Who Inspired Srila Prabhupada?

Śrīla Prabhupāda Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Gosvāmī Ṭhākura was known as Bimal Prasād at that time. Śrīmān Mahāprabhu’s supreme desire was to bestow auspiciousness upon the residents of this world through Bimal Prasād. One day, during the auspicious brahmā-muhurta (roughly 90 minutes before sunrise), the

Pañca-tattva: Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu, Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu, Śrī Advaita Ācārya, Śrī Gadādhara Paṇḍita, and Śrī Śrīvāsa Ṭhākura; along with the six Gosvāmīs: Śrī Rupa, Śrī Sanātana, Śrī Raghunātha Bhaṭṭa, Śrī Jīva, Śrī Gopala Bhaṭṭa, Śrī Raghunātha Dāsa; Śrīla Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura and Bimal Prasād’s gurudeva, Śrīla Gaurakiśora Dāsa Bābājī Mahārāja, appeared before Bimal Prasād in a divine vision.

They began to instruct him as follows: “Bimal Prasād, adjust your current mindset. Upon the completion of your vow, you must begin full-scale preaching of pure love for Lord Kṛṣṇa through the distribution of the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra.” Bimal Prasād eyes were streaming with tears, so much so that his chest become drenched. With utmost humility, Bimal Prasād asked, “Oh, dear masters, to preach and expand on a large scale, men and money are extremely important. Where will the manpower and money come from?” Upon hearing Bimal Prasād’s logical question, all of the members of the guru-paramparā spoke in unison: “We will personally send all the men and money that you will need.” Upon speaking these words, the entire guru-paramparā disappeared from his vision. After this incident, Bimal Prasād resolved to preach and distribute the Hare Kṛṣṇa mahā-mantra with full conviction.