Guru Maharaj’s Glorification

Japa Talk
Date: 3rd July 2025
Theme- Guru Maharaj’s Glorification

Masyavatar Prabhu- Hare Krishna. First of all, I would like to offer my heartfelt wishes to Guru Maharaj, His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaj, on the auspicious occasion of his 76th Vyasa Puja. I would like to recite a verse from the Śrīmad Bhāgavatam, where Śukadeva Gosvāmī speaks:

kirāta-hūṇāndhra-pulinda-pulkaśā
ābhīra-śumbhā yavanāḥ khasādayaḥ
ye ’nye ca pāpā yad-apāśrayāśrayāḥ
śudhyanti tasmai prabhaviṣṇave namaḥ

Translation- Kirāta, Hūṇa, Āndhra, Pulinda, Pulkaśa, Ābhīra, Śumbha, Yavana, members of the Khasa races and even others addicted to sinful acts can be purified by taking shelter of the devotees of the Lord, due to His being the supreme power. I offer my respectful obeisances unto Him. [SB 2.4.18]

This verse emphasizes that even people of lower birth or those engaged in sinful activities become purified when they take shelter of pure devotees. Though this verse existed for thousands of years, it gained living significance only after Śrīla Prabhupāda came and demonstrated it in action. Śrīla Prabhupāda created devotees across the world and purified countless lives. Following in his footsteps, our Guru Maharaj has continued this mission. Today, we see how Guru Maharaj has inspired and guided more than 10,000 disciples across over 50 countries. Guru Maharaj, by your causeless mercy, you have instilled devotion in our hearts. Whatever devotional service, preaching, or spiritual strength we possess—it is all due to your blessings. We have no qualification of our own. We simply derive our power from your shelter.

You are always concerned about the welfare of your disciples. I’ve personally experienced this when I meet you. You frequently express your desire to see Sangli flourish spiritually, and you often say, “Sangli is good,” showing your deep affection for that place and its devotees. When we came to meet you in May, your words deeply touched and encouraged us. You said: “Don’t be afraid. I am with you.” These words gave me immense strength. Whether it’s management or preaching challenges, you always inspire and empower us. Guru Maharaj, may your grace always be upon us. In Sangli, we have recently acquired a 6,000 sq.ft. plot and are trying to build a small temple there. The process is nearly complete, and we are ready to begin construction. We seek your blessings to proceed with this service. Ultimately, as Padmamali Prabhu said, not just in this life—but in every life—I pray to remain your servant and disciple, serving you with enthusiasm and devotion. I offer my obeisances unto you and all the Vaiṣṇavas. Hare Krishna.

Ranchod Krishna Prabhu -Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances. Obeisances unto all the Vaiṣṇavas. It is said in the Padma Purāṇa that when someone touches tirtha, they are cleansed. But when someone comes in contact with a Guru, they are purified from within—freed from all sinful reactions.

bhavad-vidhā bhāgavatās tīrtha-bhūtāḥ svayaṁ vibho
tīrthī-kurvanti tīrthāni svāntaḥ-sthena gadābhṛtā

Translation- My lord, devotees like your good self are verily holy places personified. Because you carry the Supreme Personality of Godhead within your heart, you sanctify all places by your presence. [SB 1.13.10]

Guru Maharaj, you yourself are a living Tīrtha. Wherever you go, you bring the holy dhāmas like Pandharpur, Kurukṣetra, and Māyāpur with you. It is said in Nārad Pañcarātra that when someone receives a Vaiṣṇava mantra from a bona fide Guru, their sinful activities are instantly stopped. And Guru Maharaj, your influence is not limited to one life. Anyone who comes in contact with you is uplifted for generations. Recently, in Amravati, you simply came for a short visit, and yet, the entire devotee community was overwhelmed with joy. You awaken even those sleeping spiritually.

You attract all living entities, Guru Maharaj, with your transcendental potency. According to Hari-bhakti-vilāsa, a Guru accepts the karmic burden of even an ignorant disciple. And you take such great care of us. You give so much personal time to your disciples, as seen during the recent Brahmachari Yatra in Melukote. You are always concerned about improving our devotional lives. Your system of disciple care is unparalleled. You ensure all disciples remain connected, supported, and guided. As the word “Guru” means—“Gu” for darkness and “Ru” for remover—you remove our ignorance by constantly giving us divine knowledge from the scriptures. Your mood is always to encourage all devotees to come together and serve Śrīla Prabhupāda and Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu’s mission. We are extremely fortunate to be connected with such a pure devotee like you. We pray to always stay in your association and continue serving you.

Premanand Prabhu- Hare Krishna. I consider myself most fortunate that I was able to dedicate my entire life to Guru Maharaj. In 2001, at Guru Maharaj’s instruction, I voluntarily retired from my job as a bank manager in GFSC. He instructed me to go to Aravade village and build a grand temple, as per Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision that every village should have a temple. By Guru Maharaj’s grace, I served in Aravade for 8 years. I was involved in all the temple services, following his instructions. Before the installation of the deities, we had shown Guru Maharaj 2–3 deity forms, and he personally selected the most beautiful one. When the temple opened, I expressed my desire to go to Vallabh Vidyanagar to help engage my family and relatives in devotional service. Later, on Guru Maharaj’s order, I served at the Noida temple, engaging in daily fundraising. I would pray to Guru Maharaj, Lord Narasiṁhadeva, and the deities to bless me so that I could collect funds for their service. By Guru Maharaj’s grace, I remained there until the temple’s inauguration.

In 2008, someone had written my horoscope and mentioned that I would have a heart attack. I informed Guru Maharaj, and he confidently said, “Nothing will happen. You will live.” And by his mercy, I am still alive, healthy, and attending Maṅgala-ārati daily—even at the age of 75! I still remember—once I mistakenly reached Maṅgala-ārati at 3:41 a.m. thinking it was 4:41 a.m., Guru maharaj’s blessing keeping me healthy. Another memorable experience was during a visit to Durban, South Africa. After dinner, I thought people would leave and not attend Maharaj’s class. But to my surprise, everyone stayed to hear his katha. On the 7th day, Guru Maharaj himself said, “I really like Durban devotees; they all stay to hear my katha.”

I took initiation 35 years ago, and whatever instructions Guru Maharaj gave me—by his mercy—I fulfilled them all. I humbly urge all devotees: Follow Guru Maharaj’s instructions sincerely, and everything will become successful. Hare Krishna.

Shyamsundar Prabhu- Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaj. Dandavat Pranām, Sashtang Dandavat Pranām. First, I wish you a very happy 76th Vyasa Puja. Over the past two days, I’ve been hearing the glories of your divine qualities, and I wholeheartedly agree with all of them. I don’t wish to repeat them, but I do want to emphasize one unique quality: You not only give the right service to the right person, but you also empower them to complete it. Let me share an example from 16–17 years ago during the Pandharpur gathering. A piece of land had legal complications and a court case had begun. Many devotees believed the matter was hopeless and couldn’t be resolved. Then, Guru Maharaj, you remembered a small devotee like me and gave me that service. I was amazed at your confidence in me. I took up the task and delegated it to someone in Nagpur.

Within just 2–3 months, the issue was completely resolved. It was clearly your empowerment that made it possible. Later, during the Vyasa Puja celebration, names of contributors were announced, but mine was forgotten. I felt a little bad, thinking maybe I missed the blessings of being publicly acknowledged. But that same day, by your mercy, I received a phone call from the Police Commissioner of Pandharpur. The police commissioner told me, “If you want to have darshan (audience) of the Lord…” I said, “I want to have darshan of the Lord.” He said, “Do one thing, reach the North Gate of the temple. You have to reach there yourself. We will not be able to help in that because there was a public crowd of 1.5 million people. There was a place among them. You go there and meet Mr. Engale — Inspector Engale.” So when I went there, both of us went. With great difficulty, cutting through the crowd, people met us on the way saying, “No VIP darshan right now; VIP gate darshan is not happening.” Still, I said, “We’ve been told to go,” so we went.

As soon as we reached there, Mr. Engale met us. He cleared everyone out and took us straight in, because there was a government order that even if someone had a letter, no darshan would be allowed. But they took us inside and made us stand directly in front of the Lord, and darshan was completely stopped. Just like a ministry is given honor, in that same way, the entire darshan was stopped, and we were given full darshan. The Lord’s worn shawl, garland — all of it — was given to us, complete respect was offered. Then, when we had darshan of Rukmini Devi, Shubhangi was given a saree worn by Rukmini Devi. It all felt like the Lord was saying, “Don’t worry about that name. Even if you didn’t take it, and if you want that name, then you shall have it.” So then I decided — now I have met the Lord. Such beautiful darshan of the Lord, what more can there be? Such great mercy of Maharaj — what more could possibly happen? From then on, Guru Maharaj, I have never complained about anyone. Never complained about anyone’s devotion. It’s been 17 years now. And apart from that, whatever target you’ve given me — whether I get insulted, whatever happens to me — I don’t leave that target. It’s all your mercy. I only request that you continue to bless me in this way, continue to give targets and service, and give me strength to perform the service. Thank you very much. Once again, congratulations to you. Thank you. Hare Krishna.

Shubhangi Devi Dasi Mata Ji Offerings: Hare Krishna, Guru Maharaj. Pranam. Many many wishes to you on your 76th Vyasa Puja, and I pray at the lotus feet of Sri Sri Radha Gopinath that all your sankalpa-projects be completed soon and you remain healthy and live a long life. Again I offer my pranams at your lotus feet and also at the feet of all Vaishnavas. For two days, we have been listening to the descriptions of your qualities by all devotees. Your qualities are like an endless ocean, and it is very difficult to speak about them in two or three minutes — it’s not even possible. Still, by your mercy, I will try to speak of the qualities that I personally feel. Qualities are infinite. In you, we see the quality of “maha-vadanya” — great magnanimity — just like Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is called Mahavadan. And you often say, “Like father, like son.” When Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur instructed Prabhupada to preach in Western countries, Prabhupada had no suitable physical condition nor a favorable environment, and he didn’t even know anyone there.

Relying solely on the shelter of Guru and Gauranga, he endured extremely adverse situations and went there to distribute Krishna-prema to the whole world. So the same magnanimity that descended from Mahaprabhu to Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati to Srila Prabhupada — we now see in you. Your faith and dedication to Srila Prabhupada is exactly like how Prabhupada had for his own Guru. Though we haven’t seen Mahaprabhu or Srila Prabhupada in person — we do feel their presence through Prabhupada’s books and words — your behavior and teachings make us feel that their qualities are in you. In truth, we can say you are following their footsteps and hope that we too can follow similarly. Just as Prabhupada told you, “Do as I have done,” you have started the Zoom Mandir — its purpose is the same. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said, “Jiva jago, jiva jago — Wake up, O sleeping soul!” In the same way, you are waking us all up. If I speak personally — before Zoom, I wouldn’t wake up early and many rounds would remain pending. But after you started the Zoom Mandir, I wake early and finish 16 rounds in the morning — this is your special mercy. You are giving Krishna-prema to everyone so generously, and you leave no gap in your efforts. But when I think of myself, I feel unfortunate.

Though the shower of mercy is pouring, my vessel is upside down. I cannot fully receive it. I don’t yet have the seriousness in spiritual life that I desire. Please bless me that I may sincerely follow your instructions, and may my remaining life be fully dedicated to your, Srila Prabhupada’s, and Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s pleasure. I feel pain seeing so many initiated disciples of yours in Nagpur and elsewhere, but how few attend Zoom sessions despite your repeated requests. You are so merciful to all living beings. Many give teachings but don’t know their disciples personally — but you do. You know every disciple by name, you remember them, and your Devotee Care and Counsellor System is proof of your magnanimity. Guru Maharaj, thank you very much. ‘Thank you’ is too small a word. We can never repay you. I only pray: may my life be dedicated solely to pleasing you, Srila Prabhupada, and Gauranga Mahaprabhu — with no other motive. Pranams. Hare Krishna.

