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Srila Prabhupada was ready to come down to the temple at the scheduled time of mid-morning, but there were last-minute problems in the Deity room. As time passed, Prabhupada expressed his concern by repeatedly sending devotees downstairs to inquire about the delays. Finally, four hours late, Madhudvisa came up to escort Srila Prabhupada to the temple.

By now the grounds were overflowing with people. As kirtana began, neighbours, workmen who had helped with construction, local dignitaries, as well as friends and relatives, joined the devotees and congregation by squeezing into the temple room.

Srila Prabhupada was going to personally perform the installation ceremony. He entered the Deity room dressed in shiny saffron silk, his grey chaddar folded neatly over his shoulders. Offering his obeisances, he immediately began setting up for the bathing procedures, still behind closed doors, while the rousing kirtana mounted to intensity in the temple. The Deities, too heavy to be moved, would be bathed in situ. Prabhupada took up two large blue towels, placing them in a "V" shape directly in front of the altar to catch the bathing liquids.

Some items were missing -- Prabhupada called for extra bowls and ladles -- then it was time to start. Before the doors opened, the Deities' cloth covering was removed. Prabhupada stood, palms together, gazing reverentially at the Deities.

The golden bodies of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda were strongly built, with powerful arms and stalwart chests. Their hips were large and broad, Their waists thin. They had large lotus-petal shaped eyes bordered by dark, striking eyebrows. Their arms were raised, encouraging everyone to chant Hare Krsna, and they smiled beneficiently.

The conchshells blew, and the doors to the altar were opened. The devotees, seeing the Deities for the very first time were struck with wonder and began chanting Hare Krsna exuberantly. The group of devotees assigned to chant the Purusa-sukta sat down on the perimeter of the Deity room, and began to chant the ancient hymns as best they could. Prabhupada began the proceedings by gracefully pouring ladles of auspicious bathing liquids over the head of Lord Nityananda. After a few moments he indicated to Madhudvisa that he should assist him by bathing Lord Caitanya.

The kirtana became more intense. The liquids glided down the golden forms of the two Lords to Their lotus feet. Prabhupada and Madhudvisa next poured warm water for rinsing. Hot movie lights blazed as William Kerr, once again behind the camera for another visit, recorded the sacred event for posterity. After bathing, Prabhupada asked Madhudvisa to mop up. Prabhupada stood erect, and slightly tilted his head to the side, indicating that the doors be closed so the Deities could be dressed. The Purusa-sukta chanters kept on reciting.

Hari-sauri: I'd seen the pandits chanting the Purusa-sukta at the installation of Krsna-Balarama in Vrndavana. I noticed how they moved their hands up and down, and sometimes across, in a sweeping motion in time with the meter of the mantra. I didn't really know what I was doing, but while we chanted, I moved my arms around like I'd seen. Later, Srutakirti told me that Prabhupada really liked the chanting, and especially "the boy who was moving his hands just like the brahmanas do in India".

As the ebullient kirtana continued in the temple, the Deities were quickly dried. Prabhupada requested fresh undergarments for Them, but there were none. A pujari grabbed a piece of heavy satin and with the help of Paramahamsa Swami, managed to tear it into suitable lengths.

Prabhupada placed his folded chaddar on the floor and sat, back to the wall, beside Lord Nityananda. Two pujaris, Dvaipayana and Kurma, dressed the Deities in gorgeous silk dhotis, gota-covered silk robes and jewelled vests, while Prabhupada watched silently. Golden jari ornaments were placed on the two Lords' chests and wrists. As Dvaipayana reached to offer tulasi leaves and flowers on the lotus feet of the Deities, Prabhupada leaned over, and pointing, said, "Place them between the feet".

Balarama: Dvaipayana was having a bit of trouble hanging a golden effulgence behind Lord Nityananda, so I went to his aid. However, because Srila Prabhupada was sitting close to the altar, I couldn't get close enough. I tried to reach over from the front but I couldn't, and I glanced down anxiously. Srila Prabhupada looked at me and graciously made a gesture, as if to say, 'Yes, come through this way'. He moved back a little. I could see that Srila Prabhupada was quite prepared to take a very humble position and put himself out for the service of the Deity.


- From "The Great Transcendental Adventure" by HG Kurma Prabhu