Tag: Lord Chaitanya

Gopinatha Pattanayaka: 6 Lessons for Devotee Leaders | Chaitanya Charitamrita | ISKCON Newtown Kolkata

HG Dwarkadhish Prabhu & HG Visakha Priya Mataji gave a Congregation Program for the leaders at ISKCON Newtown Kolkata on 15th August 2026. In the class, they discussed the story of Gopinatha Pattanayaka from Chaitanya Charitamrita, Antya Lila – The Deliverance of Gopinatha Pattanayaka

While discussing the story, Prabhuji and Mataji shared many important lessons that devotees, especially senior devotees who are in leadership positions, can learn from it.

Following lessons were discussed:

A Devotee Leader Should Be Accountable

In Jagannath Puri, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was staying at the house of Kashi Misra.

Many visitors would come to see Him, not only from nearby places of Puri or Bengal but also from different planets. Gandharvas, Kinnaras, and residents of Patala Loka like Vasuki would come. But they would come disguised in different forms. After meeting with Mahaprabhu, their hearts would be flooded with Krishna prema.

Mahaprabhu was living in Puri but was influencing people not only in this world but throughout the entire universe.

Once in Puri, a group of devotees came running to Mahaprabhu. They informed the Lord that Gopinatha Pattanayaka had been raised on canga by the king’s son and was going to be executed. (Note: Canga was a device for killing a convicted person.)

Gopinatha Pattanayaka was the brother of Ramananda Raya and son of Bhavananda Raya. He had misappropriated the king’s funds and had also behaved improperly with the prince.

When we become senior devotees, we think that we can do anything and can get away with it. Gopinatha Pattanayaka thought that I am the brother of Ramananda Raya and son of Bhavananda Raya, so I am above any law. And he suffered because of this mindset.

From this incident, we learn an important lesson. When we become senior devotees, then we should not think that we can do anything and get away with it. Also, being connected to advanced devotees does not mean that if I do something wrong, then I will not incur material reaction. The son of the king knew who Bhavananda Raya was, but he still put him on canga.

Higher Responsibility Means Higher Accountability

When we become senior, we have to be careful. We should understand that we can never be independent. We are always answerable to the parampara. Gopinath Pattanayak took liberty of his position and did not pay money to the king. He thought, I am above the law; no one can touch me.

Srila Prabhupada would say, “Sometimes my devotees are not sufficiently afraid of maya.” It is like committing offenses on the strength of the holy names of the Lord. We can also suffer like Gopinath Pattanayak if we are not careful. A leader should always be a humble leader, so in ISKCON, leaders are called “servant leaders.”

Once in the court of Hastinapur, four people who had committed the same crime were brought. One was a Shudra, one a Vaisya, one a Kshatriya, and one a Brahmana.

At that time, a discussion was going on about whether Yudhisthira should be the king or Duryodhana. Before deciding the quantum of punishment for the convicts, Bhisma asked the opinion of Yudhisthira and Duryodhana. Duryodhana immediately said that all four should be hanged. But Yudhisthira suggested a different punishment for each one.

To the Shudra, he suggested x punishment, to the Vaisya 2x, to the Kshatriya 3x, and to the Brahmana 4x. Maximum punishment was for the Brahmana because he was qualified, knew what was right and wrong, and people looked up to him for guidance.

If one knows what is good and bad and commits offenses, then the reaction is stronger as compared to one who is not aware. Higher responsibility means higher caution. People are always observing senior devotees, so we have to set the highest standard.

Whatever may be our role and position, we should be accountable. Accountability keeps us grounded.

HG Radha Gopinath Prabhu says, “Our head should be in the sky but leg should be on the ground.”

A Devotee Leader Should Be Especially Careful

Leaders are always more visible than non-leaders. How they are talking, dealing, behaving, and chanting is observed by others. People will see their activities with magnified eyes. Whether you are at home or in the temple, you are observed with a microscope.

We should always behave in an ethical way.

Grihastas earn money, and they should do it in an ethical way.

Leaders get more respect.

When a senior devotee does something wrong, then it challenges the faith of new devotees. It is said that when a devotee leader do the right thing, then it is pro-preaching. But when a devotee leader do the wrong thing, then it is anti-preaching.

For preaching to be effective, it is important that people perceive us correctly.

Importance Of Guru-Vani

Maharaja Prataparudra would daily go and take association of Kashi Misra. Kashi Misra was like a guru of the king. The king would daily hear from Kashi Misra. Guru Vani was the guiding light for the king. He would hear valuable instructions from him. As per the instruction of Kashi Misra, the king forgave Gopinatha Pattanayaka.

Regular hearing shows our sincerity. Service is important, but with what attitude we do service is more important. Right attitude comes when we hear from the guru. When we hear from the guru, then we are grateful for his divine instructions.

To materialistic people, maya says, “Do not surrender to Krishna,” but to devotees, maya says, “Postpone surrender to Krishna.” Sometimes, after spending quite a number of years in Krishna Consciousness, we are not eager to hear from the guru, thinking that now we know everything. Thinking that we may get to hear something new, we become more interested in hearing from other speakers, or we begin hearing someone from Vraja.

But your guru knows you more than others. He is speaking for us; he knows our situation. Regular spiritual nutrition comes from guru seva and guru Vani.

Krishna Is Always Watching Us

How did the devotee community react? Different devotees came to Mahaprabhu, pleading with the Lord to protect Gopinath Pattanayak. A great amount of concern was shown by the devotees. We should ask ourselves how we react when anything happens to a devotee or even to a leader in our community. If we are envious, then we may think that it is nice that something bad happened to him. But Krishna is always watching us.

When the Twin Towers were attacked in the USA, around 5,000 people died. Some thought that it was because of their karma that they suffered. Since they were killing animals and breaking the four regulative principles, they suffered. They burned animals and ate them, so they also got burned and died. Some of us felt the same way.

But HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja said that a devotee’s heart should cry when they see such things happening. During the Twin Tower blast, fire brigade personnel saved many people; some of them even sacrificed their lives. They became the heroes.

Maharaja said that devotees should be like them. Whatever may be the situation, devotees should try to save others. A doctor cannot say to a patient that you are having this disease because of drinking alcohol, so it is nice that you are suffering.

We always have to react in a positive way. How we react to any event in the world shows our mindset and also shows how much we are Krishna Conscious. Our purification is not only by sadhana bhakti, but it is also by how we deal with others. When we behave improperly with others then Krishna is displeased.

