NITYANANDA-GAURANGA IN EVERY HOME
                                                       Compiled by His Holiness Bhaktiratna Sadhu Swami Gaurangapada

 

IMPORTANCE OF NITYANANDA-GAURANGA
DEITY WORSHIP IN EVERY HOME

(All Quotes of Shrila Prabhupada are copyrighted by The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust Internationl, Inc.)

 

Shrila Prabhupada in Shri Chaitanya-charitamrta, Adi 8.31 purport:

 

"Shrila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura remarks in this connection that if one takes shelter of Lord Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu and Nityananda, follows Their instructions to become more tolerant than the tree and humbler than the grass, and in this way chants the holy name of the Lord, very soon he achieves the platform of transcendental loving service to the Lord, and tears appear in his eyes. There are offenses to be considered in chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, but there are no such considerations in chanting the names of Gaura-Nityananda. Therefore, if one chants the Hare Krishna maha-mantra but his life is still full of sinful activities, it will be very difficult for him to achieve the platform of loving service to the Lord. But if in spite of being an offender one chants the holy names of Gaura-Nityananda, he is very quickly freed from the reactions to his offenses. Therefore, one should first approach Lord Chaitanya and Nityananda, or worship Guru-Gauranga, and then come to the stage of worshiping Radha-Krishna. In our Krishna consciousness movement, our students are first advised to worship Guru-Gauranga, and then, when they are somewhat advanced, the Radha-Krishna Deity is installed, and they are engaged in the worship of the Lord.{.}

 

"For an ordinary man, worship of Shri Chaitanya and Nityananda Prabhu or the Panca-tattva is easier than worship of Radha and Krishna. Unless one is very fortunate, he should not be induced to worship Radha-Krishna directly. A neophyte student who is not sufficiently educated or enlightened should not indulge in the worship of Shri Radha and Krishna or the chanting of the Hare Krishna mantra. Even if he does so, he cannot get the desired result. One should therefore chant the names of Nitai-Gaura and worship Them without false prestige. Since everyone within this material world is more or less influenced by sinful activities, in the beginning it is essential that one take to the worship of Guru-Gauranga and ask their favor, for thus despite all his disqualifications one will very soon become qualified to worship the Radha-Krishna vigraha."

 

"If one attains perfection in Deity worship, that is called Arcana Siddhi. Arcana Siddhi means simply by Deity worship one goes back to Godhead, immediately after this life. So this Arcana Siddhi program is given in the Narada Pancaratra especially for the householders. Householders cannot undergo strict disciplinary activities of austerity, therefore for every householder the path of Arcana Siddhi is very much recommended. According to Vedic system, all householders are ordered to keep Deity at home and follow strictly the worshipment process. That makes the home pure, body pure, mind pure, and quickly promotes one to the pure platform of spiritual life." (SP Letter to: Himavati, Hawaii, 18 March, 1969)

 

"One after another, Deity worship should be practiced by everyone. That cleanses the contaminated body very nicely." (SP Letter to: Hamsaduta, San Francisco, 19 September, 1968)

 

"The thing is, Deity worship is compulsory, and you can increase if you have got time to do so. But Mangala aratrik is essential (morning arati), and Sandhya aratrik (evening aratri) is essential, and offering of Prasadam to Deity is essential. And nice dress, decorating the Deity with sweet-smelling flowers, colorful and very opulent dresses, jewels, incense, etc, to make Them very brilliant and attractive, that is real Deity worship." (SP Letter to: Jadurani, Los Angeles, 14 December, 1968)

 

"It is very nice that all the men should participate in deity-worship, this will sanctify their all other work." (SP Letter to: Himavati, Delhi, 17 November, 1971)

 

VERY GREAT SERVICE TO PUT NITYANANDA-GAURANGA DEITIES IN EVERY HOME

 

Room Conversation with Shrila Prabhupada, February 2, 1977, Bhubaneshwar: Prabhupada: So you teach them that before Gaura-Nitai, let them chant Hare Krishna and take prasadam.

Yugadharma: Yes. I would like to do this in Laguna Beach on the highway.

Prabhupada: And if you do this, it will be great service, great service. They can take Gaura-Nitai at home. So let them offer vegetarian food to

Gaura-Nitai and then take it. If you can introduce home to home, it will be great service.{.}

Yugadharma: Because they are very interested in these little figures.

Prabhupada: Yes. So if you can do that, it will be very nice.

Yugadharma: How about Radha-Krishna also?

