About Us

In 1941, Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja, a stalwart follower of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, inaugurated Sri Chaitanya Sarawat Math at Kolerganj, Nabadwip Dham, dedicated to the advancement and dissemination of Gaudiya Vaishnavism's core principles, as divined by Mahaprabhu and elucidated by his Srila Saraswati Thakur.

According to Srila Sridhar Maharaja, Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada (Srila Swami Maharaja), ISKCON's Founder Acharya, embodied Lord Nityananda Prabhu's saktyavesa avatar. Srila Swami Maharaja, in turn, revered Srila Sridhar Maharaja as his Siksha-guru, disclosing that Srila Saraswati Thakur desired Srila Sridhar Maharaja to mentor him for his Acharya role. Additionally, Srila Swami Maharaja shared that Srila Saraswati Thakur predicted Srila Sridhar Maharaja would preserve his disciples' devotion. Before departing, Srila Swami Maharaja urged his followers to seek refuge under Srila Sridhar Maharaja's guidance.

Before his divine departure, in the year 1986, Srila Sridhar Maharaja established Srila Bhakti Sundara Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja as his successor-sevait-president Acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Srila Govinda Maharaja, before his departure from this world in 2009, publicly established Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaja (Srila Acharyadev) as his successor-sevait-president Acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. In the year 2021, Srila Acharyadev suddenly disappeared from this world without making any declaration about the next acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Srila Sridhar Maharaja has left practical instructions for how to proceed in the bonafide line of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math sevait-president-acharya when the present acharya leaves this world without establishing a successor. For those sincere seekers who wish to know more about this, the link to Srila Sridhar Maharaja's 1984 will is here (staring on page 9/20).

As of 2011, Srila Acharyadev designated Srila Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaja as a registered trustee of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, situated in Kolerganj, Nabadwip. Pursuant to Srila Acharyadev's departure, Srila Shanta Maharaja assumed the position of Sevait-President-Acharya in accordance with established procedures. Srila Shanta Maharaja had a unique connection with Srila Acharyadev, serving as his appointed ritvik Guru since 2011. Throughout the past two decades, he effectively led numerous preaching endeavors through Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Institute, and Princeton Bhakti Vedanta Institute.

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Srila Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaja
Srila Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaja

Srila Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaja was born on June 23, 1978, in Brahmapur, Odisha, India. His spiritual journey commenced in 2000 while studying Mechanical Engineering at Bhubaneswar, where he received an inner inspiration from Lord Jagannath, prompting him to seek spiritual guidance. Subsequently, during his doctoral studies at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, in 2005, he encountered his spiritual master (Harinam-guru), Srila Bhaktisvarupa Damodara Goswami Maharaja (Srila Sripad Maharaja), through Lord Jagannath's divine intervention. Prior to his departure in 2006, Srila Sripad Maharaja advised his disciples to seek counsel from his godbrother, Srila Bhakti Madhava Puri Maharaja (Srila Puri Maharaja).

Within the lineage of Gaudiya Vaisnavism, Srila Shanta Maharaja was trained by his spiritual preceptor (Siksha-guru), Srila Puri Maharaja, a direct disciple of revered leaders Srila A. C. Bhakti Vedanta Swami Prabhupada and Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja. Under Srila Puri Maharaja's guidance, Srila Shanta Maharaja received spiritual initiation (brahmin-diksha) from Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja (Srila Govinda Maharaja) in 2008. According to Srila Govinda Maharaja, anyone who encounters Srila Shanta Maharaja will inevitably become a devotee. He also emphasized that serving Srila Puri Maharaja is equivalent to serving him. Subsequently, Srila Shanta Maharaja followed Srila Govinda Maharaja's guidance and became a devoted disciple of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math under Srila Puri Maharaja's leadership. In 2009, during his Vyasapuja celebrations, Srila Govinda Maharaja appointed Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja (Srila Acharyadev) as his successor and instructed his followers to serve under his guidance. Consequently, Srila Shanta Maharaja, under Srila Puri Maharaja's direction, pledged allegiance to Srila Acharyadev and received tridandi-sannyas from him in 2011.

Srila Shanta Maharaja held a special connection with Srila Acharyadev, acting as ritvik-guru on his behalf since 2011. Srila Acharyadev publicly recognized Srila Shanta Maharaja's unmatched proficiency in Gaudiya Vaishnava siddhanta at a Gaura Purnima festival. He spearheaded comprehensive preaching programs under the auspices of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Institute, and Princeton Bhaktivedanta Institute over the past twenty years. Upon Srila Acharyadev's passing in 2021, Srila Bhakti Niskama Shanta Maharaja assumed leadership as president-sevait-acharya of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja
Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja

The year 2009 marked the formal appointment of Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Goswami Maharaja by Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja as the successor president-sevait-acharya of Srila Chaitanya Saraswat Math, building upon the tridandi-sannyas bestowed in 1999. Noteworthily, Srila Govinda Maharaja had earlier privately disclosed his intention to exclusively confer the title 'Acharya Maharaja' upon his chosen successor, clearly articulating his desires.

As a devoted disciple of Srila Govinda Maharaja, a respected Gaudiya Vaishnavism teacher, Srila Acharyadev dedicated his life to the principles of devotion, demonstrating profound loyalty to Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Born in Bangladesh, he spearheaded the construction of numerous temples in West Bengal and inspired a multitude of Bengali devotees to join the Math, earning the honorific title Ascharya Maharaja from his Gurudev, a testament to his extraordinary spiritual accomplishments.

