Museum, Bhaktivedanta Research Center, Kolkata

The Bhaktivedanta Research Center in Kolkata boasts an in-house museum gallery showcasing valuable manuscripts, rare artifacts, handwritten documents from illustrious ācāryas such as Srila Bhaktivinoda Ṭhākura, Srila Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura, and Srila A.C.Bhaktivedānta Svāmī along with rare photographs. These precious items are preserved in glass cabinets, allowing visitors to view them safely from a distance without direct handling.

Some of the important artefacts include:

• An ancient complete handwritten manuscript from 1780 A.D. of Śrī Caitanya Caritāmṛta - Ādi, Madhya, and Antya.
• An ancient complete handwritten manuscript from 1780 A.D. of Śrī Caitanya Bhagavata - Ādi, Madhya, and Antya
• A copy of the original Caitanya Caritāmṛta manuscript written by Śrīla Kṛṣṇadāsa Kavirāja Gosvāmī
• A copy of the original Caitanya Bhāgavat manuscript
• The original last will of His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakura Prabhupada
• The original handwritten song-book of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura

Bhaktivinoda Āsana Museum, #1 Ultadanga Junction Road, Kolkata

The Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC) was entrusted by HH Rādhānātha Svāmī Mahārāja to conduct a thorough investigation of the activities of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda at Bhaktivinoda Āsana located at 1 Ultadanga Junction Road during the period of 1918-1930. After conducting meticulous research for two years, Sourish Das (Sundara Gopāla Dāsa) compiled the material, and the Museum of Bhaktivinoda Āsana was inaugurated.

Most of the information has been collected and translated from the Gauḍīya and Nadīyā Prakāśa journals, which are the most extensive journals in the Gauḍīya community. Nadīyā Prakāśa consists of 40,000 pages across 5,000 issues, while Gauḍīya has 24 volumes and 26,000 pages. According to the research, the restoration work of the building has been completed by the ISKCON Albert Road, Kolkata.

The museum walls now display high-definition pictures, historical information, and documents with descriptions from that timeline. Visitors can also find a brief history of the building, along with a timeline of activities that took place there from 1918 to 1930.

'Revolutionary Acharya Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada' Exhibit, Mayapur

On 29th February 2024, in a monumental initiative to honor the 150th appearance anniversary of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda, the Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC), in collaboration with the Temple of the Vedic Planetarium (TOVP), inaugurated an exhibit, 'Revolutionary Acharya Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada' on the first floor of TOVP in Sridham Mayapur.

This largest exhibit is a tribute to the remarkable life of Śrīla Bhaktisiddhānta Sarasvatī Ṭhākura Prabhupāda, showcasing his journey from his appearance to his disappearance. It offers insight into his role as a world ācārya and preacher, his invaluable contributions to modern Gauḍīya Vaiṣṇavism, extensive travels, installation of Śrī Caitanya Mahāprabhu's footprints, theistic spiritual exhibitions across India, prolific writing, and publishing endeavors. Spanning across a 2000 sq. ft area, the exhibit features original publications, rare photos, newspaper articles about the Gauḍīya Maṭha, handwritten manuscripts, documents, and much more.

Dr. Sumanta Rudra, the Academic Dean of BRC, elaborates on the rigorous efforts behind the exhibit, “Fortunately, we have one of the best collections of archival documents dating back to 150-200 years. Sundara Gopāla (Sourish Das), BRC’s Researcher and Curator, spent many months diligently going through each of these documents and thus curated this comprehensive exhibit. His dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment ensured that the exhibit truly captures the essence of Sarasvatī Ṭhākura’s life and teachings. He was assisted by our team member Gopīkā Rādhikā Devī Dāsī from Mayapur.”

The exhibit, 'Revolutionary Acharya Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Saraswati Thakur Prabhupada', has been on display for the past few months, allowing pilgrims to Mayapur the opportunity to view this unprecedented and inspiring presentation during his 150th Vyāsā-pūjā celebration throughout the year.
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