All devotees of Vrindavan assembled at Krishna-Balaram Temple 8.45 AM
on 19 July 2010 for glorifying the cherishing memories of HG Aindra
Prabhu and it continued up to 1.30 PM. The disciples of Srila
Prabhupada and senior devotees in Vrindavan briefed the wonderful
activities of HG Aindra Prabhu and his contribution to sankirtans, and
a highlight of it is as follows:
HH Prabodhananda Sarasvati Swami said, “Aindra Prabhu carried out the
instructions of Srila Prabhupada single-handedly with the kirtanas and
influenced many people and especially the devotees of Vrindavan. Only
by chanting kirtan, one can achieve everything in this age. We must
learn from his splendid example how to reach the Godhead perfectly
affirmed to the instructions of one’s Guru. Aindra Prabhu chanted Hare-
krishna-mahamntra to his full capacity. Once I said to him, “Thank you
for complete dedication to Harinam kirtan” Aindra Prabhu said, “Thank
you for your kind words.” Krishna will award a splendid life for
Aindra Prabhu in Goloka Vrindavan for his exceptional dedication to
chant His holy name.”
HH Radha Raman Swami said, “To purify myself, let me speak something
about Aindra Prabhu. He was a perfect example of bhava-bhakti and
exhibited the nine symptoms of bhakti-rasa. Aindra Prabhu was a
tireless speaker and sometimes his Bhagavata lectures continued up to
10.30 AM in the morning starting from 8.00 AM. Some listeners sneaked
out for the morning prasadam served at 9.00 AM and they returned only
to find Aindra Prabhu still on tirelessly. He developed perfect
Krishna prem lovingly attached to Vrindavan Dham. He left USA to live
in Vrindavan and in 1986 he arrived here. Once I saw him with a
kamandalu and on enquiry he said, “I got it from one of the babaji’s.”
Such was his respect for devotees. Unfortunately we didn’t associate
with him as a great devotee, although he deserved a greater service
than we did. HH Radha Raman Maharaj also conveyed the deep sorrow of
HH Radha Govind Maharaj about the return of Aindra Prabhu. Maharaj
said Ill-health prevented HH Radha Govind Maharaj to be present in
this session, but praised Aindra Prabhu as a perfect bhakta who
chanted Harinam kirtan exceptionally well twenty-four hours a day all
through his life as Srila Prabhupadaji wished. Let him rest at peace
eternally in Goloka and associate in the nitya-lilas of Gaura-Nitai
and Radha-Shyamsunder.”
HG Brahmananda Prabhu said, “He was a perfect lover of Radhakrishna
and he led the fight against maya. His devotion to Harinam sankirtan
and attachment to devotion were magnanimous. Many have tried twenty-
four hours kirtan, but they failed miserably. At first, Aindra Prabhu
alone engaged in the round the clock kirtan, Usually, in the West, one
minute silence is held in memory of a bereaved person, but I want to
honour him always and memorise him forever. Let him be at peace with
Radhkrishna in Goloka.” After praising his unmatched efforts in
sankirtana-yajna, Brahmananda Prabhu chanted one round (108 times the
Hare-Krishna-Mahamantra) together with all devotees present.
HH Bhakti Vaibhava Swami said, “It was hard to believe the sudden
departure of Aindra Prabhu because he was exceptional. Aindra Prabhu
inspired all in chanting the mahamantra. He demonstrated a perfect
example of how the twenty-four hours a day non-stop sankirtana could
be made possible. He was unparallel in his attachment to the holy name
and congregational chanting. He was intelligent, wholly dedicated to
service and kind-hearted. He left us returning to be with Radha-Madhav
forever.”
HH Bhakti Visrambha Madhava Swami said, “It was shocking for me to
believe the news of return of Aindra Prabhu. I first met him in
February 1995 and congratulated him for his exceptional capability in
chanting the Harinam and asked how he could derive so much
inspiration? He said, “Chant with perfect attention the holy name, the
name of Krishna.” Now he has been called back to Goloka eternally. It
is a sad day unfortunately for the whole world. It is Radha-
Shyamsunder’s plan to bring him back, but for us it is a great loss.”