We should always help devotees in all situations. We should be with them during their health crisis, financial crisis, relationship crisis, or any crisis.

Respect Local Leaders And Authority

A proud person thinks that he will go to the highest person to solve his problem. He thinks that only the guru can handle his problem. But we should not bypass the local authority. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu taught us this important lesson.

When Gopinatha Pattanayaka was being punished, Mahaprabhu was internally concerned but externally, He wanted to teach that during difficulties, we should take help from the concerned authorities.

Conclusion

From the story of Gopinatha Pattanayaka, we learn the lesson of responsibility and accountability. Being a senior devotee or being in a leadership role does not mean that we can act against established law and norms and get away with it.

A devotee leader should always be careful, cautious, responsible, ethical, guided by guru-vani and should respect his immediate authority. This is what pleases the Lord.

• [This article is based on the notes I took during the class of HG Dwarkadhish Prabhu & HG Visakha Priya Mataji.]

55th Kolkata Rath Yatra – Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Atul Krishna Prabhu (22nd July 2026)

Vaiṣṇava Aparādha is too dangerous. Even Lord Chaitanya who is the most merciful incarnation of the Lord does not forgive one who offends his devotee. This was very logically explained by HG Atul Krishna Prabhu in his Srimad Bhagavatam Class at 55^th Kolkata Rath Yatra Pandal.  Speaking on the verse SB 1.15.10, Prabhuji discussed the serious consequences of Vaiṣṇava Aparādha through the examples of Durvasa Muni, Ambarish Maharaja, Gopala Capala, and Srivasa Thakura.

Below article is based on Prabhuji’s Srimad Bhagavatam Class.

The class began with the devotional song Suddha Bhakata Carana Renu by Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

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If you offend the Lord, then by chanting the Holy Name you can be saved. However, if you commit an offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava, then no one can save you. Even the Lord does not forgive those who offend His devotees.

For example, Durvasa Muni was not saved by the Lord when he offended His devotee, Ambarish Maharaja.

Durvasa Muni’s offense

Once, Durvasa Muni came to the palace of Ambarish Maharaja, who was observing a fast. Durvasa Muni went to take a bath. Since the time to break the fast was about to end, the brahmanas suggested that Ambarish Maharaja break his fast; otherwise, he would not receive the fruits of observing it. However, Ambarish Maharaja did not want to take any food before serving Durvasa Muni.

The brahmanas therefore suggested that he break his fast by drinking water. Durvasa Muni, who was taking a bath, understood that the king had drunk water before honoring him with food. With his mystic power, he created a demon, but Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra came, killed the demon, and then began chasing Durvasa Muni.

He ran to save his life. He went to Lord Shiva seeking help, but Lord Shiva said that he could not protect him. Even Lord Vishnu said that He was helpless. Finally, Durvasa Muni begged Ambarish Maharaja for forgiveness, and the king forgave him, thus saving his life.

A man can tolerate the burning sun that falls on his head, but he cannot tolerate the hot sand beneath his feet. Similarly, devotees always surrender at the lotus feet of the Lord, so the Lord does not tolerate any offense committed against His devotees.

We see that Arjuna was prepared to forgive the Kauravas. He was ready to go and live in the forest too. But Krishna was not ready to forgive them. He said to Arjuna, “Become My devotee and fight.”

Lord Chaitanya is Patita-pavana; He delivers the most fallen. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura says that the qualification for receiving the mercy of the Pañca-tattva is “no qualification.”

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Lord Chaitanya too does not forgive

There is no qualification required to see the deity of the Lord. Just by seeing the deity one gets purified.

In India, I see everything is delayed. But surprisingly, deity worship is always on time.

Two important things in Deity worship are cleanliness and punctuality. In ISKCON, ārati is always on time. I remember that in the Radha Govinda Temple, at 4:15 a.m., only a few devotees would be there, but by 4:29 a.m., a tsunami of devotees would come, and the ārati would start exactly at 4:30 a.m.

The scriptures say that if you see Lord Jagannath on the chariot during Rath Yatra, you will not take birth again in this material world but will attain Vaikuntha. Now, what qualification is required to come onto the street and see the Lord? No qualification is required.

Srila Prabhupada began Rath Yatra in Kolkata. Those devotees who are organizing the Rath Yatra festival are directly assisting Srila Prabhupada and pleasing him.

Devotees are very merciful. For example, I had no interest in spiritual life, but I was reclaimed by devotees. They convinced me to become a devotee of Krishna. Although we are not interested in spiritual life, the Lord comes to drag us back—”Ami bina bandhu, ke ache Tomara.”

When I was in college, I was eating in a restaurant. While I was eating, devotees were preaching. They said, “Whatever you do, ultimately you will become old and die.” Hearing this, I lost all interest in material life and became a devotee.

The Pañca-tattva do not see patra and apatra, whether one is qualified or not. They simply bestow Their mercy upon everyone. Although Lord Chaitanya is Patita-pavana, He does not forgive those who offends his devotees.

The Offense of Gopala Capala Against Srivasa Thakura

Lord Chaitanya did not forgive Gopala Capala, who offended Srivasa Thakura.

In Srivasa Angan, Lord Chaitanya was performing kirtana. The kirtana was extraordinary. All the emotions of the Lord would manifest during the kirtana. It was a spectacle to witness. He would dance and sing and become so ecstatic that He would fall to the ground. Saci Mata prayed to Lord Vishnu, “Whatever service I have rendered unto You since childhood, please give me the fruits of that service. I pray that when Nimai falls on the ground, He does not feel any pain.”

Non-devotees also wanted to see the kirtana, but the doors were closed to them. Srila Prabhupada says, “During kirtana, the doors are generally open. Since Mahaprabhu wanted to dance with His confidential devotees, the doors were closed.”

The atheists who were not allowed to enter were burning with envy. They said, “Why can’t we see the kirtana?” So, they decided to assassinate the character of Srivasa Thakura, in whose house the kirtana was taking place.

One night, they placed items used in the worship of Durga, such as red sandalwood paste, a pot of wine, etc., in front of the house of Srivasa Thakura.

In the morning, when Srivasa Thakura saw these items, he immediately called all the brahmana sajjanas (respectable and learned brahmanas).

In Vedic times, brahmana sajjanas, i.e., exalted and qualified people who knew the scriptures, were called to resolve disputes. People had respect and faith in one another. However, today people are becoming impersonal. There is now almost no interaction among people. We have ATMs, internet banking, web check-in at airports, and so on. People are forgetting how to interact.

