About Us – Kirtan Ashram

Why Do We Exist?

The Kirtan Ashram is dedicated to the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who expressed that women in ISKCON should receive the utmost protection.
This ashram exists to provide a serene, spiritual sanctuary for the women of ISKCON, offering them a space to practice bhakti in peace and in the association of other like-minded women.
The Kirtan Ashram is designed to support women in various life stages—whether they are coping with personal challenges, seeking friendship in their bhakti practice and wanting to expand their sadhana.
By hosting learned scholars and offering valuable association, the Kirtan Ashram aims to serve as a source of inspiration for women seeking spiritual upliftment.

Life of Devotion: The Inspiring Journey of Neelaxmi Mataji

Encouraging the Growth of Kirtan Ashram

Serving Vaishnavis on Their Spiritual Path

According to Sri Krishna’s and Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, everyone, regardless of their material designation, has the potential to attain the highest spiritual position, namely to become a pure devotee of Sri Sri Radha Krishna. The Kirtan Ashram in Vrindavan is an ideal place to make spiritual advancement. By residing in the Kirtan Ashram you’ll have the opportunity to develop your taste for hearing about, chanting about and serving Krishna.
Srila Prabhupada wants to see each of his followers advance spiritually and to transcend all material designations. In his Teachings of Queen Kunti, he writes, “Women, sudras, and vaisyas are ordinarily regarded as less intelligent, but if one takes to Krishna consciousness one is the most intelligent… Although Kunti had the body of a woman, she was a devotee. Therefore she was not like an ordinary unintelligent woman. Rather, she was the most intelligent, for she recognized Krishna to be the Supreme Godhead.” (chapter 3)
No material qualification can satisfy the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Krishna, yet He is satisfied and our endeavors become successful simply by our developing devotional service to Him.
At Kirtan Ashram we want to facilitate all Vaishnavis so that they remain enthusiastic and determined to grow to their full potential. Again, in Srila Prabhupada’s words, “Women should be always protected. That is … Protection does not mean negligence. No. Protection means to give him [her] all facilities. That is protection.” (Lecture, SB. 3.28.18, October 27, 1975, Nairobi)
And one more thought from Srila Prabhupada: “Everyone should be allowed to render service to the
Lord to the best of his ability, and everyone should appreciate the service of others. Such are the activities of Vaikuntha. Since everyone is a servant, everyone is on the same platform and is allowed to serve the Lord according to his ability.” (SB. 7.5.12, purport)
Thank you for considering Kirtan Ashram as your destination in Vrindavan. We look forward to having your company and the chance to serve you.

– Vishaka Devi Dasi

ACBSP

Beautifully Kept Tribute To Vedic Village Life In Vrindavan

This is my second time staying here. First time was nearly 18 years ago, now it is a gorgeous, beautifully kept tribute to Vedic village life in Vrindavan. It is a clean, safe, friendly atmosphere where the teamwill help you with anything you need. There are regular improvements made, a nice community meeting space and kitchen. As I write this, the building a new mosquito screen for the downstairs space so residents can enjoy outdoor garden time. Also, there is a lot of safety for women and I highly recommend this ashram temple.

– Papaharini Devi Dasi

ACBSP

A Krishna Conscious Haven For Vaishanvis

Kirtan Ashram fulfills a great need to provide a safe, secure, Krishna-conscious haven for Vaishnavis. And under the able management of Radhapada Dhuli Dasi and her team, many improvements have been made to make the place more functional and congenial. I am pleased with the progress and look forward to more in the future.

– H.H. Giriraj Swami

Initiating Guru at ISKCON, Author & Speaker

A Safe Haven For Vaishanvis

Please support Kirtan Asrama which has been giving a safe haven for ladies since many years. Many widows, handicapped and single ladies have spent their Vrindavan visits there. It is close to the temple and shops sp the ladies don’t need to walk far. It is the only safe ladies asrama in Vrindavan.

– Narayani Dasi

ACBSP

My Vrindavan Home

Missing my Vrindavan home! The renovations, the cleanliness, the now open temple (at last!) are wonderfully vibrant & the kitchen nicely clean! Thank you one & all.

– Malati Devi Dasi

ACBSP

A Peaceful and Safe Space for Vaishnavis

I have been fortunate to be visiting Sri Vrndavan dhama since the age of 8 years old. The first visit to Vrndavana was with my maternal grand-mother, sisters, parents and cousin. We stayed at the Krishna Balaram Mandir guest-house and I remember going on parikrama with Deena Bandhu prabhu as our guide – sharing all the wonderful pastimes with such depth, clarity and heart in all the holy places.
Subsequently, I visited Vrndavan dhama many times thereafter and stayed in various places over the years. More recently, I came in contact with Radhapadadhuli devi, a senior disciple of His Holiness Giriraj Swami and the head of the Kirtan Ashram in Vrndavan. I was most inspired when she told me of the concept of this project, to take care of women in Vrndavan – offer women a safe space whilst they are able to fulfil their spiritual purpose. I attended a lovely evening at Kirtan Ashram where we had sanga and enjoyed prasadam together. Subsequently, whilst back in South Africa I kept in touch with Radhapadadhuli devi, following up on the refurbishments at the ashram.
Srila Prabhupada was very clear on his instructions on taking care of the Vaishnavis – their protection is essential. This also extends to a safe space to live, worship and come together. Having two young daughters of my own, being an educator in the public sector and working with broadcast and print media – I see the need for the upliftment and protection of women.
Examining Srila Prabhupada’s Seven Purposes for ISKCON, in particular the third purpose, “To bring the members of the Society together with each other and nearer to Krishna, the prime entity, and thus to develop the idea, within the members, and humanity, at large, that each soul is part and parcel of the quality of Godhead (Krishna),” with this we understand that Srila Prabhupada wanted a deep connection and togetherness within the society.
It is with this mood that the team at Kirtan Ashram aims to serves the Vaishnavi’s when they travel to the holy land. On my last visit to Vrndavan, I spent some time at Kirtan Ashram and I was most impressed with the mood of devotion as Lord Jagannath is the presiding deity at the ashram. Although, the Kirtan Ashram is situation on a busy street – once you enter the gate, you will feel that you are in a peaceful and safe space. The warmth of the devotees managing Kirtan Ashram is absolutely amazing.
I cannot wait to see how this project further develops. There are plans underway for a bigger and better facility, yet at the same time – the mood will remain intact – that of service, of love, kindness and care. The essential heart of the Kirtan Ashram remains to serve women who are on their spiritual path, what a wonderful home within Vrndavan.
Jai Srila Prabhupada!