HH Mahanidhi Swami said, “I am shocked to hear the loss of Aindra
Prabhu. He was a great devotee, who believed in sarva-sanga and
accepted saranam-bhakti (refuge of perfect devotional service). He
majestically executed sanga-seva (service to devotees). He was engaged
in twenty-four hour bhajan in Vrindavan and executed it even without
food and water until midnight. He was a perfect example of Bhagavat-
prema (lover of Lord Krishna). I met him first in 1987. He always
chanted his priya-nam of Radhakrishna. He paced his Guru within and
enjoyed the mellows of his rasa-raj Mahaprabhu dwelling in heart. He
enjoyed Bhagavat katha, sat-sangh, and Bhagavat-shravan and was
immersed in prem-bhakti in Vrajadhama. In processions, he was
precisely focused in Harinam. Once he said, “Bhajan is more brilliant
than the sun and we have to earn Vraja-prem for which we serve life
and soul to all devotees and everyone here.” He was highly rich (karor-
pati) in devotional service and he offered service to all Vaishnavas,
always chanted His holy name, and read the Bhagavatam whenever he
could.”
HH Kadamba Kanana swami’s message (read out by Pancagauda Prabhu, the
Temple President) said, “Aindra Prabhu successfully organised the
twenty-four hour kirtan in the Krishna-Balaram temple of Vrindavan. I
could associate with Aindra Prabhu in 1978-1984. In New York City, he
chanted the glories of Lord Krishna. He set a perfect example to chant
kirtans in ISKCON temples and chanted house to house, and inspired
kirtan culture. He once told me of his 108 silas and the Deity of
Gaura-Nitai in his room. I saw him in Vrindavan in 1998. The master of
music studied the pulse of Srila Prabhupada and the Goswamis. He was a
perfect devotee with courage and austerity and attracted many people
with his exceptional culture. He later became a resident of India and
lived in Vrindavan Dham. He was serious in chanting, yatra, and kirtan
apart from a perfect bhakta. Once, while he chanted, Srila Prabhupada
was seen jumping, and probably he blessed Aindra to be perfect in his
profession. His departure is not ordinary and it is a perfect example
of a success story. He established devotional service with untiring
chanting twenty-four hours a day.”
Thakurani Mataji said, “I arrived in Vrindavan fifteen years ago. One
day I was cleaning the temple and moved the furniture. Kirtan was on
then. Suddenly, a man thundered at me and said, “I am a singer you
know, I cannot tolerate this noise.” Gradually, I was attracted to
Aindra Prabhu’s exceptional style of tireless kirtans and he always
advised us to perform the chants and engage in devotional service.
Even great devotees had to undergo extreme sufferings like Haridasa
Thakura and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Aindra Prabhu’s departure
was the plan of the Super Personality of Godhead, Radhkrishna. His
loss is painful to all of us, but he set a perfect example for many to
emulate.”
HH Vir Krishna Goswami said, “Once on Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance
day, I heard Aindra Prabhu speak of his Guru Maharaj, and it was
exceptional. He said, “I joined to chant Hare Krishna Mahamantra,
Prabhupada told me. Harinam, Harinam and kirtanas and there is no
other way.” In retrospect, I told him, “There is some other way.”
Aindra Prabhu said, “There is no other way, rascal.” Aindra Prabhu
continued, “Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s drive to spread Krishna
consciousness made me here. People practiced yoga (meditation) in
sattya-yuga, they executed homas (sacrifices) in treta-yuga, performed
temple worship in dvapara-yuga, and sankirtana is the only way to
succeed in kali-yuga. Krishna is the essence of all means of worship.”
Aindraprabhu’s dedication was so exemplary, I can’t find anyone who
can set such an example. He taught us to appreciate each other. We
should serve the Vaishnavas. We shall stress to render service to
Aindra Prabhu to chant and dance, and it is the frontal priority to
engage in the twenty-four hour Harinam Sankirtana.”
