Bhaktamal | Nityananda
Real Name: Nityananda
Other Names - Nityananda Prabhu, Nityananda Rama and Nitai
Guru -
Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Madhavendra Puri
Disciples - Sri Virabhadra Prabhu, Srimati Ganga Mata Goswamini, Sundarananda, Paramesvara dasa
Aradhya - Shri Krishna
Birth - c. 1474. Nityananda Trayodashi
Place of Birth - Ekachakra, Bengal Sultanate (present-day Birchandrapur, West Bengal, India)
Died - c. 1540
Marital Status - Married
Language - Bengali
Father - Hadai Pandit
Mother - Padmavati Devi
Spouse - Jahnava and Vasudha
Famous - Gaudiya Vaishnav
Nityananda Prabhu is one of the most revered saints in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition. He is worshipped as the eternal associate of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and is believed by devotees to be the incarnation of Balarama, the elder brother of Krishna. Together, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda Prabhu are affectionately known as Gaura-Nitai.
From childhood, Nityananda displayed extraordinary spiritual qualities. He loved enacting the pastimes (lilas) of Krishna and Rama with other children and possessed deep devotion from an early age. After years of pilgrimage, Nityananda Prabhu arrived at Navadvipa, where he met Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Their meeting is considered one of the most significant events in Gaudiya Vaishnava history.
Recognizing each other as eternal companions, they began spreading the message of Harinama Sankirtana—the congregational chanting of the holy names of Krishna.
Spiritual Mission of Nityananda Prabhu
❀ Chanting the Hare Krishna Mahamantra.
❀ Teaching unconditional love and compassion.
❀ Welcoming people regardless of caste, status, or background.
❀ Encouraging devotion through humility and service.
❀ Inspiring everyone to surrender to Krishna.
He became renowned for his boundless mercy and willingness to uplift even those considered the most fallen. One of the best-known episodes in his life involves the transformation of Jagai and Madhai, two notorious brothers known for sinful behavior.
His famous instruction is often summarized as:
"Bhaja Gauranga, Kaha Gauranga, Laha Gauranger Nama Re"
For Gaudiya Vaishnavas, Nityananda Prabhu represents limitless mercy (kripa). Devotees believe that by receiving his blessings, one develops devotion to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and ultimately attains loving service to Krishna. His life remains a timeless example of forgiveness, inclusiveness, humility, and unconditional divine love.