28/FEB/2022 - Chennai, India

(28/FEB/2022 - Chennai, India) As last few days my interaction with Guru Maharaja was very minimum, as I come during class hours, and set up the class and wind up the setup, then assist in preparing Guru Maharaja to go to bed, and then Guru Maharaja goes to sleep. And at morning 4:45 am we wake him up and give him medicine and he starts chanting, or rest for some more hours, so this was our routine, so I was not having much to share. But during morning hours - there are lot of activities and interactions.

Also on 26th Varada Krsna Prabhu and few of his congregation members from Bangalore visited Guru Maharaja and some took aspiration and shelter. Also he presented the first rendition of "Our Glorious Spiritual Master" English rendition of Bangalore IYF Vaisnavi forum. Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu said about this to me, and it is planned to offer on Vyasa-puja day.

On 27th morning there was a Guru-puja and Pada-abhisekam performed by Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu and family, also joined by Amarendra Pr, Sukirti Madhavi Mataji, Prasanna Gopinatha Prabhu and his wife, Ranga Krishna Prabhu and his wife, so few families, who are mainly taking care of Guru Maharaja's stay gathered and performed Guru-puja. It was their request that, during Guru Maharaja's stay in Chennai, at least once they want to do Guru-puja.

Also in the evening, after Guru Maharaja's afternoon nap, he goes down and go around the building, and take some fresh air. As he is almost whole day and night inside his room, and this program of evening spending outside with fresh from the ocean, makes him feel much better.

As Guru Maharaja recovered and now we are preparing to travel to Sri Mayapur dhama tomorrow (1st March 2022) Guru Maharaja wanted to pay his respect to the Deities in ISKCON Chennai. So it was planned today to visit ISKCON Chennai temple. Morning 10:30am along with all the servants Guru Maharaja headed towards ISKCON Chennai. Around 11:30am Guru Maharaja reached the temple; there were 100s of congregation devotees, and devotees from nearby cities also came to take darsana of Guru Maharaja. 

Jayarama Prabhu, a disciple of Bhakti Vrajendranandana Swami Maharaja came to me and said that today is Maharaja's Vyasa-puja and asked me to inform Guru Maharaja. I remember before stroke, Guru Maharaja celebrate Maharaja's Vyasa-puja in Sri Mayapur dhama; usually it falls during GBC meeting period and Guru Maharaja always be at that time in Mayapur.

When Guru Maharaja car arrived there were nice arrangement to stop overwhelming devotee crowd, Guru Maharaja got down, and I informed him that today is the auspicious Vyasa-puja day of Srila Bhakti Vrajendrananda Swami Maharaja, and Guru Maharaja very happy and said, "Wow!" Then Sumitra Krishna Prabhu, ISKCON Chennai President welcomed Guru Maharaja along with Purna-kumbha. Then Guru Maharaja went up and paid his obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and offered garlands and rose flowers. Then Jayarama Prabhu was holding His Holiness Bhaktivrajendra Nandana Swami Maharaja's photo and a garland to offer, and Guru Maharaja immediately offered a garland to Maharaja and paid his respect to him.

There there was a beautiful darsana of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga, Sri Sri Radha Krishna Lalita Visakha, Sri Sri Rukmini Satyabhama Krishna, Laksmi Narasimhadeva, Sri Sri Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra. Guru Maharaja offered ghee lamps, flowers. And Pujaris offered a garland from Deities. Initially servants stopped, but Guru Maharaja accepted that lotus garland. Then after taking darsana of Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Guru Maharaja was taken apradhaksana of the garbha-graha. And I went and told Guru Maharaja that it is apradhaksana, then Guru Maharaja said, turn around - why they are taking me in this way? Then we turned our route and went on proper pradhaksana. While coming down, Dr. Vasanti Mataji got her mother and Guru Maharaja saw and blessed. By this time, the crowd management was failure, and we servants were trying to manage devotees - devotees were going little wild and trying to give dakshina, to pay obeisances, etc. So we stopped for while until they all cam-down. Then we took Guru Maharaja to his room.

There Guru Maharaja met with Bhanu Swami Maharaja for 45 mins. It was like kind of a meeting and they were talking many different things, managerial, friendly talks etc. Murali Syama Prabhu - who is going to start a preaching work in Tamil Nadu, so he was discussing with Guru Maharaja about some land in Chengalpattu District. Guru Maharaja was asking the details. It is an agricultural land, and Guru Maharaja was saying that, they can do agriculture and the produce can be given to ISKCON Chennai Deities. And also they can setup a small temple, so that local villagers can come and take part in programs and daily temple activities. Also Guru Maharaja asked about ISKCON Aruppukottai, Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu's temple status - so like this there were some discussion about SIDC and other temple managements.

