Present Sannyasis List
His Holiness Amala-bhakta Swami
🏙️ Early Life and Search for Purpose
Amala-bhakta Swami was born in New York City and attended New York University. He moved to Santa Monica, California in 1954, working in the motion picture industry for three years. Following a significant epiphany, he embarked on a quest to discover life's true purpose.
🧘♂️ Discovery of Yoga and Initial Teaching
After discovering his path, he returned to New York in 1957 to study and later teach the science of Ashtanga Yoga. By 1963, he was directing a yoga center, which grew from a few students to nearly 400 regular attendees. He established himself as a teacher through lectures, articles in national magazines, television appearances, and private counseling. His primary focus was on achieving a healthy body and serene mind.
🕉️ Turning to Bhakti and Spiritual Master
In 1976, seeking deeper divine realization, he moved to West Los Angeles to study at the ISKCON temple. There, he studied Bhakti yoga under the guidance of the famous spiritual master A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Through these teachings, he was initiated into techniques for attaining continuous inner peace, joy, and strength, even in adversity. He became an expert in explaining India's ancient classics, such as the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata, to help others attain virtue, wisdom, and God-realization.
✍️ Teaching, Writing, and Audio Production
He continues to reside near the Los Angeles temple, where he teaches, counsels, and lectures regularly, while also traveling extensively to teach. He is a prolific author and producer, having written four published books on India's divine incarnations and saints. Additionally, he has produced, directed, and narrated hundreds of hours of audiobooks for Krishna Productions, primarily based on his spiritual master's writings.
🔥 Acceptance of Sannyasa
A major milestone occurred on Wednesday, September 16, 2015, when he was duly initiated into the holy order of Sannyasa at the Los Angeles ISKCON temple by H. H. Radhanath Swami. He was renamed Amala-bhakta Swami in a traditional Vedic fire ceremony.
🌟 Current Energy and Spiritual Joy
Now over eighty years old, he remains highly energetic and rarely ill. He attributes his vitality to a disciplined lifestyle of yoga, physical exercise, a mostly raw food diet, regular spiritual practices, and fervent devotional dancing. Above all, he credits the grace of his guru and God. His greatest pleasure is helping others develop faith in, service to, and love for God, which he believes is the sole source of lasting peace and boundless happiness.
Coming Soon
His Holiness Anant Krishna Das Goswami
👶 Birth and Early Life
HH Anant Krishna Das Goswami was born in Punaw village, Bhabua District, Bihar, on 12th November 1965.
🙏 Initial Association and First Steps
During his school days, he met devotees, especially H.H. Radha Govinda Das Goswami Maharaja and then H.H. Gaur Krishna Dasa Goswami Maharaja in 1984. While in college, he began actively preaching, performing kirtan, distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books, and traveling to remote villages of Bihar. Inspired, he took first initiation from H.H. Radha Govinda Das Goswami Maharaja on 2nd January 1987.
🚌 Journey to Brahmachari Life
In 1989, a trip to Sri Vrindavan Dham and for Ratha Yatra led to a meeting with H.G. Devakinandan Prabhu in Chandigarh. Encouraged by him and H.H. Gaur Krishna Das Goswami, he joined the Sankirtan bus to ISKCON Juhu, where he formally entered the Brahmachari Ashram.
🛠️ Ashram Life and Early Services (1991-1998)
Until 1991, he served in the Sankirtan Department at ISKCON Juhu.
On 15 November 1991 in Vrindavan, he took second initiation from H.H. Radha Govinda Das Goswami Maharaja.
He served as the new Bhakta Director in 1992.
From 1992 to 1998, he served in the Life Patron Membership Department.
🎤 Expanding Preaching and Leadership Roles
From 1997, he began giving seminars on Shrimad Bhagavatam and Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita across India and internationally.
From 1998 to 2000, he served in the Kitchen Department.
From 2000 to 2005, he led the New Bhakta Department.
From 2005 to 2015, he served as the Temple Commander of ISKCON Juhu.
Alongside, he served as the Brahmachari Council Head in ISKCON Juhu, which remains his base.
📚 Renown and Inspiration
Maharaj is renowned for his enthusiastic participation in Book Distribution and his engaging scriptural seminars. He draws inspiration from his Gurudev, H.H. Radha Govinda Das Goswami Maharaja, his godbrother H.H. Gaura Krishna Das Goswami Maharaja, and senior devotees like Braj Hari Prabhu.
🪷 Acceptance of Sannyasa
Desiring to be fully absorbed in hari-katha, he was awarded Sannyasa in 2020 on Gaur Poornima Day by H.H. Radha Govinda Maharaj.
His Holiness Asita Krishna Swami
🪷 Birth and Early Spiritual Environment
His Holiness Asita Krishna Swami is a Gaudiya Vaishnava sannyasi, initiating spiritual master, and leader of ISKCON. He was born in 1972 in the Puri district of Odisha. His early life was immersed in Krishna consciousness, with his family daily reading the Bhagavatam, Ramayana, and Mahabharata.
🏛️ University Years and Association with ISKCON
After high school in 1989, he moved to Bhubaneswar for graduate studies at Utkal University. Frequent temple visits led him to ISKCON Bhubaneswar, where kirtan and association made him a regular. It was there he first met H.H. Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja. Under senior devotees, he joined youth services and began chanting prescribed rounds and distributing books.
📚 Early Service: Preaching and Book Distribution
From 1989 to 1993, he served ISKCON Bhubaneswar, presenting Srila Prabhupada's philosophy at book fairs and debates. Serving in the reception office, he preached to many students, inspiring them to become devotees.
🧠 A Seminal Seminar in Mayapur
In 1992, a seminar in Mayapur on the "Origin of the Universe" by Gauranga Prabhu (a disciple of H.H. Tamal Krishna Goswami) had a profound impact, clearing scientific doubts and deepening his Vedic understanding. He received an invitation to stay in Mayapur but chose to first complete his university studies.
🎵 A Devotional Call to Renunciation
A turning point came hearing H.H. Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja sing a bhajan by Srila Bhaktivinod Thakura about taking shelter of Krishna's lotus feet. Inspired, he joined ISKCON Vrindavan on Putrada Ekadasi in January 1994, immediately fulfilling a childhood desire to perform Govardhan parikrama.
🚌 Preaching and Ashram Leadership
Initially, he served in college preaching at IIT Kanpur and Jaipur University.
By the end of 1994, he was transferred to ISKCON Govardhan Bhaktivedanta Ashram, serving as a pujari, book distributor, construction leader, and legal manager under the guidance of H.H. Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja and H.H. Kesava Bharati Goswami Maharaja.
🪔 Initiation and Guidance
In 1995, he received harinama diksha (first initiation) from H.H. Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja in Bhubaneswar. After his Guru's departure in 1996, he took shelter of H.H. Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, from whom he received second initiation with the instruction to preach Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's message worldwide.
🌟 Decades of Sustained Service
From 1995 to 2010: He led the TSKP Bus sankirtan party with 17 brahmacharis, distributing books across India.
From 1995 to present: He has been managing ISKCON Govardhan Bhaktivedanta Ashram.
In 2010: The ISKCON GBC officially appointed him Temple President of the Govardhan ashram.
🌍 The Path to Sannyasa and Global Preaching
Having a childhood desire for sannyasa, he applied in 2013, inspired by H.H. Sivaram Swami and H.H. Kesava Bharati Goswami Maharaja. His intensive preaching assignments followed:
2013: Extensive Bhagavat Katha preaching across India (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala).
2014: First preaching visit to ISKCON Hong Kong and later Taiwan & China, invited by GBC Chandrasekhar Prabhu.
2015 onward: Continued preaching in Hong Kong, mainland China (Shenzhen, Guangzhou, etc.), and extensively throughout India.
🔥 Acceptance of Sannyasa and Guruship
On March 19th, 2017, after intense preaching years, he received sannyasa initiation from H.H. Sivarama Swami Maharaja at ISKCON Govardhan. He immediately began preaching in Hungary, Turkey, the U.S.A., and the U.K..
During the COVID-19 pandemic, he maintained an active online preaching community for devotees in China with regular Srimad Bhagavatam classes.
In Kartik 2022, he officially became an initiating Spiritual Master within ISKCON.
🙏 A Life of Service at the Holy Dham
For over 27 years, he has dedicated himself to serving the thousands of devotees who visit ISKCON Govardhan Bhaktivedanta Ashram annually, organizing classes and facilities for their darshan and spiritual nourishment.
His Holiness
Atmanivedana Swami
🌍 Origins and Early Life
His Holiness Atmanivedana Swami was born in Uganda, Africa, into
a family of Gujarati
origin. His spiritual journey began in earnest when he
joined ISKCON in
1979 at the age of 22 at the Bhaktivedanta Manor in England.
He received his initiation later that same year in London, formally entering
the path of devotional service.
🇬🇧 Preaching and Service
in the West
Following his initiation, he dedicated himself to preaching throughout
the United Kingdom
until 1983. In a significant move for his spiritual
development, he then resided and served at New Vrindaban from 1984 to 1989. After
this period, he returned to the United Kingdom, where he resumed and continued
his active preaching mission.
🪷 Acceptance of Sannyasa
and Scholarly Mission
A major milestone was reached in 1993 when
he accepted the renounced order of sannyasa from His Holiness Bhakti Swarup Damodar
Maharaj. Since accepting this sacred order, his preaching has
taken on a specific focus. He has dedicated himself to presenting Krishna Consciousness within academic
and scientific circles, serving under the guidance of his
spiritual mentor.
✈️ Global Ministry and
Guruhood
His Holiness's service expanded internationally from 1996 onwards, as he
began dividing his time between the United
Kingdom and India. His global reach was further extended
starting in 2007,
with regular preaching visits to Singapore
and Indonesia. In recognition of his dedication and spiritual
maturity, he accepted the weighty responsibility of becoming an initiating Guru within ISKCON in
2013.
His Holiness Badrinarayana Das Goswami
🙏 Early Association with ISKCON
His Holiness Badrinarayana Das Goswami has been a member of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) since 1970. He began associating with devotees while still at school and formally joined the Laguna Beach temple in California at the age of eighteen.
🕉️ Initiation and Formative Years
One year later, he received initiation from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in Los Angeles. He recalls regularly attending Srila Prabhupada’s lectures as a transformative experience that confirmed his path as a devotee.
🏛️ Temple Leadership Service
He accepted significant leadership roles at a young age, serving as Temple President in Ann Arbor, Michigan (1973-1977) and later as Temple President of ISKCON San Diego (1978-1995).
⚖️ GBC and Administrative Responsibilities
His service on the Governing Body Commission (GBC) began in 1987, with zonal duties across the western United States. He has contributed to key committees such as the Parallel Lines of Authority Committee and the Executive Committee, and has served as Chair and Executive Officer for both the North American and International GBC.
🤝 Long-Term Commitment and Community Roots
His commitment to GBC service spans more than two decades. For over thirty years, he has maintained ISKCON San Diego as his home base, providing great stability to the community.
🌸 Personal Pursuits and Service
His deep connection with the temple has allowed him to cultivate services like gardening fragrant flowers for worship and cooking. He aims to dedicate more time to completing several writing projects.
His Holiness
Bhakti Advaita Navadvipa Swami Maharaj – Sylhet, Bangladesh
🌟
A Journey of Devotion and Service
The remarkable journey of His Holiness Bhakti Advaita Navadvipa Swami Maharaj
is an inspiring tale of devotion and service. His unwavering
commitment has led to significant contributions in advancing the Krishna
Consciousness movement.
🇧🇩
Origins and Early Life in Bangladesh
His spiritual roots trace back to his early days in Tangail, Bangladesh.
From these beginnings, he developed the multifaceted talents that would define
his service.
🛠️
Multifaceted Talents and Service
Maharaj’s service has been greatly enhanced by his diverse skills, which
include expertise in cooking, singing, playing musical instruments,
book distribution, organizing, and fundraising.
🏛️
Temple Leadership and Development
As the existing Temple President of ISKCON Jugaltila, Sylhet,
Bangladesh, he has tirelessly worked to develop the temple and
foster a vibrant devotee community. His leadership was also pivotal in establishing
other ISKCON temples and leading pilgrimage development in
Bangladesh.
📈
Innovative Outreach and Programs
To enrich the spiritual lives of devotees, he initiated important outreach
programs such as Tirtha-Darshan and Nityaseva.
🗣️
Nationwide Preaching Impact
His impact extends beyond Sylhet, as he has actively engaged in
preaching and promoting Krishna Consciousness throughout Bangladesh.
🪷
Acceptance of Sannyasa
A major milestone in his journey was his acceptance of the renounced order
of Sannyasa on Gaur Purnima at Mayapur from His
Holiness Jayapataka Swami Gurumaharaj, marking a new chapter in his
dedicated service.
🙏
Continuing Inspiration
His Holiness Bhakti Advaita Navadvipa Swami Maharaj's profound influence and
tireless efforts continue to inspire and uplift devotees and seekers
alike.
His Holiness Bhakti Ananda Hari Das Goswami
🎯 A Life Rooted in Devotion
His Holiness Bhakti Ananda Hari Das Goswami is a senior ISKCON sannyasi dedicated to preaching and spreading Krishna consciousness worldwide.
🪔 Birth and Early Life
He was born on March 6, 1953, in Chandamleikai, Assam, India, into a traditional Manipuri Vaishnava family. From childhood, he showed deep devotion to Lord Krishna and actively engaged with the spiritual and cultural performances of his region, including the Manipur Rasa Lila.
📚 Education and Early Career
He completed his BA honours from Guwahati University and subsequently worked in a private firm as a secretary from 1976 to 1998.
🛐 Spiritual Journey and Initiation
He first came into contact with ISKCON in 1988 after reading the Caitanya Caritamrta. Inspired, even as a married man, he began preaching in Assam with dedication. He received first initiation in 1997 and second initiation in 2002 from His Holiness Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami.
🌍 Vanaprastha and Expanded Preaching
In 2006, he adopted the vanaprastha (retired) order of life, which intensified his preaching activities. His outreach expanded from Assam, Manipur, and Guwahati to international territories including Sri Lanka and Nigeria.
🔥 Acceptance of Sannyasa
On March 8, 2017, during Amalaki Ekadasi, he was awarded the sacred sannyasa order by His Holiness Subhag Swami Maharaj at Jagannath Mandir in Rajapur. During the ceremony, the central qualities of tolerance and renunciation were emphasized. He was given the tridanda and formally received the name Bhakti Ananda Hari Das Goswami.
🏛️ Temple Leadership and Service
He has held important roles in temples such as the Gopal Dev temple in Navadvip, serving as a spiritual guardian and preacher. His work focuses on spreading Gaudiya Vaishnavism teachings and fostering devotion through scripture study and public outreach.
🌐 Teachings and Legacy
His teachings and sermons are preserved and shared globally through platforms like ISKCON Desire Tree, helping devotees worldwide deepen their understanding and practice of Krishna consciousness.
His Holiness Bhakti Ananda Tirtha Swami
👤 Pre-Sannyasa Identity
Legal Name at Birth: Alan J. McWhorter
Pre-Sannyasa Name: HG Amrta Sagar Dasa
🪷 Sannyasa Initiation
Sannyasa Name: His Holiness Bhakti Ananda Tirtha Swami
Date of Sannyasa: March 19, 2016 (Gaura Purnima)
Location: Salem, Tamil Nadu, India
Sannyasa Guru: His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami
📍 Current Base & Preaching
Current Base: San Diego, California, USA / India
Key Preaching Areas: North America, West Africa (Nigeria), and South India
🌍 Early Life and Joining ISKCON
Maharaja was born and raised in the United States. He joined ISKCON in his youth and became a disciple of HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami, one of the society’s most prolific authors and senior scholars. He spent many years as a brahmacari (monk) focused on book distribution and temple management.
🏛️ Leadership in San Diego (2000s – 2015)
Maharaja is most widely known in North America for his leadership at ISKCON San Diego, where he served as Temple President for over a decade.
The Krishna Lounge: He pioneered the "Krishna Lounge" concept—a modern, relaxed outreach center designed to introduce students and young professionals to Krishna Consciousness.
Media Outreach: He founded and edited the magazine 16 Rounds to Samadhi, which explored the intersection of Vedic philosophy with modern psychology, science, and sociology.
🔥 Entry into Sannyasa (2016)
After completing his mandatory "Sannyasa Waiting Period", he was awarded the renounced order in 2016. His sannyasa guru, HH Bhakti Vikasa Swami, emphasized his ability to present the "plain truth" of the scriptures in a way that resonates with a Western audience while maintaining strict traditional standards.
🌐 Current Services and Global Mission
Maharaja continues to serve actively through:
Global Preaching: He travels between the US and India, giving seminars on Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita.
Africa Mission: He has taken a special interest in the development of the ISKCON yatra in Nigeria, following the legacy of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami, helping to organize festivals and strengthen local devotional standards.
Literature and Training: He assists in the publication of his guru's books and focuses on training younger devotees in the "Science of Self-Realization."
His Holiness Bhakti Ananta Krishna Goswami
🛡️ Life Before Bhakti
Before joining the Krishna consciousness movement, Maharaja had a distinguished career in the Russian Navy. He worked at nuclear weapon testing grounds, a service that eventually took a heavy toll on his health due to radiation exposure. He was later reassigned to the St. Petersburg Military University, serving first as a commander of cadets and subsequently as a teacher.
💊 The Search for Healing
When medical doctors were unable to resolve his radiation-related health issues, he began exploring alternative treatments, including fasting, vegetarianism, and Hatha yoga. His search for deeper meaning led him to discover Bhakti-yoga through two juniors at his college. He was deeply moved by the kirtans at the St. Petersburg programs and began chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra constantly.
🪔 Spiritual Journey and Initiation
Maharaja's dedication was cemented by a profound dream where Srila Prabhupada hugged him and handed him a Bhagavad-gita, instructing him to "read it all very carefully." This internal guidance led him to HH Gopal Krishna Goswami, from whom he eventually took sannyasa in 2011.
🌍 Key Services and Preaching
Russian Preaching: He is one of the most active traveling preachers in Russia, frequently visiting cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and various regions in Belarus and Lithuania.
Educational Focus: He conducts extensive seminars on the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita, focusing on how to make one's spiritual life practical and steady.
Community Development: He is heavily involved in mediating devotee conflicts, training leaders, and developing farm projects within the Russian Federation.
📌 Summary Details
Sannyasa Name: HH Bhakti Ananta Krishna Goswami
Sannyasa Guru: HH Gopal Krishna Goswami
Year of Sannyasa: 2011
Primary Location: Moscow, Russia
Current Service: Preacher, Counselor, and Teacher across Russia and CIS
Website: ananta-krishna.ru
His Holiness Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami
🪷 Sannyasa Initiation
Sannyasa Name: His Holiness Bhakti Anugraha Janardana Swami
Pre-Sannyasa Name: HG Janardana Prabhu
Sannyasa Guru: His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami
Year of Sannyasa: December 6, 2013
Primary Base: Vrindavan, India
🌍 Preaching and Role
Preaching Areas: Philippines, Delhi, Vrindavan, and Kurukshetra
Key Role: Member of the Vrindavan Executive Board (VEB); Initiating Spiritual Master (Diksha Guru)
🛐 Spiritual Journey
Maharaja is a dedicated disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami. He served as a senior leader in the Vrindavan temple for many years. He received sannyasa initiation from his spiritual master on December 6, 2013, at ISKCON Vrindavan in a joint ceremony.
⚖️ Key Services and Contributions
Vrindavan Executive Board: As a trusted leader, he was recommended to the Vrindavan Executive Board (VEB), helping oversee the management and spiritual standards of the Krishna-Balaram Mandir.
International Preaching: He has been specifically assigned to oversee and develop the preaching mission in the Philippines. He travels there frequently to support the local community and conduct initiation ceremonies.
Education: Maharaja is highly qualified, having passed the Bhakti Shastri examination. He is known for his deep, traditional lectures on the Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita.
Kurukshetra Project: He has been a vocal supporter and spokesperson for the "SP50" Kurukshetra project, commemorating 50 years of Srila Prabhupada’s vision for a grand center at the site of the Bhagavad-gita's advent.
HH Bhakti Arjava Priti Vardhana Swami
📝 Academic & Service Details
Academic Credentials: MSc in Chemistry and Electronics (1992) from the Institute of Chemical Technology, Prague.
Primary Base: Bhaktivedanta Academy (Gurukula), Mayapur.
Key Roles: Co-Dean/Administrator of Bhaktivedanta Academy and Member of the ISKCON India Scholars Board.
🎓 1. Academic Foundation & Spiritual Awakening (1989–1992)
Maharaja's foundation was built upon rigorous academic discipline. He pursued and successfully completed a high-level Master of Science (MSc) in Chemistry and Electronics at the Institute of Chemical Technology in Prague, Czech Republic. He graduated in 1992 at the age of 23. While still a student in the winter of 1991, he began associating with ISKCON devotees in Prague. This dual path of scientific study and spiritual inquiry led to a critical juncture after graduation. He chose to renounce a potential secular career in Europe in favor of dedicating his life to Krishna consciousness and devotional service.
🚂 2. The Epic Overland Journey to Vrindavan (1992)
Following his graduation, his desire for spiritual knowledge led him to undertake a challenging journey by land to India.
Route: He and a fellow devotee traveled by train from Europe to Istanbul, Turkey. They then crossed the Suez Canal into Asia, taking buses and trains through Iran (enduring bed bugs in a Tehran hotel). Their journey continued to the southeastern Iranian city of Zahedan.
Desert Austerity: After a 30-hour wait in Zahedan, they embarked on a strenuous train journey through the Balochistan desert in Pakistan. Despite traveling on what he described as a "4th class" train with the windows closed, fine desert sand infiltrated their clothes, bags, and mouths. He accepted this significant austerity purely out of an intense desire to reach Vrindavan and deepen his spiritual studies.
🛐 3. Transition and Service in the Holy Dhama (1992–1993)
Upon arriving in Vrindavan in late 1992, he immediately immersed himself in spiritual life.
Study: He enrolled in the Bhakti Sastri course at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE).
Pilgrimage and Service: He performed the sacred Braja Mandala Parikrama. Following his studies, he began service in the mail-out department of the Vrindavan temple for a few months, assisting Dina Bandhu Prabhu and Daivi Shakti Mataji.
A Life-Changing Decision: At this time, his travel companion returned to Europe. He, however, experienced a profound inner shift. Realizing he could no longer envision a "consumer life" in Prague, he committed to staying permanently in India to live a life dedicated to devotional service.
📚 4. Three Decades of Educational Leadership (1993–Present)
His commitment to spiritual education became his life's main service.
Joining the Gurukula: In April 1993, he visited the Gurukula in Mayapur and decided to stay, inspired by his previous meeting with HH Bhaktividya Purna Swami in Hungary in 1992. He joined the Bhaktivedanta Academy.
Leadership and Scholarship: Over more than three decades, he grew within the institution to become the Co-Dean and Administrator of the Bhaktivedanta Academy. He also serves as a key member of the ISKCON India Scholars Board. In this capacity, he has been conducting comprehensive seminars on the Srimad Bhagavatam, Upadesamrita, and Mahaprabhu Siksastaka in places like Mayapur and Baroda, Gujarat since 2012.
🪷 5. Sannyasa Initiation & Vision (2019)
A significant milestone in his journey was his acceptance of the renounced order.
Initiation: He was awarded sannyasa on March 21, 2019 (Gaura Purnima). The ceremony was conducted by his sannyasa guru, HH Bhaktividya Purna Swami, at Sridham Mayapur, West Bengal, India. His pre-sannyasa name was HG Prithi Vardhana Dasa.
Declared Vision: He stated that his mission in sannyasa is twofold:
To revive authentic Vedic education within ISKCON globally, strictly adhering to the teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
To expand his social and preaching outreach, which includes traveling with HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami for Tribal Care preaching in rural India, and maintaining his connection to the devotee community in the Czech Republic through visits to the Nava Gokula farm.
H.H. Bhakti Ashraya Vaisnava Swami
📅 Appearance (Birth) and Pre-Sannyasa
Pre-Sannyasa Name: HG Vaishnava Dasa.
Background: Maharaj was spiritually inclined from a young age. He was previously employed as a manager in a private company before dedicating his life to spiritual service.