Prabhupada: Radha-Krishna not now.

Yugadharma: Not now.

Prabhupada: No. When they have actually advanced and initiated and following

strictly the Vaishnava principles, then Radha-Krishna. And Gaura-Nitai, they can worship in any condition.{.}

Prabhupada: At least if they see and chant Hare Krishna that will make them advance. Chanting of Hare Krishna maha-mantra before Gaura-Nitai will make them very quickly advanced in spiritual consciousness. Very quickly. There

is no offense. He does not take any offenses. Whatever little service they do, it is accepted by Gaura-Nitai. Papi tapi yata chilo, hari-name uddharilo. So if you can do this, it will be very nice. Let them at least keep Gaura-Nitai there in their room. They'll see. That will be benefit. And if they offer little respect and offer prasadam and chant Hare Krishna, oh

then what to...? It will be very nice. Otherwise, if they simply see the Gaura-Nitai pair, they will advance.

Yugadharma: Because there is no one actually doing this as far as I know on the Western part of that country.

Prabhupada: Therefore I have encouraged him to prepare Gaura-Nitai and nicely dress. They can be sold.

 

Commentary by Swami Gaurangapada:

 

In the above conversation, Shrila Prabhupada is repeatedly stressing that it will be a very great service if the Deities of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga are somehow introduced in every home in the world.  This will be big step in fulfilling the prediction of Lord Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu, Himself that His Name, Glories and Worship will spread in every village, town and city of the world during the next 10,000 years of Kali-yuga. When Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga will enter the homes of the fortunate conditioned souls, then they will remember to chant the names of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga and the maha-mantra atleast once a day and regularly have a chance to see Them also. Simply by this activity they will become free from all the mountains of their offenses and pure love for  will come searching after them as per the statements of Thakura Bhaktivinoda. So let us make an endeavour to put the most attractive Deities of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga in all the homes on this planet and thurn all the houses into Vaikuntha!

 

NITYANANDA-GAURANGA ARE PLEASED SIMPLY BY CHANTING AND DANCING

 

"You can also establish the kirtana hall on the farm and install Gaura Nitai Deities. Gaura Nitai can be established anywhere, and it is simple to worship Them simply chant before Their Lordships. He doesn't mind that you have not decorated very nicely, but if you chant and dance He is very pleased." (SP Letter to: Madhudvisa, Melbourne, 21 April, 1976)

 

NITYANANDA-GAURANGA ARE VERY LIBERAL AND ACCEPT ANY SERVICE

 

"{.}if you like to install Gaura-Gauranga, Gaura-Nitai, or simply Gaura Deity, He is also very liberal and will forgive and tolerate any service offered to Him even by Jagai and Madhai." (SP Letter to Gunagrahi: New York, 3 July, 1972)

 

WOMEN CAN ENGAGE IN NITYANANDA-GAURANGA WORSHIP

 

"Regarding the worship of our Gaura-Nitai by women pujaris, we worship Lord Chaitanya in His householder life when He was with His wife, and not as a sannyasi. So, it is alright for women to do this service. But, besides this, service is spiritual and there can be no material designation." (SP Letter to: Amsu: Vrindaban, 13 August, 1974)

 

NITYANANDA-GAURANGA ARE VERY KIND AND LENIENT

 

"Unless we have got sufficient experienced devotees we shall not install Radha Krishna or Jagannatha Deities. Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is very kind and lenient. Simply chanting of Hare Krishna will please Him. But when we have Deities like Radha Krishna or Jagannatha we must strictly follow the regulative principles of Arcana." (SP Letter to: Hamsaduta, Los Angeles, 22 June, 1970)

 

"If there is scarcity of such qualifies pujaris, each center should be satisfied only by worshipping Panca Tattva of Lord Chaitanya by performance of Sankirtana." (SP Letter to: Damodara, Los Angeles, 1 July, 1970)

 

NITYANANDA-GAURANGA ARE EVEN MORE RECOMMENDED THAN JAGANNATHA DEITIES

 

Devotee 8: Shrila Prabhupada, many people who live outside the temple have Jagannatha Deities and..Prabhupada: "Better Gaura-Nitai Deities." (Morning Walk with Shrila Prabhupada, May 22, 1975, Melbourne)

 

INITIATION IS NOT COMPULSORY FOR NITYANANDA-GAURANGA WORSHIP

 

"So long as there is Guru-Gauranga worship, Yamuna Prabhu may act as pujari. Otherwise, one must be initiated to tend the Deity." (SP Letter to: Rsabhdeva, Bombay, 25 March, 1971)

