ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry

Education and Training

In accordance with achieving the prime goals of the ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry, the Ministry has (since 1999) focused on developing and facilitating various educational programs. The goal of this education is to inspire and nourish devotees' desire to worship the deity form of the Lord. With this in mind ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry has developed the following courses:

Current Training Programs

To date the Ministry has successfully presented the following courses:

Temple Worship, Level One

This course is a general introduction to temple deity worship, open to all devotees. It equips devotees with the basic philosophy and practices of deity worship.

This course is presented annually during the Mayapur, Gaura Purnima festival. Also presented in other locations around the world.

Upon finishing this course, a devotee will be equipped with the basic procedures of worship that are required in ISKCON temples.

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Temple Worship, Level Two

This course is for brahmana initiated devotees who have completed Temple Worship, Level One. It prepares devotees for doing daily worship in an ISKCON temple.

Devotees will get hands on experience with the different procedures of worship used in ISKCON temples.

This course is presented annually during the Mayapur, Gaura Purnima festival.

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The Transcendental Art of Deity Dressing

Dressing deities is a skill that is best learnt from an experienced pujari. This course offers hands-on experience, and is a must for devotees interested in learning how to dress the Lord.

This course is presented annually during the Mayapur, Gaura Purnima festival.

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Deity Worship at Home Seminar

This course equips devotees with the knowledge and skills required to do deity worship at home.

This course is presented regularly in various locations around the world.

On-Site Training

ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry also offers onsite training programs. Representatives of the Ministry are available to visit ISKCON centers to train devotees in deity worship standards. This invaluable service gives pujaris the opportunity to learn first-hand from experienced pujaris.

To find out more about this please contact us.

Upcoming Training Programs

ISKCON Deity Worship Ministry – Mayapur Academy

In 2005 the vision to develop a brahminical academy was conceived based on the success and interest from previous courses. This Academy aims to provide extensive training in brahminical arts. The Mayapur Academy, scheduled to begin in 2007, will run annually commencing after Kartika until Gaura Purnima (a four-month course). On successful completion of this course, devotees will receive a 'Diploma in Deity Worship' that, according to Ministry standards will equip them with the knowledge, skills and values necessary to function as a head pujari / brahmana in an ISKCON temple.

If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions please e-mail us.