His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Gurumaharaj

 His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Gurumaharaj, born John Gordon Erdman, is a renowned spiritual leader and teacher in the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), also known as the Hare Krishna movement. He was born on April 9, 1949, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Jayapataka Swami was raised in a Christian family and showed an early interest in spirituality. In 1969, he encountered the teachings of Srila Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON, and became his disciple the same year. He was given the name Jayapataka Swami, which means "the victorious master of spiritual knowledge."

In the early years of his spiritual journey, Jayapataka Swami dedicated himself to spreading the message of Krishna consciousness throughout the United States. He played a key role in establishing the Hare Krishna movement in many cities across the country, including Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.

In 1972, Jayapataka Swami received initiation into the sannyasa order, the highest spiritual order in the Vedic tradition. He then traveled to India, where he spent several years studying the Vedic scriptures and serving under Srila Prabhupada's guidance.

After Srila Prabhupada's passing in 1977, Jayapataka Swami became one of the leading spiritual teachers in ISKCON. He has since played a vital role in the organization's growth and development, serving in various leadership positions, including as a member of the Governing Body Commission (GBC), the highest management authority in ISKCON.

Jayapataka Swami is also a prolific writer and has authored several books on spirituality, including "Sri Godruma Kalpatavi," "On the Path of Limitless Joy,"  " Vaisnava Ke?," and "Gauranga - The golden incarnation of divine love,"  among others. He has also recorded numerous kirtans and devotional music albums.

Throughout his life, Jayapataka Swami has dedicated himself to spreading the message of Krishna consciousness and serving the devotees of the Lord. He has inspired countless souls around the world with his wisdom, compassion, and devotion to the Lord. Despite facing several health challenges in recent years, he continues to serve the mission of Srila Prabhupada with great enthusiasm and dedication.