॥ ॐ सुरभ्यै नमः ॥
About Guru Maharaj
His Holiness R.P. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaj is a disciple in the disciplic succession of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda and a dedicated preacher of Kṛṣṇa consciousness and the mission of Daiva Varnashram.
For several decades Maharaj has traveled widely across India, Southeast Asia, and other parts of the world, inspiring devotees through lectures, seminars, and community development initiatives centered on spiritual education and rural devotional communities.
Through his preaching, writings, and projects such as Make Vrindavan Village and Varnashram educational initiatives, Maharaj encourages devotees to build spiritually centered societies based on the principles of simple living and high thinking.
His ongoing mission is to help establish sustainable Varnashram communities and spiritual education systems that support the long-term growth of Kṛṣṇa consciousness in modern society.
Early Life and Background
Early Life
Canada
His Holiness R.P. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaj was born in the Province of Ontario, Canada, to French-Canadian Roman Catholic parents. From an early age he showed deep interest in philosophy, spirituality, and the meaning of life.
He spent several years studying in a Christian seminary before completing his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Ottawa in 1968, majoring in philosophy and social psychology.
From 1968 to 1971, he worked as a social worker and counselor, helping individuals through community service and guidance.
1974 – Joining the Hare Krishna Movement
Initiation
In 1974, Maharaj joined the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) and accepted initiation from a spiritual master in the disciplic succession of Śrīla Prabhupāda, receiving the name Raghava Paṇḍita Dāsa.
He began serving at the ISKCON Ottawa temple, dedicating himself to devotional service, study of the scriptures, and preaching the message of Kṛṣṇa consciousness.
1976–1992 – Service in India
Mayapur and Youth Programs
From 1976 to 1992, Maharaj lived in India and served in important preaching initiatives centered around Śrī Dhāma Māyāpur and ISKCON Calcutta.
During this period he helped pioneer several preaching programs including:
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The New Bhakta Program
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The Nāma Haṭṭa village preaching movement
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Bhaktivedanta Youth Services (BYS)
These initiatives introduced many young people and householders to devotional life and helped expand Kṛṣṇa consciousness throughout India.
1985 – Acceptance of Sannyāsa
Renounced Order
On the auspicious day of Gaura Pūrṇimā in 1985, Maharaj accepted the sannyāsa order, dedicating his life fully to preaching and spiritual guidance.
From that time onward he began traveling widely, conducting lectures, seminars, and educational programs focused on devotional life and spiritual community development.
1993–2000 – Leadership Services
Canada and Temple Administration
Between 1993 and 2000, Maharaj served as:
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Co-GBC for ISKCON Canada
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Temple President of ISKCON Montreal
During this period he helped strengthen the preaching activities and community development in North America.
2001–2004 – Indonesia and Education
Community Development and Academic Research
From 2001 to 2004, Maharaj was based in Indonesia, where he helped develop several rural community projects and youth hostels.
In 2004, he completed his Master’s Degree in Education (Cum Laude) from the State University of Yogyakarta.
His thesis was titled:
“A Comparative Study of Gurukula and Pondok Pesantren – A Case Study of Three Gurukulas in India and Three Pondok Pesantren in Indonesia.”
2006 – Cambodia Mission
Community Development
In 2006, Maharaj began preaching activities in Cambodia, where he established an NGO called the Global Varnasrama Educational Social Cultural Organization (GLOVESCO).
Through this initiative he helped develop a rural spiritual community known as Yasodapura Asrama, promoting education, culture, and devotional practices.
Varnashram Mission
Rural Spiritual Communities
Maharaj has been deeply involved in promoting the mission of Daiva Varnashram, encouraging the development of spiritually centered rural communities.
He spearheaded the project Sahyadri Sri Krishna Balarama Ksetra (SSKBK) in South India and introduced courses such as Varnashram College.
In 2007, he helped establish the National Varnashram Development Committee for India, and in 2009 he was appointed National Minister for the Daiva Varnashram Ministry, promoting rural development based on spiritual principles.
Books and Teachings
Maharaj travels extensively, giving lectures and seminars on Varnashram dharma, devotional life, and spiritual community development.
He has authored several books including:
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Make Vrindavan Village
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Varnasrama Education
Through his teachings he encourages devotees to develop sustainable communities centered on simple living and high thinking, rooted in the teachings of Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Continuing Mission
His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaj continues to travel and preach internationally, guiding devotees through lectures, seminars, and educational initiatives.
His mission focuses on establishing Varnashram-based communities and spiritual education systems that support the long-term growth of Kṛṣṇa consciousness around the world.