 

METHOD OF WORSHIP FOR NITYANANDA-GAURANGA

 

"Regarding your questions about Gaura Nitai Deity worship: Yes, it is all right Gaura Nitai may wear turbans as well as crowns. You ask what they may wear in the evening-they can wear different dresses or night clothing just as Krishna is dressed. Make a small symbolical bed and give Them rest in that way. Bathe the Deities mentally by mantra and not by pouring upon them." (SP Letter to: Gunagrahi, Mayapur, 20 June, 1973)

 

METAL, NEEM WOOD OR MARBLE DEITIES

 

"Regarding Gaura Nitai deities either wood, stone or metal, it is all right." (SP Letter to: Govinda, Bhaktivedanta Manor, 28 July, 1973)

 

"Regarding the idea of getting 36" nim wood Gaura Nitai from Calcutta, that is very good. Or if somebody can carve them locally, that will also be very nice." (SP Letter to: Hari-sauri, Bombay 1 May, 1977)

 

"For Lord Chaitanya, yellowish marble or white marble should be used. If yellowish golden colored marble is available, that is very nice." (SP Letter to: Syamasundara, Los Angeles, 15 July, 1969)

 

"I am so glad to note that Shri Gaura-Nitai Deities are already finished. The color is molten gold or bright yellow resembling golden color but don't apply gold paint. The eyes should be nicely painted." (SP Letter to: Govinda, Calcutta, 28 May, 1971)

 

MINIMUM DAILY WORSHIP FOR SRI SRI NITYANANDA-GAURANGA

(30 minutes daily)

 

The following method for daily Deity worship is a simplified and minimum method for worshiping Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga and should be accompanied by profuse sankirtana (atleast once in a day) in front of the Deities. This simplified method (only 30 minutes daily) is given to encourage devotees and all people in general to take up the worship Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga Deities in their home as per the  keen desire of Shrila Prabhupada (expressed in the quotes given in this book). The direct processes of the bhagavata-marga like chanting, hearing, reading, book distribution, preaching, attending the satsanga programs  etc. should be performed by all householders along with this Deity worship.

 

ACAMANA & PRANAMA

 

Before Waking the Deities, Bhoga Offering, Arati etc. do acamana and pranama as follows:

 

Acamana, or sipping water, is a means of purification. As immersing the body in water brings about physical and subtle cleansing, so taking water infusedwith mantras into the body by sipping performs a similar function. Thus where purification is required but it is inconvenient to bathe, acamana is prescribed.

 

Always perform acamana before entering the Deity room to worship the Lord. Sit on a proper sitting place (asana). If there is no asana, kneel with your right knee touching the floor and your left foot flat on the floor. With an acamana-patra filled with pure cool water, clean both hands by sprinkling them with water. Then sprinkle water from the acamana cup on your feet and the surrounding area.

 

Offer dandavat obeisances to your spiritual master (Shri Guru) and Shrila Prabhupada reciting their Pranama prayers, and pray for their blessings to worship the Lord.

 

Then chant Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga pranama mantras while offering dandavat obeisances as given below:

 

Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga-pranama

 

vande shri-krishna-chaitanya-nityanandau sahoditau

gaudodaye puspavantau citrau sam-dau tamo-udau

 

(Translations are included just for reference) "I offer my respectful obeisances unto Lord Shri Gauranga and Lord Shri Nityananda, who are like the sun and moon. They have arisen simultaneously on the horizon of Gauda to dissipate the darkness of ignorance and thus wonderfully bestow benediction upon all. [Shri Chaitanya-charitamrita. Adi-lila 1.2]

 

(Two Optional Pranama Mantras)

 

Shri Nityananda-pranama

 

nityanandam aham naumi sarvananda-karam param

hari-nama-pradam devam avadhuta-siromanim

 

"I bow down to the Supreme Lord Nityananda Prabhu, who is the awarder of the highest joy to all, the bestower of the holy name and the crest jewel of all paramahamsa mendicants."

 

Shri Gauranga pranama

 

namo maha-vadanyaya krishna-prema-pradaya te

krishnaya krishna-chaitanya-namne gaura-tvise namah

 

"O most munificent incarnation Gauranga! You are Shri Krishna Himself appearing as Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden complexion of Shrimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You."

 

Alongwith the pranama-mantras for Shri Guru and Shrila Prabhupada, one can

chant all the above three pranama mantras for Shri Shri Nityananda-Gaurangawhile offering obeisances.

