Honoring Siddhanti Maharaj

by Sanatani Devi Dasi

Sanatani Didi took the main charge of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj's care in the last months of his life and this is the offering she read at the Vaishnava Festival held at the Seva Ashram in Soquel in honor of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj after his passing.

All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj!

All glories to His Divine Grace Srila Bhakti Rakshak Shridhar Maharaj!

All glories to His Divine Grace Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaj!

They have captured the heart and soul of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj and with their loving embrace have taken him back to the land where he belongs, the land of 'endless kirtan'!

It is both easy and difficult to speak the glories of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaja. It is easy because he was so glorious, and difficult because there is no end to those glories and I am unqualified to say anything about such a great soul.

Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj blessed my family by living in our houses over a 20 year span of our lives. We all remember how he even canvassed the neighborhood and actually found our May Ave. house, so we could live near the restaurant. He watched all the children grow up and remained close with them all. Certainly the testament to that was the presence of all the younger devotees in the room on the night of his passing. Having been called around 10 pm, my children, Srimati Madhumati's children and Srimati Krsna Priya's children, and Vrinda devi, all having known him since they were very young, came immediately to chant and offer their respects and help in whatever service was needed.

He preached all over the world, but our fortune was that he also called the Soquel Ashram his home. Although his fight with this cancer for the last two years is certainly not the defining factor of his life, even in this struggle, he has shown his incredible faith in the instructions of our Srila Gurudev for hearing and chanting. In spite of the most difficult circumstances, he was always attached to attending the programs in the temple room, and as long as his health would permit it, he also attended all outside preaching programs. He was so dear to Srila Gurudev, who told him one month ago, "You have my full blessings, my Guru Maharaj's full blessings, and the Lord's blessings."

He was constantly supported by his very dear friends like Sripad Janardan Maharaj whose constant companionship, guidance and affection carried Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj through many difficult days. Sripad Ashram Maharaj, whose tender care and constant phone calls gave Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj so much relief. The visit of Sripad Goswami Maharaj and Sripad Avadhut Maharaj touched Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj's heart so much, he was overwhelmed by their concern for him. Sripad Mahananda Prabhu was always keeping constant contact and support, as did his dear friend and servant Srimati Bhakti Lalita Devi Dasi. Sripad Pusta Krsna Prabhu was constantly checking on him, answering all questions and concerns and giving always his expert care. This reassured Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj, over and over. Sripad Giri Maharaj, Sripad Yudhamanyu Prabhu, Sripad Nyasi Maharaj, Sripad Jai Balai Prabhu, Sripad Jagannath Swami Prabhu, Sripad Vidya Sundar Prabhu all sending their respects, love and support. Keeping him connected with the Math was the happy service of Srimati Vishakha Dasi and Vaidehi Devi Dasi. The list goes on. All sending continued affection and support throughout these two years.

Here at home, the devotees of the Seva Ashram and local community rallied to serve his needs, even as they constantly changed. Along with the 8-10 preparations offered to the Deites at each offering, every cook added special preparations for Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj depending on his needs at the time. Sripad Hasyapriya Prabhu and Srimati Swarnangii Didi were always doing the needful. Sripad Sarvabhavana Prabhu and Srimati Diksavati Didi were offering their help throughout. Giving him relief by reading to him regularly during his last stages was Didis; Sureshwari, Jivana, Sushila, Mahadevi, Krishna Madhuri, Laxmi Priya. And Prabhus; Vidura Krishna, Ramai, Kamal Krishna, Rattan Krishna, Jatindra Mohan.

We are so grateful, in the beginning stage, for Sripad Giridhari Prabhu from Hungary, who took such excellent care of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj. Prabhus; Jagadananda, Nowla Kisore, Jayananda, Madhavananda, and Jayanta Krishna, Dinathihara, all helping him so much.

Srimati Krishna Mohini Didi and Sripad Kesavananda Prabhu driving all night from Utah to offer their assistance. From afar, always sending love and prayers the devotees of our Oregon Math, the Utah community, and Srimati Jashomati Didi, Sripad Brajeswara Prabhu.

Always bringing me immediately whatever I asked for him was Srimati Lila Shakti Didi, Sripad Ananta Rupa Prabhu, and Srimati Braja Mohini Didi. Through it all, Srimati Krishna Priya Didi and Srimati Madhumati Didi and Srimati Kalindi Didi did any and every thing asked of them.

Also Sripad Nabadwip Prabhu who helped so much with the publishing of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaja's book of Srila Gurudev's Darshan "Religion of the Heart" that is ever so dear to Srila Gurudev and our devotees. Through email and Skype, Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj received encouragement and prayers from all over the world. His two brothers, Jim and Gary, not only gave him so much support but also gave so much affection and appreciation to the devotees living here at the ashram.

And the incomparable, Sripad Birachandra Prabhu, who was "passing through" Soquel on his way to India, last summer and in his supreme sincerity grabbed the seva of a lifetime and ran with it. He gave Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj relief beyond any words that I can find.

I am also ever grateful to my husband and children for keeping me going and taking care of everything I neglected while caring for Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj.

When Srila Gurudev asked me to "please take care of Sripad Siddhanti Maharaja. I am very worried for him," I had no idea just how lucky I was.
I still don't.

I pray that both Srila Gurudev and Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj will forgive my many offenses. Also, please note, that If I have not mentioned someone, it is my own fault as Sripad Siddhanti Maharaj never forgot anyone.