Bimala Prasad | The Hare Krishna Movement

The Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta

Today we celebrate the Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura, the son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, and Spiritual Master of our Srila Prabhupada. We will honor it with a half day fast, rememberances and readings. I happened upon the following post on the Sampradaya Sun, and because it was so nicely assembled, we will share it with you here today.

The Appearance of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta
by Sun Staff CANADA (SUN)

Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura appeared in Purusottam Ksetra, Jagannatha Puri, Orissa, on February 6, 1874. He was born in the family home next to the Narayan-chhata of Sri Jagannatha Temple, which always reverberated with the chanting of the Holy Name. Named Bimala Prasad, He was the fourth son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srimati Bhagavati Devi.

By the age of twelve, Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati was well versed in astronomy. Hearing news of this, Srila Jagannatha dasa Babaji summoned him one day and instructed him to make a Vaisnava calendar that included the appearance and disappearance days of all Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s and Visnupriya Thakurani’s associates. Following these instructions, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati made the necessary calculations and began publication of “Sri Nabadvipa Panjica”.

Dissapearance Day of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Today as we honor the disappearance of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura with a 1/2 day fast and readings on his life and teachings, we share with you this rare photo.

This is a photo of young Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, who was then known by his family name of Kedaranatha (which was the name given by his father, and is another name for Lord Siva), and was born on September 2nd, 1838, on a Sunday in the ancient village of Brinagar (Ulagram or Ula) located in the Nadia district of West Bengal. He was the third son of Ananda-candra Datta and Jagat-mohini Devi. He is pictured here, with I believe, young Bimala Prasad, who was latter to become Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati, the spiritual master of our Srila Prabhupada.