HH Bhakti Vilasa Gaurachandra Swami

His Holiness Bhakti Vilasa Gaurachandra Swami was born on 21st April 1966 in the village of Suradiha, Baliapal, in the Balasore district of Odisha, India. From early childhood, he developed a deep affection for Krishna-prasada and worshipped Sri Sri Radha and Krishna. His parents were also highly supportive and encouraged him in Krishna consciousness.

In 1981, His Grace Raghava Pandit Prabhu (now His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami) and His Grace Gauranga Prem Das (now His Holiness Gauranga Prem Swami) visited his home as part of the Namahatta preaching program. Their sweet nature and saintly association deeply inspired him to dedicate his life as a full-time devotee in ISKCON.

In 1982, on behalf of ISKCON Mayapur Namahatta, he began preaching as a Namahatta Chakra Senapati (preaching leader) in Odisha. In February 1984, on the most auspicious occasion of Nityananda Trayodashi (the divine appearance day of Lord Nityananda), he officially joined ISKCON Mayapur.

His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaj instructed him to assist His Holiness Gouranga Prem Swami Maharaj in preaching through the Namahatta Department of ISKCON Mayapur. On Gaura Purnima 1984, he received first initiation, and on Janmastami 1985, he received second initiation from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj.

He served for several years as a supervisor for preaching in Nadia district, West Bengal. In 2002, he was appointed as Namahatta Co-Regional Director. Since then, he has continued to preach actively in various regions, including West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and parts of Jharkhand.

Alongside preaching, he has also taken responsibility for guiding Namahatta brahmacharis, managing the Namahatta office, and supporting construction projects under the leadership of the Namahatta Regional Director.

On Gaura Purnima 2019, he received sannyasa initiation from His Holiness Jayapataka Swami Maharaj.