Parmatma Prabhu:
Many thanks to Prabhuji and Mataji. Mataji is well known for glorifying others and is also known in preaching. She has special mercy of Goddess Saraswati on her speech. Maharaj often says “Yes, yes.” In our community, especially in India, we see that most Marwaris are experts in charity and religious merit. They are devoted and donate to the Lord without hesitation from what they earn. This has been their ideal. Like the Birla family — they built many temples in different places. Even Srila Prabhupada once stayed at their residence, and they gave him a special invitation. Similarly, Ramesh Mor ji from our community, with devotion and to please Maharaj, built a beautiful temple in Pachora tehsil of Jalgaon district. It’s a temple worth approximately 4 crore rupees, built on five acres, dedicated to Lord Jagannath, Baldev, and Subhadra. On Sundays and especially Ekadashi, such a huge number of devotees come that it looks like a fair. He also built a dharmashala (pilgrim rest house).

But he didn’t stop there. When he learned that Guru Maharaj’s dream project — Bhu Vaikuntha (Heaven on Earth) — was being launched in Pandharpur, he said, “I want to contribute 1 crore rupees.” We accepted that service. But his desire kept increasing. Then he decided to serve one of the three altars — Gita altar, Ram Darbar altar, and Radha Pandharinath in the center. He came up to 3 crore rupees. During Maharaj’s 75th Vyasa Puja celebrations in Vrindavan, he called me to his home and we had a discussion with Maharaj and Mor ji. That’s when he took a resolve worth 11 crore rupees. Till now, he has already given 1.5 crores. We pray from the heart for him. This example set by him should inspire all devotees to contribute to the extent of their faith and capacity — not to step back in supporting this project. Also, Prabhuji chants 16 rounds daily, stays in contact with Maharaj, and joins Zoom meetings every day. He visits the temple daily, inspects everything, and supports temple expenses. His service list is long. I pray that since Prabhuji is seeing Guru Maharaj and glorifying him, may he continue like this. Hare Krishna.

Ramesh Mor Prabhu’s Offering: Hare Krishna. First of all, I offer many good wishes and dandavat pranams to our most revered Guru Maharaj on his 76th Vyasa Puja. My introduction to Guru Maharaj happened in 2002, when Maharaj’s discourses were taking place in Pune. My daughter was studying there, and I used to visit for a few days. The lectures were held at the ISKCON Camp temple. The first time I went there and heard Maharaj’s lecture, I was deeply impacted. For two to three years, I kept attending those December sessions. Then in 2012 or 2013, Maharaj came to Pachora for a program. That was my first in-person meeting with him. Later, in 2016, during the Golden Jubilee celebrations, I donated land in Pachora for the temple. In 2020, after my mother passed away, Maharaj ordered me to build the temple as well. As per his order, I completed the construction, and Maharaj himself came to inaugurate it two years ago. That moment was the most important in my life — I will never forget it.

Afterward, when Maharaj’s dream project — Vaikuntha Dham — began, I desired to contribute. Slowly, my resolve increased, as Pramatma Prabhu explained. Whatever obstacles came in the way of my commitment are now slowly resolving. Soon, I will fulfill the sankalpa (vow) I have made. I will try my best to fulfill any ideal Maharaj gives in my life. Currently, Maharaj desires to build a grand temple in Jalgaon as well. I have already taken small steps in that direction and have the wish to contribute more. Once again, I offer dandavat pranams to Maharaj and pray that his blessings always remain on me and my family. Hare Krishna. Thank you.

Suresh Mor Prabhu’s Offering (Elder Brother): Thank you very much to Ramesh Prabhu. Maharaj’s special blessings are upon you. You have become the recipient of special mercy. Maharaj always remembers and asks about you — surely your service is reaching the Lord’s lotus feet. Thank you very much. Now his elder brother — our respected elder Suresh Mor ji — also lives in Pachora but currently stays mostly in Pune. Following the same footsteps, he too has become involved in the project. When we came here in 2022, perhaps for the centennial celebration of his Guru Mata, he had come to invite us. That was our first meeting in Pandharpur. When he came and heard about the beautiful project being developed, he expressed a desire to serve, but didn’t take a sankalpa (vow) then. He only said, “Our support will be there for the project.”

Later, when we went to inaugurate the Jagannath temple in Pachora with Guru Maharaj, we met again. Inspired by Lord Jagannath and Guru Maharaj, he said, “I want to do some service.” He invited us to his home and said, “I’ll donate one crore.” He gave the amount immediately. Later, during Ashadhi Ekadashi celebrations in Pandharpur, when he saw the grandeur of the Bhu Vaikuntha project, he felt like doing even more. We requested him, “Your elder brother did one altar; you should too.” So he took the seva of the Radha Pandharinath altar — valued at 3 crore rupees. He has already given 1.5 crore. He is very sincere and devoted to his work. Even his wife chants regularly. He frequently meets Maharaj and always supports.
He even donated his SUV (XUV 500) to Maharaj for the Bhu Vaikuntha project. I offer him many thanks. He is here today and will now glorify Maharaj. Hare Krishna. Prabhuji, please unmute and speak. One minute… yes, now it’s unmuted… yes, your voice is audible.

Suresh Mor Prabhu Speaks: Millions of obeisances at the feet of Gurudev. Gurur Brahma, Gurur Vishnu, Gurur Devo Maheshwara, Gurur Sakshat Parabrahma Tasmai Sri Gurave Namah. I’ve been connected with Maharaj personally for 7–8 years, since he came to Pachora. That’s when I had his darshan, and I got inspired to do some service. Though I took diksha (initiation) from Guru Mai Om Malti Mataji of Sangli, I continued to receive guidance from her. She passed away in 2008, and after that, perhaps by divine inspiration, I got connected with Guru Maharaj. When the Bhu Vaikuntha project was discussed during his Pachora visit, I got a desire to serve in some small way — all because of his inspiration. When I attended the Ekadashi program in Pandharpur two years ago and saw the grand scale of the project, I felt like doing even more. Whatever service I am doing is only by his mercy and guidance. Now I am determined to use all of my resources for God’s service. This is everyone’s duty. This has only been possible by Guru Mata’s and Guru Maharaj’s mercy. I offer millions of pranams on this 76th Vyasa Puja and give heartfelt wishes. Thank you.

Guru Maharaj’s Closing Blessing:
I am pleased. You have brought Jagannath to your village and established Him in your home. So mercy is flowing on your whole family and the entire Pachora region. Your names — Ramesh Mor and Suresh Mor — are dear to me. The word “Mor” reminds one of Krishna’s peacock. Lord Jagannath, Lord Ram, Lord Krishna — all are showering blessings upon you. The Bhu Vaikuntha project in Pandharpur, “Vaikuntha on Earth,” will benefit countless generations. Thousands and millions will say “thank you.” Your name will be remembered in those thank-yous. You are qualifying yourselves to receive the highest gift — the Lord’s love. Accept it. You deserve it. Thank you. Hare Krishna.

Anadaprada Mataji’s offering- Hare Krishna. Dandavat Pranam Gurudev. First of all, I just want to clear one thing, Goddess Laxmi, the wife of Thakurji does this service. Guru Maharaj is constructing a palace for Thakurji and Laxmi Devi is giving that seva for her husband. We are just postmen. Apart from this, we have no other role. All this service is the mercy of the Lord and Guru Maharaj. We are just taking it from Thakurji and giving to Guru Maharaj.

Guru Maharaj, wishing you happy birthday. In the 8.4 million births, we living entities get body from the parents, but only human birth is very rare and it needs the shelter of Guru to achieve the goal. Without Guru he cannot achieve his goal. Everyone gets mother and father but everyone is not so fortunate to get the spiritual master.

brahmāṇḍa bhramite kona bhāgyavān jīva
guru-kṛṣṇa-prasāde pāya bhakti-latā-bīja

Translation- According to their karma, all living entities are wandering throughout the entire universe. Some of them are being elevated to the upper planetary systems, and some are going down into the lower planetary systems. Out of many millions of wandering living entities, one who is very fortunate gets an opportunity to associate with a bona fide spiritual master by the grace of Kṛṣṇa. By the mercy of both Kṛṣṇa and the spiritual master, such a person receives the seed of the creeper of devotional service. [CC Madhya 19.151]

We are very fortunate that by the mercy of Sri Sri Radha Govindadev we got you as our spiritual master. There are two ways of God realization, sadhana siddha and kripa siddha. Without Guru even sadhana siddhi is not possible. Just as after birth a child becomes authorized recipient of his father’s wealth and glories, similarly Gurudev I do not have much ability but I have strong faith that as you have bestowed your mercy on this disciple, I will definitely attain the lotus feet of Radha Krishna.

tava kathāmṛtaṁ tapta-jīvanaṁ
kavibhir īḍitaṁ kalmaṣāpaham
śravaṇa-maṅgalaṁ śrīmad ātataṁ
bhuvi gṛṇanti ye bhūri-dā janāḥ

Translation- The nectar of Your words and the descriptions of Your activities are the life and soul of those suffering in this material world. These narrations, transmitted by learned sages, eradicate one’s sinful reactions and bestow good fortune upon whoever hears them. These narrations are broadcast all over the world and are filled with spiritual power. Certainly, those who spread the message of Godhead are most munificent. [ŚB 10.31.9]

Gurudev many happy wishes on your birthday and bless me that till my last breath I will follow the path shown by you and I should progress in devotion. Gurudev, where your lotus feet are, there is my Goloka Dham. Hare Krsna.

Padmamali Prabhu- Thank you so much Mataji for your offering and support. Now we have HG Jayatirth Prabhu with us. He is manager, preacher and in charge of Raichur. He is expert in taking us on pilgrimages. He is also engaged in Bhuvaikuntha project.

Jayatirth Prabhu- Hare Krsna. Dandavat Pranam Guru Maharaj. Bless me Guru Maharaj so that I can do this Vyasapuja offering. om ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ. Guru Maharaj, many wishes on your 76th Vyasapuja. I become very satisfied to get an opportunity to speak on Vyasapuja and especially when we glorify you, we become very happy. But on the other hand, I feel guilty that even though I have achieved the association of such a saintly person who has love and devotion for the Holy name, yet I am not able to develop the taste in the Holy name. This is my short coming. Guru Maharaj loves the Holy name so much that every moment you keep on remembering the Holy name and you yourself says that ‘Holy name does not leave me’. And for hours you keep glorifying the Holy name. For hours you speak on the Holy name and for hours you perform kirtan. This is your love for the Holy name which is coming out from your heart. But we see Gurudev just outwardly. Guru Maharaj, we are unable to see the mood, bhav that you have. The day when we will understand Gurudeva’s mood, we will not leave Nama Prabhu even for a moment.

When we will start loving Nama Prabhu, we will never commit any offense. Yet we have no love for Nama Prabhu and that’s why we keep committing offenses. Why we do not have love for the Holy name? Because we commit offenses. We commit offenses unto Gurudeva and that’s why even though Holy name lover saint is with us, we are not able to understand his glories. In the scriptures many glories of the Holy name are given and Guru Maharaj when you tell us the essence of all scriptures, you say that the essence of scriptures is one vidhi, and one nishedha, prohibition. What is vidhi? Chant the Holy name every moment. And what is nishedha? Not to forget the Lord even for a moment. You keep telling this again and again.

