His Holiness Nava Yogendra Swami Maharaja

The Golden Jubilee of Sannyasa

With humble obeisances at the lotus feet of our founder-Acharya, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the ISKCON community joyfully celebrates the 50th anniversary of the sannyasa of one of Srila Prabhupada’s deeply beloved and dedicated disciples — His Holiness Nava Yogendra Swami Maharaja.

Born on 12 May 1946 in Udhampur, Jammu & Kashmir, on the auspicious day of Rukmini Dvadashi, Maharaja grew up in a deeply devotional Vaishnava family. Even in childhood, he displayed extraordinary spiritual inclination — spending hours chanting, worshipping his deities, and expressing his earnest desire to become a sadhu. At the age of six, he even took a written vow from his mother that once his sister was married, he would renounce home. His early life was marked by remarkable determination, including attempts to leave home in search of God, inspired by the story of Dhruva Maharaja.

In 1974, his long-cherished spiritual search culminated in meeting His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, who immediately recognized his sincerity. Srila Prabhupada initiated him as Nava Yogendra Dasa, awarded him brahmin initiation, and soon entrusted him with preaching responsibilities. Maharaja preached fearlessly in Africa, including Nairobi and Mombasa, earning Srila Prabhupada’s personal blessing: “Maya cannot even touch you.” This instruction became the guiding force of his spiritual journey.

At the age of 29, Srila Prabhupada awarded him sannyasa, and by Prabhupada’s special mercy, Nava Yogendra Swami later had the rare opportunity to serve his spiritual master personally on two occasions. For the last five decades, Maharaja has tirelessly travelled and preached across India and abroad, inspiring thousands through his simplicity, compassion, melodious kirtans, and clear explanations of scripture. Fluent in several languages, he communicates Krishna consciousness with natural warmth and accessibility.

Under his guidance, many projects flourished, especially in Jammu & Kashmir — including temples in Jammu, Katra, Srinagar, and Udhampur, along with a gosala and a free gurukula for underprivileged children. He has also played a key role in establishing temples and preaching centres in Mehsana and Amritsar.

Currently, His Holiness is guiding a major upcoming project in Haridwar — the Sri Sri Radha Vaikunthanatha Temple, envisioned with an international guest house, gosala, prasada hall, meditation spaces, and youth training facilities. Additionally, through his compassion, one of the largest gosala projects in Uttarakhand has been established at Halduchaur, now sheltering more than 3,500 rescued cows.

Maharaja’s lifelong motto has been Jiva Daya — “compassion for all living beings.” He personally embodies purity and selflessness, principles recognized even by Srila Prabhupada, who once referred to him as a “pakka brahmin.” Those serving in his projects do so voluntarily, motivated not by salary but by the joy of devotional service.

Today, even at the age of 80, His Holiness continues to travel, preach, and inspire devotees through festivals and Ratha-yatras. His life stands as a shining testament to Srila Prabhupada’s mercy — a life lived entirely for Krishna, without desire for recognition or comfort.

On this golden jubilee of his sannyasa, we offer our heartfelt prayers and gratitude.
All glories to His Holiness Nava Yogendra Swami Maharaja!
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Hare Krishna!