“Radha Govinda!” That’s the greeting you might hear as you approach Templo Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Matha. This temple stands as a beacon of Krishna consciousness in São Paulo. It offers spiritual seekers a place for connection.
Templo Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Matha is part of a larger Gaudiya Mission. The mission aims to spread Krishna consciousness. It benefits sincere seekers of spiritual truth. This aligns with the teachings of Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu. The International Pure Bhakti Yoga Society supports this mission.
Let’s step back in time. The Gaudiya Missionaries established Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math in 1999. Before its formal establishment, devotees held nama-hattas. These were house programs. Devotees yearned for a dedicated preaching center. However, they lacked the means.
Around 1998, Sripad Bhakti Prakash Hrishikesh Maharaj connected with local devotees. He was a sannyas disciple of Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Maharaj. Some devotees voiced their desire for a preaching center. They wanted constant festival programs. Sripad B.P. Hrishikesh Maharaj helped secure a bungalow in Petaling Jaya. This was with the assistance of some devotees.
The rental cost RM3,000.00 per month. That was quite steep then. Maharaj was determined to establish the center. Most local devotees were not wealthy. Yet, this did not deter Maharaj. He single-handedly secured the rental money. He did this by distributing books. He embarked on book distribution marathons. He traveled from Malaysia to Singapore to print and distribute them. This covered the center’s upkeep.
Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Gosvami Maharaja, also known as Srila Gurudeva, gave instructions. Following these instructions, the preaching center was named Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math. Many wonderful programs took place there. The address was 53A, Jalan Tanjung 5/4, Petaling Jaya.
Sripad Bhakti Prakash Hrishikesh Maharaj has since passed away. We remember him gratefully for his contributions. Today, the preaching center has moved to its present location. It is still in Petaling Jaya. Sriman Parameshwari Prahu, a dear disciple of Srila Gurudeva, generously donated the center. Sriman Vijay Krsna Prabhu now manages it.
While the Templo Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Matha is now located in São Paulo. It shares a history with the original center. This connection highlights the global reach of the Gaudiya Mission.
Though this location differs, the core mission remains. It serves the objectives of Srila Gurudeva. It also serves the entire guru-parampara. This ensures the teachings continue. The Templo Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Matha is now located on Rua Hermes Fontes.
The Templo Sri Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Matha offers a space for spiritual growth. It connects people with Krishna consciousness. It is managed with dedication. It is part of a global community. The legacy of selfless service continues here.