When we left the U.S. to go on pilgrimage to Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s pastime places around Puri, we were anticipating pure bliss, and that’s exactly what we got. On the very first day of our yatra, however, Madhava Nandan Prabhu warned us that many obstacles must be overcome before one actually gains entrance into the holy dhama.  Granted, we did have to endure some hardships before we could actually enter the transcendental dhama, but by Srila Prabhupada’s mercy and that of senior devotees such as His Holiness Romapada Maharaja, we were able to overcome them.  In fact, when Rompada Maharaja took us and about fifty other devotees to pilgrimage places such as the Gambira, the Gundica and Lingaraja Temples, Satyabhamapura, Sweta Ganga, Alaranth and countless other places where the Lord and his associates carried out their transcendental pastimes 500 years ago, we felt a stronger, deeper connection to Lord Caitanya and His sankirtan movement than ever before.  Maharaja’s guidance enabled us to experience Mahaprabhu’s true love and to partake in something beyond our comprehension. We are deeply indebted to him for helping us to experience the dhama in its full effect.

By chanting the Holy Name through the streets of Puri and hearing about Mahaprabhu’s nectarian pastimes during his final years in Jagannath Puri, we were truly transported to another world. When we chanted in the dhama, the Holy Name felt fifty times more powerful. We also took the association of other Krishna conscious youth and had the opportunity to engage in service with them. Jagannath Puri Dhama has left a lasting impression on the entire youth group. I think I speak for everyone when I say that the entire trip was truly blissful.

-Ratish Pillai

This Gaura Purnima was by far the best Gaura Purnima I have ever experienced. From mangala arati to the evening feast, sweetness, ecstasy, and joy filled the devotees’ hearts. During the early morning program the atmosphere was particularly enlivening. Everyone was chanting and swaying to the kirtan, along with Giriraj Maharaj. Towards the end of Guru Puja, the electricity went out, but it didn’t disturb the mood in the temple room!

As the conch blew for Shringara-Darshan, Giriraj Mahraj led the way to the curtain and everyone lined up alongside him waiting to greet the Deities. As the curtains opened, we all began to sing the Brahma-Samhita Prayers in harmony, since the electricity was still out. We had the most amazing candlelight darshan of the Deities. They looked absolutely stunning. I had goosebumps all over my body. All of a sudden the lights turned back on, and the kirtan grew intense, breaking me away from my trance. Everyone was dancing with so much love in their hearts. By the end of the kirtan everyone was sweating, even Maharaja.

Afterwards, Giriraj Maharaj gave an hour and half Bhagvatam class. Usually we all get “antsy” sitting for class, but Giriraj Maharaja’s class on association was so powerful that everyone was left wanting more. During the lecture Maharaja said that when devotees desperately need, something Krishna makes the arrangements. Well, Maharaja spoke on issues that I desperately needed guidance on. There was a little break after class before we went to harinama, and the youth along with many other devotees gathered in the temple room and chanted japa. It was nice to hear not only myself but others softly chanting the maha-mantra. It was wonderful to actually do harinama on Gaura Purnima. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu started the sankirtan movement and we were out doing sankirtan in Discovery Green Park on his appearance day! It felt so right. The Holy Name attracted many people of many ages to chime in and dance along to the sound vibrations. It was definitely a sight to see.

After four hours of harinama we all went back to the temple room for four more hours of rocking bhajans! Usually the youth are always running around during Gaura Purnima, but this year we actually got to focus on the Holy Name, just like Mahaprabhu would have wanted. I was actually surprised I was not starving from fasting or counting down the hours ‘til we got to feast, like I usually am. The sweet taste of the Holy Name had satisfied my stomach. And the abhishek ceremony was beautiful. Their Lordships Gaura Nitai were just glowing, and so was everyone else’s faces as we watched Them being bathed by countless numbers of liquids.

Our small temple room was packed, and people had to stand in the doorway and crowd around the windows to get a glimpse of the abhishek. Giriraj Maharaj then gave another beautiful class and spoke about his book Watering the Seed. The day of Gaura Purnima was also actually Giriraj Maharaj’s 23rd sannyasa anniversary, so a cake was cut in that honor.

Afterwards, a long line formed for a book-signing by Maharaj. During the book signing we had nice, sweet bhajans for Sayana arati. Lastly, prasadam! Srila Tamal Krishna Maharaj used to say that because we have two sets of Gaura-Nitai at our temple we have double mercy, and sure enough, we definitely felt that mercy upon all of us on this auspicious day!

-Mohini Patel

Visiting Sri Mayapur Dham was an unforgettable experience. This youth retreat was organized by His Holiness Romapada Swami and also involved youth from other cities.

Photos TBA