 

Then perform simple (sadharana) acamana:

 

Sit on an asana; with a small spoon take some water from the acamana-patra

and sprinkle it on your hands and feet.

 

Chant om kesavaya namah directed into that water; and sip the water from the brahma-tirtha (base of the thumb) of your right hand.

Chant om narayanaya namah directed into that water; sip water from the brahma-tirtha of your right hand.

Chant om madhavaya namah directed into that water; sip water from the brahma-tirtha of your right hand.

Clean your right hand (for having been touched by your lips) with a few drops of water from the acamana-patra, throwing the water aside. The above procedure of pranama and acamana is to be followed before beginning any kind of services to the Nityananda-Gauranga Deities.

 

WAKING THE DEITIES IN THE MORNING (5 minutes)

 

1. After bathing, dressing, applying tilaka (in 12 places on the body), offer obeisances to guru, Shrila Prabhupada and Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga and do acamana as above. The Deities should be waken up not very early and not too late. Ideally around one to one and half hours before sunrise (brahma-muhurta).

2. While ringing a bell, call out Jaya Shri-Shri-Nityananda-Gauranga! and turn on the altar lights.

3. While ringing a small bell with your left hand, approach Shri Guru's and Shrila Prabhupada's picture and touch their lotus feet with your right hand, and chant:

uttisthottistha shri-guro tyaja nidram krpa-maya

"O all-merciful spiritual master, please rise from sleep."

4. Follow a similar procedure for waking the Deities: Approach Lord Shri Nityananda, touch His lotus feet, and chant:

uttistha jahnavesvara yoga-nidram tyaja prabho

namno hatte divya-namam su-sraddhartham vitarasi

"O Nityananda Prabhu, Lord of Jahnava, please arise and give up Your divine sleep. At the marketplace of the holy name You distribute the divine names

of Gauranga and Krishna, asking only for one's faith in payment."

5. Approach Lord Shri Gauranga, touch His lotus feet, and chant:

uttisthottistha gauranga jahi nidram mahaprabho

subha-drsti-pradanena trailokya-mangalam kuru

"O Lord Gauranga, please rise from sleep and bless the three worlds with Your auspicious and merciful sidelong glance."

Then touch the lotus feet of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga and ask Them to rise from bed. (If the Guru and Deities are not put physically in beds,

mentally visualize that They have rested in bed and are now rising from it.)

6. Offer, or meditate on offering water for Their Lordships to sip (acamana).

(If possible, offer sweets at this time in the same way as in the bhoga offering procedure given later. This may be done sometimes whenever possible

if not possible everyday.)

 

ARATI (10 minutes)

 

You should worship the Deities with arati and kirtana at least once a day (either mangala-arati or noon arati or sandhya-arati). (If possible, it can be done twice-morning and evening and if possible you should also offer dhupa-arati after the midday bhoga offering.) If possible get Tulasidevi inside near the altar during arati and offer her incense, lamp & flowers.

 

Perform acamana & pranama and do arati. While standing on an asana and ringing a bell, present the incense first to

your spiritual master by waving it in three or seven graceful circles, and then present it to Shrila Prabhupada in the same manner.  Arati paraphernalia should be offered gracefully, in a meditative mood. Offer all the items, except the camara and fan, by moving them in clockwise circles while ringing a bell with your left hand (above waist level), fixing your attention on the Deities.

o Incense: offer four circles to the lotus feet, two circles to the navel, and then offer seven circles to the Lord's whole body.

o Lamp(s): offer four circles to the lotus feet, two circles to the navel, and three circles to the Lord's face; then offer seven circles to the Lord's whole body.

o Arghya in a conch: offer three circles to the Lord's head and seven circles to the whole body of the Lord. Then pour a small amount of the offered arghya into the visarjaniya-patra (small throw-out pot) before proceeding to offer arghya to the next personality. (Arati arghya: plain or scented water).

o Cloth: offer seven times around the Lord's body.

o Flowers: offer seven times around the Lord's body.

o Camara: wave before the Lord a suitable number of times. *

o Fan: wave before the Lord a suitable number of times.

You may give out the lamp(s) to the assembled devotees immediately after offering them to the Deities; it is traditional in many temples, to avoid interrupting the arati, to distribute arghya water and flowers at the end of the arati, after blowing the conch.

