Shri Prakash Gossai (Guruji) was born on April 25th 1953 at Handsome Tree, Mahaica Creek, East Coast Demerara, Guyana. This beloved world teacher was a spiritual genius with commanding intellect and charisma.
He encouraged us to be the architect of our own spiritual experience, to love God, and to serve humanity. His kathas – discourses imbued deep spiritual wisdom, love and practicality. The words of this great master of Vedanta philosophy offer you compassionate guidance for each step of your spiritual journey and he presented them in the soul stirring language of great music. He brought all aspects of your life into attunement with your higher purpose and direction.
Prakashji attracted others with his gentle humor and natural humility, revealing the spiritual wealth of Hinduism to all classes of thinkers from all backgrounds, races and faiths.
He is also known for his moral and humanitarian leadership as an advocate of human dignity, peace, religious freedom, and for the deep spiritual insight and leadership he provided throughout the world.
Shri Prakashji was of gentle mien and voice, of pleasing presence, and worthy of the veneration which his followers spontaneously accorded him. It was evident that every person who knew him, whether of his own community or not, held him in the highest esteem.
Prakashji departed this life during the early morning hours of June 15th 2009, while resting peacefully.
His life and teachings continue to be a source of light and inspiration for people everywhere.
Your great memories of Shri Prakash Gossai is appreciated, please feel free to share them with everyone by clicking on the “Comments” link below.
Raam Naam Satya Hai
The name of Rama is truth
Savitri Gossai
Sister Savitri,
With these fews words I wolud like to say that Panditji / Shri Prakash will and never be forgotten. His teachings has inspired and touches our hearts so much that in my home and I am sure thousands as well his bhajans and sweet loving songs/voice will keep on playing and echoing from sunrise to sunset daily and for decades to come.
We as deciples of this great Guru must join together and continue to spread his teachings.
Shri Prakashji is like a candle in the wind that will surely never needs to be rekindle
nor ever will go out.
Myself and family pray that LORD SHIVA will give you all that strength and health to let that candle keeps on burning forever.
Jai Shree Ram….
Family Sonja/Daram Khilawan
Rotterdam The Netherlands
Comment by Sonja Khilawan — July 4, 2009 @ 11:09 am
Jai Shree Raam:
My gratitude and support for the family that
gave to the world an exceptional God-like human being! Our Guruji will be remembered with love and wisdom he shared with everyone. After Guruji’s exceptional
explanation of our Ramchritmanas, our
life has been transformed. One of the many things I learned from Guruji is that every problem has a solution and all solutions are in our holy books!
Comment by Usha Singh — July 4, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
Our family has known guru for over 15 years and he has been our Guru and friend for all those years. The amount of support and love he has shown our family was tremendous. His death was such a shock that it shook us to the core. On the day of his funeral after seeing Guru for the last time, i went into the rain walking back to my car and fell to the ground just crying hysterically. He will be missed and for the blessing of having this great man in our homes for years and touching his feet will remain our prized memory. His bhajans and Ramayan lectures will forever play in our house. We miss you so Guru. Jai Shree Ram.
Comment by shivrani — July 7, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Jai Shree raam,
Most people knew Shree Prakask as a Pandit, singer and president of the Bhuvaneshwar mandir, and a missionary that travel to different countries spreading the word of the Raamcharitmanas,some things they did not mention and little they dident know that he was the consulted to assist in the transliteration on the same ramayan for the benifit of the new generation his name is mentioned in the preface of this holy text for the benifit for all that are doubtful, he conducted discourses in Barbados and Greneda too both countries are predominantly black with Indian Nationals and whites, he performed the the sanskar for two beautiful girls in the eyes of the Barbadian public and they were moved to tears they way Prakask explained the relation of guru and chelas those two girls grew up to be professional singers of Bhajans and play their own Harmonium,and resides in Orlando now, the were the last two sisters that accompany him to perform a puja in Daytona, before he returned to Guyana and suffered the second attack, the had great memmories of him during their trip from Orlando airport to Daytona and will always cherish those moments, Shree Prakash appeared on ABC TV in the programme Extreme Make over home edition, I Know because I accompany him in jamaica Queens where it all happened.
I just thought I would share these two bits of info with you loving people.
His sole will always have ever lasting peace
jai Shree Raam.
Cris
Comment by Cris Guyadeen — July 7, 2009 @ 10:33 pm
Dear Savitri:
As Long as memory lives, those we love never truly die. As long as we live and remember them, they will always be with us. In so many ways Prakashji’s life has changed our world and left us in a better place. He has touched so many hearts to ever be forgotten.
