Today, I’ve lost a father figure, mentor, and one of the gentlest, most spiritually grounded souls I’ve ever known. Vrindavana Candra Prabhu guided me on the path of Krishna consciousness for over 26 years. Even before I was married, I saw him daily at Mangal Arati—he’d open the temple door for me with a smile that radiated affection.
Every morning, I would arrive at the temple for Mangal Arati, and there he would be—opening the door for me with a broad smile, a hearty welcome, and the warmth of someone who truly cared. He and Mother Yasomati have been like spiritual parents, lovingly checking in on me every Sunday, and even chastising me if I missed coming to the temple—but always with sweet affection.
Vrindavana Candra Prabhu had the rare fortune of meeting Srila Prabhupada in person, on multiple occasions in New York during the early 1970s. Srila Prabhupada invited him into his room, spoke to him one-on-one, and asked him to help support ISKCON. From that sacred moment, his life was never the same—he became a rock-solid devotee and preacher for over 50 years, grounded in humility, scholarship, and service. After joining in the 1970s, he became one of the founding members of the ISKCON Towaco temple from its very first day in 1982.
As a pillar of our Towaco temple, he served on the board since the early days, even helping to clean out the cobwebs when the temple first opened. He and Mother Yasomati moved into the temple over 25 years ago, choosing to live in the constant presence of Gaura-Nitai rather than enjoy the comfort of their nearby home. That alone speaks volumes of their devotion.
Read More https://iskconnews.org/in-loving-memory-of-his-grace-vrindavana-candra-das/
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