ISKCON Bangalore | The Hare Krishna Movement

Press Note

02 Sep 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Diksha, Iskcon Bangalore, Siksa, The Struggle for Truth Tags: Bangalore society registered in 1978, ISKCON Bangalore, ISKCON Law, ISKCON Mumbai, Madhu Pandit dasa

We are willing to settle and handover the control of ISKCON Bangalore society registered in 1978 if the above ISKCON Law (ISKCON Law 6.4.7.2) is rescinded and it is openly declared that Srila Prabhupada is the only Acharya of ISKCON and that no one else should accept disciples within ISKCON. Any further discussions on the peace proposal can be worked out provided these facts are first accepted by ISKCON Mumbai. Only based on this first step can any peace or settling of issues can make meaningful progress.

Press Note

ISKCON Mumbai is not serious about peace
By Madhu Pandit Dasa
Bangalore 1st September, 2011.

We got to know through media sources that ISKCON Mumbai’s Bureau members conducted a press conference today and claimed that they are willing to settle the dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and Mumbai as per the Supreme Courts’ desire. We are sending this clarificatory press release so as to present the actual facts of the matter.

We wish to place on record that ISKCON Bangalore was the first to offer a peace proposal, we had offered peace proposal as early as 4th of February 2009. This peace proposal was given just before City Civil Court pronounced its verdict that ISKCON Bangalore registered in 1978 is an independent society and that ISKCON Mumbai registered in 1971 should not interfere with Bangalore’s affairs. This proposal was categorically rejected by ISKCON Mumbai. The proposal was sent in writing you can view the same by going to the following link: http://www.iskconbangalore.org/sites/default/files/Krishna-Voice-July-2011.pdf (page 48).

Vyasa-Puja Offering by Madhu Pandit Dasa

25 Aug 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Guru & Disciple, Iskcon Bangalore, Vyas-puja Tags: diciple, guru, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit dasa, spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, Vyasa Puja

A Vyasapuja offering to His Divine Grace.
By: Madhu Pandit dasa

Dear Srila Prabhupada, please accept my most respectful, humble obeisances. All glories to Your Divine Grace!

Srila Prabhupada, Your Divine Grace have displayed so many exalted qualities during the years that you physically graced this world. In the midst of the most degraded age we live in, it is the good fortune of humanity to have been blessed with your transcendental wisdom. It is our greatest fortune that our lives have been touched by your divine mercy.

On this auspicious day I humbly wish to contemplate on one of the aspects of your transcendence that has greatly impacted me from the very first day I came in touch with you. Your presentation of the purity of guru Tattva or the principle and surrender of a disciple to a Guru, who is a personal representation of such purity was most impressive. You uncompromisingly present the truth by severing the falsehood. You teach who the guru is by your personal example.

Dispute Between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai/Letter by Sriman Madhu Pandit Prabhu

07 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Diksha, Iskcon Bangalore, Siksa Tags: A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Bangalore Society, Founder Acharya, ISKCON Bangalore, ISKCON Mumbi, Madhu Pandit, patrons, ritviks

Letter from President, ISKCON Bangalore Society

Dear Patrons,

This communication is aimed at bringing into focus the core issue behind the current dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai. As a patron of ISKCON Bangalore Society, we believe you should be informed about the factual position of both disputing parties and be reassured about the safe guard of your interest in your relationship with ISKCON Bangalore.

From the time His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, reverentially addressed as Srila Prabhupada, founded ISKCON in New York in 1966, ISKCON grew into a large, transnational organization spanning many countries, having 108 centers and more than 10,000 members, in a matter of 10 years. This was due to the immense spiritual stature and vision of our Founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada.

While the growth of the organization was impressive, in 1977, just prior to Srila Prabhupada’s leaving this world, it was still a young organization and most of the members and devotees, mainly westerners, had not developed the required spiritual stature, knowledge, realization, immense purity
and gravity that is required to occupy the post of his spiritual successor, as an “Acharya”.

Keeping this in mind, Srila Prabhupada appointed 11 disciples to act as Representatives of Acharya (and not as Acharyas) or ritviks. He issued an institutional directive that these ritviks would also officiate during the initiation ceremony of devotees who would join the movement. It was amply
clear that these individuals would be his representatives only, and would not replace him as the Spiritual Master or Acharya of ISKCON. In other words, Srila Prabhupada was to remain, for all time, the Founder and only Acharya or Diksha guru of ISKCON.

Dispute Between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai

06 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Diksha, Iskcon Bangalore, Siksa, The Struggle for Truth Tags: battle over Iskcon Bangalore, current dispute, Diksha Guru, Founder Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, ISKCON Bangalore, ISKCON Mumbai, Madhu Pandit, ritvik, spiritual master

Communication to all stakeholders, regarding the current dispute between ISKCON Bangalore and ISKCON Mumbai

This communication is aimed at bringing into focus the core issue behind the current dispute between Iskcon Bangalore and Iskcon Mumbai, As a customer, donor, supplier, banker, faculty, consultant, employee or any other stakeholder in ISKCON Bangalore society, we believe you should be informed about the factual position of both disputing parties and be reassured about the safe guard of your interest in your relationship with ISKCON Bangalore.

