Srila Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Sripada Swami Maharaja Leaves this World

Just received this sad news about the passing of Sila Sripada Swami Maharaja early this morning at Calcutta. I offer my most respectful and heartfelt pranams at his lotus feet.

With great regret I would like to inform devotees around the world that our most beloved HH. Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami maharaj has left his body last night in Kolkata at his BI office.

After mid night Maharaja felt pain then very soon he left his body. There were four of his disciples with him. Every thing was OK . Maharaja was normal . This incident happened all at sudden.

This has not been decided where Maharaja's body will be given samadhi. Maharaja will be in Kolkata until after noon .

Kolkata Vice president Barada Krishna along with other devotees are with Maharaja by now.

Thank you very much.

ISKCON's Swami Damodara passes away, condolences pour in<!EpnHeading1End>

Pall of gloom descends, mortal remains to arrive today from Kol<!EpnHeading1End>

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02: Governing Body Commissioner of ISKCON and International Director His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Srila Sripada passed away at his Kolkata residence in the wee hours today sending shockwaves across the world.

He was 69. Announcing the passing away of the spiritual leader in a statement, temple president of ISKCON, Imphal, Ajit Das said Swami breathed his last at 2 pm today at his Kolkata residence Shree Ram Nagar, VIP Road, Kolkata-700059 due to the arrangement of the Lord, Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra.

<TABLE cellPadding=5 width=240 align=left><TBODY><TR><TD><TABLE class=capbox width="100%"><TBODY><TR><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>A file photo of Swami Damodara </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Fondly called Swami Maharaj, Damodara was undergoing treatment of the injuries suffered in the August 16 terror attack at Mani Mandir here.

Ajit Das, a close disciple, informed that Damodara complained of slight ache on his injured left hand before breathing his last at around 2 am today.

Though the ISKCON devotees at Imphal could not say the exact cause of Swami’s death, they speculated that it could be a result of the injuries suffered in the terror attack at ISKCON temple on Janmasthami Day.

They, however, informed that Swami was discharged from Apollo Hospital, Kolkata about ten days back.

As news of his death spread, a large number of mourning devotees and well wishers started pouring in at the ISKCON temple premises here even as a group of Bhaktas began performing Kritans since early morning amid tearful scene.

Villagers of Toubul, the birth place of Swami also joined the mourning.

If Swami’s death is the result of the August 16 attack, then he is the seventh victim to have died from the terror blast.

On that fateful day, four persons including two minor boys were killed and over fifty devotees including Swami himself and some foreigners were injured in the bomb attack.

Later on two more persons including a girl succumbed to their bomb injuries.

Meanwhile, a team of ISKCON devotees from Imphal including Imphal temple president Ajit Das flew to Kolkata today.

Before leaving Imphal, Ajit told The Sangai Express that a meeting of all senior functionaries of ISKCON would be held at Kolkata to decide whether Swami’s last rites would be conducted either at his home State or at other sacred places.

However, before his death Swami had expressed his desire that his last rites be performed at Radha Kunda, Ajit disclosed.

The whole matter would be discussed during the meeting before arriving at any decision conclusively, he added.

Ajit said that contrary to the Hindu’s practice of cremation, ISKCON’s top priests like Swami Damodara are buried after deaths.

On the other hand, ISKCON devotees at Imphal have made the necessary preparation for holding a Guru Puja wherein they would offer floral tributes and Arati to the body of Swami at the temple premises here tomorrow.

Swami’s mortal remains would be brought by a flight tomorrow at 2 pm, they said, adding that a short mourning procession might be taken out on the streets of Imphal.

ISKCON's Swami Damodara passes away, condolences pour in<!--EpnHeading1End-->

Pall of gloom descends, mortal remains to arrive today from Kol<!--EpnHeading1End-->

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 02: Governing Body Commissioner of ISKCON and International Director His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami Srila Sripada passed away at his Kolkata residence in the wee hours today sending shockwaves across the world.

 

He was 69. Announcing the passing away of the spiritual leader in a statement, temple president of ISKCON, Imphal, Ajit Das said Swami breathed his last at 2 pm today at his Kolkata residence Shree Ram Nagar, VIP Road, Kolkata-700059 due to the arrangement of the Lord, Sri Sri Radhakrishnachandra.

 

<table align="left" cellpadding="5" width="240"><tbody><tr><td><table class="capbox" width="100%"><tbody><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>A file photo of Swami Damodara </td></tr></tbody></table></td></tr></tbody></table>

 

Fondly called Swami Maharaj, Damodara was undergoing treatment of the injuries suffered in the August 16 terror attack at Mani Mandir here.

 

Ajit Das, a close disciple, informed that Damodara complained of slight ache on his injured left hand before breathing his last at around 2 am today.

 

Though the ISKCON devotees at Imphal could not say the exact cause of Swami’s death, they speculated that it could be a result of the injuries suffered in the terror attack at ISKCON temple on Janmasthami Day.

 

They, however, informed that Swami was discharged from Apollo Hospital, Kolkata about ten days back.

 

As news of his death spread, a large number of mourning devotees and well wishers started pouring in at the ISKCON temple premises here even as a group of Bhaktas began performing Kritans since early morning amid tearful scene.

 

Villagers of Toubul, the birth place of Swami also joined the mourning.

 

If Swami’s death is the result of the August 16 attack, then he is the seventh victim to have died from the terror blast.

