Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA -38 at 5:16 AM

Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA

New Goloka, Hillsborough, Inc, NC

(Iskcon)

History

In 1982 his Holiness Bir Krsna Das Goswami came to North Carolina. He had a desire to please his spiritual master His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada by bringing Krishna Consciousness to this area. This center would give people the opportunity to understand the Vedic teachings based on Bhagavad-Gita and other Vedic literatures. At first he stayed in Creedmore on a friends property.

Karuna Purana Shakti and Hayasa Das were with him. They contacted a devotee couple that were living in the area named Maya Priya and her husband Amita Cara. They also were very enthusiastic that a center should start and together they all went to look at the property in Hillsborough. Maharaja wanted that the center be located centrally between the different counties.

The land was covered by trees but very beautiful and at that time quite remote. They were happy that there was river access. In 1982 Bir Krsna Maharaja, Hayasa and Karuna moved on the property. The beginning days were very austere. They lived in a small trailer with no running water. Amita Cara Prabhu came daily to help clear the land. Karuna Purna Shakti also worked on the property. Mother Tulasi came and began to distribute Srila Prabhupada's books in the area to raise funds for the temple. Maharaja's father donated tractors and other equipment. One day Krishna saved Maharaja from being run over by the tractor when it lost control.

The first Sunday feasts were very simple around a campfire. Many of our old friends remember how sweet those days were. Bir Krsna Maharaja had a vision and he was willing to tolerate the obstacles that came. He wanted people to have the opportunity to chant the Holy Names and to come and worship Radha and Krishna. A larger trailer was moved on the property and that was the beginning of New Goloka worship. Mother Renuka came and she was very enthusiastic for Deity worship.

Bir Krsna Maharaja designed a dome temple and then Dhirabhai Padgam from Greensboro came foward and organized the other motel owners to help finance the construction. Dr. Shaw and his wife from Winston Salem sponsored to have the Deities carved. Bir Krsna Maharja went to Jaipur India to give the details. It was decided that they would be installed on Janmastami 1985. Jaya dasa and Amita Cara worked hard day and night to build the temple. Lilaraja came to help. It was an offering of love and Krishna sent many devotees to help as the opening day came closer.

The first Deity outfits were sewn by Renuka and Dukahantri. They were given two rooms in the the Economy Inn to use as a sewing room. It became a community project as everyone was enthusiastically awaiting the arrival of the Lord. On the night of the installation of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda Lalita Madhava deva dasi had the blessing of dressing their Lordships for their first appearance for all the devotees who were anxiously waiting to have their beautiful darshan. Lalita Madhava had come from Miami where she had been an experienced dresser of Sri Sri Radha Bhrajabihari. She personally went through many austerities in the early days to see to the regular service of the Deities. Things were austere in those days but devotees were so happy to be able serve Sri Sri Radha Golokananda.

The day before the opening Bir Krsna Maharaja was still building the stairs. He was involved in all the different aspects of the building and worked along with all of the other devotees. H.H. Veda Vyasa Priya was invited to organize the installation and H.H. Hridayananda Das Goswami came to perform the abhiseksa.

On Janmastami 1985 Sri Sri Radha Golokananda made Their Divine Appearance at New Goloka Dhama capturing the hearts of all those present. There was massive prasadam distribution. I still remember after the festival was over changing the Deities clothes and thinking they have come now we must never stop the worship. The Deities are dressed twice a day and there are five offerings of bhoga and five Arotiks daily.

Even during the hurricanes and ice storms the worship has gone on without fail. Over the years many devotees have come forward to faithfully worship the Lord. We would like to mention all of their names but the list is quite large. Our heartfelt thanks to all of the devotees who have served Radha Golokananda. Many devotees underwent personal sacrifice for their pleasure. Whatever service we do for the Lord is for our eternal benefit and brings us real happiness.
The community has grown. Many wonderful festivals have been celebrated and there has been massive prasadam distribution. Many students have come from the University to learn about Krishna Consciousness and many books have been distributed. People have learned how to purify their lives and dedicate their activities to Lord Krishn

A New Vedic Cultural and Educational Center

New Goloka 1983-Present
From humble beginnings of Sunday feast programs around a campfire, to a full-fledged temple, New Goloka has steadily grown and become the most active temple in North Carolina. For over 25 years we have been offering diverse services to a large community:

