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Aashish Sharma

Aashish Sharma

Saturday, 26 August 2023 14:04

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Friday, 16 August 2024 15:23

Jhulan Yatra - The Swing Festival

SUNDAY, 27 AUGUST - THURSDAY, 31 AUGUST 2023
This festival honours a pastime of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani’s eternal love. This sweet pastime is of Them swinging on a beautifully decorated swing during the rainy season in Vrindavana. The festival, which takes place over several days, is celebrated by devotees having the opportunity to personally swing Radha-Krishna Deities along with Their glorification through a beautiful song.
Swinging Timings: 7.00am & 7.00pm
Thursday, 08 June 2023 16:57

Lunch Program

Monday to Saturday Starts at 01.00 pm
Discussions on the Ancient Vedic Wisdom from the Bhagavad-Gita Mantra Meditation Free Vegetarian Lunch
Sunday, 08 January 2023 00:15

Characteristics of Radha Londonisvara

Written by Ramanatha-sukha das ACBSP

Every ISCKON temple believe their deities are “special”. Some enthusiastic devotees may even say that Krishna will “wink” at you, or that the deities’ outfits grow in size as the deities grow from all the opulent offerings. Older outfits can no longer fit. At the Radha Krishna Temple in downtown London, there are unique historical aspects of Radha Londonisvara that need to be clarified and elaborated on.

1) The foremost important characteristic of Radha Londonisvara is that They are the very first large marble Radha-Krishna deities within ISKCON. This distinct status is perpetual.

Srila Prabhupada explains in SB 3.21.32: “With one candle one may light a second candle, with the second a third and then a fourth, and in this way one can light up thousands of candles, and no candle is inferior to another in distributing light. Every candle has the full potential candlepower, but there is still the distinction that one candle is the first, another the second, another the third and another the fourth. Similarly, there is no difference between the immediate expansion of the Lord and His secondary expansion.”

Many devotees believe that because Radha Londonisvara are the first large marble Radha-Krishna deities within ISKCON, then all other Radha-Krishna deities in the Hare Krishna movement are in one sense expansions from Them. They are all equal, yet different according to time, place, and circumstance.

2) Radha Londonisvara are also distinctive because of the way They revealed Themselves to Srila Prabhupada and the devotees just three days prior to the scheduled temple opening. Many senior devotees appreciating this exceptional lila with Srila Prabhupada have understood Radha Londonisvara to be “self-manifesting” deities. They appeared due to the intense desire of Srila Prabhupada to serve Them in downtown London. This unprecedented pastime defines Radha Londonisvara as “self-manifesting”. There are no other deities in ISKCON that can be appreciated in this way. Many of the deities in the early developmental years of Vrindavan are also understood as self-manifesting.

These would include Radha Govindaji of Rupa Goswami, Madanmohan of Sanatana Goswami, Radha Gopinath of Paramananda Bhattacharya and Madhu Pandit Goswami, and Radharaman of Gopal Bhatta Goswami. All devoteepilgrims to the Radha-Krishna Temple in downtown London are most fortunate to have Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara’s exclusive darshan, prasadam, and be able to participate in Their seva-puja. They are not only exceptionally beautiful, but Their mercy is uncommon and extraordinary. Srila Prabhupada on many occasions expressed profound attraction and devotion to Their Lordships.

3) The issue of installing Deities who have some small “defect” needs more clarification. As indicated by the story from Prabhupada’s Lilamrita, some Hindus would not approve of using so called defective deities. As a pure representative of the Caitanya Vaishnava lineage, Srila Prabhupada was not very concerned with the strict standards of Hinduism established by Smarta Brahmins. This form of Hinduism in many ways is antithetical to pure Krishna Bhakti from the Caitanya tradition. The Smarta Brahmins follow a lineage from Sankaracharya that promote a philosophy of worship where “bhakti” eventually leads a devotee to “merging” with the impersonal Brahman effulgence. To a devotee, such merging is a kind of spiritual suicide. Srila Prabhupada and his disciples could clearly perceive that the unprecedented manifestation of Radha Londonisvara was part of “Krishna’s trick” in order that They could be established within ISKCON and be perpetually worshipped in downtown London. The Supreme Lord can be very cunning. The deity is not an idol/statue that is meant to be worshipped in order to achieve impersonal moksha. By the mercy of Srila Prabhupada, the pure devotee of Radha-Krishna, Radha Londonisvara have manifest in the important city of London to help all variety of devotees develop pure prema-bhakti, now and into perpetuity. The supreme perfection of Krishna consciousness, to go back home, back to Goloka Vrindavan, is possible for all who take shelter of Them.

4) There is also an exceptional story about the two small vyasasanas on the temple altar. This story is narrated by a disciple of Srila Prabhupada named Padmalocana das: “A new vyasasana was being made for Srila Prabhupada and I was asked to help upholster it. That day most devotees went to the airport to welcome Prabhupada, but a small group of us were still trying to finish the vyasasana before he arrived. It was green with gold trim, and we were focussed on getting it finished and into the temple room. When Prabhupada did arrive and came into the temple, immediately everyone began offering obeisances and I was completely overwhelmed; I’d never seen such a personality. I had extreme emotions of crying and was quite overwhelmed. Prabhupada had darshan, sat down on the new vyasasana, and started giving a lecture. Just as he finished the lecture, he mentioned something about the vyasasana, ‘Oh, this is very nice.’ Then he went upstairs to his quarters. After a few minutes some devotee called down the stairs, ‘Haribol! Padmalocana prabhu! Prabhupada is saying something about the vyasasana, you should come up here.’ So, I went up and Prabhupada said to me, ‘I want two more small size vyasasanas because every day Lord Brahma and Narada Muni come for the evening arotik and there should be a vyasasana for each of them. They should look identical to my own, but in a smaller size.’ I think we finished them on that same day, and next morning they were placed on the altar. So Prabhupada showed his appreciation when the next day. He said, ‘Yes, yes, they should always stay and be next to Radha-Londonisvara.’ Again, he told everyone, ‘Everyday Lord Brahma and Narada Muni come here for the evening arotik.’”

There is no other temple within ISKCON that has this peculiar feature of two small vyasasanas on the altar. Srila Prabhupada had a remarkable vision and blessing that Narada Muni and Lord Brahma come to Radha Londonisvara in the evening and that their combined presence can be felt by the attending devotees.

5) In the early 1980’s Giriraj came to take shelter of Radha Londonisvara’s lotus feet. The Govardhan sila (stone from Govardhana hill) became the “functional” deity by which the large marble deities are worshiped and bathed every morning. In almost all other ISKCON Radha Krishna temples, the functional deities are a small set of brass Radha Krishna murtis. Ever since the addition of Giriraj, the downtown London temple embodies the mood of Vrindavan and Vraja bhakti. For those devotees who appreciate the confidential relationship of Giri-Govardhan and Radha Krishna, this unique feature adds another layer of appreciation for the worship of Radha Londonisvara.

Sunday, 08 January 2023 00:07

Story of our Deities

To better appreciate the spiritual benefits of darshan and service to Sri Sri Radha Londonisvara, a short description has been written on the unique way Their Lordships manifested. This description is adapted from Srila Prabhupada Lilamrita, the official Biography of Prabhupada by HH Satsvarupa Goswami:

In the beginning of November 1969, after spending several months in London at the estate of John Lennon, Srila Prabhupada moved into a furnished apartment on Baker street. Syamasundara prabhu and other devotees were working hard, although progressing slowly, to renovate the newly acquired 7 Bury Place property into a suitable London Temple. Syamasundara was inspired with a unique idea for making the temple into an elaborate artistic showcase utlising redwood sent from California.

Consulting a Vedic calendar, Prabhupada set December 14th as the day for the temple opening celebration. Invitations were designed and ordered, even though some devotees thought the deadline could never be met in time. Not only the temple room and altar needed to be constructed, Prabhupada’s quarters and the basement kitchen also needed to be arranged. And the deities? Where were Radha and Krishna? Even though Prabhupada’s quarters were incomplete and continual renovation work made it hectic and noisy, Srila Prabhupada decided to move into the temple building to be with the devotees.

