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May 2, 1976 : Fiji

Hari Sauri: The devotees chose this morning, a Sunday, for the foundation-laying ceremony of the new Kaliya-Krishna temple in Fiji, which will also house both Radha-Krishna and Guru-Gauranga Deities. Although building work has already begun, Prabhupada dedicated the temple by throwing a few shovels of concrete into the half-completed foundations. A good-sized crowd - mainly Indians but with a smattering of Fijians - looked on as he presided over a fire sacrifice midst the excavation and construction. He awarded both hari-nama and brahmana initiation to Deoji, one of his wives, and his brother Karsanji. "Henceforward," he said, "he will be known as Vasudeva Dasa, his wife Bhagavati Dasi, and his brother Bhuvana-mohana Dasa."

He indicated his willingness to help but told them that ultimately it was up to them to see that things here develop. He had also provided the means for their constant engagement. "We have got so many books, four hundred pages each. If you simply finish this reading and hearing of these books, perhaps your whole lifetime will be engaged." He concluded by asking them to distribute this knowledge to everyone on the island of Fiji regardless of any material status.

Prabhupada was well satisfied with the whole ceremony and the support shown by the local people. Everything has been done by Vasudeva Prabhu and his brothers, with practically no outside help, save from Upendra. It is a very encouraging sign that things will continue to go on.


Reference: A Transcendental Diary Volume 2 - Hari Sauri Dasa