In the spiritual world, Lord Nityānanda is the eternal companion of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu. He is the very same Lord Balarāma, the first expansion of Śrī Kṛṣṇa. As Lord Balarāma, He serves the Supreme Lord in all His pastimes, and in this divine incarnation as Lord Nityānanda, He appeared to assist Mahāprabhu in spreading the holy names of Kṛṣṇa through the saṅkīrtana movement.
Lord Nityānanda is the foundation of all existence, the original spiritual master, and the source of the material and spiritual worlds. His love for Kṛṣṇa is so overwhelming that it manifests as boundless compassion for all living entities. He freely distributes the treasure of Kṛṣṇa-prema, pure love for God, without discrimination. Regardless of one’s background, whether fallen or exalted, Lord Nityānanda delivers everyone who surrenders to Him.
In the spiritual sky, Lord Nityānanda serves Kṛṣṇa as His elder brother Balarāma. He expands into countless forms, including the powerful Mahā-Viṣṇu, Garbhodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, and Kṣīrodakaśāyī Viṣṇu, who manage the creation, maintenance, and destruction of the material worlds. As Ananta Śeṣa, He becomes the bed of Lord Viṣṇu and upholds the universes on His hoods. Every expansion of Lord Nityānanda exists to serve the Supreme Lord in some form, whether as His abode, His ornaments, or His paraphernalia.
During His earthly pastimes, Lord Nityānanda demonstrated unparalleled mercy. One of the most remarkable examples of His compassion is His deliverance of the two sinful brothers, Jagāi and Mādhāi. These two were notorious for their wicked behavior, but Lord Nityānanda, seeing their suffering souls, offered them the holy names of Kṛṣṇa and gave them shelter at His lotus feet. Through His intervention, their hearts were transformed, and they became pure devotees.
Lord Nityānanda’s love for Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu was profound. Together, they spread the glories of the holy name and brought countless souls to the path of devotion. Nityānanda Prabhu’s mood was always joyful, and He was often seen in a state of transcendental ecstasy, absorbed in love for Kṛṣṇa. His laughter, dancing, and overwhelming bliss captivated the hearts of everyone who came near Him.
He would travel far and wide, urging people to chant the names of Kṛṣṇa. He would plead with them: “Give up all your sinful activities and simply take shelter of the holy name. Chant Hare Kṛṣṇa, and your life will become perfect.” Such was the mercy of Lord Nityānanda that even those who resisted Him could not help but be transformed by His divine love.
Nityānanda’s role as the original guru is eternal. By His mercy, one can approach Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, and through Mahāprabhu’s mercy, one can attain the ultimate goal of life — pure love for Kṛṣṇa. He is the shelter of all souls, and His lotus feet are the boat that can carry us across the ocean of material existence.
To this day, devotees remember Lord Nityānanda’s pastimes and seek His blessings. His life is a testament to the power of compassion and the boundless mercy of the Lord’s associates. By surrendering to Him, even the most fallen souls can find their way back to Kṛṣṇa.
Nityananda Trayodasi Date 10th February
Seva to Lord Nityananda – https://www.mayapur.com/serve-mayapur/nityananda-trayodasi-sevas/
