Hindu-Muslim riots broke out in Mumbai after the Babri Mosque demolition on 6 December 1992. Businesses closed. Taxis, buses, auto-rickshaws, and trains stopped running. There were murders and assassinations.
During this period, my wife and I were stranded in Radha Gopinath Temple for over ten days. The scene there was tense, as temples were likely targets for disgruntled Muslims. The resident monks strictly kept indoors, while Radhanath Swami remained concerned for all of us.
After about a week’s stay, one evening Radhanath Swami stunned me. “You are a rascal,” he said. As my mind spun in introspection, he invited me to his room for an explanation. Back at the room, he interrogated, “Are you meeting your wife regularly?”
“Yes. In the morning I meet her after the prayers and ask her if everything is Ok. Then again in the evening I ask her if she is Ok,” I replied. [Rest of the day I basked in the spiritual association of the monks, feeling that the riots was a blessing in disguise. This temple stay, I felt, was a brief opportunity to live the life of a monk, free from family hassles.]
“That is why you are a rascal,” Radhanath Swami exploded. “Your wife should perceive your care, love and protection. Otherwise she will become miserable. And then, in due course, both of you will become miserable.”
Spiced with numerous rascals, I found the magic porridge for happy family life served out before me, in minutes. Holding up a spoonful of that, Radhanath Swami proposed, “Now, immediately, you take her to the Chowpatty beach and spend with her a half hour. Tell her how you care for her. And when you return, come back here and report to me all that you told her.”
I bustled about the temple, and finding my wife in the temple kitchen, hustled her out. She was appalled. Were the rioters coming? Saying nothing about the discussions that had just transpired, I told her we were going out to the beach nearby to spend some time together. Her eyes widened, and her expression changed to wonder. As we walked to the gate, I spotted Radhanath Swami watching us from the first floor balcony. Sweetening the secret we shared, both Radhanath Swami and I laughed heartily. And my poor wife—her wonder now transformed to bewilderment.
Radhanath Swami’s standing up there, I felt was symbolic. He watched out for riots, both communal and familial—with deep concern, compassion, and wisdom.
–Mr. Ashok Parikh.
168 replies on “Radhanath Swami and the 1992 Riots”
Radhanath Swami Maharaj shows such deep care & love for all, is it any wonder that Radha Gopinath temple is world famous!
Explained a duty of grhasta…
Thank you very much Maharaj! The more I read the more I realize each time, we are so fortunate to recieve your shelter I sicerely pray that we never ever even for a fraction of milisecond forget to thank you for all that you have taught us and for all that you would teach us….
How perfectly radhanath swami understood the need of the hour and anticipated the future troubles from our current complacency. So many times it happens that we commit mistakes unknowingly and before we know it, it’s too late!
Maharaj so much concern and love for all the people…. all glories to him….
Radhanath Swami has concern for every one and takes very good care of all, specially who ahd taken shelter of God.
What a beautiful experience you shared with swamiji…..yes he has deep concern for all of his disciples, not only their spiritual needs, but also bodily, mental & emotional needs…..swamiji is a expert father….
This is one of Radhanath Swami’s all round care for his disciples.
we can never think of beyond boundaries which has been explained here in a very nice way by HHRNM
Radhanth Swami knows perfectly what is the requirements and emotions of everyone in his community and so wonderfully takes care of all of them.
Radhanath swami knows the balance
This shows that Radhanath Swami, even though in renounced order of life, can personally be so much concerned about well being of all aspects of his student’s life.
Radhanath Maharaj is so caring for everyone. he always create an example by his own. thank you maharaj
We are proud to be HH Radhanath Swami Maharaj’s spiritual children!
Thank you so much for sharing this.
Radhanath Swami knows the art of happy life – helping each other serve God.
Radhanath Swami is the BEST 🙂
Radhanath Swami is a compassionate & loving fatherly figure & makes us feel like his loving children…Thank you for sharing this incident
Radhanath Swami perfectly knows the ingredients of a happy family life.
Really unique is the sensitivity exhibited by Radhanath Swami even for a Grahasth, though he being a sannyasi.
Where in this world can be find such deep concern n love for each and everyone??
Awesome1 thats the secret to happy married life spelled out in such simple words. If only more people would listen to Radhanath Swami he can save so many unhappy families!
Radhanath Swami really cares for the needs of all devotees and guides devotees in such a way that they can very nicely execute Devotional service.
Jai very nice.
wow..Radhanath Swami is so sensitive.
mahraj supressed a riot which was about to break in an intelligent way.
Maharaj is expert in uniting the hearts…
Radhanath Swami really care for each and single person..Maharak ki Jai
This shows how much Radhanath Swami has deep concern for all his disciples & acquaintances.
All Glories To H.H Radhanath Swami Maharaj
How can Maharaj think of all the things of the world still remaining tranquil in the thick of is is an jaw dropping idea.
Hare Krishna
Really Radhanath Swami knows how to handle all kinds of riots, familial or religious. He is a perfect representative of God in all aspects of life.
Its very amazing to see how Radhanath Swami Maharaj is having so much concerns for his followers although having very tight schedules.
A beautiful incident revealing the love and concern of Radhanath Swami for each and everyone person associated with him
radhanath swami is very much concerned about his followers in all the possible way like a good father,
Such a genuine concern for all. Speciality of Radhanath swami.
Inspite of being a sanyasi Radhanath swami has such concern for his disciples Family life
Such concern for a devotee even in such tense situations. This is really wonderful behavior!
Radhanath Swami is so concerned about his grhastha or married devotees as well, apart from the resident monks. With attention to the minutest detail, he ensures that everyone under his care is happy and satisfied.
Thank you for sharing your experience it will help us in improving our relationship
Thank you for sharing your experience it will help us in improving our relationship
Radhanath Swami is really an amazing personality.
Radhanath swami maharaj’s concern for everyone and everything is amazing. His care and love for his disciples is astonishing.
Today riots are very common. Radhanath Swami knows whats needed to prevent as well withstand riots.
Very striking instruction for family men. We very easily take our wives for granted. This is suicidal for spiritual life. Its imporant to be most close and loving to those who are most close to us.
That is the sweetest thing!!
Radhanath Swami Maharaj shows how genuine love should be!
Only a heart which is full of love for God and which is experiencing that love every moment can factually shower love on everyone. Radhanath Swami exemplifies this spirit.
Radhanath Swami’s unlike many other leaders have deep concern for women & therefore he understands their spiritual & emotional needs…….
Who wouldn’t admire such a person?
Thanks a lot for sharing.
Radhanath Swami practices and preaches Bhakti Yoga the very foundation of which is Loving Care and Service to the Supreme and his devotes, here is a wonderful and practical example of this.