Ramesvara Swami

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Ramesvara Swami (born Robert Grant) was one of the leading disciples of A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada and formally a guru within the International Society of Krishna Consciousness.

[edit] Career

Ramesvara became an initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada on April 28, 1971, receiving his initiation by mail^[1].

In 1977, Ramesvara was the BBT trustee in Los Angeles^[2], and later moved on to become the head of the North American BBT^[3].

After Prabhupada's death, Ramesvara was one of eleven disciples selected to become an initiating guru. As part of the Zonal Acarya system, Ramesvara initiated disciples within Western USA.

[edit] Resignation

In 1986, Ramesvara was caught with Rukmini, a minor-aged girl, in a Santa Monica mall. Following this, Ramesvara submitted his resignation as a guru to ISKCON's Governing Body Commission^[4]. In 1987, the GBC accepted his resignation.

[edit] Footnotes

1. ^ Letter of Initiation from Srila Prabhupada
2. ^ Recalling Ramesvara at the BBT.
3. ^ "Ramesvara Swami, the head of the North American BBT"
4. ^ ISKCON Timeline

• Dart, John. "Killing Sparks Federal Probe of Krishna Sect Group Members Cite Internal Conflicts, Allege Threats After Disenchanted Devotee's Murder", Los Angeles Times, Jul 20, 1986, p. 3. Retrieved on 2008-05-03. 
• Dart, John. "Shake-Up Involves L.A. Leader 2 Krishna Gurus Granted Leaves Amid Controversy", Los Angeles Times, Oct 5, 1986. Retrieved on 2008-05-03.