Print as many books as possible, this is my real pleasure. By printing these books of our Krishna Conscious philosophy in so many languages we can actually inject our movement into the masses of persons all over the world, especially there in the Western countries and we can literally turn whole nations into Krishna Conscious nations. [Letter to Hrdayananda, 21 December 1974]
Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir
ISKCON, Chowpatty
Celebrates
Gita-Gyaan-Yagya With Fire Sacrifice
On The Auspicious Occasion Of Gita Jayanti
On
Mokshda Ekadashi
Tuesday, 6th Of Dec,2011
A Spiritual Discourse
on
“The Essence Of Bhagvad Gita”
From: 8.15 AM To : 10.15 AM
Yagya Hawan In The Evening
From : 7.00 PM To : 8.00 PM
Venue:Sri Sri Radha Gopinath Mandir,ISKCON,7, K.M. Munshi Marg,Girgaon Chowpatty.Mumbai.
Please note: Gita Gyaan Yagya Participants can come directly in the evening at 6.30 PM Sharp for the performance of Fire Yagaya.
Highlights of the Yagya:
Griha-Shanti Yachaka Yagya : For Peace and Prosperity at Your Home
Gyaan-Chakshu Prachar Yagya : Spreading the Divine Wisdom
Gita-Gyaan Daan Sankalpa : Charity of Bhagavad-Gita
Deep-Arati Seva : Offering Arati to Sri Sri Radha Krishna
shata pustaka daanam cha
gitaayaah prakaroti yah
sa yaati brahma-sadanam
“Whoever gives one hundred books of Bhagavad-Gita in charity, that person surely reaches the spiritual world from which one rarely returns to this world.”
"Be thou happy by this Yagya [sacrifice] because its performance will bestow upon you everything desirable for living happily and achieving liberation.”
-Bhagvad Gita 3.10
For more details and "On Line Registration"please log in www.radhagopinath.com
Or call 9930141814 / 23665500
Wishing for your Soul Rest in Peace under shelter of Sri Krishna" from ISKCON Silicon Valley
I am beside myself with grief and am speechless while trying to digest the reality that His Grace Gopiparanadhana Prabhu has been taken away by Krishna. Krishna’s plan is always perfect but when it manifests in the passing away of such an intimate, loving Godbrother as Gopiparanadhana Prabhu it is painful. But our solace is in our deep confidence that he has attained the ultimate perfection of life, entrance into Radha Giridhari’s eternal lila.Gopiparanadhana Prabhu was an all-attractive personality who inspired deep bhakti into our society. He was a profound scholar of Sanskrit who had studied the scriptures and commentaries of the greatest Acaryas and could translate, lecture and teach like no other. Yet he was genuinely humble, unassuming and eager to offer all respect to others. Although he was an intellectual and devotional giant, he never thought of himself as anything more than a servant of a servant of a servant.Tears of gratitude are falling as I meditate on Goiparanadhana Prabhu’s love, faith and loyalty to Srila Prabhupada. In all of his study and research into the inner mysteries of the Sanskrit texts and commentaries, foremost he appreciated the brilliance, authenticity and compassion of our beloved Srila Prabhupada’s presentation.He realized that every word of the Vedic literatures were a confirmation of Srila Prabhupada’s perfect teachings and he dedicated his life to share that realization. He saw all the scriptures through the eyes of our beloved Guru Maharaja and saw the divine grace of Srila Prabhupada through the eyes of all the scriptures. Only one who is immensely blessed by Sri Sri Radha Shyamasundara could have such faith. I cry and pray for his mercy.In his gentle, humble way Gopiparanadhana Prabhu had unshakable determination. He pushed forward his Sanskrit academy at Govardhana in the face of a lack of funding, manpower or interest. Harsh winters, burning summers and very poor health could not discourage him from giving his heart to teach others the priceless gift he was entrusted with. Although an empowered guru, translator and commentator of Vaisnava siddhanta, he sat and ate the same simple prasada with his students.Wherever he shared our Gaudiya teachings, be it India, China, Russia, America, Europe or anywhere else, Gopiparanadhana Prabhu had an irresistible effect in attracting devotees hearts. He was like a full moon among vaisnavas ever shining with the soothing light of his devotional qualities.In his departure a great loss has fallen upon the world. At the same time the treasured legacy of the literatures he left for us, his students and his rare example are with us forever. For this we can be grateful and happy.I offer my sincerest love and gratitude to our dear Godbrother, Gopiparanadhana Prabhu and offer my heartfelt condolences to his beautiful family.Radhanath Swami
Dear Devotees, Please Accept My Humble Obeisances. All Glories to Srila Prabhupada.
