The Devotees’ Background
During His early preaching in Navadvīpa, Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu and Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu spread the chanting of the holy names throughout Bengal. Their saṅkīrtana process — dancing and singing the name of Kṛṣṇa with joy — attracted countless souls, but it also enraged some who were blinded by envy and sin.
Among the worst offenders were two brothers, Jagāi and Mādhāi, both born in a brāhmaṇa family but completely fallen. They were drunkards, gamblers, womanizers, and violent troublemakers who terrorized the streets of Navadvīpa. The entire town feared them, and people would pray that no one ever cross their path at night.
When Śrī Nityānanda Prabhu heard of them, He told Mahāprabhu, “My Lord, if You desire, I will deliver these two brothers. Then the whole world will know the power of Your mercy.”
Mahāprabhu replied with a smile, “Yes, if you can save them, even the most sinful will gain hope.”
The Encounter
One evening, Nityānanda Prabhu and His companion Haridāsa Ṭhākura went out on the streets, calling loudly, “Chant the name of Hari! Chant the name of Kṛṣṇa! By doing so, all sins will be destroyed.”
When Jagāi and Mādhāi saw them, they were drunk and angry. “Who are these madmen shouting in the streets?” they mocked.
Mādhāi picked up a broken clay pot and hurled it at Nityānanda, striking Him on the forehead and drawing blood.
Even as blood flowed from His wound, Nityānanda Prabhu said softly, “O brother, do not do this again. I forgive you. Please chant Kṛṣṇa’s name once — it will save you.”
Hearing this, Jagāi, the less violent of the two, was moved. He stopped his brother and said, “Do not harm this saintly man! He has not cursed you but forgiven you!”
The Lord’s Anger and Compassion
When word reached Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu that His dear Nityānanda had been attacked, He came running, eyes blazing with divine power.
Holding the Sudarśana chakra in His hand, He cried, “I will destroy these sinners!”
Seeing His wrath, Nityānanda fell at His feet and said, “My Lord, if You kill them, where will Your mercy be known? These two are perfect examples of Your compassion. Please forgive them and show the world that even the most fallen can be saved.”
At that moment, Jagāi approached and fell at the Lord’s feet, crying, “Forgive me, O Lord! I was blind with sin. Today, by Nityānanda’s mercy, I have seen true love.”
Mahāprabhu’s heart melted. He embraced Jagāi and said, “From this day forward, you are pure. All your sins are destroyed.”
Mādhāi, seeing his brother forgiven, wept and fell at Nityānanda’s feet, saying, “Please forgive me too!” Nityānanda lifted him up and said, “I forgive you. Now take shelter of Mahāprabhu.”
Mahāprabhu embraced both brothers and said, “You are now My devotees. Chant the holy name and never again touch wine or violence.”
The Transformation
The two brothers’ lives changed completely. From that day onward, they gave up all sinful habits, constantly chanted the holy names, and served the Vaiṣṇavas with humility.
Jagāi and Mādhāi built a bathing ghāṭa on the Ganges and spent their remaining years serving the pilgrims and chanting, “Hare Kṛṣṇa, Hare Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Kṛṣṇa, Hare Hare; Hare Rāma, Hare Rāma, Rāma Rāma, Hare Hare.”
Those who once trembled at their names now wept with joy on seeing their devotion. They became living proof of the power of mercy — that the love of the Lord can turn the darkest hearts into radiant souls.
The Lord’s Declaration
Śrī Caitanya said to His followers, “See the glory of Nityānanda! He has given love even to Jagāi and Mādhāi. From now on, know that the only qualification for receiving My mercy is faith in the holy name.”
He continued,
“In this age of Kali, I will deliver even the most fallen through the name of Kṛṣṇa. Let no one despair — for one who chants sincerely is already purified.”
Reflection
The deliverance of Jagāi and Mādhāi is the shining example of divine compassion in action.
The Lord did not descend to condemn but to transform. Through Nityānanda’s patience and Mahāprabhu’s forgiveness, two sinners became saints.
The lesson is eternal: No one is beyond redemption.
A single act of humility and surrender can erase lifetimes of sin.
As Śrīla Prabhupāda wrote, “If Jagāi and Mādhāi could be delivered by chanting, why not us?”
This story invites every soul to believe in that grace and to extend the same mercy to others.
Source
Source: “Experiences in Bhakti: The Science Celestial,” by O. B. L. Kapoor — Chapter Six: Verification of the Law of Reciprocation (place: Navadvīpa, Bengal).
