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September 6, 2003 VNN8328
Disappearance Of Radharani Devi Dasi
SUBMITTED BY LILASUKA DAS AND BV BHAKTISAR, FAMILY FRIENDS
AUSTRALIA, Sep 6 (VNN) Disappearance Of Radharani devi dasi, 17
All Glories unto Sri Sri Guru and Gauranga! This 15th July marked the disappearance of Radharani devi dasi (affectionately known as Radhi), disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja, only three months after her 17th birthday.
She left in the association of her parents Jaya Krsna Prabhu and Hari Mohini Devi after a 12 hours sickness with meningococcal disease.
Radhi was very fortunate to be born into a Vaisnava family. She also had the fortune to meet Srila Gour Govinda Maharaja, Srila BV Puri Maharaja, as well as her diksa guru Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja.
She was fond of deity worship even from the age of one. She also starred in many Vaisnava dramas that were performed for the pleasure of her Gurudeva on his Australian tours.
Murwillumbah is one of the largest centers for Gaudiya Vaisnavas in the English speaking world, and all are sadly missing such a young and bright personality among us. Many devotees from the different Vaisnava ashrams here attended her funeral, as well as many schoolfriends, teachers and other relatives. (See newspaper excerpt below.)
As well as a chance to pay tribute to a dear Godsister the local devotees took the opportunity to speak the glories of the Vaisnava philosophy to many newcomers who had previously only had limited contact with the devotees.
From the Bhagavad Gita the eternal nature of the spirit soul and the temporary nature of the body were explained as well as the Sanatana Dharma of devotional service. The lila (pastime) of Sukadeva Goswami leaving home at the tender age of 16 - with his family members and friends also crying was told. Then the glories of the Srimad Bhagavatam (which Sukadeva Goswami later spoke) was presented as the only philosophy that can remove all of our suffering.
Three local newspapers, The Northern Star, The Gold Coast Bulletin and the Daily News headlined articles such as God's Darling' Taken and Radhi's Death Stuns Tweed on the sudden and tragic loss of this beautiful devotee. Here is a sample of their articles:
Seventeen year-old Wollumbin High School student Radhi Linklater dreamed of being an actress - a dream cut short this week by the swift and deadly meningococcal disease.
Today family and friends from throughout the Tweed (Valley), along with her school mates from Murwillumbah and the surrounding area, will give their final farewell to Radhi as they leave her 'in Krishna's care'.
The fun-loving Year 11 teenager, who excelled in drama, died just hours after showing symptoms of the fatal disease while staying with friends in Brisbane during the school holidays.
Radhi was rushed to Royal Brisbane Hospital at 3 PM Monday after developing symptoms of meningococcal disease.
Her parents, James and Helen Linklater, from just outside Chillingham were told at 8 PM Monday and arrived at the hospital at 11 PM. Radhi died at 3.50 AM Tuesday.
The disease has stunned Radhi's friends and relatives at how rapidly it stole her life.
The following is a poem written by Radhi:
Spin back the hands of time back to that place, where all the clocks stopped when I felt your embrace.
Silver spiraled, and gold glittered high, My heart fluttered, my head in the sky.
A perfect kind of love, A heart just as a dove, That will only come home, When peace does roam.
Through fields where only clover grow, Thus be the love of my life I know.
Take me to that heavenly space, Where on that divine day I first felt your embrace.
Love me always...Radhi
Radhi is survived by her parents and two younger sisters, Lalita and Tulasi. Her ashes have been taken to the Yamuna River in Sri Vrindavan Dhama for a Antyeshtee-kriyaa ceremony to be conducted by Srila Bhaktivedanta Narayana Maharaja. Condolences and appreciations may be emailed to bvbhaktisar@purebhakti.com.
Contact VNN about this storySend this story to a friendThis story URL: http://vaishnava-news-network.org/world/WD0309/WD06-8328.html
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