HG Anant Shesha Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival 12th July 2024
HG Anant Shesha Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Date: 12/07/2024
Place: Vrindavan, Holy Dham
HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj Vyaspuja Festival Ki Jai!
As I am aware, there are various senior devotees present on this special occasion. We are gathered in the Holy Dham of Vrindavan to celebrate the 75th Vyaspuja of Gurumaharaj and the Amrut Mohotsava Festival of Devotion. Devotees from all around the world have come together, creating a unique atmosphere. Many disciples of Srila Prabhupada, as well as senior Godbrothers who are disciples of Gurumaharaj, are present.
Today, before Mangal Aarti, I had the opportunity to meet HG Jay Vijay Prabhu and other devotees. During this three-day festival, we will hear from all these senior devotees. Gurumaharaj desired that the glorification of Srila Prabhupada along with His disciples should be done. For this purpose, we have arranged a two-day session over Zoom.
I feel specially blessed to be in the personal association of Gurumaharaj. Reflecting on the 75th year of Gurumaharaj’s appearance, I realize that the past 26-27 years have flown by. I remember about 25 years ago when we celebrated Gurumaharaj’s 50th Vyaspuja in Nagpur. Now, we are celebrating the 75th. Recently, we were blessed to hear from HG Sahasranam Prabhu, who arranged and participated in the first Vyaspuja of Gurumaharaj. It was mesmerizing to hear his account of the celebration in Sri Pandharpur Dham. On the day of the first Vyaspuja, few knew it was happening. HG Bhagwan Prabhuji informed HG Sahasranam Prabhuji about the Vyaspuja Day of Gurumaharaj, and they made immediate arrangements with simplicity and devotion.
HG Sitarani Mataji, HG Sahasranam Prabhuji, and a few other devotees were present, and in their simplicity, Maharaj took his seat. The devotees offered their Vyaspuja offerings, and aarati took place. The feast prasadam of the first Vyaspuja was Zunka Bhakar. Remembering this event through HG Sahasranam Prabhuji’s personal experience was truly mesmerizing.
In recent days, I was with HG Sanak Sanatan Prabhuji when Gurumaharaj handed me the position of Zonal Supervisor. Maharaj also blessed me and spoke to me about preparing for Sanyas Initiation. After receiving these instructions, I discussed them with HG Sanak Sanatan Prabhuji. He reminded me that Gurumaharaj has served throughout his life, handling various temples, devotees, and management challenges. To perform these services, I need to develop spiritual strength and qualify myself to Gurumaharaj’s level.
Since then, I have observed Gurumaharaj closely. He is a living example of a Mahatma, embodying Krishna consciousness in his actions and words. Whether with devotees or alone, Gurumaharaj is always busy hearing, reading, and chanting. I am intensely observing him, especially as he is a Sanyasi and a leader in ISKCON.
I often wonder how I can meet Gurumaharaj’s expectations. I remember filling out the Sanyas Form, where I listed Gurumaharaj as my mentor. He monitors and teaches me various things, and I learn from his dealings, simplicity, and punctuality. In management meetings, Gurumaharaj reminds us to see the good qualities in others before pointing out faults. His scolding never felt harsh but rather instructive.
I humbly offer my respects to Gurumaharaj. I pray to his lotus feet that, by his blessings, I can meet his expectations, especially in leadership and future endeavors.
HH Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj Ki Jai!
HG Ishtheva Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna. Dandawat Pranam. HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj ki Jai!
Gurumaharaj, please accept my humble obeisances. We are very excited to be in Vrindavan with You. Only two days are left, and this year is very special as we celebrate Your 75th Vyaspuja. For the past 20 years, we have celebrated Your Vyaspuja in Pandharpur. We struggled a lot to finalize the celebration details, including the location and timing. You were with us in the meetings, and finally, we decided to celebrate this festival at the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani in Vrindavan Dham. You have brought all the devotees to the lotus feet of Srimati Radharani, and now we are preparing for the celebration in Vrindavan.
On this auspicious occasion of Gurumaharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja, I would like to request all my Godbrothers and Godsisters to celebrate this festival on a grand scale. This is our opportunity.
Sri-guru karuna-sindhu, adhama janara bandhu,
lokanath lokera jivana
ha ha prabhu koro doya, deho more pada-chaya,
ebe jasha ghusuk tribhuvana
Translation
Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the devotees. O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds. We take shelter of your lotus feet. You are the friend of the most fallen. [Guru Vandana 4]
The Lord resides in everyone’s heart, but it is our Gurumaharaj who makes Him familiar to us. Our Gurudev is the eternal servant of Srila Prabhupada. In Bhakti-rasamrita-sindhu, the 26 qualities of a Vaishnava are stated, and among them, the most important is Avyartha Kalatvam. Gurumaharaj personifies this quality.
I remember an incident during a visit to Ichalkaranji. We were traveling from Pune to Ichalkaranji, and Gurumaharaj was sitting in the front. We, three devotees, were sitting behind. During the journey, I observed that sometimes Gurumaharaj would ask for a laptop for reading, and at other times, he would chant. While we behind him were talking or sleeping, Gurumaharaj never slept. He was continuously engaged in some form of service. Recently, in Ujjain, during his massage session, he was listening to a lecture. In Jagannath Puri, I saw that even while exercising, a lecture was playing in the background. This quality of constant engagement in service is something I deeply admire and aspire to develop.
I recall the days in 2006-2007, after the Ratha Yatra in Raichur, when we had to leave for Solapur the next day. Everyone had honored the prasadam sent by HG Jaytirtha Prabhuji and went to sleep on the AC train. When I woke up, I saw Gurumaharaj reading a book. My point is that he is always immersed in service.
During a recent Zoom Japa Session, I recorded a short video in Jagannath Puri. In that japa session, it was clear how intense Gurumaharaj’s prayer was. Srila Prabhupada says, “Chanting should be like a crying baby,” and Gurumaharaj’s japa exemplifies this intensity. It inspires the whole world.
Yesterday, we observed Gurumaharaj’s attention to detail. We had the chance to go on a tour with him, and he kept inspiring us to serve. Some devotees sometimes say, “Gurumaharaj’s suggestions are impossible to implement.” Recently, HG Padmamali Prabhuji mentioned that Gurumaharaj desired to make arrangements so that when devotees arrive in Mathura, they can reach here directly without any difficulty. These are just a few examples of Gurumaharaj’s caring nature for the devotees.
I had a discussion with Gurumaharaj regarding the glorification program for Vyaspuja. His stance was, “Why only my glorification? Keep photos of all my Godbrothers and glorify all of them.” This shows his immense love for his Godbrothers.
Bhagavad-gita 5.29
bhoktāraṁ yajña-tapasāṁ
sarva-loka-maheśvaram
suhṛdaṁ sarva-bhūtānāṁ
jñātvā māṁ śāntim ṛcchati
Translation
A person in full consciousness of Me, knowing Me to be the ultimate beneficiary of all sacrifices and austerities, the Supreme Lord of all planets and demigods, and the benefactor and well-wisher of all living entities, attains peace from the pangs of material miseries. [BG 5.29]
You are engaging fallen souls in service. Recently, I was listening to a lecture by HH Haldhar Swami Maharaj, where he mentioned a verse from *Gurudev! Kripa Bindu Diya*:
sakale sammana korite sakati,
deho’ natha! jathajatha
tabe to’ gaibo, hari-nama-sukhe,
aparadha ha ’be hata
Translation
“O lord and master! Please give me the power to properly honor all living beings. Only then will I sing the holy name in great ecstasy and all my offenses cease.” [Gurudev kripa bindu 2]
Gurumaharaj, my only prayer on your holy appearance day is that you continue to bestow your mercy upon us. Despite my many faults, I aspire to perform bhajan to the standard you expect from us. I pray that my chanting reaches the quality you desire. The topmost service one can offer is service unto the Holy Name. I pray to you on behalf of all my Godbrothers and Godsisters that, despite our laziness and ignorance, we may perform quality service unto the Holy Name.
