By Dr Sahadeva dasa
In the bustling city of Yekaterinburg, Russia, lives an unassuming woman whose quiet life of devotion and service has touched the hearts of many. Known as Rangala Dasi, she is a modern-day saint who has dedicated her life to the selfless mission of spreading spiritual wisdom, particularly through the Bhagavad Gita.
Over thirteen years ago, Rangala Dasi stumbled into a Hare Krishna temple program led by a visiting guru. There, she heard a message that would change her life: “To understand spiritual knowledge is a fortune, but to distribute it is a greater blessing.” From that moment on, she committed herself to distributing sacred books — a mission she has upheld tirelessly ever since.
Living in a one-room apartment with barely any possessions — just a single sari, one cooking pot, and a simple altar — Rangala Dasi considers herself a guest in Krishna’s home, whom she lovingly calls Lala. Despite harsh Russian winters, often braving temperatures as low as -20°C, she stands on the streets six days a week, offering wisdom to strangers with unshakable dedication.
Her self-discipline and sincerity eventually earned her the respect of local authorities, security guards, and the broader community. Once misunderstood and dismissed, she is now a revered figure in her city.
In a deeply moving moment, Rangala Dasi offered $1,500 — her savings from distributing books — to the visiting guru, insisting it be used solely for the mission. For context, this sum is equivalent to two years’ salary for a typical worker in her area. She refused to use it for personal needs or even a pilgrimage to India, emphasizing her life’s purpose: to serve God and humanity.
Her story is a testament to the fact that sainthood is not confined to history or geography. Saints still walk among us — in humble clothes, on snowy streets, carrying messages of eternal truth. Rangala Dasi’s life exemplifies the essence of devotion, simplicity, and selfless service, showing us that the spirit of bhakti thrives even in the modern world.
A Modern Day Lady Saint From Russia| #drsahadevadasa #sankirtanstories
Hare Krsna. Wonderful example of how this soul has deeply endeared herself to
Sri Govinda and Srila Prabhupada.
Curiosity who is the "Swami" in this narration?