This is a first-person testimony by HG Saumyā Lakṣmaṇā Devī dāsī (Soumya Lakshmana) describing how she encountered ISKCON in Coimbatore, met and received mercy from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami (garland, initiation), and how his guidance enabled her spiritual progress (Bhakti-Sastri studies, Halinam and Brahmin diksha) and long-term service (deity dressing, cooking, school preaching). The speaker repeatedly praises Jayapataka Swami for fulfilling Srila Prabhupada's mission (Mayapur development, initiating disciples) and expresses gratitude, ongoing devotional service, and personal desires (photo with Guru Maharaj, contributing financially to Mayapur).
Hare Krishna, Jai Steela, Jai Pataka, Swami Maharaj Ki Jai.
Actually no.
At first when I was in Coimbatore for my daughter's study. No, at that time first time I.
Went to Iskcon temple in Coimbatore.
My name is Soumya Lakshmana Devidasi and.
I'm from Chennai and I went to Coimbatore Iskcon. My daughter only took me there that time.
First one devotee Shanta Rupini Mataji she.
Gave me Krishna book and told me to study. I didn't even have money to buy that book. She said you can give it later.
You take and go. Then I took the book and then I went.
Then after that every time there was an announcement. They are going to start Bhakti Sahsari course there.
Then immediately I joined there. Then I used to go there for.
Flower service and also I was doing the course. During that time Guru Maharaj had come over there for treatment. But I don't know who is Guru Maharaj. Nothing. But everybody was waiting to see the Guru Maharaj.
I also went there to see Guru Maharaj.
The room was full and I was.
Standing near the door.
Then Guru Maharaj saw me and call me come. Then are you initiated? He asked.
No.
That time temple president was there. He said no, she is not initiated. She is doing Bhakti Sahastri course. She is very enthusiastic and every day she'll come for Mangalaarti and all she said.
Then Guru Maharaj gave me one garland like this.
Every day, one week continuously I used to go and visit Guru Maharaj. Then Guru Maharaj every day he'll give me the garland. Then? Then after that one day what happened? They made an announcement. They are going to give initiation. That time whoever is aspiring Guru Maharaj, they can come and sit here. Then I don't know anything. Even then I also went and sit along with the devotees for aspiring Guru Maharaj. Then third time when my turn came.
No Guru Maharaj, he just kept his.
Hand on my head. Then I could feel that the entire power and mercy she swallowed showered into me. I could feel that power that I experienced. Then from that day onwards my devotion started growing. Then I used to go there, do service, go to Mangalarti. Like that it went on. Then I took up to Prabhupada Ashraya over there. And then I left Iskcon Coimbatore. I came to Chennai. After coming to Chennai they said actually I completed my Bhakti Sastry Also they said you go and take initiation from Chennai Here also I don't know anybody in Chennai. But my place is Chennai only. I was living in Chennai. Then after that I went to temple. Then I applied for Guru Maharaj shelter. Then I wrote the exam. Then they said she is a Bhakti Sastari student. Let her take initiation. Then straight away they gave me the initiation also. That time also I had the opportunity to associate with Guru Maharaj. I was wondering how Guru Maharaj is very powerful. Because of of his mercy only I became a disciple. Then after that after some time like I went to Trivandrum Iskcon temple inauguration that time and all know I was longing to preach in schools. I was preaching for ladies and I was preaching for small children. I was praying to Guru Maharaj. Guru Maharaj please arrange me for school preaching. Then he arranged that also. And I was preaching in three schools. I was so happy that whatever I wish, even then I am not quite close to Guru Maharaj. Through prayers, whatever I pray, he was fulfilling all that. I was so happy. After that within one year like in the year 2013, I took my Halinam Diksha. Then 2015 I wanted to take my Brahmin diksha also. Then that also Guru Maharaj arranged everything. I got my Brahmin Diksha also. And I was longing to dress up the deities and cook Rajbo. That also Guru Maharaj arranged. Now from that day onwards for past eight years I've been going to Chennai ISKCON temple doing DT dressing service, morning and also Rajpur cooking. So nowadays I am going for the two days in a week. And also I am doing now dressing service for Gauranga, Nithyananda, Krishna and Lalitha. And also Tekhanad Balade of Subatra. So I am very happy. Like when I went to Trivandrum temple for temple inauguration that time we were waiting for Banu Maharaj for Mangalati. But he didn't come. But Guru Maharaj came from airport that time we were all made to stand in a line to offer him flowers. And I was the one who was standing. At last I was having some flowers and standing. Then Guru Maharaj came in wheelchair. Then he just stopped right in front of me. I offered the flowers, only two petals left in my plate. He just took the two flowers and put on my head. I was so happy that Guru Maharaj recognizes me. And he blessed me, showered his mercy and all that. So like this I keep doing my services