Guru Maharaj, from many years you are giving so many seminars and lectures, you organize so many festivals, construct huge temples, what is the main purpose of all this? The main purpose of this is you want to describe the glories of the Holy name and all the time you describe the glories of the Holy name. But we are unable to understand this. This is our offense at your lotus feet. The day we start following your instructions, there won’t be anything left to do. Because Prabhupada himself has told, ‘always keep chanting Hare Krsna Mahamantra, everything will be done perfectly’. And Guru Maharaj, by the instructions of Prabhupada, you are teaching the same thing. We do not follow, that is the problem. You are engaged in Harinama for 24 hours, and we stop after doing 16 rounds. Guru Maharaj, first time when I met you, I asked you, ‘why only 16 rounds?’ And you said, ‘minimum 16 rounds, maximum no limit, one lakh, two lakhs, three lakhs.’ So, from some time I am trying to increase Harinama. You bless me so that I can develop taste in Harinama.

This time Guru Maharaj we organized two Rathayatras in Raichur. In Raichur we distributed 20 thousand Khaja prasadam. In Telangana, 70 km from Raichur, there is our Adbhuta Narasimha Prabhu. There also we did wonderful Rathayatra. In Saidapur, 40 kms from Raichur, we have acquired eight and a half acer land and there we are doing preaching. In Narayanpur where we did Rathayatra, there also we have acquired one acer land. Apart from this, in Raichur our two projects are going on. Guru Maharaj, for third project we are getting very beautiful place in front of a lake, on the mountain, where we are planning to proceed with ‘New Jagannath Puri’ project. MLA of this area has promised us to give this project, to donate this land. We are working on that project. And Guru Maharaj your favorite, Padayatra, we see that in those places where saints live and preach the name of the Lord, those places are very different than other places. Those places where saints have not visited for 100-200 years are desolate. People there live like zombies. Wherever saints go, they make that place holy. That place becomes prosperous and the life of the people of that area becomes better. They agree that they were ordinary people, but when they received the name of the Lord and the saints, they became wealthy.

Guru Maharaj, all over the world you are making many places prosperous by the Padayatras. Thank you so much Guru Maharaj. Hare Krsna. Dandavat Pranam.

Padmamali Prabhu- Thank you Prabhuji. Now we have Trilokinath Prabhu who is from ISCKON Noida. Prabhuji is busy in various services of Guru Maharaj.
Trilokinath Prabhu- Hare Krishna Prabhuji. Namah om visnu padaya krsnapresthaya bhutale srimate lokanath swamin iti namine. Vanca kalpatarubhyas ca krpa sindhubhya eva ca patitanam pavanebhyo vaisnavebhyo namo namah. Hare Krsna Gurudev. Please accept my humble obeisances at the dust of your lotus feet. All glories to your causeless mercy, compassion. All glories to your divine mercy on your 76th Vyasapuja ceremony. On this auspicious day I want to thank Gurudev for bestowing his mercy on me and accepting me as his disciple. Maharaj, this Kaliyuga is the ocean of defects, yet it is the virtue of this Kaliyuga only to chant the Holy name. By this man becomes free from the miseries and bondages of this material world. Maharaj, I received this divine name from you. I have received your mercy.

My life has changed by this divine name. I have full faith that by following the instructions, by your mercy, I will definitely be free from the bondages of material world. Maharaj, it is not possible without your mercy. At every step I beg for your mercy. I have no qualifications, but by the association of devotees I am able to understand the science of self-realization. Guru Maharaj, I am able to develop love for Prabhupada by hearing your zoom lectures. Gurudev your attachment for Srila Prabhupada is so strong that whoever comes in your contact develops love for Jagadguru Srila Prabhupada. I am very fortunate that Gurudev I have received your personal association. I get your darsan daily on zoom. On behalf of my family and all the devotees, I pray to Sri Sri Radha Govindadev, Jagannath, Baladev and Subhadra Maharani, Gaura Nitai, and Srila Prabhupada that They keep you always healthy, so that you can keep giving the message of the Isvara Tattva to the fallen souls like me and can keep giving Krsna consciousness. It is said in Upanisad

ayaṃ nijaḥ paro veti gaṇanā laghucetasām |
udāracaritānāṃ tu vasudhaiva kuṭumbakam ||

Translation- The thought that, this is mine and that is somebody else’s, appear only to those with a narrow mind. For the large-hearted ones, however, the entire world is a family.

Only the narrow-minded people like me discriminate between mine and others. The Vedic vision which you have preached makes it clear that everywhere on this earth is the family of Gurudeva, vasudhaiva kutumbakam. This is so because Krsna says

sarva-yoniṣu kaunteya
mūrtayaḥ sambhavanti yāḥ
tāsāṁ brahma mahad yonir
ahaṁ bīja-pradaḥ pitā

Translation- It should be understood that all species of life, O son of Kuntī, are made possible by birth in this material nature, and that I am the seed-giving father. [Bg. 14.4]

Krsna is the seed giving father. You say that we are one family.

Guru Maharaj, keep bestowing your mercy on this unfortunate family so that we can keep following Prabhupada’s mission and your instructions. On this occasion I remember that in sector 56 when we were doing Janmastami festival, that time heavy rain was falling. Entire pandal was full of water. And we were worried how to celebrate the festival. Then we came to you and brought you to the pandal. We were discussing with you how to celebrate Janmastami. You raised your hand and after ten minutes rain stopped. We can understand how much power of the Lord is with you, as you can understand what is going to happen and when. By this we can understand how much power Guru Maharaj is having upon us and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have Guru like Guru Maharaj, because of which our life is changing. There are more than ten thousand disciples of Guru Maharaj and all of them are connected with this mission and receiving your mercy to serve Prabhupada. Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj, Dandavat pranam.

Padmamali Prabhu- Hare Krishna Prabhu, thank you for your service, offering and support. Thank you so much. Now we have with us Jayagovinda Prabhu, all the way from Zambia, small country near South Africa. Originally, he is from Delhi, but he has settled down there and is serving there. Paramatma Prabhu will talk more about him.

Parmatma Prabhu- Prabhuji has served in Noida and he has special contribution in Krishna Arjuna chariot. He speaks less but serves more. When Bhuvaikuntha project started we met Prabhu many times. And especially Prabhu came to Vrindavan for the 75th Vyasapuja. To please Guru Maharaj, he gave 1cr donation for Bhuvaikuntha. We thank Prabhu very much. Till now prabhu has given 30 lakhs. And we request Prabhuji to go ahead. We want to complete the project and please Guru Maharaj. Thank you very much. Hare Krishna.

Jayagovinda Prabhu- Hare Krishna. Guru Maharaj ki jai! Srila Prabhupada ki jai! First, I thank Padmamali Prabhu and Paramatma Prabhu that they gave me this opportunity to speak to words on the occasion of Guru Maharaj’s Vyasapuja. om ajñāna-timirāndhasya jñānāñjana-śalākayā cakṣur unmīlitaṁ yena tasmai śrī-gurave namaḥ. Guru Maharaj on the 76th Vyasapuja I offer millions of dandavat pranam unto you. This is my good fortune that two days back we have celebrated Rathayatra festival and yesterday Atul Krishna Das Prabhu has departed from here and he said that he is going to Pandharpur for Vyasapuja. He will tell you in detail how we did 15 days celebration of Rathayatra this time. We did Snana yatra on 15th June. Then we did Bhagavata Katha, and on 27th we did kirtan mela. First time we did kirtan mela in Zambia in which Golokanath Prabhu participated. On 28th also we had very successful festival. Rathayatra was on 29th. Thousands of people participated in that. Guru Maharaj, I became very emotional in this Rathayatra.

There was mercy of Jagannath. But I got emotional thinking how people came from all places and are glorifying the Lord, how Lord’s mercy comes from anywhere. I remembered you Guru Maharaj, thinking that if you would be here then we could spread Krishna consciousness on a larger scale. I have requested Guru Maharaj many times that by your mercy we can spread Krishna consciousness in this country. We have seen that when we do Jagannath Rathayatra, thousands of people come and every year the number is increasing. So, without your permission I have thought that it would be good to name this temple as ‘Jagannath temple’. So, I request you so that I can announce here; you have given us this Gaur Hari Nitai temple, but I have seen the emotion that is arising in people here seeing Jagannath, so I am thinking that it will be better if we call this temple as Jagannath temple.

Guru Maharaj – Jagannath Dham Zambia ki Jai! Jai to you as well.

Jayagovinda Prabhu- Thank you Guru Maharaj. I also want to request one more thing on this good occasion. I am completely dependent on you. I am not capable, I do not have knowledge, I cannot speak or do anything. You just let bestowing your mercy and few devotees are ready here. Atul Krishna Das Prabhu will give you report. I am the only one initiated devotee here, but so many devotees are engaged in our temple services. When we do Rathayatra, around 50-60 volunteers organize this Rathayatra. Some of them chant regularly, read Bhagavad Gita; daily we have one program of Bhagavad Gita, they attend it. Lot of success is there, but unless there is the mercy of Guru Maharaj none can achieve God realization.

Guru Maharaj – Do it online. Online initiation.

Jayagovinda Prabhu- Yes Guru Maharaj. Atul Krishna Das told me that this is also possible. But whenever you will get chance to come here to South Africa, then it is possible here as well. If they will get offline initiation then they will become more enthusiastic and we will get opportunity to connect more people. This is our thought Guru Maharaj. By the way we will try to do online as well. So, Guru Maharaj you keep showering your mercy on us. Forgive us if we do any offense. Thank you very much Guru Maharaj.

Padmamali Prabhu- That you so much Jayagovinda Prabhu for the wonderful offering. Today we have with us very senior devotees, senior by devotion and senior by services. They have leading roles and serving for the pleasure of Guru Maharaj. In that connection we are fortunate to have one more pair of brothers. Few minutes before we had Ramesha Moar and Suresh Moar Prabhuji. Now we have two more ideal brothers. Their pair is praiseworthy. They have made their place in our zone and in Guru Maharaj’s heart. So, we will hear from Ajay Gauranga Prabhu and Mayapur Dham Prabhu all the way from Udaypur. Prabhuji you decide who will speak first. If both of you want you speak at a time then you both can unmute and speak. Over to you.

Ajay Gauranga Prabhu – Hare Krishna. Namah om visnu padaya krsnapresthaya bhutale srimate lokanatha swamin iti namine. Guru Maharaj my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. My dandavat pranams to all devotees. Guru Maharaj whenever I speak in front of you, I get goosebumps. I can not dare to speak in front of you. I plan to speak many things but can not speak. Guru Maharaj you are idol of love and compassion. I do not know what good activity I did in this life. I don’t think I have done anything. This is the causeless mercy of Caitanya Mahaprabhu as He gave me your shelter. Guru Maharaj the association you give through zoom, that is beyond imagination. Even at this age everyday you are ready for the session and look at us with the eyes full of compassion. I always want to be first on the screen, so that I can get the blessing of Guru Maharaj. I beg forgiveness from all devotees, but I have this greed. I just want to start the day with your darsan. Guru Maharaj you share your Krsna with us. Chanting time is your personal time with your Krsna but you share your Krsna with all of us. No one else can show such compassion. You are sharing your time which is your personal time with your Krsna. None can do this. This is your causeless mercy. I can not explain this in words.

