The Reality of Gaudiya Math

Gaudiya Math is another name of Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha

Gaudiya Math

In this era of modern technology and material advancement, the world is filled with conflicts and skeptical ideologies. In this condition, Gaudiya Math is indeed a fascinating phenomenon. Why did Gaudiya Math appear on this earth? How did it happen? Who made this happen? It is quite challenging to explain Gaudiya Math’s activities for mankind, its mission, and its features in a few words. It is next to impossible for the common person, bound by mundane logic, arguments, and scholarly pride, to gain the comprehensive knowledge of this entirely spiritual organisation. Nevertheless, an attempt is being made to shed some light on the Gaudiya Math. Readers will be able to grasp its reality according to their own capacities and qualifications.

Other Institutions and the Gaudiya Math

Throughout the world, there are many institutions that may outwardly resemble the Gaudiya Math. However, its principles and practices are fundamentally distinct. Most institutions primarily promote the four purusarthas (goals of human life): dharma (righteousness), artha (material wealth), kama (sensual pleasure), and moksha (liberation). Often, they propagate either pseudo-devotion (chala-bhakti) or a mixed form of devotion (misra-bhakti). Some may superficially acknowledge bhakti (devotion), while in essence promoting karma (ritualistic action) or jnana (knowledge aimed at impersonal Brahman realization).

The Gaudiya Math, however, does not advocate any of these paths. It does not promote any self-invented or worldly philosophies. Instead, it presents the highest Truth — the original, inherent nature (dharma) of the jivas (individual souls) or the original Dharma. Jivas are the particles of the tatastha energy and the servants of the Lord. His true nature is to serve the Lord. Therefore, Jivas are worthy to attain the Truth, Knowledge, and Bliss, which are the qualities of the Supreme Absolute. Jivas have the inherent nature of seeking love or bliss. But they are unaware of their original identity. Being captivated by Maya, they are engaged in material enjoyment. As the ultimate result of this, they are suffering. The mission of the Gaudiya Math is to awaken the jivas to their true nature and to lead them to the realm of immortality (Amṛtatva). It is present in God and it grants the jivas eternal joy. To get connected with God and engage in a loving relationship with Him is called prema. This divine love is described in the Srimad Bhagavatam.

This is considered the fifth goal of human life, attainable only through suddha bhakti (unalloyed devotional service). The Gaudiya Mission propagates this concept of “pure devotion,” also known as kevala bhakti (bhakti that is not adulterated with karma, jnana, or other motives). Such an organization that promotes suddha bhakti in the world is very rare. While many organizations are engaged in the service of the body and mind, this does not mean that the Gaudiya Math disregards these aspects. However, the focus of the Gaudiya Math is different. Its sole purpose is to practice devotion.

The Significance of the Name “Gaudiya Math”:

The term “Gaudiya” is derived from “Gauda,” the ancient name of Bengal. Gauda was located in the eastern part of undivided India, encompassing areas like Navadvipa and extending to Ramakeli in Malda in the north. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Mayapur, Navadvipa, which is part of Gauda. Those who follow the ideology propagated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are called Gaudiya Vaisnavas.

“Math” Means ‘Mathanti Vasanti Hatra Yasmin’:

The word “math” refers to “a place where students live together for spiritual education and practice devotion.” Therefore, “Gaudiya Math” designates a specific institution dedicated to the propagation and practice of the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It serves as a place for practicing the suddha bhakti propounded by Mahaprabhu.

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Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada:

Jagatguru Nityalila Pravista Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa 108 Sri Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada is the original founder of Gaudiya Math and its branches. He was the eighth son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a spiritual poet and an expansion of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s internal potency. Srila Prabhupada appeared in 1874 in Puri Dham. He first established the “Sri Caitanya Math” on March 27, 1918, at Sri Candra-sekhara Acarya Bhavan in Mayapur. Later, on September 6, 1920, he founded Sri Gaudiya Math at Sri Bhaktivinoda Asana, located at No. 1, Ultadingi Junction Road. In 1930, it was transferred to Bagbazar, where it remains known as ‘Sri Gaudiya Math’. During his lifetime, Srila Prabhupada established approximately 66 branch mathas of this institution in various cities and villages across India. Through these institutions, he propagated the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Abhaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami, widely known as Prabhupada, was one of the prominent disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada had many learned and qualified disciples. He was himself an erudite scholar in scriptures, an expert in astrology, and a lifelong celibate (naisthika brahmachari) from an early age. His divine appearance amazed and captivated the minds of the people of his time.

