Srila Prabhupada’s health was poor and Bombay in May was hot. The monsoons would soon come and make things worse. Prabhupada had occasionally talked of traveling to a place better for his health, but nothing definite had ensued. One gentleman suggested Hrishikesa, on the banks of the fast-flowing Ganges river, and Prabhupada took the advice seriously. Within a week, he and his party were situated in the heavenly, idyllic setting. But not for long. After one week, a violent storm, a forerunner of the monsoons, hit Hrishikesa. Prabhupada’s health turned and he asked that the devotees take him immediately back to Vrindavana, lest this be the end. Prabhupada saw certain symptoms, like swelling of the feet and hands, as bad. He spoke of his will, talking definitely of things that before he had only alluded to. In Vrindavana, Srila Prabhupada spoke unexpected words: “If death takes place”, he said, “let it take place here”. Seeing his demeanor and hearing these words, some devotees cried. On 18 May 1977, Srila Prabhupada wrote Hari-sauri: For ten days I was staying in Hrishikesa, in a very nice house on the side of the Ganges River, but my health was not good and so I have come to Vrndavana where I will stay indefinitely.
Reference: The Great Transcendental Adventure by Kurma Dasa
