Barsana Dham
Encyclopedia
Radha Madhav Dham, founded in 1990 under the name Barsana Dham by H.D. Swami Prakashanand Saraswati
, is a large temple
and ashram
complex outside of Austin, Texas
. Radha Madhav Dham is a place of pilgrimage reminiscent of similar locales in India. In April 2011, JKP Barsana Dham's new name was JKP Radha Madhav Dham. Radha Madhav Dham is the main US center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. The ashram is led by a board of managing members, headed by board president Mr. Raj Goel. An ashram press release dated 4/28/2011 announced the name change.
According to articles in the International Journal of Humanities and Peace and Associated Press
, Radha Madhav Dham was one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States in 2000 and 1995 respectively. According to Harvard Plurism Project, the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham remains to be one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States. It is the oldest Hindu Temple in Texas
.
Radha Madhav Dham is a nonprofit, religious, educational, and charitable organization that follows the path of raganuga bhakti.
in India where Radha
and Krishna
are believed by Hindus to have appeared, around 5,000 years ago. Areas of Radha Madhav Dham have been developed to be the places for meditation. Places of Braj like Govardhan
, Radha Kund, Prem Sarovar, Shyam Kuti, etc. are represented in Radha Madhav Dham where a natural stream named Kalindi represents the Yamuna river of Vrindaban.
According to Rinehart (2006) and Lee & Nadeau (2011)Lee, H.X. & Nadeau, K.M. 2011. Encyclopedia of Asian American folklore and folklife. ABC-CLIO
, Radha Madhav Dham is an example of how builders of Hindu Temples in the US have replicated the sacred Geography of India, providing a familiar space and experience for Hindus from India, and fostering an identification with their adopted homeland.
In April of 2011, following the "disappearance of its founder and leading guru" Swami Prakashanand Saraswati after his conviction on 20 charges of sexual indecency with a child at Barsana Dham, the organization changed its name. According to the Austin-American Statesman, "Barsana Dham has moved aggressively on the Internet to wipe out all traces of its connection to the guru. The name of the ashram has been changed to JKP Radha Madhav Dham. On its new website, pictures or mentions of Prakashanand are nowhere to be found."
The main prayer hall of the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple is decorated with the pictorial representations of teachings from ancient Hindu scriptures, which are captioned in both Sanskrit and English. The philosophy of the Hindu scriptures are described in a continuous panel on the sides of the hall. A realistic depiction of the sky is portrayed on the ceiling.
The temple architecture is a blend of north and south Indian, and modern styles of architecture. It was designed by two architects from India. The 90 feet (27.4 m) high temple dome is made of white and blue granite and gold. The tower is in the traditional shape, but it's built out of granite, whereas most in India are sandstone. The artwork of the temple's shrine was hand-crafted by 15 artisans from South India. The artisans carved the pillars and ceilings with images of peacocks and floral patterns. There are 84 columns and five levels in the building with covered area of 35000 sq ft (3,251.6 m²). The temple was built using special construction techniques and processes that would allow it to last for more than a thousand years. A peach orchard, gardens of roses, jasmine and marigolds and wandering peacocks decorate the temple grounds.
Festivals and celebrations at the temple attract up to 8000 people. The temple and ashram complex is a center for traditional Indian cultural activities and weddings. Weekly services are held every Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a community lunch. Approximately 1000 families attend Radha Madhav Dham. 96% of these are Indian, the remaining 4% being Westerners and people of Caribbean descent.
festival at the temple, Oct 27th 2001 was named 'Radha Rani Rath Yatra Day' by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
. The 2011 Rath Yatra celebration was attended by "Bhajan Samrat" Anup Jalota
. Various other Mayors of Austin and Governor of Texas have visited or offered commendations to Barsana Dham. More than 50,000 visitors from both Indian and Western communities participate in the lessons, religious programs and celebrations there. The celebrations are:
*Maha Shivratri
Radha Madhav Dham also organizes free family camps and "Basics of Hinduism" courses in Hindu temples in Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C. and New York.