 

On that fateful day, four persons including two minor boys were killed and over fifty devotees including Swami himself and some foreigners were injured in the bomb attack.

 

Later on two more persons including a girl succumbed to their bomb injuries.

 

Meanwhile, a team of ISKCON devotees from Imphal including Imphal temple president Ajit Das flew to Kolkata today.

 

Before leaving Imphal, Ajit told The Sangai Express that a meeting of all senior functionaries of ISKCON would be held at Kolkata to decide whether Swami’s last rites would be conducted either at his home State or at other sacred places.

 

However, before his death Swami had expressed his desire that his last rites be performed at Radha Kunda, Ajit disclosed.

 

The whole matter would be discussed during the meeting before arriving at any decision conclusively, he added.

 

Ajit said that contrary to the Hindu’s practice of cremation, ISKCON’s top priests like Swami Damodara are buried after deaths.

 

On the other hand, ISKCON devotees at Imphal have made the necessary preparation for holding a Guru Puja wherein they would offer floral tributes and Arati to the body of Swami at the temple premises here tomorrow.

 

Swami’s mortal remains would be brought by a flight tomorrow at 2 pm, they said, adding that a short mourning procession might be taken out on the streets of Imphal.

All Glories to Swami Maharaj Damodara!

:eek3::eek3: How very sad! Ten years ago I met His Holiness - he was a wonderful example of a guru and a bhakta - I hope that God REALLY curses those responsible for that terror attack! [THEY KNOW WHOM IT WAS YET?]

Oh fie on me! What a sinful fool and rascal I am. I thought that, "Swarupa Damodara Prabhu is just a scientist and a neophyte bhakta and we are both disciples of Srila Prabhupada". Why couldn't I see how dear he is to Srila Prabhupada? Ten years later I disrespected him in my mind for I thought that he was an ordinary "ISKCON guru", never considering his birth and background in the Kingdom of Manipura, the land where Srila Narottama das Thakur so firmly established Krsna Consciousness. I thought that his disciples were foolish for accepting him. Many years later after learning of the glories of Srila Goura Govinda Maharaja, I was told that he remarked that Sripad (Srila) Bhakti Swarupa Damodara was "pure". When I learned of it, I was taken aback, I had to reconsider my own fault finding attitude. Why did I laugh when Western sanyassis imitated Maharaja's Manipurian accent in jest? Now that I look back on the last twenty-five years and I consider Srila Bhakti Swarupa Damodar Maharaja's activities and compare them we mine, I can see that I have remained a "monkey devotee". How could I be such a fool? How could I have been so blind? Why did I not take advantage of his association and let my mind drag me down? Why do I have to wait until a great soul leaves this world to come to this point? Srila Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Maharaja ki jaya!

Although I never met him, only in passing at Sri Radha kund. I always had some inner respect for his consistent dedication to Srila Prabhupad and Sri Sri Radha and Krsna.

May They guide his journey all the way Home.

I was thinking yesterday in regard to Sripad Swarup Damodara Maharaj and others how it must be when returning to their eternal gurudev in the spiritual world, will they be asked how are things on Earth? Cause it ain't getting any prettier down here, let us hope they catch these sinful miscreants that perpetrate these heinous crimes.

It seems a lot of good souls are being called home, I hope He leaves a few here.

Swami Damodara to be cremated at Brindavan </B>

The Imphal Free Press

IMPHAL, Oct 3: The lifeless body of Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami scheduled to arrive in Imphal today from Kolkata will not be brought to his native land as his corpse will be flown directly to Brindavan/Radhakund to enable performance of Samadhi ceremony at the earliest.

Swami Damodara, an important functionary for the ISKCON died due to a BP stroke at his Kolkata residence in the wee hours yesterday and his dead body was scheduled to arrived in Imphal today.

Development during last night regarding condition of the Swami`s dead body compelled the ISKCON authorities to alter the earlier decision, an ISKCON statement said citing reason for their inability to bring back Swami Damorada`s dead body to his native land.

Swami Damodara`s dead body have to be flown in to Vrindavan/Radhakund in Uttar Pradesh for performing Samadhi rites as per Swami`s desire.

According to Sastra, the body should be in good condition while placing in the Samadhi and in order to responsibly and properly fulfill the expressed desired of the His Holiness regarding his Samadhi ceremony, the body has been taken to Vrindavan for Samadhi ceremony at the earliest, the ISKCON statement said and appeal all the disciples, devotees, vaishnavas, friends, well wishers from all the religious traditions who are working with His Holiness for bringing lasting peace in Manipur, to understand this decision.

In the meantime, the Imphal ISKCON temple is organizing a special prayer session as a part of the Samadhi ceremony of Swami Damodara tomorrow which will begin at 11am.

On the other hand, condolence messages pour in from various religious and civil society organisation saying Swami Damodara`s demise is a loss for the people of Manipur.

In a condolence message, the United Committee Manipur described Damodara Swami as a man of peace and integrity, who had also strongly opposed the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

In another condolence message, Zeliangrong Rachapriak Phom said Swami Damodara death is an irreparable loss for the whole world.

The centre for Organisation Research and Education (CORE) has deeply condoled the death of Swami Damodara. Describing the demise of Swami Damodara as an immense loss to the society, the release recalled his imcomparable dedication towards Lord Krishna and his followers. He was a man who was driven by the philosophy of integrating Science with Religion to prove that God is the Supreme person, the release continued.

