Update: Doctor Hegde, the incharge of ICU Unit said that Guru Maharaja is in a stable condition. They have diagnosed that Guru Maharaja has a chronic liver disease and that could be the cause of the decrease in platelets count.

Previously they were not able to identify the reason for the decrease in platelet count. He also said that there is a good chance of removing the ventilator tomorrow.

They urgently need the following medicine. If anyone can locate it please let them know by phone as soon as possible on +91-9339716108

Medicine name = Elthrombopag

Company name in US = GSK Pharma

Company name in Europe = Revolade pharma

Requirement = inj.promacta 75 mg X 15

The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON’s Juhu Beach Temple in Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.

Aniruddha dasa, GBC Deputy, has sent three reports about Maharaja’s condition. We would like to update ISKCON devotees worldwide about Maharaja and beg for your prayers on his behalf. We ask devotees around the world to pray to Lord Krishna and Lord Nrsimhadeva for Jayapataka Swami’s protection.

Maharaja was rushed to the hospital this morning in an ambulance after his assistants found him in bed around 3:30 AM unable to move and calling for help in a semi-conscious state. He was taken the Hinduja Hospital, not far from the Juhu ISKCON temple. He was unconscious when he arrived at the hospital. There several tests were conducted and it was concluded that there was no problem with his heart, as first suspected.

Maharaja’s blood pressure was dangerously high, but more importantly it was determined that he had suffered two brain hemorrhages (internal bleeding).
One was located in the brain stem, a very sensitive area at the base of the brain where surgery is not possible.

Several expert physicians were called in, including devotee doctors from the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. Specialists included neurologists and a neurosurgeon.

Jayapataka Swami is in the intensive care unit. As the hospital will not allow many visitors in the unit, GBC members Sivarama Swami, Bir Krishna Goswami, Bhakti Caru Swami, and Radhanatha Swami who had rushed to the hospital in the morning to be with Jayapataka Swami, returned to the temple around noon. Upon return, Radhanatha Swami immediately updated the GBC about Maharaja’s condition.

Radhanatha Swami reported that Jayapataka Swami remains in critical condition. His condition is extremely delicate. One positive report he shared with the GBC, was that, although not apparently conscious, when Jayapataka Swami was asked to squeeze his left hand, he did so.

As surgery is not an option at this time, doctors are monitoring Maharaja’s condition very carefully, and administering medication as appropriate.

Jayapataka Swami is one of ISKCON’s most senior devotees. He is a dear disciple of Srila Prabhupada. He pioneered preaching in India as well as congregational outreach programs. He has been a faithful and important member of the GBC for decades.

We fervently pray to Lord Krishna for His protection. He has sacrificed his life in service, and we pray the Lord will give him full strength. We also offer our prayers and full support to the disciples of our dear god-brother in this most difficult time.

We request that devotees of ISKCON worldwide offer prayers to their Deities and to Srila Prabhupada that this great leader among us may regain his health and remain with us to serve the ISKCON mission for many more years.

We value, respect and love Jayapataka Maharaja. We admire his deep love for Prabhupada, for the ISKCON society, and for suffering humanity. May Lord Krishna be pleased to allow us all many more years of service to, and association with, His Holiness Jayapataka Swami.

Your servants,

The Members of the ISKCON
Governing Body Commission
Ramai Swami, Chairperson
ISKCON Radha Rasabihari Temple
Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India
October 23, 2008
4:30 PM