How I came to Krsna Consciousness - H.G. Lalitha Palika Devi Dasi

My journey into Krishna consciousness began very simply, without much knowledge or understanding. It started through my sister, who first came in contact with devotees and introduced us to the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra. I still remember clearly that my son was just one month old. My mother and I counted 108 peanuts at home and chanted. That was our beginning.

In those early days, chanting was irregular. Sometimes we chanted two or three rounds, sometimes none. I owned a Bhagavad Gita, but I could not understand it properly, and I lacked devotee association. Life took its own course, and for many years, Krishna consciousness remained in the background. Whenever I felt emotionally low, I would chant a little or turn toward the Bhagavad Gita book.

Things slowly began to change when I started visiting ISKCON temples during family visits. Kirtan deeply touched my heart. I felt a connection that words cannot fully describe. I learned Damodarastakam and other devotional songs, and gradually, kirtan became a source of strength and joy. I was listening to HH kadamba kannan Sawmi Maharaj kirtans repeatedly, at home, and slowly my taste developed. Listening to Srimad Bhagavatam from various preachers further deepened my attraction. Hearing the Bhagavatam during emotionally difficult times gave me strength.

Later, we came to the US. Initially, we didn’t find much association, later we came across some devotees. Then I started to get into association but then had to return to India, I received a strong devotee association. The temple was close to my home, and I began regularly attending bhakti vriksha classes, kirtan classes, and even Mangala Arati. Through association, I slowly aligned my life with devotional principles. I always felt a deep connection with Lord Rama and Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva. Lord Nṛsiṁhadeva’s powerful mercy has always protected and guided me. He remain my constant shelter and source of faith. 

Guru Maharaj taught Vaisnava etiquette, simplicity and humility by his example. Though he carried immense responsibility, he always remained so grounded. The association also brought lots of service opportunities. I was encouraged to take classes, which pushed me to study Bhagavad Gita sincerely. Service transformed me whether cooking, cleaning, ironing Deity clothes, or preaching. Activities like Deep Daan humbled me and helped dissolve my ego. What I once saw as “my personal time” was actually the maya’s influence, slowly shifting my day towards lord and Krishna consciousness became the centre of life.  

ISKCON is like a military system where it trains people to properly follow bhakthi; teaching discipline, the structured sadhana. This disciplined path doesn't just teach us how to follow; it empowers us to lead a life defined by spiritual mission. I feel deeply grateful to all the devotees I have met, as each one has contributed to my growth.

My only desire now is to continue strengthening my sadhana and remain faithful to the shelter of Guru, devotees, and Lord Krishna. 🙏