By Damodarlila dasa, Maharashtra Padayatra leader
Maharashtra Padayatra reached Karmala on September 12. As the auspicious day of Radhastami was approaching we were thinking where we might hold the celebration. We asked permission from many temples but were refused due to the pandemic.
The next day we continued searching without success until finally at 10pm I called devotees for help and was connected with the family of Mr Pappu Shinde that owns a clothier business. When we arrived with Their Lordships on September 14 Mr Shinde had graciously emptied the store in preparation for Radhastami and had made all arrangements for our accommodation and prasadam.
All the padayatris fasted till midday. When we performed abhishek of Sri Sri Nitai-Gaurasundar all the Shinde family members were invited to participate. We then sang the glories of most merciful Srimati Radharani. Without Her mercy we can never achieve the Lord.
vina radha-prasadena krsna-praptir na jayate
tatah sri-radhika-krsnau smaraniyau su-samyutau
Without the mercy of Srimati Radhika, one can never attain Krishna. Therefore, one must remember Them together, as They are always nicely situated by each other’s side. – Srila Dhyanachandra Goswami’s Paddhati
The Shinde family was not chanting, but on Radhastami they took beads from us and started chanting, all by the mercy of Srimati Radharani. She wanted to bless the family, so after a long search we arrived at their place for Her celebration.
The family had a great service attitude. Mr Shinde would come to us and ask, “Prabhuji, whatever else you need, please let me know.” And while serving prasadam, he would ask us again and again and serve. The family was very happy to host padayatra and said to me, “Whenever you come this way, please come to us and give us the opportunity to serve.”
Thus, we celebrated Radhastami at Karmala.