Daivi Shakti Mataji said, “Aindra Prabhu’s departure shocked me. He
was a great inspiration to me and many others. His kirtanas were
absorbing and perhaps hard to imitate. Radhakrishna took him away
eternally. All of us feel the loss and I miss him so much. Like
Aindra, we should also engage in kirtanas and reading Vaishnava
literatures to receive the opportunity to engage in eternally serving
Radha-Shyamsunder.”
HG Bhuvanesvar Prabhu said, “Aindra Prabhu and I have arrived in
Vrindavan to live in Vraja Dhama. He had exceptional strength and
capability to be busy in Harinama sankirtana for twenty-four hours a
day and he inspired many people including myself. He was planning to
board a bus to sing kirtans. He followed the round the clock kirtanas
as Prabhupada instructed him. He made it not 100 percent, but 200
percent. He can just make it go, go and go in the Brahmacari Ashram.
He was perfectly dedicated to Srila Prabhupada until he fulfilled
Prabhupada’s mission. His loss shocked me and many of us, but his
perfect departure from here and return to Godhead is again a great
example.”
Manjari Mataji said, “Aindra Prabhu’s departure is shocking to all of
us and especially to me because I regarded him as a great example to
follow. Once he said, “Eternal associates with Krishna are joyful like
the Gopis.” He was a staunch brahmacari. Once I asked, “What is the
mood of Prabhupada?” Aindra Prabhu said, “I have no experience. We
understand the eternal mood of Caitanya Mahaprabhu from Caitanya
Caritamrta. It may be Prabhupada’s mood as well.” He wanted us to
understand that Prabhupada came to give us Krishna. I believe chanting
is the eternal mood of Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Prabhupada returned
distributing parama bhakti towards Radhakrishna. He wanted us to learn
Gaura Nitai’s life and become a Gaura-bhakt and perform His wishes.”
Devkinandan Prabhu said, “We are sad about Aindraprabhu’s sudden
departure to Godhead. He always said, “Chanting of Harinam or
sankirtana is the mission of life.” He simply carried out the
instruction of Srila Prabhupada to maximum perfection possible for a
person. When it came out from Prabhupada and Aindra Prabhu, it was
blissful and awakening. I saw people dancing in ecstasy while Aindra
Prabhu chanted amazingly. People never missed his kirtans because it
was full of loving bhakti. Aindra Prabhu had great enthusiasm about
kirtan and serving devotees. He was a picture of perfection to many
devotees. He visited us and showered his blessings and gave nectarine
lectures, and I cannot forget the blissful experiences with him. He
perfectly followed the six principles of devotional services. With
least preparation, he gave hours and hours of lectures. He explained
the philosophy in a simple way easy to understand and he had profound
knowledge of the Vedic scriptures. His material body transformed into
a spiritual body and now serving eternally in Vrindavan Dham. His
feelings are always with us and he taught us to recite Harinama
offenselessly. He showed perfect love and simplicity free from anger.
Following him, we can develop perfect bhakti and reach Goloka and meet
him.”
Srimati Mataji said, “It was shocking to all of us the great departure
of Aindra Prabhu. Yuga-dharma is aware to all devotees. Aindra Prabhu
understood it and followed it perfectly. He continued his morning
kirtans for four and half hours tirelessly. I felt his presence
strongly and wondered how it was possible! I regret his absence very
very deep. His chants, sankirtana and the Vaishnava style of living
were pouring influences to many devotees. His enthusiasm was extremely
rare. Such a devotee is special discussing hours and hours glorifying
God and we all wish to serve as he taught. His loss is a great miss
and may his soul rest in peace with Radhakrishna.”
Matsya Prabhu said, “Aindra Prabhu’s sudden departure is a great loss
to us. He taught us to remember him always. Although he was
exceptional in bhakti and sankirtana, he didn’t give me a way to do
it. He taught us how to approach the Lord and take up devotional
service. His personality is revealed in his book (the book is still
under print and not yet published). He served in Vrindavan and Mayapur
and learned perfectly how to approach Radhakrishna. His explanations
are great giving minute details. Let his soul rest in Goloka enjoying
the wonderful pastimes of Radhakrishna.”
HG Premkishore Kishore Prabhu said, “The loss of Aindra Prabhu is hard
to believe for all of us and especially to me. He talked about very
high things. He taught us how to head to deal with spiritual devotion.