Deity Seva: High standard of worship of Sri Sri Radha Golokananda with five aratiks starting at 4:30am and five opulent bhoga offerings everyday based on authorized scriptures like the Narada Pancharatrika.
Festivals: Our celebrations have become very popular, serving over 3000 people on festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, Govardhan Puja, Gaura Purnima, Holi, etc. with special abhisheks, kirtans, discourses, dances, dramas, and more.
Sunday Programs: Every Sunday around 100 people participate in ecstatic kirtans, aratika, enlightening classes on authorized Vedic books  and an opulent prasadam feast. We also conduct special educational programs for children.
Outreach: We are committed to share the wealth of Vedic knowledge and culture to enlighten people by distributing authorized scriptures. In 2012, we distributed over 5500 transcendental spiritual literatures to universities, hospitals, motels, etc. and aim to double the number in 2013.
The temple serves many thousands of families from southern Virginia to northern South Carolina. To expand our services, Lord Krishna is providing all of us an opportunity to develop a much bigger VEDIC Cultural and Educational Center.

A New Vedic Center for Culture, Inspiration and Education

A new center on our seven acre property, opposite our current temple in Hillsborough, will facilitate systematic propagation of Vedic culture and knowledge to the society at large and to educate people in techniques of spiritual life inspiring them to live a simpler, more natural way of life.
The new center will include:

• Large temple hall (3520 sq ft) with attractive ceilings depicting Lord Krishna’s pastimes.
• Beautiful altar for Sri Sri Radha Golokananda with spacious pujari room.
• Multipurpose rooms for educational programs for children and adults.
• Two floors with state-of-the-art, centrally controlled, integrated multimedia systems.
• Multipurpose community hall (3520 sq ft) with multimedia, stage and prasadam service area for educational seminars, cultural programs, Vedic marriages and ceremonies.
• Vedic cultural gift shop and library.
• Restaurant standard kitchen with multiple preparation stations.
• Beautiful gardens with ponds, children’s’ play area, a green house for Tulasi Devi & flowers for Deity service.

Educational Programs

The center will provide facilities for educating children in Vedic sciences: Sanskrit, shlokas, bhajans, musical classes, dance classes and yoga. We have unlimited educational opportunities with this first class facility.
For adults, the center will provide facilities for in-depth Vedic literature studies (Bhakti Shastri), Deity worship, Sanskrit classes, mantra meditation & yoga classes, vegetarian cooking & baking classes and retreats for spiritual enlightenment.

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)

• Solar panels over the parking lots.
• Algae Biofuels.
• Waste water recycling.
• Geothermal heating & cooling system.

Get Involved

We invite you to attend our regular temple programs, Bhagavad Gita & Srimad Bhagavatam discourses, children’s’ programs, book distribution programs and fun-filled home programs.

Sponsorship Opportunities:

• Services and benefits for our donors (contact us for benefit levels):
• Community Hall & food catering discounts.
• Special Aratik and Puja for our donors on festivals like Janmasthami.
• Puja & Raj Bhoga offerings on special occasions for donors and family members.
• Pujas, Deity installation at donors home.
• Subscription to “Back to Godhead” magazine.
• Complete Set of Srila Prabhupada‘s books which includes 18 volume Srimad Bhagavatam and 9 volume Caitanya Caritamrta.

Sudama Sevak

Sudama Brahmana simply offered Krishna a morsel of chipped rice, and in exchange he received opulence greater than the opulence of the King of Heaven. Become a Sudama Sevak by offering a part of your monthly income to Krishna $51, $101, $201, $501, $1001.

Sponsor Squaree Feet

Sponsor a square foot of Krishna’s temple $251.
You could also sponsor the Deity Room, Pujari Room, kitchen, community hall, gift shop,  Tulasi Greenhouse, Solar Panels and many other building sponsorship opportunities!
Donations made to ISKCON are 100% tax-deductible.
“There are many devotees who are engaged in the propagation of Krishna consciousness, and they require help… Every endeavor requires land, capital, organization and labor, … so the same is required in the service of Krishna… If one has sufficient money, he can help in building an office or temple for propagating Krishna consciousness… One’s voluntary service to the cause of Krishna consciousness will help one to rise to a higher state of love for God, whereupon one becomes perfect.”  — Bhagavad-Gita As It Is 12.10, purport
"One who builds a beautiful temple for the Supreme Lord will be freed from all sinful reactions and at death will enter in the eternal Kingdom of God." — Nrisimha Purana

World Religion Lunchon

On March 7th, 2013 Golokananda Priya and myself were invited to attend the annual appreciation luncheon sponsored by the Campbell University Divinity School. The University is a Christ centered/ Bible based ministry focused on training Baptist ministers from all over the country and world. They offer both masters and doctorate programs.
We were invited by our longtime friend, Dr. George W. Braswell, Jr. D.D., D.Min., PhD., who is the Founding Director of the World Global Cultures Center, which is a part of Campbell University. We first met Dr. Braswell in the early 1980's, when he began his dedicated work of bringing understanding between world religions. Dr. Braswell taught for many years at the Wake Forest University in Raleigh, NC. He is highly respected in his field of academics for world religions. His whole educational career has been focused on giving his students the opportunity to meet people of faith from many traditions on a practicum basis and grass roots level. He has set an example of developing relationships of appreciation and respect. He teaches unity within diversity.
Over the years he has brought many students to our New Goloka Community and many have enjoyed the prasadam lunch served there by the devotees. We look forward to their next visit in the fall.
We received a very warm welcome and greatly appreciated the southern hospitality at the Hayes Baptist Church where the function was held. We also would like to thank Jaya Sri for baking some wonderful coconut macaroons which were enjoyed by all of the guests.
There were many guests from different temples, churches, synagogues and ministries in the area. It was a wonderful opportunity to reach out and meet many representatives of different religions, as well as old acquaintances. Both Golokananda Priya and I felt very enlivened and grateful at having had the opportunity to attend this meeting.

Thought of the day

"By one's engaging in the processes of demigod worship, austerities, breath control, compassion, bathing in holy places, strict vows, charity, and chanting of various mantras, one's mind cannot attain the same absolute purification as that achieved when the unlimited Personality of Godhead appears within one's heart."

(Bhumi Devi – Srimad Bhagavatam 12.3.48)

Sri Krishna

Lord Krishna is the Supreme Personality of Godhead. He is the source of all other incarnations and forms of God. He is the ultimate and end of all Truth and philosophical enquiry, the goal or end result of Vedanta. He is the all-attractive personality and source of all pleasure for which we are always hankering. He is the origin from which everything else manifests. He is the unlimited source of all power, wealth, fame, beauty, wisdom, and renunciation. Thus, no one is greater than Him. Since Krishna is the source of all living beings, He is also considered the Supreme Father and source of all worlds. He is shown with a blue or blackish complexion. This represents absolute, pure consciousness, which also is unconditional love. Krishna is the embodiment of love. He is also sat-chit-ananda vigraha, which means the form of eternal knowledge and bliss, for which we are all seeking.

The reason why the Lord is called “Krishna” is explained in a book known as the Sri Caitanya Upanishad, which is connected with the Atharva-veda. In verse twelve it is explained: “These three names of the Supreme Lord (Hari, Krishna and Rama) may be explained in the following way: (1) ‘Hari’ means ‘He who unties [harati] the knot of material desire in the hearts of the living entities’; (2) ‘Krishna’ is divided into two syllables ‘krish’ and ‘na’. ‘Krish’ means ‘He who attracts the minds of all living entities’, and ‘na’ means ‘the supreme transcendental pleasure’. These two syllables combine to become the name ‘Krishna’; and (3) ‘Rama’ means ‘He who delights [ramayati] all living entities’, and it also means ‘He who is full of transcendental bliss’. The maha-mantra (Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare) consists of the repetition of these names of the Supreme Lord. In this way, Krishna’s names represent His character and qualities, which, in this case, means the greatest and all attractive transcendental pleasure

Deity Worship

In the ancient Vaishnava tradition, God (Krishna) is understood to have a personal form that is sacred and worshipable. One of the main goals of Vaishnavism is to develop a personal relationship with Lord Krishna, by learning how to serve Him with love and devotion. With this end in mind, the Deity of the Lord in the temple is worshiped, and by this practice the worshiper is purified.

The Vaishnava scriptures support the practice of Deity worship. for example in the Bhagavad-gita (9.26) Lord Krishna says, ‘If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.’ Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acarya of ISKCON, writes in his commentary to this verse, ‘for the intelligent person, it is essential to be in Krishna consciousness, engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord, in order to achieve a permanent, blissful abode for eternal happiness.
n New Goloka, Lord Krishna and His eternal consort, Srimati Radharani (Sri Sri Radha Golokananda), are worshiped. Devotees make seven daily offerings of worship and specially cooked, pure vegetarian food and worship to the Deities. This daily program is performed by Vaishnava priests (pujaris).

