Royal Couple Charms Chicago

The King of Puri speaks to devotees at the Chicago temple.

By Gabriele Woodall

CHICAGO, IL, USA-- On April 27, the Chicago Hare Krishna Temple received an illustrious guest, His Royal Highness, the King of Puri, India. The holy pilgrimage town of Puri is best known for its huge Jagannatha Deity and temple, and the world-famous Festival of the Chariots or Ratha-yatra. This celebration traces its roots back to antiquity, as does the royal family, whose lineage includes King Prataparudra, who is mentioned in the 500-year-old Vaishnava classic, Sri Caitanya Caritamrita.

The king, Gaja Pati Maharaja Dibya Singha, and his wife, both practicing Vaishnavas, came to the USA in order to install Jagannatha Deities in a number of temples, including the Hindu temple in Aurora, a Chicago suburb. But first they visited ISKCON Chicago to have an audience with its beautiful Deities of Lord Jagannatha-Lady Subhadra-Lord Baladeva and Sri Sri Kishore-Kishori. After a worship ceremony, His Highness graciously told the Sunday crowd the story of how Lord Jagannatha came to Puri, explained how opulently He is worshipped, and patiently answered questions.

The program finished with a performance by traditional Bharat Natyam dancers, after which the royal couple, their entourage, and guests at the Sunday Feast enjoyed prasadam.