Toronto's Hare Krishna Centre (ISKCON Toronto), has always been the hub of a rich, vibrant and enthusiastic community. Whether it be grand festivals, programs at local universities and yoga studios, philosophical discussions, cooking sessions, or singing and dancing on the streets, there are events taking place for everyone's interest.
There are many places of pilgrimage for Krishna devotees, especially in India. Devotees visit them to become inspired in their spiritual lives. Devotees of Krishna observe the appearance of Radha Kunda, also known as Bahulashtami. This Sunday the Hare Krishna Centre will be celebrating this auspicious occasion beginning at 5:30pm.
Radha Kunda is a reservoir of water located in Vrindavan, India, where Krishna and Srimati Radharani had Their pastimes. It is mentioned in Sri Isopanishad and other Vedic texts as one of the most sacred places in the universe. Be sure to come out and be transported to this amazing place!
Recently, a friendly reporter from the Toronto Star visited our temple in search of "what ever happened to the Hare Krishnas?" After speaking to a few devotees in our community, we are happy to see that we have landed on the front page of the GTA Section of the Toronto Star, Canada's largest and most widely-circulated newspaper!
The overall article is certainly positive, though we very humbly would take exception to a few minor points made in the piece. However, we are excited to see our temple splashed across the front page of the section of the newspaper and certainly hope that it results in some more friendly and curious faces making their way to our warm temple!
As many regular spiritualists of the Hare Krishna tradition know, the month of Kartik begins today! The natural charms of autumn are enhanced by the season of Kartik: the lunar month that falls across October and November.
This month is described as especially dear to Krishna, and sincere spiritualists keep it sacred through acts of devotion and vows of austerity aimed at increasing their spiritual strength and drawing closer to Krishna.
At the Hare Krishna temple, every Sunday Feast during this very special month will be highlighted with sublime festivities. Of note, we will collectively sing the Damodarastakam prayers, which celebrate one of Krishna's most endearing pastimes.
The month will also feature amazing festivals and the opportunity for us to dive deeper in our spirituality! We hope you can join us every Sunday at the Hare Krishna temple during this auspicious month.
As a special treat, you can view a wonderful animation of the Damodarastakam prayers (complete with lyrics and translation) below:
Recently, members of our Toronto Temple Council, along with Bhaktimarga Swami joined representatives from ISKCON Centres across Canada for the Annual Canadian Leaders Meeting in Wakefield, Quebec. In this video, HH Bhaktimarga Swami leads a rocking kirtan by the bonfire one evening. Video courtesy of Radha Krishna devi dasi.
This Saturday the grand finale of Maha Mantra Week will be taking place with an estatic 12-hour Kirtan! This extremely grand way to cap off 15 days of fun and bliss will be taking place from 9:00am - 9:00pm on Saturday, October 2, 2010.
The kirtan schedule will be as follows:
9am-11am: Sri Sri Radha Govind Kirtan Mandali 11am-12pm: Sarvolakeshwara Das 12pm-1pm: ISKCON Toronto Devotees 1pm-2pm: ISKCON Brampton Devotees 2pm-3pm: ISKCON Toronto Devotees 3pm-3.20pm: Bhaktin Vandita 3:20-3:40: Bhaktin Sarah 3:40-4pm: Bhakta Chetan 4pm-4:30pm: Bhaktin Recha 4.30pm-5pm: Bhakta Yura 5pm-6pm: Dhira Grahi Das 6pm-6:30pm: Bhaktin Haimshanee 6:30-7:00 Sri Sri Radha Govind Kirtan Mandali 7:00-7:30 - Subhadra Devi dasi 7:30-9 - Sri Sri Radha Govind Kirtan Mandali
