Offering to His Holiness Jay Pataka Swami Maharaja

Jayapataka Swami was born as Gordon John Erdman II to Gordon John Erdman and Lorraine Erdman (Golich). He attended Brown University.There, as a fresh enrolled, he was influenced by a guest lecture on the life of Buddha that he lost all interest in his studies and began searching for a spiritual teacher. After some time of searching he concluded he would have to go to India to find his teacher.

Before leaving for India, Gordon (JPS) came across some Hare Krishna devotees, doing kirtan and distributing Back To Godhead magazine. Shortly after he visited the San Francisco ISKCON center, where he met Jayananda das who introduced him to the Ratha Yatra. His first service in ISKCON was to help build the Ratha Cart. From there he travelled to Montreal, Quebec, Canada where he met Srila Prabhupada. John took first initiation in Montreal, Quebec, Canada and was given the name 'Jayapataka Dasa'. Soon after he was awarded 2nd initiation in New York.

Below we can see the journey of JPS:

Jai Pataka Swami Maharaj was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

His family background was higher middle class family.

He was offered by all schools and college with full scholarship programs.

His first initiation was done in Montreal, Canada by Srila Prabhupada & named Jay Pataka Dasa.

His second initiation was done in 1970 & named Jay Pataka Swami.

Maharaj came to India (Mayapur) & learned English, Bengali & Spanish.

Maharaj got Indian Citizenship in 1978.

Prabhupada instructed Maharaj to develop Mayapur (Birth place of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu)

 Maharaj had to face a big oppose for his devotional actitives by local goons.

 Maharaj started Food for Life program.

 Maharaj started Sri Mayapur Dham Mandal Parikrama.

Maharaj got big paralysis attack in 2008.

According to doctor he has no chance to survive.

After attack he did not stop his journey although his body was not supporting.

He used to do regular meeting.

Non stop meeting although he was unable to speak.

Non stop travelling although he was unable to walk.

Non stop ceremonies although he was unable to move his hands.

Non stop lectures although he was unable to sit properly.

Non stop initiation although his health condition was not so good..

What to speak of Guru Maharaj's mercy even in the hospitals he used to worry about all his disciples and people around him. Although his condition is not so good.

We pray to Sri Sri Radha Madhava to keep Maharaj in good health condition and live a healthy life.

All glories to JPS Maharaj!

Hare Krishna!