From the time, His Divine Grace A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, reverentially addressed as Srila Prabhupada, founded ISKCON in New York in 1966, ISKCON grew into a large, transnational organization spanning many countries, having 108 centers and more than 10,000 members, in a matter of 10 years. This was due to the immense spiritual stature and vision of our Founder Acharya, Srila Prabhupada.

While the growth of the organization was impressive, in 1977, just prior to Srila Prabhupada’s leaving this world, it was a young organization and most of the members and devotees, mainly westerners, had not developed the required spiritual stature, knowledge, realization, immense purity and gravity that is required to occupy the post of his spiritual successor, as an “Acharya”.

Apex Court extends status quo until further orders

05 Jul 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: Apex Court, battle over Iskcon Bangalore, Court of Karnataka, ISKCON Bangalore, special leave petition

Press Note
Apex Court extends status quo until further orders

July 5, 2011, Honorable Justice Altmas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph extended status quo which was granted by the vacation bench while hearing the special leave petition filed by ISKCON Bangalore. It may be recalled that city civil court had granted a permanent injunction restraining ISKCON Mumbai from interfering with the affairs of ISKCON Bangalore. ISKCON Mumbai had gone an appeal against the Civil Court verdict in the Honorable High Court of Karnataka. Honorable High Court had set aside the order of City Civil court and granted verdict in favor of ISKCON Mumbai.

ISKCON Bangalore had filed a special leave petition SLP(C) No. 151814 in the Honorable Supreme Court which granted an interim order and stated the following :

1. Issue notice.

2. Ms. B.Vijayalakshmi Menon, Advocate accepts notice.

3. In the meantime, counter affidavit may be filed.

4. The matter shall be listed for consideration/continuation of the interim orders immediately after reopening of the Court

5. In the meanwhile, the parties shall maintain status quo, as of today. However, the Bangalore Society with its present office bearers shall continue day-to-day management of the Society but would not take any major and policy decision create liabilities of any kind from the Bangalore Society.

The divisional bench of Justice Altmas Kabir and Justice Cyriac Joseph today heard petition in continuation after the vacation court’s interim order. During the hearing today the counsel of ISKCON Mumbai had requested Honorable Supreme Court to give them 6 weeks time to file the counter affidavit along with relevant documents. Counsel of ISKCON Bangalore requested that they be given 4 weeks time after filing of respondent(ISKCON Mumbai) to file its counter. The Honorable court accepted the request of both the parties and said “…having regard to the letter circulated by the respondent seeking further 6 weeks’ time, and further 4 weeks by the Petitioner, the same is granted and interim status quo passed on 6th June remains standing till further orders.”

Thanking you,

Yours in service of Lord Krishna,

Bharatharshabha Dasa,
Head – Communication & Public relations
ISKCON, Bangalore

The Struggle For Truth

20 Jun 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore, The Struggle for Truth Tags: devotees of Iskcon Bangalore, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit dasa, Srila Prabhupada, The Struggle For Truth.org

The Struggle For Truth
By The Devotees of ISKCON Bangalore

The pains of this struggle for truth have been borne silently by the devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore for the last nine years. So far we have been trying ourbest to contain this within the institution.

However, it has become necessary today, unfortunately, to disseminate the sensitive information of purely internal nature in this paper. Our adversaries are exploiting our silence by perpetrating false and maligning propaganda against the devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore, even more vigorously than ever before, in order to demean our cause, and sidestep the real issue.

As supporters and donors of this organization, we believe it is your right to be informed by us of the real issues that have transpired in this matter. In this second issue, we present more details concerning the developments in ISKCON post 1977.

Link: http://struggle-for-truth.org/sft2/index.html

Challenging the Bangalore Correspondent

20 Jun 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: Bangalore correspondent, Constitution of India, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit dasa, Sampradaya sun, Supreme Court of India

Challenging the Bangalore Correspondent
By: Madhu Pandit Dasa (Jun 18, 2011 — BANGALORE, INDIA)

We are very confident that the unsubstantiated bland and vague allegations of fraud made in the recent High Court judgment against me will also proved to be false in the Supreme Court, when I am heard. As a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution of India, enjoyed by every citizen of this country, I, as an individual, will be challenging through a Petition before the Supreme Court how such findings could be made against me in person, when I was never a party to the suit and conclusions were made about me without hearing me. (The Bangalore Society was the party and not me.)

What a twist the Bangalore Correspondent has given to the purpose of my recent visit to ISKCON Mumbai temple. I never went to ISKCON Juhu temple to talk compromise with them. I went to ISKCON Juhu temple directly from Delhi after the Supreme Court hearing as a thanks giving visit to the Deities of ISKCON Juhu temple, and was there for not more than 15 minutes. They are the first Deities whose mercy I received in 1979, when I walked into ISKCON after reading Srila Prabhupada’s books for two years in my IIT library without knowing that there is an organization called ISKCON.

