Category: General

The acupunctarist had suggested that Guru Maharaja be taken to see some
nature or greenaries. Dr. Giriraj prabhu and Guru Maharaja’s servants did
some research yesterday to see which place was suitable to take Guru
Maharaja. It was decided that today he would first go to have darshan of Sri
Radha Giridhari temple which is just nearby, opposite to the Bhaktivedanta
hospital and then to National park.

Guru Maharaja had his breakfast, facial theraphy in the morning and then was
taken in the car to the temple. Braja Hari prabhu had purchased a new Innova
car so Guru Maharaja could use it during his Mumbai stay. He had sent this
car from Juhu to Bhaktivedanta hospital for Guru Maharaja to use.

There was a big gathering of devotees in the temple. Jagajivan prabhu, the
Temple President honored Guru Maharaja by garlanding him and the kirtan
party gave a warm reception welcoming Guru Maharaja. Guru Maharaja was taken
in the wheel chair inside the temple. Guru Maharaja had darshan of Sri Sri
Jagannatha, Baladeva and Subhadra Devi and Sri Sri Radha Giridhari. Guru
Maharaja made his prayers to the Deities. Sometimes he slowly raised his
hand and sometimes he folded his hands to offer prayers. Later he was taken
to have darshan of Srila Prabhupada. Jagajivan prabhu offered garland to
Srila Prabhupada on behalf of Guru Maharaja. A mike was given to Guru
Maharaja and he amazed all of us by starting to lead a kirtan:

“Nitai Gauranga Nitai Gauranga Nitai Gauranga Jaya Nitai Gauranga

Jaya Sacinandana Jaya Sacinandana Jaya Sacinandana Jaya Sacinandana

Jaya Radha Giridhari Radha Giridhari Radhe

Jaya Jaganatha Jaya Jaganatha Jaya Baladeva Jaya Subhadra

Jagannatha swami nayana patha gami nayana patha gami bhavatume”

The voice was quite clear and everyone repeated and sang in ecstasy. Few
devotees have recorded the singing as well as the video clips of this event.
As soon as it is edited we will send you the url to watch this glorious
event. The devotees didn’t want to strain him too much and he was taken back
into the car and to continue his ride to National park.

As it was Sunday there was lot of crowd. It is a beautiful place unlike the
noisy Mumbai roads. Originally the plan was to bring him early in the
morning as there would be less crowd but it got delayed. The vehicles were
sideparked in the woods. There were many monkeys there. Being in the vehicle
Maha Varaha prabhu fed Guru Maharaja fruits while Deva Gauranga prabhu cut
them. Ekanath Gaura prabhu, Acintya Nitai prabhu, Isvara Puri prabhu, Tusti
Mohan prabhu they were all feeding the monkeys with cucumbers and had lot of
fun. It just reminds us of the Krsna’s pastimes with the cowherd boys and
their feeding butter to the monkeys! As it was getting late for his lunch we
returned back into the car, back to Bhaktivedanta hospital.

Radhanatha Maharaja’s blessings asking Guru Maharaja to lead the kirtan the
day before yesterday had come true today. May Lord Krsna keep blessing our
beloved Gurudeva to fully recover!

Radhanath Maharaja came to meet Guru Maharaja today morning around 9.15 am
along with Yamuna Mataji and Dina Tarini Mataji, Srila Prabhupada’s
disciples. They had only a brief meeting as Guru Maharaja had to go for
physiotheraphy session.

In the afternoon at 1pm Radhanath Maharaja, Yamuna Mataji, Dina Tarini
Mataji and other gurukuli devotees were scheduled to take lunch at
Bhaktivedanta hospital auditorium. Dr. Giriraj prabhu and Dr. Shiromani
Mataji had a spontaneous idea to bring Guru Maharaja also to the auditorium
to have his lunch along with them. Guru Maharaja immediately agreed to this
idea. He was brought in wheel chair to the auditorium and he was personally
received by Radhanath Maharaja. Guru Maharaja had his prasadam as per his
diet while his devotee servants fed him. Radhanatha Maharaja’s lady
disciples had cooked the feast for the guests. All of them happily relished
the prasadam. When they finished their lunch, Guru Maharaja expressed his
happiness and thanked Radhanath Maharaja, Yamuna Mataji and Dina Tarini
Mataji for their wonderful association.

Jayapataka Maharaja said to Yamuna Mataji how everyday he listens to the
Govindam adi purusam song sung by her during the Deity greetings. Yamuna
Mataji humbly passed on all her credit to Srila Prabhupada. She said how she
is happy to see Guru Maharaja’s recovery. Guru Maharaja mentioned that on
the previous day some devotees had sung few bhajans for him. Yamuna Mataji
responded if she could also sing for Guru Maharaja one day. Radhanath
Maharaja suggested that the kirtan could be performed even at this moment
while Guru Maharaja finishes his lunch. Everyone agreed and the gurukulis
sang Hare Krsna Maha Mantra with kartalas, mrdangas and harmonium. When they
finished Guru Maharaja asked Yamuna Mataji to sing. Yamuna Mataji sang
Namaste Narasimha prayers. Guru Maharaja then asked Radhanatha Maharaja to
lead the kirtan and in response Radhanath Maharaja asked Guru Maharaja to
lead the kirtan. Everyone felt so jubilant to see their loving
reciprocations. Radhanath Maharaja sang so beautifully Hare Krsna Maha
Mantra. When Maharaja finished the kirtan Guru Maharaja again asked Yamuna
Mataji to sing one more bhajan. She sang the names of Nitai, Gauranga and
Jaya Sacinandana. During the kirtan Guru Maharaja sometimes would be
clapping his hands very slowly or tapping his feet and also sometimes he was
repeating the kirtan. At the end Guru Maharaja managed by himself to raise
both the hands and chant, “Gauranga”. The devotees repeated after him and
Guru Maharaja again chanted “Gauranga” and the devotees repeated. Radhanatha
Maharaja said to Guru Maharaja, “so you are leading the kirtan Maharaja!”
Everyone burst into laughter. It was one of the most unforgetable moments
for all those who had gathered. The whole atmosphere was spiritually
surcharged with the presence of so many exalted Vaisnavas.

22-Dec-08 – Afternoon shift, 2 pm to 9 pm

Guru Maharaja was taking facial therapy from Dr. Mahabahu prabhu when we
arrived to his room. By his expert treatment Guru Maharaja could close his
left eye better than before and the face appearance is getting better day by
day. Everyday Guru Maharaja gets 2 or 3 times the facial therapy and each
session lasts for 30 minutes. Prasadam was served after his facial therapy.
Then the physiotherapist came to see Guru Maharaja to give bed exercises and
also to teach Bhadara Balaram prabhu and Ekanath Gaura prabhu so that they
can give the same exercises to Guru Maharaja as often possible during the
day.

At 4:30 pm the opthologist doctor came with their machine to check Guru
Maharaja’s eyes. They also appreciate face therapist’s treatment that Guru
Maharaja can close his left eye better and eventually Guru Maharaja will not
have his left eye taped while sleeping at night. When the devotees were
shifting Guru Maharaja to the bed his right hand accidently hit the rails of
the bed and Guru Maharaja expressed a sudden pain saying, “ouch!”
Immediately Dr.Shiromani mataji said this means the right hand started to
sense the pain and it is a good sign.

At 6:15 pm Jagannath, Baladev and Subadra deities came to Guru Maharaja’s
room. Guru Maharaja took darsan of Them, offered flowers and took a small
piece of prasad. After that Narataki Mataji, Srila Prabhupada’s disciple who
resides above Guru Maharaja’s room in the spiritual care department came to
see him and recollected how Guru Maharaja was serving so nicely Srila
Prabhupada.

Guru Maharaja was so tired after getting so many therapies since the
morning, so the servants desired to give him prasadam and put him to early
rest. At 8:15 pm Guru Maharaja was served prasadam and at 9:15 pm he was on
the bed sleeping.

Ekanath Gaura prabhu shared with us all how in the morning during the
physiotherapy session Guru Maharaja showed improvement in his walking using
the parallel bars and with the support of the devotees.

21-Dec-08 – afternoon shift 12 noon to 9 pm

Around at 12 am I went to Guru Maharaja’s room to join with Bhadra
Balaram prabhu. The physiotherapy doctor came to give bed exercises to Guru
Maharaja. The exercises were for his hands, legs and trunk. He was able to
sit at the edge of the bed for quite sometime and only with the support of
his hands. He was made to stand and sit for two times with the
support of the walker and with the help of devotees. The doctors are
focusing now to teach Guru Maharaja to stand on his own. Guru Maharaja sat
on a chair and took prasadam. After his prasadam he took rest.

Here in Bhaktivedanta hospital many doctors always come and check Guru
Maharaja. In this regard Guru Maharaja also commented that in Hinduja
hospital he saw the doctors only few times in a day and the nurses were
around him quite often. But in Bhaktivedanta hospital the doctors are all
the time around him and he rarely sees the nurses. He was happy with many
doctors taking care of him nicely and the atmosphere here is spiritual.

Yesterday when Dr. Shiromani and another doctor was with Guru Maharaja, a
topic came about the hospital deities, Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladeva.
They everyday visit the patients and the patients also get the deities
prasadam. Guru Maharaja told them jokingly that the deities don’t come to
see him. Dr. Shiromani mataji said, “No Guru Maharaja, you were taking rest
at the time when They came to this floor and another time you were in the
physiotherapy department at the ground floor.”

At around 5 pm I saw the Jagannath, Subhadra and Baladeva deities at the 4th
floor where Guru Maharaja’s suite is situated. Dr. Shiromani
mataji was also present with the deities. I rushed to see if Guru Maharja
was awake and he was awake. Bhadra Balaram prabhu was nearby him. We
prepared to receive the deities. The deities arrived after a few minutes and
the devotees brought Them closer to Guru Maharaja. He prayed for a moment
and offered flowers to Them. He took one small piece of prasad from the
deities. He was happy to see Them in his room!

The facial therapist, Dr. Mahabahu prabhu came to begin his course for Guru
Maharaja. Guru Maharaja was made to sit at the edge of the bed and was given
facial therapy for half an hour. His face is getting better everyday, still
his speaking and facial expressions needs a lot of improvement. After the
theraphy he took some fruits. Ratnavali dd, Devakimayi dd and Madhuri Yamuna
dd came to read get well letters for Guru Maharaja. The devotees’ get well
letters enliven Guru Maharaja always. After that again he got facial therapy
for sometime and Bhadra Balaram prabhu fed him dinner. At around 9 pm the
eye specialist came and checked Guru Maharaja’s eyes. After that Guru
Maharaja was put to sleep.

They are giving me intensive physiotheraphy treatment. Since two days they
asked me to, “Sit down, Stand up. Sit down, Stand up” like this for 10 times
(but with lesser support) to stimulate my leg muscles. They are also
teaching me to stand erect. Things that I used to do naturally I have to be
taught. Right eyebrow started to move today; beginning of facial muscles
unfreezing. They are giving me three kinds of therapies, physio, facial and
acupuncture. Acupuncture hurts me alot.

Note from Ratnavali: Dr.Shiromani Mataji and Ekanatha Gaura prabhu told me
that today morning after the physiotheraphy session, Guru Maharaja had
darshan of Srila Prabhupada in the ground floor and later he was taken in a
wheel chair to Jagannath Vallabha gardens inside the hospital complex. It is
a beautiful garden with so many vrndavan trees planted personally by a
vrajavasi. There are many fruit and flower bearing trees like kadamba,
parijata, chikoo, mango etc. This is the first time Guru Maharaja was taken
into an open area with grass. Guru Maharaja spent 15 min in the garden.

Later he was taken to the temple room of Bhaktivedanta hospital. It wasn’t
possible to take his wheel chair inside. So the local devotees held a mirror
in front of Jagannatha, Baladeva, Subhadra and Gaura Nitai Deities and Guru
Maharaja could take darshan of Their reflection!

We are now at Bhaktivedanta hospital. The devotee doctors at Bhaktivedanta
hospital gave a special reception upon my arrival. Doctors are giving me
special care and I feel at home. Various therapies are being given such as
physio, facial and acupuncture. Hope it all works.

Everyday Jagannath Deities are brought to the patients room. Srila
Prabhupada’s bhajan and lecture are being played on tape constantly. 3 times
in a day they have spiritual program. At 10 am siksastaka prayers are
recited in front of Srila Prabhupada’s murti. In other hospitals they only
give medical attention but I am happy to be here. This hospital also have
good medical facilities.

I am still not able to walk on my own. Before I leave the hospital I want to
be able to walk. Hearing all the letters is enlivening.

Your well wisher always,

Jayapataka Swami

HH Jayapataka Maharaj’s status report by Dr Madhavananda das, Director of
Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai

Maharaj was shifted to Bhaktivedanta Hospital today. The main concentration
is going to be on physiotheraphy and adequate rest for quick recovery. The
medical update will now be sent once a week and as necessary since he is
stable clinically. Please continue praying for Maharaj.

Hospital lila – Part 2

The day we had all waited for has arrived! Guru Maharaja leaving the
Hindhuja hospital after 2months of his admission.

Braja Hari prabhu and Rajasuya prabhu went to the hospital to bring Guru
Maharaja. Bhadra Balarama prabhu and Vaikunthapati prabhu were already in
the hospital for the night shift. Ekanath Gaura prabhu, Acintya Nitai
prabhu, Maha Varaha prabhu and Isvara Puri prabhu went in the morning to
assist in this process.

