Holy Pilgrimage - Hindu temples in USA
Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji Mandir, Dallas, TX
(Hare Krishna Temple)
Founder: His Divine Grace, Swamy AC Bhaktivedanta Sri Prabhupada
5430 Gurley Ave, Dallas,
TX 75223
Tel: (214) -827-6333
Our Founder
When His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada entered the port of New York City on September 17, 1965, few Americans took notice — but he was not merely another immigrant. He was on a mission to introduce an ancient religion, which originated in India, into mainstream America. Before Srila Prabhupada passed away on November 14, 1977, at the age of 81, his mission proved successful. He had founded the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and saw it grow into a worldwide confederation of more than 100 temples, ashrams and cultural centers.Srila Prabhupada was born Abhay Charan De on September 1, 1896, to a pious Hindu family in Calcutta. As a youth growing up in British-controlled India, Abhay became involved with Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement to secure independence for his nation. It was, however, a 1922 meeting with a prominent scholar and religious leader, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, which proved most influential on Abhay’s future calling. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta was a leader in the Gaudiya Vaishnava denomination, a monotheistic tradition within the broad Hindu culture, and asked Abhay to bring the teachings of Lord Krishna to the English-speaking world. Abhay became a disciple of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta in 1933, and resolved to carry out his mentor’s request. Abhay, later known by the honorific A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, spent the next 32 years preparing for his journey west.
In 1965, at the age of sixty-nine, Srila Prabhupada traveled to New York City aboard a cargo ship. The journey was treacherous, and the elderly spiritual teacher suffered two heart attacks aboard ship. Arriving in the United States with just seven dollars in Indian rupees and his translations of sacred Sanskrit texts, Srila Prabhupada began to share the timeless wisdom of Krishna consciousness. His message of peace and goodwill resonated with many young people, some of whom came forward to become serious students of the Krishna tradition. With the help of these students, Srila Prabhupada rented a small storefront on New York’s Lower East Side to use as a temple. On July 11, 1966, he officially registered his organization in the state of New York, formally founding the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.
In the eleven years that followed, Srila Prabhupada circled the globe 14 times on lecture tours, bringing the teachings of Lord Krishna to thousands of people on six continents. Men and women from all backgrounds and walks of life came forward to accept his message, and with their help, Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON centers and projects throughout the world. Under his inspiration, Krishna devotees established temples, rural communities, educational institutions, and started what would become the world’s largest vegetarian food relief program. With the desire to nourish the roots of Krishna consciousness in its home, Srila Prabhupada returned to India several times, where he sparked a revival in the Vaishnava tradition. In India, he opened dozens of temples, including large centers in the holy towns of Vrindavana and Mayapur.
Srila Prabhupada's most significant contributions, perhaps, are his books. He authored over 70 volumes on the Krishna tradition, which are highly respected by scholars for their authority, depth, fidelity to the tradition, and clarity. Several of his works are used as textbooks in numerous college courses. His writings have been translated into 76 languages. His most prominent works include: Bhagavad-gita As It Is, the 30-volume Srimad-Bhagavatam, and the 17-volume Sri Caitanya-caritamrita.
The Story of Kalachandji
Five hundred years ago in India, Kalachandji, literally translated as "the beautiful moon-faced one," was worshipped as the Supreme Personality of Godhead by thousands of devotees. Impeccable craftsmen constructed an elaborate temple for Him; famous artisans decorated it. Accompanied by drums, cymbals and tambouras, His followers filled the halls with melodious prayers throughout the day, and the air was sweet with myriad varieties of richly fragrant incense. Daily He was offered sumptuously prepared foods of all descriptions made from grains, milk products and fresh vegetables. Everyone, from the King to the street sweeper, visited Kalachandji, paying respects and obeisances. No one could imagine passing the day without having His audience.From one generation to another the tradition continued, and then, suddenly, the Moguls invaded India. Fearing for Kalachandji`s safety, His devotees hid Him from the plunderers, and thus the opulence and worship which He had formerly enjoyed all but came to an end. With grief in their hearts, His followers prayed for the day when His true position could be established again.
Centuries later, the great devotee of Krishna and founder of this Palace, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, arranged to have Kalachandji brought to America where he had a large temple building in Dallas. And so it was that "the beautiful moon-faced one" found a home in a new land.