Tamal Krishna prabhu, a leading devotee from the LA temple, moved to London to help organise and manage the devotees and the hectic situation. Construction intensified as well as daily street chanting and selling of Back to Godhead magazines soon manifested.

With only one week away until the temple opening, Syamasundara prabhu labored hard on finishing the temple room and still needed to construct an altar. He was able to get George Harrison to donate two thousand pounds for the needed Italian marble. But overall, the work progressed slowly. Even though Prabhupada had a set of 17 inch carved wooden Radha-Krishna deities, he did not plan on using them. And the altar under construction clearly required much larger deities. But where were the deities that were going to be installed? Construction work was progressing, but where were Radha and Krishna? Devotees did their best to try and locate deities and informed their friends and conections that they needed Radha-Krishna deities for the new temple. But the devotees were unexperienced and barely knew what deities were. They knew who Prabhupada was and trusted that Radha-Krishna would somehow manifest because of the strong desire of His pure devotee.

Then, just three days before the actual installation and temple opening, a Mr. Goyal called the temple. He represented a large Hindu Society and had heard that the devotees needed Radha-Krishna deities. He told the devotees that he had a pair of deities that he may be able to donate. When Prabhupada heard the news, he immediately sent Syamasundara, Mukunda, and Tamal Krishna prabhus over to his home to see the deities. Radha and Krishna were made of white marble and stood about three feet high. Never before had the devotees seen such large beautiful deities and they reverentially offered their obeisances. When they returned to the temple and told Prabhupada, he said, “Take me there at once!”

Srila Prabhupada accompanied by Tamal Krishna, Syamasundara, and Mukunda prabhus left in a van for the home of Mr. Goyal. Srila Prabhupada entered the living room and sat down. The deities, covered by a cloth, stood on a table and were in a corner of the room. Tamal Krishna was about to unveil them when Srila Prabhupada checked him and said, “No. That’s all right.” Prabhupada sat and spoke with Mr. Goyal, asking him about his work and where he had come from in India. And then Prabhupada met Mr. Goyal’s wife and family and chatted with them, mostly in Hindi which the devotees could not follow so well. They simply sat by their master and listened.

“Swamaji”, Mr. Goyal said after some time, “I want to show you my deities.” “Yes,” Prabhupada replied, “I will see Them after some time.” Prabhupada began speaking about his Krishna consciousness mission and then after some time, Mr. Goyal again requested, “Please take a look at the deities.” And with that Mr. Goyal walked over and unveiled Radha and Krishna.

“Oh, yes,” Srila Prabhupada said folding his hands respectfully. Mr. Goyal explained that he had ordered the deities from India for his own use, but in transit a tiny piece of Radharani’s finger had chipped off; therefore, according to strict Smarta Brahmin Hindu tradition, the deities could not be installed. Srila Prabhupada made it clear to his host that these deities were not at all useable to him which was confirmed by Mr. Goyal.

“Tamal Krishna,” Prabhupada said, “See how heavy these deities are.” Placing one hand around Srimati Radharani’s shoulder and the other at the base, he lifted Her. “Not so heavy Srila Prabhupada,” he said.

“Syamasundara,” Prabhupada said, “see how heavy is Krishna.” The deitiies were actually heavy for one man to carry but the devotees understood Prabhupada’s intention. “Not bad,” Syamasundara said holding Krishna a few inches off the table.”

“Yes,” Prabhupada said conclusively, “I think They’re all right. Let us take Them. We have our van.” And suddenly Prabhupada was leaving and his discipiles following, carefully carrying Radha and Krishna. Prabhupada thanked Mr. Goyal.

“But Swamaji! Swamaji!,” protested Mr. Goyal who was not ready for this sudden exit. “Please. We will arrange to bring Them. Our society will bring Them.” But Prabhupada was already out the door and leading his men to the van.

“Please wait,” Mr. Goyal persisted. “We have to fix Them first, Then you can take Them.”