Each fall, the Texas Yoga Retreat, organized by Donna Belk, Charles MacInerney and Ellen Smith is held at the ashram. This retreat provides an opportunity to experience ashram living along with 250-plus other yoga enthusiasts. There is also a new year retreat organized by Radha Madhav Dham. This weekend long stay involves relaxation and meditation. Families are welcome to the yoga classes and meditation sessions, and a 24-hour continuous chant known as Akhand Sankirtan takes place from noon on New Year's Eve to noon the following day.
Radha Madhav Dham opened its doors to Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and executed a fundraising drive in its wake. In September 2008, Radha Madhav Dham launched a fundraising drive for victims of the flooding in Bihar
. The immediate goal of the drive was to raise $150,000 for relief efforts. In the same month, hundreds of evacuees of Hurricane Ike were given food and shelter at Radha Madhav Dham. Radha Madhav Dham is also active in a number of local and global charitable activities including housing rehabilitation work in Central Texas, flood relief efforts for India, and the ongoing support of hospital operations oversees. The temple hosted 300-400 evacuees from Hurricane Rita
in 2005. Radha Madhav Dham has organized charitable walks in Dallas to raise funds for its $2.3 million Kripalu Charitable Hospital in the town of Barsana
, India which was inaugurated in 2008. Besides the hospital in Barsana, JKP Radha Madhav Dham's center in India also opened the 'Kripalu Charitable Hospital' in Mangarh in 2003. That facility provides free diagnostic exams, treatment, surgical procedures, hospitalization, emergency services and medication to hundreds of patients daily. National eye camps and mother/child welfare programs also have been established throughout India, providing free eye exams, cataract surgery and polio vaccines to those in need.
Radha Madhav Dham participates in inter-religious services such as Austin Area Interreligious ministries, Hindu-Jewish Solidarity Day and PBS's
Many Voices project. The organization was selected to represent Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions
in 1993.
Prakashanand Saraswati
Swami Prakashanand Saraswati , was a spiritual leader, a social reformer, a Vedic historian and a Hindu Rasik saint from India. He established Barsana Dham, USA, as a devotional representation of Braj, India, with the intention that devotees in the west may experience a similar atmosphere as if in...
, is a large temple
Temple
A temple is a structure reserved for religious or spiritual activities, such as prayer and sacrifice, or analogous rites. A templum constituted a sacred precinct as defined by a priest, or augur. It has the same root as the word "template," a plan in preparation of the building that was marked out...
and ashram
Ashram
Traditionally, an ashram is a spiritual hermitage. Additionally, today the term ashram often denotes a locus of Indian cultural activity such as yoga, music study or religious instruction, the moral equivalent of a studio or dojo....
complex outside of Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas
Austin is the capital city of the U.S. state of :Texas and the seat of Travis County. Located in Central Texas on the eastern edge of the American Southwest, it is the fourth-largest city in Texas and the 14th most populous city in the United States. It was the third-fastest-growing large city in...
. Radha Madhav Dham is a place of pilgrimage reminiscent of similar locales in India. In April 2011, JKP Barsana Dham's new name was JKP Radha Madhav Dham. Radha Madhav Dham is the main US center of Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat. The ashram is led by a board of managing members, headed by board president Mr. Raj Goel. An ashram press release dated 4/28/2011 announced the name change.
According to articles in the International Journal of Humanities and Peace and Associated Press
Associated Press
The Associated Press is an American news agency. The AP is a cooperative owned by its contributing newspapers, radio and television stations in the United States, which both contribute stories to the AP and use material written by its staff journalists...
, Radha Madhav Dham was one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States in 2000 and 1995 respectively. According to Harvard Plurism Project, the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham remains to be one of the largest Hindu Temples in the United States. It is the oldest Hindu Temple in Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
.
Radha Madhav Dham is a nonprofit, religious, educational, and charitable organization that follows the path of raganuga bhakti.
History
Radha Madhav Dham, originally called Barsana Dham, was built to be a representation of the holy land of BrajBraj
Braj is a region mainly in Uttar Pradesh of India, around Mathura-Vrindavan. Braj, though never a clearly defined political region in India but is very well demarcated culturally, is considered to be the land of Krishna and is derived from the Sanskrit word vraja...
in India where Radha
Radha
Radha , also called Radhika, Radharani and Radhikarani, is the childhood friend and lover of Krishna in the Bhagavata Purana, and the Gita Govinda of the Vaisnava traditions of Hinduism...
and Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
are believed by Hindus to have appeared, around 5,000 years ago. Areas of Radha Madhav Dham have been developed to be the places for meditation. Places of Braj like Govardhan
Govardhan
Govardhan is a town and a nagar panchayat in Mathura district in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.-Geography:Govardhan is located at . It has an average elevation of 179 metres .-Demographics:...
