Rathyatra & A Hug From Jayaptaka Swami Maharaj
Yesterday was London Rath, we arranged to meet Bryce early. Over the last few months, Bryce's association and friendship with Jayadeva Prabhu (the singer) has become really strong. Even Jayadev's daughter (Pia) came back from the States and asked to spend time with Bryce. Jayadeva had a stall and was singing on a mic with a number of devotee's and was selling his CD's on a table, Jayadeva Prabhu was and is so sweet and kind to Bryce, he allowed him to sell stuff on a seperate table next to his own table. Nita and I promised Bryce Prabhu that we would help him sell stuff on his stall. I was a bit nervous meeting Jayadev again as the last time we met he gave me his number and I was supposed to call him to get tickets for a concert, and I never did. I thought perhaps he wouldn't rememeber, but he did! He came up to me with a big smile and gave me a hug and asked me why I hadn't called! I apologised and he was really sweet to both Nita and I.
All day we sold Jagnath Tshirts, pendants, Murti's and various other Jagnath stock that Bryce had odered in. It was nice to speak to lots of devotee's from different places. I even saw 2 devotee's who are friends on my myspace page, but I didn't speak to them. Customers were trickling in, but it was so nice to listen to Jayadev sing for a few hours.
Towards the end we packed up and ate Prasadam, Jayadev Prabhu was busy with people but he came over, and we met his wife and Daughter Guarangi (Pai). And then suddenly he said do you want to meets Maharaj, I thought he meant Krishna Das Maharaj, as I had seen a glimpse of him earlier. But when I said 'who Krishna Das Maharaj?' Jayadev said 'no, Jayapataka Swami Maharaj' I was excited and nervous, we walked over and there was a huge group of people surronuding. We squeezed to the front and when HH JPS saw Jayadev he smiled and greeted him, Jayadev asked if he could introduce, Bryce, Nita and myself. Bryce was first and it was really cool, he blessed Bryce and even stood up. He then spent a few minutes talking to me, I was so nervous I could feel my lip quivering. We spoke about Gauara and was really happy that one of his Disciples was a friend, he asked me about my association and devotion and then asked if there was anything he could do for me, i asked him for his blessings and touched my head. I thanked him for his time and dropped to my knees and put my head on his feet (I didn't know this was not to be done, as it meant he takes my Karama) as I stood up he took hold of me in his arms and held me for a few seconds and was praising at the same time and I could hear everyone say 'awww' I felt so blessed!!! He then blessed Nita and touch his flower garland to her head and gave us all Nrishinga Oil.
We were all on a spiritual high, I thanked Jayadev and his wife so much, and helped them load the family car. As we left Jayadev asked if he and his family could come to our place for Kirtan and KC talk, I immediatley said yes, I thought what an honour to have this special soul in my flat singing and talking, so we are going to arrange a date soon. (Vasu, Keshava would you like it that i arrange this whn you visit?)
Then Nita, Bryce and I went for a drink (non alcholic) and talked for a few hours, then had dinner in the West End before heading home very late. It was a wonderful day and exceeded my expectations! Lord Jaganath is truely merciful and HE displayed his mercy to us this year!
Today is my 3rd wedding anniversary, 3 years ago we got married at the Manor and today we go back their to take Darshan and pay our respects.
Jagnath Ki Jaya!!!
All day we sold Jagnath Tshirts, pendants, Murti's and various other Jagnath stock that Bryce had odered in. It was nice to speak to lots of devotee's from different places. I even saw 2 devotee's who are friends on my myspace page, but I didn't speak to them. Customers were trickling in, but it was so nice to listen to Jayadev sing for a few hours.
Towards the end we packed up and ate Prasadam, Jayadev Prabhu was busy with people but he came over, and we met his wife and Daughter Guarangi (Pai). And then suddenly he said do you want to meets Maharaj, I thought he meant Krishna Das Maharaj, as I had seen a glimpse of him earlier. But when I said 'who Krishna Das Maharaj?' Jayadev said 'no, Jayapataka Swami Maharaj' I was excited and nervous, we walked over and there was a huge group of people surronuding. We squeezed to the front and when HH JPS saw Jayadev he smiled and greeted him, Jayadev asked if he could introduce, Bryce, Nita and myself. Bryce was first and it was really cool, he blessed Bryce and even stood up. He then spent a few minutes talking to me, I was so nervous I could feel my lip quivering. We spoke about Gauara and was really happy that one of his Disciples was a friend, he asked me about my association and devotion and then asked if there was anything he could do for me, i asked him for his blessings and touched my head. I thanked him for his time and dropped to my knees and put my head on his feet (I didn't know this was not to be done, as it meant he takes my Karama) as I stood up he took hold of me in his arms and held me for a few seconds and was praising at the same time and I could hear everyone say 'awww' I felt so blessed!!! He then blessed Nita and touch his flower garland to her head and gave us all Nrishinga Oil.
We were all on a spiritual high, I thanked Jayadev and his wife so much, and helped them load the family car. As we left Jayadev asked if he and his family could come to our place for Kirtan and KC talk, I immediatley said yes, I thought what an honour to have this special soul in my flat singing and talking, so we are going to arrange a date soon. (Vasu, Keshava would you like it that i arrange this whn you visit?)
Then Nita, Bryce and I went for a drink (non alcholic) and talked for a few hours, then had dinner in the West End before heading home very late. It was a wonderful day and exceeded my expectations! Lord Jaganath is truely merciful and HE displayed his mercy to us this year!
Today is my 3rd wedding anniversary, 3 years ago we got married at the Manor and today we go back their to take Darshan and pay our respects.
Jagnath Ki Jaya!!!