Update on the Condition of His Holiness Jayapataka Swami

 

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The ISKCON Governing Body Commission (GBC), which
is currently meeting for five days at ISKCON's Juhu Beach Temple in
Mumbai, was shocked this morning at the news that His Holiness
Jayapataka Swami, our dear god-brother and GBC colleague, was rushed to
the hospital at approximately 4 AM Mumbai time.
Aniruddha dasa,
GBC Deputy, has sent three reports about Maharaja's condition. We would
like to update ISKCON devotees worldwide about Maharaja and beg for
your prayers on his behalf. We ask devotees around the world to pray to
Lord Krishna and Lord Nrsimhadeva for Jayapataka Swami's protection.
Maharaja
was rushed to the hospital this morning in an ambulance after his
assistants found him in bed around 3:30 AM unable to move and calling
for help in a semi-conscious state. He was taken the Hinduja Hospital,
not far from the Juhu ISKCON temple. He was unconscious when he arrived
at the hospital. There several tests were conducted and it was
concluded that there was no problem with his heart, as first suspected.

Maharaja's blood pressure was dangerously high, but more
importantly it was determined that he had suffered two brain
haemorrhages (internal bleeding). One was located in the brain stem, a
very sensitive area at the base of the brain where surgery is not
possible.
Several expert physicians were called in, including
devotee doctors from the Bhaktivedanta Hospital in Mumbai. Specialists
included neurologists and a neurosurgeon.
Jayapataka Swami is in
the intensive care unit. As the hospital will not allow many visitors
in the unit, GBC members Sivarama Swami, Bir Krishna Goswami, Bhakti
Caru Swami, and Radhanatha Swami who had rushed to the hospital in the
morning to be with Jayapataka Swami, returned to the temple around
noon. Upon return, Radhanatha Swami immediately updated the GBC about
Maharaja's condition.
Radhanatha Swami reported that Jayapataka
Swami remains in critical condition. His condition is extremely
delicate. One positive report he shared with the GBC, was that,
although not apparently conscious, when Jayapataka Swami was asked to
squeeze his left hand, he did so.
As surgery is not an option at
this time, doctors are monitoring Maharaja's condition very carefully,
and administering medication as appropriate.
Jayapataka Swami is
one of ISKCON's most senior devotees. He is a dear disciple of Srila
Prabhupada. He pioneered preaching in India as well as congregational
outreach programs. He has been a faithful and important member of the
GBC for decades.
We fervently pray to Lord Krishna for His
protection. He has sacrificed his life in service, and we pray the Lord
will give him full strength. We also offer our prayers and full support
to the disciples of our dear god-brother in this most difficult time.
We
request that devotees of ISKCON worldwide offer prayers to their
Deities and to Srila Prabhupada that this great leader among us may
regain his health and remain with us to serve the ISKCON mission for
many more years.
We value, respect and love Jayapataka Maharaja.
We admire his deep love for Prabhupada, for the ISKCON society, and for
suffering humanity. May Lord Krishna be pleased to allow us all many
more years of service to, and association with, His Holiness Jayapataka
Swami.

Your servants,
The Members of the ISKCON
Governing Body Commission
Ramai Swami, Chairperson
ISKCON Radha Rasabihari Temple
Juhu Beach, Mumbai, India