In describing his first visit to Srila Prabhupada’s storefront at 26 2nd Avenue, Brahmananda Prabhu recounted, “I had the feeling that I was leaving the world, like when you’re going to the airport to catch a plane. I thought, ‘Now I’m leaving a part of me behind, and I’m going to something new.”
The journey Brahmananda Prabhu began that evening carried him all across the globe in service to his spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada.
In the decades to come, Brahmananda Prabhu served as a pioneer in the establishment of the International Society for Krsna Consciousness. He was integral in every aspect of Srila Prabhupada’s mission, from the first printing of books to the first sankirtana party to becoming the first temple president in ISKCON.
Brahmananda Prabhu continually displayed his spirit of surrender and courage in undertaking the orders of his spiritual master, braving the challenges of preaching in Pakistan and introducing Africa to the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu.
The GBC Body, along with the larger community of ISKCON members, is deeply grateful for the legacy of service and beautiful memories of Srila Prabhupada Brahmananda Prabhu has bestowed upon us all. His departure was sudden, but most auspicious. He left this mortal world in the holiest of dhams, Sri Vrindavan, in the association of Vaisnavas.
We pray that these auspicious circumstances, along with Brahmananda Prabhu’s deep desire to eternally serve Srila Prabhupada, now find him situated at the lotus feet of His Divine Grace.
May we all continue to take inspiration from Brahmananda Prabhu’s pioneering spirit and love in the service of Guru and Gauranga.