Jardines Govinda Ashram

Śrīla Guru Mahārāja, Jagad Guru Swāmī Bhakti Gaurava Narasiṅgha Mahārāja, first visited Mexico in 2008. Not long after, he journeyed to the La Huasteca Potosina jungle region in the state of San Luis Potosí, where he was profoundly moved by the area's extraordinary natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Guru Mahārāja was captivated by the majestic waterfalls, crystal-clear springs, winding rivers, mysterious caves, tranquil lakes, and lush mountains—all of which seemed to embody the divine artistry of nature.

He was equally enchanted by the abundance of vibrant flowers and fragrant medicinal herbs flourishing across the fertile landscape, lending the entire region an atmosphere of sacred enchantment.

Equally touching to him was the simple and gentle nature of the local residents, most of whom are descendants of the Tenek (Huastec) indigenous people—an ancient culture whose warmth, humility, and deep connection to the land impressed him. So deeply moved was he by thelandscape and atmosphere of La Huasteca Potosina that he affectionately referred to it as “The Vṛndāvana of Mexico.”

Guru Mahārāja, alongside his disciples in Mexico, enthusiastically explored La Huasteca Potosina in search of a suitable location to establish his āśrama. After discovering the ideal piece of land—before the construction of Jardines Govinda Ashram began—he expressed his deep affection for the region and his vision for the future by composing a heartfelt song. This song was translated into Spanish and performed in the traditional Huapango style by a renowned local band. It was warmly received by many and eventually earned a place in Mexico’s National Library of Folk Songs.

https://mapasonoro.cultura.gob.mx

Guru Mahārāja wrote the song to inspire his disciples and to ignite their collective effort to bring his dream to life.

Govinda’s Garden

The Huasteca Potosina region

is a beautiful place.It has such beautiful landscapes

that it captivates my heart.

In a little corner of the Huasteca

called Govinda’s Garden (Jardines Govinda),

beauty reaches its greatest pinnacle in life.

A beautiful place in the world

called Govinda’s Garden,

which is like a deep dream realized awake.

Trees, lakes, and rivers,

your animals and bees,

waterfalls singing joyfully.

The sanctuary of the Huastecas.

In that very place,

the Lord created an Eden.

Make a prayer to reach that place.

Oh, my dear friends,

may your heart be your guide.

Come to Govinda’s Garden,

and let us all sing

together this sweet melody.

The pure aroma of the mountains,

your wildflowers—

where words are songs,

steps are dance. 

Captivated by its beauty,

contemplating the beauty

of this beautiful landscape,

the heart and mind

hold it as a memory.

There resides the Lord,

in those beautiful corners—

the Lord of our dreams

and our prayers (Gauranga).

The first construction Guru Mahārāja undertook was the building of a replica of Govardhana Hill, similar to the one he had created in Govindaji Gardens, India. He selected the highest point at the top of the big hill where the āśrama would eventually sit. This was the first replica of Govardhana Hill created in the Western world. The Govardhana Sila placed on the Hill sat on the altar of Govindaji Gardens India for many years before Guru Maharaja brought Him to Jardines Govinda Ashram.

The construction of the main ashram began in December of 2010.

In March of 2011before the ashram construction was finished Guru Maharaja decided to hold the Gaura Purnima Festival on the ashram land with invitations sent to all the residents of the village and valley.

An outside altar was constructed and the villagers and locals from the Valley of Tanchachin, where the ashram stands, were introduced to Gauranga Mahaprabhu. Two different dance schools came to perform, a Huasteco Band also played aswell as other entertainment took place followed by sankirtan.

Amazingly, during the excavation of the temple’s foundation, Śrīla Guru Mahārāja made a remarkable discovery—a natural vein of golden clay (tilaka). Recognizing its sacred significance, he personally collected around 60 pounds of this miraculous substance before the foundation was laid, marking an auspicious beginning to the āśrama’s construction.

After the main āśrama was completed the deity of Sri Krishna Caitanya Mahaprabhu was installed. The Lord of our hearts has been worshipped there ever since.

Over the years, the devotees have cultivated close relationships with the local community, and many wonderful festivals and initiations have taken place. The heartfelt wishes of Śrīla Guru Mahārāja continue to manifest as the service at Jardines Govinda Ashram continues daily.

After the completion of the ashram, Śrīla Guru Mahārāja requested Sripada Haridās Bābājī Mahārāja to oversee the service at Jardines Govinda Ashram with the directive: "Make Jardines Govinda Ashram the most beautiful āśrama in the Western world.”

Jardines Govinda Ashram continues to bloom and welcomes all. 

Jardines Govinda Ashram Glorification by Śrīla Guru Mahārāja:

namaste saci-nadaya

krsnaya prema-rupine

jardines govinda-vasaya

caitanyaiya namo namaha

"I offer obeisances to the Son of Saci-devī, who is Kṛṣṇa Himself, and is the personification of kṛṣṇa-prema. He resides in Jardines Govinda Ashram. O Lord Caitanya, I offer you my obeisances."

Jardines Govinda Ashram Glorification by Haridās Bābājī Mahārāja

chikaal-ishvara-gauraangam

govinda-jardine-sthitam

kali-devam bhaje nityam

abhakta-bhakta-bhaktidam

Hidden in the deep jungle of La Huasteca stands Jardines Govinda Ashram. Resplendent with the radiance emanating from the lotus feet of Chikāl Īśwara Caitanya Mahāprabhu, all are attracted. The simple kind-hearted devotees from far and wide make pilgrimage to that holy śetra. Devotees and non-devotees alike feel happiness when entering that sacred place. All glories to Chical Īśwara Caitanya Mahāprabhu, savior of the fallen souls of Kali Yuga.