Gaudiya Math is Another Name for Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha:

The intimate associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, such as Srila Svarupa Damodara and other Vaisnavas like Srila Rupa and Sanatana, were aware of the original ideology of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. They accurately preserved Mahaprabhu’s teachings in their writings. Among them, Srila Jiva Goswami Prabhu established an association named “Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha” in the 16th century, with Srila Rupa Goswami himself serving as the first president of this assembly. The tradition continued through Sri Krsna Dasa Kaviraja, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura, and Sri Vishvanatha Chakravarti. Over time, the sky of pure devotion became clouded by materialism and atheism, leading to the association becoming almost extinct. At that time, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura appeared and revived the assembly in 1886. His son, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, further developed and expanded the assembly, establishing the organization known as Gaudiya Math, which is currently the Gaudiya Mission.

The Significance of the Name “Gaudiya Math”:

The term “Gaudiya” is derived from “Gauda.” The ancient name of Bengal is Gauda. It was the eastern part of undivided India. This area includes Navadvipa and extends to Ramakeli in Malda in the north. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu appeared in Mayapur, Navadvipa, which is a part of Gauda. Those who follow the ideology propagated by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu are called Gaudiya Vaisnavas.

“Math” means ‘Mathanti Vasanti Hatra Yasmin’:

The word “math” means “a place where the students live together for spiritual education and practising devotion.” Therefore, “Gaudiya Math” refers to a specific institution dedicated to the propagation and practice of the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. It is a place for practising the suddha bhakti propounded by Mahaprabhu.

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Founder Acharya Srila Prabhupada:

Jagatguru Nityalila Pravista Om Vishnupad Paramahamsa 108 Sri Srimad Bhakti Siddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada is the original founder of Gaudiya Math and its branches. He was the eighth son of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, a spiritual poet and an expansion of Sri Gauranga Mahaprabhu’s internal potency. Srila Prahupada appeared in 1874 in Puri Dham. He first established the “Sri Caitanya Math” on March 27, 1918, at Sri Candra-sekhara Acarya Bhavan at Mayapur. Later, on September 6, 1920, he established Sri Gaudiya Math at Sri Bhaktivinoda Asana, located at No. 1, Ultadingi Junction Road. In 1930, it was transferred to Bagbazar, where it is still present and known as ‘Sri Gaudiya Math’. During his lifetime, Srila Prabhupada established approximately 66 branch mathas of this math in various cities and villages across India. Through these institutions, he propagated the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. Srila Abhaya Caranaravinda Bhaktivedanta Swami is widely known as Prabhupada. He was one of the prominent disciples of Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada. Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Prabhupada had many learned and qualified disciples. He himself was an erudite scholar in scriptures, an expert in astrology, and a lifelong celibate (naisthika brahmachari) from his early age. His divine appearance amazed and captivated the minds of the people of his time.

Gaudiya Math is another name for Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha:

The intimate associates of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu, such as Srila Svarupa Damodara and other Vaisnavas like Srila Rupa and Sanatana, were aware of the original ideology of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. They accurately preserved Mahaprabhu’s teachings in their writings. Among them, Srila Jiva Goswami Prabhu established an association named “Visva Vaisnava Raja Sabha” in the 16th century. Srila Rupa Goswami himself was the first president of this assembly. Later, the tradition was continued through Sri Krsna Dasa Kaviraja, Sri Narottama Dasa Thakura, and Sri Vishvanatha Chakravarti. Over time, the sky of pure devotion became clouded by materialism and atheism. The association became almost extinct. At that time, Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura appeared and revived the assembly in 1886. His son, Srila Bhaktisiddhanta Sarasvati Goswami Prabhupada, further developed and expanded the assembly. He established the organisation known as Gaudiya Math, currently the Gaudiya Mission.

