Governance
Explore our governance to discover how we uphold the values and principles that guide our sacred community.
GBC & Guru
HH Jayapataka Swami
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, born in Milwaukee, USA, embarked on a spiritual journey that led him to Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. He became a dedicated member of ISKCON and played a pivotal role in the movement’s early growth. Over the years, he’s been instrumental in developing the Mayapur International Headquarters, taking up various leadership roles within ISKCON. Today, he continues to serve as a spiritual leader, contributing to Mayapur’s development and overseeing multiple regions worldwide.
His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, a spiritual luminary, traces his journey from his birthplace in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA, to becoming an esteemed leader in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON).
His quest for spiritual enlightenment began during his academic pursuits, which earned him a full scholarship to Brown University. It was there, as a young student, that he attended a lecture on the life of Buddha that ignited his quest to find a spiritual guide. This quest led him to India, a land rich in spiritual traditions.
HH Jayapataka Swami’s spiritual journey took a significant turn when he encountered a group of Hare Krishna devotees. Intrigued by their practices and teachings, he joined them and eventually found himself at the ISKCON center in San Francisco, where he contributed to the construction of the iconic Ratha Yatra Festival chariot.
His spiritual awakening deepened when he met Srila Prabhupada, ISKCON’s founder-acharya, in Montreal, Canada. Impressed by Srila Prabhupada’s teachings, HH Jayapataka Swami took initiation from him in 1968, just two weeks before assuming the role of president at the ISKCON Montreal center.
HH Jayapataka Swami’s unwavering dedication and enthusiasm for the growth of ISKCON led him to open centers in Toronto and Chicago. In 1970, Srila Prabhupada sent him to India, where he served as the president of the ISKCON Kolkata center. Approximately a year and a half later, he received sannyasa initiation and, along with other dedicated disciples, was entrusted with the monumental task of developing Mayapur, following Srila Prabhupada’s directive, “I have given you the kingdom of God. Now develop it and enjoy it.”
HH Jayapataka Swami’s tireless efforts have played a crucial role in the development of Mayapur into the International Headquarters of ISKCON, a testament to his dedication over the past four decades. Even at the time of Srila Prabhupada’s departure in 1977, he was entrusted with the responsibility of becoming an initiating spiritual master and a governing body commissioner within ISKCON.
To this day, HH Jayapataka Swami continues to contribute to the growth and development of Mayapur, serving as a co-director. His service in Mayapur includes roles such as a member of the Mayapur Development Committee, the head of the Exhibits and Theme Park Department of the Temple of Vedic Planetarium (TOVP), and the promotion of Sri Mayapur worldwide.
Furthermore, he holds significant responsibilities within ISKCON as a GBC representative and serves as a zonal secretary and co-secretary for various regions, including Comoros, Seychelles, Jordan, Yemen, and many more. He is also a member of the ISKCON India Bureau. HH Jayapataka Swami actively participates in several GBC committees, such as Organizational Development, Devotee Care, Outreach, Mayapur Festival, Deity Worship Handbook, and the Puri Development Committee. He additionally serves as the co-minister of the Congregational Development Ministry.
HH Jayapataka Swami’s lifelong dedication to spiritual growth and service within ISKCON is an inspiring journey of faith, leadership, and devotion that continues to positively impact the organization and its global mission.
Zonal Secretary
HH Bhakti Purushottama Swami
His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami, an initiated disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami, has been a devoted member of ISKCON since 1978. Based in Mayapur, he plays a crucial role in the organization’s headquarters. His extensive service includes being a temple president in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, and fulfilling multiple GBC zonal assignments across various regions. A prolific author, he has penned books that inspire spiritual growth and Krishna Consciousness.
His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami’s spiritual journey began in 1978 when he joined ISKCON in Mayapur, India. He is a dedicated disciple of HH Jayapataka Swami and has since become an integral part of the ISKCON organization, particularly at its headquarters in Mayapur.
HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami’s journey into spiritual leadership and management started when he served as the temple president in Bhubaneswar, Orissa, his native state, from 1982 to 1987. This early experience laid the foundation for the significant responsibilities he would later embrace within ISKCON.
He holds various GBC (Governing Body Commission) zonal assignments, reflecting his commitment and leadership within ISKCON. His responsibilities span across Eastern India, Bangladesh, Korea, and Nepal. Additionally, he serves as the co-GBC and co-zonal secretary for a wide range of regions, including North and South Korea, India, Arunachal Pradesh, Mayapur, West Bengal (including Puri), North and Western Orissa, Bangladesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Nepal, Sikkim, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Bhutan, Meghalaya, and Tripura.
HH Bhakti Purusottama Swami is not only an inspiring speaker and practitioner of Krishna Consciousness but also an author who shares his wisdom through the written word. He has penned several books, including “Sri Kṣetra Parikrama,” “The Final Call,” “Death,” and a book dedicated to the pastimes of Srimati Radharani, titled “The Glories and Pastimes of Srimati Radharani.” In addition, he has authored a few smaller titles in the Bengali language.
His Holiness Bhakti Purusottama Swami’s journey in ISKCON is marked by his unwavering dedication to the organization’s growth and his commitment to spreading the message of Krishna Consciousness worldwide. Through his multifaceted service, both as a spiritual leader and an author, he continues to inspire and guide others in their spiritual quests.
Zonal Secretary
HG Devakinandan Das
HG Devakinandan Das, a dedicated follower of ISKCON, discovered Krishna Consciousness at a young age and joined the movement in Vrindavan in 1976. Initiated by Srila Prabhupada and later by HH Jayapataka Swami, he embarked on a journey of preaching and service, starting in Bihar and expanding to Delhi and Mumbai. With an extensive list of responsibilities within ISKCON, he is a global leader, speaker, and inspirational figure known for promoting Krishna Consciousness and sublime living.
Hailing from Sasaram District in Bihar, India, HG Devakinandan Das was born on January 5, 1959. His spiritual journey began at a tender age when he was drawn to the teachings of ISKCON devotees in Sasaram. Inspired and motivated, particularly by HH Radha Govinda Swami, he wholeheartedly embraced ISKCON in 1976 when he joined the movement in Vrindavan, the land of Lord Krishna.
In 1977, HG Devakinandan Prabhu received initiation from the revered His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. He had the privilege of meeting Srila Prabhupada in Vrindavan, where he received special blessings. Subsequently, he received his second initiation from HH Jayapataka Swami, further deepening his commitment to the path of Krishna Consciousness.
Armed with a BSc degree and empowered by the teachings of Krishna Consciousness, HG Devakinandan Das embarked on a mission to spread the message of sublime living in and around Bihar State, India. His fervent preaching efforts earned him recognition, and he was called to Delhi and later to Mumbai for extensive preaching and service.
In Mumbai, HG Devakinandan Das played pivotal roles at ISKCON Juhu, serving as the Temple Commander, Vice President, and eventually President. His dedication and leadership qualities continued to inspire those around him.
His preaching activities and contributions led to his appointment as the Vice Chairman of the Indian ISKCON Bureau (Trustee). At present, he holds several key positions within ISKCON, including Global GBC Minister for ISKCON Fund Development, Chairman of ISKCON Foundation (Fund Raising), Chairman of Vrindavan Executive Board, Member of Mayapur Executive Board, and Zonal Secretary for various regions, including Bihar, Jharkhand, Eastern UP, Rajasthan, South Gujarat, Central Odisha, and Mumbai. He is also the Chairman of the International Jagannath Puri Project.
HG Devakinandan Das is not only a renowned speaker but also a familiar face on television, sharing the wisdom of Bhagavatham and promoting a sublime lifestyle on channels like Star Plus, Sony TV, Colors TV, Astha, and Hare Krishna TV. His influence extends beyond borders as he travels worldwide, inspiring bureaucrats, corporate leaders, and individuals from diverse backgrounds to embrace Krishna Consciousness and adopt a sublime way of living. His journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to spreading the message of Krishna and serving the global ISKCON community.
Regional Secretary
HG Naru Gopal Das
HG Naru Gopal Das, born in West Bengal in 1973, immersed himself in Krishna Consciousness at an early age, joining Mayapur Gurukul in 1983. After graduation, he dedicated himself to preaching and took on various roles within ISKCON Mayapur. He served as CEO from 2000 to 2012 and currently holds the position of Regional Secretary for West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim. He’s also the GBC emissary for Bangladesh, recognized for his inspiring Kirtan and Gaura Katha worldwide.
Hailing from a Vaishnava family in West Bengal, HG Naru Gopal Das was born in 1973. His deep-seated connection to Krishna Consciousness and Mayapur Dham began early in life. Drawn by the spiritual allure of Mayapur and hearing about the Mayapur Gurukul, HG Naru Gopal Das expressed a heartfelt desire to join the Gurukul. In 1983, at the age of 10, his journey into the world of Krishna Consciousness commenced when he became a part of the Mayapur Gurukul.