At the outset of 1972 Srila Prabhupada, founder-acarya of ISKCON, instructed two of his lady disciples, Kausalya devi dasi and Srimati devi dasi to travel to Jaipur, India to secure marble deities for his Denver, Detroit, Montreal and Dallas temples.
Kausalya had been living in India for the last two years and Srimati, having just arrived in India, saw her as a perfect guide and companion. Arriving in Jaipur, while attempting to check into a hotel Srimati realized she had forgotten her passport in Delhi. The hotel receptionist made special note of this and agreed to let them stay. The next morning, after having attending Mangala-arti for Sri Sri Radha-Govinda, the famous Deities of Srila Rupa Goswami, Kausalya began singing bhajans for Their Lordships in the temple. At this time a large crowd gathered to see the American devotees, perhaps for many of them the first time they has ever seen foreigners worshipping Radha-Govinda. Kausalya was not only able to sing but ended up lecturing about Srila Prabhupada to her audience. They were also fortunate enough to meet one of the pujaris of Sri Sri Radha Govinda.
Later, returning to their hotel room, they were met by the police who were ready to arrest them, having been informed by the receptionist that Srimati had no passport. And rightly so, the Indian-Pakistan War had just begun with India siding with Russia and Pakistan siding with the U.S. So what right had an American to be in India without any travel documents?
Eventually, all this led to the ladies calling upon the pujari of Radha_Govinda to vouch for them. The pujari, upon arriving on the scene, recalled their singing and preaching, and proclaimed that they were actual devotees. Not only did he vouch for them, but he ended up sponsoring them and inviting them to come and stay in his home with his wife and family. The police finally relented under the condition the devotee ladies would not leave Jaipur until Srimati’s passport was sent from Delhi and presented before them.
Through the pujari Srila Rupa Goswami seems to have have assisted Srila Prabhupada and Kalachandji. What seemed to have been a tragedy unfolded into a great opportunity as the pujari began introducing the ladies to many of the respected families of Jaipur and instructing them how to obtain the deities they had been sent to look for. Mother Kausalya recalls: "I simply began telling everyone I met about Srila Prabhupada and chanted to Radha –Govinda. Gradually by Srila Prabhupada’s and Radha-Govinda’s mercy, people became so enthusiastic that recognized local industrialists, businessmen, and even the Maharani of Jaipur were inviting us for lunch to hear about Srila Prabhupada. Many of them became so interested to meet Srila Prabhupada that they sponsored Srila Prabhupada to come to Jaipur and organized a large pandal program in which Srila Prabhupada installed the Radha-Govinda Deities of New York City and awarded sannyasa to His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami.
It was during that time that Srimati found her way to some to the finest murtiwalas of Jaipur. Srimati recalls how pleased Srila Prabhupada was. She remembers: " I was walking from shop to shop, thinking what type of deity would be suitable for Dallas, Texas. Suddenly I saw this beautiful deity! He had a large round face and fine soft features, As soon as I saw Him, the first thing that crossed my mind was that this is the deity of Dallas!"
The deity was holding the door of a showroom open, having been placed as a doorstop. The deity looked ignored, completely unkempt, nothing like the deities she had previously seen for sale. As she approached the man in charge of the shop, he explained that this particular deity was not for sale. "This deity is very old," said the man, and he tried to interest her in other newly carved deities describing and pointing out the newest styles. Srimati simply became more determined and continued pursuing her original interest. Looking at the deity again the man kept saying the deity is very old, more that 500 years old, some type of museum piece.
Srimati continued requesting the man to give her the deity, explaining that the deity would be sent to Dallas. Finally she began talking money. As the price became more lucrative, the man finally consented.
As there was not deity of Radharani to match, Srimati started looking at other deities and had the murtiwala carve a suitable one to complete the set. Previously, Srila Prabhupada had written Srimati directing her how to pack the deities she was shipping to guard against breakage.
It was Mother Lokamimoni who received a telegram from Mithaheli devi dasi, explaining that the deities must be waiting in New York. Anxiously, she and her husband Jagadisa Prabhu called Mithaheli and located the deities along with two other sets of Radha-Krishna deities which were meant for Detroit and Montreal. They dispatched the deities to the respective temples.