True Nature of Gaudiya Math:

Gaudiya Math is an organization of pure devotion or ‘kevala bhakti ’. It is a transcendental organization. It has manifested on earth by the will of Krishna. There is no other purpose here except to please Krishna. It represents a part of the transcendental realm, namely, Goloka Vaikuntha. It has been brought from the transcendental world and manifested here by great personalities. There is no pursuit of sense gratification here. Rather, it is involved in the service to Hari (God), the guru, the Vaishnavas, through becoming devotees (Haridasa). Gaudiya Math is the practical room of the teachings of scriptures, which begins at the ultimate verse of Bhagavad Gita 18.66: “sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja” ie, ‘complete surrender’, and concludes at “tan-nāma-rūpa-caritādi…ity upadeśa-sāram” verse (Upadesamta:8) by Srila Rupa Goswami. Gaudiya Math is the place where the verse “paraṁ vijayate śrī-kṛṣṇa-saṅkīrtanam” is celebrated in a great manner, ‘saṁsiddhir hari-toṣaṇam’ (SB:1.2.13) verse is worshipped, and the ‘anyabhilasita sunyam’ verse of Srila Rupa Goswami is practised. ‘Saranagati’ & ‘sadhu seva’, the two foremost limbs of the eleven practices of ‘vidhi bhakti’ mentioned by Srila Jiva Goswami, are performed in Gaudiya Math. This is the only spiritual school where each phase of Bhakti, including ’sraddha’, ‘sadhu-sanga’, ‘bhajana kriya’, ‘anartha-nivritti’, ‘nistha’, ‘ruci’, etc, are taught; the practice-room of maintaining ‘sadacara’ and living a ‘sattvika’ and spiritual life. This is the only hospital for curing the ‘bhava-roga’ (the disease of materialism) rooted in non-awareness of Bhagavan. Gaudiya Math motivates the jivas to develop spiritually. Therefore, it serves the jivas in their true sense. This spiritual hospital is established by bona fide acaryas from an authoritative guru-parampara.  It provides the transcendental medicine, ‘hainama’, which is called the sabda-brahman. Sri Gaura-Sundara and Sri Radha-Govinda are the proprietors of the Gaudiya Math. Thus, it is the home of Krishna. It is directed by bona fide gurus and their disciples.

Delusion in sense perception:

The Gaudiya Math is a transcendental organisation. This is because its primary focus is on God. Its activities revolve around transcendental subjects like the Holy Names, Deities, and Srimad Bhagavatam. To judge it from a mundane aspect will lead to delusion. One can never understand the true nature of Math by its external appearance without comprehending its aforementioned spiritual aspects. Otherwise, many people become confused by seeing only the math from the outside. The true nature of the Gaudiya Math cannot be understood by merely observing its buildings, motor cars, or the variety of foods at its festivals. “What my mind imagines as ‘Gaudiya math’ by perceiving its bricks and stone-made architecture, is not the real Gaudiya Math. Gaudiya Math is the lotus feet of the acarya, who is the revered follower of Srila Rupa Goswami, an ocean of pure compassion, who always gets moved by the sufferings of the jivas; Gaudiya Math is the flow of mercy and knowledge of Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, which embodies the teachings of Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu. (‘mathera paricaya’, chapter 8, page 164)

Those who consider the deities present in Gaudiya Math and installed by the mahajanas to be a product of stone, gurudeva as ordinary human being and vaisnavas to belong to a certain cast or creed, are deprived. Some people think that the sadhus only by chanting the holy names, are living an easy life; The brahamcaris are very happy because they serve Bhagavan. Noticing them happy, people think that the brahmacaris neither do any work, nor are they productive; they are free from the stress of the life. All of these are misconceptions. Every action of Gaudiya Math and its monks and brahmacharis is aimed at conveying the message of eternal truth to the people of the world, and guiding them towards eternal peace and prosperity. “Back to home, Back to God” is their main mantra. In other words, without the inclination to self-realisation, it is difficult to understand the ideologies of the Gaudiya Math.

Math, the ideal place for “gosthi bhajana” (congregational devotion):

In the age of Kali, communal life is beneficial—”Sangha Shakti Kalau Yuge” (unity is the greatest strength in Kali Yuga). Although both Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura and Srila Prabhupada were the  followers of the mahajanas like Srila Rupa Goswami, they took necessary action for the jivas in Kali Yuga i.e The creation of the Math and Mission. It was a suitable arrangement for this particular age. We cannot imitate the mahajanas like Rupa and Sanatana Goswami. They are the eternal associates of the Lord. Their highly renounced lives are exemplary for us. “Nirjana bhajana” (performing bhajana in seclusion) requires qualification. Srila Prabhupada says,

“Kirtan prabhabe haibe smaran

Sekale nirjana bhajan sambhaba”

-Kirtan will lead to remembrance. Only then ‘nirjana bhajana’ is possible. For the fallen souls of Kali-yuga, congregational chanting of the holy names of Hari is prescribed. This is specifically emphasised because it is easier to purify one’s character and dispel the anarthas through the community. Therefore, Gaudiya Math is favourable in forming an ideal and truthful life. Through the influence of a genuine sadhu who is a living ‘maths’ people can advance in spirituality.