After completing his education in 1996, HG Naru Gopal Das dedicated himself to preaching services within the sacred realm of Mayapur. In 1999, he took on the pivotal role of Guest House Manager, contributing to the smooth functioning and service to the visiting devotees.
From the year 2000 to 2012, HG Naru Gopal Das held the esteemed position of CEO within ISKCON Mayapur, overseeing and managing various aspects of the organization. His leadership and commitment played a vital role in the development and growth of ISKCON in Mayapur during this period.
Currently, he serves as the Regional Secretary for a significant expanse that includes West Bengal, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Sikkim, contributing to the spiritual welfare and growth of these regions. Additionally, he is the GBC (Governing Body Commission) emissary for Bangladesh, a role that exemplifies his leadership within the ISKCON organization.
HG Naru Gopal Das is widely recognized for his Kirtan, a devotional form of chanting and singing, and for his engaging Gaura Katha, discourses on Lord Chaitanya. His heartfelt and spiritually enriching performances and talks have touched the hearts of many devotees and aspirants worldwide.
With a deep-seated dedication to Krishna Consciousness, HG Naru Gopal Das travels the globe, spreading inspiration and spiritual wisdom. His journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of ISKCON and the wider community of Krishna devotees.
President & Zonal Supervisor
HG Krishna Kripa Das
HG Krishna Kripa Das, hailing from Tekari village in Bihar, India, was inspired by the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the ISKCON devotees in his hometown, with a special mention to HH Radha Govinda Swami and HG Devakinandan Das. Since childhood, he has been dedicated to serving and assisting ISKCON. Initiated by HH Jayapataka Swami in 1979, he embraced full-time service within ISKCON, with notable roles in Mumbai and as the President of ISKCON Patna. His leadership in Bihar has led to the establishment of the impressive ISKCON – Glory of Bihar project.
Born in Tekari village, a historically significant and literate district in Sasaram, Bihar, India, HG Krishna Kripa Das’s journey into Krishna Consciousness began with the inspiration drawn from the teachings of Srila Prabhupada and the devoted preaching activities of ISKCON devotees in Sasaram. Notably, he was greatly inspired by HH Radha Govinda Swami and HG Devakinandan Das.
HG Krishna Kripa Das’s devotion to the ISKCON mission started early in life, as he eagerly began serving and assisting ISKCON devotees since he was in Class 6. His dedication and acceptance of Krishna Consciousness deepened when, in Class 9, he and his family members journeyed to Mayapur. There, they received initiation from the respected spiritual leader, HH Jayapataka Swami, in 1979, marking a significant milestone in their spiritual journey.
After completing his graduation, HG Krishna Kripa Das wholeheartedly joined ISKCON, taking on responsibilities in preaching and developmental activities. He served in Mumbai, Maharashtra, holding the position of Director of the Life Membership Department. His dedication and exemplary service paved the way for further significant responsibilities within ISKCON.
In 1992, under the guidance of the GBC (Governing Body Commission) and his spiritual guru, HH Jayapataka Swami, HG Krishna Kripa Das embarked on a mission to preach and develop Bihar, Jharkhand, and the surrounding areas. He assumed the role of the President of ISKCON Patna, contributing to the spiritual growth and development of these regions.
Under his dynamic leadership and efficient administration in Bihar, HG Krishna Kripa Das has successfully cultivated numerous devotees and members. His remarkable achievements include the establishment of the “Glory of Bihar,” a multi-million-dollar project that encompasses the deities Sri Sri Radha Banke Bihari Ji, Sri Sri Sita Ramchandra, Lakshman, and Hanuman Ji, Sri Sri Gaur Nitai, Sri Sri Jagannath Baladev and Srimati Subhadra. The project also includes an International Guest House with 70 rooms, conference halls, multipurpose halls, offices, Govinda’s Fine dining restaurant, Secrets of Life Museum, AC Bhakti Kalakshetra Hall, AC Hare Krishna Utsav Hall, Free Prasadam stalls, and Matchless Gift units.
HG Krishna Kripa Das’s responsibilities extend beyond his role as President. He serves as the Zonal Supervisor of Bihar State, a member of the East India Divisional Council, ISKCON Bharat Advisory Council, ISKCON Continental Committee, and oversees legal affairs in Bihar.
HG Krishna Kripa Das’s dedication to the mission of ISKCON transcends borders as he travels across the globe, inspiring people from all walks of life to embrace a spiritual life with Krishna Consciousness. His journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the growth and prosperity of ISKCON and the broader community of Krishna devotees.