By Aaradhya Vishnu Das (Devotee who joined padayatra)
In the Vaishnava tradition, padayatra is not just a journey, but a festival of awakening the soul. It is a medium through which harinama sankirtana reaches every person and inspires life toward the supreme goal.
Today’s padayatra from Hadapsar to Wanwadi in southern Pune, Maharashtra on 4th April 2026 was a very inspiring and joyful experience for me. Walking with the devotees, when we all performed harinama sankirtana together, the whole atmosphere became filled with spiritual energy.
The sound “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama Hare Hare” was not only reaching the ears but was directly touching the heart. During the journey there was certainly physical fatigue, but the joy of the devotees’ association and of chanting the holy name did not let me feel it. It seemed that with every step, the restlessness of the mind was disappearing and a wonderful peace was arising within. Seeing everyone’s enthusiasm, smiles, and devotional mood all around made my heart even more blissful.
This padayatra made me realize that real happiness is not in external objects but in the holy name of the Lord. Walking with harinama, singing and dancing, gives the soul deep satisfaction. It is not so much a journey, but a medium of spiritual awakening. Today’s experience will remain as a sweet memory in my life, which will always inspire me to move forward on the path of bhakti.
The most worshipable Lokanath Maharaja has proved this through his own life. When a disciple holds Srila Prabhupada’s order in the heart, then even an ordinary service becomes an extraordinary movement. Srila Prabhupada said, “Preach the holy name in every town and every village.”
This very instruction became the center of Maharaja’s life. He did not just hear this order, but made it the vow of his life. While other people look for comfort he chose the path of padayatra, barefoot with limited facilities, with only one purpose: to take harinama to every home.
This renunciation and dedication teaches us that a true devotee gives priority to the spiritual master’s order, not to his own convenience. Padayatra is the living execution of Srila Prabhupada’s instruction, and the life of Lokanath Maharaja is its direct example.
A sincere devotee takes inspiration from his conduct and understands the real meaning of service: to rise above one’s own happiness and distress and work only for the pleasure of guru and Krishna. Ultimately, padayatra teaches us that when we move forward step by step with harinama sankirtana, those steps are not only on the earth; they are also steps toward the elevation of our soul.
During the padayatra, a very wonderful and emotional scene was witnessed. A dog also became a companion with us throughout the entire walk. He seemed not like an ordinary creature, but behaved just like a faithful devotee. The whole way he walked peacefully and appeared to be taking full advantage of the harinama sankirtana.
Whenever the sound of kirtana resounded, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna…” that dog also attentively moved in the same direction, as if he had a special attraction to this divine vibration. The most astonishing thing was that he stayed the entire time right alongside the Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai chariot, as if engaged in Their service.
This scene teaches us that the mercy of the Lord is not limited to human beings. Sri Sri Gaura-Nitai, by Their causeless mercy, bestow compassion on every living entity.
Throughout the route, through harinama sankirtana, They were showering Their mercy upon all the faithful souls whether they were humans or any other creatures.
This incident deeply touched the heart and revealed that the power of the holy name is so divine that it can attract the heart of any living being. Truly, this padayatra is not only for human beings, but is an agency for the welfare of every living soul.
Padayatra ki jai.
