Śrī Guru Caraṇa Padma—Kevala Bhakti-Sadma
Offering to Śrī Śrīmad Jayapatākā Swāmī Gurudeva
On the Occasion of Vyāsa-pūjā
Dear Guru Mahārāja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your divine lotus feet.
All glories to Śrīla Prabhupāda!
All glories to Śrī Guru and Gaurāṅga!
All glories to you on your auspicious Vyāsa-pūjā day!
Guru Mahārāja, you are a limitless ocean of compassion, tirelessly spreading the mission of Lord Caitanya across the world. Your unwavering dedication to Śrīla Prabhupāda’s instructions, despite all obstacles, fills my heart with deep admiration and gratitude. You have transformed the lives of countless souls, leading them from the darkness of material existence into the divine light of Kṛṣṇa consciousness. I am eternally indebted to you for giving me an opportunity to serve Śrīla Prabhupāda’s movement under your guidance.
Guru Mahārāja, every moment away from your physical presence feels like an eternity. Though you are always present through your instructions and blessings, my heart yearns to receive your direct association once again. The few moments I have had in your divine presence are the most precious treasures of my life, and I deeply regret not taking full advantage of them.
I have collected numerous video clips capturing those invaluable times when you came for darśana in the evenings. These are not just recordings—they are memories that define my very existence.
By your divine mercy, I had the rare fortune of serving you in small but deeply fulfilling ways during your visit to ISKCON Ahmedabad, from January 12, 2024 (arrival) to January 30, 2024 (departure to Mumbai). On the day of your departure, I accompanied you and the devotees to the train station, where I was blessed with the opportunity to offer a little sevā—holding a shawl to protect you from the sun.
By the causeless mercy of your disciples, I was also engaged in other services such as drying and ironing your clothes, doing night sevā outside Room No. 6, Prabhupāda Bhavan, and washing your plates. These moments, though small, are the foundation of my Kṛṣṇa conscious life. Every service rendered unto your lotus feet is a priceless gift, and I pray to always remain engaged in such service, life after life.
By your causeless mercy, I had the great fortune of taking shelter at your lotus feet on January 17, 2024, during your visit to ISKCON Ahmedabad. That day marked a turning point in my spiritual journey, as I surrendered to your divine instructions and felt your merciful glance upon me. Through the association of exalted devotees like Haresh Govinda Prabhu, Prem Vilās Prabhu, and Madan Mohan Kṛṣṇa Prabhu (Vice President of ISKCON Ahmedabad), I have been gradually progressing on this path, trying to mold my life in a way that is pleasing to you and to Śrīla Prabhupāda.
Guru Mahārāja, I sincerely desire to take dīkṣā from you, but I know I must first purify myself and become a worthy recipient of your mercy. I humbly beg for your guidance so that I may cultivate the necessary qualities of a disciple and serve your mission wholeheartedly.
By your mercy, I am preparing to enter the gṛhastha-āśrama, with the intention of living a Kṛṣṇa-centered life alongside my future partner. This decision is not merely a personal journey, but a commitment to collectively serve your mission and the Vaiṣṇavas. I seek your blessings so that I may remain steadfast in my service and always remember that family life is meant for Kṛṣṇa’s pleasure, not my own.
Under your divine shelter, I have been striving to improve my chanting, reading, and hearing of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books and your instructions. I engage in sound setup sevā, kīrtana sevā, graphic design services, sometimes cooking sevā for the ISKCON Congregation League, and teaching yoga in a Kṛṣṇa-conscious way. However, I still struggle with distractions and inconsistency. Please bless me so that I may serve with undivided attention, purity, and determination.
Guru Mahārāja, I am full of faults and shortcomings. Many times, I have been negligent in following your instructions properly, and I fear I am not making enough spiritual advancement. Yet I know that only your mercy can uplift me from my fallen state. Please forgive my offenses and bless me so that I may develop an unflinching desire to serve you and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mission with full sincerity.
Guru Mahārāja, you are a priceless jewel for this world, and we desperately need your association and guidance. I fervently pray to Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Mādhava, Aṣṭa-sakhīs, Pañca-tattva, Lord Nṛsiṁha, and Śrīla Prabhupāda to grant you good health and strength, so that we may continue to receive your divine instructions and serve you to the best of our ability.
Your insignificant servant,
Ankur