Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2025
Hare Kṛṣṇa, Śrīla Prabhupāda!
Please accept my humble and respectful obeisances. All glories to Śrī Śrī Guru and Gaurāṅga!
All glories to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda. All glories to this most auspicious occasion of your appear-
ance day!
This year I have written a small offering in the form of a poem, a humble expression of my
gratitude and love for you, my dear Śrīla Prabhupāda. I pray that you find joy in these words, as
they come from the depths of my heart.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, You Are the Color of My Life
Just like the color of the ocean, blue,
You calmly and tirelessly worked,
Spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness,
Uplifting all the fallen souls.
Just like the color of the fields, green,
With humility and simplicity,
You stood as the perfect ācārya,
Empowering the teachings of Lord Caitanya.
Just like the color of fire, red,
With passion and endless zeal,
You stood through all obstacles and tests of time,
Fulfilling the vision of your guru.
Just like the color of light, gold,
With determination and fearlessness,
You showered love and concern,
Nurturing and guiding your disciples.
Just like the color of purity, white,
With boundless compassion and mercy,
You united devotees beyond nations and religions,
Sharing the truth and dispelling darkness.
Just like the color of sacrifice, saffron,
With complete surrender to guru and Kṛṣṇa,
You dedicated your entire life,
Presenting a spiritual path for all,
Spreading the holy names everywhere.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, this fallen soul
Falls at your lotus feet, begging for your mercy,
To continuously serve Lord Kṛṣṇa
Despite all obstacles.
My humble obeisances, my dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
You left a legacy that continues to glow,
And yes, you are still with us every day
Through your teachings.
Indeed, you are the colors that guide me,
Like a rainbow shining in my life.
I am full of gratitude to you,
And I love you from the bottom of my heart.
Hare Kṛṣṇa, dear Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Thank you again for being the color of my life.
Your servants,
Jaya Lālārāṇī Devī Dāsī
Kamala Mālinī Devī Dāsī
Śrīdevī Gaurāṅgī Devī Dāsī
Murāli Vadana Govinda Dāsa (temple president)
on behalf of ISKCON Teluk Intan
Europe & Russia, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept my most humble obeisances in the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace!
This blessed day of your Vyāsa-pūjā is yet another wonderful opportunity to immerse myself in meditation on your lotus feet. They are the only shelter for all of us – the conditioned souls. In the Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta (Madhya 19.151) it is said:
brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja
According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going to the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service.
On our journey, we have met many teachers, yet we have never become truly happy. For how can anyone find happiness without being connected to the source of all bliss?
Kṛṣ indicates “the all-attractive existence,” and ṇa indicates “spiritual pleasure.” Thus, only Kṛṣṇa can bestow true happiness upon us. How, then, can we establish a connection with Him? He answers this Himself in the Bhagavad-gītā (4.34): tad viddhi praṇipātena paripraśnena sevayā – “Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master …”
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, you taught us devotional service and, by doing so, have given us real life, for can service to one’s own material senses truly be called life? Serving dead matter makes the consciousness increasingly material and condemns the living entity to descend into lower forms of existence. This is nothing other than spiritual death.
All of humanity today is following this false path. However, the Lord is most merciful to the fallen souls. He appeared as Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and gave the world His saṅkīrtana movement – the congregational chanting of the holy names of Kṛṣṇa. This is the only method capable of dissipating the darkness of ignorance in this age.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, it was the Lord’s desire that you, specifically, should lead His movement in this world, and therefore you are our only hope. Since the moment your lotus feet stepped onto Western soil, the entire world has been given the chance to join the saṅkīrtana movement of Lord Caitanya. Everyone can now, in one way or another, serve this movement and chant the names of Kṛṣṇa.
The mercy of Kṛṣṇa flows through your lotus feet. Anyone can find shelter at those feet and thus be delivered from the fear and suffering of material existence. Those feet are the only means to attain pure devotion and love for Kṛṣṇa. The only thing required for this is faith.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, please be kind to this fallen soul and grant me deep and unshakable faith in your lotus feet and in the mercy of the holy name so that life after life, I may serve you with pure love.
Your unworthy servant of your servants,
Vāmana Dāsa, temple president
Europe & Russia, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, the devotees of Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dhāma, The Hague, Holland, offer our heartfelt gratitude and prayers. By your causeless mercy, your movement continues to guide and uplift conditioned souls even amidst the turbulence of the present age.
This past year has tested our community in many ways. The path has at times felt uncertain, and yet at every turn we have found our shelter in your instructions and in the holy name. By your grace, our regular programs have been restored, and once again the names of Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa are being chanted vibrantly in our congregation. This past year has shown us the truth of this teaching again and again. What seemed beyond us was accomplished by your shelter alone.
By your inspiration, we were blessed to organize the first Boat Festival in the Netherlands. It was a joyful opportunity for many souls to hear the holy name in the association of devotees in a setting both novel and memorable. We pray this humble effort has brought some small pleasure to your lotus feet.
