Vaishnava Seva Festival in honor of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj
February 7, 2010
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The devotees from the Soquel and San Jose Seva Ashram communities gathered to honor Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj who passed away Monday Februrary 1, 2010.
Gathering at the crematorium on Tuesday,
the devotees engaged in Harinam Sankirtan for hours,
under the guidance of Sripad Janardan Maharaj.
Vira Chandra Prabhu
Siddhanti Maharaj's brother, Gary
At noon the next day the devotees gathered at the lighthouse at the mouth of the Yacht Harbor.
Radhika Devi made arrangements with her friend Charlie and a boat was arranged and Sripad Janardan Maharaj and Srimati Sanatani Devi were taken out into the beautiful Pacific Ocean and under a perfect blue sky with a mild breeze the ashes were distributed to the accompaniment of the heartfelt kirtan on shore.
Srimati Sureshwari Didi, Ramananda Prabhu, Ratan Krishna Prabhu and Srimati Madhumati Didi.
The following Sunday from early in the day the devotees gathered to prepare for the Vaishnava Seva Festival to honor Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj and feed the Devotees.
The following Sunday from early in the day the devotees gathered to prepare for the Vaishnava Seva Festival to honor Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj and feed the Devotees.
Srimatis Laksmipriya, Amritamayi and Kalindi Didis spend endless hours making garlands and decorating the temple room.
The Vyasasana was adorned with fresh flowers.
Hasyapriya Prabhu tended to all required maintenance.
Giridhari Prabhu always doing the needful.
Jatindra Mohan Prabhu always working hard to keep the temple clean.
Sarva Bhavana Prabhu made a beautiful collage of pictures of Siddhanti Maharaj.
Diksavati Didi brought a large photo for the program.
A special chair and garland was placed in the Temple room.
Letisha, a friend of Jaganath Swami Prabhu, came from San Diego to pay her respects.
The Temple room was adorned with many, many decorations and the Deities looked resplendent.
Bhajans began early and as the devotees arrived they joined in.
Everyone stopped to admire the beautiful photos in the collage.
Both of Maharaj's brothers came, Jim and Gary, along with many old friends.
After arotik Sripad Janardan Maharaj began the program with many stories and his own special appreciation of Siddhanti Maharaj.
Sarva Bhavana Prabhu , Jaganath Swami Prabhu and Pusta Krishna Prabhu also expressed their affectionate appreciation.
The Temple room overflowed, everyone listening attentively.
Sanatani Didi read a beautiful offering.
Gary listened and when he spoke he expressed how beautiful the devotees are and he thought they were the role model for the whole world.
Jim shared with us what it was like to have Siddhanti Maharaj as an older brother "He was my hero."
We were happy to receive Maharaj's family members,
and many more friends.
Then it would not be a proper way to honor Siddhanti Maharaj without a kirtan so
a kirtan with many appreciative hearts joined in
holding on to the memory of one who inspired us all in the chanting of the holy names.
Bittersweet.
Srimati Sanatani was the chief caretaker for Maharaj and the main organizer of this most auspicious event.
Mahadevi set up a beautiful book table
and in the kitchen Radhika made many of the preparations for the most awesome feast.
Krishnapriya Didi made iddlis and coconut chutney.
Many, many devotees helped in the kitchen.
Annapurna and Rasa Rajani Devi Dasis
The Menu
The Menu
- Dahl with green papaya
- Sak
- Tomato, Sweet Potato Sabji with Curd balls
- Potato Cauliflower Curd Sabji
- Rice
- Shukta
- Matza Ball Soup
- Pasta with Sauce
- Samosa
- Cauliflower Pakora
- Tomato Chutney
- Tamarind Chutney
- Iddli
- Coconut Chutney
- Avacado, Cucumber and Jicama salad
- Raita
- Chapatis
The massive feast list reprinted below:
The Sweets
The Sweets
- Sandesh
- Sweet Rice
- Gulabjamins
- Carrot Pineapple Cake
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Blondies
- Pancakes with Bluberries
- Pecan Cookies
- Oatmeal Cookies
- Papaya Mango Salad
- Mango Salsa
- Fresh Orange Juice Nectar
- Pistachios
The Prasadam was delicious.
All of Maharaj's favorite preparations were offered.
The serve out went on for a very long time.
Many took their unfinished plates home for later, feeling fully satisfied.
Vira Chandra Prabhu and Adi Kesava Prabhu.
Gary, Sanatani Didi and Jim.
He will be dearly missed.
Sripad Bhakti Premik Siddhanti Maharaj Ki Jay!
Sripad Bhakti Premik Siddhanti Maharaj Ki Jay!
Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare