Snana-Yatra this Sunday! ***NOTE: BATHING WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 4:30PM-6:00PM***

A sure sign that the annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) is just around the corner (July 16-17, 2011) is the annual Jagannatha Snana-Yatra festival! Snana-Yatra, a wonderful festival, wherein Lord Jagannatha, Lord Balarama and Lady Subhadra will be bathed amidst amazing kirtan and chanting!

After the bathing ceremony (Snana-Yatra), Lord Jagannātha apparently becomes sick. He is therefore removed to His private quarters, where no one can see Him. Actually, during this period the body of the Jagannātha Deity is repainted, this is called nava-yauvana.

During the Ratha-Yatra Festival on July 16th, Lord Jagannātha will once again come before the public. Thus for thirteen days after the bathing ceremony, Lord Jagannātha is not visible to any visitors! Don't miss out this last opportunity to see Lord Jagannatha before his grand Ratha-Yatra festival!

***IMPORTANT: This year the bathing ceremony will begin at 4:30 PM and continue to 6:00 PM. Following the bathing, Lord Jagannatha's altar will close at 6:00 PM. Anyone wishing to have a final darshan of Lord Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra must come before 6:00 PM.***

Let’s All Wear Blue or Yellow for Lord Jagannatha!

Have you picked out your outfit for Ratha-Yatra (Festival of India) yet? An encouraging call goes out to all devotees to wear blue or yellow for the festival to show your love for Lord Jagannatha!

This year, under the direction of Bhaktimarga Swami, our annual Ratha-Yatra parade will have an exciting twist! In an attempt to showcase our beautiful parade in a more coordinated manner, we are requesting that all devotees wear either BLUE or YELLOW on the day of the parade. On July 16th, we will become ambassadors of our beautiful Hare Krishna culture. Let’s look organized and unified and show the people of Toronto how beautiful this festival truly is.

Wear your love for Lord Jagannatha -- BLUE or YELLOW! Jaya Jagannatha!

Gundica Clean-up this Sunday!

Our Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) is coming up in less than 3 weeks and the festivities kick off this Sunday with the annual Gundica Cleanup (Temple Cleanup) and Snana-Yatra (Bathing festival) festivals!

Every year, before the Ratha-Yatra festival, the temple is lovingly cleaned by the devotees. This is following the example set by Caitanya Mahaprabhu, who held the first Gundica Cleanup some 500 years ago. The famous Ratha-Yatra parade in Jagannatha Puri begins at the Jagannatha Puri temple and proceeds all the way till the Gundica Temple. Preparing for the arrival of Lord Jagannatha, Caitanya Mahaprabhu with His associates personally cleaned the entire temple.

The clean-up will start at 10:30am in the temple room and will continue till 2:00pm. Special Lunch (prasadam) will be provided for those who come out to help clean!

The clean-up will be followed by the Snana-Yatra festival starting at 4:30pm.

A warm invitation goes out to you and your family to join in the wonderful celebrations of Gundica Cleanup and Snana-Yatra festivals this upcoming Sunday!

Maha-Harinama Party on Canada Day!!!

It is Canada's B'day on Friday and your Hare Krishna Centre wants to celebrate this special day in a fun and festive way!

We are inviting everyone to join us on Friday, July 1st as we hit the streets and share kirtan, sweets, books and smiles with Torontonians during Canada day festivities in downtown Toronto. This is also a great way to inform people about the upcoming Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) by handing out cards!!!

The plan is to meet at the temple at 1pm and we will then head downtown for a grand street party with kirtan accompanied by wild drumming, singing and dancing! We will be back at the temple by 4pm where a delicious meal awaits us!

A special request goes out to EVERYONE to dress as colourfully as possible, in full devotional attire, as we want to amaze Torontonians with the beauty of Krsna consciousness, both with our appearance and with our smiles! If any of the ladies are interested in getting gopi-dots (traditional face painting) done, please come by earlier to the temple!


We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Deity Darshan: Sunday, June 26, 2011

Radhanath Swami Meets President Obama!

On June 13, 2011 Radhanath Swami was invited to meet with the President of the United States, Mr. Barack Obama at an event in Miami Florida. Radhanath Swami was grateful to accept the invitation on behalf of his beloved Guru, Srila Prabhupada and dedicated the meeting to his beloved Godbrother Bhakti Tirtha Swami. The President and the Swami had a beautiful, heartfelt talk for several minutes. (from radhanathaswami.com)

Sunday Feast with HH Bhakti Vikas Swami

Toronto's Hare Krishna Centre is excited to welcome HH Bhakti Vikas Swami to our vibrant community. HH Bhakti Vikas Swami will be joining us for our weekly Sunday "Love" Feast celebrations. HH Bhakti Vikas Swami 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 traveled 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.