His great work on Hinduism is firmly planted like seeds in many homes and mandirs which will flourish and take precedence by his devotees. I am sure future generations will also follow in his great legacy which will live forever.
As we seek to find moksha through his great teachings in Dharma, we have no doubt that our dear Prakashji has now found his own moksha . May you find comfort in knowing how many people around the world care and share in your disappointment which is definitely his divine appointment with the Lord. Therefore we must all let go and be pleased that he has met with his Great MASTER. So let’s sing his praises as he makes his new journey. He would have done the same for us. Sing with me.. “Rama Oh Ramare Bool amatajaw teri Ayodhya choraakay”……….
Bet, he is now smiling as he is looking at us trying to sing! (smile back).
Jai Raam! Jai Shri Sita Raam!
With Aum and Prem
Sharon
Comment by Sharon — July 15, 2009 @ 5:06 pm
Jai Shree Ram,
It is with good thoughts, word and deeds that we have good come to us from all around. Shree Prakash was an example of noble qualities, who served the best way he knew how. lets take his good teachings and learn to enrich our own lives. May lord Rama grant him a permanent place in his abode.
Comment by ram — July 16, 2009 @ 9:11 am
my humble seetaram namaste and pranaam
to all my brothers and sisters in hinduism my side of the world has become darker when Bhagwan called and took the light away(mera deepak jug jug jale jug jug Prakash).Shri Prakash was indeed a beacon of light to all.Guruji used to say that God is so busy that’s why He created mothers.I think the Lord should substitute the word Mothers for Prakash. He was indeed blessed with spritual powers and with his melodius voice he spared no moment in his life to share and teach us the path of good.I have known Guruji personally for many years having meetings with him around the world.I remember meeting Him at the Devi Mandir in canada when I told him about a little boy in Guyana who had to do surgery to remove a tumor in his head. Guruji took a short break from his katha and we sang a few songs and raised money which was given to me to give to the family in New york to help that boy.Prakashji believe in giving HE was indeed a great soul.In my life I lost my dharam patni in an accident in guyana in 1980 and I still can’t come to terms yet .it was shocking just like the loss of my Dost (that what he used to call me)I am still shocked . allthough I was at His cremation and I saw when they took his casket in to be cremated with tears in my eyes I bid him farewell I still believe that one day I will see my friend and mentor somewhere someday again.To his entire family my sincere condolances and sympaties May He sit on the right hand side of the Lord and may Shri Krishna grant Him eternal rest.He has left us for a higher abode but his memories and teachings and good deeds will never die Farewell my brother and as he always says after every sermon ‘PREM SAY BOLO SHRI KRISHNACHAND BHAGWAN KI JAI’
With love always
the Brehaspat Family of the Bronx
Comment by dhanraj brehaspat — July 18, 2009 @ 7:55 am
Didi Savitri
Zindagi ka safar hai ye kaisaa safar koyee samjaa nahee koyee jaanaa nahee.when you do pooja or hawan you offer to the lord only the best.He was the best and the lord took him
seeta raam
Shivashchand
Comment by dhanraj brehaspat — July 18, 2009 @ 8:14 am
jai shri raam
my world has become darker with passing of that great soul and mentor Shri Prakash Gossai.Guruji was indeed a beacon of light to all who he has encountered in his short span of life.He was indeed a through friend and brother to all.Remember in his words he used to say allways smile never be sad.Bhagwan has called his son home …the Tulsidas of modern time .his physical body has left us but his memories and teachings will last forever.I am positive that he is now sitting on the asan next to the Lord and smiling down on us.He was indeed a through bakht. After his sermons he always says
PREM SAY BOLO SHRI KRISHNACHAND BHAGWAN KI JAI….God bless
his best friend
Dhanraj Brehaspat of the bronx
Comment by shivashchand — July 19, 2009 @ 8:09 am
Seeta Raam our family missed that guruji so bad, it is hard but some time you forget that he is gone and you pick the phone up and you want to call him or email him but he is not there. We miss him and he will live on in all of our hearts, my two daughters grew up in front of him, they too sing and try to follow all his teaching and our Sweet Lord Raam will keep him safe WE have full”FAITH” of that.
Seeta RAAM FROM RITA,KUMAR,ROMILA,ALVINA from Canada
Comment by Rita — July 20, 2009 @ 1:17 am
Please keep the current bhajan playing on this website(Rama o rama rey). This gives us a chance to listen to Gurujie’s voice. By doing this, we are inspired and are able to get thru our day in the way Gurujie taught us, that is to DO GOOD and BE GOOD.
