Looking Back at the Year 2025 – Part Four of Five

One year ago, on October 14, 2025, the time had arrived for a journey I had been planning many months in advance. I had registered for Ayurvedic treatment at Govardhan Eco Village in Mumbai. But before beginning the treatment, I was eager to visit the Juhu Temple. Since 2009, I had not returned for darśana of Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Rāsa-Bihārī, and now I was finally planning to do so.

I had been in touch with Bhīma Prabhu, who encouraged me to spend a few days at the guesthouse. Deven Patel, from the reception, was extremely helpful in arranging everything I needed. I had sent three boxes of my books ahead of time, and I received confirmation: “Yes, we have received your courier, and it has been kept safely with us.”

Then, just shortly before the taxi arrived to take me to the Kolkata airport, something unexpected happened: I injured my back while lifting my suitcase. I could still walk, and I hoped the pain would not get worse. So, despite the discomfort, we headed for the airport.

At the airport and during the flight, I met several people who seemed inspired by my story.

Since my first visit in the 1990s and my last visit in 2009, I have immediately felt at home again. I adore this temple! You can visit the official website of ISKCON Juhu – Śrī Śrī Rādhā-Rāsa-Bihārī Temple.
https://www.iskconmumbai.com

In the evening, during ārati and the singing of Dāmodarāṣṭakam, I was happy to meet Bhīma Prabhu and his good wife, who has always treated me with affection.

The following morning, I went for a japa walk along Juhu Beach. My thoughts turned to my husband, Śrīmān Grahila, whose book, Please Take Me Home, still needs to be completed. I hope to finish it by 2030, which will mark the twentieth anniversary of his departure from this world.

During this visit, I was also happy to meet again Brajahari Prabhu, Siddhi Lālasā Mataji, and other devotees who had been so helpful during that challenging time. I fondly remembered the mahā-sweets from Śrīla Prabhupāda’s room, and once again, I was fortunate enough to taste them!

Śrīla Prabhupāda’s quarters are so beautiful and opulent. If you have not yet visited them, please do everything you can to make that visit at least once in your lifetime. Śrīla Prabhupāda worked so hard to establish the Juhu Temple for all of us, and we should deeply appreciate what he accomplished for our benefit.

To learn more about the extraordinary history of this temple and Śrīla Prabhupāda’s determination and dedication, I highly recommend reading His Holiness Girirāja Swami’s wonderful book, I’ll Build You a Temple: The Juhu Story.

• Subject: The history, struggles, legal battles, and devotion behind building the ISKCON Sri Sri Radha-Rasabihari temple at Hare Krishna Land in Juhu, Mumbai, under the guidance of Srila Prabhupada.

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This time I spent four days at the Juhu Temple Guesthouse and managed to go out a little every day with my book and Srila Prabhupada’s books. Sometimes Bhaktin Renuka kindly accompanied me and helped carry the books.

One day, while I was sitting in the lobby, many young devotees came with questions. It was very satisfying to speak with them, and somehow my suggestions brought them some peace.

One story.

Bhaktin Heer revealed to me she has the desire to serve the Disciples of Srila Prabhupada but the Brahmajaris do all the services to them. Well, I said, we always can find ways to serve them. Maybe you can do a healthy nourishing sweet or maybe they prefer bhoga that they can offer it first to their deities. I continued saying I just came to know that many older Matajis (here at Juhu temple) are in need of support and care—who gave their life to Srila Prabhupada.

Then in the evening I met her again and to my surprise she hands overed me a box with sweets—out of dates, nuts and a bit ghee—made by herself.

Later I got some messages from her and one is saying: “Matajiii, I miss you tremendously. To feel like you’re still with me, I’m reading your book Your Journey, and it’s giving me so much strength and sweetness. I hope Krishna arranges for me to see you very soon and serve you.”

I loved being at the Juhu Temple. I was treated with great kindness, as a guest.