Then Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu said as per Guru Maharaja's advice he searched and found sugar-free ice-cream in one shop and he got five flavors: 1. Vennila 2. Chocolate, 3. Kesar Pistha, 4. Strawberry, 5. Kulfi. And Guru Maharaja said, he will try all - and then Guru Maharaja said, Bhanu Maharaja you can chose whichever you like, then Maharaja chose Kulfi. Guru Maharaja liked Kesar Pistha. Even though as per Guru Maharaja's diet there are restriction; but coming out after a long time, so it was excused. Guru Maharaja was talking to Bhanu Maharaja about Ukraine war, and then Bhanu Swami Maharaja was telling about his experience in Dubai Expo, and he was suggesting what are the best things to see there. And Guru Maharaja asked Maha Varaha Prabhu to get the details from Maharaja and we can plan accordingly.

Then it was almost 1:30pm so Guru Maharaja prepared to leave ISKCON Chennai, but there were hundreds of devotees were outside - waiting for Guru Maharaja's darsana. Then the crowd was organized in a line, and Guru Maharaja got in to his car and was giving darsana to devotees and left the temple. On the way back - Guru Maharaja honored his lunch prasada, Tulasi Prema Krsna Prabhu was feeding lunch to Guru Maharaja.

In the evening I reached for Guru Maharaja's class setup - during the setup itself, Guru Maharaja arrived and I was not prepared, and Guru Maharaja started his class - as Aravinda Prabhu is not there, they left this morning to Mayapur along with Madhava Sumangala Prabhu, Kamyavana Govinda Prabhu - carrying excess luggage Mayapur by train - so it become hectic to do the setup all alone. But somehow, I managed.

After the class, we tried to give darsana to as many devotees as possible in Zoom. Then, one mataji who is staying in the same building in 18th floor (one floor down) she happened to see Guru Maharaja in the evening and got attracted to Guru Maharaja, so she came to take his blessings. This is second time she is coming for class. She is pregnant - and Guru Maharaja explained her about the Simantanayana samskara. And with Jagannatha Stick - he blessed mother and the baby in her womb. And Guru Maharaja also blessed all the devotees assembled there with Jagannatha Stick. It was very special moment. Then Little Kisori came in front of Guru Maharaja and she also got special blessings. She tells lot of stories from Ramayana and pastimes of Jagannatha in her childish voice, with tamil brahmanical accent.

After giving blessings to everyone, Guru Maharaja went to his room - then he started to ask about his carbs, protein, and his intakes and Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu and Caru Hasini Radhika Mataji were going crazy in calculating it - and Guru Maharaja said, until you give me the final report now I won't take milk with protein powder! Then he was watching News about UNO on Ukraine Russia war. Then finally they came and said the figures then Guru Maharaja took his milk. Then there was a discussion about Kuzhi-paniyaram, Idly, Dosa - same batter but how come it's carbs, protein and other things change? They were not able to answer - and Guru Maharaja was asking, how come idly is puffy and soft? How come Dosa is crispy? Paniyaram is having more carbs. Then at last I said, "Now it is 10:30pm - and You have to travel tomorrow - let them find out the answers and let us know tomorrow Guru Maharaja! Please - your body need rest!" Then Guru Maharaja agreed, we asked Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu to read Bhagavatam and Guru Maharaja also agreed.

Guru Maharaja was saying that I am not Ukraine Army, I am not in Russia Army, I am not in Nato Army, I am not in American Army, I am not in India Army - I am in Krishna's Army. Everyone saying, "Let there be Peace! But they have to say lets chant Hare Krishna! That will give real peace!" And in this way Guru Maharaja slept very fast - as his body was tired. Tomorrow is a travel day! And we have to leave from Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu's house around 8am and there may be traffic due to office hours - and our flight is at 11:30am. Then, from Kolkata we need to travel to Mayapur by road - that also will very much tiring for a normal person - what to speak of Guru Maharaja! Lets pray that Guru Maharaja reach Sri Mayapur dhama safely and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Madhava along with devotees. (Syama Rasika dasa - Personal Diary)

21-24/FEB/2022 in Chennai, India

(21-24/FEB/2022 - Chennai, India) Since Deva Gauranga Prabhu and Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu - both got an appointment for their eye check up; so they requested me and Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu to replace in their morning shift. We asked them to change the appointment timing, but they couldn't change it. So we agreed to do. And moreover I thought, this is very auspicious day to be with Guru Maharaja.

Morning when I woke up Guru Maharaja for his morning medicines, he asked, "Is today is Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura's Vyasa-puja?" I said Yes! And I requested him to give a message for SGVA - so that they can play it in Vyasa-puja celebration. And Guur Maharaja recorded a message and it was sent to Bhadra Balarama Prabhu.

