Bakari Gopala
Glories to Srila Jayananda Prabhu
by Haripada dasa
We celebrate the disappearance of Srila Jayananda Prabhu, I share this glorification of Jayananda Prabhu, this great devotee is the example of the perfect disciple of Srila Prabhupada.
This is a great devotee who will be a great inspiration for future generations of devotees of Srila Prabhupada and Krishna.
Just as I I understand, the essence of this great soul is that all he did was for Srila Prabhupada to be happy, and he never did anything that displeased Srila Prabhupada.
He was not a politician, I like him, he is my friend, he was humble, tolerant and everyone’s friend, and never criticized anyone. Srila Prabhupada said that I am very proud to have had a disciple as good as Jayananda prabhu.
Everyone should follow his example. This great devotee enjoyed serving Srila Prabhupada and Krishna and the whole world, and that is the perfection of Krishna consciousness.
That can only be done when one has awakened his great love for Srila Prabhupada and Krishna. As I understand it, only people who have sacrificed their lives to make Srila Prabhupada happy can receive the mercy of Krishna, if you want see a video about Jayananda Prabhu this is the link:
Sri Jayananda Prabhu (1939-1977)
After the series of previous notes on various aspects of the Jagannatha-lila and the Ratha-yatra celebrated at this time, I considered it fair to publish something in homage to our esteemed spiritual brother Sri Jayananda Thakur, a beloved disciple of Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. With his admirable pioneering effort, he contributed greatly to the celebration of the Ratha-yatra festivals, being loved by all devotees and recognized by Srila Prabhupada.
The translations that follow, after my introduction of this document, of some biographical fragments about Jayananda Prabhu, are part of a couple of books dedicated to his life of service and other references cited within the context. As a graphic complement of this note in his tribute, they accompany several special photos that will serve as a visual complement for readers to appreciate justly, the spiritual dimension of life and the service rendered by Jayananda Thakur, “the king of Ratha-yatra”.
Jayananda Prabhu (Jim Kohr) was a very dedicated disciple of Srila Prabhupada who helped to introduce the festival of Ratha-yatra (festival of the floats of Lord Jagannatha) in the West, beginning in the USA. He pioneered the construction of the Ratha-yatra wagons, whose first festival was held in San Francisco in 1967 and Jayananda was the one who built the carriages with a group of devotees who worked under his expert guidance. Although at that time he was not sannyasi, he was highly respected in Srila Prabhupada’s mission. For his pioneering effort in the Ratha-yatra festivals in several cities of U.S.A. Jayananda was known as “Mr. Ratha-yatra. ”
His humility was exceptional and even after being recognized by all and by Srila Prabhupada, he continued to clean the pots and the kitchen for the other devotees, taking out the garbage, and doing whatever was necessary. Although he had an engineer degree, he gave up that to be a taxi driver because he could not relate to materialistic society. He was very sober and mature. And with his work as a taxi driver he maintained the San Francisco temple, being the president of the temple while working as a taxi driver.
He was tireless, working up to twenty hours a day when necessary. And he knew how to direct people and occupy them practically. His humility was exceptional. On one occasion, a devotee (called Sankarsana) saw Jayananda on the street and offered his obeisances. And Jayananda right there on the street, prostrated himself and returned his reverences without even knowing him.
Even after being recognized by all and by Srila Prabhupada as a great example, Jayananda continued to clean the pots and the kitchen for the other devotees, taking out the garbage and doing everything he could do. To know more about this great saint it is recommended to read the book Radha-Damodara Vilasa, written by P. Vaiyasaki Dasa (at the moment, available only in English). Another book is A day in the life of Jayanada Thakur, from Vishoka dasa.
Although among the disciples of Srila Prabhupada there are many other non-praised saints and heroes, the great personality of Jayananda Thakur stands out as an exemplary disciple, as a pioneer of the Ratha-yatra, for his dedication to Prabhupada, for his austerity, his humility, for his spiritual accomplishments and to be loved by all. His place of honor, recognized by Prabhupada, occupies a very prominent place among his other disciples, some of whom left this world to meet Srila Prabhupada in his eternal pastimes.