The students of Sri Bhagavat vidyapeetham organized a memorial ceremony in honour of HG Gopiparanadhana Pr on 18th at Govardhana. The program started at 11 a.m with a heartfelt singing of ye anilo prema dhana. The mood was poignant and everyone was feeling deep separation from HG Gopiparanadhana Pr. His family was present with some devotees from Mayapur attending as well.
The teachers and students of the vidyapeetham along with the guests glorified Prabhu with the memories of their association. The glorifications went on till 2.20 p.m. after which Pushpanjali was offered to Prabhuji. Then, Bhoga was offered to Nimai Nitai deities and their mahaprasad which included his favourite preparations were offered to Prabhuji. Then Gauramohan Pr performed arati.
Gauranaam Pr from Mayapur cooked a big feast and it was served to everyone. In the evening at 5.30 p.m., the vidyapeetham students alongwith Gauranaam Pr and Acintya Caitanya Pr from Mayapur did parikrama of Govardhana with a photograph of Prabhuji. The devotees were singing Hare Krishna Maha mantra all dancing all along the parikrama.
On 19th morning, the remaining half of the parikrama of Giriraj on Radha kund side started at 6 a.m. The devotees visited the various samadhis on the banks of Radha kund and were continuously singing Harinaam.
In 2010, HG Gopiparanadhana Pr led the parikrama of Govardhana himself by riding his bike when there were some difficulties in the school. Just after leaving Radha Kund on the way to Kusum Sarovar, Prabhu bought samosas for all the students. We all relished the samosas with Prabhu. This was reenacted again on this parikrama, but the mood was somber.
The parikrama came to an end after we visited Manasi Ganga, Sanatana Goswami's bhajana kutir and Harideva temple. At Sanatana Goswami's bhajan kutir, we remembered the wonderful work of prabhuji, Brhad Bhagavatamrita. The ceremony was organized by Hamsavatar Das, Nityananda Das and others from the vidyapeetham.
The pushpa Samadhi of HG Gopiparanadhana Pr is being held on 25th September at ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Ashram, Govardhana. The program starts at 8 a.m. with glorifications. Prasadam will be served at 1 p.m.
Ys,
Hamsavatara Dasa, Nityananda Das
Without Krishna, our week would be:
Sinday
Mournday
Tearsday
Wasteday
Thirstday
Fightday
Shatterday
Dear Devotees,
Please accept our humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It was with great sadness that we heard of the tragic passing away of His Grace Gopiparanadhana Prabhu.
He was a leading disciple of Srila Prabhupada who served him faithfully since joining ISKCON in the early 1970's. Whatever service he did in Srila Prabhupada's movement he gave his whole heart to, although he is best known for his translating and commenting on different Vedic scriptures following in the footsteps of his Guru Maharaja.
His knowledge of sastra and his devotion to Srila Prabhupada are clearly evident in the service he has done for the BBT, particularly in the work he did on presenting Srila Sanatana Goswami's Brhad Bhagavatamrita as well as his contribution to the completing of Srimad Bhagavatam. These, and the other books he worked on, are a great legacy he has left behind him through which his memory will last in the hearts of the followers of Srila Prabhupada for many years.
We note that he passed away in the holy land of Sri Vrindavana Dhama, next to Govardhana Hill, one of the foremost pastime places of Lord Krishna and Srimati Radharani, while spending a few days there in between important preaching engagements. Even though we are feeling very deeply the great loss of his association, we still have no doubt that he has returned to Goloka Vrindavana to engage further there in the service of His Divine Grace.
