Malati Devi Dasi

Malati Devi Dasi joined ISKCON in San Francisco, USA. She was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in San Francisco in early 1967, and became an integral part of the pioneer years of ISKCON. In 1968, along with her six week old daughter Saraswati, Malati Devi Dasi was part of a team of six adults to first establish Krishna consciousness in the UK.

This epic adventure resulted in the release of the Radha­‐Krishna Temple album in 1969, produced by Beatle George Harrison. The Hare Krishna maha-­mantra and other devotional songs are featured on this recording, which received worldwide attention. She often traveled with her husband Shyamasundar, who was Srila Prabhupada’s personal secretary. Among other tasks Malati Devi Dasi cooked for Srila Prabhupada.

She then moved to India to assist in establishing the Hare Krishna movement (ISKCON) there, bringing it back to its source. During her sojourn, she assisted with the purchase and shipping of several sets of temple murtis to establish deity worship services in the American temples of Detroit, Dallas, Toronto and Chicago. This experience introduced her to the process of purchasing murtis, a service she continued to carry out for various temples.

She returned to the UK for some time to assist in establishing the property known as Bhaktivedanta Manor in Watford, London acquired with the help of George Harrison. While in Europe Malati Devi Dasi conducted traveling programs for women, thus sharing Krishna consciousness in the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark and propagating the philosophy, practice and books of Srila Prabhupada.

In 1990, she established an all female ISKCON temple which later was awarded a large road side bronze plaque by the State of Ohio Historical Society recognizing the center as the first Vaishnava/Hindu temple in the state, mentioning in detail its unique status in training women in Krishna consciousness.

Malati Devi Dasi joined the GBC in 1998, and her responsibilities are focused in the USA. Her zonal areas include Gainesville, Port Wales, Miami, Florida, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania.

A founding member of the Vaishnavi Ministry (known formerly as Women’s Ministry), Malati Devi Dasi facilitates such activities as annual international retreats targeted at promoting the spiritual advancement of women in ISKCON. These retreats are highly organized events offering classes, seminars and workshops by some of the more senior women in the movement, and reflect the teachings of Srila Prabhupada. Malati Devi Dasi personally organizes the Annual Vaishnavi Retreat in New Vrindavan, West Virginia, which began in 2000. Another project of hers is the Festival of Inspiration, also held at New Vrindavan. This is one of North America’s largest gatherings with the theme of Vaishnava education and culture, and is well attended by devotees from around the world.

Malati Dasi spends most of her time traveling, offering classes and instructions in Krishna conscious practice and philosophy, and is a regular participant in inter­religious gatherings. She holds deep concern for the future of ISKCON in general, and for the youth in particular. She advocates engaging women in all manners of service, inspired by Srila Prabhupada, who always engaged her in service.

She is currently co-­authoring a book that is a compilation of personal remembrances of female disciples of the movement’s founder Srila Prabhupada.

Ananga-manjari

Ananga-manjari has dedicated her life to the theological teachings of the Vedas and their spiritual practices for 53 years under the guidance of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. As an Interfaith reverend doctor, counselor, and inspirational speaker, she shares her insights from a broad spiritual perspective that combines Western thoughts and experiences with profound ancient Vedic teachings. She offers us a practical and fresh perspective on how to live Bhakti-Love in the present day. Being a seeker of the truth from childhood, she came to Krsna Consciousness when she was 16. “The holy names had attracted me, but it was the philosophy that captured me.” 

Since 1970, she helped establish new temples in Gainesville and Houston. She led traveling Vaisnavi sankirtan parties on the East and West coasts. She lived in India, taking part in Padayatra and organizing dramas for festivals while raising a family and home-schooling her children. She is the mother of Visvambhar Sheth, Kirtan performer, inspirationalspeaker. Ganga Devi, Odissi performer, Dance Therapist, and Jamuna, Kirtan performer, Nutritionist. 

—“Fanatic dogma is not the intention of scripture. Sacred writings offer us a perspective of divine purpose to our humanity. They are meant to guide and unify us in wise, ethical and kindly pursuits.” 

-Ananga

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Kusha devi dasi

Kusha devi dasi was initiated by Srila Prabhupada in Hawaii in 1970. She is the acting President of the ISKCON Hawaii Temple. 

May Vaishnavis everywhere be established in sustainable lifestyles. I pray they can share their truthful healthy confidence and enthusiasm, celebrating joyful Krishna consciousness, adding color and beauty to every occasion. Reliance upon Krishna is secure; He won’t abandon us. He is always there for us all. The more we are self-realized, the more we are able to love with all our hearts. As the eldest child in a family of three girls, I have a sense of confidence in gentle nurturing leadership. Vaishnavis bring beauty and culture to our Society. Be happy, celebrate the feminine, add light and love to every occasion. Do not hide your light under a basket, sparkle and shine for Srila Prabhupada! We can add to the glory of God because we are Krishna’s and He is ours! You’re a reflection of Krishna’s beauty, wonderful, shining from the inside out. Let His light and love fill your lives with love of Krishna! Starting with ourselves, love of Krishna conquers us all!

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