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November 2023
ISKCON of Arizona Newsletter
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Gabby Giffords (former congresswoman of AZ and wife of AZ Senator Mark Kelly) meets devotees and receives books on yoga and meditation at the U of Arizona. | |
Greetings & Namaste,
This month fairly coincides with Karttika, the most sacred month of the year on our Krishna calendar, always blessed with special events.
On Sunday, November 5th, Lord Krishna's famous Jagannath Rathayatra Chariot will appear in Tucson's All Souls Parade. All who join the devotees will chant, dance, pull the chariot's ropes, and distribute sacred food to the crowds. For details see iskcontucson.org/events.
On Sunday, November 12th, we'll be staging our annual Diwali/Govardhan Festival, chock full of exciting stage events and special feasting. The festival runs from 5 to 8pm. Scroll down for details.
On Thursday, November 16th, we will observe the bittersweet anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's passing from this world by fasting till noon and filling our day with grateful memories of His Divine Grace.
Take advantage of this special month, the best all year for spiritual advancement.
Yours in service,
Sandamini Devi
[email protected]
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Best November Days for
Meditation and Fasting
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Karttika Begins
Sunday, October 29th
Offering ghee lamps daily
Rama Ekadasi
Wednesday, November 8th
(fasting from grains & beans)
Diwali/Govardhan Fest
Sunday, November 12th
5 to 8 pm
Disappearance Day
of Srila Prabhupada
Thursday, November 16th
Fast till noon
Utthana Ekadasi
Thursday, November 23rd
Thanksgiving
Karttika Ends
Sunday, November 26th
Full Moon
| Krishna engages in the Rasa Dance, Dance of Love with his most intimate devotees in the land of Vrndaban. Many sweet pastimes take place during this auspicious month. Join us each morning at 8 am to offer a lamp . | |
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Devotees gather to celebrate Jivananda Prabhu's Vyasa Puja
In the idyllic foothills of the Catalina Mountains, devotees from Tucson, El Paso & San Diego gathered to honor their spiritual master, Jivananda Prabhu. Many heartfelt offerings, kirtans, and a wonderful feast rounded out the evening.
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Long awaited Vishnu/ Shiva Temple opens in temple's back property
On Ganesh Chaturthi exquisite new murtis of Vishnu and Shiva were installed inside the finely renovated structure behind the main temple. The installation included a puja, mantra recitation, an arati, and a feast served to all the joyful participants.
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Distributing Prasadam
at the Tucson Zoo
In October Govinda's once again participated in the Tucson Zoo's annual ffundraiser, "Feeding the Beast." Every year the Zoo invites 40 of the town's best known restaurants to take part. This was our 10th year participating, as we happily gave prasadam samples to guests who came to support the animals.
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Architecture Design Submitted for Pre-approval | |
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The design is "Rajasthan meets the Southwest," by
the renowned architect
John Maddocks.
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The design for ISKCON Tucson's ten-thousand-square-foot temple, pure veggie prasadam restaurant, boutique, dining patio, and gardens has been submitted to the city authorities for pre-approval. We invite all who would like to see this amazing project manifest to donate below.
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Temple's Next Major Festival : | |
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Diwali & Govardhana Puja
Sunday, November 12th
5 to 8 pm
Please bring sweets for Govardhana hill by Sat,
Nov 11th to offer a magnificent offering to Giriraj.
| Live Music, Indian Dance, Fire Show & Play, Kids Activities, Interactive Booths, Temple Ceremonies, Govardhana Hill, Annakut, and a Free Feast for all! | |
Sponsor the festival and receive a special Deepa lamp from India
Sponsorship is $108: DONATE HERE.
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An Exciting Upcoming Event: | |
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For the first time in Tucson,
Jagannath Rathayatra!
Join us on Sunday, November 5th, at Tucson's All Souls Parade. Lord Jagannath will enliven all Tucsonans by giving His smiling benediction to everyone who attends the festival.
Join us in the parade and pull the cart!
Meet us on Speedway and Grande
at 4:30 pm to get in line for the procession.
We will have puja & blessing at 5 pm and parade starts at 6. Shuttle coming and going from temple as parking is difficult. Prasad will be served at the end of the parade.
