Madhukari on Krishna Road

This past weekend when we visited Prabhupada Village, Sandy Ridge North Carolina, I was wondering, "Looks like a sleepy laid back place, suitable for a retreat. What is there to see?" I decided I would go with an open heart and embrace whatever comes my way. But from the beginning to the end the journey was very sweet. Madhukari http://vedabase.net/cc/madhya/20/81/ is a term that is used for begging alms. Just as the bees go from flower to flower and hop about collecting nectar from one and then move to another and yet another, similarly we went from one devotee's home to another like bees seeking nectar.We received so much mercy. The temple of the holy names, that is name of the temple atop the winding roads that lead to Prabhupada village. When you enter the temple you do not find Radha Krishna deities as you would in all other ISKCON temples, but instead there is a beautiful framed painting of the Panca Tattva occupying the center place on the altar. As our devotees burst into Kirtan, I could not stop myself from dancing. The mood of Sankirtan was so warmly felt at the temple. The road on which the devotees live is aptly named Krishna Drive. With so many devotees being Srila Prabhupada disciples even a little associating with them is so refreshing and gives one an idea of the energy that must have surrounded Srila Prabhupada. Our first stop was at the home of Sivananda Prabhu and mother Madan Mohan Mohini. Here I saw practically the kitchen standards Srila Prabhupada talked about. The kitchen was spotless and huge enough to cook up a feast for at least a hundred devotees. The deities Radha Shyama Sundar were resplendent. Srila Prabhupada had miniature book cases, a small khol/mridanga, a rocking chair and a small shawl neatly folded across the chair. The entire altar was detailed and meticulous. We had wonderful burfi prasadam and heard the amazing story of how Sri Radha Shyamasundar came to reside there. Here I prayed to adopt the same cleanliness standards to please our own deities. Thanking the devotees we hopped on to our next stop.
The next stop was at the home of mother Anantatma, who we were told braved the Russian intelligence agencies to spread the message of Srila Prabhupada. As she very animatedly spoke about the causes for the failure of farming communities, we learnt a lesson or two. Accepting oatmeal cookies prasadam, we moved on to our next stop,as I prayed to be able to preach fearlessly some day. Next we were at the home of mother Maharha and Mitrasena Prabhu. Here we were treated to yet another exquisite Darshan of Sri Radha Sharad Bihari and Gaura Nitai. Mother Maharha designs deity dresses and is an artist. From the time I saw a picture of Srimati Radhika by mother Maharha I was curious to meet and seek her blessings. The pictures were not mere art.It was an expression of her love and in the truest sense, it was a window to the spiritual world. She was so kind to give me some dress patterns for Gaura Nitai, copies of all her pictures and her most valuable time and association. From her we accepted bread prasadam which was also imbued with devotion like her other skills. Time was ticking, we had to move on to our next destination. The next stop was at mother Arcana Siddhi and Karnamrita Prabhu's home. I am an avid reader of both their writings and felt privileged to have their brief association. The deities Radha Gopinath and Nimai Nitai looked at us with merciful eyes. Seeing Guru Maharaja's picture on the altar made us immediately feel warm and loved. Here I prayed that I be able to write and inspire people to love one another giving up false identification with the body. Accepting burfi prasadam which was out of this world, we stopped at our next destination, the home of mother Citra and Mathura Prabhu. We were amazed by their simplistic way of living and their love for everything organic and natural. Here I prayed to imbibe this same mood of simplicity and respect for the cows. Leaving Krishna road enriched with so many gifts we entered Sita drive and honored lunch prasadam at the home of Mother Sudevi and Sarvadrk Prabhu our hosts. Clearly these were devotees who knew and understood the value of devotee association. Despite their early day they made sure we were comfortable and well fed.
I shall never forget all the alms that we collected on Krishna Road in Prabhupada Village that Monday Morning.
Jaya Srila Prabhupada.