This past week we were blessed with the association of Syamabihari prabhu. A senior disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Goswami Maharaja, he shared with us about his devotional life.
“Gurudev has kindly engaged me in service to help support programs and festivals for 15 years in Costa Rica on Bhakti and Sadhu Sanga…”
— Syamabihari prabhu
Name (Spiritual Name if initiated): Syambihari das (June 2006)
Initiating Guru: Yuga Acharya Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaj (June 2006)
Teaching Guru: Srila Bhaktivedanta Vana Goswami Maharaj and Srimati Syamarani didi
Current Location (area only) or Temple you attend: Radhe Syam Bhaktiyoga Center, Costa Rica Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math, Spain
What is your favorite part of spiritual life? Devotional service to Guru and Vaisnavas
What was your breakout moment? (When did you feel you had finally found the correct path and teacher?) A dream with Srila Prabhupada at his samadhi ceremony
My favorite scripture is: The Science of Self Realization by Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
How has it inspired you the most and why? It was my first book on Krishna Consciousness. I read it and “became a devotee” (trying to be a devotee).
My favorite type of service is:
- Kitchen Seva (cooking)
- Prasadam distribution
- Listening to Harikatha
- Harinama mantra
- Financial bookkeeping
- Traveling for Vaishnava and Guru Seva
I think the best way to bring our community together is: Harikatha, Mahaprasad, Harinama, and Guru and Vaishnava Seva.
What is a spiritual goal or project you are currently working on? Preaching in Costa Rica and Central America — Project 2026–2027. Trying to follow the instructions of my Siksa Gurudev to ask for donations to buy a temple for Costa Rica devotees.
By Gurudev’s causeless mercy, I have been traveling for more than seven years with Srila Bhaktivedanta Vana Goswami Maharaj around the world, and many times I have had the honor of hearing Harikatha from Srimati Syamarani Didi. She hosted me at SVA Miami with love and affection for many years. I am eternally grateful to her and all the devotees who are helping her in Miami. ❤️❤️❤️
My Seva is: Since 2025, I have operated a devotee farm community and temple in Costa Rica. By the causeless mercy of the Guru Parampara, I have been engaged in service to assist and support the rent for two temples — Sri Radha Govinda Gaudiya Math in Barcelona, Spain (Acharya Srila Bhaktivedanta Vana Maharaj), and the Radhe Syam Bhaktiyoga Center in Costa Rica (Acharya Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaj).
Gurudev has kindly engaged me in service to help support programs and festivals for 15 years in Costa Rica on Bhakti and Sadhu Sanga, including hosting Vaishnavas such as Srila Bhaktivedanta Madhava Goswami Maharaj, Srila Bhaktivedanta Vana Goswami Maharaj, Srila Tripurari Maharaj, Srila Bhaktivedanta Siddanti Maharaj, Sripad Bhaktivedanta Sajjan Maharaj, Acharya of Sri Gaudiya Math Srila Bhakti Sundar Sanyasi Goswami Maharaj, Acharya of Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math Srila Bhakti Bibudha Bodhayan Goswami Maharaj, Srimati Bhakti Madhuri Uma didi, Srimati Ranga didi, Srimati Charuchandrika didi, and many other devotees.
By Srila Gurudev’s instruction, I have also helped financially support his transcendental Vani Seva through the printing of books in Spanish and English, including: Shiva, Bhakti Yoga: La Ciencia Confidencial del Amor, Cancionero Vaishnava Sri Giti Guccha, Sri Upadeshamrita, Madhurya Kadambini (English and Spanish versions), La Flauta de Krishna, Sri Damodarastakam (2025), and the Surabhi Kunj book (Spanish translation), financed in memory of Srila Tridandi Maharaj — coming soon. 🔜
Is there a specific painting or piece of art that helps you connect with the Lord? Seva Kunja and the Manjaris, painted by Srimati Syamarani didi under the guidance of Yuga Acharya Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayan Goswami Maharaj.
What is one thing you have learned from your Guru that stays with you every day? Guru Seva and Vaishnava Seva.
If you could share one message of peace or hope with a stranger, what would it be? Come to the temple, chant Hare Krishna, and be happy.
What is your favorite way to practice gratitude in your daily life? Trying to do some service for Hari, Guru, and the Vaishnavas.
