Maha Satsang with Radhanath Swami in Kolkata: The Gateway to Mayapur and Srila Prabhupada’s Divine Mission

Maha Satsang with HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja was held on 19 April 2026 at Science City, Kolkata, the birthplace of Srila Prabhupada. More than 2000 devotees participated in this festival. th The program began with melodious Hare Krishna kirtan and Vaisnav songs sung by HG Swarup Damodar Prabhu. Prabhuji is famous for his kirtans and bhajans and his songs have millions of views on YouTube.

While the devotees were immersed in kirtan, Maharaja arrived. Everyone was excited to be in the association of Maharaja and Maharaja was also happy to see the devotees. Maharaja first paid obeisances to Srila Prabhupada and offered him a beautiful garland. After that Maharaja began his class.

Below is an excerpt from Maharaja’s class

How Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, and Srila Prabhupada Transformed Kolkata into the Gateway of the Worldwide Sankirtana Movement

I am very grateful for this opportunity. It is a blessing upon all of us to come together to chant the holy names of Krishna and pray to Sri Sri Radha Govind so that we may receive the mercy of the Lord upon ourselves and upon the whole world.

Tomorrow we will celebrate Akshaya Tritiya. It is a very auspicious day to begin any seva for the Lord. Tomorrow we will have the opportunity to perform bhumi-pujan at the place under the jackfruit tree where Srila Prabhupada appeared.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in 1486. At Bhakti Bhavan, Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote Life and Precepts of Lord Caitanya. It was published in English and sent to libraries and universities around the world. That was the first time the life and teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu were presented to the Western world.

Srila Prabhupada described the glories of this event. He appeared just a few kilometers away from Bhakti Bhavan in Tollygunj. He appeared to fulfill this divine purpose.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda expressed that the holy names of the Lord would be chanted all over the world. For four hundred years, our acharyas preserved this mission. It was Bhaktivinoda Thakura who first spread this message globally. He had a vision that people of all races, religions, and castes would gather together as brothers and sisters, chanting “Jaya Sacinandana!”

The three great Vaisnava acharyas performing pastimes in Kolkata

Bhaktivinoda Thakura established the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in a profound way. He personally composed thousands of poems and bhajans to propagate pure devotion. Alsom he wrote nearly one hundred books. He led the authentic Krishna consciousness movement before the British government.

Bhaktivinod Thakura delivered people from the misconceptions of the sahajiya sampradayas, who, in the name of Lord Caitanya, were teaching immoral principles. At the same time, he maintained a government position with the highest integrity, raised a family, and had fourteen children.

Against great opposition, he revealed the actual birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. He prayed to Sri Sri Govinda to send someone to help spread the movement. In 1874, in Puri-dhama, his prayer was answered. A servant of Vishnu was born to Bhagavati Devi and Bhaktivinoda Thakura. His name was Vimal Prasad, who later became Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura.

In 1881, Bhaktivinoda Thakura acquired this property in Kolkata and moved with his family to Bhakti Bhavan in 1882 after renovating it. In 1892, he sent his books around the world. At that time, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was also staying there. He was twenty-two years old.

Soon after Srila Prabhupada’s birth in 1896, he moved to 151 Harrison Road, which is approximately one kilometer from Bhakti Bhavan. What a wonderful time that was. Within one kilometer, Bhaktivinoda Thakura was preaching, meeting people, writing books and songs, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura was hearing and learning, and Srila Prabhupada was performing Ratha-yatra as a child.

The instruction that changed the world

In 1922, Srila Prabhupada was married and had a child. He was a devoted follower of Gandhi’s movement to liberate India from British rule. His dear friend and relative, Narendra Mullick, told him, “There is a sadhu who gives wonderful classes. Let us go.” Abhay replied, “I have seen so many sadhus, and I do not see anyone practicing sincerely. I am not interested.”

Srila Prabhupada explained that among his friends he was considered the leader. Others wanted his approval. When Narendra Mullick repeatedly requested him, Abhay finally agreed to go. A few hours ago, Narendra Mullick’s grandson came and brought a photograph of both of them standing together.

It was at the Gaudiya Math, where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura had stayed for twelve years. He would reside there and come out to give classes from Caitanya-caritamrta.