and I also. Now I am doing. Now I am very happy to see that Guru Maharaj even though he is not feeling very well and he is facing all health problems. But enthusiastically he is preaching to people that I like very much. Then why Guru Maharaj is doing so much at this age? Why not me? Me also I have to do lot of preaching. So I have decided. And also now Guru Maharaj has done Bhakti Vaibhav. Seeing that now I have decided. I am also doing. Now I finished my Bhakti Satri and all that. Now I am doing my Bhakti Vaibhav. And he is such an inspiration. You know me, step by step to go up in my life. No, he's a beautiful inspiration for me. Amazing things. And he's highly powerful and showering mercy and blessings all the way. Even then I am not in close touch with Guru Maharaj. Recently when he came to Chennai for initiation and I didn't go to where he was staying because I could not go due to many problems. Then on that initiation day he was on the stage and my disciple was the last one to get that initiation. I also went along with her. And I was standing on the side looking at Guru Magaraj. He just stand and he was looking at me for just two minutes continuously. Then I thought, O Guru Maharaj, you showered your mercy on me and blessings. This is enough for me for my lifetime. Like that. No. Even though if we don't have connection with Guru Maharaj, he is so nice that for each and every one's devotional progress, he keeps praying to Krishna and I keep progressing like anything that I could feel and experience in my own life. So because of Guru Maharaj, only I am sitting here. I am a disciple. I am doing lot of services to Krishna. I am very happy. And also I am very, very, very grateful to Guru Maharaj. And on future also, no. As long as I live, I must continuously keep on doing service to Guru Maharaj. Whenever I see Guru Maharaj in Mayapur also no like see, I see lot, lot of devotees waiting for Guru Maharaj. Eager to see Guru Maharaj. But at least one fraction of second he gives a glimpse and look at the devotees that lavamatra. That association definitely happens. Such a great person is Guru Maharaj. And also know how he is fulfilling all Prabhupada's desires, all the instructions, whatever Prabhupada told him to do. Like that I also want to do my Guru Maharaj's instruction. He wants us to preach, he wants us to distribute. He wants us to give Krishna Bhakti to as many people as possible. So that is what even I want.
To do.
And I always longing for Guru Maharaj's mercy and also blessings. Even though I am far away from Guru Maharaj. And also. And I have one desire. Next time when Guru Maharaj comes here, I would like to have a photo along with Guru Maharaj. That is my one desire. And also I have some desire that I must give some contribution for Mayapur temple. Due to financial constraints I am not able to do. I am also praying for that I will sell some property. If I get money, I will give some money for Mayapur temple construction. So I just want to dedicate my entire life for Guru Maharaj and Guru Maharaj's mission of spreading this Krishna Bhakti to everyone. Because Guru Maharaj only made me as a devotee of Krishna. Only he selected me and accepted me as his disciple. I am very, very very grateful to Guru Maharaj. Ki Jai Hare Krishna Hantaji.
Can you share with us how you see Guru Maharaj pleasing Srila Prabhupada? Yeah, Guru Maharaj Prabhupada said like you develop Mayapur. But Guru Maharaj is the only person who was able to do. And he has done the developments what Prabhupada expected. No more than that.
Today if we go to Mayapur, you.
Can see how wonderful everything is being constructed. Now that new temple is coming up. That also amazing temple. And Krishna will help Guru Maharaj to fulfill Prabhupada's mission. Because Prabhupada is a pure devotee. I love Guru Maharaj.
See, I love Guru Maharaj very much.
Because like one baby, like whatever his Maha Guru said Prabhupada that he is fulfilling so well. So you cannot see such a devotee like Guru Maharaj. Jaipataka, Swami Maharaj. And also. And he wants to give like Diksha and accept many disciples. That also Guru Maharaj is doing.
And also he is showering mercy to.
Whoever he is seeing.
No, he is showering mercy.
He is giving them Krishna Bhakti. And he is just at once sight. No, he showers mercy. And people become devotees when they see Guru Maharaj.
Such a great person is Guru Maharaj.
And I want Guru Maharaj to be very healthy and long life. And every Ekadashi also I do Nirjal fasting for the health and long life of Guru Maharaj. Because he has to do complete more than what Prabhupada expected. He is doing. And also his mission, his desires, everything. He should be able to fulfill it. For that Krishna will shower mercy to Guru Maharaj. Definitely he will be able to do. He is such a great soul and we are all very lucky and fortunate to have His Holiness Jayapatago Swami as our Guru. Even though we miss Prabhupada, we don't feel that because Guru Maharaj fulfills that.
He is taking very good care of us. He is giving us whatever we desire. He is doing more than what Prabhupada could do. So he is matchless. Amazing person.
There are no words to describe such a lovely person is His Holiness Yay Pataka Swami Guru Maharaj His Godliness Jaipataga Swami Guru Maharaj Ki j.