Math gives stress on Hari-Kirtana:

The premisis of Gaudiya Math is always resonated with the sound of Hari Kirtana. The main focus here is on Hari-kirtana. It is not an exaggeration to say that this place is a sacrificial arena for Hari-kirtan. From dawn to night, all the programs are performed amidst kirtana. Here the ‘arcana’ is performed through kirtana as well as the ‘arati’. During the ‘arati’ kirtana is sung for about an hour. This practice is not found in any other sampradaya. Even during the time of honouring mahaprasadam (offered food), kirtana is performed. The servitors of the Math are appointed in various services to collect money for the Hari-Kirtana yajna (sacrifice). The sole aim of the Gaudiya Math is to preserve the fire of kirtana in the world. Through kirtana, the supreme objective of every living being is reached. This has been clearly stated in scriptures like Srimad Bhagavatam. Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu says,

“Harse prabhu kahe suna svarupa rama raya

Nama sankirtana kalau parama upaya”

Translation: Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu said in ecstasy, “O Svarupa and Rama raya, listen, to chant the holy names is the only method to attain the Supreme Absolute for the people of Kali.”

An excerpt from the booklet “Mathers Paricaya” is quoted here: “Hari-kirtana is the life force of the Gaudiya Math. And this is reflected in all the actions of the Gaudiya Math. The festivals of the Gaudiya Math, its exhibitions, fund raising, book distribution, publication of the periodicals by the Gaudiya Math, and even the seemingly material endeavours of the Gaudiya Math—all are centered around the Hari-kirtana.”

Features of the Kirtana bin Gaudiya Math:

The kirtana of the Gaudiya Math is not the same as the kirtana of the outside world. The kirtan of the Math is for the pleasure of Lord Hari. The names, forms, attributes, and pastimes of Lord Hari are glorified with heartfelt devotion. The thought that kirtana will please the Lord and in that way, the listeners will be benefited is kept in mind during kirtana. This is called pure kirtana. Such kirtana whose sole purpose is to please Hari, is rare in the world. This kirtana is devoid of all kinds of material sentiments or emotions. The kirtana that is performed with the intention of gaining fame and earning money, the singer’s attention remaining only on melody, rhythm, and style while singing, is considered “cora kirtana” (the kirtana of thieves). The purpose of such kirtana is neither to satisfy Sri Hari, nor is there any chance of spiritual benefit.

The kirtana introduced by the mahajanas and performed under their guidance is entirely different. In this kirtana, the performer does not seek personal recognition. The main qualities of such kirtaniya are humility, compassion, respect for others, and lack of desire for personal fame. The speaker here is not interested in worldly affairs;  his sole concern is God; he has no other desires. Therefore such a speaker is called ‘niroga vakta’ (speaker without any disease).  There is no such kirtana singer who is attached to wealth, followers, or their own bodies. Thus, the kirtana here is supremely fruitful. The kirtana, along with the singer and listener, cleanses the mirror of the heart, removes the threefold miseries, and bestows divine bliss. Through this kirtana, everyone attains spiritual benefit. Even those with a slight inclination towards this kirtana achieve the highest result.

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Math, a centre of practising Krsna Consciousness:

While the people of the world are engaged in material pursuits, the Gaudiya Math is busy inspiring living beings to spirituality. In fact, there is no peace in materialistic endeavours. Matter has no eternal existence. Matter is transient and impermanent. Any culture or advancement concerning it is also temporary. Today, people are engaged in material science. Through it, they are trying to attain physical happiness all over the world. The scriptures call the spiritual science as ‘vijnana’.

