Gaura Purnima: Appearance of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu

The appearance day of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the golden avatar who gave the congregational chanting of the holy name to this age.

Significance of this day

Gaura Purnima marks the appearance of Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu in Sridhama Mayapur in 1486, on the full-moon evening of the month of Phalguna, during a lunar eclipse while all of Bengal was already chanting the holy names.

Gaudiya Vaishnava scriptures describe Him as Krishna Himself, appearing in the mood and golden complexion of Srimati Radharani in order to taste and distribute the sweetness of pure devotional service.

His gift is the Hare Krishna maha-mantra and the yuga-dharma of sankirtan — the congregational chanting of the holy names, which He predicted would one day be sung in every town and village of the world.

How it is observed at ISKCON Asansol

• Devotees fast until moonrise and break the fast with ekadasi-style prasadam; the feast is honoured the following day.
• A grand abhishek of Sri Gaura-Nitai, all-day kirtan, readings from Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita and Chaitanya Bhagavata, and a evening arati at the temple.

Dates follow the authentic Gaudiya Vaishnava calendar observed at ISKCON Mayapur, calculated for our region. Timings for fasting and breaking the fast are announced at the temple.