It has always been my practice to visit Sri Sri Radha RasaBihari to take their blessings after every hearing in the Supreme Court. I have done so after all the victories we had in the last 10 years in the Supreme Court. On three earlier counts our matter had reached the Supreme Court and ISKCON Bangalore received a favorable judgment. The recent one is the fourth such victory before the Supreme Court. On each of these occasions I had flown directly from Delhi to Bombay. Brajahari das, the President came to the Temple Hall and met me.

Just while leaving, Bhima das appeared there and we exchanged some words standing there. He said, why don’t you sit and talk compromise and said that it is too risky for me if I did not, as they will file criminal charges against me if I lost in the Supreme Court, and that I have to be on the run like Adhrdharan Prabhu. I replied that I will never run, as I have never abused a single penny of Srila Prabhupada’s, and that I will face such false criminal charges and come out clean. No question of running. He appeared shocked. He thought that, file a few criminal cases and that is end of this war.

Initiation Ceremony at ISKCON Bangalore

09 Jun 2011 1 Comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Agrani Krishna das, Devotee's, Diksha, Guru & Disciple, Iskcon Bangalore Tags: Agrani Krishna dasa, bangalore, disciples of Srila Prabhupada, false gurus, India, Initiation Ceremony, ISKCON Bangalore, Lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada, physical master, spiritual master

Initiation Ceremony at ISKCON Bangalore
By Agrani Krishna Dasa

June 8 2011, Bangalore, India — Amongst the tension and tussle in Bangalore after the Hon’ble High Court’s verdict, May 29th was a memorable day for 37 devotees in the temple here. On the auspicious appearance day of Srila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura, 37 devotees took shelter under the lotus feet of Srila Prabhupada and accepted him as their spiritual master. I was one among the 37 devotees who took diksha from Srila Prabhupada on that day.

“We are not against ISKCON”

06 Jun 2011 1 Comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: as it is, corrupt leadership, disciple, Iskcon, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit, original Bhagavad-gita, prabhupada, spiritual master, spiritually corrupt Iskcon, Srila Prabhupada

“We are not against ISKCON”
By: Madhu Pandit Dasa (ACBSP)
PR Log (Press Release) – Apr 28, 2010 –

We are against the corrupt leadership of ISKCON

So, therefore in this temple we only sell Prabhupada’s original Bhagavad Gita As It Is. Now compare it with what is happening in other ISKCONs. They are selling the other Bhagavad Gita. So these are the mistakes happening there. We are not against ISKCON, we are against spiritually corrupt ISKCON leadership.

We are not against ISCKON, how can we be against ISKCON? ISKCON is Prabhupada’s. How can we be against ISKCON? We are not against ISKCON. We are against the corrupt leadership of ISKCON. People misunderstand. We are not trying to separate from ISKCON. So, the organization is not bad, the leadership is bad. Why? Evidence we are giving. They have got the courage to make 5000 changes, number 1 and 2, what are the key things I mentioned?

Prabhupada’s kripa means his vani, his sound, that is what is what is coming, the rain from the spiritual world, which is going to shower on everybody and change their lives. So the vani has to be received with great faith as a spiritual master by the disciple. Now today, you walk into ISKCON, first there is MacMillan gita. And then there is, next they ask, if you have a tilak they ask, whose disciple are you? Before Prabhupad left, let’s say in 1976, you walk into an ISKCON temple, will anybody ask you: whose disciple are you?

Only Prabhupada. Now they ask whose disciple are you? Innocent people are misled. Now, when Prabhupada is available, Prabhupada’s vani is available and Prabhupada has not authorized anybody to take up that position to be an acharya, how can they become acharyas? So, it is self made acharya. Self made acharya doesn’t work.

Acharya has to be authorized. Like Shukadeva Goswami was concluded as being authorized based on the fact that how can Shukadeva Goswami arrive in our midst of all the places? It is definitely inspired and sent by lord Krishna.

That is what is this verse is saying. Similarly, we also have read Chaitanya Charitamrita, without Krishna’s mercy it’s not possible to spread the holy name all around the world. Therefore Srila Prabhupada is authorized by Krishna as the acharya.

Web: www.madhupanditdasa.info

ISKCON Bangalore files a complaint to Commissioner of Police

05 Jun 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: Bharatarshabha das, Chanchalpathi Das, High Court Judge, ISKCON Bangalore, Justice Sri Jafannath Shetty, Puplic Relations Iskcon Bangalore

ISKCON Bangalore files a complaint to Commissioner of Police

June 4th 2011, Bangalore.
To: The Commissioner of Police,
Infantry Road, Bangalore city.

