Join His Holiness Bhanu Swami, a senior ISKCON leader and renowned authority on Deity worship, for an illuminating introductory seminar on the principles and practices that form the heart of temple worship in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Personally instructed by Srila Prabhupada in the standards of arcana (Deity worship), Bhanu Swami brings decades of scholarly understanding and practical experience to help us deepen our appreciation for the Lord’s merciful manifestation as the Deity. Through scriptural insights, historical context, and practical guidelines, this session will explore why and how the Lord appears in His archa-vigraha form, the mood of service required, and how devotees can cultivate a personal connection with the Lord through daily worship and meditation.

Hosted by The School of Bhakti at Bhaktivedanta Manor, this seminar is ideal for both beginners and experienced practitioners seeking to enhance their knowledge and devotion.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this seminar, participants will be able to:
1.    Understand the theological basis for the Lord’s presence in the Deity form according to Gaudiya Vaishnava scriptures.
2.    Explain the essential principles and standards of Deity worship as taught by Srila Prabhupada.
3.    Appreciate the spiritual significance of arcana as a means to develop a personal relationship with Krishna.
4.    Identify practical ways to honor and serve the Deity both in the temple and at home.
5.    Recognize the mood and consciousness required for meaningful and effective Deity worship.

**This session is preliminary to the Home Deity Worship Course**

Teacher Profile

Bhanu Swami has been a GBC member since 2003 A scholar in Sanskrit and Bengali, Bhanu Swami has translated fifteen significant works of the Gaudiya Vaishnava canon, with six more titles in progress. Many of these works are commentaries from primary members of the Gaudiya sampradaya on the Bhagavad-gita, Sri-Isopanishad, and Srimad Bhagavatam. Thus, Bhanu Swami’s contribution is a lasting one.

• ISKCON Sanyasi
• Translated more than 160 vedic literatures in english which was written by Archaryas 500 years ago.

He continues with this translation service to this day, giving us the nectar from the Bengali and Sanskrit works of the previous Vaishnava acharyas to enhance our understanding of the Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy. He is also a member of the Governing Body Commission of ISKCON.