, Radha Kund, Prem Sarovar, Shyam Kuti, etc. are represented in Radha Madhav Dham where a natural stream named Kalindi represents the Yamuna river of Vrindaban.
According to Rinehart (2006) and Lee & Nadeau (2011)Lee, H.X. & Nadeau, K.M. 2011. Encyclopedia of Asian American folklore and folklife. ABC-CLIO
ABC-CLIO
ABC-CLIO is a publisher of reference works for the study of history and social studies in academic, secondary school, and public library settings.-History:...
, Radha Madhav Dham is an example of how builders of Hindu Temples in the US have replicated the sacred Geography of India, providing a familiar space and experience for Hindus from India, and fostering an identification with their adopted homeland.
In April of 2011, following the "disappearance of its founder and leading guru" Swami Prakashanand Saraswati after his conviction on 20 charges of sexual indecency with a child at Barsana Dham, the organization changed its name. According to the Austin-American Statesman, "Barsana Dham has moved aggressively on the Internet to wipe out all traces of its connection to the guru. The name of the ashram has been changed to JKP Radha Madhav Dham. On its new website, pictures or mentions of Prakashanand are nowhere to be found."
Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple
Shree Radha Rani has many names. Raseshwari is one of Her names and comes from the Upanishads. The Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple at Radha Madhav Dham is the first Hindu temple built in Austin, Texas, and one of the largest Hindu temples in the USA. The temple encompasses about 35000 square feet (3,251.6 m²) and is topped by a 90 feet (27.4 m)-high golden dome.The main prayer hall of the Shree Raseshwari Radha Rani Temple is decorated with the pictorial representations of teachings from ancient Hindu scriptures, which are captioned in both Sanskrit and English. The philosophy of the Hindu scriptures are described in a continuous panel on the sides of the hall. A realistic depiction of the sky is portrayed on the ceiling.
The temple architecture is a blend of north and south Indian, and modern styles of architecture. It was designed by two architects from India. The 90 feet (27.4 m) high temple dome is made of white and blue granite and gold. The tower is in the traditional shape, but it's built out of granite, whereas most in India are sandstone. The artwork of the temple's shrine was hand-crafted by 15 artisans from South India. The artisans carved the pillars and ceilings with images of peacocks and floral patterns. There are 84 columns and five levels in the building with covered area of 35000 sq ft (3,251.6 m²). The temple was built using special construction techniques and processes that would allow it to last for more than a thousand years. A peach orchard, gardens of roses, jasmine and marigolds and wandering peacocks decorate the temple grounds.
Festivals and celebrations at the temple attract up to 8000 people. The temple and ashram complex is a center for traditional Indian cultural activities and weddings. Weekly services are held every Sunday morning from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. followed by a community lunch. Approximately 1000 families attend Radha Madhav Dham. 96% of these are Indian, the remaining 4% being Westerners and people of Caribbean descent.
Festivals
Radha Madhav Dham celebrates all the major Hindu festivals which attract thousands. The Temple is home to one of the biggest Janmashtami celebrations in North America. To commemorate the yearly Rath YatraRath Yatra
Ratha Yatra is a huge Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath held at Puri in the state of Orissa, India during the months of June or July. Most of the city's society is based around the worship of Jagannath with the ancient temple being the fulcrum of the area...
festival at the temple, Oct 27th 2001 was named 'Radha Rani Rath Yatra Day' by Austin Mayor Kirk Watson
Kirk Watson
Kirk Watson is a Texas attorney and Democratic politician from Austin. He served as Austin mayor from 1997 to 2001. He ran unsuccessfully for Texas Attorney General in the 2002 election, defeated by the Republican Greg Abbott...
. The 2011 Rath Yatra celebration was attended by "Bhajan Samrat" Anup Jalota
Anup Jalota
Anup Jalota is an Indian singer/musician, best known for his performances in the Indian musical form, the bhajan and the Urdu form of poetry: ghazal.He is popularly known as the Bhajan Samraat .-Early life:...
