Appearance Day Festival for
Srila Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Dev-Goswami Maharaj

October, 31, 2010

Photos courtesy of Vidya Sundar Krishnapriya Didi, Mallika Didi and Swarnangii ::: Click on the pictures for larger view (you must have javascript enabled)
Captions by Vrinda Devi

devam divya-tanum suchanda-vadanam balarka-celancitam
sandrananda-puram sad-eka-varanam vairagya-vidyambudhim
sri-siddhanta-nidhim subhakti-lasitam sarasvatanam-varam
vande tam subhadam mad-eka-saranam nyasisvaram sridharam

"I fall at the feet of Srila Sridhar Dev, who with charming expression sings his songs of sweet nectar. Dressed in fine garments like the newly-risen sun, he is the true saint, the devotees have chosen. His detachment and knowledge are just like an ocean, the treasure-house of complete, perfect conclusions. Radiant in pastimes of loving devotion, the abode of pure ecstasy, bestower of good fortune; foremost true follower of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta, foremost great general of the whole renounced order, my lord and my master, my only shelter, I worship his feet, Srila Sridhar Dev."
—Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj

Srila Gurudev, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Maharaj, wrote in the publisher's note of the Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamritam:

Sri Sri Prapanna-jivanamrtam, The Life-nectar of the Surrendered Souls, is the crown-jewel of divine literatures as the eternal elixir of life for the exclusively surrendered souls, the bestower of the perpetual relish of full-fledged nectar, and the awakening and sustaining fountainhead of life in Divine Consorthood. Indeed, who can fittingly portray her holy glory and renown? In the same way we cannot but feel ever inadequate when we attempt to sing the glories of the illustrious author, our most worshipful Divine Master, Om Visnupada Sri Srila Bhakti Raksaka Sridhara Deva Goswami Maharaja, the dearmost intimate attendant of the great pioneer pre-eminent among the Gaudiya Acaryas, Sri Gauranga's transcendental message incarnate - Prabhupada Sri Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakura. Even without world itineracy, the seat of Universal Guru (Jagad-guru) of the world's renowned gurus has been gracefully won by Srila Sridhara Deva Goswami Maharaja while presiding in the grand, noble distinction of his venerable years of devotional life at the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math of Nabadwip, his exclusive, personal holy place of bhajana.

Radhika Didi, Vrinda Didi and little Jahnava.

Jahnava and her uncle Premananda Prabhu

Hasyapriya Prabhu and many devotees listen attentively as Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj sings the glories of Srila Bhakti Raksak Sridhar Maharaj.

Srila Janardan Maharaj and Sripad Sarvabavana Prabhu explain how the devotees came to Param Guru Maharaj's lotus feet after Srila Prabhupada's disappearance.

Their Lordships received a brand new outift presented by Swaranangii Didi. She made this beautiful outfit and new crowns with the help of Maheswari, Malika and Isthadevika Didis and many other devotees. Their Lordships also wore beautiful flower effulgences made by Ashapurna and Iti Didis.

Srila Janardan Maharaj explains how he requested a new name from Srila Guru Maharaj he was asked by Srila Gurudev why he wanted a new name. He answered that just like when a woman accepts a husband she takes on his name, now he wanted to have a name given by Srila Guru Maharaj. Srila Gurudev was very happy with his answer.

The Temple room was beautifully decorated with garlands of eucalyptus leaves and flowers.

After the class everybody is ready for Guru Arotik!

Flowers are offered at Param Guru Maharaj's lotus feet.

The Vyasasana is adorned with so many beautiful flowers.

The offering has many different preparations including orange juice, aloo posta, puris, iddlis and coconut chutney, rasagullas and many other wonderful preparations.