🪷 Initiation and Sannyasa
Harinam Initiation: 1986, by HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
Sannyasa Initiation: November 2013 (Kartik month), by HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
🌍 Spiritual Journey: The Story of Arrival in Vrindavan
Maharaj's journey to ISKCON began after he left his job with the intention of going to Rishikesh. On the train, he met co-passengers from Vrindavan who suggested he go there instead. He arrived at the Krishna-Balaram Mandir and began his service in the kitchen on the day of Radhashtami. Later, on the advice of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, he shifted to book distribution, serving in this capacity for about 15 years with a traveling Bus Party before moving into temple management.
✨ Services and Preaching (Detailed from 2014 Report)
For the year 2014, Maharaj reported extensive travel and service as a sannyasi:
Extensive Travel in India: Preached in numerous cities across Rajasthan (Jodhpur, Udaipur, Jaipur, etc.), Gujarat (Ahmedabad, Dwarka, etc.), Punjab (Chandigarh, Amritsar), and other major centers like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Mayapur, and Jagannath Puri.
International Preaching: Traveled to South Africa, participating in festivals like the Durban Ratha-yatra and observing the large-scale Food for Life program.
Key Activities: His services included conducting spiritual seminars and courses, guiding youth preaching programs in Rajasthan, leading kirtans, and attending many Ratha-yatra festivals to encourage devotees.
🗣️ Current Role and Realizations
Philosophy: He emphasizes that advancement in spiritual life depends on the mercy of Krishna, the Guru, and the Vaishnavas. From his sannyasa experience, he stated that the renounced order greatly helps in preaching Krishna consciousness, and he wishes to use it for that purpose for the rest of his life.
📚 A Lifetime of Scriptural Teaching
A hallmark of his service is his detailed, verse-by-verse exposition of the Bhagavad Gita. He delivered a comprehensive 79-lecture series covering the entire Gita, recorded over many years from 2016 to 2023.
One can access a vast library of his audio lectures on platforms like the ISKCON Desire Tree audio archive and the dedicated site
www.holynectar.org.✨ Key Themes in His Teachings
The Practicality of Spiritual Life: His focus is on making spiritual principles relevant to daily life.
Devotional Community: He emphasizes that spiritual progress is deeply connected to the quality of one's relationships within the community.
Accessible Wisdom: By blending music, explanation, and simplicity, he makes complex Vedic philosophy understandable and engaging for everyone.
HH Bhakti Bhagavatamrita Keshava Swami
🌟 Key Identifiers
Sannyasa Name: His Holiness Bhakti Bhagavatamrita Keshava Swami
Pre-Sannyasa Name: Vivasvan Das
Diksha Guru: His Holiness Prabhavisnu Swami (Initiated 1991)
Sannyasa Guru: His Holiness Bhakti Vijnana Goswami (Awarded Sannyasa in June 2014)
📍 Base and Preaching
Primary Base: Rostov-on-Don / Moscow, Russia
Main Preaching Areas: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and other CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) nations.
Preaching Languages: Russian (primary), with a basic conversational level of English.
🏛️ Administrative and Community Roles
Current ISKCON Sabha Role: Area Representative for Russia and the Former USSR, ensuring the Russian devotee community's voice is heard in global GBC affairs.
Regional Leadership: Regional Secretary for Southern Russia (since 1999).
National Service: Member of the Russian National Council (since 1994).
⏳ Early Life and Service Journey
Joining ISKCON: Became a devotee in 1990 in Rostov-on-Don while a final-year engineering student.
Early Services:
Leader of the Book Distribution Department, Rostov Temple (1991-1993)
Vice President, ISKCON Rostov Temple (1994-1997)
Leader of the Traveling Book Distribution Party (1997-1999)
📚 Educational and Scholarly Focus
Primary Focus: A renowned scholar of the Srimad Bhagavatam, as reflected in his sannyasa name "Bhagavatamrita" (nectar of the Bhagavatam).
Key Teaching: Serves as a primary teacher for Bhakti-shastri and Bhakti-vaibhava courses in Moscow, and is a noted teacher of leadership and Guru-tattva courses across Russia.
🪷 Sannyasa Initiation
Accepted the renounced order of sannyasa in June 2014. The ceremony was performed by his sannyasa guru, HH Bhakti Vijnana Goswami, on the Azov Sea coast during the "Pritilakshanam" festival.
HH Bhakti Bhringa Govinda Swami
👨🎤 Personal and Spiritual Foundations
Early Name: Sean Neal
Hometown: Memphis, Tennessee, USA
Spiritual Master: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (initiated 1971)
Sannyasa Initiation: 1993, Vrindavan, India
🛐 Joining the Movement and Early Service
Bhakti Bhringa Govinda Swami joined the Krishna consciousness movement in Buffalo, New York in 1971 and received initiation from Srila Prabhupada later that same year. He began his service as a cook and pujari in ISKCON centers in Buffalo and Toronto. This foundational service continued until he left for Vrindavan, India, in 1977.
🌍 Global Preaching Journey
From 1979 until 1987, he served in ISKCON temples across Europe and the Middle East, including centers in Greece, Israel, Italy, and France. This period of travel expanded his preaching experience before he returned to Vrindavan in 1987. While there, he established the significant humanitarian service known as the Food For Life program.
🪷 A Defining Spiritual Moment
A pivotal event in his spiritual life occurred in October 1977, when he witnessed a profound conversation between Srila Prabhupada and his godbrother, Srila Akinchana Krishna Dasa Babaji Maharaja. During this exchange, Srila Prabhupada repeatedly quoted the prayer of Srila Narottama Dasa Thakura:
“tandera carana sevi bhakta-sane vasa janame janame haya, ei abhilasa”
(“This is my desire: that birth after birth I may live with those devotees who serve the lotus feet of the six Goswamis.”)
For Bhakti Bhringa Govinda Swami, this moment was a revelation of the integral reason for Srila Prabhupada's mission: a deep, abiding spirit of love and service for Krishna’s devotees.
📿 Signature Preaching and Current Leadership
Preaching Style: He is a world-renowned kirtan leader, known for his lively, ecstatic chanting and his exceptional ability to engage and include everyone in participation. He travels extensively to join devotees in congregational chanting.
Initiating Guru: He has been an initiating spiritual master (Diksha Guru) within ISKCON since 1992.
GBC Leadership: He became a Governing Body Commission (GBC) member in 2000. His current extensive zonal responsibilities include:
Zonal Secretary for: Volga Region (CIS), Iran, Lebanon, and Syria.
Co-Zonal Secretary for: Mauritius, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
HH Bhakti Bhusana Swami
🌍 Early Life and Nationality
Nationality: German (born in Germany, raised partially in Chile).
🪷 Initiation and Sannyasa
Harinam Initiation: 1969 (Germany) by Srila Prabhupada.
Sannyasa Initiation: 1982 (Sridham Mayapur, India).
Primary Base: Argentina and Central America.
Service Rank: GBC Member (since 1987) and Initiating Spiritual Master (Diksha Guru).
Languages: German, Spanish, and English.
👨🦲 Joining and Early Preaching (1968–1970s)
Maharaja met the devotees in 1968 in Germany when the movement was still in its infancy there. He assisted the early monks by singing kirtan on the streets to attract the local public. Upon Srila Prabhupada's first visit to Germany in 1969, he was accepted as an initiated disciple at the age of 22.
🚩 Preaching in Communist Territories
One of Maharaja's most significant contributions was his courageous outreach in the former Communist bloc. He spent the 1970s traveling through Poland and parts of the former Soviet Union, opening temples and clandestine preaching centers at great personal risk during a time when religious activities were strictly suppressed by the state.
🇦🇷 Latin American Mission (1981–Present)
In 1981, he relocated to Argentina. At that time, the country was under a strict military regime, making preaching dangerous and difficult.
Sannyasa: In 1982, during a visit to India, he was awarded the sannyasa order, dedicating his life fully to the traveling mission.
GBC Leadership: In 1987, he joined the Governing Body Commission (GBC). His current zonal responsibilities are extensive, covering nearly all of Central America and parts of South America.
🗺️ Regional Jurisdiction
Maharaja acts as the Zonal Secretary or Co-Zonal Secretary for:
Central America: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Belize, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua.
South America: Paraguay, Venezuela, and Colombia.
🎤 Preaching Style and Philosophy
Maharaja is renowned for his soft-spoken nature and melodious singing. Having lived across three continents, he effortlessly bridges cultures, giving deep scriptural discourses that cater to both European and Latin American sensibilities. He focuses heavily on the "heart" of bhakti, emphasizing the internal transformation required to sustain a life of devotion.
His Holiness Bhakti Brhat Bhagavata Swami
📝 Foundational Details
Spiritual Master: HH Giriraja Swami (Sannyasa Guru)
Sannyasa Initiation: December 24, 2009 (Durban, South Africa)
Primary Base: Durban, South Africa / Vrindavan, India
Former Career: School Teacher
Languages: English, Zulu, and several Indian dialects
🛐 Joining ISKCON and Early Outreach (1983–1988)
Maharaja, a former school teacher, joined ISKCON in Durban, South Africa, in 1983. He quickly became an exemplary preacher of Srila Prabhupada's mission. From 1985 to 1988, he dedicated himself to several key services:
Book Distribution: He personally distributed over 30,000 books, primarily "Science of Self Realization" and "Bhagavad-gitas".
Educational Outreach: He preached extensively to high school and university students across South Africa.
Library Sponsorships: He successfully placed full sets of Srila Prabhupada’s books in over 50 libraries, colleges, and universities.
Leadership: He served as the Sankirtan Leader and Chairman of the ISKCON Kwa-Zulu Natal Congregational Council.
🏛️ Temple Leadership Roles
Vice President: He served as the Vice President of Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple (ISKCON Durban) from 1989 to 1992.
President: He later served as the President of the same temple from 1997 to 2000.
International Leadership: From 2001 to 2004, he served as the Co-President of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama Mandir in Vrindavan, India.
📚 Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC)
Maharaja's most enduring legacy began in 1991, when he founded the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture (BCEC) in Durban.
Global Expansion: Under his direction as Co-International Director, BCEC has expanded to over 10 countries, including Hong Kong, Philippines, India, Kenya, Mauritius, England, Ireland, Canada, USA, Trinidad, and Guyana.
Courses and Impact: BCEC offers bridging courses like 'Bhakti-Sadacara' and 'Yoga Ladder', leading to Bhakti-sastri and Bhakti-vaibhava degrees. Since July 1991, over 14,200 students have passed through the college.
🌍 International Governance and Leadership Development
Regional Service: He served as the Regional Secretary for Gauteng, South Africa, from 2004 to 2006.
Key Committees: He is a member of the GBC Ministry of Educational Development (MED) and the GBC Succession Committee.
Chairman of LEADS: He serves as the Chairman of ISKCON Leadership Education and Development System (LEADS), a major GBC initiative.
Board Membership: He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mayapur Institute (MI).
Education and Training: In 1990-1991, he completed the first Preacher Trainer's Course at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE), Vrindavan, India.
✈️ Current Preaching Mission
Maharaja continues to travel extensively, preaching and teaching Krishna consciousness at ISKCON centers, yoga centers, schools, colleges, and universities worldwide.
HH Bhakti Caitanya Swami: A Lifetime of Service in Krishna Consciousness
🆔 Personal and Spiritual Foundations
Harinam Initiation: July 1973, London, by Srila Prabhupada, who gave him the name Raghubir Dasa
Sannyasa Initiation: March 1994 (Gaura Purnima, Mayapur), by HH Giriraja Swami
📿 Joining the Movement and Early Service (1972–1979)
Maharaja's spiritual journey began as a philosophy student at Auckland University in 1972 when he first saw Srila Prabhupada walking across campus . He formally joined the Hare Krishna movement in early 1973 in London .
His initial years of service were dedicated to book distribution and temple management :
Served in the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) and distributed Srila Prabhupada's books from 1973 until 1980 .
Acted as temple commander at the Radha Krishna Temple in Bury Place, London .
Later served as treasurer and book distributor at Bhaktivedanta Manor in England .
🌍 Pioneering Service and Temple Leadership in South Africa (1980–1998)
In 1980, he moved to South Africa to help establish the movement there .
Temple President: Served as the Temple President of the rural ISKCON community in Cato Ridge from 1980 to 1982 .
The Temple of Understanding: Played a central role in fundraising and overseeing the construction of the landmark Sri Sri Radha-Radhanath Temple of Understanding in Durban, which opened in 1985 . He has been based in Durban for over thirty years .
Regional Leadership: Served as Regional Secretary for South Africa from 1985 to 1988, and participated in an outreach project in Johannesburg from 1988 to 1991 .
⚖️ Sannyasa and Global Leadership on the GBC (1994–Present)
After accepting sannyasa in 1994, Maharaja’s focus shifted to international preaching and leadership .
GBC Member: Joined the Governing Body Commission (GBC) in 1998 .
Global Responsibilities: His assignments have included serving as the primary GBC for Angola, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Estonia. He also acts as co-GBC for Mauritius, Northwest Russia, Eastern Siberia, Western Siberia, Latvia, South Africa, and Lithuania.
Executive Leadership: Has served as Chairman of the GBC (2002-2003, and again elected in 2012) and as Vice Chairman (2001-2003, 2010-2011) . He is involved in the Strategic Planning Team's committee for team building .
🎬 Educational Contributions and Creative Work
Teaching: He is closely associated with ISKCON's educational programs, having taught courses at the Vaisnava Institute for Higher Education in Vrindavana for ten years . He also chairs the board of examiners for the Bhaktivedanta College of Education and Culture .
Documentaries and Books: His interests in filming, photography, and pilgrimage have resulted in an impressive series of documentaries on holy places in India . He is the author of books including "Vrindavan: The Playground of God" and the three-volume series "Traveling in the Service of Srila Prabhupada".
🏠 Current Base and Activities
His permanent and primary base remains Durban, South Africa, where his presence provides stability for the local community . As a traveling preacher, he continues to spread Krishna consciousness globally, maintaining an active international schedule .
HH Bhakti Carudesna Swami
🆔 Foundational Details
Spiritual Lineage: Direct disciple of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami (BTS).
Sannyasa Guru: Initiated into sannyasa by HH Kavicandra Swami.
Harinam Initiation: Received first initiation in 1989.
Sannyasa Initiation: Awarded the renounced order on June 14, 2015, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
Primary Base: Based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, West Africa.
Languages: Primary language is French; also fluent in English.
Key Roles: Serving as a Traveling Preacher, Translator, Former Temple President, and an Initiating Spiritual Master (Diksha Guru) within ISKCON.
📜 Service History & Leadership
🌱 Early Spiritual Journey: He joined ISKCON in 1987 in the Ivory Coast after being inspired by Srila Prabhupada's books. He served as the primary translator for his spiritual master, HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami, during media and public engagements.
🏛️ Temple Leadership: Appointed Temple President of ISKCON Ivory Coast in 1995, leading the community through significant growth and challenges.
🎓 Educational Focus: Committed to scriptural study, he completed the Bhakti-sastri course in Mayapur (2002) and leadership training at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE).
🪷 Sannyasa: In 2015, he became the first local African devotee in Ivory Coast to accept sannyasa, awarded by HH Kavicandra Swami in Abidjan.
🌍 Regional & Global Preaching: He is a key figure in West African preaching, regularly traveling to French-speaking countries like Togo and Ghana. He also speaks at major ISKCON centers in India, including Govardhan Eco Village and ISKCON Chowpatty.
✨ Key Contributions & Legacy
West African Padayatra Leader: He has organized and led annual peace walk pilgrimages (padayatras) in Togo since 2016, which include congregational chanting, book distribution, and community outreach.
Initiating Guru: As an authorized initiating spiritual master, he guides disciples in their spiritual practice.
Community Advocate: He actively works to secure a permanent temple for the ISKCON community in Abidjan.
His Holiness Bhakti Dayita Adipurusha Swami
📿 Spiritual Journey & Titles
Early Life & Initiation: Previously known as Adipurusa Dasa, he received formal initiation from Srila Gour Govinda Swami Maharaja in December 1989.
Renounced Order: He later accepted the renounced order of life (sannyasa), taking the name Bhakti Dayita Adipurusha Swami.
Initiating Guru: He is an authorized diksha-guru (initiating spiritual master) within ISKCON, approved by the Governing Body Commission (GBC).
🛕 Service & Leadership Roles
Primary Base: His early and foundational service was centered at the ISKCON Krishna Balarama Temple in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
Temple Service: He served for many years as a dedicated pujari (priest), performing the direct worship of the temple deities.
Global Outreach: He now travels extensively to preach, with significant activity in Mira Road (Mumbai) and other centers across India.
🎤 Preaching & Teachings
Scriptural Focus: His discourses deeply explore primary Vedic texts, especially the Srimad Bhagavatam (Bhagavata Purana) and Sri Caitanya-caritamrta.
Languages: He preaches prolifically in Odia, Hindi, and English, making the philosophy accessible to diverse audiences.
Programs: He is a featured speaker for major festivals and series, such as "Sri Gaur Katha" and "Srimad Bhagavat Katha."
📅 Recent Activities
Official Ceremony: An oath ceremony formalizing his responsibilities was held on September 13, 2025.
Continuous Travel: He maintains a busy schedule of lectures and spiritual programs at ISKCON centers like Pune, Ujjain, and Rajkot.
His Holiness Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami is a trailblazing spiritual leader within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is historically significant as the first person of African descent to become both a sannyasi (monk in the renounced order) and an initiating guru within the movement.
Early Life and Background
Birth Name: Oko Odama.
Origin: Born in Nigeria to parents who practiced African Traditional Religion (ATR), though he was raised in the Roman Catholic faith.
Early Seekings: From a young age, he was deeply spiritual, intensely studying the Bible and investigating various philosophical groups, including the Rosicrucian Order and the Aetherius Society. He also pursued studies in Electrical Engineering and was a rising reggae artist before joining the monastery.
Spiritual Journey in ISKCON
First Contact: In 1980, while working in Lagos, he encountered a newspaper advertisement for the "Hare Krishna movement" regarding karma and reincarnation.
Joining: He moved into the Lagos temple as a resident devotee in 1982.
Initiation: * Harinama (1st) Initiation: 1985 from HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami.
Brahman (2nd) Initiation: 1986.
Sannyasa: On March 25, 2005, in Sridham Mayapur, he was awarded the renounced order of life by HH Jayapataka Swami on behalf of his spiritual master, Bhakti Tirtha Swami (who was in his final days). He was given the name Bhakti Dhira Damodara Swami.
Leadership and Global Service
Maharaj is a key figure in the expansion of Krishna consciousness across the African continent and beyond.
Educational Role: He is a respected educator, teaching Bhakti-sastri and Bhakti-vaibhava courses at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE) and the Mayapur Institute (MI).
Pioneering Preaching: * He has served as the GBC (Governing Body Commissioner) for West Africa.
He opened new preaching frontiers in the Seychelles.
He travels extensively to the USA, Brazil, India, Mauritius, and throughout Africa.
Sustainable Communities: Following the vision of his guru, he is actively developing self-sustainable farm communities in Ghana and Nigeria.
Authorship: He authored the book “Spiritual Connection: Understanding the Dynamics of Guru-Disciple Relationship,” which explores the depth of the bond between a teacher and student.
HH Bhakti Gaurava Narayana Swami into a clear, bulleted format based on authoritative sources. The information is drawn from his official website and confirmed by the ISKCON GBC list, as detailed in the references at the end.
🪷 Spiritual Identity and Current Status
An initiating spiritual master (diksha guru) within ISKCON, recognized by the official ISKCON GBC list.
Serves as the Zonal Secretary for Central and South Odisha.
A member of the ISKCON India Advisory Council.
🎓 Early Life and Education
Born in 1953 near the holy city of Jagannath Puri, Odisha, India.
Graduated with honours from SCS College, Puri.
Earned a post-graduate degree with a gold medal from Visva Bharati University, Santiniketan, in 1978.
Worked as a lecturer in SCS College, Puri, before joining ISKCON full-time.
🛐 Spiritual Journey and Dedication
Left his government job and joined ISKCON as a full-time devotee in late 1981 in Vrindavan.
Became a disciple of HH Tamal Krishna Goswami (TKG).
Has passed the Bhakti Shastri examination and other leadership courses.
🌍 Key Service Timeline and Contributions
Early Traveling Preaching (1981-1984): Traveled and preached across North and Central India, enrolling Life Patron members.
Leadership in Kolkata (1984-1989): Served as Life Membership Director and Vice-President of ISKCON Kolkata, pioneering student preaching programs.
Focus on Odisha (1987 onward): Began dedicated preaching in Odisha, especially among youth in industrial towns like Talcher and Angul.
Pioneering in Bhubaneswar (1990-1992): Started a youth preaching program, organized the first Rathayatra in the city, translated scriptures into Odia, and oversaw deity installation.
Service in Mumbai (1992-1993): Served as Life Patron Director for ISKCON Juhu.
Development of Govardhan (1994-2004): Managed the ISKCON Govardhan project, serving as its President from 1999.
Acceptance of Sannyasa (2003): Accepted the renounced order of sannyasa.
As an Initiating Guru (2007): Began accepting disciples as an initiating spiritual master.
Establishment in Vrindavan (2010): Established his residence in Vrindavan while continuing his zonal duties.
Establishment of Angul Project (2010): A major achievement of his preaching, establishing an ISKCON centre in Angul, Odisha, where a temple project is now developing.
📚 Other Notable Roles and Skills
Edited the Hindi edition of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrta for the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT).
Continues to travel and preach extensively across India and internationally.
Fluent in Odia, Hindi, English, and Bengali.
His Holiness Bhakti Gauravani Goswami
📿 Spiritual Journey & Initiation
🌍 Early Life: Born in Germany in 1951. He first encountered Krishna consciousness in Hamburg in 1971 while serving in the military.
🙏 Meeting Srila Prabhupada: After his discharge, he traveled to Paris in June 1972 to meet His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
📿 First Initiation: He was accepted as a direct disciple and given the spiritual name Vedavyasa Dasa.
🛠️ Decades of Dedicated Service
📚 Literary Service in Germany: For eight years, he translated Srila Prabhupada's books into German and managed the German Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT).
🇪🇸 Mission in Spain: In 1981, he moved to Spain to assist in temple administration and oversee the Spanish BBT.
👨👩👧👦 Family Life: He entered the grihastha (householder) ashram in 1982, marrying a Spanish devotee. Together they raised four children.
🌍 European Spanish BBT: In 1985, he established the European office for the Spanish BBT, organizing the publication of major scriptures like the Srimad-Bhagavatam in Spanish.
🧎♂️ Sannyasa & Current Leadership
🧎♂️ Entering Renounced Life: After entering the vanaprastha (retired) order in 2007, he accepted the renounced order of sannyasa on Gaura Purnima in 2014 in Mayapur. He received the name Bhakti Gauravani Goswami from HH Prahladananda Swami.
⚖️ Current Leadership Roles:
GBC Commissioner: Serves as the Euro RGB Commissioner for ISKCON's activities in Spain.
Temple President: He is the president of the New Vrajamandala farm community in Spain.
Initiating Guru: An authorized initiating spiritual master within ISKCON, preaching globally.
📖 Literary & Artistic Contributions
✍️ Authorship: Authored "Srila Prabhupada and His Disciples in Germany" (1996) and a Spanish book on the soul's journey titled "¿A dónde vamos?".
🎼 Sacred Music: Compiled the "Sacred Song Symphony" (2020), a 700-page volume of 108 Vaishnava songs with musical scores.
🎨 Latest Work: Published "Introspection—Life in the Shadow of Time" (2025), featuring devotional poetry and 160 pages of his original graphics.
🔄 Translation Projects: He is currently re-translating Srila Prabhupada's books into German to reflect a matured understanding of the philosophy.
His Holiness Bhakti Karunamayi Vanamali Swami
🌟Early Life and Inner Quest
He was born on May 31, 1969, at 6:00 PM in Chembur, Mumbai, a day that is also recognized as Jyestha Purnima – Snan Yatra, the divine appearance day of Lord Jagannath.
His parents, Shriman A. Kumaresan Pillai and Srimathi K. Theivanai Pillai, were very caring and kind.
From childhood, he felt a distinct sense of emptiness and was curious about the source of genuine happiness he observed in others, which planted the early seeds of his spiritual search.
🛕 The Transformative First Visit to ISKCON
During his final year of a B.Sc. in Physics in 1988, a period of study leave led his mind toward reformation.
