VIHE
A Comprehensive Guide to Śrī Vṛndāvana Dhāma
| Table of contents |
Overview
The VIHE in Vrindavan was established to fulfill Srila Prabhupada's desire for an educational institute in Vrindavana. The VIHE in the holy Dhama provides an ideal facility and atmosphere for you to improve your sadhana, develop your devotional qualities, engage in serious study, associate with senior devotees, and receive training in practical skills relevant to management and preaching.
The VIHE also aims to preserve and disseminate standards Srila Prabhupada set for acting in Krishna consciousness and to deepen devotee's understanding, realization and appreciation of Srila Prabhupada's teachings and movement. Thus, the Krishna conscious culture and values that Srila Prabhupada gave us can be passed on to successive generations.
All courses are well researched and taught by senior devotees who have a deep understanding of the subject.
For class dates, fees, and admission details, please check our website: http://vihe.org/ and http://vihe.org/giri
a special link for The Govardhana Retreat. a service offered by a few senior devotees to help devotees immerse themselves in Vrndavana
Bhaktisastri
Semester Dates
The Bhakti Sastri courses are held every year.
Classes
Bhagavad-gita (all 18 chapters) – 17 weeks
Nectar of Devotion (first 19 chapters) – 6 weeks
Isopanisad – 3 weeks
Nectar of Instruction – 3 weeks
Occasionally preaching related classes are taught.
Required Classes
All Bhakti Sastri classes listed above are mandatory for Bhakti Sastri students. Preaching related classes and Kartika semester classes are optional.
Weather
Very hot: mid April to early October
Very cold: mid December to mid February
Mild: mid October to early December and late February to April
The temple is outdoors, so bring sufficient warm clothing if you plan to be here during the cold season.
What You May Want to Bring
Computer (optional). A computer is useful for having course books on disk, taking notes, writing essays, access to the folio, etc. We have one computer in the library with the folio (all of Prabhupada's books, conversations and lectures) and a word processor (Word for Windows 2.0). If you wish to bring your own computer, you will need to purchase a step down or Constant Voltage Transformer (CVT) at a cost of about Rs. 500 to Rs. 1000 ($12 to $24) to protect your computer from being damaged by the alternating voltage that is common in Vrindavan. We have 2 CVT connections in the library that you can use.
Basic amenities are available in India, but quality and variety can vary considerably from what is available in the west. Keep this in mind when deciding what to take, especially if you require certain medications. If you have questions about what to bring, please contact us.
Where to Stay
There are many rooms and apartments available near the temple ranging from Rs. 30 to Rs. 850 per day. Most ashrams are adequate but simple. Bedding is often not supplied. Click here for a list of rooms and apartments in the temple vicinity
Indian Legal Registration
It is compulsory to fill a ‘C-form’ within 24 hours of your arrival in Vrindavan. You should do it at the ashram you are staying or at the ISKCON Guesthouse reception if you are staying in the temple complex. It is also required that you register with immigration if you will be staying in India for more than 6 months.
Where to Eat
Temple prasadam is available at Rs. 50 per day (prices are subject to change). The temple also runs a restaurant and snack bar. For those who wish to cook for themselves, all required ingredients are available in the temple vicinity.
Other Facilities
Tape and Bookstore - Room 9, Gurukula Entrance, next to the Mailorder office
Open from 10:00 am to 2:00 p.m. (except on parikrama days and Sundays). Over 50 courses are available on tapes and MP3 CDs. We also have many course books from past and current courses.
Telephone
Located on the front side of the gurukula building near the bookstall to the right of the main gate. Local, long distance and overseas calls can be made.
Post Office
Located on the front side of the gurukula building near the gurukula entrance gate (about 30 meters past the snack bar). Official hours are weekdays 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.
Changing Money and Banking
State Bank of India has a branch office at the front of the gurukula building near the snack bar. Money can be changed and some other banking transactions can be done. Hours are weekdays 11:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Shopping
Most amenities are available at Bihari Lals located directly opposite the main gate. The main Vrndavana shopping area is in Loi Bazaar. Rickshaw fares are Rs. 7 to 10, depending on high or low season, day or night, and the rickshaw driver
Requirements for admission
Serious sadhana, a Bhakti-sastri diploma (or its equivalent, in special cases) and a proficiency in English. You also must have a recommendation from a senior devotee who knows you well.
The students should bring the required books for the cantos for each year's study.
Contact Information
Contact Information: VIHE c/o Krishna Balaram Mandir,
Bhaktivedanta Swami Marg, Raman Reti, Vrindavan, Mathura Dist., 281124, U.P., India
Phone: +91 (565) 2540238 or 2540228
E-mail: vihe@pamho.net Web site: vihe.org; www.iskcon.net/vihe