Your love for Srila Prabhupada is most astonishing. You always take name of Prabhuapda. This is your love for your spiritual master. Guru Maharaj may one day I also develop such love. Guru Maharaj your dream project, Pandharpur project is the dream project of me too. And for that I am trying my best, how to develop it and how to join people with it. I am trying my best. I do not have any qualification. If you will make me an instrument then I will be able to serve you Guru Maharaj. I need your blessings. Ganga is worshiped by Ganga water only, similarly if you will make me an instrument then I can serve you. This is my request unto your lotus feet. Keep showering your love upon me like this. Please forgive me if I commit any mistake. I am not eligible for this love but by your causeless mercy you have provided me this love. I have mercy of Prabhupada on me. I beg at the lotus feet of Mahaprabhu, Srinathaji and Pandharinath that you should get long life, and there should not be any problem in your life. Thank you, Guru Maharaj, and happy 76th Vyasapuja Guru Maharaj.

Guru Maharaj- Jai! Hare Krsna!
Mayapur Dham Prabhu-

gurave gauracandrāya rādhikāyai tadālaye
kṛṣṇāya kṛṣṇabhaktāya tadbhaktāya namo namaḥ

Translation- I offer my respectful obeisances to the spiritual master, to Śrī Gauracandra, to Śrīmatī Rādhikā and Her associates, to Śrī Kṛṣṇa and His devotees, and to all the Vaiṣṇavas.

All glories to Guru Maharaj. All glories to Srila Prabhupada. Maharaj happy 76th Vyasapuja. What I can say about Maharaj. As Ajay Gauranga Prabhu was saying, in our Udayapur devotees there is always a competition, who will come first on the screen. Almost every time the winner is Ajay Gauranga Prabhu and also other devotees. Sometimes I want to defeat them but I cannot. I try to give them tough competition but they always surpass me. Yet Maharaj give his merciful glance on me, gives me blessings with both hands and like this our day begins. That is the foundation of our day. This Japa session which Guru Maharaj is giving from 6 years is a boon for me. It covers all five limbs of my devotion.

’sādhu-saṅga’, ‘sādhu-saṅga’—sarva-śāstre kaya
lava-mātra sādhu-saṅga sarva-siddhi haya

Translation- The verdict of all revealed scriptures is that by even a moment’s association with a pure devotee, one can attain all success. [CC Madhya 22.54]

The unprecedented association of Maharaj, I live here near Udayapur Srinathaji. Here we have Madhavendra Puri’s Deity, Srinathaji Gopalji. Madhavendra Puri went to Jagannath Puri from Vrindavan to get the sandal. So, I think that, even today if any saint is there like him who can walk on foot for the Lord, then Guru Maharaj is personally present who represents Madhavendra Puri. Even today such saints are with us, given by Sri Krsna Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Prabhupada who by their austerities are saving the world. If this world is saved then it is just because of the mercy of such saints. We see that whole world is fighting and dying, but our ISKCON devotees are constructing Lord’s temples.

I want to share one incident which we Udayapur devotees have realized. One time Guru Maharaj had arrived in Udayapur and was standing in front of Jagannath alter. Pujari gave him a flower to offer. Maharaj took the flower and threw towards Jagannath. And we saw that Jagannath caught that flower. We saw that hand came from Jagannath and caught the flower. We four five devotees saw this. This was very astonishing. Then Maharaj had darsan of Madhavendra Puri’s Deity. I can not explain the meeting of Gopalji and Guru Maharaj. So, we request Maharaj to come again to have darsan of Gopalji. You had planned to come but you did not come. We Udayapur devotes are waiting for you. Maharaj come to Udayapur and bless us.

In 1971 Maharaj started his journey from Cross Maidan, Mumbai. And today is 2025. From 54 years Maharaj is serving. Our age is 44 years and Maharaj is serving from 54 years. We are going to celebrate 50th Sannyasa anniversary in December. So, I was thinking, around a year back we had grand celebration of my parent’s 50th marriage anniversary. So, I was telling to my parents, ‘We had grand celebration of your marriage anniversary, and my Guru Maharaj is having 50th anniversary of his austerities. So how grand that celebration should be.’ I was thinking why not spent all money of this brahmanda on that day? There should be one movie showing Maharaj’s each year’s journey, how he performed austerities for ISCKON, for Prabhupada, and for this world. Maharaj’s efforts are not only for present, but Maharaj is thinking about how to deliver the fallen souls in the next ten thousand years.

The relation between Pandharpur and Arawade, Caitanya Mahaprabhu went to Arawade, Pandharpur Dham. Nityananda Prabhu had initiation in Pandharpur Dham. Visvarupa departed for His abode from Pandharpur. So, this Pandharpur and Gaudiya connection is not a small connection. Prabhupada gave us Vrindavan Dham and Mayapur Dham. Caitanya Mahaprabhu told us about Jagannath. Maharaj is Dham Guru. He tells us about the Dham. When we go to Vrindavan, Maharaj made us do 84 kros parikrama. When we go to Mayapur, Maharaj made us to do Navadvipa Mandal Parikrama. When we go to Jagannath Puri Maharaj made us to do Jagannath Puri Parikrama. And Maharaj is showing us Bhuvaikuntha, where is Vaikuntha on the earth. So, the dream project of Maharaj is also my dream project. I request to Maharaj, whichever are my pledges, I may complete the project with all the devotees. My brick should also be there and Lord Vitthal should stand on my brick. Give me the blessings. Thank you very much Maharaj. I wish for your long, good health and we should get your blessings always. Hare Krishna.

Parmatma Prabhu- Thank you very much Prabhuji to both of you brothers for your services. This is a good example for everyone and all devotees should take inspiration from you. Thank you Prabhuji.

Padmamali Prabhu- Now we have last two three devotees, who have support for Guru Maharaj’s project. One is HG Giriraj Govardhan Prabhu from Alibagh. He is living a vanaprastha life after his retirement. He is residing in Pandharpur now. Over to you Giriraj Govardhan Prabhu.

Giriraj Govardhan Prabhu- Hare Krishna, Dandavat Pranam Guru Maharaj. By your mercy, your life and teachings are my life. You are the ideal disciple of Prabhupada. I am trying to be like you. Maharaj whenever you live in Vrindavan, or in other places, earlier when I was Grihasthi, I used to become very sad because I could not get your association regularly. I was trying again and again to become a full-time devotee, but you said that ‘You are Grihastha. After that you become Vanaprasthi.’ But when you started zoom six years back, I started feeling that we are living in a temple. We can understand from you that guru is always worried for their disciples. We had special mercy of you. When there was your 50th initiation anniversary in Vrindavan; program was in Govardhan on 16th, but on 15th we were not getting permission, as eight people died in Banke Bihari.

So, to control the crowd, crowd gatherings were banned. There was program at Radhakunda. They told us that we will not let your program happen. So Krsna Bhakta prabhu called me in Vrindavan, ‘Prabhu come quickly.’ I said, ‘Prabhuji I have buses service.’ ‘No, you come. Maharaj is remembering you.’ I immediately left for Govardhan from Vrindavan and asked ‘what happened?’ Prabhu told that we are not getting permission. Now see what can we do. After taking blessing from Maharaj, I took with me Vamsidhari Prabhu. Vamsidhari Prabhu knows Braja language. I told Prabhu, ‘no matter how long it will take, but we want permission.’ We took Guru Maharaj’s blessings and prasad with us. We went to many places, but we were getting rejection from everywhere. Prabhuji asked what to do now? I told him, Prabhuji you do chanting and pray to Guru Maharaj. We started to chant Guru Maharaj’s pranam mantra on the beads. So, by the desire of Guru Maharaj, I thought to ask in one office. One mataji was sitting there. I told that Mataji the situation. I told her we are from Maharashtra, especially from Mumbai, we have such program but we are not getting permission. She asked what is the problem? When I told her that I am from Mumbai, and she used to work in Mumbai and once had visited Alibagh.

She asked ‘are you from Alibagh?’ I said ‘yes’. I told her ‘Around ten thousand devotees are going to come, but we are not getting permission. Collector has directly rejected it. We don’t know what is the reason.’ Mataji said, ‘it is a secret. we cannot open the secret.’ ‘Ok, you see that what is the remark on that.’ She saw the remark that eight people are dead in Banke Bihari due to lack of crowd control. ‘But Mataji we can do one thing. We take responsibility of crowd control.’ Mataji said, ‘we do not have any problem if you take the responsibility.’ Immediately she said, ‘you go to Radhakunda. DSP sir is there.’ Vamsidhari Prabhu and I immediately left. We met that DSP on the way. ‘Prabhu, I got the call that you are taking the responsibility.’ I said, yes. We will take responsibility of security and crowd control. Then he said, then no problem. Immediately while standing on the street, he signed and we returned. By this we can understand the strong faith and surrender unto the spiritual maser. We learned that whenever there is any problem in the life, then just by remembering Maharaj, that problem is solved. As to avoid offense while chanting we take shelter of Panchatattva, similarly when there is any problem in spiritual path or material path, that goes away by taking shelter of Guru Maharaj.
I am connected with Maharaj from last 25 years, so I have many pastimes to share. Devotees ask me to tell that. They ask me to compose one book on my realizations with Maharaj. I used to do program at various places and talk about Maharaj and Prabhupada. People are very interested in listening about Maharaj. They say, ‘We have heard Bhagavat Katha, but this Bhagavat katha we have not heard.’ So, he is extraorinary Guru. Many people say that you are very fortunate. Maharaj also making whole world fortunate by giving his association daily on zoom. Rain water falls everywhere, but some unfortunate souls do not take its advantage. Everyone is having seed, but if there won’t be rain on that seed, Guru’s mercy is for everyone, but.

We have one incident from Alibagh as well. Once GBC retreat was going to take there. We had seen one big resort. Maharaj asked, what happened? We said ‘we went there. That owner was Shetty.’ ‘Okay. How much will be the expenses?’ ‘It will be around 17 lakhs for three days.’ Maharaj said, ‘Go. If there will be mercy on you then everything will be free.’ ‘How is this possible?’ Maharaj asked, ‘who will do the expenses?’ I said, ‘our Alibagh group will do it or I will do it.’ He said, ‘No no. You go and ask him if he will give it free.’ I went to the owner. He said, ‘yes free’. I told to Maharaj, ‘Oh he gave it free? You have Guru’s mercy upon you.’ Every disciple is having the mercy of Guru but capable person receives that. Maharaj’s life is just as told by Rupa Goswami. I remember Maharaj daily, not three times but hundreds of time. I pray that life after life I could serve Maharaj. Hare Krishna.

Padmamali Prabhu- Thank you Giriraj Govardhan Prabhu. Last two speakers- Amal Caitanya Prabhu and Ramaleela Mataji.
Parmatma Parbhu- Amal Caitanya Prabhu is from Atpadi, Sangali. He is a businessman. So, because of jewelry business he lives in Coimbatore in South India. He is doing preaching there and sends seva from there. Earlier Prabhu had taken 11 lakhs Sankalpa but last time when we had meeting with Guru Maharaj, Maharaj encouraged everyone that all of us should utilize all of our capacity for Bhuvaikuntha. So Prabhuji got inspired with this and took sankalpa of 1cr. From that Prabhu has given 15 lakhs till now. Thank you Prabhuji for that. Prabhuji wants to connect other people with this. Thank you Prabhuji. Hare Krishna.