Thank you, Padmamali Prabhu, for giving me the opportunity to offer my Vyaspuja offering unto Gurumaharaj.
HG Hari Kirtan Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna Gurumaharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances at Your lotus feet.
Such a glorious day and a glorious moment for all of us to witness this most auspicious day. A few days back, I was contemplating how Srila Prabhupada gave names to his disciples, starting with the syllable of their previous names, like Richard Slavin became Radhanath Swami, John Gordan became Jayapataka Swami, Michael became Mukunda, and Keith became Kirtanananda Swami. However, when it came to naming my spiritual master, his previous name was Raghunath, but Srila Prabhupada named him Lokanath. Maharaj was so happy to receive this name as he sang every day, “Lokanath Lokera Jivan.”
I witnessed this in 1996 when we were celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada. This unprecedented event that the whole world witnessed marked an important chapter in ISKCON’s history. Today, what we see in ISKCON is due to the pure devotion and dedicated efforts of the devotees who celebrated 1996. After that year, a revolutionary change occurred in ISKCON. We see hundreds of temples, thousands of Ratha Yatras, millions of followers, and millions of books being distributed. It is a glorious memory that Gurumaharaj was the Centennial Minister of that celebration in 1996. In Vrindavan, during that event, many of Srila Prabhupada’s Godbrothers attended, including HH Puri Swami Maharaj, who was 90 years old at that time. He came to the temple supported by two devotees, and when he started speaking, he glorified Lokanath Swami Maharaj. He said, “Only Lokanath Swami can connect every devotee around the world to celebrate this auspicious event of Bhaktivedanta Swami’s 100th birth anniversary.” I witnessed that day, and those words still resonate in my heart and mind.
We have seen how Maharaj was instrumental in connecting the whole world, reuniting Srila Prabhupada’s family, and establishing memorials for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. Hundreds of Padayatras all over the globe were organized under his leadership. We received news of new Padayatras starting in Czechoslovakia and Argentina. It was such a glorious year, and Gurumaharaj was the key to holding that festival.
Gurumaharaj, you are an embodiment of the shastras because all the scriptures speak univocally about how we, the most fallen souls of Kali Yuga, can trace our path back to Godhead. Your life, teachings, nature, and swabhav (behavior) draw us closer to Krishna. If we sincerely and strictly meditate upon your qualities, follow you, and try to please you, Krishna will be pleased.
Recently, a devotee in Nagpur told me, “HG Padmamali Prabhu is going back home to Godhead in this lifetime.” I was delighted to hear that. He said it is because Padmamali Prabhu serves Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj so closely and that Maharaj is very pleased with him.
As you always say:
Vithu Maza Lekurwala
Vithu maajha lekurawaala
Snge gopaalaancha mela
Gurumaharaj, we are your children, and you will not leave us behind. Recently in Ujjain, you shared your heart. Some incident took place, and we conditioned souls tend to take the easy path by leaving the situation. Something happened that made my mind contemplate such actions, but you mercifully explained that whatever happens to us in ISKCON, our ego will be smashed. Sometimes people will talk ill about us, but we should not allow negative thoughts to become our sankalpa (determination). The mind does two things: sankalpa (positive determination) and vikalpa (negative determination). During good times, our sankalpas are good, and we can continue with our services. However, during unfavorable times, our pratikula bhava (negative mindset) becomes our sankalpa, and we try to run away from our services, neglecting those who are negative towards us. You said to always make our sankalpa favorable to Krishna consciousness, which was such a powerful statement.
