At 8:33 am on August 11th in Sri Mayapur, the beloved disciple of His Holiness Jayapataka Maharaja and servant of Srila Prabhupada, His Holiness Bhakti Nityananda Swami, left his body. It is with great sadness that we announce this news, as he has been very dear and important to all of us in our Mayapur community. He has given many years of tireless and steadfast service to ISKCON Mayapur, and the amount of people he was able to bring to Krishna Consciousness has made him truly a leader in Mahaprabhu’s preaching mission.

To honor his passing, Maharaja’s body will be brought to the temple for a final darshan between 11 am-12 pm, and will thereafter be taken to Jagannath Mandir in Rajapur for a samadhi ceremony. We encourage all devotees to participate in bidding farewell to Maharaja, with all respects in the most glorious manner befitting a Vaishnava. For those that cannot attend, we kindly request you keep HH Bhakti Nityananda Maharaja in your hearts and minds as you all continue in your Krishna Consciousness.

From Bhakti Caitanya Swami

Dear Devotees,

Please accept my humble obeisances. All glories to Srila Prabhupada.

I had a long and very good relationship with Bhakti Nityananda Maharaja, from many years ago when we were both brahmacharis. Maybe 30 years ago. He would let me use his office sometimes when I was having difficulty downloading my email.
And generally, we would chat regularly. We also went on parikrama together many times.

When he took sannyasa we would joke that we are now brothers (Bhakti Nityananda Swami and Bhakti Caitanya Swami), and it was really like that. Our relationship was very close in a transcendental way.

I know that Srila Prabhupada, Lord Caitanya, and Lord Nityananda will look after him. I pray to get his association again in the future.

Hoping this meets you well.

Your servant,

Bhakti Caitanya Swami