76th Issue - Nitya-seva Newsletter

 October, November, December 2024. - 76th issue

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Jaya Radha-Syama!

As the new year begins, New Vraja Dhāma is wrapped in a frosty white blanket, offering a serene and beautiful backdrop for Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Śyāma's eternal pastimes. While nature slows down with animals hibernating and fields resting, Their Lordships’ divine pastimes continue uninterrupted, bringing warmth and inspiration to our hearts.
 
A Joyous Govardhana Pūjā Festival
This past November, we celebrated a grand Govardhana Pūjā, welcoming 660 visitors who joined us in offering a towering mountain of sweets to Girirāja. As described in the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (10.24.35): "Kṛṣṇa assumed a huge, never-before-seen form and declared, 'I am Govardhana Mountain!' Then He ate every single one of the many offerings."
 
Alongside classes and kīrtanas, the devotees' tireless efforts and love transformed this festival into a memorable event for all.

Honouring Our Donors
We are delighted to announce the display of donor plaques on the altar in the Budapest Temple, recognising those who support the daily worship through Nitya-sevā contributions. These offerings not only sustain the service of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Śyāma but also aid in the worship of Śrī Śrī Dayāl-Nitāi Vijaya-Gaurāṅga. And as we know, it is by the grace of Gaura-Nitāi that we attain the devotional service of Rādhā-Śyāma. While their primary recommendation for worship is through saṅkīrtana and spreading the Holy Names, their Deity worship holds a vital place in our devotional practice and path to perfection. So a heartfelt thanks to those who so kindly support this worship.
 
A Fruitful Śrīla Prabhupāda Marathon
The 2024 Śrīla Prabhupāda Marathon concluded with remarkable success. Devotees from Budapest, Kṛṣṇa Valley, and smaller centres across Hungary, distributed an impressive 38,000 books. Notably, 160 complete sets of the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam found their way into new homes. As the literary incarnation of Lord Kṛṣṇa, the Bhāgavatam illuminates the darkness of Kali-yuga, guiding readers from the lotus feet of the Lord in the First and Second Cantos, up to his nectarean pastimes in the Tenth. Let us strive to surpass this year’s scores in 2025, bringing even greater joy to Śrīla Prabhupāda and our spiritual masters.
 
Devotee Spotlight: Bhakta Sándor Rozmann
We are honoured to introduce Bhakta Sándor Rozmann, a cherished member of our community. Sándor first encountered Kṛṣṇa consciousness a decade ago while working in a bookstore. After meeting a devotee distributing books, he began reading Śrīla Prabhupāda’s works, and became a regular customer. He even arranged for the Bhagavad-gītā and Mahābhārata to be sold in the shop. Over time, his dedication grew as he and his family embraced devotional life.
 
Now a skilled woodworker, Sándor continues to serve with steadfast commitment, and recently launched his axe into a sizeable tree by beginning his support for a Nitya-sevā. It is truly inspiring to witness how his involvement in Kṛṣṇa consciousness has gradually evolved over time. Step-by-step, Sándor has deepened his connection to the process and service of the Lord, exemplifying how consistent effort and sincerity lead to substantial spiritual progress.
 
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we embark on another year, we have countless opportunities to deepen our relationship with Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Śyāmasundara and Śrī Śrī Dayāl-Nitāi Vijaya-Gaurāṅga through devotion and service. With your presence and support, we will continue to create sacred moments, host inspiring festivals, and strengthen our spiritual community.

Reminders:
Previous Nitya-sevā reports are available here
 
Daily darśana photos and donor acknowledgments are posted on the Rādhā-Śyāma Nitya-sevā Facebook page. Also on this page we try to provide you with a glimpse of what is happening in the kingdom of Rādhā-Śyāma and how their personal service is carried out.
 
Festival dates for 2025 are as follows:

• Nṛsiṁha Caturdaśī & Vyāsa-pūjā of Śivarāma Swami Mahārāja: May 10–11 (Saturday, Sunday)
• Janmāṣṭamī: August 16 (Saturday)
• Śrīla Prabhupāda Vyāsa-pūjā: August 17 (Sunday)
• Rādhāṣṭamī: August 30–31 (Saturday, Sunday)
• Govardhana-pūjā: October 24 (Friday)

 
We wish you a happy and spiritually enriched new year. Thank you for being part of this wonderful journey. We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming festivals!
 
With gratitude and best wishes,
On behalf of the Nitya-sevā team,
Your servant,
Mohana Dāsa

14th January 2025., Somogyvámos