Sri Visnupriya-palli

July 5, 2003

The following four facilities for women have been requested by the ISKCON Women's Ministry in their November '99 statement.

1) to engage in all types of service,

2) to take darsana of the Deity up close,

3) to give Bhagavatam and other classes, and

4) to utilize adequate living arrangements.

I wish to submit that the reestablishment of women's asramas, which are founded upon Srila Prabhupada's instructions, would provide women with ample opportunities in all of these four areas.

Prabhupada has written many letters to his diciples on this subject. Here are a few examples:

"If there is actually a brahmacarini asrama organized by San Francisco devotees, it will be very nice to keep there Jadurani as the leader of the brahmacarinis." (Letter to: Mukunda 4 November, 1967 67-11-04)

"I understand that you are trying to organize a Brahmacarini asrama. A Brahmacarini asrama is certainly a great necessity because there are so many girl devotees who are attached to our Krishna Consciousness movement.

Those who are married couple, there is nothing to be said--simply to live together as husband and wife. But those who are not married certainly such Brahmacaris and Brahmacarinis should not live together....But factually if you can organize a Brahmacarini asrama, it will be very nice idea. And I think that our Jadurani or similar other girl students of a little bit advanced, they can manage such asrama." (letter to Satsvarupa 68-07-12)

"Yes, the separation of men and women is desirable. If Yamuna and yourself can develop such an institution of a women's asrama, that will be nice. You are all elderly devotees. I think that this will be a good idea." (Letter to: Palika Hare Krishna Land, Bombay 13 November, 1975)

Srila Prabhupada's Guru Maharaja also wanted this established. The following is from Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Maharaja's biography, "Prabhupada Saraswati Thakur" pgs. 32-33, from a lecture given on Sept. 21, 1925.

"Our maths are being built at many places, and many sannyasis, vanaprasthas, grhasthas, and brahmacaris are living there all the time and receiving the opportunity to learn spiritual conduct. But we have been trying for a long time also give the mothers (women) the opportunity for devotional service. Of course, those who have the facility and opportunity for devotional service in their own homes do not need a separate residence.

But very often we hear that many of them get impeded in their devotional service due to bad association. It will be very beneficial for them if we can build Sri Visnupriya-palli ("palli" means "neighborhood") in Sridham Mayapura near the residence of Sriman Mahaprabhu, and if they can live there separately from their families and render devotional service. They actually belong to the group of Sri Visnupriya Devi (the wife of Sriman Mahaprabhu, who was left behind in Navadwip when He took sannyasa).

Therefore it is proper for them to live in the house of Sriman Mahaprabhu and to serve Him under the shelter of Sri Visnupriya Devi. There should not be any bad association or mundane male association for them there. Only a few devotees like Isan (the old devotee servant who took care of Sri Sachidevi and Sri Visnupriya Devi after Sriman Mahaprabhu left) would stay at a distance and take care of them. It is necessary to have such an exemplary neighborhood so that the mothers (women) can read scripture every day, discuss devotional topics with each other, and have ista-gosthi about devotional topics, so they can give up all luxury and live an exemplary, saintly life and always chant the holy name and take care of the ingredients of Sriman Mahaprabhu's service and serve him in every way. -- Saraswati Jayasri, p. 339)

We are personally wishing to donate lakshmi to help establish a women's asrama. Would those who are interested, please contact us in this regard.

Your servant,

Sita devi dasi btb@georgian.net