Sri Radhastami
September 15, 2010
Photos courtesy of B.C.Parvat Maharaj, Swarnangii and Maheswari Didi ::: Click on the pictures for larger view (you must have javascript enabled)
‘Sweet Service, Service, Service,’
Chapter Six of Divine Guidance,
by His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda-Dev Goswami Maharaj:
"We are of the Rupanuga Sampradaya: we are followers of Rupa Goswami. Actually we do not consider ourselves to be following properly, but we are trying to be followers. The only destination we can see is in the direction of the lotus feet of Radharani. Radharani is so merciful and She can manifest Herself in many ways, so She can also come in front of me - in the form of Gurudev. What She wants to see is our mood of service."
Chapter Six of Divine Guidance,
by His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda-Dev Goswami Maharaj:
"We are of the Rupanuga Sampradaya: we are followers of Rupa Goswami. Actually we do not consider ourselves to be following properly, but we are trying to be followers. The only destination we can see is in the direction of the lotus feet of Radharani. Radharani is so merciful and She can manifest Herself in many ways, so She can also come in front of me - in the form of Gurudev. What She wants to see is our mood of service."
On this most auspicious day the Ashram is full of many devotees and friends that came to celebrate Srimati Radharani's Divine appearance!
Jananivas Prabhu and Kumari Anuradha.
Krishna Priya Didi and her son Dhruva.
Ramachandra Prabhu returning from India engages happily in the kitchen seva.
In the temple room the program is led by Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu and Sripad Parvat Maharaj.
Madhavi Didi visiting from L.A.
Everybody sings happily our kirtan songs.
Teh Temple room is beautifully decorated with flowers and eucalyptus leaves.
Krishnananda Prabhu and Murali Mohan Prabhu are always recording and broadcasting the programs.
Maheswari, Krishna Karuna and Braja Mohini Didis
Meanwhile in the kitchen everybody is happy hearing the news from Arindam Krishna Prabhu who just returned from Nabadwip Dham.
Frying many many puris.
Kalindi, Deva Priya and Sureswari Didis roll Samosas,
and they get fried in Ghee.
Krishna Priya didi made Khandvi.
Tomato, Paneer and Chickpea Subji.
As always Ramai Prabhu leads the chanting of the Bhoga Arotik song.
Sri Arotik
Sriman Ramai Prabhu expertly , with experienced hands
carries the Lord's plates off the altar.
Sriamti Tulsidevi wearing her new skirt made by Krishnapriya Didi.
Their Lordships wearing all new clothing on this most auspicious day made by Swarnangii with help from Maheswari, Vaidehi and Mallika Didis.
Sri Giriraj also received new cloth.
The new arotik paraphernalia brought back from India by Vidura Krishna Prabhu for Srila Gurudev.
All the devotees go up chanting to Srila Gurudev's Pushpa Samadhi.
Srila Gurudev's picture is garlanded while the devotees gather.
Ramai Prabhu brings the arotik tray
and performs Guru Arotik
sri-radhika-madhavayor apara
madhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam
prati-ksanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
"I worship the lotus feet of the Divine Master, whose heart is unsatiably desirous of tasting the infinite Holy Names, Forms, Qualities and Pastimes of Sri Radha-Madhava that are full of the sweetness of love divine."
madhurya-lila-guna-rupa-namnam
prati-ksanasvadana-lolupasya
vande guroh sri-caranaravindam
"I worship the lotus feet of the Divine Master, whose heart is unsatiably desirous of tasting the infinite Holy Names, Forms, Qualities and Pastimes of Sri Radha-Madhava that are full of the sweetness of love divine."
Sripad Parvat Maharj offers the Ghee lamp to all of the devotees.
Then everyone takes part in the circumambulation of the Samadhi Mandir.
Shobana Krishna Prabhu and his family came to visit from Utah.
Our Arindam Krishna Prabhu glowing.
Maheswari Didi happy to be visiting our Ashram on this wonderful day.
After arotik Sriman Hasyapriya Prabhu invites everyone to attend the inauguration festival on October 30th.
Vaidehi Devi and Krishnapriya Didi, Tulsidevis devoted servant.
The devotees return to the Temple to honor Prasadam.
Sachi Didi and her mother, Shyam Didi.
Radhika and Rasa Rajani Didis expertly helped cooked this wonderful feast.
Everybody waits anxiously to honor prasadam
Kumari Sivani is always doing the collecting seva on the festival days.
Prasadam Seva
Today was also Little Nimai's birthday, Shobana Krishna Prabhus son, and he happily celebrates it serving Prasadam.
Sureswari Didi and her granddaughters.
Srila Gurudevs Vyasasana.
Their Lordships Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Gandharvika Giridhari Jiu ki jay!!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare