May 20–26:
On May 20, Srila Bhaktivedanta Madhava Gosvami Maharaja, a diksa (initiating) disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Vamana Goswami Maharaja and siksa (instructed) disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja (Srila Gurudeva), arrived at SVA. His visit was a special occasion for our community.
Maharaja served as Srila Gurudeva’s personal assistant from 1979 to 2010. Srila Gurudeva often referred to him as his “mother, father, doctor, [his] everything,” highlighting the depth of their relationship. Through Maharaja’s exemplary service, Srila Gurudeva was able to travel the world, sharing his divine classes and Darsanas with thousands of devotees.
Brajanath Prabhu, Srila Gurudeva’s secretary, recounted a touching pastime: although Vaishnava etiquette generally prescribes that senior devotees sit in the front of the car, Srila Gurudeva requested to sit in the back. Later, Brajanath looked back to see Srila Gurudeva resting his head on Madhava Maharaja’s lap—a testament to the deep intimacy and trust in Maharaja’s seva to Sri Guru.
During his stay at the SVA men’s ashram, the brahmacharis had the unique opportunity to cook for Maharaja, sit with him during meals, ask profound questions about Bhakti, and observe his impeccable character firsthand.
“His example inspires me to keep moving forward and to progress toward our highest goal by serving Guru,” shared resident Brahmachari Haridas Das.
During his visit, Maharaja delivered enlightening classes on various topics, including the reasons for Lord Chaitanya’s appearance, the installation anniversary of Sri Sri Radha Raman Bihari, and fundamental teachings from the Bhagavad Gita. To listen to all recorded classes, visit our Facebook page.
May 24:
Rasaraja Prabhu hosted a vibrant Kirtan Mela at his home in Cooper City. Devotees enjoyed ecstatic Bengali kirtan, delicious prasadam, and inspiring harikatha by Srila Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Gosvami Maharaja, Srila Bhaktivedanta Madhava Gosvami Maharaja, and Srimati Syamarani Didi. We cherish the opportunity to share kirtan and spiritual fellowship within our community.
If you’d like the SVA devotees to visit your home for kirtan, spiritual talks, or prasadam, please contact our president Vasanti dasi at 347-727-8692.
May 25:
SVA devotees celebrated Srimati Syamarani Didi’s Vyasa Puja mahotsava (divine appearance day) with heartfelt remembrance, glorifications, and a traditional Guru Puja ceremony.
In one particularly inspiring moment, Krishna Mayi Dasi, an SVA board member recalled a pastime with Srila Gurudeva where many disciples were waiting in line to receive darshan, and Srila Gurudeva came to her with an important message.
“You must help start this revolution,” he said. As an elementary school teacher, At first, Krishna Mayi was unsure of what he meant. But as she reflected inwardly, she realized that the true “revolution” he spoke of was embodied by Srimati Syamarani Didi herself.
“How many female gurus are there? How many people can aliven others, especially women?”
Her realization was further confirmed on the rooftop of Devandana Gaudiya Mata in 2001, during a darshan with Srila Gurudeva. During their conversation about who should receive Sanyasa on Navadwip Parikrama, she distinctly heard him say, “And Syamarani? She is no less than any sannyasi.” These words became a guiding light for her, inspiring her ongoing dedication to Srimati Syamarani Didi and SVA. Today, she continues to support SVA through donations, time, and service; if you are interested in supporting, please consider donating here.
Subal Das, a talented photographer and disciple of Srila Narayana Maharaja (Srila Gurudeva), curated a beautiful slideshow honoring the many souls impacted by Her Grace. To view part one of the program, click here (slideshow starts at 1:20:19).
If you feel inspired to support this spiritual revolution and help continue her mission of love and service, we invite you to contribute through donations. Your support helps sustain activities that uplift and inspire countless souls around the world.
Let us cherish and emulate the qualities of Srimati Syamarani Didi—her humility, devotion, and unwavering dedication serve as a shining example of true spiritual leadership. Her mercy continues to inspire us all to deepen our love for Krishna and serve selflessly.
