Once upon a time, in a land far, far away . . . where everything is made of chintamani – touchstone – and all the trees are desire trees, one very special Blue Boy appeared. His lotus-like eyes and charming smile capture the hearts of all who meet him. He is Lord Krishna, the Cause of all Causes, and we – the youth of Houston – decided to create an exhibition specifically meant to transport the viewer to that time when He appeared. Welcome to Discover Vrindavan, an expose of the major temple’s of Vrindavan Dhama that opened on Janmasthami Day, 2010, as our offering to Him. Inspired by a similar exhibit done by the Alachua youth, Jiv Jago came together with a similar dream of bringing a little bit more of the Holy Dhama to Houston. Showcasing the twelve major temples of Vrindavan, all hand-made by the Pillai family, along with live kirtan and interactive sessions for the kids, Vrindavan manifested within the hearts of all those that attended. That particular Janmashtami was one of the most inspiring, enlivening and heartwarming festivals that the majority of us youth had ever participated in.

Starting from early planning stages, where all of us got together to gather the information, to the actual construction of the Dhama, the whole community came together in support of our efforts. HG Radhakrishna Prabhu, our Youth Mentor and temple bramachari, HG Shyamasundar Prabhu, our Temple President, HG Mother Kalasudha, HG Gopinath Prabhu, and many more Vaishnavas all came to help in the painting and decorating of the temples. This great show of support from the senior members of the community really inspired us as youth, showing us that no matter what position, no matter what role one plays in this world, one should always give time to help others in service. Their mood of service is something that we can only hope to imbibe in our practice as devotees; their utter dedication to help nurture the fragile bhakti-lata- bija, the seed of devotion in our hearts, in the mood of complete surrender, continues to inspire us. Their love towards us could easily be seen in this instance and it really reinforced the standard of devotion that they want us to reach, and it helped us to realize just how fortunate we are to have such wonderful devotees as our guides, teachers, and mentors.

As time carries on, it will come down to us as youth to carry on Srila Prabhupada’s legacy. To know that such wonderful devotees are there to protect and guide us along the way is a great blessing. In everyone’s face we could see a special glow, an inner happiness that is only present in those who truly feel connected to their inner selves, in those who have “come home.” Amid the ecstatic kirtan and the general electrifying atmosphere, many new comers were able to Discover Vrindavan. Starting with the Gopishvara Mahadev Mandir, showcasing a specially made Kaliya Ghat, and going all the way to Krishna Balaram Mandir in Raman Reti, the ‘Spiritual Tourists’ were able relish a bite of the fruits of devotional life. In the temple room, especially at the Midnight Darshan of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Nila-Madhava, amid the rambunctious “Nanda Bayo” Kirtan lead by HG Dwarakanath Prabhu, the devotee’s were given a chance to really enter into the mood of Janmashtami.

Great eagerness and desire to see the Lord manifested in the hearts of all those assembled. Once the curtains opened, it blossomed, most beautifully. With devotees rushing to get their Lordships’ Darshan, eagerly shoving and jumping, standing on their tip-toes, and parents holding their children on their shoulders to see their eternal Mother and Father, it was obvious that the seed of devotion had been firmly planted. And as the Houston community grows and flourishes, so shall this seed continue to be nurtured and we as Jiv Jago hope that, through the projects like these, we can help Caitanya Mahaprabhu water this seed.

-Swathi Murali

Every Govardhan Puja is always an amazing, ecstatic experience. Our beloved Giriraj-Govardhan is the largest Sila in North America and the devotees serve him with much love and devotion. Giriraj was brought to Houston by our beloved Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj, who established the Houston community. You can read about the experience of bringing Giriraj below. For the past several years, the youth have prepared an anakut on Govardhan Puja day. We spend several hours the day of the festival making the hill using a map of actual Govardhan. It is always fun thinking of ways to represent various rivers, temples, and kundas using foodstuffs!

“We took a taxi to Govardhan in the morning. We started our search at Govinda-kunda. We walked around the end of Govardhan and came up on the other side. Somewhere in the area adjacent to Surya-kunda we were observing the hill. I was looking at different silas and then I looked up and saw the Giriraja. I called out, “There He is!” and walked over and picked Him up. He was just perfect. Then Goswami Maharaja came over and I told him, ‘Hold Giriraja.’ At that time a very pleasant transformation overcame him. He became so soft and innocent. His GBC managerial mood floated away and He became a bit overwhelmed by the mercy of Giriraja. After a few moments, he very gently asked me to take Giriraja back. Thus we slipped Him in a sack and escaped unnoticed.”

-His Holiness Bhakti Bringa Govinda Swami

“I took a large Govardhan sila to Houston, but I left no gold in exchange. Knowing of the local custom, I wondered how I had gotten away with such grand larceny. But now I can hear Sri Govardhan laughing: ‘To restore this king’s palace will cost you as much gold as the weight of the sila you stole.’ And what to speak of what I took, and continue to take from Srila Prabhupada. He too is laughing. ‘You’ll be paying for lifetimes,’ he laughs, ‘and into eternity.’ O Giriraja Govardhan! O Srila Prabhupada! O best of Lord Hari’s servants! No one can be more liberal and merciful than you.”

-Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj

Vyasa-puja offering, 1994

“In 1986, we built our Houston, Texas, temple with three altars: on the left we established Sri Sri Gaura Nitai; on the central altar, Sri Sri Radha-Krsna; and on the right—well, we weren’t quite sure which Deity to install. In fact, for five years the third altar remained vacant. Then, on a yearly pilgrimage it dawned on me that we should establish Sri Giriraja Govardhan Himself as the third presiding Deity. Taking permission from a respected Vraja-vasi, we carried a very large sila away and brought Him to the far-off land of the cowboys. Now He sits enthroned, smiling munificently. Lord Chaitanya and Prabhu Nityananda embrace Him and bathe Him with Their ecstatic tears. Sri Sri Radha-Krsna perform Their wonderful dancing on His surface. And Srila Prabhupada, from his vyasasana, can finally see these pastimes he so much longed to behold.”

-Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj

Vyasa-puja offering, 1994

“Look! This is our God. You would think that someone would be full after having eaten 1030 preparations, but He wants more. Aniyor! Aniyor! Even the pujaris are telling me that the clothes don’t fit the Deities properly today. They had to undo a few stitches to make them fit.”

-Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj

Govardhana-puja lecture, 1997