Comment by LILOWTIE — July 20, 2009 @ 4:50 pm
Dear Savitri Deedee:
Whenever I think of Prakashji I think of the great love he embraced everthing he came into contact with(from mantras/bhajans to film songs) and with everyone he came into contact with(from children to adults, man or woman and even the poor or the rich). He had no limits with his knowledge or love for humanity. I think he did so much great work on earth pleasing to Bhagwan, his mission accomplished here faster than expected. He was definitely called to higher duties. He taught us alot and also left us sustained with his great Discourses/books & CD’s so that we can carry-on his great leagacy. It is amazing that God knows his devotees would miss his sooo much, so God took him away from us gradually. After he left New York to work in Guyana, we didnt see him as often so that was in itself a kind of early parting. Perhaps it was Bhagwan’s way making us detach little by little. The CD “Bhikshaa ya Daan” is this his last recorded CD? It certainly feel like a “good-bye-CD” with sad songs to me. Also his voice in some of those songs sounded like he was sad, close to tears. If anyone else listens to this CD please give your view and i would much appreciate if anyone can translate the meaning of all these touching songs. “Aaj Suno Ham Geet Vidaaka” is the most touching of the list on this CD. The way he sang this song, gives the impression that he knew he was going to leave us sometime soon. I have been listening to all his songs and music long before i first met him in 1999 and all have been so joyous and full of devotional excitment to the Lord. However this “Bhikshaa ya Daan” is totally different. It’s like a plea to the Lord and a saddness in his voice I never heard before. It is a powerful “Good-bye-CD” gives me closure to accept his passing. We could not have asked for anything more of Shri Prakashji! We are grateful for every bit of his lifetime shared with us. God bless his soul!
With Om & Prem
Sharon
Comment by Sharon Ramroopsingh — July 22, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
IT IS SO SAD THAT A GREAT PERSON LIKE PRAKASHJI HAVE TO LEAVE US ALL.
I KNEW HE HAD A LONG WAY TO GO TEACHING AND HELPING THE NEEDY.
I KNOW FROM MY HEART HIS DEATH WAS CAUSED BY NEGLEGENCE- MY QUESTION TO
GUYANA PRESIDENT WHY FLORIDA WHEN ALL HIS FAMILY IS LIVING IN NEW YORK.
I AM VERY SAD.
MY LOVE TO ALL.
Comment by MENA — July 28, 2009 @ 10:02 pm
Guruji was a great human being, I always wonder why he was sent to Florida
instead of New York when he became ill.
I know that thought is on alot of people minds.
May god give guruji a resting place.
Comment by JENNA — July 30, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
I’m a 8 year old girl. I miss my guruji deeply. He knew me from birth, he named me, he gave me one of my first presents. ” A picture of Hanumanji” We will miss his blessings in our home every year. I listen to his bajhans every night. My true favorite is Rama Ho Rama Rey. I also know it by head. i can’t belive he will no longer physically be in our home anymore.
Comment by Anjali — August 3, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
i miss pandit prakashji extremely. i remember one time when my neighbor had a yagna and he came to my house to shower and get ready before it had started. that is just one of the MANY memories i have of him. he was such a great influence on everyone and he will be truly missed by myself and my family. RIP Prakashji <3
- shannah 14 years old
Comment by shannah — August 5, 2009 @ 8:17 pm
Hari Om,
I was only able to meet this great exponent of Vedic Sanatan Dharma a handful of times in my life, however we corresponded and he was always willing to teach and would tell me to call him.
The torch he lit in our communities all over the world, I have no doubt that it will continue to shine ever so bright.
May God grant his soul everlasting peace, and may all of us who feel left by him, may we overcome the grief and celebrate his life.
Jai Shree Ram!
Chetan Gossai (California)
Comment by Chetan — August 9, 2009 @ 6:03 pm
PRAKASHJI WAS A HUMAN BEING WITH STRENGTH AND WEAKNESSES, HE WAS NOT GOD
AND THE TIME OR UNTIMELY DEATH ONLY GOD KNOWS, BUT I KNOW IF HE HAD BETTER MEDICAL ATTENTION AND BETTER PEOPLE TO MAKE DECISIONS HE WOULD HAVE BEEN ALIVE AND WELL TODAY. HE DID NOT KNOW WHO WERE HIS FRIENDS AND WHO WERE USING HIM.
I HATE TO TO THINK GURUJI IS NOT WITH US ANYMORE IN PERSON.
MAY GOD BLSS GURUJI AND OPEN HIS ARMS FOR HIS AS GURUJI DID FOR ALL.
Comment by JENNA — August 29, 2009 @ 9:52 pm
Jai Shri Raam
It is a blessing to all who knew and interacted with Shri Prakashji. He was an Icon, once you hit it- the results are guaranteed that you would reach GOD. Guruji was very much loved by our family, on several occasions we told him he was an incarnation of God in diguise. His heart was overflowing with LOVE which he shared unconditionally. Today, our family has lost their RAAM forever, a lost words cannot describe,but your teachings would never be lost, you left us a lifetime of memories.
May your soul be reunited with Lord Vishnu and may you continue to be the divine light that shines so bright.
With Prem and OM
Pavitri
Comment by PAVITRI — September 24, 2009 @ 12:06 am
I humbly make a special request to each one of Prakashji’s God children from all parts of the world , to release a white balloon into the air at 6.00pm on Diwali nite in his memory and to light a dia for him.
Shub Diwali.
God Bless
Shakti
Comment by Shakti — October 8, 2009 @ 10:35 pm
god bless
Comment by RAVI — October 9, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
My parents are devoted followers of Guru. I personally met him a few times. Although my beliefs is very different from what he teaches, he never made me feel any different. His aura was always peaceful. He was very busy but took the time to answer my questions, I really appreciate that. My preceptions of the religion changed in a positive direction because of his teachings. I think, he was one of a kind. I know my parents misses him everyday. He was god’s gift to everyone he touched.
Juliet..
Comment by Juliet D. B-G. — November 17, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
Your comments and kind words is therapy for the soul. I believe Guruji is at peace knowing that he is remembered and loved by all of you. Together, we will continue to honour his life and teachings.
Diyas were lit for him on Diwali night all over the world, please continue to write about your tributes and memories.
If you have any suggestions for his website, please send me an email, my address is on the Contact Page.
With love and peace.
In His Service
Savitri Gossai
Comment by Savitri Gossai — December 10, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
My brother has left us all but his teachings must go on . It is up to us to see that we continue his work with diligence.
Our community has a lost a great soul but we must not give up friends. Let us continue fron where he left for the betterment of all mankind. This is what he would have wanted as I know him from birth.
May he rest in peace.
Jai Shree Ram
NB: Thanks Sav for organizing this.
Comment by Pandit Jag Gossai — December 18, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Missing you this Shivratri. You are still a source of power and light in this world. Although you are not phisically here. I can still feel you here and sense you are helping me and guiding me. I know you are watching out for me. Thank you so much! Your little Babo!
Comment by Sherry Jaganth — February 13, 2010 @ 12:01 am
The holi season will be upon us shortly and while we observe this auspicious day there is no doubt our beloved Shri Prakash Gosain ji will be uppermost in our minds .
To best honour him, remember the sick and forgotten, the poor and the hungry, for this is what he lived and died doing and show him that you were listening to his teachings and carring on the rich legacy he left with us.
Holi Hai.
God Bless
Shakti
Comment by shakti — February 20, 2010 @ 7:21 pm
Words are not enough to express our thanks and gratitude to all of you for your love and support over the last eight months.
It has been a mixture of emotions for all of us, the sadness and grief of losing a great son, father, brother, uncle, friend, Guruji, Acharya, Humanitarian and Missionary worker to name a few of Shri Prakash Gossaiji’s duties and responsibilities, as well as the void he has left in all our lives. He is known to most people around the world as “Guruji”, including his family.
Many of you have asked for details of Guruji’s final days with us. Hence, we would like to give you an update of what happened during last days here and since his soul departed this world on June 15th, 2009.
When we heard Guruji was experiencing heart problems in Guyana, we quickly arranged for a medical air-ambulance to go to Guyana and bring him to New York. Due to regulations, the medic-ambulance could only fly for eight hours, which is why he was taken to Miami, the closest Port-Of-Entry. The flying time from Miami to Guyana and back is approximately eight hours.
A good friend, Dr Suresh Narine was a member of the medical team that accompanied Guruji from Guyana to Miami.
On Friday, June 12th his sisters Dora and Sushilla with his daughter Preeti flew to Miami to meet him when he arrived; his son Arun joined them later at Jackson’s Memorial Hospital in Miami. Several relatives and friends came to visit with him throughout the weekend.
Guruji was tired but optimistic. The doctors in Miami didn’t feel his condition was critical: an Angiogram was scheduled for him on Monday morning. He was looking forward to going home to New York; he wanted us to drive back after his tests were completed and permission was given for him to travel. We agreed to rent an appropriate vehicle for this journey.
After everyone left on Sunday night, Dora, Sushilla, Preeti and Arun sang bhajans, kirtans and prayed with him until he fell asleep.