Dear Sir,

Sub: ISKCON Mumbai representatives planning to visit ISKCON Bangalore Temple once again on Sunday, June 5th, 2011

As you are aware, on Friday, June 3rd the representatives of ISKCON Mumbai visited the ISKCON temple in Rajajinagar and tried to forcibly enter the temple. We have informed the representatives of ISKCON Mumbai that they should act within the framework of law and initiate the legal process for any change and not just walk in. Despite this they made an attempt on Friday afternoon and it has resulted in media carrying news in bad taste.

Again the devotees of ISKCON Mumbai are attempting to come to the temple on Sunday, June 5th between 7 am and 11 am. We have received SMS messages that describe their plans for Sunday.

We have also obtained the legal opinion of a retired High Court judge, Justice Sri Jagannath Shetty, on the matter of Supervisory Committee constituted by ISKCON Mumbai and the same is enclosed for your perusal. The Honourable Judge has stated that the action of ISKCON Mumbai in setting up the Supervisory Committee is in utter violation of the High Court order. He says it is not only illegal, but also unjust.

Under these circumstances, we request you to provide us police protection to the temple on Hare Krishna Hill especially on Sunday, June 5th, 2011.

We also request you to provide protection to prevent ISKCON Mumbai representatives from storming in to the temple illegally and unjustly.

Thanking you,
Yours in the service of humanity,
Chanchalapathi Das,
Vice President,
ISKCON Bangalore.

Pasted from http://iskcontimes.com/iskcon-bangalore-files-complain-to-commissioner

Bangalore: Mumbai Team Makes Vain Bid to Enter ISKCON Temple in City

04 Jun 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: battle over Iskcon Bangalore, daijiworld.com, India Supreme Court, ISKCON Bangalore, ISKCON Mumbi, Madhu Pandit dasa, timesofindia.com

The battle of ISKCONs took an ugly turn on Friday as devotees of the Bangalore unit prevented the Mumbai bureau representatives from entering its premises.

Foiled in their attempt to enter the temple, the Mumbai team left, declaring its intent to take legal recourse to gain control of the property. Apparently, the Mumbai team wanted to surprise the Bangalore ISKCON authorities as it landed without prior information in four cars.

Madhupandit Das objected to the Mumbai ISKCON attempts to gain control of the city unit as the matter was still pending before the Supreme Court.

Bangalore: Mumbai Team Makes Vain Bid to Enter ISKCON Temple in City
Bangalore, Jun 3 (PTI):

An attempt by a team from Mumbai ISKCON to enter the Bangalore unit temple was prevented by those managing it.

Several activists owing allegiance ISKCON temple in the city blocked the entry of the Mumbai team headed by Varada Krishnadas, which came here in the aftermath of the state high court order which ruled that the city property was part of the Mumbai ISKCON.

Madhupandit Das, President of the Bangalore ISKCON, maintained he had approached the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order and till the apex court delivered its orders, Mumbai ISKCON cannot interfere in its working.

Passing orders on the property dispute between Mumbai ISKCON and the Bangalore branch, the court had last week given six week time for appealing against the verdict.

A tense situation prevailed at the entrance of ISKCON temple complex at Mahalakshmi Layout where hundreds of activists of the Bangalore unit resisted Mumbai team attempts to enter it.

The arguments between the two groups led to traffic blockade on the road, which has become a narrow in the wake of the on-going works for Metro Rail.
Police intervened and brought the situation under control. The Mumbai team returned following protests.

Madhupandit Das objected to the Mumbai ISKCON attempts to gain control of the city unit as the matter was still pending before the Supreme Court.

Pasted from http://www.daijiworld.com/news/news_disp.asp?n_id=104283&n_tit=Bangalore%3A+Mumbai+Team+Makes+Vain+Bid+to+Enter+ISKCON+Temple+in+City

Fisticuffs and abuse near Iskcon temple
TNN | Jun 3, 2011, 11.56pm IST

BANGALORE: It was an unprecedented and shameful street fight, and lasted a good half-hour, as temple members scuffled in front of the Iskcon temple, shattering its peace with loud shouts and foul language.

To the two groups — members of Bangalore Iskcon and the supervisory committee from Iskcon Mumbai– it did not matter that it is a sacred space for lakhs of Bangaloreans.

Problems began after the supervisory committee appointed by Iskcon Mumbai decided to enter the temple premises for an inspection, in the background of the property dispute between Iskcon Bangalore and Mumbai. Hearing the news, the Bangalore members gathered at the gate and locked it. Loudspeakers fixed along the walls aired bhajans. Vehicles and visitors were checked before anyone was allowed inside the temple, which was turned into a fortress.

When the convoy of the supervisory committee arrived, a truck used for the Akshaya Patra programme, parked by the gate, was moved to cover the gate and prevent the car from entering. The Bangalore members surrounded the car and jammed the doors to prevent them from disembarking. A scuffle began after they managed to get out of the car. Dayaram Das, committee president, tried to walk into the temple and was stopped near the barricades.

The committee members moved away to interact with the media, and Iskcon Bangalore members followed them. A restaurant nearby had to shut down as people came rushing.

