Our dear grandfather, Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Your Divine Grace.
On this most auspicious appearance day of Your Divine Grace, we, the insignificant servants at ISKCON Raichur, fall at your lotus feet and attempt to offer our heartfelt homage. Words are inadequate to glorify you, yet speaking about your mercy is our only shelter.
You came alone to the West at an advanced age, carrying not wealth, not institutional backing, but only the order of your spiritual master and unshakable faith in the holy name. You wrote in your diary upon arriving in America: “I do not know why You have brought me here.… But I guess You have some business here, otherwise why would You bring me to this terrible place?” (Jaladuta Diary, “Mārkine Bhāgavata-dharma,” at Boston Harbor, September 18, 1965)
From that apparent uncertainty emerged a spiritual revolution that transformed the world. You fearlessly established Kṛṣṇa consciousness across continents – temples, farms, gurukulas, and books that continue to illuminate humanity.
Your mission was not without deep pain. You faced not only external opposition but also internal disturbances – even from those who once took shelter of you. Some disciples misunderstood your instructions, deviated from the principles, or even opposed your authority. Still, your compassion never diminished. You once indicated with grave concern that if there was an opportunity, the senses will deviate and falldown is inevitable from there.
And yet, despite such challenges, you did not withdraw your mercy. Rather, you intensified your efforts to protect the movement through books, systems, and clear instructions. You emphasized repeatedly: “Your love for me will be shown by how much you cooperate to keep this institution together after I am gone.” (Śrīla Prabhupāda-līlāmṛta, chapter 52)
Śrīla Prabhupāda, this instruction pierces our hearts. It is both a warning and a guiding light. You demonstrated what it means to be a true ācārya – not merely one who teaches, but one who tolerates, uplifts, and continues giving despite setbacks. Your life exemplifies the verse tṛṇād api su-nīcena … (Śikṣāṣṭakam 3).
You tolerated dishonor, betrayal, and immense pressure, yet remained fixed in your service to Śrī Kṛṣṇa and your Guru Mahārāja. Your steadiness under such trials is one of your greatest teachings.
At ISKCON Raichur, we are trying – very imperfectly – to serve your mission. By your mercy:
- A few devotees have successfully completed the Śrīla Prabhupāda Introductory Course (SPIC), taking initial steps in understanding your teachings.
- The ground floor of our ecofriendly temple construction has been completed, and we are preparing to begin the first-floor construction.
- Our gośālā, with around fifty protected cows and bulls, is being maintained with care, and we are producing dhūpa sticks and cow-dung cakes, attempting to implement simple living and high thinking.
- Weekly nāma-saṅkīrtana (nagara-kīrtana) is organized in different parts of the city, distributing temple invitation flyers and spreading the holy name.
- We conduct a monthly twelve-hour kirtan every fourth Sunday, creating a spiritual oasis for the community.
- A monthly Narasiṁha-homa is performed on every Svātī nakṣatra, seeking protection and purification.
- By your mercy, we have distributed over seventy sets of Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam in the past year.
These are small offerings, Śrīla Prabhupāda – tiny attempts by struggling souls. Still, we place them at your lotus feet, knowing that only your mercy gives them any value.
We are also aware of our shortcomings. We see how easily the mind becomes distracted, how subtle ego creeps in, how cooperation becomes difficult, and how steadiness fluctuates. When we read about the challenges you faced with your own disciples, we become sober. If those who personally served you could struggle, then what to speak of us, who are so far removed?
Therefore, we pray not for comfort or recognition, but for strength, humility, and stability. Strength to continue despite obstacles. Humility to remain servants and not controllers. Stability to follow your instructions without deviation.
You told us, “Everything is there in my books.” If we ready your books carefully, everything will be clear
Please give us the intelligence to take full shelter of your books. Let us not become sentimental or superficial, but deeply rooted in śāstra and sādhana. Let us not repeat the mistakes of the past; let us instead learn from them. Let us build not only structures but character; not only congregations, but conviction; and not simply perform activities but surrender.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you once said you had given us everything and encouraged us to develop it. We tremble at this responsibility. Yet, with your blessings, even the impossible becomes possible.
Please allow us to remain instruments in your mission. Please protect us from pride and disunity. Please engage us in meaningful service. Please help us cooperate as a family of devotees. And most importantly: please never let us forget you.
On this sacred Vyāsa-pūjā day, we bow again and again at your lotus feet, begging for your causeless mercy.
With deep gratitude and love,
Your humble servant,
Sarāthi Shyāma Dāsa,
On behalf of ISKCON Raichur