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When and where was Chaitanya Mahaprabhu born?

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, also known as Sri Krishna Chaitanya, was born in the year 1486 in the town of Nadia, located in present-day West Bengal, India. He was born to a pious Brahmin family, to parents Jagannath Mishra and Sachi Devi. His birthplace is now known as Mayapur, and it is considered a holy place for followers of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

According to legend, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's birth was foretold by a saint named Nityananda, who had a vision of the baby Krishna appearing in his arms. He also had a unique birth story, as he was said to have been born under a neem tree in the courtyard of his family home. This tree is now known as the "Bhajan Kutir" and is considered a sacred site for devotees.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's childhood was spent in a peaceful and religious atmosphere, and he showed signs of being a spiritual leader from a young age. He was a brilliant student and mastered the Vedas and other religious texts at a young age. He also displayed a deep devotion to Lord Krishna, often engaging in bhajans and kirtans (devotional songs) with his friends.

At the age of 24, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu left his family and home to embark on a pilgrimage to South India. During his travels, he met with the famous Advaita Acharya, who recognized him as an incarnation of Lord Krishna. It was during this time that Chaitanya Mahaprabhu began to spread his teachings and philosophy, which emphasized the importance of devotion and love for Lord Krishna.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's teachings and message gained a significant following, and he soon became a prominent figure in the religious landscape of India. He traveled extensively, spreading his message of love and devotion, and attracting many followers to his movement. He also established the "Sankirtan" tradition, where devotees would gather and chant the holy names of Lord Krishna together.

Despite facing opposition and criticism from some religious leaders, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's message continued to spread, and he gained a large following of devotees. He also wrote several devotional texts, including the famous "Siksastakam," which outlined the principles of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.

Chaitanya Mahaprabhu's influence and teachings continue to be celebrated and followed by millions of people worldwide. His birthplace in Mayapur is now a popular pilgrimage site, and his teachings continue to inspire people to lead a life of devotion and love for Lord Krishna.