NO POLICE DEPLOYED

When all hell was breaking loose outside the temple, there were only three traffic policemen to handle more than 100 people and clear the road for traffic. A few meters away, in a small alley, a Karnataka Reserve Police Force unit and local police were stationed, but they did not intervene.

An hour after the supervisory committee members were forced out of the temple, police teams arrived, including ACP CT Ajjappa. By this time, things had settled down.

Pasted from http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bangalore/Fisticuffs-and-abuse-near-ISKCON-temple/articleshow/8717507.cms

The Struggle For Truth

29 May 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore, The Struggle for Truth Tags: Bangalore court case, Bangalore legal case, devotees of Iskcon Bangalore, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit dasa, the struggle for truth

The Struggle For Truth
By The Devotees of ISKCON Bangalore

This is a link to their websitehttp://www.struggle-for truth.org

The pains of this struggle for truth have been borne silently by the devotees of ISKCON-Bangalore for the last nine years. So far we have been trying our best to contain this within the institution.

As supporters and donors of this organization, we believe it is your right to be informed by us of the real issues that have transpired in this matter.

http://www.struggle-for-truth.org

Sriman Madhu Pandit Prabhu

25 May 2011 1 Comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Devotee's, Iskcon Bangalore, Madhu Pandit das Tags: Akshaya Patra, Hare Krishna Movement, IIT-Mumbai, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit dasa, mid day meals, Trivandrum temple

Sriman Madhu Pandit Prabhu

Madhu Pandit Dasa (former name Madhusudan S) was born in 1956 in Trivandrum, India. As a pre-degree student, he was selected by the National Science Talent search program of the country. He completed his B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT-Mumbai in the year 1980. During his days in IIT, he became interested in the books of Srila Prabhupada, the founder-acharya of ISKCON. While he was doing his M.Tech course in IIT-Mumbai in 1981, he dedicated himself to the service of humanity by becoming a full-time member of ISKCON.

He began to travel all over South India organizing programs to increase the awareness of ISKCON and its mission. Seeing his potential as a leader, he was soon made the President of ISKCON, Trivandrum. In 1983, he became involved in overseeing the activities of ISKCON, Bangalore along with his responsibilities in Trivandrum temple. At that time a small fledgling centre in a rented apartment in an inconspicuous neighborhood of the city. Under his leadership, soon the popularity and activities of ISKCON-Bangalore began to blossom. In 1988, the Government of Karnataka allotted 6.5 acres of a rocky abandoned hillock in the city to set up a cultural complex. Being dissatisfied with what the commissioned architects were proposing for the cultural complex, he took upon himself to design the complex according to what he had envisioned. Soon he also started organizing efforts to raise funds for the construction of the complex. The next ten years unfolded an unprecedented scale of development on the hillock, now called the Hare Krishna Hill: the design and construction of a colossal cultural complex, mobilization of support and fund raising to a tune of Rs. 38 crores (Rs.380 million or $ 9.5 million) and recruiting and training nearly 100 full-time dedicated members of ISKCON. The monumental Cultural Complex was inaugurated in 1997 by the then President of India Dr. Shankar Dayal Sharma.

In 1994, he initiated an integrated social development project for the benefit of the rural people of Mysore and Mandya districts. A model, prototype organic farm based on natural and earth-friendly farming methods along with an internationally accredited farmer-training center has been setup in the 110-acre land on the banks of river Kaveri in Srirangapatam.

The primary purpose of this is to establish self-sufficient farming communities. The farming techniques employed are traditional and organic to promote pro-environmental agriculture. Hundreds of farmers are deriving inspiration to adopt environmental and soil friendly agricultural methods researched and disseminated scientifically from this model farm. Rural women are trained in this farm in the practices and methods of organic farming. This farm is also supporting hundreds of farmers during the transition from chemical to organic farms. Many neighboring farms have successfully converted into organic farms.

He initiated the Akshaya Patra program to provide mid-day meals to underprivileged children in the Government schools of Bangalore Rural District during July 2000.

Legal History of ISKCON-Bangalore Society

25 May 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: Governing Body Commission, Hansadutta Swami, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, ISKCON Bangalore, Karnataka Societies Registration Act, legally independent society, Shankabrit dasa, Srila Prabhupada

Legal History of ISKCON-Bangalore Society

ISKCON-Bangalore was registered under Karnataka Societies Registration Act at Bangalore in May 1978 as a legally independent society with objectives similar to the objectives of the first society, International Society for Krishna Consciousness, Inc. that Srila Prabhupada founded personally in 1966 at New York. Since then, ISKCON-Bangalore society is functioning in Bangalore as a member of the worldwide confederation of ISKCON temples.

ISKCON-Bangalore was registered by Shankabrit Dasa under the direction of Hamsadutta Swami, the then member of the original Governing Body Commission appointed by Srila Prabhupada, who was in charge of Bangalore.