So, Srivasa Thakura said to the brahmana sajjanas, “See how fallen I am. I drink wine. I indulge in these activities while externally showing that I am a devotee of Krishna.”

This is the quality of a Vaiṣṇava. He is not interested in receiving respect. He wants to be neglected by society.

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The Consequences of Offending a Vaiṣṇava

For example, Pundarik Vidyanidhi looked like a materialistic person. He lived luxuriously, and no one could understand that he was a great devotee. However, once Mukunda Datta recited a verse related to Krishna, Pundarik Vidyanidhi immediately went into ecstasy and remained in that state for six hours. Seeing his devotion, Gadadhara Pandita accepted him as his spiritual master.

Later, it was discovered that Gopala Capala had planted those items to tarnish the image of Srivasa Thakura. After a few days, he was afflicted with leprosy. Because of his disease, he was rejected by society and had to wander here and there.

Once, he saw Lord Chaitanya on the bank of the Ganges and said to Mahaprabhu, “I am like Your uncle. I am suffering terribly. Please deliver me.” Mahaprabhu responded angrily and said, “You are an offender. You will suffer for millions of births in hell.”

How dangerous it is to commit an offense at the lotus feet of a Vaiṣṇava! Lord Krishna does not forgive such offenses, and even Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, who is Patita-pavana, does not forgive them.

Therefore, we should never speak harshly to devotees, blaspheme them, or attack them physically. Such offenses destroy our pious results.

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The Glory of Serving the Lord’s Devotees

Jada Bharata told King Rahugana that unless one smears one’s body with the dust of the lotus feet of the devotees, the Lord is not satisfied.

Prahlada Maharaja told Hiranyakashipu that because he had not pleased the devotees, he could not understand Lord Vishnu.

We are fortunate to have the association of devotees and the eternal association of Srila Prabhupada. We have a precious opportunity to dedicate our lives to Srila Prabhupada.

Krishna also says in the Adi Purana, “One who worships Me is not necessarily My devotee, but one who worships My devotee is truly My devotee.”

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Question & Answer

Prabhuji also answered questions from the devotees.

Q: What is the meaning of the dust of the lotus feet of pure devotees?

Answer: The literal meaning is to actually take the dust from the feet of pure devotees and smear it on one’s body. However, it also means serving the instructions of the pure devotees. Personal association is powerful. If we remain in good association, we will be protected.

Srila Prabhupada was always with his spiritual master, although he met him directly only a few times. He met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura about 10–12 times. Yet Srila Prabhupada was completely dedicated to following guru-vani. The easiest way is to become attached to the order and words of the spiritual master.

Q: How can we ensure that we do not commit offenses?

Answer: There are different types of offenses—some very serious and others less serious. We should be careful not to offend anyone, even non-devotees. We should live by the principle of anudvega-karam vakyam. Insulting people outside the devotional community is also wrong.

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These were some of the important points from the Srimad Bhagavatam Class by HG Atul Krishna Prabhu on 22^nd July 2026 at 55^th Kolkata Rath Yatra Pandal.

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55th Kolkata Rath Yātrā 2026 – Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam Class Series

• Day 1 – HG Atul Krishna Prabhu (17 July 2026)

• Day 2 – HH Subhag Swami Maharaja (18th July 2026)

• Day 3 – HH Bhakti Purushottam Swami Maharaja (19th July 2026)

• Day 4 – HG Acharya Ratna Prabhu (20th July 2026)

• Day 5 – HG Vallabh Chaitanya Prabhu (21st July 2026)

Radhanath Swami’s Spiritual Message at ISKCON Newtown Kolkata: Let the Vaishnava Family Grow

Devotees were blessed to get the association of HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja on 15 April 2026 at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata. During the visit, Maharaja addressed the devotees. Scores of devotees came to take darshan of Maharaja and hear his talk.

During the visit, Maharaja first took darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga and Srila Prabhupada and offered them arati. After that Maharaja addressed the devotees who were eagerly waiting to hear from him.

Below is what Maharaja said during the class.

From Nimai Pandit to Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: The Journey of Divine Love

1. The Scholarly Brilliance of Nimai Pandit

I believe today is the Bengali New Year. We are together in the Bengali town of New Town. As far as I remember, this pandal is new too.

This is a new goshala. By the blessings of Sri Sri Radha Govind, we will have a new temple too. When Nimai Pandit was living in Sri Navadvipa-dhama, he was the most learned and most skilled of all scholars.

He would challenge all the Chakravartis and Bhattacharyas. He was very expert in debate. All the great pandits, with all their logic, would have their arguments defeated by him. Nimai Pandit would rip all their arguments to shreds, totally defeating them to the extent that those who would never accept defeat became unable to say a single word in front of him.

Then he would ask, “Does anyone have any more arguments?” He would ask them, “Do you accept what I say is true?” The pandits would say, “What you have established, no one can defeat.” Nimai would ask, “Do you accept it?” They would say, “Yes, it is irrefutable.” Then Nimai Pandit would completely dismantle what he himself had said and prove that it was wrong.

He would then ask the pandits, “Do you think this is truth?” The pandits would become speechless. Then he would ask, “Do you want to establish the previous argument?” The pandits would say no. Then Nimai would again establish the previous arguments. Again, when he questioned the pandits, they would remain silent.

Nimai was only a teenager, while the pandits were senior scholars and professionally accomplished. Navadvipa was the greatest seat of learning at that time. So, Keshava Kashmiri came there to challenge them.

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2. Keshava Kashmiri Meets Nimai Pandit

Everyone knew that Goddess Sarasvati had given Keshava Kashmiri a great boon. All the pandits were hiding. He carried a Digvijaya paper on which all those he defeated had to sign.

One evening, while he was walking near the Ganges, he saw Nimai Pandit with his students. Nimai Pandit said, “Keshava Kashmiri, I have heard about you. They say Sarasvati sits on your tongue. Can you glorify Mother Ganges?”

Keshava Kashmiri immediately composed new poetry — one hundred verses glorifying the Ganga. No one could do it, not even the demigods. The children were astonished.

Nimai Pandit said, “It is very good, but please analyze your own poem. What are the beautiful ornaments, and what are the faults?” Digvijaya Pandit replied, “There are no faults.” Nimai then recited one of the verses and pointed out a technical fault that no one else could identify.

Keshava Kashmiri said, “I spoke one hundred verses like the blowing wind. How did you memorize them?” Nimai replied, “As you are empowered to compose, so I am empowered to remember.”

