Welcoming the New Year at Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha

HOUSTON: Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha welcomed the New Year with beautiful devotional bhajans, kirtan, aarati, Tulasi puja and prasadam. Over three hundred attended in the specially decorated 8,000 square foot temple hall. There was much to be grateful for and much to celebrate. Last year was wonderful and the coming year promises to be another good one for the temple and its devotees.

There were several melodious voices accompanied by harmonium, mridanga, flute and khartals. The melodies and words of the bhajans carried everyone’s hearts to the spiritual realm and reminded us of the true reality often obscured behind the maya (illusion) of daily life.

Most of the bhajans were sung by the high school devotee students from Bhakti Gurukula (Sunday School). Everyone was enthralled seeing so many young devotees who sing so well and lead all in wonderful worship of the Deities. Two young devotees dedicated a dance to Lord Krishna in keeping with the festive New Year’s Spirit.

An inspiring lecture was delivered by Subal Sakha Prabhu, in which he reminded everyone that this life is temporary and that real happiness lies in devotional service. He encouraged everyone to make the New Year resolution to dedicate themselves to the service of the Lord and His teachings. He explained that the temple is planning to significantly expand its spiritual educational and cultural activities for children and that everyone can help expand various services that the temple offers.

The evening’s worship was followed by  a sumptuous South Indian feast prepared by the South Indian devotees and congregation members of the temple.

The presiding Deities at the Temple are: Sri Radha Govindaji; Sri Gaura Nitai and Sri Sita Rama Laksmana Hanuman. There are six regular aaratis and darshans every day. Visitors are warmly welcome anytime and are especially encouraged to attend our Sunday services. You will find traditional Vedic teachings, worship and values in an American setting.

Sri Govindaji Gaudiya Matha temple is located at 16628 Kieth Harrow Blvd, Houston, TX 77084. It is very convenient for the following areas: Katy, Cy-Fair, Sugar Land, the Energy Corridor, Memorial and Tomball. Every Sunday bhajans and kirtan start 5 PM; Vedic lecture (English) at 5:45; aarati at 6:45 followed by delicious healthy prasadam. Gurukula for children in grades K-12 is at 5:45 PM. Hindi classes (levels 1 and 2) are at 5 PM.

For more information, visit  www.sggm.org  or call  (832) 464-4686.