Enhancing Biodiversity in Sri Mayapur-dhama
The Mayapur Master Plan Office has launched “Biodiversity in Bhakti Yoga: A Devotional Offering” under the CONNECT with Sri Mayapur-dhama project, blending ecology and spirituality to inspire devotees to honor Mother Earth through bhakti. As part of this initiative, ISKCON Mayapur recently completed a major plantation drive, adding over 250 trees, 300 flowering bushes, and 75 creepers across the campus to enhance the dhama’s natural beauty and biodiversity. To further enrich the experience, QR codes are being installed on many of the trees, enabling pilgrims to instantly access Vedic wisdom through the official Mayapur App and website.
ISKCON Mayapur Campus Plantation Drive: A Devotional Service to the Dhama
As a living extension of this offering, a large-scale plantation drive was recently completed in collaboration with the ISKCON Mayapur Horticulture Department. Over 250 trees, 300 flowering bushes, and 75 creepers were lovingly planted as devotional offerings to the Lord—each one adding fragrance, shade, and spiritual beauty to the sacred pathways of Sri Mayapur-dhama. ISKCON Mayapur Co-Director Subheksana Das, along with other managers, personally participated, turning the tree planting into a heartfelt act of devotion.
Sacred Trees and Spiritual Ecology
These flowering and fruit-bearing trees were thoughtfully selected to enrich the biodiversity of Sri Mayapur-dhama. Among the trees planted were Keli Kadamba and Swarna Champa, whose fragrant blossoms are associated with the golden complexion of Lord Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. To provide vibrant color and shade, seasonal bloomers like Krishnachura, Radhachura, and the Palasa tree were also included. To enrich the medicinal ecosystem of the dhama, Ayurvedic trees like Neem, Amalaki (Indian gooseberry), Haritaki, Bibhitaki, Arjuna, and Parijata were planted. Additionally, fruit-bearing trees such as Jamrul (rose apple), Amra, Starfruit, Chikoo, and Papaya now add variety to a landscape already rich in Mango & Coconut.
Have you ever felt Krishna smiling at you? Srila Prabhupada beautifully encapsulated the sacredness of nature when he said:
“When you see a flower, you see Kṛṣṇa smiling… So specifically good fragrance of flower, Kṛṣṇa says that ‘I am that.’”
(750119 – Lecture SB 03.26.44 – Bombay)
To support Deity worship with freshly grown flowers, fragrant bushes were planted—Gandharaj, Campaka, Kamini, Tagar, Kunda, Jasmine, Night Queen, Rangan, and White Java—each chosen for its sacredness and suitability in garlands and offerings. In an effort to increase the number of flowering creepers across the campus, varieties such as Malati, Madhavi, Karnikara, Passiflora, and Sweet Autumn Clematis now gracefully adorn fences and borders. We hope that within a few months they will form natural groves, offering nectar to butterflies, bumblebees, and other pollinators—blending devotional beauty with ecological harmony.
To enhance natural filtration of grey water on campus, Canna Lilies have been planted along the open drains. These water-loving plants not only enhance the visual serenity of the surroundings, but also offer their silent service by naturally purifying the water—supporting a more sacred environment for all.
QR Codes Transform Trees into Living Scriptures
To help pilgrims deepen their understanding of the spiritual significance of nature, QR codes are being installed on many of the trees. A simple scan brings up Vedic references, stories, and pastimes associated with the tree—available in multiple languages via the official Mayapur App and website.
This unique initiative transforms a simple walk through the campus into a living pilgrimage, where each tree becomes a sacred portal into the scriptures.
“When I scanned the QR on the Keli Kadamba tree and read about Lord Krishna’s pastimes, I felt as if the tree was personally telling me a story. It changed the way I see trees forever.” — A visiting devotee
Nurturing Young Hearts: School Tree Plantation & Education
The Mayapur Master Plan Office has also partnered with Bhaktivedanta National School (BVNS) and Sri Mayapur International School (SMIS) to extend this vision to the next generation.
After reviewing the biodiversity on each campus, special plantation plans were created. Both schools will soon hold Tree Plantation Days, where students and teachers will plant and care for trees—offering their hands and hearts in service to Sri Mayapur-dhama.
Educational programs are also being introduced to instill ecological awareness and foster a spirit of interdependence and harmony with all life forms—so that children grow up seeing Krishna not only in the Deity form, but also in the forest and the flowers.
Your Chance to Serve the Dhama
“Srimati Radharani created a beautiful place, decorated with creepers and trees and filled with male and female bumble bees. Deer and buck were happily enjoying as they wandered about, and the whole area was filled with the fragrance of jasmine, mallikā, and mālatī flowers. That transcendental abode was adorned with tulasi forests and decorated with various groves.’”
(Sri Navadvipa-dhama Mahatmya)
Devotees around the world are warmly invited to express their bhakti by planting trees, creepers, and sacred groves in their communities or homes as a heartfelt offering to Śrīmatī Rādhārāṇī and Śrī Mayapur-dhāma. Let each tree be a living remembrance of the most merciful Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and a blessing for future generations. As we care for the trees, the trees in turn serve the Lord—offering fruits and flowers for worship, shade and a home for Krishna’s creatures. This is not mere planting—it is seva: a sacred act of service born of love and gratitude.
All residents of Śrī Mayapur-dhāma are especially encouraged to join this initiative by planting trees & creepers in their homes or balconies, thus beautifying the holy dhāma. You may also grow saplings and donate them to ISKCON Mayapur for planting across the campus. To deepen the spiritual experience, devotees can help bring scriptures to life by installing QR codes across the nine islands of Śrī Navadvīpa-dhāma, revealing Vedic stories and pastimes associated with each sacred tree—available in multiple languages. Digital QR codes can be downloaded from the official album, and free laminated QR codes are also available by emailing ‘masterplan@mayapur.ngo’. Please offer your heartfelt prayers for these sacred trees, that they may serve the guests of Mahāprabhu and become living storytellers of the dhāma.
We also invite devotees worldwide to use their voice and creativity—by creating short videos or social media posts that highlight the connection between Bhakti-yoga and Biodiversity. Share your realizations as a humble offering to Lord Gaurāṅga—and inspire others to walk the path of devotion through sacred ecology.
By Nandan Dasa, Mayapur Master Plan Office