The Gita Mahotsav is a sacred occasion to honor the eternal wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, which was spoken by Lord Krishna to guide humanity through life’s complexities. Two exalted spiritual luminaries—HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur and HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur—have elucidated the significance of the Gita in transforming lives and the paramount need to distribute its message for the upliftment of all.
The Bhagavad Gita: A Beacon of Light in Life

HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur (Srila Param Gurudev) repeatedly emphasized the Bhagavad Gita as a spiritual guidebook meant for practical application in daily life. He often quoted Lord Krishna’s conclusive instruction:
“sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja.”
“Abandon all varieties of religion and surrender unto Me.” (Bhagavad Gita 18.66)
Reflecting on this verse, Srila Param Gurudev stated:
“To surrender to Krishna means to give up the false ego that binds us to material existence and to act as an instrument of His divine will.”
(Source: Of Love and Separation by HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur)
He encouraged everyone to align their lives with Krishna’s teachings, describing the Gita as the pathway to inner peace and eternal bliss. Srila Param Gurudev also highlighted the Gita’s universal relevance:
“The Gita is not limited to a specific sect or belief system. It is the universal scripture that connects the individual soul to the Supreme Lord.”
(Source: Art of Sadhana by HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur)
HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur: Propagation of the Gita

HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur, a stalwart of the Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, regarded the Bhagavad Gita as the cornerstone of spiritual knowledge and a tool to counter ignorance in society.
He famously said:
“The Bhagavad Gita is the lighthouse that shows us the way through the stormy ocean of material existence.”
(Source: Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion by Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur)
He was deeply committed to the mission of distributing the Gita and often proclaimed:
“The real benefactor of humanity is one who distributes Krishna’s message to the suffering souls.”
(Source: Bhagavad Gita: The Ultimate Gospel by HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur)
Srila Prabhupad further remarked:
“The Bhagavad Gita does not need ornamentation or commentary to make it appealing. Its pure message, when shared with sincerity, speaks directly to the soul.”
(Source: Gaudiya Patrika articles by HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur)
The Act of Distribution: A Divine Duty
Both HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur and HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur stressed the importance of sharing the Bhagavad Gita with others as an act of compassion and service.
Srila Param Gurudev once said:
“Distributing the Gita is akin to sowing seeds of transcendental wisdom in the barren hearts of humanity. Every copy of the Gita distributed is a step toward Krishna’s divine plan for this world.”
(Source: The Hidden Treasure of Devotion by HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur)
Similarly, Srila Prabhupad emphasized:
“The distributor of the Bhagavad Gita becomes an instrument of Lord Krishna’s mercy, extending His teachings to those who are lost in the darkness of ignorance.”
(Source: The Harmonist journal articles by HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur)
Practical Relevance of the Gita in Modern Life
In today’s chaotic and materialistic world, the Bhagavad Gita’s teachings offer unparalleled guidance. HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur described it as the “medicine for the ailing soul,” providing remedies for stress, confusion, and the lack of spiritual purpose.
He explained that the Gita teaches individuals how to harmonize material duties with spiritual goals.
(Source: Art of Sadhana by HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur)
Srila Prabhupad, recognizing the modern age’s challenges, said:
“In this age of quarrel and hypocrisy, the Gita’s message of selfless duty and divine surrender is the only refuge.”
(Source: Sermons of the Guardian of Devotion by HDG Srila Prabhupad Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Goswami Thakur)
Celebrating Gita Mahotsav through Service
Inspired by the teachings of these two great spiritual leaders, devotees should use the Gita Mahotsav as an opportunity to:
- Distribute the Bhagavad Gita widely to those in need of spiritual knowledge.
- Organize study groups and lectures to deepen understanding of its message.
- Apply the Gita’s teachings in daily life as a demonstration of its practical utility.
HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur beautifully encapsulated the importance of this seva:
“The greatest gift you can give someone is Krishna’s words. It is not merely a book—it is a lifeline to the soul’s ultimate purpose.”
(Source: The Hidden Treasure of Devotion by HDG Srila Bhakti Pramode Puri Goswami Thakur)
To learn more about how you can actively participate in distributing the Bhagavad Gita and contribute to this noble cause through donations, visit the detailed guide available here.
Yours in Service, Sri Gopinath Gaudiya Math