It is difficult to be Krishna conscious. Day in and out, he encouraged
devotees in perfect devotional life and recite the Harinam sankirtana.
He taught us how to chant the Hare Krishna Mahamatra tirelessly. With
his message, we should take up to perfect bhakti. He minutely showed
an example what it takes to surrender. At the moment of death how to
remember Krishna, and Aindra Prabhu was perfect in it. He was very
simple and followed his Guru perfectly. He has reached the eternal
abode of Radhakrishna and enjoying their nityalilas.
Radha Sundari Mataji said, “Aindra Prabhu arrived to Vrindavan to keep
alive the twenty-four hour kirtana. Anyone met, he called, “come and
come for kirtans.” He was always a special master to many young
devotees. He often said, “You cannot go away. Come and enjoy the
glories of Vrindavan.” When I asked what simplicity means, he said,
“Simplicity means what Krishna tells from the heart.” When sought
about how to approach the Lord, he said, “You have to first get Gaura
Nitai’s mercy.” Once he said, “You know the way I want to die?” I
meddled, “Why talk about it now, a long way ahead.” Aindra Prabhu
said, “I want to be alone at the lotus feet of Gaura Nitai.” Aindra
Prabhu was special to all, but I felt he was very special to me. His
loss is a shock to me, an irreparable loss. May his soul rest in peace
in Goloka Vrindavan.”
Mahamantra Prabhu said, “Aindra Prabhu did excellent kirtans and he
always reached Vrindavan at around 6.00 PM. and I always attended his
kirtanas from behind close to him. He joined ISKCON in 1973 from
Washington D.C. He reached Vrindavan in 1986. There are so many fans
of Aindra Prabhu. He attracted very much love from people and he had
sub-connection with Prabhupada. Once I enquired, “Did Prabhupada give
you sannyasa?” He said, “Prabhupada gave me sannyasa.” I said,
“Prabhupada noted you devotees who can chant well.” Whenever he
chanted, all those listened to him were drawn to the ocean of bliss.
His loss is hard to believe. May his soul rest in peace and enjoy the
blissful pastimes of Gaura-Nitai and Radhakrishna in Goloka
Vrindavan.”
Mahadevi Mataji said, “It was with great regret that I learned Aindra
Prabhu’s sudden departure. He was a man of extremely special behaviour
and he loved everyone and all who met him too loved him. He was an
inspiration to many and especially I earned formidably from him how to
chant and how to surrender to Krishna. I was encouraged by Aindra
Prabhu’s influence. He had such a fine nature and RadhaShyam decided
to take him back. I miss his association deeply. May his soul rest in
peace with the blessings of Radhakrishna and Gaura Nitai.”
Giridhari Prabhu said, “The disappearance of Aindraprabhu was hard to
believe. Once I asked him, “Please tell me the best way how can get
bhakti?” Aindra Prabhu said, “Eat prasadam and always chant, Hare
Krishna Mahamantra.” Once he said, “I’m surrendered to Radharani.” He
actually was perfectly surrendered to Radharani.” Day by day dandavat
is a perfect way of surrendering to Gaura-Nitai and Radhakrishna. His
supplication to Gaura-Nitai at the last moment was his test of
success. His return was properly arranged. Even if he is away, his
presence is always in Vrindavan. Let him enjoy the nitya-lilas of
Radhakrishna at Goloka Vrindavan.”
Preetidasi Mataji said, “Aindra Prabhu influenced me very much and his
return is hard to believe. His association always gave me so much
confidence and it is hard to explain. He left all of us and all the
salagramas he made, and it is hard for me to forget him. He was so
much to me and his presence and directions gave me so much
inspiration. Whenever I asked, how can I receive perfect devotion, he
always answered, “chanting and self surrender are the best. I gave
everything in my book.” Let him rest at peace and let him be one of
the eternal servants of Radha-Shyamsunder.”
