Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur instructed Srila Prabhupada (then known as Vimalaprasad) to promptly begin the Shri Navadvip Dham Parikrama, because the spiritual benefit and welfare that people attain from this parikrama cannot be achieved through any other spiritual practice. The reason is that Navadvip Dham is the divine land of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s most merciful and magnanimous pastimes.

Another significant point is that the place where we reside—Ishodyan, located in Shri Dham Mayapur—is non-different from Radhakund. The word Ishodyan means “garden of Isha,” where Isha refers to Srimati Radharani, and Udyan means garden. Therefore, the Shri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math, situated in Mayapur, is revered as a non-different manifestation of Radhakund in Goloka Dham.

In his book Gopal Champu, Srila Jiva Goswami beautifully describes Govardhan, Radhakund, and the entire Vraja Bhumi.

By performing the Navadvip Dham Parikrama, one naturally engages in the five most potent limbs of devotion, as emphasized by Shri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:

1. Association with Devotees (Sādhu-saṅga) – During parikrama, we get the rare opportunity to associate with a wide variety of sincere devotees—sannyasis, brahmacharis, grihasthas, women devotees, elderly saints, and many others.
2. Chanting of the Holy Name (Nāma-saṅkīrtana) – One constantly participates in the congregational chanting of the holy names (sankirtana) along with fellow Vaishnavas.
3. Hearing Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam (Bhāgavata-śravaṇa) – During parikrama, devotees regularly hear narrations from the Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam, the lives of great personalities, and enlightening spiritual discourses.
4. Residing in the Holy Dham (Dhāma-vāsa) – Simply staying in Shri Dham Mayapur, especially in Ishodyan, where the Shri Chaitanya Gaudiya Math is located, is considered a powerful act of devotion.
5. Deity Worship (Śrī-Vigraha-Sevā) – While residing in the dham, devotees engage in Mangala Aarti, Sandhya Aarti, darshans, deity service, and honoring prasadam, thereby serving the Lord with devotion.

As stated by Srila Krishnadas Kaviraj Goswami:

“Kṛṣṇa-prema janmāya ei pāñcera alpa sāmaye”
“Even a little practice of these five limbs of devotion can awaken love for Krishna.”

For this reason, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakur urged Srila Prabhupada to promptly initiate the Navadvip Dham Parikrama, so that countless souls could be uplifted through the mercy of Shri Gauranga Mahaprabhu and the transcendental potency of His dham.

Srila Bhakti Vichar Vishnu Maharaj
Head Acharya, Sree Chaitanya Gaudiya Math