As part of the 2024 Bhadra Purnima campaign, the Badrinath/Haridwar Yatra distributed more than 150 Srimad Bhagavatam sets over a five-day period. It was yet another wonderful opportunity to reconnect, rejuvenate, and recommit to exploring one of the many channels that Srila Prabhupada continues to provide so that we can participate in his most cherished service—book distribution.

Around 650+ devotees took part in this campaign, visiting places such as Sukaratala, the very place where Sukadev Goswami spoke Srimad Bhagavatam to Maharaj Pariksit. Some of the devotees also visited Ganesha Gufa, Vyasa Gufa (cave), and various other holy sites where many sages heard the sound vibration of Srimad Bhagavatam in our lineage.

The sankalpa set by Romapada Swami to distribute Srimad Bhagavatam sets during the yatra and contribute to the global ISKCON Bhadra Purnima initiative motivated the devotees to bring Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam to the residents of these places around Haridwar and Badrinath. It all began with “Strict, Serious, Sincere Sadhana,” the memorable expression Vaisesika Dasa shared in his book, Our Family Business. Vaisesika now serves as the Global Minister of Book Distribution.

The sankalpa for distribution welcomed 108 Srimad Bhagavatam sets in different languages, which arrived ten hours before the devotees distributors.  How wonderful that Srila Prabhupada brought such a treasure of Srimad Bhagavatam to the entire world in many languages. Thus, “Get Books” – the 2nd law of book distribution service manifested.

Srimad Bhagavatam sets arrived.

The third law of book distribution, shared by Vaisesika Das, “The More You Show, The More You Sell,” began from day one of the yatra. Devotees carried Srimad Bhagavatam sets in their tempo traveller vans, sharing with many gurukulas, temples, libraries, public service institutions, and schools. The residents greatly appreciated Srila Prabhupada and Srimad Bhagavatam. This appreciation was evident by the way they received us, the joy that was visible in their faces, and their words when receiving Srila Prabhupada’s Srimad Bhagavatam sets. Soon, we ran out of sets and started taking standing orders and gathering sponsors for those eager souls who wanted a set but were unable to afford one. The shipping is still ongoing, by Srila Prabhupada’s mercy.

With hearts full of gratitude to Srila Prabhupada, the giver of Srimad Bhagavatam, to Romapada Swami, the driving force behind this entire unimaginable initiative in such a short time, to Bhakti Chaitanya Swami, the constant inspirer for this service during the yatra through his classes constantly referring to Srimad Bhagavatam, and to Vaisheshika Dasa, whose joy of Srimad Bhagavatam distribution has permeated our lives now as participants in this service, we left Srimad Bhagavatam sets in the hands of such receivers.  

Romapada Swami encouraging distribution of Srimad Bhagavatam.

What Vaisesika called the Prime Objective, “Leave a Good Impression,” automatically unfolded because we carry Srimad Bhagavatam sets and the power of association of all above spiritual masters within us.  The empowerment to follow an instruction is within the instruction itself. This allowed the logistics to unfold in a timely fashion. 

Getting Srimad Bhagavatam sets to the venue within ten hours took ten hours of exploring, talking on the phone, arranging funds, transportation, and many other essential details.  All this was expertly handled by Vamsidhari Das, who has been motivated to offer this service for the last 15 years. Many other logistics were handled with the untiring support of Hari Das, who leads book distribution services during Romapada Swami’s yatra year after year, and Raghava Chaitanya Das, another important book distribution leader. The funds were gathered and arranged by Govinda Mohini Dasi, a lead book distributor from ISKCON Naperville. These are just a few names listed, even though many others played key roles and the entire yatra participated in this sublime service. 

In the end, Nama Ruci Das conducted a special Vaishnava homa, offering special prayers for all the Srimad Bhagavatam distributors in the yatra and around the world. The sweetest step of reporting all the above details to Srila Prabhupada was the Finale on Bhadra Purnima Day, the utmost transcendentally connecting time for which the entire service is dedicated. We pray that our tiny attempts in this service bring immense pleasure to Srila Prabhupada, our entire disciplic succession, and all the Vaishnavas here in this world and beyond.  

Yajna being performed.

All glories to Grantharaj Srimad Bhagavatam!

All glories to Sri Bhadra Purnima Mahamahotsava!

All glories to His divine grace Srila Prabhupada!

Please see additional photos below from the inspiring event.