In 1922, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura gave Srila Prabhupada the instruction that would change the world: “You are an educated young man. Print the message of Lord Caitanya in the English language.” Srila Prabhupada said, “I was astonished. There was no formal introduction, yet he gave me this instruction.”

Srila Prabhupada initially gave practical reasons, as anyone would have, why India first needed political independence. But forty years later he would say, “I am happy to say that I was defeated by my Guru Maharaja.” Governments and political parties always change. In this material world everything is temporary, but one eternal truth remains: the soul is eternally part of Krishna, and to love and serve Krishna is the true nature of the soul. This message cannot wait.

Srila Prabhupada was akways eager to hear from his guru

The only true solution to any problem is Krishna consciousness — awakening our relationship with Krishna. Srila Prabhupada said that at that moment he accepted Krishna as his eternal father. The instruction seemed impossible. No one else in history had ever accomplished such a mission. Yet he made that instruction his life and soul.

Soon after that, he had to leave Kolkata. He later met his Guru Maharaja in places like Kosi and Vrindavan and eventually received initiation in Prayagraj.

This morning I heard a recording from 1969 in Columbus, Ohio, where Srila Prabhupada described meeting his Guru Maharaja in Kosi during parikrama. In the evening, announcements would be made that Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura would speak the next day. Everyone would go for darshana of Sesa-sayi Vishnu, but a few intimate disciples and Srila Prabhupada would remain behind.

Srila Prabhupada said, “He was speaking great philosophy. I could not understand everything, but I wanted to hear.” Later, when Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura came to Prayagraj, Allahabad, the temple leader recommended Srila Prabhupada for initiation. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura responded, “I have taken note that he likes to hear and never goes away.”

Srila Prabhupada happily narrated this and said that because he was eager to hear, he later became eager to perform kirtana. Speaking the message of Krishna is also kirtana. He inspired generations to understand the importance of hearing and chanting.

In 1936, while living in Bombay, Srila Prabhupada wrote a letter to Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura, who was then staying near Hatak Parvat in Puri. He wrote, “You have so many dedicated sannyasis and brahmacharis. I am a householder with many responsibilities. How can I serve you?”

Srila Prabhupada’s vision

Srila Prabhupada later said that only two weeks after the letter was written, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura left this world. The reply contained the same instruction he had received years earlier: “You are an intelligent young man. Take the message of Lord Caitanya in the English language to the people of the world for their benefit and for your own benefit too.”

In 1953, Srila Prabhupada started the League of Devotees in Jhansi on the day of Akshaya Tritiya for this purpose. It progressed nicely for some time, but later the property was taken away. He then moved to Vrindavan-dhama, staying at Vamsi-gopala Temple and later at Radha-Damodara Temple, where he prepared for his lifelong mission. He published Back to Godhead, wrote books, and composed purports for Srimad-Bhagavatam.

In 1965, carrying the First Canto of Srimad-Bhagavatam in three volumes, he left Vrindavan for Bombay to request a ticket from the lady of the Scindia Steam Navigation Company for passage on her cargo ship. With great difficulty, he obtained a ticket and traveled by slow train to Kolkata. From there he boarded the cargo ship Jaladuta for a mission no one had ever attempted before.

During the voyage, he suffered from seasickness and heart attacks. He prayed to Krishna, expressing how deeply he felt separation from Krishna, from Radha-Damodara, from Radha-Madana-mohana, and from the devotees. He had no help, no resources, and no support, yet he said, “I am happy because I am fulfilling the instruction of my Guru Maharaja.”

In 1966, Srila Prabhupada established ISKCON in a tiny storefront in New York. Very few people could understand what he was trying to accomplish, but Srila Prabhupada had a great vision for the world. Gradually, temples were established in Chicago, Montreal, and many other parts of the world.

Srila Prabhupada gave all credit to his spiritual master

In December 1970, Srila Prabhupada returned to India with his disciples. The first temple he established in India and the first deities he installed were in Kolkata.

So tomorrow, forty-nine years after Srila Prabhupada’s disappearance from this world, we will gather together to perform a groundbreaking ceremony in his memory. Srila Prabhupada would often say that Kolkata is the gateway to Mayapur-dhama, the birthplace of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and the sankirtana movement.

Srila Prabhupada describes in Krishna Book the journey of Akrura on his chariot to Vrindavan. Throughout the journey, Akrura was absorbed in gratitude and anticipation for seeing and serving Krishna. He offered heartfelt prayers along the entire journey. When he finally arrived in Vrindavan and saw the footprints of Krishna, Balarama, and the cows, he fell to the ground in ecstasy.

Srila Prabhupada explained that this is the proper way to approach Vrindavan. One cannot see Vrindavan with ordinary material eyes. Krishna reveals Vrindavan within our hearts according to our surrender, eagerness, and gratitude.

I was meditating on the idea that Kolkata is the gateway to Mayapur, which is nondifferent from Vrindavan. Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave all credit to his Guru Maharaja, Jagannatha Dasa Babaji Maharaja, and all the previous acharyas. At Bhakti Bhavan he was writing books, printing literature, and sending Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura to various parts of India to preach. He gave many instructions for developing Mayapur-dhama.

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura gave all credit to his father and guru. And our beloved Srila Prabhupada risked his life, sacrificed everything, and accomplished what no one had done before, yet from the core of his heart he gave all credit to his Guru Maharaja. He would say, “My only qualification is that I am repeating the words of my Guru Maharaja.”

Difficulties which devotees faced in Mayapur

We have heard from Hari Sauri Prabhu and Hari Sauri Maharaja how Srila Prabhupada traveled around the world, facing countless difficulties and challenges. He established hundreds of temples, inspired thousands of devotees, and transformed people from all backgrounds into devotees of Krishna. He gave them faith, fearlessness, complete dedication, pure teachings, and pure devotion. Yet as a true Vaishnava, he always said, “My only qualification is the mercy of my Guru Maharaja.”

Once a devotee asked Srila Prabhupada, “What is our qualification to receive the mercy of Lord Caitanya, Lord Nityananda, and Goloka Vrindavan?” Srila Prabhupada, in his humility and to teach us, replied, “You had no qualification. I made your qualification.” This is the essence of guru-parampara. By his mercy, love, and compassion, we are today living on the teachings of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

From Kolkata, Srila Prabhupada sent His Holiness Tamal Krishna Goswami Maharaja and Jayapataka Swami Maharaja to acquire land in Mayapur. At that time there was only a small hut there, yet Srila Prabhupada declared it the international headquarters of ISKCON.

At the Radha Govinda Temple, Srila Prabhupada first met His Grace Jnananivas Prabhu, who is sitting here today. He was later sent to the straw hut in Mayapur as the head pujari. Srila Prabhupada inspired devotees from all over the world to develop Mayapur. In the beginning, a few devotees were doing kirtana while trying to protect themselves from snakes. There were difficulties in obtaining prasada, and devotees had to travel by boat to Navadvipa to get grains because the place was so remote.

While sitting at 26 Second Avenue in New York, Srila Prabhupada envisioned devotees from all over the world gathering in that small straw hut in Mayapur to fulfill the mission of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Kolkata is gateway to Mayapur

Everything Srila Prabhupada did seemed impossible, yet he still accomplished it. He was not physically healthy, but he had great compassion. When devotees were constructing a small lotus-shaped building, Srila Prabhupada was already speaking about the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium. Everyone was astonished, yet he continued inspiring them.

I believe that while in Detroit he instructed Ambarisa Prabhu to help build the temple. Ambarisa Prabhu dedicated his life to this mission. Vrajavilasa Prabhu is also here. Because of Dayaram Prabhu, the Radha Govinda Temple remained with us.

Kolkata is the gateway to Mayapur. Our hearts should be filled with gratitude and a desire to serve our Founder-Acharya. His mercy is our only qualification. Unless we offer loving service and gratitude to those who dedicated their lives to this mission, why would Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu grant us entrance?

Soon there will come a time when people traveling to Mayapur will first stay in Kolkata. They will perform parikrama of Srila Prabhupada’s birthplace, and a beautiful memorial will be built there. We can visit the Radha Govinda Temple, where Srila Prabhupada’s personal quarters and the deities he established are present.

We can visit Ultadanga and Bhaktivinoda Asana, where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura stayed for twelve years and where Srila Prabhupada received his instruction. This is the place where Srila Prabhupada’s godbrothers and godsisters lived.

We can also visit Bhakti Bhavan, where Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave his heart and life. This is the place where he began his preaching, established his printing press, and where even his original bed is preserved. Bhagavati Devi also left her body there.

