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Two things in Australia awaited Hari-sauri's urgent attention: the purchasing of the new Sydney temple, and the new farm. A non-returnable 10 per cent deposit had been put down on the new Sydney building; only a few weeks remained for the devotees to come up with the balance of over $160,000. But when Hari-sauri went to see the property, he was shocked. The inside of the building had been gutted, and was a mass of smashed windows, collapsed ceilings and ruined brickwork. A quantity surveyor brought in to examine the property estimated that it would cost another half a million dollars to bring it just to a liveable condition. Bali-mardana's estimates had been hopelessly inadequate. Through their solicitors, Hari-sauri attempted to extend the time when full payment was due. In the meantime, he attempted to secure a loan to pay for the property.

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In contrast, the new farming project in Murwillumbah showed great promise. The more the devotees saw what was available, the more enthusiastic they became. The land had a river, ample flats for grazing and all kinds of forestry ideal for building purposes, including red and white mahogany, iron bark, various types of eucalyptus and even camphor trees. The fact that out of the 810 acres, 350 acres were forest meant that plenty of wood was available for home construction.

The amount owing on the farm was paid in cash, and on 7 April 1977, devotees moved onto the property. A carload of boys were waiting at the front entrance to join them -- an auspicious beginning -- and within a month, 13 devotees were living on the new farm.

The climate was hot and damp -- in fact it rained for a month from the day the devotees moved onto the property. As spectacular waterfalls ran off the slopes of the 600 metre high mountain it reminded the devotees of Govardhana Hill, the favourite place of Krsna's childhood pastimes in Vrndavana.

Hari-sauri wrote to Srila Prabhupada, suggesting a name for the farm. Prabhupada's reply, dated 1 May 1977, approved the choice.

Yes, the name "New Govardhana'" will be very appropriate for your farm.

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The devotees purchased three first-class Jersey cows. Before long they were in calf, and supplying large quantities of rich farm milk. Ten acres of land were cleared and planted with vegetables. Copious quantities of home-made ghee, yoghurt, butter and curd cheese, and milk sweets soon became regular fare. Guests began visiting.

Sabhapati: These were exciting times. We had no electricity for six months, no toilets for two years, no hot water for three years, and we had to bathe in the river in the middle of winter. We had no ready access to the property, except across the river when it wasn't flooded. But we didn't mind! We were pioneering a new culture.

Hari-sauri reported all the latest developments of the zone in a long and comprehensive letter to Srila Prabhupada. Prabhupada was very pleased with the progress report and commented to Tamal Krsna Goswami in Bombay: "Hari-sauri can be made officially GBC."


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