Hare Krsna,
Your servants,
The GBC Executive Committee,
Hrdaya Caitanya das
Bhakti Caitanya Swami
Tamohara das
Offering by HH Sivarama Swami - Audio
Offering by HH Bhakti Vikas Swami - Audio
Please accept my most humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
It was with great sadness that I learned yesterday of your sudden departure from this world. Just weeks ago we were together on the festival tour in Poland. I considered it special mercy that you had joined us and that we could have your extended association for some time. As always, I listened in amazement to your deep and philosophical morning Bhagavatam classes, and marveled at how you touched the hearts of so many conditioned souls with your preaching at the evening festivals. Long ago I concluded that of all my godbrothers you gave the best discourses on the scriptures. I could listen to you for hours! Whenever I visited Vrindavan I would ask your son, Gaura Mohan dasa, to give me recordings of all the classes you had given throughout the year. I will greatly miss your preaching which gave me deep inspiration to spread the glories of the Holy Names far and wide.
Your contribution as a scholar in ISKCON was unmatched. Your translations and commentaries to the Brhad Bhagavatamrta and Krsna Lila Stava revealed the deep teachings of Srila Sanatana Goswami in a very clear and understandable way. Krsna consciousness makes sense and is real because our perfect philosophy comes directly from the Supreme Lord Himself. You mastered that philosophy and had a unique ability to present it to others. Yet despite your astute learning and your tremendous contribution to the Vaisnava literary world, you remained a genuine humble soul. I learned a lot about humility from you. I never once heard you speak about your own achievements, and when others did you would quickly change the subject.
You had such a command of the philosophy that I once told you I felt you were unconquerable, that no one could defeat you in a debate. Now death has conquered your body, but most certainly not your soul. Guided by our spiritual master, Srila Prabhupada, you have gone on to serve elsewhere in this material world or you have gone back to Godhead by his grace. The fact that you departed this world at the foot of Govardhana Hill makes me think you have achieved the eternal service of Giri-Govardhana in the spiritual sky.
I feel very lonely today. Several times I have hidden myself from the devotees and cried. It is rare to meet such an exceptional soul as you. Often we only appreciate someone in full after they leave, but I fully appreciated you from the first day I met you. I feel very fortunate to have been a recipient of your mercy, and I will continue to listen to your discourses until the day I myself leave this world. I don’t know if I’ll be fortunate enough to die in Sri Vrindavan Dhama, but even if I don’t I feel I can still reach the supreme abode by following in the footsteps of illustrious godbrothers like you who so expertly serve the mission of our spiritual master in this world.
As you were leaving the Polish festival tour a few weeks ago, you vowed you’d return again. Of course it’s not possible now, but my humble prayer is that we’ll serve together again, perhaps in some future life or best of all eternally at the foot of Govardhana Hill in the spiritual sky, far beyond this temporary world of birth and death.
I trust you will receive this letter through the transcendental medium of our spiritual preceptors, who always watch over and protect us.
Your servant,
Indradyumna Swami
I first met Gopiparanadhana Prabhu in 1979 in LA. We spent time together here in Bangalore from 1981-83 while he was working on the translation of the rest of the Bhagavatam. Over the years we had a nice friendship. He didn’t have a mean bone in his whole body and was incapable of offending any one; he had such humility and kindness in him.
Ironically today my wife and I had lunch at a devotee friend’s house. We had recommended that they read the Brhad Bhagavatamrta translated by Gopiparanadhana. Srila Prabhupada had said that if you want to understand what real Bhakti yoga is you must read BB. Just by reciting from memory whatever we could remember of the BB our hosts were so moved that tears were coming down their cheeks because of the wonderful descriptions of Lord Krsna’s dealings with His devotees contained in that book. Especially moving was how Krsna said to Gopa Kumar after he returned back to godhead in Goloka: “I have been looking at that path every day and wondering when will you show your mercy onto Me and come back to Me, and now you have returned to Me.”
Lord Krsna is so humble that He is waiting for us to show our “mercy” on Him. There was no dry eye in the room. So in this way for at least 1-2 hours we were glorifying the BB and Gopiparanadhana Prabhu for translating it. Just then I got the SMS message that Gopiparanadhana Prabhu had left his body and could not believe that the person who I had been glorifying had just died. All I can think is that now Lord Krsna’s wait for His dear friend Gopiparanadhana Prabhu to come back to Him is now over.
My dear godbrother Gopipranadana Prabhu,
Please accept my humble obeisances! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Let start by offering my obeisances to him. Srila Prabhupada said that living and dying in the dham is the same. He left from Govardhan and went back to Spiritual world. His destination is auspicious. Of this we can rejoice. At the same time loosing him suddenly like this leaves us in separation and is a big lost. My last meeting with him was in the month of April 2011 at Vrinda Kunda. We had a long chat together. HG Gopipranadana Prabhu was one of a few accomplished devotees in sanskrit and dedicated himself for translating books that Srila Prabhupad had indicated for translation.
He was one of the lead member of the team that completed Srimad Bhagavatam that was so dear to Srila Prabhupada. He also translated Brihad Bhagavatamrta with purports. I dont know what other books he had in the pipeline. He was also training up other devotees in sanskrit to carry out this important service. One time he was contemplating moving to Mayapur but his heart was still in Govardhan. His classes were very scholarly and to the point. His association was mature and refreshing. Recently i passed through Hong Kong and met a chinese devotee who had taken initiation from him. How expansive his preaching was, i have only a glimpse.
I want to offer pushpanjali flowers at his lotus feet during this auspicious occassion of smrti sabha. There are many more advance devotees who probably have much more to say. This time our hearts reach up to his wife and child who are left behind to carry out his great legacy. I take this opportunity to offer sraddhanjali. All glories to HG Gopipranadana Prabhu! All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Your Servant,
Jayapataka Swami
Just now returned at 7:00 PM from the funeral ceremony of our beloved Godbrother Sriman Gopiparanadhana Prabhu at Govardhana. They bade his body at about 3:00 PM; offered bhoga and arati to him and with the kirtan procession carried his body on the Govardhana Parikrama marg, passed by Manasi Ganga, to the cremation place. Many local residents, especially in the first beginning stretch, were stepping out of their shop or home and offering their humble respect to him.
At the cremation place they laid down his body on cow dung patties, of course from the cows of Vraja. They put more patties on the side and the top until his body was fully covered. His teenage son was the first one to light the funeral fire. After that I also lit the fire and many others did this.
The cool and gentle breeze was flowing from the Kusum Sarovar's side which was helping in fanning the fire. While kirtan was going on we started circumambulating the fire. Suddenly it started to rain gently, which was amazing and auspicious.
There were about 100 devotees, Prabhus and Matajis, in attendance. Several senior devotees were present, like Sruta Kirti Prabhu, Panca Gaura Prabhu, Kratu Prabhu, Radha Raman Swami, Janardana Prabhu, etc. Devotees traveled from nearby places, especially from New Delhi.
In the past Gopiparanadhana Prabhu had disclosed his will in person to his wife that his ashes to be put in Samadhi at the foothill of Govardhana, across the ISKCON Bhaktivedanta Ashram Govardhana project, next to Padmalochan Prabhu's Puspa Samadhi.
Tomorrow morning, 16th September, at 8:00 AM his remembrance and glorification has been scheduled in Krishna Balarama temple in Vrindavan. Anyone who would like to share their memories/glories of Gopiparanadhana Prabhu could send it to my email account: lokanath.swami@pamho.net
Whatever will arrive by that time, we will share that with the assembled devotees.
There will be a feast in honor of Gopiparanadhana Prabhu. Gopal Krishna Maharaja has offered to sponsor the feast.
His Grace Gopiparanadhana Prabhu Ki Jaya.
Your servant,
Lokanath Swami
Funeral photos: http://www.iskcondesiretree.net/photo/albums/gopiparanadhana-prabhu-cremation-ceremony
For Gopiparanadhana Prabhu ...
The charms of Vrindaban thy heart regale, unknown the wheel of time doth roll !!
He reasons ill who tells that Vaishnavas die when thou art living still in sound.
The Vaishnavas die to live and living try to spread a holy life around !!
Now let the candid man that seeks to live follow thy way on shores of time,
then posterity sure to him will give Like one song in simple rhyme!
I remember Gopiparanadhana prabhu from when he moved into the Henry Street, Brooklyn Temple.
From the beginning he was sober, serious, focused and a very nice devotee.
He made many lasting contributions to Srila Prabhupada's mission and he will not be forgotten.
Gopiparanadhana prabhu ki jaya!
Giriraja lal ki jaya!