The only true purpose of life

We can go to the dock from where Srila Prabhupada boarded the Jaladuta with only forty rupees. We can visit Bagbazar Gaudiya Math, where Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura departed from this world. Radha Sundari Mataji and her husband are taking care of the shoes of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura there.

The whole world can come to Kolkata and then proceed to Mayapur. We can take darshana of Sri Sri Radha Madhava and the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium, and we can come to Kolkata to express our gratitude.

What I have spoken today is only an introduction.

Let us go back five centuries. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in this age of Kali, which is filled with quarrel and hypocrisy. Srila Prabhupada described the whole world as absorbed in jada-buddhi — the soul’s pathetic disconnection from its true spiritual identity while trying to enjoy separately from Krishna. We all want to become the enjoyer, proprietor, and controller.

At Bhakti Bhavan, Bhaktivinoda Thakura would sing manasa, deho, geho — offering the mind, body, and home to the Lord. This is bhakti. In a world where everyone wants to be the enjoyer and proprietor, Bhaktivinoda Thakura taught that whatever we do or possess belongs to Krishna. “I offer my mind and body in Your service.”

What is real bhakti? It does not necessarily mean renunciation. It means recognizing that everything belongs to Krishna. Whatever abilities, intelligence, resources, relationships, or wealth we have all belong to Krishna. The only true purpose of life is samsiddhir hari-tosanam — to love and serve the Lord. That alone is the true state of happiness.

Krishna wants to please his devotees

Bhaktivinoda Thakura prayed, “Maro bhi rakho bhi jo iccha tomara” — “Krishna, if You like, You may protect me; if You like, You may take everything away from me; if You like, You may even kill me. You have every right to do whatever You wish because I am Your eternal servant.”

Material nature is very difficult to overcome. Srila Prabhupada warned us not to underestimate maya. What is there to be proud of when maya can destroy us at any moment? But when we take shelter of Krishna, He protects us and engages us in His service.

The only perfection in whatever we do is whether Krishna is pleased. Srila Prabhupada described how the gopis of Vrindavan had only one desire — how to please Krishna. He narrated the beautiful story of when Krishna had a headache. Great rishis, sadhus, and pandits were asked to offer the dust of their feet for Krishna’s relief, but they refused, saying, “It is a great sin. We will go to hell.”

But when the devotees approached the gopis, they immediately gave the dust from their feet. The gopis said, “We are willing to go to hell if it pleases Krishna.” This is pure love.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught, gopi-bhartur pada-kamalayor dasa-dasanudasah — “I am the servant of the servant of the servant of the maintainer of the gopis.” Among all the gopis, Srimati Radharani is the origin of love, the hladini-sakti of Krishna. Srila Prabhupada explained that in love for Krishna, one becomes spiritually beautiful. Krishna is Rasabihari — He desires to give pleasure to His devotees, and His devotees desire only to please Him. Their beauty increases through loving exchanges with one another.

During Maha-prakasha-lila, Lord fulfils devotees desire

This is the spiritual world — an unlimited ocean of love. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu told Ramananda Raya that even one drop of this love can flood the entire world. The loving exchanges between Radha and Krishna are the source of all pleasure. Even Krishna desired to experience what Srimati Radharani feels and the happiness She experiences in loving Him.

Krishna desired to taste the love of Radharani, which was beyond even His own understanding. Therefore, the same Krishna appeared in Kali-yuga in the mood and complexion of Srimati Radharani as Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu in Mayapur-dhama on the full moon day of Gaura Purnima. Krishna came with the love and golden complexion of Radharani. He appeared along with His brother Balarama as Lord Nityananda Prabhu. Together They gave what no incarnation had ever given before.

In Navadvipa-dhama They established harinama-sankirtana — kali-kale nama-rupe krishna-avatara — “In this age of Kali, Krishna has descended in the form of His holy name.” The Lord descended in His holy name with all His potencies. Although Kali-yuga is an ocean of faults, there is one great benediction: Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu has come to distribute the crest jewel of divine love through the chanting of the holy names.

The Pancha-tattva plundered the treasure of love of God and freely distributed it to everyone. After returning from Gaya to Mayapur, Lord Caitanya performed sankirtana day and night for an entire year in Srivasa Angana. During the Maha-prakasha-lila, He fulfilled the desires of all His devotees.

