About Me

I was born in Durban, South Africa, in humble settings. My parents, devoted followers of Krishna, instilled in me a deep sense of God consciousness from a very young age. Their unwavering devotion and commitment to Krishna consciousness were the guiding lights of my early years. They taught me the importance of spirituality and living a life centered around serving Krishna. Growing up, I had a great passion for playing football. However, even in the world of sports, I found profound realizations about life and spirituality. The discipline, teamwork, and perseverance required in football mirrored the qualities needed for a dedicated spiritual life. These early experiences shaped my understanding and commitment to Krishna consciousness. 

 After finishing school, I did not pursue further formal education. Instead, I began working as an HR officer in the Department of Education. This role later provided me with numerous opportunities to engage in devotional service. I got married and entered grihasta life in the 1986, and we had one daughter, who is now married. Tragically, my wife passed away at an early age in the 1998, leaving me to raise our daughter as a single parent. My inclination to help others and my aspiration to be a welfare worker found fulfillment during my tenure at the Department of Education. Coming into Krishna consciousness further enhanced this desire, allowing me to help people both materially and spiritually by introducing them to Krishna consciousness as the ultimate form of welfare work. 

 My journey in Krishna consciousness began in 1985, some 38 years ago. I vividly remember my first visit to the ISKCON Durban Sri Sri Radhanath Temple in October 1984, which happened by divine providence. My car broke down near the temple while I was on my way to visit my future wife. Subsequently, I visited the temple again in 1985, where I met HH Giriraj Swami Maharaj, who instructed me on how to chant Hare Krishna. I started attending programs, associating with devotees, and regularly listening to Maharaj's teachings at the temple. This marked the beginning of my deep and enduring connection with Krishna consciousness.  My initial services at the temple included various forms of seva (service), and I soon found myself drawn to preaching and book distribution. I had started distributing books with the devotees, an activity that greatly inspired me. I began chanting 16 rounds and initiated a small nama hatta in a person's garage, where we gathered regularly to chant and discuss Krishna consciousness. 

 After my wife's sudden passing, I had to adjust to raising my daughter alone. Despite the challenges, I maintained my focus by putting full faith in Krishna and increasing my devotional service. Even without owning a vehicle, I relied on Krishna to continue my enthusiastic service and preaching. In 1999, I took formal initiation from HH Giriraj Swami in Vrindavan on the appearance day of Radha Kundha, receiving the name Raghunath Bhatta Das. Over the years, I have served ISKCON South Africa in various capacities, including management at the Radha Radhanath Temple, Vice President of New Jagannath Puri Temple, and Regional Secretary for KZN. I have been involved in developing Nama Hattas, organizing programs with government leaders, conducting leadership seminars, and distributing the books of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami, who personally gave me the rights to print his books before he left the planet. I also managed the Back to Godhead Department, counseling devotees, participating in weekly Harinams across KZN and in various cities in South Africa, and organizing Japa Retreats. I was also involved in fundraising activities and conducting japa workshops. After retiring early from my government service career, I moved full-time into the Sri Sri Radhanath Temple, where I am responsible for maintenance, building projects, preaching and outreach activities, university preaching, Food for Life, and giving classes on various scriptures.