HH Loknath Swami Maharaj visited Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 5th June 2023. Devotees of Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata felt blessed to get the association of Maharaj. Maharaj arrived at around 12 noon. Devotees welcomed Maharaj to the temple by joyfully singing Hare Krishna kirtan.
After arriving Maharaj first paid obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and then did arati of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. He was very happy seeing the beautiful deity of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and was also pleased to see all the devotees who had assembled to welcome him.
He had a busy schedule since morning but still he took out time to come to Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata temple. Although from the temple he had to immediately go to airport to catch a flight but still he decided to speak few words to the devotees. In his address, Maharaj encouraged all the devotes to serve Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga wholeheartedly.
Below is what Maharaj said:
HH Loknath Swami Maharaj addresses devotees
In Iskcon Bureau meeting I heard that ISKCON has taken land in Newtown, Kolkata. Today I got the opportunity to see the project. I did not think that project have grown so much. It is beyond my expectations that so many devotees are staying here. Project is expanding.
At Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s birthplace in Mayapur we are building Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP). Kolkata is Srila Prabhupada’s birthplace, so here also something big has to come. We keep on saying that Srila Prabhupada’s thinking was always big. So, this is the fruit of that big thinking in form of big project. In 1970, he was thinking of this type of project.
So, Srila Prabhupada wrote in a letter to Gargmuni that I have given you name Gargmuni but since you are able to collect big money for the service of the Lord so your name should be Garg-money. Prabhupada asked him to arrange money for Kolkata project. When Srila Prabhupada came to India, he started doing Hare Krishna festival in different cities including Kolkata.
Srila Prabhupada has given these seed forms. And I hope that it will be realized in our lifetime. The project has to take shape. The responsibility is upon you all. Get ready. Be prepared. Your full lifetime can be engaged here. From seed only fruit comes, and we taste it.
Prabhupada gave the seed of Krishna Consciousness
Prabhupada gave seed, seed plantation has happened. We have to see in the form of a big tree which will take time. Utilize your lifetime. Invest your lifetime. Easily we can say it’s Srila Prabhupada’s dream project. Are you ready? If you are ready then work will be done. Happy to see you all. Be happy.
Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Vaisnavas have higher thinking and we should always think how to make everyone happy, healthy and prosperous. While hearing Srila Prabhupada I once heard that we call Lord “Hari” which means one who takes away the suffering. Further Srila Prabhupada said on behalf of “Hari” devotee takes away suffering of all.
Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga has come to take away suffering of all
Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga has come. By Their mercy take away the suffering of all the people. World is miserable. To bring auspiciousness in the life of people this project will come up. What is expected from you, you do. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu said go to each house and say, bolo Krishna bhajo Krishna. It will happen by Lord’s mercy. I came to know there is Newtown in Kolkata and in Newtown there is Iskcon. So, I came and if Lord wishes I will spend more time with you all in future.
Devotees felt blessed to get the association of Maharaj
After addressing the devotees, Maharaj also visited Goshala to see mother cows. He fed green vegetables and fruits to the cows and also caressed them. He also took a short tour of the temple.
While leaving the temple for the airport Maharaj blessed each devotee by putting his transcendental hand on each devotee’s head.
Devotees at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata were happy to get the association of HH Loknath Swami Maharaj and they wished that Maharaj frequently visits the temple and give his priceless association to all.
About HH Loknath Swami Maharaj
HH Loknath Swami Maharaj is a disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He first met Srila Prabhupada in 1971 at Cross Maidan, Mumbai. He took initiation from Srila Prabhupada in 1972 and also took sannyasa from Srila Prabhupada in December 1975 when he was 26 years old.
HH Loknath Swami Maharaj is known all over the world for his melodious kirtan. He is also famous for spreading Krishna Consciousness in villages especially in Maharashtra. Following the footsteps of Srila Prabhupada, he has written many books which helps people to understand the sublime message of Krishna Consciousness.