After installing the Deities in Dallas, Srimati recalls how pleased Srila Prabhupada was. Prabhupada had even handwritten a document after the installation:
"Sri Sri Radha-Kalachandji, The Deity of Dallas! A.C. Bhaktivedenta Swami
Hare Krishna Dallas
The first group of devotees came to Dallas, Texas in 1970 and established a preaching center at 5108 Mission Street. In the spring of 1971, the devotees moved the center to Turtle Creek, a more fashionable district of Dallas and rented a small building for a few months. All the while, the devotees had been looking for property to buy. Finally in late 1971 they bought a former church property (formerly the Mount Auburn Christian Church) at the corner of Gurley Avenue and Graham Street in a residential section of East Dallas. The purchase of this property was with the idea of starting a gurukula.. And so, with the approval of Srila Prabhupada, the ISKCON Governing Body Commission at that time bought the former church property for ISKCON.In 1972, the Deities Sri Sri Radha-Kalachandaji were officially installed in the newly purchased Dallas Temple by Srila Prabhupada himself. Srila Prabhupada came to Dallas two weeks before the actual installation, showing the devotees how to do everything properly. The Deity of Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji is the oldest Deity form of Krishna found outside of India (500 years old).
Renovation of the temple began in 1979 and was completed in 1981. The restaurant was built soon afterwards. After Srila Prabhupada left his body in 1977, many of the devotee members of the famous Radha-Damodara Sankirtana Party came to stay in Dallas and Houston. Today, more than 15,000 followers now live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. There are presently 25 temple-owned homes in the immediate neighborhood which have became models of community redevelopment. The Gurukula continues to provide education from elementary through junior high levels, and Kalachandji`s restaurant is ranked among the city`s best. By the grace of Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji and Srila Prabhupada, the devotees of the Dallas Hare Krishna temple continue to maintain high standards of preaching and worship, as demonstrated by their enthusiastic Sunday Feast program.
Kalachandji's Restaurant
Kalachandji's
Restaurant is Dallas' longest serving vegetarian restaurant.
For 27 years we have been providing DFW diners with a taste of India's vast and
ancient vegetarian tradition. We practice the timeless Ayurvedic art of
cooking for the body, mind and spirit, and all our dishes are prepared with the
best ingredients available. Thus our mission at Kalachandji’s is to
provide vegetarian cuisine that delights your palate, promotes good health,
makes your mind peaceful and elevates your consciousness. Although our
tradition is lacto-vegetarian, we are committed to serving the vegan community
and clearly indicate the items on our menu that contain dairy products.
The TKG Academy
Located in a peaceful pecan groove only two miles east of downtown Dallas, TKG Academy provides an oasis of companionship and learning that will set the success of a child’s life. The coeducational institute nurtures the needs of children from the ages of five to eighteen. It sets the tone as a college preparatory school for children with an academic propensity but can also assimilate the children whose interest tend toward more kinetic learning styles. Kindergarten through eighth grade is geared toward a self-paced program that does not allow the student to fall between the cracks.
Upcoming Events
Sunday, 2 June
15:00
Self-Defense Workshops
for Women
Sunday, 7 July
Srila Bhaktivinoda
Thakura -- Disappearance
Tuesday, 20 August
Lord Balarama --
Appearance
Wednesday, 28 August
Sri Krsna Janmastami:
Appearance of Lord Sri Krsna
Weekly Programs
Thursday, 30 May
07:30
Ananta Baladeva Prabhu
SB
Friday, 31 May
07:30
Visvambhara Prabhu SB
19:00
Wkly:Frisco Bhagavad
Gita Class
19:30
Wkly: Irving Bhakti
Vriksa Program at Sarvajaya Madhav's
Saturday, 1 June
07:30
Deva Darsana Prabhu SB
16:00
Wkly:Plano Bhagavad
Gita Class