Mukunda Dutta Prahhu said, “Aindra Prabhu’s departure was a great loss
to all devotees. I couldn’t believe his return to Godhead. He often
came for mangalarti and continued his kirtan. He usually arrived
between 6.00 and 6.30 in the evening and performed kirtan. It was
always practical in his approach. Once he said, “I always feel the
presence of my Guru Maharaj. One can receive perfect bhakti by
worshipping the devotees, listening to the Bhagavat-katha, chanting,
and understanding the message of Bhagavatam.” I have great respect for
his pastimes especially japa. In New York, he moved in a truck and it
was like a small temple and he chanted the holy name of Lord and
enlightened all he met. His kirtans in New York were interesting and I
also attended. His Bhagavad katha inspired me and many. He loved
sweets very much. He observed catur-masya-vrata. Aindra Prabhu was one
of my Shiksha-gurus. He was exceptional. He was soft like a rose, but
heavy like a rock. He had high relationship with his Guru and
shisyatvam is the blessing to seek Radhakrishna. I am inspired by his
mercy. How to serve and perfect my duties, I learned from Aindra
Prabhu. He had high respect for service. He set an example of a
sannyasi and a perfect example of following the guru-parampara. He is
still with us here, although he moved to Goloka forever.”
Bhagavad Puran Prabhu said, “The loss of Aindra Prabhu is irreparable
and his presence was a thrill to all who met him, and I derived great
pleasure from his association. Many people and I have been inspired by
his Harinam-sankirtan. His kirtans attracted many wherever he went.
Let his soul rest in peace and let him serve Radha-Shyamsunder in
Goloka Vrindavan forever.”
HH Lokanath Swami said, (Pancagauda Prabhu read out the message ), “I
was shocked and shattered by the sudden departure of Aindra Prabhu.
Hearing this news, I took shelter of kirtans. He excelled in his
kirtan and bhajan. He distributed the blessing of Prabhupada in New
York for eight years. Then he moved to perform kirtan in the Krishna
Balaram temple at Vrindavan. Once when Prabhupada arrived, he asked
him, “What are you doing?” I am doing Harinam-kirtan and book
distribution.” The best of gosti anandi is the best of bhajan-anandi.
He had a unique style of performing kirtans. Aindra and kirtan have
become household words. We shared platforms together in Vrindavan and
Mayapur. He inspired me and he was one of my spiritual hearers.
Hopefully I join you wherever you are.”
HG Pancagauda Prabhu concluded the gathering and said about Aindra
Prabhu, “His is a great loss to all of us. He was unique in kirtans
and well supportive. Let him be at peace with Radha-Govinda and enjoy
their glorious nitya-lilas forever.”
At 1.30 PM, bhogas and puspanjali were held. At 2.00 PM, a sumptuous
feast was held in memory of Aindra Prabhu and prasadam was distributed
too those gathered.
Again the devotees of Vrindavan convened at the Krishna-Balaram temple
at 7.30 PM and many devotees spoke their cherishing memories about
Aindra Prabhu. The assembly continued up till 11.30 PM. Many were in
tears when they spoke of their lost friend, inspirer, leader, master,
and guru. Even though Aindra Prabhu was a loss to the Bhuloka-
Vrindavan, he will be a great gain to the Goloka Vrindavan and we
cherish your glories in the depth of our hearts. Aindra Prabhu left us
drinking the nectarine anitya-lilas in this mortal world, but he will
be enjoying the nitya-lilas forever with Radha-Shyamsunder. Let Aindra
Prabhu ever live in the memories of the devotees of Vrindavan and the
Vrajavasis. Let Aindra Prabhu’s inspiration spread far and wide all
over the globe through the recorded CDs of his masterpiece and his
book expected to be published soon.
Time too sung the glories of Aindra Prabhu :
Aindra Prabhu lived in Vrindavan for the past 24 years to rejuvenate
this glorious place with his inspiring 24 hour matchless kirtans as
his Guru Srila Prabhupada instructed him. He usually performed
sankirtana in the temple between 6.00 - 6.30 PM in winter and
6.30-7.00 PM in summer. He was finally rested on the bank of Yamuna
and his funeral pyre was also lit at the same time he often begun his
sankirtana-yajna. His life was full of glories blessed with the
science of astrology and numerology, and it is noticeable as the
numbers too stood in salutation chanting his glories.
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