Prabhupada - Abhay Charan, A Pet Son Poem by Rajaram Ramachandran

Gour Mohan, his pious father,
And Rajani, his kind mother,
Strictly brought up Abhay Charan,
Though he was their pet son.

In a religious holy atmosphere,
He grew up well, under their care,
Hearing daily bhajans and songs,
Sounds of temple bells and gongs.

His father kept a bowl of rice
In the shop for fear of mice
Gnawing clothes in hunger,
And saved goods in this manner.

Back home, he made it a point,
To take japa beads and chant.
He would then worship the Lord,
Before going for his food, then bed.

He was so affectionate,
He used gentle words to correct,
In his usual very soft tone,
Any mistake of his dear son.

His aim was to train his son,
In the spiritual path chosen,
To become a true servant,
Of Radha Krishna at last.

He was keen to teach his son
How to play Mrdanga, sing bhajans,
Speak on Srimad-Bhagavatam,
And in groups, handle the team.

Side by Side, Abhay’s mother,
Rajani too was very particular
That Abhay was on the right path,
Free from danger, disease or death.

Many times she was fasting
For the sake of his well being,
And took care of his education,
Besides his health and hygiene.

The Supreme Lord Krishna
Was popular in North India.
The Bhagavad Gita was famous,
Widely read in every house.

In this divine atmosphere
It’s no wonder, therefore,
He dedicated himself to the Lord,
Whose mercy for which he had.

With all his heart and soul,
He, no doubt, aimed at this goal,
With his every breath, every second,
From his childhood till the end.