Dinanath dasa (ACBSP) 1979 Toronto Guru Puja
Travel back to 1979 and experience the transcendental energy of a thriving Hare Krishna community in its prime.
This recording captures Dinanath dasa (ACBSP) leading a Guru Puja kirtan—he was serving at Devasadhan Mandir in Detroit at the time—during a special visit to New Remuna Dhama in Toronto.
The Toronto Kirtan Standard
During the late 70s, the Toronto temple was world-renowned as a premier center for kirtan. The acoustics of the community's home—a magnificent former grand church on Avenue Road turned Radha Krishna temple—provided the perfect resonance for the Mrdangas of Lord Chaitanya. In this recording, you can hear the deep vibrations of the drums, the sharp chime of kartals, and the haunting echo of gongs filling the sacred space.
A Thriving Temple Community
At the time of this recording, the Toronto temple was a powerhouse of bhakti, led by several stalwart devotees: The temple president was Viswakarma dasa, the temple commander was Bhakti Marg dasa (now Maharaj). They were there during this kirtan.
About this Recording
Listen closely to the palpable enthusiasm and spiritual passion of the devotees during this Guru Puja for the pleasure of Srila Prabhupada. The recording serves as a sonic window into a golden era of ISKCON Toronto, where every chant was infused with a deep desire to please the spiritual master.
Recorded by Gopati dasa (ACBSP) using a Nakamichi 550 portable audio deck with a 3 mic system.
Śrī Guru-vandanā
The song Śrī Guru Caraṇa-padma, known as Śrī Guru-vandanā, was composed by Śrīla Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura. This prayer is offered by devotees to express their gratitude and surrender to the spiritual master, who serves as the transparent medium to Krishna
śrī-guru-caraṇa-padma, kevala-bhakti-sadma, vando mui sāvadhāna mate
The lotus feet of our spiritual master are the only way by which we can attain pure devotional service. I bow to his lotus feet with great awe and reverence.
jāhāra prasāde bhāi, e bhava toriyā jāi, kṛṣṇa-prāpti hoy jāhā ha'te
By his grace one can cross the ocean of material suffering and obtain the mercy of Kṛṣṇa.
guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koriyā aikya, ār nā koriho mane āśā
My only wish is to have my consciousness purified by the words radiating from his lotus mouth. I have no other desire but this.
śrī-guru-caraṇe rati, ei se uttama-gati, je prasāde pūre sarva āśā
Attachment to his lotus feet is the perfection that fulfills all desires.
cakhu-dān dilo jei, janme janme prabhu sei, divya-jñān hṛde prokāśito
He opens my darkened eyes and fills my heart with transcendental knowledge. He is my Lord birth after birth.
prema-bhakti jāhā ha'te, avidyā vināśa jāte, vede gāy jāhāra carito
From him transcendental homage emanates; by him ignorance is destroyed. The Vedic scriptures sing of his character.
śrī-guru karuṇā-sindhu, adhama janāra bandhu, lokanāth lokera jīvana
Our spiritual master is the ocean of mercy, the friend of the poor, and the lord and master of the devotees.
hā hā prabhu koro doyā, deho more pada-chāyā, ebe jaśa ghuṣuk tribhuvana
O master! Be merciful unto me. Give me the shade of your lotus feet. Your fame is spread all over the three worlds.
Srila Prabhupada on the Significance of this Prayer
Regarding the importance of this song and the relationship with the spiritual master, His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada once noted:
"This is the process: guru-mukha-padma-vākya, cittete koriyā aikya. Do not try to be very intelligent. Simply try to follow the instruction of the bona fide spiritual master. Then our life is successful. This is Narottama dāsa Ṭhākura's instruction. We should not try to invent something. What the guru says, that is our life and soul. That's all. Then life is successful."