On the ISKCON Land in Bhubaneswar

P reface

This volume describes the amazing personality Çréla Gour Govinda Mahäräja, from his birth, childhood, teenage years, through to his adulthood and meeting His Divine Grace Çréla A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupäda, and his subsequent years in the International Society for Kåñëa Consciousness (ISKCON). Çréla Prabhupäda’s statements about Çréla Gour Govinda Swami - “He is a devotee from his birth”, “He is an ideal Vaisnava”, and “Kåñëa has sent him” - were not made lightly. As the reader turns the pages of this book, all his wonderful and unique qualities will become apparent.

I wish to thank everyone who helped with this publication, in particular the unknown devotee (whoever he or she may be) who took the time to upload the whole book (the earlier version) to the Internet, and my long time friend Jagat-pati däsa, who checked the old text to the new text just to make sure we did not make any omissions. This was of great assistance to us. A special thank you to my old friend BV Çuddhädvaité Mahäräja who took time off from his busy schedule to help with this publication, to Vaijanté-mälä däsi who did the final read on this publication, Maïjumedhä devé däsé for editing, layout, cover design and everything else that she does for Tattva Vicära Publications. I would also like to thank Jagat-pati däsa, Tarun Kåñëa däsa, Navadvépa Chandra däsa, Guru-çakti däsa, and BV Paramärthé Mahäräja for helping with proofreading. May Çréla Gour Govinda Swami Mahäräja shower his blessings upon one and all.

I especially would like to offer my eternal gratitude and prayers to my divine master Çréla Gour Govinda Swami Mahäräja who gave me the opportunity to carry out this service.

Your lowly servant, Nimāi Paṇḍita dāsa p

Insignificant disciple of Çréla Gour Govinda Swami Mahäräja.