Dear Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
As one of your god nephews, I pray ernestly at the feet of Sri Sri Radha Madhava, Sri Sri Pancatattva, and Sri Nrsimhadeva to bring you back to the assembly of vaisnavas as you were before – traveling from center to center and bringing joy and encouragement to devotees everywhere you go.
sadhu-sanga, sadhu-sanga – sarva-sastre kaya lava-matra sadhu-sanga sarva-siddhi haya
I remember your wonderful Srimad Bhagavatam Classes which were like festivals unto themselves. Beginning with sweet kartallas and chanting “Jaya Radha Madhava”, then into a roaring Hare Krishna Mahamantra with your signature ‘Nrsimha Wompers’ ending with a blissful ringing “Piiiiiiiinnnnnnnnngggggggg!” as you held up the last note of the ringing wompers into the microphone for the enlivenment of all.
As you are the embodyment of Sri Navadwipa and Mayapur Dhama, it seems that no class is complete without the arrival of Sri Gauranga Lila.
In my early years in ISKCON, I would always look forward to attending Navadwipa Mandala Parikrama, to receive your envigorating spiritual associating, which is like mother’s milk to nourish the devotion creeper.
You encouraged me to perform dramas on the parikrama. I remember once at the house of Kholaveca Sridhara, you asked me to perform a drama. I asked you to relate the pastimes and you personally sat with me for more than 10 minutes relating the pastimes, empowering me to evolk those lilas in drama. My experience performing dramas on that parikrama was one of the high points of my Krishna consciousness. It was the first time, “empowerment” came into my vocabulary.
You are the embodyment of empowerment – passing on the mission of Lord Caitanya and Srila Prabhupada to the next generation.
We need you with us for a longer time Maharaja. We are praying for your strength and recouperation. Please recover your health with God speed.
Dasanudas, Ekalavya Das
—————–
Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so happy to hear the news about the improvement of your health. I am sure that this miracle happened only because of the ardent prayers of the devotees all over the world. I prayed too, again and and again, as much as I could.
With a small group of devotees we went to Nathadwar, and there at the temple of Sri Nathaji I offered Him my prayers for your protection. I felt some relief after that because I felt that Sri Nathaji who has protected all the residents of Vrindavana and who gives shelter to all His sincere devotees will never forsake you.
All the devotees in Russia love you and have greatest regard for you. I spoke with many of them trying to encourage them and to give them some solace during these days. We all feel your loving care and concern. Please continue giving us all your association.
During these days I saw so many GBCmen and sannyasis crying because the very thought of your possible departure was unbearable for them. I cried too suddenly realizing how important role you play in my life.
Please, dear Maharaja, get better soon. The news of the improvement of your health is the best news we can all have these days.
Your servant, Bhakti Vijnana Goswami
—————–
Dear Godbrother Jayapataka Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
All of us are are feeling so much consternation and deep concern about your present condition. It is a sad feature of this world that we don’t really appreciate the true value of something until we are deprived of it. That is what I now feel regarding your association. I have taken it for granted that you are there somewhere, safe-guarding ISKCON. Please get well soon so that I can have the opportunity to relish your association again.
Never have I known any devotee who does as much service as you, and is able to multi-task; preaching, managing, caring for devotees, attending meetings and other duties. Certainly Mahaprabhu manifests through His devotees to provide vision for spreading the Sankirtan Movement. Many years ago when all of us were still in the temple mode, you began the Congregational Ministry, which is now the main beacon of hope, chalking out the direction for the future of ISKCON.
You diligently watch over ISKCON, knowing its laws, and always take great care to assure that Srila Prabhupada’s legacy is carefully preserved.
I hope that you can forgive all my offenses and return to your formal service, and allow me to try to serve you again. You have imbibed the intricacies of vaisnava behavior and etiquette, and I have learned many aspects of the same by being with you, and observing you in Mayapur. We need your presence and preaching. Krsna has already reclaimed too many valuable generals in ISKCON’s ranks. Please stay with us for many more years, as you are one of the pillars that provide strength and guidance to Srila Prabhupada’s mission.
I fervently pray that your health better daily, and that you give us signs that you will stay with us for a long, long time.
Your servant,
Guru Prasad Swami
—————–
Dear Jayapataka Swami Maharaj, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Ever since I first heard about your difficult health situation, I went into a state of internal meditation and constantly begged Lord Krishna’s permission to let you stay on this planet for longer. Your presence is vital for the Sankirtan Movement.
We can all see how arduously you serve Iskcon so that devotees are aware of how important it is to fortify Prabhupada’s big family and foster the Congregation. You carefully help all those who meet you, and assist the Iskcon members to understand the importance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, Sri Panca-Tattva and Sridhama Mayapur.
I have been reminiscing the moments we spent together in Navadvipa Parikramas. I recall one of my realizations while carrying Srila Prabhupada’s Deities during the Parikrama, and you were by my side. I realized how you are the very life and soul of Navadvipa Parikrama. I carefully observed your concerns on the organization, speaking on the radio with the organizers, and painstakingly taking care of all the details. I thank Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu for granting me the benediction to receive your especial association.
My only and constant request to Sri Gouranga is that you physically remain with us. It is too early for you to leave, and we all need your help. I have noticed in all the Temples of my zone that devotees are daily praying, chanting and begging for the Lord’s protection. They ask the Lord for you to continue your marvellous service to Srila Prabhupada.
