The devotee who “kidnapped” the deities from his own wife!
Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari’s Installation Anniversary.
Ajita dasa: The New Govardhana farm, Australia, was purchased in May 1977 for $80,000. A year later the temple construction began with its three altars. The middle altar was to become the residence of Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari, the transcendental lifter of the hill that fulfills all desires. The devotees decided to install the Deity form of Radha Govardhanadhari as soon as the temple could receive Them. Unfortunately, to design, carve and ship such a wondrous form of God required a lot of time. Imagine India and communications in 1977 … Hari Sauri dasa decided to fly to Jaipur where the professional Deity sculptors (sthapatis) design and carve such forms of Krishna. He arrived at a sthapati’s workshop to place his order for New Govardhana. He saw a beautiful form of Radha and Krishna, who he felt would be perfect for Australia. “Bad news”, says the sthapati with transcendental pride. “They have been pre-ordered, paid for and are ready for shipping to New Mayapur, France.” Hari Sauri wanted the same Deities for New Govardhana, but time was running out. After much haggling, discussions, and bribes the sthapati finally released the already carved Divine Couple to him. He finalized the payment and shipping on the spot. Meanwhile, the sthapati frantically began a replica of the exact same set for the original customer. History confirms that this ‘client’ was not happy upon seeing the slightly modified version. July 1979 was the time for the two installations of the Radha Krishna Deities for New Mayapur, France, and New Govardhana, Australia. Many devotees attended the festival held at the newly constructed temple in Australia. Strawberry halava was one of the many preparations offered to Their Lordships on 15 July 1979 as a welcome feast. (Since then, more than half a million such preparations have been offered to Radha Govardhanadhari.) The other installation took place in New Mayapur, France. Sri Sri Radha Govinda Madhava were installed and also received halava with Their first offering. Now it’s 2004, during our Deities 25 th anniversary, and Hari Sauri is telling the assembled devotees about Their installation but, unknown to him, the ‘customer’ is also among the assembled devotees. Suddenly, the form of Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari flashes in her mind – 25 years ago in Jaipur, waiting to be shipped, to France. All hell breaks loose – Hari Sauri and the ‘customer’ together on the same day, same time, same Deities, same temple, same story – but now the customer is his very own wife, Sitala devi dasi!
Hari Sauri had ‘kidnapped’ the Deities who were ready for France and only 25 years later the truth came out on Their anniversary day. Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari had previously arranged, some 20 years ago, for the thief and the designer to marry. Who says God doesn’t have a sense of humor? Another little-known fact is that Govardhanadhari temporarily had conch shell eyes. Sri Sri Radha Govardhanadhari are very special Deities. Krishna is the lifter of the hill that fulfills all desires and He does indeed fulfill all desires of His dear servants, but He does so with a twist – as we have learned. So please somehow serve Their Lordships and see how kind They are. Just beware of what you desire …