I was contemplating your words, and I realized that your life is a living example of this. Despite rejections and blasphemies, you have always maintained a positive sankalpa, spreading Krishna consciousness and saving fallen souls. You were never affected by negative things that happened in ISKCON, which gave me immense strength.
Gurumaharaj, on this day, I seek your blessings to always hold on to your lotus feet and never allow any negative sankalpa to enter my mind, no matter what happens. Whatever happens to us in ISKCON is for our purification, and by holding on to your lotus feet, we will be able to please you to some degree.
Thank you so much, Padmamali Prabhu, for giving me the opportunity. Let us all celebrate this 75th Vyaspuja with great enthusiasm.
Hare Krishna.
HG Vraj Bhumi Prabhuji’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna. HH Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj ki Jay. Srila Prabhupada ki Jay.
We are celebrating the 75th Vyaspuja of Gurumaharaj in Sri Vrindavan Dham, and our hearts are filled with happiness. According to my knowledge, this is happening for the first time on such a grand scale. Gurumaharaj always says that “My birth took place in Vrindavan in 1972 when Srila Prabhupada initiated me in Radha Damodar temple, so I consider my place of birth to be Vrindavan.” Now, we are celebrating his 75th Vyaspuja in Vrindavan.
Gurumaharaj is the treasure house of all good qualities, and he is the one who connects us with Krishna. I first met Gurumaharaj in 1996. I still remember that day. It was my first time in Vrindavan on the day of Sharad Purnima, and our HH Radheshyamanda Maharaj introduced me to Gurumaharaj. During my last birthday when I went to meet Gurumaharaj, I said, “I met you when I was 21 years old, 27 years ago.” He replied, “I also met Srila Prabhupada when I was 21 years old.”
When I first met Gurumaharaj, he asked me what I did, to which I replied that I was studying engineering. He said, “There are a lot of engineers; you become a preacher.” At that time, I was a new devotee and did not know the meaning of preaching, nor was I familiar with many English words. That was my first meeting with him.
Gurumaharaj gave me initiation in Vrindavan Dham, and during that time, I was introduced as being from Jhansi. He said I would go and preach in Jhansi. Although I was not ready to go to Jhansi, it was the desire of Gurumaharaj. So, after staying for five years in Vrindavan, I went to Jhansi. I do not have many qualifications, but the mercy of Gurumaharaj has been the only tool that keeps me engaged in Krishna consciousness, even as I grow older.
Gurumaharaj always expects us to become ideal followers of Srila Prabhupada. It is said that we should offer something to Gurumaharaj as an offering during Vyaspuja. Personally, I do not have anything material to offer him, but my desire is to somehow remain engaged in the service of preaching in Jhansi and give some result to please him.
On this auspicious occasion of the 75th Vyaspuja festival, I beg for his mercy so that I can continue to be engaged in his service.
Hare Krishna. HH Lokanath Swami Gurumaharaj ki Jay. Srila Prabhupada ki Jay.
HG Dinanukampa Mataji’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna, Gurudev. Please accept my most humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Dearest Gurudev, I have had the fortune to attend so many Vyaspujas and I have had the opportunity to serve many devotees as well. One thing I would like to express is that Gurudev embodies the principle of selfless service. This year, we will be having Vyaspuja in Vrindavan. Having this Vyaspuja in Vrindavan, when we usually have Vyaspuja every year in Pandharpur, is actually an expression of selfless service. It is service to all of us because we all want to have Vyaspuja in Vrindavan.
I recall way back in 1975 when Srila Gurudev received sannyas from Srila Prabhupada. Gurudev mentioned that he was thinking, “Now that I have received sannyas initiation, maybe I will be traveling here, there, and preaching.” However, Srila Prabhupada said, “No. Study here. You stay here and preach.” Gurudev has imbibed that instruction for 52 years. HG Ishtadev Prabhu mentioned that no matter where Gurudev is—be it on a call, in a flight, or in a train—Gurudev is always studying. Srila Prabhupada said, “No going to Vrindavan and studying. You preach.” So now, Gurudev is preaching but also studying, thereby following Srila Prabhupada’s principles.