The Deities clothes (which are hand-made) are changed twice a day. On festival days there are special feasts, and the Deities receive new clothes and paraphernalia.

Prasadam Distribution

In 1987 Mother Renuka began cooking a multi-course feast and taking it to the community church on Purofoy Rd. Chapel Hill.  The first customers were Bruce and Jon.  Jon later joined the temple and became Jagannath Das.  The feast then was taken to the bus station on Franklin St. and then, in 1990, to Gerrard Hall on UNC Campus, where it would be served throughout the winter months for the next several years.  During the beautiful weather of Spring and Fall, however, the feast would be served on the lawn of the Upper Quad of the campus across the street from the Post Office, where sometimes 180 students would gather.  Eagerly awaiting their turn to relish prasadam, young people lined up almost to the Silent Sam Statue.  This program continues today in Chapel Hill and at Duke University.

Krishna Dinner FAQ

1. What is this for / Why do you do this?
We want you to enjoy sanctified food for your spiritual upliftment. Also, we want to persuade you to apply some of the knowledge from Bhagavad-gita in your life. Bhagavad-gita is an ancient Sanskrit book on enlightenment/self-realization/God realization. Don't worry, we will not pressure you with any preachin' at dinner.


 

About ISKCON Society

The International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) was established in 1966 by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (Srila Prabhupada). ISKCON has since developed into a worldwide confederation of 10,000 temple devotees and 250,000 congregational devotees.

Better known as the Hare Krishna movement, ISKCON is comprised of more than 350 centres, 60 rural communities, 50 schools and 60 restaurants worldwide.

The mission of this nonsectarian, monotheistic movement is to promote the well being of society by teaching the science of Krishna consciousness according to Bhagavad-gita and other ancient scriptures.

Read on and find out about the seven aims that Srila Prabhupada set out for ISKCON.

ISKCON's Mission
Srila Prabhupada gave a clear mission statement for ISKCON which is outlined in the following seven points. The Seven Purposes of ISKCON

• To systematically propagate spiritual knowledge to society at large and to educate all people in the techniques of spiritual life in order to check the imbalance of values in life and to achieve real unity and peace in the world.
• To propagate a consciousness of Krishna (God), as it is revealed in the great scriptures of India, Bhagavad-gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam.
• To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, thus developing the idea within the members, and humanity at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna).
• To teach and encourage the sankirtana movement, congregational chanting of the holy name of God, as revealed in the teachings of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
• To erect for the members and for society at large a holy place of transcendental pastimes dedicated to the personality of Krishna.
• To bring the members closer together for the purpose of teaching a simpler, more natural way of life.
• With a view towards achieving the aforementioned purposes, to publish and distribute periodicals, magazines, books and other writings.

Vaisnava Philosophy
The Vedic scriptures state that spiritual life begins when one inquires into the nature of the absolute truth, the Supreme Godhead. Gaudiya Vaisnavas are monotheists and know the personality of Godhead as Krishna, the All-attractive. But it is also recognised that the Supreme has unlimited names such as Rama, Buddha, Vishnu, Jehovah, Allah, etc. The ultimate goal of Gaudiya Vaisnavism is to develop a loving relationship with the Supreme Godhead.

The Vedas also tell us that the understanding of the self, as being non-material or spiritual by nature, is the preliminary stage of realisation of the absolute truth. To understand knowledge of self-realisation one must approach a genuine spiritual master, just as one learns the essence of any subject from a perfected practitioner.

The congregational chanting of the maha-mantra, Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama, Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare, as promoted by Sri Caitanya, is accepted by the Vedas as the most effective means of self-purification in this age. The Vedas describe the mantra as a prayer to the Lord, "Please Lord, engage me in Your service".

Devotees may accept formal initiation into the chanting of the Holy Name vowing to abstain from intoxication, gambling, illicit sexual connections and the eating of meat, fish or eggs. ISKCON members believe indulgence in the aforementioned activities disrupts physical, mental and spiritual well-being, and increases anxiety and conflict in society. At the time of initiation devotees also agree to chant a prescribed number of mantras each day.

