Prabhupada Sangam at the Palace at New Vrindaban
Prabhupada Sangam at the Palace
By Sachimata Prins
July 24, 2013
On Tuesday, July 23rd, there was a wonderful evening program organized at the Palace in New Vrindaban to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada’s first tour of the Palace being built in his honor. Many devotees attended.
We heard how, forty years ago, the Palace was really in its rough stages – only the foundation and a few walls. But the devotees were anxious for Srila Prabhupada to see their devotion, and Kirtanananda Swami wanted to give him the grand tour, along with some of the devotees who were actually building the Palace. Soma das recalled that Bali Mardhana mentioned in Krishna Book, that Krishna’s Palace in Dwarka was illuminated with jewels. Srila Prabhupada turned to him, and spoke one of his now most memorable quotes, “These devotees, my disciples, are my jewels.”
After learning about all the elaborate plans for Prabhupada’s study, bedroom, kitchen, bath and temple room, Prabhupada turned to Kirtanananda Swami and asked, “So are you going to install Radha-Vrindaban Chandra here, and Kirtanananda replied, “No, Srila Prabhupada, we are going to install you here.”
To which Srila Prabhupada replied, “This is proper.”
A few senior Prabhupada disciples, namely Yudhistira das and Rasa Lila dasi, also contributed wonderful stories and personal experiences about his visit at that time. We learned that Rasa Lila was initiated on that visit, along with Bhakta Marga Swami, Advaita, and Meghamala. Varsana Maharaj, who was Kashyapa das at that time, took 2nd initiation. Yudhistira’s pastimes were centered on Prabhupada’s desire that New Vrindaban be a beacon of light in the process of establishing self-sufficiency in Iskcon farm communities. That we should depend on the cows, and train the oxen, so we could grow our own food, etc. All in all, it was a wonderful and interesting evening.
I personally am so happy that these monthly programs are being organized by Kripamaya prabhu. I’ve been to three so far this summer, and I’ve noticed that Srila Prabhupada always seems to have a big smile on his face, which tells me how pleased he is to have some of the local N.V. residents, newcomers, and guests visit him in his home and glorify him.
I just know that anyone who takes advantage of these sweet get-togethers will not be disappointed. They are all centered on pastimes of
Srila Prabhupada, his instructions, and his vision for New Vrindaban.
Besides our regular daily sadhana, it’s so important for devotees to come together and relish the stories and history of New Vrindaban. Hope to see you at the next one.
Haribol, your servant,
Sachimata devi dasi
