By Dharmatma das ACBSP
Another wonderful exemplary Vaishnava has left us to be with his worshipful Lordships in the Spiritual World. Bhuvanesvara prabhu has been serving Them in Vrindavan for 35 years and was such an inspiring soul. His sadhana was impeccable, he religiously cooked the Raj Bhoga offering daily, he led kirtan (whose heart could not be moved by his sweet and melodious chanting early in the morning before Mangala Arotik.) He was always was there for Tulasi Puja, Guru Puja, gave classes, and also led Kirtans in the evening. He had a great sense of humor and wit. Knowing how fallen I was, he would ask if I had gotten any more wives and one time said to my wife, “Are you still with this guy!” He always said to me, “Come and live in Vrindavan.” When you were in his association it wasn’t hard to see your own shortcomings. But he was always sweet and encouraging and would always glorify Sri Sri Radha Syamasundar, Krishna Balarama and Gaura Nitai, and boy, was he a dedicated Prabhupada man! He had no desire for profit. adoration or distinction. Didn’t really like his picture taken. Had few possessions and no desire except for Devotional Service. A few times I brought him real good winter socks and he said, I’ve already got some. He probably would have been happier if I brought Ghee for cooking his offerings. During one visit he asked me to read Krishna Book and have lunch with him. My flickering mind thought for a second, hmm! Loi Bazar, Gosvami Temples, MVT Restaurant, socializing with friends, etc., but thankfully, Krishna gave me a slap and I excitedly, said, “Yes, I would love to!” Reading in his association and honoring Krishna Balarama’s Raj Bhoga offering, personally cooked by Bhuvanesvara prabhu was truly a transcendental experience. I will miss him terribly as will so many devotees worldwide.
Bhubanesvara Prabhu has a special place in my heart. I love him very much. May we see each other again one day in Goloka Vrndavana. All glories to Bhubanesvara Prabhu!
Hare Krsna, yes I too heard his wonderful kirtan before morning Darshan/sringar Aratti, couple of years ago, very prompt in the timing and encouraged everyone to take part in the kirtan till the time conch blow for Their Lordships Darshan.
Always desiring Prabhuji's mercy
Svayam Nitai Das.JPS
Dear Editors of Dandavats,
Although I understand that, when devotees depart this world, it all happens by the mercy of the Lord at a time of His choosing, would it be possible to include the circumstances and causes of the devotee's death, and not simply their service history?
Bhuvaneswar pr inspired many devotees around the world with his simplicity, purity, service mood & many exalted Vaisnava qualities. His Grace Bhuvaneswar pr will be missed dearly.
Prabhu ji was so eager to distribute krishna consiouess literature to everyone.
I have always see prabhu ji with prabhupad books distributing which inspires me so much.
its so sad i will not get association of such great soul.
may krishna give me dust of his lotus feet which can make my life successful.
HG Bhuvanesvara prabhu was one of the first devotees i met when i joined the Radha Damodara Traveling Sankirtana Party. All the new bahktas were given different morning services and mine was to assist prabhu in the kitchen. He told me to get him some ghee for him and i inquired what it was. When he told me it was clarified butter, i said it must be expensive. He jokingly answered in his usual dead pan way, "The dairies throw it away and we collect it for free." HH Tamal Krishna Goswami gave a lecture one morning saying that we should rise early and chant 16 rounds before mangal arati and he was the only devotee i noticed that actually did this. After many years of cooking he had the desire to distribute books which we also did together at the Houston airport. Kalki prabhu jokingly called him the Python man because instead of walking around he would just stay in one spot and talk to whoever would walk by. Many years later when i went to Vridnavana and after mangal arati i was going into Prabhupada's quarters to chant japa when i heard a voice behind me say, "Get in the kitchen and cut some subjis." Of course it was our old friend Bhu prabhu!