Keshava Kashmiri was the greatest debater in the world. No one could compete with him. He was a great devotee of Sarasvati. But when Nimai pointed out the mistake, for the first time in his entire life, he was unable to speak a single word.

His mind went blank, and he became bewildered. The children began laughing, but Nimai stopped them. Nimai said, “You must be tired, as you composed such great poetry.”

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3. The Humbling of Pride Through Divine Grace

Keshava Kashmiri was crying, thinking, “What offenses have I committed? I could not speak a single word in front of this child. I am a master, a champion.” Then Goddess Sarasvati appeared to him in a dream and said, “Because you are my great devotee, I have blessed you to take darshana of the Supreme Personality of Godhead.”

She instructed him to surrender his life unto Nimai. Early the next morning, Keshava Kashmiri came to Nimai and offered his obeisances. He had been so proud that he would ride on elephants and chariots while brahmanas glorified him.

Keshava Kashmiri told Nimai Pandit about the revelation of Goddess Sarasvati. Nimai said, “Do not tell this to anyone.” Nimai explained that the real goal of life is bhakti to the Supreme Personality of Godhead.

At that moment, Keshava Kashmiri became a pure devotee. Without his entourage, he left and became a great devotee of Krishna. He later became an acharya in the Nimbarka sampradaya.

Soon, Nimai went to Gaya for śrāddha. There he saw the beautiful lotus feet of Lord Vishnu. He sat inside the temple while all the priests were chanting the glories of Vishnu’s lotus feet.

At that moment, Nimai began to exhibit ecstatic love — the mahabhava of Sri Radha — which He had hidden from the world.

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4. Nimai Receives the Mercy of Isvara Puri

At that moment, Isvara Puri entered the temple. Nimai bowed to him and, with all humility, prayed, “Please bestow upon me the treasure of love of God. Please bless me with pure, unalloyed devotional service. I accept you as my guru. Please allow me to become your servant.”

Nimai’s request was accepted, and Isvara Puri initiated Him into the sacred mantra. One day, Isvara Puri came to the place where Nimai was staying. Nimai had cooked something for him. He offered him a seat and served everything to him.

Isvara Puri knew He was God. Yet he accepted the role of guru because the Lord desired to teach the world the importance of accepting a spiritual master.

Nimai massaged the lotus feet of His guru and received instructions to chant the holy names and spread their glories.

Nimai returned to Navadvipa. He had now become the most humble devotee, constantly crying in ecstatic love for Krishna and always chanting the holy names.

He told the devotees that in Kanhai Natashala He had seen Krishna, but when He was about to surrender to Krishna, Krishna disappeared. Seeing His love, Gadadhara Pandit fainted.

Nimai told Gadadhara, “You have always been a pure devotee of Krishna, but I wasted my youth thinking myself a scholar. Please bless me so that I may become your devotee.”

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5. The Awakening of Sankirtana in Navadvipa

Before going to Gaya, Nimai would challenge devotees like Murari Gupta to arguments. They were not interested, so when they saw Him they would hide. Yet they were attracted to Him just as people are attracted to Krishna.

Before going to Gaya, He would meet Srivasa Thakura, who was the age of His father. Srivasa would say, “Why are You wasting Your life? Why don’t You practice pure devotion to Krishna?” Nimai would reply, “By your blessings, one day I will become a great devotee of Krishna.”

After returning from Gaya, He revealed His heart to a few devotees. The devotees who had met Nimai said, “We have very auspicious news. Nimai has become a devotee. We have never seen any devotee like Him. Tears fall from His eyes like the Ganges. When He chants the name of Krishna, He faints.”

Srivasa Pandit smiled blissfully and said, “Now Nimai is a devotee. Let our family expand.”

Before the appearance of Lord Caitanya, Advaita Acharya was worshipping the Lord to appear on earth. Haridasa Thakura was chanting 300,000 names of Krishna daily, praying for Krishna to come.

Srivasa Pandit and his brothers would perform sankirtana in Srivasa Angana, praying for the Lord to deliver the world.

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6. Srila Prabhupada appears to fulfil the mission of Lord Caitanya

All these great personalities were filled with ecstatic love. In their ecstasy, they suffered upon seeing the condition of the people of the world.

Bhaktivinoda Thakura wrote “Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu: His Life and Precepts” in Kolkata and sent it to universities around the world. For the first time in history, publications in the English language about Lord Caitanya went outside India.

In 1896, Srila Prabhupada appeared under a jackfruit tree in Kolkata. Later, in 1966, he established ISKCON and fulfilled the prophecy of Lord Caitanya that the holy name would be chanted in every town and village.

On Ultadanga Junction Road in 1922, Srila Prabhupada met Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura and received the instruction to preach in English.

From the dockyard, Srila Prabhupada boarded the Jaladuta to spread Krishna consciousness throughout the world. After establishing temples in America and Europe, he returned to India and opened the first ISKCON temple in Kolkata.

He established Sri Sri Radha Govinda and gave all credit to his disciples.

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7. Let the Vaishnava Family Grow

We have a great opportunity to receive the blessings of Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda.

So, whatever has been spoken is for this purpose: let our family grow.

For our family to grow, first it is important to have a Vaishnava family spirit. We see how Srila Prabhupada and his followers were united, loving one another and not misbehaving with others.

It is important to come together as Vaishnavas, helping others in their challenges and having faith in Lord Caitanya and Lord Nityananda.

Family means everyone is united with higher principles, chanting the names of Krishna, and helping each other.

There are so many wars, conflicts, and battles in the world. We can help rescue society by expanding the Vaishnava family with real spiritual culture.

That is why we are here. This is my prayer.

Inauguration

During his visit to Iskcon Newtown Kolkata temple, HH Radhanath Swami Maharaja inaugurated Bhaktivedanta Clinic, Sankirtan stall, Donor facilitation centre and the cowshed.

Why Nityananda Prabhu comes to Bengal (Gaud Desa)?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu ordered Nityananda Prabhu to shower his mercy upon Bengal. On receiving this order left Puri and came to Bengal to spread Krishna Consciousness. And it is because of the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu that devotion for Krishna spread in Bengal and today we see lakhs of devotees of Krishna in Bengal.  

HG Atul Krishna Prabhu was in Iskcon Newtown Kolkata and he beautifully described how Nityananda Prabhu received the instruction from Mahaprabhu. And how he immediately left Puri for Bengal to inundate it with love of Krishna.

