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Homage to Tribhuvanatha Prabhu
from Isani dasi

He reasons ill who says
that Vaisnavas die,
When thou art living still in sound.
The Vaisnavas die to live,
and living try
to spread the Holy name around.
—Bhaktivinoda Thakur.

The devotees of Govindadwipa were deeply saddened to hear last week of the passing away of one of Srila Prabhupada's dear disciples, Tribhuvanatha prabhu.

Tribhuvanatha prabhu was always a lively source of inspiration and affection for the devotees here. His devotion to Srila Prabhupada, his dedication to the propagation of the Holy Name, his personal charm and exuberance will be sadly missed, not only to devotees here and indeed worldwide, but to a world bereft of Krsna Consciousness, which he so generously spread without trace of personal consideration.

On Tuesday 16th after hearing of his leaving his body, the devotees held a ceremony on Govindadwipa.

His picture was placed on the altar, we offered maha prasad and flowers. The devotees then held kirtan and sang Je Anilo Prema Dhana, and the mood was sombre.

One devotee suggested a lively kirtan à la Tribhuvanatha, and Manu proceeded to lead a foot-stomping rendition of Sri Guru Vandana.

The devotees though grieving, were happy to celebrate the fact that Tribhuvanatha prabhu has joined Srila Prabhupada in his eternal preaching mission, as was always his desire.

Together we watched a video of Tribhuvanatha's preaching in Africa, compiled by Jeremy and Jackie.

Again on Friday evening, devotees assembled in Mother Marianne's house on Geaglum for kirtan and bajans in a mood of remembrance of Tribhuvanatha.

On Saturday we held a maha harinama on Dublin's streets. From 2.30 pm till 9.30 pm with an hour break in between to regroup, we blasted out the Holy Name much to the delight of a lot of Saturday shoppers and assorted revellers. Up to 45 devotees took part during the course of the day.

On Sunday 21st around 70 devotees from all over Ireland gathered on Inis Rath to commemorate the glorious and full life of Tribhuvanatha prabhu.

From midday we had kirtan and bhajan throughout the day. For several hours, devotees read and spoke homages, as well as reading letters from Srila Prabhupada to Tribhuvanatha.

There then followed a feast, Gaura Aroti and kirtan until 9.30 p.m.

Devotees told many stories on that day. One told by Manu das was of the time when Tribhuvanatha prabhu was temple president on Inis Rath (Govindadwipa) .

A preaching programme had been arranged in Dublin's Trinity College. We were invited along by the Historic Society, among whose past speakers were Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde.

Tribhuvanatha was to be the guest speaker. His relatively short (two-hour) journey from the island turned into quite an adventure. After being stranded on the island without a boat, and eventually managing to cross the lake, his car broke down en route. He walked and hitchhiked for several miles, finally getting a lift with someone who left him on the outskirts of Dublin. He ran from here in traditional Inis Rath footwear, wellies, complete with Inis Rath mud, all the way through the busy Dublin streets.

Meanwhile Manu was holding the fort, wondering what on earth was going on but not really surprised that Tribhuvanatha was late!

The audience that night boasted a large number of staunch feminists.

Tribhuvanatha eventually burst in the door, sweating profusely and began to deliver a totally unprepared talk.

The topic was "Women's Role In Modern Society."

The highlight was when he spoke of Mark Anthony , who was able to conquer kingdoms but became conquered by one flutter of the eyelashes of Cleopatra. Such, he said, was the power of women.

The audience erupted into spontaneous applause and took Tribhuvanatha to their hearts.

As we were inspired by Tribhuvanatha in life, so now do we continue to be inspired by a great sankirtan general and much loved devotee.

from Isani dasi
on behalf of the devotees of Govindadwipa
with fondest memories.

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