News from Govardhan, November 20th

by

Nemi Bhaktivedanta

photo by;

Anjali Dasi


News from Govardhan, November 20th

Dear devotees,

Please accept my dandavat pranams. All glories to Srila Gurudeva and Srila Prabhupada. All glories to Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga. All glories to Sri Sri Radha-Vinodebihariji.

Earlier this morning devotees had a darshan on the large screen in the temple room, somewhat like the darshan two mornings ago. Srila Gurudeva cleaned his teeth with his electric toothbrush, and was then shown a new Hindi book, and the first volume of BV Madhava Maharaja’s new biography of Srila Gurudeva.

At about 11.30 am, Srila Gurudeva gave a darshan on his steps to the assembled devotees. Devotees were waiting for quite a long time, to an enthusiastic kirtan by Chinese devotees (12 bar melody instead of the 16 bar melodies we are used to). At last, Srila Gurudeva came onto the steps to a fervent welcome by the devotees. He was sitting straight in his wheel chair, and held up his hands to bless the devotees. After some time, the devotees brought a microphone and Srila Gurudeva spoke very clearly in Hindi for a few minutes. Pujyapada Madhava Maharaja translated into English afterwards. The gist of what he said was as follows: “I am very happy that devotees have filled 18 buses and 20 cars to perform parikrama for the month of Kartika. Now I want you to do the same next year during Kartika. Also, I am inviting you all to come to Navadvipa for Gauda-mandala Parikrama. My heartly blessings to you all.” Srila Gurudeva was then taken back into his quarters.

It is difficult to get specific details right now about how Srila Gurudeva slept last night. Doctor Rey is here from the Philippines, and a new regime is in operation. Srila Gurudeva is obviously responding very favourably.

Aspiring for service Sri Hari, Guru and Vaishnavas,
B V Nemi