Yamuna Devi

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Yamuna Devi was a prominent figure in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement. She was a disciple of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, and made significant contributions to the movement, particularly in the areas of cooking and devotional service.

Early Life[edit | edit source]

Yamuna Devi was born in 1942 in the United States. She became involved with the Hare Krishna movement in the 1960s, during the early days of ISKCON. Her spiritual journey began when she met A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada in San Francisco.

Contributions to ISKCON[edit | edit source]

Yamuna Devi is best known for her culinary skills and her dedication to preparing and offering food to Krishna. She authored the acclaimed cookbook Lord Krishna's Cuisine: The Art of Indian Vegetarian Cooking, which has been widely praised for its authenticity and depth. The book has become a staple in many kitchens around the world and has introduced countless people to the principles of prasadam (sanctified food).

Devotional Service[edit | edit source]

Yamuna Devi was deeply involved in various aspects of devotional service within ISKCON. She was known for her melodious singing of bhajans and kirtans, which are devotional songs and chants. Her rendition of the Govindam prayers, which are played every morning in ISKCON temples worldwide, is particularly famous.

Temple Establishment[edit | edit source]

Yamuna Devi played a crucial role in establishing several ISKCON temples around the world. She was instrumental in the development of the ISKCON Krishna Balaram Mandir in Vrindavan, India, which is one of the most important temples in the Hare Krishna movement.

Legacy[edit | edit source]

Yamuna Devi's legacy continues to inspire devotees within ISKCON and beyond. Her contributions to the culinary arts and devotional music have left a lasting impact on the movement. She passed away in 2011, but her teachings and works continue to be cherished by many.