In the year 2001, several hundreds of fanatic disciples of the self-proclaimed ‘gurus’ made a vain attempt to physically storm Bangalore temple and throw out the devotees of ISKCON Bangalore and take illegal possession of the temple property. In defense of this ISKCON-Bangalore was obliged to file a suit being OS No.7934/01 seeking an order of injunction restraining ISKCON Bombay Society and others from interfering with our possession of the temple property. The Trial Court did not grant the injunction, but an appeal filed before the Hon’ble High Court granted the injunction sought for. The said order was confirmed by the Hon’ble Supreme Court. The matter is pending adjudication.

When the matter stands thus, absurd propaganda is being made by the agents of the self-proclaimed ‘gurus’ that Madhu Pandit Dasa ‘created’ the ISKCON-Bangalore society to grab the property of the temple on Hare Krishna Hill. This misinformation is indeed entirely false, baseless and ridiculous since Madhu Pandit Dasa joined ISKCON movement only in 1981, whereas the ISKCON-Bangalore society was registered as early as 1978.

It was the direction of Srila Prabhupada to register legally independent societies in the name and style of nternational Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) all over the world. In Dec. 1972, Srila Prabhupada wrote to one of his senior disciples, “Never mind there may be botheration to register each centre, take tax certificate each, become separate corporations in each state.” (Srila Prabhupada’s letter to Karandhara Das, Bombay, 22nd Dec 1972). Accordingly, today, there are hundreds of ISKCON societies incorporated all over the world. It was on the basis of this worldwide practice, that the then GBC member in charge of Karnataka, Hamsaduta Swami, directed Shankabrit Dasa to register the ISKCON-Bangalore society in Bangalore.

http://struggle-for-truth.org

High Court restrains ISKCON Mumbai / ISKCON Bangalore

24 May 2011 1 Comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: Akshaya Patra, employees of ISKCON, ISKCON Bangalore, ISKCON Mumbai, Madhu Pandit Das, missionary devotees, Srila Prabhupada

High Court restrains ISKCON Mumbai / ISKCON Bangalore
May 24th 2011 Bangalore.

The divisional bench of the High court of Karnataka today restrained ISKCON Mumbai from dislodging or removing Sri Madhu Pandit Dasa as President, other office bearers and employees of ISKCON Bangalore for 6 weeks. The High Court further observed that there are various yeoman services being rendered from the institution to the society and abrupt changes in the management, missionaries, employees and other members would disrupt the same leading to far reaching consequences.

The High Court also observed that other activities, organizations or trusts which are functioning from the Hare Krishna Hill premises are not part of this suit and hence their activities should go on unhindered.

The divisional bench of the High Court was giving their decision on the stay petition filed by ISKCON Bangalore. It may be recalled that the High court had set aside the verdict given by the Trail Court of Bangalore which had given absolute ownership of Sri Radha Krishna-chandra temple on Hare Krishna Hill to ISKCON Bangalore Society registered in 1978.
The counsel for ISKCON Bangalore said that the stay petition is not about the verdict and hence should be considered on the following grounds:

1. ISKCON Bangalore has been in de-facto possession of the Hare Krishna Hill premises for the last several decades and various court orders were in its support.

2. The practicality of any transfer of management will not be possible on an immediate basis.

3. ISKCON Bangalore has already given an undertaking in the Supreme Court that it will not alienate or part with the assets, and are willing to submit to any process of reporting to the court.

After hearing the objections of ISKCON Mumbai to this stay petition, the High Court bench consisting of Justice Nagmohan Das and Justice Arali Nagaraj gave their restraining order that ISKCON Mumbai shall not invoke their constitutional powers to dislodge Madhu Pandit Das, other current functionaries, missionary devotees and employees of ISKCON Bangalore serving in the temple from their services. The court also stated that Akshaya Patra and other trusts which are functioning from Hare Krishna Hill where ISKCON temple has been built are not party to the case and should function on their own. This order shall facilitate the smooth functioning of the various activities of ISKCON Bangalore and at the same time enable ISKCON Bangalore to file an appeal in the Supreme Court.

“ISKCON Bangalore will file an appeal in the Supreme Court shortly after obtaining and studying the order copy. We have full faith in the judiciary of our country and are confident that we will be able to present the case in our favor,” said Madhu Pandit Das, President of ISKCON Bangalore.

For further details please visit http://www.iskconbangalore.org/High-court-restrains-ISKCON-Mumbai orhttp://iskcontimes.com/high_court_restrains_isk_mumbai

Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON Bangalore to go on appeal

24 May 2011 1 Comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Diksha, Iskcon Bangalore, Siksa, The Struggle for Truth Tags: Disksha guru, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhu Pandit, Srila Prabhupada as the sole acharya, Srila Prabhupada's ISKCON

Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON Bangalore to go on appeal
Bangalore, 23 May 2011.

For ISKCON Bangalore, this is not a fight for properties but a sincere effort to re-establish Srila Prabhupada as the sole acharya or diksha guru of ISKCON. We are confident that truth will prevail and by the mercy of Sri Radha Krishna-chandra, our services to Their Lordships will continue unhindered.