Also check our Events page at iskcontucson.org/events
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The Sunday Feast & Festival | |
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Feeding guests prasadam
(food offered to God) benefits everyone. Both the recipients and the benefactor. Get the mercy!
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Join us each Sunday for an evening of musical meditation, topical philosophy, an ancient worship ceremony, and an
8-course vegetarian feast.
ALL FREE!
5:30 pm - Bhajans
6 pm - Topical talk
6:30 pm - Worship ceremony
7 pm - Announcements
7:10 pm - Feast
November's Sunday Schedule
Nov. 5th - All Souls Procession (no temple festival today)
Nov 12th - Diwali/Govardhan Fest (replaces regular festival)
Nov 19th - Slide Show of Italy and Villa Vrndaban by Sandamini
Nov. 26th - Special Karttika music & dance finale
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Sponsor the Sunday Feast for an upcoming birthday, anniversary or special day, in the name of a loved one.. All donations are tax deductible.
Sunday Feast Sponsorship for 75 to 100 plates is $151. SPONSOR HERE
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Assisted Living Update - Ready to Open | | |
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Krishna's Home
News Update
Please take a look at our latest one-page newsletter to see the Home's progress. After we pass inspection next week, we will
finally open our doors!
Click HERE to read.
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Ready for inspection and licencing.
Krishna's Home Care Tucson, 514 E. Blacklidge Dr. (just one block west of the temple across 1st Ave) Krishnashome.org
Backyard of Krishna's home with grass and gazebo for resident's to enjoy.
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Feeding the Unhoused on Tucson's Southside | |
Govinda's Vegan/Veggie Restaurant | |
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Join us for Thanksgiving Dinner, Thursday, November 23rd 12 noon to 6 pm. All you care to eat Vegan meal $19.95.
Visit our guest of honor--a live turkey!
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Check out our ever-changing menu and new offerings. | |
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Govinda's Self-Serve
All-You-Care-To-Eat Hours:
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Lunch - Wednesday through Saturday 11:30 am to 2:30 pm
Dinner - Tuesday through Saturday
5 pm to 8 pm
Sunday Brunch - 11 am to 2:30 pm
Closed Mondays
See the menu on Govinda's webpage: iskcontucson.org/govindas
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Govinda's guest quote of the month: "Your Thanksgiving feast was thoroughly enjoyable. The turkey was adorable as he “hosted” the event so calmly, with so much dignity. We brought a friend who also had a wonderful time. We drove over 75 miles to get there but it was well worth it." | |
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Many thanks to all our dear friends and devotees who tirelessly serve the temple, guests, deities, and anyone fortunate enough to walk through the door. Your help is greatly appreciated and much needed!
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Income/expense Tracker: Please click to view the Monthly Financial Statement on our Seva webpage - iskcontucson.org/seva
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Check out this clip about the significance of Jagannatha Ratha Yatra. | |
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Authentic Indian
Cuisine Catering!
All varieties and quantities of Indian foods for parties, dinners, weddings, and banquets. All main Indian dishes cooked by Master
Chef Kul Sharma. To book, call Kul at 520-891-8083.
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""Dāmodara" refers to Kṛṣṇa's being bound with rope by His mother, Yaśodā. It is said that just as Lord Dāmodara is very dear to His devotees, so the month known as Dāmodara or Kārttika is also very dear to them." (The Nectar of Devotion, Chapter 12) | |
Letters from Srila Prabhupada... | |
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“You have asked about the specialness of the month of Karttika, and the answer is that it is a special inducement for persons who are not in Krsna consciousness to perform some devotional service... In this connection, there is a good example that sometimes a store gives a special concession to attract new customers. But for those who are already customers there is no need of a special sale. They will purchase at any cost if they know the important value of the goods. Similarly, those who are pure devotees do not aspire for any concession, and out of spontaneous love try to engage themselves in devotional service twenty-four hours each day."
(Letter to Jayapataka, 30 January 1969)
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Perform a sacred ceremony.
Have your home, car, business, or family blessed and protected
with the help and guidance of our experienced temple priest, Kirtan Yajna Prabhu. You may call him at (520) 288-1775, or email
[email protected]
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