Pilgrimage guide for Vrindavan

Some important recommendations for visiting Vrindavan.

by:
Srila B.A. Paramadvaiti Swami

Welcome

to Sri Vrindavan Dham,

the transcendental place of Sri Krishnas Lila.

VRINDA, the Vrindavan Institute for Vaisnava Culture and Studies has prepared
this guide for you.
This guide will help you to see Vrindavan and understand the meaning and history
of the most important places to visit.
Let us first pray for the mercy of Sri Guru and Gouranga, who have revealed
Vrindavan to the eyes of the world, and to all the Vaisnavas who follow the true
tradition of transcendental Vrindavan.
This guide will show you the best places to meditate and to meet real Vaisnavas,
who can help you to make your pilgrimage a success.
It is stated in the Garga Samhita Mathura Khanda 25.27
"Simply by walking in Vrindavan one reaches the benefits of a great pilgrimage at
every step."

VRINDA can also help you to plan your stay in Vrindavan and in Braj
Mandal with the help of experienced Brijbasis.
If you have come with a little group or with a large group we can help you to
get transport and optional guided tours to all places.
Talk with our secretary at the Vrinda Bookstores.
We have our Pilgrimage tour assistance center in the entrance of the Mungir
Mandir on the Mathura road. Another Vrinda Bookstore and Information center is
situated on the
Seva Kunja road closed to the Radha Syamasundara Mandir.
Our pilgrim guides are themselves practicing Vaisnavas and they consider
their service to you, a devotional service for the pleasure of Sri Sri Guru and
Gauranga.
You have come a long way to purify yourselves in the holy place. This process
has been recommended and glorified in the holy Vedic scriptures. But without
the help of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his Sampradaya, it is possible to
get confused, due to the modern influence on many parts of Vrindavans
ecological and sociological situation.
This guide is very basic and you should try to read full books on Vrindavan,
the meaning and history of this unique place.
Vrindavan is the most important holy place for all devotees of Lord Krishna,
who come here from all over the world.
Krishna temples exist all around the world by the thousands, especially due to
the mercy of my spiritual master Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada.
He served the Dham, like no one else, and his contribution has only begun,
since his followers are trying to serve the Dham and all the pilgrims with the
real spirit of Vrindavan.
Vrindavan is really a state of Consciousness.
This Consciousness is also called Krishna Consciousness.
I humbly beg you, please stay in Vrindavan Consciousness forever. Uttana
Ekadasi 1995. Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti

PS. Please keep your heart in the mood of Bhajan

Stay with devotees in a devotional place and try to listen every day to some lecture
on the Krishna Katha and Vaisnava history and philosophy. To only take a bath in
a holy place is not the real purpose.
Always chant the Maha Mantra:
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

Now we can start our tour:

