The life of Sripad Aindra Prabhu, who revolutionized kirtan in Vrindavan, and the story of how the artist Arca-vigraha dasi painted Radharani's eyes in secret.
Renunciation and Kirtan in Sri Vrindavana Dham
Sripad Aindra Prabhu was a revolutionary! A white American who changed the face of Kirtan for hundreds and thousands, he lived in Vrindavan for the last 24 years of his life. He made kirtan very joyous, attractive, and pure.
He took initiation from Srila Prabhupada at a young age, renounced worldly things, and embraced Vedic culture. Fearless and dedicated, he rocked the world with Harinam Sankirtan. Even the local saints of Vrindavan respected him as a self-realized soul.
He took initiation from Srila Prabhupada at a young age, renounced worldly things, and embraced Vedic culture. Fearless and dedicated, he rocked the world with Harinam Sankirtan. Even the local saints of Vrindavan respected him as a self-realized soul.
Secret Painting of Radharani's Eyes
In the winter of 1989, Aindra noticed Srimati Radharani's eyes were painted with incredible, unmatched spiritual expertise (bhava). He found out that the renowned artist Arca-vigraha dasi, who had come to Vrindavan to spend her final days after being diagnosed with cancer, had done the work.
Because women were traditionally not allowed on the altar, pujari Bhaktisiddhanta das had arranged for her to do the service in complete secrecy under the cover of night. For two weeks, after 10 p.m., she slipped onto the altar to paint the Deities' faces, hands, and feet, culminating in painting Srimati Radharani's eyes on the final night.
Because women were traditionally not allowed on the altar, pujari Bhaktisiddhanta das had arranged for her to do the service in complete secrecy under the cover of night. For two weeks, after 10 p.m., she slipped onto the altar to paint the Deities' faces, hands, and feet, culminating in painting Srimati Radharani's eyes on the final night.
Envisioned in Meditations
Aindra rushed to the guesthouse to meet Arca-vigraha dasi, who was lying weak in bed. He went to her feet and asked: "How did you paint Radharani's eyes like that? How do you know what Radharani's eyes look like?"
She replied, "I don't know. I just painted what I was inspired to paint."
Aindra said in wonder, "You painted them exactly as I envision them every day in my own meditations!"
By Kalachandji Dasa
She replied, "I don't know. I just painted what I was inspired to paint."
Aindra said in wonder, "You painted them exactly as I envision them every day in my own meditations!"
By Kalachandji Dasa