 

Upacara-mantras for Arati

The mantras for each item are as follows:

o Incense: esa dhupah and the mula-mantra

o Camphor and ghee lamps: esa dipah and the mula-mantra

o Water in a conchshell: idam arghyam and the mula-mantra

o Cloth: idam vastram and the mula-mantra

o Flowers: etani puspani and the mula-mantra (idam puspam if offering a single flower)

o Camara: esa camara-seva and the mula-mantra

o Fan: esa vyajana-seva and the mula-mantra

Mula-mantra Lord Shri Nityananda: klim nityanandaya namah

Mula-mantra Lord Shri Gauranga: klim gauraya namah

 

After completing the arati, blow the conch three times outside the Deity room, as at the beginning of the arati. Then distribute the arghya and flower prasada to the assembled devotees. Then with joined palms offer pranama prayers softly to your spiritual master and Their Lordships. Next remove the arati paraphernalia from the Deity room, clean the area and articles, and at last offer dandavat-pranamas (prostrated obeisances) outside the Deity room. Arati should be accompanied by kirtana. If no one is there to do kirtana, then a tape of the corresponding arati (like mangala-arati, sandhya-arati should be played.)

 

BHOGA OFFERING (10 minutes)

 

While arati you may perform once a day, all the food prepared at home should be offered to Shri Shri Gaura-Nitai. While it is not expected that home worship be strictly punctual, it is best to keep as regular a schedule as possible. Whatever food one prepares for oneself and others must be offered to the Deities, so the number of offerings may vary; however, one should have a set number of offerings in the day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner, for example) to which the family

cooking schedule is oriented.

1. Offer obeisances to Shri Guru, Shrila Prabhupada and Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga and perform acamana. On a plate reserved for the Lord's use, nicely arrange the bhoga preparations.. Put a tulasi leaf on each preparation. Set the offering plate in front of the Deities, either directly on the altar or on a table before the altar. Arrange for the Lord to eat in private, perhaps by putting up a curtain before the altar.

2. With your right hand purify the bhoga by sprinkling it lightly with water from a panca-patra while chanting the maha-mantra.

3. Sitting on an asana before the altar and ringing a bell, recite three times each, the pranama prayer(s) to Shri Guru, Shrila Prabhupada, begging permission to assist them in their service to the Lord:

1) Guru-pranama-mantra (if one is initiated).

2) nama om visnu-padaya krishna-presthaya bhu-tale

shrimate bhaktivedanta-svamin iti namine

namas te sarasvate deve gaura-vani-pracarine

nirvisesa-sunyavadi-pascatya-desa-tarine

"I offer my respectful obeisances unto His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who is very dear to Lord Krishna, having taken shelter at His lotus feet.

"Our respectful obeisances unto you, O spiritual master, servant of Sarasvati Gosvami. You are kindly preaching the message of Lord Chaitanyadeva and delivering the Western countries, which are filled with impersonalism and voidism."

(3) Chant the following prayer to Lord Chaitanya three times, requesting His

mercy:

namo maha-vadanyaya krishna-prema-pradaya te

krishnaya krishna-chaitanya-namne gaura-tvise namah

O most munificent incarnation! You are Krishna Himself appearing as Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. You have assumed the golden color of Shrimati Radharani, and You are widely distributing pure love of Krishna. We offer our respectful obeisances unto You. [Cc. Madhya 19.53]

(4) Chant the following prayer three times, offering respect to Lord Krishna:

namo brahmanya-devaya go-brahmana-hitaya ca

jagad-dhitaya krishnaya govindaya namo namah

I offer my obeisances again and again to Lord Krishna, who is always worshiped by qualified brahmanas and is very dear to them. He is always concerned with the welfare of the cows, the brahmanas, and the whole universe, and He gives pleasure to the cows, land, and senses. [Vishnu Purana]

(5) Recite the Nitai mantra: klim jahnavi-vallabhaya svaha (three times)

Recite the Gaura Mantra: klim gauraya namah (three times)

(6) Leave the room for ten minutes, allowing the Lord and His associates (including Shri Guru, Shrila Prabhupada, the previous acaryas and Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga) to eat.

(During this you may chant the Holy Names of Nityananda and Gauranga and the Hare Krishna mantra and other Vaishnava songs.)

