nama oṁ viṣṇu-pādāya kṛṣṇa-preṣṭhāya bhū-tale
śrīmate jayapatākā svāmin iti nāmine
nama ācārya-pādāya nitāi-kṛpā-pradāyine
gaura-kathā-dhāma-dāya nagara-grāma-tāriṇe
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my respectful obeisances unto Your lotus feet!
All glories to Your Divine Grace, and all glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
You are the senior-most member of the Governing Body Commission and the senior-most sannyāsī. You have so many dīkṣā and śikṣā disciples, yet Your memory remains as sharp as a razor.
Recently, You were awarded a prestigious honor for Your achievements. Your glories and accomplishments are truly countless. You carry the compassion of Gaura-Nitāi and tirelessly preach despite physical challenges.
You are an ācārya who teaches us by Your own example how to practice devotional service.
There is one particular incident I remember which happened about twelve years ago when You visited Birmingham. I wanted to go to the airport to welcome You. I first went to the temple to collect the garland I had made for You the night before. After having darśana of the Deities and doing a little service in the temple, I left for the airport—forgetting to take the garland.
Halfway through the journey, I realized my mistake and returned to the temple, only to find that the garland had wilted. I was very disappointed. By this time, I was already too late. I prayed to Your Divine Grace and to Lord Kṛṣṇa to somehow let me have Your darśana.
Then I found out from a devotee that You had already arrived at His Grace Nitāi Caraṇa Prabhu’s residence. I was stuck in traffic. I was panicking, thinking there was no chance...
To my surprise, when I arrived, You were just coming out of the car. I went straight in front of You and paid my obeisances.
My joy knew no bounds!
You jokingly said to me twice, “Mahāraṇī kī jaya ho!” It was really funny! All my tension disappeared, and I found Your company so delightful!
Generally, I tell people, “I am not Mahāraṇī; I am the servant of Mahāraṇī,” but when You said it, it felt like Your causeless mercy and blessings upon me. Thank You, Guru Mahārāja. After so many years, I still relish this sweet memory.
Please bless me to preach in Lohāru (Haryana) effectively and skillfully. May I always serve You with sincerity and honesty.
Please forgive all the offenses I have committed. I am the most fallen soul—You are my savior and protector.
Please always keep me at the dust of Your lotus feet!
May You recover fully soon. It is my heartfelt desire to see You dancing in kīrtana once again.
Your insignificant servant,
Mahāraṇī Bhadrā Devī Dāsī