Gurudev’s dedication to spiritual study is such a clear example to us of how we should serve—with humility, love, and compassion—always keeping our spiritual master’s instruction at the forefront. That is what our Gurudev has taught us. It is such a momentous occasion to be here amongst you all in the Dham, getting an opportunity to chant in the mornings. I recall in Pandharpur a couple of weeks ago, Gurudev said, “When you chant in the Dham, you are making a local call to Krishna, and we have got to remember that.” We also need to remember that when we chant with Srila Gurudev in the Dham, we are making a local call to Krishna. We should learn how our Gurudev chants the Holy Name of Krishna and imbibe that.
These are daily lessons, knowingly and unknowingly. Whether we want them or not, Gurudev constantly teaches and carries us. I need to say this: I never knew that I could do what I do now. I know that I am purely an embodiment of the mercy that is flowing. One devotee once said to me many years ago, “Hold onto your japa beads because your japa beads, once chanted on by your spiritual master, carry 5000 years of energy that he has transferred into those japa beads.” It is that power and mercy that I believe keep me going.
Gurudev, I am not going to take much time. I just wanted to say that serving with my Godbrothers and Godsisters has been an utmost honor. There are no words that can express my gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve the way I do. Finally, I would like to say that when disciples asked Srila Prabhupada, “How do you pay back?” Prabhupada said, “You do what I did.” I don’t know if I will ever be able to pay off my debt, but surely I will try, Gurudev.
On behalf of all of us on this auspicious occasion, especially in the Holy Dham, I humbly beg for your mercy and blessings so that we may all reach a position where you do not have to come back for us. I heard yesterday morning in the temple that HH Jayapataka Maharaj asked Srila Prabhupada, “Do you have to come back if we do not make it back to Krishna?” Prabhupada said, “Yes.” So, let us never ever do that to Gurudev.
Thank you very much.
Hare Krishna.
HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna, Gurudev. Please accept my most humble obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
A very happy 75th Vyaspuja, Gurudev. This year is very special for me because, by your mercy, I got to serve you and all the devotees on the occasion of the 75th Vyaspuja festival. Just like you celebrated the 100th birth anniversary of Srila Prabhupada, we also, throughout the year, received guidance and instructions to serve this festival. Because of this festival, you gave us the opportunity to serve. One of those services was to collect donations (Laxmi) for the Vyaspuja Festival celebration and the new temple construction project at Pandharpur.
Starting from January 2024, my traveling throughout India and other places began. Seeing grand temples and devotees engaged in the service of Srila Prabhupada was exciting. Because of your mercy, I am part of this organization. From time to time, I felt your presence, especially since it was the first time I was traveling abroad on my own. Before this, I had the fortune to go on three foreign tours with you.
After the opening ceremony of ISKCON Rohini, on the auspicious occasion of the 75th Vyaspuja of HH Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, I was honored to serve him. You said, “Jayapataka Maharaj is happy with your service, so I am also happy with you.” This shows how much you love your Godbrothers and expect the same type of loving exchanges among us. Please give us the strength to fulfill this desire.
After the Vyaspuja function, when I was leaving from Noida and taking permission for the foreign tour, your words “Take care of yourself and be in touch” were heart-touching. I felt your motherly affection and fatherly love. I was in tears, and the feeling of staying with you by canceling all my plans was strong. But then I remembered your words, “Whenever I give you service, I also empower you to complete that service.” With this in mind, I took your leave.
Before sending me on the foreign tour, you sent a mail to all the leaders and senior disciples, saying that you were sending me as a representative of all of us. This made me realize the deep bonding of a spiritual father and son between us. I got to meet many senior Godbrothers and Godsisters on this tour. Even though many disciples could not get physical association with their spiritual master, their dedication and submission were simply wonderful. I was fortunate to engage them in your service.
