Hare Kṛṣṇa! Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
All glories to you. On behalf of the Govardhan Retreat Centre (GRC), I offer my humble glori-
fication at your lotus feet.
This center, established in 2022, is but a small attempt to serve your divine mission – helping
devotees worldwide deepen their Kṛṣṇa consciousness and find shelter under the guidance of
your teachings.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, your life was an extraordinary testament to unflinching devotion, determi-
nation, and mercy. At the age of seventy you embarked on the impossible journey of spreading
Kṛṣṇa consciousness beyond the borders of India. With only a trunk of books and unwavering
faith in the Supreme Lord, you crossed the ocean to fulfill the order of your spiritual master, Śrīla
Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura. The world had never before witnessed such an act of selfless
love.
Through your relentless preaching, ISKCON took root in the hearts of thousands. You worked
tirelessly, translating scriptures, writing purports, guiding your disciples, and building a world-
wide movement. You established temples, farm communities, gurukulas, and book distribution
programs, ensuring that Kṛṣṇa’s message would reach every town and village, just as Lord Cai-
tanya Mahāprabhu had predicted.
Today, your teachings continue to illuminate the path for seekers, offering them a way out of
the material entanglements that bind the soul. Your transcendental books remain the guiding
light for millions, nurturing the devotion of countless aspirants eager to follow the path of bhakti.
Without your sacrifice, we would not have this spiritual movement, nor the opportunity to con-
nect with the Lord through the process of devotional service.
Govardhan Retreat Centre: A Humble Offering
The Govardhan Retreat Centre is one such humble extension of your mission. Inspired by your
vision, His Holiness Śacīnandana Swami and His Grace Bhūrijana Prabhu envisioned a center
where devotees could immerse themselves in kathā and kīrtana, surrounded by the divine atmo-
sphere of Govardhan. They wanted to create a spiritual oasis where one could take shelter, just as
the Vrajavāsīs once took shelter under Govardhan Hill when Lord Kṛṣṇa lifted it to protect them
from Indra’s wrath.
Since its opening in 2022, GRC has provided a sacred space for introspection, learning, and
deepening one’s relationship with Kṛṣṇa. Every retreat, every class, and every kīrtana session here
echoes the very essence of your teachings. Devotees come from all over the world to recharge
spiritually and to reflect on your instructions and apply them in their daily lives. Just as you
envisioned, this center fosters an environment where serious practitioners can advance in Kṛṣṇa
consciousness, free from material distractions.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you often reminded us that Kṛṣṇa consciousness is not just a philosophy but
a way of life. You taught us to serve with humility, chant with sincerity, and surrender with faith.
Your words continue to guide us today: “If you simply glorify Kṛṣṇa, then your life is perfect.”
At the GRC we strive to follow this instruction by organizing regular kathā sessions, where
devotees hear the glories of Kṛṣṇa, relish the pastimes of the Lord, and purify their hearts. The
importance of sādhu-saṅga cannot be overstated. Just as you emphasized again and again, it is
through this association that one finds the strength to progress in spiritual life.
You also stressed the importance of chanting the holy name: “Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and your life
will be sublime.”
Following your instruction, every retreat at GRC is filled with heartfelt kīrtanas, where devotees
lose themselves in the ocean of Kṛṣṇa’s holy names. Whether sitting in the Kirtan Hall or walking
on the sacred land of Govardhan, we feel your presence guiding us through the vibrations of the
mahā-mantra.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, we often reflect on how you endured so much hardship to give us the great-
est treasure – Kṛṣṇa consciousness. You faced countless obstacles, yet your determination never
wavered. When others doubted, you had faith. When others hesitated, you moved forward. Your
compassion knew no bounds, and your love for Kṛṣṇa was unparalleled. How can we ever repay
such a debt?
We can only try to serve your mission with sincerity, dedicate our lives to spreading Kṛṣṇa con-
sciousness, and uphold the principles you set forth. It is our duty to ensure that ISKCON and its
projects, like the Govardhan Retreat Centre, continue to flourish as beacons of your mercy.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, words will always fall short in expressing the gratitude we feel in our hearts.
It is only by your mercy that we have this golden opportunity to practice devotional service.
May we always remain instruments in your hands, carrying forward your legacy with purity and
devotion.
At the Govardhan Retreat Centre we commit to upholding your teachings, ensuring that every
devotee who comes here finds nourishment for their soul, inspiration for their sādhana, and a
deeper connection to Kṛṣṇa.
Please bless us so that we may always remember you, follow your instructions with sincerity,
and never deviate from the path of bhakti. We offer our heartfelt obeisances at your lotus feet,
praying that we may serve you, life after life.
Your humble servant,
Vrindavan Vinod Dāsa (director)
Jatipura-Govardhan (Vrindavan)

Translate »