Photo Gallery

U. S. Geological Survey topographic map of McCreary Ridge showing location of principle sites of New Vrindaban.

His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the pavilion on the hill behind Bahulaban (September 1972).

One of Bhaktipada’s first attempts to “Christianize” Krishna consciousness was giving the statue of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada at the Palace a crown and mace (December 1980). Crowns are sometimes placed on the heads of statues of Christian saints.

Offering a crown to a deceased spiritual master is not unheard of in the Vaishnava tradition. The deity of Ramanujacharya (1017-1137), a famous Hindu philosopher, guru, social reformer, and great pandit of the Sri Vaishnava Sampradaya, wears a crown. The deity is located in the temple of Sri Ranganathswamy, in Srirangam, Tiruchirappali, Tamil Nadu, India. Ramanujacharya’s actual mummified body is preserved in a sitting posture in the temple.

Offering a crown to a deity is common in the Roman Catholic tradition. This is the Infant of Prague.

Crowns are also offered to paintings of saints, such as the Black Madonna of Czestochowa.

Cover of Bhaktipada’s first book, Song of God: A Summary Study of Bhagavad-gita As It Is (1984).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book Christ and Krishna (1985), which helped reveal the similarities between Gaudiya Vaishnavism and Christianity.

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Eternal Love (1986), a Krishna-ization of Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis (1380-1471).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, On His Order: What Is A Bona Fide Guru? (1987)

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, The Illustrated Ramayana (1987).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Lila in the Land of Illusion: A Retelling of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland (1987)

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Bhaktipada Bullets compiled by Devamrita Swami (1988).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Devotee’s Journey to the City of God: A Retelling of John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress (1988).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Joy of No Sex: Handbook For Higher Pleasure (1988).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Heart of the Gita: Always Think of Me (1990).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, Spiritual Warfare: How to Gain Victory in the Struggle for Spiritual Perfection (1990).

Cover of Bhaktipada’s book, How To Say No To Drugs (1990).

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada loved Apple Records’ 45-RPM record: “Govinda” from the Radha Krishna Temple album, although it was arranged in a western rock style, with only hints of traditional Indian instruments. The song is soft rock, not Indian by any means, yet it brought tears to Prabhupada’s eyes. Prabhupada ordered that this record be played in ISKCON temples during Greeting of the Deities. This suggests that Prabhupada did not mind if Western music was played during temple services.

Bhaktipada reads from his Vyasa-Puja book at his 49^th birthday celebration held behind his new house on the hill between McCreary Ridge Road and the Old Vrindaban Farm (September 1, 1986).

In 1986, western-style classical music began to become more prominent in the community. Here Hrishikesh leads, from the electronic keyboard, a handful of newly-recruited singers during Bhaktipada’s 49^th birthday celebration (September 1, 1986).

Hrishikesh speaks through the microphone at Bhaktipada’s 49^th birthday celebration (September 1, 1986).

Bhaktipada received a beautiful crown and scepter crafted by Ishani devi dasi on his 49^th birthday celebration (September 1, 1986).

Mother Ishani (Ellen Schramm) working in the Jewelry Room (undated).

In the summer of 1986, Bhaktipada’s siksa musician disciple from Montreal, Mahavirya dasa (Robert Lafond), came with his family to live at New Vrindaban to start a gurukula choir and a western music program, although his endeavor was short lived.

Members of the New Vrindaban choir: Dhananjaya, Japa Ananda, Dhruva.

The first full-length New Vrindaban choir concert. Front row: Ragamathani, Giri Suta, Madhurya Lila, Sumati. Back row: Dhananjay, Rukmini, Saraswati, Dhirodatta, Krishna Truthful. Choirmaster Hrishikesh directs from the electronic keyboard (January 5, 1987).

Principal altos and sopranos of the New Vrindaban choir: Janesvari, Shyama, Janaki, Bhavisya, Ragamathani.

Brihat Mrdanga dasi enthusiastically sings He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands at Bhaktipada’s 50^th birthday party (September 7, 1987).

