Deity worship of Kaliya-Krishna and the Nagapatnis in the altar by a lady!
Mahamaya : Vasudeva dasa and his wife, Bhagavati dasi, from Fiji, came to visit the holy dhama. A few years earlier they had briefly met Srila Prabhupada as he passed through a Fiji airport, and they became so inspired by his association that shortly afterward everyone in their family was chanting Hare Krishna. Gradually the Fiji temple developed, and Srila Prabhupada had made Vasudeva the GBC for Fiji.
Construction of their new temple was nearing completion, and Deities of Kaliya-Krishna and the Nagapatnis, created by devotee artisans in Los Angeles, were to be installed. These unique Deities were chosen after a discussion in which Vasudeva said there were no snakes in Fiji, to which Srila Prabhupada had replied, "Oh? Kaliya must be there."
Kaliya, a multi-headed water serpent, was banished from Vrindavan by Lord Krishna because he had poisoned the Yamuna. Chastising Kaliya, Krishna danced on his heads and overpowered him to the point of death. The Nagapatnis, Kaliya's wives, begged Lord Krishna to forgive their husband, and the Lord spared Kaliya's life, but ordered him to leave Vrindavan. Kaliya returned to Nagalaya, his original home, which is said by some to correspond to the Fiji Islands. Srila Prabhupada indicated that Kaliya still resides in Fiji, and this led to the decision to install Kaliya-Krishna Deities.
Srila Prabhupada allowed Bhagavati Prabhu, who was cooking fantastic Gujarati preparations for him, to go on the altar to get training in Deity worship from Jananivasa Prabhu. Several mornings in a row she watched the pujaris, learning the art so she could return to Fiji and train the other devotees.
Bhagavati was privileged to be allowed on the altar. Never before had I seen a lady go on the altars in Mayapur or Vrindavan. Srila Prabhupada broke the rule out of practicality - Bhagavati needed the knowledge of Deity worship. I loved that quality in Srila Prabhupada - the ability to adjust according to time, place and circumstance.
Reference: Srila Prabhupada is Coming - Mahamaya Devi Dasi
Recently Added
Trending Today