Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda,
Please accept our humble obeisances at your glorious lotus feet. All glories to you, beloved
Śrīla Prabhupāda, the revered founder-ācārya of the International Society for Krishna
Consciousness.
On this auspicious occasion of your divine appearance day, Vyāsa-pūjā, we gather together
with hearts full of gratitude to honor you, O representative of Vyāsadeva. We, your devoted and
aging direct disciples, along with thousands of eager new followers from all walks of life, bow
down in reverence at your radiant lotus feet.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, your bold and uncompromising preaching, coupled with your unwav-
ering faith in Lord Kṛṣṇa, has illuminated the path for so many, making this movement a grand
success. Your tireless life’s mission of translating sacred texts, including the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam,
Caitanya-caritāmṛta, and Bhagavad-gītā, has bestowed upon us the profound knowledge to under-
stand our true spiritual position as loving servants of the Lord. With you as our guiding light, we
confidently march forward on our journey back home, back to Godhead.
Here in the capital of America, Washington, DC, your Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement has
flourished magnificently. Last year, after decades of dreaming, struggling, praying, and planning,
we finally opened a grand temple for Śrī Rādhā-Madana-mohana, Śrī Sītā-Rāma-Lakṣmaṇa-
Hanumān, and Śrī Gaura-Nitāi. This magnificent temple spans 10,000 square feet and boasts
an expansive temple room, a beautifully adorned altar, a prasādam hall filled with the aroma of
sumptuous offerings, and a state-of-the-art commercial kitchen. Now, our beloved Lords have an
ample abode that can comfortably accommodate the hundreds of enthusiastic guests who visit
regularly.
Every Saturday, a dedicated harināma kīrtana group ventures out to Silver Spring, MD, under
the guidance of your devoted disciple, Pālaka Prabhu, spreading joy and devotion through chant-
ing. Our outreach efforts extend beyond, encompassing regular college and prasādam distribution
programs that nourish body and soul. We engage in the enlightening study of your texts, led by
senior devotees through dynamic online classes, creating a vibrant community of learners. Many
who partake in these classes are inspired to take initiation and embrace the principles of Kṛṣṇa
consciousness. Additionally, our devoted members actively distribute your cherished books,
planting seeds of spiritual curiosity in the hearts of the wider public.
The seeds of Kṛṣṇa consciousness were first sown by your devoted disciple, Dāmodara Dāsa,
along with a few dedicated assistants in the Washington, DC area back in 1969. Just as you began
your monumental journey with nothing but faith, so too did the Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement
here emerge from humble beginnings. Now, after fifty-six years, it has blossomed into a grand suc-
cess that reverberates with the love and teachings you’ve imparted.
These remarkable accomplishments are testaments to your divine mercy and the abundant
blessings of Kṛṣṇa upon us, Śrīla Prabhupāda. We earnestly pray for the strength and fortitude to
assist you in advancing this profound Kṛṣṇa consciousness movement.
Dear Śrīla Prabhupāda, please inspire us with the same boundless enthusiasm, unwavering
determination, and infinite patience that you exemplify. May we work harmoniously together
in the spirit of cooperation so that by your compassionate mercy, we can bring you immense
pleasure.
All glories to you, Śrīla Prabhupāda, our beloved jagad-guru! Śrīla Prabhupāda kī jaya!
Your eternal servants at New Hastināpura
(Written by Anuttama Dāsa and Rāma Tulasī Devī Dāsī)