. Various other Mayors of Austin and Governor of Texas have visited or offered commendations to Barsana Dham. More than 50,000 visitors from both Indian and Western communities participate in the lessons, religious programs and celebrations there. The celebrations are:
*Maha Shivratri
- Holi
- Ram Navmi
- Mela Fair April 26, 2008
- Jhulan Leela
- Krishn Janmashtmi
- Radha Ashtmi
- Radha Rani Rath Yatra
- Sharat Poornima
- Divali
- Govardhan Puja
Retreats and Family Camps
At various times throughout the year, the temple offers special weekend family retreats, mini-intensives, and weekend seva retreats. These retreats and programs include Hindi, yoga and Indian dance classes. Radha Madhav Dham has been named one of the "best places to relax, reflect, and renew". Radha Madhav Dham also conducts tours for schools, other educational institutions and community groups. In 2007, the temple and ashram was featured in National Geographic's "The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life".Radha Madhav Dham also organizes free family camps and "Basics of Hinduism" courses in Hindu temples in Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C. and New York.
Each fall, the Texas Yoga Retreat, organized by Donna Belk, Charles MacInerney and Ellen Smith is held at the ashram. This retreat provides an opportunity to experience ashram living along with 250-plus other yoga enthusiasts. There is also a new year retreat organized by Radha Madhav Dham. This weekend long stay involves relaxation and meditation. Families are welcome to the yoga classes and meditation sessions, and a 24-hour continuous chant known as Akhand Sankirtan takes place from noon on New Year's Eve to noon the following day.
Educational and Charitable Activities
Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat, Radha Madhav Dham has published a wide selection of writings, video and audio recordings of Swami Prakashanand Saraswati.Radha Madhav Dham opened its doors to Hurricane Katrina evacuees, and executed a fundraising drive in its wake. In September 2008, Radha Madhav Dham launched a fundraising drive for victims of the flooding in Bihar
2008 Bihar flood
The 2008 Bihar flood was one of the most disastrous floods in the history of Bihar, an impoverished and densely populated state in India. A breach in the Kosi embankment near the Indo-Nepal border occurred on 18 August 2008. The river changed course and inundated areas which hadn't experienced...
. The immediate goal of the drive was to raise $150,000 for relief efforts. In the same month, hundreds of evacuees of Hurricane Ike were given food and shelter at Radha Madhav Dham. Radha Madhav Dham is also active in a number of local and global charitable activities including housing rehabilitation work in Central Texas, flood relief efforts for India, and the ongoing support of hospital operations oversees. The temple hosted 300-400 evacuees from Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita was the fourth-most intense Atlantic hurricane ever recorded and the most intense tropical cyclone ever observed in the Gulf of Mexico. Rita caused $11.3 billion in damage on the U.S. Gulf Coast in September 2005...
in 2005. Radha Madhav Dham has organized charitable walks in Dallas to raise funds for its $2.3 million Kripalu Charitable Hospital in the town of Barsana
Barsana
Barsana or Varsana is a town and a nagar panchayat in the Mathura district of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.-History:...
, India which was inaugurated in 2008. Besides the hospital in Barsana, JKP Radha Madhav Dham's center in India also opened the 'Kripalu Charitable Hospital' in Mangarh in 2003. That facility provides free diagnostic exams, treatment, surgical procedures, hospitalization, emergency services and medication to hundreds of patients daily. National eye camps and mother/child welfare programs also have been established throughout India, providing free eye exams, cataract surgery and polio vaccines to those in need.
Radha Madhav Dham participates in inter-religious services such as Austin Area Interreligious ministries, Hindu-Jewish Solidarity Day and PBS's
Public Broadcasting Service
The Public Broadcasting Service is an American non-profit public broadcasting television network with 354 member TV stations in the United States which hold collective ownership. Its headquarters is in Arlington, Virginia....
Many Voices project. The organization was selected to represent Hinduism at the Parliament of the World's Religions
Parliament of the World's Religions
There have been several meetings referred to as a Parliament of the World’s Religions, most notably the World's Parliament of Religions of 1893, the first attempt to create a global dialogue of faiths. The event was celebrated by another conference on its centenary in 1993...
in 1993.