Contact

New Goloka
1032 Dimmocks Mill Road,
Hillsborough, NC 27278
919-732-6492
newgoloka108@gmail.com

Directions :

From I-85 Westbound:

1.   Get off exit #164 of Interstate 85.

2.   Go south 1/4 mile towards the MacDonalds.

3.   Turn right on Oakdale (across the street from the Citgo station).

4.   When Oakdale ends turn left on to Orange Grove Rd.

5.   Take immediate next right onto New Grady Brown Rd.

6.   Follow Grady Brown until it ends.

7.   Turn right on Dimmocks Mill Rd. Continue on Dimmocks Mill Rd.

8.   1/3 of a mile after Dimmocks Mill Rd goes over Interstate 85 you will see a geodesic dome on your left.

9.   You are now at ISKCON. There will be a sign "New Goloka" and the mailbox# is 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd.

From I-40 Westbound:

1.   Get off exit #261.

2.   Go north 1 mile towards the Citgo gas station.

3.   Turn left on Oakdale (across the street from the Citgo station).

4.   When Oakdale ends turn left on to Orange Grove Rd.

5.   Take immediate next right onto New Grady Brown Rd.

6.   Follow Grady Brown until it ends.

7.   Turn right on Dimmocks Mill Rd. Continue on Dimmocks Mill Rd.

8.   1/3 of a mile after Dimmocks Mill Rd goes over Interstate 85 you will see a geodesic dome on your left.

9.   You are now at ISKCON. There will be a sign "New Goloka" and the mailbox# is 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd.

The back way from I-40/85 Eastbound :

1.   Get off exit 161.

2.   That is the second Efland exit.

3.   Take a left. You will go under the bridge and then take the next right onto Ben Johnston Rd.

4.   Follow Ben Johnston for about 2mi. You will see a bridge on your right.

5.   Take a right onto the bridge.

6.   You are now on Dimmocks Mill Rd.

7.   At the top of the hill, you will see a geodesic dome (ISKCON) on your right. You are now at ISKCON. There will be a sign "New Goloka" and the mailbox# is 1032 Dimmocks Mill Rd.

New Goloka is managed by a team of devotees, under the authority of the Governing Body Commission for International Society of Krishna Consciousness.

Management

Bir Krishna das Goswami
GBC Zonal Secretary
bkgoswami@earthlink.com
www.bkgoswami.com

Bir Krishna Goswami is one of the spiritual leaders of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness. He has a special status of being among the first Western-born members of the authorized chain of disciplic succession descending from the Supreme Lord, Krishna. In modern times, the most essential task of Krishna conscious spiritual masters is to publish the Vedic scriptures of ancient India and distribute them throughout the world.

Golokananda Priya dasi
Temple Manager
golokanandapriya@hotmail.com
919-593-6827

MahaMantra das
Temple Manager
mmd108@gmail.com
919-699-6679

and others

Temple Schedule

DAILY SCHEDULE

4:30 AM Mangala-arati
5:00 AM Japa
6:00 AM Guru-Puja
6:15 AM Tulasi Puja
6:30 AM Srimad-Bhagavatam class
7:15 AM Greeting of the deities
7:20 AM Bhajan
7:30 AM Japa
8:30 AM Breakfast
12:30 PM Arati
4:15 PM Arati

7:00 PM Arati

SUNDAY FEAST SCHEDULE

5:00 PM Kirtana
5:30 PM Announcements
5:35 PM Discourse
6:15 PM Feast
5:35 PM - 6:30 PM New Goloka Sunday School
6:30 PM Bhajans
7:00 PM Arati

7:30 PM  Curtain closes

DAILY DARSHAN TIME

7:15 AM - 1:00 PM
4:15 PM -5:45 PM
7:00 PM- 8:00 PM
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY
Darshan open from 7:15 AM to 8:00 PM

Vedic Ceremonies

Since Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Golokananda were installed in 1985, we have performed numerous types of puja at congregational member’s homes. At New Goloka we are committed to helping you with all of your spiritual needs. Throughout the year the New Goloka temple has trained priests who perform all kinds of samskars such as entering into a new house, wedding, birth of a new child, etc. These services can be done at the temple or your house.

Our priests are well qualified in the all kinds of rituals, which bring auspiciousness and good fortune to your family. Samskar is very important at different stages of life, as it brings peace and prosperity to humankind. All Vedic scriptures recommend that we undergo different purificatory processes at different periods of our life. Such kinds of puja are an important part of living a harmonious life. All donations toward such ceremonies go to the temple project, which is open to the public for art, culture, festivals, food, and mantra meditation.

Contact the Temple about performing the  Ceremonies and Samskaras

 

Om Tat Sat

                                                        

(Continued...)                                                                                                                              

(My humble  salutations to the great devotees ,  wikisources  and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the collection )