By Basu Ghosh prabhu, Baroda, India

Yesterday evening around 6:30 PM IST, at Chennai (Madras), Sriman Mahamani Krishna Das aka Mani aka N. Subramanian, left his material body and departed this material world for Lord Krishna's own abode, Krishnaloka.

He was 75 (or 76).

He had never recovered after suffering a massive stroke approximately two years ago.

Mahamani Krishna Das was key in establishing regular ISKCON "satsangh" programs in Damodar Desh (Dubai). He was the civil engineer who served as site engineer overseeing the renovation of the Srinathji (Pushtimargi/Vallabh Sampradaya) "Haveli" (palace) temple at Dubai. He lectured on Gita and Bhagavatam, organized classes, and taught and compiled shlokas from both. He had a large circle of students - Indian expats - who became his ardent followers. He organized festivals at Dubai like Krishna Janmastami, etc., in a grand way. He inspired both of his sons and their families to become devotees and pracharaks like himself! He was initiated by Jayapataka Swami, and facilitated Maharaj initiating hundreds of expats in the Gulf region. He established his own charitable trust, Sri Krishnam Vande Jagatgurum Charitable and Educational trust that distributed books and clothing to the needy at Chennai. He ran a large goshalla at Tirunelveli, his ancestral place, in Southern Tamil Nadu where there is a population of almost 100 animals. After retiring from the Gulf, he used to go up and down to the goshalla from Chennai, despite suffering from heart trouble in his later years. In all of his activities he was accompanied by his devoted wife, Paripurna Radha Devi Dasi (JPS), who served him always during his struggles post stroke. Following him she inspired many expat ladies in Krishna bhakti.

One of the minor things he did - along with Amma - was attend the opening of the Sri Sri Radha Shyamsundar Mandir at Baroda on Sri Krishna Janmastami, 1999.

He is survived by his wife, Paripurna Radha Devi Dasi, sons, Srivallabh Das and Nandakumar Das, and daughter, Harini and their families.

Much more could be written about Mahamani Krishna Prabhu, but I'll keep this brief. His last rites will be performed today at Chennai.

He has now gone to join Lord Krishna's eternal pastimes at Goloka.

Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur wrote:

“He reasons ill who tells that Vaishnavas die, When thou art living still in sound! The Vaishnavas die to live, and living try. To spread the holy name around".

You need to be a member of ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT to add comments!

Join ISKCON Desire Tree | IDT