Visiting flutist Miranda Krenzer, Hrishikesh on piano, and soprano Ragamathani perform a Krishna-ized version of Mozart’s motet Exsultate, jubilate at Bhaktipada’s 50^th birthday party (September 7, 1987).

Hrishikesh performs pada-puja and bathes his spiritual master’s feet with yogurt, while Bhaktipada’s German shepherd guard dog Gudakesh enjoys affectionate petting from gurukula boys during Bhaktipada’s 50^th birthday party (September 7, 1987).

Choir concert in the temple. Professor Alfred R. DeJagger directs; Hrishikesh accompanies on the piano (c. 1987).

The cover of the cassette tape Jagad Guru by the Krishna Chorale (1988). For more about, and to listen to Jagad Guru, go to Jagad Guru.

The cover of the cassette tape Blessed Assurance by the Krishna Chorale (1988). For more about, and to listen to Blessed Assurance, go to Blessed Assurance.

New Vrindaban’s Minister of Music from 1986 to 1993, Hrishikesh dasa (1988).

The City of God Children’s Choir—with director Hrishikesh—visits Washington D. C. and sings on the front steps of the Capitol (1988).

The City of God Children’s Choir, formal portrait behind Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold (1989). Adults include Hrishikesh (director) and assistants: Dhirodatta, unknown Bhaktin, and Bhavisya.

Gaura Shakti and Mahaprasad carry the murti of Jesus Christ to his vyasasana in the New Vrindaban temple (Christmas Day, 1988).

The advent of the murti of Jesus Christ in the New Vrindaban temple (Christmas Day, 1988).

Jesus Christ in the New Vrindaban temple (undated).

For New Vrindaban’s first twenty years, traditional Bengali-style music was the norm. Here Hrishikesh sings the Damodarastakam prayers and plays accordion while a visiting Indian devotee plays a clay mrdanga at New Vrindaban (c. Kartik 1986).

The first performance of the City of God Accordion Ensemble, at the Wheeling City of Lights Parade (November 17, 1989). The accordionists and bass drum player led, followed by a Jeep pulling a float with the Swan Boat. The temperature was cold and it began drizzling. Our fingers grew cold and stiff and we could barely move our fingers on the keys, but we plodded on to the end of the parade route.

The City of God Accordion Ensemble—back row: Purity Swami, Dhirodatta, Thakur, Kripamaya, Hrishikesh, Dhruva; first row: Jamini, Dutiful Rama, Sanat Kumar, Vishvareta, True Peace (c. 1989).

The City of God Accordion Quintet in Prabhupada’s Palace: Bhavisya, Dutiful Rama, Thakur, Hrishikesh and Dhruva (c. 1990).

Spontaneous kirtan in front of the RVC temple (c. late 1980s). From left to right: Krishna Truthful, Mahati dasi, Adi Purusha Swami (with danda), Devananda Pandit (playing guitar), Dhananjaya, Vishnumurti, Dhruva (playing recorder), Murti Swami (with danda), Hrishikesh (playing accordion), Steve (black caretaker for Hayagriva), probably Chandramauli Swami (with danda), Buddhi Yoga, Bhaktisiddanta, unknown Indian householder man, Dhirodatta (playing guitar), unknown devotee, True Peace, Madhava Ghosh.

Hrishikesh, Krishna Katha (Carl Carlson) and Bhaktipada observe Bhaktipada’s college organ professor, Dr. James A. Bloy demonstrate the Walter Holtkemp organ at Maryville College, Maryville, Tennessee (May 27, 1987).

Radha Vrindaban Chandra Swami practices on the Allen electronic organ, Bhaktipada’s house (Spring 1988).

The Möller organ console, various pipes, windchests and blowers lie helter-skelter in the RVC temple room (c. November 1990).

Organ builder Joseph Humpe and his assistant assemble the Möller organ in the RVC temple room (c. November 1990).

Hrishikesh at the Allen organ console with reflection of the two keyboard manuals in his eyeglasses (1990). Photo by Kumar (Craig Thompson).