Battles may be lost but war for Srila Prabhupada will be won

The divisional bench of the High Court of Karnataka gave its verdict on the appeal filed by ISKCON Mumbai. Honorable Justice H M Nagamohan Das and Honorable Justice Arali Nagaraj today gave their verdict on appeal filed by ISKCON Mumbai and set aside the Civil court’s judgement.

However, ISKCON Bangalore will pursue its case within the legal framework and will appeal against this decision in the Supreme Court. We have full faith in the judiciary of our country and are confident that we will be able to present the case in our favor.

It may be recalled that the City Trial court of Bangalore had given a judgment on April 17, 2009 stating that ISKCON Bangalore is the absolute owner of Sri Radha Krishna temple on Hare Krishna Hill. The Honorable Civil Court judge had also declared that ISKCON Bangalore is an independent legal entity and further restrained ISKCON Mumbai, their agents or representatives from interfering in the affairs of ISKCON, Bangalore by granting a permanent injunction.

Unfortunately, the Honorable High Court today set aside this 350 page judgement and gave its verdict overruling the earlier order.

The genesis of this dispute between ISKCON Mumbai and ISKCON Bangalore is related to the spiritual succession of the movement founded by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada had taught from the Vedic literatures that an Acharya plays a prime role in the development of Krishna bhakti in the heart of a disciple. In order to play that role of an Acharya, one must have extraordinary spiritual qualifications and purity.

Just months before his physical departure from this world Srila Prabhupada instituted a rtvik system of initiation thro’ a written directive sent to all its GBC’s and Presidents on July 9th 1977.

He made it clear in this written directive that he remained the diksa guru or the acharya of ISKCON and that his disciples acting as his representatives or rtviks would initiate new disciples as disciples of His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada. ISKCON Mumbai which is predominantly controlled by foreigners who are themselves voted in unauthorized gurus has disregarded this particular instruction and has manufactured its own system of succession. ISKCON Bangalore on the other hand tries to follow this and many other directives of the founder and acharya of ISKCON Srila Prabhupada strictly.

ISKCON Bangalore — The Best Temple in ISKCON

22 May 2011 1 Comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Iskcon Bangalore Tags: bhajans, Gauridas Pandit dasa, Iskcon, ISKCON Bangalore, jagat guru Srila Prabhupada, kirtans. Madhu Pandit, Srila Prabhupada Temple

ISKCON Bangalore — The Best Temple in ISKCON
By Sriman Gauridas Pandit Prabhu

If you treat Srila Prabhupada like he is alive, he is alive. To those who say he is dead and gone, to them he is. But in Bangalore Srila Prabhupada is alive and well! Very well.

Dear Prabhus,

Please accept my respectful obeisances.

All glories to our jagat guru Srila Prabhupada!!!

I am very enlivened and impreesed beyond my expectations after visiting the Bangalore temple for the last 4 days. When you first approach the temple and get your first glimpse it is just awe inspiring. No picture I’ve seen does it justice. The temple is situated on a hill and and be seen for great distanes all around. The combination of the ancient and modern design is breathtaking. Now I see why pilgrims come from all over India and line up by the thousands to see the temple. Srila Prabhupada’s voice is heard nonstop in different areas some chanting japa, others singing bhajans and giving lectures. The Deities are powerful because of the chaste worship by the ever-increasing devotees, all Prabhupada anugas.

If you treat Srila Prabhupada like he is alive, he is alive. To those who say he is dead and gone, to them he is. But in Bangalore Srila Prabhupada is alive and well! Very well. I could sense it especially from the main Prabhupada Deity on the Vyasasana. In most temples he looks sad (Seattle, etc.) (probably due to the lipservice and dis-service to the new devotees who are directed away from him at initiation). Srila Prabhupada is carried around the temple to the different alters with powerful chanting of mantras and Kirtan.

The Kirtans in Bangalore are different also. The leaders volume is less and the response is more. The showbottlism you see in most places is absent in Bangalore. Attention and devotion is put on pleasing the Deities and Srila Prabhupada more than themselves. It is refreshing. At least 90% of the temple devotees (of over 100) attend the full morning program which is very enlivening. There are Kirtans one after another in 3 different temples then Gurupuja which is awesome.

The temple devotees are very nice and accomodating. Madhu Pandit Prabhu was very nice and gave me a special seat and lovely garlands from the Deities at the crowded puja ceremonies. I also stayed at the nice guesthouse ‘free’! Whereelse in ISKCON or anywhere does that happen? Even the devotee who signed the papers for the latest lawsuit against Bangalore came and Madhu Pandit Prabhu offered him nice accomodations showing the example that a devotee even treats his so-called enemies nicely. The devotee after observing the emple for a few days admitted that the temple is very nicely run and that is the way Srila Prabhupada would want it and he regretted signing the court papers. He said he would not do so again in the future. Another devotee involed in the case got into an accident and died so it is not looking too good for those who are trying to take away Bangalore from Srila Prabhupada and his true followers. It costs $11,000 every time they have to go to court and the lawsuits just keep coming. Srila Prabhupada would be furious at those devotees who are involved and they will get their day in the court of Yamaraja, I can guarantee you that. Bangalore is the only ISKCON temple to follow Srila Prabhupada’s orders to keep him as guru. That’s why they are so sucessful, feeding thousands daily Prasadam and distributing so many of Srila Prabhupada’s original books.

