Iskcon Guru Baishnaba Acharya, known as Sri Srimad Gour Gobinda Swami, was born on September 2, 1929 in Jagannathpur village in Jagatsinghpur. His quality was shown from the childhood. He was brilliant in studies. He analysed Gita, Bhagabata, Chaitanya Charitamruta at the age of eight and gave very nice lecture to the villagers in the evening in his village temple.
He left family life and teaching career and started Sanyas. He took a darshan of Gopal Jew and left the house on April 10, 1974. He declared himself Gour Gopal instead of Brajabandhu. He started to travel from city to city all over India and inquired about his spiritual guru.
At last he arrived at Brundaban. He visited so many temples, spiritual organisations at Brundaban. At last he met founder Acharya of Iskcon Srila AC Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad. Srila Maharaj accepted him in his heart as his spiritual master or Guru and obeyed his direction. Prabhupad directed him to translate “Back to God heard” in Hindi language. Prabhupad was satisfied with his translation and his depth in Hindi literature. He directed him to go Hyderabad and translate his writing in English into Hindi language.
As per his direction, Gurudev proceeded to Mayapur. Prabhupad gave Harinam initiation and changed his name from Gour Gopal to “Gour Govinda”. Only after 4 months, Prabhupad gave him Brahmin initiation and directed him to stay at Nayapalli, Bhubaneswar. A new temple was constructed there in the donated land of one Chhabi Kanungo. There Gour Govinda continued his preaching programme.
His preaching programme in Krishna consciousness spread internationally. He travelled to United States of America, England, USSR, Canada, Western countries, South Africa, Australia, Indonesia and so many other countries while travelling various important cities of India and created thousands of followers and devotees. He constructed lotus temple in the premises of Iskcon, Bhubaneswar and installed Radha Gopinath deity there.
(Das is State PRO, Iskcon, MOB:9861391342)