Motherhood is one of the purest blessings given by the Lord. Mother’s Day in ISKCON temple is not just about gifts or cards. It is a day to honor Srimati Radharani, the eternal consort of Shri Krishna, and all divine mothers in Shri Krishna consciousness.
In this world, a mother’s love is often our first experience of selfless care. But in spiritual life, that love finds its highest form in the love of Srimati Radharani and Mother Yasoda.
On Mother’s Day in ISKCON, temples remind us of the spiritual significance of motherhood, its eternal role, and how it connects us with Shri Krishna’s mercy.
When is Mother’s Day in 2025?
In 2025, Mother’s Day will be celebrated on Sunday, May 11. This special occasion is observed every year on the second Sunday of May in many parts of the world, including India. In the spiritual context of Mother’s Day in ISKCON, this date becomes even more meaningful as devotees offer their love, gratitude, and devotion.
Why Mother’s Day is Spiritually Celebrated in ISKCON
In ISKCON, Mother’s Day is not a material event. It is a reminder of how Lord Krishna himself received love from his divine mothers: Mother Devaki, Mother Yasoda, and Srimati Radharani.
Srimati Radharani as Divine Mother is the compassionate energy of Shri Krishna. She is the heart of all devotion. Her love reaches even those who have forgotten Shri Krishna.
Vaishnavi mothers, female devotees of the Lord, carry this love in their service. They teach children bhakti, chant the Hare Krishna Mahamantra, and serve Shri Krishna in temples and homes.
On this day, ISKCON temples around the world hold special offerings and glorification ceremonies to express gratitude to these spiritual mothers.
Glorifying Srimati Radharani – The Supreme Mother
Honoring Radharani on Mother’s Day is the highest expression of gratitude in ISKCON.
Srimati Radharani is Shri Krishna’s internal energy, known as Hladini Shakti. She is not separate from him. She is his heart.
Her love is so pure that even Shri Krishna bows to her devotion. When we say “Jai Shri Radhe,” we are actually asking for pure love and mercy.
In the temples, devotees offer garlands, sweets, and bhajans to Srimati Radharani. They speak of her pastimes, sing her glories, and meditate upon her kindness.
Mother Yasoda and Srimati Radharani Glorification
ISKCON sees Mother Yasoda as the symbol of motherly affection. Her love for Shri Krishna is famous. She never saw Krishna as God. She saw Him as her sweet child.
Even when Shri Krishna showed her the entire universe in His mouth, she still held him as her little boy.
On Mother’s Day, devotees remember both Mother Yasoda and Srimati Radharani. They are the pillars of loving devotion. They teach us how to serve the Lord without any selfishness.
ISKCON Celebration for Mother’s Day
Temples organize special Mother’s Day programs. Devotees offer flowers, lamps, sweets, and heartfelt prayers to the Divine Mothers in Krishna Consciousness.
Children in ISKCON schools (Gurukulas) perform dramas showing Radharani’s pastimes. Elders give talks on how mothers play a key role in spreading Krishna bhakti.
There is also a Vaishnavi appreciation ceremony in many ISKCON communities. Women who serve the temple as mothers, teachers, and guides are honored with gifts and praise.
This shows that ISKCON respects motherhood not only in homes but also in temples and in service to Lord Krishna.
The Importance of Food Donation and Charity
On this holy day, ISKCON also encourages charity as a way to please Srimati Radharani.
Mother’s Day offerings to Srimati Radharani are not limited to rituals. Devotees donate prasadam (sanctified food) to the poor. They give money to temples so that Lord Krishna’s seva (service) can continue.
Radharani is pleased when we help those in need. When we feed a hungry soul, Shri Krishna accepts it as if offered to Him.
This is also mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9, Verse 26 where the Lord says:
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मन:॥
Meaning: Whoever gives in charity with love, I accept it with great joy.
Giving on Mother’s Day is not about luxury. It is about love. It is about serving with devotion, just like Mother Yasoda and Srimati Radharani served Shri Krishna.
Glorifying Mother Yasoda and Srimati Radharani Together
Mother Yasoda and Srimati Radharani glorification on Mother’s Day in ISKCON reminds us of divine motherhood. Mother Yasoda is the mother of Shri Krishna in Vrindavan. She raised Him with deep affection.
But Radharani is the mother of His devotees. She guides the souls lost in material life back to Shri Krishna. Her love is unconditional and divine.
Together, they show us two forms of perfect motherhood — one that protects and one that delivers. Devotees reflect on this on Mother’s Day. They feel grateful to both and sing bhajans that glorify their divine nature.
Radharani’s Role as Spiritual Mother in Krishna Consciousness
Radharani’s role as spiritual mother is very deep. In Shri Krishna Consciousness, she is known as the Adi-Shakti, the source of all compassion. Without Her mercy, one cannot reach Shri Krishna.
She listens to every soul who sincerely prays. She carries their requests to Lord Krishna. As a Divine Mother in Krishna Consciousness, she never judges or rejects anyone.
Even the worst sinner can be purified by Her grace. This is the spiritual truth behind Mother’s Day spiritual significance in ISKCON. It’s a day to beg for Her blessings and remember Her glories.
Importance of Food Donation and Temple Giving on Mother’s Day
One of the most powerful ways to honor Mother’s Day in ISKCON is through charity. Radharani’s mercy flows more when we share what we have with others. Giving food donation to the poor on this day pleases Shri Krishna deeply.
He says in Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 9, Verse 27;
यत्करोषि यदश्नासि यज्जुहोषि ददासि यत् |
यत्तपस्यसि कौन्तेय तत्कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ॥
Meaning: Whatever you do, do it as an offering to Me.
And what better way to offer than by feeding the hungry? It is also recommended to donate money to ISKCON temples for seva, prasadam, and preaching services.
This helps maintain the Lord’s home and serves His devotees. It becomes a direct service to Radharani. When you serve Her children, she blesses you with love and protection.
Conclusion: Celebrating Mother’s Day with Devotion to Radharani
Mother’s Day in ISKCON is not just a calendar event. It is a day of soul connection. A day to remember that behind every kind motherly heart is a spark of Srimati Radharani.
Her divine qualities inspire all loving mothers; spiritual or biological. This day teaches us to be more grateful, humble, and kind. To be more loving and giving.
Let us celebrate Mother’s Day by honoring Radharani on Mother’s Day with our hearts. Let us chant, serve, donate, and glorify the Divine Mothers; Mother Yasoda, Radharani, and all Vaishnavi mothers who guide us toward Shri Krishna.
