Hare Krishna Prabhujis and Matajis,
Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada!
Today is the 23rd disappearance anniversary of Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj. On this auspicious day, I would like to share some words of glorification in his honor.
Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj received first initiation from Srila Prabhupada in April 1968 in San Francisco and accepted sannyasa initiation on Vasant Pancami in 1972 in Jaipur.
From the very beginning, Srila Prabhupada entrusted him with the most challenging services, knowing his unwavering dedication, surrender, and unshakable determination to serve his spiritual master.
A stalwart general in Srila Prabhupada’s sankirtan army, Goswami Maharaj took unimaginable risks to assist Srila Prabhupada in spreading the Krishna Consciousness movement worldwide.
Together with Srila Vishnujana Maharaj, he established the famous Radha-Damodar Traveling Sankirtan Party, inspiring countless devotees to fully dedicate their lives to distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books and spreading Mahaprabhu’s message across America.
Decades ago, they held kirtan and preaching programs on the UT Austin campus. Even today, by their divine blessings and on their divine order, we continue their preaching program at UT Austin.
At Srila Prabhupada’s request, Goswami Maharaj undertook the difficult task of acquiring the first land parcel in Sridham Mayapur. Enduring great challenges, he succeeded and humbly offered the deed at Srila Prabhupada’s lotus feet.
During Srila Prabhupada’s final year, Goswami Maharaj relinquished all his important services to be at his spiritual master’s side, personally and intimately serving him in his last days.
A leading member of the GBC, he was deeply respected for his wisdom and experience in guiding ISKCON, having observed firsthand how Srila Prabhupada made key decisions in managing the movement. He was the pioneer in establishing ISKCON in China, and he was known for his meticulous standards and the expert training of his disciples, who continue his glorious legacy.
His books on Krishna Consciousness remain a treasure trove of nectar for all devotees.
Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj entered samadhi on March 15, 2002, and his samadhi is in Sridham Mayapur, in front of Srila Prabhupada’s puspa samadhi.
On this sacred day, we dearly miss Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj and humbly beg for his mercy so that we may continue to serve Srila Prabhupada’s ISKCON with sincerity and devotion.
Srila Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaj ki Jai!
Srila Prabhupada ki Jai!
Panca Tattva Bhagavan ki Jai!
Sri Sri Radha Madhava Ashta Sakhi ki Jai!
Your servant,
Satya Sara das