Thank you, Oh! Representative of the Lord
Vyasa-Puja Celebrations of His Holiness Romapada Swami, Jan 5th, 2008
Vyasa is the great sage and literary incarnation of Lord Krishna, who, out of his compassion, compiled the Vedic literatures about 5000 years ago, for the ultimate benefit of mankind. Puja refers to the glorification of a respectable and worthy person, who represents Lord Krishna.
The bonafide spiritual master, who comes in the disciplic line (Parampara) of great teachers assists Srila Vyasadeva’s compassionate mission to relieve conditioned souls from the pangs of material existence.The birth (or appearance) day of such a bonafide spiritual master is celebrated as Vyasa Puja.It is a day when devotees get an opportunity to openly express their gratitude for a representative of the Lord, who, by his causeless compassion, is touching and transforming their hearts.
The Vyasa Puja of His Holiness Romapada Swami was held on Jan 5, 2008 (Saturday) at Sri Radha Govinda temple, NY, immersing all the attendees in pools of ecstasy and happiness. From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon, Guru Maharaja extended his kind association through his physical presence as well as sound vibration.
Day 1 - Friday Evening: Many devotees from across the US reached the temple a day before and were fortunate to hear from Guru Maharaja at 26, 2nd Avenue (the famous, small storefront, which marked the beginning of Krishna consciousness movement in the west). Later, all devotees went to rest preparing their consciousness for the most auspicious day.
Day 2 - Saturday: Early morning at 4.30 a.m (the auspicious time of Brahma-muhurtha), all the devotees had the darshan (audience) of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Govinda. Later, all the devotees, with much enthusiasm and eagerness, performed their Japa (soft chanting of the Hare Krishna Maha-mantra on their beads) with Guru Maharaja at the temple room. Some others carried on with their assigned services for the day.
Final Preparations: After the class, devotees made final preparations for the impending celebrations. It was a wonderful sight – to see devotees engaging their skills in the service of Lord Krishna. Some decorated the Vyasa Asan (a seat for Guru Maharaja, which was on a platform, beautifully decorated with colored clothes, flowers and an elegant back drop depicting the disciplic succession), some played devotional music surcharging the whole atmosphere with spiritual potencies, while some others happily engaged in cooking a big feast for the pleasure of the Lord and the guests.
Welcoming Guru Maharaja: Finally, the much-awaited moment came - HH Romapada Swami arrived and was led by a devotee to the beautiful Vyasa asan. As a sign of respect, all the devotees offered their obeisances. Guru Maharaja paid obeisances to his spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada and performed his worship, as the melodious music continued. The devotees joined in the singing of the wonderful “Guru Vandana” prayers, and immersed in their moods of gratitude and prayer.
Vyasa Puja Address: Seated on the beautiful Vyasa asan, Guru Maharaja addressed the huge number of guests, disciples and well-wishers. His lecture highlighted three core principles of Krishna consciousness: 1) maintaining a strong culture of hearing and chanting, 2) cultivating deep, loving relationships and 3) endeavoring to be an instrument of the Lord.
Guru Maharaja shared with us that it's the quality hearing which will sustain our Krishna consciousness in the long run. He shared how transcendental sound can transform our hearts. He emphasized, "Relationship one has with one's spiritual master is extremely important for that transformation to take place.”
On loving relationships, Guru Maharaja shared with all of us that it's only such relationships, which will hold our society together. He encouraged all of us to take steps to deepen our relationships with others.
Finally, Guru Maharaja gave us a clear understanding of what it means to be Krishna 's property. He talked about the principle of Saranagati, wherein a devotee surrenders everything - mind, body and words to the Lord.
In conclusion, he said that the whole process - quality hearing & chanting, loving relationships with one's spiritual master and finally full surrender - is challenging, but very nice! Devotees were very inspired to hear from Guru Maharaja on these important subject matters - which are the *KEY* to perfection.
Homage to Srila Prabhupada: Later, Guru Maharaja read his own offering (heartfelt expressions of love and gratitude) to Srila Prabhupada. In his offering, Guru Maharaja, once again emphasized the importance of hearing and chanting.
Homages by God-brothers and disciples: His Holiness Chandrasekhar Swami, His Grace Prabhupada das and His Grace Yajna Pursha das shared their appreciation for His Holiness’ mood of devotion to his spiritual master and concern for others. Following them, a few devotees read out their offerings, expressing how their consciousness had been uplifted by Guru Maharaja’s presence in their lives. The entire atmosphere was surcharged with deep feelings of gratitude. Devotees of all ages, from youth to elderly, expressed their genuine appreciation and gratitude for the wonderful training that Guru Maharaja was providing for their Krishna conscious growth.
On this special occasion, the website team released the upgraded version of His Holiness Romapada Swami’s official website (
After the homages,devotees offered flowers at the lotus feet of their spiritual master, while reciting the Pushpanjanli prayers. Then, the devotees eagerly awaited their turn to come and receive sweets and blessings from Guru Maharaja – one of the most personal moments of the celebrations.
Finally, the devotees honored the grand feast, served by a group of young, enthusiastic devotees, while the musical group from Boston sang wonderful kirtans, enchanting one and all.
Initiation: On that evening, in the temple room, Guru Maharaja initiated a few devotees into the disciplic line.
Day 3 - Sunday: Guru Maharaja spoke on Srimad Bhagavatam 1.3.44 on the importance of attentive hearing. He spoke about two main categories of service – one is to receive (the Holy name and the messages of the Srimad Bhagavatam) and another is to give. He further explained how Srimad Bhagavatam nourishes the desire to reach Krishna. He also said that tendency to slacken can be counteracted by regular hearing. The lecture was so inspiring and thoughtful that so many devotees raised their hands to seek further clarification.
After the breakfast, devotees assembled in the temple room for the much-awaited Q and A session with Guru Maharaja. As always, Guru Maharaja expertly cleared everyone’s doubts and gave guidance on many practical matters. In response to a devotee’s question, Guru Maharaja replied that, “I am your servant,” which moved the hearts of many. The celebrations culminated with devotees exchanging gifts with Guru Maharaja. The gifts offered by the children were the highlight of this wonderful exchange. Guru Maharaja’s sense of humor captured the hearts of many.
At the end of the weekend celebrations, the devotees were feeling great joy and happiness, hearing from Guru Maharaja and associating with him and other devotees. Thus, everyone left with increased spiritual strength and feelings of gratitude for the inconceivable sacrifices Guru Maharaja, as a humble servant of Vyasa, was making for them.