10/01/97 - 1072

Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj returns from Russia

Vrindavan, India (VNN) - Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math reports that Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj has returned to Vrindavan, India, from a trip to Russia and United Kingdom. He had undertaken the trip despite his bad health and a five day hospital stay for treatment and observation just before the scheduled trip.

Devotees in Vrindavan are preparing for the arrival of many visitors from the west. Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj is said to be warning His disciples not to visit the Holy Dham as a tourist but to come for Krishna Consciousness and service: "One of my insistences here, is that if it is not for the direct service, please do not visit from Temple to Temple or visit the 'Loi Bazaar Temple' (local market). Why have we come here? We have come only for Krishna Consciousness, and nothing else." he told the devotees. He especially stressed in the places of the Lord's highest Pastimes one should do service and not be a tourist.

In other news the devotees report of an increase in Indian airport tax for all passengers leaving India from 300 rupees to 750 rupees.