All the numbers in this guide correspond to the numbers on the VRINDA map.
1. Yamuna darshan at the Keshi Ghat.
( on the map) LET us start our pilgrimage at the Yamuna. Situated on the bank of
the Yamuna is the Keshi Ghat, the previous entrance to Vrindavan and the most
beautiful Ghat at the Yamuna. You reach here easily in a Riksa. The Parikrama
path goes by here.
Many pilgrims go at early morning and walk around Vrindavan for two to tree
hours. This is called Pancha Krosi Parikrama.
We will first take our bath in the Yamuna.
It was here that Sri Krishna killed the Keshi demon and saved his friends.
Build by the King of Bharatpur the imposing landmark gives us a clear idea, how
beautiful all Vrindavan was, after the followers of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu
attracted people from all over India, including their Kings, to establish pilgrim
centers for the devotees of different regions.
When Chaitanya Mahaprabhu came to Vrindavan it was a big jungle and only some
older Village people remembered the places connected with different pastimes of
Krishna has they had received it from their family tradition.
His followers established the worship of KRISHNA in the most impressive way like
the Radha Madan Mohan temple and the Radha Govindaji temple. Innumerable
places were revealed and the Braj Mandal is getting pilgrims to visit regularly in
small groups , or in large Braj Mandal Parikrama, organized by different Vaisnava
missions.
2.) Sri Gopesvara Mahadeva, the protector of the Dham.
You can easily walk to the next temple. Now we will go to get the mercy of Sri
Gopesvara Mahadeva. He has been posted as the gatekeeper of the Rasa dance
and
to protect the Dham.
Next to the oldest temple of Vrindavan, the Gopesvara Mahadeva Mandir, you can
find Vamsi Kunja and around the corner the Vrinda Kunja, the headquarters of the
Vrindavan Institute for Vaisnava Culture and Studies founded especially to provide
Vaisnavas from all over the world with a special Seva connection to the holy Dham.
Gopesvara Mahadeva is Lord Shiva, who came to Vrindavan to become a Gopi of
Krishna. By the mercy of Vrinda devi he was given entrance into the highest lila of
Lord Krishna, after he abandoned his male vanity and was offered by Lord Krishna
the service of guardian of the Rasa Lila , by posting him in the entrance. Ever since,
all aspiring Vaisnavas pray first for his mercy to be able to become a servant of the
servant of the Gopis.
Here we can witness the cause-less mercy. All great devotees follow in the path of
the Gopis and great devotees like Sanatana Goswami and come here to receive
permission to visit Krishnas sacred places of pastimes.
3. Vamsi Vata.
From the Gopesvara Mahadeva temple we walk a few steps to the entrance of the
Vamsi Vata temple.
Before we reach there, we will come to VRINDA'S Gopal Mandir. Here is the
information center of the WVA World Vaisnava Association also known as the
Visva Vaisnava Raj Sabha. Here you can get information about the activities of the
joined forum of the Gaudiya Sampradaya and all their different missions.
Entering the door to the Vamsi Vata tree and Mandir is our destination now.
Situated in Vrindavan is a beautiful place called Seva Kunja. After uniting the Gopis
under the Vansivata tree by the call of his enchanting flute, Lord Krishna takes his
beloved Gopis along with him . They pass the bank of the Yamuna and the famous
Keshi tirtha(1), which is situated next to the Yoga pith of Sri Sri Radha
Govindaji.(5)
4. VRINDA'S Vrinda Kunja.
From the Vamsi Vata temple you walk back passing again the Gopesvara temple
and turn left on the small Bhut Gali.
On the next turn is the entrance to the Vrinda Kunja. This sacred garden of Vrinda
devi is a true forest of Vrinda trees. Vrinda Kunja is also the place where Vrinda
devi blessed Lord Shiva to enter the Rasa dance of Lord Krishna. Vrinda Kunja is
the home of VRINDA, the Vrindavan Institute for Vaisnava Culture and Studies.
Devotees from all over the world come here to study and to learn how to take care
of Tulasi devi. The importance of cultivating the Tulasi plant along with the
chanting of the holy names of Krishna is taught here. You can become a member
and also receive free Tulasi seeds for cultivating her at your home to receive the
blessings of devotion from her Vrinda forest. In the middle of Vrinda Kunja is a
lovely small temple constructed by the Queen of Manipur for the Lord.

