The Glorious Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami

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Dear Devotees:

 

Dandavat Pranams.

 

Today, June 27th 2005 at 3:35 pm a Great Warrior and devotee, His Holiness

Bhakti Tirtha Swami Maharaja left his body at Gita Nagari Farm (USA) ending

a very sincere service on this planet to His beloved Spiritual Master His

Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, we are sure that HH BTS

is now serving at the lotus feet of Their Lordships Sri Sri Radha Krsna or

where ever Srila Prabhupada wants him to serve, His Holiness was totally

surrendered to His Gurudeva's mission.

 

His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami is one of the most prominent personalities

in our society and one of the best preachers from the first generation of

devotees in ISKCON, He will be remembered eternally in the Vaishnava

Community and in our family especially. It is not easy to describe the

feelings of grieve and lamentation that we have when such a great vaishnava

and warrior (part of the army of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu) leave us, although

we know that HH BTS is enjoying the Lord in His lilas, still we suffer for

his physical absence. Maharaja is a true Saint and we beg forgiveness from

Him and ask his blessings always.

 

"He reasons ill who says Vaishnavas die, for thou are living still in

sound. Vaishnavas die to live and, living, try to spread the holy name

around."

 

Maharaja is a perfect example of humility and dedication who inspires

thousands around the word with his enlivening lectures, I was once requested

by my Spiritual Master that if i want to develop Humility i shoud go and

hear Maharaja's lectures. and in this way we were shown part of the

qualities of Maharaja as humility is the quality most dificult to achieve.

 

!. All Glories to HH Bhakti Tirtha Swami.!

 

Here we are posting the reports sent by his assistants from Gita Nagari

farm.

 

For more info please visit http://www.btswami.com

 

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Monday 27th June - 14:59

The Journal of the Glorious Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami.

June 27, 3:30 – 4:00

 

His Holiness Bhakti-tirhta Swami passed away from this world, and into the

loving embrace of Srila Prabhupada and Sri Sri Radha Syamasundar at 3:35pm

this afternoon. Gurudeva’s passing was so graceful and peaceful, as if he

slipped out by the gentle hands his helpers to board his chariot.

 

Sangita Prabhu noticed a change in Gurudeva’s breathing pattern and alerted

Brahma- muhurta Prabhu, who immediately came and sprayed Radha Kunda water

around Gurudeva and applied Tulasi from Krsna-Balaram, Radhe Syam, and Gaura

Nitai to his tongue. Srila Radhanatha Swami had left the room briefly. He

was altered, and sat down next to Gurudeva. Shortly after that, Gurudeva

gave a very gentle breath, a kind of release. It was so slight and graceful,

so much so that half the people in the room didn’t notice it. It was his

last breath.

 

After this Sangita and Madhvacarya checked his vital signs. And minutes

latter confirmed that Gurudeva had indeed made – “the perfect escape”

 

As the final check of Gurudeva’s vital signs was happening the kirtana

intensified, and grew in the minutes it took. When the confirmation finally

was expressed, the kirtana roared, rising up with emotion. So many of the

devotees started to clap along with the kirtana, with their hands over their

heads. The devotees were crying, embracing one another, expressing their

feelings of celebration and sadness. Then Kalpavrksa Prabhu loudly chanted

the prema dvanai pranam for Gurudeva and for Srila Prabhupada.

 

The kirtana continued in Gurudeva’s room for sometime. Initially devotees in

the living room stayed there, but then after five minutes they stared filing

into the room, and naturally a queue formed, allowing everyone to have a

final darsan of Gurudeva in his bed. Gurudeva’s expression was so sublime,

like he was in divine rapture – in awe, in gratitude, in love. The

processional through Gurudeva’s room continued for ten minutes, and then

concluded leading out into the living room. From there the departure

ceremony continued with Vrakesvara Pandit leading the devotees in

Sankirtana, circumambulating around Gurudeva’s room and the Institute House.

Inside Gurudeva’s room everyone except a small group assembled to assist

Brahma-muhurta and Radhanatha Swami in the Samadhi Samskara process, which

is currently going on.

 

We will continue to send updates and pictures throughout the full duration

of the departure ceremony. The processional bringing Gurudeva from the

Institute House to the temple will begin at 8pm, est.

 

All glories to the most sublime departure of that great general of Srila

Prabhupada who deeply touched the lives of so many thousands and brought

Srila Prabhupoada’s transformation throughout the world. May his legacy be

carried by us, leading us to meet with him again in kind.

 

His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki Jai!!!

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Monday 27th June - 12:15

Journal of the Glorious Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami,

Tuesday 6/27 - 12:30pm-2:30pm

 

Near to 1:00pm the room filled with devotees again. Also outside of

Gurudeva’s room a sizable assembly of devotees are snuggled together in

front the door, getting a slight view of Gurudeva as he lies in his bed.

Both groups of devotees are chanting in unison the Maha mantra, to the

classic tune. There is a small path along side to allow for devotees just

arriving to come in for their darsan.

 

The caregivers continue to tend to Gurudeva; keeping his mouth moist, his

face clean and dry, lightly massaging his feet, ensuring that proper

circulation goes throughout the room. Two devotees are now stationed with

camara and peacock fan to add to the circulation of air, and comfort of

Gurudeva.

 

Radhanath Swami continues to stay fixed in front of Gurudeva. Sometimes

whispering into his ear, sometimes offer encouraging prayers. Often for

sometime he will tap Gurudeva lightly in time with the chanting, tapping his

shoulder and arms. His affection radiates throughout the room.

 

Looking through the windows of Gurudeva’s room, one can see the heads of

various devotees popping in and out to get a different view of Gurudeva and

the atmosphere. Devotees from throughout the world continue to stream in.

Dhanudar Swami, Rukmini and Anutama, Brajabihari - so many are coming! Often

the take their turn in fanning Gurudeva.

 

Through the medium of the holy names everyone is connecting themselves to

Gurudeva and to each other. We are all experiencing first hand just how

factual it is that the relationship with the spiritual master and with the

Vaisnavas, is of spiritual nature. For hours the same devotees have been

chanting in unison in Gurudeva’s service and in prayer. Certainly the

assembly present is breaching far beyond Gita Nagari, to include all of you,

and so many devotees in so many places. May this connection continue to

expand.

 

All glories to the most blessed departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha

Swami.

 

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Monday 27th June - 11:14

After the initial darsana of Gurudeva, in his process of departing, all the

devotees except a couple caregivers and Sangita Prabhu (the nurse) left the

room to allow for Sangita to do a proper examination. This brought all the

devotees together the living room where Vrakesvara pandit had recently

received began leading the kirtana.

 

Gurudeva had expressed such a heartfelt desire that Vrakesvara pandit Prabhu

be here to provide the kirtana seva that was so dear to Srila Prabhupada.

Recently Gurudeva disclosed to Vrakevara Pandit his strong desire to have

him present throughout his departure, requesting multiple times to stay and

“chant for me to go back to Godhead” he said “your kirtana helps me to

remember Srila Prabhupada and Krsna”.

 

As the devotees settled outside, Vrakesvara pandit’s very sweet and solemn

voice gradually compelled the hearty participation of everyone in the room.

As he chanted the whole assembly listened, feeling solace and inspiration.

Then the whole assembly responded as one chorus, together finding the

shelter and grace of Krsna’s holy names.

 

After mother Sangita was finished the rest of the caregivers returned, and

small groups of devotees were escorted in to spend some minutes before

Gurudeva. Often they were invited to take a turn fanning Gurudeva. Groups of

the local children and youth, God brothers and sisters, disciples and well

wishers gradually came in for a final darsan. As they come forth, they

offered their homage. And, facing Gurudeva’s transition, prayed to solidify

their own transition in preparing to remain dedicated to Gurudeva in his

physical absence.

 

The caregivers remain around Gurudeva, massaging his lotus feet and hands,

periodically spraying radha kunda water. Radhanatha Swami is always by

Gurudeva’s side as his “Maha friend”. His face and disposition reveal his

deep and intimate love for his dear friend and Godbrother.

 

There is some slight visible interaction between Gurudeva and his outward

surroundings. Mostly the interaction happens through the Holy Names, and

spiritual vision of the devotees there. From time to time Gurudeva will

adjust his vision of his surroundings. Srila Radhanatha Swami sometimes

speaks in Gurudeva’s ear. Recently a tear streamed down from Gurudevas left

eye. Everyone is so proud that their friend and master is now receiving the

greatest blessings. He is obviously embracing this wonderful new phase of

his service. May we embrace it ourselves.

 

We will continue updating as much as possible.

 

All glories to the most blessed departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha

Swami!

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Monday 27th June - 08:47

The Journal of the Departure of His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami. June 27th,

morning (9:30-10:30am)

 

Gurudeva lays surrounded by his caregivers. Srila Radhanatha Swami holds

Gurudeva’s hand, as it holds a Govardhana Sila which sits in his hand facing

him. Ekavira is on his left massaging his left hand; Druva is massaging his

lotus feet. Other caregivers take turns holding another Govarhdana sila on

Gurudevas head. Agni Prabhu fans Gurudeva with a peacock fan at his right. A

molding of Srila Prabhupada rests by Gurudeva’s left arm. Gurudeva is

adorned with chandan, a large tulasi garland from the Panca tattva and a

maha garland from Radha Damodara. The day is clear, and the room serene. A

unison chanting of Hare Krsna, in the classic tune pervades the whole house.

It is sweet and stately. Srila Prabhupada looks upon Gurudeva from the altar

that faces him above his feet. Beautiful images of Krsna with the

Cowherdboys and Gopis surround Gurudeva. Gurudeva is serene and transfixed.

 

There is a slow queue of devotees coming in and offering obeisances. Many

bring their deities to show Gurudeva. They offer their prayers, their tears,

and after a brief darsana return to the living room where the majority of

devotees are seated together in unison kirtana. Everything is organized and

harmonious. Fresh air circulates throughout Gurudeva’s room. It is the best

of times and the saddest of times. Glory abounds. As from all directions,

throughout the room and house and from within the devotees, comes forth

deepest reciprocation for the magnificent sacrifice, compassion and love

that Gurudeva has gifted to us all.

 

His Holiness Bhakti-tirtha Swami Maharaj Ki, Jai!

 

We will keep you updated throughout the day!

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