Music was a very important part of Bhaktipada’s vision for preaching Krishna consciousness and Hrishikesh became an important part of his mission. On page 115 of How To Love God, Bhaktipada writes, “Krishna clearly says in the Gita that one with a vision for preaching is most dear to him, and I think that the vision he has given me in regard to preaching with music is best understood by Hrishikesh. So please, just follow his direction and be united in love for one another, because that is what pleases Krishna and Guru.” Image: cover of Bhaktipada’s book: How To Love God, hardcover (1992).

Hrishikesh with cantor and harpist Bhavisya, and accordionist and timpanist Dutiful Rama at the console of the Allen electronic organ. Photo from New Vrindaban World, Vol. 1, No. 1 (February 1990).

Cellist Susan Kemper performed several times for Music at the Palace.

World-famous cellist Cecylia Barczyk performs at New Vrindaban (June 9, 1991).

Flutist Tessa Brinckman, harpsichordist Henry Doktorski, and cellist Susan Kemper perform at Music at the Palace (October 13, 1991).

Flutist Tessa Brinckman, cellist Susan Kemper, and accordionist Henry Doktorski perform at Music at the Palace (October 13, 1991).

Hrishikesh, Dutiful Rama and Dhruva at the Palace (April 16, 1991).

The City of God Temple Orchestra (c. 1990).

Cantors Adi Purusha Swami and Chaitanya devi dasi lead the singing, accompanied by the City of God Temple Orchestra (c. 1990).

The brass section of the City of God Temple Orchestra: Gaura Shakti plays baritone horn, and Visvatomukha and Sudhana play trumpets. Also: Santa Kumar and Bhavisya play accordions, Hari Kirtan plays orchestra bells (c. 1990).

Bhavisya devi dasi plays harp and Dhirodatta plays double bass (c. 1990).

Dhruva plays accordion (c. 1990).

Bhakti Joy plays accordion (c. 1990).

Sita Love plays cello (c. 1990).

Radha Vrindaban Chandra Swami plays harpsichord (c. 1991).

Brihan Naradiya Purana plays harp (c. 1990).

Hera Panchami plays double bass and Dutiful Rama plays accordion (c. 1990).

Hari Kirtan plays chimes (c. 1990).

Gita Govinda plays orchestra bells (c. 1990).

As a rule, traditional Bengali-style kirtan was never prohibited, and was in fact prominently featured during Vaishnava festivals such as Janmastami when hundreds of Indian Hindu visitors packed the temple. Here Hrishikesh leads kirtan from the harmonium while Rupanuga plays mrdanga at the RVC temple (c. 1988). Umapati Swami (with danda) sits on the floor at the far right.

The Prince of Evil (played by Krishna Truthful) attacks our hero Devotee (played by Rupa Vilas) in the musical by Hrishikesh titled Devotee’s Journey to the City of God (October 6, 1990).

After enduring all hardships and remaining true to the straight and narrow path, Devotee finally reaches the City of God while the City of God residents—Sikhi Mahiti devi dasi, Chaitanya devi dasi and Ariel—joyfully welcome him (October 6, 1990).

Curtain calls—Sikhi Mahiti devi dasi, Chaitanya devi dasi, Rupa Vilasa, Ariel, Bhavisya devi dasi and Brihan Naradiya Purana devi dasi (October 6, 1990).

Rupa Vilas plays Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in the second musical by Hrishikesh titled The Journey to America (November 14 1990).

Hayagriva proofreading in his office (undated). Hayagriva wrote several excellent poetic English translations of Sanskrit and Bengali prayers. He also wrote or Krishna-ized several original hymns, such as Holy Father, Holy Mother and Hare Krishna über alles.

