Report Mumbai - Juhu, India, 2024
Report of the 75th
Vyāsa-pūjā of His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami Mahārāja
19th April 2024, ISKCON Juhu, Mumbai.
Hare Kṛṣṇa! Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda and at Your Divine lotus feet!
Celebrating your 75th Vyāsa Pūjā at ISKCON Juhu was an event marked with profound devotion and meticulous organization. Two days prior to the auspicious occasion, a meeting convened, gathering devotees including His Grace Jāhnudvīpa Nitāi Dāsa, His Grace Bhūṣaṇa Kṛṣṇa Dāsa, His Grace Nityānanda Dāsa, and His Grace Sarvajaya Gaurahari Dāsa, under the guidance of His Grace Braja Hari Prabhujī. The program was set, and the groundwork for a memorable celebration was laid.
One of the pivotal elements in preparing for your Vyāsa-pūjā was the design of the invitation card, crafted meticulously by His Grace Rāma Giridhārī Dāsa from Kharghar. This beautifully designed card found its way to every corner of the ISKCON Juhu community, reaching department heads, senior devotees, Bureau members, and Zonal Secretaries through various channels including notice boards, WhatsApp groups, and social media platforms.
As the day of celebration drew closer, devotees gathered for a final meeting, where innovative suggestions emerged. Her Grace Jayaśrī Rādhā Mātājī and His Grace Mitra Govinda Prabhujī proposed the idea of featuring your current image instead of the traditional one, a suggestion that breathed new life into the event.
The meticulous planning manifested into a visual delight as devotees adorned the maṇḍapam hall with vibrant flowers, your insightful quotes and all necessary arrangements including seating, sound systems, and decorations, ensuring every detail mirrored the reverence of the occasion.
On the auspicious day of Kāmada Ekādaśī, devotees assembled in front of the divine Deities – Śrī Śrī Rādhā Rāsabihārījī, Gaura Nitāi, Śrī Śrī Sītā Rāma Lakṣmaṇa Hanumānjī, and Śrīla Prabhupāda. Amidst soul-stirring kīrtanas and heartfelt prayers, offerings were made to you and Śrīla Prabhupāda, symbolizing the continuity of devotion through generations.
The procession, led by His Grace Guru Gaura Kṛṣṇa Prabhujī and His Grace Jāhnudvīpa Nitāi Prabhujī, carried your image through the temple, and offering ārati to all the three altars in the temple which you would always do also seeking blessings from Śrīla Prabhupāda and Śrī Śrī Gaura Nitāi. The atmosphere resonated with devotion as Vaiṣṇava ācāryas’ hymns filled the air.
We had also arranged for the welcome desk, which was assisted by His Grace Vaṁśidhara Viśāla Prabhujī, His Grace Sarvajaya Gaurhari Prabhujī and some Mātājīs to distribute your books and collect the donations, alongside we also had His Grace Mitra Govinda Prabhujī and Bhakta Dāmodara Prabhu, son of Amareśvara Prabhu who applied candana tilaka and scent and gave garlands to all devotees.
The ceremony progressed seamlessly with His Grace Rāma Giridhārī Prabhu masterfully conducting the proceedings, while devotees like His Grace Vīra Kṛṣṇa Prabhu, ISKCON Kharghar President His Grace Sūrdāsa Prabhu, and His Grace Devakīnandan Prabhu, His Grace Braja Hari Prabhu, His Grace Rāma Rūpa Prabhu, His Grace Mitra Govinda Prabhu, His Grace Puṇḍarīkākṣa Prabhujī His Grace Narahari Prabhu and His Grace Sītārāma Prabhu, who paid their glorious homages, expressing their reverence for you, also devotees from ISKCON Mira road and ISKCON Chowpatty were present.
The offerings of bhoga, meticulously arranged by devotees, symbolized their devotion and gratitude.
The festivities culminated in a joyous celebration, marked by cake-cutting which was led by His Grace Dhanvantari Prabhu, His Grace Braja Hari Prabhujī along with Sītārāma Prabhu, His Grace Vīra Kṛṣṇa Prabhu and His Grace Rāma Giridhārī Prabhu, puṣpāñjali, and prasāda distribution, where devotees united in spirit and camaraderie. The event concluded with heartfelt expressions of gratitude to all who contributed, leaving an indelible mark of devotion and unity in the celebration.
This has truly been a humble, sincere and cooperative JSSS Mumbai family endeavor in attempting to make this year’s Vyāsa-pūjā celebrations another grand success for Guru Mahārāja’s pleasure.
Guru Mahārāja, on this auspicious day, we thank you for allowing us to be engaged in your service and we all wish you a very happy and healthy appearance day.
We at Śrī Śrī Rādhā Rāsabihārī temple are continuing to pray that you will recover fully and that we will have your association soon.
From,
Team JSSS Mumbai ISKCON Juhu.
