By Shyamalika Heffernan
Venugopal dasa with his spiritual master ISKCON’s Founder-Acharya His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
On Sunday, 11 February, 2018, the devotees of New Govardhana were dancing in ecstatic kirtana as the oppressive heat of the day was washed away by a sudden rainstorm. As the chanting intensified, the clouds parted and a magnificent double rainbow arched across the sky, while forks of lightning continued to flicker through the air.
The entire region was suffused with an extraordinary golden glow, provoking awed comments from those who witnessed it from all the surrounding areas. Venugopal dasa had just left his body.
Born into a hard-working Australian family, Venugopal spent his youth seeking the absolute truth. After spontaneously converting to vegetarianism as a teenager, he was fortuitously handed a copy of Back to Godhead magazine by close friend Shane Flew and thereafter dedicated himself to learning more about the philosophy and the pastimes of Krishna.
Even years before he could make real contact with the devotees, he threw himself on the mercy of Srila Prabhupada and completely surrendered.
Venugopal dasa as a young brahmachari
Once initiated, Venugopal served in various temples around Australia, including as temple president in Cairns and Brisbane. He was instrumental in the early years establishing the community at New Govardhana, and in 1992 organised a padayatra that took in most of eastern Australia.
A talented musician, pujari, leader, and cook, his greatest love was animal protection. Venugopal took on the responsibility for New Govardhana’s Cow Protection Program and the goshalla became a preaching platform. He gave all comers the opportunity to engage in service, allowing guests and devotees the blissful association of the cows at the morning milking.
Venugopal dasa with Radhika and Chintamani
Everyone who saw his work gained a new perspective on how animals should be treated, and many visitors who passed through said they had become vegetarians after seeing how these cows were cared for.
Venugopal dasa, our very own fashion guru at New Govardhana.
The fame of this Australian cowherd boy and his efforts spread far and wide, even to Varsana in India. A babaji there desired to send a magnificent gift to Venugopal, and called on Indradyumna Swami to act as his courier.
Maharaja describes this mala:
“I brought him a very special gift from Vrindavana: a beautifully carved tulasi necklace with numerous transcendental items contained in a box attached to it, including the 700 verses of Bhagavad-gita; water from 1,108 kundas in Vrindavana; dust from many holy places in Vrindavawna; the names of many great devotees of the Lord; remnants of clothes from the dresses of Radharani from all the prominent temples in Vrindavana; maha-prasadam from Lord Jagannatha in Puri; clothes from Lord Jagannatha in Puri; the Chatur-slokas of Srimad-Bhagavatam; dust from the forest of Naimisaranya; and prayers in glorification of Srimati Radharani.”
As it became generally known that this beloved senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada was close to leaving his body, more maha and tributes continued to flood in from around the globe. Those who had met Venugopal described the brilliant illumination of his smile, his willingness to listen and engage with anyone on any level, and his dedication to preaching and assisting others in devotional service.
Nikunja Seva devi dasi, a devoted and loving wife to Venugopal dasa.
Venugopal passed away peacefully in his home, surrounded by chanting, in the presence of the Deities. With kindness and humility he offered an example of how a sincere devotee should prepare to leave, and a legacy that endures in the New Govardhana goshalla and the memories and blessings of so many Vaishnavas.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada!