This newsletter can be viewed at http://www.iskcon.org.au/newsletter_2004_10_30.htm

Events during Kartika masa

The Kartika masa is celebrated from the 28th of October to the 26th of November. Starting with the Full moon devotees observe fasting from urad dhal (as this is also the fourth month of Caturmasya) and perform activities to increase their awareness of Lord Krishna. It is a joyful time with many wonderful festivals and the daily offering of lamps to Lord Damodara.

The month of Damodars is celebrated when Mother Yashoda tied up Lord Krishna with the ropes of her love, and the Lord agreed to be tied up by the affection of His devotee, even though He is supremely independant.

This beautiful pastime is celebrated in this special month by the devotees offering lamps to the Lord in His form as Sri Damodara.

Every evening at 7.20 pm and each Saturday evening the ceremony will be held and all are welcome to come to the temple and participate.There is also a narration in the Srima Bhagavatam in which the deliverance of the twin Yamal Arjuna trees who were liberated by Lord Damodara is described (please http://vedabase.net/sb/10/10/en)



Dipavali and Govardhana Puja

Celebrations will begin at 5.30pm with bhajans followed by a talk on the pastimes of Lord Damodara and the importance of the observance of Govardhana Puja. There will then be a worship of the Govardhana Hill in which everyone will be invited to participate in the circumambulation of the mountain. This will be followed by the distribution of prasadam. If you would like to be a sponsor for this event please contact Saki Ray Prabhu (shreeji@in.com.au) on tel 07 3278 6730 to book your place.

Ekadasi

Tuesday the 9th of November is Rama Ekadasi. Devotees observe the day to increase their devotion to Lord Krishna by fasting from all grains and beans and increasing their spiritual activities.

Srila Prabhupada's Dissapearance Day celebrations

Srila Prabhupada the pre-emminent emmissary of Krishna consciousness and his dissapearance will be observed with bhajanas and readings starting at 6.30pm and a special aratik ceremony at 7.20pm.

Ekadasi and the Dissapearance day of Srila Gaura Kishora das Babaji

On the 22nd of November devotees observe the dissapearance of this great vaishnava acharya with a half-day fast. Srila Gaura Kishora das Babaji is the celebrated spiritual master of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur. They also observe Ekadasi by fasting from grains and beans.

Gita Jayanati - December 22, 2004

This special day is the very day that the Bhagavad Gita was spoken by Lord Krishna 5,000 years ago at Kurukshetra. We will be celebrating the speaking of the Gita by distributing as many copies of this holiest of books as possible.

You can join in this festival by sponsoring copies of the Bhagavad Gita, and you can either distribute them to your workmates or family on this day, or the devotees can distribute the books on your behalf.

For details please contact Tirtharaj das (tirtharaj@iskcon.org.au) or Dhruva Das (dhruva_dasa@hotmail.com) More information will also be available in the next newsletter.

Seva for Lord Krishna - Saturday's is Seva Day!!

If you would like to do some seva on Saturdays please contact:

Rama Priya Prabhu on rampriyadas@iprimus.com.au

or Raja Vidya Prabhu on rajeshjaveri@hotmail.com

How to find us

The Hare Krishna Temple is at 95 Bank Road , Graceville.

Telephone (07) 3379 5455.

By train Take the Ipswich line to Graceville Station (west side). Bank Road is opposite the station by the shops. Follow the road to the end, bearing left. Continue to the end of the road to the Temple.