And I took a leave from my night shift at 5am  and slept for 1.5 hrs and joined back in Morning shift at 7:30am. Last night there was a plan to remove the tube from Guru Maharaja's stomach, which was connected to drain fluid. And Guru Maharaja suppose to go to Rela Hospital to remove this. But, he didn't go. And it was decided that, the tube can be easily removed here at home. So when the procedure started to remove the tube, I was outside, and then Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu came and told me that Guru Maharaja is having a pain. Then I went and saw that, the tube was not coming out, and I stopped our doctor not to do anything, and also called Maha Varaha Prabhu and he also said, don't do it. Let us better go to hospital. And then it was stopped. And it was communicated to Rela Hospital, and Dr. Dinesh said, not a problem, you bring Guru Maharaja to hospital tomorrow.

After that Guru Maharaja took a shower and went to do arati and puspanjali for Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura. First Aijta Gopinatha Prabhu sang a soft kirtan while arati. And then during Puspanjali I recited the pranama mantra of Sarasvati Thakura and we all did puspanjali three times.

When Guru Maharaja returned back to his room. We said to Guru Maharaja about Ulta-danga inauguration program. And we connected the live in his big screen, and Guru Maharaja was watching different speakers like Hari Sauri Prabhu, Atita Guna Mataji, etc. And he asked me, should I also give a message. I said, they sent a request long back, but you were in the hospital so it was not recorded. But, You should give a message, as it is a Historical event, and it will be very appreciated. Then Guru Maharaja said, he will dictate, and Maha Varaha Prabhu repeated it. And we sent the recording immediately.

Then Guru Maharaja was resting for a while, and he asked me, I would like to answer some of the correspondence (managerial). Then I said, okay I will read. Then I read five emails which are marked for reading. And Guru Maharaja dictated his answers. Then Guru Maharaja got ready and came out to take his prasadam.

Before taking prasadam, three devotees from Aruppukottai ISKCON, came to accept saffron on this very auspicious day of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura's Vyasa-puja. Guru Maharaja blessed each saffron cloths and gave them one by one. And Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu, the president of Aruppukottai ISKCON also gave their land paper which is ready for registration under ISKCON Mumbai. And Guru Maharaja blessed. From Aruppukottai ISKCON they got lot of bhoga prasadam (south Indian snacks) for offering. 

After my morning shift, and lunch, and rest, evening I came back for the class. And I was told that the tube got removed this evening. It took 40mins. And when I went to meet Guru Maharaja, he said, all the Doctors joined via Video call from USA, Australia‌, etc. And jointly removed the tube, they applied some gel, which will act as lubricant, and finally, it came out. And Guru Maharaja feeling relived.

And today we resumed the Sri Krishna Caitanya Book Compilation. Guru Maharaja agreed to do in small installments. Today, Guru Maharaja did two verses. And then, he took some questions and answered them.

Sumitra Krishna Prabhu (ISKCON Chennai President) and Tarini Mataji came to meet Guru Maharaja along with their daughter. And she presented her drawing of Lord Gauranga to Guru Maharaja. And Rupasri Laksmipriya Mataji, who came with Taruni Mataji gave an apple to Guru Maharaja saying that, this is from Lalita Devi's hand. And Guru Maharaja took it and then said, eat an apple and keep the doctor away. And the doctor was standing there, and everyone started to laugh.

Guru Maharaja went to bed little early. And we played Srila Prabhupada's lecture given in Mayapur 1975 Apr 7th. Listening to Srila Prabhupada, Guru Maharaja slept.

22nd Guru Maharaja night Guru Maharaja gave his Question and Answer session, then he met devotees and blessed them, and went back to his room and went to bed early. And then Sarva Mangala Prabhu was applying oil to Guru Maharaja's legs, and on his toe, Guru Maharaja was complaining a pain, and we don't that some very small particle got stuck in, then Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu took a photo of that, and called Maha Varaha Prabhu to look in to it. And we spent some time to take it out. And then Guru Maharaja was relieved from this pain. And He was listening Srila Prabhupada lecture.

23rd we continued with Caitanya Lila class, and today Vrajesvara Gaura Prabhu reached Chennai, and Guru Maharaja was happy to see him. And also there were many devotees who came to take.darsana of Guru Maharaja. Kisori offered a drawing saying Happy Govinda Month‌, and Guru Maharaja thanked her. Guru Maharaja didn't go to his bed, and was little grave and Guru Maharaja called Maha Varaha Prabhu and discussed about his travel plan. And Guru Maharaja shouted and said, we should leave immediately to Dubai. Then we come for Gaura Purnima Festival to Mayapur. So like this the discussion went on and on, then Maha Varaha Prabhu left. Guru Maharaja went to bed.

24th. Morning we had a discussion with Guru Maharaja for 30mins. And in the morning it was finalized that, Guru Maharaja will go to Mayapur for the 50th anniversary festival and will leave in between Parikrama to Dubai and then to USA, and will come.back to Mayapur for Vyasa-puja.

In the evening Guru Maharaja continued his Caitanya Lila class, and met full-time devotees of ISKCON Chennai temple devotees. And gave a short concern message about Ukraine and Russia situation. 

And then, I left Chennai to Coimbatore to meet my parents, and will come back on 26th morning to Chennai. (Syama Rasika dasa - Personal Diary) 

20/FEB/2022 in Chennai, India

(20/FEB/2022 - Chennai, India) Today morning Guru Maharaja woke up and he was joking and playing with us, especially with Sarva Mangala Prabhu. Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu was there. Sarva Mangala Krishna Nama Prabhu said, "One second Guru Maharaja!" So Guru Maharaja got that word, and he was telling for everything "one second!" One second water! One second tablet! Like that he was making fun. And he said, "In Bangladesh one second means, 30mins!"

And then, he asked, "Why I became tired last night?" We said, "You vomited after dinner, so you became tired!" Then he asked, "What I ate to vomit?" Sarva Mangala Krishna Nama Prabhu read out what Guru Maharaja ate last night. But, Guru Maharaja didn't remember. He was too tired last night, so couldn't remember. We took leave from our shift.

Today Guru Maharaja gave initiation to one devotee from Damodaradesa. He is one of a successful businessman in Damodaradesh. He decided to take diksa from Guru Maharaja, he follows 16 rounds of chanting, regulative principles. He and Srivallabha Prabhu arrived to Chennai. His name was Mahesh Adwani. There was an name selection Mahesa Govinda dasa. But, Guru Maharaja remembered the pastime of Siva Bhakta, who sings in Navadvipa and Lord Gauranga claimb up on his shoulder, like a Nandi and enacted in the mood of Lord Siva. So, Guru Maharaja gave the name "Mahesa Gaura Govinda dasa". He was very happy to hear his spiritual name. These were narrated by Maha Varaha Prabhu.

In this evening we discussed and decided that better we cancel the evening class, because it is very much tiring Guru Maharaja. Maha Varaha Prabhu also said, " Better we stop for now!" So, I decided to stay back until 9pm in servant flat. Then join directly for night shift. But, still I had a doubt that, Guru Maharaja might ask for a class. So, I called up Tarun Gaura Prabhu and asked him to inform Guru Maharaja that, we cancel the class due to your tiredness and for rest. If Guru Maharaja say anything - please let me know. And Guru Maharaja was in the meeting with Doctors' forum. Regarding, tomorrow's visit to Rela Institute to remove the draining tube in his abdomen. And at last decided that tomorrow they won't go to the hospital.

And around 7:15pm Tarun Gaura Prabhu asked Guru Maharaja about the class. And Guru Maharaja asked me to come now. "I was tired yesterday, but today I got energy. So, I will give class. Come now!" Wow! So immediately we started and reached Guru Maharaja's residence. And, when I reached Guru Maharaja, he was discussing with Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu, and there was a discussion about medicine, etc. And Guru Maharaja said, "It is all speculation!" And everyone was laughing. Then Guru Maharaja saw me and said, "Yes! I am ready for my class! I was waiting for you!"

Then it was very nice session. And when he heard Vrajesvara Gaura Prabhu's announcement, immediately Guru Maharaja was happy to hear him. Then he blessed all the devotees, and we showed some devotees randomly. After the class, Guru Maharaja was watching Wion News Channel about Russia-Uktaine issue. Then, Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu came to do dressing, and also said, we can remove the tube by ourselves. But, Guru Maharaja was not ready for it. So, tomorrow morning they will do this procedure of removing the tube. 

I played Srila Prabhupada's class given on April 6, 1975 in Mayapur. Guru Maharaja was listening to the complete class and said, "Where is the difficulty to make yourself perfect in Krishna consciousness? You are all young people!" And he was repeating the same what Srila Prabhupada said. And we checked his BP, it was low. Then we called Doctor. Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu entered the room and check the BP again. And decider to give some lemon water. Sarva Mangala Krishna Nama Prabhu made a lemon water and mixed salt. Guru Maharaja drank a sip, and said it is too salty! Then he asked Sarva Mangala Prabhu drink the remaining. And again he went to make a lemon water without salt. Then Guru Maharaja said, "Lemon water seem like Merina beach water." And Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu said, beach is just behind couple of Kilometers. And Guru Maharaja said, "This beach is Karunanidhi's Caranamrta!" Everyone started to laugh. I said, "We don't know, in which body he is now!" And Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu said, "He must be in hell, will take millions of years to come out from hell."

I told Guru Maharaja, "Maha Varaha Pr and Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu went to Nitya Kalyana Perumal temple with Mahesa Gaura Govinda Prabhu. And we heard in your lecture that, this temple is not recommended for brahmacaris!!!" And everyone was laughing. And Guru Maharaja also was laughing. Then Lemon water came, and Sarva Mangala Pr gave it to Guru Maharaja, it was so savour. And he took a sip and said, it is all for you, Sarva Mangala Prabhu. Then, Guru Maharaja's BP came to normal. And went to bed.

Just before class, Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu said to Gur Maharaja about a discussion in SIDC conference that, one lady who attended the online Bhakti-sastri course, but she didn't leave eating non-veg. Then, she said, it seems. In Gita where Lord Krishna says - you should not eat non-veg. And there are lot of discussion in this matter. Then Guru Maharaja said the same thing to us and asked us, where in Bhagavad-gita it is said? And like this he was mimicking that lady. Where it is said in Gita? And was joking like this and laughing. We need to make them not only sastri, we need to make them Bhakti-sastri. So, we were all happy, seeing Guru Maharaja playing with us, joking with us, discussing with us. As last night, he was super tired and very much fragile. Today he is healthier.

During class, he also said that today is 50th anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's visit to Vishakhapatnam. And there was a celebration last week in Chennai for Srila Prabhupada 50 in Chennai. But, Guru Maharaja said, they can celebrate this whole year as 50th year. And finally at 11:45pm Guru Maharaja slept. (Syama Rasika dasa - Personal Diary)

19/FEB/2022 - Chennai, India

(19/FEB/2022 - Chennai, India) This morning Guru Maharaja woke up to take his medicine, and he was joking and playing with us all. As morning shift devotees came Guru Maharaja greeted them one by one by calling out their names. And we took leave from our shift.

Evening we came at 6:30pm to arrange for the evening class. And Guru Maharaja was taking his dinner, and he was very energetic. And welcomed us. After taking his dinner, he went inside his room to refresh, and meanwhile we were arranging for the class. And then, Guru Maharaja vomited whatever he ate, and immediately his body became too tired. And we said, it is better to cancel the class and take rest. But, Guru Maharaja took some time relaxing and said he will come.

To our astonishment, he came to the hall, and started to sing the mangalacarana. But, after sometime, he started to repeat the Panca-tattva mantra again and again, and again Hare Krishna maha-mantra. Then we thought something wrong. And Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu asked Guru Maharaja, but Guru Maharaja wanted to continue the class. But again he started from Panca-tattva mantra. So we took up the mic and said we will end here. But, Guru Maharaja said, no! I will answer two questions. 

Then he gave answer to three questions and came back his room and took his milk and went to bed. Then Guru Maharaja asked for the first class flights from middle east to USA. And Maha Varaha Prabhu was showing him all different flights and its facilities.

Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu, cleaned and did the dressing again. But, it was painful. Then after that, I said to Guru Maharaja, "You said, few times that, when you were ill - you listen yo Prabhupada and it is like a painkiller for you. So shall we play some Prabhupada lecture?" Then Guru Maharaja gave like a Okay signal. Then we played 1975 April 5, Caitanya-caritamrta class, and Guru Maharaja was listening to it for 20mins and fell a sleep.

This is a recovery time, and now Guru Maharaja is almost like house arrest. And somehow, he wanted to overcome this. And travel and preach, wants to go back to Mayapur. Praying to Lord Narasimhadeva to give all strength to cross over this situation. (Syama Rasika dasa - Personal Diary)

18/FEB 2022 - Chennai, India

(18/FEB 2022 - Chennai, India) After completing the night shift, Guru Maharaja also woke up around 4:30am and 5am we suppose to give medicine. And morning shift devotees entered the room.

Guru Maharaja was telling about his dream. He said, it is some dream. In Australia Costal area in a beach, people were there, and a shark comes there. And then another incident in Melbourne Guru Maharaja was not able to walk, then someone gives him a wheelchair. Then another thing, Bhakti Purusottama Swami Maharaja preaching in Australia, and Guru Maharaja said, it is summer, so Maharaja was wearing a sunglasses. And Guru Maharaja saw, Maha Purana Prabhu and said, you were not there in Australia, but I saw Sarva Mangala Krishna Nama Prabhu in Australia.

Then when Guru Maharaja saw Deva Gauranga Prabhu, he said, "Deva Gauranga! I was in separation from your for last 24 hours!" And when Sarva Mangala Krishna Nama Prabhu said, "We take leave now from our night shift!" Guru Maharaja, just hugged him and said, "My dear Sarva Mangala! Please don't leave me!" And like this during the morning hours, Guru Maharaja was exchanging his loving words, morning greetings with servants.

Then I said to Guru Maharaja that, Sripad Jananivasa Prabhu sent his respects to you Guru Maharaja, after seeing your first live class, after a month time. Then Guru Maharaja asked, "As he started his book work?" Then I said, we will arrange zoom session, where you can talk to him face-to-face. Guru Maharaja said, "Okay!"

