Srimati Radharani's cakes

I had once before visited Bhaktivedanta Manor outside of London around 30 years ago, when I had just gotten married. We had come for Janmastami and Srila Prabhupada's appearance festival which was indeed memorable, with many disciples of Srila Prabhupada remembering and glorifying their spiritual master. Many visiting devotees attended, and since we did not have a room booked, we had no choice but to sleep in the hay barn...

Now I was visiting the Manor for the first time as a preacher. I arrived one day before Radhastami, which gave me a wonderful opportunity to tune into the mood, orientate myself and connect with the devotees. The Radhastami festival was very nice - with enlivening katha, a recitation of a poem glorifying Radharani, wonderful kirtans and an abhishek, with all second initiated devotees being invited to bathe Their Lordships.
Especially amazing were Radharani's cakes: the entire altar was decorated with the most beautiful works of art in the shape of cakes. The actual cake itself was always the same: a rather simple fruit cake. But the outside decoration was a most beautiful creation of artistic devotion - too beautiful to eat! And of course, the little ornamental figurines of Krishna and the gopis were not eatable....! There were cakes with pictures on it - Varsana, a painting of Radharani, her lotus feet, her slippers, etc. And some cakes even had little pastime scenes on them - something I had never seen before. How much time and energy, love and devotion had gone into creating these wonderful pieces of art! Radharani must have been charmed and conquered....!
If we get Radharani's attention and recommendation, then Krishna will surely accept us.....!

Over the following week I was busy with a variety of programs and classes: a couple of SB classes, an outreach program for newcomers living in the surrounding towns, a house program on raising children, and a "women's empowerment" program for young ladies of the Pandava Sena group. The main seminar was on Sunday - a 6-hour presenation on "Being in Harmony With the Other Gender." It created a good introduction to my book, which was eagerly accepted. Even the brahmacaris showed interest in the topic and took some books for their ashram to study in brahmacari- and bhakta classes. If such kind of training and education is given to our bhaktas and brahmacaris - the different natures of men and women, and the roles they are meant to play according to Krishna's system, then there is indeed hope for Lord Caitanya's Sankirtan Movement....!

I had recently read Syamasundar Prabhu's book "Chasing Rhinos with the Swami" - a wonderful warm-up to my visit to London! Prabhupada had been so keen to establish a temple in London, and it was a great victory for him when his early disciples were finally successful in establishing the Bury Place temple, after a long struggle. These recollections strikingly establish once again, how Krishna ultimately makes the perfect arrangements at the right time, reciprocating with the sincere endeavors of His surrendered devotees.

I experienced the Manor to be a very special project within ISKCON. I could perceive a sense of historic greatness and importance still lingering in the atmosphere. George Harrison had donated the property to ISKCON, and Syamasundar Prabhu's book gives insights into his own personal friendship with this so world famous Beatles star. In 2013 the devotees had opened a very beautifully created Memorial Garden for George Harrison behind the temple. It has exotic trees and shrubs, big rocks and stones, with a water fountain and rustic sitting places - very naturally and uniquely arranged. Just like George Harrison would have liked it! Along the walk ways are short quotes from his songs, which are connected to Krishna. The park has a unique atmosphere - a wonderful sanctuary for contemplation and meditation......​

Everything around the Manor is well maintained. And Srila Prabhupada's rooms upstairs help us to feel his strong presence. Nearby is a Goshala and farm where devotees grow vegetables. The morning programs with Mangal Artik are well attended, and very often Gurus and preachers are passing through and give classes. Thus the mood is dynamic and lively - the best rural community I have ever visited.

I also had the opportunity to visit the temple in Soho Street in downtown London. It is a buzzing place with many little rooms and corridors - almost like a maze. And as always, I met a few well known faces! One morning I offered the SB class here, and on Saturday I conducted the same seminar "Being in Harmony With the Other Gender", facilitated through their College of Vedic Studies. I had a very mixed group of eager devotees attending, and the presence of senior devotees and disciples of Srila Prabhupada stimulated lively discussions. It was truly a great pleasure and honor for me to spend my time in their association!

It was a very enlivening visit to London - my message was well received, and relationships were established. I am indeed looking forward to visit here again soon.....!

On the 25th of September I flew off to Kishiniev/Moldova........

Your servant, Devaki dd