On the sacred occasion of Akshaya Tritiya, New Vrindaban became the stage for an unforgettable evening of kirtan, remembrance, and deep gratitude. The event gathered Srila Prabhupada’s disciples from across New Vrindaban, celebrating not only their enduring connection to their spiritual master but also the extraordinary offering of Srila Prabhupada murtis.
This offering was no ordinary gift. Coins from Sankirtan devotees across the world—those tireless souls distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books—were collected, melted down, and poured into custom-made molds to create exquisite two-inch murtis of Srila Prabhupada. These murtis were designed by the Gift Prabhupada project and are being gifted to all living disciples of Srila Prabhupada initiated before November 14, 1977, as a tribute to his boundless mercy and their lifelong service.”
Despite only 48 hours’ notice, approximately 23 of the 58 local disciples attended in person. The New Vrindaban team worked tirelessly—hand-delivering invitations, making calls, sending emails and messages, even posting flyers—to ensure no one was left out. And what unfolded was nothing short of magical.
Jaya Krsna Das, the temple president, opened the evening with a warm welcome. To center everyone’s hearts, he led the assembly in chanting one round of the Hare Krishna Maha Mantra along with a recording of Srila Prabhupada’s own voice. As Prabhupada’s bhajan played softly in the background, each disciple came forward to receive their murti from Jaya Krsna Das and vice president Raghavacharya Das. Devotees returned to their seats, holding the murtis with tender affection, visibly moved.
What began as a gathering for memory-sharing soon transformed into something deeper—a flowing current of gratitude. One devotee’s heartfelt sharing about how Srila Prabhupada had saved his life sparked a cascade of testimonies. Story after story emerged—some astonishing, some deeply personal—all reflecting the miraculous, transformative power of Srila Prabhupada’s presence in their lives.
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/night-of-bhakti-and-gratitude-at-new-vrindaban/
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