Sharing the grieve of the family members and followers, the release concluded that even though Swami Damodara is no more his works will always be remembered.

Condolence messages are also coming from the Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee, All Manipur Senior Citizen`s Welfare Association, Shri Shri Govindaji Temple Board, the Janta Dal (United), Manipur Pradesh and the Dharma Rakshak Samiti.

3rd October 2006 PRESS RELEASE

In a far and remote corner of theworld, there lies a legendary and mystical kingdom known as Manipur or "Landof Jewels" in the mystic valley of the eastern Himalayan Mountain Range.

At the centre of the valley lies the Loktak Lake. The life and soul of the

people in the mystical kingdom is the devotional recitation and enactments

of Lord Sri Krishna's divine pastimes. The kingdom is located on the border

of Burma (Myanmar) and has maintained its aristrocratic and vaishnavite

tradition for thousands of years.

The Srimad Bhagavatam and the Mahabharata depict Manipur's rich culture, abounding with generations of saintly kings. It was in this Manipur, Arjuna, the hero of the Pandavas, married princess Chitrangada, whose son Babhruvahana defeated his own unconquerable father Arjuna who had accompanied the horse of the great Asvamedha Sacrifice.

In the mystical kingdom of Manipur, in a village known as Toubal, a lovely child was born on the 9th December 1937 to Shri Yogendra Singh and Smt. Kanyahanbi Devi. Being vaishnavas, they named their child Damodara. From the very moment of Damodara's appearance in this world, his

father filled his son's ears with the devotional sounds of the holy names

and pastimes of the Supreme Lord.

The boy's mother also nurtured him in a spiritual atmosphere of remembrance of Lord Sri Krishna. The second world war greatly affected the quiet and peaceful valley of Manipur and created difficulties for the people of Manipur and forced Damodara to face a series of

unfortunate incidents. In 1945, the concluding phase of world war II wreakedhavoc on the villages of Manipur. Damodar was a mere child of seven years.

Damodara's father brought them to a barrack on the bank of Yangoi River

which runs into Loktak Lake. Soon thereafter, Damodara's father suddenly

passed away of typhoid. Shortly after the war came to an end, by the will of Providence, Damodara was separated from his mother and younger sister.

His elder sister, Smt. Ahanbi Devi began to look after him. Al though he was young boy, Damodar learned to till the land left by his father, in order to maintain himself and his sister. After sometime, Damodar's sister got married and he was left alone. At the age of 12, he was being on his own depending on the income from the cultivation of the paddy field left by his father.

Working in the fields and doing household duties, Damodar could not find sufficient time to devote to his studies. He was thinking of giving up his studies altogether. At t he request of Shri Yadav Singh, his primary school teacher, Shri Kerani Singh, his colleague, who was a noble person and one of the most influential persons of Toubul village agreed to help him.

Damodara became one of the members of Kerani's family and thus began a new chapter in his life. His teachers found him to be a bright, diligent, sincere, humble and obedient student. When Damodar was 14 years he came severely ill with typhoid. The village physicians declared that he would soon die. However, by the mercy of Lord Krishna and under the loving care of Shri Kerani Singh, who recited daily the Dasavatara Strotra and with the help of Dr. Yogendra Singh, a naturopath from Imphal, Damodara miraculously recovered after fasting for 40 days and drinking only whey.

From the early childhood Damodara was very much attracted to hearing about the pastimes of the Lord. He would also regularly participate in the Deity worship of Sri Sri Radha Krishna, Sri Gaur Nitai and Sri Sri Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra in his village local temple.

In 1957, Damodara passed his matriculation exam in the first division and joined the prestigious D.M. College of Imphal, Manipur. He obtained his Intermediate Science Degree in 1959 and graduated with First Class Honors in Chemistry in 1961. He later acquired his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and Chemical Technology in 1963 and further obtained his Master of Technology degree with First Class in Pharmaceutical Science from Calcutta University in 1964.

Shortly thereafter Damodara was awared an overseas scholarship from the

Ministry of Education, Government of India, to further his studies in the

U.S.A. In 1969, Damodara was a student at the University of California,

Irvine, USA, doing his Ph.D. research work in Physical Organic Chemistry. One day in April 1970, the secretary of the Chemistry Department gave him a telegram from India informing him that his mother had passed away. Damodara had not seen his mother for more than three years and was unaware of any ill health. As such the news was very shocking. He wanted to return to India to perform her shraddha but he had no money for the

flight

He managed to borrow some funds but just before leaving, he got a

letter from his guardian and teacher, Sri Kerani Singh advising him not to

return to India from the shraddha ceremony. Damodara began to lose interest in his studies. He spent the succeeding nights meditating on the flickering nature of this material world. Hearing the sad news of his mother's passing away, Damodara's friend Dr. Ravindra Pratap Rao, cam to see him.

Dr. Rao suggested that they go for a drive. He took Damodara to Laguna beach. While walking along the coast, they saw some ISKCON devotees chanting Harinam sankirtan. They followed the sankirtan party and some devotees who noticed them invited them to join. One of the devotees explained to them that daily they chanted Lord Krishna's holy names and partook of the delicious sanctified foods offered to Lord Sri Krishna. He asked them to visit the temple and join them in singing, dancing and feasting programs.

The following day, Dr. Rao went to the Temple along and told Damodara about the wonderful and pleasant experience he had there. One day Dr, Rao told Damodara that Srila Prabhupada, the founder acharya of ISKCON, was staying Los Angeles and asked Damodara to go to Los Angeles to meet Srila Prabhupada. However Damodara refused saying that he was busy with his academic work.

