Giriraj Swami
The Search for a Guru
A Life Dedicated to Service
After graduating from Brandeis cum laude, he accepted formal initiation from Srila Prabhupada and received the spiritual name Giriraj das. Giriraj quickly became a leading member of the Boston center, and he was soon given the opportunity to go to India with Srila Prabhupada and help establish Prabhupada’s mission there.
In 1972, Srila Prabhupada appointed Giriraj president of ISKCON Bombay and trustee of the Bhaktivedanta Book Trust. Since then, Maharaja has made many significant contributions to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, most notably overseeing all aspects of the development of Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, Bombay. He has directed the society’s activities in Bombay, Mauritius, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan and was instrumental in acquiring and developing the Bhaktivedanta Ashram in Govardhana. He led the development of the Kirtan Ashram for women, the Bhaktivedanta Hospice, and the Vrindavan Institute of Palliative Care, all in Vrindavan.
Dive into the Nectar
Books by Giriraj Swami
Dancing White Elephants
Traveling with Srila Prabhupada in India, August 1970-March 1972
I'll Build You a Temple
The epic story of challenge and triumph in the founding of the Juhu temple.
Watering the Seed
Anecdotes from the pastimes and teachings of Srila Prabhupada.
Many Moons
A recollection and celebration of the wonderful qualities, and activities of devotees who have left our vision
Life's Final Exam
Death and Dying from the Vedic Perspective
Leading by Example
Continuing Srila Prabhupada’s Mission
Following Srila Prabhupada’s departure in 1977, Giriraj was awarded the renounced order of life and appointed president of ISKCON’s board of trustees in India. He is a respected initiating guru in the society and an emeritus member of its Governing Body Commission. Giriraj Swami has also taught at the Vrindavan Institute for Higher Education and continues to lecture and give presentations at spiritual retreats and workshops around the world.
Presently based in Carpinteria, California, Giriraj Swami focuses on fulfilling Srila Prabhupada’s instruction to write. He has authored books such as Watering the Seed, Many Moons, Life’s Final Exam, I’ll Build you a Temple and Dancing White Elephants, and is working on several publications, including books about his search for a spiritual master and his early days in the Boston temple, his travels with Srila Prabhupada in India and Srila Prabhupada’s monumental efforts in Bombay, and Vaishnava holy days.
He has become renowned for the austerities he has accepted, his loyalty and dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s mission, his ability to inspire and engage important members of society, his uplifting talks, and his books.
Giriraj Swami remains an influential figure in the international spiritual community, revered for his teachings, leadership, and care for devotees worldwide.
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