Tribute to Sriman Radhapati Prabhu by Kurma Rupa Das
Yamuna Maharani ki Jai.
HG Radhapati Prabhu, a beloved disciple of Srila Prabhupada, has departed from this world. His life was marked by dedicated service, humility, determination and deep devotion to Sri Vrindavan Dhama.
Radhapati Prabhu joined the Hare Krishna movement in Hawaii during the early days of Srila Prabhupada’s mission. He later volunteered to go to Brazil, where he helped establish the first temple there. He then served in Los Angeles, protecting the sankirtana devotees who were distributing Srila Prabhupada’s books at LAX airport.
Before joining Srila Prabhupada, Radhapati Prabhu had served as a combat medic in Vietnam, where he suffered several serious injuries. One of those injuries resulted in a brain tumor that caused epileptic seizures. In 1997, after being told that the tumor could prove fatal at any moment, he came to Sri Vrindavan Dhama, prepared to spend the remainder of his life in devotional service.
What followed was a remarkable period of nearly sixteen years in the holy dhama. Like Maharaja Pariksit, Radhapati Prabhu had turned away from worldly interests and dedicated himself to hearing, chanting and serving Krishna. By the mercy of Sri Krishna, what he had expected to be a short stay became more than fifteen years of uninterrupted residence in Vrindavan.
Radhapati Prabhu was especially devoted to Sri Yamuna Devi. He served for many years in Food for Life and Care for Cows, giving himself selflessly to the residents of Vraja. He was particularly known for his loving dealings with the children of Vrindavan, often distributing candy prasadam to them along the parikrama path.
He was a person free from greed and known for his simple and offenseless nature. Those who knew him will remember how he avoided wasting time in social distractions. His days were absorbed in japa, parikrama, dhama seva, Yamuna seva, go seva and, especially, service to the residents of the dhama.
He offered valuable assistance to the Sandipani Muni School and Care for Cows. He was also naturally inclined to counsel others and help resolve disputes, regularly giving his time and energy whenever his service was needed.
Many devotees also remember Radhapati Prabhu from his earlier service in the BBT mail order operation at New Dvaraka in Los Angeles. In what devotees affectionately called the “cave,” located in the garage beneath the green building, he worked alone day after day, rain or shine, filling orders from around the world for Srila Prabhupada’s books and sending them to temples everywhere. His service was quiet, steady and completely dedicated to spreading Srila Prabhupada’s teachings.
Sriman Radhapati Prabhu left this world peacefully at 2:26 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2013, surrounded by loving devotees who had come from many places.
His departure was filled with sacred remembrance. Some devotees brought Ganges water from Rishikesh. Others brought Yamuna water from Vrindavan, while others brought sacred water from Sri Radha Kund. Devotees brought maha-prasadam garlands, including Tulasi garlands, from various Vrindavan Deities.
A calf from Care for Cows was brought to his side. She nuzzled her nose into his hand, dusted his head with Vraja-raja from the tuft of her tail and offere