Then again I came back around 7:15pm to setup a class. And Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu collected lot of questions. And Guru Maharaja just finished his dinner, and we started out setup. And Guru Maharaja gave a nice question and answer session.

After the class, from ISKCON Turaiyur, Rukmiha Prabhu and family came to take darsana of Guru Maharaja, and they brought a Adi-sesha naga for the temple project. And Guru Maharaja asked him, "Have you completed the Bhu-Varaha Puja?" Then said, "Yes!" Then Guru Maharaja touched the Deity and prayed to Adisesa.

Guru Maharaja was tired. As today he was having his TOVP-E meeting this morning for two hours. And then, evening GBC meeting. So he went to bed immediately. And after going to bed, Doctor Hari Guru Prabhu came to do dressing of the operated arae. It is big! Then he removed the badage and did the dressing. It was very painful. But it is healing. And then Guru Maharaja slept at around 10:45pm. (Syama Rasika dasa - Personal Diary)

17/FEB/2022 Chennai, India

(17/FEB/2022 Chennai, India) Today morning I came to meet Guru Maharaja around 10:30am with Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu. As Guru Maharaja was little free, because today Radharamana Sevaka Prabhu didn't come for shift, the previous day, the morning shift did 16 hours seva, so today afternoon shift will do 16 hours. So today the afternoon shift was there from morning 5am. I thought to utilize this opportunity talk with Guru Maharaja regarding Madana Gopala Deity in Belpukur, and give Guru Maharaja some updates.

First Maha Varaha Prabhu and I had a talk with Kirtana Priya Prabhu regarding the progress about Madana Gopala Deity casting, and renovations. Kirtana Priya Prabhu sent latest pictures of Madana Gopala dressing in ISKCON style with new garments. So, Guru Maharaja was lying on his bed, and Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu was ready to make the dressings. Then Guru Maharaja said, I will first watch Madana Gopala. So, Guru Maharaja saw the Mula-vigraha and Utsava-vigraha and said, utsava-murti looks thin, but Mula-vigraha looks bigger. And he meditated for a while and said, we can paint the utsava murti in blue like the Mula-vigraha. And suggested that we can do abhiseka for salagrama. And Guru Maharaja saw the Deity for long time. And then Doctor did the dressings and Guru Maharaja was resting and mainly he was watching news about Ukraine and Russia, also about Nepal riots.

Then again went to servants flat then along with Venudhari Kanhaiya Prabhu went to shop to buy batteries, and then went to temple and took darsana of the Deities and then collected mic stand for evening class and returned to Guru Maharaja's residence. And Guru Maharaja was little free, so I asked him about the upcoming Santipur festival, as Bhakti Nityananda Swami Maharaja is not ill, and he was leading this festival. Every year, ISKCON Mayapur spend around 13  to 15 lakhs. So, I asked Guru Maharaja, do you have any instruction on collecting funds for this festival. But, Guru Maharaja just asked, when is the festival?

Then also, I asked about his charity projects - can be taken by disciples and continue the services, such as donating dhal and rice for Surabhi kunja matha, every Gaura Purnima. Charity for Madana Gopala Deities; GBC gifts for every Gaura Purnima, and Guru Maharaja said, now GBC meetings are happening face to face on Zoom. Guru Maharaja heard me.

And it was around 6:30pm Guru Maharaja was preparing to take his dinner. And Dr. Hari Guru Prabhu brought a couple (who were also Doctors Dr. Aman and Dr. Ankita) recently got married a week back, and Guru Maharaja blessed and both of them and gave a short speech about grhastha asrama and instructed them.

"[...] normally people forget Krishna; and if the people remember Krishna and you together try to serve Krishna. And then you can achieve all success. Svayambhuva Manu, he was a grhastha, he had several children. But he always did his grhastha life Krishna consciously. And also he became the grand father of Kapila deva. So he had Personality of Godhead as his grand son. In Chennai I saw a drama, where they had some gurukula children played the role of Yamaduta and Yamaraja, "What can we do? We have nothing to do! In their house they have Bhagavad-gita, Bhagavatam; they are chanting japa, they have Deities. Everyone is going back to Godhead. So what do we do?" Yamadutas were asking. They were ready to resign as they see in the future lot of people are Krishna conscious. But we know that was drama and very few are Krishna conscious now. So as Krishna conscious grhasthas, you can encourage others to take up devotional service. And Krishna, He will be happy if you take care of each others; take care of your children, and serve Krishna. I am happy that you both have taken this step. In Kali-yuga, it is especially recommended that to practice grhastha life. One should engage in devotional service. Hare Krishna!" 