During my fourth tour to America, I visited Tompkins Square Park and 22nd Avenue—these holy places of Srila Prabhupada. A few days back, when HH Guruprasad Swami Maharaj visited Pandharpur, you took him to have the darshan of Lord Vitthal. Due to the rush, I was hesitant to come along, but you still took me for the darshan of Lord Vitthal. Because of you, I had a one-hour darshan of the Lord along with Sandhya Aarti, and I got the association of Your Holiness, HH Guruprasad Swami Maharaj, and HH Sri Krishna Chaitanya Swami Maharaj.
Just like this, whenever I get illusioned by lust or anger in the future, please drag me back to the service of the Lord. This is my humble request. When it is time for me to leave this body, my mind might try to stay in this material world. But you, with your scolding, will surely take me back home, back to Godhead. I am very sure of this.
You have taken up the task of carrying forward the mission of Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Srila Prabhupada. I am so grateful that you made me contribute to this mission. I am humbled that you considered me capable of doing service. Thank you so much for giving me services in your zone. I remember you saying, “If there is love, everything becomes easy.”
I beg you to bless me with the mercy to fulfill all your desires. I pray to Sri Sri Radha Pandharinath to bless you with a very healthy life.
Your servant,
Krishna Bhakta Das
HG Vansidhar Prabhuji’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna. All Glories to HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj.
This 75th Vyaspuja was initially planned in Pandharpur. However, by the mercy of Gurumaharaj, the venue was changed to Vrindavan. When I first heard this, I was astonished—“How can Vyaspuja be celebrated in Vrindavan?” It soon became clear that it was Maharaj’s desire to celebrate Vyaspuja in Vrindavan, bringing together devotees from the North and the remaining devotees of Maharashtra in Pandharpur.
For many years, I have been requesting Gurumaharaj to celebrate Vyaspuja in Noida. We have celebrated Vyaspuja many times in Pandharpur, so this time Maharaj decided to celebrate it in Vrindavan. To celebrate Vyaspuja in Vrindavan Dham is indeed a great fortune for us Godbrothers and Godsisters.
A few days ago, when Maharaj was in Noida, he said something very beautiful: “My birth was in Vrindavan; I am also a resident of Vraj.” I was very happy to hear this. I connected with Gurumaharaj during the Centennial celebration. I met Him in the Padayatra House and was so fortunate to witness Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial celebration.
During that celebration, I was given a seva akin to that of a postman. I was very much overwhelmed to receive that service, which included mailing Srila Prabhupada’s books and various shastras. Just as we know, the Spiritual Master is a representative of the Lord, bestowing the mercy of the Lord upon us, Gurumaharaj has shown special mercy towards me. Although I am not qualified for such mercy, I am always aware of this. I remember this whenever Maharaj entrusts me with service for a big festival.
I have observed that Gurumaharaj is always pleased when He arrives in Noida. Maharaj has a special mercy on Noida. Many centers are flourishing in Noida, such as Jevar, Sector 151, Greater Noida, and more, all due to Maharaj’s mercy. This year, we had a grand celebration of the Jagannath Ratha Yatra. Maharaj even reviewed that this year’s Ratha Yatra celebration was the biggest among all the years.
Maharaj often says, “Noida is my Head Office.” I had the wonderful opportunity to serve Gurumaharaj here. I have witnessed many qualities of Maharaj, one of which is His humility. During the COVID period, Maharaj started the online Vraj Mandal Parikrama. At that time, 200-250 devotees were participating online. I requested Maharaj to address them for 5 to 10 minutes. Maharaj agreed, but instead of 10 minutes, He addressed the devotees for half an hour.
Maharaj’s simplicity and straightforward nature are qualities I have observed closely. On this occasion, I humbly beg Gurumaharaj to continue granting us the service of hosting the festival of the 75th Vyaspuja celebration for North India devotees.
Hare Krishna. All Glories to HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj.