He first visited the ISKCON Juhu temple in the winter of 1988. The experience was profound, especially hearing three conch shells blown simultaneously at 4:15 PM, an awe-inspiring moment he had never encountered before.
He considered that day, which included attending an evening program and having dinner at the Govinda Restaurant, the happiest he had ever enjoyed.
He later felt fortunate to work with pioneering youth preachers such as Mukund Madhav Prabhu, Kapila Prabhu, Rishabdev Prabhu, Rasraj Prabhu, and Jiva Prabhu.
⚔️ Military Service and the Spiritual Calling
After graduation, he served as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces' Motorized Infantry from 1990 to 1996.
Despite the demands and excitement of military life, his mind continually returned to the serenity and fulfillment he experienced at the Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari temple in Juhu. He felt a persistent inner call to dedicate his life fully to spiritual service.
🙌 Full-Time Dedication and Spiritual Initiation
In 1996, he decided to conclude his material career and joined ISKCON full-time, beginning his service at the Mira Road temple.
On Nithyanand Trayodashi in 1997, by the causeless mercy of His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja, he was accepted as a disciple. He was deeply moved by this kindness and vowed eternal gratitude.
In 1998, he received brahmin initiation from his spiritual master, who also inspired his aspiration to one day accept the renounced order of sannyasa.
Early in his devotional life, his mother observed his sincerity and told him, "You are good as a devotee; one day you will become a sannyasi." Her words became a guiding prophecy for his spiritual path.
🛠️ Expansive Service and Leadership
His service began with fundraising through Life Memberships and conducting youth programs. In 1999, he founded and headed the BHISMA mailer fundraising initiative.
He engaged in numerous services at the temple, including Nagar Sankirtan, Books Marathon, congregational and youth preaching, and serving as a leader for new devotees and brahmacharis.
He became a member of the Temple Management Council in 2010.
His particular passion lies in Harinam Sankirtan and delivering spiritual discourses, especially through inspiring the youth.
🧎♂️ Realizing the Sannyasa Ideal
He holds great reverence for the renounced order, inspired by the sannyasi's ideal of being detached from worldly affairs and exclusively attached to Krishna and the mission of Srila Prabhupada. This inspiration guided his own spiritual ambitions.
Below is the Sannyasa Ministry–aligned profile with very minimal, discreet icons placed only at key section headers, while preserving the formal, institutional ISKCON tone and structure.
🕉️ His Holiness Bhakti Kevala Gopendra Krishna Swami Maharaj
• Birth Name: Gopal Halder
• Date of Birth: 17 October 1965
• Place of Birth: Vaikunthapur village, Chhattisgarh, India
• Affiliation: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)
• Order: Sannyasa
• Status: Present Sannyasi (as listed by the ISKCON Sannyasa Ministry)
👤 Early Life
• Born into a simple rural family
• Father passed away when he was six years old
• Assisted his family through agricultural work due to financial circumstances
• Demonstrated devotional inclination from an early age through Harinama Sankirtana and simple worship practices
📖 Coming to Krishna Consciousness
• Inspired by a Gaudiya Vaishnava preacher who conducted Srimad Bhagavatam discourses in his village
• Deeply influenced by reading Beyond Birth and Death by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
• Regular reading of Back to Godhead magazine strengthened his faith
• Visits to ISKCON temples confirmed his decision to dedicate his life to devotional service
🛕 Joining ISKCON
• Initially visited ISKCON New Delhi
• Subsequently joined ISKCON Mayapur
• In 1993, moved to ISKCON Vrindavan and began full-time devotional service
• Completed new devotee training and rendered basic temple services
📿 Initiations
• First Initiation:
• Gaura Purnima, 1996
• Initiating Guru: His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami Maharaj
• Second Initiation:
• April 1998
• Vrindavan
🛠️ Service History
• 1994–1997: Traveling sankirtana bus preacher
• 1997–2003: In-charge of a traveling sankirtana party
• April 2003: Appointed Assistant Head Pujari at Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir, Vrindavan
• Participated in ISKCON marathon preaching programs until 2009
• From 1997 onward: Training brahmacharis and sankirtana devotees
• Conducts ISKCON courses, including the Guru–Disciple Course
📢 Preaching Service
• From approximately 2012: Regularly delivering Gaura Katha and devotional discourses
• Preached in various parts of India, including Panipat, Amritsar, and Ludhiana
• Conducted preaching programs in Bangladesh, including Dhaka and Khulna
• Primarily based in Vrindavan
🌿 Present Service
• Serving as an ISKCON sannyasi and preacher
• Engaged in training, teaching, and guiding devotees
• Actively serving the mission of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
Bhakti Madhurya Govinda Swami was initiated by His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in October 1968, about two months before HH Jayapataka Swami, awarding him the name “Makhanlal das”. 65 years old, he is one of the original 100 disciples of Srila Prabhupada. He started one of ISKCON’s first university preaching programs at the University of San Francisco, California, later continuing university preaching at his former university, the University of California, Berkeley. He opened the Berkeley, California temple in 1969. He has been practicing Bhakti Yoga steadily for the past 42 years. He has managed several of the centers in the U.S. He trained and sent in the initiation recommendations for some well know Prabhupada disciples such as Bhima das , president of Juhu temple and director of BBT India, Bhakti Vidya Purna Swami, director of the Mayapur gurukula, and others. For more than five years he served as a legal assistant in the international BB law office. He has taught hundreds of classes on the science of Krishna Consciousness, the ancient Vedic culture, the Bhagavat Purana, Isopanisad, Bhagavad Gita, and other Vedic classics in colleges, universities, and ISKCON centers. He attended the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. He has also appeared on a significant number of popular national and international television shows, both in the U.S. and India, such as the popular show “We the people” (MDTV,Delhi). He was awarded the Sannyas order by the GBC in February, 2010. He is currently traveling and teaching throughout India and Asia. His international headquarters is located at the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir in Punjabi Bagh, a suburb of New Delhi.
Coming Soon
Bhakti Narasimha Swami (formely Jagat Guru Dasa) was born in 1959. He is the first South African Sannyasi of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness – ISKCON. He Joined ISKCON in 1986. He was involved in the pioneering work of ISKCON Zululand under HG Kamsahanta Prabhu (ACBSP), he later got involved with pioneering preaching in Zimbabwe. He served as a book distributor in the early 90’s in Birmingham,UK. He served in South African Temples including Durban and Cape Town in the mid 90’s and was in East Africa, Kenya and Uganda in the late 90’s till 2003. He became a sannyasa candidate in 2005 and was initiated into the sannyasa ashrama in 2008. He is based in Sao Paulo, Brazil and he travels and preaches in South America, Africa and Russia.
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Birth
I was born in Mysore (Karnataka, India) on 20th April,
1973.
Madhusudan Masa (Vaishaka Pouranimantah)
Krishna Paksha Tritiya, Vishaka Nakshatra (4th Pada).
My grandmother named me Krishna Kiran as she had vowed to
Sri Udupi Krishna in her prayers to Him that a male child born will nb named
after Him.
Childhood
Born into an orthodox Madhva family, I spent my childhood
in and around Madhava Mutt (Uttaradi Mutt) learning all the rituals and
mantras. Hanuman and Sripad Madhvacharya were my natural heroes. My
grandmother’s Mahabharata and Ramayana stories became my passion. Later I did
my schooling in Tenali (the place of famous Tenali Ram) regularly visiting the
Hauman’s deity (Mukyaprana) installed by Narahari Tirtha (No. 7 in our Guru
Parampara list).
Youth
When I was just 14, the usually naughty and playful
nature in me suddenly changed into a serious and philosophical one after the
demise of my mother when . While studying in college (Marine Engineering) I
tried to explore sense gratification under peer pressure, but found it against
my nature. It was in the 3rd year of college that I heard a lecture by HG
Dayaram Prabhu and made up my mind not to marry.
As I read the Gita many times and frequently heard from
HH Bhakti Vidyapurna Swami at the Mayapur Gurukul, my conviction to dedicate my
life for preaching the message of the Bhagavad-gita became strong.
Shastric study
While working in the Merchant Navy as an engineering
officer, I utilised my abundant spare time studying Srimad Bhagavatam for hours
a day. In the meantime, during my 3 months of break from my job in Shipping, I
got the divine association of HG Atmatatva Das who further inspired me to study
Srila Prabhupada’s books and dedicate my life for preaching and told me
that life is not meant for doing some shudra work. I gave up my highly
lucrative job and joined ISKCON Mira Road on Aug 20th 1997.
Initial ISKCON days
There was a great resistance from my father, who evem met
the Prime Minister of India asking him to tell ISKCON to give his son back.
But, the divine Lotus Hand of my spiritual master, HH Gopal Krisha Goswami
Maharaja on my head saved me from all calamities both from within and outside
of ISKCON. Somehow my father and other family members had to settle with the
harsh reality i.e. their Krishna Kiran has become a monk and it is not a
circumstance nor a chance, but a prediction by a Madhva Sanyasi of Mantralaya.
As my grandmother recalls “When kiran was 7 years old, we
went to Mantralayam, the divine abode of Sripad Raghavendra Swami. As a ritual
we all went to meet the current swamiji of the mutt for blessings and came out
only to find out that Krishna Kiran was missing. We went to look for him in
swamiji’s room; there he was with the swamiji refusing to come out along with
us. Swamiji told us that “he belongs to Krishna and you cannot force him into
family life”.
Services done in ISKCON
As soon as I joined ISKCON Mira Road in 1997, I took up
the responsibility of “New Bhakta training” and youth preaching. I got my first
initiation in Jan 1998. Circumstances led me to become the Vice-president of
ISKCON Mira Road in 1999. I took up congregation development and teaching in
VIHE in the year 2002 after my second initiation. In 2007, I was made the
President of ISKCON Mira Road, which came out to be a very strong community
with a beautiful temple. I am known more for my philosophical discourses than
my managerial abilities. I have also produced leaders and set up many temples
and preaching centers in Vapi, Bhavnagar, Bhilwara, Udaipur, and many other
places.
I have served as WIDC Vice-Chairman and have also
completed the GBC College training from its first batch.
Current Services
Along with being the President of ISKCON Mira Road, I am
also a member of the ILAC.
I travel extensively in South Gujarat, South Rajasthan, and Panjab for preaching and guiding in setting up a standard gurukul as
envisioned by Srila Prabhupada. Education is my passion; so I identify myself
as a teacher of Bhakti Shastri, Bhakti Vaibhav, Shad darshnas, and other
scriptures.
Why did I want to take sannyasa?
I feel that I am destined to be a sannyasi and already leading the life of a sannyasi. HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja has
great expectations from me and somehow or the other I want to fulfil his desire.
I just want to be a small instrument in the hands of HH Gopala Krishna Goswami
Maharaja to expand Maharaja’s services to Srila Prabhupada.
Taking up sannyasa helps me to practice the following
verse in the Srimad Bhagavatam in a more realistic way.
etam sa asthaya paratma-nistham
adhyasitam purvatamair maharsibhih
aham tarisyami duranta-param
tamo mukundanghri-nisevayaiva
I shall cross over the insurmountable ocean of nescience
by being firmly fixed in the service of the lotus feet of Krsna. This was
approved by the previous acaryas, who were fixed in the firm devotion to the
Lord, Paramatma, the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
Devotional career in ISKCON
– Joined ISKCON Mira Road in 1997 – Immediately took up
the responsibility of “New Bhakta training” and youth preaching – I got my
first initiation in Jan 1998 – Vice-president of ISKCON Mira Road in 1999 – I
took up congregational development and teaching in VIHE in the year 2002
after my second initiation – In 2007, I was made the president of ISKCON Mira
Road – A strong community with a beautiful temple built in 2015. – I have also
produced leaders and set up many temples and preaching centers in Vapi, Bhavnagar,
Bhilwara, Udaipur, and many other places – Served as WIDC Vice–Chairman –
Completed the GBC College training from its first batch
Current Services
– Along with being the President of ISKCON Mira Road – I
am also a member of the IIAC
– I travel extensively in South Gujarat, South Rajasthan, and Punjab for preaching and guiding in setting up preaching centers – Teacher in VIHE – Teacher in LEEDS
Bhakti Prabhava Swami, born in Brussels in Belgium, in 1960, met devotees in Ghent in the summer of 1992. From 1992 to 1996 he was active in Nama Hatta preaching in Ghent (Flanders) and joined the Radhadesh temple in 1996. In 1994 he met His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami who accepted him as his disciple and gave him first initiation on 12 March 1998 and second initiation on 25 August 1999. On the 31st of May 2015 he was awarded sannyasa initiation by His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami. Right after his first initiation he became the first secretary for the newly formed European RGB. He organized the first European Leaders Meetings (ELM) and went on several missions for the European RGB. In 2004 Bhakti Prabhava Swami was requested to become to Secretary for the Global GBC Body and the Secretary for the GBC Executive Committee. He fulfilled that role until September 2009. During that period, he attended all GBC meetings and all GBC mid‐year meetings as GBC Corresponding Secretary. He organized the first GBC midyear meeting held at Prabhupadesh in Italy in October 6‐9, 2006.
Since 2004, he travelled each year for a few months with His Holiness Prahladananda Swami as his assistant in various East European countries.
In 2004, he opened a new ISKCON centre in Brussels, and from 1999 to 2004 he served as legal director for New Mayapura in France. In March 2006 he received a Global Excellence Aware for “Acting in the Interest of ISKCON”.
From 1996 to 2007 he engaged in management of the Radhadesh projects, mainly taking care of supervising the administration, tax defense and legal matters as Chartered Accountant. He also served as chartered accountant, legal director, trustee, teacher and student in the Bhaktivedanta College.
In 2008, he followed the Spiritual Leadership seminar in Ujjain facilitated by His Grace Anuttama Prabhu.
Studied at the University of Wales from 2004 to 2016 and earned an MA (2010) and a PhD in the Study of Religion in June 2016.
He also graduated for studies in Bhakti Sastri (MI) , Bhaktivaibhava (VIHE) and Bhaktivedanta (VIHE) engaged in from 2001 to 2011.
Is since 2012 serving as Bhakti Sastri and Bhaktivaibhava teacher, conducting (on-site and on-line teaching) programmes for the College of Vedic Studies. Since 2019, he also serves as Bhaktivaibhava / Bhaktivedanta teacher for the Mayapura Institute and the Vrindavana Institute for Higher Education (VIHE).
Bhakti Prabhava Swami is a member of the ISKCON Board for Examination, a member of the Sastric Advisory Council (SAC) and a member of various committees of the Ministry for Sannyasa. He also serves as an Advisory Board Member and Teacher for the ISKCON Bhagavat Mahavidyalaya in Europe and North America.
Bhakti Prabhava Swami has been preaching internationally since 1996, presenting seminars and lectures in Belgium and in other countries when invited.
I was born on 4th April 1973 at Berhampore town, Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India. I completed my graduation in Commerce from St. Xavier’s college, Kolkata in the year 1993. I did Chartered Accountancy (C.A.) and Cost Accountancy (I.C.W.A.) from Kolkata to start my professional career. In the mean time my elder brother HG Bhaktajana Priya Das introduced me to ISKCON and Srila Prabhupada in the year 1994. I visited ISKCON Mayapur in the year 1995 and got deeply inspired by Mayapur Dham. Srila Prabhupada touched me very deeply through his books and I decided to join the movement. I joined ISKCON Mayapur in the year 1996. My spiritual master HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaja awarded Harinam diksha to me on the auspicious Radhastami day of 1997 in Mayapur. I was fortunate to receive Brahmana diksha from him on Gaura Purnima day of 1999 in Mayapur. I served ISKCON Mayapur in different management positions such as Head of Treasury, General Manager, Deputy Director, Vice-Chairman of Mayapur Administrative Council till the year 2018. I also served as Executive Committee member of ISKCON Eastern India Divisional Council for many years.
Along with my managerial services, I was involved in developing different types of preaching activities for ISKCON Mayapur such as College Preaching, Bhakti Vriksha Preaching and other outreach activities. Since 2006 I have been serving as a travelling preacher of ISKCON Mayapur spreading the message of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in different parts of the world. I was involded in developing the Food for Life program of ISKCON Mayapur as the chairman. In the year 2018, I came out from Mayapur management to give more focus and attention in the fileld of preaching and education.
At present I am actively involved in training and development of Youth and Bhakti Vriksha groups for ISKCON Mayapur and other centers of ISKCON. Apart from these preaching services I am also serving as the Regional Secretary of ISKCON and Chairman of ISKCON Bhagavata Mahavidyalaya at Sri Vrindavan Dham.
I joined ISKCON, Bhubaneswar in 1980. I met H.H. Gour Govinda Swami, who was the president of ISKCON, Bhubaneswar at that time. He gave me some literary work. I helped him & I gave the reply of his letter. I was doing a congregational preaching & Sunday programme. From 1988 to 2006. I was the vice president of ISKCON, Bhubaneswar & as well as I was the director of Namahatta. When the temple was inaugurated in 1991, I was doing deity worship. I was the director of Padayatra from 1992 to 2006. Throughout Odisha we the devotees of KRISHNA BALARAM TEMPLE & some congregational devotees were organising Padayatra under the leadership of His Holiness Gour Govind Swami. I took my first initiation (Harinam) in 1985 from H.H. Gour Govind Swami & took second initiation (Gayatri) from H.H. Gour Govinda Swami in 1986. I translated Narada Bhakti Sutra, Second Chance from English to Oriya language. I also translated “Vaisnav Sadachar” from hindi to oriya language. I am also giving article to oriya B.T.G. (Bhagwat Darshan) I was doing managerial work in Cuttack (Extension Centre) of Bhubaneswar from 2012 onwards. I took Sanyas initiation from H.H. Bhakti Gourab Narayan Swami in the Year 2017. I was preaching Indonesia, Malesia, Singapur, Java etc.
HH Bhakti Prema Swami, born on 31st December 1967, came in contact with ISKCON in 1994 and joined as a full‐time devotee in 1995 in Mayapur. He received initiation in the family of Jagat Guru Srila Prabhupada from His Holiness Bhakti Caru Swami Maharaj. He came in Krishna Consciousness in 1994. Since 1994 , when he was 27, he is serving in the mission of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. He sings Vaisnav Bhajans melodiously and beautifully explains their purports. He focuses on establishing loving relationship with devotees and everyone else.
Coming Soon
His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami has been serving with great dedication for many decades. During the early days of Mayapur development, he lost one leg due to an attack with bomb in Mayapur. However, inspite of this handicap, he travels extensively. He has many varnashrama projects. He is the main force behind Global Varnashrama educational, social and cultural organisation. He preaches in India, Nepal & many South East Asian countries like Cambodia & Indonesia.
Bhakti Rakshak Radha Golokananda Swami received Sannyasa on 2nd April 2020 – Ram Navami. He has been preaching in India and Mauritius.
His Holiness Bhakti Rasamrita Swami completed his B.E. from M.S University Baroda, MBA from Bombay University & worked for some time in a multinational Bank. Inspired by the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder acharya of The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), he decided to dedicate his life for propagating the message of Bhagavad Gita and joined International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He was initiated by the spiritual name His Grace Devamrita Dasa. Since then he has served in many important projects and has preached the message of Bhagavad gita very widely, especially to the student community. He served as temple president in Mumbai, Belgaum and Vrindavan- which is the spiritual hub of world wide ISKCON temples. He has been preaching in many prestigious educational institutions all over India. Commemorating the hundredth birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada in the year 1996, he travelled widely and conducted National level theistic debate competitions in various colleges and Universities across India and Nepal, covering 250 cities and over 5000 colleges. During this period, He inspired many people in different parts of India, to practice and preach the message of Srimad Bhagavad gita. In the month of March, 2010, honoring his dedication and devotion, He was awarded the order of Sannyasa (Renunciation) in ISKCON, with the title His Holiness Bhakti Rasamrita Swami. In his more than 23 years of dedicated devotional life in ISKCON, he has rendered several important services, preached in many countries of America, Europe and USSR, and continues to do so. Presently he is temple president of ISKCON Belgaum centre, where He is inspiring thousands of people to seriously practice the sublime teachings of the Bhagavad-gita, and is overseeing the devel
Bhakti Rasayana Sagar Swami joined ISKCON in 1989 in the former USSR (Russia). Presently he is based in London, UK. He is initiated by Indradyumna Swami and has done a variety of services in ISKCON, including being temple president in Chelyabinsk Russia between 1995 and 2005, regional secretary between 1996 and 2005 and GBC deputy for Russia between 1999 and 2003.
He also organized building a temple in Chelyabinsk, Russia. He holds degrees of Bhakti Shastri teacher and mediator. Communicates in Russian and English.
Coming Soon
He joined ISKCON in February 1991.
From 1996 to 2013, he served as the head of the School
Preaching Department in Mayapur.
After that, he has also served as Co-President of
ISKCON Panihati.
As of recent years, he is based in ISKCON Panihati, but he
travels and preaches in India and Bangladesh.
He teaches spiritual courses: Bhakti-śāstri and Bhakti-vaibhava
courses.
From the earlier Govindanandan Prabhu, he was awarded Sannyasa
by HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj in Mayapur in March 2025 and became HH
Bhakti-Sara Govindananda Swami
His
Holiness Bhakti Sarvajña Gauranga Swami was born in 1981 in a Christian family in South Africa. Maharaja was
raised as a Catholic and spent my formative years in a Catholic mission school.
He met the devotees of ISKCON in February of 2002, during the second year of my
studies at the University of Technology in Pretoria, South Africa. There was a weekly
gathering which he came to know about through a poster on one of the University
corridors. I began attending the weekly program along with some of my friends.
Soon he found out about the Wednesday and Sunday programs at the preaching
center where he became a regular. He then attended a student retreat with the
devotees and subsequently his conviction to become a monk became resolute. He
joined the temple a few months later in 2002 being attracted by the
revolutionary idea of being an agent of a spiritual consciousness change in the
world. At that time he understood that the Krishna Consciousness education was
most essential and required his full attention.
He received first and second initiation in 2004 and 2007. His services over the years have mainly been in outreach. Within 3 months of joining the temple, he became part of the book distribution and harinama team. After initiation and completing my bhakti sastri studies in Mayapur, he began his service as a University preacher. He had the great fortune of always being in the frontlines in areas of Southern Africa where pioneering was needed. Maharaj has successfully introduced many souls to Krishna consciousness through University preaching over the years. He currently has a preaching base in Swaziland.
He took Sannyasa in May,2025.
His Holiness Bhakti Sarvagya Gauranga Swami is a
disciple of His Holiness Bhakti Charu Swami and a spiritual teacher dedicated
to sharing the timeless wisdom of bhakti-yoga in a contemporary and relevant
way.
Since joining ISKCON Pretoria in 2002, he has
served extensively across South Africa and the Kingdom of Eswatini, where he
co-pioneered and formally registered ISKCON together with HH Bhakti Narasiṁha Swami.
Trained in Bhakti-śāstrī and Bhakti-vaibhava studies in Śrī Māyāpur Dhāma, he combines classical Vedic education with a dynamic and practical approach to spiritual life.
Beyond traditional teaching, Gauranga Swami engages the modern world through dialogues and interviews with leading podcasters, thought leaders, and spiritual visionaries, bridging sacred wisdom with contemporary thought.
He is an active member of Harināma Ruchi, a traveling open-air kīrtana group, and serves on both the ISKCON South Africa Advisory Board and the Sannyāsa Mission Committee.
As a global preacher, he regularly travels to and shares Krishna consciousness in Switzerland, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, India, and the USA.
He serves
as co-director of Wake Up South Africa (WuSA), a consciousness development
movement inspiring higher living, and as founder of the Gauranga Foundation,
which focuses on holistic upliftment across African communities, particularly
expanding presence and programs in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Beyond traditional teaching, Gauranga Swami engages the modern world through dialogues and interviews with leading podcasters, thought leaders, and spiritual visionaries, bridging sacred wisdom with contemporary thought.
He is an active member of Harināma Ruchi, a traveling open-air kīrtana group, and serves on both the ISKCON South Africa Advisory Board and the Sannyāsa Mission Committee.
His Holiness Bhakti Sundar Goswami was born in Syria. He joined ISKCON in 1974 in Caracas, Venezuela and was initiated personally by Srila Prabhupada in his visit to South America in Feb 1975. In the 80 he served as temple president in Spain and Venezuela. He has been traveling and preaching for the last 20 years in Latin America, US and Europe. in 2006 he published his book ¨Srila Prabhupada in Venezuela¨ in Spanish and it will be published in English this year if Krishna so desires. At present he serves as an active member of the Latin American RGB as zonal secretary for Central America.