Hayagriva began wasting away from bone cancer, I think early in 1989. At this time he lived in the temple room at Bhaktipada’s house, as I recall. Whenever I came up to Bhaktipada’s house to see my spiritual master, a few times a week, I used to visit with Hayagriva as he lay on a hospital bed. In this photo, we see Hayagriva in wheelchair, Steve (his caretaker), Bhaktipada and myself. (c. May 1989)

Hayagriva passed away on August 31, 1989, two days before his 50^th birthday. His body was bathed, dressed in a robe, positioned in a lotus position, adorned with tilak, and garlanded with flower garlands, as befitting a “saintly sannyasi” and lover/dear friend of Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada.

Bhaktipada processes as Hayagriva’s body is carried from the RVC temple to his burial site near the aviary.

Hayagriva’s 19-year-old eldest son offers flowers to his father’s body at his funeral.

Umapati wrote several excellent poetic English translations of Sanskrit hymns. Here he and Kuladri take Bhaktipada to the RVC temple room soon after he was attacked by a deranged devotee in October 1985 (photo c. November 1985).

Cover of the “Cathedral of Understanding Hymnal.”

New Vrindaban residents chant and dance enthusiastically during the noon service to the accompaniment of organ and timpani.

Premarnava (on electric guitar) and Bhavisya (at the microphone) lead the Gospel Band, performing Krishna-ized gospel music at New Vrindaban festivals.

Herapanchami plays electric bass with the Gospel Band.

Chakravarti Swami enjoyed singing and playing the electronic keyboard. Here he leads a kirtan on the driveway at Bhaktipada’s new house. Chakravarti Swami is describe as a “saintly man” who leads “heavenly” kirtans in the Epilogue of Bhaktipada’s 1988 book Devotee’s Journey to the City of God.

Guitarist/singer/song-writer Peaceful Swami (formerly Devananda Pandit from Toronto) often performed at festivals.

Guitarist/singer/song-writer Kripa Maya also performed at festivals. Years later he got a music degree from West Liberty State College and wrote, directed and produced a musical based on the Ramayana, which was performed in Wheeling.

New Vrindaban’s rock band “Life Force” performs on an outdoor stage at a summer festival while a four-armed Vishnu deity watches from behind. Band founder, Chakravarti Swami (with beard), stands at right (November 2, 1992).

Dutiful Rama plays electric guitar in New Vrindaban’s rock band (November 2, 1992).

Bhaktipada said he wanted to root out all sources of passion and ignorance in New Vrindaban and replace them with goodness. He asked devotees to give up driving their cars in the community and ride bicycles or horses instead. He purchased a horse-drawn buggy which he used for a time (until he got in a bad accident) to ride around the community. Here he gives his horse a tasty treat (undated).

Bhaktipada first wore a Franciscan-style monk’s robe during his 50^th birthday celebration on September 7, 1987. Soon many New Vrindaban residents began wearing the robes, such as Dhirodatta dasa (David Soliday) and his ashram of five gurukula boys.

New Vrindaban’s first female sannyasi, Ishvara Swami (Ilavati devi dasi/Evelyne Sheffey), accepts her danda, while Gudakesh looks on (November 16, 1987).

Ishvara Swami and Ananta Swami (Adhara devi dasi/Elba Noriega) in a solemn mood (November 16, 1987).

Ishvara Swami and Ananta Swami (November 16, 1987). During the next six years, Bhaktipada initiated about a dozen women into the renounced order.

Malati Swami (Melanie Nagel) also accepted sannyasa from Bhaktipada (c. 1992). Later, after she renounced her sannyasa title, she became a GBC representative for New Vrindaban.

Artist’s painting of the proposed Great Temple of Understanding at New Vrindaban in South-Indian Dravidian style (c. 1985).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed Cathedral of Healing in mixed style (partly South-Indian, partly modernistic) with glass spire and glass base: temple, hospital and health spa—all under one roof (1988).

The temple design evolves further and incorporates organic and Native-American design elements: Artist’s rendition of the proposed Cathedral of the Holy Name (c. 1989).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed Cathedral of the Holy Name (c. 1990).

Painting of Bhaktipada and the proposed Cathedral of the Holy Name (c. 1990). I think the artist was Good Hope (Gennedy), a Bhaktipada disciple from the U.S.S.R.

