Radha Govind Dham Blooms in New York
Radha Madhav Dham Group
http://vrindavantimes.com/news/2013/10/a-dham-blooms-in-new-york/
New York, Oct 23rd 2013: Devotees cultivate a Hindu Haven in Queens, New York. Deity establishment ceremony fixed for 7th December 2013.
A beautiful spiritual center is emerging in the Glen Oaks neighborhood of Queens, New York, USA. This is theRadha Govind Dham Mandir. Inspired by the Great Rasik Saints of Braj like Jeev Goswami, Haridas Ji, Hit Harivansh Ji, Vallabhacharya Ji and Jagadguru Shree Kripalu Ji Maharaj, devotees and supporters nationwide are helping to transform the Mandir into a thriving spiritual center.
Landmark of devotion
Twinkling lights, colorful banners and beautiful flower garlands will adorn the Mandir during the most important religious function to date: The Pran Pratistha program which will take place from 8am to 4pm on 7th December 2013.
At the celebration, spiritual discourse will reveal the deeper spiritual meaning of Radha Govind Dham New York for the people who attend, many coming from communities miles away. In addition to the celebrations, the temple will serve the community as a place of public worship with satsang and darshan held every day. The mandir doors are open to anyone who loves God.
Life-changing experiences never seem out of place in Radha Govind Dham satsang where devotees strive to serve God in every task. Baking bread, stringing garlands and preparing for the upcoming deity establishment ceremony — each day, devotees engage in many such services. “Service is teaching me to long for the love of Radha Krishn,” explains one devotee. Even the youth understand the importance of service and enjoy helping around the ashram. “I love doing seva for Radha Govind Dham; it is the most amazing feeling ever, like I can never get enough of it,” says Krishna, a student in New York.
A place of worship
Radha Govind Dham New York is becoming a unifying force for Hindus throughout New York. Festivals such as Janmashtami and the legendary annual Sands Point devotional picnic, led by Radha Govind Dham devotees, are magnificent and devotionally charged events which attract hundreds.
“There was such a joy while everyone sung the kirtan. There was not one person who didn’t clap and sing along. Many people even after the program could be heard humming the tune of the kirtan” explained Pooja Sharma, a student in New York, after a recent satsang led by Radha Govind Dham devotees. ” Another student called Jill commented, “I have such a great experience at Radha Govind Dham’s retreats that I keep coming back and make more memories with everyone I meet, and increase my devotion even more. I wish I could give Radha Govind Dham much more than a million rating, but the highest is a 10, so I’ll stick with that.”
Radha Govind Satsangs have been held three times a week at various locations throughout New York for a long time. Devotees have been organizing lecture series’ at all the major Hindu temples and centers in New York. All these events have become an integral part of life for the New York Hindu community.
The Radha Govind Dham New York mandir holds a uniqueness and importance because it is inspired by theRasik Saints of Braj and there will be depictions of all the main Rasik Saints in the Mandir’s Satsang Hall, along with the exquisite life-size deities of Radha Krishna. This year thousands will witness a divine event when themoorti pratishtha mahotsava (deity establishment ceremony) of Radha Krishna is held on December 7th 2013.
Five thousand years ago, the raganuga tradition was re-established on this earth when Shree Radha Krishna descended with innumerable saints to the holy land of Braj in North India. They were called Brajwasis. These saints simply loved Krishna more than their own selves. This natural love is called rag. Anuga means to follow and bhakti means devotion. To follow that pattern of Brajwasis’ love for Radha Krishna is called raganuga bhakti, which Radha Govind Dham teaches. Raganuga bhakti is not something added to life, it is a way of life–a divine-sweetness which can be tasted in every walk of life.
Divine daily satsang
The morning and evening satsang of prayer, chanting, philosophy and arti will be at the heart Radha Govind Dham. Fresh flowers will surround the opulently dressed, life-size deities of Radha Krishn. Their decorations will shimmer by the arti light waved before them as devotees, gathered for satsang at Radha Govind Dham New York, sing the praises of the Divine couple. In evening discourses, the philosophy of the Upanishads, Brahma Sutras or Bhagwatam will be revealed.
Arti will be held every day from 7.30am – 9am and 11am – 1pm. Satsang will be held from 6.30 – 7.30 am and 7.30 – 9.00 pm daily. There will be an extra Sunday satsang from 11 am – 1 pm followed by delicious lunch prasad. The ashram food is fresh, simple, vegetarian, and eaten in silence.
Address is: Radha Govind Dham, 260-01 Hillside Ave, Glen Oaks, New York 11004 (between Little Neck Parkway and Lakeville Road; across from Apna Bazar)
Official website of Radha Govind Dham is http://www.RGDNY.org (to be launched later this week). Join Radha Govind Dham on facebook, twitter, youtube and Google+.