This is a famous photo of Prabhupada doing the first arati to Krishna-Balarama at the installation ceremony in 1975. He is turning toward the audience and offering the incense. Srila Prabhupada is wearing two long pink rose garlands. Krishna and Balarama are leaning toward each other. Balarama’s crooked, curvy, silver cowherd’s stick, the ornate mukut crowns, peacock feathers, jari-trimmed clothing, flowers at Their feet. On the floor before the altar, the five-wick ghee lamp has been lit by the assistant pujari and is awaiting Srila Prabhupada’s hand. The paraphernalia is sparkling new silver. The feast is offered too, on mats on the floor.
Srila Prabhupada is somber, his mouth turned down in a natural way, but you can see he is pleased. Even this relatively poor snapshot shows us that his eyes are happy and he is feeling the satisfaction of a servant who has fulfilled his mission on behalf of the Lord. It is a momentous occasion. Srila Prabhupada wears a long, silk kurta; his silk dhoti bottom reaches the floor, but we can see his toes like flower buds peeking out. There are garlands over each of the pictures of the parampara gurus.
This first arati is being continued almost twenty years later, six times a day, by his followers. The temple is open. The guesthouse is almost always filled to capacity. ISKCON devotees from all over the world know where to go when they feel desperately in need of rejuvenation.
From a 1975 snapshot, you can meditate on Srila Prabhupada’s presence at any time of his life. Srila Prabhupada is himself. Let us worship him and follow his instructions. He says we should not go to Krishna asking for our comforts, but to serve Him. He says the ordinary religionist asks Krishna for bread, comforts, happiness, but Mother Yasoda calls to Krishna, “Come on, eat what I cook for You or You will grow lean and thin.” These words, Srila Prabhupada, wake me up from selfish devotional “service.” I don’t want to do it all wrong; I want to do it with the love you have as you offer the arati to Krishna-Balarama. I want to serve you. When I chant the Hare Krishna mantra, if I increase my numerical quota, or make an effort to control the mind – it’s not so that I can become a more competent yogi. I do these things to please you and serve you. Please teach me that love which you know so well, O spiritual master of the universe, O spiritual master of this fallen soul.
(_Begging for the Nectar of the Holy Name_)