Plan for the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Artist’s rendition of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (c. 1988).

Model of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (April 25, 1988).

Model of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (April 25, 1988).

Model of the proposed City of God at New Vrindaban (April 25, 1988).

Bhaktipada preaches in the temple.

Bhaktipada relaxes and gives darshan to his disciples and followers in the temple room at his house following the evening service.

Paramahansa Krishna Swami served as the primary organizer of interfaith events at New Vrindaban and also as a spokesman for the community during the interfaith City of God era.

Two important men at New Vrindaban: Paramahansa Krishna Swami and temple president/sankirtan leader Devamrita Swami sit on the wrought-iron railing in front of the RVC temple and discuss important matters.

Rabbi Gelberman speaks to New Vrindaban residents (including Radhanath Swami and Ananta Swami) and visitors on the lawn near the New Vrindaban temple (undated).

Bhaktipada with Rabbi Gelberman and Sheik Din at a New Vrindaban interfaith conference (undated).

Brother Daniel Wright visits from the Padanaram Community in Indiana, while New Vrindaban publicity spokesman Gadadhar (Joel Chalson) observes. Brother Daniel is holding in his hands Bhaktipada’s book The Illustrated Ramayana, apparently a gift from Bhaktipada.

Grandmother Pa’Ris’Ha visits from her rural retreat “Friendship Village” near Summerfield, Ohio.

Elizabeth Clare Prophet, the founder of Church Universal and Triumphant at the Royal Teton Ranch outside of Yellowstone National Park, near Gardiner, Montana, also spoke at New Vrindaban. Bhaktipada and I especially liked her theory about styles of music and their relative effects on people according to the modes of nature.

Imama Al-Hajj Talib ’Abdur-Rashid, the founding Amir of the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood, Inc. visits New Vrindaban.

Lakota Chief Charles Chipps, with Dog Man and Fantuzzi at New Vrindaban.

Justin Wing and Laura Morningstar assemble the frame for a sacred Rock Lodge, while Murti Swami sits with two children (May 1991).

Native American teepee at New Vrindaban (May 1991).

City of God Interfaith members Aravinda and Ariel Fawley.

City of God Interfaith member and Unitarian Universalist Minister Rev. George David Exoo (February 1991).

City of God Interfaith member Sister Piety (Mary Lou Sherwood) (center) with Krishna devotees Mahati dasi (Murti Swami’s former wife) and Bhakti Joy at Bhaktipada’s appearance day celebration at Silent Mountain (September 5, 1994).

While Bhaktipada eagerly opens his birthday presents, his Indian disciple Pradyumna dresses as Lord Krishna and massages Bhaktipada’s feet during his 53^rd birthday celebration (September 3, 1990).

Hrishikesh’s official “New Vrindaban League of Devotees Interfaith Cities of God International” certificate in which he vows to follow The Rule of the Order of the Holy Name and is therefore duly authorized as a Member of the New Vrindaban City of God; signed by President Devamrita Swami and Acharya Kirtanananda Swami Bhaktipada (Gaura Purnima—March 21, 1989).

The dedication of the giant statue of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, with Bhaktipada front and center, surrounded by his disciples and followers, on the 13^th anniversary of Prabhupada’s disappearance (November 14, 1990).

Each evening during the summer of 1990, after work was finished on the giant statue of Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada behind the Palace, Bhaktipada passed out cookies to the workers. Here Hrishikesh accepts a cookie from Bhaktipada. His two-year-old daughter already has a cookie in her hand. It appears Murti Swami is munching on a cookie, and Gudakesh patiently waits his turn (September, 1990). In the background is Hrishikesh’s pickup truck, and the wall and chatra of Prabhupada’s Palace.

Hrishikesh and Shyama dasi were married on June 4, 1986. I believe Bhaktipada arranged this marriage in part because he wanted to unite the east and the west by getting his American and Indian disciples married to each other. Pradyumna from India and Lilavati from the United States were also married about the same time and serve as another example of an international interracial arranged marriage.