Opening of The Shyamananda Gaudiya Math
04 March: In 1942, just prior to taking the tridandi sannyas vows, Srila Paramgurudeva worked together with his godbrothers, particularly H. H. Tridandi Swami Bhakti Kumud Sant Maharaj and H. H. Tridandi Swami Bhakti Vichar Yayavar Maharaj to establish a Math in the ci
ty of Midnapore. This centre was named the Shyamananda Gaudiya Math in honour of Shyamananda Prabhu who first preached Mahaprabhu’s message in this area. As a result of the preaching efforts of these godbrothers, many men and women of the city became attracted to Mahaprabhu’s message and took up the regulative principles of Vaishnava sadacara, following the path of devotional service as ordained by Sri Chaitanya. The Gaudiya Math’s good name spread throughout the region and many wealthy citizens of Midnapore city took up the task of establishing a permanent branch there. With their help, land and a large two-storey building were purchased in the Shiva Bazaar area for the Math.
Srila Paramgurudeva told the story of how one of the chief donors, Govardhan Piri, came into contact with the Math and the amazing change in his life as he renounced all sinful activity to engage in the service of Krishna and the devotees. When Srila Paramgurudeva was in search of donations for the establishment of the Math, he suggested going to visit Govardhan Piri, but local people counselled him not to. They described him as a great miser who would not give a paisa to a poor person in need. They told Srila Paramgurudeva that if he went to see him, he was sure to be insulted.
Srila Paramgurudeva answered, “A sadhu should not be bothered by the fear of insults, nor should he seek praise. If Govardhan Piri is a miser, then the sadhus should make an effort to see that he changes his ways. There is no need to change a good person. We can see the real results of preaching when bad people change and become good.”
One day, Srila Paramgurudeva went to Govardhan Piri’s office and was greeted cordially and given a suitable seat. When he heard from Srila Paramgurudeva that he was trying to open a preaching centre through which the ultimate good for the jivas could be achieved by spreading Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu’s teachings, Govardhan Babu responded by saying that his family had worshiped Radha and Krishna for generations and that they continued to serve the Deities in his home. He invited Srila Paramgurudeva to come to his rooftop temple and take darshan of them. Srila Paramgurudeva was very pleased to see the beautiful Radha Krishna Deities and said, “Radha and Krishna are the object of our worship. As yet we have no Deities in our preaching centre. We would be very grateful if you gave us these Deities for our temple.”
Govardhan Babu answered, “These are our family Deities and they have a great deal of land in their name. It is impossible for us to part with them. However, if you want to purchase Deities for your temple, I will pay the cost.”
Srila Paramgurudeva told him that the Gaudiya Math always imported Deities of Radha and Krishna from Jaipur, but Govardhan Babu was not deterred and continued to agree to bear all the expenses. When Srila Paramgurudeva returned to the ashram and told his companions about Govardhan Babu’s offer, they were all dumbfounded. Govardhan Babu paid not only for the Deities, but also for their service, their dress and ornaments, the installation ceremony and the feast, which followed it. He also began coming regularly to hear hari-katha in the temple. In time, as a result of the association of devotees, he came to realize that materialistic life was without substance and gave up all sinful practices. Understanding that true happiness could only be found in worshiping the Lord, he took initiation in the Holy Name and the mantra and adopted a regulated Vaishnava life.
When the local people saw the amazing change in Govardhan Babu’s behaviour, they were astonished and overjoyed. One day his wife came to the Math and in an outburst of emotion, fell at Srila Paramgurudeva’s feet and said, “Ever since you came, my husband has been returned to me. All our family problems have disappeared.”
We cannot say how many people’s lives were affected by coming into contact with Srila Paramgurudeva and having sweet dealings with him. This is only a single small example of how one person’s life was completely changed.