Dr. Rao went alone to Los Angeles but since he was a stranger, he was not allowed to see Srila Prabhupada. He still waited in his car and a little later a

devotee came and informed him that Srila Prabhupada wanted to see me. Thus he met Srila Prabhupada. After this, Dr. Rao requested Damodara several times to go with him to see Srila Prabhupada but he refused.

One day Dr. Rao told Damodara with an ultimatum that if he did not accompany him the next day to see Srila Prabhupada, he will never come and see him again in his lifetime and their friendship will be finished

forever. Seeing the seriousness of the matter, Damodara decided to accompany Dr. Rao next day.

Net morning they got up early at 5 a.m. and . on the wayto Los Angeles, Dr.Rao told Damodara that he was going to be initiated by Srila Prabhupada that morning. Damodara was struck by his fiend's determination, enthusiasm and sincerity. He said to him that he admired his courage and that he must have been blessed by Srila Prabhupada. They reached the Temple around 6 a.m. Srila Prabhupada was just leaving for his daily morning walk. He returned after about an hour and took darshan of the

Deities and sat on the Vyasasana.

Damodara was standing near the Deities, facing Srila Prabhupada. Srila Prabhupada started singing and Damodara's mind was captivated by Srila Prabhupada's sweet, melodious and intense devotional singing. Dr. Rao was initiated and was given the spiritual name, Ramananda Ray Dasa. After initiation, Srila Prabhupada went to his room. Then they went to see Srila Prabhupada. . Ramanand Ray ntroduced Damodara to Srila Prabhupada informing him that Damodara was from Manipur and was currently working on his Ph.D in Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine.

Srila Prabhupada remarked," Manipuri people are descendents of Babhruvahana, the son of Arjuna. They have been vaishnavas since the time of the Pandavas and Manipuri kings have established Sri Krishna temples in Vrindavan, Radhakund and Nabadvip". Prabhupada asked Damodara that being born in a vaishnava family why did he come to USA,

crossing the ocean. He added, "You young scholars and students have come here as beggars to beg scientific knowledge and dollars. But I have not come here to beg. I have come here to give the Americans something very valuable, which they do not have - Bhagavata culture. Whey don't you do the same as I am doing? Why are you simply taking? Why don't you also give something?"

Damodara was deeply moved by Srila Prabhupada's words. After that momentous meeting Damodara started visiting Srila Prabhupada in Los

Angeles almost every day and after a short period of time, he received

spiritual initiation. Srila Prabhupada gave him the spiritual name, Svarupa

Damodara Dasa. Later, after taking sannyasa initiation, the prefix "Bhakti" was added to his name and since then he has been known as Sripada

Bhakti Svarupa Damodara Maharaja. Shortly after his initiation, Sriman

Ramananda Ray Dasa left the USA and returned to Gorakhpur, India and opened an ISKCON center there. Unfortunately, he left this world in 1976.

Srila Bhakti Svarup Damodara Swami Maharaj passed away on the 2nd October at 12.15 A.M. due to a cardiac arrest. At Kolkata where he was at present residing. His body will be brought to Vrindavan on the 3rd October evening and his Samadhi ceremony will be performed at Radha Kund at 1.30

P.M. on the 4th October 2006. Maharajq's contribution to ISKCON and the

spiritual world is an everlasting one and all the devotees of ISKCON are

feeling the great vacuum created his passing away. Vrajendra Nandan Das

, ISKCON Communication India, New Delhi,

Oct 4, IMPHAL, MANIPUR (SANGAI EXPRESS) — Canceling the earlier schedule of bringing the body here today, ISKCON authorities have taken the mortal remains of His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaj from Kolkata to Vrindavan to perform the last rites in accordance to the wishes of His Holiness at Radhakund tomorrow at 2 pm. Announcing the change in the plan, temple president of ISKCON Ajit Das said His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja was scheduled to arrive in Manipur today for darshan of Sri Sri Krishnachandra and to give darshan to the devotees, friends and well-wishers.

But due to developments during last night regarding the condition of the body of His Holiness, it has been decided to immediately take his Holiness to Vrindavan/Radhakund for performing Samadhi rites as per His Holiness' expressed desire for the same.

Expressing regrets at not being able to bring His Holiness to Manipur, Ajit explained that according to Sastra, the body should be in good condition while being placed in the Samadhi.

In order to responsibly and properly fulfill the expressed desire of His Holiness regarding the Samadhi ceremony, all the devotees and disciplines of His Holiness both from Manipur and around the world, who were arranging earlier to bring His holiness to Manipur had to decide with a heavy heart to take His Holiness directly to Vrindavan/Radhakund for the Samadhi ceremony at the earliest.

On being contacted, Ajit Das who is on his way to Vrindavan along with the body of Swami, told The Sangai Express that hundreds of ISKCON devotees and disciples of Swami from across the world have begun pouring in at New Delhi en-route to Vrindavan to take part in the Samadhi ceremony to held tomorrow at 2 pm.

When asked about the cause of the death, Ajit, quoting reports of other Bhaktas at Kolkata, said Swami died of cardiac arrest.

However, Swami passed away peacefully after tolerating the chaotic situation that shrouded ISKCON in the wake of the terror attack on Janmasthami Day, Ajit added.

