History of the Advent of Small Śrī Śrī Pañca-tattva (1996)
The beautiful Small Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities, worshipped today in Śrī Māyāpur Chandrodaya Mandir, manifested through the loving devotion, sacrifice, and heartfelt service of dedicated devotees.
The initial forms of the Deities were sculpted by Shilpi Milan Bag, an artist from the town of Krishnanagar, and were later meticulously refined by Bharat Mahārāja Dāsa and Bhakta Gana Dāsī, whose devotion and craftsmanship gave the Deities Their graceful and captivating features. The poses of the Deities were inspired by the Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities created by Śrīmatī Dāsī (ACBSP) under the guidance of Śrīla Prabhupāda, which are presently worshipped in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s room in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma. They also drew inspiration from the Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities worshipped at the ISKCON temple in Honolulu, Hawaii, visited by Śrīla Prabhupāda during his world travels. Inspired by these two sets of Deities, His Grace Jananivāsa Dāsa (ACBSP) and Bharat Mahārāja Dāsa carefully finalized the poses of the Small Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities.
The Deities were crafted in a humble workshop located in the Housing Area of Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma. The workshop became the setting for many sweet devotional memories. As seen in the accompanying video, Bhakta Gana Dāsī’s pet mongoose, Riki, lived in the workshop throughout the Deities’ creation. Every day, His Grace Jananivāsa Dāsa (ACBSP) would visit the workshop and lovingly bring a sandesh sweet for Riki. He also remarked that the presence of a mongoose during the crafting of Deities is considered especially auspicious.
Throughout this period, His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami eagerly followed the Deities’ progress. Every afternoon, Bhakta Gana Dāsī would visit him to give a progress report, and he would joyfully listen to every update, rejoicing even in the smallest advancements as the Deities gradually manifested.
The casting of the Deities took place in Navadvīpa over several weeks. Śrī Śrī Gaura-Nitāi were cast on 1 January 1996, followed approximately two weeks later by Śrī Advaita Ācārya and Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, while Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura was cast approximately one week later. The Deities were cast from an alloy of brass and silver. As an offering of devotion, Bhakta Gana Dāsī donated her own gold bracelet to be included in the casting of Lord Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu.
After the Deities were cast, it was discovered that the fine details of Their fingernails and toenails had been lost in the casting process. Jananivāsa Dāsa arranged for a Dremel engraving tool to be brought from the West and, over many days spanning several weeks, patiently engraved the fingernails and toenails on all ten hands and ten feet by hand. This loving attention to even the smallest details reflected his deep devotion and desire that every aspect of the Lord’s transcendental forms be crafted with the greatest care.
The final stage in the manifestation of the Deities was the painting. After the casting, polishing, and finishing work had been completed, Bhakta Gana Dāsī painted the Deities, bringing out Their beautiful expressions and transcendental features. Throughout Their creation, from October 1995 until Their installation in March 1996, His Grace Jananivāsa Dāsa (ACBSP) visited the workshop almost every day, offering guidance and encouragement while ensuring that every stage of the work was carried out with devotion.
It was especially significant that the Deities were manifested in Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Centennial Year (1996), making Their installation a fitting offering in celebration of the Founder-Ācārya’s 100th appearance anniversary. Following the expansion of the temple to accommodate Their worship, the Adhivāsa ceremony was held on the eve of Āmalakī Ekādaśī, and the Small Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities were installed on 2 March 1996. Just three days later, on 5 March 1996, devotees celebrated Gaura Pūrṇimā in the presence of the Small Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities for the first time. Their installation marked another significant milestone in the history of Śrī Māyāpur Chandrodaya Mandir, as Śrī Pañca-tattva began receiving daily worship in the expanded temple.
Shortly after the installation of the Deities, His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami asked Bhakta Gana Dāsī what benediction she desired in recognition of her devoted service. She replied, “Please bless me that I may always live in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma.”
Jayapatākā Swami smiled and replied, “I cannot give something that I myself do not possess.” After reflecting for a moment, he then blessed her, saying, “I bless you to always remain a devotee.”
Today, countless pilgrims from around the world continue to receive the mercy of the Small Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities. The loving service of the devotees who crafted Them, together with the heartfelt blessing bestowed by His Holiness Jayapatākā Swami, reminds us that the greatest benediction in life is to always remain a devotee.
This account is based primarily on a personal interview with Bhakta Gana Dāsī, one of the principal artists involved in the creation of the Small Śrī Pañca-tattva Deities, conducted in June 2026, together with historical records preserved in Śrī Māyāpur-dhāma.