Gaudiya Touchstone Issue 6 is now on a new release schedule — Nov. 1st (Karttika issue), March 1st (Gaura Purnima issue) and July 1st (Janmastami issue). We think that this schedule will work well for timely articles corresponding to that general time of year.
For this Karttika issue we have an informative article called 'History of the Radha-Damodara Mandira' suggesting the proper mental state necessary to enter Vrindavana in the foot steps of the Six Goswamis.
Our cover story is part one of the Himalayan Pilgrimage by H.H. Giri Maharaja and Gaura Gopala Dasa Brahmacari. Setting out from Haridwar and Rishikesh to visit the Char-dham (the source of the Yamuna River at Yamunotri, the source of the Ganges at the Gaumukh Glacier, then Kedarnath and then Badarinath], our intrepid pilgrims take us on an arduous journey to the most sacred holy places in the Himalayas. Enduring difficult travel, encountering the masses of humanity along the mountain trails and in the end, narrowly escaping the worst natural disaster to hit the Himalayan area around Kedarnath in modern history. The photos to accompany this article and the 'Garhwal - The Indian Himalayas' are absolutely amazing.
In ancient times, India was a thriving spiritual culture during which many beautiful temples were constructed around the country and especially in South India. In two articles 'Temples of Karnataka' by Rasikananda and 'Hoysala Architecture' by Dominique Amendola, we take a look at just how wonderful that period was in South India.
Dr. N.S. Rajaram dispels the myth of 'St. Thomas in India' via his well researched and scholarly article. From the archives Bhaktivinoda Thakura glorifies the sacred Ganges in 'Topics in Praise of Sri Ganga'. From the 1935 Gaudiya magazine, we step back in time to observe 'Sri Srila Prabhupada in Radha-kunda'.
There are numerous other articles in this issue for those with a philosophical bent of mind, last of which is an article by world renowned scientist Robert Lanza M.D. questioning if death actually exists. This, and other writings of Lanza, turns modern scientific understanding of life and the universe upside down and backwards. A must read. Lots of good material ahead so start reading.
When you get to the end of the magazine follow the recipe for the Veggie Burger by Lakshman – its a delicious mouthful.
OM TAT SAT
Swami Narasingha