His Holiness Bhakti Vaibhava Swami
🏙️ Birth and Early Cultural Background
His Holiness Bhaktivaibhava Swami Maharaj was born in Hamburg, Germany, in 1951. His parents hailed from Riga. While attempts were made to teach him Russian as a child, it seemed strange to him then. Interestingly, he later took up studying the language independently to facilitate his preaching in Russian-speaking nations.
🎨 Youthful Search and Spiritual Inclination
In his youth, he studied at an Art college and was profoundly carried away by Buddhism, so much so that he desired to become a monk in Tibet.
🕉️ Dedication, Initiation, and Sannyasa
He completed his formal studies and joined the Hare Krishna movement in 1970. He received the great fortune of being personally initiated by Srila Prabhupada the following year. He has been an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON since 1987 and was awarded sannyasa initiation in 1991.
🚀 Pioneering Preaching in Europe and Beyond
Upon joining ISKCON, he helped transform a fledgling German group into a vibrant community, recruiting eighty members within four years. In the 1970s, he founded the Berlin chapter of ISKCON, which became a vital gateway for sharing Krishna consciousness within communist Eastern Europe.
🌍 Courageous Global Outreach and Recognition
His fearless preaching mission extended into the Soviet Union, the Middle East, and the Far East, often undertaken at great personal risk. A crowning achievement was establishing a thriving ISKCON center in Mongolia, for which he was honored with an honorary university degree.
⚖️ GBC Leadership and Strategic Vision
His extensive GBC responsibilities include:
Serving as Zonal Secretary for Mongolia, Albania, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Finland, Macedonia, Poland, and Slovakia.
Acting as Co-Zonal Secretary for Eastern/Western Siberia, Latvia, Belarus, Kaliningrad CIS, Ukraine, Far East CIS, and Romania.
Serving on the GBC Executive Committee from 2006-2008, first as its Chairman and then as a member.
Maharaja is deeply committed to the future of ISKCON's leadership and actively supports strategic planning for the next generation of the GBC.
🎬 Cultural Propagation Through Film
His artistic background found divine expression in filmmaking. He has produced significant documentaries such as "Mother Ganga" and "Lost Village" to share Gaudiya Vaishnava culture. Earlier, his films on Indian culture for German audiences also helped promote ISKCON's Food For Life initiative.
His Holiness Bhakti Vasudeva Swami joined ISKCON, Nigeria, in 1984 as a disciple of His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami. He holds a master’s degree in Philosophy and Education with a major in Critical and Creative Thinking (CACT) from AICCACOI/Montclair State University, New Jersey, USA. He is a scholar of international repute and presents papers at major international conferences across the globe. Some of his publications include Presidency and requital epistemology; Endogenous and exogenous factors affecting probity in governance; Vedantic views on cultural transformation: A stimulus for socio-political stability; Organizational and sociological factors affecting societal norms: Lessons from an oriental culture; Rape: Sonic therapy to the rescue; Panacea for matrimonial failures: A guide for transforming relationships between men and women; Traditional practice affecting the emancipation and empowerment of women in Nigeria. He accepted sannyasa initiation in year 2009 from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.
Bhakti Vijay Bhagavat Swami received
Sannyasa on 4th April 2020 – Kamada Ekadashi. He received first initiation in 1991, and brahminical initiation in 1992 from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami. He is leading the Mayapura book distribution programme, coordinating courses for the Mayapur Institute and is the head of the school-preaching department.
His Holiness Bhakti Vikasa Swami appeared in this world in 1957 in England. He joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in London in 1975 and was initiated in that year with the name Ilapati dasa by ISKCON’s founder-acarya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
From 1977 to 1979 His Holiness was based in India, mostly traveling in West Bengal preaching Krishna consciousness and distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books. He then spent the following ten years helping to pioneer ISKCON’s preaching in Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, and Malaysia. In 1989 he was granted the order of sannyasa, receiving the name Bhakti Vikasa Swami, and again made his base in India.
He has since travelled widely throughout the subcontinent, lecturing in English, Hindi, and Bengali. His Holiness also travels to and preaches Krishna consciousness in other parts of the world. He continues to write books and magazine articles. His books have been translated into more than fifteen languages.
H.H. Bhakti Vilakshan Atmaramanand Krishna Chaitanya Swami joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1982. He got firtst initiation and was known as H.G. Atmaram Pr. In 1988, he voluntarily left his government service to dedicate himself fully to temple life and devotional service. Since then, he has continuously served ISKCON in various capacities, particularly in fund-raising and preaching-related services. For the past 29 years, he has been serving as the Director of Life Membership.
In the year 2000, he was instrumental in starting the Odiya branch of Gopal Jiu Publications. From 2000 to 2003, he served as the Temple President of ISKCON Bhubaneswar. During his tenure, despite considerable challenges, he successfully motivated officials of the Government of Odisha to allot land for the construction of the Gundicha Temple for ISKCON Bhubaneswar. The land was formally registered in the name of ISKCON Bhubaneswar in 2002. In addition to securing the land, collections exceeding expectations were raised for the Gundicha Temple project during the years 2011–2013.
He also personally pursued the matter with the General Administration Department of the Government of Odisha and succeeded in obtaining permission for ISKCON to construct a brahmachari ashram. In 2002, he ensured that the requisite amount was deposited in the Odisha Government treasury as per government norms.
During this period, special attention was given to strengthening the ISKCON Youth Forum (IYF), one of the most important aspects of ISKCON’s preaching mission. A dedicated room (Room No. 3) in the temple guesthouse was allotted for IYF activities, a landline telephone connection was installed with the necessary deposits, and for the smooth functioning of preaching programs, a Maruti van was purchased, with H.G. Atmaram Das Prabhu personally standing as guarantor for the loan from a private finance company. In addition, a monthly grant of ₹5,000 was sanctioned to support youth programs. As a result, IYF preaching activities expanded significantly throughout Bhubaneswar and across Odisha.
He also initiated major improvements in the temple’s diorama area. Through collective team effort, an amount of ₹10 lakhs was raised and deposited in the Axis Bank, CRP Square Branch, Bhubaneswar. To ensure a regular and stable income for the Deity Department, a book and paraphernalia counter along with a sweets stall was introduced in the temple premises near the diorama area. These initiatives continue to provide substantial support for the daily expenditures of the Deity Department.
Recognizing the financial challenges of the temple and following the example of other ISKCON temples, the Sudama Nitya Seva Scheme (SNS) was introduced in ISKCON Bhubaneswar in 1991, alongside the Life Patron program. Initially, 300 SNS members were enrolled to support the temple’s financial needs. Over time, this department has grown and now functions as an independent and regular collection unit of the temple, comprising seven dedicated devotees.
Considering the daily requirement of milk for the service of Sri Sri Krishna-Balaram; Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra; Radha-Gopinath; and Gaura-Nitai, a request was made to His Divine Grace Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja to permit the acceptance of cows as donations from the public. With his kind approval, 25 Jersey, Holstein, and indigenous cows were acquired, which provided sufficient milk for the Deities, devotees, and temple staff. Subsequently, due to the lack of sufficient space for maintaining the growing number of cows, it was proposed to Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja to establish a separate gosala project. With his blessings, the gosala was started at Atala Farm, located near Jagannathpur village in the Balianta Block, on 14 acres of land, and it continues to function as an independent department.
During his tenure as Temple President, ISKCON Bhubaneswar observed the Silver Jubilee year of the sannyasa-lila of His Divine Grace Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja. Under his leadership, the Hare Krishna Festival was introduced in various districts of Odisha, a preaching initiative that continues to this day. He personally supervised festivals in districts such as Dhenkanal, Balasore, Bolangir, and the Paradip seaport area, contributing significantly to their success.
By the mercy of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and His Divine Grace Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja, H.G. Atmaram Das Prabhu remains deeply inspired to continue rendering service to ISKCON, even while preparing to accept the sannyasa order of life. Under the direct instruction of Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja, he has been serving in the Back to Godhead magazine department since 1989. From 1996 until the present, he has been serving as the Editor of Back to Godhead.
He has rendered extensive translation and publication seva in the Odiya language. This includes the translation of Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam (Tenth Canto, Volume 2; Eleventh and Twelfth Cantos), all volumes of Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita, and Srila Prabhupada’s English Gita lecture books. He continues to translate Srila Prabhupada’s and senior Vaishnava authors’ works into Odiya for the benefit of devotees and the wider public.
The following books of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada and other ISKCON sannyasis and gurus have been translated into Odiya by H.H. Bhakti Vilakshan Atmaramanand Krishna Chaitanya Swami :
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Bhakti Ratnavali
-
Spiritual Master and Disciple
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Sri Namamrita
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Quest for Enlightenment
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Twenty-six Qualities of a Devotee — H.H. Satsvarupa Dasa Goswami
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Nectarean Ocean of the Holy Name — H.H. Sacinandana Swami
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A Beginner’s Guide to Krishna Consciousness — H.H. Bhakti Vikasa Swami
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Embankment of Separation — His Divine Grace Gour Govinda Maharaja
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Nityananda Caritamrita — published in English by H.G. Isvara Das
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Necklace of Gaudiya Vaisnavism (English)
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Prem Samputa (Bengali)
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Prema Vivarta (Bengali)
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Back to Godhead Editorials — serving continuously for the last 26 years as Editor
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Prema Bhakti Sadhana Path (English)
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Padyavali — Srila Rupa Goswami
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Biography of Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja — H.G. Nimai Pandit Das
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Bhagavata Kathamrita — H.G. Kundali Das
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Samskhipta Pauranika Charitavali (Bengali)
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Ekadasi Mahatmya
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Gaudiya Vaisnava Abhidhan — Volume 1 completed; Volume 2 under translation
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Harinam Cintamani — Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (Bengali)
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Journey of Self-Discovery — His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
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Govinda Lilamrita (Bengali, three volumes)
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Sudha Nama Bhajana — English lectures of His Divine Grace Gour Govinda Maharaja
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Siva Charita — Gopal Jiu Publications (English Division)
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Teachings of Prahlada Maharaja — BBT
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The Life History of Dhruva Maharaja — BBT
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Life History of the Twelve Mahajanas
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The Last Limit of Bhakti — English lectures of His Divine Grace Gour Govinda Maharaja
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Gaura Parsada Charitavali (Bengali)
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Nityananda Mahima
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Guru Tattva (English)
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Gita Sara
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Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita — all six volumes
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Srimad Bhagavatam — Tenth Canto, Volumes 3 and 4
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Srimad Bhagavatam — Eleventh Canto, Volumes 1 and 2
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Srimad Bhagavatam — Twelfth Canto
I was born on 2nd June, 1969 at Dinajpur district, Bangladesh. Initially I have been spiritually inspired specially by late Sevanidhi Das Brahmachari, one of the prominent preacher in his time in ISKCON Bangladesh and other senior devotees also inspired me for renunciation. I have joined in ISKCON In the year of 1988 at Rupa-Sanatan smriti- tirtha, Ramsara, Abhaynagar, Jessore, Bangladesh. In the year of 1986 I first met the ISKCON devotees. They gave me three books of Srila Prabhupada, namely * The nectar of Krishna Consciousness, * Perfect question perfect answer and * Bhagavat Gita. After reading Srila Prabhupada`s books I have started with the devotees through letters. In 1987 I have gradually started chanting 16 rounds (inspired by the devotees) at home. In one stage of communicating, the devotee asked me to join with them. And then I Joined the ISKCON devotees in their book stall at Kheturi Dham, Rajshahi (the birthplace of Srila Narottam Das Thakur) at the disappearance day of Srila Narottam Das Thakur. In this way I have joined the ISKCON Movement. The year of my first initiation is 1989 at Rup- Sanatan smriti-tirtha, Ramsara, Abhaynagar, Jessore, Bangladesh & the year of my 2nd initiation is 1993 at Katakhali, Keshavapur, Jessore, Bangladesh. Some of my performed services are: a. Namhatta preaching (Rajshahi Division) b. Director of Padayatra c. Temple President: Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath temple, Gareya, Thakurgaon. d. Vice- President of ISKCON National Council, Bangladesh. Now I am generally staying at Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath ISKCON temple, Gareya Gopalpur, Gareya, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. Now I am serving as vice-president, ISKCON, Bangladesh & temple president, Sri Sri Radha-Gopinath temple, Gareya Gopalpur, Gareya, Thakurgaon, Bangladesh. I feel enthusiastic about congregational preaching, pandal program, temple management, student program etc. To fulfill the desire of Lord Caitanya, to spread the movement of Srila Prabhupada and keep myself engage in preaching Krishna Consciousness I intended to accept sannyasa. At the same time this will help me socially to preach Krishna Consciousness strongly. Hare Krishna!
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H.H. Bhakti Vyasa Tirtha Swami is 81 year old native of Manipur, India where he resides. He bacame ISKCON life member in 1977. He received 1st and 2nd initiation. In 1982 he received his Sanyas initiation from H.H.Bhakti Swarup Damodar Swami. He is also a member of Manipur ISKCON development council. He meets people and increases awareness on Krishna Consciousness.
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Below is a refined, website-ready version with icons used only at key structural points (not within every section), maintaining a formal ISKCON institutional tone and clean readability.
🕉️ Bhaktimarga Swami
Overview
• Bhaktimarga Swami is a senior sannyāsī of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and a long-standing member of the Governing Body Commission (GBC).
• He is known for his innovative preaching initiatives, long-distance walking pilgrimages, and sustained contributions to Vaishnava arts, culture, and leadership.
Early Life and Background
• Born on October 5, 1952, in Chatham, Ontario, Canada.
• Pursued studies in Fine Arts, reflecting an early inclination toward creativity and cultural engagement.
• Came into contact with ISKCON devotees in Toronto during his student years, which proved to be a decisive turning point in his life.
🪔 Spiritual Life and Initiation
• Joined ISKCON in 1973.
• Initiated by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda, Founder-Ācārya of ISKCON.
• Accepted the renounced order of life (sannyāsa) in 1984, dedicating himself fully to preaching, teaching, and spiritual leadership.
Service and Leadership in ISKCON
• Served as Temple President of ISKCON Toronto from 1985 to 1995.
• Actively involved in devotee care, training, and mentoring, including leadership development within the community.
• Contributed extensively to Vaishnava cultural outreach, authoring and directing devotional theatrical productions based on the Rāmāyaṇa, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa.
🚶 Pilgrimage and Outreach
• Widely known as “The Walking Monk” for his commitment to walking pilgrimages as a form of sādhana and preaching.
• Completed four cross-Canada walking pilgrimages, along with extended walks and outreach programs in the United States, Ireland, Guyana, Mauritius, Fiji, Israel, and other regions.
• His first major pilgrimage was documented by the National Film Board of Canada in the film The Longest Road.
Teaching and Creative Expression
• Regularly teaches bhakti-yoga, mantra meditation, kīrtana, and devotional principles.
• Integrates drama, movement, and music as effective tools for conveying spiritual teachings.
• Engages diverse audiences, including youth and the general public, through culturally accessible presentations of Krishna consciousness.
🏛️ Governing Body Commission (GBC) Service
• Serves as a member of the ISKCON Governing Body Commission.
• Assigned GBC responsibility for Canada and Cuba.
• Participates in the following GBC committees:
• Constitution Committee
• VANDE (Vaishnava Arts, Drama, and Expression) Committee
🏅 Recognition
• In 2023, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Hindu Chamber of Commerce, acknowledging decades of dedicated spiritual, cultural, and community service.
Legacy and Continuing Contribution
• Exemplifies preaching through simplicity, humility, and personal outreach.
• Continues to strengthen ISKCON’s emphasis on Vaishnava culture, pilgrimage, and creative devotional expression.
• Remains actively engaged in teaching, writing, walking pilgrimages, and institutional service.
🪷 Conclusion
Bhakti Marga Swami represents a harmonious integration of renunciation, leadership, and creativity, firmly grounded in the teachings and mission of Śrīla Prabhupāda. Through sustained service to ISKCON, he continues to contribute meaningfully to the global dissemination of Krishna consciousness.
His Holiness Bhaktipada Goswami
🇺🇦 Childhood and the Search for Meaning
His Holiness Bhaktipada Goswami was born on 7th November 1969 in Uzhgorod, Ukraine (then part of the USSR). From a very young age, he was deeply confronted with the concept of death, asking his grandfather what it meant to cease to exist. This profound question sparked a lifelong quest to understand the meaning of life and the possibility of existence beyond death. Observing his mother's life of constant work, he wondered if that was life's sole purpose.
🙏 Early Recognition of God and a Sacred Promise
Around the age of 15, he became convinced of God's existence through personal experiences of divine help. Feeling remorse for his lack of gratitude, he resolved to be more conscientious. During a moment of great difficulty, he made a pivotal promise to God: "Please help me, and in turn I will broadcast Your glories everywhere."
📚 Discovery of Bonafide Knowledge
In the 1990s, his search intensified through extensive reading. He struggled to reconcile concepts of God as both personal and impersonal until he discovered Srila Prabhupada's books while living in Hungary. Reading them, he immediately recognized the teachings as perfect and faultless, providing the coherent understanding he had sought.
🛐 Joining the Preaching Movement
Upon meeting ISKCON devotees in 1994, he learned the society was a preaching movement. He instantly remembered his sacred promise and knew this was his path. Eagerly, he moved into the Budapest temple in March 1996, beginning his service as temple commander.
🌾 Service in New Vraja Dhama
In June 1997, following the order of Srila Sivarama Maharaja, he moved to New Vraja Dhama in Hungary, where he has served as a senior brahmachari. He received first initiation in May 1998 and second initiation in January 1999. He served as temple commander for four years, followed by pujari service until 2009. Alongside these duties, he engaged in intense study and traveled extensively to preach, often with small Radhe-Syama utsava Deities, primarily in Hungary but also to Moscow and Ukraine.
📈 Community Building and Preaching Focus
Since 2009, his focus has been on preaching and building devotee communities in six towns across Hungary, with New Vraja Dhama as his base. He finds his greatest happiness in preaching activities.
🪷 Acceptance of Sannyasa: A Historic Milestone
His long-held aspiration to accept sannyasa was fulfilled in a landmark ceremony. On the auspicious day of Janmashtami, 2021, His Holiness Sivarama Swami Maharaja awarded him the renounced order of sannyasa at the New Vraja Dhama temple. This event marked the first sannyasa initiation in the history of the Hungarian Yatra, and he was renamed His Holiness Bhaktipada Goswami. By accepting sannyasa, he achieved his goal of dedicating himself more completely as an instrument for his spiritual master and immersing himself fully in the mission of Lord Chaitanya.
His Holiness Bhaktisiddhanta Swami is a disciple of Jayapataka Swami since 1979. He has preached all over the world. He has been in Mayapur and Vrindavan for the last 10 months. He speaks very nicely about home/private worship (atmavan worship) being expert in the worship of Salagram.
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Born in October 1949, Bir Krishna Goswami spent his childhood in Long Island, New York. As an academically gifted student at North Western University, he began reading the Vedic literatures translated by His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Impressed by Srila Prabhupada’s scholarship and saintliness, Bir Krishna Goswami became a member of the Krishna conscious community in Gainesville, Florida in 1971. Shortly thereafter, he was initiated as Srila Prabhupada’s disciple.
Bhakti Vighna Vinasa Narasimha Swami Maharaja was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in London in 1971. A year later he received second initiation. He has been preaching for over last twenty five years in Asian countries such as India, Philippines, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Thailand. Through his years of preaching he has given countless souls practical guidance and deep inspiration. Taking sannyasa in Mayapur in 1994 from Tamal Krishna Goswami did not mean much of a change in his lifestyle, since Maharaja has always been strict in his sadhana. Whoever gets to know Maharaja admires and respects his sincere and faithful practice of chanting the Holy Names of the Lord. He truly “walks his talk”. Maharaja has been teaching with the MI since it’s inception.
Born in New Jersey, USA, in 1947, Candramauli Swami came in contact with the International Society for Krishna consciousness (ISKCON) in Denver, Cororado, at the age of twenty-four. In 1973, he began practicing Krishna consciousness in New York City and shortly thereafter began serving at New Vrndavan farm communityin West Virginia. He received initiation in 1973 from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
In 1986, he accepted the sannyasa order and began preaching in Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio. In the early 1990’s he became involved with the ISKCON Prison Ministries in America, and began visiting inmates, holding programs, along with writing letters to inmates and sending in Srila Prabhupada’s books. In 1995 he began serving as the resident sannyasi in Chicago, where he is based today.
At present, Candramauli Swami preaches in America, India, Western Europe, Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and the UK. He is an initiating spiritual master within the ISKCON society.
Chandra Mukha Swami was born in Dracena, Sao Paulo, in 1957. At the young age of twenty, he put aside a promising career as a journalist and took his monastic vows in vaishnava tradition by joining Srila Prabhupada’s movement. In 1986, Chandramukha Swami embraced vows of renunciation (sannyasa) in the holy city of Mayapur, India, when he received the venerable title of Swami and became one of the leaders in Brazil ISKCON. Maharaj helped establish Vrajabhumi Ashram in Teresopolis, RJ. Maharaja is a writer and musician. He has authored over twenty books on yoga philosophy and spirituality. He has released eight CDs of mantras and meditation. Maharaja is famous for his ability to make the Vedic wisdom easily accessible to the lay public.
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Danavir Goswami (Dr. Dane Holtzman) was born in Los Angeles in 1949. He studied sociology and economics at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). While there he excelled in athletics and was selected the Most Valuable Player of 1970 (indoor volleyball) by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and won the international 2-man beach volleyball tournament at Santa Cruz. On June 11, 1970, he met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and received initiation from him in February of 1971. Under the direction of Srila Prabhupada, Danavir Goswamiproceeded to inaugurate Bhakta Programs elsewhere in America, Europe, Africa, India, etc. Presently this comprehensive educational system for new devotees is standard throughout ISKCON. He is the author of many books. He currently serves as inaugural president of Rupanuga Vedic College (RVC)in Kansas City, Missouri.
Formerly known as Abhay Prabhu,
Disciple of HH Radhanatha Swami.
Joined Iskcon in at the age of 31yrs in 1983.
Served in Manchester from 1986 to 2002 (services were door to door book distribution and various temple services).
From 2002 to 2015 he has been based at Bhaktivedanta Manor
From 2005 travelling and preaching in United Kingdom, and Russia including neighbouring countries
Took Sannyasa initiation from HH Radhanath Swami in 2011 on the auspicious appearance day of Sri Ramanujacarya to become the 100th sannyasi in ISKCON.
His Holiness Dayananda Swami is currently giving invaluable help in spreading the Krishna consciousness movementin Eastern Europe and when he visits the UK, he travels to give classes and distribute books in namahatta areas all over the country. Previously he was Brahmachari Leader at Bhaktivedanta Manor and also served in ISKCON Manchester.He is also a dedicated book distributor, experienced in both street and door-to-door book distribution.
His Holiness Devamrita Swami entered this life on October 16, 1950 in New York City, as the firstborn in a family dominated by a very devout and education-motivated Christian mother. Later in life his mother confided to him that during the time of his conception, she was praying to God that He send her a “servant of the Lord.” Observing her infant crawling to bookshelves, trying to grab books, she waited until he reached four years and then personally taught him to read, while ensuring that he immersed himself in church programs for children. At that time, he began to memorize Bible verses, and loved the Bible, hymns, and church life. Attending a Lutheran primary school for the first three years of his primary education, he relished learning in a religious atmosphere. At eight years old, the Lutheran Church offered him a university scholarship if he would promise to be a minister in the future.
Later, because the family, financially overextended, could no longer afford the fees at church schools, he enrolled in public primary and intermediate schools. His mother, observing that the best New York public schools had high Jewish enrollment, deftly maneuvered through school districts, constantly hunting the best public schools and teachers for her children. During these years, her eldest son developed an interest in Judaism and began to wonder about the existence of other spiritual paths.
The mother, a connoisseur of all Protestant faiths, began to attend Presbyterian churches, and there the future swami, at the age of thirteen, delivered his first Sunday sermon. Noting her son’s boredom and lack of challenge at school, his mother pushed for his acquiring a full scholarship plus living expenses to private boarding schools in New Hampshire, where he attended Exeter Academy during the summer and Holderness School for Boys during the regular school year. An abnormality amidst boys from the super rich and famous families of America, he would never forget his experience that wealth and class do not bring happiness.