Amal Caitanya Prabhu- I offer my humble obeisances at the lotus feet of Guru Maharaj. And happy 76th Vyasapuja. I thank zoom team and Parmatma Prabhu for giving me opportunity to speak. Once I had prasad in Rathayatra and wore Kanthimala, became a devotee. In 2007 when All India Padayatra was in Tamilnadu, I got opportunity to pick Guru Maharaj from Coimbatore airport with Premanjan Prabhu. Guru Maharaj inspired me. For two hours I was with Maharaj. Maharaj encouraged me to serve Arawade. From there my journey of service began. By Guru Maharaj’s mercy, in 2007 I could give 25 lakh donation for Arawade. Just by two hours inspiration I could do that. Then I got initiation and I went to see Guru Maharaj in Arawade. When I met him, I asked him what can I do to please him. Guru Maharaj ordered me to serve Radha Gopal. I do not how it is happening, but every year on Janmastami and 26th January, I receive list from there and I don’t know how but I could do the service. This is causeless mercy of Guru Maharaj. When Bhuvaikuntha was announced two years back, I took sankalpa of 11 lakhs in Arawade. Krishnabhakta Prabhu called me for Ahobilam Yatra which was for leaders. I was thinking I am not a leader, but because of Guru Maharaj’s mercy I could go to Ahobilam Yatra. I met Guru Maharaj personally. Maharaj said, do it and join more and more people. That same day I took sankalpa. Parmatma Prabhu was there, Prahlad Prabhu was there, Krishna Bhakta Prabhu was there, they inspired me and I took sankalpa of 1 cr. From Kasmir to Kanyakumari there are many people from Sangali in the jewelry field. I want to collect minimum 5 to 10 Cr from these people to serve Bhuvaikuntha. I request Guru Maharaj, keep blessing me like this and always keep me in your shelter. Hare Krishna.

Guru Maharaj- Hare Krishna.
Parmatma Prabhu- Thank you Prabhuji. Definitely your sankalpa will be completed by the mercy of Guru Maharaj. We pray at the lotus feet of Lord Vitthal, may He give you success and we are with you. Prabhuji has done for Mayapur, for Arawade and now it is the responsibility of us Bhuvaikuntha Pandharpur. Thank You. Now we have Ramleela Mataji with us. She is from Solapur. She is a good preacher. And she leads ISKCON girl’s forum and with that she does collection for Bhuvaikuntha. She has formed a good team and with her team Mataji is going from house to house and doing collection for Bhuvaikuntha. She personally also has given for Bhuvaikuntha. Thank you Mataji.

Ramleela mataji- Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj. Dandavat pranam at your lotus feet. Happy 76th Vyasapuja. Guru Maharaj I am not qualified but I am trying to speak. Guru Maharaj I am remembering one pastime. When you came first time to our home, that time one LIC man had come and I asked him to come later. That time you called him and blessed him. Seeing this I thought ‘my Guru is ocean of mercy and compassion. He sees all souls equally.’ Guru Maharaj whenever I meet you, you ask me about Bhuvaikunth project. I try my best to follow your instructions. I want your blessings. Guru Maharaj kripa karake muzako apana lena, me charana padi tumhari charanon me jagah dena, Guru Maharaj kripa karake muzako apana lena, Guru Maharaj accept me mercifully. I am falling at your lotus feet. Give me place at your lotus feet. Guru Maharaj I am going to try my best. Going house to house, whatever donation I get, 500, 1000, I am collecting it. I am trying my best Guru Maharaj. I strongly need your blessings. Without your blessings I can not do this. Hare Krishna Guru Maharaj.

Guru Maharaj- Jai! Hare Krishna.

Parmatma Prabhu- Hare Krishna. Thank you to all the devotees who have taken service in Bhuvaikuntha. Continue your services and join many more devotees and donors. We want to complete Bhuvaikuntha as early as possible. Till next Ashadhi we want two floors. This depends on us. All of us are getting lots of blessings of Guru Maharaj. Take this power and proceed further. Thanks to all. All of you come to Pandharpur. All of you are welcome. Hare Krishna.




GLORIFICATION OF SRILA GURUDEV VYASAPUJA 1nd JULY 2025

GLORIFICATION OF SRILA GURUDEV VYASAPUJA 1nd JULY 2025

HG Padmamali Prabhuji:- Today is Hera Panchami, and from today onwards we will start our glorification session. Every speaker will be allowed to speak for 3-4 mins today. Please show the Japa Talk in your temples and centres for everyone. Let’s start the session with HH Sri Krishna Chaitanya Maharaj.

Speaker 1: HH Sri Krishna Chaitanya Maharaj
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Bhaktivedanta Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

Sundar te dhyān ubhe viṭevārī,
Kar kaṭāvarī thevūnīyā.
Tulasī hār gaḷāṁ kānse pītabambar,
Āvaḍe nirantar tēcī rūpa.
Makar kuṇḍale taḷapatī śravaṇīṁ,
Kantīṁ Kaustubha maṇi virājit.
Tukā maṇe mājhēṁ hēcī sarva sukh,
Pāhīn shrī mukha āvaḍīne.

Meaning
Beautiful is the vision standing on the brick;With hands resting on His hips.
A garland of tulasi adorns His neck,And He wears a golden-yellow cloth—His form delights me evermore.
Fish shaped earrings shimmer by His ears,And the Kaustubha gem shines on His throat.
Tukā says, “This alone is all my happiness;I delight in gazing at His glorious face.

I’m very delighted to be here today to start the wonderful 76th Vyasa-puja festival of His Holiness Lokanath Swami Guru Maharaj. Haribol!
So, I’d like to bring to light the wonderful quality of Guru Maharaj — that he is everyone’s well-wisher. Śrīla Prabhupāda used to sign all of his letters: “Your ever well-wisher.” And his dear spiritual son, His Holiness Lokanath Swami Maharaj, has inherited this same quality — of being everyone’s well-wisher. Lord Krishna is suhridam sarva-bhūtānām — the best friend of every living entity. And the devotee of Lord Krishna is suhridam sarva-dehinām — also the best friend of every living being. All the devotees are suhrid. What does it mean that a devotee is suhrid? It means he genuinely cares about the living entities. He feels compassion, and based on that love and care, he brings the living entities to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna. How can we understand this practically?

At the purest level of God consciousness, all beings are seen as the best friends of one another. And for all of them, compassion and love become the bridge to bring them back to God. It is wonderful to see this example in the great souls — Mahātmās — the great devotees like HH Lokanath Swami Guru Maharaj, who bring the living entities to the lotus feet of Lord Krishna.

Just a few days before, I was in Noida, and I had the good fortune of introducing a very important person, a VIP named Samanyu Garg. He’s the owner of RightSonic, one of the five global competitors to ChatGPT — a very big company worth $200 million. I had the good fortune of introducing him to Guru Maharaj in his room in ISKCON Noida. Śrī Śrī Rādhā Govindaji Māndir! This person — Samanyu Garg — is very important, and he came to meet Guru Maharaj in Noida. He is the owner of a very big company called BrightSonic, which is worth $200 million and is one of the top 5 AI companies competing with ChatGPT. He is very young and dynamic.

Guru Maharaj gave him so much love and care. He answered all of his questions about Krishna consciousness. He shared with Samanyu Garg the importance of spiritual life- chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra and reading Srila Prabhupada books. Guru Maharaj asked if he had Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books and encouraged me to supply them to him.Guru Maharaj also asked if Samanyu had a japa mālā, and encouraged him to chant at least one hour every morning, saying that this practice would increase his effectiveness and the quality of his life throughout the day.

Guru Maharaj said, “If we do this, we can become more successful in life.”
Samanyu Garg replied, “It’s very difficult to chant. What should I do?”

So I suggested that he could join the Daily Zoom Mandir for morning chanting. Guru Maharaj also encouraged this — and gave his blessings.
Bhakti means devotional service, so suhridam sarva-dehinām means the most compassionate and that means that they give Krishna Consciousness to everyone! This is done in so many ways such as distributing prasadam, delivering lectures, chanting holynames etc. He is the ocean of mercy and he is exhibiting this quality very evidently. He has filled this in us personally with all of us. I would request all the disciples to mediate a time when Gurumaharaj was compassionate, as your best friend and what was the impact on us.

HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj ki jai! 76th Vyasapuja Mahamahotsava ki jai!
Gaur premanande Hari Hari bol!

Thank you Maharaj for setting up the scene. He is a Sannayasi disciple of Guru Maharaj and following the footsteps of Mahaprabhu.
Speaker 2: HG Hari Kirtan Prabhu

I saw Guru Maharaj raising his hand. That was internal… Sorry, please forgive me. My throat is not good.
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,

Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

So, I am here in ISKCON Juhu. Whenever I am here, I am reminded of the challenges that Srila Prabhupada disciples faced and so many troubles were given to them, still they never gave up and now a beautiful palatial tgemple is standing here —this temple is built only due to the mercy of Śrīla Prabhupāda and all the disciples of Śrīla Prabhupāda who were there in Juhu temple. They were putting out their purity. So, I have no power to glorify Srila Gurudev — but I am simply trying to glorify Maharaj. To glorify a pure devotee is not easy. A conditioned soul cannot glorify Guru Maharaj. It is not in our capacity. Just like a child glorifies his father in his childish voice, so similarly I tried and did the same. Please make me your eternal servant! Your are very compassionate Gurumaharaj!

His life is without pretense… four points I will just say, maybe in four minutes. I met Maharaj in 1980s when Maharaj was 42 or 43 years old, he was still the same as he is today. Maharaj had a lot of disciples who were older than him like Tukaram prabhu, Radheyshyam Prabhu, and so many others in America. And they all had so much love and affection for Maharaj. They had so much respect for him. So, what attracted them to him? It was Maharaj’s simplicity, his happiness without any show. His life—from the beginning—is without pretense. What he is inside, he is outside.
When we see Maharaj in our conditioned state, we realize what we are inside and what we try to show outside—there is a mismatch between the two. But this is a quality of a pure devotee. There should be a connection. That’s what we have to learn from him.

One should understand that unless he is part connected both inside out, he cannot be attracted to Kṛṣṇa for more than a day.
The second quality Maharaj has always reflected is hearing without defending. He listens without hesitation even if someone tries to complain about a devotee. He shows his compassion towards everyone. He listens with a lot of patience.

The third is speaking without offending. When Maharaj gives his advice, his guidance—he is so careful. Even if there is an objection in someone’s behaviour, he speaks in a way that does not hurt. Such a beautiful quality Maharaj has.

And as I get the opportunity to serve Maharaj in his personal association, I am most thankful to him. Somehow, you are holding me close, keeping me in your inner circle. I feel it is a great fortune and a wonderful quality you have. Not from now but from 40 years. So I also try to imbibe the same quality although it’s very difficult to do so.

The fourth quality: loving without expectation. You have given us unconditional love. You just think how this devotee can be saved.
How can this bhakta be saved?

In 1998–99 when I came to Nagpur, when you sent me here as the president—as the most unqualified soul—I came to you with a complaint: “This Bhakta should not be in the temple.”

You said, with so much mercy: “If this Bhakta doesn’t stay in the temple, then where will he go?”
I said, “Anywhere.”

You said, “No—he will go to the material world. And if he goes into a more impure state, he will be greatly harmed. Please keep him engaged. How can he be kept in the temple as a servant?”

At that time, HG Prashantha Mataji told me that if he sees even an ant that can serve the Lord, he will bring that ant into this corner and help it go to the Lord. Even if the path is difficult.

Never think that Maharaj will ever remove anyone. Maharaj always says: Instead of removal, think of reformation.
So today, I pray at your feet. You have given me many posts, many responsibilities. And like me, a conditioned soul, I always get intoxicated in those roles.

I pray at your feet: Whatever post, whatever position, however many followers—I always maintain the desire to be the servant of the servant of the servant (dāsānudāsa).The qualities that are in your heart—that always run in my mind. I meditate on them. If all of us can meditate for just one hour daily…Then definitely, a small percentage of those qualities will also develop within us. So today, I pray that I do not get allured by any position. Rather, I always strive to serve in the mood of servant of the servant (dāsānudāsa).

Thank you, Guru Mahārāja. Thank you. Param Pūjya Lokanāth Swami Mahārāja kī Jaya! Śrīla Prabhupāda kī Jaya!
Thank you so much, Hari Kīrtan Prabhu, for your offering and concern for the well-being of the devotees.

