R
adha Rani Rath Yatra
(Radha Rani’s Chariot
Procession) is a unique
event that is the highlight of all
the events held at the
exceptionally beautiful Radha
Madhav Dham located in Austin,
Texas. Every year the Procession
draws larger and larger crowds,
and it is indeed a sight to
behold. A magnificent chariot
drawn by devotees; Radha Rani
sitting majestically on the chariot
served by gopis on either side;
followed by devotees chanting
enthusiastically, give an
authentic experience of divine
pastimes 5,000 years ago. This
event draws devotees from all
over the world such as Ireland,
New Zealand and Australia and
of course India.
The much anticipated
procession started last Sunday at
8:30 a.m. in front of the temple
building with Aarti performed
by devotees. Lord Krishna
welcomed Radha Rani with song
and joyfully danced for Her
Highness as devotees showered
flower petals on the
Divine Couple from
above. All devotees
were dressed in their
finest; women in
colorful saris and men
wearing fancy kurtas
and sherwanis. Every
devotee was trying to
please Radha Rani not
only through devotion
but also with attire,
hair ornaments and
Shringar. Everyone
wanted to look their
best for Radha and
Krishna and danced
their hearts out taking their
beloved Goddess through the
scenic property. There were
many devotees like Agna who
flies all the way from Ireland has
been attending this event since
the last 10 years and said she
saves her vacation to be a part of
this event every year.
Govindanand ji who is flying all
the way from Australia to be a
part of this for the first time
shows the growing popularity of
this amazing event.
Radha Madhav Dham which
was recently mentioned as one
of the top ten places of worship
in United States of America by
an independent agency, is
reminiscent of many leela
pastimes in the sacred land of
Braj, and Radha Rani’s chariot
made stops at Shyam Kuti and
Govardhan(These Leela sthalis
have been created in Ashram as
a replica of Vrindavan), while
passing by Kali Dah and Prem
Sarovar. A beautiful leela was
enacted at Shyam Kuti. Radha
and Krishna sat on the jhoola
(swing) in the pleasure groves
while devotees took turns giving
the swing a gentle push. The
garments and ornaments worn
by the Divine Couple were
authentic representation of
Radha and Krishna. Everyone
present little devotees playing
the part of selfless gopis
enhanced everyone’s devotion
and took it to a higher level.
Radha Madhav Dham which
is the biggest Hindu Temple in
North America spread over 220
acres, has been graced with the
divine presence of Jagadguru
Shri Kripalu Ji Maharaj in 2005
and 2007. The holy vibrations of
the fifth original Jagadguru in
Kaliyug who was the
personification of devotional
nectar, have infused divine
sweetness into each and every
particle of the Dham. The divine
beauty of the Temple and
Ashram should be experienced
by everyone. It is the next best
thing to being in the land of Braj.
Radha Madhav Dham is
world famous for celebrating all
major Hindu festivals in a grand
way and is famous for attracting
crowds as large as 8000 people
on Diwali and Holi.
For more information about this
beautiful Ashram visit our website
or
to book an overnight stay please
call 5122887180
O
n July 2, 2015, a group of
youth and teens from
Radha Madhav Dham
headed over to the Capitol
Building grounds in Austin, Texas.
A little nervous, anxious, but very
excited, approximately 50 youth,
ranging in age from 7 to 20 years,
headed out in anticipation of the
community outreach event they
had spent four days planning at
the 3rd Annual Summer Youth
Camp being conducted by Radha
Madhav Dham Temple. Little did
they know they were about to
experience something
unforgettable and life changing.
This outreach event was
organized by the Camp teachers, in
collaboration with Interfaith Action
Central Texas (IACT), a nonprofit
institution that helps assimilate
Refugee families and children from
wartorn countries, such as Iraq,
Burma, Afghanistan, Nepal, Congo
and Sudan. IACT brings in
volunteer teachers who teach
English and vocational trades.
In the days leading up to the
event, the Camp kids worked with
great enthusiasm to make sure
they could provide the best
experience possible to the Refugee
children... One of the leaders of the
project, Sudama Francis, said, “As
one of the few leaders for the RMD
Refugee Program, I was able to see
how the children progressed from
day one. I can definitely say all our
volunteer kids worked extremely
hard to make this event possible –
raising funds, baking cookies,
buying supplies, backpacks, water
bottles, scarves to give away;
planning and detailing the actual
event, packing gifts and so on.
They learned organization, team
building, and several other
leadership skills. However, It was
unimaginable, even to us leaders,
that they were able to raise $2000
towards this event in merely three
days, given their packed schedule
of classes and activities.”
“The tension, anxiety and stress
disappeared once I saw those
bright smiles from the Refugee
children. I was able to hear some of
their stories. My face reminded a
fouryearold girl from Iran of her
older brother. She embraced me
and gave me the sweetest smile,”
said a youth participant.
“Despite all the hardship, I was
surprised that these kids were so
outgoing, friendly and happy. I
have never met kids who have
gone through so many struggles.
They touched my heart deeply.
After the event I couldnʹt control
my emotions and started to cry,”
said Marissa, a teenager.
The kids started by playing
soccer, volleyball and parachute.
They made up games as they
mingled; sometimes dancing
together, other times just chasing
one another. After the initial burst
of activity, they started entertaining
the kids with facepainting, henna
and glitter tattoos. Then they
shared snacks and distributed the
gifts they had brought for the
Refugee kids. By the end of the
day, they were all friends, not
wanting to leave or say goodbyes.
This event was lifechanging
and emotional for both sides. The
Refugee children received a lot of
love and support for their new
lives in America. And the Camp
kids gained new, impacting
experiences and leadership
qualities, which will inspire them
to do more outreach projects in the
future. “This event did not just
make a huge impact on the
Refugee children, it was also life
changing for us RMD kids,” said
11yearold Karun Puri. “I felt good
about myself because I knew I had
made a difference in the children’s
lives, and feel lucky to have been a
part of it.”
The Radha Madhav Camp this
summer was successful on many
fronts, including record attendance
and participation. In addition to
the Refugee Community outreach
project, a Blood Donation Camp at
the Temple was organized for the
first ever time, in collaboration
with the American Red Cross. This
also was organized by another
Austin youth who, through her
organization, was able to exceed
her personal goal by enlisting 77
people to donate blood to help
save lives.
This generation of youth is truly
amazing. In addition to having
caring hearts, they are savvy and
capable. All they need is someone
to nurture, coach and guide them,
so they can channel their energies
in a positive and effective direction.
And that is what the Youth Camp
at RMD is all about.
To share your comments, write to
us at
News India Times July 17, 2015
25
Radha Madhav Dham Youth Reach Out and Connect with Refugee Kids Living in Austin
Hundreds of Devotees flock around the world to be a part of Radha Rani Rath Yatra
at Radha Madhav Dham in Austin Texas