Science means the distinctive knowledge of matter. There are two types of matter—conscious and insentient. Conscious entities are the jivas and the Supreme Absolute. The body is material, and without the soul, it has no eternal existence. The “jiva” (living entity) is not the body but the soul, a conscious part of God. The living entity possesses the nature of consciousness. The nature of consciousness is to love another Consciousness. The inherent nature of the living entity is to love God and to practise Him —this is vijnana; this is the path to peace. Gaudiya Math practises the nature of consciousness, preaches the essence of consciousness. Jiva is conscious because the Bhagavan is his immanent indweller. Where God is not present, there is no consciousness. Therefore, any practice that excludes God is material. It is utterly inferior and insignificant. Neither the body nor any objects related to the body have eternal existence. The scriptures say that all these objects are the subjects to transformation. They undergo six types of changes: birth, existence, growth, transformation, decay, and destruction. Srimad Bhagavatam states, “kleśada āsa dehaḥ” (SB 5.5.4). Thus, those who engage in bodily practices are unhappy. They can never be truly happy.

The Sahajiya sect and Gaudiya Math:

Srila Tota Ram Das Babaji Maharaj has stated 13 types of bad associations—Āula, bāula, kartābhajā, neḍā, daraveśa, sāṅi sahajiyā, sakhībhekī, smārta and jāta-gosāñi. These deviant sects emerged shortly after the disappearance of Mahaprabhu. Most of these are distorted forms of the Vaishnava religion. Among them, the sahajiyā sect is notable. Externally they put on the guise of a renunciate, but inwardly, they are engaged in sense gratification. Their main endeavour is to fulfil sexual desires with their ‘seva-dasis’. Gaudiya Math is completely against this. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, in his kirtanas, has highlighted their true nature and shown that they are strong impediments to pure devotion. Srila Prabhupada fought vigorously to protect bhakti from them. He said that devotion is neither about enjoyment nor renunciation. It is solely about the relationship between the servant (sevaka) and the served (sevya). Here, there is no distinction between male and female. There is mutual affection as all of them are the servants of Krsna. But there is no question of gratifying one’s own senses. Any association with the purpose of sense enjoyment is considered yoṣit sanga (illicit association). This should always be avoided. Those who stay in the Math but fail to understand these principles are not truly part of the Gaudiya Math. Gaudiya Math does not tolerate them. Here, bhajana always means the satisfaction of Sri Krsna. Any attempt aimed at satisfying one’s own senses is a product of sahajiyā mentality. Such an attitude is not welcomed in the Math; in fact, the Gaudiya Math despises it.

What Gaudiya Math asks for:

Gaudiya Math does not beg for money. They say, “krsna balo sange cala, ei matra bhikkha cai” (Chant Krishna’s name and come with us, this is all we ask). Mahaprabhu taught ‘madhukari’ (begging from door to door). The brahmacaris go from one house to another, speaking about Hari. Whatever is given with devotion is used for the service of the Lord or for spreading the message of Bhagavata Dharma. The main task here is to inspire the living beings by speaking about Hari. Funds are collected for the purpose of serving Hari and His devotees. The Math does not beg for money to provide any kind of physical or mental nourishment for people. The collected funds are spent in Hari-kirtana or are used to organise festivals where prasadam is distributed to all without the discrimination between rich and poor.

Gaudiya Math and ‘jiva seva’ (service to all):