After addressing the couple, Guru Maharaja honored his dinner prasadam. While Guru Maharaja was taking his dinner, Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu's son Dhruva Prabhu was there and Guru Maharaja asked him to check on internet - about Covid cases in Chennai, Dubai, UK, USA, West Bengal, and he was checking and giving reports one by one! Meanwhile, I was preparing for the live class, as today is the first day, gathering necessary things, and checking things took some time. And Guru Maharaja completed his dinner and went to his room and was waiting for our set up. And Guru Maharaja came out and was asking Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu about Nepal riots and asked to check about Dr. Acarya Ratna Prabhu - who is now in Nepal.

Then we began the class, Guru Maharaja's voice was very clear and we thought we will take two or three questions and end the class. But, Guru Maharaja continued with few more questions, and the class was almost 30 mins. All the devotees were so happy seeing Guru Maharaja after a month time. And Guru Maharaja also was happy, seeing the devotees. There was a question from South America. At that time Lilavati mataji's daughter Mathuresvari was here with her husband to take darsana of Guru Maharaja. And we were just wondering how Guru Maharaja going to speak in Spanish and we have to repeat it, then Guru Maharaja saw her, and called her inside and said she can translate. Mathuresvari also took it up and started to translate; and Guru Maharaja was happy engaging her.

After the class, Mathuresvari and her husband (who is Nigerian), but with the OCI he lives here in Bangalore and works in IT profession. Guru Maharaja, also preached to him, as he said he is a catholic Christian, then Guru Maharaja said, we all worship one God, and Jesus said in his ten commandments, first commandment is, "Thou shall love God" and we follow bhakti-yoga, which gives the experience to systematically love God. And our of love we call Him in different names like Krishna, Rama, according to His pastimes, and activities. And he said, "Please take care of my daughter!" And he was very much impressed with Guru Maharaja's words! And took blessings with Jagannatha stick from Guru Maharaja! And Guru Maharaja asked him and Mathuresvari to be in touch with him via email.

Then Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu's wife Nanda Priya Nivedita Mataji and their daughter Gaura Priya entered, and the baby girl was very much got excited seeing Guru Maharaja, and started to rush towards Guru Maharaja, calling, "Guruma! Guruma! And they brought the kid inside and Guru Maharaja blessed three of them. Guru Maharaja discussed with Nanda Priya Mataji about his dental treatment. Then went to his room. 

As everything seems to be very normal, like before. Guru Maharaja spending time for devotees, and talking personally! And blessing with his Jagannatha stick. Due to Covid, we missed all these interactions. But still there is a fear, when devotees come and meet Guru Maharaja. But Guru Maharaja said, in Chennai there is Zero cases. Let Lord Narasimhadeva protect our Guru Maharaja! There are lot more to write, but due to time restriction, I think, I will stop here. (Syama Rasika dasa - Personal Diary)

16/FEB/2022 Chennai, India

(16/FEB/2022 Chennai, India) In this year 2022, I couldn't get an opportunity to serve Guru Maharaja personally. On the New Year Eve, I had darsana of Guru Maharaja, and few times when he goes for his pool therapy. 

As one by one of Guru Maharaja's servants got Covid positive, and Maha Varaha Prabhu started manage with available servants. And one day, I also became positive. Guru Maharaja mercifully prayed for me and blessed me. He asked about my health from Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu. Then after few days, Guru Maharaja got Covid positive, and other complications started. As I am positive, I couldn't join Guru Maharaja in this emergency situation.

And as we all know, Guru Maharaja moved from Kolkata to Chennai and remained under the care in Rela Hospital. Then Guru Maharaja came out of ICU, Covid and other complications, underwent few procedures... Now he is recovering in Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu's house - the fortunate soul in whose house for months Guru Maharaja will be staying. Thousands and thousands of disciples lament for Guru Maharaja's lotus feet to touch once to their home, in their lifetime, here Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu and family getting this wonderful mercy.

After a month time, I got a call to come and join Guru Maharaja's seva. Maha Varaha Prabhu asked me to carry Guru Maharaja's baggage from Mayapur, so 15th night, I booked my ticket to Chennai. Venudhari Kanai Prabhu, came to airport at night 12:30am to pick up me. He is serving Guru Maharaja and his servants tirelessly for last one month.

In the morning, I heard that Guru Maharaja going to the Rela Hospital for his weekly checkup. And Guru Maharaja left around 9:30am and returned back at 4:30pm. Maha Varaha Prabhu said, Guru Maharaja took his lunch sitting in the car in Car Park. Then after reaching the residence, around 5pm there was GBC meeting, he participated in that, the. Had some 20 mins nap.

I went to deliver Guru Maharaja's bag along with night shift devotee Sarva Mangala Krishna Nama Prabhu. When I entered, my heartbeat was high, going to see Guru Maharaja after a month. Revati Ramana Prabhu and his family was there, and Guru Maharaja blessed them. I paid my obeisances, then I took the bag and entered inside. I saw Guru Maharaja was very weak, actually I didn't know, what to react. He saw me and said, "Hey Syama!!! How are you?" I said, "I am fine by your mercy! I came to serve you Guru Maharaja!"

