Our dear grandfather, Śrīla Prabhupāda,
We offer you our daṇḍavats. All glories to your beloved spiritual master, Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta
Swami Prabhupāda.
yasya deve parā bhaktir
yathā deve tathā gurau
tasyaite kathitā hy arthāḥ
prakāśante mahātmanaḥ
Only unto those great souls who have implicit faith in both the Lord and the spiritual
master are all the imports of Vedic knowledge automatically revealed. (Śvetāśvatara
Upaniṣad 6.23)
On this most auspicious day of your appearance, we, your humble servants, bow our heads in
gratitude, reverence, and awe before you, our spiritual guide, beacon of hope, and eternal well-
wisher. The light of your divine wisdom continues to illuminate the darkest corners of this world,
inspiring countless souls to journey toward the lotus feet of Śrī Kṛṣṇa.
When we reflect upon your extraordinary life, we are struck by the magnitude of your struggles,
the depth of your thoughts, the clarity of your vision, and above all, the oceanic love and care you
showered upon all beings. Your journey, Śrīla Prabhupāda, was nothing short of monumental –
a testament to your unwavering faith in the words of your spiritual master and your determination
to fulfill his desire.
One remarkable pastime illustrates the mystic potency you embodied. In 1970, during the
early days of ISKCON in India, you visited Surat with your disciples. During a grand procession
through the city, hundreds of thousands of people gathered, showering flowers and chanting
Hare Kṛṣṇa. Some of your disciples, overwhelmed by the crowd’s enthusiasm, asked how you
managed to attract so many people. You smiled and replied, “They are not coming to see me; they
are coming to see Kṛṣṇa.” This humility concealed a profound truth: your pure devotion acted as
a magnet, drawing Kṛṣṇa’s mercy and manifesting it through these awe-inspiring moments.
This mystic influence extended beyond physical presence. In 1977, during your final days in
Vrindavan, you exhibited an extraordinary connection with the spiritual realm. Your disciples
recalled how you continued to guide and inspire them, even as your physical body weakened.
When someone expressed concern for your health, you reassured them, saying, “I am always with
you, just as Kṛṣṇa is always with you.” (Conversation, November 1977). These words revealed your
transcendental nature, offering comfort and assurance to those who sought your shelter.
Your thoughts, Śrīla Prabhupāda, were always centered on the welfare of others. You saw
the suffering of humanity lost in the throes of materialism and strove to gift them the ultimate
panacea – the process of bhakti-yoga. You envisioned a world united in the chanting of the holy
names, a world where people of all backgrounds could come together to serve Kṛṣṇa. This vision
found expression in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), which you
established as a home for all.
Your teachings were profound yet practical, steeped in the timeless wisdom of the Vedas yet
accessible to the modern mind. Through your books, conversations, lectures, and letters, you
revealed the path of devotion with clarity and compassion. You once said: “Teach by your
example. That is the best preaching. You should remain ideal devotees and serve Krishna nicely.
That will be the most effective preaching work.” (Letter to Bhagavān Dāsa, January 7, 1976) This
guiding principle of leading by example is the cornerstone of your mission, one that we strive to
embody in our daily lives.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, your vision for the future was both grand and profound. You envisioned
self-sufficient farm communities, where devotees could live in harmony with nature, relying on
Kṛṣṇa and His creation. You emphasized education, urging devotees to study your books deeply
and share this knowledge with others. You foresaw a world transformed by Kṛṣṇa consciousness,
and you left us with a blueprint to make that vision a reality.
But what stands out most, Śrīla Prabhupāda, is your boundless love and care. You saw each
soul as a part and parcel of Kṛṣṇa, deserving of love, respect, and guidance. You tirelessly traveled
the world, enduring discomforts and challenges, just to give others the opportunity to hear about
Kṛṣṇa. Your affection for your disciples was like that of a father guiding his children, a friend
encouraging his companions, and a spiritual master leading his followers.
At ISKCON Raichur, though we are small in number, we are striving to manifest your vision
by constructing an eco-friendly temple using adobe bricks. Devotees are conducting bhakti-vriksha
classes, organizing festivals, collecting funds, and doing all they can to further your mission. We
fervently pray for your mercy so we may complete the construction of the temple at the earliest
and offer it to the world as a humble token of our gratitude and devotion.
Dear grandsire, with hearts full of humility, we seek your forgiveness for all the offenses we
have committed, knowingly or unknowingly, in thought, word, or deed. Despite your boundless
mercy and guidance, we often falter due to our conditioned nature and ignorance. Please be kind
upon us and forgive our shortcomings so that we may purify our hearts and serve your mission
with sincerity, devotion, and steadfastness. We pray for your continued blessings to overcome our
weaknesses and remain dedicated to your lotus feet.
We are forever indebted to you. You have given us the greatest gift – the opportunity to serve
Kṛṣṇa and reconnect with our eternal nature. Dearest Śrīla Prabhupāda, we humbly fall at your
lotus feet and pray for your divine shelter. Please protect us from the relentless grip of māyā,
which seeks to divert our minds from the path of devotion. Grant us the physical and mental
strength to steadfastly follow the sacred guidelines of the scriptures that you have so mercifully
presented to us. Help us remain united as a spiritual family, embracing one another in the spirit
of love and cooperation so we may work together to fulfill your mission. Empower us, Śrīla
Prabhupāda, with the determination and compassion to preach your message, tirelessly spread-
ing the glories of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to every corner of the world. May your blessings guide us
and give us the strength to serve you faithfully and fulfill the responsibilities you have so kindly
entrusted to us. Hare Kṛṣṇa!
Your mystic pastimes amaze us. Your struggles inspire us. Your thoughts guide us. Your vision
uplifts us. Your love sustains us.
With deep gratitude and love,
Your humble servants,
Sārathi Shyāma Dāsa
and the devotees at ISKCON Raichur

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