Today, we are blessed to be within the managerial zone of Guru Mahārāja, where we serve as regional secretary assistants and heads of his temples. These are not mere roles but opportunities to listen to the realizations and sincere services of devotees, who are practical examples of surrender.

Guru Mahārāja once said during a Vyāsa-pūjā offering:

“I don’t want just verbal offerings. I want to hear and see practical offerings.”

And indeed, these devotees, their lives are their offerings. Of course, every disciple’s life is an offering. But what I mean to say is that some are deeply absorbed in the service mood—day in and day out—making their lives a continuous expression of gratitude and seva (service).
We are conducting āśraya-śravaṇa (hearing about the shelter of the spiritual master) with such devotees. And in the coming days, we hope to meet more such servants in your shelter.

Speaker 3: HG Vedanta Chaitanya Prabhu
HG Vedanta Chaitanya Prabhu, the Sar-adhyakṣa of Gautam Buddha Nagar and RSA of Noida, is one such example of faithful and practical engagement.
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

Hare Kṛṣṇa. Dandvat Pranam to Gurudev and all the dear devotees. I was thinking on which topic I should speak today.
May all the devotees be blessed with a long life and unwavering faith.

I have a question regarding the relationship between the madhyama-adhikārī and the uttama-adhikārī. There is faith in both, but in the madhyama-adhikārī, the faith may not be fully grounded in śāstric knowledge. However, the uttama-adhikārī has deep conviction based on śāstra (scripture) and realization. That is why it is said:

“One who becomes the supreme authority must be rooted in the supreme authority of śāstra.”
Because the attraction to śāstra is very strong, especially seen in Guru Mahārāja who are Uttam Adhikari devotees from the very beginning. We find the following line in Vaishanav bhajans:

rūpa‑raghunātha‑pade rahu mora āśā- May my longing always remain at the lotus feet of Rūpa and Raghunātha; Narottama dāsa prays continually.
If we don’t have attachment towards the pastimes of Radha and Krishna, then we cannot attain Krishna. These people have special attraction towards the holyname. In early days, even before joining ISKCON, Guru Mahārāja had this inclination. After Śrīla Prabhupāda came to Mumbai, Guru Mahārāja started studying deeply—even reading chemistry books at the time—but then transformed that hunger for knowledge into spiritual learning, dedicating himself to studying Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books. That same deep attraction to śāstra continues today. So Guru Maharaj asked Srila Prabhupada that if we can stay in Vrindavan and study shastras but that time Srila Prabhupada said that- “Let your hearts remain connected to the service of Prabhupada and the mood of pure śāstra meditation.”

Many years ago, when Padmalī Prabhu was not able to serve Guru Mahārāja personally, I was asked to serve in the temple due to some circumstances. At that time, it was the festival of Gaura Pūrṇimā. Maharaj Ji had fasted the entire day. He didn’t eat anything. The next day, Maharaj Ji became sick and even had fever. He said, “I will not meet anyone until the appointments are cancelled. I need to take rest. I will not meet anyone”
So I thought that, “Yes, Maharaj, please take rest.”

But what does rest mean to us? We think it means lying on the bed and sleeping. But when I saw Maharaj Ji resting, he was studying from morning till night. I thought to myself, What kind of rest is this—to study the whole day? Because we ourselves study for maybe 30 minutes—but Maharaj studies constantly. No matter how busy the schedule, Maharaj Ji always finds time to read. Whether during travel, sitting in a car, or mid-flight, as soon as he finds a few moments—he picks up books and reads.

Maharaj Ji is a lifelong student. Unless one keeps the mood of being a student, one cannot truly learn. Even now, Maharaj Ji continues learning Sanskrit and tries to deepen his understanding of scriptures. He also encourages combined study of Sanskrit and shastras.
Despite managing so many projects and responsibilities, Maharaj Ji never loses that enthusiastic spirit to study śāstra. Often, I reflect and feel: We, who have so few services, still struggle to engage in self-study or sādhana. But Maharaj Ji, with ten times more responsibilities, still makes time—because of his deep interest.

I remember an incident: There was a katha organised on Ekadashi. Maharaj Ji was told, “Your lecture is scheduled.” But Maharaj Ji replied, “Today, my reading quota is not complete. So I will take class tomorrow not now.
That’s how sincere and focused Maharaj Ji is—concerned, dedicated, and disciplined.

HG Padmali Prabhu:
Before we call our next speaker, there was a humble announcement.
One of our Noida congregation devotees, Rupeshwar Gaurāṅga Prabhu, a very sincere devotee, and Vedānta Chaitanya Prabhu, both active in TNC (Temple Nurture Committee), had a personal loss. His sixteen-year-old daughter, a young devotee and regular Zoom participant, left her body last month due to heart failure.

Her name was Rādhikā, if I’m not mistaken. She was very inclined toward devotional life. On behalf of all the devotees of Noida and by the blessings of the Lord and devotees, we offer heartfelt prayers for her.
Let us chant the Mahāmantra together in her remembrance:

Hare Kṛṣṇa Hare Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa Hare Hare
Hare Rāma Hare Rāma Rāma Rāma Hare Hare
Speaker 4: HG Vamsidhar Prabhuji
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

There is a lot to say for Guru Maharaj’s glorification. I met him in 1989 in the Padayatra Office in Centennial house. My room was just adjacent to Gurudeva’s room.

This was around 1996, before my dīkṣā. We were celebrating New Year in Delhi. Maharaj Ji gave a Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class. Gurudev was called Kirtan Samrat from that time.

After the class, devotees said, “Maharaj Ji, something new should happen this New Year.”
Maharaj Ji, still seated, spontaneously began singing:

“Jai Jai Vithal Pāṇḍuraṅga.”
I have heard this kīrtan from him many times. He sang it with deep emotion. I remember playing along for two hours—without any instrument. He was simply using his spectacles case as a musical instrument in the kirtan. I had recorded the song with Gaurangi Mataji and I would listen to it repeatedly in my room. That song still plays in my heart.

I have heard and read so much about Maharaj Ji. I have had personal conversations with him. To me, he is nothing less than the Emperor of the spiritual world. So his name is Loka-natha- the king of the whole world and now where ever we go, everyone asks, where is Srila Gurudev?
In Padma Purana Bhakti-devī said, Gehe, gehe, jane, jane…”

So through the medium of Padayatra he took that message of Mahaprabhu and spread it throughout the world. So this verse’s credit: pṛthvīte āche yata nagarādi-grāma, sarvatra pracāra haibe mora nāma: this credit goes to Gurudev!As a result, the influence of this movement has now spread across many cities—bringing the village-village Pāda-yātrā into urban life.

I remember walking with Guru Mahārāja from Noida to Vṛndāvana in between a village Jewar comes. At that time, no one even knew about us. We were walking barefoot through villages. People would approach us directly from the fields, curious and drawn. So through Padayatra, the holynames are reaching the remotest corners of villages.

I once said, “I was alone; there was no one.”
Guru Mahārāja replied:
“The trees, the birds, the animals—all living beings here this holyname.”

Such is Guru Mahārāja’s deep level of spiritual sensitivity—he hears and responds to the suffering of every living entity. He doesn’t appreciate loud noise or show; he values sincere service. Anyone who sincerely renders service will surely be blessed by him.

I have seen that even in 1996, when many some of the Srila Prabhupada disciples were struggling or were moving far away from devotional association, Guru Mahārāja brought them back out of his compassion and his service to Srila Prabhupada. Even people who were not in Calcutta he welcomed even them and even those who had made mistakes or drifted away. So Noida is famous for kirtans and Gurudev stresses. So Gurudev calls me a lot of things like you are Prachin- very old and so on. This is Gurudev’s mercy on me and I want to stay under the shelter of his lotus feet.

Speaker 5: HG Krishna Bhakt Prabhuji

Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

I want to offer my humble obeisance unto the divine lotus feet of Srila Gurudev.

So last week we had get together of all the disciples of Maharaj, so said that it is not possible to summarize Gurudev’s glories in 3-4 minutes just like Srimad Bhagavat katha goes on for 7 days, similarly Gurudev’s glories can be said for 7 days. So as Padmali Prabhu said that we have only a limted time so I was thinking that where should we start, and where should we end.

One striking quality is his perfect time management. Not a single moment is wasted. Whether in meetings, in service, or even during moments of rest, Guru Mahārāja remains absorbed in Kṛṣṇa consciousness—studying the Gītā, Caitanya-caritāmṛta, or reciting ślokas or chanting even at the time of conflict.

He once said:“One who serves for sixteen hours has the right to sleep for six hours, because even that sleep becomes a service.” Every second is used for spiritual purpose for that person.

I remember in Solapur, during a japa talk, Guru Mahārāja shared a profound realization. He said, “Yesterday, I was thinking critically about a devotee. I caught myself and immediately corrected it. I removed that thought.” Even a trace of aparādha or offense does not enter his heart. That is the level of Guru Mahārāja’s purity.

Guru Mahārāja is a perfect representative of what a disciple should be—fully surrendered, humble, and devoted. His humility is not artificial; it’s genuine and deep. Different devotees experience this humility in countless ways. When we come into his association, we feel that the devotees are not of this world—they are residents of Vaikuṇṭha similarly Gurudev is also a resident of Vaikuntha.

Once, Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaj was telling me that-
“If you keep someone in the company of Guru Mahārāja even for just three hours, they will be trained.”That is the kind of transformative influence Guru Mahārāja has. His presence purifies.

So in this Vyāsa-pūjā, I offer my humble prayer:
“Whatever service you have given me, Guru Mahārāja, may I never become careless or proud. May I serve you always—not as an official, but as a surrendered servant. May I never forget that all I have is by your mercy.” Gurudev who has given us all so much opportunity to serve, be empowered with strength and purity to continue this mission.

Guru Mahārāja, I am endlessly grateful for your mercy, your compassion, and your unwavering energy in spreading the holy name.
Whether I am physically close to you or far away, please always keep me in your shelter. Keep me close to your lotus heart. Let me remain your servant until I become completely purified and worthy of your service.

This is my heartfelt prayer on this auspicious day of your appearance.

Speaker 6: Krishna Kishore Prabhuji- Manager for ISKCON Aravade
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

I want to humbly offer my respectful obeisances to Gurudev and all the Vaishnavas.
I thank HG Padmamli Prabhu for giving me this opportunity although I am not qualified to do so.

Few days back, one of Gurudev’s classmates Dhanavade Prabhuji met me and told me that he was rememebering Gurumaharaj. He told me that he thought Gurudev will forget him as now he is practicing bhakti but to his surprise, Gurudev still talks to him and remembers him.

On 25th May Rathayatra was going on in Karad and then Gurudev said start the Rath, then everybody said how can we, it is raining. But Gurudev insisted on starting Rathayatra and then as soon as we started, rain stopped and it didn’t rain till we reached the destination, Gurudev did a lot of kirtan. On 29th June in Tasgaon Rathayatra happened, we felt that Gurudev is present physically. Nandlal prabhu once narrated a pastime that when Gurudev was small, his mother bought a hen to be butchered, but Gurudev, out of his compassion towards a hen, didn’t allow her to do so and protected the hen and left him in a field.

Once Gurudev’s mother went to Mumbai to see him. So at that Gurudev used to come from book distribution and he took out some prasadam from a vessel. So Gurudev’s mother started crying and asked him that why is he living such an austere life?

Once a resident of Aravade village, Kulkarni ji mentioned that from childhood Gurudev was compassionate towards all the living beings and he wanted to learn harmonium from a very young age. So there are so many stories about Srila Gurudev. So Gurudev told Srinath Prabhuji once that where you go stay with devotees.

For myself also personally I went for a break to my home, but Gurudev called me immediately.

Speaker 6: HG Vitthalanand Prabhuji
My obesiances to Srila Gurudev. I take inspiration from Gurudev from his attitude towards service. Srila Prabhupada told Gurudev that “I need more men like you.” So, I think that Gurudev sees the same in all of us. So we should try to become like him. So just like a dog thinks that he is running the cart while sitting on it but actually it is the cow or buffalo who runs it. In the same way whatever success that we get in our services we think that we are getting because of our endeavours but actually it is because of the mercy of Srila Gurudev so we forget our position. He gives his mercy along with the service. So I constantly try to remember this quality of Gurudev. So just as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu wanted the gardeners to distribute the holyname similarly Gurudev also need to devotees to engage them in the services. Even Sri Rama wanted to engage all the living entities to build the bridge to Lanka, he could have done that himself but he chose to give services to all. Gurudev gives us so many services to do but I think one lifetime is not enough to do all those services. So Gurudev gives us the strength.

So when I was living in Pandharpur then Gurudev told me that a lot of Brahmacharis will be made here. Gurudev knows the future. Once he told me to go to Osmanabad for preaching but I was thinking that how will I make devotees there? But now when we go there are about 150-200 devotees and many are initiated and aspiring. Whatever Gurudev says that becomes the reality.

So long back he told to build a big temple in Beed, and now we have a big temple there. Within two years we got construct that temple. So now we are happy serving Sri Sri Radha Govinda devji. We are increasing our attachment towards the deities. We are 4-7 devotees only but we are managing the whole district, and others also. Generally 50 people are needed to manage a temple, but we are able to manage with 4-7 devotees only. All the services are going by the mercy of Gurudev. So we see that Gurudev visits places that have large devotee group but we request Maharaj to visit Beed atleast once or twice in a year so that it increases our enthusiasms to do our services nicely. This helps to connect people easily. Please give your association to us. This is our humble request to you!

Speaker 7: HG Dhanurdhar Arjun Prabhuji- Co-President of ISKCON Pandharpur
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

I want to humbly offer my respectful obeisances to Gurudev and all the Vaishnavas.

Gurudev is a treasure of many spiritual qualities but I would like to take up one of his qualities. All saints have a developed a lot of siddhis. They never disclose or showoff there siddhis just like Lord Kapila Dev. So just like Srila Prabhupada who is the greatest saint of all times, unknowingly also reveal these siddhis. Once pointed out to a land while walking on the Juhu beach and said “There should be a temple there, and now ISKCON Chowpatty is standing there”. So similarly Gurudev never showsoff his siddhis. Tukaram Maharaj said that these saints are not normal saints. Gurudev lives like a ordinary person even Sita Mata was also a saint.

Many questioned Gurudev’s decision of purchasing a land on the other side of Chandrabhaga, but now we see that ISKCON Pandharpur temple has become the center of Pandharpur. Now kirtans are happening here.

When HH Bhakti Charu Maharaj was about to leave this world, Gurudev called him and Maharaj said clealy if you wish you can leave this body. Similarly when HH Gopala Krishna Goswami Maharaj was about to leave, Gurudev knew that he was about to leave so Maharaj stopped and remained with him during his last moments—he knew he was about to leave this world. This is his divine vision. He truly knows past, present, and future (trikāla-jña). As Kṛṣṇa says in the Bhagavad-gītā, veda aham samatītāni vartamānāni cārjuna—”I know everything.” Our Guru Mahārāj is always connected with the Lord. He is pure, and by Kṛṣṇa’s grace, he reflects many of the Lord’s qualities.

I have witnessed these divine qualities in Guru Mahārāj repeatedly. Once, a devotee named Upan Prabhu in a very serious health crisis prayed to Maharaj. He was so sick that everyone thought he might not survive. But when he contacted Maharaj, Guru Mahārāj lovingly said, “Get well soon and come back.” Taking that as a divine instruction, the devotee recovered miraculously. Another person from Āravadā was given a similar message by Maharaj: “Nothing will happen when an astrologer predicted his death” He too was saved. Whatever Guru Mahārāj says—whether it appears ordinary or prophetic—inevitably comes true.

Sometimes, we foolishly apply our mundane logic to Guru Mahārāj’s decisions. For instance, in Paṇḍharpur we had a property near the Viṭṭhala temple named as Vada, and I repeatedly requested Maharaj to build a guesthouse there, saying it would bring good income for the temple. But every time we presented the plan, Maharaj would gently set it aside. At that time, we did not understand. Later, we realized he was not acting on common sense, but spiritual sense—his connection with Kṛṣṇa. He could see things we could not.

Guru Mahārāj’s foresight reminds me of a classic instruction: when Śrīla Prabhupāda would ask a disciple to jump, the disciple wouldn’t ask “Why?” but “How high?” That is the kind of surrender we are learning from Maharaj. Even though I am fallen, full of anger and arrogance, Maharaj has always given me guidance, encouragement, and shelter.

HG Padmali Prabhu adds to this:
For HH Gopala Krishna Swami Maharaj, I had to leave for Dehradun the next day, but Gurudev called me and stopped me from doing so. He just said “I will be in Vrindavan the next day” and exactly the same happened and HH Gopala Krishna Maharaj entered Samadhi the next day.
Another example I’d like to share is of Damayantī Mātaji, who was in a critical condition in the Bhaktivedanta Hospice in Vṛndāvana. The doctors had said she could leave her body at any moment. Her loved ones called Guru Mahārāj, hoping for some final words. But instead of speaking a farewell, Guru Mahārāj said with full confidence, “I will come to see you in Kārtika.” Everyone was surprised. And what happened? Mātaji survived, and she left her body only in Kārtika, in the divine presence of Guru Mahārāj.

Speaker 8: HG Vrajendra Tanu Prabhu- Co-President of ISKCON Nagpur
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

Dear Guru Mahārāj, your words are filled with spiritual power, compassion, and divine assurance. You have given me and all of us everything—Śrīla Prabhupāda, ISKCON, Kṛṣṇa, sādhus, śāstras, books, prasādam, and most importantly, your association. What more could one ask for?

You are an ocean of mercy. Like Lord Viṭṭhala of Paṇḍharpur, who accepts even the unqualified with love, you look not at our position but our sincerity. You are the embodiment of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s mood. You always say: “If you want to show your love to me, then follow Śrīla Prabhupāda and spread his mission.” That is your desire.

By your grace, I can assist in systematic preaching, youth outreach, training, education, and servant leadership in our zone. You always say that please make Srila Prabhupada’s desire of making a temple in Nagpur as my wish and bulit this project. We are trying our best to do so. There are two major projects growing rapidly by your mercy—Bhu-Vaikuṇṭha Paṇḍharpur and IVCC Nagpur. We humbly beg for your continued blessings for their completion.

Speaker 9: HG Advaita Acharya Prabhu- ISKCON Amravati
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

You are the ocean of mercy, you are fulfiller the spriritual desires. So we sing everyday yasya prasadad bhagvata prasado.. so I also think that you are the prasad of Lord to us.

I remember how I once said, “I will not accept the sun-god Sūryanārāyaṇa as my guru, even if he spoke the Gītā, because a guru must be living and guiding us.” I didn’t know that my words would someday manifest in the form of meeting you, Guru Mahārāj, on Janamashtami 15th August 2006, on Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Appearance Day, at the Rādhā-Gopīnātha temple in Nagpur. That was the first time I saw a real devotee, a living śuddha-bhakta.
Later, when I was considering an MBA or a job, my brother said, “Ask yourself—do you want to continue studies or dedicate yourself to Guru Mahārāj?” And you, Maharaj, so mercifully called me and gave me time, guidance, and assurance.

You continue to give us direction and purpose, and now my only desire is to remain in your service, close to your lotus feet, following your instructions wholeheartedly. He asked me to spend sometime in ashram. This is my humble offering and prayer on this blessed Vyāsa-pūjā.
O Gurudeva, may I become a sincere servant at your feet. Please never let me forget you. Please never let me leave your service.

Maharaj once asked me about my family in great detail—how are your parents? How many brothers and sisters? What are your family responsibilities? Then, with great concern and care, he said, “If you feel that you should work a job for experience, or to understand the hardship people face—how they struggle for a few paisas, how they are squeezed, insulted, and pressured—then that experience will help you later as a brahmacārī. It will help you understand the value of money.”

He further instructed, “You are young now. Stay in the brahmacārī āśrama in Pune, take training, and attend the seminar in Paṇḍharpur.” This showed how much Maharaj protects and guides each devotee who is trying to move forward spiritually. Such affectionate concern can only come from a loving spiritual father.

I also recall an incident in Nagpur involving a 3.5-acre plot of land in Kalamna. Although the location was far from the main city (about 25 km away), Guru Mahārāj insisted on choosing that place. The management team, including myself, humbly requested Maharaj not to go so far. But he replied firmly, “Why are you crying? Just as you see Śrīla Prabhupāda’s vision in Bhubaneswar and Vṛndāvana, this will also become a central place in Nagpur. You just wait and see.”

Today, as predicted, that land has indeed become a central location. Nagpur has grown, and the temple now lies on the very path to the geographical center of India. Maharaj had foreseen it all.

In Amravati also, there were obstacles regarding Bhūmi-pūjan. No one imagined that within just 15–20 days, by the sincere desire of a true disciple, everything would be arranged by Kṛṣṇa’s will. When Maharaj said, “I will come only when Bhūmi-pūjan is done,” within no time, the legal hurdles cleared, and the Chief Minister himself came for the event. Crores of rupees were donated, and the entire city heard about it. This was nothing short of miraculous. All of it happened by the mercy and transcendental potency of our beloved Guru Mahārāj.

Such compassion and determination in service are Mahāprabhu’s gifts manifest in Maharaj. He is karuṇā-sindhu, an ocean of mercy. Whatever little service we’re doing is only by his grace. I am certainly unqualified, but Guru Mahārāj has mercifully entrusted us with service. I offer my heartfelt gratitude for that.

I pray that all the services Guru Mahārāj has given us—especially the construction of the Rukmi Dvārakādīśa Mandir in Amravati—may progress beautifully. May this temple become a place where countless devotees are nourished spiritually. That is our humble desire and offering at your lotus feet, Maharaj.

Hare Kṛṣṇa. Jai Vitthal Rakhumai!
Speaker 10: HG Damodar Sākha Prabhu- ISKCON Icchankarnji
Nama Om Vishnu Padaya, Krishna-Preshthaya Bhutale,
Srimate Loknatha Swamin Iti Namine.
Namaste Saraswati Deve, Gauravani Pracharine,
Nirvishesha Shunyavadi Pashchatya Desha Tarine.

I offer my humble obeisances to my beloved Guru Mahārāj and all assembled Vaiṣṇavas.

All the offerings before mine were very beautiful, filled with love and devotion. I had also prepared something, but simply seeing Guru Mahārāj has quenched the thirst of my heart. I feel so joyful and inspired in my devotion. Whenever I see Maharaj, my conviction to stay steady in bhakti strengthens even more.

Guru Mahārāj’s unwavering devotion to Śrīla Prabhupāda and his seriousness in following his instructions are truly extraordinary. Śrīla Prabhupāda had instructed him to preach in villages and cities through padayātrā. To this day, Guru Mahārāj takes that instruction as his life and soul, and inspires others to do the same. He personally walks and inspires others to walk with him. This is a unique and glorious quality of Guru Mahārāj.
He teaches by his example that the greatest virtue of a disciple is to follow the command of the Guru. And to follow those instructions, we must remain in relationship with the Guru. Without a living, personal ideal, how can one attain one’s spiritual goal? Guru Mahārāj is that ideal for us.
Even if we’ve never met Śrīla Prabhupāda personally, we feel connected to him through our Guru Mahārāj. He embodies Prabhupāda’s mood. His caring nature creates a special connection with every soul. Guru Mahārāj never forgets anyone he meets, and no one forgets his service either.