Kirtan of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu at Srivas Angan

To Murari Gupta, He revealed Himself as Lord Rama with Sita and Lakshmana because Murari Gupta was Hanuman. To the simple banana seller, He revealed Himself as Krishna and Balarama of Vrindavan. In Mayapur, He revealed forms such as Varahadeva and Lord Nrsimhadeva. Krsna Dasa Kaviraja Goswami explains that the kirtana at Srivasa Angana was nondifferent from the rasa-lila of Vrindavan. In this way, Lord Caitanya filled people’s hearts with love of God.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu taught everyone: “Remember Krishna and chant His names while sleeping, while working, at all times.” People experienced His divine love. Wherever they were, they chanted harinama.

At that time, however, sankirtana was opposed because Chand Kazi, the ruler of the area, heard about the kirtanas and broke a mridanga drum. The devotees came to Lord Caitanya and said, “We cannot follow Your instruction here. Let us leave this place.”

Then Gaura-sundara declared, “Tonight we will perform a harinama procession to the house of Chand Kazi. Even death personified will stand before him.” At that time Lord Caitanya was only eighteen years old and had previously performed only private kirtanas, yet the people had complete faith in Him.

Srila Vrindavana Dasa Thakura describes that Lord Caitanya bestowed His mercy upon everyone. Materially speaking, it was a dangerous situation. Hundreds and thousands of people gathered together. Everyone witnessed Lord Caitanya’s beautiful dancing and received His loving glance. Lord Nityananda Prabhu, Srivasa Pandit, Advaita Acharya, Gadadhara Pandit, and many others were present.

Loving exchange between Lord Chaitanya and his devotees

The descriptions say that it appeared as though millions of people had gathered there. As darkness fell, thousands of torches were lit, and the massive procession moved toward the house of Chand Kazi. Chand Kazi hid himself in fear. Eventually he came out and said, “Actually, I am the friend of Your grandfather. Please forgive me.” He then issued an order that there would never again be any impediment to the sankirtana movement of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu.

Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu deeply experienced the suffering of all living beings. At the age of twenty-four, He accepted sannyasa, leaving behind His mother and wife for the welfare of the world. Soon afterward, He traveled throughout South India with Kala Krishna Dasa, expanding the sankirtana movement everywhere.

The same treasure that Lord Caitanya distributed can still be attained today by following the nine processes of devotional service. During His travels, He freely gave divine love to everyone. For two years He traveled through places such as Udupi and Nashik, giving Krishna-prema to all. His message everywhere was the same: “Chant the holy names of Krishna, share these teachings with others, and I will always be with you.”

Later, in Vrindavan and Jagannatha Puri, He continued giving the same love to everyone. During the Ratha-yatra festival in Puri, all who attended witnessed the loving exchanges between Lord Caitanya and His devotees. Everywhere one could hear the tumultuous roaring of harinama-sankirtana. Afterward, Lord Caitanya sent His devotees throughout Bengal and Orissa to continue spreading the movement.

Mahaprabhu’s instructions to Nityananda Prabhu

Once, in a secluded place, Lord Caitanya sat with Lord Nityananda and said, “You are moving happily with Me, but there are so many people bereft of Krishna-bhakti. Go to Bengal. Go to Navadvipa and preach.” Lord Nityananda never wanted to be separated from Lord Caitanya, but He accepted this instruction as His life and soul.

From Puri they journeyed toward the Ganges in ecstatic kirtana. Abhirama Thakura danced in ecstasy like a cowherd boy holding a flute for nine continuous hours. Everyone became completely absorbed in the spiritual world. Some danced on treetops and then jumped down while continuing to dance.

At one point they asked, “Where is the Ganges?” Others replied, “You passed it six hours ago.” Smiling, they continued their kirtana and unknowingly traveled many miles. By the potency of Yogamaya they eventually arrived at Panihati, where Lord Nityananda began preaching extensively.

They came to the house of Raghava Pandita, where kirtana continued continuously. Lord Nityananda danced and cast loving glances upon the devotees. He told Raghava Pandita, “Please bring Me kadamba flowers.” Raghava Pandita replied, “It is impossible. This is the monsoon season. Kadamba flowers bloom only in summer.”

Lord Nityananda said, “Go and look in the garden.” Though bewildered, Raghava Pandita had faith. When he entered the garden, he saw a miracle — there was no kadamba tree, but a lemon tree had produced kadamba flowers. He made a garland from them and offered it to Lord Nityananda.