Sarva Mangala Krishnanama Prabhu started to feed Guru Maharaja his dinner. It was South Indian preparations, like rice noodles, soup kind of. But, Guru Maharaja was not eating much, he was just eating lotus seeds. Then GuruMaharaja said, "I am done!" Hardly he didn't eat any. Then we took him to Guru Maharaja's room. He said, "Idly will be easy to digest!" Practically last one month Guru Maharaja taking South Indian diet only. So, Radhika Mataji was cooking, and we informed her to make idly. And she said, it will take 10 mins. And meanwhile, Guru Maharaja went to his room.

Tulasi Prabhu came to join his night shift. And he made a list of South Indian preparations, like 20 different varieties of Sambar, 20 different varieties of rasam, dosa, idly, etc. And in that, Turkey-berry (sundakkai), Sun Berry (Manatakkali) was also mentioned. Guru Maharaja said, "I am vegeterian, I won't eat turkey!" Turkey is one kind of bird. And Guru Maharaja said, put it in big font, so that I can read. Meanwhile, Guru Maharaja said, we will go to the dinning table to see idlies.

Guru Maharaja was sitting, and was very tired and silent. Then I said few words on how Mayapur is getting ready for Gaura Purnima, everywhere nice colorful, flowers and gardens, and rooms are fully booked, devotees are preparing for the festival. And how was Nityananda trayodasi. And in Ekacakra Candrodaya Mandir, there was 25,000 pilgrims came on trayodasi, and from Mayapur the Sulabh Kitchen team went to back up in cooking to feed the pilgrims. Guru Maharaja was so happy, he said, "Jaya Nitai!!!" I also informed Guru Maharaja that, Jananivasa Prabhu is back to Mayapur after his treatments in Kolkata. And he is recovering now. And also preparing for the festival.

After giving a sort updates. Guru Maharaja said, "Today I am tired after traveling to hospital and meetings. I would like to resume the Caitanya-lila classes!" I said, "Yes Guru Maharaja, initially, we can start with darsana, then we slowly do like 10 mins classes."

"I can start with 15mins Question and Answers and gradually, I can start Caitanya-lila classes." Said Guru Maharaja. I happily replied, "We will do the arrangements."

While we were talking, and idly was still cooking. As the batter was made out of Brown Rice, it was taking longer than expected. And, Kisori, a little girl (Gauranga Prasada Prabhu and Sriguru Sevanandini Mataji's daughter) was standing there with folded hands. And Guru Maharaja said to me, "She do color nice pictures, you should give some of your puzzles to test her." I said, "Yes! Guru Maharaja! For sure! She used to take your Zoom darsana. Now she is taking direct darsana! She is very fortunate!" Guru Maharaja said, "She is devotee of Krishna!" And blessed her by saying, "Radha Krsne Matir Astu!" The girl was very happy, and Guru Maharaja was asking her, "How are you Kisori!!! Kisoriii!" And she said, "I am happy by your mercy Guru Maharaja!"

And finally, the idly got cooked, and Guru Maharaja started to honor the prasadam. And also they made steam-dosa. And from the kitchen Bhaktin. Kisori was bring dosa for Guru Maharaja, and Guru Maharaja would say, "Thank you Kisori!" Then, he will show his hand, and say "Bye!" And she will be with full smile and shy. Then Guru Maharaja suppose to take his protein powder, and Dr. Hari Guru Gaura Prabhu was called by Guru Maharaja to check the powder. And, he said, "You can take, this is plant based protein powder." And Guru Maharaja asked, "Dr. Kisori, what do you say, shall I take it or not!" She was like - didn't know, what to say! I said, "If yes means! Thumbs up!" She immediately gave her thumbs up. Then Guru Maharaja showed his thumbsup and said, "Dr. Kisori gave permission! Now I will take!" 

Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu joined the shift. Guru Maharaja went to his room, and started his medicines and other things to do before going to bed. And meanwhile, Ajita Gopinatha Prabhu, Venudhari Kani Prabhu. Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu and I were sitting and listening to Maha Varaha Prabhu, how Guru Maharaja was there in 90s. How much he was strict and also very much compassionate, and many different pastimes were shared. Then I took a leave and along with Venudhari Prabhu, I reached back to servants' flat.

This evening with Guru Maharaja was very nice. Even though, physically he is under so much of pain and tiredness. Still he kept all of us around him in enliven. The emanating mercy is a default  quality of Guru Maharaja!

And we discussed with Maha Varaha Prabhu about the Zoom classes. He agreed, and asked Janaki Ramacandra Prabhu to make an announcement in Media. (Syama Rasika dasa – Personal Diary)