5. Re-enter the room, clapping the hands three times. Remove the plate, praying that you have served the Lord and His associates to Their full satisfaction. After lunch in the noon, (followed by a dhupa-arati if possible) the Deities should be put to rest, at least by meditation, and They should be closed from view in the afternoon. Also, if the Deities reside in your living room, amid various family activities, you may need to close the Deity curtains at other times of the day. When the Deities are visible, make sure They are offered proper respect. You may offer breakfast, lunch, and the evening meal in the same manner. After offering the food to the Lord, you may distribute the prasadam to all who are present and you may recite the prayer 'sarira abidya-jal' by Shrila Bhaktivinoda Thakura (found in the song book).

 

PUTTING THE DEITIES TO REST IN THE NIGHT (5 minutes)

 

1. Offer obeisances to guru, Shrila Prabhupada and Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga and perform acamana.

2. Remove Their ornaments and garlands and mentally change the Deities' dress to nightclothes.

3. Mentally arrange the Deities' beds and invite Their Lordships to take rest either mentally or by reciting the following verses (optional):

 

For Lord Gauranga, chant the following verse:

agaccha visrama-sthanam sva-ganaih saha gauranga

ksanam visramya sukhena lilaya vihara prabho

 

O Lord Gauranga, please come to Your resting place along with Your associates. O Lord, rest comfortably for a moment, enjoying Your pastimes.

Then chant this prayer to Lord Nityananda:

agaccha sayana-sthanam nityananda jagad-guro

tava rupe maha-visnor anante sayanam kuru

 

O spiritual master of the universe, Lord Nityananda, please come to Your place of rest. In Your form of Maha-Vishnu, please rest upon the thousand-headed serpent known as Sesa. Then you may chant the following prayers:

 

sadhu vasadhu va karma yad yad acaritam maya

tat sarvam bhagavan visno grhanaradhanam param

apam samipe sayanasane grhe

diva ca ratrau ca yatha ca gacchata

yad asti kincit sukrtam krtam maya

janardanas tena krtena tusyatu

 

O Lord, please accept all I have done, whether complete or incomplete, as if it were the best kind of worship. O Lord Janardana, if I have performed any pious deeds, please be satisfied with what I have done during the day or night, while sitting or moving, in the house or outside.

 

Follow the same procedure for putting Shri Guru and Shrila Prabhupada to rest,

with the guru-mula-mantra, and then chant:

 

agaccha sayana-sthanam sva-ganaih saha shri-guro

 

O spiritual master, please come to your resting place, along with all your associates.

 

4. Lay Them down in Their beds and visualize that you are massaging Their legs.

5. Finally, offer obeisances (pranama mantras) and turn off the lights.

 

BATHING EVERY EKADASHI:

 

If you cannot physically bathe the Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga Deities every day, you should do so regularly-at least once every two weeks (preferably on Ekadashi), especially if They are metal Deities who need polishing. At that time it is best to worship Them using actual paraphernalia, to dress Them and offer Them flowers, and so on.

 

Basic Procedure every Ekadashi:

 

1. Gather all the required paraphernalia and arrange it neatly and conveniently for performing the worship. Make sure you have everything you need so that you will not have to interrupt the worship to get something.

 

2. Sit on an asana and perform acamana; then lightly sprinkle yourself, the area, and the paraphernalia with water from the panca-patra, chanting the Nityananda and Gauranga Mantrarajas and the Hare Krishna Mantra.

 

3. Offer worship to Shri Guru and Shrila Prabhupada as follows: Ringing a bell with your left hand, offer flowers dipped in sandalwood paste at their lotus feet. Beg for their blessings to perform the worship of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga.

 

4. Offer worship to Nityananda-Gauranga as follows:

o Invite Their Lordships to the bathing receptacle with a gesture of the hands, remove Their clothing, clean Them with a  lamp cloth, and cover Them with gamchas. If the Deities are metal, polish Them at this time, using a cloth to apply almond paste or powdered gopi-candana mixed with a little lemon juice. Avoid the eyes and painted areas. Clean off the gopi-candana or paste with a soft, damp cloth.

o Ringing a bell in your left hand, pour water over Their Lordships from a conch held in your right hand. Fill the conch at least three times.