His presence awakens a deep feeling in our hearts—that someone is watching over our devotion, guiding us, nurturing us like a parent nurtures a child. Truly, for me, my parents are my Guru Mahārāj. He is our greatest treasure, our protector, our master, and our goal.

We must strive to fulfill his instructions, which are none other than the instructions of the Supreme Lord. Maharaj constantly reminds us of the value of time. He uses every moment in Kṛṣṇa’s service and wants us to do the same.

So, at your lotus feet, dear Guru Mahārāj, I offer this prayer: please bless us that we may unite all the devotees, construct a beautiful temple as your offering, and fully please your divine heart. May we offer our life, energy, mind, and words for this divine purpose.
Hare Kṛṣṇa. O Gurudeva, at your feet we remain eternally grateful.

HG Padmali Prabhuji:
Thank you all for your wonderful offering and participants for listening till now.
So we end our session here.
Hare Krishna!




Glories for Sri Pandharpur Dham

Speaker: H.H Lokanath Goswami Maharaja
Date: 07-07-2025
Sub: Glories for Sri Pandharpur Dham

Hare Krsna Hare Krsna
Krsna Krsna Hare Hare
Hare Ram Hare Ram
Ram Ram Hare Hare.

I Welcome you all, at ISKCON Pandharpur and also those devotees who are available and performing Japa online at Zoom temple for Japa Talk.
I cannot refrain myself from speaking…. this is my life. So I decided to deliver today’s Japa Talk. Lets see what Sri Sri Vittal Rukmini wants me to speak. We can consider the title of this Japa Talk as the Glories of Sri Pandharpur Dham.

All glories to Pandharpur, All glories to Sri Vittal Rukmini. Sri Chaitnaya Mahaprabhu Ki Jai, Srila Prabhupada Ki Jai.
I will try to cover as much as possible and if something remains uncovered then you all can add, if time permits. 7:30 am will be Darshan Arti
I know you all are eager to have darshan of the Lord too.

Netrotsav is not a one-day festival. I know you all have come here to take divine darshan of the love. When we are performing chanting, we pray to Hari nam. Oh my lord, please help us to see your pastimes “Mam Shravan”, “Mam dharshya”. Please show me your divine self. Which means Netrotsav will also happen.

rama – he rama, presthaya saha svabhista-lilam mam sravaya –

Translation
Rama! O Rama! Give me the opportunity to hear about your own favorite pastimes with your beloved Radha.
hare – he hare, sva-presthena saha svabhista-lilam darsaya-

Translation
Hare! O Hara, Radha! Give me the opportunity to see your intimate pastimes with your beloved Lord.

Netrotsav is not a one-day festival. It can happen every single Day. This Dham is famous for the worship of Sri Sri Vittal Rukmini. All glories to Panduranga. There are a smaller number of places where we worship Sri Sri Vittal Rukmini together. In Dwarka we worship only Dwarkadhish, Rukmini Mai is not accompanying the Lord there.

Pundalik acted as an instrument to make this place famous. Like we say “Yadhe Praphupada na haute”. If Pundalik was not there no one would have not known this Pandharpur dham, or we can say If he was not there then this Dham would have not manifested. We have Pandharpur as well as Gopalpur Dham here. We have Rukmini here as well as Satyabhama and Radhika also. Devotees offer Lord’s mangal Aarti which is famous and is called as Kakada Aarti

Normally Lord is bathed behind the curtains but here is SRI SRI Vittal Temple after mangal Arati, Lord is bathed openly. Devotees can have darshans of Lord’s Abhishek. This is Vrindavan Mood, in Vrindavan this happens. When Mother Yashoda bathe the Lord, then other Vrajavasis are also present and they sometimes assist Mother Yashoda.

In Dwarika Abhishek happened behind the curtains, in vaikuntha this does not happen. Also, in Remuna such Abhishek ceremony takes places in front of devotees.

There are very limited temples, which we may count on fingers where such open Abhisheks are offered. This place is also known as South Dwarka

For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Lord has established Gopalpur Dham which is the expansion of Gokul in Vridavan.
Krsna jinka nama hai, Gokula jinka dhama hai Aise Sri Bhagavana ko (mera) barambara pranam hai

Translation
He whose name is Krishna, and whose abode is Gokula- unto such a Supreme
Personality of Godhead, I offer my most humble obeisances again and again.

We call also say
“Krsna jinka nama hai, Gokula jinka dhama hai Aise Pandharpur Dham ko (mera) barambara pranam hai”

Translation
He whose name is Krishna, and whose abode is Gokula- unto such Pandharpur Dham, I offer my most humble obeisances again and again.

Lord also performs pastimes of cowherd boy and other pastimes. We call it Gokul, Vrindavan then we should have Govardhan here. How can a place be called as an expansion of Gokul unless it has Govardhan, which is known as Vraj Tilak
So we have Govardhan, Yamuna also here.

Three things are mandatory here.
Residing in SRI Pandharpur Dham, Taking Holy Dip in Chandrabhaga River which is like Yamuna and Having Darshan of SRI SRI Vittal Rukmini

pandharicha vas chandrabhage snan
aanik darshan vithobache

Translation
To dwell in Pandharpur, to bathe in the Chandrabhaga,
And to behold the divine form of Vitthala—
May this alone be granted to me, birth after birth;
I ask nothing else of Lord Shri Hari.
May the holy name always be on my lips,
And may I have the company of saints—
Seeing God in all living beings.
Namdev says: At Your temple’s grand doorway,
May I sing kirtan garlands of love, forever. [By – saint Namdeva]

These three components complete your Pandharpur Dham visit. Also, we should include Kirtan or Nand Brahma or Shabda Braham.
That’s also a very significant part of Sri Pandharpur Dham
They Sing Jai Jai Ram Krishna Hari or hare Krsna in the background along with Kirtans. Also this place is famous for Dindi Yatra

People continue to walk along with Kirtan, dancing on the beats of Kartals and Mridangas.

Gyaneshvar, Naamdev etc were few renowned saints of SRI Pandharpur Dham
Namdev went till Punjab performing kirtans

hari mukhe mahna hari mukhe mahna punyachi ganana kon kari

Translate
The saint emphasizes that simply uttering the holy name of the Lord (Hari) brings immeasurable spiritual merit—so vast that no one can calculate it. It’s a poetic way of saying: the name of God is the greatest treasure, freely available to all.
[By – Sant Dnyaneshwar]

When Srila Prabhupada came to know about my background of being from a family of Warkaris or Dindi then he asked me to Lead Padayatra. And In 1976 we had Padayatra opening which was inaugurated by Srila Prabhupada himself

yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa
āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa

Translation
“Instruct everyone to follow the orders of Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa as they are given in the Bhagavad-gītā and Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam. In this way become a spiritual master and try to liberate everyone in this land.” [CC Madhya 7.128]
Also Shrila Prabhupada instructed me

“Jare Dekha Tare Kaho Hare Krishna Upadesh”, “Hare Nam He Kavelam”

This place is famous for Kirtan and Nand Braham.I think I am the only one whom Srila Prabhupada instructed in this way. This can be verified. With grace of Srila Prabhupada I took padyatra in various countries and India.

tasmāt tvam uttiṣṭha yaśo labhasva
jitvā śatrūn bhuṅkṣva rājyaṁ samṛddham
mayaivaite nihatāḥ pūrvam eva
nimitta-mātraṁ bhava savya-sācin

Translation
Therefore, get up. Prepare to fight and win glory. Conquer your enemies and enjoy a flourishing kingdom. They are already put to death by My arrangement, and you, O Savyasācī, can be but an instrument in the fight. [BG 11.33]

Also we had famous saints like Ekanath Maharaj and Tukaram Maharaj too from here. All these saints as well as there were innumerable others who had glorified Sri Vittal Rukmini at this place. They have performed kirtan and sankirtan in this Dham
Nearby we have a Narada Muni’s Temple, near Chandrabhaga River. He witnesses all the pastimes taking place here and then he glorifies them.

Sub-Theme: Other Saints who were Popular in this region and glorified Pandarpur

Kanakdas was another Saint, he used to reside in Karanataka. He was no less than Saint Tukaram in his preaching contributions. He witnesses all the pastimes taking place here and then he glorifies them. Besides these Maharastrian saints, The leading Acharyas of all the four Bonafied Sampradayas continued visiting this place

Beside the main temple of Ramanujacharyas’s main temple in Srirangam we have Vittal Rukmini Temple.

Also Sri Vallabhacharya visited this place and he performed Bhagwat Katha here
He is founder Acharya of Pusthi Marg. Worship lord krshna as bal Gopal form. Lord gave him his darshan. He also received the instruction to accept Grashtha Ashram and be engaged in preaching activities

When Shankaracharya visited this place he composed Panduranga Astakam
Though, throughout the India he preached Mayavad Philosophy.
Brhama lingam Baje Pandurangam

Translation
“To the divine symbol of Brahma, Panduranga sings and resounds.”
In Sri Sri Vittal Rumini Temple this Astakam is written on the walls. Also, Shankaracharya was Lord Shiva himself who had appeared in the Form of the devotee. Later Lord Gauranga visited Sri Vrindavan Dham and he performed kirtan

At other places Chaitanya Mahaprabhu would just stay for one night or 1 day
But here he stayed for 11 days. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who had appeared for spreading the Holyname he stayed at this place which is famous as Nad-Brahm

This is not ordinary, place. Sri Nityananda Prabhu also accepted initiation at this place. Vishnu Swami visited this place.

paritrāṇāya sādhūnāṁ
vināśāya ca duṣkṛtām
dharma-saṁsthāpanārthāya
sambhavāmi yuge yuge

Translation
To deliver the pious and to annihilate the miscreants, as well as to reestablish the principles of religion, I Myself appear, millennium after millennium.[BG 4.8]

Very soon a magnificent of SRI SRI Radha Pandharinath is going to appear very soon. This seed has sprouted and now with the support from all of you this will very soon manifest. Chandrabhaga Mai is present here.
Mother Ganga was willing to perform Parikrama of the Dham thus he has formed a moonlike curve thus she is named as Chandrabhaga though otherwise it is known as Bhima River

Bhima ani chandrabhaaga
Tujhya charanichya ganga

Translation
The rivers Bhima and Chandrabhaga—
Are like the sacred Ganga at Your lotus feet.

Meaning: The devotee expresses that the rivers flowing through Pandharpur—Bhima and Chandrabhaga—are as holy as the Ganges because they touch the feet of Lord Vitthala. It’s a poetic way of saying: wherever the Lord resides, that place becomes the holiest of all.
Also, in our temple we will have SRI SRI Sita Ram Lakshman Hanuman. Lord Rama means, Krishna or Balaram also. But most prominently it reminds of Lord Rama from Ayodhya.

Everybody was calling out Lord Rama’s name, eagerly waiting for his arrival. Finally Lord is coming, he is coming to ISKCON Bhuvaikuntha Mandir.

HG Hari Kirtan Prabhu Shares you are also one of the Great Saint who has appeared in this region. You have appeared to glorify the importance of this Dham and Saint Tukaram. You have appeared to fulfill the incomplete desire of Lord and his devotees. It is Through you that thousands of devotees are able to have a connection with Lord and Sri Sri Pandharpur Dham

Hg Istadev Prabhu shares I had never thought that the mantra “Jaya Jaya Ram krishna Hari” Mantra can be connected in this way to the altars we are going to have here.