Timeline of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami's Life - 1991-2000

CAMP – KṚṢṆA BALARĀMA MANDIR, BON ACCUEIL, MAURITIUS.

Woke up at 6.30 am. (only three-and-half hour rest). Took, shower and rushed to take the darśana of Their Lordship. Attended Śrīla Prabhupāda guru-pūjā. Gave Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam class. About 50 devotees attended. At end of class, devotees were discussing about the upcoming opening ceremony of their temple. They asked many questions about the installation ceremony of the Deity, whom to invite, yajña and etc. Discussion went on till 9.45 am. At last, the devotees with full heartedly requested Guru Mahārāja to present there for the opening ceremony which will take place somewhere in the middle of next year.

Took breakfast with devotees at the temple garden. More discussion regarding the opening ceremony of the temple with Śrīniketana Prabhu. Went around the temple which is under construction currently.

Today Guru Mahārāja’s program was not well scheduled because of the sudden change of program last night. Guru Mahārāja supposed to be in Mumbai today. Anyway, today is the last day at Bon Accuieil. So Guru Mahārāja plan to meet all the local devotees. I listed out some of the names. Meeting was going on till 2 pm. Sooner after the meeting we were drove to Caitya-guru Prabhu’s house (45-minutes drive) for the lunch. Advaita K Dāsa and wife, Śrī Guru-caraṇa and wife were also squeezed with us in the same car. Upon the arrival of Guru Mahārāja at Caitya-guru Prabhu’s villa they performed foot bathing ceremony for Guru Mahārāja followed by a mild kīrtana. As usually, green peas sprouts salad (caturmasya lunch diet) was served for Guru Mahārāja.

After the lunch, these few devotees discussed about the development of Nāma-haṭṭa and college preaching in Mauritius. Actually today is an auspicious day. Ekādaśī and the appearance day of His Holiness Gopāla Kṛṣṇa Goswami. Guru Mahārāja was invited too. We supposed to be at Phoenix Temple by 3.30 pm. We are late. Rushed together with Caitya-guru Dāsa and Advaita K Dāsa. Reached at 4 pm. Devotees were reading their offering. Guru Mahārāja gave his offering, glorifying the dedication and devotion of His Holiness Gopāla Kṛṣṇa Goswami unto Śrīla Prabhupāda. He also mentioned how their relationship started in the early days of ISKCON.

After the reading of offering and puṣpāñjali Guru Mahārāja took a nap for half an hour. Ekādaśī feast was served for Guru Mahārāja by the disciples of His Holiness Gopāla Kṛṣṇa Goswami. Sooner after the prasāda we rushed to a Nāma-haṭṭa program at Rosse Belle arranged by His Grace Sundarānanda Prabhu (leader). A 45-minutes drive, Guru Mahārāja was chanting his japa. All I know was I too were chanting for the first 2 minutes then upon the arrival, I realized my head was against the side glass with my eyes closed. Usually, this the good time for me to take nap. 150 devotees were eagerly waited for the arrival of Guru Mahārāja. Upon the arrival of Guru Mahārāja mild kīrtana became wild. Devotees were jumping in ecstasy. Some were shouting GAURĀĀĀĀṄGAAAA!!!!!!!!.

As soon as the car stopped Guru Mahārāja jumped out from the car and rushed to join the kīrtana. I quickly grabbed the karatāla and camcorder bag and swifted into the prayer hall. By the time I went inside the hall Guru Mahārāja started chanting NITĀI GAURĀṄGA!!!!! I quickly passed his whomper. Guru Mahārāja heated up the kīrtana more and more. After  an hour kīrtana Guru Mahārāja spoke on the pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Lord Nityānanda and their Nāma-haṭṭa preaching activity. At the end of class devotees requested Guru Mahārāja to continue with kīrtana. They love his kīrtana. Took milk and fruits after the program. Met few new devotees. Encouraged them about chanting. Came back to temple at 1.30 am. Took rest at 2 am.

Yours in the service of Guru Mahārāja,

Mahā Varāha Dāsa