A Statement from the London Mission
Saturday, 12 March 2022

All Glories to Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga

Since the disappearance of Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj on 10 May 2021, there has been a great deal of confusion in some parts of the world mission regarding how and under whose authority our mission, especially in India, will continue.

In view of this, we want to clearly state our position as the London and UK branch of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math.

Before his passing on 27 March 2010, Srila Bhakti Sundar Govinda Dev-Goswami Maharaj named Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj as his chosen successor in recognition of his exceptional service contribution and capacity. In addition to this, as is well known, Srila Govinda Maharaj also explicitly named other senior qualified Vaishnavas as leaders and Acharyas of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. We treat all of these appointments with utmost seriousness and reverence.

At the time of this document, we recognise the following Vaishnavas as Acharyas/Diksha Gurus of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math in succession from Srila Govinda Maharaj:

Srila Bhakti Nirmal Acharya Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Kusum Ashram Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Bimal Avadhut Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Sudhir Goswami Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Pavan Janardan Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Ranjan Madhusudan Maharaj
Srila Bhakti Vijay Trivikram Maharaj

All of these devotees were, each in their own way, exceedingly dear to Srila Govinda Maharaj, having dedicated many decades of their lives to his divine service, to broadcasting the glories and teachings of his divine master, Srila Bhakti Rakshak Sridhar Dev-Goswami Maharaj, and to nurturing the global community of devotees.

We wholeheartedly accept all of these Vaishnavas as the collective spiritual leadership of our mission and remain ever eager to receive their guidance.

Moving forward, the London and UK Chapter of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math is resolute in its intent to remain, as Srila Govinda Maharaj envisioned, a non-partisan space of spiritual sanctuary for our worldwide devotional community.

We are taught by Srila Sridhar Maharaj that the institution is established to promote an ideal – and that ideal is the all-important thing. More specifically, Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math has been established to promote the spiritual ideal given by Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu through the line of Srila Bhakti Siddhanta Saraswati Thakur. According to that ideal, the free flow of faith and the establishment of real devotion to Lord Sri Krishna is to be fostered. The UK mission will continue to be guided by these principles.

To that end, initiations, etc., will continue in our London temples through the aforementioned established Acharyas according to the free faith and choice of the prospective disciple. Spiritual instruction (shiksha) will continue through the books and recordings of our Guru Varga and those devotees who can faithfully represent their teachings.

Ultimately, it must be remembered that all Acharyas/Diksha Gurus in the line of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math derive their authority from their fidelity to and proper representation of the teachings of Srila Sridhar Maharaj, and particularly as these teachings are exemplified in the person of his foremost servitor, Srila Govinda Maharaj.

Indeed, Srila Govinda Maharaj dedicated his entire life to demonstrating that Srila Sridhar Maharaj’s writings and expressions of Gaudiya theology form the bedrock of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math and are the indispensable foundation of our devotional life. We feel profoundly that all members of the mission will be greatly benefitted by remaining ever attentive to this devotional axiom.

With respect to the ongoing controversy and disagreement about who will lead the Indian mission in the wake of Srila Acharya Maharaj’s departure, the London/UK mission adopts a stance of non-involvement with the selection of Acharya(s) in India, leaving that to the Primary Trust Board established by Srila Govinda Maharaj and the Acharyas of our mission as a whole to resolve this.

We will continue the mission here in the UK according to our best understanding and faith in the desire and teachings of Srila Govinda Maharaj and his divine master, Srila Sridhar Maharaj. We pray the Indian mission will find the proper solution in due course by the grace of Sri Guru and Sri Gauranga.

Accordingly, we do not accept any current or proposed Acharya as the “Primary or Sole Acharya” of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math. Nor do we recognise any mandate or necessity for such a singular head at the present time. We have confidence in and are very happy with the leadership recognised and appointed by Srila Govinda Maharaj for the continuation of Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math worldwide. We are also confident that in due course of time new Acharyas will emerge and be recognised by the existing Acharyas through a proper process so as to further continue and progress the society of devotees.

We strongly oppose fanaticism and sectarianism of all kinds, especially when this promotes Vaishnava aparadha towards beloved devotee associates of Srila Govinda Maharaj. We will always endeavour to proceed with humility, forbearance and honour to all, and advise all devotees to adopt this process as the only solution to all problems. This is the formula given by Sri Chaitanyadev.

The London/UK mission will continue to be managed by the existing devotees on this basis and we welcome the support and spiritual counsel of our Acharyas, senior Godbrothers and Godsisters and all well-wishing devotees.

All who are willing to accept this statement and the spirit of its intention are welcome to join with us in Holy Sankirtan and the service of our Sri Guru Varga with enduring kindness and compassion, and with no agenda of self-promotion or ambition, as taught by our Lord Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu.

Param Vijayate Sri Krishna Sankirtanam!

With respectful obeisances,

Sri Chaitanya Saraswat Math – London Chapter, Management