At fifteen, dazzled by his sophisticated material studies, the spiritual inclinations accompanying him since infancy curdled into agnosticism. A year later, however, the historic recording “A Love Supreme,” by John Coltrane, turned him around. Stirred by the jazz legend’s devotional expression and by his public declaration, on the album cover, that love of God is the ultimate goal of life, the future Devamrita Swami made up his mind to find it pure love of the Supreme. Coltrane’s explorations of the music and philosophy of India–especially his chanting verses from the Bhagavad-gitaperplexed and fascinated the mind of the young student, now bound for university.
In 1968, he received a scholarship to Yale University. Upon his informing his academic advisors that he was searching for the highest knowledge and wanted to study whatever he wanted, irrespective of academic rules for concentration, his overseers gladly agreed, admitting that they, while students, would have loved to have done the same. Plunging into world history, Western philosophy, anthropology, political science, economics, and the history of science, by his fourth year at Yale he gave up no thinkers had impressed him. He had failed to find any conclusive knowledge or any effective socio-political strategies for thoroughly improving humanity. During those years, seeking relief from the university, he would travel by bus to New York City and wander in the East Village and Second Avenue areas, expecting to discover something there that would save his life.
As graduation neared in 1972, he asserted to his dean of studies that he saw no future for himself in materialistic society. Brushing him off, the dean looked him straight in the eyes and pronounced: “You are a Yale man; you will influence the world.”
One month after graduation, he bought on the street a small book by Srila Prabhupada. Life was never the same. Stunned by the contents, he immediately went to a metaphysical bookshop to obtain more literature by Prabhupada.Addicted to Prabhupada’s writings, yet skeptical of the budding Krishna consciousness organization’s ability to solve the world’s problems, he would order books by mail just to avoid personal contact with devotees. Three or more hours daily, for six months straight, he repeatedly read all the available titles by Srila Prabhupada, and then, finally, in December 1972, he decided to visit the New York ISKCON temple, newly located in Brooklyn. Devotees informed him that the Krishna consciousness presence in the West had first begun on Second Avenue during the years he walked that area, as a student desperately searching for hope.
Praying to the temple Deities, Sri Sri Radha Govinda, that They cut the knot of his material entanglements, he became a full-time staff member of the temple in March, 1973. Initiated by Srila Prabhupada in January 1974, Devamrita das spent several years traveling throughout the USA distributing the literature that so transformed his life, and then went to the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust in Los Angeles to assist in Srila Prabhupada’s book production, as a copy editor and later as chief manager. A few months after Srila Prabhupada’s departure from this world in 1977, he embarked upon his international missionary life and in 1982 officially accepted the renounced order of life, as Devamrita Swami.
For over three decades he has traveled extensively on every continent of the world, sometimes enduring the most difficult and trying situations in ISKCON history. Especially harrowing were eight often solitary years spent infiltrating the iron curtain, the former communist bloc of Eastern Europe, for developing underground bhakti cells and clandestine book distribution. His personal motto during those severe years: “I may live or die, but Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-bhagavatam are eternal.”
A member of ISKCON’s Governing Body, he has been chosen by his peers to serve as international vicechairman and then chairman. His extensive current regional responsibilities include “down-under” Australia and New Zealand where he spends five months of the year, as well as northwestern Russia, South Africa, Hawaii, and the Gita-nagari farm project in Pennsylvania. Beyond those areas of spiritual responsibility, he travels far and wide, especially in North America, Europe, and India.
An author published by the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, he has, to date, written Searching for Vedic India and Perfect Escape. Among his myriad services to Krishna and Srila Prabhupada, he focuses upon arranging nontraditional settings for Western audiences to approach bhakti; challenging young Indian students and professionals to penetrate the veil of religious belief/religious myth; and advocating spiritually-based economics, sustainability, and environmentalism.
Dhanvantari Swami (Ivan Augusto Ribeiro Lisbon) is a disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and a ISKCON initiating guru. He holds the title of Bhakti Sastri by ISKCON Board of Examinations (India). He founded the Seminary Hare Krishna of Philosophy and Theology (http://www.seminario.iskcon.com.br) in 2000 in Campina Grande (Paraiba, Brazil), and currently is Coordinator and Professor of the Seminary, where he made his residence. He was Professor of the Graduate Religious Sciences, Federal University of Paraiba (UFPB) and a pioneer in education in Brazil ISKCON. He holds a degree in Dentistry, Federal University of Bahia, Postgraduate Surgery Maxillo Facial Hospital Foundation of the Federal District.
Dhanvantari Swami corresponded constantly with Srila Prabhupada was through letters and through it the first devotees came to Brazil to open temples. His first initiation took place in August 1977, two months before Srila Prabhupada left the planet. His second initiation took place on the Appearance of Nityananda in 1978, the Temple of the Savior, given by the Hridayananda Goswami, and was initiated in renounced order of life (sannyasa) in 1985.
Dhirasanta Goswami became a monastic monk in the London Radha Krishna temple and received initiation from Srila Prabhupada in 1972. in 2015, he accepted the sannyas from Bhakti Chaitanya Swami. He has served as a pioneer preacher for Srila Prabhupada and helped develop projects in both India and Europe. He came to India in 1973 serving as one of the first foreign devotees in the temples Mayapur, Delhi and Bombay. He was also instrumental in establishing ISKCON centres in Sweden and Finland from 1977 to 1987. He is also very experienced in giving presentations to children on all aspects of Hinduism, both from a broad perspective and from his own standpoint within the tradition. Having studied in India for three years followed by ten years teaching in schools and colleges in Scandinavia, he now specializes in Hindu Presentations to Schools, Colleges and Universities in the Southwest of England.
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His Holiness Giridhari Swami Maharaja found himself at a very young age to be especially inclined to religion and religious activities. Being the deeply spiritual person that he is today, he always tried to see a philosophical or religious aspect to everything; indeed at a very early stage in his life. He was always attracted to reading various types of books and gathering different ideas pertaining to philosophy, religion and spirituality. He remained unsatisfied, being unable to see the practical application of those philosophical ideas.
In the course of his search, he encountered many religious communities, and came in contact with various persons, searching for the same things, trying to apply philosophies matter-of-fact. Striving to understand them, nothing really hit him as being the thing he was looking for. His questions remained unanswered, and the process of application, remained vague.
Giridhari Maharaja would very often and intensely pray to God, asking God to show him the answer, point the way. Shortly after that, in 1974, believing it to be Krishna’s arrangement, he somehow or other went to a second-hand bookstore.
When he moved to Florida, USA. It had been practically a year that he was continuously chanting sixteen rounds, following the principles, reading Srila Prabhupada’s books, listening to his lecture tapes, and training himself to cook and offer his food. He had not yet visited any temple nor met one of the devotees. Svarupa Prabhu then sent him a Back to Godhead magazine with the complete list of ISKCON temples worldwide. Noticing that ISKCON Gainesville, Florida, USA was only about 60 miles from where he was living, he was elated.
Giridhari Maharaja joined the GBC in 1996, as several devotees as well as His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja felt that it would increase his service in various ways. He became GBC chairman in 2002. He also assisted His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja in various projects in Texas, where he was assigned GBC.
Giriraj Swami was born Glenn Phillip Teton, the only son of a respected Chicago lawyer who was later appointed judge. In March of 1969, while studying at Brandeis University in Boston, he met His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), from whom, he felt, he learned more in one brief exchange than he had learned in his many years of academic education. After graduating from Brandeis cum laude, he accepted formal initiation from Srila Prabhupada and received the spiritual name Giriraj das. Giriraj quickly became a leading member of the Boston center, and he was soon given the opportunity to go to India with Srila Prabhupada and helped establish Prabhupada’s mission there.
In 1972 Giriraj was appointed by Prabhupada to be president of ISKCON Bombay and trustee of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Since then, he has made many significant contributions to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, most notably overseeing all aspects of the development of Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, Bombay. He was instrumental in the acquisition and development of the Bhaktivedanta Ashram in Govardhana and led the development of the Kirtan Ashram for women, the Bhaktivedanta Hospice, and the Vrindavan Institute of Palliative Care, all in Vrindavan.Through his efforts, Giriraj Swami has become renowned for the austerities he has accepted, his loyalty and dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, his ability to raise funds and cultivate important members of society, and his care for devotees around the world.
In the year following Srila Prabhupada’s departure in 1977, Giriraj was awarded the renounced order of life and appointed president of ISKCON’s board of trustees in India. In 1982 he was appointed to ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission, and he went on to oversee the Society’s activities in Bombay, Mauritius, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Giriraj Swami has also taught at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education and continues to lecture and to give presentations at japa retreats and workshops around the world.
Presently based in Carpinteria, California, Giriraj Swami is now focusing on one of the main personal instructions he received from Srila Prabhupada—to write. He is the author of Watering the Seed and Many Moons and is working on several publications, including Life’s Final Exam: Death and Dying from the Vedic Perspective and books about his search for a spiritual master and his early days in the Boston temple, his travels with Srila Prabhupada in India and Srila Prabhupada’s monumental efforts in Bombay, and Vaishnava holy days.
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Hridayananda dasa Goswami (Howard J. Resnick, Ph.D.) is one of the most senior and respected spiritual leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). As the first westerner to translate the sacred Bhāgavata Purāṇa from Sanskrit to English, together with authorized commentaries, as the first senior ISKCON leader to complete a doctorate in Vaiṣṇava studies and to openly promote higher education in ISKCON, as the pioneer of Krishna consciousness in Latin America, as the first senior leader to publicly endorse a campaign to provide greater opportunity for women in ISKCON, and in many other activities, Hridayananda das Goswami has been on the cutting edge of the Hare Krishna movement.
Indradyumna Swami is a disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), a Sannyasi traveling preacher, and a guru or spiritual teacher in the Chaitanya Vaishnava tradition. Each year Indradyumna Swami circles the globe teaching the message of the Bhagavad-gita and introducing people to kirtan chanting of the Hare Krishna maha mantra. His yearly activities culminate in coordinating the annual summer Festival of India tour on the Polish Baltic coast from June to September. He also leads an annual pilgrimage to Krishna’s holy land Vrindavan in North India during the sacred month of Kartika October/November. Indradyumna Swami shares his experiences and realizations as a traveling preacher in a journal The Diary of a Traveling Preacher. Now in its eighth volume the journal is published each year as a book. Chapters from Diary of a Traveling Preacher are available in soft form on the Internet. Lectures and kirtans by Indradyumna Swami are also regularly uploaded on the Internet.
Born in the United Kingdom. His Holiness Janananda Goswami was initiated by His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada in 1972. He held various positions in ISKCON and served Srila Prabhupada in various countries notably the United Kingdom, Africa, Malaysia, Europe, Philippines and New Zealand. His Holiness Janananda Maharaj is a very exalted devotee, travelling and preaching all over the world, the main driving force behind the World Holy Name initiative and various other wonderful projects in ISKCON. He is also member of committee for Kirtans Standards. His kirtans, harinam, spontaneous skits, realizations, scholarliness in the shastras, witty nature, humility and many other transcendental qualities attracts even the most demoniac souls to the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna.
Jayadvaita Swami is editor, publisher, and teacher. He is a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
Kesava Bharati Das Goswami met his spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the Founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in 1972. In 1973 he was formally initiated and received the spiritual name, Kesava Bharati Dasa. On 1st January 1979, he entered the renounced order of life and received the further title Dasa Goswami. Since then, he has dedicated his life to teaching the science of Bhakti-yoga. He presently lives in a monastery in the village of Govardhana , one of the most profound places of pilgrimage in India. He travels twice a year on lecture tours to Europe and the United States.He is an English editor and presently edits the books of the senior Sanskritist of ISKCON, Gopiparanadhana Dasa, and the books of one of the leading authors of the movement, His Holiness Sivarama Swami. Since 1998 Goswami has been involved in the publication of eight authoritative books on the science of Bhakti-yoga, including the first English translation of the Gaudiya Vaisnava classic, Brhad-bhagavatamrta, with the auto commentary by its author Srila Sanatana Goswami.
“His Holiness Kesava Swami Maharaja – Born in 1948 in Argentina; ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada’s Mission, Sankirtan Leader, Philosopher, and Global Preacher Serving Latin America, the USA, Europe, and India”
🕉️ Early Life
Date of Birth: 1948
Birthplace: Argentina
Spiritual Inclination: From a young age, Maharaja showed a natural enthusiasm for spiritual life and leadership.
🌲 Joining ISKCON and Initiations
Joined ISKCON: 1976, in Mexico, as a brahmacari.
Early Service: That same year, he organized the first Ratha Yatra festival in Mexico, inspiring many devotees.
Initiation: 1978, formally received initiation into the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.
Sannyasa Initiation: 1986, during the 500th anniversary of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s appearance in Mayapur, by Srila Hridayananda Maharaja.
🛐 Service in ISKCON
Temple Leadership: As a young bhakta, served as temple commander, demonstrating strong organizational and motivational skills.
Preaching: Since taking sannyasa, Maharaja has preached intensively across:
Latin America
United States
Europe
India
Sankirtan Leadership:
For over 20 years, led some of the most important sankirtan teams in South America.
Inspired countless devotees in the distribution of Srila Prabhupada’s books and the chanting of the holy names.
📖 Academic Contributions
Doctorate in Philosophy: Earned from the UIE (Universidad Internacional Euroamericana).
Scholarship:
Participated in symposia and congresses worldwide.
Delivered lectures at numerous universities, presenting Krishna consciousness in academic and interfaith contexts.
🌍 Current Preaching Areas
Argentina:
Community programs in Las Achiras (San Javier, Córdoba).
Brazil:
Community programs in Santa Catarina.
Counseling & Devotee Care: Offers spiritual advice and counseling, paying special attention to the individuality and circumstances of each devotee.
🏛️ Personality and Vision
Leadership Style: Known for his ability to enthuse and inspire devotees, fostering strong communities.
Scholarship & Preaching: Combines academic depth with practical devotional outreach.
Devotee Care: Emphasizes personal guidance, counseling, and nurturing spiritual growth.
Vision: To continue spreading Krishna consciousness with vigor, integrating philosophy, sankirtan, and compassionate counseling.
“His Holiness Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaja – Born in 1965 in New York; ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of HH Lokanath Swami, Global Preacher Serving India, the Middle East, and North America, Inspiring Devotees Through Kirtan, Padayatra, and Philosophical Outreach”
🕉️ Early Life
Date of Birth: 1965
Birthplace: New York City, USA (into a Jewish family).
Childhood Interests: Began music lessons at age 4; by age 22 could play 16 instruments.
Education: Graduated from Berklee College of Music, Boston in Recording Engineering and Production.
Musical Career: Traveled to more than 25 countries as a professional musician before fully dedicating himself to Krishna consciousness.
Spiritual Awakening:
At age 12, sang the Hare Krishna mantra in a children’s production of Hair.
At age 15, received Bhagavad-gita As It Is as a birthday gift.
Inspired by the Beatles, especially George Harrison, who popularized the chanting of Hare Krishna.
🌲 Initiations and Sannyasa
First Initiation: 1993, in Mayapur, from His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaja.
Second Initiation: 1996, in Pandharpur.
Sannyasa Initiation: Encouraged by HH Lokanath Swami and senior ISKCON leaders, entered the sannyasa ashram in 2012 (formally recognized later).
Spiritual Master: HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja.
🛐 Service in ISKCON
Early Devotional Training:
New devotee training at Bhaktivedanta Manor, London.
Joined ISKCON Padayatra Europe, walking from Belfast to Moscow, distributing Krishna consciousness.
Major Services:
Secretary for ISKCON’s Srila Prabhupada Centennial Minister (HH Lokanath Swami).
Secretary for the ISKCON India Continental Committee (ICC).
Secretary for the Western India Divisional Council (WIDC).
Managed a preaching center in Solapur, Maharashtra.
Member of the Laxmi Narasimhadev Traveling Festival in Poland.
Assisted in starting the daily Harinam Sankirtan program in New York City, which continues today.
Current Services:
Secretary for the GBC Deputies.
Member of the Sannyasa Ministry Secretariat.
Member of the World Holy Name Week Committee, Chant For Change Committee, and ISKCON50 Committee.
Primary duty: presenting Krishna consciousness philosophy to diverse audiences worldwide.
🌍 Preaching and Travels
Regions Served: India, North America, Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Caribbean.
Countries Visited: France, England, Spain, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Switzerland, Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Guyana, Trinidad, Russia, Mauritius, South Africa, Botswana, Persian Gulf nations, and more.
Base: ISKCON Kolkata, Srila Prabhupada’s birthplace.
Preaching Style: Inspires through lectures, kirtans, and personal counseling, emphasizing the chanting of the holy names.
📖 Personality and Vision
Renunciation: Never married; embraced the sannyasa ashram as a lifelong opportunity for service.
Lifestyle: Lives on the road, traveling and preaching, seeing it as the best form of education.
Vision: To spread Krishna consciousness globally through kirtan, padayatra, and philosophical presentations, fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
Faith: Believes that by the mercy of Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga, his sannyasa life will accelerate purification and service capacity.
“His Holiness Krishna Kshetra Swami Maharaja – Born in 1950 in the USA; ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Initiating Guru, Minister for Deity Worship, and Scholar Based in Europe, Inspiring Devotees Worldwide Through Preaching and Academic Contributions”
🕉️ Early Life
Date of Birth: February 28, 1950
Birthplace: United States
Spiritual Awakening: Inspired by the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, he dedicated his life to Krishna consciousness.
🌲 Initiations and Sannyasa
First Initiation: 1972, from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
Early Service (1973–1975): Distributed Srila Prabhupada’s books and served as a pujari in Amsterdam and Schloss Rettershof, Germany.
Preaching (1977–1979): Traveled and preached throughout Eastern Europe with Bhakti Tirtha Swami, Harikesha Swami, Bhakti Sudhir Goswami, Dvarakesha Prabhu, and Devamrita Swami.
Deity Worship (1982–1985): Oversaw worship of Lord Nrisimhadeva in Simhacalam, Germany.
Initiating Guru: Appointed by ISKCON’s GBC in 1987.
Sannyasa Initiation: Accepted formal sannyasa vows on Janmastami, 2014.
🛐 Service in ISKCON
Deity Worship Leadership:
Helped compile and publish Pancaratra-pradipa (1995), ISKCON’s manual for temple worship.
Served as ISKCON’s Minister for Deity Worship until 2005, raising standards of worship worldwide.
Academic Contributions:
Resumed formal studies in 1995, completing:
B.A. in Religious Studies – University of California, Santa Barbara
M.A. in the Study of Religion – Graduate Theological Union, Berkeley
M.St. (Master of Studies) – University of Oxford, U.K.
D.Phil. (Ph.D.) – University of Oxford, U.K. (2003)
Published Attending Krishna’s Image: Chaitanya Vaishnava Murti-seva as Devotional Truth (Routledge Hindu Studies Series).
Academic Roles:
Research Fellow at the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies.
Dean of Studies at Bhaktivedanta College, Radhadesh, Belgium, teaching since 2002.
European Preaching: Travels extensively across Europe, offering lectures, seminars, and counseling to support Vaishnava communities.
📖 Publications and Scholarship
Books Authored:
Attending Krishna’s Image: Chaitanya Vaishnava Murti-seva as Devotional Truth
Cow Care in Hindu Animal Ethics (2017)
Other Works: Numerous essays, translations, and lectures on Vaishnava theology, deity worship, and ethics.
Focus: Bridging academic scholarship with devotional practice, making him a unique voice in ISKCON.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Scholarship: Promotes dialogue between academia and devotion, strengthening ISKCON’s intellectual presence.
Deity Worship: Elevated standards of worship across ISKCON temples worldwide.
Community Building: Inspires devotees in Europe through retreats, seminars, and personal guidance.
Vision: To deepen devotees’ understanding of Vaishnava theology and practice while maintaining Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
Lokanath Swami born in Aravade, a small village Maharashtra, Indian, he went to Mumbai for studying. In the year 1971, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada was touring India with his foreign disciples and had organized a pandal program in Mumbai.Intrigued, maharaj attended the whole Hare Krsna Festival and heard from Srila Prabhupada. Wanting to surrender his life to Lord Krishna, he joined Juhu under the able leadership of Giriraj Swami. As he was coming from a traditional Indian family, there was some initial resistance. However, Maharaj not just made them favorable but transformed his entire village into Krishna consciousnessby opening a fantastic ISKCON temple. He was been conducting Padyatra, Vrindavan parikrama and is in charge of World holy name. He travels and preaches to the remotest village in India to cities and universities in developed countries.
Coming Soon
“His Holiness Mahaprabhu Swami Maharaja – Born in 1965 in Hungary; ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of HH Sivarama Swami, Dedicated Book Distributor, Preacher, and Spiritual Leader Inspiring Devotees Through Outreach, Education, and Congregational Development”
🕉️ Early Life
Date of Birth: April 4, 1965
Birthplace: Nyíregyháza, Hungary
Education: Graduated from Debrecen Teacher Training College in 1990.
Spiritual Awakening: Introduced to Krishna consciousness around 1990, shortly after completing his studies.
🌲 Initiations and Sannyasa
Joining ISKCON: June 1991.
First Initiation: 1991, from His Holiness Sivarama Swami Maharaja.
Second Initiation: 1993, from the same spiritual master.
Sannyasa Initiation: Accepted the renounced order of life on Janmashtami, 2021, from HH Sivarama Swami Maharaja.
🛐 Service in ISKCON
Book Distribution:
Served as a full-time book distributor for 20 years.
Continues to distribute Srila Prabhupada’s books during the Christmas Marathon and other occasions.
University Preaching:
Organized preaching activities at the University of Pécs for 4 years.
1% Campaign:
Since 1997, actively involved in Hungary’s 1% tax campaign, enabling residents to support ISKCON through their taxes.
Nama Hatta Preaching:
Engaged in congregational preaching in various countryside communities.
📖 Education and Training
Bhakti Sastri Exam: Completed in 2002.
Bhakti Vaibhava Exam: Currently preparing for completion.
Spiritual Leadership Course: Completed in 2017.
Guru Training and Assessment Interim Program: Currently in progress, preparing for expanded responsibilities in ISKCON’s guru services.
🌍 Preaching and Personality
Preaching Style: Known for his dedicated book distribution, university outreach, and Nama Hatta preaching.
Kirtans and Lectures: Inspires devotees with heartfelt kirtans and insightful classes.
Personality: Recognized for his humility, dedication, and caring nature, always encouraging devotees to grow spiritually.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Missionary Work: Dedicated to spreading Krishna consciousness across Hungary and internationally.
Community Building: Strengthens ISKCON Hungary through book distribution, university outreach, and congregational preaching.
Vision: To inspire devotees to embrace Srila Prabhupada’s mission of spreading Krishna consciousness to every town and village.
His Holiness Mahavishnu Swami appeared in this world on 10 February 1945, in Birmingham, UK. He entered the Bath Academy of Art at age 19, and graduated with honours in Fine Arts. In 1971 he became a full time temple renunciate and the same year he was initiated by his spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada was on a quest to spread ancient Krishna Conscious teachings to the west, as well as to re-establish faith in the ancient Vedas in India. He requested all his disciples to assist in this mission. In 1976 he first visited India and traveled extensively throughout India with the BBT Library party. In 1977 Maharaja became involved in various projects throughout Nepal and India, and under the guidance of HH Prabhavisnu Swami he also traveled widely in the world to raise funds to build temples in Bangladesh and Nepal, including the beautiful Rupa-Sanatana Temple in Jessore, Swamibagh in Dhaka, and the Sri Radha-Govindahari temple in Kathmandu, Nepal.
“His Holiness Mukunda Goswami Maharaja – Born in 1942 in Portland, USA; ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Founding Pioneer of ISKCON in the West, Author of Miracle on Second Avenue and Other Works, Communications Minister, and Senior Spiritual Leader at New Govardhana, Australia”
🕉️ Early Life
Birth Name: Michael Grant
Date of Birth: April 10, 1942
Birthplace: Portland, Oregon, USA
Education: Graduated from Reed College in Portland.
Early Career: Professional jazz musician in New York before meeting Srila Prabhupada.
🌲 Joining ISKCON and Initiations
1965: Met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in New York.
1966: Among the first group of initiated disciples, receiving the name Mukunda das.
1982: Accepted the sannyasa order, becoming Mukunda Goswami.
🛐 Service in ISKCON
New York Beginnings (1966): Helped Srila Prabhupada rent the first Hare Krishna temple storefront.
San Francisco (1967): Founded ISKCON’s first temple in San Francisco and organized the famous Mantra-Rock Dance, which introduced Krishna consciousness to the counterculture.
London Mission (1968): Sent by Srila Prabhupada with his wife Janaki and other couples to establish ISKCON in England.
Met Beatle George Harrison, who became a lifelong supporter of ISKCON.
Helped produce the hit single “Hare Krishna Mantra” with Harrison, which reached the UK charts.
Communications Ministry: Later became ISKCON’s first Minister of Communications, shaping ISKCON’s public relations and outreach.
GBC Service: Served as a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (1984–1999).
📖 Publications and Writings
Mukunda Goswami is a prolific author and communicator:
Books Authored:
Miracle on Second Avenue: Hare Krishna Arrives in New York, San Francisco, and London 1966–1969
Inside the Hare Krishna Movement: An Ancient Eastern Religious Tradition Comes of Age in the Western World
Books Co-authored:
The Higher Taste: A Guide to Gourmet Vegetarian Cooking and a Karma-Free Diet
Divine Nature: A Spiritual Perspective on the Environmental Crisis
Coming Back: The Science of Reincarnation
Articles: Published numerous essays and articles on Krishna consciousness, ISKCON history, and spiritual philosophy.
Lectures: Has lectured worldwide, inspiring devotees and scholars alike.
🌍 Current Service – New Govardhana, Australia
Residence: Lives at New Govardhana farm community, Murwillumbah, New South Wales, Australia.
Writing: Continues to write and publish books and articles on Krishna consciousness.
Preaching: Offers lectures, seminars, and guidance to devotees in Australia and internationally.
Mentorship: Provides spiritual guidance to disciples and congregational devotees, emphasizing humility, service, and dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s vision.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Founding Member: Revered as one of ISKCON’s founding pioneers.
Global Outreach: Helped establish ISKCON in the USA, UK, and globally.
Communications: Shaped ISKCON’s public image through thoughtful engagement with society.
Scholarship: His books and lectures continue to inspire devotees and scholars worldwide.
“His Holiness Nava Yogendra Swami Maharaja – ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Naishthik Brahmachari, Multilingual Preacher and Temple Developer, Tireless Servant of Krishna Consciousness Across India and Worldwide”
🕉️ Early Life and Renunciation
Birthplace: India (exact location not publicly documented).
Renunciation at Childhood:
At the age of 9 years, Maharaja left home to live as a sadhu in jungles, practicing austerity and devotion.
Returned home briefly, but at 17 years old, left again to reside permanently in Sri Vrindavan Dham, dedicating himself to spiritual life.
Spiritual Master: Became a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in 1974.
🌲 Initiations and Sannyasa
1974: Received initiation from Srila Prabhupada.
1975: Accepted the sannyasa order at the age of 29, becoming a lifelong renunciate.
Naishthik Brahmachari: Maintained strict celibacy and renunciation from childhood, embodying the highest standards of spiritual discipline.
🛐 Global Preaching and Service
Worldwide Preaching: After taking sannyasa, Maharaja traveled around the world over a dozen times, spreading Krishna consciousness.
Multilingual Preaching: Can preach Vedic philosophy in Dogri, Urdu, Punjabi, English, Bengali, Gujarati, and several African languages, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences.
Temple Development: Instrumental in establishing and running ISKCON temples and preaching centers in:
Africa, England, America
Chandigarh, Vrindavan, Udhampur, Katra, Lucknow, Amritsar, Maharashtra
University Lectures: Delivered lectures at several universities in India and abroad, inspiring students and scholars with Vedic wisdom.
📖 Preaching Style and Personality
Lectures: Known for his powerful, scripturally grounded discourses that make complex philosophy accessible.
Bhajans and Kirtans: Leads devotional singing with deep feeling, drawing audiences into spiritual moods.
Affectionate Nature: Maharaja is described as loving and compassionate, helping people solve their problems with spiritual guidance.
Scholarship: Promotes study of Bhagavad-gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Gaudiya Vaishnava literature.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Missionary Work: Expanded ISKCON’s presence in both rural and urban centers across India and abroad.
Community Building: Encourages nama-hatta and congregational preaching.
Role Model: His austere lifestyle and relentless preaching serve as an inspiration for brahmacharis and sannyasis worldwide.
Global Impact: His multilingual preaching and international travels have brought Krishna consciousness to thousands across continents.
“His Holiness Niranjana Swami Maharaja – Born in 1952 in Massachusetts, USA; ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Initiating Guru and GBC Member; Visionary Leader of ISKCON Russia–Ukraine, Founder of Bhakti-sangama Festival, and Advocate of Devotee Care”
🕉️ Early Life and Initiation
Date of Birth: March 20, 1952
Birthplace: Lowell, Massachusetts, USA
Spiritual Awakening: After reading Srila Prabhupada’s books and seriously practicing devotional service, he joined ISKCON in Boston.
Initiation: In 1974, received initiation directly from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada in Boston, USA.
Sannyasa: In 1986, accepted sannyasa vows in Mayapur, India, dedicating himself fully to preaching.
Home Base: Kiev, Ukraine.
🌲 ISKCON Service and Leadership
Temple President: Served as President of ISKCON Boston (1979–1983).
Regional Secretary: Appointed Regional Secretary of New England in 1984.
GBC Appointment: Became a Governing Body Commission (GBC) member in 1987.
Zonal Assignments:
Moldova
New England
North American Festival of India
Co-zonal secretary for Ukraine, Lithuania, Belarus, and three regions of Russia (Central Region, Moscow, Kaliningrad).
Committees: Contributes to the Parallel Lines of Authority Committee, part of ISKCON’s Strategic Plan.
🛐 Preaching and Spiritual Guidance
Global Preaching: Travels extensively across North America, the former Soviet Union, and India, lecturing on Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Initiating Guru: Serves as an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON, guiding disciples worldwide.
Preaching Style: Known for heartfelt kirtans, insightful classes, and a caring personality that nurtures devotees.
Mentorship: Trains and empowers devotees to manage responsibly, creating systems of counseling to ensure devotee care.
🌍 Achievements and Contributions
Ukrainian Bhakti-sangama Festival:
Conceived and developed this annual festival over the last decade.
Hosts thousands of devotees from the CIS and worldwide, uniting them in hari-nama, krsna-katha, and vaisnava-seva.
Praised for its devotional atmosphere and organization.
Devotee Care:
Prioritizes devotee care as a central aspect of his mission.
Authored Taking Care of Krishna’s Devotees, inspiring ISKCON communities to improve interpersonal dealings.
Publications:
Compilations of letters to disciples and counselees.
Transcribed lectures and interviews in book format.
“His Holiness Partha Sarathi Das Goswami Maharaja – Born in 1952 in England; ISKCON Sannyasi, Initiating Guru, and Pioneer of the Tent Campaign in South Africa, Inspiring Devotees Worldwide Through Courageous Preaching and Outreach”
🕉️ Early Life
Date of Birth: November 19, 1952
Birthplace: Suffolk, England
Spiritual Awakening: During his studies, Maharaj received some of Srila Prabhupada’s books, which profoundly impacted him.
Joining ISKCON: In 1973, Maharaj joined ISKCON at the Bury Place temple in London, dedicating his life to the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
🌲 ISKCON Service in South Africa
Invitation to South Africa: In 1974, Maharaj was invited by devotees to help propagate Krishna consciousness in South Africa.
Tent Campaign:
Inspired by his spiritual master, Maharaj pioneered the legendary Tent Campaign.
Large marquees were erected in residential areas for two weeks at a time.
Each evening featured kirtan, lectures, dramas, films, and prasadam distribution.
Despite apartheid restrictions, Maharaj courageously continued, attracting thousands of people to Krishna consciousness.
The campaign ran successfully for 15 years, becoming one of ISKCON’s most famous outreach programs in South Africa.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life, dedicating himself fully to preaching and outreach.
Initiating Guru: Serves as an initiating spiritual master in ISKCON, guiding disciples worldwide.
Preaching Regions:
South Africa: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, and other regions.
India: Regular preaching tours.
Europe & Ukraine: Inspires devotees through lectures and festivals.
Preaching Style: Known for his dynamic preaching, fearless outreach, and compassionate guidance.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Pioneering Outreach: Established ISKCON’s presence in South Africa during a politically turbulent era.
Community Building: Inspired strong congregations through festivals, university programs, and book distribution.
Global Preaching: Continues to travel internationally, sharing Krishna consciousness.
Legacy: Remembered as one of ISKCON South Africa’s founding pioneers.
“His Holiness Prabodhananda Saraswati Swami Maharaj – Born in 1957 in Remuna, Odisha; First Sannyasi Disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami; ISKCON Vrindavan’s Senior Preacher, Guru, Scholar, and Soulful Kirtaniya Inspiring Devotees Worldwide”
🕉️ Early Life
Date of Birth: Krishna Paksha Dwadashi, Kartik month, 1957
Birthplace: Remuna, Balasore, Odisha, India
Spiritual Significance of Birthplace: Remuna is sanctified by the pastimes of Lord Kheerchor Gopinath, making his appearance there especially auspicious.
Early Inclination: From childhood, Maharaj was naturally drawn to devotional practices and spiritual life.
🌲 Joining ISKCON and Initiations
1984: Joined ISKCON Vrindavan as a humble brahmachari, dedicating his life to the mission of Srila Prabhupada.
1985: Received first initiation from his spiritual master, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
Six months later: Awarded brahminical initiation, recognizing his sincerity and disciplined spiritual practice.
2008: Accepted the sannyasa order on Papamochani Ekadashi, becoming the first sannyasi disciple of HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
2024: Following the instruction of his guru, he accepted the service of being a diksha guru on Shayani Ekadashi, guiding devotees on their spiritual journey.
🛐 Service in ISKCON
Sankirtan Department:
Led and organized book distribution parties with great zeal.
Inspired devotees to spread Srila Prabhupada’s books across India.
New Bhakta Training Department:
Served as Director for five years, nurturing and guiding countless newcomers to Krishna consciousness.
Preaching Service:
Traveled extensively across India (Delhi, Ghaziabad, Odisha including Rourkela).
Preached internationally in the United States, United Kingdom (Scotland, Wales, England, Ireland), and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda).
Uplifted thousands through his spiritual wisdom and heartfelt preaching.
📖 Scholarship and Spiritual Depth
Discourses: Known for illuminating lectures on the appearance and disappearance days of Vaishnava acharyas.
Scriptural Absorption: Deeply immersed in Gaudiya Vaishnava literature, especially Chaitanya Bhagavata and other core scriptures.
Bhajans and Kirtans:
Renowned for his soulful singing of Vaishnava bhajans.
His kirtans, filled with genuine spiritual emotion, draw devotees into the presence of the Lord.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Senior Leadership: One of ISKCON Vrindavan’s most senior and steadfast servants.
Preaching Vision: Dedicated to spreading Krishna consciousness through book distribution, training, and heartfelt kirtan.
Spiritual Inspiration: Continues to inspire generations of devotees with his unwavering dedication, scholarship, and devotional depth.
“His Holiness Prahladananda Swami Maharaja – Born in 1949 in Buffalo, USA; Disciple of Srila Prabhupada; ISKCON Sannyasi, Initiating Guru, GBC Member, Lifelong Book Distributor, and Global Preacher Inspiring Devotees Across Europe and Worldwide”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Date of Birth: 1949
Birthplace: Buffalo, New York, USA
Education: Student at the State University of New York (Buffalo).
Spiritual Awakening: Experienced a deep spiritual calling in 1968, which led him to join ISKCON.
Initiation:
1969: Received both first and second initiations from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada.
Immediately upon moving into the Buffalo temple, he was appointed treasurer and head pujari, worshiping Lord Jagannatha, Lord Baladeva, and Srimati Subhadra Devi.
🌲 Early ISKCON Service
Buffalo Temple: Organized daily harinamas and book distribution from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., even during severe Buffalo winters.
Temple Development: Helped open temples in Coconut Grove, Florida, and Houston, Texas.
Temple President: Served as president of ISKCON temples in Dallas and Austin, Texas.
Radha-Damodara Bus Party (1975): Distributed Srila Prabhupada’s books in airports and parking lots across the USA.
Book Distribution: For over 30 years, consistently engaged in distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books — a service he continues to perform.
🛐 Teaching and Leadership
Vaishnava Institute for Higher Education (VIHE), Vrindavan (1987–1997):
Taught subjects such as the Krishna Book and Ayurveda.
Continues to teach seminars worldwide.
Ministerial Roles:
1992: Appointed Minister for Sannyasa Services.
1994: Became Minister for Health and Welfare.
GBC Service: Has served as chairman of several Governing Body Commission (GBC) committees.
Scholarship: Regularly studies and teaches from Srila Prabhupada’s books, emphasizing their practical application.
🌍 Global Preaching Mission
Europe:
Currently travels and preaches extensively in Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine and Russia.
India: Regularly visits and teaches in Vrindavan and other holy places.
Worldwide Outreach: Once a year, undertakes global tours to Peru, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and Hong Kong.
Seminars: Known for his accessible teaching style, blending philosophy with practical guidance.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Book Distribution: Lifelong dedication to spreading Srila Prabhupada’s books.
Temple Development: Helped establish and lead multiple ISKCON temples in the USA.
Education: Strong emphasis on higher learning in Gaudiya Vaishnavism through VIHE.
Monastic Care: Advocates for the welfare of ISKCON’s sannyasis and brahmacharis.
Global Preaching: Inspires devotees across continents with his scholarship, humility, and practical teachings.
“His Holiness Purusatraya Swami Maharaja – Born in 1945 in Rio de Janeiro, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON Sannyasi, Temple Leader and Visionary Preacher, Renowned for Book Distribution, International Preaching, and Founder of Vrindavana Gaura Sustainable Community in Brazil”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Date of Birth: September 2, 1945
Birthplace: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Spiritual Lineage: Disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.
Joining ISKCON: In 1976, at the age of 30, he joined the Hare Krishna movement and received both initiations from Srila Prabhupada.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Early Service:
Briefly worked with the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust (BBT) in publishing.
Dedicated himself to book distribution, especially the first edition of Bhagavad-gita As It Is.
By 1977, ranked among the top ten book distributors worldwide.
Pilgrimage: In February 1978, shortly after Srila Prabhupada’s departure, he visited several holy places in India.
Administrative Service:
Directed ISKCON projects in Rio de Janeiro.
Oversaw the rural community Nova Gokula Pindamonhangaba (São Paulo).
Served as temple president in São Paulo.
Pioneered preaching in Brasília.
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life in 1985, in Mayapur, India.
🌍 International Preaching
1989: Spent half a year in Portugal, then preached in China.
Philippines: Preached for some time, expanding ISKCON’s presence.
Asia: Visited several Asian countries before returning to India.
India: Traveled extensively across the country, eventually establishing his base in Vrindavan.
🛐 Service in Vrindavan
Radha-Damodara Temple: Spent four months in charge of the rooms once occupied by Srila Prabhupada.
Vrindavan Gurukula: Lived for several years, contributing to academic and spiritual training.
Scholarship: Participated in the translation of Harinamamrita-Vyakarana, a Sanskrit grammar by Srila Jiva Goswami.
VIHE Faculty: Taught at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education (VIHE), including the subject The Four Vaishnava Sampradayas.
Spiritual Leadership: Began accepting disciples to continue the disciplic succession of Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
🌱 Return to Brazil and Vrindavana Gaura Project
1996: On Srila Prabhupada’s centennial, felt a strong desire to return to Brazil to develop a project in his spiritual master’s mission.
Vrindavana Gaura Community (Paraty, RJ):
Became co-ordinator and spiritual leader.
Vision: To establish a wildlife sanctuary and spiritual sanctuary, combining ecological sustainability with devotional practice.
Goal: To create a model sustainable community that can be replicated worldwide.
Outreach: Travels extensively inside and outside Brazil to promote this vision.
Guidance: Offers lectures, seminars, and courses to guide people on the spiritual path.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Book Distribution: One of the pioneering distributors in Brazil, inspiring generations of devotees.
Temple Development: Directed major ISKCON centers in Brazil.
Global Preaching: Preached in Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Scholarship: Contributed to Sanskrit studies and Vaishnava Vedanta.
Sustainable Community: Leading the Vrindavana Gaura project as a model of ecological and spiritual living.
“His Holiness Radha Govinda Das Goswami Maharaja – ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Renowned Bhagavat Katha Narrator Based in Vrindavan, Inspiring Devotees Worldwide Through Srimad Bhagavatam”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Birthplace: India
Spiritual Lineage: Direct disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.
Spiritual Calling: From early life, deeply inclined toward devotional practices and study of scriptures. Inspired by Srila Prabhupada’s mission, he dedicated himself fully to Krishna consciousness.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Initiation: Received initiation from Srila Prabhupada during ISKCON’s formative years.
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life, dedicating himself fully to preaching and spiritual leadership.
Residence: Lives in Sri Vrindavan Dham, the heart of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
Preaching Mission:
Conducts Srimad Bhagavat Sapthas (seven-day narrations) in India and abroad.
Travels extensively across Europe, Africa, Asia, America, and Canada, delivering Bhagavat Kathas and inspiring devotees.
Community Role: Provides spiritual guidance to devotees in Vrindavan and worldwide, emphasizing the importance of hearing and chanting.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Narrator of Srimad Bhagavatam: Recognized as one of ISKCON’s most renowned Bhagavat Katha speakers, known for his devotional depth and ability to connect scripture with practical life.
Preaching Style: Deeply devotional, scripturally grounded, and accessible—combining philosophy with heartfelt realizations.
Global Outreach: His Kathas attract thousands of devotees across continents, strengthening ISKCON’s global presence.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Bhagavat Kathas Worldwide: Has delivered countless narrations of Srimad Bhagavatam, inspiring devotees to deepen their faith and practice.
Vrindavan Service: Anchored in Vrindavan, he continues to serve the holy dham by guiding devotees and organizing spiritual programs.
Scriptural Emphasis: Promotes study and recitation of Srimad Bhagavatam as the foundation of spiritual life.
Community Building: Encourages devotees to live a life centered on hearing, chanting, and serving the Vaishnava community.
“His Holiness Radha Ramana Swami Maharaja – ISKCON Sannyasi, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Brother of Radha Govind Swami, Visionary Leader of Padayatra India Bringing Krishna Consciousness to Every Town and Village”
🕉️ Early Life and Background
Birthplace: India
Family Background: Born in a pious family; he is the younger brother of His Holiness Radha Govind Swami Maharaja, another senior ISKCON sannyasi.
Spiritual Inclination: From childhood, naturally inclined toward devotional practices, kirtan, and study of scriptures.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Initiation: Received initiation in ISKCON, becoming a disciple of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life under ISKCON’s Sannyasa Ministry.
Padayatra Service:
Radha Ramana Swami is especially known for his dedicated service to ISKCON’s Padayatra India, the traveling sankirtan initiative envisioned by Srila Prabhupada.
He has led Padayatra teams across villages, towns, and cities in India, spreading Krishna consciousness through Hari Nama Sankirtan, book distribution, prasadam distribution, and festivals.
His Padayatra service has touched thousands of lives, bringing the holy names to remote places.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Role as Sannyasi: Travels extensively across India, leading Padayatra parties, offering discourses, and mentoring devotees.
Preaching Style: Known for his simple, heartfelt, and accessible approach, emphasizing chanting of the holy names and practical application of bhakti.
Congregational Development: Encourages nama-hatta programs, village preaching, and grassroots outreach.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Padayatra Movement:
Carries forward Srila Prabhupada’s instruction that Krishna consciousness should reach “every town and village.”
Promotes Padayatra as a walking sankirtan party with oxen carts carrying deities, books, prasadam, and kirtan.
Book Distribution: Strong advocate of distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books during Padayatras.
Festival Organization: Leads village Ratha Yatras, Sobha Yatras, and nama-hatta gatherings.
Community Building: Provides guidance to brahmacharis, congregational devotees, and temple leaders.
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Date of Birth: December 7, 1950
Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Birth Name: Richard Slavin
Spiritual Search: In his teenage years, embarked on a journey of discovery across Europe, the Middle East, and the Himalayas, seeking truth and spiritual fulfillment.
Meeting Srila Prabhupada: In 1971, met His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in India and embraced his teachings.
Initiation: Received initiation from Srila Prabhupada in 1973 at the New Vrindaban community in West Virginia, USA.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Early Service: Served as a pujari and cared for cows at the West Virginia farming community.
Educational Outreach: In 1979, pioneered Krishna-conscious educational programs in colleges and universities across the USA.
Sannyasa: Accepted the vows of renunciation in 1986, returning to India to dedicate his life to preaching.
Major Contributions in India:
Founded and guided the Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Temple, ISKCON Chowpatty (Mumbai), which has grown into one of ISKCON’s most vibrant communities.
Established ISKCON centers in Belgaum, Kolhapur, Nasik, Aurangabad, Nigdi, and other parts of Maharashtra.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
GBC Service: Became a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body Commission (GBC) in 1996.
Oversees zones in Italy (Villa Vrindavana, Florence, Bologna, Venice) and India (Chowpatty, Mumbai, Maharashtra).
Co-zonal secretary for Goa, Daman, Diu, Maharashtra, and Calcutta (West Bengal).
Pilgrimage Leadership: Leads thousands of devotees annually on pilgrimages to holy places in India.
Trustee: Serves as a trustee of Bhaktivedanta College, Belgium, offering spiritual guidance and encouragement.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Community Development: For over 25 years, has guided the growth of ISKCON Chowpatty into a thriving spiritual hub.
Social Action Projects:
Midday Meals Program: Daily distribution of over 250,000 plates of vegetarian food to children in Mumbai’s slums.
Established missionary hospitals, eye camps, eco-friendly farms, schools, ashrams, orphanages, and emergency relief programs across India.
Govardhan Eco Village (GEV): Inspired the creation of an award-winning sustainable spiritual community near Mumbai.
Interfaith & Outreach: Actively participates in interfaith dialogues, corporate seminars, and humanitarian initiatives.
📖 Publications and Media Presence
Books Authored:
The Journey Home: Autobiography of an American Swami – widely acclaimed by mainstream audiences and ISKCON members.
The Journey Within – teachings on bhakti-yoga and spiritual transformation.
Media Contributions: Regular contributor to Huffington Post and ISKCON News, sharing spiritual insights and social perspectives.
“His Holiness Radha Shyamananda Swami Maharaja – Born in 1965 at Dholpur, Rajasthan; ISKCON Sannyasi-in-Training, Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Temple Leader and Director of Namahatta Preaching in Vrindavan, Inspiring Preacher and Book Distributor Serving India for Over 25 Years”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Date of Birth: 1965
Birthplace: Dholpur, Rajasthan, India
Family Background: Born into a pious Brahmin family in the simple village of Jarga, blessed with a devotional atmosphere.
Early Inclinations: From childhood, naturally drawn to devotional activities such as sloka competitions, recitations, and kirtans in local temples.
Renunciation Spirit: Inspired by the lives of great sages, developed a strong inclination toward the renounced order of life.
Spiritual Turning Point: In 1979, began waking up before brahma-muhurta to study Vedic literatures, encouraged by his parents.
🌲 Education and First Steps Toward Devotional Life
Education: Completed 12th standard in Science (Biology) in 1985.
First Govardhan Parikrama: In 1986, performed Govardhan parikrama, which deepened his desire to dedicate life to Vrindavan.
Decision to Leave Home: In 1990, left home permanently to dedicate life to Krishna consciousness.
Gaudiya Matha: Initially approached HH Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja in Mathura, who advised him to join ISKCON.
Joining ISKCON: Met HG Kadamba Kanana das (now HH Kadamba Kanana Swami) and joined the bhakta program in Vrindavan.
🛐 Initiations and Spiritual Growth
First Initiation: Received in 1996 from HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja.
Second Initiation: Received in 1998 in Sri Vrindavan Dhama.
Sannyasa Application: Encouraged by senior devotees such as HG Mahaman Prabhu, HH B.A. Vaishnava Maharaja, and others, applied for the sannyasa order of life.
