Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti 2023
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (1486 - 1534 C.E.) was a great spiritual teacher and the founder of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. Chaitanya Mahaprabhu followers are known as Gaudiya Vaishnava(s) and believe him as the incarnation of Lord Krishna.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born on Phalguna Purnima in the year 1542 of Vikram Samvat as per Hindu lunar calendar. Phalguna Purnima is observed as Gaura Purnima and celebrated as the birth anniversary of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu by his followers.
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was born on February 18, 1486 C.E as per Julian calendar. It comes out to Saturday, February 27, 1486 C.E. as per Gregorian calendar, though it was not invented at that time.
Sri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, also called as Gauranga, appeared in Nadia, Bengal, had immense love for God, Krishna. As he was born under a Neem tree, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was also known as Nimai. Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was the one who spread the message of Lord Krishna - he told the easiest way to connect with Krishna - just chant Hare Krishna. He made popular the chanting of "Hare Krishna" mahamantra. Chaitanya Jayanti is celebrated the world over and mainly in Bihar, Orissa, Bengal and Jharkhand in India.
Lord Chaitanya taught that by chanting the holy name of Krishna one can attain Salvation or Moksha. He told that the holy name of Krishna is the sound incarnation of the Lord and there is no difference between His holy name and Krishna himself. Thus by chanting the Krishna's name, one can become attached with the Lord by sound vibration.
Chaitanya Jayanti or Chaitanya Mahaprabhu Jayanti is of great spiritual importance for Krishna devotees the world over and ISKCON temples organize festivals and various programs on this day.
