Appearance Day of Sri Rasikananda

What is the Appearance Day of Sri Rasikananda?

Gaudiya Vaishnavas celebrate this day as the appearance of Sri Rasikananda Deva, whom they also call Rasika Murari. In 2026 it falls on Tuesday, 10 November.

Significance

His biography records that he appeared on the first day of the bright fortnight of Kartika, on the night of Dipamalika. This is the night also called Dipavali, when homes are decorated with rows of lamps. His father, Sri Acyuta Deva, was the king of Rohini, and his mother was Bhavani Devi. As a young man Rasikananda longed to find a spiritual master, and a voice from the sky told him that he would become the disciple of Sri Syamananda Prabhu.

The next morning Sri Syamananda met him on the path and embraced him. Later Rasikananda and his wife both received initiation from him in the Radha-Krishna mantra. Sri Syamananda entrusted him with the service of Sri Radha-Govinda Deva at Gopiballabhapur, and Rasikananda served the Deity so skilfully that the devotees were charmed.

How to observe it

Hear how Sri Rasikananda met his guru, chant the holy names, and serve the Deity with the same care he gave. Govardhana Puja, with its Annakuta offering, and Bali Daityaraja Puja fall on the same day.

This holy day falls in Kartik, the month of Lord Damodara, when devotees offer Him a lamp each evening and sing Damodarashtakam. Read about Kartik (Damodara) Month, and offer your own lamp from wherever you are through our Kartik Deep Daan Seva.