10/27/1998 - 2422

Jagannatha Ashrama

Jagannatha Puri, India (VNN) - For the past three years we have been involved in an ongoing effort tosecure some land in the holy dhama of Sri Jagannatha Puri. Our intentionsare to try and establish a varnasrama project according to the directionsof His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Throughout hisbooks and talks Srila Prabhupada gives extensive instructions that daivi-varnasrama should be introduced within ISKCON, and he especially did so inthe last year of his passing.

We have spent considerable time in Puri dhama looking for suitable plots atreasonable prices and liaising with many persons there. To this end wepresently have some offices there and we are quite familiar with the areaand a number of influential local people. A few western devotees live therepart time and there are some permanent residents as well.

Those ISKCON devotees who have been to Puri-dhama will know that this abodeof Lord Jagannatha is (like Sridhama Mayapura & Brindabana) anexceptionally beautiful place filled with coconut trees, lush, verdantfoliage, a climate which is tolerable year-round and the incomparableMahaudadi ocean. The two reasons which make Jagannatha Puri most notableare His beach and His world famous Jagannatha Prasad. In no other tirtha inIndia is Mahaprasad more well known or sought after.

Recently we were contacted by a Puri-vasi friend who informed us that asubstantial area of agricultural land (around 15 acres) is available. If wewere able to secure ( no-one should think they can own even one speck ofthe dhama) this parcel of land of Jagannatha-dhama we would begin byprotecting cows, and planting trees and crops so that it would be immediately pleasing to the Supreme Lord (go brahmana hitaya ca). Thiswould also make the land a food-based and income-accruing property. [Weare familiar with this piece of land]. We would also like to invitedevotees in whatever varna or asrama they may be, to come and stay with usand help develop Srila Prabhupada's ideas.

Those who are interested are encouraged to contact us atbhadra@compuserve.com for further details. We remain your servants.