Chant the Brahma-samhita prayers while bathing Them:

cintamani-prakara-sadmasu kalpa-vrksa-

laksavrtesu surabhir abhipalayantam

laksmi-sahasra-sata-sambhrama-sevyamanam

govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, the first progenitor, who is tending cows yielding all desires among abodes built with spiritual gems and surrounded by millions of desire trees. He is always served with great reverence and affection by hundreds of thousands of laksmis, or gopis.

venum kvanantam aravinda-dalayataksam

barhavatamsam asitambuda-sundarangam

kandarpa-koti-kamaniya-visesa-sobham

govindam adi-purusam tam aham bhajami

I worship Govinda, the primeval Lord, who is adept at playing on His flute, who has eyes like the petals of a blooming lotus, whose head is bedecked with a peacock feather, who has a figure of beauty tinged with the hue of blue clouds, and whose unique loveliness is charming millions of Cupids.

o Dry the Deities with towels, dress Them, and offer ornaments and garlands.  o Ringing a bell, offer flowers and tulasi leaves (if available) with candana to Their Lordships lotus feet; then offer incense and a ghee or camphor lamp.

o Ringing a bell and chanting the prayers for offering bhoga (as described above), offer some fruit and/or sweets and drinking water.

o Offer obeisances and beg forgiveness for any offenses you may have commited in the worship.

o Finally, clear away the paraphernalia used in the worship. At this time you may offer a simple darsana-arati with incense, flowers, and camara-or simply camara-while playing a recording of the Govindam song.

 

OTHER POINTS

Based on the conversation of Shrila Prabhupada with Yugadharma dasa prabhu quoted in the beginning of the book, we can come to the following conclusion:

If one cannot follow this full simplified procedure, then atleast one can peform kirtana and offer one arati and all the cooked food daily to Nityananda-Gauranga.  If one can't even do that then kirtana, arati and one bhoga offering daily. If that is also not possible then kirtana and one bhoga offering daily. If that is also difficult then Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga can be pleased simply by kirtana. If kirtana is also not possible daily, then one can atleast have the most purifying and auspicious darsana of  Their Lordships Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga. Even this will ensure our tremendous and rapid spiritual advancement according Shrila Prabhupada. So what to speak of those who perform the full worship? Whatever is the case, no one should hesitate any longer to bring the Deities of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga in their homes. Then the purpose of this book will be fulfilled.

 

One can hold gaura-katha or krishna-katha satsanga programs with profuse sankirtana in one's home for the pleasure of Shri Shri Nityananda-Gauranga by inviting devotees (especially pure devotees) once every week / fortnight / month / three months / six months or atleast once every year as per one's capacity. This will also help to make the neighbourhood Krishna conscious and they will all get the chance to see Nityananda-Gauranga. Some devotees (especially grhasthas) should take up this service of making beautiful Gaura-Nitai Deities and devise ways and means to put Them in everyone's homes.

 

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

 

Regarding your idea of having an installation ceremony for the Deities, it is very good suggestion, and you may also have the sacrificial fire. The Deities should be bathed with milk, and while bathing, They must have covering of thin cotton cloth, and the whole Body and the clothing should be wet by pouring the milk. You can see the picture of this in the new Back To Godhead, and perhaps you saw the ceremony when it was held in New York. The Deities should be decorated with sufficient flowers and nice gorgeous dresses and ornaments. Beforehand, you should polish the Bodies with a mixture of tamorind pulp and fullers earth. Apply the pulp on the Bodies, then rub it and then polish nicely with tissue paper. This will gave a very good shine. Then bath the Deities with milk, and dress very nicely with ornaments, and place Them on the throne with flowers, candles, etc. The throne, if possible, should be coated with silver sheets, and the canopy should be red velvet with gold embroidered work. Before the Deities, on the staircase, there may be some silver polished cups, pitchers, etc. I think the Deities have already helmets and peacock feathers and hair to be dressed

with. If not, make arrangements for this also. I do not know how big is the throne, but if it is very big, then within the throne there may be a raised seat to accommodate the Deities. On the whole, everything should be very gorgeous; then it will be successful. (Letter to: Satsvarupa, Los Angeles, 12 February, 1969)

 

Prabhupada: You go on with your mantra. You can perform bathing ceremony. (chants Brahma-samhita and Chaitanya-charitamrita Adi-lila slokas responsively for installation of Gaura-Nitai Deities) That's all. Now what is next? [break] What are the regulative principles? (Initiations, Detroit, June 15, 1976)

 

Regarding the installation of Gaura-Nitai deities, weather it be a GBC man, president, or sannyasi it does not matter. The important thing is that he be a senior qualified man. That is the most important thing. (Letter to: Karandhara, Auckland, 21 February, 1973)

 

The Deities should be facing East. (Letter to: Kirtanananda, Sydney, 18 February, 1973)

 

PRAYER WHICH CAN BE SUNG BEFORE
HE DEITIES IN THE MORNING:

 

Along with the singing the Holy Names of Nityananda, Gauranga, and Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare, a devotee can sing the following songs for the pleasure of Their Lordships Nityananda Gauranga:

 

Savarana Shri Gaura Pada Padme

Shri Krishna Chaitanya Prabhu

A Prayer to the Lotus Feet of Shri Gauranga,

From Prarthana,

By Shrila Narottama dasa Thakura

 

(1)

shri-krishna-chaitanya prabhu doya koro more

toma bina ke doyalu jagat-samsare

 

1) O Shri Krishna Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, please be merciful upon me. There is no one more merciful than You in this world of birth and death.

