A Vaishnava never Dies - HH Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaj ||

🙏This morning, at 9:20 am IST, amidst loving devotees sincerely chanting the Hare Krishna mahamantra, His Holiness Gopal Krishna Goswami, one of the senior most disciples of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, departed from this world.

🌸Maharaj is a pillar of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness and has served tirelessly in practically every leadership capacity to support and expand the mission of his spiritual master.

Srila Prabhupada right from beginning took great interest in the thoughtful young Indian man who sat attentively through every lecture and they soon began regular correspondence. Soon thereafter, Srila Prabhupada initiated Maharaj as Gopal Krishna Das and thus began a lifetime of service beyond compare.

🌸Maharaj served for years as Srila Prabhupada’s personal secretary and was appointed by Srila Prabhupada as a Governing Body Commissioner in 1975 with responsibility to oversee all of ISKCON India. Srila Prabhupada thereafter entrusted Maharaj with the task so dear to his heart — the printing of his transcendental books.

🌸From that time, Maharaj has been an emblem of book distribution, sharing of Krishna consciousness, building beautiful temples, and managing the international affairs of Srila Prabhupada’s mission, all the while remaining a gentle, humble Vaisnava who always has a moment to encourage others with his genuine care and affection. In addition, Maharaj’s sadhana is impeccable, often on the temple altar offering mangala-arati to the deities before completing the morning program, taking a japa walk, and then worshipping his own deities prior to commencing a full day of dynamic service.

🌸His Holiness Gopal Krishna Maharaj personifies all that is at the heart of ISKCON and will remain eternally revered and loved for his matchless service, dedication, and expertise in knowing and serving Srila Prabhupada’s will. We can only pray that we may each be blessed with but a drop of such courage, focus, and sincerity to serve, though never will the void of his physical presence be filled in our hearts or in our society.

All glories to Srila Gopal Krishna Goswami Maharaja🙏