Who is Sri Nityananda Prabhu, and why His appearance day is celebrated? Learn more about the importance and details of the celebrations.
Sri Nityananda Trayodashi is the auspicious appearance day of Sri Nityananda Prabhu. ISKCON Bangalore will celebrate Sri Nityananda Trayodashi on 22 February 2024. On this day, devotees observe fasting till noon and seek the blessings of Sri Nityananda Prabhu.
The celebrations will take place from 11:30 AM onwards at ISKCON Vaikuntha Hill, Vasanthapura and 6.30 PM onwards at ISKCON Sri Radha Krishna temple, Rajajinagar.
The celebrations begin with a panchamrita abhisheka to Their Lordships, Sri Sri Nitai Gauranga. After abhisheka, a special arati will be performed, accompanied by a devotional song, followed by Shayana Arati and Shayana Pallakki Utsava with grand kirtans.
The Supreme Lord Sri Krishna appeared in Navadvipa (West Bengal) as Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu to establish the Sankirtana Movement (congregational chanting of the holy name of the Lord, the Yuga-dharma for this age). To help the Supreme Lord in His mission, Lord Balarama appeared as Nityananda Prabhu. He assisted Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by spreading the holy name of the Lord throughout Bengal.
Sri Nityananda Prabhu appeared in the village of Ekachakra in the district of Birbhum (West Bengal). He was born as the son of Padmavati and Hadai Pandita in 1474 AD on the thirteenth day of the bright fortnight in the month of Magha (Magha Shukla Trayodashi). The place of birth of Lord Nityananda is called Garbhavasa. Many devotees make their visit to this place and take darshan of the Deities.
Sri Nityananda Prabhu, Balarama represents the guru-tattva. The Supreme Lord cannot be understood by the strength of one’s erudition or power of mental speculation: nāyam ātmā pravacanena labhyo na medhayā na bahunā śrutena (Kaṭha Upaniṣad 1.2.23). He can be known only by one who has the mercy of the Lord. To understand Lord Krishna, we need the help of a guru, and without the mercy of Nityananda Prabhu, we cannot realize our true self and supreme self, Lord Krishna.
‘Nityananda’ implies everlasting joy. We strive to discover contentment in the material realm through any means necessary, but these pleasures are fleeting. While our search for solace persists, we can seek refuge from Sri Nityananda Prabhu and become enlightened with spiritual knowledge that grants us true happiness and liberation from all anxieties.
Sri Nityananda Prabhu is an embodiment of compassion and is revered by devotees as the Lord of Mercy. Through His mercy, we will receive the necessary spiritual strength. On this auspicious day, let us pray to Sri Nityananda Prabhu for His blessings to make progress in our spiritual life.
We invite you to participate in the celebrations and be blessed.
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Here is an opportunity to receive the special mercy of Lord Nityananda, Who can bestow upon us bhakti towards Krishna. Contribute towards a seva on this auspicious day. Special prasadam will be delivered to your home.
Related Links: Nitai Pada Kamala | Pastimes of Lord Nityananda | Ekachakra Dhama | Parama Karuna