Tribute to Sri Sri Pitambhar Dev Goswami, Xatradhikar of Sri Sri Dakshinpat Ashrami Xatra

The cycle of birth and death never ends in this universe. Whether it is the fruits of action or the never-ending burden of hope, the living creature must continue to cycle through this pattern. The Sanatan Shastras therefore describe both birth and death as transformations. In the context of such enlightenment, however, the deaths of some individuals cannot be accepted so easily. One such instance is the death of Sri Sri Pitambar Dev Goswami Prabhujana, Xatradhikar of Sri Sri Dakshinpat Ashrami Xatra. Prabhu Goswami, who was born on April 16, 1929, was the messenger of two eras in India: pre-independence and post-independence. He was truly a venerable Xatradhikar, as he embodied the history of two eras. Filial spirituality and enormous respect for disciples were essential aspects of his daily life. The unity that results from the combination of a gentle smile and the whatabouts received with great affection at the sight of each disciple is only possible to feel, not possible to express. Even when addressing a younger individual than himself, he addresses them with the utmost respect and listens to everything from household news to farm updates with great interest.

His dedicated lifestyle as a Xatradhikar is also a matter of discussion and learning. He was one of the Xatriya Sanatan values of “Isto Sadhana”, “Satriya Pal Prasang”, “Seva Karma” of the Main Xatra, performed Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita recitation at the Main Xatra from time to time, and also managed the Grihasthi Ashram very efficiently. Former Xatradhikars, late Sri Sri Haridev Goswami and late Ramananda Dev Goswami “Prabuiswar” was the inspiration of his disciplined life. They were the fourteenth and fifteenth Xatradhikars of Sri Sri Dakhinpat Xatra respectively. He is the father of the 16th Xatradhikar, Sri Sri Nanigopal Devgoswami. He is the younger brother of two pioneers of Xatriya culture in Assam. The position of his son as Xatradhikar is prayed by himself too. The scriptures say, “Atma vai putra namasi” meaning that the father is reborn as the son again. Therefore, this pride of being as the father of mighty Xatradhikar is exclusively the property of Late Pitambar Dev Goswami.

His dedication as a servant of Sri Sri Dakshinpat Satra reflected his exceptional love and devotion to Mahaprabhu Sri Sri Yadav Rai. In order to unite the disciples of Sri Sri Dakhinpat Xatra, many a times he visits various places as advised by his elders. His devotion to Yadavrai is evident in several of his Xatriya songs. One of his most meaningful works is the song “Yadurai, have mercy on this poor man. Without your compassion there is no movement in this life”. Moreover, the unique addition of Sri Sri Dakhinpat Xatra “The Raas Kirtan” was seen as magical when he performed. He was both an actor and the director of a play based on the childhood of Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmashtami. Late Pitambar Dev Goswami Prabhu possessed many such qualities.

Prabhujana was also fluent in Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita along with Pada Bhagavad Gita. There is an atmosphere of Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita practice at Xatra due to the emphasis on Sanskrit Bhagavad Gita recitation and explanation as part of the main daily activities of Sri Sri Dakshinpat Xatra. Prabhu was a meaningful representative of this tradition. He also had deep rooted knowledge of Xatriya culture in Assam. He passed away on July 1, 2023 at the age of 94 years, 2 months and 15 days. He is survived by three sons and two daughters. Today is his holy funeral to perform his afterlife. On this holy occasion of the “first shraddha”, we offer our heartfelt devotional tributes to his holy soul and wish him his blessings.

–Jugmajyoti Dutta

Also Read:Demise of social activist Tulsi Basumatary of Dhemaji district mourned

Also Watch: