Large scale Krishna Janamastmi celebrations planned
Grand Krishna Janamastami celebrations are being planned at the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Mandir in Auckland next month.
And the temple invites all devotees to attend in order to be able to allow all to celebrate and make the occasion one to remember.
“We have organised a Bhagavad Saptah from August 25 to August 31, in the temple from 6pm to 9pm everyday followed by Prasadam,” Achal Krishna Das, temple head, told Indian Weekender.
‘”For the first time, we have organised a special Bhagavatam Agnihotra Yajna on September 1, giving immense benefits to anyone who participates in it.”
This will be followed by the grand Janmashatami celebrations on September 2, and Srila Prabhupadas appearance day on September 3.
“To enable everyone to have this wonderful opportunity of serving the Lord, we would like all of you to come and hear Srimad Bhagavatam and relish the glories of the Lord. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the ultimate benefit of hearing about him and his activities,” Krishna Das said.
“This year we are endeavoring to do something special for Sri Sri Radha Giridhari. With your help and encouragement, we can make this a grand event.
“We would like to thank all our patrons and well wishers who have always supported us in the Janmashatami celebrations in the past and look forward to their continued support this year too.
For any enquiries or service opportunities please contact, HG Achal Krishna Das 4128079 or 021 1197726 or HG Kalasamvara Das 4126362.
The New Varshana Farm
The new Varshana rural community is located 20 minutes’ drive from the Auckland CBD. The 30-hectare property is nestled among orchards and produce stores on the scenic Riverhead-Coatesville highway (Highway 28, 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Riverhead, Auckland 0892).
Krishna Das said the temple complex was fast becoming a drawcard for spiritual seekers and curious day-trippers. “The Radha Giridhari temple is the showpiece for the Hare Krishna movement in New Zealand, and visitors are guaranteed a transcendental feast for the senses.”
The property is a spiritual shelter for those inclined to learn more about the philosophy and lifestyle. For this purpose, New Varshana offers residents ashram facility according to individual needs.
Brahmachari and brahmacharini ashrams for single men and women trainees co-exist alongside grihasta ashram for couples and families. “We are an international community dedicated to exemplifying the ideals of simple living and high thinking, and a positive alternative to modern materialistic lifestyles.
“The devotee community goals are Krishna centred and progressive, whilst simultaneously enabling residents to interact within the greater Auckland community. Devotees are diversely engaged in a broad spectrum of local service and outside employment.
“We are fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded persons with expertise in the arts, music, cultural and interfaith dialogue, management, media, and more.
“Over and above this, the devotees share a great love of transcendental teachings as imparted to us by Srila Prabhupada, and a desire to inform others about the joy attained in a Krishna conscious lifestyle, where happiness is our inherent nature.
“So do yourself a favour, come visit us at New Varshana rural community, open your mind to a whole new world of enlightenment, and enter into the realm of Krishna consciousness.
Temple History
Sri Sri Radha Giridhari temple was opened on January 18, 2004. The Deities (Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Giridhari, and Their Lordships Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra) had previously been installed by the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada installed Sri Sri Radha Giridhari on the 18th April 1972 in ISKCON's first New Zealand temple, a house at 155 Landscape Rd, Mt. Eden. On 28th April 1976 during his third and final visit Srila Prabhupada installed Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and also Sri Sri Jagannatha-Baladeva-Subhadra at a new temple at 67 Gribblehirst Rd, Mt. Albert.
The Auckland Deities moved to this farm property, New Varshana, in 1978. While the new temple was being planned and built the Deities took up Their residence in the farmhouse near the entrance to the property. They were worshipped there for 25 years .
On February 14, 1987, the ground-breaking ceremony was held and the foundation plaque was unveiled by the then Prime Minister, David Lange. A golden Deity of Sri Ananta Sesa was installed beneath the future altar site.
Local Mayor, John Law, together with many ISKCON leaders and personalities from around the world officiated at the opening of this temple in 2004
Temple Daily Schedule
The temple programme follows a regular schedule. You are welcome to join us in any part of the programme.
04:30 - Mangala Arati
Early morning prayer
05:00 - Tulasi Puja
Worship of the tulasi plant
05:15 - Japa meditation
Individual meditation and prayer through the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra on beads
07:00 - Shringar Arati. Deity greeting
Welcoming the Lord on the altar, after He got newly dressed and decorated
07:15 - Guru-puja and kirtan
Worship of Srila Prabhupada and congregational chanting and dancing
19:00 - Gaura Arati
12:30 - Raja Bhoga Arati
13.00 to 16.00 - Altar Closed
16:00 - Dhupa Arati
19:00 - Sandhya Arati. Gaura Arati
Evening prayer
19.30 to 21.00 - Altar Closed
21:00 - Sayana Arati
Evening prayer
21.15 to 4.30 - Temple Closed
The temple is open daily from 04:30-21:15
Every Sunday please come to New Varshana's famous "Hare Krishna Sunday Feast".
Music, philosophy and a free vegetarian banquet from 12.30-15.30.
Grand Krishna Janamastami celebrations are being planned at the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Mandir in Auckland next month.
And the temple invites all devotees to attend in order to be able to allow all to celebrate and make the occasion one to remember.
“We have organised a Bhagavad Saptah from...
