Maharaja also shared:

“This morning I was giving class in Delhi temple, and I was remembering Sankirtan Prabhu. I was speaking about how the Lord takes birth, in order to kill our death. mrityur mrityum namamy aham. The Lord is the death of death personified.”

“I was thinking this might happen. With these auspicious days coming up; Janmastami, Srila Prabhupada’s Appearance Day, and Radhastami, I was thinking that Sankirtan Prabhu might leave.”

“We offered Sankirtan Prabhu at Lord Krishna’s lotus feet and His appearance day. This is my offering. I offered Sankirtan Prabhu to the Lord. May he continue to serve His lotus feet eternally.”

I shared with Gurumaharaja that I met someone today whose sister had given birth this morning. Gurumaharaja mentioned that this is happening; birth is happening, and death is happening.

Sankirtan Prabhu, as a sannyasa candidate was approved by the GBC to take sannyasa. Gurumaharaja was planning to give sannyasa to Sankirtan Prabhu in Kartik in Sri Vrndavana Dhama. Gurumaharaja remarked that Sankirtan Prabhu has renounced everything, including his body. He did not undergo the formality of taking sannyasa, yet, his consciousness and actions are that of a sannyasi.

In conclusion, Gurumaharaja sends his Janmastami greetings to all.

From my humble perspective, the situation reminds me of how precious and rare devotees are, and I am grateful for the association I received from Sankirtan Prabhu. We are all blessed to have such exalted souls on the planet with us.

All glories to Gurumaharaja.
All glories to Srila Prabhupada.
Janmastami Maha-mahotsava Ki Jaya!
Always hoping to remain,

Your servant,
Eklavya Das

Some background on Sankirtan Prabhu:

He is one of the original padayatris on Padayatra India. He was in charge of the collection and distribution of Sahasra Tirtha Jala (holy water from 1008 holy places) during Srila Prabhupada’s Centennial in 1996. He received the blessings of Gurumaharaja and also that of H.H. Tamal Krishna Goswami to preach in China.