A Powerful Blessing

Beautiful chaos reined on the grounds of the Atlanta temple on the final golden evening of the Panihati Festival. Grinning devotees paraded around with tiny clay pots and giant clay pots, offering chipped rice to everyone they met.

I caught sight of Pankajanghri Prabhu – the esteemed pujari of Radha Madhava in Mayapur – and wove my way through the melee.

When he turned to me with his light brown eyes, I took a deep breath and asked him, “Haribol Prabhu, I have a request,”

He raised his eyebrows. “Yes?”

“Well, it is my life goal to dress Radha Shyamasundar in Alachua. I would like your blessing that one day I may dress Them,”

“Are you brahmin-initiated?” he asked.

“Ha! No. I’m not even first-initiated. But nevertheless, I’m shooting for the moon, this is a life goal of mine,”

Sikhi Mahiti Prabhu, who stood next to the famous pujari, added in, “Yes, she’s been aspiring for Radhanath Swami for a few years now,”

“Hm, there’s quite a waiting period for Radhanath Swami, no?”

“Yes, Prabhu.”

So then he intoned, “May Lord Nrisimhadev remove all of the obstacles in your path so that you may dress Radha Shyamasundara in Alachua,”

I was quiet for a moment. Then I said, “Thank you very much, Prabhu,” I folded my palms. He nodded to me, and we both parted into the festival melee. I was in shock. I whispered his words over and over.

So. My dear devotees, it's only a matter of time.

I also ask for your blessings. And I promise you that when Lord Nrisimhadeva clears the final obstacle so that I may dress my Radhe Shyam, you will all be some of the first to know, and the first to see.

Pankajanghri Prabhu worshiping Lord Nrisimhadeva in Mayapur

Radha Shyamasundara in Alachua