5. Sri Sri Radha Govindaji Mandir.

From Vrinda Kunja we will walk to the Radha Govindaji Mandir.
On the way is also the magnificent Ranganath Mandir(16) and Brahma Kunda.
Lord Vishnu also came to Vrindavan in the form of the Ranganath deity to witness
the sweetness of Lord Krishnas pastimes here.
Govindaji Mandir is the place which was constructed for the deities of Srila Rupa
Goswami. Originally installed by Sri Vajranabha, the great grandson of Krishna
together with several other deities, Srila Rupa Goswami discovered the deity in the
Yoga pith left to the temple. The original Vrinda devi deity was installed in the same
temple in the right wing of the temple. Partially destroyed by Muslim ruler
Aurangzeb, the Govindaji Mandir is the most impressive construction in Vrindavan.
Behind the temple you can also find a new Govindaji Mandir.
Actually the devotees of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu go first to the Temple of Sri
Radha Madan Mohan (9), because Sanatana Goswami the founder taught the
Sambanda jnana, the knowledge of the transcendental relationship of our soul with
the supreme. Then comes the temple of Srila Rupa Goswami, who taught Abhideya
jnana, or the way how to reach the end of devotion to the supreme, protected by
Sri Govindaji, and finally we reach Sri Radha Gopinath (6)the Lord of Raghunath
Goswami who revealed the Prayojana jnana, the knowledge of the ultimate divine
loving reality.
For the sake of making your travel easy from one destination to the other we follow
a different route today.
6. Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir.
From Govindaji Mandir you can walk to the Gopinath Mandir going through
Gopinath Bazaar. Turn to the left in direction to the Radha Raman temple and you
will pass by the entrance to the Gopinath Mandir. Magnificent construction tells us
of a glorious past.
Founded by Sri Madhu Pandit Goswami this temple has also a deity of Janava Ma,
the wife of Lord Nityananda who is the original spiritual master.
7. Sri Sri Radha Raman Mandir.
After performing Kirtan and hearing the description of the temple from a true
devotee we will continue to the self manifest Sri Radha Raman deity of Srila Gopal
Bhatta das Goswami. Here, next to the Yamuna, everything is very close to each
other, telling us the story how intimate those great Acaryas were with each other.
Otherwise in Braj Mandal great distances have to be covered in between of
different holy sites. The worship of the deity of Radha Raman is on a very high
standard.
8. Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda Mandir.
From here you can visit the next temple of Srila Lokanath Goswami by walking
down the street towards Keshi Ghat for a few meters. A very sweet and small
temple not to by missed. This is the Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda temple.
In the compound you will visit the Samadhi of Srila Lokanath Goswami, Srila
Narrottama das Thakur, his only disciple and of Viswanath Cakravarty Thakur.
Inside the temple are also the deities if Srila Baladeva Vidyabhusana. The last two
saints did enormous work to restore the happiness in Braj after the Muslim attacks
had taken place.
9. Sri Sri Radha Madan Mohan Mandir.
The next stop is a little further. You can take a Riksa, or walk if you feel well. We
are going to the wonderful old Ghat where Sanatan Goswami was sitting with the
Madan Mohan deity. There it was that a merchant donated to make an impressive
temple for the Lord.
Srila Sanatan Goswamis Samadhi is little hidden behind the new Radha Madan
Mohan temple. Since many of the original deities were moved to Rajesthan during
the invasion, we have to go the Karauli today to take the darshan of the original
deity, but we can get the mercy as well by the darshan of their expansions.
Now we will return to the center of Vrindavan to the holy Seva Kunja. You can
take a Riksa or walk. In the middle of the way is the
popular Bankebihari temple.
10. Seva Kunja.
Coming from Vansi Vat ,after a short Krishna and the Gopis reach the Rasa Stali,
which is the wonderful area of Srimati Radharanis Seva Kunja. The garden of Seva
*/Kunja surrounds the temple of Srimati Radharani and also Lalita Kunda is situated
here. At night it is prohibited to come here.
Today this place is surrounded by the most holy temples. Srila Jiva Goswamis
Radha Damodar Temple is there(12). Srila Syamananda Goswamis Radha
Syamasundara temple(13) is there and also Srila Krishna das Kaviraj Goswamis
Radha Vrindavan Chandra Temple used to be there. Not far away from the modern
Loi Bazaar, the Seva Kunja and all these temples can be visited easily by walking
down the Seva Kunja road. The unlimited stories of the surrounding temples and
their holy devotee founders, and the unlimited rasa stories of this area find no end.
Walking down from Seva Kunja to the bank of the Yamuna through one of the
narrow galis we come to different Gaudiya Math's. Man Gali takes you to the back
entrance of the Yamuna Kunja of the Vrinda community. This old Ghat is
VRINDAS ashram in the Seva Kunja situated next to the most important Imli Tala
tree, where Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu manifested.
11. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhus Imlitala
Prem Gali takes you to the holiest of all places in Vrindavan town, the sacred Imli
Tala.
Here Srila Sanatan Goswami established the worship of Sri Sri Goura Nitai.
Situated next to the Sringar vat, which was visited by Lord Nityananda, Imli Tala is
the place where Lord Chaitanya came daily from Akrura Ghat to retire and to sit
under the Imli Tala at the Yamuna. Today a very nice deity of Lord Chaitanya is
installed under this tree. Lord Chaitanya has a very special relationship with this
place. Originally when Radha and Krishna had a meeting under the same Imli Tala
tree, there was a moment, when something very special took place. While the
divine couple was embracing , the feelings became so intense, that they became so
absorbed in each other, that they forgot their own identity. This moment is
