Exactly 10 years ago on today’s date, half an hour after midnight we arrived at the gate of Bhaktivedanta Manor temple. It was a rainy and cold night. Being held by immigration officers at the airport for almost four hours, we were eager to reach the temple. Only the gate was separating us from our destination.
Janakinath Prabhu, who traveled with us, left the car to unlock the gate. A big sign on the gate said “Bhaktivedanta Manor temple.” With great awe I read each letter carefully whilst trying to hide from other devotees the tears of happiness falling down my cheeks. Prior to coming I heard many nice things about this temple and never thought I would be visiting, what to say about staying at this sacred place.
Once the gate was unlocked, Bhima, our driver, drove us in. Around 60 years old, Bhima Prabhu, with his red hat and joyful nature, exemplified the mood of service. (He waited for us for 4 hours at the airport!)
Janakinath Prabhu brought us into the ashram, pointed to an empty space on the floor and in his style silently said: “you can crash out here, see you in the morning”, and he disappeared out of the room.
We unrolled our sleeping bags and, in a few seconds, disappeared also, into sleep!
A couple of hours later, at 4am, the lights went on and an announcement was made: “Mangal arati time, everyone wake up!”
After the morning program and breakfast, I was shown around the temple. Massive goshala, nice devotees, wonderful gardens, delicious prasadam and the most beautiful Deities- Sri Sri Radha Gokulananda inspired the decision in my heart, ”I want to give my life to this place!”
Over the years I served in various capacities. In the beginning I was doing temple cleaning services, and then moved to becoming a guest master, and then helped with maintaining Srila Prabhupada’s rooms.
As the years moved on, I took more responsibilities in the men’s ashram and started assisting pujaris in worship. Eventually I became a pujari and was given further responsibilities in that department.
How is it possible for someone like me to be able to stay for so long at this sacred place?
A verse from Srimad Bhagavatam gives the perfect answer to that question;
Srimad Bhagavatam 11.29.10-One should take shelter of holy places where my saintly devotees reside, and one should be guided by the exemplary activities of My devotees, who appear among the demigods, demons, and human beings.
The mercy of saintly devotees combined with the purity of the sacred place is the formula that transformed my heart and desires, and allowed me to become a resident of the Holy Dham.
Your servant
Ananta Gopal das
2.5.2022
Bhakti Wisdom 