namahatta.org - Congregational Development Ministry

By Bhaktin Mahua, Kolkata
(Edited by namahatta.org staff)

HH Gauranga Prema Maharaja, Director of ISKCON Sri Mayapur Nama-hatta

The day after Nrsimha Caturdasi, 2 May 2007, was an important one for Nama-hatta preaching in Sri Mayapur: The foundation stone for the Nama-hatta prasadam hall was laid by HH Jayapataka Maharaja, assisted by HH Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja, Sri Brajahari Prabhu (president of ISKCON's temple in Juhu, Mumbai), Sri Sankarsana Nitai Prabhu, Sri Bhadracaru Prabhu, and many other Vaisnavas.

Up until now, Nama-hatta devotees have had to honor prasadam in temporary pandals—and there isn't even a permanent kitchen to prepare prasadam for large groups (except under the open sky). During weekends or holidays an average of 300–400 Nama-hatta devotees visit Sri Mayapur. The problem is compounded during festivals, when 1,500–2,000 or more devotees converge—and this number increases every year. It is difficult to arrange a place to take prasadam for them, since the other prasadam halls are also used to capacity during such times. Hence the urgent need for permanent prasadam-and-kitchen facilities for Sri Mayapur's Nama-hatta.

HH Bhakti Purusottama Maharaja, Co-GBC and Co-director, ISKCON Sri Mayapur

The planned prasadam hall measures 14,000 sq. ft. with a 6,000 sq. ft. kitchen. It will be constructed on the eastern side of the present Nama-hatta building and accommodate 1,000 devotees at one sitting. At other times it will double as an auditorium, with a dais at one end, seating 4,000 devotees during lectures and classes. The floors above the prasadam hall will serve as additional guest rooms, also very much needed during major festivals.

The building is being financed by Nama-hatta devotees, but we hope that more kind souls and well-wishers will come forward to support this wonderful project, so that by the mercy of Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai it can be completed within the targeted two years' time.

Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai ki jaya!

HH Jayapataka Maharaja, laying the foundation stone

Rendering of the architects' drawing of the new prasadam hall