historical for the whole world. Srimati Radharanis love inundated the heart of
Krishna and they merged into the personality of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Thus
the sweetness of madhurya rasa transformed into the magnanimity of unconditional
mercy distribution of the Vrindavan mellows, trough the Samkirtan lila and the
audharya mood of the Yuga Avatar for the present Age.
Who could describe the glories of the Imli Tala and the sweetness of the divine
couple and their mercy incarnation? Who could conceive these topics, except when
listening about them from the lips of a pure devotee. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati
Prabhupada declared: "I am living eternally at Imli Tala. He visited this place with
his Vrindavan Parikrama party. At that time the temple was under the management
of the Radha Madan Mohan Mandir, and was in a neglected state. He requested his
disciples to get the permission to continue the Seva Puja at this temple, but the
Goswamis refused. Srila Prabhupada Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati was preaching
strongly against using holy places as a means for income, and other abuses such as
the claim of the seminal Guru succession made by the Goswami families.
Years later, one of the dear disciples of Srila Prabhupada BHAKTISIDDHANTA
SARASVATI., Srila Bhakti Saranga Goswami Maharaj had a vision in a dream. His
Guru appeared and said: "Nobody is taking care of my Imli Tala."
Awoken from this dream, Goswami Maharaj went to Vrindavan and made all the
necessary arrangements to get the service of the Imli Tala. After approaching the
Goswamis of the Radha Madan Mohan trust again with great humility, the Imli Tala
was transferred to the Gaudiya Sangha, one of the many branches of the Chaitanya
tree, rising from the horizon of the Gaudiya math.
This Imli Tala Desire Tree has been a place of pilgrimage for all Gaudiya
Vaisnavas. Great devotees like Krishna das Babaji Maharaj, the god brother of Srila
A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada used to chant 24 hours here every
ekadasi. Beautiful Slokas were compiled by my Sannyas Guru Srila Bhakti Raksak
Sridhar Maharaj to glorify the Imli Tala, which were placed on the wall next to the
deities. Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami wrote his wonderful Srimad Bhagavatam
commentaries around the corner in the Radha Damodar temple(12) and came very
frequently to the Imli Tala.
Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is giving his mercy here. There is the first deity of Srila
Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada and the
Samadhi of Srila Goswami Maharaj. The beautiful deities of Sri Sri Radha Krishna
bless all pilgrims with their smiles. The famous Kalpa Vriksa tree is circled by all
devotees and requested for success in their spiritual lives. Personally I have
witnessed the power of the mercy of this tirtha. The unity of the divine couple is
giving hope to the fallen souls. Taken over by the mercy of Srimati Radharani,
Lord Krishna appears as the devotee incarnation to distribute the mercy of Bhakti
and Sraddha, both characteristics of his beloved Radharani. From here the world of
Kali Yuga takes a new turn, and all of us get the highest hope. Let us for ever
glorify the magnanimity of this tirtha.
The Imli Tala temple can also be reached from the Parikrama path as you walk
around Vrindavan. First, when you see the Yamuna to your left, on the right side
you will see the Yugal Ghat and the VRINDAS Yamuna Kunja. Two buildings
further is the entrance to the Imli Tala. and two temples of the Devananda Gaudiya
Math are nearby.
Who wants to stay in this area for some deep prayer should contact Sripad
Paramahamsa Maharaj at Vrinda Kunja, who is the coordinator of the Guest facility
at Yamuna Kunja. Families can also stay at Vamsi Kunja. Bigger groups can stay at
the Radha Mohan Munger temple.
12. Sri Sri Radha Damodara and Radha Syamasundara Mandir. The way
from Imli Tala to the Sri Sri Radha Damodara Mandir is very close. This is the
temple of Srila Jiva Goswami, the compiler of the sat sandarbhas and founder of
the Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha. Here we can visit the deities of several Goswamis
and the Samadhi of Srila Rupa Goswami, Srila Jiva Goswami, Srila Krishna das
Kaviraj Goswami and of many other Vaisnavas. And it was here that my Guru
Maharaj Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada compiled the Srimad
Bhagavatam in English before starting his world saving journey to America. Today
you can visit his Bhajan Kutir and kitchen and even take some of his remnants, if
you are lucky.
Leaving the temple and going towards the temple of Srila Syamananda Goswami,
the Radha Shyamasundara Mandir you will see to your left side the VRINDA
Vaisnava Bookstore.
13. Vaisnava literature. The VRINDA Vaisnava Bookstore is the only shop in
Vrindavan where you can get all the Vaisnava literature in print in the different
Vaisnava missions. You can also get extensive guides for pilgrims in different
languages. You can get Vaisnava Bhajan music and several transcendental art
objects.
14. Nidhu Ban. From this location you can easily walk to Nidhu Ban. Like Seva
Kunja, Nidhu Ban is a mystical garden of Krishnas pastimes. here is the famous
mirror temple and the entrance is closed to the Sahaji Mandir.
15. Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir. In the area of Raman Reti, reachable by
Riksa, you can visit the Samadhi of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada and his
Bhajan Kutir. There is also his famous Krishna Balaram temple and Iskcon's
Gurukula.
16.) Sri Sri Radha Mohan Mandir.
On the entrance to Vrindavan coming from Mathura is the Sri Sri Radha Mohan
Munger Mandir, built by the King of Munger. This impressive Mandir offers a big
pilgrim information center.
VRINDA organizes classes in different languages every day, and all needs of the
arriving pilgrims can be served.
Just contact us for information and for booking our services ahead of time
0565-443064

There are off cause many other important places in Vrindavan.

To keep this booklet short we refer to full books to give more details.
But there is no end to the nectar. Just try to make sure that you listen to some real
resident of the Dham, who practices, what he teaches, in order to get the most from
your visit to this holiest of places.

If you walk around by yourself, please avoid to fight with any resident. Fix all
prices, before you receive any service. This book gives information on the
important places of Vrindavan. Many people may try to mislead you and to give
you anxiety. You can avoid that is you take the help of our Vrinda pilgrim guide
service.

Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami

Prabhupada revealed
Sri Vrindavan Dham to the whole World

His disciple Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti founded

VRINDA
which has expanded to 60 Ashrams worldwide

Welcome to VRINDA
by Bhagavatamrita das, Secretary Vrinda Kunja

What is VRINDA?
VRINDA is the Vrindavan Institute for Vaisnava Culture and Studies. Established in
1984, VRINDA stands for the United World Vaisnava missions established under
the divine protection of Sri Sri Guru Gouranga Radha Vrajesvara by our Guru
Maharaj Swami B.A. Paramadvaiti.
After the departure of his spiritual master Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada from this world, Our Guru Maharaj Srila B.A. Paramadvaiti has
continued the mission of his Guru with full faith and was blessed by Srimati
Radharani to come to Vrindavan to establish the VRINDA Mission in India.

VRINDA has today many centers in Colombia, Chile, Brazil, Ecuador, Argentina,
Peru, Central and North America as well as Germany and Switzerland. The
VRINDA Institute was established in India in 1990. The Vaisnava culture was
brought to the whole world by his spiritual master Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami
Prabhupada. Today the members of VRINDA join together in Vrindavan on a
regular basis.
Vrindavan, VRINDA's World Center
The World Center of VRINDA is situated in the famous Vrinda Kunja. Vrinda
Kunja is a lovely place where devotees from all over the world unite on the
principle Vaisnava Festivals to strengthen their faith and to deeply absorb their
hearts in the divine Vrindavan atmosphere of chanting and hearing about Sri Sri
Radha Krishna and their mercy incarnation Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.
Our Guru Maharaj has also attracted many other leading Vaisnavas to join the work
of VRINDA.
New centers of VRINDA
VRINDA has expanded by opening Ashramas, Farm communities, schools and
Cultural centers. Many Vegetarian Restaurants have been established to help
finance the Asramas and to promote Vegetarianism.
VRINDA is always trying to open more places to organize the Vaisnava relief work
of helping everyone regardless of caste, color, or creed. In an age where ignorance
is rampant there is great need for dynamic application of the Vedic principals for a
healthier, spiritual society. VRINDA has a potent force of men and women with
integrity who are fulfilling that urgent need. You can also organize VRINDA
satsangs in your home. Simply contact VRINDA and you will learn, how to make
your life happy, by helping others to hear Krishna Katha.
Spiritual Embassies - Braja Seva Ashramas
VRINDA plans to connect every country where there is a strong Vrinda mission
with Vrindavan through a Braja Seva Ashram. This reminds us of the times, when
the Indian Kings from different states would come to Vrindavan to establish their
Temples and Dharmsalas there. Reminding us of transcendental Embassies, already
several countries started this program to help maintain a temple in Vrindavan and
thus engage their members in Braja seva.
VRINDA allows us to get the guidance of the devotees of the Lord. VRINDA is
giving us the opportunity to be in contact with the greatest sages who have lived in
this world by distributing their writings in as many languages as possible. Those
books should be read preferably twice a day in the association of other devotees,
but at least once a day one should study the books of our great Acaryas.
VRINDA publishes these books and has opened the first Gaudiya Vaisnava
Bookstore in Vrindavan. Books, published by all Vaisnava missions, both classical
as well as contemporary are made available here. The Store is situated on the Seva
Kunja Road, after the Shyamasundara Temple. This is the same place where Srila
Jiva Goswami, Srila Krishna das Kaviraj, Syamananda Prabhu and lately Srila
Prabhupada actually wrote their books. VRINDA's book store tries to provide and
preserve Vaisnava literature which previously were almost lost.
The call of Sri Chaitanya
VRINDA is an Institute for universal Love and Harmony. All sectors of society are
invited to join and to qualify to be able to follow the call of Sri Chaitanya.
In an extremely difficult materialistic world, we can only pray to all sincere souls to
investigate with their hearts how the spiritual current of our Sampradaya is alive
within VRINDA. How much of YOUR help is required to expand the work of
VRINDA. Srila Prabhupada wanted to start a school to train selflessly dedicated
souls for the uplifting of the fallen suffering and misguided souls. Challenging all
kinds of misconceptions, Srila Prabhupada showed that one pure man, beloved to
Krishna, can do wonders and miracles, like transforming sinners into aspiring
bhaktas.
Community and educational services
VRINDA conducts study courses in several languages into the science of Bhakti
Yoga. For a list of VRINDA books and tapes in your language, please contact your
local VRINDA center.
VRINDA is sticking to the principles of the preaching and practicing life showed by
our Parama Guru Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati and all his surrendered disciples.
VRINDA wants to protect the Vaisnava Sanatan Dharma and the holy Dhama,
where the supreme Lord revealed his pastimes on this planet earth.
By growing a Tulasi plant in your house, Tulasi Vrinda will shower you with
blessings, and transform your house in Vrindavan. But to qualify to keep Vrinda
devi at your home, you must be strictly vegetarian and offer her daily water,
incense and prayers.
The seeds for Vrinda devi you can get free from Vrinda Kunja.
VRINDA recommends to all the members and friends that they should daily chant
the Mahamantra,

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna

Krishna Krishna Hare Hare
Hare Rama Hare Rama
Rama Rama Hare Hare,

the Yuga Dharma for this fallen age of Kali, as much as they can.
By taking initiation into the chanting of the Maha Mantra from a bonafide Vaisnava
Guru you will get the highest benefit of the human form of life. Krishna is in your
heart. Call him and he will help you.
VRINDA membership for friends and supporters
VRINDA invites all those who sympathize with our goals to become Life members
or Patron members of VRINDA and thus share in the benefit of serving Sri
Krishnas desires. By making a small offering of 1'111 RS and voluntarily giving a
donation on a yearly basis entitles you to be a Life Member. As a Life Member you
will receive a book about Krishna consciousness in your language.
You will also receive Seeds to grow Vrinda devi in your home.
You will get a picture of our Thakurji and a yearly newsletter send to you.
You can organize VRINDA satsangs in your home and help to establish Sunday
programs for the spiritual education of your children.
You receive a flag to always remember Sri Vrinda devi and Vrindavan.
Every member receives his membership card .
We also give our members 20% discount on VRINDA's courses and publications,
as well as in our international guest houses.
With a donation of 11'111 RS you can become a Patron Member and receive all of
the above including another beautiful Vaisnava book and a free stay for 3 days in
VRINDA's guest houses ( please call in advance for availability). All members are
invited to advance in their own understanding of Vaisnava culture by taking the
Study courses, which are gradually developed in all languages. And above all, our
members are always invited to do seva with our Vaisnava Family. There is nothing
more important in life then to become attached to the devotees of the Lord.
VRINDA tries to create such an atmosphere in our Ashrams, that you would rather
stay then leave. Of course, that depends also on your kind effort and participation.
VRINDA is also member of the World Vaisnava Association (WVA) which was
founded by our Guru Maharaj Srila B. A. Paramadvaiti jointly with other Vaisnavas
from 17 Vaisnava missions to intensify the World Vaisnava Relief work.
Philosophical consideration
VRINDA teaches us to try to follow in the surrender of the Gopis to Krishna, the
devotion of Tulasi for Krishna, the Purity of the spotless Bhagavat Purana, the real
Krishna Consciousness. Unmotivated and uninterrupted service of the soul to take
shelter at the feet of all Vaisnavas is our goal.
Sri Guru and Sri Gouranga jayata. That spirit can only live within the heart of a
saint. That spirit must live amongst the members of VRINDA.
If you read this presentation of VRINDA and you would like to become a member,
you can write to the Secretary of VRINDA. Or you can go to any of our centers
and register there. Please fill out, and mail to the Vrindavan VRINDA World
Center.
Vaisnava Culture and Studies, VRINDA.

If you like to become a member of VRINDA, you can fill out this form.

Ten offenses to be avoided when visiting the holy Dham

To blaspheme or to not respect the spiritual master who has revealed the holy
Dham.

To think that the holy Dham is temporary.

To commit violence against any resident of the holy Dhama or visitor or the
Dhama, or to consider them ordinary people.

To earn money through the worship of the deity or through the chanting of
the holy name.

To think that the holy Dham is part of any mundane province or country,
such as UP etc., or to consider the holy Dham like other places of pilgrimage
related to some demigods, or to try to measure the holy Dham.

To commit sinful activities while you are in the holy Dhama.

To consider Vrindavan Dham to be different from Navadvipa Dham.

To blaspheme against the scriptures, which glorify the holy Dham.

To not have faith and to think that the glories of the holy Dham are an
imagination.