‘seva’ (rendering service) means to arrange pleasure of the ‘sevya’ (the recipient of service). When the sevaka (servant) seeks his own happiness or try to fulfil own interests, it can not be called ‘seva’. Such so-called service is commonly seen everywhere in the world. Gaudiya Math does not engage in this kind of service. The Math does not perform any temporary service that does not lead to the eternal welfare of the living being. Giving money to the poor, food to the hungry, medicine to the sick, or clothes to the needy—all these are extremely temporary or for a short period of time. An excerpt is given below from the booklet ‘mathera paricaya’ : “The jivas are fallen into this fort of Mahamaya; If you can save even one person among them, it will be infinitely more beneficial than building countless hospitals. True mercy is not limited to a few days, nor is it the temporary mercy of quenching hunger for a single day. Lord Sri Caitanya has distributed the real, eternal, and true mercy(“mathera paricaya”, Eighth Section, Page 140). The Math does not honour any temporary service. Those who greatly give value to such service or consider it to be the service of Hari, can not understand the teachings of the Bhagavata Dharma. Or, if they do understand, they do not have the courage to propagate it. In fact, such an ideology is covert atheism. If such services are done without the intention of the result (niskama), it would be somewhat commendable. But that is rare in the material world. To make thee jivas aware of their spiritual identity, inspiring them to the spiritual path, and honouring all beings as parts of God are the highest form ‘jiva seva’. The eternal duty of the living being is to serve God. To teach this service to the living beings is the greatest compassion. Forgetting this truth leads to perpetual suffering. Instead of doing this, they serve the body, mind, insentient matters and other false objects. This is not ‘seva’. The use of the word “seva” in these contexts is misapplication. To welcome the worldly sufferings through temporary pleasure, is not ‘seva’. Keeping someone alive to endure the misery or nurturing them to plunge repeatedly into an ocean of suffering is not service; it is cruelty. True service is in relation to atma. It is blissful, devoid of discrimination  and pure. It brings about universal brotherhood. The soul is eternally a part of the Supreme Soul. All souls are brothers to one another. Otherwise, distinctions like my country-other countries, my brother-others brother, my community-other communities arise and destroy the purity of service, and ruin universal brotherhood. This increases hatred and envy.

The bhajana-pranali of Gaudiya Math:

Many people have doubts regarding the devotional practices of Math. Even many residents of the Math do not understand whether the Math’s devotional practices are of the path of raga (spontaneous devotion) or the path of vidhi (regulated devotion). The path shown by Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu emphasises kirtan. This is the path of Bhagavata. Here, the prominence is on kirtan. The qualification for devotion lies in one’s taste for the kirtana. That is why our path is also called ’ruci pradhana marga’.

Another path is known as the path of deliberation (vicara pradhana marga). Worship conducted according to scripture or guided by scriptural injunctions is considered the path of ‘vidhi’. “Narada Pancaratra” and other texts are followed in the path of vidhi. However, in the Gaudiya Math, despite the presence of regulated principles, the primary path is that of kirtan. Here, the emphasis is not on ritualistic observances (vidhi-dhara), but rather on kirtana. The disciplic succession here does not focus on the mantra succession (vidhi-dhara). Because vidhi dhara stresses on the transmission of mantras. On the other hand, sruti-dhara or the lineage of Bhagavata follows the path of raga. The natural spontaneous love (raga) that the gopis have for Krsna is followed by the great personalities like Rupa Goswami, Sanatana Goswami. Therefore they are known as raganuga. Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura, Srila Jagannatha Dasa Babaji, Srila Gaurakishora Prabhu, and Srila Prabhupada—all of them are the  followers of Sri Rupa and Sanatana Goswami. Therefore, fundamentally, they are the acaryas of raganuga or rupanuga bhakti. Their practices are never in vidhi-marga. Although the external regulative rituals observed in the Math are only for the neophyte devotees. To awaken the taste of a practitioner in devotional service, the scriptural instructions are beneficial. Bhaktivinoda Thakura gave hints at this:

“vidhi marga rata jane svadhinata ratna dane, raga marge karana pravesa”

-“That person who is determined to follow vaidhi-bhakti attains the jewel of independence, by which he is placed on the path of raganuga-bhakti.”

Celebrations at the Gaudiya Math:

Janmastami, Gaura-jayanti, Annakuta, Guru Puja, and other festivals are celebrated at the Gaudiya Math. The purpose of these festivals is not public service or ostentation; it is entirely a devotional celebration. It is arranged to please the Supreme Lord in the best possible way. These Mahotsavas include Mahakirtan, Mahabhoga, and Maha-bhajana. Bhagavan is the supreme enjoyer. Devotees celebrate the Lord’s advent. During these festivals there are ample opportunities to serve. Mundane celebrations centre around the friends or son. But the festivals of Math are entirely devotional. It’s meant to awaken everyone in their spiritual identities. Through this, genuine public service is rendered. Many devotees receive mahaprasadam. Many devotees are invited to hear Krsna-katha and to serve Krsna. This is the celebration of Math. As a result, everyone has the opportunity to serve Hari. Everybody gets the opportunity to meet the sadhus. The rich people also use their money properly and attain happiness. But a public feast is not the purpose of Gaudiya Math’s Mahotsava. The prasadam of Gaudiya Math is not in eating dal-rice; it is in the invitation for of hearing the true message spirituality; To be eligible and make eligible others for the same.”