Gaura and Nitai Meet

Illustration 1. After returning to Navadvipa, Nimai gathered His friends for evening kirtan. Krishna’s names filled Srivasa’s courtyard.

Illustration 2. At that time, a tall and radiant traveler entered the town. He was Nityananda Prabhu, the Lord’s eternal companion.

Illustration 3. Nityananda stayed at the home of Nandana Acharya. Quietly, He waited for the meeting He had sought for many years.

Illustration 4. Nimai felt that a great devotee had come to Navadvipa. He asked His friends to find the visitor.

Illustration 5. The devotees searched streets, markets, and the banks of the Ganges. Yet they did not see Nityananda anywhere.

Illustration 6. Then Nimai Himself led everyone to Nandana Acharya’s home. His friends still did not know whom they would meet.

Illustration 7. The door opened, and Gaura saw Nitai. For one moment, both stood still and gazed at each other.

Illustration 8. Nityananda recognized His beloved Lord. Nimai recognized His eternal companion Balarama.

Illustration 9. Srivasa recited a verse about Krishna’s beauty. Overwhelmed with love for the Lord, Nityananda lost outward awareness.

Illustration 10. Gaura gently supported Him. The devotees gathered around them and sang the holy name.

Illustration 11. Soon Gaura and Nitai were dancing side by side. The joy of their meeting filled the whole house.

Illustration 12. Serving Krishna is more joyful together: hearing about Him, singing, and helping His devotees. Gaura and Nitai showed this to everyone.

Illustration 13. Nimai asked Nityananda and Haridasa to visit every home. They invited people to chant Krishna’s name.

Illustration 14. Not every door opened at once. But Nitai did not become angry and continued wishing everyone well.

Illustration 15. Golden Gaura and merciful Nitai were together again. Now the wave of sankirtan could travel even farther.

Authoritative sources

The story and its short spiritual teaching were checked against these editions of Śrīla Prabhupāda’s books:

• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 5.6–11
• Śrī Caitanya-caritāmṛta, Ādi-līlā 17.15–17