Guru Maharaja was given a shower in the morning, dressed in saffron attire,
pavitram on his neck and decorated with auspicious tilak on his forehead. He
was fed some fruits before leaving the hospital.

Devakinandana Prabhu organized the kirtan party and the other devotees to
give reception when Guru Maharaja arrives the Juhu temple. Everyone was
eagerly waiting to have his darshan. At 7.45 am the ambulance entered inside
and the devotees thought he was in it. But the ambulance was just brought in
case of emergency. Guru Maharaja came in a car following the ambulance. He
was very carefully lifted from the car on to the wheel chair. Braja Hari
prabhu garlanded Guru Maharaja to honor him and it was immediately removed
from his neck. Conchshell was blown invoking auspiciousness. All the
devotees had brightly lit up with smiles on their faces to see our Guru
Maharaja returning back again safely. Few matajis we joined together
spontaneously and we held a sign saying, “WELCOME” to Guru Maharaja. We also
sprinkled the soft petal flowers on the pathway as Guru Maharaja was brought
in to have darshan of the most merciful presiding Deities of ISKCON Juhu.

The atmosphere was very grave as Guru Maharaja entered into the temple.
Govindam prayers were played. First Guru Maharaja offered pranams with his
folded hands to Srila Prabhupada. Then Guru Maharaja was brought in front of
Gaura Nitai Deities. Prabhavisnu Maharaja also joined Guru Maharaja in
having darshan. Guru Maharaja was in deep emotions and in a very grateful
mood towards the Deities and devotees to have him brought back alive in the
service of ISKCON and the mission of Srila Prabhupada. As Guru Maharaja was
taking darshan of the Deities all the devotees were so absorbed in having
darshan of Guru Maharaja. Guru Maharaja honored caranamrita from the
Deities. Devakinandana prabhu gave a welcome address to Guru Maharaja. Also
Guru Maharaja spoke the following words in a mike, “Gauranga! Hare Krsna!
Thank you all for praying. Keep praying so that I can recover fully and do
some seva soon. Radha Rasabihari ki jai! Sita Rama Laxman Hanuman ki jai!
Gaura Nitai ki jai!”

As Guru Maharaja was about to get into the car, an elderly man approached
Guru Maharaja and spoke the following auspicious words, “With my 38 years of
medical experience, I can say that you will be fully alright and will be
without any leftover symptoms of the stroke.” His words appeared very
convincing and perhaps Krishna sent his blessings in disguise through him!

Guru Maharaja was again taken back into the car to bring him to
Bhaktivedanta hospital which is a 11/2 hour ride from Juhu. First went the
ambulance following Guru Maharaja’s car and another 2 cars behind Guru
Maharaja with some senior devotees and Guru Maharaja’s personal servants and
also Dr.Acyutananda Prabhu and Dr.Shiromani Mataji. All the vehicles side
parked on the way for Guru Maharaja to take his morning breakfast. Maha
Varaha prabhu was feeding Guru Maharaja so nicely. Again we continued the
journey.

The Bhaktivedanta Hospital has some domes on the building resembling a
temple. All the Bhaktivedanta hospital doctors headed by Dr.Madhavananda
prabhu and other devotees were present to receive Guru Maharaja. In the
reception hall, Guru Maharaja made pranams with his hands to Srila
Prabhupada’s murti. Then he was taken to the 4th floor where his room was.

Few devotees took the opportunity to have darshan of Guru Maharaja. Bhadra
Balaram prabhu’s brother, Siddhesvara Gaura prabhu had come from Surat to
give some donation which was collected from the Bhakti Vrksa members of his
yatra. He received blessings from Guru Maharaja. Narataki Mataji, Srila
Prabhupada’s disciple also spoke to Guru Maharaja. She is serving in the
Spiritual care department of Bhaktivedanta Hospital.

Sri Sri Radha Giridhariji and Sri Sri Jagannath Baladeva Subhadra Devi are
residing nearby the hospital at ISKCON Mira Road. The devotees took prasadam
there and some of us left back to Juhu.

Guru Maharaja will be having intensive physiotheraphy session for the
minimum next fifteen days. His schedule will be tight. Guru Maharaja wants
to soon recover and devotees are asked to keep praying for his full
recovery. Also visiting him is still prohibited due to his low immune system
as well as for having physiotheraphy sessions.

Patita Pavana Guru Maharaja ki jai! Nitai Gaura premanande Hari Hari Bol!

HH Jayapataka Maharaj’s status report by Dr Madhavananda das, Director of
Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai

Maharaj is being discharged from Hindhuja hospital and it has been decided
to take him to Bhaktivedanta hospital tomorrow morning to continue his
ongoing physiotheraphy. He walked using the parallel bars today. He was able
to move his feet well in coordination, but since his right side is weak, he
has difficulty coordinating his hand and shoulder. But everyday he is
showing improvement in his muscle power in all the limbs especially right
hand. Please continue to pray.