This great soul departed his physical body at 3:00am on Monday, June 15th, 2009 in the arms of his son, with his daughter and sisters by his side.
This was the most devastating moment for us, as well as many devotees around the world. We prayed and asked God for strength and understanding. He took his final journey to New York On Tuesday, June 16th, 2009.
Thousands of devotees, family, friends, shisyas and followers from around the world came to New York to bid their last farewell to a beloved Guruji. His funeral was on June 18th, which was broadcast live in Guyana for the people he loved and served to the end. We took his ashes back to Guyana for a special ceremony at De Hoop Mandir, Mahaica on August 23rd, 2009.
Everyday is a new journey and we are thankful for your cards, letters, emails, phone calls and to those of you that have taken time out of your busy schedule to visit with us, join us in prayers and share your memories.
Guruji will forever dwell in our hearts; he has left a richer world today. He encouraged people everywhere to seek God and follow the path of Dharma-universal principle of righteousness applicable to the well-being of humanity. He was a messenger of love and peace; he departed this world with a smile on his lips, reminding us that God is Love and Truth.
Jai Ho Guruji!
Comment by Gossai family — March 6, 2010 @ 6:54 pm
to my late guruji’s family
seeta raam .my family and i are still in shock on the passing of our dear mentor.hard to believe that a year is approaching in june 2010. for me it seems like it was yesterday .when guruji passed away i made a promise that i will sing his songs and praises for the rest of my life. i am a member of the shri vishnu mandir in the bronx and following in the footsteps of a great soul my kirtan class for kids focuses fully on the kirtan, bhagan and dhoons of the late Prakashji only.Guruji was apart from juggling his busy schedule found time to sit with Pt Deosarranji and erected the Bhawani Mandir in the bronx which will be fully opened sometime in 2010. we do miss him tremendiusly. the last visit to the bhawani mandir i sang a favorite song of guruji and the whole place started to cry
guruji is gone but certainly NOT forgotten
jai ho guruji
Comment by dhanraj brehaspat — March 17, 2010 @ 8:30 pm
today is the 11 month since guruji left us, it was a very sad day for me and after coming to the page and hearing his voice I started to feel better…..I am still in disbelief, and I still cant accept I am not going to see him again….jai shree ram.
Comment by Devi — May 16, 2010 @ 9:20 pm
Pranaam Devi and thank you for sharing those sentiments with us. Your prayers and love for Guruji is great for the soul. We are offering prayers for Guruji at Haridwar, India tomorrow (Tuesday) morning. Together we pray and remember Him.
Raam Naam Satya Hai
Comment by Savitri — May 17, 2010 @ 1:05 pm
Dear beloved devotees,
Very soon will be a year since Guruji has left us. It has always been said and so it will continue to be that his melodious voice,inspiring bhajans and loving words will be ringing throughout all mandirs,temples and homes all over the world for ages and generations to come.
Panditji, is a living legend…for my family here in the Netherlands Guruji Prakash Gossai is the lite of our home..and the inspiration of our life…Jai Shri RAM…love to you all
Comment by Daram & Sonja Khilawan — May 19, 2010 @ 7:05 am
Namaste Dharam and Sonja Ji,
Such sweet and kind words of encouragement for us all. We thank you and your family for your love and support.
Raam Naam Satya Hai.
Comment by Savitri — May 19, 2010 @ 10:48 am
Our beloved Shri Prakash ji came home to the Vishnu Mandir , Richmond Hill, Ontario,
last evening,5th June,2010.
There ,a plaque of this great son of guyana was unveiled by his son and 2 of his sisters. Here , his memory will be kept alive for many generations to come.
Dr B Doobay, another respected son of guyana and the President of Vishnu Mandir inducted Shri Prakash ji into the Canadian Museum of Hindu Civilization , located on the mandir premises.
When in the vicinity , feel free to visit the museum and pay homage to your beloved Guruji.
God Bless
Shakti
Comment by Shakti — June 6, 2010 @ 8:54 am
peaceful alert love,lets start a prak.c.gossai page of pictures,
Comment by with held — June 14, 2010 @ 8:48 pm
I miss you my Brother and will always remember you! You are now with the Supreme Lord but has left a void on earth.
Pt. Nar
Comment by Pt. Nar Chowbey — August 27, 2010 @ 7:34 pm
Prakashji touched many lives during his days on earth.We will always remember him. Every religious holiday he will be uppermost in our minds and we will forever miss him.
Peace and Love
shakti
Comment by shakti — August 28, 2010 @ 1:14 pm