By Damodarlila dasa, Maharashtra Padayatra leader
Akhildhara dasa, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, visited the Maharashtra Padayatra on February 19, 2022. We were blessed by his visit. He stayed with us for fifteen days then went to Mayapur. He likes padayatra a lot so we often had his association in the All-India Padayatra. He is a padayatri at heart and enjoys the lifestyle. He says in padayatra we fully depend on the mercy of Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar.
His visit amplified our enthusiasm. He always guided us during chanting if someone felt sleepy. He also insisted we read Srila Prabhupada books. People of the villages were surprised to see a foreigner dressed simply like a monk. They would come to meet him and talk to him and felt attracted to him. Whomever he met he would always keep preaching. He always glorified padayatra and the most merciful Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar. He would give class and I would translate it in Marathi for the villagers who would sit silently listening to the talk. Then they would happily take books from him, feel honoured to take books. We could see a wonderful foreign devotee preaching in the villages. It’s possible only due to padayatra that goes to remote villages and preaches there where no-one goes.
He would walk with us in padayatra. Sometimes he would stay behind preaching and then a villager would drop him back to padayatra on a bike. He shared his padayatra experiences with all. Devotees would invite him for house programmes and he joined us readily, always emphasizing book distribution. Although elderly his enthusiasm was unparalleled. He inspired us very much.
Asked about his plan he said, “After Navadvipa-mandal Parikrama I will join the Utkal-Banga Padayatra.” So right now, he is with those padayatris in Odisha.
All glories to Akhildhara dasa.
