(Third from left, with white and light green sari)
By Nila Kamal das
With a heavy heart we sadly announce that HG Krsna Mayi devi dasi, disciple of HH Subhag Swami Maharaj has left her body in Sri Vrindavan Dham at 9.40pm on the 24th of April. She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2009 at the Bhaktivedanta Hospital, Mumbai and 7 years later it finally took its toll.
It is said that ‘simplicity is vaisnavism’. Krsna Mayi Mataji was the embodiment of this statement, her dealings and behavior just like that of a child.
Her husband HG Sitaram das (SSM) was a police officer by profession but after retirement he requested Maharaj permission to reside in the Dham along with his wife. Unexpectedly, during October 2007, Sitaram prabhu suffered from a heart attack and left his body. Maharaj visited the hospital the next day and after looking at Sitaram prabhu’s face he commented, “I’m sure that he has attained a very good destination. Krsna will be pleased that I could take one soul back to Godhead.” Maharaj then instructed Krsna Mayi mataji, “This is your Dham now. Live here and serve without offenses and you will achieve the same destination as your husband.” Following the instructions of her spiritual master she resided in Vrindavan Dham knowing very well that there was no one to look after her except Srimati Radharani. She lived with the bare necessities of life just to keep the body and soul together. With the little pension she received after her husband’s death, she purchased medicine and paid rent for her apartment, the remaining money was used for serving her Guru Maharaj.
She was loved by everyone without exception mainly because she used to care about others so much. Always enquiring about their’ welfare even at times when her health wasn’t good conquered their’ hearts. Mataji used to serve at the Mahaprasad stall and made garlands for the deities. She never criticized others and was always in a joyful and jolly mood.
Srila Prabhupada taught us that living and dying in Vrindavan will entail the same result. Krsna Mayi devi had the good fortune of both. Prabhupada also revealed to us that it is only by the mercy of Radharani that one is allowed to reside in Vrindavan, if offenses are committed then surely Radharani will kick that person out the Dham.
We would like to specifically thank HG Rupa Sanataan das (SSM), resident brahmacari and pujari at ISKCON Vrindavan. He selflessly served Krsna Mayi devi for many years after her husband left on the instruction of his spiritual master. He never delegated his services to others although he was and still is very busy. Everyone in Vrindavan knew that he had two mothers: his own mother and Krsna Mayi devi.
We are reminded of the words of Bhaktivinoda Thakur, “He reasons ill who tells that Vaisnavas die, when thou art living still in sound.” We pray that we can follow in the footsteps of Krsna Mayi mataji and too attain the desired goal.