On the afternoon of Monday, May 13th, His Grace Rajasekhara Dasa Brahmachari, a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, left his body surrounded by devotees in Sri Mayapur Dham. His sudden departure followed a short stay in the hospital, where he was admitted with heart and breathing problems. Appreciations and prayers have flooded social media, remembering this faithful disciple of Srila Prabhupada. 

Godbrother Deena Bandhu Das related what devotees visiting Rajasekhara said, “He was smiling and talking and suddenly fell unconscious. The doctor tried his best to revive him while everyone shouted, ‘Hare Krishna!’ When the doctor realized that he was going, he gave him Ganga water in his mouth, and Rajasekhara left.”

Born in 1948 and initiated by Srila Prabhupada in 1972, he was regarded as one of ISKCON’s leading research scholars of Vrindavan Dham and other holy places. Living in India since 1975, Rajasekhara Dasa served as the first head pujari at the Krishna Balaram Mandir and was part of the first bullock cart padayatra in India back in 1981, which spanned from Mumbai to Delhi. Rajasekhara was the author of several books, including guidebooks on the Holy Dhams. They explored both prominent temples and hidden tirthas. Thousands of devotees have appreciated these indispensable companions to the holy places. 

His latest book, “Calcutta-City of Divine Grace: An Historical Memoir,” was released during a grand event at the Scottish Church College in December. The volume includes over forty memoirs of Prabhupada’s disciples who served in Calcutta during his lifetime. There are also 88 pages of period photographs and many previously unknown facts about Srila Prabhupada’s birth and early life in Calcutta. The book also establishes that Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu visited Calcutta, a small hamlet known as Varahanagara, which became Baranagar in North Calcutta.

Deena Bandhu Das with Rajasekhara Dasa at event.

The December book release event included officials from the Scottish Church College, the Bhaktivedanta Research Centre (BRC), ISKCON Kolkata, Srila Prabhupada’s 78-year-old grand-nephew Sankarshan Das, his godbrother Deena Bandhu Das, and many other well-wishers.  

Please follow Deena Bandhu Das on Facebook for additional details about upcoming remembrances and ceremonies for HG Rajasekhara Dasa Brahmachari.

Photos courtesy of Arta Bandhu and others.