📖 Services Rendered in ISKCON
Training and Early Service
1992–1997: Sankirtan in-charge.
1998: Served as cashier.
Temple Leadership
1999–2000: Temple President, Indore.
2000–2005: Temple President, Lucknow.
2013–2014: Temple President, Noida.
Departmental Services (2006–2012)
Life Member program
Namahatta preaching
Brahmachari care
Sick devotee care
Supplies management
Current Service (2014–Present)
Director of Namahatta Preaching, ISKCON Vrindavan
Village preaching
School and college outreach
Organizing festivals, Ratha Yatras, Sobha Yatras
Book distribution
Village-to-village Hari Nama Sankirtan
Brahmachari Councillor
VMC Member
In-charge of ISKCON Agra Center
Traveling Preacher: Has visited and preached in various places across India.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Preaching Expansion: Strongly focused on Nama-hatta programs, village outreach, and youth preaching.
Book Distribution: Promotes Srila Prabhupada’s books as the foundation of ISKCON’s preaching mission.
Festival Organization: Leads Ratha Yatras, Sobha Yatras, and other major devotional festivals.
Community Building: Provides guidance to brahmacharis, congregational devotees, and temple leaders.
Service to Srila Prabhupada: Over 25+ years of dedicated service to Srila Prabhupada’s mission in India.
His Holiness Rama Govinda Swami is a disciple of His Holiness Lokanath Swami. His Holiness is from Tirupati, South India and is very astute in Vedic literature and speaks many languages. He is talented at reciting Ramayana in expert detail. He presents the epic with deep knowledge and colorful charisma. He preaches Krishna consciousness in Botswana, South Africa, Kenya and India.
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Birth Name: Brian Rumbaugh
Date of Birth: December 27, 1948
Birthplace: Utica, New York, USA
First Encounter with Krishna Consciousness: In 1969, attended a lecture by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at the State University of New York, Buffalo.
Initiation: Joined ISKCON in Boston in 1970 and was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1971.
Education: Though admitted as a pre-med student, he chose to dedicate himself fully to spiritual life.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life in 1983.
Initiating Guru: Became an initiating spiritual master in 1985.
GBC Service: Began serving as a member of the Governing Body Commission (GBC) in 1992.
Leadership Roles:
President of the Manhattan temple (1977–78).
Regional Secretary for New England (1979–82).
President of the Brooklyn temple (1982–83).
Member of the North American Executive Committee (1996–2008).
Chairman of the GBC Executive Committee (2009–2010).
Zonal Assignments: Oversees ISKCON zones in New York, New Jersey, and the Midwest USA.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Congregational Development: Inspired by GBC deliberations in Mayapur, he regularly shares ISKCON’s strategic planning work with devotees and encourages participation.
University Outreach: Spearheaded Krishna-conscious student organizations at leading institutions including:
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Penn State University
Corporate Outreach: Conducts seminars bridging secular society and spiritual life, on topics such as:
Stress Management
Spiritual Economics
Science and Spirituality Companies that have received his training include Intel, Microsoft, Lucent, Cisco, and Fannie Mae.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Youth & Devotee Care:
Inspired Soul Connection youth groups in Chicago and St. Louis.
Established two youth Gita summer camps in Chicago.
Congregational Growth: Under his guidance, Krishna-conscious communities have flourished in:
Chicago, Washington DC, St. Louis, Seattle, Detroit, New York, New Jersey, Houston, Orlando, Tennessee, Boston, Hyderabad, and Guyana.
Preaching Style: Known for his scriptural depth, clarity, and practical application of bhakti principles, making his teachings accessible to students, professionals, and congregational devotees alike.
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Date of Birth: 1948
Birthplace: Rural farming community, North Dakota, USA.
First Encounter with Devotees: In 1972, when members of the Radha Damodara Traveling Sankirtana Party visited his home and asked for flowers from his yard.
Spiritual Calling: In 1975, he discovered Srila Prabhupada’s books, began chanting, visited ISKCON temples, and became part of the Hare Krishna movement.
Initiation: Received first initiation from Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in June 1977, Gainesville, Florida.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Early Service: Served as sankirtana leader and bhakta leader in Gainesville.
Mentorship: His dedication caught the attention of HH Hridayananda Maharaja, who invited him to serve as his traveling servant and secretary. For many years, he assisted Maharaja in preaching across South America and Florida.
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life in Mayapur on Gaura Purnima, 1985.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Youth Ministry:
Founded and ran the Vaisnava Academy for Boys in Alachua, Florida for seven years.
From 1990 to 2003, organized the US Boys’ Summer Trip, traveling with groups of boys to Ratha Yatras across the United States.
In 2004, expanded the program internationally by taking youth to Europe.
Global Preaching: His preaching has taken him worldwide, with concentrated efforts in Texas, Europe, and Asia.
Recent Service: In recent years, Maharaja has focused his service in the United States, traveling between Florida, Tennessee, and Texas.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Youth Empowerment: Dedicated his life to nurturing ISKCON’s youth, offering them spiritual training, mentorship, and experiential learning.
Community Builder: Strengthened ISKCON’s youth ministry through gurukula programs, sankirtana, and summer tours.
Preaching Style: Known for his humorous, practical, and down-to-earth approach, which makes him relatable and inspiring to both youth and senior devotees.
Legacy: His programs continue to inspire new generations, with alumni carrying forward his vision through initiatives like Our Future Hope.
📜 Philosophical Keynotes
Youth-Centered Vision: Believes that empowering young devotees is essential for ISKCON’s future.
Service Attitude: Embodies humility, dedication, and personal care in his leadership.
Accessible Preaching: His style combines humor, practicality, and scriptural depth, making Krishna consciousness approachable.
“His Holiness Sacinandana Swami – ISKCON Sannyasi (1989), Senior Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Renowned Kirtan Leader, Author of Nectarean Ocean of the Holy Name, Founder of Veda Academy, and Visionary Preacher Serving Germany, the Balkans, and Worldwide”Nectarean Ocean of the Holy Name.
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Birth Name: Thorsten Pettersson
Date of Birth: 1954
Birthplace: Hamburg, West Germany
Spiritual Calling: At age 16, he left home to meet devotees and soon became a disciple of Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1971.
Initiation: Received diksha (first initiation) in 1972 from Srila Prabhupada.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Translation Work: His first years in ISKCON were spent translating Srila Prabhupada’s books from English into German.
Book Distribution: Joined the German book distribution party, traveling widely to share Prabhupada’s teachings.
Nama-hatta Preaching: Began visiting people who had received books, encouraging them to practice Krishna consciousness at home. This was the start of nama-hatta congregational preaching in Germany and Northern Europe.
Bhajan Groups: Helped develop large-scale preaching programs with the Gauranga Bhajan Group and Nityananda Bhajan Group, sometimes preaching to audiences of up to 30,000 people.
Farm Communities: Instrumental in establishing farm projects, including the Goloka Dhama project in Europe.
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life in 1989, dedicating himself fully to preaching and spiritual leadership.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Initiating Guru: Serves as an initiating spiritual master, guiding disciples worldwide.
Retreats & Pilgrimages:
In the last decade, dedicated more time to inner spiritual life, undertaking extended pilgrimages and retreats.
Frequently visited Vrindavan and organized retreats focused on the Holy Name.
Traveled to holy places in the Himalayas, South India, and beyond.
Teaching Style: Known for his kirtan, meditation, humor, and energy, inspiring both large audiences and individuals.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Books Authored:
Nectarean Ocean of the Holy Name
The Gayatri Book
The Way of the Great Departure
Education: Teaches at Bhaktivedanta College (Radhadesh, Belgium).
Veda Academy: Founded the Veda Academy, a unique preaching concept presenting Krishna consciousness culture to modern audiences. Already established in eight countries, with plans to expand further.
Charity Work: Co-founded BrajCare in India, supporting local communities.
Global Outreach: Travels extensively, teaching in Germany, the Balkans, Europe, India, and the USA.
📜 Philosophical Keynotes
Holy Name Emphasis: Advocates deep absorption in chanting as the essence of spiritual practice.
Community Building: Encourages congregational preaching and nama-hatta programs to strengthen devotional communities.
Inner Spirituality: Balances external preaching with inner retreats, emphasizing meditation and pilgrimage.
Inspirational Motto: “My heart dances in joy when I see so many people taking to Krishna Consciousness.”
“His Holiness Santo Swami – ISKCON Sannyasi (2009), Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, Temple President of ISKCON Miami, Former Temple Leader in Colombia & Panama, Visionary Preacher Strengthening Krishna Consciousness Across South America and North America”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Date of Birth: September 1, 1949
Birthplace: Venezuela, South America
Early Religious Activities: From childhood, actively engaged in the Roman Catholic Church, distributing newsletters, books, and rosaries.
Profession: Worked as a photographer, successfully running several businesses before dedicating himself fully to spiritual life.
Spiritual Calling:
In 1994, during a visit to Colombia, he encountered ISKCON devotees.
Already chanting 16+ rounds daily, inspired by a friend who had met Srila Prabhupada in Venezuela and gifted him a copy of Bhagavad-gita As It Is.
Attended the Janmastami festival in Colombia with over 900 devotees from Latin America, which deeply inspired him to commit to Krishna consciousness.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
First Initiation: Received in 1994 from HH Paramadveiti Swami, disciple of Srila Prabhupada.
Second Initiation: Accepted in 1995.
Early Temple Service: Began as a kitchen helper, washing pots and cutting vegetables, later became kitchen leader.
Renunciation of Profession: Left photography business to dedicate himself fully to temple service in Colombia.
Sannyasa Ashram: Entered the renounced order in 1998.
Temple President (Colombia):
Managed a temple with over 100 resident devotees.
Organized book distribution as the main source of temple income.
Formed a Harinam group of 24 devotees, chanting in nearby cities from dawn to evening, six days a week.
Oversaw Sunday Love Feast programs attended by ~350 guests weekly.
🛐 Sannyasa and Spiritual Leadership
Refuge in Guru: Met HH Guru Prasad Swami in 2000 and officially took shelter in 2002.
Bhakti Sastri: Completed the Bhakti Sastri course in Mayapur in 2008.
Official ISKCON Sannyasa: Accepted into the ISKCON sannyasa ashram by the GBC Executive Committee in 2009.
Temple President (Panama): Served from 2009–2015, resolving difficulties, reestablishing standards, and stabilizing the yatra.
Temple President (Miami, USA): Serving since 2015, successfully resolving longstanding issues and revitalizing ISKCON Miami.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Temple Leadership: Guided multiple ISKCON temples in Colombia, Panama, and Miami.
Community Builder: Established strong devotional communities through Harinam, Nama Hata programs, and Sunday Feasts.
Book Distribution: Championed book distribution as the foundation of temple maintenance and outreach.
Preaching Expansion: Inspired devotees across Latin America and the USA through kirtan, lectures, and personal mentorship.
Problem-Solver: Known for resolving organizational challenges and reestablishing ISKCON standards in struggling yatras.
📜 Philosophical Keynotes
Bhakti-Centered Life: Emphasizes chanting, book distribution, and community service as pillars of spiritual practice.
Nama Hata Outreach: Advocates for spreading Krishna consciousness through home programs and grassroots preaching.
Service to Srila Prabhupada: Dedicated to strengthening ISKCON’s mission in South America and the USA.
Leadership by Example: Inspires devotees through personal austerity, discipline, and commitment to kirtan.
“His Holiness Satsvarupa dasa Goswami – Senior Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON Sannyasi (1972), Initiating Guru, Author of Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, Prolific Vaishnava Writer of 150+ Books, Poet, Artist, and Spiritual Leader of ISKCON Eastern USA”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Birth Name: Stephen Guarino
Date of Birth: December 6, 1939
Birthplace: Staten Island, New York, USA
Education: Attended Brooklyn College, developed a strong interest in literature and writing.
Spiritual Calling: In the mid-1960s, while searching for deeper meaning beyond his Catholic upbringing and military service, he met Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in New York.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Initiation: One of the first few westerners ordained by Srila Prabhupada in September 1966 in New York City.
Sannyasa: Accepted the renounced order of life in 1972, personally awarded by Srila Prabhupada.
Leadership Roles:
Served as one of ISKCON’s first Governing Body Commissioners (GBC).
Oversaw ISKCON development in the Eastern USA, guiding temples and communities.
Temple Service: Early service included managing ISKCON centers in Boston and New York.
🛐 Spiritual Leadership
Initiating Guru: Continues to serve as an initiating spiritual master, guiding disciples worldwide.
Preaching Style: Known for his literary, introspective, and devotional approach, often weaving poetry, personal reflection, and scriptural insight.
Mentorship: Provides spiritual guidance through books, journals, lectures, and personal correspondence.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Authorized Biographer: Author of Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, the authorized biography of Srila Prabhupada, considered one of ISKCON’s most important literary works.
Prolific Author: Written over 150 books, including poems, memoirs, essays, novels, and studies based on Vaishnava scriptures.
Poet & Artist: In recent years, he has created hundreds of paintings, drawings, and sculptures that express his absorption in Krishna consciousness.
Chronicler of ISKCON: His writings document the early history of ISKCON and the personal lives of devotees.
Website: Maintains sdgonline.org for sharing his writings and teachings.
📜 Philosophical Keynotes
Devotion to Srila Prabhupada: His life mission has been to glorify and preserve the teachings of his spiritual master.
Literary Bhakti: Emphasizes writing as a form of devotional service, encouraging devotees to express their realizations.
Personalism: Advocates for honesty, humility, and personal reflection in spiritual practice.
Artistic Expression: Uses poetry and visual art as mediums to deepen and share his devotional absorption.
“His Holiness Siddharth Swami – Disciple of Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON Sannyasi (2009), Former Head Pujari of Juhu Temple, Temple President of ISKCON Raipur, and Visionary Leader in Expanding Krishna Consciousness in Chhattisgarh”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Disciple of: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, Founder-Acharya of ISKCON.
Birthplace: Raipur, Chhattisgarh, India (his home town).
Spiritual Calling: From a young age, Siddharth Swami was drawn to devotional service and dedicated his life to the mission of Srila Prabhupada.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Head Pujari: Served for many years as the Head Pujari of Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari Temple, Juhu, Mumbai, one of ISKCON’s most prominent temples.
Bullock Cart Party: Actively participated in Loknath Swami’s Bullock Cart Party, a pioneering outreach initiative spreading Krishna consciousness across India.
Temple President: Currently serving as the Temple President of Sri Sri Radha Rasbihari Mandir, Raipur, Chhattisgarh.
Temple Construction: Under his expert guidance, the new ISKCON Raipur temple construction project is progressing rapidly.
Community Engagement: Successfully engaged major industrialists of Chhattisgarh in devotional service, strengthening ISKCON’s presence in the region.
Preaching Efforts: Preaching activities in Raipur are expanding day by day due to his tireless efforts and leadership.
🛐 Sannyasa and Spiritual Leadership
Sannyasa Initiation: Accepted the renounced order of life in 2009, initiated by His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj.
Role as Sannyasi: Dedicated himself fully to preaching, guiding devotees, and expanding ISKCON’s mission in India.
Leadership Style: Known for his practical, devotional, and inspiring approach to temple management and spiritual outreach.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Temple Development: Leading the construction of a grand new temple in Raipur, envisioned as a spiritual hub for Chhattisgarh.
Preaching Expansion: Inspiring local communities, youth, and industrial leaders to embrace Krishna consciousness.
Service to Guru and Gauranga: His life mission is to serve Srila Prabhupada’s vision by spreading bhakti and building strong devotional communities.
His Holiness Śivarāma Swami is a senior
disciple of Śrīla Prabhupāda, a widely published author, and a pivotal
spiritual leader for ISKCON in Europe. He is most renowned for his leadership
in Hungary, where he transformed a persecuted underground movement into one of
the country's most respected religious organizations.
🕉️ Early Life and
Spiritual Roots
- Birth: Born
on March 30, 1949, in Budapest, Hungary, to Holocaust survivors. His
family emigrated to Canada following the failed 1956 Hungarian Revolution.
- Education: He
studied engineering at McGill University in Montreal, but
turned his focus to Vedic philosophy just before graduation.
- Initiation: He
joined ISKCON in 1973 in Montreal and became an initiated
disciple of Śrīla Prabhupāda shortly thereafter.
- Sannyāsa: He
accepted the renounced order of life in 1979 at the age
of 29, dedicating himself to global preaching.
·
🏛️ Leadership
· Mahārāja
served for over three decades as a member of ISKCON’s Governing Body
Commission, basing himself in the UK for 25 years, and developing projects in
Hungary, Turkey, and Romania. Since the early 2000s Hungary has been his
home, but he always spent time travelling and speaking
internationally.
- Iron
Curtain Preaching: In the late 1980s, he began visiting Communist
Hungary incognito, wearing wigs and disguises to avoid police detection
while teaching forbidden Vedic philosophy.
- Krishna
Valley (New Vraja Dhāma): He is the visionary behind this
650-acre eco-village and organic farm in Somogyvámos, Hungary. It is one
of the largest and most sustainable eco-communities in Europe, attracting
30,000 tourists annually.
- State
Recognition: Under his guidance, ISKCON became the fourth largest
religious denomination in Hungary.
- Bhaktivedanta
College: He helped establish Hungary's state-accredited Bhaktivedanta
Theological College, which offers government-recognized degrees in Vaiṣṇava
Theology.
- In
2009, for his outstanding charitable and humanitarian work, Sivarama Swami
was awarded the Gold Cross of Merit of the Hungarian Republic,
the second most prestigious award in the Republic of Hungary.
✍️ Literary Contribution and
Scholarship
Mahārāja is a prolific author known for his deep, poetic,
and historically researched writings on the pastimes of Kṛṣṇa.
- Kṛṣṇa
in Vṛndāvana Series: A monumental multi-volume series
(including Veṇu-gītā, Na Pāraye 'Haṁ, and Kṛṣṇa-saṅgati)
that meticulously analyzes the 10th Canto of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam.
- Nava-vraja-mahimā: A
massive 9-volume treatise dedicated entirely to the glories of the sacred
land of Vṛndāvana.
- Suddha-bhakti-cintāmaṇi: A
comprehensive guide to the levels and intricacies of pure devotional
service.
- Gold
Cross of Merit: In 2009, he was awarded the Gold Cross of
Merit of the Hungarian Republic, the country's second-highest state
award, for his outstanding humanitarian and value-creating work.
🌍 Global Roles and
Outreach
- GBC
Member: He served as a member of the Governing Body
Commission (GBC) from 1986 to 2019, overseeing missions in the
UK, Ireland, Hungary, Romania, and Turkey.
- Humanitarian
Work: He directed international relief campaigns for tsunami
victims in Sri Lanka (2005) and earthquake victims in Haiti (2010).
🔗Websites
His Holiness Smita Krsna Swami is a senior disciple
of Srila Prabhupada and a prominent leader within ISKCON, known for his deep
humility and his pioneering work in European agriculture and cow protection.
🕉️ Early Life and
Spiritual Roots
- Birth:
Born in Sweden in 1952.
- Joining
the Mission: He joined ISKCON in 1970 in Hamburg, Germany,
during the early wave of preaching in Europe.
- Initiation:
He received spiritual initiation from His Divine Grace A.C.
Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1971.
- Pioneer
in Sweden: In 1973, he returned to Sweden with the very first group of
devotees to establish the Krishna Consciousness movement in his home
country.
🛐 Service and Sannyasa
- Early
Services: He spent several years as a dedicated book distributor
(Sankirtan) and later transitioned to Pujari service, personally
tending to the deities Sri Sri Gandharvika Giridhari at Korsnas
Gard.
- Acceptance
of Sannyasa: He was awarded the renounced order of life (Vaishnava
Sannyasa) in 1986 in Sridham Mayapur, West Bengal.
- Initiating
Spiritual Master: Since 1988, he has served as an initiating
spiritual master, providing guidance and shelter to many disciples across
the globe.
🏛️ Ministerial Roles and
Special Interests
- Agricultural
Visionary: His primary field of interest is encouraging ISKCON farm
communities to achieve sustainability and self-sufficiency.
- Cow
Protection: Since 2016, he has served as the European Minister for
Cow Protection and Agriculture.
- Base
of Operations: He has made his primary seat at Almviks Gård, an
ISKCON farm project in Sweden, since its inception in 1982.
- Preaching
Reach: While based in Sweden, he travels extensively to preach in
Scandinavia, the Baltic states, the Balkans, and Middle Europe.
📖 Philosophical Legacy
- Nature
and Temperament: Maharaja is widely celebrated for his kind, meek,
and simple-hearted nature.
- Lecture
Style: His classes are noted for being deeply meditative and grounded
in his personal realizations of the scriptures.
- Environmental
Focus: He often lectures on the spiritual necessity of a land-based
lifestyle and the profound connection between cow protection and a healthy
spiritual society.
His Holiness Subhag Swami is a senior disciple of
Srila Prabhupada, a respected initiating spiritual master (Guru), and a
prolific translator within ISKCON. Based in the holy land of Sridham Mayapur,
he is widely loved for his profound humility, fatherly affection, and
unwavering dedication to the literary mission of his spiritual master.
🕉️ Early Life and
Academic Background
- Birth:
Born on December 21, 1940, in Kolkata, West Bengal—the same city where
Srila Prabhupada was born.
- Aristocratic
Roots: Despite being born into an aristocratic family, he was
naturally inclined toward a simple life, temple visits, and saintly
association from a young age.
- Shared
Alma Mater: He completed his intermediate studies at Scottish
Church College, Kolkata, the very institution where Srila Prabhupada
had studied decades earlier.
- Journey
to the West: In 1965, the same year Srila Prabhupada traveled to the
USA, he left for London to pursue further studies in engineering.
🛐 Spiritual Awakening and
Personal Service
- Meeting
the Guru: He was introduced to Krishna Consciousness in 1970 while in
London and met Srila Prabhupada shortly thereafter.
- Initiation:
He was formally initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1971 in London.
- Personal
Attendant: During the early years in London (Bury Place and
Bhaktivedanta Manor), he had the rare opportunity to serve as Srila
Prabhupada's personal servant, assisting with cooking, serving prasad, and
handling correspondence.
- Sannyasa
(Renounced Order): After decades of steady service, he accepted the
order of Sannyasa to focus entirely on global preaching and translation.
📚 Literary Contribution
(The "Translator" Service)
Following the direct instruction of Srila Prabhupada to
"help with writing and translating," Maharaja has spent over 50 years
producing vital Bengali and English literature:
- Bengali
Translations: He translated almost all of Srila Prabhupada’s major
English works into Bengali, including:
- Krsna,
the Supreme Personality of Godhead
- Teachings
of Lord Caitanya
- Teachings
of Lord Kapila and Queen Kunti
- Sri
Isopanisad and Nectar of Instruction
- English
Translations: He has translated profound Gaudiya Vaishnava scriptures
from Bengali/Sanskrit to English, such as:
- Caitanya
Mangala (by Locana Dasa Thakura)
- Ananda
Vrindavana Campu (by Srila Kavi Karnapura)
- Advaita
Prakasha (by Ishana Nagara)
🏛️ Global Preaching and
Mayapur Base
- Mayapur
Service: He has been based in Sridham Mayapur for over 40
years, serving as one of the senior-most leaders and pillars of the
community. Also he organized the famous ‘Chida-dahi festival of
Panihatti’ annually for ISKCON devotees.
- International
Reach: Acting on his Guru's order to preach worldwide, he travels
extensively to Russia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, South Africa, Europe, and
South America.
- Atmosphere
of Preaching: He is famous for his sweet, melodic bhajans and his
focus on "simple living, high thinking," often encouraging
devotees to stay grounded in the basic principles of Bhakti.
📖 Philosophical Legacy
- The
"Fatherly" Figure: He is often described as a "fatherly
personality" within ISKCON, known for his extreme approachability and
gentle guidance for both youth and householders.
- Simplicity
and Depth: His lectures are noted for their clarity in Vaishnava
Vedanta and his insistence on performing service exactly as the Guru
has requested.
His Holiness Sukadeva Swami is a senior sannyasi, author, and leader within ISKCON, renowned for his integration of medical science with Vedic wisdom and his extensive development of the Krishna consciousness movement in Andhra Pradesh.
- 🎓
Academic & Professional Background: * Born in Vijayawada, Andhra
Pradesh, into a traditional family.
- He
is a highly qualified Medical Doctor, having completed his medical
graduation from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati, in 1979.
