Holy Days

Text 45: Lord Nityananda appeared on the thirteenth day of the waxing moon in the month of Magha, and Gaurachandra appeared on the full moon evening in the month of Palguna.

Test 46: These two days are most auspicious because all favorable planetary conjunctions are present on these days.

Text 47: Therefore, whoever observes these two days attains devotion to Lord Krishna and freedom from the bondage of ignorance.

Text 48: Just as the appearance day of the Lord is sanctified, the appearance days of the Vaishnavas are also. (Chaitanya Bhagavat, Adi-khanda, Chapter Three)

Purport by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Thakura:

“In the Brahma Purana it is stated: ‘Fortunate are those persons of Kali-yuga who observe the appearance days of Vishnu by staying awake at night and fasting. They are not subject to the great fear of rebirth in the material world. Wherever they reside, Kali cannot affect them. Observing vows on the appearance days of the eternal Supreme Lord gives liberation. These observances of vows for the pleasure of Vishnu are the greatest good in this life and the next, the greatest dharma.’

“By observing these two auspicious days—the thirteenth day of the waxing moon of Magha and the full moon day in the month of Palguna—a conditioned soul’s nescience is destroyed and his propensity for serving Krishna is awakened. One may observe the appearance day of the Lord by fasting and holding a festival.

“Just as the appearance day of the Lord is pure, the appearance days of the Lord’s devotees are also pure. One must certainly hold festivals on these days.”  (Chaitanya Bhagavata, Adi, 3.48, Purport)

Text 49: Whoever hears about the appearance of Lord Gaurachandra will never feel distress, either during this life or at the time of death.