The article is based on the class given by HG Atul Krishna Prabhu on the occasion of Nityananda Trayodasi on Feb 10, 2025.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu asks Nityananda Prabhu to go to Bengal (Gaud Desa)

Every year the devotees were coming from Bengal to Jagannath Puri. That’s why Mahaprabhu was living in Jagannath Puri because of his accessibility to Gauda Desa.

Nityananda Prabhu accompanied Gaursundar on his journey to Jagannath Puri. He also wanted to accompany him on his South India tour.  He (Nityananda Prabhu) was making his case to Mahaprabhu, “Overwhelmed with love of God you will fall down on the path, then who will look after you? Who will look after your kamandalu, mala and your set of clothes. I will accompany you. I know all the paths of South India.”  But Mahaprabhu did not accept that proposition because he was upset with Nityananda Prabhu.

Because at the first opportunity Nityananda Prabhu got to touch the (sannyas) danda  of Mahaprabhu, he broke it into three pieces.  Mahaprabhu was not very satisfied and for that reason he entered Jagannath Puri alone.

Now he wanted to tour the holy places of South India alone, so that he could properly perform the regulations of sannyas.

When Mahaprabhu returned to Jagannath Puri from South India tour, the devotees from Bengal came. The devotees remained for four months performing ratra yatra with Gaur Sundar in Puri. Nityananda Prabhu also remained in Jagannath Puri.  And then Mahaprabhu said to Nityananda Prabhu, “Go to Gaud Desa.”

Mahaprabhu was concerned about Bengal

You all are very fortunate because you have taken birth in Gaud Desa.  Prabhupada says this is the most important place in the universe. You are doing seva in Prabhupada’s janma sthan, you are so fortunate.  

Mahaprabhu has special affinity for Gaud Desa. He said to the Kurma Brahman, “yāre dekha, tāre kaha ‘kṛṣṇa’-upadeśa/āmāra ājñāya guru hañā tāra’ ei deśa.” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Madhya-līlā 7.128

“You deliver everyone you see. You tell them about Krishna. You deliver everyone in this way.” Mahaprabhu said this wherever he went. He gave this order to all the residents, all the household brahmans and not just to Kurma Brahman. So, in this way Mahaprabhu ordered everybody that wherever you are, you preach.

And in addition to that, he was still concerned with Bengal. So, he sent his most intimate, most dear, his first expansion, Nityananda Prabhu to Bengal.

pañca-tattvātmakaṁ kṛṣṇaṁ
bhakta-rūpa-svarūpakam
bhaktāvatāraṁ bhaktākhyaṁ
namāmi bhakta-śaktikam

“Let me offer my obeisances unto Lord Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who has manifested Himself in five as a devotee, expansion of a devotee, incarnation of a devotee, pure devotee and devotional energy.” Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 7.6

Nityananda Prabhu’s mercy at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata

Nityananda Prabhu received order from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to travel and preach and deliver Bengal.  So, I like to come here (Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata) because how happy he is seeing the development of preaching in Gaud Desa.

Practically speaking we neglected Kolkata for first few decades. Prabhupada came and established first temple Sri Sri Radha Govinda in Minto Park in Kolkata. And then we were busy in Mayapur development.

Actually, Mayapur means world delivery.  But delivering Bengal that actually has to be strategically organized from this mandir (Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata). That’s why Nityananda has appeared here. That’s why I’m attracted to come.

Let us establish Prabhupada in Kolkata and we deliver Kolkata, then all Bengal will follow. No doubt. Both Paschim Bengal and Purva Bengal will be delivered. It is so important to preach in Kolkata.

Prabhupada is blessing you! Every time I come; I see development, I see construction, bricks here and there, earth movers, everything going on. It’s so exciting.

This is happening because you have Doyal Nitai. It’s all his mercy. He wants this. It is his desire. He is so much in the mood of preaching.

Without the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu we cannot attain Radha Krishna

His mood is that he is kind to the most fallen.  So, we all have a chance. He’s particularly kind to the fallen, the idiots, the fools, so we have a chance.

“Nitaiyer karuna hobe, Braje Radha Krishna pabe.”  “When you receive Nitai’s karuna, only then you would get Radha-Krishna in Vraj.”

Without the mercy of Lord Nityananda, it is not possible to attain Radha Krishna.   So how important is this day which we are observing today and so many devotees have come.

Nityananda Prabhu gathered his 12 associates, there were many associates, the 12 were pradhan, all were accompanying Nityananda Prabhu and were going to Gaud Desa.

Nityananda Prabhu first came to Panihati

Nityananda Prabhu first travelled to Panihati and he remained in Panihati for three months and Vrindavan Das Thakura explains that the pastimes that Nitai Gosai performed in half an hour in Panihati cannot be described in 100 years.  He was so active in his dissemination of Krishna Consciousness because Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had ordered.

Wonderful relationship between Nityananda Prabhu and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu

We were discussing the relationship between Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu. They have a relationship; it should be understood. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu considers Nityananda Prabhu, his elder brother.

And Nityananda Prabhu says Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is my master. This is the mood of Nityananda Prabhu. He is totally absorbed in the service of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is always fulfilling his order.

In Kirtan, in Srivas Angan, when Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was swooning in love of God, Nityananda Prabhu would be there to hold Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. They’re constantly together. We are worshiping them together as they are distributing love of godhead together. And they are dancing together ecstatically and continuously as nitya kirtan is going on.

Was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu angry with Mukunda Dutta during Mahaprakash Lila?

During Mahaprakash lila, it looked as if Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is angry with Mukunda Dutta. But was the Lord really angry with Mukunda Dutta? Or was he trying to show something else to the world?

Let us try to find out.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s Mahaprakash lila went on for 21 hours – whole day and night. And during the course of time, Lord Chaitanya called all devotees and explained to them about the association he had with them in previous life and also in this life.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu does not invite Mukunda Dutta

During Mahaprakash Lila, Lord Chaitanya had called everyone, but he had not call one devotee. Srivasa Thakura approaches Lord Chaitanya and says that you have forgotten one person, Mukunda Dutta. So, could you please call Mukunda?

But Lord Chaitanya said, “I am not going to call Mukunda. In fact, I never want to see Mukunda ever.”  Srivasa was shocked because Mukunda was well known among the devotees, he was very popular.

