A report on the construction of the beautiful peacock-carved Samadhi in Vrindavana for Srila Prabhupada's famous early disciple Yamuna Devi.
A Memorial in the Sacred Land
After a groundswell of support from ISKCON devotees and leaders, a Samadhi (mausoleum) is being constructed in the sacred land of Vrindavana for Srila Prabhupada's famous early disciple Yamuna Devi. She is well-known for singing the Govindam prayers played in temples worldwide, writing the cookbook "Lord Krishna's Cuisine", and pioneering in the UK. She passed away on December 20, 2011, at the age of 69.
The Architectural Beauty
Located at the ISKCON Goshala in Vrindavana, near the Vrindavana Institute for Higher Education, the Samadhi stands alongside those of Narmada Goswami, Purnachandra Goswami, and Vibhu Chaitanya Das. The Samadhi features a sweeping arched dome covered with intricate carvings of peacocks, pillars, and arches. It is built in the style of the Samadhi of Vishvanath Chakravarti Thakura, which was Yamuna's favorite.
A Life Dedicated to Devotion
A plaque on the Samadhi reads: "Unalloyed Servant of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada... She knew the art of devotional service, lived a dedicated life of devotion, and graciously and joyfully gave the gift of Bhakti to others." The Samadhi will serve as a place where devotees can remember her and continue to take inspiration from her life and deep devotion.