On April 12th-13th, 2025, a historic moment unfolded in the sacred land of Birnagar, as thousands of devotees gathered to witness the laying of the foundation stone for a temple dedicated to Srīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura. Led by Jayapataka Swami, it marked the beginning of a long-awaited project that seeks to glorify one of the greatest acaryas in the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition.

This monumental initiative is being undertaken by the Bhaktivedanta Swami Charity Trust, an organization established to rediscover and restore sacred sites in Bengal associated with the divine pastimes of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Along with preserving these spiritual locations, the Trust also aims to provide adequate arrangements for pilgrims and to foster unity among the followers of Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu, particularly those in the disciplic succession of Srīla Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura Prabhupada.

This project marks the fulfillment of a heartfelt desire of Srīla Prabhupada. In a letter written on August 14, 1976, Srīla Prabhupada wrote, “I wish that a nice temple be constructed there [in Birnagar] and a well-equipped library and Bhaktivinoda Memorial Hall be established.” These words now take shape in the form of a grand temple and memorial that will glorify the life and teachings of Srīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura for generations to come.

Once known as Ula, the town of Birnagar—meaning “Town of the Brave”—earned its name in the 18th century after Mahadev Mukherjee courageously defeated dacoits, marking it as a land of valor. Srīla Bhaktivinoda Thakur appeared on September 2, 1838 (Sukla Trayodasi, Bhadra month), 352 years after Lord Caitanya’s birth, in the home of his maternal grandfather, to Anandacandra Datta and Jaganmohini Devi, and was named Kedaranatha.

Day One of the two-day festival began with Nagara Sankirtan on the streets of Birnagar, followed by lectures, Sandhya Arati, and kirtan. The evening closed with a cultural program and the distribution of prasadam. 

The following morning commenced with kirtan and Guru-puja to Srīla Prabhupada. At 9:30 am, the ceremonial Bhu Varaha Yajna was performed to invoke auspiciousness for the project, followed by lectures by sannyasis and other devotees, which included Bhakti Purushottam Swami, Bhakti Vijay Bhagavat Swami, Sankarshan Das, Vaikunthapati Das, Naru Gopal Das, and others.

Jayapataka Swami addressed the assembled devotees, expressing his deep pride and gratitude for being present at such a sacred and historic moment. He glorified Srīla Bhaktivinoda Thakura, whose life and teachings continue to illuminate the path of devotional service. Following his address, he ceremoniously unveiled the Sila Phalak (foundation stone) curtain, marking the auspicious beginning of the temple’s construction.

The evening celebrations resumed with kirtan, filling the atmosphere with the holy names of the Lord and uplifting the hearts of all present. The day’s events concluded with the distribution of prasadam to all attendees.

For more information, please visit their website. You can watch the Day Two morning event here.

Related Article:

www.iskconnews.org/the-birthplace-of-a-spiritual-pioneer-iskcons-project-to-glorify-srila-bhaktivinoda-thakur