Sri Mayapur Dham, the spiritual headquarters of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), recently witnessed a heart-touching and memorable celebration of Srila Prabhupada’s Disappearance Day — a day that evokes both gratitude and reverence in the hearts of devotees worldwide.
A Morning of Love and Remembrance
The day began early at 7:00 a.m., as hundreds of devotees gathered to participate in a beautiful Harinam procession, carrying Srila Prabhupada’s murti on a gorgeously decorated palanquin. The procession gracefully made its way to the Srila Prabhupada Samadhi Mandir, accompanied by joyful chanting of the holy names, kartals, and mridangas that filled the air with transcendental vibration.
Devotees, godbrothers, disciples, well-wishers, and senior Vaisnavas walked together — each step offered in love and gratitude. The atmosphere was surcharged with devotion as flower petals showered the palanquin, honoring the great soul who brought Krishna consciousness to every corner of the world.
Remembering the Acharya Who Transformed the World
Throughout the celebration, everyone was reminded of the incredible contribution Srila Prabhupada made — not only to ISKCON, but to all of humanity. His compassion, courage, and dedication awakened spiritual consciousness globally, fulfilling Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s prophecy that “in every town and village, the holy name of Krishna will be heard.”
Many senior devotees, disciples, well-wishers, and godbrothers shared heartfelt memories and realizations about Srila Prabhupada — each one a living testimony to his ongoing spiritual presence and the transformative power of his mission.
A Glimpse Into His Life Through Drama
In the afternoon session, the Mayapur Youth presented a captivating drama depicting the life of Srila Prabhupada — from his early years in Calcutta to his extraordinary journey across the seas and the establishment of ISKCON worldwide. The performance beautifully portrayed his faith, struggles, and surrender to Krishna, leaving everyone deeply inspired.
Honoring the Next Generation
A special highlight of the celebration was the award ceremony for Mayapur school children, recognizing their creativity, enthusiasm, and devotion. These competitions and activities were inspired and encouraged by HG Jamāshtami Prabhu, a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada, who has been consistently guiding and urging that the children be actively engaged and carried along in such meaningful ways.
Under his inspiration, many children participated in art competitions, essay writing, reading sessions from Srila Prabhupada-lilamrta, and other devotional presentations, all centered on learning and nurturing seeds of devotion that will continue to blossom as they grow.
Evening of Devotion
As the sun began to set, the celebrations resumed at 5:00 p.m. with soulful kirtans, enlightening kathas, and a heartfelt offering of lamps. The temple courtyard glowed with hundreds of diyas, symbolizing the light of bhakti that Srila Prabhupada kindled in millions of hearts around the world.
His Eternal Presence in Mayapur
Though Srila Prabhupada’s physical presence departed this world in 1977, his spiritual presence continues to illuminate Mayapur and the hearts of devotees everywhere. His teachings, his books, and his example live forever, guiding generations on the path of bhakti.
“He lives forever by his divine instructions, and the follower lives with him.”
As the day concluded with the chanting of the holy names and the sweet remembrance of Srila Prabhupada, it was clear that he was truly there — smiling upon his spiritual family, pleased to see the mission of Lord Caitanya flourishing with such love and unity.
All Glories to Srila Prabhupada
All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, who gave the world the holy name, the light of divine knowledge, and the eternal hope of returning home, back to Godhead.
We humbly invite all ISKCON devotees worldwide to join the 21st Sri Kshetra Parikrama — a sacred journey around the holy land of Sri Jagannath Puri Dham, personally walked by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu Himself.
This special Parikrama is a wonderful opportunity to remember the divine glories of Lord Jagannath and experience the mercy of Lord Gauranga amidst inspiring kirtans, enlightening talks, and the loving association of devotees.
For registerations, please contact your preferred group below!
Contact Details:
Bangla Group – ISKCON Mayapur: 9434140178 / Mayapur Namahatta: 6295353278
skpbanglagroup@gmail.com
Hindi Group – 9593648074
skphindigroup@gmail.com
Odia Group – 9437264454
hemaharipada.jps@gmail.com
South Indian Group – 9232253602
skpsouthindiangroup@gmail.com
We look forward to your blessed participation in this beautiful offering of devotion.
“Of the many objects of favored delight and of all the lovable damsels of Vraja, Srimati Radharani is certainly the most cherished object of Krishna’s love. And, in every respect, Her divine Kunda is described by great sages as equally dear to Him. Indeed, Radha-kunda is rarely attained even by the great devotees; therefore, it is even more difficult for ordinary devotees to achieve. If one simply bathes once in these sacred waters, pure love for Krishna is awakened within the heart.”
— The Nectar of Instruction, Verse 11
Sri Radha-kunda manifested on the eighth day of the waning moon in the month of Kartik. This sacred day is observed by bathing in the holy waters at midnight — the very time when Radha-kunda appeared. On this night, thousands of devotees gather on the banks of Radha-kunda in Vrindavan to celebrate. They offer not only gifts like water, milk, fruits, sweets, garlands, lamps, and donations, but also their minds, bodies, and souls in loving devotion. United in prayer, they glorify Sri Radha-kunda, who is non-different from Srimati Radhika Herself.
In his purport to Srimad Bhagavatam (10.36.16), Srila Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakura beautifully describes the divine pastime of the appearance of Radha-kunda.
