Dearest and most beloved Śrīla Prabhupāda,
nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate bhaktivedānta-svāminn iti nāmine
namas te sārasvate deve gaura-vāṇī-pracāriṇe
nirviśeṣa-śūnyavādi-pāścātya-deśa-tāriṇe
Please accept our sincere and humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet on this most auspicious day of your Vyāsa-pūjā.
Today, we gather with hearts filled with gratitude and reverence, remembering your inimitable mercy upon the fallen souls of this age. Crossing oceans at an advanced age, with no material support, you carried the timeless message of Lord Kṛṣṇa to the entire world. Through your compassion, the teachings of Bhagavad-gītā As It Is, Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, and the holy name have reached people globally.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, whatever meager devotion we have today is entirely due to your causeless mercy. You have given us everything: the holy name, the philosophy, the process of devotional service, the association of devotees, and kṛṣṇa-prasādam. You have built a spiritual home for us within your society, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, where we all can take shelter and grow.
At ISKCON Tampa, your presence is deeply felt in every kirtan, every class, every offering, and every attempt to serve. Your instructions guide our lives, your books nourish our intelligence, and your example inspires our hearts.
By your mercy, our small community is now endeavoring to expand your mission through the development of a new ISKCON Tampa temple, New Vraja-maṇḍala Dhāma, project and expansion. This effort is our humble offering at your lotus feet and an attempt to fulfill your desire to establish Kṛṣṇa consciousness in every town and village.
We envision this temple as a place where the holy name will be chanted constantly; your books will be distributed widely; people from all backgrounds will receive prasādam and spiritual knowledge; and families, youth, and children of all classes and genders will find shelter in devotional life.
We fully realize that this is not our project – it is your project. We are simply instruments trying to assist in your divine mission.
Śrīla Prabhupāda, you taught us that success is not measured by external achievements but by sincerity and purity of service. Therefore, as we work on this expansion, we pray for the strength to serve in a mood pleasing to you. You have shown us through your own life what true surrender means: complete dependence on Kṛṣṇa, fearless preaching, and unwavering faith in the holy name. Despite immense challenges, you never compromised the purity of the message.
In our daily lives – with our various responsibilities, distractions, and struggles – we try to hold onto your instructions. Sometimes we fail, sometimes we become weak, but your mercy gives us the strength to rise again. Each moment we are inspired by your determination, compassion, and deep love for Kṛṣṇa and all living entities.
Your words continue to illuminate our path: “Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa and your life will be sublime.”
On this most auspicious day, we offer our heartfelt prayers: may we always remain faithful to your teachings and develop a sincere taste for chanting the holy name. May we serve your mission with humility, cooperation, and devotion. May this Tampa temple and center expansion become an instrument for serving your mission and the spreading of Kṛṣṇa consciousness to one and all.
We know that without your mercy, we have no qualification. As expressed in the Guru-vandanā: yasya prasādād bhagavat-prasādo, yasyāprasādān na gatiḥ kuto ’pi. Śrīla Prabhupāda, please forgive our offenses, our shortcomings, and our lack of sincerity. Still, we take shelter of your lotus feet, knowing that you are the most benevolent savior of the fallen. Please bless us so that we may always remain engaged in your service eternally.
With folded hands and grateful hearts,
Your insignificant eternal servants at New Vraja-maṇḍala Dhāma, Tampa