By Sakshi Mohan Das
None other than HG Jashomatinadan Prabhuji Disciple of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada himself odered the construction of the ISKCON Temple in Kathwada in 2016. Known as the Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Gaudham, the Vaishnav Temple has vigraha of Lord Krishna and Radha along with those of Jagannath, Baladev, Subhadra and also vigraha of Nityananda Prabhu, Srila Prabhupada, Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. This is the first ISKCON temple in wich cow is worshipped along with Radha and Krishna. Themple is located on Sardar Patel Ring Road at the Kathwada village and it is a popular attraction not only for Krishna bhakts but also for tourists.
Architecture
Iskcon Temple in Kathwada constructed, this temple is a fine rendering of the Rajasthani Khamira and ancient Hindu temple architectural styles. In all there are two temples and a guest house for pilgrims in the ISKCON complex at Kathwada.
The Kathwada Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Gaudham is professionally managed and it is a beehive of activities. Pilgrims and devotees continue to visit the temple in a never ending stream but there are also plenty of ongoing activities.
Deity Worship & Temple Schedule
Pooja and Aarti Spiritual activites are an ongoing part of the temple activities at ISKCON, Kathwada. Devotees visit the temple to participate in one or more of the aartis and poojas such as Mangala aarti at 4.30 AM, Tulsi aarti at 5 AM, Dhoop aarti at 8.30 AM, Raj Bhog aarti at 12 noon, Pushpa aarti at 4 PM and Sandhya aarti between 6.30 PM to 7 PM. Bhajans and Poona are ongoing activities such as the shringar darshan and guru pooja at 7.30 AM.
Activities
Then there are classes on Gita held at 8 AM and at 7.30 PM. These are held along with daily lectures on Bhagavad Gita in addition to seminars from time to time by experts on Vedic literature on Bhakti Yoga. From time to time the temple conducts preaching programmes at various places across the city. Devotees are free to visit the temple and watch videos and listen to audio lectures and take part in kirtans and bhajans.
One ritual that Srila Srila Prabhupada initiated was that no devotee should be hungry. As such the temple regularly offers meals to all visitors and also distributes food to the needy. It also delivers food packets to anganwadis in the city. Festivals are organized from time to time, the chief of which is the Rathayatra and Janamathami festival. 250 Cows are also taken care by the temple bhakts at the organization’s farm and goshala at Kathwada. To provide Organically grown grass to Cows and make them healthy farm only grows organic Grass and vegetables at farm. Apart being a spiritual centre to promote bhakti yoga, ISKCON Kathwada is actively engaged in social services and in teaching people to follow a holistic path. One can buy music, books and posters at the centre.
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