It would be a shame if the Kali chelas, Kali Yuga devotees, ever won away the Bangalore temple. They could not manage it so expertly and a divided house (among many ‘gurus’/or gundas?) cannot stand.

I know there are many different groups of Prabhupada anugas out there; Yasodanandans, Kapindra Maharaja and others everywhere and are sometimes critical of each other. But I am asking you all to unite for the common good of keeping Srila Prabhupada as our living guru now and forever. Let’s look beyond the bug on the windshield and see the road ahead, the road back to Prabhupada, that’s the road back to Godhead, others are detours to who knows where. Not anywhere I want to go! All glories to all of the devotees who take full shelter of the one and only Srila Prabhupada!

I advise any serious devotee who can to visit the Banglore temple and see what can happen if we just cooperate to serve Srila Prabhupada. Finally there’s light at the end of the tunnel!
Hoping this meets you all well and advancing in Krsna Consciousness!

Your servant,
Gauridasa Pandita Dasa

Battle Over ISKCON Bangalore

11 May 2011 2 Comments

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Diksha, Iskcon Bangalore, Siksa, The Struggle for Truth Tags: Bangalore court case, direct written order of the Founder Acharya, Founder Acarya, GBC elected representatives, ISKCON Bangalore, ISKCON News, Nara Narayana Visvakarma, Srila Prabhupada, Sun

Sometime back there was a News article posted on ISKCON News entiltled “Bangalore Splinter Group Wins Court Case”. And a rebutal letter written by Sriman Nara Narayana Visvakarma Prabhu, which we think is still relavant today, as the battle continues…”

Although Bangalore represents a minority of ISKCON it is actually uniquely faithful to the direct written order of the Founder Acharya of ISKCON that the GBC be elected representatives of the temples, not unaccountable dictators with despotic powers.

Comments on ISKCON News Article
By: Nara Narayana Visvakarma

Apr 21, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA (SUN) — On April 20, 2009, ‘ISKCON News Weekly’ published an article entitled, “Bangalore Splinter Group Wins Court Case. “Bangalore, INDIA – In the latest development in the longstanding feud between the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON)”

Both parties are ISKCON, the Bombay faction deviated from the teachings of the Founder Acharya by creating a group of self-appointing managers who even claim ecclesiastical power and who wield illegal dictatorial powers over the innocent membership of ISKCON.

The actual GBC is meant to be an elected body representing the heads of the independent temples who the GBC are meant to represent. The Bombay ISKCON GBC as well as the Bangalore GBC were created by the Founder Acharya of ISKCON in 1970. Since that time, few temples besides Bangalore and their 28 affiliate temples have recognized the elected status of the GBC, and have actually held GBC elections. The GBC suing Bangalore, has not legal status to exist, and has clearly deviated from the charter under which they were created in 1970.

Bangalore is being sued for obeying the order of the Founder Acharya of ISKCON. Nothing more and nothing less.

“…and a breakaway group of devotees who took over the prominent ISKCON temple here, a City Civil Court issued a ruling in favor of the splinter group on Friday, April 17. The decision seems to be a blow to ISKCON and its leadership in India, although sources close to ISKCON leadership in India indicate that the organization plans to appeal the decision.”

Although Bangalore represents a minority of ISKCON it is actually uniquely faithful to the direct written order of the Founder Acharya of ISKCON that the GBC be elected representatives of the temples, not unaccountable dictators with despotic powers.

Harinam Diksha Ceremonies held in Srila Prabhupada’s Temples

01 Apr 2011 Leave a comment

by The Hare Krishna Movement in Diksha Tags: bangalore, Chennai, diksha ceremonies, harinam diksha, Hubli, ISKCON Bangalore, Madhupandit das, Mysore, second initiation, Vrindavan

Harinam Diksha Ceremonies held in Srila Prabhupada’s Temples
Vrindavan, Bangalore, Chennai, Mysore and Hubli, On March 19th 2011
by prabhupadanuga news

Harinam Initiation Ceremony ISKCON Bangalore March 2011

It was a very emotional and historic day for all followers of Srila Prabhupada, as hundreds of them formally accepted him as their diksha guru. The formal diksha ceremony was held in Hare Krishna centres of Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli, Vrindavan and Chennai. The respective Presidents of the temples conducted the harinam diksha and second initiation ceremonies.

The ceremony consisted of each of the devotees taking an oath in front of Srila Prabhupada’s deities that they will follow the four regulative principles and chant at least sixteen rounds of Hare Krishna Maha Mantra daily. Following which each of them were given japa beads which were already chanted on by the GBC appointed rtviks and the temple presidents announced the initiated disciples’ names declaring to all present that these devotees were accepted formally as disciples of His Divine Grace.