Ajit was also reportedly told by the Bhaktas from Kolkata that before 10 days of his passing away Swami talked about heaven and other spiritual matters to his disciples as if he knew that he would be leaving the universe.

'Swami Maharaj even rung up a few days back and suggested new arrangements of the temple committee', a broken Ajit said over the phone.

Meanwhile, over 20 ISKCON devotees from Imphal have left for Vrindavan today to take part in the Samadhi ceremony of their Maharaj.

CM joins condolence for Swami<!EpnHeading11End>

Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 04: With a deep sense of shock over the loss of one of the most illustrious sons of Manipur, condolences continued to pour in over the sad and sudden demise of His Holiness Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaj even as last rites of the internationally renowned spiritual leader was performed at Radhakund of Vrindavan according to his last wish today afternoon.

Expressing his condolence after three days of the demise of Swami, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh in a condolence message addressed to ISKCON Mani Mandir president Ajit Das said 'I am shocked to hear the sudden demise of Shri Guru Maharaj Bhaktiswarup Damodar Swamiji at Kolkata'.

Although the well wishers and others from Manipur tried their best to bring Swamiji to Imphal for the last darshan, we could not do so due to various factors beyond our control, Ibobi said, adding that on his demise we lost forever one of the eminent scholar, a great spiritual leader, who stood for peace, communal harmony and world brotherhood.

The Chief Minister also prayed for Swami's soul to rest in peace.

Although the last samadhi of Swamiji had been performed at Shridham Radhakunda at Vrindavan this afternoon where Bhaktas coming from all over the world pay their last respect to their spiritual Guru, many ISKCON Devotees and well-wishers including the students of Bhaktivedanta Institute Mission Higher Secondary School also offered their Pushpajali to the Guruji during a religious function held at Mani Mandir of ISKCON here today.

Tourism and Rural Development Project of ISKCON (Toubul), ISKCON Nature Cure Hospital and Yogic Ashram (Langol), Shri Shri Govindajee Dhup Arati Marup (Imphal), Touryatrik Kala Vikas Sangha Nata College (Imphal), Manipuri Manoharshai Sabha (Imphal), Cultural Forum Manipur, Prajapita Brahma Kumari Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya, Rural Area Development Centre (Bishnupur), Youth Un-employed Development Organisation (Lamphel), RKCS Museum of Arts and Crafts (Keishamthong), CPI Manipur State Council and Director of Art and Culture Dr Kh Sarojini Devi have also condoled the death of Damodara.

Damodar`s earthly remains consigned to flames at Radhakunda </B>

The Imphal Free Press

Vrindavan, Oct 4: Bhaktivedanta Institute`s International director, Damodara Swami Sripad Maharaj also known as Dr. Thoudam Damodar Singh was placed in samadhi at ISKCON`s Gopal Deva Mandir Complex in Radhakunda with love and great reverence at about 1 pm .

Damodara Swami left this material world at about 12:15 am on 2nd Oct. at Bhaktivedanta Institute, Kolkata , said Prasad Das who is leading one of the Garuda Buses spreading Science and spirituality to Colleges and Universities Nationwide.

"I have experienced the most painful existence-the separation of my Guru Maharaj" he further added. "Maharaj`s mood was changed, he hardly had time to listen to Manipuri nat sankritan,however the last few days he spared enough time to listen and explained to me with all his hearts", said Vrajendra Das all in tears who was serving Maharaj since the last seven years full time.

"He was fine till 9 pm that day, at about 11:30 He wake me up and told me that his hand was itching, I put ice then suddenly his eyes closed and he left, I called many doctors till 2 am, none came" lament Prabhu Brajapati Das secretary to the Maharaj who was with him at his last moment.

Maharaj was to arrive at Imphal yesterday, however he was flown to Vrindaban from Kolkatta via Delhi due to unavoidable situations. He was placed at rest besides his spiritual master`s Prabhupada Samadhi and floral tributes were paid by thousands of devotees from all over the world. He was later taken for mangala arti and then for Vrindavan Parikrama with a grand Kirtana. He was later brought to Radhakund and placed in Samadhi.

It may be mentioned that Sripad Damodar Maharaj was born at a small village Toubul in Bishenpur, Manipur on 9th December 1937.He met his spiritual master His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada founder acharya of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness while he was undergoing his Ph.D in Analytical Chemistry at the University of Irvine, California, USA . Prabhupada later trained him in Vedanta studies and later instructed him to prove the existence of God scientifically and appointed Sripad Maharaj the International Director of Bhaktivedanta Institute for the purpose and work on the unification of Science and spirituality. "Prabhupad instructions became his heart and soul" recalls Dwijamani Das, Ph.D Kurukshetra University. "Sripad Maharaj`s work attracted thousands of intellectuals all over the world who inquire about the absolute reality", said Dr. Sudipto Gosh Asst. Prof. IIT Kharagpur.

In a grand and impressive smadhi amidst chanting of Hari Nama Mahamantra, thousands of his disciples from far away countries like USA, England, France, Indonesia, Australia, Russia apart from centers of Mumbai, Delhi, Bhubaneshwor, Chandigarh and other ISKCON centres of India, paid their last respects to their Spiritual Master Guru Maharaj here at Gopal Deva Mandir Complex, Radhakunda,

Leading Manipur ISKCON development council members headed by Bhakti Vyasa Tirtha Swami along with a large number of devotees of ISKCON Manipur arrived here. "The relationship between a Guru and disciple is enternal, he is always with us" said Isana Das.