HG Jayatirtha Prabhu’s Address at HH Lokanath Swami Maharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja Festival
Hare Krishna Gurumaharaj. Please accept my humble obeisances.
It is my great fortune to witness Gurumaharaj’s 50th Sanyas Anniversary two years ago here at Goverdhan and once again today at the 75th Vyaspuja Celebration in Vrindavan, at the Lotus Feet of Srimati Radha Rani. I am especially blessed to be able to offer my humble respects both previously and today before my Godbrothers and Godsisters.
This Vyaspuja is exceptionally significant—not only because it is the 75th Vyaspuja but also because Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu once asked Ramananda Raya, “After leaving all the places, where should one live?” Ramananda Raya responded, “Mahaprabhu, Vrindavan is the place where the Lord resides eternally; He performs His pastimes here.” Gurumaharaj has granted us a special opportunity to reside in Vrindavan, where we can relish Mahabhava, as Srimati Radha Rani is the embodiment of Mahabhava.
Earlier, Gurumaharaj authored a book on the Lord’s Name, Form, and Pastimes. Through this book, He has guided us on how to meditate on the Lord’s Name, Form, and Pastimes, and how to understand the Prema Pastimes of the Lord. When Gurumaharaj narrates these pastimes, it feels as though we are actually present, witnessing the pastimes live as He describes them.
Lord Chaitanya has showered His special mercy upon Gurumaharaj. We know Srila Prabhupada is the Senapati Bhakta of Mahaprabhu, and our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, is the same for Gurumaharaj. Hence, we are fortunate to receive Gurumaharaj as our spiritual master. Gurumaharaj preaches throughout the world through Sankirtana, and His nature is to give us the Love of Godhead. Even during this Vyaspuja, despite traveling day and night like a young boy, Gurumaharaj’s sole desire is to impart the Love of Godhead to us.
I have noticed that whenever Gurumaharaj extends His special mercy, the recipient immediately receives the seed of devotion unto the Lord. I, too, am an unqualified person, but by Gurumaharaj’s mercy, I am engaged in devotional service. Gurumaharaj’s entire being is immersed in the transcendental ecstasy of Srimati Radha Rani, as He continuously speaks about the pastimes of Radha and Krishna.
A few days ago, on 24th September, while Gurumaharaj was chanting the Holy Name of the Lord in the courtyard of the ISKCON temple, He called me and asked, “Do you want to come to Pandharpur?” I replied, “Yes.” Maharaj then said, “You have to come for doing service.” At that moment, Gurumaharaj assigned me the service of the Bhuvaikuntha Project. By the 2nd of the coming month, along with HG Padmamali Prabhu and HG Krishna Bhakta Prabhu, we initiated the campaign for the 75th Vyaspuja, which has led to the grand festival we are celebrating today.
I humbly appeal to all devotees who have not yet decided to attend the festival: please book your tickets to Vrindavan and join us in celebrating this auspicious occasion with Gurumaharaj and all the devotees. We do not know if we will be present to celebrate the 100th Vyaspuja, but Gurumaharaj will surely be there.
For Gurumaharaj’s prolonged health, I was honored with the service of collecting Holy water from 75 holy places. Reflecting on the Centennial celebration of Srila Prabhupada, where Maharaj collected Holy water from 1108 places, I felt deeply fortunate to be able to serve in a similar capacity for Gurumaharaj.
During COVID, I conducted Ram Katha for 260 days. Gurumaharaj instructed me to establish Rama Rajya. Despite feeling unqualified, I complied with Gurumaharaj’s instruction and wrote a book on the deep secrets of Ramayana. Previously, I wrote a book on Grihasta Ashram and am currently working on another titled “Complete Knowledge of Bhakti Rasa,” based on the Nectar of Instruction. On the occasion of Gurumaharaj’s 75th Vyaspuja, I humbly seek His blessings so that we may all find joy in chanting the Holy Name of the Lord.