We have also continued to work diligently toward a new temple building, hoping to establish a permanent home where your teachings may flourish for generations to come. By your shelter, we have been carried through significant legal challenges connected to this project, and that protection has renewed our faith and strengthened our determination to see this sacred service through.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, whatever has been accomplished is only due to your mercy. And whatever struggles we have faced have, in their own way, been your mercy too, reminding us of our complete dependence upon you. Please bless us with unity, purity, determination, and the spirit of selfless service, that we may become worthy instruments in your mission.
We pray that Śrī Kṛṣṇa Dhāma may always remain a place where devotees are nourished, newcomers are welcomed, and the holy names resound loudly in glorification of Śrī Śrī Rādhā and Kṛṣṇa.
Begging for a drop of your mercy and service, your aspiring servants,
Śyāmasundara Dāsa
Bala Govinda Dāsa
Nimāi
Sandhyā Devī Dāsī
Vinodbihārī Kṛṣṇa Dāsa
Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2025
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāmin iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine
Grace!
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, we, the devotees of the Vedic Cultural
Centre in Thunder Bay, offer our heartfelt gratitude and prayers at your lotus feet. By your bound-
less mercy, we have found shelter in the teachings of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and the glorious
paramparā.
Through your tireless efforts you gave us everything – Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,
and the entire treasure of Vedic wisdom. Your transcendental books continue to illuminate our
lives, guiding us on the path of bhakti. At the Vedic Cultural Centre, we strive to serve your mis-
sion through kīrtana, prasādam distribution, scriptural education, and spiritual gatherings.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, our center is located in Thunder Bay, a remote city in Northern Ontario,
far from any major urban center. Often called “the middle of nowhere,” Thunder Bay is isolated,
with the nearest major city, Winnipeg, over 700 km away, and Toronto nearly 1,400 km away. The
harsh winters and limited resources make outreach challenging, yet by your mercy, Kṛṣṇa con-
sciousness is thriving here.
Each year, over 12,000 visitors – students, newcomers, and local residents – find spiritual nour-
ishment at our center. More than 20,000 plates of prasādam are distributed annually, ensuring
that no one who comes to us leaves hungry – physically or spiritually. Inspired by your instruc-
tions, we have established weekly kīrtana programs, Bhagavad-gītā study groups, and spiritual
retreats to nourish devotees and seekers alike.
Our Festival of India and Festival of Colours, attended by thousands, introduces people to
Kṛṣṇa’s holy names and the rich culture of devotion. Our Food-for-Life program, operating with a
dedicated food truck, distributes prasādam to the community, following your instruction that “no
one should go hungry within ten miles of a temple.”
This year, by your divine mercy, our center is growing. We have expanded our outreach to
surrounding cities like Sault Ste. Marie, bringing kīrtana, prasādam distribution, and scriptural
education to new communities.
Most importantly, we recognize that your greatest gift to the world is your books. You have
taught us that “books are the basis,” and following your divine instruction – “Distribute books,
distribute books, distribute books!” – we are increasing our efforts in book distribution. We aim
to distribute more copies of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and other transcendental
literature, ensuring that your teachings reach every home and heart in Northern Ontario. Whether
through street distribution, outreach programs, or special events, we remain committed to this
sacred mission, knowing that each book has the power to transform lives.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, on this special day, we also remember your dear disciple, His Holiness
Gopal Krishna Goswami Mahārāja. Mahārāja dedicated his life to fulfilling your mission,
tirelessly spreading Kṛṣṇa consciousness worldwide. His unwavering commitment to book
distribution, temple development, and devotional outreach deeply inspired us. His encourage-
ment strengthened our resolve, and his absence is profoundly felt.
We recall with gratitude how Mahārāja’s visits, instructions, and personal guidance uplifted
our center, reminding us always to serve with sincerity and determination. Though we miss his
presence, we take solace in knowing that his service to you was exemplary and that his legacy lives
on through his disciples and the devotees he inspired. We pray for his continued blessings as we
carry forward his mission with devotion and enthusiasm.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, your teachings are the foundation of all our activities, and we are
humbled to carry forward your divine legacy. On this sacred day, we rededicate our lives to your
mission, praying for the strength to serve with sincerity, humility, and unwavering faith.
May we become instruments in fulfilling your vision, distributing your mercy far and wide.
Your humble servants,
Premkishor Dāsa and Sunitī Devī Dāsī
Vedic Cultural Centre, Thunder Bay
Canada & USA, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Please accept our most humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
On this most auspicious occasion of your Vyāsa-pūjā, we, your insignificant servants in Thunder Bay, offer our heartfelt gratitude and prayers. Although we are in a small, remote city in Northwestern Ontario, we feel your presence deeply guiding our lives and our service. Your mercy continues to inspire us at every step.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you crossed the ocean with nothing but firm faith in the holy name and complete dedication to the order of your spiritual master. Because of your sacrifice, the message of Lord Kṛṣṇa has reached even this distant part of Canada. What was once unfamiliar land is now touched by kirtan, prasādam, and your teachings.