By spearheading pilgrimage groups and undertaking extensive travel across India, coupled with strategic resource development and institutional growth, he has substantially bolstered community engagement with Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math's mission. As an esteemed ambassador of Srila Govinda Maharaja, his impactful global outreach initiatives have captivated international devotees, reinvigorating their commitment to Krishna consciousness. Key accomplishments include the realization of Sri Govinda Kunda, a long-held aspiration of Srila Sridhar Maharaja, and the establishment of iconic temples in Siliguri and Sripat Bamanpara, commemorating Srila Govinda Maharaja's sacred birthplace. Additionally, Srila Acharyadev has founded a groundbreaking temple and ashram in Sri Ekachakra Dham and developed a temple and memorial at the Samadhi of Srila Govinda Maharaja at Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Kolerganj.

Srila Bhakti Sundara Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja
Srila Bhakti Sundara Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja

Within the esteemed Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja, affectionately known as Srila Govinda Maharaja, is recognized as a distinguished spiritual leader. His deep-seated devotion to his Guru Maharaja and tireless efforts in propagating the philosophical ideals of Chaitanya Mahaprabhu have garnered widespread respect. Under the guidance of his venerable Guru, Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja, founder of the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, Srila Govinda Maharaja was formally established as the organization's acharya.

Srila Govinda Maharaja was characterized by his humility, simplicity, and deep understanding of Guru-Bhakti and Gaudiya Vaishnavism philosophy. He engaged in extensive travel, both within India and internationally, to spread Srila Sridhar Maharaja's teachings. Born on September 2, 1929, in West Bengal, India, Srila Govinda Maharaja was commissioned to propagate his Guru Maharaja's teachings and provide guidance on the Rupanuga devotional path. His enlightened teachings inspired numerous sincere individuals worldwide. Playing a vital role in establishing the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math under Srila Sridhar Maharaja, Srila Govinda Maharaja served as its spiritual leader, dedicating himself to spreading love and devotion to the Supreme Absolute, and guiding the institution's global growth.

Srila Govinda Maharaja underscored the importance of cultivating a mood of surrender and service to the divine, guided by Sadhu-Guru-Vaisnava. He was deeply cherished by his Guru, Srila Sridhar Maharaja, and Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada, ISKCON's founder, regarded him as an affectionate son. His Guru Maharaja's prominent godbrothers praised his dedication and services. Srila Govinda Maharaja's influence extended globally through his world tours, sharing Gaudiya Vaishnavism's principles and inspiring spiritual journeys. His lectures and writings remain a source of guidance and inspiration for devotees worldwide, highlighting the significance of pure devotion and Lord Chaitanya's teachings for spiritual realization and devotion to Krishna.

Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja
Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja

Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja (Srila Sridhar Maharaja) was a highly esteemed spiritual leader and Guru within the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, being a prominent disciple of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada, who founded the Gaudiya Math to propagate Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings. Born in Hapaniya, West Bengal, India on November 6, 1895, Srila Sridhar Maharaja received a traditional education in Vedic and Vaishnava scriptures and later became a close associate of his Gurudev. He significantly contributed to spreading Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings and, following his Gurudev's passing, continued to promote Gaudiya Vaishnavism through the Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math, a spiritual institution dedicated to pure devotion to Lord Krishna, which became a global centre of learning and devotion.

Srila Sridhar Maharaja was renowned for his profound philosophical acumen and exceptional ability to distill the essence of Gaudiya Vaishnavism. He underscored the significance of embracing surrender and devotion to Krishna, termed 'saranagati,' and the necessity of cultivating a genuine spiritual connection with the divine through Radha-Dasyam. His literary contributions, including 'Search for Sri Krishna: Reality the Beautiful,' 'Sri Guru and His Grace,' 'Life-Nectar of the Surrendered Souls,' and 'The Golden Volcano of Divine Love,' provided invaluable insights into Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings. These writings elucidated subtle philosophical truths regarding pure devotion. Noted for his ecumenical approach, Srila Sridhar Maharaja engaged with scholars from diverse traditions, fostering mutual respect. A prominent disciple, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaja, played a pivotal role in disseminating his teachings globally.

Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada
Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada

Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada was a spiritual luminary and founder of the Gaudiya Math, an esteemed institution in the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. He spearheaded the revival and propagation of Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings in the early 20th century. As the son of Srila Bhakti Vinoda Thakur, he was born in Jagannath Puri, Orissa, India. His spiritual initiation (Harinam-diksha) was received from Srila Gaura Kishore Das Babaji Maharaja, with his father serving as his spiritual mentor (Siksha-guru). Under Srila Saraswati Thakur's stewardship, the Gaudiya Math focused on preserving and promoting Gaudiya Vaishnavism through rigorous scriptural study, systematic education, and pure devotion to Lord Krishna, thereby expanding its reach and influence.

Srila Saraswati Thakur was renowned for his unwavering commitment to the tenets of pure devotion and Lord Chaitanya's teachings. He actively campaigned against distortions and misinterpretations within the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition, significantly influencing its propagation both domestically and internationally. Notably, his disciples, including Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaja and Srila A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, emerged as prominent spiritual leaders, playing pivotal roles in the global dissemination of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

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Srila Bhakti Niskma Shanta Maharaja

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Srila B. R. Sridhar Maharaja discusses about Bhakti Vinod Viraha Daśakam with Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada in Bengali

Srila B. R. Sridhar Maharaja discusses about Bhakti Vinod Viraha Daśakam with Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Maharaja Prabhupada in Bengali

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