Mayapur Institute
An international ISKCON educational center — a higher school of Vaishnava education in Sri Dham Mayapur.
– Our Statistics –
- 26 yearsof educational activity
- 1920+students of the Russian-speaking department in 7 years
- 5international programs
- BoExinternational ISKCON diploma
About the Institute
The Mayapur Institute is an international ISKCON educational center founded in 2000 in Sri Dham Mayapur. Today the Institute offers educational programs at various levels — from Bhakti-sastri to Bhaktivedanta — and trains certified ISKCON teachers whose qualifications are confirmed by an international ISKCON Board of Examinations (BoEx) diploma.
Historically, since the time of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Mayapur has been one of the most important centers for studying the sacred scriptures of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. Previous acharyas — Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and Srila Prabhupada — sought to revive Mayapur as an international center of spiritual education and deep shastra study.
The Mayapur Institute embodies that vision. Over a quarter of a century it has grown from a single educational program into an international center of Vaishnava education, where students from around the world receive systematic shastra knowledge, develop spiritual maturity, and prepare for service as teachers, mentors, and leaders of the Vaishnava community.
Today the Mayapur Institute is one of the largest educational centers in ISKCON.
Values
Fidelity to Srila Prabhupada’s mood and mission
Educational programs are based on Srila Prabhupada’s books and Gaudiya Vaishnava teachings. Systematic study of philosophy forms a holistic worldview and a solid foundation for spiritual life.
Practicality
Knowledge is revealed through practical application in daily life. Learning develops skills needed for personal practice, service, and teaching.
Collaboration
Learning takes place among like-minded devotees united by the aspiration for spiritual growth. We bring together ISKCON students and teachers from around the world.
Service
The knowledge gained is meant both for personal spiritual growth and for broad preaching, mentoring, teaching, and responsible leadership.
Responsibility
Knowledge of the shastras is the foundation for mature devotional service and care for others.
Why choose the Mayapur Institute
Studies in Sri Dham Mayapur
Full immersion in an educational and spiritual environment: daily spiritual practice, temple life, parikramas, and association with Vaishnavas from around the world.
International standards
Programs are accredited by the ISKCON Board of Examinations (BoEx); graduates receive an international diploma.
Experienced teachers
Courses are taught by recognized teachers, shastra researchers, and spiritual leaders with many years of teaching and devotional service.
Systematic shastra study
Sequential educational programs help students deeply master Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy and apply knowledge in service, preaching, and teaching.
International community
The Institute unites students and teachers from many countries, creating a space for cooperation, exchange of experience, and joint service.
Holistic educational environment
Learning is based not only on shastra study, but also on academic integrity, Vaishnava etiquette, discipline, and spiritual practice as set in the Student Code.
Mission
Srila Prabhupada dreamed that Mayapur would become an international center of spiritual education where devotees from around the world come for a deep understanding of the shastras.
The Mayapur Institute helps fulfill this mission through deep shastra study, the development of spiritual maturity, and the training of qualified teachers, mentors, and leaders of the Vaishnava community.
Our graduates gain a systematic understanding of Gaudiya Vaishnava philosophy and successfully apply this knowledge in practice — first and foremost in preaching service.
Studying at the Mayapur Institute in the heart of Sri Dham Mayapur will become an important part of your spiritual path — just as Srila Prabhupada desired.
Teachers
Study Programs
Educational programs
You can choose educational programs at various levels — from a basic introduction to philosophy to in-depth shastra study.
Courses
Bhakti-sastri
Bhakti-vaibhava
Bhaktivedanta
TTC
Teacher Training Course
ISKCON Disciple
Specialized courses
Format
- On-site studies in Sri Dham Mayapur
- In Russian
- International diploma ISKCON BoEx
Specialized courses
- Public speaking
- Sanskrit
Students and Community
The Mayapur Institute is an international community of students, teachers, and graduates united by the aspiration for deep shastra study. Over the past few years, more than 600 students have successfully completed the main educational programs.
Learning Features
How learning works
Studies follow a modular system. Each course combines shastra study, teacher lectures, self-preparation, assignments, and final assessment, together with the spiritual life of the dhama, temple programs, and parikramas.
Class formats
Lectures, seminars, discussions, independent work with texts, homework, and consultations with teachers help students not only learn the material but also deeply assimilate it.
On-site studies
Studies take place in Sri Dham Mayapur and last up to 12 study weeks. Each week covers a separate section of the course under a teacher’s guidance.
Student Code
Before studies begin, every student becomes familiar with the Mayapur Institute Code: academic integrity, Vaishnava etiquette, study discipline, and spiritual practice.
Practice and feedback
For Bhakti-vaibhava and Bhaktivedanta courses, public presentations are required: one lecture and one presentation, plus mutual feedback on each presentation.
Assessment and diploma
Progress is measured in credits. To receive a diploma, students must earn the minimum course credits. BoEx programs award an international diploma.
Mentorship
During studies, students can ask teachers for clarification on course material and receive support in mastering the program.
Pilgrimages
Pilgrimages to the holy places of Navadvipa-dhama are an integral part of studies. Students visit places connected with Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastimes and deepen their understanding of the shastras.
Graduates
Over the years, the Mayapur Institute has united hundreds of graduates from around the world. Today they teach shastras, develop educational projects, lead communities, and continue service based on the knowledge gained at the Institute. Among the graduates:
- H.H. Chaitanya Chandra Charan das
- Valmiki das
- Vatsala das
- Vrajendra Kumar das
- Devakinananda das
- Mahadeva das
Many graduates later become teachers at the Mayapur Institute, continuing the tradition of transmitting knowledge to the next generations of students.
Partnerships
Collaboration and support of joint projects
Collaboration Formats
- exchange of experience in conducting courses
- inviting graduates as teachers
- consultations from administrators
Partner Initiatives
- Inviting teachers
- Joint events
Institutional Support
ISKCON
Part of the international ISKCON system
Cooperation
With the temple and the educational committee of COSCR
Integration
Integration with the Indian community of Sri Mayapur
Finance
Financial Model
Non-profit project
- The Mayapur Institute is a non-profit educational project
- Studies are supported by registration contributions and voluntary donations
Where funds go
- Development of educational activities
- Creation of new courses
- Support for teachers
- Improvement of learning infrastructure
How to apply
- 1. Choose a program that matches your level of preparation
- 2. Make the recommended donation for studies before submitting the application (without a receipt the application is incomplete)
- 3. Fill out the Google application form and attach the receipt
- 4. After a positive response you will be added to the course group
- 5. Current test information will be available one week before studies start
- Recommended donation: INR 12,500 (50% for dhama residents)
Promotion and Recognition
Currently
- Personal recommendations
- Telegram
- Banners
- Flyers at festivals
Advantages of Education
- international BoEx diploma
- studies in the spiritual center of the world — Sri Dham Mayapur
- teachers with many years of experience
- parikramas, kirtans, temple programs
Indicators
- 1920+ students of the Russian-speaking department in 7 years
- more than 600 graduates of main programs in recent years
- graduates participating in ISKCON projects worldwide
Questions and Answers
Mayapur Institute Campus, Taranpur Road, Sridham Mayapur, West Bengal, 741313, India