Vrajmohan Das has crafted a unique board game, “To Every Town And Village,” inspired by the classic game Monopoly. As the name suggests, the goal of the game is to help sponsor temples, develop projects, and spread Srila Prabhupada’s mission to every corner of the globe. Blending elements of fun, strategy, and devotion, the game offers an immersive journey into spiritual growth and global preaching, celebrating the legacy of ISKCON’s early years.
Vrajmohan Das expressed his inspiration for creating the game, explaining that his love for learning about the establishment of ISKCON and his passion for board games sparked the idea. During discussions with his family, the concept of a game emerged, one that would help players learn about the efforts and adventures of ISKCON in the 1960s and 1970s.
The game begins at Tompkins Square Park in New York City, where Srila Prabhupada often called the “birthplace” of the Hare Krsna Movement in the West. Players roll the dice and travel across the board, visiting ISKCON temples and projects worldwide. The game currency, called Gaurangas, can be used to sponsor temples and projects as players move around the board. Each time a player lands on a location, such as Sydney or Caracas, they can use Gaurangas to support that temple.
Players receive a card featuring a photo of the deities and a brief history of Srila Prabhupada’s connection to that place. The card also includes details of potential donations from other players who land on the same spot. Owning multiple temples of the same color increases the donations received, and players can further develop their properties by building ashrams, guesthouses, and restaurants.
The game also incorporates Karma and Artha cards, which introduce challenges and surprises. These cards may lead players to gain or lose resources, move to another location, or experience unique events, adding excitement and unpredictability to the game.
Choosing the projects represented on the board was a thoughtful and careful process. The game focuses on ISKCON during Srila Prabhupada’s era and includes only temples he personally visited. These were chosen based on their prominence, the duration of Srila Prabhupada’s association, and their financial significance at the time. Input was sought from senior devotees who had directly assisted Srila Prabhupada in these early projects.
The educational aspect of the game is very significant. Through beautifully designed cards and a thoughtfully crafted board, players learn about various temples of ISKCON, Srila Prabhupada’s travels, and the incredible service rendered by his disciples. By combining history and strategy, the game fosters a deeper appreciation for ISKCON’s roots and encourages gratitude for its current achievements.
One of the devotees, Raseshwari, who recently bought the game for her son, said, “I loved it. When I was small, I played Monopoly many times. But this is another taste. Because it’s spiritual. It’s so beautiful. So nice. My son likes this game so much. It’s for young and old. Everybody will be happy with this. I think this needs to spread in every temple in the world. I found it very interesting.”
The creator of the game, Vrajmohan Das, shared, “We hope to encourage devotees to learn more about the history of ISKCON and the incredible service carried out by Srila Prabhupada and his disciples and to have fun while spreading his mission across the globe, just as they did! I offer my humble obeisances and gratitude to all the followers of Srila Prabhupada past, present, and future. May we all join together to assist Srila Prabhupada in bringing his mission to every town and village!”
“To Every Town & Village” is available for purchase internationally. Wholesale order options are also available. To learn more, contact Vrajmohan Das via WhatsApp at +61422677989 or email.