“We have an expert man,” Prabhupada said, “We can fix these things.” Prabhupada was assuring Mr. Goyal and at the same time he was directing his disciples. He opened the door of the van and Tamal Krishna and Syamasundara slowly entered, cautiously setting the deities of Radha and Krishna within. Tamal Krishna and Mukunda were then situated in the back holding the deities secure while Syamasundara was in the drivers seat and Prabhupada in the front passenger seat.

“Now drive,” Prabhupada said. And off they went with Srila Prabhupada smiling from the passenger window to Mr. Goyal and his family who stood on the curb.

Syamasundara had driven just a few blocks when Prabhupada asked him to stop the van. Turning around in his seat, Prabhupada began offering prayers. Govindam, adi-purusam tam aham bhajami…. He looked long at Krishna who was white with a slight bluish cast, and at the exquisite white Radharani by His side. “Krishna is so kind,” he said, “He has come like this.” Then he had Syamasundara continue driving slowly back to the temple.

Carefully, Prabhupada supervised his disciples’ carrying the Deities up to the second floor. The devotees were astounded and delighted to see Prabhupada in such an animated and intense state, bringing Radha and Krishna into Their new temple. He had the Deities placed in a curtained-off section of his own room, and then he sat at his desk.

Prabhupada smiled, “Krishna has played a great trick!” “In the Mahabharata also, he said, there are incidents where Krishna plays tricks. One such trick was Krishna’s agreeing to be on the side of the general He saw first in the morning. The two opposing generals, Arjuna and Duryodhana, had both come to Krishna’s tent early in the morning as Krishna slept. They had agreed that one of them would stand at Krishna’s head and the other at Krishna’s feet and that they would wait until Krishna awoke. Duryodhana chose to stand by Krishna’s head, while Arjuna chose His feet. Krishna awoke and saw Arjuna first.”

“That was one great trick that was played by Krishna,” Prabhupada said. “Similarly, this is a great trick.” He told how Krishna had also tricked Mother Yasoda when she had tried to discipline Krishna. He had run away and she had run after Him, caught Him, and tried to tie Him with ropes. “But every time she came with more rope,”Prabhupada said, “it was just a little too short. Krishna can play any kind of trick. Another such trick has been played. They made so much effort to bring these Deities here, thinking They will be for their Hindhu Centre. But all the time Krishna wanted to come here. So this chip on the Deity’s hand is just Krishna’s trick. And we have caught Them!”

“Prabhupada,” Mukunda said, “You have kidnapped Krishna.”

“Yes,” Prabhupada said. “Once I was in the bank, and the manager had some scheme. But I foiled his scheme. So he said to me, ‘Mr. De, you should have been a politician.’” Prabhupada laughed. Then he became grave and asked the devotees not to talk about the incident. Many would not understand how he could install a chipped Deity. The devotees agreed to keep the secret, but they had no doubt that Prabhupada’s love for Krishna was transcendental to Hindu customs. Radha and Krishna had come to London on the strength of Prabhupada’s desire to serve Them.

Saturday, 16 July 2022 11:12

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Wednesday, 27 April 2022 16:50

My Sweet Govinda

Thursday, 01 April 2021 10:00

Wednesday Night Kirtan

Wednesdays, 7.00pm - 9.30pm
Immerse yourself in the blissful experience of hearing and chanting the transcendental Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Everyone is invited to come along.
Sunday, 01 April 2018 00:00

Saturday Kirtan

Saturdays, 3.00pm – 7.00pm
 
Join us for kirtan, music mediation from the ancient bhakti tradition that will uplife your mood and raise your consciousness to a higher vibration whilst helping to unwind and relax.
 
Thursday, 01 March 2018 00:00

Fortunate Fridays

Fridays, 6.30pm - 7.30pm
 
Join Shyama Kishor and Keshav in this introductory program to bhakti-yoga that will help you find spiritual solutions to material problems and how you can find more spiritual happiness and spiritual wellbeing in your everyday lives.
 
 
 
 
 
 
9-10 Soho Street
London W1D 3DL, UK

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Srila Prabhupada
Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
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