Frequently asked questions
Why are your books so expensive?
Here are some of the main reasons why our books are more expensive than most other devotional titles:
- Bespoke artwork – Every painting in these books is specially commissioned for the project. They are not stock images, but original works created to bring the philosophy and pastimes to life.
- Devotee-run team – Our small publishing team in Hungary is entirely made up of devotees. Some serve on a voluntary basis, some are brahmacārīs, whilst others are given a basic maintenance. Artwork, editing, typesetting, proofreading, translations, and production oversight are all done within the family of devotees.
- Local, high-quality printing – We do not outsource to industrial overseas printers. Each book is produced under close supervision with a local family-run press. This allows us to personally oversee every detail and maintain the quality.
- Small print runs – Unlike mass-market publishers who print tens of thousands of copies at once, our print runs are often just a few hundred copies. This makes it possible to carefully oversee each batch, maintain the highest quality, minimise the inventory of our relatively small operation, and to keep each edition exclusive.
- Hand craftsmanship – Many steps of the production process, such as binding, gold leafing and other finishing touches are done by hand, and artwork is individually inserted into the book. This is rather labour intensive but the personal touch ensures for a high quality end product.
- Premium materials – We source the best available materials, such as Italian art paper, gold leafing, and embossed covers. All these features make the books very beautiful and long lasting.
- Longevity & offering – These books are not meant to be disposable paperbacks. They are intended as heirloom pieces — produced as books were 100 years ago. We hope you will treasure them for decades and that your children and grandchildren will also read them. They are a long term investment
- Devotional mission – SRS Books is a not-for-profit organisation. In the past, Mahārāja personally collected donations to help fund print runs. Whilst we have moved away from such dependency, we are far from making a profit. Any lakṣmī that is collected goes straight back into the process of publishing, warehousing, transporting and distributing the latest titles. If something remains, it is used for the direct service of Rādhā-Śyāma, the beautiful Deities of New Vraja Dhāma in Hungary. Therefore, by purchasing these books you are directly supporting our mission to share Vṛndāvana with the world.
Who is qualified to read these books?
Devotees are always encouraged to read Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books first and foremost. They are the mainstay of ISKCON devotees and the very foundation of our spiritual lives. The works published by SRS Books are meant to complement, not replace, Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings.
Mahārāja began writing the Kṛṣṇa in Vṛndāvana series in the late 1990s and continues to expand it to this day. At the beginning of each book, he discusses the qualification required to hear and to practise at various levels. This topic has been studied at length in his writings, especially in Śuddha-bhakti-cintāmaṇi and, more recently, Saṅkalpa-kaumudī.
Over the decades, many devotees have left ISKCON in search of “greener pastures.” A common accusation levelled against ISKCON is that it only deals with vaidhī-bhakti and does not allow sincere practitioners to go beyond. However, a careful study of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books reveals that His Divine Grace did, in fact, give everything. His purports—particularly in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta—are filled with insights into the realms of spontaneous devotion. A thoughtful study of them gives us a much deeper appreciation of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s invaluable offering for this global society for the next ten thousand years.
One of the main purposes of SRS Books is to unveil the path of pure devotional service and Vraja-bhakti for sincere practitioners of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, all within the auspices of ISKCON under the direction of Śrīla Prabhupāda. These books are written in a way that makes advanced topics accessible while remaining firmly grounded in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s authority, by referencing him extensively. They allow sincere devotees to safely explore the higher realms of bhakti while remaining true and loyal to him.
The aim of these books is to present the ultimate goal—Vraja-bhakti—in a faithful, careful, and inspiring way, guiding devotees step by step, always keeping Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings at the centre.
What are your shipping times and prices?
Our shipping times vary depending on where you are in the world. We aim to pack and ship your order within 2–3 days of purchase.
Our main stock locations are in Hungary, the UK, the USA, India, and Australia. If you live outside these countries, please allow extra time for international delivery.
If you have a specific inquiry about shipping to your location, feel free to contact us — we’ll be happy to provide more accurate information.
Shipping costs vary depending on your location and are automatically calculated at checkout once you enter your address. We do our best to minimise costs by keeping local stocks in different parts of the world. However, since we ship pallets from our printer in Hungary to those locations, some international shipping charges are unavoidable in addition to local fees. We always aim to keep them as low as possible.
Can I help with any services for SRS Books or Śivarāma Swami?
Yes! We are always grateful for volunteers. There are many ways to serve — from online services (such as editing, design, or media work) to practical help like storing or shipping books. If you’d like to offer your skills or time, please reach out to us — every bit of service helps the mission.