How I came to Krishna Consciousness - H.G. Prema Madhuri Devi Dasi

It was in the year 2000, when I first came in contact with Krishna consciousness . That was the first time I went to an ISKCON Temple. My sister was visiting me. She asked if we could go to ISKCON Temple and I agreed. When we went there, everything seemed so wonderful and unfamiliar. I had never before seen Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra devi. I was curious to know and asked my sister. She had met the Hare Krishna devotees back at her place and was following some of the Krishna conscious practices. She explained to me who Jagannath is and shared some stories about Him. I sat there for some time gazing at Jagannath, when a group of devotees entered the temple hall. Everyone stood up and started performing Hare Krishna Kirtan. I was completely mesmerized by the sound vibrations, especially by the Mridanga beats. I felt I was in a different world. This was just the beginning. The big eyes of Jagannath never stopped looking out for me for the rest of my life, till today. Years have passed, filled with countless life situations—ups and downs, successes and failures. Yet, through all the changes, one thing has remained constant: Krishna’s hand in my life. Krishna always pulled me back whenever I wandered away. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that Krishna, Srila Prabhupada, and my Gurudeva are my only hope and shelter. It is only by Their causeless mercy that I am able to continue my journey in Krishna consciousness

I am deeply grateful to everyone who has played a role in my journey—my family, dear friends, and the devotees of ISJM, ISV and Yoga Peeth, who have raised, nurtured , and supported me in my Krishna Consciousness journey. I pray that I always remember and honor their invaluable contributions.

Hare Krishna!