Sri Krishna Mandir Malaysia is now established!! Due to an overwhelming response to the activities of Sri Krishna Mandir Singapore, many Malaysian devotees wanted a centre in Malaysia too. By the mercy of Lord Caitanya, we could open a centre in Malaysia. A grand opening ceremony was performed on the 29th of October, Sunday. This is the first time in 31 years Sri Krishna Mandir Singapore expanded to another country. This is the biggest success in our preaching work.
The location of the temple is very significant. It is situated in a central area which is easily accessible by the residential estates, factories and the commercial complexes which are surrounding the area of the temple.
Another aspect which is especially noteworthy is that the temple is located in an area called Taman Daya which is Malay for "Merciful Estate". Lord Caitanya, the munificient incarnation of Godhead, and Lord Nityananda, the original spiritual master, are the presiding deities in temple.
The temple and the restaurant are situated in the same building but are separated by 3 shops in between. The temple hall is actually more spacious than the one in Singapore. The restaurant also is bigger than the one in Singapore. The quarters for the devotees is just above the restaurant. Prasadam Distribution is very dear to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Caitanya and this restaurant is especially opened to satisfy them both. For a nominal amount of RM 2, one can eat as much as he wants.
The temple opening ceremony was especially grand. Sri Krishna Mandir Singapore arranged a bus for the devotees of Singapore to attend the opening ceremony and the bus was completely filled. All the devotees were very enthusiastic to witness the spreading of the Sankirtana movement.
His Grace Sundar Gopal Prabhu, the President of Sri Krishna Mandir Singapore, started off the ceremony at 1130 hrs with a very inspiring opening lecture. This was followed by talks by Raghupati Prabhu and Brahmanya Prabhu, the President of the Malaysian Yatra. Following this was the kirtan which is the most important part. All devotees from Malaysia as well as Singapore took part in the kirtan very enthusiastically. All were greatly enlivened and could get a glimpse of the real United Nations the way it was experienced in the 70's.
The kirtan continued from the temple premises to the restaurant. After the kirtan went for about 20 minutes in the restaurant, it was called off and there was Prasadam Distribution. After resting for a while, the devotees from Singapore headed back at 3 pm with great enthusiasm.
This great event was possible due to the enthusiastic missionary spirit of His Grace Sundar Gopal Prabhu. It is not as easy to get things done in Malaysia as it is in Singapore. But His Grace Sundar Gopal Prabhu was so determined that he stayed there and made the temple ready for opening in just 10 days' time! That was incredible! He did not even return to the Singapore temple for celebrating Srila Prabhupada's Disappearance Day. He was cent percent engaged in expanding Srila Prabhupada's movement. Therefore, he must be so dear to Prabhupada.
His Grace Brahmanya Prabhu's efforts are not to be belittled in any way either. He was the one who found the place for establishing the temple and he was very actively involved in setting up and renovation.
Srila Prabhupada and Caitanya Mahaprabhu are pouring down showers of mercy upon us.
Devotees are requested to help, especially monetarily, in this regard to help push the Malaysian Yatra!!
Jai Malaysian Yatra ki Jai! Srila Prabhupada ki jai!!
The kirtan continued from the temple premises to the restaurant. After the kirtan went for about 20 minutes in the restaurant, it was called off and there was Prasadam Distribution. After resting for a while, the devotees from Singapore headed back at 3 pm with great enthusiasm.