In the sacred land of Mayapur, the birthplace of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a new milestone has been achieved with the establishment of the SoultoSoul Guesthouse. This unique venture, born from the vision of Gopinath Das, reflects not just a physical space for devotees but a holistic approach to Krishna consciousness. In an ISKCON News interview, Gopinath shares the inspiring journey that led to the creation of this spiritual haven and the valuable lessons learned along the way.

Gopinath, a devoted soul rooted in Mayapur, embarked on a journey fueled by a desire to contribute meaningfully to Srila Prabhupada’s mission. The SoultoSoul Guest House is not merely a physical structure; it symbolizes a spiritual journey, navigating through challenges, hopeful expectations, and the essence of ISKCON’s global community.

As a self-described Vaishya, Gopinath emphasizes the importance of entrepreneurship and youth-based skills development within the Krishna-conscious community. He believes that fostering a spirit of self-sufficiency, creativity, and collaboration among devotees is crucial for the mission’s growth. The guesthouse stands as a testament to the idea that collective support behind individual efforts, driven by devotion, can play a pivotal role in expanding Srila Prabhupada’s vision.

Reflecting on this entrepreneurial spirit, Gopinath shared, “There’s a space for everyone. We just have to put them into the right group and the right setting. At SoultoSoul, our goal is to set a quality standard and establish a set of guidelines that individuals can utilize in their lives, tapping into their unique skills and qualities.”

The guesthouse embodies a holistic approach to Krishna consciousness, seamlessly integrating spirituality, sustainability, and cultural richness. Gopinath envisions a space that caters not only to devotees but also to those unfamiliar with the Krishna consciousness experience.

Sustainability is at the core of the SoultoSoul Guesthouse. The construction itself reflects a harmonious blend of material and spiritual elements. Utilizing local materials such as bamboo, hay, baked clay bricks, stones, and mud aligns the structure with its surrounding environment, creating a self-sustainable model.

Gopinath elaborated, “Everything is locally sourced – local people, local artistry, and local artisanship. We’re creating a community where international and local artists, yoga teachers, and dancers contribute to the cultural richness.”

The guesthouse doesn’t just stop at providing a physical space; it offers a rich culinary experience aligned with sattvic, ahimsa, vegetarian, and vegan-friendly options. Gopinath’s emphasis on valuing health through conscious and organic food choices reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of guests.

Additionally, the guesthouse integrates local culture into its offerings, providing retreats that encompass Vaishnava culture, temple visits, sightseeing of significant places where the Acharyas performed their pastimes, boat trips, and philosophical classes. The cultural immersion extends to the architectural choices, creating an environment that mirrors the rich traditions of the area, concentrating and channeling the mode of goodness.

The SoultoSoul Guesthouse stands out with its minimalistic yet chic presentation. The design philosophy follows the principle of “simple living, high thinking.” With a focus on cleanliness, spaciousness, and a fusion of local culture with rustic charm, the guesthouse provides a comfortable and spiritually conducive environment. Located two kilometers away from the Radha Madhava Temple, it offers a serene escape from the bustling crowd, nestled in the heart of the forest with the Jalangi River just a minute’s walk away.

Virtual Offerings

Acknowledging the need to reach a wider audience, the SoultoSoul Guesthouse extends its offerings to the online space. With an online yoga teacher training program, Gopinath ensures that authentic Vaishnava philosophy remains at the forefront of their teachings. This initiative not only spreads the holy name but also aligns with the educational and philosophical goals of Srila Prabhupada.

Gopinath emphasizes the need for preserving and practicing authentic teachings, saying, “Having this Vaishnava philosophy, Prabhupada’s Bhagavad-gita As It Is, gives a huge difference from other training sessions. We’re trying to create a standard, a set of guidelines that individuals can utilize in the perfection of their lives.”

Gopinath invites everyone to be part of their community, stating, “If people would like to be part of our community, they can connect with us on Instagram.”

In short, the SoultoSoul Guesthouse emerges not just as a physical structure but as a testament to the unwavering spirit of devotees to contribute, collaborate, and create spiritual havens that echo the vision of Srila Prabhupada. 

Mayapur welcomes this milestone with open arms as the SoultoSoul Guest House becomes a vital chapter in the ever-expanding tapestry of the Hare Krishna community.

For those eager to experience the unique blend of spirituality, sustainability, and culture at the SoultoSoul Guesthouse, booking can be done through various platforms. The guesthouse is listed on Trivago, Tripadvisor, Agoda, MakeMyTrip, Direct Booking. It can also be found via a simple Google search: “SoultoSoul Guest House Mayapur.”