HH Bhakti Vikas Swami will be giving this Sunday's Spiritual discourse. Additionally he will be attending the Saturday evening (7pm-9pm) program at ISKCON Scarborough, and the Sunday morning (11am-2pm) program at ISKCON Brampton.

Kirtan Mela 2011 Germany!

Inspired by HH Sacinandana Swami, devotees in Germany are extending a warm welcome to devotees around the world to join the first and biggest international kirtan event ever!

Kirtan Mela 2011 will feature six days of unforgettable kirtan with 12 hours of kirtan every single day featuring spiritual leaders, kirtaniyas and thousands of devotees from all over the world!

Please register at: www.kirtana-mela.com
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kirtana-Mela-2011/181246161928825

A Free Seminar on Vastu Energy Management

In today's times with the massive urbanization, growth in population and nuclear families – single-family units, condominiums & high-rise apartments have become very popular.

For the architects and builders the challenge is to ensure that these projects are commercially viable while optimizing utilization of space, meeting various government regulations and city/state building codes. If along with all that, Vastu Energy Management is also addressed the occupants will be able to enjoy the best of space utilization and high positive energy in their dwellings resulting in better health, wealth and harmony.

Vastu Shastra is an environmental and architectural science, which is over five thousand years old. Vastu is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘vasati’ which means dwelling. It can be any type of space where human beings spend time. Vastu helps in proper orientation of buildings to create positive energy.


Vastu Expert Mr. Abhinav Mehta is visiting Toronto and will be hosting a free seminar at Toronto's Hare Krishna temple on Saturday, June 25th at 4:00 PM. The seminar will be followed by Dinner at Govinda’s.

To book your seat, pls call Viresh Varma on 647 588 0460 or send an email: vireshvarma@gmail.com

It’s a wonderful opportunity for those who either owns a property or plans to own one.

Abhinav Mehta is a successful professional with over 25 years of management experience in the fields of Engineering, Agriculture, Precious stones & Jewelry, etc. He has been helping people with a common sense approach & simple solutions to "Live in Bliss" by resolving their inner & outer conflicts. Bliss Solutions, Inc. was launched to create awareness about the different aspects of the Vedic culture namely Vastu Energy Management, Yoga, Astrology, & Ayurveda to experience bliss, harmony and wellbeing in our everyday lives.

Bhaktivedanta College - An Inspirational Video

For more information, visit http://www.bhaktivedantacollege.com/

Deity Darshan: Sunday, June 19, 2011

Sunday Feast with Devamrita Swami and Bada Hari das

Toronto's Hare Krishna Centre is excited to welcome HH Devamrita Swami to our vibrant community. Devamrita Swami will be joining us for our weekly Sunday "Love" Feast celebrations. For the past twenty-six years, Devamrita Swami has traveled worldwide, presenting the philosophy of Krishna Consciousness. Currently he is based in Australia and New Zealand, and frequently travels to India and the Orient on preaching missions.

Joining Devamrita Swami will be HG Bada Hari das. Legendary for his rocking kirtans, Bada Hari das always manages to leave everyone craving more when it comes to kirtans at our temple. Known for his inspiring and soulful chants, Bada Haridas has studied and performed kirtan, including Indian classical music and raga since 1975.

The Sunday program will be an "Extended Program" and the schedule will be as follows (subject to change):

6:00pm to 6:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)

6:30pm to 6:40pm - Welcome & Announcements

6:40pm to 8:00pm - Presentation by Devamrita Swami and Bada Hari das

8:00pm to 8:30pm - Kirtan (Arati)

8:30pm to 9:30pm - Free Vegetarian Feast (Prasadam)

Donuts for Prabhupada!

24-Hour Kirtan LIVE!!!

The 24-Hour Kirtan (24HK) is celebrating its 5th Anniversary. Held in the foothills of West Virginia at the Krishna farm community of New Vrindaban, the festival offers an opportunity to chant shoulder-to-shoulder with some of the most gifted Mantra Music artists in the world. Enjoy the live broadcast HERE!

Monthly Clean-Up This Weekend

CDM (Ceto Darpana Marjanam) is a project which entails the organized cleaning of the temple as a group that will start this Saturday, June 18th at 10:00am! Please join as as we clean our temple and our thus our very hearts as well in a fun way together!

The schedule will be as follows:
10:00am to 1:30pm - Maha clean-up
1:30pm to 3:00pm - Special pizza party in the park, activity and nectar-filled conversations

An inspirational quote by Srila Prabhupada:

"Everything within the temple should be kept very, very neat and clean. And the more you keep the temple neat and clean, you will be neat and clean within your heart. And then your understanding will be very easy. We cannot understand Krsna because our heart is piled up with many garbages. That we have to cleanse."
-- Srila Prabhupada Melbourne, May 22, 1975

Please come out and bring your family and friends for this unforgettable experience!