By your causeless mercy, we now have a dedicated temple – the Vedic Cultural Center in Thunder Bay – offered in your service. This center stands as the only stand-alone ISKCON/Hindu temple in Northwestern Ontario, serving the community seven days a week. It has become a spiritual home for many – students, families, newcomers, and seekers – who come to experience devotion, peace, and connection with Kṛṣṇa.
Within this sacred space, we are trying to follow your instructions – chanting the holy name, distributing prasādam, studying your books, and serving the community. Under the guidance of our spiritual master, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Mahārāja, we are attempting to carry forward your mission with sincerity and cooperation.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, by your mercy, your mission is steadily growing in Thunder Bay. Through prasādam distribution, the Vedic Cultural Center now serves more than 20,000 meals each year, touching many lives with spiritual nourishment. Book distribution is also progressing steadily – your transcendental literature is reaching many homes through the distribution of small and large books each year.
We are especially encouraged by the next generation. Our children’s classes bring together more than fifty young students each week, where they learn the teachings of the Bhagavad-gītā and grow in devotional values. In addition, our bhakti-vṛkṣa programs and online preaching initiatives are supporting youth and young families in developing their Kṛṣṇa consciousness in a practical and sustained way.
By your mercy, we have also seen your movement expand through festivals in this region. What began as small gatherings has grown into large community celebrations. The Festival of India and Festival of Colours in Thunder Bay now attract thousands of participants each year. This expansion is now reaching Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury, where many people are experiencing kirtan, prasādam, and devotional culture for the first time.
From very small beginnings – simple gatherings with a few devotees – to serving thousands through festivals and outreach, we clearly see your invisible hand guiding everything.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, your instructions continue to guide our service: “If you love me, distribute my books.” Inspired by this instruction, we are trying, in our small way, to distribute your books and connect people to your teachings. We understand that your books are the foundation of your movement and the greatest gift to humanity.
At the same time, we are aware of our many shortcomings. Our minds are often distracted, our service imperfect, and our devotion unsteady. Yet your teachings give us hope and strength. Your books remain our constant shelter, reminding us that even the smallest sincere effort in devotional service is never lost.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, please bless us that this temple may always remain a place of pure devotion – a place where your teachings are lived, where the holy name is chanted sincerely, and where everyone who comes feels spiritually uplifted. Please help us serve with humility, unity, and determination.
Kindly empower us to expand your mission in this region – to reach more people, to distribute your books, to offer prasādam, and to build a strong spiritual community centered on Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Please remove our false ego and distractions so that we may become proper instruments in your service.
You have given us everything – philosophy, process, purpose, and a path back home, back to Godhead. Without you, we would remain lost in material life. Because of you, we have hope, direction, and a meaningful life in devotional service.
On this sacred Vyāsa-pūjā day, we offer our lives, our service, and whatever little devotion we have at your lotus feet. Please accept us as your servants, birth after birth.
Thank you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, for your compassion, your courage, and your boundless mercy.
Your insignificant servants,
The devotees at ISKCON Thunder Bay
(written by Prema-kiśora Dāsa and Sunīti Devī Dāsī)
Europe & Russia, Homages ISKCON Centers, VP2026
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Please accept our humble obeisances at your lotus feet on this holy day, the anniversary of your appearance. On this day, which is the most important day for us, we gather as a community united by your mercy to offer you our hearts filled with gratitude.
Looking at our lives, we are overcome by a profound and stirring realization: had we not had the opportunity to encounter this unique spiritual movement initiated by your unconditional grace, we would still be lost today in the utter darkness of ignorance. Without your divine intervention, we would have remained prisoners in the pursuit of fleeting pleasures, strangers to the concept of true spiritual happiness, and without any real chance of liberation from the merciless clutches of Māyā.
It was Your Divine Grace who shattered the walls of illusion in which we lived. Through your example you gave us the vision necessary to understand that we are eternal servants of Kṛṣṇa, transforming a purposeless existence into a life dedicated to the Absolute. Through your kindness, that which was once completely unknown to us – love of God – has now become the ideal of each of us, an ideal we strive to place at the center of our community’s life.
Thank you for not leaving us prey to the despair of this Kali-yuga. Every moment we gather for harināma, every page we read from your books, and every portion of prasādam shared within our community is a testament to your victory over the ignorance that once held us captive.
We desperately beg for your mercy and blessing that we may be able to fulfill your desire to cooperate and succeed in the only mission for which it is worth living and dying in this world: the spreading of the chanting of the holy name to every village and city. We ask for your blessings to remain forever in the shelter of your lotus feet, the only place where Māyā cannot touch us.
Your servants,
The devotees of ISKCON Timişoara
