His Divine Grace A C Bhakthivedanta Swami Prabhupada’s 115th appearance day was celebrated magnificently in ISKCON Bangalore on Tuesday.

The festival traditionally known as Sri Vyasa Puja witnessed hundreds of devotees and
Srila Prabhupada’s disciples participating in the celebrations. Devotees observe the Appearance day festival of His Divine Grace by remembering His activities, teachings and devotional qualities.

The evening festivities began with an enthusiastic group of devotees singing kirtans glorifying His Divine Grace. This was followed by an elaborate abhisheka with milk, curd, ghee, honey, fruit juices, tender coconut water and other auspicious items. A special arati was offered to the Founder Acharya of the Hare Krishna Movement.

It is customary in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition that the disciples describe their realizations in their spiritual life in writing and present it in the form of a Homage to the spiritual master as a glorification of the spiritual master. This year 1144 offerings of homage were compiled in the form of a beautiful book and was presented to Srila Prabhupada. The compilation included offerings of homage by disciples across temples and preaching centers all over the world which are associated with ISKCON Bangalore including 16 temples in India.

On this auspicious day ‘Srila Prabhupada’s Disciples’ book containing the names of 344 disciples was also presented to Srila Prabhupada.

Another tradition that is followed on the occasion of Sri Vyasa Puja is devotees offer a variety of delicacies, savories, sweets, beverages and other items for the pleasure of their beloved spiritual master Srila Prabhupada.

This year hundreds of devotees offered a whopping total of 7584 items personally prepared with love and affection for His Divine Grace. Devotees of the temple also offered a gigantic cake weighing 120 kilograms, which was later distributed as prasadam to all present.

Sri Vyasa Puja Offering Book 2011

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