So, he asks Lord Chaitanya what is the problem?  And Lord Chaitanya says, “He is a hypocrite. He seems like being a nice devotee. He is very friendly with all the devotees and is a nice kirtan singer. But he is still a hypocrite. Whoever he associates with, he agrees with them. He associates Mayavadis and when Mayavadis say everything is one, he agrees with them and says, “Yes, everything is one.” And he then associates with Shaivites and when Shaivites say, “Shiva tu bhagavan swayam,” Mukunda says, “Yes, Har Har Mahadev.”  And he then associates with worshipper of Durga Devi and when they say, “Durga tu bhagavan swayam,” Mukunda says, “Jai Jai mataji.” So, he is a hypocrite. He is not fixed in consciousness. So, I do not want to see him ever.”

Lord Chaitanya further says Mukunda is like a person who approaches you with a nice flower and says take it and in other hand he has a club which he keeps behind.  You take the flower from him and think it’s nice but suddenly he takes out the club and hits your hand. So, I do not want to see him.

Mukunda Dutta explains why he behaves in this way

Srivasa Thakura went outside and told everything to Mukunda what Lord Chaitanya had said.

Lord Chaitanya was inside the house and Mukunda was in courtyard.  When Mukunda Dutta heard, he was broken hearted. He said to Srivasa Thakura about his situation.

I live in extended family, there are all types of people in my family – Durga worshippers, Shiva worshippers, Murugan worshippers and so on. I will end up non-stop fighting with them if I argue. So, when someone says everyone is one, I say, “yes”, and then I say Lord Chaitanya is also God. What to do? If I do not do this then it’s impossible to live with these people. Please explain this to Lord.

Srivasa went in and he told Lord Chaitanya that Mukunda has said few things, so he wants to share those points. The Lord said if you mention his name, you will not see me again. It looked as if Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was angry with Mukunda Dutta. But Srivasa Thakura said, “Please hear at least once.”

Mukunda can see Lord after one million lifetimes

So, he explained what Mukunda said to Lord Chaitanya. Mahaprabhu said, “Alright. You can go and tell Mukunda that he can see me after one million lifetimes.”

Srivasa Thakura went and told this to Mukunda. And when Mukunda Dutta heard that he can see Lord Chaitanya after one million lifetimes, he became ecstatic saying, “I will see him.” 

He began singing and dancing and rolling on ground in joy. Lord Chaitanya who was sitting inside the house heard all the commotion. He asked Srivasa what is going on?  Srivasa Thakura said, “Its Mukunda. He is extremely happy knowing that he can see you after one million lifetimes. He has gone wild in ecstasy.”

Lord Chaitanya then said bring him now. So, Srivasa Thakura brought Mukunda in. And Lord Chaitanya spoke to him nicely like father speaking to son. Mukunda offered prayers to Lord Chaitanya.

Blessings one gets by hearing Mukunda’s prayer

There are two blessings one gets by hearing the prayer offered by Mukunda Dutta to Lord Chaitanya.

1. Anyone who hears prayer of Mukunda will sing with him.

2. Anyone who feels happiness hearing this narration will certainly meet Lord Chaitanya face to face.

Lord Chaitanya said that actually I was playing little game with you. I did not really mean what I said. So, he then told Mukunda wherever I will appear you will appear with me. And you will sing for me wherever I am.

So, the first blessing that “anyone hears Mukunda’s prayer will sing with Mukunda” means he will sing with Lord Chaitanya.

Important lesson for us

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was not angry with Mukunda Dutta. Through this pastime Lord wanted to teach us few lessons.

1. Do not become a Shaivite. Just stay vaisnvav because although Shiva is nice, but he is not Krishna.
2. Practice devotion to Krishna with determination but also have patience like Mukunda Dutta.

What happens to the washerman who offends Krishna in Mathura?

During Mahaprakash lila, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu told the story of the washerman who offends Krishna in Mathura. This pastime of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was beautifully explained by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj during his Chaitanya Charitamrita class at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata.

Below article is based on the class given by HH Bhakti Chaitanya Swami Maharaj at Iskcon Newtown, Kolkata on 27^th Feb 2025.

During Mahaprakash Lila, Lord Chaitanya was appreciating that Mukunda has some devotion. In order to make point about the importance of devotion in the life of a devotee, Lord Chaitanya referred to the pastimes of Krishna when he entered Mathura, his pastime with the washerman.  

Washerman offends Krishna when Krishna asks for clothes

Lord Chaitanya said that when Krishna entered Mathura, he met washerman and washerman was carrying basket full of laundry belonging to Kamsa. And Lord Krishna said look at these nice clothes, would you not like to give some to us which is suitable for us.

Washerman became arrogant and said, “These are the king’s clothes and who are you. You are just little boys of forest. So, if you want some clothes, go into forest, take some leaves and tree barks and put some clothes.” This was a deliberate insult.

Krishna did not like this and did not say anything more. He just slapped the man on the face. And the man’s head fell down. That was the end of washerman for the time being. Actually, we do not even know what happened to him from that point on. So, Lord Chaitanya describes this in course of Mahaprakash lila.

This is described in Chaitanya Bhagavata that Lord Chaitanya tells devotees that the washerman had performed austerities for millions of lifetimes to see God. But then he got to see God, there in Mathura, he saw Krishna. But then when he saw Krishna, because he had no bhakti he offended Krishna.

And then Lord Chaitanya did not say more about washerman.

Lesson for us – we should not commit offenses.

You do not know with whom you are associating ! 

One time Srila Prabhupada was giving class in Bhaktivedanta Manor (United Kingdom). I was there at that time and Srila Prabhupada was talking how you must be careful how you deal with people and devotees. And Srila Prabhupada said that you do not know who the person sitting next to me.

You may be sitting next to Narada Muni.

Better to be more respectful than less respectful. We do not know whether washerman got another chance and fell down completely. This is an important lesson for us to consider as aspiring devotees.

We have to be tolerant, patient and never ever try to say anything which is disrespectful to anyone.

Conclusion

Many people say that they will believe in God only when they will see God. The washerman saw Krishna, Kamsa saw Krishna, Duryodhana saw Krishna but still they did not understand who Krishna is. Simply by seeing God does not mean that we will know God.

To know God, it is important that our heart is purified of all the impurities. Once our heart becomes pure then automatically love for Krishna will manifest in it and then whether we see God or not see God we will always remain absorbed in thoughts of Krishna, the Supreme God.

In this age of Kaliyuga, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has given the way by which we can connect to God and that is by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Gaur Purnima celebration at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata on 14th March 2025

Gaur Purnima, the appearance day of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, was celebrated with grandeur on 14^th March at Iskcon Newtown Kolkata.  On this day Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga wore multi coloured clothes and garlands of colourful flowers and Tulsi leaves.

The altar was decorated to give it a look of Jagannath Temple.  It made sense because Lord Chaitanya after taking sannyas resided in Jagannath Puri for most of the time. And he daily visited the temple to take darshan of Lord Jagannath. Mahaprabhu by his personal example is teaching us the importance of visiting temple daily and taking darshan of the Lord.

In the temple hall two statues of crouching lions were put up just like we have in Jagannath Temple at Singhadwara.  Inside the altar, the pillar was painted in yellow, red, blue, green and pink colour. The roof was of white colour and were decorated with orange and yellow marigold flowers.  In the temple hall canopy having shades of red, yellow and green hung from the ceiling.  

Srila Prabhupada’s altar too was decorated with flower, flower garlands and colourful leaves.

Outside the temple hall colouful rangolis were made at different places by the devotees.

Gaur Purnima is a very important festival for Gaudiya Vaisnavas, so devotees were putting their best efforts to decorate the temple. A separate pandal was built for cultural program and for prasadam serving. Each devotee was trying their best to render service to the Lord on this special day.

Devotees from various VOICE centres and congregation devotees came in large numbers to participate in the festival.

Morning program in the temple

Festival began from 4:30 am onwards starting with Mangala Arati in which many devotees participated. Devotees chanted the holy name of Krishna i.e. the Hare Krishna Mahamantra till 8 am. At around 7:15 am some of the devotees also went out for nagar sankirtan. At 8 am there was Guru Puju.

Devotees were eagerly waiting to take darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga.  And their desire got fulfilled when the altar opened at 8:30 am. The two Lord looked extremely beautiful and attracted the heart of all. Devotees offered flower to the Lord while singing “govindam adi-purusham tam aham bhajami” prayer from Brahma Samhita. After that all devotees sang śrī-kṛṣṇa-caitanya prabhu doyā koro more, the song was led by HG Prem Swarup Prabhu.

At 8:45 am Gaur Katha began. HG Acharyaratna Prabhu spoke on various pastimes of Lord Chaitanya given in Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta. After his class, Prabhuji, inspired devotees to buy Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, so that they can regularly read about Lord’s pastimes. There were devotees who wanted to have a copy of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta and there were also devotees who were desiring to donate Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta to those who wanted it.

Many devotees got Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta by the grace of the devotees who donated it.

After the distribution of Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, there was class by HG Anant Bhagavan Prabhu. In the class, Prabhuji described Mahaprakha Lila of Lord Chaitanya and the lessons we can learn from the pastime.

The class went till around 12 noon. At 12 noon there was bhoga arati of the Lord.

Evening cultural program included abhishek, drama, Gaur Katha and arati of the Lord

Hundreds of devotees had started congregating for the evening program.  Evening cultural program was organized at pandal, and it began at 5 pm.  There was grand abhishek of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga at the pandal. For abhishek, the deities were taken on palki procession from temple hall to pandal.

During the palki procession, devotees were chanting and dancing. Some were fanning the Lord, some were blowing conch shells, some were showering flower petals on the Lord, some were playing mridangas and some were playing kartals.  

Both the deities were reverentially placed on abhishek table in the pandal. Pandal was completely filled with devotees. While the program was going on in the pandal, there were many people who were visiting temple hall to take darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. Many people came to take darshan of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. They offered fruits and sweets at the lotus feet of the Lord. As same day Holi was being celebrated, so many were also bringing colours and were offering it to the Lord.

Abhishek of Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga

On this auspicious day of Gaur Purnima, devotees were fortunate to get the association of HH Subhag Swami Maharaj, a senior Iskcon sannyasi and disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Maharaj performed arati of Sri Sri Nitai Gauraga before the start of the abhishek in pandal. Maharaj also performed abhishek of the Lord. 

The deities were bathed with pancamrita, pancagavya, fruit juices, scented water like Kesar water, rose water, coconut water, sarvaausadhi, mahaausadhi, astagandha and finally with colourful flower petals.  

After abhishek there was a drama performed by the devotees.

Gaur Katha by HH Subhag Swami Maharaj

After drama there was Gaur Katha by HH Subhag Swami Maharaj. Maharaj beautiful spoke about the necessity of taking shelter of Lord Gauranga and serving him constantly without any ulterior motives. After the class, Maharaj invited questions from the assembled devotees. Many devotees asked questions, and Maharaj logically cleared their doubts.

After the class, there was Gaur arati. During the arati devotees sang, jaya jaya gorācāńder āratiko śobhā.

At the end there was delicious prasadam for all. It was a wonderful day for all to remember and worship Lord Gauranga on the day of Gaur Purnima.

Who is Lord Nityananda and what was his mission?

Video: Six glories of Hare Krishna Mahamantra

There are unlimited glories of Hare Krishna Mahamantra. If we want to grow in our spiritual life then we should chant this great mahamantra sincerely. 

Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu who is none other than the Supreme Lord Krishna appeared in this world to teach lesser mortals like you and me to chant this mantra with utmost sincerity.

In Sri Siksastakam Verse 1, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu has described the glories of this great mantra.

In this video, I discuss those glories of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.

Once we understand the glories of this mantra, we will be inspired to chant it more and more.

Once one person asked Srila Prabhupada, “Swamijī? Are we to believe in that by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa that we can attain a higher conscious level on this earth and attain self-realization without going through all the rigors of the old Vedas, scriptures?”

Prabhupada said: “Yes. This is the special concession for the conditioned soul of this age, that if you simply chant Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra, then your heart will be purified. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam (CC Antya 20.12). Then everything will be revealed. This is special concession.”  

Prabhupada travelled all over the world to spread the chanting of Hare Krishna Mahamantra.  Many westerners who did not know about Krishna and were indulging in sinful activities became pure just by chanting this mantra.  This mantra is extremely powerful especially in this age of Kali which is called the age of downfall.

Hare Krishna Mahamantra has transformed the lives of millions of people all over the world.  You and I also have the opportunity to change our life for good by chanting this mantra.  

Chanting will purify our hearts of all the impurities, free us from all the sinful reactions which is the cause of all the sufferings and will connect us to Krishna.  

Once we establish our relationship with Krishna, we will attain complete perfection in our life.

Read: Know the six glories of Hare Krishna Mahamantra

Why did Lord Chaitanya appear? To teach us devotion to Lord Krishna.

Lord Chaitanya who is also known as Chaitanya Mahaprabhu appeared on earth to teach you and me how to become a pure devotee of Krishna.   He is an incarnation of Krishna. But he appears as a devotee of Krishna. Why? So that, he can teach us by his personal example how to practice devotion to Krishna.  Lord Chaitanya is magnanimous, extremely merciful. He came to deliver the most fallen of the souls.

Lord Chaitanya is like the monsoon cloud, full of hope and happiness. And like the monsoon rain, He distributes ‘happiness’ freely to all without bothering about friends and foes. He is everyone’s friend.

He appears in this world for an important rescue operation. The mission was to cure the diseased souls of material impurities and take them back to their original home. Our original home is the spiritual world, the kingdom of God.

Lord Chaitanya’s birth

Lord Chaitanya, an epitome of love, best remembered as most benevolent incarnation of God, appeared in Mayapur, India, around 500 years ago.

He appeared on 18th Feb, 1486 CE in Mayapur, West Bengal, India. Srila

Bhaktivinod Thakura writes, “Caitanya Mahāprabhu [Lord Chaitanya] was born in Māyāpur, in the town of Nadia, just after sunset on the evening of the 23rd Phālguna, 1407 Śakābda, answering to the 18th of February, 1486, of the Christian Era.”

Most of the people are not aware that Lord Chaitanya is the Supreme God. It is because he hid his identity. Today also if you speak to people, they will agree that he was a great devotee of Krishna, but they will be not ready to accept that he is the Supreme Lord. 

Lord Chaitanya too did not want people to call him as Supreme Lord. Lord Chaitanya’s associates were self-realized souls. They were aware that he is the Supreme Lord. So, sometimes the devotees would address him as Supreme Lord. But Lord Chaitanya strongly opposed this. He would put fingers in his ears and say that you are committing offence by calling me God.

What Vedas say about Lord Chaitanya?

But Vedic literatures clearly say that Lord Chaitanya is the Supreme Personality of Godhead.  Vedas have many evidence which proves beyond doubt that Lord Chaitanya (or Chaitanya Mahaprabhu) is God

Let us see few of those evidence from the Vedas.

• In the Adi-Purana and in the Narada Purana, the Supreme Lord says: “I shall advent in the form of a Brahmana devotee and I shall hide my factual identity. I shall deliver all the worlds.”
• In the Padma-Purana it is mentioned: “The Supreme Personality, Janardana, who is the object of the yogis’ meditation, who saves the devotees from various sufferings, and who is the master of all yogic practices, who is always full of divine transcendental ecstasy and bliss, will advent in His own divine form of Sri Chaitanya.”
• In the Garuda Purana, the Supreme Personality of Godhead Himself states: “I will take birth as the son of Sachi, in Navadvip – Mayapur. I will come in my complete spiritual form in the first part of Kali- Yuga.”

Lord Chaitanya appeared to teach us pure devotion to Krishna

Many religious traditions of the world in order to attract people advertise that by following their path people’s material desires will materialize. And this will help them to live a happy and fulfilling material life.

But Lord Chaitanya did not misguide the people. He never gave any false hope to the seekers. He candidly explained that no one can achieve any peace and bliss in this world because this is a place of suffering. Bhagavad Gita 8.15 explains the nature of this world – dukhalayam asaswatam (full of miseries). No amount of material aggrandizement can reduce our miseries.

This is why Lord Chaitanya said that we should practice pure devotion to Krishna.

The only way to get rid of all troubles and attain unlimited happiness is when we develop relationship with Krishna.  That should be our ultimate goal. And once we attain love of Krishna, we will be able to return back to the spiritual world, the kingdom of Krishna.

Lord Chaitanya has given us the process by which we can practice pure devotion to Krishna. It is by chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra – Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare/ Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare.

Lord Chaitanya’s explains the glories of chanting Hare Krishna Mahamantra  

Lord Chaitanya has taught us how to chant the names of Krishna. And also what should be our mood when we are practicing devotion to Krishna.

In Siksastakam he explains the glories of chanting and the benefit we get by chanting Krishna’s names.

“Glory to the sri-krsna-sankirtana, which cleanses the heart of all the dust accumulated for years and extinguishes the fire of conditional life, of repeated birth and death. This sankirtana movement is the prime benediction for humanity at large because it spreads the rays of the benediction moon. It is the life of all transcendental knowledge. It increases the ocean of transcendental bliss, and it enables us to fully taste the nectar for which we are always anxious.” Sri Siksastakam Text 1

Chanting purifies our heart of all the impurities and helps us to develop love of Krishna.

What should be the mood of devotee of Krishna according to Lord Chaitanya?

In Siksastakam, Lord Chaitanya describes what should be the mood of a devotee of Krishna. He says that a devotee should not have any material desires. Instead, he should have desire to practice pure devotion to Krishna.

“O almighty Lord, I have no desire to accumulate wealth, nor do I desire beautiful women nor do I want any number of followers. I only want Your causeless devotional service, birth after birth.” Sri Siksastakam Text 2

So, as a practicing devotee it is important that we give up desire to enjoy this world. Instead, we should develop desire to purify our senses and consciousness, so that we can sincerely practice devotion to Krishna.

If we are able to do so, then we will eventually become pure. And once we become pure our life will become perfect. 

Taking shelter of Lord Chaitanya

To practice pure devotion to Krishna and get freedom from all sufferings it is important that we take shelter of Lord Chaitanya.

We should follow his instructions seriously. And chant the holy names of Krishna sincerely. This will purify our hearts and we will become pure. We will attain love of Krishna.

Lord Chaitanya has appeared for this purpose only – to help you and me attain love of Krishna. Once we attain love of Krishna, we will attain complete perfection. We will not be troubled by any material miseries. We will enjoy unlimited happiness.

Lord Chaitanya appeared in this age of Kaliyuga, the age of downfall, to deliver people like you and me.  So, we should pray to Lord Chaitanya, take his shelter and practice devotion to Krishna for our own benefit.

In Navadvipa Dham Mahatmaya, Bhaktivinod Thakura, a great Vaisnava saint, extols Lord Chaitanya,

“Because people in Kali-yuga commit unlimited offenses, which are difficult to check, there can be no means of deliverance other than Gauranga’s name. Therefore, in Kali-yuga, I see no alternative to Sri Gauranga.”

Lord Chaitanya is called by different names – Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Lord Gauranga, Nimai.

So, why did Lord Chaitanya appear? He appeared for you and me because he was very concerned for us. Let us give up all our material desires and use our body, mind and words in serving, remembering, glorifying and worshipping him.

Read: Who is most merciful – Lord Rama or Lord Krishna or Lord Chaitanya?