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