Later at 6 pm this evening, a program was held glorifying His Holiness Sripad Maharaj at ISKCON Vridavan. Later a meeting was called to discuss Maharaj`s wishes and how to fulfill it.

By Deena Bandhu das

On the evening of Oct. 3rd, the body of H.H. Bhakti Svarup Swami Maharaja arrived at Delhi Airport from Kolkata. There were more than 100 devotees performing kirtan at the airport along with H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj and H.H. Lokanath Swami Maharaj. The Maharajas and senior devotees placed garlands on Maharaja’s coffin. Many VIPs were also present at the Airport who also placed garlands.

Then Maharaja was taken in an air-conditioned ambulance to Vrindavan accompanied by his disciples. When the ambulance started all the devotees started chanting and weeping with emotion. H.H. Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja and H.H. Lokanath Swami Maharaja followed in another car along with two buses with Maharaja’s disciples from Manipur and other places.

Hundreds of devotees were gathered in the night at the front gate performing kirtan anxiously awaiting Maharaja’s arrival. Many disciples who had come from different parts of India and the world were seen embracing in tears as they met their fellow godbrothers and godsisters. Finally at about 9:15 PM we heard the siren and saw the flashing lights of the ambulance.

The main gates swung open and the ambulance carefully navigated through as the devotees parted in front of it like the Yamuna giving way to Vasudeva carrying Krishna to Gokula. Srila Prabhupada’s Samadhi Museum had been decorated with many flower garlands and mango leaves with a raised platform in the middle for devotees to take their final darshan of Maharaja. The ambulance pulled all the way up to the steps down to the temple and the coffin was slowly taken from the back of the ambulance.

Then bringing Maharaja carefully down the steps of the temple, the devotees took him on parikrama of Sri Sri Krishna Balaram Mandir three times. His disciples sweetly chanted a nice Manipuri melody of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. The procession moved very slowly and reverentially around the parikrama path. After the third round, Maharaja was taken to the Samadhi Museum and there was a huge surge and rush.

The kirtan was stopped and announcements were made to make a line and come in orderly fashion. Someone was barking passionate orders and the atmosphere became tense, when some godsisters pleaded with us to start kirtan. So myself and some other godbrothers began to slowly chant the Manipuri melody that was the favorite of Maharaja. I could see him dancing in Kumbha Mela with his special yellow turban chanting this melody in my heart surrounded by his Manipuri Kirtaniyas.

The atmosphere was filled with anticipation as the devotees tried to carefully remove the nails holding the lid of the coffin. It seemed like an eternity, but finally the lid was open and tearful shouts of “Sripada Maharaja ki jaya!” rent the air. Slowly everyone came forward and offered garlands, flowers, and prayers and filed past. It took about an hour to for everyone to pay respects and then Maharaja was taken to an air-conditioned room in the Krishna Balarama Guesthouse where devotees and disciples kept a tearful vigil and performed kirtan throughout the night.

All night long devotees were arriving from all parts of the world and India. In the morning after Guru Puja kirtan, Maharaja was brought for final darshan of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai, Krishna Balarama, and Radha Shyamsundar. Again he was taken to the Samadhi Museum for devotees to take darshan and proceed to the buses and cars waiting to go to Radha Kunda. There was a huge caravan slowly snaking to Radha Kunda.

Arriving in Radha Kunda, a huge kirtan procession proceeded toward the Gopalji Mandir. The Ambulance arrived from a different side road just near the temple and Maharaja was taken inside the small temple. This temple had been built by the King of Manipur who had a dream that a temple should be built on the shores of Radha Kunda where the first rays of the rising sun strike the kunda. Thus it is situated on the northwest corner of the parikrama path. Later the king kindly donated this temple to His Holiness Bhaktisvarup Damodar Maharaja. You can see the picture of the King and Queen over the entrance to the temple.

After aratika and other ceremonies, Maharaja was taken for last parikrama of Radha Kunda and Shyama Kunda. In all about 600 devotees had gathered and it was quite a long procession. The main kirtan party was way in front and could no longer be heard. A small kirtan was going on near the coffin. Suddenly, someone grabbed me by the arm and begged me to lead this kirtan. I felt very happy in my heart to be able to perform this small service to the Lotus Feet of His Divine Grace. Gradually we made our way around the sacred Kundas.

Returning to Gopalji Mandir, we went through a side entrance to the temple that I had never seen before. There was a large courtyard surrounded by one and two story buildings on all sides. Devotees were already lining the terrazas vying for a view of the sacred body of Maharaja. On one side of the courtyard a huge pit had been excavated.

His Holiness Bodhayayan Maharaja, disciple of Bhakti Pramode Puri Maharaja of Gopinatha Gaudiya Math, kindly came to oversee all the samadhi ceremonies. He very expertly assisted the disciples in performing all the neccessary rituals, including abhisheka, dress and decorating Maharaja with tilak and the Holy Names of Krishna.

The whole time, I was watching Bhaktisvarup Damodar Maharaja’s face. He looked so peaceful, it was hard to believe he had left his body. Many devotees also commented on this. It was as if he had closed his eyes during a lecture, our hearts kept praying that Maharaja would just open his eyes and finish making the point he was lecturing on.

The whole time kirtan was going on sometimes led by Lokanatha Swami, sometimes Navayogendra Swami, and sometimes Bhakti Caru Swami.

Maharaja was then lowered into the deep pit. Many other ceremonies were to be performed. All around was the open human pathos that one is priviledged to see in India. Two brahamacaris embracing each other and sobbing in tears, a devotee engineer and his wife holding on to each other weeping uncontrollably, the husband wailing over and over again, “I lost my father!”

Finally, Maharaja’s transcendental form was covered with rock salt. And then the devotees began to shovel the earth back into the pit. Everyone lined up and came forward to place his handful of earth. Many Prabhupada disciples who were now preaching in other institutions also were present to mourn with us the incredible loss of one of Srila Prabhupada’s most stalwart preachers.

A fabulous feast was served to one and all. And this was amazing considering the amount of devotees and the lack of time to prepare. Everyone was fully satisfied.

Thus His Holiness Bhaktisvarup Damodar Maharaja achieved his samadhi on the holy banks of the most sacred Radha Kunda.

Srila Bhaktisvarup Damodar Maharaja ki jaya!

Srila Prabhupada ki jaya!

Vijaya Dasami, 2006

Written by: Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s servants

attending Him in Calcutta

Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja, beloved spiritual son of Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, disappeared from this mortal world during the Ratrilila period of Lord Sri Krishna’s Astakaliya lila on Vijaya Dasami, which according to this year’s Panchangam, is the most auspicious day of this calendar year, 2006.

Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s disappearance took place in Calcutta, the holy appearance place (Janmasthan) of his divine master Srila Prabhupada. Calcutta is also the holy site from which His Divine Grace Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur chose to disappear. Due to Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s deep and intense love for his divine master Srila Prabhupada, he not only chose Calcutta as his place of work but also as his place of disappearance.

Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s unwillingness to compromise on Srila Prabhupada’s instructions is well known and we hope that his dedication to Srila Prabhupada’s instructions will serve as an illustrious example for the world-wide devotee community, now and for all times to come.

As most of you may have heard, there was a serious bomb blast inside of ISKCON Manipur’s temple complex on August 16, 2006, Sri Janmastami day. Six devotees including two children left this world and over forty devotees were seriously injured. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s body was also injured during this blast. He had a deep cut and a fractured bone in his left forearm, a small puncture in his left eardrum and a tiny shrapnel burn on his back.

After preliminary treatment in Manipur and performing the sraddha ceremonies for the departed devotees, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja came to Calcutta on August 25, 2006 where he was admitted into the Apollo Hospital. There, he underwent successful operations on his forearm and ear. He was discharged from the hospital on September 9, 2006. On September 19, 2006 Maharaja visited the hospital for a routine checkup.

At that time the burn on his back had almost healed and the doctors were surprised by how quickly the fractured bone in his forearm was setting. The cut on his forearm was also healing well.

While returning from the hospital to his flat Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja asked us to search his room and find his Manipur Nat Sankirtan (Rasa Lila) audio cassettes. From September 10, 2006, until the day of his disappearance, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s mood and behavior was different from what we had previously experienced. Everyday, he would listen to and sing along with these cassettes for the entire day except for when he was taking his medicine, prasadam or a little rest.

We thought that Maharaja was taking it easy during his recovery, as his normal schedule was very active and he never previously took the time to listen to Kirtan cassettes. The Manipuri Nat Sankirtan cassettes that he was listening to are Kirtans sung in the Manipuri language, which describe the pastimes of Lord Sri Krishna and Srimati Radharani.

Since we do not understand the Manipur language, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja, during his lunchtime, would sometimes explain to us what was being sung on the tapes. He said that the songs describing the Rasa Lila are so absorbing that one can completely forget this world. He said, “This world is on one side and that world is on another side.” He was always in an extremely happy mood and said he was feeling more enthusiastic than ever.

One afternoon, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja explained to us that one of the Manipuri songs described Srimati Radhika’s walking to be like that of a graceful female elephant. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja expressed many other details about the pastimes of Sri Sri Radha and Krishna, however, due to our unfortunate lack of qualification we could not understand them nor did we make any recordings of Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja during this time. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja described how the Rasa Lila is performed according to the ancient Manipuri tradition. He also told us that once he discussed the Manipuri Rasa Lila with Srila Prabhupada and said that Srila Prabhupada was very pleased with the profound Manipuri Vaishnava culture.

We asked Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja how the Gaudiya Vaishnava culture and these peculiar Manipuri tunes originally came to Manipur. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja said that the songs and devotional culture are from Narottam Das Thakur whose disciples came to Manipur and initiated King Bhagyachandra Maharaja. The tunes were developed by Bhagyachandra Maharaja himself and some subsequent Manipuri kings.

While explaining more, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja described how the performance of Rasa Lila is done in the Manipuri tradition. It first begins with the glorification of Gaura Lila wherein Lord Gauranga is requested to come and be the principal witness of the Rasa Lila. The glories of the Yuga Dharma Hari Nam Sankirtan are extolled, and prayers are sung to Lord Nityananda. Then only does the Rasa Lila begin.

A week before his disappearance, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja, in a deep mood, wrote down a wonderful transcendental song in the Manipuri language. He then sang and recorded it for all of the devotees. Many devotees now have a recording of this wonderful transcendental song. It was sung in what we, his disciples, call “his gopi voice”. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s written words for the song and translation by him are as follows:

VRAJAPREMDA LUPPE

ANGAOBAGUMLE

RADHABU THIRAKLE

SRI GAURANA

Translation: Immersed in the loving thoughts of Vrajaprema, Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu is searching for Srimati Radhika like a mad man.

KEIDANO BRINDAVAN

KEIDANO KUNJAVAN

KADAIDA LEIKHRE

SAKHISHINGDUNA

THIRAKLE RADHABU

SRI GAURANA

Translation:

“Where is Vrindavana

Where is Kunjavan

Where are Sakhis?”

Crying again and again uttering these words Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu is searching for Srimati Radhika like a mad man.

HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA

KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE

HARE RAMA HARE RAMA

RAMA RAMA HARE HARE

On October 1st, 2006, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja discussed with some of his disciples from IIT Kharagpur about the upcoming conference in Jagannath Puri entitled: ‘All India Students’ Conference on Science and Spiritual Quest’. The speakers and session topics for the conference were finalized during this discussion.

That day, he also wrote a letter inviting the President of India to the conference. Around 8:30 - 9:00 PM Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja took a little soup as his dinner and after that he went to take rest, as did we. About an hour later Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja got up from his bed and walked to his connected office room where some of his assistants where sleeping.

He woke one of them and asked him to come to his room. He was extremely jolly. He asked, ‘What is the time now?’ His assistant said it was 10:35pm. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja then requested to have some ice put on his left fingers as they were feeling a little hot and on his left shoulder where he felt some pain. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja then called in Manipuri language for his elderly Manipuri assistant, who was also resting nearby, to come and massage his shoulder.

We were surprised that although Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja stated he was experiencing some pain, he was simultaneously exceedingly blissful and joyous. It was just a moment later that Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja tilted his head back slightly and disappeared from this world. One of assistants cried out ‘No Bhaktisvarupa Damodara!

You can’t do this!’ We were shocked by what was happening. We immediately called two assistants who were in the next room. We all started rubbing Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s feet and hands hoping our most beloved Guru Maharaja would awaken from his Samadhi. But Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja had already entered Lord Sri Krishna’s divine Rasa Lila.

The following day, Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s transcendental body was brought to Sri Sri Krishna Balaram temple in Sri Vrindavan Dham for one night. There, many devotees had his darshan before the Samadhi ceremony that took place the next day, October 4th, 2006.

As per Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s desire, he was placed in Samadhi at the Gopaldeva Mandir just on the bank of Sri Radhakunda, on the auspicious disappearance day of Srila Raghunathadas Goswami (our Prayojan Acharya), Srila Raghunatha Bhatta Goswami and Srila Krishnadas Kaviraja Goswami.

For the disciples and friends of Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja we feel his desire to enter Samadhi in Sri Radhakunda has now opened an eternal residence for us in Sri Radhakunda. For the disciples, the Guru’s Samadhi is the place to meditate on the pastimes of their Guru Maharaja and their respective personal association with him.

During Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja’s pastimes in this manifest body, he arranged for us to have many wonderful pastimes with him at his Sri Gopaldeva Mandir in Sri Nabadwip Dham. Now as we begin his un-manifest lila, he has brought us all to Sri Radhakunda and we cannot express our gratitude in words. Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja used to say that it is not about how much money you have collected, how many temples you have built or how many men you have, it is about how pure you have become.

All glories to Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami!

All glories to His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada!

Hare Krishna!

The Disappearance of Sripad Svarupa Damodara Maharaja

purebhakti.com/lectures/lecture20061003.shtml

In this lecture Srila Narayana Maharaja says "He was really a Vaisnava, even from his home-life. I have seen this in Sripad Gour Govinda Maharaja, and he was like this also. They are real Vaisnavas. They followed the principles of their Guru in the real sense. They never accepted what Iskcon is now propagating."

What does he mean when he says that "they never accepted what ISKCON is now propagating"? What is ISKCON now propagating?

Is he saying that devotees in ISKCON are not "real Vaisnavas"?

"So we have lost one very good devotee. I pray to Sri Krsna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu that they will bless him – that pure bhakti will come in his heart."

Does this mean that Srila Svarupa Damodara Maharaja did not already have pure bhakti in his heart or is it just a kind blessing to increase his bliss of pure devotion?

N said:

"So we have lost one very good devotee. I pray to Sri Krsna and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu that they will bless him – that pure bhakti will come in his heart."

N's message is clear. He is praying that Sripad Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja will get pure bhakti in the future. Clearly, N doesn't consider Sripad Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Maharaja to be a pure devotee in this life time.

Just received this sad news about the passing of Sila Sripada Swami Maharaja early this morning at Calcutta. I offer my most respectful and heartfelt pranams at his lotus feet.

 

 

With great regret I would like to inform devotees around the world that our most beloved HH. Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami maharaj has left his body last night in Kolkata at his BI office.

 

After mid night Maharaja felt pain then very soon he left his body. There were four of his disciples with him. Every thing was OK . Maharaja was normal . This incident happened all at sudden.

 

This has not been decided where Maharaja's body will be given samadhi. Maharaja will be in Kolkata until after noon .

 

Kolkata Vice president Barada Krishna along with other devotees are with Maharaja by now.

 

Thank you very much.

Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami Maharaj attained Lord Hari who is one of the Astha Sakhi of Lord Hari. He was also intimate company of Lord Hari in His Chaittanya Avatar. He also enjoyed His pastime along with Prabhupada in this current time. May this great soul enjoys with His spiritual master Prabhupada by serving Lord Jaganntha