The Hare Krishna movement in New York just opened a mammoth temple in Manhattan, 340 West 55 Street. Adi Kesava Swami, a really young sannyasi, was the temple president. The temple was packed with hundreds of saffron clad devotees from different parts of the country. They were to hold the first Rathayatra in New York. It would be a stroll down 5th Avenue. Everyone was really excited. You could sense it thick in the air. All the devotees had beaming smiles on their faces.
When His Divine Grace first walked in the door of that 12 story building, it was a major feat the New York devotees had accomplished. It was His Divine Grace's long dream to conquer New York. He was about to walk in the building, the kirtan was roaring, His Divine Grace was so happy. I could witness that this will stay with me for the rest of my life! I can see it now. He has the most beautiful smile I have ever seen.
His Divine Grace stopped at the door to touch this bronze plate that was inscribed in the wall. It read: His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, founder-acarya, The Hare Krishna movement. Then Srila Prabhupada, with all his happy followers, walked in the building. Srila Prabhupada just conquered New York City.
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Nama Sankirtan dasa
July 1976, 340 West 55 St., NYC
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