January 1, 1999   VNN2770  

Iskcon Miami Opens Puspa Samadhi

USA, Jan 1 (VNN) — INAUGURATION OF THE SRILA PRABHUPADA MEMORIAL

December 27 was very special for the community and congregation of the Miami Temple. After the installation of a splendid marble Vyasasana in the center of the temple; made and carved in India by expert artisans; more than 200 devotees in the presence of the local GBC Virabahu Prabhu, Ritadvaja Maharaja, Jayadvaja Swami and 25 Prabhupada disciples began the ceremony of inauguration of the Pushpa Samadhi Memorial of Srila Prabhupada, our Founder-Acarya. The ceremony was conducted by H.G. Padmanabha Goswami of the historical temple of Gopala Batta Goswami, Sri Sri Radha Ramana of Vrindavana. He chanted the mantras and prayers and became very impressed by the enthusiasm and brotherhood feeling of the devotees of Alachua, Tallahassee and other places, demonstrated when worked all together in cooperation for the success of the festival.

The flower petal of the garlands of Srila Prabhupada was placed in the Samadhi together with the stones of the nava-ratna and other elements from the ground of Vrindavana, Radha Kunda, Govardhana and different Tirthas and simultaneously with water of Ganga and Yamuna. Prahlada Nrisimha Prabhu, from Mississippi farm, New Talavan; was engaged in the preparation of the Pushpa Samadhi, and Rama Vigraha of New Raman Reti recited the sacred mantras and ignited the fire of sacrifice.

It was followed by the Maha-Abisheka of the murti of Srila Prabhupada, with water from the 1008 sacred places and 64 bathing elements.It gave the ceremony a wonderful feature of the installation of Srila Prabhupada in Samadhi.

When the bathing rituals concluded and we helped Srila Prabhupada to be seated in his Sringasana but we had some problem; because the cushions had not yet arrived from Alachua M. Draupadi d.d. was suppose to bring them. We tried to make some temporary arrangement for that situation in that exact moment we saw M. Draupadi entering the temple room with the cushion and gave to us. Given calm to the inconvenience and bliss for the happy end. She worked all night and in the morning decided to come to Miami with M. Vraja Bhumi and travelled all day from Alachua for arriving at the most important movement of installation.

By Krishna's mercy and grace of the vaisnavas now we have a Memorial here in Miami for the eternal glorification of Srila Prabhupada with love and devotion. To remember Srila Prabhupada's mission and the mission of all Acaryas and Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu's Sankirtana Movement.

We invite all the devotees, members & guest to come & take the Darshan of Srila Prabhupada in his Memorial Samadhi.

Kesava Swami
Miami Mandir