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Tribute song: Yamuna Devi’s 1971 prayer to Srila Prabhupada

Categories: Yamuna

This English prayer was offered to Srila Prabhupada in Calcutta, 1971, by Yamuna Devi. Now on the 4th anniversary of Yamuna Devi rejoining Srila Prabhupada, we offer this to Yamuna’s dearest friend, Dina, who no doubt misses her and Srila Prabhupada beyond what can be expressed.

Our enormous thanks to Govinda Ghosh, who worked around the clock with anyone who walked in to his home to be a part of this offering. He worked so hard, but said he just wants to do something nice for Dina.

Translation to Bengali: Shrivas Beriault
Melody inspired from: Madhava Naidoo
Arrangement and recording: Govinda Ghosh Clayton
Harmonium: Krsnadas Schleussener
Mrdanga: Madhava Musterer
Flute: Kalindi Fournier
Violin: Jahnavi Harrison
Guitar: Govinda Ghosh Clayton

Vocals: Kartamasa Delaney, Radhakunda Delaney, Kalavati Moore, Mahasringa Toniato, Kalindi Fournier, Ananda Monet, Gopal Schleussener, Krsnadas Schleussener, Shrivas Beriault, Jahnavi Harrison, Krsna Chandra Musterer, Lilamrta Twaddell, Bhavatarini Clayton

Nitya Amara Shri Guru
English prayer to Srila Prabhupada by Yamuna Devi, 1971
Adaptation and Bengali translation by Shrivas Beriault
1)
Sahasra-koti jiva, samsara bhramiya, koti-koti-janma gelo
Kichu dhanya-jana, bhakti-lata-dhana, guru-krishna-krpaya pelo

Thousands, millions of souls, are wandering this world, for millions of births. Some fortunate ones attain the treasure of devotion, which is like a beautiful, blooming vine, by the mercy of Guru and Krishna.

Chorus:
Nitya amara sri guru, ei krpa magi ami
Yugala-charana prema prakashite smarana kori

Oh my eternal spiritual master, I beg this mercy! May I be in constant remembrance of the dawning of love for the Divine Couple’s lotus feet.

2) Nama-guna-lila-bhakta, kirtane jagata bhuli
Tomara charana paite – ei krpa magi sada

Singing Their names, glories, pastimes, and glorifying Their devotees, may I forget this world. I beg the mercy of attaining your feet.

3) braja-kunje basi, shravana-kirtana, maha-mantra preme gai
Tomara krpaya, bhakti-lata-bija, praphullita habe tai

I pray to sit in the groves of Braja, hearing and chanting, singing the Mahamantra in great love. By your mercy, the seed of the bhakti-lata will then sprout.

4) Kapata matsarya, kama-krodha-lobha, ahankari bhakta
Nama-sankirtane, chindiya chadibo, ei saba mayara shakha

Hypocrisy, envy, lust, anger, greed, and the false devotee ego – by Nama-sankirtana may I sever and discard all these weeds of maya.

5) Vrndavane tada, radha-damodara-priya, saundarya-prakashe tara
Kataksa-darshana-paiya, hrdaya sarvanande, bhasi amara

Then, in Vrndavana, in the glow of beloved Radha-Damodara’s beauty, I will catch that wistful glance, and my heart will be consumed with all joy.

6) nitya amara sri guru, tumi sata shuddha-bhakta
Kripamayi dite sabe, radhara guhya krsna seva

O my spiritual master, you are truly a pure devotee! Mercifully, you gave us the secrets of Radha’s service to Krishna.

7) shridhama navadvipe, pibo bhakti-mata-vanya
Avidya ahankara chadi gaibo, tumi hrt-mandire sada

In Shridama Navadvipa, may I drink of the flood of devotion. Giving up arrogance and ignorance, I will sing of your place in my heart forever.

Author: kartamasa

7 Responses to "Tribute song: Yamuna Devi’s 1971 prayer to Srila Prabhupada"

  1. Nikunjavasini Posted on September 17, 2016 at 5:25 am

    so so beautiful and soul inspiring Thank you for sharing

  2. visakha priya dasi Posted on September 27, 2016 at 12:10 am

    Dear Devotees, please accept my humble obeisances at your lotus feet. Certainly, Yamuna Devi inspired you all to create this angelic symphony to soothe the heart of her dearmost friend. May she inspire you more and more to perpetuate her legacy of love for the benefit of all.

    Your aspiring servant,
    Visakha Priya dasi
    Kirtan Ashram, Vrindavan

  3. Giriraj Swami Posted on December 19, 2016 at 11:38 am

    Beautiful — heart-touching — beyond words.

    Thank you so much.

    Hare Krishna.

    Your grateful servant, feeling deep separation
    Giriraj Swami

  4. Madhira Posted on December 20, 2016 at 6:43 am

    Beauriful !!! Gouranga

  5. Malini d.d. Posted on March 6, 2017 at 1:00 pm

    touching moving drenching.

  6. Samapriya devi dasi Posted on September 28, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    This is an example of how pure devotion transcends all material conditions. Thank-you for this beautiful presentation. All glories to Srila Prabhupada and his dear daughter.

  7. Sakhi Sthali devi dasi Posted on October 1, 2023 at 3:53 am

    Heart touching prayers. Beyond words. Thankyou so much. Srila Prabhupada ki jai

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