- He moved to the United States for higher studies, where he specialized in Urology and practiced as a successful surgeon before fully dedicating his life to spiritual service.
- 🙏
Spiritual Journey & Initiation:
- He
joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) in
the early 1982 in West Virginia, USA.
- Deeply
moved by Srila Prabhupada’s message of "Simple Living and High
Thinking," he eventually retired from his medical career to take up
the path of full-time renunciation.
- He was awarded the Sannyasa order (monkhood), taking the lifelong vow of celibacy and dedicated to preaching.
- He is also an initiating Spiritual master (Guru) in ISKCON.
- 🏛️
Leadership & The Nellore Vision:
- He
is the primary architect and visionary behind the Sri Jagannath Mandir
in Nellore, Andhra Pradesh.
- At
Ahobilan Narasimha kshetra, he has established a beautiful ISKCON temple and
he has established preaching centers in Sullurpet, Naidupeta, Gudur and
Kavali.
- He was instrumental in the beautiful ISKCON Kurukshetra temple, the birthplace of the Bhagavad-gita, establishing a strong base for ISKCON there.
- 🍲
Humanitarian & Social Welfare:
- Combining his medical compassion with spiritual service, he oversees a massive Mid-Day Meal program in Nellore. The program feeds over 25,000 underprivileged children daily, ensuring they receive sanctified, nutritious food (prasadam).
- ✍️
Literary Contributions:
- He
is a prolific author dedicated to educating the next generation. His
works include:
- Srila Prabhupada In Nellore , Vaisnava Aachara Samhita , Jai Jagannath , Children's Ramayan , Glories of Tulsi & Saligrama, Gauranga is Sri Krishna, Adwaita carita, Ahobilam Narasimha, Sanatana dharma.
- 🌍
Current Mission:
- He
is an active traveling preacher, delivering profound seminars on Srimad
Bhagavatam and Caitanya Caritamrita across India and globally.
- He
is a strong proponent of Panchagavya (traditional cow-based
medicine) and is currently developing an Eco-Village to promote
sustainable Vedic living.
- In
Tatiparti of Nellore district he is developing a 10.5 Acre Eco- Village
with farm and goshala, Gaur Nitai temple. The vision to do a project like
statue of Unity, for Srila Prabhupad, Ananda Murti (Statue of bliss) and
Spiritual Theme park, a spiritual tourism hub.
His Holiness Sundara Chaitanya Goswami (formerly known as HG Sundaralal Prabhu) is a senior spiritual leader, international motivational speaker, and sannyasi within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is widely recognized for his dynamic leadership in Mauritius and his expertise in youth empowerment and leadership training.
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Roots
Birth: Born as Sanjay Sathyanand Nunkoo on September 17, 1965, in Mauritius—notably the same day Srila Prabhupada arrived in America on the Jaladuta.
Education: He attended Bambous Government School and later Patten College in Quatre Bornes.
Early Discipline & Sportsmanship: Raised in a strict family, he excelled in sports, particularly Volleyball, which he used to cultivate health and teamwork under the guidance of his brother, Vinod.
Social Roots (VARD): In 1982, he joined the Voluntary Agency for Rural Development (VARD), reflecting an early desire to help families and rural communities, though his deepest existential questions remained unanswered there.
The "Bait" of Devotion: His journey into Krishna Consciousness began with a school-level attraction to a devotee girl, leading him to his first Hare Krishna program. While the meeting with the girl never happened, he found himself "hooked" by the philosophy.
From Skeptic to Scholar: Initially a sharp questioner who "stabbed" devotees with inquiries to avoid blind following, he was quickly won over by the logical depth of Srila Prabhupada's books and the joyful, simple lifestyle of the devotees.
First Contact: He encountered ISKCON in 1982 at the age of 17 and became a full-time brahmachari by 1986, based in the Mahebourg Preaching Centre.
Initiation: He was initiated in 1990 by HH Lokanath Swami Maharaja at the Sri Sri Radha Golokananda Mandir in Phoenix, Mauritius. He was among the first group of devotees to receive diksha in that temple.
🔥 Acceptance of Sannyasa
Date of Initiation: He was awarded the renounced order of life (Sannyasa) on July 16, 2020, on the auspicious day of Kamika Ekadashi.
Location: The ceremony took place in Pandharpur Dhama, India, on the banks of the Chandrabhaga River, in the presence of Sri Sri Radha Pandharinath.
Name Change: Upon accepting sannyasa from his spiritual master, HH Lokanath Swami, he was given the name Sundara Chaitanya Goswami.
🏛️ Leadership and Global Service
Mauritius Leadership: He served as a temple president in Mauritius for several years and acted as an inspirational coordinator for international festivals, including the massive 3-day Ratha Yatra.
Preaching in India: He has served as temple president in Solapur and Nagpur. He is currently a senior lecturer at the Vaishnav Institute of Higher Education (VIHE) in Vrindavan and the Rupanuga Vidyapitha in Pandharpur.
Youth Outreach: Known as a "mentor to the youngsters," he is a renowned youth preacher who specializes in empowering people to realize their spiritual potential through energetic workshops and seminars.
Global Reach: His preaching tours span Asia, South Africa, and Europe (including France, Italy, Belgium, and England).
📖 Philosophical Contributions
Educational Legacy: He is instrumental in teaching Srimad Bhagavatam and Bhagavad-gita to diverse audiences, from scholars to the lay public.
Inter-faith Work: He has a unique ability to manage inter-faith events, bringing different religious communities together to strengthen their collective faith in God.
Preaching Style: Described as an "invader of minds," his thundering yet melodic voice is celebrated in both philosophical lectures and soul-stirring Bhajans and Kirtans.
“His Holiness Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Swami – Renowned ISKCON Sannyasi, Visionary Monk, Author of 10 Books, Founder of School of Bhakti, Co-Founder of Think Gita, and Global Preacher of Timeless Vedic Wisdom”
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Birth Name: Sutapa Das (later accepted sannyasa as Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Swami).
Date of Birth: 1981.
Birthplace: United Kingdom.
Education: Graduated from University College London (UCL) in 2002 with a BSc in Information Management.
Spiritual Calling: At age 21, he embraced monastic life, dedicating himself to the study of Vedic scriptures and the practice of bhakti-yoga.
🌲 Life and Service in ISKCON
Monastic Journey: Over two decades of dedicated service as a monk within ISKCON.
Bhaktivedanta Manor: Served extensively at ISKCON’s UK headquarters, Bhaktivedanta Manor, where he pioneered spiritual education and outreach.
School of Bhakti: Founder of the School of Bhakti, a structured educational platform offering courses on Vedic wisdom, lifestyle, and spiritual practice.
Global Outreach: Today, he is a globe-trotter, teaching at academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies, governmental organizations, and spiritual communities worldwide.
Digital Presence: Through social media and online teaching platforms, he has introduced tens of thousands to eastern wisdom.
🛐 Sannyasa and Spiritual Leadership
Sannyasa Initiation: In 2022, he accepted the renounced order of life, becoming His Holiness Svayam Bhagavan Keshava Swami.
Preaching Style: Known for his clear, practical, and inspiring discourses, blending scriptural depth with modern relevance.
Initiating Guru: Serves as an initiating spiritual master, guiding disciples across the globe.
🏛️ Contributions and Vision
Author: Written 10 books that present timeless wisdom in contemporary language.
Course Designer: Developed 50+ courses to empower seekers in relationships, purpose, inner growth, and holistic well-being.
Think Gita: Co-founded Think Gita (www.thinkgita.org) in 2022, now the fastest-growing online portal for learning the Bhagavad-gita in a transformative way.
Mentorship: Provides personal guidance to youth and spiritual aspirants, nurturing the next generation of leaders.
📚 Books Authored by H.H. Keshava Swami
Gita Life: A Summary of Bhagavad-gita
IQ, EQ, SQ: Life, the Universe and Everything
Tattva: See Inside Out
Tattva2: Old Words Open New Worlds
Bhakti Life: 18 Simple Steps to Krishna
Chaitanya-Charitamrita Compact
Book Bhagavata: The Life Companion
Gita3: A Contemporary Guide to the Timeless Teachings of the Bhagavad-gita
Playground of God
Loving Life, Embracing Death
Masterminds of Bhakti (Upcoming)
📖 Books Compiled by H.H. Keshava Swami
Veda: Secrets of the East (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)
In Essence (A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada)
📜 Philosophical Keynotes
Bhakti-Centered Life: Emphasizes pure devotional service (bhakti) as the essence of spiritual realization.
Practical Spirituality: Encourages seekers to integrate Krishna consciousness into daily life—relationships, work, and personal growth.
Scriptural Depth: Having studied Sanskrit texts for over 25 years, he brings profound insights into the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
Wisdom That Breathes: His teachings go beyond book knowledge, offering transformative spiritual insights that shape character and consciousness.
His Holiness Varsana Swami is a senior monk, spiritual leader, and visionary landscape architect within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is most famous for his lifelong dedication to the development of New Vrindavan and his deep realization of the "Dhama" (holy land).
🕉️ Early Life and Spiritual Awakening
Birth: Born John Mowen in 1950 in Morristown, New Jersey.
Formative Years: From a young age, he felt a strong pull toward the spiritual and the natural world. He studied theology and searched for the ultimate truth through various philosophies.
Meeting the Guru: He joined ISKCON in the early 1970s and received initiation from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
🌲 Life and Service at New Vrindavan
Pioneer Spirit: Unlike many devotees who traveled frequently, Varsana Swami dedicated nearly his entire devotional life to the community of New Vrindavan, West Virginia.
Land Stewardship: He is renowned for his unique relationship with the land. He has spent decades physically shaping the landscape of New Vrindavan, using heavy machinery to carve out lakes, pilgrimage paths, and gardens.
Dharma Manifestation: His vision was to manifest the holy places of Vraja (Vrindavan, India) in the hills of West Virginia, creating a "New" Vrindavan where people could experience the pastimes of Krishna.
🛐 Sannyasa and Spiritual Leadership
Renounced Order: He accepted the order of Sannyasa (monkhood) in 2008, committing himself fully to the life of a traveling preacher and spiritual guide.
Preaching Style: He is known for his poetic, deep, and meditative speaking style. His lectures often weave together the pastimes of Krishna with profound philosophical insights and a deep appreciation for nature.
Initiating Guru: He serves as an initiating spiritual master, providing guidance to a global family of disciples.
🏛️ Contributions as per Sannyasa Ministry
Focus on Braja-Bhakti: His primary contribution is teaching the residents and visitors of New Vrindavan how to see the land as non-different from the spiritual world.
Environmentalism: He emphasizes the importance of simple living and high thinking, often advocating for a lifestyle that is in harmony with cows, the land, and God.
Pilgrimage Guide: He has spent years leading devotees on "Parikrama" (pilgrimage walks), explaining the significance of the various holy sites within New Vrindavan.
📜 Philosophical Keynotes
Vision of the Heart: He teaches that the Holy Dhama is not just a geographical location but a state of consciousness that is revealed to one who serves with a pure heart.
Service to the Cows: He is a strong advocate for Go-seva (cow protection), seeing it as the foundation of a spiritual society.
Official Website: https://varsanaswami.org
His Holiness Vedavyasa Priya Swami is a senior monk, initiating spiritual master, and leader within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His life is a bridge between rigorous scientific background and deep Vedic spirituality, following the direct instructions of his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada.
🕉️ Early Life and Academic Background
Birth: Born on August 1, 1944, into a traditional Audichya Sahasra Brahmana family in Kadod, Gujarat, India.
Auspicious Appearance: His birth coincided with Sravan Sud Dwadashi (Pavitra Dwadashi), the day following Pavitraropana Ekadashi.
Migration: His family moved to East Africa in the mid-1950s. Later, in September 1971, he migrated to the United States.
Professional Career: Before dedicating his life to monkhood, he worked as a Research Biochemist both in East Africa and the USA.
🛐 Spiritual Journey & Initiation
First Contact: Within one week of arriving in the USA in 1971, he met the disciples of Srila Prabhupada.
Shelter: He immediately took shelter of ISKCON, finding more interest in spiritual welfare than mundane business or research.
Initiation: He received his first initiation from His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in 1977 in New York. Due to Prabhupada's health at the time, his initiation beads and spiritual name were sent to him.
Sannyasa: He later accepted the renounced order of life (Sannyasa) to further his commitment to preaching.
🏛️ Leadership and Administrative Service
USA Services: He held several key positions, including:
Personal Secretary to the GBC (Governing Body Commission).
President of the ISKCON Temple in Queens, New York.
Director of Bharatiya Community Services in New Vrindavan, West Virginia.
Transition to India (1987): Acting on Srila Prabhupada’s instruction that Indian devotees trained in the West should return to help India, he shifted his focus back to his homeland.
Vrindavan Base (1991–Present): He has been based in Vrindavan for over three decades, overseeing:
The management of an ashram in Vrindavan and the Bharatpur Ashram.
Serving as Regional Secretary for Punjab and Haryana.
Chairman of the North Indian Temples Divisional Council for seven years.
Zonal Secretary for Eastern UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
🌏 Global Preaching and Fiji Connection
Fiji Ministry: He is well known for his extensive service in Fiji, where he visits regularly (once or twice a year). He has a large number of disciples there and played a pivotal role in the design and construction of the Sri Sri Radha Golokabihari temple.
Architectural Influence: He designed the Fiji temple to evoke the mood of Kusum Sarovar in Govardhan and arranged for intricate dioramas of Krishna's pastimes to be made by Indian artists.
Travels: He travels globally, spanning the USA, Australia (frequent visits to Melbourne), and various parts of Asia, including a major current project to establish a Vedic center in Bangkok, Thailand.
📖 Spiritual Contributions and Style
Initiating Spiritual Master: Since 1998, he has served as a Diksha Guru, guiding thousands of disciples worldwide.
Focus on Deity Worship: He is famous for his beloved traveling deities, Sri Sri Radha Syamasundara, who have accompanied him on global preaching tours for many years.
Current Focus: Having stepped back from heavy administrative management, he now focuses entirely on spiritual guidance, teaching Srimad Bhagavad Gita, Srimad Bhagavatam, and Caitanya Caritamrita.
Official Website:
vvpswami.com
His Holiness Vishvasu Swami Maharaj is a senior leader and traveling preacher within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). His life is a transition from a dedicated family man and regional administrator in Russia and Ukraine to a fully renounced monk (sannyasi) and educational rector in Germany and the Baltics.
🧘 Biographical Profile
Birth Date: April 25, 1967
Birthplace: Kurgan, Russia
Spiritual Status: Sannyasi (Renounced order)
Current Mission: Traveling Preacher & Rector of RISHI Spiritual German Academy.
🕉️ Initiation & Spiritual Timeline
His spiritual journey has been primarily guided by his spiritual master, H.H. Niranjana Swami.
Sept 1989: Joined ISKCON in Novosibirsk Academic Centre as a grihasta (householder).
Oct 1989: Began strict practice of 16 rounds and 4 regulative principles.
Sept 1992: Received First Initiation (Harinama) from H.H. Niranjana Swami.
July 1997: Received Second Initiation (Brahminical) from H.H. Niranjana Swami.
Oct 2013: Formally accepted the Vanaprastha (retired) order at Harinamadesh, Germany.
Present: Serves in the Sannyasa order as H.H. Vishvasu Swami Maharaj.
🏛️ Missionary & Managerial Service
Maharaj has spent over three decades establishing Krishna Consciousness across various international regions.
🇷🇺 Russia & 🇺🇦 Ukraine (1989–2001)
Regional Leadership: Served as Nama-hatta leader in Novosibirsk and secretary of the Novosibirsk Temple.
Preaching Regions: Managed and preached in Barnaul, Tomsk, Kemerovo, and Novokuzneck (as Temple President).
Kiev Spiritual Academy: Served as Rector and teacher of Bhakti-shastri courses.
National Service: Member of the National Meeting of Ukraine and Chairman of the Kiev Temple manager meeting.
🇪🇪 Baltics & 🇩🇪 Germany (2001–Present)
The Baltics: Serving as a traveling preacher and leader of the Bhakti-Shastri Office (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania).
Tallinn Temple: Served as Chairman of the Temple meeting in Tallinn.
Germany: Preaches in Berlin, Cologne, and Heidelberg; currently serves as the Rector of the RISHI Spiritual German Academy.
📜 Key Preaching Philosophy
Since 2000, Maharaj has strictly followed a specific instruction from his diksha-guru:
"If you will have no managerial service, you have to preach and stay no more than 3-4 days in one place."
Continuous Travel: He maintains a life of constant movement to spread the philosophy of Bhakti.
Systematic Education: He is a specialized teacher of Bhakti-shastri, focusing on training the next generation of devotees in the science of Krishna Consciousness.
H.H. Vrindavan Chandra Das Goswami is a senior sannyasi of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), celebrated for his profound Hindi and English discourses on the Srimad Bhagavatam and his decades of service in the holy dhama of Vrindavan.
🧘 Biographical Profile
Birth Year: 1963
Birthplace: Bihar, India
Current Title: His Holiness Vrindavan Chandra Das Goswami
Primary Base: ISKCON Vrindavan (Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir)
🕉️ Initiation & Spiritual Timeline
His life is a testament to the transition from a young seeker to a prominent scholar-monk.
First Contact (1977): He arrived at ISKCON Vrindavan in March 1977.
Meeting the Founder: In June 1977, he had the rare opportunity for darshan (audience) with His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada shortly before the Founder-Acharya's departure.
Harinama Initiation (Dec 21, 1977): He received his first initiation from H.H. Radha Govinda Das Goswami Maharaj.
Brahminical Initiation (Jan 1981): He received his second (Gayatri) initiation, formalizing his role as a priest and scholar.
Sannyasa Initiation (April 2019): After over 40 years of celibate monastic life (brahmacarya), he was awarded the sannyasa order, accepting the title Goswami.
🏛️ Ministry & Educational Focus
Maharaj is widely regarded as one of the most intellectually rigorous speakers in the movement, particularly in the Hindi-speaking world.
Scriptural Focus: He is famous for his "Bhagavat Katha" and systematic seminars on the Tenth Canto of the Srimad Bhagavatam.
ISKCON Vrindavan Leadership: He has served in various leadership and advisory capacities at the Krishna Balaram Mandir, helping oversee the spiritual standards of the ashram.
Digital Outreach: His lectures are a staple of ISKCON Desire Tree and Hare Krsna TV, where he breaks down complex Sanskrit verses into practical, relatable logic.
His Holiness Yadunandana Swami is a prominent spiritual leader, educator, and scholar within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). He is particularly recognized as the first Spanish "second-generation" sannyasi in the movement.
🧘 General Profile
Legal Name: Javier Pera López
Title: His Holiness Yadunandana Swami
Spiritual Lineage: Initiated disciple of H.H. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami; Sannyasa disciple of H.H. Jayadvaita Swami.
Current Status: Active Sannyasi and Principal Emeritus of Bhaktivedanta College.
Base of Operations: Spain and Radhadesh (Belgium).
Legal Name: Javier Pera López
Title: His Holiness Yadunandana Swami
Spiritual Lineage: Initiated disciple of H.H. Satsvarupa dasa Goswami; Sannyasa disciple of H.H. Jayadvaita Swami.
Current Status: Active Sannyasi and Principal Emeritus of Bhaktivedanta College.
Base of Operations: Spain and Radhadesh (Belgium).
🏛️ Education & Academic Leadership
Yadunandana Swami has been a central figure in ISKCON’s educational development for decades.
Bhaktivedanta College (Radhadesh, Belgium):
Served as the Principal from its opening in 2002 until 2014.
Teaches courses on Bhakti-sastri and Bhakti-vaibhava (advanced scriptural studies).
Instituto de Estudios Bhaktivedanta (Spain):
Serves as the Rector of this Spanish educational branch.
Higher Education:
Holds an M.A. in the Study of Religion from the University of Wales.
Author of The Lives and Challenges of Vaishnava Sannyasis in Modernity, a comprehensive study of the renounced order within ISKCON.
GBC Ministry of Educational Development:
Serves as an Executive Member and was an original developer of the Vaisnava Training and Education (VTE) courses.
🕉️ Spiritual Journey & Ministry
1977: Joined ISKCON in Spain and began practicing Caitanya Vaishnavism.
1978: Received first initiation (Diksa).
2009: Accepted the Sannyasa (renounced) order of life.
The ceremony took place in February/March 2009 in the presence of Prahladananda Swami (Sannyasa Minister) and Jayadvaita Swami.
Global Preaching: Has lectured at more than 20 universities worldwide and is a regular speaker at international forums, including the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Interfaith Dialogue: Actively represents ISKCON in interreligious discussions, focusing on Krishna consciousness and its relationship with the environment and modern society.
1977: Joined ISKCON in Spain and began practicing Caitanya Vaishnavism.
1978: Received first initiation (Diksa).
2009: Accepted the Sannyasa (renounced) order of life.
The ceremony took place in February/March 2009 in the presence of Prahladananda Swami (Sannyasa Minister) and Jayadvaita Swami.
Global Preaching: Has lectured at more than 20 universities worldwide and is a regular speaker at international forums, including the Parliament of the World's Religions.
Interfaith Dialogue: Actively represents ISKCON in interreligious discussions, focusing on Krishna consciousness and its relationship with the environment and modern society.
📜 Key Contributions
Systematic Education: Strong advocate for the idea that God-centered education is the most effective way to improve individual lives and global communities.
ISKCON Studies: Recognized as a leading scholar in "ISKCON Studies," specializing in the history and evolution of the sannyasa ashram.
Vaisnava Training: Instrumental in standardizing the ISKCON Disciple Course and Vaisnava Culture courses.
Systematic Education: Strong advocate for the idea that God-centered education is the most effective way to improve individual lives and global communities.
ISKCON Studies: Recognized as a leading scholar in "ISKCON Studies," specializing in the history and evolution of the sannyasa ashram.
His Holiness Yāmunācārya Dās Gosvāmī is a prominent spiritual leader, educator, and sannyasi within ISKCON Brazil. Known for his academic approach to Religious Studies and his commitment to congregational development, he serves as a bridge between ancient Vedic wisdom and contemporary life.
🕉️ Spiritual Journey & Initiation
Lineage: He is a formal disciple of His Holiness Hrdayānanda Dās Gosvāmī (one of the pioneer leaders of ISKCON).
Harināma Initiation: Received in 1983.
Brāhmaṇa Dīkṣā: Received in 1984.
Sannyāsa (Renounced Order): He accepted the sacred vows of a monk in 2015.
Dīkṣā Spiritual Master: In September 2022, he formally assumed his responsibilities as an initiating spiritual master, guiding a new generation of seekers.
🎓 Academic & Educational Service
Religious Studies: He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies from the State University of Rio Grande do Norte (UERN), grounding his preaching in a formal academic framework.
Jaladuta Institute: He has been a professor at this prestigious Brazilian institute for over 20 years, starting from its very inauguration.
Educational Complex: Currently, alongside HH Dhanvantari Swami, he is leading the construction of a major Educational Complex in Caruaru, Pernambuco, focused on cultural and spiritual development.
Human Development Course: Since 2025, he has coordinated a specialized immersion program in Human Development and Self-Knowledge in Bhakti Yoga, which integrates philosophy with practical modern application.
🏛️ Leadership & Administrative Roles
CGB President: Served for five years as the President of the Brazilian Governing Body Council (CGB) of ISKCON.
Congregational Development: From 2014 to 2025, he led the Congregational Development Secretariat, focusing on the growth and health of devotee communities across the region.
Alongside Maharaj Dhanvantari Swami, he leads the construction of an Educational Complex in Caruaru, Pernambuco, dedicated to human, spiritual, and cultural development.
🌲 Base & Digital Preaching
Ecovila Vraja Dhama: Since 2016, he has resided at this eco-village in Caruaru, Brazil. He is a central figure there, teaching Vedic literature, conducting bhajans, and leading kīrtans.
Digital Presence: His outreach expanded significantly during the pandemic. He now uses digital platforms to reach thousands of followers.
Instagram/YouTube:
@yamunacaryadasgoswami
📖 Philosophical Focus
Maharaja’s preaching is characterized by the integration of three key pillars:
Philosophical Study: Deep dives into the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam.
Spiritual Practice: The authentic discipline of Sadhana-bhakti.
Contemporary Application: Helping modern individuals find self-knowledge and mental balance through Vedic teachings.