16:00
Wkly:Flower Mound
Bhagavad Gita Discussion group
18:00
Wkly:Richardson
Bhagavad Gita Discussion group
Sunday, 2 June
15:00
Nectar of Devotion
Class by Nityananda Prabhu
17:30
Wkly:Sunday Love Feast
Program
18:30
Sunday School
Tuesday, 4 June
07:30
HH Devamrta Swami SB
19:00
Wkly:Bhagavad Gita
Class
Wednesday, 5 June
19:00
Wkly:Bhagavad Gita
Conference Call
20:30
Wkly:Hare Krishna TV
show, Whole Life Experience
Friday, 7 June
15:00
Srimad Bhagavatam
Study Program
19:00
Wkly:Frisco Bhagavad
Gita Class
19:30
Wkly: Irving Bhakti
Vriksa Program at Sarvajaya Madhav's
Saturday, 8 June
07:30
Mukunda Datta Prabhu
SB
16:00
Wkly:Plano Bhagavad
Gita Class
16:00
Wkly:Flower Mound
Bhagavad Gita Discussion group
18:00
BiWkly:Irving Bhakti
Vrksha program
18:00
Wkly:Richardson
Bhagavad Gita Discussion group
Sunday, 9 June
15:00
Nectar of Devotion
Class by Nityananda Prabhu
17:30
Wkly:Sunday Love Feast
Program
18:30
Sunday School
Tuesday, 11 June
19:00
Wkly:Bhagavad Gita
Class
Wednesday, 12 June
19:00
Wkly:Bhagavad Gita
Conference Call
20:30
Wkly:Hare Krishna TV
show, Whole Life Experience
Friday, 14 June
19:00
Wkly:Frisco Bhagavad
Gita Class
19:30
Wkly: Irving Bhakti
Vriksa Program at Sarvajaya Madhav's
Saturday, 15 June
16:00
Wkly:Plano Bhagavad
Gita Class
16:00
Wkly:Flower Mound
Bhagavad Gita Discussion group
18:00
Wkly:Richardson
Bhagavad Gita Discussion group
WhenSat, 15 June, 18:00 –
19:00
Where1520 Richardson Drive,
Apt 911, Richardson, TX 75080 )
DescriptionFor more info; Anil: 972-983-1533
Vaisnava Calendar ISKCON Dallas
Wednesday, 29 May
Sri Ramananda Raya --
Disappearance
Monday, 3 June
Fasting for Apara
Ekadasi
Tuesday, 4 June
Srila Vrndavana Dasa
Thakura -- Appearance
Tuesday, 18 June
Ganga Puja
Sri Baladeva
Vidyabhusana -- Disappearance
Srimati Gangamata
Gosvamini -- Appearance
Wednesday, 19 June
Fasting for Pandava
Nirjala Ekadasi
Friday, 21 June
Panihati Cida Dahi
Utsava
Sunday, 23 June
Snana Yatra
Sri Mukunda Datta --
Disappearance
Sri Sridhara Pandita
-- Disappearance
Monday, 24 June
Sri Syamananda Prabhu
-- Disappearance
Thursday, 27 June
Sri Vakresvara Pandita
-- Appearance
Tuesday, 2 July
Sri Srivasa Pandita --
Disappearance
Wednesday, 3 July
Fasting for Yogini
Ekadasi
Sunday, 7 July
Sri Gadadhara Pandita
-- Disappearance
Srila Bhaktivinoda
Thakura -- Disappearance
Monday, 8 July
Gundica Marjana
Tuesday, 9 July
Ratha Yatra
Sri Sivananda Sena --
Disappearance
Sri Svarupa Damodara
Gosvami -- Disappearance
Saturday, 13 July
Hera Pancami (4 days
after Ratha Yatra)
Sunday, 14 July
Sri Vakresvara Pandita
-- Disappearance
Wednesday, 17 July
Return Ratha (8 days
after Ratha Yatra)
Friday, 19 July
Fasting for Sayana
Ekadasi
Monday, 22 July
(green leafy vegetable
fast for one month)
First month of
Caturmasya begins [PURNIMA SYSTEM]
Guru (Vyasa) Purnima
Srila Sanatana Gosvami
-- Disappearance
Friday, 26 July
Srila Gopala Bhatta
Gosvami -- Disappearance
Monday, 29 July
Srila Lokanatha
Gosvami -- Disappearance
Tuesday, 30 July
The incorporation of
ISKCON in New York
Friday, 2 August
Fasting for Kamika
Ekadasi
Saturday, 10 August
Sri Raghunandana
Thakura -- Disappearance
Sri Vamsidasa Babaji
-- Disappearance
Saturday, 17 August
Fasting for
Pavitropana Ekadasi
Radha Govinda Jhulana
Yatra begins
Trisprsa Mahadvadasi
Sunday, 18 August
Sri Gauridasa Pandita
-- Disappearance
Srila Rupa Gosvami --
Disappearance
Pujas & Havans
Samskaras are traditional sacramental ceremonies performed by qualified priests -usually within temples. It is valuable to perform Vedic Sacraments in the Temple because the Lord is particularly present in His installed Murti, or Divine Form. However, some ceremonies are best performed at home, either for the comfort of family members, or to purify the dwelling.Vedic Sacraments are highly beneficial, sanctifying and increasing auspicious influences. They help one to progress peacefully in life to the ultimate goal -attaining the Absolute Truth- by smoothing the path of spiritual progress.Samskaras rectify and sanctify relationships between family and friends, parents and children, husband and wife. They drive away evil influences and attract the blessings of saintly Vaisnavas. Most importantly, Vedic Sacraments provide a ceremonial focus for the yuga dharma, the chanting of the names of God.Vedic Sacraments are performed at particular times during life and are considered rites of passage. They purify the body and soul and prepare one for devotional service to God by invoking auspicious qualities for those who perform them. They are performed for the benefit of both the individual and the family.The following samskaras are offered:
