st: Saphala Ekadasi
January 2nd: Paran 7:31-10:39

January 17th: Putrada Ekadasi
January 18th: Paran 7:30-10:44

January 21st: Disappearance of Sripad Bhakti Sharan Vaisnav Maharaj

January 30th: Shat-tila Ekadasi
January 31st: Paran 12:21-17:27

February 9th: Appearance of Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj

February 12th: Appearance of Mahavishnu Avatar, Sri Advaita Acharya.

February 15th: Bhaimi Ekadasi
February 16th: Appearance of Lord Varaha and Paran 7:06-10:39 after worship of Lord Varaha.

February 17th: Appearance of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.

February 24th: The 146th divine appearance festival of the founder of the Sri Chaitanya Math and worldwide Sri Gaudiya Maths, Bhagavan Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Prabhupad.

March 2nd: Mahadvadasi. Fasting for Paksha-vardhini
March 3rd: Paran 6:47-10:31

March 17th: Fasting for Amalaki Ekadasi on Dvadashi
March 18th: Paran 7:25-11:21

March 21st: Sri Gaura Purnima. Divine appearance of Sri Gauranga. Total fast until moonrise, then no grains. Grand festival at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

​Important links:
Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math Homepage
Seva Ashram Homepage
Seva Ashram Post (articles to read)
SCS Math International

Sri Krishna Janmastami and Nandotsav

Posted by Srila B. P. Janardan Maharaj on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018 in Events

[pdf-embedder url=”http://sevaashram.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Janmastami-Invite_2018.pdf” title=”Janmastami Invite_2018″]

 

Wisdom of the Vedas at Santa Cruz MAH

Posted by Sushila Devi Dasi on Wednesday, June 27th, 2018 in Events
Sushila devi dasi

For details please visit the
Wisdom of the Vedas event page here…

Dear devotees, friends and seekers,

We are very excited to host an event right in the heart of downtown Santa Cruz at the MAH in busy Abbot Square. This event will kick off our Sri Govinda Mela. We pray that everyone in Santa Cruz will come out for a wonderful evening.

Discovering what the timeless Vedas, Vedic literature, has to offer, from food, medicine, yoga to spiritual life, for the modern world. 

Bhakti Connect presents this event with sponsorship from the Seva Ashram. 

Guests speakers— Vedic literature expert, Srila Janardan Maharaj and Sanskrit scholar, Sripad Tyagi Maharaj

$10 General, $8 Student, FREE MAH members

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