Sri Krsna, please attend our fervent prayers.
Your servant,
Param Gati Swami
—————-
Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
We were most alarmed when we heard of your sudden health crises and then even more worried when hearing of the possible outcomes. We thought, ” What will happen to his disciples and projects?” Hearing of your recent health improvement, we experienced great relief. We are most happy to hear that you are doing so well and that there is great hope and practical expectations that you will be able to carry on your services to our beloved spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada!
We thank you for your service to Srila Prabhupada and how it has affected so many devotees. We also thank you for your personal attention and association.
May Lord Krishna, the eternal cowherd boy, continue to protect you and give you good health so you can once again go to the goshalla and drink fresh cow urine.
See you there soon!
Your servant, Balabhadra das ISKCON Minister for Cow Protection and Agriculture
————————————————–
Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I am so happy to hear that your health is improving so strongly. Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda are blessing us by allowing us to have your association longer.
I am praying to Them to help you come completely back to normal and continue your service to Srila Prabhupada enthusiastically.
Please forgive me for all my offences.
I remain,
Your humble servant,
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
———————
Dear Jayapataka Maharaja,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
This is your spiritual nephew Praghosa writing to wish you well and offer you all my love during this difficult time.
I would be hard pushed to think of knowing a more friendly, sweet, kind and loving person in my lifetime than you. So for selfish reasons I dearly want you to return to full health because otherwise I will miss the full benefit of your warm association.
I have been fortunate to have had many opportunities to serve with you. Often we are involved in management together and while we sometimes have differing opinions, I have always been inspired by your detachment to those opinions and how all differences cease to exist once the discussion has ended. That quality of yours is something that I am endeavoring to learn from and is yet another reason why I am looking forward to your complete recovery.
I know you have the best of care there in Mumbai and as a dear servant of Srila Prabhupada and Lord Krishna, your recovery is definitely in the best of hands. I will continue with my little humble prayers for your return to full health and hope it comes in time for the Gaura Purnima festival next year, as things would simply not be the same without you.
All my love Maharaja,
Your servant,
Praghosa dasa.
————-
Dear Jayapataka Maharaja, Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Many devotees are praying for your recovery, and some are writing to you expressing their love and appreciation for you. I myself would like to offer a few words from a particular angle, namely the foundations that enabled you to become one of the most prominent members of Iskcon and a world preacher: your obedience and menial service to Srila Prabhupada.
Back in the early seventies Sridhama Mayapur was very austere. You had been ordered by Srila Prabhupada to stay in Mayapur and develop it.
Many other sannyasis were travelling all over the world preaching and starting big projects, obtaining recognition by the Iskcon devotees at large and being honoured at the Mayapur Festival for their achievements.
You would silently, undemandingly, and tirelessly spend the whole year going to Krsnanagar with the Mahindra-Mahindra jeep to purchase iron rods or cement (and you were so tough in negotiating the prices !), or dealing with contractors like Golam mistry, Channad mistry for the construction, or trying to get through to Calcutta using our phone: here Swarupganj 31 placing long distance call to Calcutta, operator it is urgent call ! And in the evening, after a whole day service, just some muri (puffed rice) and milk. This year after year. An obedient glorious servant with no expectation of recognition, but capturing the Lotus Feet of Radha Madhava and Srila Prabhupada in his heart.
The devotees knew that you would protect them under any circumstance. If someone had gone to the Ganges and foolhardily swum a bit too far from the shore, better hope that Jayapataka Maharaja be nearby to jump in and save him. I someone had a philosophical doubt, a problem with his service, or some stiff relationships, you would calmly sustain him and give him real help. I recall one night when the Goshalla was being attaked, seeing you running bare foot in the fields, alone, going to help the devotees there at the risk of your life, without considering anything but the devotees welfare. Such spontaneous caring attitude is rarely seen.
How pleased must Srila Prabhupada have been by such unmotivated service of yours.
You may be apparently lying down on a bed in an hospital, but I am confident that your heart is in Mayapur Dhama with Sri Sri Radha Madhava, the Panca-Tattva, and Srila Prabhupada.
Our earnest desire is that you may fully recover from this illness and come back as the great lion we have always admired.
Thanking Srila Prabhupada for having granted me your invaluable association, I remain Your humble servant, Madhusevita das.
—————
My dear Jayapataka Maharaja,
Please accept my obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
I have been praying intensely to my Deities every day for your health.
It is essential that you get well as quickly as possible. I am saying this not only out of concern for our movement, but also for my own reasons.
When I came to the hospital and saw you in the intensive care unit, I had a number of realizations about you and Prabhupada’s great love for you.
Whenever I have been with you I have observed such an outpouring of love from your heart not only towards myself and other devotees but towards every other living entity that you come in contact with.
When I remember how you would greet me with such joy and affection, I am brought to tears. It is too painful for me to contemplate not having those interactions with you.
The compassion you radiate is evidence of your connection with Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda.
Because Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda’s mercy is shinning through you, you are able draw others to Their lotus feet like a strong magnet attracting pieces of iron.
I am begging you to remain with us for many many more years. We need your association.
Your servant, Bir Krishna das Goswami