- Vivaha-Samskara: Marriage - starting from $501
- Antyesti-kriya: Funeral Rites $501
- Garbhadhana: Conception
- Pumsavana: Rites for obtaining a child
- Simantonnayana: A ceremony where the husband parts
- his wife’s hair by drawing a middle line
- Sosyanti-homa: rite that precedes childbirth
- Jata-karma: also known as medha-jana, it is performed
- for the childs good intelligence
- Niskarmana: the Child’s first outing
- Paustika-karma samskara: cerimony for childs health
- Nama-karana: name-giving ceremony (child’s)
- Mundana: cutting the fist hairs
- Anna-prasana: First food grains
- Karna-vedha: piercing the ears
- Cuda-karanam: the first hair cut
- Vidyarambha: Learning the alphabet
Food For Life
The food for life is a unique food distribution program for serving vegan/vegetarian food to everyone. Srila Prabhupada desired that no one in a 10 mile radius around the temple should go hungry, and thus was started Food for Life. FFL in Dallas is always looking for volunteers to help cooking and helping in serving and distribution. You could also make a tax deductible donation to this program.Food for Life currently serves out twice a week at Metrocare Mental Health Services in two different locations, and will soon be working in conjunction with the North Texas Food Bank, participating in their "Food for Families" program.
If you are interested in helping Food For Life locally with cooking, serving, or donating money or food, contact Lavanga at info@radhakalachandji.com
*Checks may be made payable to "Texas Krishnas Food For Life" and are tax deductible
Home Programs
Home programs are organized at different people's homes to perform Kirtan and Bhagavad Gita Lecture and Discussion in a group. At present home programs are available in Plano, Richardson, Flower Mound, Garland & Mesquite, Grapevine, Flower mound, Lewisville, Coppell, Fort Worth, Arlington, North Dallas, South Dallas.Home Program is structured as:
- Kirtan - 30 mins
- Bhagvada Gita Lecture - 45 mins
- Question & Answer Session - 15 mins
- Kirtan - 15 mins
- Prasadam
The structure can be modified according to the need basis. Home programs are kept very simple to ease people's participation in it. If you would like to arrange one at your place, or would like to just attend one, you need to call one of the persons listed in the contact list. You can invite your family and friends for any home program. If you need information about schedule or directions either go in schedule for Home Programs, or call one of the contact persons.
40th Anniversary Celebrations
40 years since the installation of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Kalachandji. 40 years to remember and celebrate. We invite you to come and join us as we celebrate this milestone.We began with our annual 24 hour New Year's kirtan and glided through other festivals, along with visiting dignitaries. Still waiting ahead are our Ratha Yatra parade, Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami's dissertation unveiling ceremony, Janmastami, Radhastami and other major events.
Timings are given for
Arati (Worship)
Darshan
Sunday Feast
Upcoming Events
06.02.2013
15:00 - 17:00Self-Defense Workshops for Women
07.07.2013
Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura -- Disappearance
08.20.2013
Lord Balarama -- Appearance
08.28.2013
Sri Krsna Janmastami: Appearance of Lord Sri Krsna
Contact :
ISKCON Dallas
5430 Gurley Ave, Dallas, TX 75223
Tel: (214) -827-6333
Om Tat Sat
(Continued...)
(My
humble salutations to the great devotees
, wikisources and Pilgrimage tourist guide for the
collection )
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