1. Srila Prabhupada’s ecstasy at news of LA Rathayatra

    Now the photographs depicting Rathayatra in Los Angeles arrived from you. His Divine Grace was fully entranced on how all of you, His loving disciples and children, dedicated all of your energy in this ceremony. With keen interest Srila Prabhupada heard the description of each photograph and glanced so lovingly at each of you who were engaged in the service of Lord Jagannatha. There were tears in Srila Prabhupada’s eyes and they made a path down His cheeks as He shook His head from side to side, so much appreciative was He of the effort which you have all made. When the photographs showing the three chariots on procession were shown to Him, Srila Prabhupada made a long humming sound, and with His eyebrows very arched He declared, “We have never seen such carts!” When the photographs showing the long lines of people lining up to see the “Changing Body” exhibit were shown to Him, Srila Prabhupada was deeply pleased and said, “I told you this would happen. I am very much glad to see this.” The experience of seeing these photographs was so much moving to His Divine Grace that He was unable to sit for His massage, nor could he take His meals. We requested Him to have His massage, but in a choked voice, He said not now. Then after two hours He retired to bed, deeply in trance meditating on the Rathayatra of Lord Jagannatha at Los Angeles.

    From a letter by  Tamala Krsna Goswami to Godbrothers and Godsisters of New Dvaraka-dhama