Disappearance of Sripada Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Swami
HH Hridayananda dasa Gosvami remembrance of Bhakti Swarupa Damodar Swami
I first met His Holiness Bhakti Swarupa Damodara Swami in the early 70's when he began to visit the Los Angeles temple. I would especially see him whenever Srila Prabhupada came to New Dvaraka. Thoudam Singh, as we first knew him, was a very sincere, devoted, humble young man who was earning his PhD at the University of Calfiornia at Irvine, which is about one hour south of Los Angeles.
He would always come when Srila Prabhupada came, and he was a well-known fixture at Srila Prabhupada's morning walks. Srila Prabhupada was delighted to see that a young, faithful scientist was becoming his disciple. In fact, it was really the presence of Swarupa Damodar, as he was known after his first initiation, that inspired Srila Prabhupada to begin the "Life Comes from Life discussions. If you look up Los Angeles in the Vedabase, you will find that often when Srila Prabhupada spoke of Los Angeles, it was in reference to Swarupa Damodar. Srila Prabhupada used to brag all over the world that this very nice young scientist has joined him. So Swarupa Damodar's coming to Srila Prabhupada's lotus feet really was a catalyst in Srila Prabhupada's own preaching.
Then Srila Prabhupada ordered Swarupa Damodar and others to form the Bhaktivedanta Institute which exists to this day. In the field of science preaching, Bhakti Swarupa Damodar was really ISKCON's greatest ambassador.
His modest, charming approach won the heart of great scientists all over the world. And having won their hearts, it became possible to improve their heads with Krishna consciousness.
Bhakti Swarupa Damodar is also the great pioneer of Krishna consciousness in the Indian state of Manipur. Not only did he establish Srila Prabhupada's mission as a major spiritual force in Manipur, but he brought traditional Manipuri Vaishnava culture all over the world.
Personally, Bhakti Swarupa Damodar was a beloved brother and friend. knew him since he first came to Srila Prabhupada. Whenever we met there would always be affectionate, joking exchanges.
In fact, whenever he saw me, he would always take my arm and say to me, "Your pastimes are inconceivable." He would then laugh heartily. I recall his last visit to Atlanta, at least the last one where I was present. I especially remember that he led a magnificent mangal arotik. Bhakti Swarupa Damodar was not only a promoter of Vaishnava culture, he was himself a great Vaishnava singer, who sang like a Gandharva for the Deity's pleasure.
On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt condolences to all of his disciples, followers and friends, and to the members of his personal family.
We may take comfort in two obvious facts:All glories to Bhakti Swarupa Damodar Maharaj!
- Bhakti Swarupa Damodar will always be remembered as one of the great pioneers of the Krishna consciousness movement, and as one of the most beloved and prominent of the Srila Prabhupada's disciples.
- Through his disciples, wellwishers and friends, his outstanding service to Srila Prabhupada will continue to bless the world.
His Godbrother and servant,
Hridayananda das Goswami