Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, a Hindu holy man revered especially by the
ISKCON devotees, is considered to be a reincarnation of
Lord Krishna. His life is called the Golden Avatar because his complexion was like molten gold. Sri Chaitanya was born at
Navadvipa in
Mayapur in 1486 in a
brahmin family. Even at a very early age he showed signs of greatness and spiritual power. After being initiated into Vaishnavism, the cult of Vishnu-worship, he turned to the ascetic life of a sanyasi, preached and traveled all over the country. During this time he attracted numerous followers whom he taught the lessons of love, piety and Krishna-worship. He also started the powerful spiritual movement known as Sangirtana, the congregational chanting of the holy name of lord Krishna.
