The timing of the Deity installation had become somewhat of a contentious issue. Tusta Krsna had approached Srila Prabhupada some days before suggesting that the installation ceremony should be in the evening, but Prabhupada had insisted that it be held in the morning. "Go to Pradyumna and find out some auspicious time in the morning," he said.
Tusta had done so, and found out some suitable times. But still he insisted on an evening program. Prabhupada asked why. Tusta Krsna explained that since most of the guests were working during the day, the evening seemed more suitable. Finally, in deference to his disciple's desire for preaching, Prabhupada humbly complied.
That evening, many guests, especially Indian families with children, turned up for the formal inauguration of the temple, installation of the Deities of Radha and Krsna, and initiation of new disciples.
The small temple room was quickly filled. Those who could not fit spilled out into the hallway. Latecomers resigned themselves to sitting on the window sills or peering in through the windows. On seeing the large crowds, Prabhupada immediately asked that the large vyasasana -- which took up almost a quarter of the room -- be removed. Prabhupada, wearing a garland of large, fragrant roses, then sat down on a small mat on the floor.
First, the Deities of Radha and Krsna were installed. Krsna was stocky, with a plump, boyish face. Radharani, with white complexion, smiled sweetly. Both stood about 85cm tall. Tusta Krsna had tried his best to gather all the correct utensils, but there were things missing. Srila Prabhupada was unfazed, and sent devotees to collect the required items.
After bathing Radha and Krsna in the five auspicious substances, They were dressed in Their only set of clothes. Prabhupada insisted that more sets of clothes be made as soon as possible. Srila Prabhupada named Them Sri Sri Radha-Giridhari. "The Lord is also known as Giridhari, or Girivara-dhari, because Krsna, for the sake of his devotees, lifted Govardhana Hill," he said.
After the bathing ceremony, Radha-Giridhari were placed on the small, white-painted altar. As the devotees attempted to close the curtains, however, the curtain rod, which was only barely holding up the heavy green curtains, fell down. The devotees felt awkward and confused. Prabhupada, however, appearing like a kindly father directing his inexperienced children, took charge. Without showing any displeasure, he calmly oversaw the re-hanging of the curtains and the successful completion of the evening program.
Bruce Barwell: We were packed into a tiny room with a blazing fire in the middle of the floor. Even usually incombustible things like bananas were being incinerated, and the room was filling with acrid smoke. As everyone sat watching the fire, I, being of a different temperament, was worried about the ceiling.
Every time I thought that the fire was at an alarming height, Prabhupada put more fuel on it. As I constantly looked up I noticed an accumulation of black soot on the pine-fibre ceiling. Little red sparks started running across the surface and accumulating in one spot. After fifteen minutes the ceiling directly above the fire started to glow red-hot, and I feared that a fire was imminent. I excused myself, went into the kitchen, and returned with a wet mop, with which I started to dab the ceiling.
After the fire sacrifice, the Deity curtains were opened to reveal Radha-Giridhari on Their new altar. Srila Prabhupada stayed for arati, and then as kirtana continued, he returned to his room followed by many Indian gentlemen.
Prabhupada encouraged these local men, whom he had met for the first time that night, to take financial responsibility for Krsna consciousness in Auckland. They should purchase a suitable temple, he said, and regularly donate money. Prabhupada displayed no shyness or reticence in summoning their help. He looked at each man intently. "You should give like this. What are you going to give? How much will you give? What will you give?" The devotees were impressed by his bold fund-raising techniques. Two local gentlemen, Raman Chhita and Yogi Parbhu, pledged their assistance. Then, as always, the program was completed with a feast of Krsna prasadam.
- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu
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