Today Brahmananda Prabhu was placed in his samadhi in Vrindavan, and all the devotees present felt their hearts melt with love for Srila Prabhupada and Brahmananda Prabhu. I sent an offering to for the occasion, which Bhurijana Prabhu kindly read out for me.
One thing was certain in my mind—that I would be present for the dedication of Brahmananda Prabhu’s samadhi in Vrindavan—but as Srila Prabhupada said, “I have my plans, you have your plans, and Krishna has His plans.”
Brahmananda Prabhu left his body on the appearance day of Vakresvara Pandita, one of Lord Chaitanya’s most dear associates. A contemporary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu named Devananda Pandita had no faith in Mahaprabhu and thus avoided Him, but fortunately, Devananda Pandita developed great faith in Vakresvara Pandita and rendered service to him. And by Vakresvara Pandita’s mercy, he developed faith in Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and ultimately achieved His shelter.
Concerning this incident, Sri Caitanya-bhagavata (Antya 3.485–487) confirms the efficacy of serving pure devotees and the results one attains by doing so: “The service of Vaisnavas is superior to the service of Krsna. All scriptures, headed by Srimad-Bhagavatam, confirm this. There may be a doubt whether the servants of the Supreme Personality of Godhead will attain perfection, but there is absolutely no doubt that those who are attached to serving the Lord’s devotees will attain perfection. Therefore service to the Vaisnavas is the best means of deliverance.”
Brahmananda Prabhu had such faith in Srila Prabhupada’s service, and thus we are confident of his deliverance and ultimate destination.
Much has been and will be said about Brahmananda Prabhu’s extraordinary love for and service to Srila Prabhupada. His attachment to Srila Prabhupada was so great that any association with him, whether by vani or vapuh, markedly increased my loving feelings for Srila Prabhupada.
The last time I met Brahmananda Prabhu, in Vrindavan, I mentioned that for decades I had been getting messages from Srila Prabhupada that Brahmananda would be going back to Godhead at the end of this life. “Well,” he replied, “it’s funny you say that, because that’s not the message I’ve been getting”—which I take as his humility.
Just after Brahmananda Prabhu left, I heard a prayer, offered to Lord Chaitanya, that seemed to reflect his mood in relation to Srila Prabhupada—and the mood for which I aspire. “Birth after birth, You are our father, mother, son, and master. May we never forget Your lotus feet. O Lord, it does not matter where we take birth, but may we always have loving devotion for Your lotus feet.”
In any case, Brahmananda Prabhu is with Srila Prabhupada, engaged in his service, and that’s all I—or any of us—could ask for. And knowing that Brahmananda Prabhu is with Srila Prabhupada is an added impetus and incentive—an added attraction.
Brahmananda Prabhu, may your example of dedication to your spiritual master and kindness to others inspire us in our service to Srila Prabhupada and his devotees.
Please think kindly upon us and keep us close to your lotus feet, that we may engage in everlasting service to our eternal lord and master in the association of all his beloved servants.
Your eternal, aspiring servant,
Giriraj Swami
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