Compiled by Nartaka Gopala dasi
Our dear Godbrother Vishal Prabhu passed away in Sri Vrindavan Dham sometime around February 8, 2021. He was 82 years old, almost 83. Vishal Prabhu was a legendary distributor of Srila Prabhupada’s books. Above is a photo of how I remember Vishal the most: wearing not one, but two book bags, criss-crossed in front of his chest, and going out to distribute every single day for the last fifty three years, whether he was in the US or in India.
Another photo at ISKCON Miami of Vishal showing his watch that had been gifted to him by Srila Prabhupada and holding a photo of his beloved Guru Maharaja Srila Prabhupada wearing the same watch. If anyone knows that story about Mr. Dhumji Devji in Kenya, please comment. Vishal joined the movement in approximately 1968, and he was about thirty years old when he joined. He married Visalini devi and they had three daughters together, one of whom passed away in Vrindavan at a very young age. His two remaining girls are Krsnamayi and Vrinda.
There is one conversation in the series of books Conversations With Srila Prabhupada, where they were mentioning Vishal das and Prabhupada stated: “Vishal is a good boy.” On another occasion Vishal was chastised heavily by Prabhupada. Vishal got to go to Africa with Srila Prabhupada to preach. From there they went to Bombay. At the airport in Bombay the officials requested to see their yellow-fever inoculation cards. They did not have any so had to stay in Quarantine ten days. At that time Vishal asked Srila Prabhupada if there was anything he could do to help. Srila Prabhupada told him strongly, “What can you do? You speak nonsense!”
For the last 25 years of his life he lived half in Miami temple and half in Vrndavan. He was flying back and forth so much that I told him he should join the airlines points club to get free flights. He asked me to sign him up on Air France so I did. After a few months or so he got a free round trip ticket to Delhi. On that flight when he arrived in India they would not let him enter and informed him that he was blacklisted because of a previous offence of overstaying his visa there. He had to fly right back to America! This began an arduous period of five to seven years of Vishal striving to get a visa for India to go live in his beloved Vrindavan Dham. Finally after him suffering a lot, he was allowed to go back. Once that happened he pretty much stayed there for the rest of his life.
Vishalji was quite the character but he was totally surrendered to Srila Prabhupada and Lord Sri Krsna. We will miss him a lot but we are elated to see that he passed away “lying in the lap of Krsna” in the most holy Sri Vrndavan Dham.
Mantra Murti devi: My Memories of Vishala prabhu who just passed away in Vrindaban: I remember Vishala prabhu in Miami since 1989. Every year, while he was in Miami, on his birthday we would make a birthday party for him. We would make a large quantity of gulub jammons, simply wonderfuls, cauliflower pakoras and cake. Sometimes he would buy ice cream and potato chips and ask me to offer them to Srila Prabhupada for him. When I brought him a big bowl of ice cream, he asked me if I also took some for myself. Every day he would go out and sell Srila Prabhupada’s books. When he would leave for sankirtan, quoting Srila Prabhupada, he would sing, “If you love me, distribute my books, books, books.” He once gave me a picture of Srila Prabhupada that he had won for distributing the most books at the Miami temple.
Mridani Dasi : fortunately Vishala Prabhu, you had your last breath in Vrndavana. Have a glorious journey back home
Matthew Puskar Goldman: He was born 2/18/38 his legal name was Harvey Dactor.
Jaya Gouranga Das: May Lord Krishna bless our dear Godbrother Vishal Prabhu. Vishal Prabhu always distributed Srila Prabhupada’s books very enthusiastically and with lots of determination. He was a very dear friend and Godbrother of mine, we spent quite a bit of time together in Vrindaban where I lived from 1976 to 1984. He was there at that time and we associated quite a bit. All glories to his service. How auspicious to leave his body in Vrindaban Dham. All glories to our Divine Eternal Father Srila Prabhupada.
HH Giriraj Swami : He was a great soul. We will certainly pray for him. Thank you for informing us.
Vishalini Foward: He was so attached to Vrindavana and distributing Srila Prabhupadas books. Leaving his body in Vrindavana exemplifies the quality of Krsnas mercy. Prayers that his soul finally make this journey in peace
Jyestha devi: Dear Vishal prabhu, you attained the perfection of your life by leaving your body in Sri Vrndavana Dhama! My thoughts and prayers are with Krsnamayi and Vrnda, your beautiful daughters.
Lilanath das all Glories to Vishal Prabhu, my first encounter with him was in Vrindavan, he asked for a contribution for the Goshala. Years later in Miami he was in Coconout Grove Temple distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books. I hope Krsna will receive him in His abode.
Samapriya Devi Dasi: Good for you Vishalji!! All Glories to Srila Prabhupada!! This life is tough but Krsna’s mercy is there for devotees who are totally dependent on Him.
Darwin Bothwik , Dwarakadish das: I remember Vishal Prabhu when I lived in Vrndavan in the 70’s and early 80’s. I always remember his enthusiasm for distributing books. How auspicious to depart from Vrndavan.
Radhashyam Das: My dandavat pranam to Vishala das. I first met him at the opening of the Krishna Balaram temple in Vrindavan. He was always very friendly and I never saw him without a big bag of Prabhupada books on his shoulder. Later, he lived at the Miami temple and whenever he saw me he shouted out “RADHESHYAM” with a big smile. May his spiritual guardians bless him.
Moksha Laksmi devi: Journey well Vishal. You were such a determined book distributor. My best wishes for your daughters Vrinda and KrishnaMayi.
Adishesa Das Adikhari: Our God brother Vishal das was the most sweet hearted personality and God brother.
Arcita Dasa: An ISKCON icon has departed! May Lord Krishna grant Vishal prabhu immediate and eternal shelter at His Lotus Feet! Hare Krishna!
Mahabhagavata Dasi: Hare Krishna. Journey on, dear Vishal Prabhu. Your struggles in this life have brought you to Vrindavan and Krishna’s Lotus Feet. Hari Bol.
Yuvati Dasi: That is a ripe old age for an Iskcon devotee, he was always quite spry, and he loved Srila prabhupada, maha prasad, and preaching, I hope he is enjoying the company of all his like-minded god brothers and associates who have gone before him, good wishes to him on his journey.
Comments