Bhagavad-Gita Crash Course Tomorrow Evening!

Have you ever wanted to dive into the deep, timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita but didn't know where to start? Have you been reading the Gita for a long time, but wouldn't mind a brush-up seminar? Well, Toronto's Hare Krishna Temple is presenting a Bhagavad-Gita "Crash Course" tomorrow evening, conducted by Uttama Sloka das from 6:30pm to 9:00pm.

A disciple of HH Indradyumna Swami, Uttama Sloka das serves part time as his traveling assistant, secretary and translator. Apart from his personal services to Indradyumna Swami, he spends his time conducting educational and training courses covering 20 countries on four continents. He is qualified as a Bhakti Sastri teacher, mediator and counsellor.

If you ever wanted to learn the essentials of the Bhagavad-gita in one power-packed session, then you won't want to miss out on this seminar! The cost for the seminar will be $15 and will include dinner (prasadam).

Deity Darshan: Sunday, June 12, 2011

Welcoming Back Uttama Sloka das to ISKCON Toronto!

The Hare Krishna temple is excited to welcome HG Uttama Sloka das back to Toronto! A disciple of HH Indradyumna Swami, Uttama Sloka das serves part time as Maharaja's traveling assistant, secretary and translator. Apart from his personal services to Indradyumna Swami, he spends his time conducting educational and training courses covering 20 countries on four continents. He is qualified as a Bhakti Sastri teacher, mediator and counsellor.

Uttama Sloka das has forged some wonderful relationships with devotees in Toronto and, during his week-long visit, he will be conducting various programs and seminars. Uttama Sloka das will be giving the class during our weekly Sunday Feast program this weekend.

Next Wednesday, June 15th, Uttama Sloka das will be conducting a "Bhagavad-Gita Crash Course" from 6:30pm to 9pm. If you ever wanted to learn the essentials of the Bhagavad-gita in one power-packed session, then you won't want to miss out on this seminar! The cost for the seminar will be $15 and will include prasadam. Click here to register for the Gita Crash Course!

ISKCON Australia - 40th Anniversary of Radha Gopinath!

The video below includes a few shots from the 40th anniversary celebration in Sydney. This is a short prelude to the film covering different aspects of the festival including interviews, classes and kirtans that happened over the weekend.

Can You Guess the Tune? :o)

While it might be old news for savvy internet browsers, Google had a very unique "Google Doodle" on their homepage yesterday (and it has continued today). The Google Doodle is the often customized version of the "Google" logo that appears on the search engine's home page.

The doodle, in honor of musician and electric guitar pioneer Les Paul, featured the strings of a guitar in the shape of the Google logo. That logo, however, was actually playable—strum it with your mouse and it played a song. In the U.S., meanwhile, users could record a 30-second snippet of their creations and share with friends.

We found a link to a famous song that actually has a tie to our Krsna conscious movement. Can anyone guess the song? Click here to listen. Leave a comment with your guess! (Hint: It's a famous song that was actually written about our dearmost Srila Prabhupada)

Deity Darshan: Sunday, June 5, 2011

Vaisesika das comes back to town!

With the spring finally setting in and the super busy summer right around the corner, we have Vaisesika das, coming back to Toronto after 6 months to kick start the summer festivities!


Vaisesika das along with his wife, Nirakula dasi will be in Toronto from June 3 - June 6th facilitating a variety of seminars! Please take this amazing opportunity of getting some amazing association with Vaisesika das and Nirakula dasi!

Special Srimad Bhagavatam Classes on "How to stay inspired in MY Krsna Consciousness?" - June 3rd, 5th & 6th - 7:45am - 9:00am

1. Have you ever been troubled by the "see-saw" of inspiration?

2. Do you sometimes struggle to keep up your enthusiasm while practicing your spiritual life?

If your answer to these questions is YES, then come join us for 3 very enlivening lectures by Vaisesika das, and take home your personal inspiration tool-kit!

Special Sankirtan Training Interactive Seminar - Friday, June 3rd - 6:30pm - 9:00pm

An inspiring sankirtan training session with Vaisesika Prabhu, with practical tips on how to engage in effective conversations and distribute books.

Special Sunday Feast - Sunday, June 5th - 5:45pm - 9:00pm

Don't miss out on an amazing Sunday feast with Vaisesika das which will feature an amazing class and fantastic kirtans!

For more detailed information, please visit www.torontosankirtan.com! We look forward to seeing you there!