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Type of centre: Temple
Brief details of centre
Bhaktivedanta Manor is the UK headquarters for the International
Society for Krishna Consciousness. Donated to the service of His
Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada by the late George
Harrison, Bhaktivedanta Manor has served as one of the main centres
for the Krishna consciousness movement since 1973.
Located near Aldenham, Watford, about 20 miles North-West of London,
Bhaktivedanta Manor is surrounded by beautiful greenery, farmland
and quaint English villages.
The manor has a theological college and a magnificent shrine for
the worship of Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda and Sri Sri Sita-Rama.
Laxman and Hanuman.
At Janmastami, Bhaktivedanta Manor stages the largest Hindu festival
outside of India, each year receiving about 50,000 pilgrims over
a period of two days. The event is celebrated in great pomp and
splendour. There are many exhibitions, books and paraphernalia stalls,
prasad (sanctified food), plays, and dancing. The festival is manned
and organised by volunteers.
History
In 1973, when George Harrison donated the Manor building and estate,
Hertsmere Borough Council allowed Bhaktivedanta Manor to operate
as a theological college. At that time, Srila Prabhupada established
a Vaisnava college, with a shrine accessible to the public.
After initial complaints by some local village residents about
the increase in traffic, Hertsmere Council decided to take strong
action against the public worship. In 1981 it tried to stop worshippers
and pilgrims by banning all festivals. Later, however, a compromise
was reached to limit large festivals to six days a year. the battle
to keep the temple open continued for many years. Finally in 1996,
permission was granted and the temple was allowed to stay open.
Since then Bhaktivedanta Manor has become renowned as an important
place of pilgrimage. People are attracted to the worship, the farm
and the gardens.
Deities
Sri Sri Radha-Gokulananda, installed in 1973
Sri Sri Sita-Rama, Laxman, Hanuman, installed in
1981
Facilities
College of Vedic studies: www.covs.org
Bhaktivedanta Manor's College of Vedic Studies provides a wide range
of courses (some residential) both for the absolute beginner as
well as the advanced student.
Saturday workshops include Bhagavad-gita, ayurveda, Vastu
— the art of placement, vegetarian cooking and ayurvedic Indian
head massage.
The College also holds weekend retreats where participants have
the opportunity to experience and develop the practice of bhakti-voga
and mantra meditation.
Open days
The College holds open days once a month as a way of inviting
the general public and other interested persons to have a taste
of Vedic Culture. The day includes tours of the Manor building and
grounds, workshops on mantra meditation, ayurveda and vegetarian
cooking, ox-cart rides and a vegetarian lunch.
Library
Bhaktivedanta Manor has a vast library, offering a wide range of
Vedic literature, audio tapes and video cassetes.
Lending is possible Monday–Friday 8am–9pm
Gurukula
Bhaktivedanta Manor School (founded in 1975) is an independent primary
school with a unique educational system. It is registered with the
Department of Education and Employment (DFFE) and promotes Vedic
and Vaisnava culture within the national curriculum. The Manor also
has a registered pre-school nursery.
Krishna Club
A regular Sunday school has been running at Bhakivedanta Manor
every week since 1994. It provides a balanced system of Krishna
Conscious education for 5–18 year olds in a fun and informative
way. The children learn about our philosophy in a caring and spiritual
atmosphere.
Pandava Sena
Pandava Sena is the congregational youth-group of Bhaktivedanta
Manor. With over 500 members, its activities are as varied, as is
the age range of its members: 13–30. Since starting off in
1994 with the 'Save the Manor' campaign, it has continued to increase
in numbers, going from strength to strength, with new branches setting
up all over the country (Birmingham, Leicester, and Crawley), as
well as all over the world (America, Africa, Holland and even Kazakhstan!)
Weekly programmes, or 'Jammins' are held all over the country,
where members come to discuss philosophy, sing, dance, eat and basically
have a good time!
Bhaktivedanta Players
Established in 1973 by Srila Prabhupada, the Players present spiritual
anecdotes and philosophical themes, demonstrating the relevance
of Vedic culture in changing modern and materialistic times. They
use traditional and contemporary style plays to do this. The players
have achieved national and international success.
Radharani's Bakery and Giftshop
Radharani's Bakery is located on the temple grounds, separate from
the main building. The shop offers takeaway food, with a outdoor
sitting area provided. A range of foodstuffs (including eggless
cakes), books, music, videos and other paraphernalia can be found
here.
Guest facilities
The Manor has several guestrooms, which are available for overnight
stay.
Accommodation requests: Vaikuntha Krishna Dasa +44-(0)1923-857244
Other Information:
The Bhaktivedanta Manor community enthusiastically tries to share
the chanting and the philosophy of Krishna consciousness with anyone
willing to learn. They sell books on the streets, knock at doors,
organise talks and workshops at universities, visit homes and hold
festivals around the country.
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