Grand Krishna Janamastami celebrations are being planned at the Sri Sri Radha Giridhari Mandir in Auckland next month.
And the temple invites all devotees to attend in order to be able to allow all to celebrate and make the occasion one to remember.
“We have organised a Bhagavad Saptah from August 25 to August 31, in the temple from 6pm to 9pm everyday followed by Prasadam,” Achal Krishna Das, temple head, told Indian Weekender.
‘”For the first time, we have organised a special Bhagavatam Agnihotra Yajna on September 1, giving immense benefits to anyone who participates in it.”
This will be followed by the grand Janmashatami celebrations on September 2, and Srila Prabhupadas appearance day on September 3.
“To enable everyone to have this wonderful opportunity of serving the Lord, we would like all of you to come and hear Srimad Bhagavatam and relish the glories of the Lord. In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna mentions the ultimate benefit of hearing about him and his activities,” Krishna Das said.
“This year we are endeavoring to do something special for Sri Sri Radha Giridhari. With your help and encouragement, we can make this a grand event.
“We would like to thank all our patrons and well wishers who have always supported us in the Janmashatami celebrations in the past and look forward to their continued support this year too.
For any enquiries or service opportunities please contact, HG Achal Krishna Das 4128079 or 021 1197726 or HG Kalasamvara Das 4126362.
The New Varshana Farm
The new Varshana rural community is located 20 minutes’ drive from the Auckland CBD. The 30-hectare property is nestled among orchards and produce stores on the scenic Riverhead-Coatesville highway (Highway 28, 1229 Coatesville-Riverhead Highway, Riverhead, Auckland 0892).
Krishna Das said the temple complex was fast becoming a drawcard for spiritual seekers and curious day-trippers. “The Radha Giridhari temple is the showpiece for the Hare Krishna movement in New Zealand, and visitors are guaranteed a transcendental feast for the senses.”
The property is a spiritual shelter for those inclined to learn more about the philosophy and lifestyle. For this purpose, New Varshana offers residents ashram facility according to individual needs.
Brahmachari and brahmacharini ashrams for single men and women trainees co-exist alongside grihasta ashram for couples and families. “We are an international community dedicated to exemplifying the ideals of simple living and high thinking, and a positive alternative to modern materialistic lifestyles.
“The devotee community goals are Krishna centred and progressive, whilst simultaneously enabling residents to interact within the greater Auckland community. Devotees are diversely engaged in a broad spectrum of local service and outside employment.
“We are fortunate to be surrounded by like-minded persons with expertise in the arts, music, cultural and interfaith dialogue, management, media, and more.
“Over and above this, the devotees share a great love of transcendental teachings as imparted to us by Srila Prabhupada, and a desire to inform others about the joy attained in a Krishna conscious lifestyle, where happiness is our inherent nature.
“So do yourself a favour, come visit us at New Varshana rural community, open your mind to a whole new world of enlightenment, and enter into the realm of Krishna consciousness.
Temple History
Sri Sri Radha Giridhari temple was opened on January 18, 2004. The Deities (Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Sri Sri Radha Giridhari, and Their Lordships Jagannatha Baladeva Subhadra) had previously been installed by the Founder-Acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
Srila Prabhupada installed Sri Sri Radha Giridhari on the 18th April 1972 in ISKCON's first New Zealand temple, a house at 155 Landscape Rd, Mt. Eden. On 28th April 1976 during his third and final visit Srila Prabhupada installed Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai and also Sri Sri Jagannatha-Baladeva-Subhadra at a new temple at 67 Gribblehirst Rd, Mt. Albert.
The Auckland Deities moved to this farm property, New Varshana, in 1978. While the new temple was being planned and built the Deities took up Their residence in the farmhouse near the entrance to the property. They were worshipped there for 25 years .
On February 14, 1987, the ground-breaking ceremony was held and the foundation plaque was unveiled by the then Prime Minister, David Lange. A golden Deity of Sri Ananta Sesa was installed beneath the future altar site.
Local Mayor, John Law, together with many ISKCON leaders and personalities from around the world officiated at the opening of this temple in 2004
Temple Daily Schedule
The temple programme follows a regular schedule. You are welcome to join us in any part of the programme.
04:30 - Mangala Arati
Early morning prayer
05:00 - Tulasi Puja
Worship of the tulasi plant
05:15 - Japa meditation
Individual meditation and prayer through the chanting of the Hare Krishna Mantra on beads
07:00 - Shringar Arati. Deity greeting
Welcoming the Lord on the altar, after He got newly dressed and decorated
07:15 - Guru-puja and kirtan
Worship of Srila Prabhupada and congregational chanting and dancing
19:00 - Gaura Arati
12:30 - Raja Bhoga Arati
13.00 to 16.00 - Altar Closed
16:00 - Dhupa Arati
19:00 - Sandhya Arati. Gaura Arati
Evening prayer
19.30 to 21.00 - Altar Closed
21:00 - Sayana Arati
Evening prayer
21.15 to 4.30 - Temple Closed
The temple is open daily from 04:30-21:15
Every Sunday please come to New Varshana's famous "Hare Krishna Sunday Feast".
Music, philosophy and a free vegetarian banquet from 12.30-15.30.
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