Afternoon shift – 12 noon to 6pm

We reached the Hinduja Hospital at 1 pm. HG Premadata prabhu, the Agartala
temple president had come to meet with Guru Maharaja and was about to leave
when we arrived. After HG Premadata prabhu left, Bhadra Balaram prabhu and
myself, we started preparing to serve lunch for Guru Maharaja. Guru Maharaja
was sitting on the bed and Bhadra Balaram prabhu fed lunch to him
affectionately. Guru Maharaja was unable to sit straight and he kept leaning
sideways.  Therefore I was holding Guru Maharaja to give him support.  Dr.
Syamlal prabhu asked Guru Maharaja to sit straight by himself.  Guru
Maharaja tried to follow his instruction; whenever he would lean sideways he
held the rails of the bed and managed to push himself back into the
position.  Guru Maharaja surprised all of us by suddenly picking up the
water cup kept on the eating table with his left hand and drank the water.
This was the first time Guru Maharaja drank water by himself without the
help of the devotees! Dr. Syamalal prabhu and everyone encouraged Guru
Maharaja by saying loudly, “Hari Bol!!”

Dr. Syamalal prabhu made Guru Maharaja to use his right hand which has been
weaker than the left. So he asked Guru Maharaja to eat the small sweet balls
(made by Stevia) using his right hand. Guru Maharaja tried hard and reached
almost to the mouth, but the ball was smashed just below his lower lips.
Then Guru Maharaja was asked to eat the balls with his left hand and he did
it comfortably.

After prasadam a nurse came and checked his BP. Guru Maharaja asked and
confirmed with the nurse if his BP was normal and it was. Around 2 pm the
physiotherapist came and with some bigger grains (motor and black beans)
gave practice for the right hand. Guru Maharaja was asked to sit on the bed,
his legs resting on the floor and his hands on top of the small eating
table. He was asked to collect the grains from the plate which was on the
table and pour it back. After many times he tried just to collect few grains
and poured it back into the plate. Next the therapist asked him to pick up
the grains one by one and put it out of the plate, he couldn’t do that, but
the doctor was encouraging his efforts. He had few more practices with the
grains and with the dish washing sponges to test the sensibility in his
hands. At the end of the therapy Guru Maharaja was asked to hold the small
eating table with his both hands and to sit straight for 20 minutes. Guru
Maharaja enjoyed listening to Srila Prabhupada’s Hare Krishna kirtan by
gently moving his body sideways in harmony with the music. Guru Maharaja sat
for 20 minutes without much strain. It was nice to see him cooperating with
the therapists and making improvements day by day.

During this time a famous Hindi actress who had come to Hindhuja hospital
for her personal reason spontaneously wanted to see Guru Maharaja to get
blessings from him. She was encouraging Guru Maharaja that he will get back
all his limbs working normal. She was explaining that one of her relative
was in a very severe situation for six months and she couldn’t even move her
fingers but now she is much better and even is using computer! She was
asking Guru Maharaja’s blessings so that her relative will heal completely.
Guru Maharaja suggested her to take caranamrita from the temple and give it
to her relative and he recited the mantra, akala-mrtyu-haranam
sarva-vyadhi-vinasanam visnoh padodakam pitva sirasa dharayamy aham (which
means, “Having drunk the water from the lotus feet of Lord Visnu, which
destroys all disease and takes away the chance of dying untimely, I hold
that water on my head.”) and asked her to chant this mantra while taking the
caranamrita. She immediately responded to Guru Maharaja saying she would
follow his instruction. She must be a fortunate lady to get the darshan of
Guru Maharaja.

The acupuncturist came around 4 pm and started checking the weak points on
Guru Maharaja’s fingers. The treatment is for strengthening his overall
muscles and for improving the functions of his middle brain. According to
the acupuncturist, Guru Maharaja showed improvement on his face, he is not
staring anymore when he looks at someone and the coordination of his eye
balls has improved.

At around 5 pm, HG Braja Hari prabhu and HG Devakinandan prabhu came to see
Guru Maharaja and were discussing about the details to move Guru Maharaja
out of the Hinduja Hospital. HG Braja Hari prabhu also read letters from a
book of get well letters made by Sri Lanka devotees and showed the drawings
of the devotee kids. Few of the kids had drawn Hanuman and Guru Maharaja put
that page of the book on his head.  Jai Hanuman Ji Ki Jai!

JPS Servants