All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga

Sripat Bamunpara Festival

at Sri Chaitanya Sridhar Govinda Seva Ashram,
the village of the Holy Appearance of
Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda
Dev-Goswami Maharaj

29 December 2004

by Asraya Vigraha Das of New Zealand

All glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga. Dandavat pranams to all the Vaisnavas. So to begin I would like to mention that we are fortunate in this world to be allowed the chance to glorify and visit the holy place of the Divine Advent of Srila Acharyyadeva Om Vishnupada Paramahamsa His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj. Those who have this opportunity are truly blessed! His Divine Appearance is the saving grace for countless souls who are suffering in this mortal world, and we who aspire to serve him are fortunate to have his divine connection.

Srila Gurudeva's Appearance in this world has been glorified in Sripat Bamunpara by a wonderful and effulgent Ashram and Temple to commemorate the worship of his Divine Appearance and the service of Sri Sri Guru Gauranga Radha Gopinathjiu.

At around 7.30 am we set off from our Mul Math here in Sridham Navadwip. The journey was in two parts. We were first welcomed by Santosh Krishna Prabhu and his honourable Vaisnava family at Arjjun Pukur not far from the turning to Nadanghat. Our party was led by Sripad B.N. Acharyya Maharaj, Sripad B.P. Aranya Maharaj, Sripad B.K. Giri Maharaj, Sripad B.P. Tirtha Maharaj, Sripad B.A. Paramahamsa Maharaj, Sripad B.N. Narayan Maharaj, Sripad B.A. Sagar Maharaj and many other honourable Vaisnavas.

Arjjun Pukur is nearby Nadanghat and is in the area of many of Srila Gurudeva's youth pastimes. The various dignitaries spoke and then we were served delicious transcendental breakfast prasad of many preparations. After a warm reception by all, we proceeded to Bamunpara the birthplace of Srila Gurudeva. Maha-sankirtan followed with many devotees singing with greater and greater enthusiasm, "Jaya Jaya Gurudeva!" "Nitai Gauranga!" and the Hare Krishna Mahamantra. The devotees chanted for at least one hour with some dancing and jumping in glorification of our beloved master, while others stood nearby chanting and giving their support.

We then sat down for kirttans led by our Bengali Sripad B.K. Giri Maharaj and discourses by His Holiness and other sannyasis. Soon it was arati to the Deities. As in the words of Srila Swami Maharaj Prabhupad: "Chant, dance and honour prasadam." What a beautiful process our beloved Master has given us for our eternal benefit.

We then honoured another wonderful grand feast. The festival was all arranged and organised by our energetic manager Sripad B.N. Acharyya Maharaj. As always, after the Vaisnavas were fed, all the local residents honoured prasadam. As many as 15,000 were fed if not more! Well what more can I say? I am not so qualified to glorify and give comment on the Lord's pure devotee His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj's transcendental birthplace, though I pray that he may accept this humble attempt.

Participating in such a transcendental festival for his honour and worship is our great fortune in aspiring to receive his merciful, divine grace. Oh beloved Master, we who are bound in the matrix of illusion pray always for the privilege of serving your divine instructions, your Mission, Their Lordships and all your faithful followers.

Yours in the service of Srila Gurudeva and the Vaisnavas.
Your aspiring servant,

Asraya Vigraha das
of New Zealand. Presently in Nabadwip Dham

Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Nabadwip
http://scsmath.com