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By Bhadra Balaram Das

Indeed, Paradhyeya prabhu's life teaches us that true greatness in a devotee's life lies not in titles or positions, but in service and surrender devoid of any trace of desire for name and fame. He consciously kept self-promotion at bay, worked hard as a grihastha, never used his position to live lavishly, and always practiced a simple lifestyle.

The secret of spiritual advancement is revealed in Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Sikshastakam, the eight transcendental verses He composed for the benefit of the entire world. Even if a person has studied all the Vedas and their subsidiary scriptures, if he has not grasped the essence of these eight verses, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that he wasted his time. Just as the teachings of the Vedas, or any genuine system of education, are progressive and unfold step by step, so too do the eight verses of the Sikshastakam. While all verses have their own independent meaning, each of them successively reveal deeper aspects of the Absolute Truth, culminating in atma-nivedanam.

The third verse of the Sikshastakam encapsulates one of the foundational principles of devotional service, advising the practitioner to become humbler than a blade of grass and more tolerant than a tree. In other words, without cultivating genuine humility if one tries to ascend the ladder outlined in the later verses, he risks a painful fall, often without realizing the subtle downward trajectory. If a person lives by this principle and adheres to it until his last breath, he must not be an ordinary person. Such a person’s life is worth learning from.

Sriman Paradhyeya Prabhu (Paradhyeya das (ACBSP)) was one such rare, saintly soul, a Vaishnava whose entire life radiated the essence of humility, devotion, and simplicity, and who quietly yet profoundly touched many lives without seeking any recognition of making any lofty claims. It was all done through his social conduct and humble ways of executing devotional service.

Although a direct disciple of a towering personality like Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, he never displayed nor demanded entitlement or respect for his seniority. Throughout his more than four decades of service within ISKCON, he managed several temples as Temple President and played a pivotal role in establishing several others. He, along with his devoted dharma-patni, a fearless and uncompromising preacher, Chaitanya Dasi Mataji, lived and served in many parts of the world tirelessly spreading the message of Lord Chaitanya. Their contributions extended across various cities in India, including Guwahati, Chennai, Bangalore, Trivandrum, Surat, and Patna, as well as internationally, in regions of Africa, Bangkok, and several locations in the United States such as Long Island (NY), Atlanta, New Talavan (MS), Sacramento, and San Jose.

Before finally moving back to USA in 2015, Paradhyeya Prabhu spent some two years residing in Sridham Mayapur, the holy land of Lord Chaitanya he loved to live in. Once back in the USA, he settled in Sacramento, CA, and continued doing what he had done all his life; together with his exceptionally enthusiastic wife, he continued preaching and built a committed congregation. With their sincere efforts and Krishna’s mercy, that humble beginning has now grown into a regular spiritual center and is evolving into a full-fledged ISKCON Sacramento temple.

Despite all this, he consciously kept self-promotion at bay. Instead, wherever he went, his presence was marked by gentle firmness, natural friendliness and spontaneous preaching spirit. This made everyone feel welcomed, accepted, and inspired. This clearly exemplifies his unique qualities and shows how a true Vaishnava, regardless of the magnitude of service rendered, remains humble both inwardly and outwardly. Their contribution to this and various other centers, which have now grown into full-fledged temples, stands as a testament to their dedication and their strong desire to serve; not to be seen or praised, but to please Sri Sri Guru and Krishna.

Owing to his personal conduct, utmost sincerity, and unfaltering commitment to Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON, he earned high respect from many senior Vaishnavas, leaders, and sannyasis. He stood like a rock and presented some of the strongest arguments to protect ISKCON and its reputation when it faced philosophical deviations and false accusations. He emphasized personal integrity and, whenever needed, spoke out fearlessly against occasional internal corruption and lapses in ethical and moral standards. He possessed a formidable resolve to help ISKCON stand out as a movement capable of guiding the world. He was honoured as a rare devotee: one who never deviated, never boasted, and never forgot the essence of devotional service.

Even in his final days, when his body no longer cooperated and health became a constant challenge, Sriman Paradhyeya Prabhu remained steady, peaceful, and composed. His spiritual focus never wavered, nor did he forget the holy names of Lord Krishna. In fact, that was the one and only thing he never gave up until his last breath. When he left this world, his face bore a natural serenity, a glow that could only come from a heart fully surrendered to Krishna.

On a personal note, while seeking to learn more about the devotee lifestyle and how to join ISKCON full-time, when I went to ISKCON Surat, I had the good fortune to meet Paradhyeya Prabhu, who served there as the Temple President. After some philosophical discussion, I shared my intention to join ISKCON and asked him how to do it. He said- it’s simple; start chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra. A few days later, he, along with his good wife and their little son Balaram came to our home in Surat and gave me the japa mala. He explained with characteristic simplicity that only a guru can give the mala for free, and that since he was not a guru, I should give Rs. 3 for the mala..! That small statement spoke volumes about his integrity and his deep understanding of his role as a humble servant of Srila Prabhupada. Those moments are etched in my heart, and I will remain ever grateful to him for that unforgettable interaction and blessing. After those initial interactions, I continued to meet and communicate with him on many occasions and witnessed how he applied Krishna consciousness in his day-to-day life

To have known him was to see a living expression of the Vaishnava qualities described in the scriptures: humility, tolerance, compassion, and, above all, simplicity of heart and devotion to Lord Krishna. Indeed, Paradhyeya prabhu’s life teaches us that true greatness in a devotee’s life lies not in titles or positions, but in service and surrender devoid of any trace of desire for name and fame. He worked hard as a grihastha, never used his position to live lavishly, and always practiced a simple lifestyle.

Describing the life of that exemplary devotee would be incomplete without mentioning his devoted wife, Chaitanya Dasi Mataji, whose unwavering support touched every aspect of his life. Her selfless service, especially during the final stage of Paradhyeya Prabhu’s life, deserves heartfelt praise and sincere gratitude. Together they inspired many newcomers and transformed them into devotees of Lord Krishna. Yes, they faced hurdles, as most of us do, but their steadfast commitment to Srila Prabhupada remained paramount, and they continued preaching Krishna consciousness, even under adverse situations.

Indeed, with the departure of Sriman Paradhyeya Prabhu, ISKCON has lost a jewel who exemplified humility in service. Ironically, the growing culture of celebrity worship within ISKCON has played a sad and alarming role, not necessarily by its presence, but by inadvertently creating an environment in which such jewels often come, live, and pass largely unnoticed. Srila Prabhupada says, “Purity is the force.” When that is the case, it behoves us all to recognize such jewels, humbly sit at their lotus feet, and learn essential life lessons from them; not only after, but also before they disappear from our mundane vision.

As I offer my respectful obeisances to him, let me also offer my sincere prayers: May Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha-Govinda welcome him into Their eternal pastimes. May I carry forward even a fraction of the sincerity and devotion he lived every day. May we remember him not just in words, but in how we live and serve.

My dear and respected Paradheya Prabhu, let me honestly say that your departure leaves an emptiness, but your example fills me with inspiration and hope. You live on… in your service, in our hearts, and in the growing movement you quietly helped to build. If I ever committed any offense to your grace, knowingly or unknowingly, I beg for your forgiveness. And let me say this before I close; if I had to describe your persona in one word, it would be humility. It is that very quality which Lord Chaitanya so deeply emphasized. No surprise, then, that you are so dear to Him!

All glories to Sriman Paradhyeya Prabhu! All glories to Srila Prabhupad!

Source: https://mayapurvoice.com/svagatam/sriman-paradhyeya-prabhu-a-lost-jewel-who-exemplified-humility-in-service/