In the year 2015, the ministry of culture in India had released 500 and 10 Rupees coins to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s visit to Vrindavan. Proof and UNC sets were made available for collectors at a premium price, whereas the 10 Rupees coin was issued for general circulation. Other events related to Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his life were also organised on 25th November 2015 by Vrindavan Research Institute and ISKCON.

Born on 18th February 1486, it is believed that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu was Krishna in the form of His own devotee to teach the world about the importance of bhakti. Shrimad Bhagavatam 3.33.4, Adi Purana and Narada Purana also mention about this avatar of Krishna. Chaitanya followed the Vaishnava school of Bhakti yoga as mentioned in Bhagavad Gita.

He was also known by other names like Gauranga or Gaura as his complexion was fair. Nimai was his nickname as it is believed that he was born under a Neem tree. His original name was Vishambhar and he was very mischievous in his childhood days. He was a brilliant student and became a scholar at a very young age. He also opened a school to promote Bhakti movement in Bengal and Odisha. He believed that people from any caste or creed can chant “Hare Krishna Mantra”.

It is believed that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and his followers went to Vrindavan in 1515 and discovered all the temples related to Lord Krishna. All these places in Vrindavan were linked to the numerous stories of Shri Krishna.

Image Courtesy: Indiadivine.org