Farewell Tribute to HG Ananta Shanti das (ACBSP)
BY: JAYA MADHAVA DAS (ACBSP)
Jun 06, 2013 — MOSCOW, RUSSIA (SUN) — The Farewell Tribute to HG Ananta Shanti das (ACBSP) at Moscow ISKCON Temple, May 5, 2013.
On May 5th 2013 at the Moscow ISKCON Temple, at 11:00 A.M., Russian devotees gathered to pay tribute at the funeral of HDG A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada's first Russian disciple, who left his body untimely a few days ago here in Moscow.
Ananta Shanti das's body was brought to the temple. A viewing was held before the actual body was brought into a massive tent pandal erected here near the temple. Before entering the temple his body was taken on procession with kirtans about the Temple grounds with devotees chanting the Maha Mantra as the summer sun shown brightly.
Russian senior devotees from ISKCON attended the event as well as two Prabhupada disciples and a guest Sannyasi, HH Avadhut Swami (spiritual master, HH Govinda Maharaj) from the Moscow Gaudiya Math, who gave a tribute to him. HH Avadhut Swami gave a heartfelt tribute to Ananta Shanti das for his selfless devotional services to Srila Prabhupada in the former Soviet Union, and Maharaj explained his suffering at the hands of the KGB in that time and how Ananata Shanti das kept his devotional mood and service despite the horror he endured at the hands of demons. It was also explained how this later greatly took its toll on Ananta Shanti das, from the drugs and mental hospital torture he endured at the hands of the Soviet secret police.
Two of Srila Prabhupada's disciples were on hand -- Jaya Madhava das and Mahadyuti das (from America). They gave their tributes to their deceased godbrother. The devotees all expressed their great appreciation for the hardships endured by HG Ananta Shanti das and the extreme hardships he suffered on behalf of Srila Prabhupada to preach in the Atheist former Soviet Union.
After spoken tributes were given, a sweet kirtan and arotik was performed for him and the love for him and the sense of loss was greatly present at the ceremony. Near his casket were the Deities of Gaura-Nitai-Dayal Nity Sachi Sutta and Srila Prabhupada watching the events.
A Beautiful flower arrangement was decorating his casket and flowers were offered by all devotees. As the ceremony wound down, his casket was taken to the local crematorium. Another Tribute will be held at the Moscow Temple on Friday, June 7th at 2:00 PM and will be followed by a prasadam feast to be held in his honor.
On this occasion of the passing of HG Ananta Shanti das let the worldwide devotees never forget the great sacrifices made by the first Russian disciple of HDG AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. May He remain in the eternal association of Lord Krsna and Srila Prabhupada.
HG Ananta Shanti das (ACBSP) ki jai!