Everyone continued dancing in ecstasy. Then Lord Nityananda asked, “What is this fragrance?” Earlier there had been the fragrance of kadamba flowers, but now there was the fragrance of tamal flowers. Lord Nityananda replied, “Lord Caitanya has secretly come from Puri, wearing tamal flowers, because He is pleased to see this kirtana.”

Nityananda Prabhu’s ornaments

Sri Krishna Caitanya-caritamrta describes that whenever Lord Nityananda danced and chanted, Lord Caitanya would secretly come to watch. Lord Nityananda’s loving glance transformed everyone upon whom it fell. There was no trace of the material world there; everyone was absorbed in spiritual ecstasy.

Vrindavana Dasa Thakura and Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura explain that Lord Nityananda was distributing the love of the gopis. The devotees danced on leaves, branches, and stems as though untouched by gravity. Chanting loudly, they would leap from treetops and continue dancing. Tears flowed from their eyes, and ecstatic symptoms manifested in their bodies.

This kirtana in Panihati continued for three months. No one cared for sleeping, eating, or drinking. Everyone was completely absorbed in bhava-bhakti and the nectar of the holy name. Those three months passed as though they were only a single moment.

Lord Nityananda Prabhu desired ornaments, and immediately ornaments from the spiritual world appeared. The ornaments of Lord Balarama manifested, along with flowers from Vrindavan. Lord Nityananda would then go from house to house. Whoever saw Him would wonder how this avadhuta was adorned with such extraordinary ornaments.

One devotee approached Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and asked why Lord Nityananda was wearing such ornaments. Lord Caitanya explained that these ornaments were the personification of the nine processes of devotional service. In this way, Lord Nityananda spread the sankirtana movement throughout Bengal.

One of Lord Nityananda’s associates was Gadadhara Dasa. Externally he performed ordinary activities, but internally he was completely absorbed in the love of the gopis. At that time there was a cruel kazi who had stopped kirtana, and the people were afraid of him.

Gadadhara Dasa makes Kazi chant Hari

One night, Gadadhara Dasa was loudly chanting “Hari! Hari!” in ecstasy. Suddenly he ran directly into the house of the kazi. The guards became bewildered and confused as Gadadhara Dasa entered dancing and singing in the kazi’s residence.

Gadadhara Dasa loudly called out while the kazi was sleeping, “If you do not chant the holy names of Hari, I will cut off your head!” Hearing the noise, the kazi angrily came downstairs. But when he saw the simple and ecstatic Gadadhara Dasa dancing and chanting, he was astonished.

Gadadhara Dasa said to him, “Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu and Lord Nityananda have descended to inspire everyone to chant the holy name of Hari. You are the only one who is not chanting. I order you to chant the name of Hari and become free from your offenses and sins.”

The kazi was deeply moved by Gadadhara Dasa’s simplicity and purity. He replied, “Gadadhara, it is the middle of the night. Please go home. Tomorrow I will chant Hari.”

As soon as Gadadhara Dasa heard the kazi say “Hari,” he joyfully exclaimed, “Why tomorrow? You have already chanted Hari now! You are already becoming freed from your sins and offenses!” Gadadhara Dasa immediately began clapping and dancing in ecstasy.

Lord Nityananda Prabhu and the devotees later went to Gadadhara Dasa’s house. From there they traveled to Khardaha, which became a major preaching center. From Panihati they also went to Saptagrama, a place filled with wealthy gold merchants.

Srila Prabhupada’s lineage

Lord Nityananda’s devotee, Uddharana Datta Thakura, transformed many people there into devotees of Krishna. Whether someone was a dacoit like Jagai and Madhai, a gold merchant, a shopkeeper, a Hindu, a Muslim, or even an atheist, Lord Nityananda freely gave love of God to everyone.

Srila Prabhupada mentioned that his family came from the lineage of Uddharana Datta Thakura, and they would regularly visit his home.

Dancing Kirtan & Delicious Prasadam

After the class, Maharaja began singing Hare Krishna kirtan and requested devotees to particiapte enthusiastically and dance. Hundreds of devotees joyfully participated in the dancing kirtan and immersed themselves in the holy name of the Lord. At the end there was delicious Krishna prasadam for all the devotees.