The appearance of Radha-kunda is also known as Bahulastami, named after the sacred pastime of the cow Bahula who took shelter of Lord Krishna. Near Krishna-kunda in Vrindavan, one can see the deities of a cow and her calf, a brahmana, a tiger, and Lord Krishna — commemorating this beautiful story.
Once, while the cow Bahula was peacefully grazing, a tiger suddenly attacked her. Bahula humbly requested the tiger to allow her to return to her calf, feed it, and bid farewell before surrendering herself. Moved by her sincerity, the tiger agreed. Bahula went to her master, a brahmana, and her calf, explaining what had happened. Out of compassion, both the brahmana and the calf offered to go in her place as the tiger’s meal. Despite their pleas, Bahula refused, but ultimately, all three — the cow, calf, and brahmana — went together to the tiger, ready to sacrifice themselves.
As the tiger pondered which to eat first, Lord Krishna, the protector of Dharma and all the residents of Vraja, appeared before them, holding His chakra. He blessed the tiger, assuring him of eternal fame if he spared the innocent cow and her kin. The tiger released Bahula, and all were overjoyed by Krishna’s merciful intervention.
Pleased with Bahula’s truthfulness and purity, Krishna named that forest Bahulavan and blessed her to become His consort. In her next life, Bahula indeed became one of Krishna’s wives. Thus, this sacred day came to be known as Bahulastami.
Bahulavan is considered by many Vaisnavas to be the most sacred of all forests, for within it lies the holiest place — Sri Radha-kunda. Srila Rupa Goswami, in Sri Upadesamrta, confirms the supreme position of Radha-kunda with the following verse:
“The holy place known as Mathura is spiritually superior to Vaikuntha because the Lord appeared there. Superior to Mathura is the transcendental forest of Vrindavan, the site of Krishna’s rasa-lila pastimes. Higher still is Govardhana Hill, raised by Krishna’s divine hand and witness to His loving exchanges. Yet, above all, the super-excellent Sri Radha-kunda stands supreme, overflowing with the ambrosial nectar of Sri Krishna’s prema.”
In Sri Navadvipa-dhama, Sri Radha-kunda has manifested Herself in two locations — on the islands of Rtudvipa and Antardvipa.
In Navadvipa-bhava-taranga, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura describes Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s mood as He visited Rtudvipa:
ritudvipam tato gatva
drishtva sobham vanasya ca
radha-kundadikam smritva
ruroda saci-nandanah
“Upon arriving in Rtudvipa and seeing the beauty of the forest, Saci-nandana (Sri Chaitanya) began to cry, remembering Radha-kunda and other sacred places.”
In Antardvipa, within the home of Chandrasekhar Acharya, Mahaprabhu’s maternal uncle, stands Sri Chaitanya Math — the headquarters of the Gaudiya Math established by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. Following his guidance, disciples brought sacred waters from Radha-kunda and Syama-kunda, Giriraja silas from Govardhana Hill, and Tamala and Keli Kadamba trees from Vrindavan. Through his deep meditation and devotion, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura perceived these sacred places as being fully manifested within the Math.
All glories to the divine appearance of Sri Radha-kunda — the holiest of all holy places!
References:
Sri Upadesamrta, Srimad Bhagavatam 10.36.16 (purport), Navadvipa-dhama-mahatmya (Pramana-khanda 4.44), Nava Vraja Mahimamrta, Vol. 2 by Sivarama Swami, and Vedabase.
Recently, in Śrīdhāma Mayapur joyfully we celebrated the auspicious festival of Śrī Rāmacandra Vijayotsava — commemorating Lord Rāmacandra’s glorious victory over Rāvaṇa, symbolizing the eternal triumph of dharma over adharma, and light over darkness.
As part of the celebration, the Mayapur community children presented a heart-touching drama depicting the divine pastimes of Lord Rāmacandra. With adorable costumes and sweet devotion, they beautifully enacted scenes from the Rāmāyaṇa — from Lord Rāma’s battle with Rāvaṇa, to the moment Lakṣmaṇa was struck by Indrajit’s weapon, and how Hanumān heroically flew to the Gandhamādana mountain to bring the Sañjīvanī herb, reviving him.
The performance, held in the Mayapur Theater near Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Samādhi, was live-streamed on Mayapur TV, allowing devotees across the world to relish the sweetness of this offering. The children’s innocent expressions and heartfelt devotion reminded everyone of the timeless beauty of Lord Rāma’s story and His divine qualities of compassion, righteousness, and unwavering love.
Adding to the festive joy, there was a beautiful procession within the Mayapur campus, where the deities of Lord Rāmacandra, Lakṣmaṇa, Sītā, and Hanumān were taken on parikrama amidst Harinām saṅkīrtana, melodious chanting, and joyful glorifications. The air was filled with the holy names and the sound of kartāls and mṛdaṅgas as devotees danced in bliss.
This annual ritual is a cherished tradition in Mayapur, where, on each Appearance Day, the deities are lovingly taken around the campus — a sight that fills every heart with devotion and joy. This year’s Rāmacandra Vijayotsava was no exception — a truly uplifting and blissful day, uniting everyone in the spirit of love, service, and remembrance of Lord Rāma’s divine victory.
May Lord Rāmacandra bless us all with strength, virtue, and devotion to always walk on the path of dharma.