 

(2)

ha ha prabhu nityananda, premananda sukhi

krpabalokana koro ami boro duhkhi

 

2) "My dear Lord Nityananda, You are always supremely blissful in unlimited transcendental happiness.  Since You are always intoxicated with the bliss

of pure love for Lord Gauranga, I have come to You because I am most distressed, revolving in the 8.4 million species for millions of lives.  If You kindly put Your causelessly merciful glance upon me, I may also become happy and float in the nectarean ocean of pure love for Lord Gauranga."

 

(3)

doya koro sita-pati adwaita gosai

tava krpa-bale pai chaitanya-nitai

 

3) O Advaita Gosvami, husband of Sita, be merciful unto me. On the strength of Your unlimited and causeless mercy one can attain the lotus feet of Lord

Gauranga and Lord Nityananda.

 

(4)

ha ha swarup, sanatana, rupa, raghunatha

bhatta-juga, shri-jiva ha prabhu lokanatha

 

4) O Svarupa Damodara, Sanatana Gosvami, Rupa Gosvami, Raghunatha Gosvami, Gopala Bhatta Gosvami, Jiva Gosvami and Lokanatha Gosvami!

 

(5)

doya koro shri-acarya prabhu shrinivasa

ramacandra-sanga mage narottama-dasa

 

5) My dear master and friend, Shrinivasa Acarya, please be merciful to me. Narottama dasa simply begs the association of Ramacandra Chakravarti.

 

PRAYER WHICH CAN BE SUNG BEFORE
THE DEITIES IN THE EVENING-ARATI:

Gaura-arati (from Gitavali)

 

(1)

(kiba) jaya jaya goracander aratiko sobha

jahnavi-tata-vane jaga-mana-lobha

jaga-jana-mana-lobha

(First Refrain)

gauranger arotik sobha

jaga-jana-mana-lobha

 

1) All glories, all glories to the beautiful arati ceremony of Lord Chaitanya. This Gaura-arati is taking place in a grove on the banks of the

Jahnavi [Ganges] and is attracting the minds of all living entities in the universe.

 

(2)

dakhine nitaicand, bame gadadhara

nikate adwaita, shrinivasa chatra-dhara

 

2) On Lord Chaitanya's right side is Lord Nityananda, and on His left is Shri Gadadhara. Nearby stands Shri Advaita, and Shrivasa Thakura is holding an

umbrella over Lord Chaitanya's head.

 

(3)

bosiyache goracand ratna-simhasane

arati koren brahma-adi deva-gane

 

3) Lord Chaitanya has sat down on a jeweled throne, and the demigods, headed by Lord Brahma, perform the arati ceremony.

 

(4)

narahari-adi kori' camara dhulaya

sanjaya-mukunda-basu-ghos-adi gaya

 

4) Narahari Sarakara and other associates of Lord Chaitanya fan Him with camaras, and devotees headed by Sanjaya Pandita, Mukunda Datta, and Vasu Ghosa sing sweet kirtana.

 

(5)

sankha baje ghanta baje baje karatala

madhura mrdanga baje parama rasala

(Second Refrain)

 

sankha baje ghanta baje

madhur madhur madhur baje

 

5) Conchshells, bells, and karatalas resound, and the mrdangas play very sweetly. This kirtana music is supremely sweet and relishable to hear.

 

(6)

bahu-koti candra jini' vadana ujjvala

gala-dese bana-mala kore jhalamala

 

6) The brilliance of Lord Chaitanya's face conquers millions upon millions of moons, and the garland of forest flowers around His neck shines.

 

(7)

siva-suka-narada preme gada-gada

bhakativinoda dekhe gorara sampada

 

7) Lord Siva, Sukadeva Gosvami, and Narada Muni are all there, and their voices are choked with the ecstasy of transcendental love. Thus Thakura Bhaktivinoda envisions the glory of Lord Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu.