The Art, Science and Perfection of Deity Worship by Visnu Murti Das

Date: Sunday 1st February to 22nd February 2026

Time: 14:00 PM – 17:00 PM 

Location: Bhakti Lounge,Bhaktivedanta Manor,Dharam Marg,Hilfield Lane, Waford – WD25 8HE

Course Description

A 4-Week Immersive Course with School of Bhakti
Deity worship is a profound spiritual practice that harmonises devotion, discipline, and personal transformation. This 4-week course offers a balanced blend of philosophy, practical guidance, and inner cultivation to help students understand and deepen their connection with Krishna through the sacred art of worship. Whether you are new to deity worship or looking to refine your practice, this course provides a comprehensive and uplifting learning journey.

Course Overview
Module 1 — What and Why
Explore the foundational principles of deity worship.
* What is the Deity? Understand the philosophy behind the deity form as the merciful, accessible manifestation of the Supreme.
* Why Perform Deity Worship? Learn how worship nourishes devotion, purifies consciousness, and anchors spiritual life.
* The Goal of Deity Worship: Discover how consistent worship guides us toward loving service and a personal relationship with Krishna.

Module 2 — Mood and Relationship
Uncover the inner qualities that elevate worship from routine to heartfelt devotion.
* The Mood of Worship: Cultivate humility, gratitude, steadiness, and attentiveness—the essential emotions that enrich one’s offering.
* Deepening Our Relationship with Krishna: Practical ways to personalise our service, recognise Krishna’s reciprocation, and experience worship as a living relationship rather than a ritual.

Module 3 — Rules and Regulations
Learn the structure that supports purity, respect, and spiritual potency.
* Why Rules Matter: Explore how guidelines protect the sanctity of worship and empower devotees to serve with sincerity and consistency.
* Key Regulations: Understand essential standards around conduct, timing, cleanliness, and attitude both inside and outside worship.

Module 4 — Cleanliness and Purity
Master the principles that uplift worship and refine consciousness.
* Levels of Cleanliness: Physical, mental, and spiritual cleanliness—and how they work together.
* Why It Matters: Understand how cleanliness affects the environment, the consciousness of the worshipper, and the presence we create for Krishna.
* Cultivating Internal and External Purity: Techniques and habits for maintaining purity in one’s body, mind, and surroundings.

Module 5 — Bhoga and Aarti
Learn the heart of daily practical worship.
* Offering Bhoga: Step-by-step guidance on presenting food to Krishna with devotion, mindfulness, and proper procedure.
* Offering Aarti: Understand the meaning behind each item and gesture, and learn how to perform aarti with grace, attention, and heartfelt devotion.

**Please note the 5 modules will be taught across 4 weeks 

What You Will Gain
* A complete understanding of the philosophy and practice of deity worship
* Confidence in performing worship with devotion and precision
* A deeper, more personal relationship with Krishna
* Practical skills you can apply immediately at home or in the temple

Teacher Bio

Visnu Murti Das joined ISKCON in 2001 and is a disciple of HH Krishna Das Swami (sannyasa disciple of HDG Srila Prabhupada). He took second initiation in 2006 and served as Head Pujari from 2006-2012 in ISKCON Coventry before moving to ISKCON Leicester where he helped establish the worship of Sri Sri Krishna Balarama at Krishna Avanti School. At the request of ISKCON’s deity worship ministry, he and HG Jagad Bandhu Prabhu established the worship of Sri Sri Radha Madhava in Leicester which he led as Head Pujari from 2016 until Radhastami 2021.

By the blessings of the devotees and his spiritual master, Visnu Murti Das had the opportunity to study the art and science of deity worship at the Mayapur Academy and was the highest scoring student in his year, achieving the special distinction of being the only student to score 100% in dressing Seva. With the blessings of Mayapur’s head pujari, HG Jananivasa Prabhu, for 6 months Visnu Murti Das was given the service of dressing the right side Sakhi’s on Sri Sri Radha Madhava’s altar each morning and evening and he was also engaged in painting Srimati Radha Rani’s and Sri Madhava’s gopi dots daily. During his time in Mayapur he also had the good fortune of serving on the altars of Lord Nrsimha-Dev as well as Panca-Tattva.

After leaving Mayapur he spent a month in Sri Vrindavan Dham serving Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundar under the guidance of HG Aindra Prabhu and was engaged in the seva of painting Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar and assisting Aindra prabhu in his dressing Seva. He is now aspiring to deepen his understanding of the Bhakti sastras and the holy name.