Disciples and well-wishers of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami arranged a most wonderful Vyasa Puja Celebration Day in Sri Dhama Mayapur on the occasion of his auspicious appearance.    The day started with an interesting class from HH Kavicandra Swami, who is now the sole GBC-member for West Africa after the departure of HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami.  He reiterated how HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami had made great efforts to establish rural self-sufficient communities, and how he had a special ability to reach out to all types of people, from all walks of life, from kings and congressmen down to the people in the street.  

Later in the morning, several other disciples, friends and senior devotees further glorified Maharaja’s wonderful qualities and accomplishments.  Everyone agreed that the one major word that could summarise Maharaja’s personality, is COMPASSION. Many devotees stated how Maharaja was so much concerned about devotee relationships, how he wanted everyone to be respected and cared for.  It was mentioned how he really made so much effort to support and encourage those who were struggling – Grhasthas, women and children.  Maharaja was one of the major pillars of ISKCON who absence is felt by many.   He was also glorified for his intelligence and contribution to the GBC.   HH Chandramauli Swami had a close relationship with Bhakti Tirtha Swami, and he related many wonderful stories that Maharaja had shared with him.  He once again mentioned how Maharaja had taken great risk to preach in difficult zones such as Africa and Russia.  His stories about Africa had everyone gasping in disbelief.  He related how once in Africa, the aeroplane was overbooked – and how overseas if this happened the airline would compensate everyone with a free ticket on another plane -  but not in Africa!  There they lined up the prospective passengers, and made them run – and the ones to reach the plane first would get a seat.  So Maharaja had to run, and he ran fast, but felt great pain for those elderly ladies and people who could not make it.  This was not the worst – on another occasion, with a small aeroplane, the passengers, including Maharaja, had to get down and help push the aeroplane when it would not start!   HG Madhvacharya Prabhu, one of Maharaja’s senior disciples, related wonderful stories about Gita-Nagari, how Maharaja managed to inspire many professionals to give up their jobs and move to the Gita-Nagari farm community, and how Maharaja used to visit there and take part in community activities just to inspire and reciprocate with the great sacrifice they had made.   Other devotees told endearing stories of how Maharaja had helped them in their personal lives.  More than one devotee related how they would always feel safe and happy and Krishna Conscious if Maharaja was present in a room, even if he said nothing.  He had such a powerful Krishna Conscious presence. Some testified how they are still getting strong inspiration and direction from Maharaja in dreams and from his samadhi.   More Picture…

After all the nectarean stories, an uproarious kirtana ensued, lead by HH Mahavishnu Swami.  Foot bathing and pushpanjali were performed, and a huge feast was offered to Maharaja and served to all the devotees in the community.  

Today (Thursday) a Food For Life program will also be held by boat down the Ganga in Maharaja’s name.  

Maharaja’s disciples in Mayapur would like to thank all the kind donors from across the world who helped to make the program a success and helped to give Maharaja the wonderful glorification that he deserves.