Detroit Devotees - Please Come Home for our
30th Reunion
BY: AMBARISH DAS & LEKHASRAVANTI DEVI DASI
May 17, DETROIT, MICHIGAN (SUN) — Thirty years ago, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada requested us to purchase the Fisher Mansion as the new home for Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari and the Detroit Hare Krishna movement. The media loved the Ford-Reuther connection, and Srila Prabhupada gave Detroit His blessings. Prabhupada instructed us to make Devasadhan Mandir a showplace for Krishna consciousness. He was very proud of our temple, considering it one of ISKCON’s crown jewels.
For three decades, conditioned souls have toured the mansion and paid their respects to our beautiful Deities. Bus tours, business luncheons, weddings, festivals and casual visitors have marveled at the grandeur of the mansion, gardens, prasadam and beautiful worship ceremonies performed daily since Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari moved from their old home on east Jefferson.
Keeping our promise to Srila Prabhupada
Today, Devasadhan Mandir and The Bhaktivedanta Cultural Center have launched new chapters, with the Fisher Mansion placed on the National Registry of Historic Homes and many talented devotees pushing forward to realize Srila Prabhupada’s vision for Detroit.
Detroit has become an important part of the strategic plan to revitalize preaching in North America. The Friends of the Fisher Mansion has re-energized its mission and has completed Phase I of a restoration project to replace the roof and restore the beautiful interiors of the temple. An enthusiastic team is also tackling the daunting task of preserving the temple and grounds to their original splendor, and re-opening the restaurant and theatre.
Celebrating every devotee’s contribution
Many of you have played an important role in our success. To acknowledge your contributions and strengthen our commitment to Srila Prabhupada, we invite all devotees who have served in Detroit since 1969, their family and friends, to come home to the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari and Srila Prabhupada for our 30th reunion.
The reunion begins Saturday morning, July 22, and culminates Sunday, July 23, with an ecstatic Rathayatra on Belle Isle, where Prabhupada often took morning walks. Devotees who desire more time for association may arrive on Friday evening, July 21, for an intimate 7 p.m. kirtan for Their Lordships.
The Temple will provide lodging, prasadam and airport pick-up - all you have to do is come! Please bring Srila Prabhupada pastimes in Detroit to share. We will honor all the wonderful devotees who have their roots in Detroit. We hope to see you this summer at our reunion, back Home at the Lotus Feet of Sri Sri Radha Kunjabihari, Sr Sri Gaur-Nitai, Lord Jaganatha, Lady Subadra, Lord Balarama and Srila Prabhupada.
Please e-mail e_reuther@yahoo.com by July 1 if you plan to attend.
