Varsana Swami was born in 1950 in Morristown, New Jersey. From his childhood he was strongly drawn to the workings of the natural world. He became a vegetarian of his own accord at the age of seven and was determined to lead a life of compassion. As a young man his search for meaning manifest through studying theology in college, visiting ashrams, and hearing from different gurus. Finally, in 1972 he had the great fortune of meeting his beloved Spiritual Master, Srila Prabhupada. That encounter had such a profound impact that he was inspired to join the Brooklyn temple. Shortly thereafter, he went to New Vrindavan and began what is now nearly 4 decades of devotional service there. Maharaj has performed a variety of seva over the years including: raising and training draft animals for farmwork; pujari service; conservation work; and heading up the excavation department responsible for literally carving out the infrastructure of New Vrindavan. When not serving in New Vrindavan, Varsana Swami travels as an advocate and dedicated supporter of the farm movement within ISKCON.
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